Yaesu FT-900 reviews

I bought mine new, when it was a new model. I've used it at home mostly, but mobile in two different vehicles, with and without detached faceplate. Once I put in the narrow CW filter, this radio was unbeatable for casual or contest operation in CW. It's best feature for CW is the silky smooth QSK capability.
I have owned and used many similar transceivers before and after this purchase, and keep coming back to this one when I want to "just have a QSO".. The front panel has just enough but not too many buttons and knobs for casual use. It's great when mobile, with a big knob for the VFO and big numbers to see where you are.
Some models (including mine) have a frequency instability issue which is caused by the trimmer cap in the VCO circuit. This takes 20 years or so to develop. If you get one at a hamfest, turn it on and wait for about 15-20 minutes to see if it's stable.
Other than that, in my case, zero technical issues at all. I love my 900!

A solid radio with good receiver and transmitter. Antenna tuner is usually very good.

I had both of these radios, still have the CAT model. While at the Dayton hamfest in 02 I asked the yaesu people at there booth Why not have a FT-900D, put in dsp, all the filters ect and you would have a real winner, All three of them looked at and agreed. I have ran the radio mobile a lot and with the auto tuner and a bug catcher ant. Always got great reports. I had 2 of these, one 900at, and one 900ca and Its still working great after 14yrs.