FT 817ND

[KA5WXU]

Hello everyone. I've been out of the game for several years and am just getting back to being "active" again.

I'm considering a few rigs and the FT-817ND keeps coming up. I travel extensively and need something portable but also something that can be heard. Since I know QRP is more than a state of mind, I thought I'd ask to see if the signal reports and receive capability is really worth the investment? If not, then I'll probably go with a FT-857D or FT-897D. Out of those two, I'm leaning towards the 897.

I know that the "portability" of the 857 and 897 isn't as good but the 100w is something I like.

If you can give me some 'beta' I'd certainly appreciate it.

[KC2OOS]

Beta? You want rock climbing advice or radio advice? ;)

I picked up an 817ND recently. One comment I have is that you would think that Yaesu would have included WX receive, but they didn't. I'm actually fairly shocked by this, and didn't realize it until after I bought the radio.

Another oddity is that I cannot seem to use my LDG Z-11Pro tuner with the Y-OTT to tune an antenna system on the 60 m band, as the radio will not produce an AM carrier when tuned to the built-in memories that hold the 60 m freq's.

The blinking icon for 5 w battery operation is annoying.

Given the size of the controls, it would be nice if the optional DTMF mic could be used for direct freq entry, but nowhere have I seen that this capability exists. If it does, I'll buy the DTMF mic.

Other than that, it's a great little radio, but I haven't had it long enough to more directly answer your questions. I just thought I'd share my little peeves, so far.

[KA5WXU]

Quote[/b] (KC2OOS @ Oct. 25 2005,23:03)]Beta? You want rock climbing advice or radio advice? ;)

I picked up an 817ND recently. One comment I have is that you would think that Yaesu would have included WX receive, but they didn't. I'm actually fairly shocked by this, and didn't realize it until after I bought the radio.

Another oddity is that I cannot seem to use my LDG Z-11Pro tuner with the Y-OTT to tune an antenna system on the 60 m band, as the radio will not produce an AM carrier when tuned to the built-in memories that hold the 60 m freq's.

The blinking icon for 5 w battery operation is annoying.

Given the size of the controls, it would be nice if the optional DTMF mic could be used for direct freq entry, but nowhere have I seen that this capability exists. If it does, I'll buy the DTMF mic.

Other than that, it's a great little radio, but I haven't had it long enough to more directly answer your questions. I just thought I'd share my little peeves, so far.
BUSTED! Great job - I didn't think anyone in this hobby would know about "beta". http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif I think it can be applied to either but more appropriately to climbing. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

Thanks for your input and everyone that replied to me personally - I really appreciate it.

Peace

[kc0vrs]

I only have the non ND model and I really like it.

[N6KX]

If portability is a primary criterion, you may also want to look at the Elecraft KX-1. #(See also the topic I started commenting on this radio.) #It's probably about as portable as you can get. #It's CW only, so that's one thing the FT817ND has in its favor, but the KX-1 has other unique characteristics.

As far as the 897 or other 100W miniature rig is concerned, the power supply becomes a major consideration. #You typically need at least a 20A 12VDC supply to run 100W, and those tend to be heavy and obnoxious to carry when travelling. #The KX-1 can run off 6 AA cells that fit right inside the rig. #With its built in ATU, integrated key, and just a few feet of wire, you're on the air! #An entire HF station that fits in your pocket! #No exaggeration!

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. #I'm sure you'll have fun.

Howie N6KX #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

[al2i]

I have an 817 that has been really thrown around a lot, but it still works flawlessly. My close-in vision is poor and this is not a good radio for me, but it does everything I want it to in a tiny package, and I like the build-in battery.

Maybe it is just me but the operation of this radio seems too complicated. Just setting the controls to charge the battery seems like a hassle. If you invest the time with this radio and do not mind the lillipution size controls, then I think you will love this radio over time.

Receive RF performance is quite impressive where I am at, but I do not get a bunch of local QRM. Your mileage may vary.

I am planning to sell mine, but it is nothing against the radio. I like big controls, big readouts, and never use the fancy features.

[VA7GO]

I vote for the FT-817... #but, I am a terminal pedestrian. I live in an antenna restricted apartment, but, i am beside a 300 M. high hill with a nice park at the top. #The ND battery running at 5 watts does not last too long... #but you can jack in 12 volts from any other source including "AA" batteries in the other pocket. The stock rubber resister is fine for listening local but I carry an Elecraft T-1 tuner ( http://www.elecraft.com/T1/T1.htm ) and a pair of wires about 63' long and some cord
Still all fits in my pocket...
I use a crappy pole (20') for a walking stick, and antenna support. #If I was in a car all day... I'd mount a FT-857.
If I was doing it again though I think I'd get the FT-897 with built in power supply... #for kitchen table operating and I'd still be able to run it in the field on any 12 volt source.... and yes, bigger read out!!! I need my glasses for 817 micro LCD display. #I got it to work mainly #VHF/SSB/DX/QRP... # It does a hell of a lot more than that!!! #
Cheers and beers from "UP-OVER" and
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!
Grant (wavin yourway from an island in the N.Pacific)

[K3XR]

Picked up a used ND recently mainly as a "take along" rig and for up on the Appalachian Trail not far from the house. Have had a number of contacts recently, mostly on 30 mtrs. cw and can find no fault with the radio. #It's not my Orion, but for the money it's a great little radio with a ton of features. #As far as battery supply check out some of the packs they sell for radio control car racing or the external dvd player, laptop computer batteries.

[w8wlc]

I have had both. For the extra $100 or so I would go with the 857. When I first moved down here and was living out of a motel room, I used a 857/993 tuner powered from a gel cell pack that recharged whenever I was not using it. The 857 has some nice features that the 817 didn't I liked the dsp audio filtering for CW, the ease that I could interface the rig with the 993 tuner for just a couple of bucks and of course the option to use more than 5 watts if conditions got rough. I think the front end on the 857 is quite a bit better as well. Just my two cents worth.

[KA5WXU]

Quote[/b] (w8wlc @ Jan. 02 2006,12:27)]
Thanks all for the replies - both PM and in my thread.

I appreciate it. I'm still looking. Life has gotten in the way a little bit. I'm still pining over what to get but I truly appreciate your input.

[W2TXB]

I bought one of the FT-817ND transceivers last fall and had a chance to play with it a bit and used a 10-40M dipole. The radio rekindled my interest in CW and QRP. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

The bad news is that I took down my station for a (December) move to a new location and have not had the time to put up any antennas yet. The actual antenna choice at the new place will likely include 160-10 capability so I can use this gem of a radio to its best advantage.

In summary, I like the 817ND and could not imagine replacing it. I can foresee adding a larger rig at some later time, but I would still keep the 817.

[KB3NPR]

I just got my Technician license (I'm currently studying for my general) and have an interest in QRP. Everywhere I look the FT817ND is getting great reviews. Not knowing much about any of this to begin with, I can't help but go for the "all in one" package and find out which mode I like to operate on the best. DXing sounds exciting, low power sounds challenging. Should I throw myself into this or should I be a bit more reserved and allow time to learn on an "easier" rig with more power ?

[W2TXB]

Quote[/b] (KB3NPR @ May 23 2006,20:35)]I just got my Technician license (I'm currently studying for my general) and have an interest in QRP. Everywhere I look the FT817ND is getting great reviews. Not knowing much about any of this to begin with, I can't help but go for the "all in one" package and find out which mode I like to operate on the best. DXing sounds exciting, low power sounds challenging. Should I throw myself into this or should I be a bit more reserved and allow time to learn on an "easier" rig with more power ?
While there is something to be said in favor of more power, the fun of contacting a bunch of distant stations using five watts (or less) is something every ham should be able to experience. I have had the 817ND for more than a year and was finally able to set up a long wire and tuner at the new house. My first contacts here have been very easy, with great signals both ways.

The beauty of the 818ND is that it can be run on a gel cell battery out in the boonies and is more portable than the larger radios. If serious portable operating is in your plans, this radio is a great choice.

[K6WAC]

I've had mine for several months and have worked several cw contacts on 2 1/2 watts and have worked colo&washington state on sideband qrp. I also found a compatible 100 watt amp by tokyo hy-power and use both as my primary CW rig. I use a ft 840 as my primary station but love the portability of the 817. 73

I've had the FT-817ND for over 3 years. What a great radio, few complaints. I agree with a previous post, it surprised me also when I found no WX reception. No 220 mhz receive either, my VX-1R does both. I think those two items are my only dislikes, the receive audio is superb, unlike the ft-857 and 897 (if you are thinking of either of these, my suggestion is go to a ham store and listen to them first, I did and wound up with a IC-706MKIIG). Back to the 817, when the band is good 5 watts is plenty and I often get s8 signal reports with good audio on a random wire, good sensitivity too. Can you tell it's a keeper? cheers scott.

[wa2dtw]

Hi. If QRP is your interest, then the 817 or KX1 (CW only) are hard to beat. You might also consider the Tentec Argonaut V, which runs a bit more power (20W), is slightly larger, and much easier to operate. (I have all 3, they are all great).
But it sounds like you really like that 100 watts. If so, I would not suggest that you go with any of the above as your only rig.