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HF + 2m + 70cmYaesu FT-991A / HF+VHF+UHF base
One-box base station covering emcomm FM nets and HF traffic — strong choice for General-class operators building a single shack that serves both local repeaters and regional HF.
Technician (VHF/UHF) + General (HF) · Upper ($850–$1,100)
Quick start
First-hour checklist
- Program 2m/70cm memories first — daily ops stay on FM repeaters.
- Add HF memories per band plan after antenna install and SWR check.
- Use separate antennas or diplexer where possible — HF and VHF/UHF on one feed requires care.
- SD card backup of settings after programming session.
Emcomm notes
Deployment & nets
- Serves as Primary base FM and Contingency HF in one PACE document.
- Digital modes: digital emcomm hub for FT8 and Winlink paths.
Shack power
Bench supply & backup
- 35A supply minimum for HF peaks — Astron-class linear or equivalent.
- RF choke on USB and audio lines to computer for digital modes.
Fixed antennas
Mast, wire, and coax
- Dual-band VHF/UHF vertical (Diamond X50A class) plus wire HF antenna on separate feed.
- Document which antenna feeds which bands in your station diagram.
HF upgrade path
When VHF/UHF base is not enough
FT-991A is the “one shack” upgrade from dual-band mobile. If you only need 2m/70cm at home, start with the base vertical guide instead.
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Common shack pairing — verify model and band coverage before ordering.
Yaesu FT-991A
HF/VHF/UHF base — one-box shack for General class.
~$900 · Amazon →
Astron RS-35M supply
35A linear bench supply for HF base duty cycle.
~$180 · Amazon →
LMR-400 coax 25 ft
Lower-loss feedline for mobile and base — PL-259.
~$45 · Amazon →
Super Antenna MP1
Portable HF/VHF whip system for POTA and emcomm.
~$150 · Amazon →
Upgrade path
Comms layers — what comes next
HandheldFirst radio & go-bag
MobileVehicle ERP & install
BaseFixed shack & mast
HF emcommRegional contingency
Part 90 / privateEncrypted & dedicated
Property owners: comms assessment wizard · PACE examples · consulting