A tour of the FT-891/FC-50 Connectors, Buttons, and Knobs

The FT-891 is a surprisingly powerful radio, but because it is in a small package - using it to it’s full potential means that a lot of what makes it powerful is hidden.
This series of videos will help you get the most out of your “entry level” rig.
In this video I present a tour of the radio, focusing on the different interfaces - if you will, the connectors, buttons, and knobs (plus a couple of switches).
Chapters:
00:01 Introduction
00:49 The back of the rig and hidden connections
06:23 The front of the rig and a few demos
13:25 Summary and End Notes
Thanks for watching - I hope you enjoyed this.
Please remember to Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe
73 de Tom, ND3N

[@joygonzalez7457]

New Ham here, just unboxed the FT 891 and FC -50 and very much appreciate these videos. Thank you for breaking it all down and not assuming we know anything. Love how you pointed out and explained what each button, connection was for!

[@ND3N]

Welcome aboard!

[@andrebeaubec]

I have been searching for a small HF 6 m radio to do some portable and mobile work with have looked through a bunch of different radios and have finally decided that I'm going to get a ft 891. Your videos amongst others was what help me decide which radio to get. 73 and so long for now this is Victor Echo 1 Alpha echo echo

[@ND3N]

It’s a great little rig.

[@petermajor4599]

Great! I like that! I will wait for more BASICS of FT-891. KIND REGARDS FROM GERMANY. 73 de Peter

[@curtmyersk2cwm477]

I don't own a FT-891 (Kenwood fan here hi hi) but enjoy watching.

[@ND3N]

I'm also a Kenwood guy. My first was a TS-440S in 1986, followed by a TS-2000 (several of them over the years), TS-480, TS-50, and TS-590S. My current main station rig is a TS-890. However, I've also owned a few Icoms and have recently started with Yaesu. I've enjoyed all my rigs, but my heart belongs to Kenwood... 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@robertarnott1368]

Tom. Always great videos. Just wondering if you have ever reviewed the Yaesu FT1000mp. Just bought one. Do you think it’s a good radio. Value your opinion. Also have. A ft991a. Thx!!!

[@ND3N]

I haven’t…. Yet…. So many radios - so little time

[@eddieslittlestack7919]

So to be clear you don’t hate the Yaesu FC-50 correct? You just hate the term antenna tuner? I’m leaning towards the FC-50 vs the MFJ one.

[@ND3N]

I don’t hate anything, just improper use of terms. I like the FC-50 and it does a good job, but I also like anything that works so MFJ or LDG tuners are more than acceptable.

[@petermajor4599]

💎💎💎💎👍

[@ND3N]

Thanks

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

I have a FT-891 and mAT-30 tuner combo. On 20-meters the best SWR is no better than 3:1 on either a dipole or vertical antenna no matter what frequency range I transmit on. All the other bands have great SWR readings. Do you have any solution(s) to the poor SWR on 20-meters? Thank you.

[@ND3N]

I’m not familiar with the Mat-30 tuner, but a quick review of the specs says it is good up to 120 watts on CW and SSB, 30 watts on digital. It looks like it should tune a wet noodle. What kind of antenna are you using? 73 de ND3N

[@michaelsmith8849]

In the settings what did you set the tuner too external or lamp

[@ND3N]

External

[@eddieslittlestack7919]

What’s up with that flashing blue light on the left side? Does Yaesu let you turn that off?

[@ND3N]

That light is called the TX/BUSY LED When you transmit it turns red, and when it receives a signal it will glow blue. You can adjust (menu 02-04J the brightness from 1 to 15, with 8 being the default value. The higher the number, the brighter the LED. It also functions as a zero in indicator and can be enabled/disabled in menu item 02-06

[@eddieslittlestack7919]

Thank you for replying