Getting to Know You: The Yaesu Ft-817/818 QRP Field Transceiver--my thoughts and a POTA activation!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

qrper.com/2023/12/getting-to-know-you-the-yaesu-ft-817-818-series-portable-qrp-transceivers/?swcfpc=1 Click the link above to read full details about this activation, including all equipment links, at QRPer.com.

[@luisfigueroa3300]

Thank you Thomas.

[@RadioExpeditionProject]

An FT-819 would be an instant hit and a great seller. 20 watts, internal ATU, noise filters and CW encoder included. 🤩

[@adamgriffith5763]

My 817 got trashed in a car wreck (I lost all of my gear). I miss it and this video makes me happy! 73!

[@qrplife]

I could listen to you talk about the FT-818 all day.

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

I know, Riiight! 😅

[@K2MJP]

Thanks for pulling me out of the pile, Thomas! Love watching your videos. They have helped me learn CW and get on the air quicker than I would have imagined. - de K2MJP

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

Thomas. I believe that you could sell me a rotten egg! 😂 Such a wonderfully done show and tell. Once again. Thank you for all of your contributions to the joy in our hobby. Enjoy your holidays!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

🤣 Thank you, and Happy Holidays to you and yours!

[@amham48]

W4RT had several terrific enhancements. Unfortunately they are no longer in business. My favorite add-on was the BHI noise reduction circuit which is still, IMHO, the best noise reduction circuit developed and integrated seamlessly into the chassis.

[@JonathanKayne]

My description of the 818 is that it "inspires confidence". I just love how durable the thing is, which is something i really like about it over the 705 (and to some extent the kx2). With a crystal cw filter, the audio is a lot more pleasant to listen to compared to a lot of the SDR radios in my collection. I also like the sheet metal enclosure because i can plop a magnetic key on top for CW operation easily. The windcamp battery also gives you the advantage of having a switch, since the 818 draws a few milliamps of power even when off and will eventually drain the battery. Honestly i hope Yaesu can release a successor to the 817/818 that has the feature set of the 705. I love my 705 but I tend to avoid traveling with it or taking it on SOTA hikes because I am concerned about the durability and the form factor is terrible. If yaesu made something that was a cross between the 817 and the FTDX10 it would probably be the ultimate field radio. I see a nice blue antenna in the background hihi. I came in pretty clearly at 59:37

[@uslines]

I bought an 818 a month or so before Yaesu announced ceasing production. No regrets. My favorite transceiver. Removed the cw filter from my 857 and dropped it into the 818. Solid rig. I use it 100 percent from home QTH.

[@micah2985]

What amazes me is, Thomas still acts surprised when he gets enormous pileups after 2-3 contacts! LOL Thanks for all the videos man. I love the good technical side mixed with the activations. I'm Extra class now and signed up for a code class in the new year. I'm listening to these to help train my ear... if that's a thing.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

ha ha! Yes, training your ear is a thing. Do it as much as you can--your brain does quite a bit of this in the background!

[@w2aew]

So fun to hear myself in your radio!

[@ThomasK4SWL]

So fun to work you, OM!

[@hcy0]

I love my FT-817, I was very happy that I found one used last year. My othern field radio is an FT-891 and the usability is much better on the FT-817.

[@alanb76]

I was at Pacificon when they unveiled the FT817, I think it was the first hamfest they brought it to. The microphone seemed almost as big as the radio. They were instantly popular. Never had one myself, went for other choices in the market myself, like k2, 703, kx1, etc.

[@aceventuraaceventura2003]

I had bought mine back in 2013 and sold it, then bought it again back in 2022. There are many multiband HF portables out there but it rarely duplicate the versatility of the FT817ND. I love it even more with BHI DSP installed, it makes a world of difference in filtering out QRMs, even better than what mechanical filters can ever achieve. I also use it to listen FM stations on it as the sound that comes out of it reminds me of my Fisher stereo receivers from the 80's. Fantastic radio, if you ever get one in good condition, DO NOT SELL IT LOL.

[@monolitesounds]

watching this video and listening on my 817 at the same time. really like the ability to set the antenna front or back depending on the band. great video as always. 73 from Sweden

[@la7yka]

I love this radio, it's something very special. No fancy color display or DSP-processing, but rugged as a tank for portable outdoor use. BTW I can see you have a Windcamp/powerpole adapter on the rear. This will draw some battery when turned off, as the CPU in the radio is powered whenever something is plugged into the DC-jack. This is probably undocumented. My 818 discharged the internal battery pack in a few days with this adapter connected. I removed the adapter, and the radio went back to normal behavior. 73s - Einar

[@oldthink84]

Hi Thomas. The whole video was a pleasure to watch and listen to. Thank you for your content. It serves as another brick as I build my knowledge base for my first HF rig.

[@zebschreiber7357]

KG7FFU, I love my FT-817 I've made some of my further contacts with it on 20m/40m it's just a really versatile radio now I'm trying to get into cw so I can use it for that but been slow learning it. ugh lol 73'

[@-Todays-Tom-Sawyer-]

That's so cool you pulled Allen out. I love his channel as well.

[@ThomasK4SWL]

Alan's channel is top shelf!

[@-Todays-Tom-Sawyer-]

Your channel is notch too!

[@RadioExpeditionProject]

Great radios. I have two FT-818’s and both get plenty of use.

[@luisfigueroa3300]

Another great video about my FT-817ND/818ND. Do you have a link to the description to the feed line you used? I got on their web site but was very confused as to how I put one together to order. Thanks for doing these videos. It is a great practice for me. 😊

[@ThomasK4SWL]

This is the cable I used: abrind.com/shop/qrp-pota-portable-cables/abr240-uf-with-pl259-with-5-ferrites/?sld=twitherspoon Tis link will save you 10%, too. All you do is put in the length you want and the jacket color. :) It's a brilliant cable!

[@David-km8in]

Hello Thomas, I had the 817nd and I alway regretted selling it. Then last year I brought the 818nd. This year I sold it to find the funds to buy a ICOM 705. I'm very sad it's gone but the 705 is much better radio for my needs. I also felt the 817/818 would be a great for CW, but a little lacking for ssb phone. David M0DUU

[@ThomasK4SWL]

You'll be very pleased with the IC-705. Also a superb choice!

[@PopeyeKF4LBG]

That off frequency trick was pretty, dope'...😊

[@qrplife]

I don’t want encourage “tail ending” but sometimes I’ll work them when they’re loud simply because I need to clear them off the frequency so I can hear the other, less loud, stations.

[@MrRadiorobot]

You really need to carry some blu tack/sticky tack around with you, a few small pieces under the key, stop it wandering around on the table 😂 great video, thank you for posting.

[@BurtonChristmasLites]

I have a "Laserbeam 817 SSB/CW filter" from SOTABeams that I have not installed yet on my 818nd. What is your opinion on those filters? Robert KD4YDC

[@ThomasK4SWL]

They receive high praise from users. I have heard that they're not the easiest install, but I've never done this myself, nor have I read the instructions. Definitely do the install--it will improve filtering.

[@doesstuffoutside]

What if I'm a tail ender because I send at 12WPM?

[@ThomasK4SWL]

No. :) That's not tail-ending. To me, tail-ending is sending a call after everyone else has. 12WPM is always welcome!

[@Blake-jl8lh]

Im hoping yeasu does a newer version that isn't too different. I think 10watts and a modern battery would be killer. Atu if we are getting greedy lol. I worry they will try something that competes with the 705 but the idea of the 818 was just enough screen to get it done. I love my 705 but I also love my 818 and want to see a more modern version.

[@dennycouncil2282]

I have 817 in mint condition and never use it, because of the tremendous noise, obnoxious menu and unfit controls!

[@dovetomarc]

Nothing has ever come close to the form factor and capability of this radio. Yes it’s an old deign but it’s still a relevant. Yaesu should take a page from Porsche and the 911. Just evolve the model. I agree with the other comments here. An evolved 817/818 would be a welcome hit.

[@RoelandJansen]

Nothing...?

[@RudixSA]

Great fun! Love my little 817! When so many guys are calling I switch to split, makes life so easy and the rates jump! 73, Rudi de ZS2M/ZS6DX