FT-897D...Pros....Cons

[AK0LW]

I am a newer ham with a General class license. I am thinking about purchasing a Yaesu FT-897D as my first HF rig. I am mainly interested in the 40 and 20 meter bands.

What is everyone's opinion of this radio?

[KE7WNB]

While I've only had my FT-897D for only 3 days so far, I like it. It my first HF rig, so I have nothing to compare it against other than hearing it as compared to other radios like the FT-450 and the IC-706MkIIg.
While listening to the salesperson work this past weekends 20m contest on the three radios it sounded that the FT-897 and IC-706 had similar sensitivity, selectivity and sound quality. The FT-450 seemed to have a harder time picking the signal out of the noise.
So I chose the 897 over the 706 due to the price and because I like that I can add internal batteries which will be handy for outdoor use. The ability to add the mechanical filters for CW and SSB to the 897 are also a plus. I also added the LDG antenna tuner, which attaches to the side of the 897. The LDG tuner also has a CAT port feedthrough so you can still control your 897 through your computer with the tuner attached. The 897 also has a meter port on the bottom so you can attach an external S/SWR/PWR meter to it for base station use.

The 706 might be a better choice if you're looking for a mobile rig as you can get a detachable faceplate kit for it.

I think with any radio of this design, a compact design with multifunction buttons, there is a learning curve to learn the button sequences necessary to access the menus. If you use a modern HT then you'll be familiar with how that works.

I'm running my 897 with a multiband vertical antenna (adjustable loading coil) and had no trouble picking up the activity on the 20m and 40m bands this weekend. Since I'm new to this I didn't try to make any QSO's. I did have a few QSOs on 2m and 70cm through the repeaters I usually hit and got good signal reports back. So the default settings for all those little setting like mic gain are fine for this radio out of the box.

I like my 897D and would reccomend it to anyone looking for a radio in that class and price range.

[NN4RH]

I have one. I don't use it much, since I also have an FT-950 which is a better radio for what I do.

The FT-897 is an OK radio for the price range. It's compact - doesn't use up much desk space. Includes 2m & 70cm if that's important to you.

Main deficiency is having to use the Yaesu menu system and "F" key system for all of the functions of the radio. If you're someone who likes to change settings such as filters a lot, it can be a bit irritating after awhile, having to go through several layers of buttons and knob-turning to get to what you want. The display is rather small, but again, you get used to it.

On the other hand, that's why it's so compact. Can't have a lot of buttons and knobs and a big display and still fit it all into a small box.

The DSP is audio DSP, which isn't as good as IF DSP, but is acceptable for average routine uses.

If you get into CW you will probably eventually want to buy the optional 500Hz CW filter, which also can help with Digital modes.

The matching auto-tuner has about a 3:1 range and behaves reasonably well. It's a touch-up tuner meant to tune antennae that are already near resonant - not meant to tune such things as G5RVs, Windoms, etc... I think LDG makes an auto tuner with a little wider range that can bolt onto the FT-897, but it's ugly. The Yaesu tuner looks better.

For a Newb, it's an OK radio in this price range. But if you stay in ham radio for awhile, or get into activities that benefit from IF DSP such as CW contesting, you'll eventually probably want to get something better.

[AK0LW]

Thank you for your replies.

I can always get an inexpensive radio for 2 meters. Is there a specific rig that you all would recommend for HF communications for under $1,000?

[KJ4CMG]

I was looking at the Kenwood 480SAT but went with the FT-897 due to the HF/VHF/UHF coverage. Space is an issue for me and this fit my needs nicely. I am a beginner as well with this radio being my first HF rig. So far, so good. I am sure as I progress, I will want a more high end radio, but for now, this one does the trick.

[NN4RH]

TIs there a specific rig that you all would recommend for HF communications for under $1,000?

If you want a new rig for under $1000 you don't have much choice. You also have to consider whether that $1000 is going to cover options such as tuners and filters.

With an upper limit of $1000 for a new rig I think you're pretty much limited to one of these:

IC-718
FT-450
FT-857
FT-897

or if the timing is right, catch an IC-706MkIIg, or a TS-480SAT on sale

(Note that the TS-480SAT is not a traditional single-chassis radio - it comes with a permanently separated control head - some people don't like that).

Of all of those, since I prefer Yaesu anyway, I'd go with either the FT-897 or the FT-450, depending on whether or not you need 2 meters.

If you're willing to get a used rig and take the risks inherent in buying used gear, you have a lot more options.

[AK0LW]

Thank you for the advice.

[KG6WOU]

I have an FT-897, an FT-847 and an FT-2000.

There's nothing not to like about the FT-897 - at it's price point it's versatile, reasonably compact, can use quality add-on filters. Besides a battery pack [which is only good for 20 watts out - I carry a 33 amp/hr. gell-cell instead], you can bolt on an AC power supply as well.

It's obviously not a super-star contest rig, but it's not priced like one either.

WRT to tuners, I suggest the LDG Z-11Pro - it's better than the bolt-on tuner and it can be powered with internal battery.

Mine currently stays in my portable go bag - I've used it 3 times now on the big Discone antenna at the Missile Museum outside Tucson, with great results.

Yes, you have to learn a menu system, but you do with any of these compact radios, and I don't find the Yaesu system any harder to learn than any other. Like any new toy, it pays to hook it to a dummy load and play with all the menu options with the manual in front of you.

the FT-857 is quite a bit smaller and has a detachable face plate if you want a really compact rig, but the display is even smaller!

BTW, I happen to really like the VFO knob on the FT-897, it's a good size and comfortable in the hand. Don't laugh, you are going to have a lot of time on the VFO knob of any radio you buy.

You probably won't buy only one radio in your life, so don't worry if it's not the perfect one.

[NN4RH]

You probably won't buy only one radio in your life,.

Tell me about it! In the past 5 1/2 years I've had 5 HF rigs. Well, 7 counting the OHR QRP kit, and the boat anchor Globe Scout that I haven't put on the air yet.

I had an FT-840, FT-817, TS-480SAT, all of which have since been sold recently.

I currently have an FT-897 and an FT-950. I rather doubt those will be my last HF radios, either.

[K4UUG]

I am a newer ham with a General class license. I am thinking about purchasing a Yaesu FT-897D as my first HF rig. I am mainly interested in the 40 and 20 meter bands.

What is everyone's opinion of this radio?

It has good ratings Ive owned 3 857d radios no problems with any of them
the The Pros are too many to list but the Cons Small display,no internal tuner,dtmf remote control mic should be standard.as well as the cw and ssb filters.

It has a good rating 4.5 out of 5 http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3046

:)

[KD0CAC]

I also have an 897D for about a year now , also a new ham about 1 1/2 yrs.
Like any other interest , it much about where you plan to go / do .
In this culture spending & planing do not go together [ the news ] .
As others have said its price range & abilities are a good all around choice .
One thing I have thought of , being a new ham , but older [ 56 ] , is that learning to be a ham is the best way to spend the least money to get the most out of this interest / hobby ???
With that in mind , I would say look for an older manual rig , then you learn more about what is going on , instead of a lot of automatic steps behind the computer parts of newer radio's .
Like almost anyone there is going to be many radio's in your future , and if this is you 1st , you will still find a place for it .
but again I like the idea behind a manual [ old or new , lots of button's & nobs to learn to use ] , much like antenna's , you can buy something out of the box & get on the air [ maybe ] , or spend much less , learn a lot more and definitely get on the air .
73s

[N4WSH]

If you don't mind a used rig, I picked up a one owner Yaesu FT1000MP for $1000.00 and I love it. I had a FT-890 but sold it. It was a good radio, but being a geek :D I wanted more bells/whistles/and FILTERS. If you can find a FT-1000mp that is in great condition, it is a great radio.

[KC7YPJ]

I can honestly say I love my 857d, with the mh59 remote mic.

I can honestly also say that I wouldn't spend the extra $100 for an 897
It is effectively the same radio with a slightly better display, the internal
Power supply, batteries, and tuner are insanely overpriced and excluding the
power supply dismal real world performers.

if your looking to put a decent begining hf only station together for
under 1k you are fairly limited in your options, a 718 will get you on the bands
for the smallest investment, and you should be able to aquire the 718
a power supply (astron ss-30 or similar) and an mfj 993b/ldg at200pro
and come in under budget, shipped to your door.

If you want the most bang for your buck spend the extra $60 and upgrade the 718 to an 857d
yes it's smaller and has features burried in a menu system
The menu shock subsides with time and use, and most frequently used
functions can be assigned to a "hotbutton".
For your $60 you also get all mode 6m-2m-70cm that works decently for most situations.
steller performance no, comparable with every other radio in the price range often outperforming it's peers, yes..

The 897 is the same radio in a bigger box with room for an overpriced dismal internal atu,
an overpriced internal power supply or overpriced underperforming batteries and last but not least a slightly bigger display.

It's not worth the additional $100 in my book, if you want the most bang for
your buck the hands down winner in the new, under 1k market is the 857d.

the only other thing I would add to the list is the mh59 accessory microphone for the 857d

I forgot to mention the other plus to an 857d, when you outgrow it in the shack it fits nicely in the car or
on a shelf relegated to dedicated digi mode use.

[AB3FH]

I have had FT897D for abt 1-1/2 ys and I use it as a second base station for bands not covered by my older Kenwood Ts820S. I really think the Yaesu is a great radio for the price. I have also used it succssfully as a portable in the Bahamas with the portable ATAS25. The higher bands perform better than lower. Suggest the filters especially for CW use. I use the 300hz filter. I also have the LDG AT897 tuner which works adequately. I agree with kd0cac's comments below regarding older rigs. here are many on e-bay for reasonable price. Even a hybrid (tube and transistor) like my Kenwood or maybe an Icom IC-761. Or try restoring a boatanchor. If you go with the Yaesu you wont regret it.

[K4UUG]

I am a newer ham with a General class license. I am thinking about purchasing a Yaesu FT-897D as my first HF rig. I am mainly interested in the 40 and 20 meter bands.

What is everyone's opinion of this radio?

You will not go wrong with the FT 897D buy the ldg 897 tuner with it you will be happy with it.this is a rig that you can take portable uses as a primary radio in the shack or mobile.2 meters 440 160 thru 6 m. Mil Spec. no cons:)

My Ft 897D has the fp 30 internal power supply just plug it in the wall,LDG 897 tuner, CW & SSB Filters,TCXO, md 100 desk mic.

[W1GUH]

I've got an '857 & love it. If you're planning CW operation and if you wind up with an '897 or 857, think serously about the 500Hz CW filter. You can probably get by with the audio DSP, but nothing beats a mechanical filter in the IF.

And, if you get one of those radios, be sure to get the FT-Meter. Having an analog S-Meter (and this is a good one) rocks!

Good luck and have fun.

73,

Paul

[KB3LAZ]

Tell me about it! In the past 5 1/2 years I've had 5 HF rigs. Well, 7 counting the OHR QRP kit, and the boat anchor Globe Scout that I haven't put on the air yet.

I had an FT-840, FT-817, TS-480SAT, all of which have since been sold recently.

I currently have an FT-897 and an FT-950. I rather doubt those will be my last HF radios, either.

I have had more radios than birthdays, ok so that is a bit of an exaggeration. Lets see, Tempo one, FT-920, FT-100d, IC-706MKII, IC-706MKIIG, IC-730, TS-850SAT, IC-7000(still have), IC-756ProIII(still have), and quite a few HT's. Well that's what I have owned over the last five years. Am I done, I sure hope not. I am hoping to pick up a boat anchor at the hamfest on the 19th with the funds I have been hiding for a few months now...Shhh..dont tell my girlfriend.:D

As for the original post. I have used the 857 and the 897 extensively and they are good radios in their class. Their price suites their performance.

[AK0LW]

This is great information! Thank you!

A Kenwood TS-440S(AT) rig became available in our local club, so I bought it. http://forums.qrz.com/images/icons/icon7.gif I also purchased a new FT-2800M 2m radio. http://forums.qrz.com/images/icons/icon6.gif

The FT-897 will have to be my 2nd HF radio… http://forums.qrz.com/images/icons/icon10.gif

[WA5CXY]

Getting an 857 and taking it to 10,000 feet this summer, cant wait!!

[AE5JU]

Here's my FT-897:

http://forums.qrz.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25858&stc=1&d=1239802432

This radio has the Yaesu FP-30 power supply installed in the bottom in place of the internal gel batteries.

The LDG AT-897 works very well, and as far as "ugly", it looks fine to me. Consensus on the FT-897 yahoo group is that the LDG is the better tuner. I know mine will easily tune a 5:1 SWR down to 1.1:1. I've read it will tune up to 10:1. The only thing I have not been able to tune is the 160 meter band on my 75 meter dipole, and I would not expect it to.

The LDG FT-Meter is a welcome accessory.

The radio-tuner-power supply makes for a very neat "grab and go" package for portable use, too.

http://forums.qrz.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25859&stc=1&d=1239803094

[W1GUH]

Here's my FT-897:

http://forums.qrz.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25858&stc=1&d=1239802432

This radio has the Yaesu FP-30 power supply installed in the bottom in place of the internal gel batteries.

The LDG AT-897 works very well, and as far as "ugly", it looks fine to me. Consensus on the FT-897 yahoo group is that the LDG is the better tuner. I know mine will easily tune a 5:1 SWR down to 1.1:1. I've read it will tune up to 10:1. The only thing I have not been able to tune is the 160 meter band on my 75 meter dipole, and I would not expect it to.

The LDG FT-Meter is a welcome accessory.

The radio-tuner-power supply makes for a very neat "grab and go" package for portable use, too.

http://forums.qrz.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25859&stc=1&d=1239803094

Have you tried connecting the two conductors (or shield and inner conductor with coax) together and fed it as a "T" on 160? I never tried that, but I've heard that can help.

[K4PRP]

Here's my FT-897:

http://forums.qrz.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=25858&stc=1&d=1239802432

This radio has the Yaesu FP-30 power supply installed in the bottom in place of the internal gel batteries.

The LDG AT-897 works very well, and as far as "ugly", it looks fine to me. Consensus on the FT-897 yahoo group is that the LDG is the better tuner. I know mine will easily tune a 5:1 SWR down to 1.1:1. I've read it will tune up to 10:1. The only thing I have not been able to tune is the 160 meter band on my 75 meter dipole, and I would not expect it to.

The LDG FT-Meter is a welcome accessory.

The radio-tuner-power supply makes for a very neat "grab and go" package for portable use, too.


By building a simple bracket, I was able to fit the LDG Z-11 Pro on for less wide form factor fitting my "go kit" a little better. I just had to build a short cable to fit between the radio connection and FP30 power supply connection which t's off to power the tuner as well as the radio. Works pretty good. I really like the radio and use it often.

K4PRP

[AE5JU]

Great idea!

I just picked up an Icom IC-718 and IT-100 tuner as a spare/backup rig. I can apply your mounting method to that, too.

[KB1QHX]

I am also in a similar situation and would like to thank everyone who has given useful information in this thread. I had been looking at the FT-897 as well the FT-857 and the Icom 706. I think I will be getting my self a FT-987.

[AB1FV]

I also have a FT-897D
It's a fine rig, however, a little too bulky for mobile use, IMO. :rolleyes:
It's good for ECOM work if you buy the batteries with it. :D