New FT-817/897???

[KR4BX]

Just went to the Yaesu website and checked out their HF equipment list and noticed the following entries:

FT-817ND/B
FT-817ND/C

as well as:

FT-897D.

Any idea what's out there, looming on the Yaesu horizon?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

Neal
KR4BX

"Every contact is QRP!"

[kd7rqh]

I tried call Yaesu today with the same question. I also would like to know if I could get my older 817 upgraded. I have heard the new one has 60M capability as well as a higher power battery pack (not by much, however, and you'd still be better off with a gel cell). If you hear anymore, let us know.

[ka5s]

Looks like the FT-897D's #main difference from the earlier 897 is 60 meter channels and the TCXO as standard, not optional.

60 meter channels and a 1400 maH battery pack look like the changes to the 817ND, and the 857D gets channelized 60 meter coverage.

See the Texas Towers Web page #http://www.texastowers.com/

Availability is shown as March for all three.


Cortland

[KR4BX]

Thanks much!

Heading to the Texas Towers website to check them out.

73,

Neal
KR4BX

I just purchased the new FT-897D and so far I am very pleased. The above post is correct in that the D model adds the previously optional TXCO stability module and 60 meter coverage. The SSB and CW receive is excellent even with an attic mounted 24ft trap tri-bander, audio. Lots of big rig features in a small package. Menus are never quite as easy as dedicated buttons but Yaesu did a nice job of making them as intuitive as possible. Built like a tank too, that is what really made me opt for this one rather than the Icom 706MIIIG as the performance of the two radios is very close judging from the reviews, I have read a few reviews where back to back recieve comparisions had the Yaesu copying weak signals where the Icom failed. I have read that the optional Collins filters make a notible improvement also. Nice Rig.

[w2wp]

Guys if you have the 897D and get a chance, do a little test for me. Switch to 50.125 (or anywhere on the 6 meter band) and let me know if you can get the ALC to kick in at low power. I bought one last month and is virtually useless to me on 6m unless I use a Heil HMM-Y and the HC4 DX element. The stock yeasu mic, not even the yaesu md-100 desk mic will drive the ALC until about 20 watts and the mic gain at 100.
Mark