Ft 840

[n9nec]

Hello All: I want some info on the operation and
other info on the ft840, good or bad before I buy one.

Tnx. Dick N9NEC

I've used an FT-840 for a bit over three years. It was attactive to me because it had all the basic features needed for HF operation, simple to operate, and it's at the low end of the price range for new HF transceivers. Plus it was on sale at the time.

It has served me well for what I wanted to do with it, and I have no serious complaints. Some nit-picking minor annoyances would be -

* No easy way to adjust the CW delay (the amount of time that passes after you stop keying until it switches back to recieve). To do so you need to adjust a trim pot through a hole in the back of the rig.

* If you're interested in doing a lot of work with data modes that require high frequency stability such as MFSK-16, the FT-840 isn't quite as stable as many of the other (more expensive) rigs available. But you can buy a higher stability oscillator as a option ($100).

* No internal keyer. A keyer is a must if you're going to get serious about CW.

* If you're going to do much CW work, you'll eventually want the optional 500Hz filter, and they are expensive ($130 new).


Anything specific you'd like to know about it?

[N9XR]

I have had mine I bought used about 5 years ago.

It is a good radio for what it is and is claimed to be. Easy to use with normal SSB and CW modes. CW filter is a must for CW contesting. External audio filters are not too bad but the internal filter is great.

On the topic of CW filter, the PSK programs are set up for USB operation, and the CW filter only operates in the CW mode. This means that it is difficult at best to use the 500 Hz filter in PSK.

I don't have an AM filter for AM, but to tune AM stations, I zero beat the station on SSB and get great results listening to broadcasts.

FM is nice to add on as well. When 10 is open, you can make many great contacts. I have used it for PSK and RTTY as well. It could use an amplifier for better DX, but with y antennas, it is good. NO VOX on board. Low level signaling for amplifiers meaning that you either need to buy the very expensive amp made for it by Yaesu, or create an interface to a QRO or Ameritron, etc.

The radio was modified when I got it because the original owner was an illegal CBer who modified it for transmit from 1.8 to 30 MHz. This is supposed to be a front panel adjustment.

AI4CB did well on the description of the radio. I fully agree.

I had problems with it once. I sent it in for repair. several diodes were blown and were replaced. It transmits fine since then. The fan is fairly quiet and operates only when it needs to.

I am not a good reference for a good disserataion on the radio, as I can honestly claim it is far superior to the Swan 270 it replaced.

I bought it for the price. If you cannot spend more than $400-500, I believe this is the radio (with add-ons).

Oh, the receiver is very good. I can hear everything above my line noise from 100kHz to 30 MHz. I can hear Loran C signals as well as airport beacons. I live within 5 miles of three, count 'em three (WBBM, WGN-AM, and WSCR) 50 KW AM radio stations. I can receive ADJACENT AM radio stations in the SSB mode to these stations. I think that is saying a lot for the radio receiver.

Good Luck.

N9XR

[ng0k]

The FT-840 #has been discontinued so hurry if you want a new one. # I currently own one myself. #While it is a nice little radio, it is very basic and I would recommend a step up if you can afford it. #Maybe the FT-897 allmode with DSP is a choice if you can move up a notch. # Also consider the Kenwood TS-570 or Icom IC-718 as alternatives.

73, Doug NG0K

[wb4jb]

I have an extra one sitting around I would sell and I have the longwire ant tuner, 800 I think. Very nice operation. had it on a sailboat. But no damage. great audio

[K6WAC]

Had mine for about a month. Great rig. Just worked Italy this A.M.