New and Improved: Yaesu FT-891 Powerpole Conversion

Jason, N0BOY, has an improved design of his Anderson Powerpole conversion to the Yaesu FT-891 transceiver. I take you step by step through the process on how you can change the connector yourself.
Yaesu FT-891 Powerpole Conversion (STL files)
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#Hamradio #AmateurRadio #POTA #ParksOnTheAir #portablehamradio #AnderPowerpole #Powerpole #Yaesu #FT891 #Powerpoleconversion #3DPrinter

[@docokd7oco443]

I'll take all the FT 891 videos you have the time and will to produce. 👍

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Me too I just got a few weeks ago

[@timbrusky1]

Bought the ft-891, yesterday. Wanted one for a few years. Was building the ham shack first. Definitely a learning curve

[@N0BOY]

Glad to see it works! 😎🤟🏻

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thank you for putting in the effort to design such a nice piece.

[@kb9jqu]

Jason it is great to see there is a new version that has been improved based on user feedback. Do you know if this conversion will also work on other radios? My FTdx10 has been back to Yaesu once already to replace the 4-pin Molex connector and it still pushes into the chassis when plugging in the power.

[@jwfox54]

Thanks for updating the design. The new version looks like an good improvement.

[@coblecam]

I did a similar kit install a few weeks ago. I highly recommend this mod for those that powerpole the world! 73 and thanks for the video!

[@tobytyler4223]

I think it's great how many helpful people there is in KZbin. You can learn anything.

[@omnisteverino]

What an excellent mod. One hopes manufacturers will take note (along with type C USB connectors).

[@Scout75PortableRadio]

Great video, Michael! I bought the kit from Jason for my 891 last summer. Extremely happy with it. Mine is holding up great so far. Powepole the world!

[@Q1745]

I’ve had this in my 891 for at least 6 months now, best upgrade ever! 73 de N0SR

[@ronpetroski7203]

I bought a spare power cable and converted the end to a power pole. Saves the factory connector.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yes. I also saved my power connector and cable, so I can switch back if I never need to.

[@KM4ACK]

Great mod and video. I changed mine out a couple of months ago and love it. So much better than the factory connector.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Taking a transceiver portable can beat them up, but I've never had so much wear on a power connector than with my FT-891. At least the designers made it easy to replace.

[@J0HN3]

Would love to see more radios do this as a standard option. The molex connectors are a pain to disconnect.

[@terryshackelford712]

What a smart little mod!

[@prabhuchaudhary9988]

Loved the kit. Great Work !!!

[@user-ll7ur8pc7m]

Awesome conversion

[@lauriepalmeira7519]

This is great! I'm going try it. Thank you.

[@wayneskiba1237]

Michael, thank you for sharing and it looks easy enough to do the conversion on the FT-891.

[@johnclark2849]

I changed to the Powerpole Adapter about 2 months ago and I love it.

[@MrStanwyck]

That’s a nice mod for the 891.

[@toddhowell2299]

+1 for use of “janky”

[@hamradiobasics]

Great video Michael ! Just got my kit from Jason. By far one of the best an easiest mods you can do to your FT-891 !

[@jolebole-yt]

Excellent mod. I had a little trouble to figure out the proper power pole position at first, but it all worked out perfectly at the end!👍🏻

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I had the same issue in finding the proper positioning, too. Hopefully in the video I illustrated it well enough.

[@stefanpaul9443]

Great work! I ordered some kits and already powerpoled my own ft-891 and the one in the club station. Love this and thinking of diving into 3D printing to be able to convert other devices as well. 😆

[@VictorJenks]

I’ll save this video for a couple years as I’ve just purchased mine ❤😂

[@AA2SD]

Thanks Michael I had the same problem with my FT891 and ordered the kit today from your video. AA2SD

[@scottw.8614]

i love your videos!! Great idea, but I ended up attaching Anderson powerpole connectors to the end of my original Yaesu factory supplied power cable. I've never had occasion to remove the cable from my 891 to date, so the power connector is not "janky", it's in pristine condition. When I set up a portable station next summer, I'll just use my new powerpole connectors to hook up to a LifePo battery. No need to do an internal modification to the transceiver. All is well.

[@jamesloder7241]

This is a great mod. I just recently acquired a new FT 891 and the only thing I have cursed at so far is the power connector, so this solves that!

[@cliffspeare]

Doing mine now. Off to Ace Hardware this morning. Great video again Michael!

[@theramblingsoflarry9290]

Thanks for the video

[@toddhowell2299]

Red-Right, Tip-Top! Excellent. I have a janky picture I drew that I leave with my power pole parts.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Someone taught me that mnemonic years ago. I also keep an old Powerpole pigtail in my tool box to remind me the correct orientation.

[@MoonMan1333]

I enjoy all of your videos, and this one gave me the confidence to make the modification. I purchased just the plastic pieces and the screw and built the rest. It works great! I love your POTA adventures (except when you cook, because that makes me hungry).

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thank you for your support, I really appreciate it. You'll hate this week's video as it has not one, but two dutch oven dishes.

[@2e0wmghamradioandkayaking85]

Thanks for posting, that’s pretty neat. I’ve never head an American say bugger. I though it was just a UK and maybe Aussie thing😀

[@larryjohnson1966]

Great video. Made it look easy. Thanks for doing all the hard stuff so I just have to get the parts and make it work.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I think the hardest part was finding that little metric bolt locally.

[@larryjohnson1966]

@@KB9VBRAntennas I have a local no name hardware store that stocks all that weird stuff. Always go there for something I cannot find at the big name stores.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Those stores are the best.

[@thecarys563]

Very clear.

[@emailuser3869]

Now you've got me looking at my IC-7100 ;-)

[@PaperworkNinja]

That is pretty neat. This would be great for any mobile radio. My IC-7100 could definitely use it.

[@andrewb9276]

I’ve had Jason’s mod over 6 months. Solid mod. 73 de KF6LU

[@brianmatthews232]

looks great 🙂

[@earnestmatlock9694]

Great video, I wondered if the factory 4 pin oem plug would hold up to heavy portable use. Overall the ft-891 does as appear to be a solid little rig and definitely can't beat the price point either. I'm going to get 1 and have for a backup, but I will probably use it alongside my Kenwood TS -590sg and TS -2000. I have a Yaesu ft-840 I now use for portable Field day on shore or generator power. It's a basic simple easy to use rig for that purpose. I use a mfj manual antenna tuner with it. Band conditions and antennas are biggest link in not making and making contacts. Great video as always. 73 and GOD bless Earnest K5EWM.

[@andrewcharland1658]

Did a different version of this mod a while back. Recommend it to anyone with an 891. Love to see one for the G90.

[@Kody10538]

Thanks for showing this video. I was a little intimidated on doing this and thought there might be more to it. I'm considering doing this now. Its a bugger to get that stock connector to disconnect from the radio at times.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I know what you mean. I've been tempted to break off the tab on that Molex connector, I think this is a better solution.

[@jorgeguzman9955]

You make it look simple N2Qcu

[@yv4bcd]

Great thanks, nice video

[@J0HN3]

Awesome mod!

[@obeomkwon5192]

long live powerpole !

[@N2YTA]

Michael, I just did this mod. I purchased the whole kit including the power poles leads already made up. Seating the power poles in the chassis did take some dexterity, but I was able to do it. I really dislike Molex type connectors for anything portable. I wish there was a better way to connect the mic. I'm now using a short pigtail so I don't have to either leave the mic attached or remove the faceplate every time I transport the radio. I hope to work you on the air, again, 73, George

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm still happy with my Powerpole modification. After three or so months of use, it is still holding up.

[@turtlecreek4633]

Thanks for sharing this! I love my 891 too, and will have to do this. 73! w3rrm

[@K5JHP-John]

I would absolutely do so, except mine is under warranty. I’ll have to wait a bit. Did use powerpole connectors on the end on that hf 4pin’s cable. Anderson Powerpole’s should be the standard.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

excellent

[@garytedlock7533]

I ordered 2 assembled & and 1 kit They will be here on the 10th

[@TheCyberRick]

Great video. I wish something like that would be available for the Ft857 as well 😢.

[@MoseleyJaguar]

already done

[@davidsradioroom9678]

If only I had an 891.

[@AliReza-zx8km]

Nice.............

[@rayh592]

Printing out the parts while I finish watching the video.

[@saulbeltran2821]

Saludos amigo, me parecen súper interesante los vídeos que publica, soy un fanático de la radio transmisión, me parece un mundo mágico el poder comunicarse con personas a grandes distancias de manera libre sin depender de una compañía de comunicación, en estos momentos estoy buscando información sobre que equipos comprar para iniciarme en este mundo, de momento planeo ser un radio escucha ya que no tengo licencia de radioaficionado. Podrías recomendarme algún equipo para ese propósito? Se me hace difícil poder adquirir uno con tantos que hay en el mercado. Me gustaría saber de dónde eres y como puedo contactar una comunicación tuya en vivo. De mi parte estoy viviendo en el estado de Wisconsin

[@45auto]

K6ARK says that the one thing better than having a 3D printer is having a friend with a printer. We're friends, right? 😉 U-rah-rah

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I printed about a half dozen of these connectors in the making of this video- I may have to send you an extra.

[@45auto]

@@KB9VBRAntennas I was just kidding. I don't have an 891, but thanks for the offer!

[@lousadventures2111]

Oh wow guest who's getting one? LOL ME 73s de n3lou thank you Michael

[@gregoryaisemberg2037]

Michael, your video is the best on how to go about this conversion. Thank you friend. KN6ZFM/AG. PS I just bought the iFixit Mako 64 to actually do it myself. Thanks buddy! 73

[@Subgunman]

Nice ! One issue if one was to resolve an issue with the FT857 and like series one of the connectors on the power connector tells the radio it’s working in portable mode and at reduced power. Where can I find the files for those side rails?

[@GREGGRCO]

SOLDER ALL CRIMPS !! GREAT MOD IDEA ! THANK YOU !!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I always thought the same thing too, but a well crimped connector is more reliable than something that's been soldered and crimped; especially if the connection will be flexed, like on a Powerpole.

[@davewhite7679]

Soldering crimp connections always made me feel better, too, but I learned the hard way NOT to do that with Anderson Power Poles. KZ9V

[@jameslee522]

There is a machined aluminum version on Etsy preassembled.

[@sandymush7163]

I need one for my 857D

[@r_kuhl]

I installed mine in about half an hour. It's sad Yaesu didn't come up with this first.

[@dheller777]

I did this to my 891. I wonder if it would work on my ft 450d.

[@DXJungle]

Hello, What amp rating do you recommend for the Yaesu FT-891 for all Anderson power pole cables used with the radio? 35 amp?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The Powerpole shells are all the same size for the 15, 30, and 45 amp rating. The difference are the contacts on the inside. The wire that goes from the shell to the transceiver is very short, so a relatively thin wire will handle the current draw of the transceiver. Rewatching the video, it appears that I used the 15ga contacts and 18ga wire.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

I wish there were parts for other radios, not just the 891. 73!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yaesu uses the same 4-pin connector on their other HF transceivers, I wonder what it would take to modify the design.

[@traderlarry]

Great mod. Has anyone done this for the FT-991A?

[@josebrivera1716]

I only use my FT-891 while out portable as I have bigger base stations at home. I am considering this mod. Will have to order the parts as I don't know a thing about printing stuff nor do I have the room for it. What I have done so far is cut the wire that goes to the OEM Molex connector and put a power pole on that end. So that I end up with a Molex connector on one end and a powerpole on the other end of that short cable. Then they stay connected. So all I have to do is insert a powerpole to the end of the short molex male/powerpole cable. No need to constantly insert and remove the molex connector. But I will try this by purchasing the kit.

[@anthonyhughes8888]

i did the power pole conversion it looks good but its not secure in the mount so i took it out

[@chevnut712]

I made this change yesterday. It came quickly, I was surprised actually. The install was easy, no big deal. Great mod, thanks. John WA2OUZ

[@IrishHamRadio]

Ok… I think you’ve just convinced me to buy a 3D printer! 😅 Great mod! That connector on the back is a poor design…. It sticks out too far so that any time the radio is tilted up even a little beyond the height of the kick stand… the cables are being bent/pressured… As you said… it’s a real problem when you work portable a lot as I do too, with the radio being moved about a bit and not always on a flat surface.

[@robjanusch998]

I would like to do this with my IC-7300!!! I've NOT been able to find one.

[@jolebole-yt]

Can anyone recommend inline fuses that I can add to the power pole cable for the 891? Thanks

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I prefer ATC/ATO style fuse holders as automotive fuses are easy to find. Here's what I'm using: amzn.to/47LSqA7

[@jolebole-yt]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thanks very much Michael!

[@robjanusch2874]

Do you know if he has a kit for the IC7300? THANKS!!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Unfortunately I'm not aware of a powerpole conversion for the IC-7300.

[@AI5KP]

I cannot get the power poles to fit like the video shows ... in the off chance my power pole connectors are the issue, I just ordered a new set that are actually branded Anderson and not a chinese knock-off. We shall see in a couple days!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

It's probably the Powerpoles you used. I have an assortment of genuine Anderson and Chinese knockoffs. In doing the mod I used both an Anderson set and a knockoff and it worked. (I usually do things 2 or 3 times in the course of making a video). But I also put a set together for a friend to mod his radio. That time I grabbed a different set of Chinese powerpoles and they did not fit for him. He replaced them with Andersons and all was fine.

[@AI5KP]

@@KB9VBRAntennas That is what I thought. Thanks for confirming. My genuine poles will be here tomorrow.

[@brucegazdecki1701]

Same here. I bought the kit from the designer and they are genuine powerpoles and they slide right thru it with virtually no force required. I'm debating even doing it because I'm afraid the powerpoles won't stay in place then.

[@chuckmcdermott7053]

Even if I had a 3D printer this would take me 4 hrs because nothing goes as smooth as the video; at least for me. 1- something would malfunction on the printer 2-I would make the connectors too short 3-I would slip with the screw driver and need bandaids; we would be out of them 4- one of the screws would have rolled off the table into the air vent on the floor and can’t remember where I put that neat magnetic thingy that was made just for this. 5-I think I’ll tell my wife the radio is unrepairable and I need a new one; four negatives CAN turn into a positive.

[@ShaneKA5GSS]

Version 1 or 2 What’s the difference. I’m assuming it’s a version 2 for radios recently made?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Version 2 fixes a design flaw so that it is stronger and easier to assemble. The mod will work on Ft-891s regardless of their age.

[@DeLorean58]

Do you think this could be modified for an icom IC7000?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Possibly. If the rig uses the same plug, the hole on the chassis should be similar. A slight modification may be needed though

[@larrytaylor7753]

It seems like the radio should come from the factory with Anderson’s. Do we know if simply removing the bottom cover voids the warranty? If nit, it would be simple to convert it back to factory configuration if you need warranty work done. Mine is only 6 months old so I’m thinking, hmmmmmmm.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I doubt removing the cover voids the warranty as there aren't any stickers or devices covering up the screw holes. I wouldn't throw out the old connector and if I had to send my rig in for service, would probably return the connector back to its original configuration.

[@darrenrhoads4874]

Has anyone else done this and thought to use a nylon insert lock nut instead of a plain nut? I just thought with portable use, it might be possible the bolt might find its way loose till the nut could fall out inside the rig, right by power connectors or other circuitry. May be overkill, but thinking an ounce of prevention...

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That thought never crossed my mind. With the 18 months I've been using this connector on my FT-891, I've probably connected and disconnected it over 100 times and haven't had it loosen up.

[@reidtillery2856]

I wonder why Yaesu doesn't just make them with the power pole connectors in the first place.

[@gregoryaisemberg2037]

IS there an easy way without having to open the radio?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Unfortunately, no. You have to open up the rig in order to remove the old connector.

[@aptull]

[@ghostmandka5498]

If you don’t want to void your warranty, just make a pigtail with an old 4 prong power cable and power poles.

[@donausmus4281]

It is better to use #8 12-10 awg terminals and at least 12 awg wire rather than 14 .

[@handyparts]

Could you send the 3D printer file please?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Links to the file are in the video description

[@robertkeller9828]

Yaesu should be offering this as a recall/repair to all current owners. Ofcourse they w9n't because 1)It'll cost them an extra penny 2)We're just stupid Americans anyway.

[@oldpreach]

Nah. $15 dollar pigtail adapter does this without the work or voiding the warranty.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I use pigtails on my other transceivers. My warranty is long past that point and the FT-891 needed the upgrade because the physical connector was loose. So, something had to be done.

[@sweetbushstudiochannel4606]

I was curious, how long did it take you to render the parts in the 3D printer? 73 de WE4SEX

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I recall it didn't take very long, so I checked the slicer and it calculated 33 minutes.

[@sweetbushstudiochannel4606]

@KB9VBRAntennas thank you for the information

[@outnaboot]

Thanks for your amazing videos, happy to work you guys during the Wisconsin QSO Party >> VE9SRC

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

It's great to get you in the log. Thanks participating in the QSO party.

[@outnaboot]

also got the powerpole from Wang. Love your videos BTW....@@KB9VBRAntennas