Optimizing the Yaesu FT-817 for Contesting

[@TheTechPrepper]

I'm truly in your debt for these tips. You've improved my SSB experience considerably on my FT-818ND. I just upgraded to General and I'm really enjoying this little QRP rig this weekend. I love the channel! 73 de KT1RUN.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're very welcome! Congratulations on passing your General. I hope people reading this comment check out your KZbin channel, you've done some interesting stuff ⭐

[@TheTechPrepper]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Thanks. I'm no experiment, but I believe there is value in documenting and sharing experiences (positive and negative) as I get into the hobby. As I mentioned, your operating tips are game changer. 73 de KT1RUN

[@kiethcrimin2837]

Thanks!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you very much!

[@ray_biker7406]

This applies to all radios. I do this even on my FTDX3000 high performance radio. IPO is often misunderstood by many Yeasu owners. Turning it on disables the RX preamplifier. A preamplifier is not needed on 160 - 20 meter bands in most conditions, even with small antennas. IPO should always be ON (preamp off) when operating on 160 through 20 m bands. Using preamplifier on those bands (IPO off) adds a lot of "hissing" noise and screws up the receivers dynamic range. Turn IPO on (preamp off) and you will hardly loose any RX signal strength but there will be a LOT less noise. Try it. You would believe how many times I told this to Yaesu owners and most of them had no clue about the IPO feature. They turned it on and could not believe how much better their receiver was performing. Another thing worth mentioning if you are a CW operator. Adding an optional 300 Hz CW filter will literally transform your receiver into a high performance CW rig. I have both a Yaesu FT817ND and an Elecraft KX3. I prefer my FT817 for CW operation and many times for SSB as well. Yaesu receiver is that good if you know how to use it.

[@juliocesarpereira4325]

Correct. On page 25 of the FT-817ND operating manual it reads: "The IPO feature bypasses the receiver RF preamplifier, thereby eliminating the preamp's gain". I also have an FTdx3000. I still have to upgrade its firmware to have the 60m band which is also open for hams here in Brasil. Great tip. 73 from PY5WHO.

[@vironpayne3405]

The Collins 2.3K filter helps on Tx and Rcv SSB phone.

[@richardnday]

Excellent explanation: For about a year, I didn't know about the IPO inverse logic. I am sure a whole group of users will benefit from this video. Thanks.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Richard. You're welcome!

[@MirlitronOne]

I am fairly new to HF working and, by chance, own a FT-897D and a FT-817. I knew about IPO and ATT but had never really experimented with them before. Well, today I did! All I can say is thanks for the massive improvement in my reception, especially with regard to noise levels. Operating from London (England), I had successful SSB contacts within about ten minutes with Hungary, Italy and Algeria - my first foray into Africa, so thanks! 73, Phil M1GWZ

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Congratulations on those great contacts, Phil! Thank you for sharing your experience. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

[@planetowens]

Great video on the FT-817. This really helps me out with mine and understand some of the controls and how they affect the receive on this little rig. I'm so happy with it. Hope to take camping this winter here in Florida. You know QRP is fun to me because it is a challenge to make everything work to get that contact on 5Watts or less. Much more challenging than firing up a Log Periodic and a 1500Watt amp.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Amen Brother!

[@k6kwi]

Tracy, I just wanted to say thank you for all you Amateur Radio related videos but especially the ones on the FT-817. So much so I decided to get one myself. It was new just yesterday so I haven't had much hands on time but after watching yours (and other videos) I can tell it has a lot of potential. I'm looking forward to traveling with it. Mnay thanks & 73, K6KWI

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're very welcome, Neil. Thank you for watching. Have fun with your FT-817. Pair it up with a good antenna and you'll have a blast. 73 from VE3TWM

[@juliocesarpereira4325]

Cool. I've been doing this all the time whenever I have a radio with these features. I remember reading once that "less is more". Great tip. Thanks"

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Julio!

[@gotsteem]

I've been using the 817 for over 15 years now and I've just learned a neat new little trick from your video @ 6:25 Thanks!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome, thank you for watching!

[@danl2825]

Thanks Tracy for a great and informative video. I always enjoy watching your vids.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Dan!

[@ZL1PO]

Thank you for the very informative demonstration. I ran my FT817ND on the stock settings in 2016 Jock White Memorial Field Day weekend with great success.For the 2017 event I will be using your recommended tips. All the best for the festive season and best of DX for 2017, 73 de ZL1PO

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome. My best wishes to you and may the propagation gods smile upon you in the next Field Day. 73 from VE3TWM.

[@suttonmatthew]

Great information. I had no idea about these two settings of IPO and ATT with the RF-Volume dial.

[@vener6]

Great video. Precise and concise, quick way to get started with the FT-817.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@georgewashington7444]

Resurrecting this thread. Still applicable today as yesterday. These settings work fantastic on my FT818 as well. Thanks Tracy!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Glad to hear that! Thank you.

[@ssbfmcw]

Thanks for the demo. These tips are also applicable to the FT857 and probably FT897.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome, Bill. Thank you for watching!

[@garymills2245]

Thank you. I’m learning this radio at the moment and there’s a lot of useful info in this video.

[@todaysfigures598]

this video worths every minute

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@RodMurray]

This will come in handy when I'm fully licensed!

[@davidr6585]

I passed over this vid for quite some time thinking, "contesting, not for me at this time" but since I finally have an 817 on its way, thought I'd check this out even though I don't have any intent of contesting in the near future. Glad I finally watched, great info even for the non-contester.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, I'm glad it helped you out. Have fun with that 817!

[@trig6712]

Many thanks Tracy like you videos I have used an FT 817 now with 94 Countries worked in Contests , with simple in V or half wave End fed aerials .. 73 Trig

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Trig! That's an impressive country count you have, well done.

[@kl1y]

Thanks! This mod increased my audio from a muffled 57 to a solid 59! 73, KL1Y

[@kl1y]

Oops commented on the wrong video about the Mic. Good good job in the video!

[@patluvsvettes]

I operated Field Day last weeked at QRP power. Five watts from an FT-818 (it does 6 watts, but I ran 5 to get the QRP multiplier). It is possible to do it, but you must be patient. Several stations asked for repeats, but most were eventually able to get all my information. I made most of my contacts early Sunday morning, when stations were hungry for contacts and more willing to work a weak signal out of the noise. QRP is a challenge, but also very rewarding!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Well done! Were you using CW or SSB? What did you use for an antenna?

[@patluvsvettes]

All contacts were made on 40 meter SSB. Antenna was a random wire up about 20 feet.

[@warplanner8852]

Pat, get yourself a Morse code reader/keyboard device (try K1EL's K-42 kit) if you don't know Morse code. With a little practice, you can roll up CW QSOs at the rate of 10 points each! (That's 2x5=10.}

[@MarkHirstSWL]

Thanks for posting this, I've enjoyed this and your other videos on the FT-817. Very useful.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Mark!

[@jamescrofutt8767]

Excellent video. one of the reasons some hams swear by max audio and using the rf gain to control audio is they are using a holdover from the tube era when many of your old vintage tube radios did not have a product detector for SSB , nor adequate AGC control, Most modern solid state radios probably are not needing that, Some hams like to turn off the AGC and do this routine for manual control of AGC gain when dealing with very weak CW signals and strong QSB and can be quite affective, 73 J

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@WC6Q]

Thank you for the lesson. Owned this thing for 6+ years, didn't have a clue. Going to have a go at the North American SSB Sprint on the 4th of April.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Good luck during the Sprint! That's a contest I have not tried yet...hmmm.

[@WC6Q]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Thank you! It will be my first sprint! :)

[@forgetyourlife]

The Yaesu (Collins) YF-122S mechanical filter should have made this list. I know you have sold your 817 since making this video however being a few years later in my 818's life I was amazed at the difference a 2.3 makes compared to the stock 2.7 filter and felt you kinda missed out. Worth the money.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Interesting. I've had 2.3 kHz and 1.9 kHz crystal filters in Icom rigs and they never made much of a difference. Thank you for the tip. BTW I do think I will be adding an 817/818 to my collection in the near future. I do miss it.

[@forgetyourlife]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir I would guess that 2.7 to 2.3 may be a more discernible difference than 2.3 to 1.9 maybe? Just a guess.

[@vagrantus]

The 817 can be used in contests successfully, it just depends on which contests those are. Your video demonstrates some basic settings that are obvious to remove hash, but based on the replies they are not known by a bunch. For the adjacent QRM you noted, ensure you disable the NB noise blanker. Filters also help with narrowing up things and reducing QRM. All of this is in the manual, which it appears people did not receive one with their purchase. The 817 is a fun radio. I have used it with smaller compromised antennas up to a three element Yagi-Uda at 50 feet AGL. I prefer the yagi. The gain on TX & RX is something everyone should try and enjoy. Many would realize how critical an improved antenna is to their radio system. A directional antenna also works to null out stations causing QRM, unless the are in the path. Unfortunately, we may need to use compromised antennas in our system. I rarely turn on the preamp with any rig, as it also raises the noise floor. A higher signal with a preamp in-line does not make for good listening. The only time I recall turning it on was during a QSO was with an Antarctica station.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comments!

[@yuudai1400]

Loved this video, so helpful. Thank you, from a new user of the 817

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome, thank you for watching. Enjoy your new 817.

[@yuudai1400]

+Outdoors On The Air my experience with it is largely shaped by your videos. Will put up a St. Louis vertical for home base operations to use with the 817ND

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I've never heard of the St. Louis vertical. You've given me some research to do, thank you.

[@yuudai1400]

+Outdoors On The Air oh it's fun, and can be varied slightly. For a quick fix I threw a wire loop on top of my roof! Unfortunately, no dice. The bands were dead. Better keep trying!

[@karlmadsen3179]

Nice job. I just picked up a FT-818ND. I also picked up a Collins filter (the 122S variety). It's not the one people crave who are CW aficionados, but it should help SSB. Stay tuned....

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Have fun with that new 818! I've added a 2KHz Collins filter to mine. Still need to give it a good test.

[@ke0imd770]

Gosh I love your videos. After watching your QRP in the pouring rain video, I decided to buckle down and pick up an 817ND. I'll have my General upgrade on 9/25 and I'm just dying to chew the rag with you on HF when the bands open up. Thanks for uploading this, I'm confident I'll be making good use of the info here. 73, KE0IMD Matt

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Matt, thank you very much! Have fun with your 817ND. Once your station is up and running, let me know and we can set a QSO up. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

[@brucecairnie3975]

Hi Tracy! Thanks for this video - I don’t yet have an 817ND although I am actively looking... but this helps me understand my 897D much better! I will miss there being additional 817 videos from you, with your recent decision to move to the ICOM!! Have a great day.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Bruce, nice to hear from you! Don't let my move away from the 817 stop you from getting one...they're great rigs.

[@brucecairnie3975]

Thanks, Tracy! It won’t stop me and I am actively looking for a used one. I’m just aware there would have been a lot more to learn as you kept putting it in your videos. However, more than anything it’s the experience of being Outdoors on the Air that inspires me and I get the feeling that isn’t changing in your channel. I often take my 897D to work with me and head out to set up battery portable over lunch. That could be almost anywhere in BC’s Fraser Valley and I’m starting to have a list of favourite places to go. I use a 20’ telescopic fishing pole with one strand of speaker wire wrapped around it while the other strand goes out as the ground. Picnic lunch, the Noontime Net and anyone else I can raise on the bands. It takes the stress out of my day!!

[@rogerparrett3242]

Excellent video as usual... You're the "Go to" guy for using the FT-817 in real world outdoor environments. 73 de NQ8RP.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you very much, Roger! PS what a great call sign you have.

[@ai5dd]

That works well for any radio, thanks for your insight.

[@davidj.wilcox6053]

Tracey, Again very good advice and your technique can be used on any transeiver, the ICOM 706 and 7000 line especially. Dave K8WPE

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Very true, thank you Dr Dave!

[@James_Bowie]

Thanks for the great tutorial. Now, I want to use this radio to hunt down power line noise on 10 meters, in which case (somewhat perversely) noise floor is more important to me than any operator's signal. How to I optimize it for reception of broadband noise? What AGC setting would you suggest? (Note that I need to have the S-meter operational.)

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I apologize for the delay in response. See if you can find a long CB telescopic whip with a BNC connector to use for hunting down noise. Extend it all the way. I wouldn't worry about the AGC setting as long as the S-Meter is working. Put the rig in AM mode. Don't use the ATT until you get close to the source, then turn it down. Likewise, leave the RF gain up high until the S-meter shows a strong signal, then keep cranking it down as you get closer. Also retract the antenna partially as the signal strength increases. Good luck in finding the source and fixing the issue.

[@15FDX068]

Very clear explanations... thank you very much. Best 73 QRO Christophe

[@deanhallberg3340]

Thanks! I'll be operating QRP this weekend and plan to put your suggestions to work.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Good DX to you!

[@jozefbezan2501]

Danke für das tolle Video.73, von Wien.Österreich.😊😊😊

[@mk1tina]

don't forget to also use IF Shift in crowded conditions. the ft817 has a brilliant one installed.. great demo of the IPO, so many people don't read manuals and due to their ignorance miss a great radio performance feature

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Truth be told, I always either forget or don't need to use to use the IF Shift. Thanks for the very good catch, Mark.

[@mk1tina]

very nice video though Tracy. I need to learn more from u about the delivery of content ;-)

[@Thejohnnyoshow]

I have been playing with this for a bit since seeing this video a while ago, and it seems i also am finding i get better results if i also turn off the auto agc setting, is that just in my imagination or is really helping

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

That might actually work in certain situations.

[@frankwc0o]

So I see you have a Type 40 capsule. Super nice.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Big fan of the 4th Doctor!

[@oladapoaloba]

Very nice vid my good friend 👍 has the FT857 model the procedure. Thanks for sharing very informative 😊

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Oladapo. This process works for many rigs, including the 857 and the 897.

[@jaimegracia6163]

Tracy, great video. I'm going to try this as soon as I get home from work. 73. Jaime

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Jaime!

[@nigelnewton2357]

I am just getting in to amateur radio and have a ft857d, can you tell me if its possible to have both ipo and att on together on this radio? if I put one on the other goes off!!!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Sadly, no. Only the FT-817 models allow you to do this. Can't do it on my 897D either. Use the ATT as opposed to the IPO for greatest attentuation.

[@CroPrepper]

I always wondered what those settings are about, using them with no clue because the explanation in the manual is not really understandable as I am still quite new to transceiver electronics. Thank you for that video. I love my 817 :)

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! Enjoy that 817.

[@AI4QT]

Excellent. Thorough. Thanks for your overview! 73 from Alabama!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you! I consider this high praise coming from you. Your KZbin video "Yaesu 817ND QRP Contacts" helped motivate me to get my own 817. I consider it to be one of the very best QRP portable videos I've ever seen. For those who haven't seen it check it out here... kzbin.info/www/bejne/paW7YZl_jtqfjrM 73 from Canada!

[@deenunya7735]

Luvly lil Radios Audio seem Top Notch Noticed the LHS Dial looked Loose ,is that a Issue with them ,easily resolved?

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment! Yes, the issue with the knob is easily fixed 😀

[@robduncan599]

Yes yes yes AF gain up RF to control vol, att on, this sounds upside down to a lot of new hams. Tks for vid

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome, and thank you for watching it!

[@Tamlin73]

Hi there, i just wonder if a yaesu 817 is as good ad a 817nd ? I can get one of the 817 modell, with some new batterys and the tuner for 400 euro..or less... but is it worth it today in 2024? I have the Xiegu G90 and the Mchf rigs.... and i sold my yaesy ft897d... so.. do i need the yaesu 817🙄 73 from Norway.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Now that's an interesting question (do you need the 817) ! The answer...it depends :) The 817 is the ultimate in portability due to it's very small form factor. It offers very good performance on all bands from 160m - 70 cm. Receive current draw is low at about 350 mA. If any of those sound good to you, then go for the 817. You can always turn around and sell it if you don't like/use it. Re: difference between the 817 and 817ND, the 817 is just as good, but my advice is not to use internal batteries with it as a known issue can cause the finals to blow if the batteries are left inside while the rig is being stored. 73 from VE3TWM in Canada!

[@Tamlin73]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir i use to own the ft897d and I love the all bandall mode...100 watt is not my thing :) i sold it and got the Mchf and the Xiegu G90... working very Well, just without 100 watt and no 2m and 70cm i think i have 6m and 4 m om the mchf... but 4m just Rx.

[@bntravelin2]

for the last 5 years field day has been ft817 on battery and solar and a trail friendly antenna by lnr precision de ne4am

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Sounds like fun!

[@challenger2ultralightadventure]

I have to say, that I would not have thought of this. But clearly it makes sense, and from the video, it also seems quite effective. Thanks for the tip. 73

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome. Thank you for watching! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM

[@cancerfour69er]

THANKYOU 4 SIMPLE COMMONSENSE. Xx...

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@daveys]

Thanks for posting this! I’ve been listening with the IPO and ATT engaged so far and it really helps with signals but haven’t tried the RF Gain, will give it a try.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

It works, I promise!

[@ShampooCell]

Great video! Helped me with my FT-857d as well. Thank you!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching.

[@nigelnewton2357]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir I am just getting in to amateur radio and have a ft857d, can you tell me if its possible to have both ipo and att on together on this radio? if I put one one the other goes off!!!

[@MarcJutras]

Very helpful! Thanks!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome!

[@SirBeauJangles]

Good advice for using any simpler HF set, not just the 817/nd. BTW - non-USA models come defaulting to the Squelch option rather than RF gain. Lord knows why they thought that US ops' need would be different - but seems they did... Same design feature on the FT-857d, same odd reasoning?

[@mediclimber]

I'net like this all the time. I use my FT817nd for the thirteen colonies every year and have no issues.

[@jakedewey4516]

Great video! Thank you!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comment, Jake!

[@vironpayne3405]

I am one of the full volume (AF Gain) with RF Gain as volume proponents. Usually I just run IPO/RF preamp off, but I also take advantage of DSP: DNR, DNF, and DBF at low settings. DNR about 6-8, DNF 60Hz, and DBF 460Hz low cut and 2610Hz high cut. Also, I have the optional 2.3K Collins filter that I run on Tx (Menu 64: Optional Filter) and Rcv. Lastly on the really strong noise from neighboring frequency stations I use the Clarifier. It is a 2 second push next to RIT/Clar knob. It will cause a round dot to appear to the right of the frequency. As you turn the knob with Clarifier engaged one or two arrows like solid carots ^ will appear pointing up or down. When you go in the right direction the adjacent channel noise will basically disappear with a mild frequency distortion of the desired signal. Sometimes I increase the high cut frequency to compensate. The sweet spot for the Clarifier is typically around the switch from one to two carots. This 2022 Field Day I was given a Kenwood 2000 to operate QRP. After working with the radio for almost two hours I switched to my FT-857D. As one of three station I was operating 20m SSB phone. The other two stations were an Icom 746 Pro and KX-3 running CW on 40m and 15m. I made about 1/3 of total contacts with two CW operators and I got more DX including Slovenia from Florida. I got the golden 1000mi/Watt. We each were using tuned wire dipoles. The 20m and 15m antennas were supported on the same rope about 20ft apart end to end. The 40m antenna was 45 degrees from the other two antennas and about 40ft from the closest antenna. We did not operate all night. I will have to defer to official logs for actual numbers, but I believe total contacts were 258 and SSB phone were 78. Granted 15m wasn't that great. The CW operators stayed later to about 02:00L and operated 80m. I left about 22:00L. I returned in the morning early about 06:30L threw out the solar panels and operated 40m and 20m for about an hour before heading to church. When I returned at 10:00L the other two stations were going. Overall we did well and 20m SSB phone did well.

[@fabiosousa7953]

Hello! Of all contests that already participate, 90% of them were with the 817ND. Great video! 73 PY1XR

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Fabio. Good job with your QRP contesting! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks, Tracy fantastic video 73 from kb2uew

[@seanlehmann4235]

Great video. Very helpful. Thank you.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! Thank you for leaving your comment.

[@alanread6596]

Excellent video very informative.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@tomcatGB]

Wow super clear and helpful info thank you for a new user of the 817nd 73

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

and thank you for watching!

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Tracy you number one

[@joeblow8593]

Excellent

[@shaun49]

Very good info, i can now tame my 817nd, thank you very much,73's Shaun M6TGZ

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're very welcome, Shaun. Thank you for watching! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

[@paulfallon181]

Good video ,easily explains to those that havent figured this out yet, as i only use cw a filter for that is a must, i have the 500 hz filter and its great, 73 de paul.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your comments, Paul!

[@AntonioBarba_TheKaneB]

I use the same settings on my 450D. They make a ton of difference!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you for your observation, Antonio!

[@MrCofresipirate]

Great video thanks

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@W5DON_in_Oklahoma]

Good video. I've seen the combination of using the ATT & RF Gain, but not the IPO along with. I'll use all three in the future! 73, Don, W5DON

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Don! It's always gratifying for me to know I have been able to show something new to someone. We all have things to teach each other. I wonder what things you have learned that I have not. That's the beauty of KZbin. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

[@derek45auto23]

Solid advice, . . . . I never like the YAESU's "IPO" = pre-amp off idea, . . . just call it a pre-amp like everyone else

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I agree! Very confusing.

[@MM0IMC]

I own a FT-450AT and the FT-817ND. I keep the IPO switched ON for 20m and above and switched OFF for below 20m.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Sounds like a good strategy. Thank you for your comment!

[@madcarew5168]

Still good instructions!!

[@rab1978uk]

Good tips! Thanks

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome!

[@kd8opi]

Great video. Just like anything else, you can have too much gain. Even on more modern rigs than the 817 that have digital signal processing, a lot of operators don’t understand why their noise reduction isn’t effective with their gain wide open and pre amp on. Noise can overwhelm a signal, and past a certain point increasing your gain simply increases the noise. This makes it hard for the digital signal processing in your radio, and the analog signal processing in your brain and ears to function properly.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

I like the way you summarize the issue!

[@barrygkx]

Good video. If more hams would learn how to use the RF gain and turn off the pre amps in their radios when not needed, they would realize how much they would get rid of a lot of noise. Seems most new hams turn on the pre amp just so they can see a higher S meter reading. The art of using the RF gain has been lost for the average ham. Barry, KU3X

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Barry. It does strike me as odd that many of the things I take for granted are eye-opening for many. Having said that, we all come from different places and experience sets. I'm sure those who learn from me could teach me things I don't know. 73 Tracy VE3TWM.

[@clwydianuk]

Very clearly done.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Carl!

[@MrCofresipirate]

Great info thanks 73s

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@Marcos-pe8pk]

Great video. I have a FT 817 and an Alexloop Antenna. Unfortunately and I have to send it do repair its encoder. This radio offers manu joys to its owner. 73 de PY1FX / Marcos (Rio de Janeiro).

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Obrigado, Marcos! Sorry to hear you had an issue with the decoder. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

[@Marcos-pe8pk]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Thanks Tracy. Today I did a call to a excellent technician in Guarulhos city (near of São Paulo). I intend to send my Ft 817 this week yet to repair. I am missing it very much...hihihi.. Have a nice week friend. (Um abraço em portuguese). 73 de PY1FX / Marcos

[@rframsey]

Great tutorial ... keep'em comin'! Cheers & 73 -- KI7BSW.

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Randall! I do intend to keep 'em coming. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.

[@vironpayne3405]

Don't forget the Clarifier for adjacent frequency stations.

[@bruceforster3709]

Thank you-great video & explanation.AC7AA

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you, Bruce!

[@G4KDXlive]

Very useful. 73!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@paulhastings3109]

tnxs just pick this radio up and trying to understand what I am doing. Been off the air for sometime and the last wad was ft890. It is all a new game for me KQ4CDPaul

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Welcome to the fraternity. Have fun, Paul!

[@paulhastings3109]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir still reading the manual lol this technology mind bending. Just plug it in and play. When I mess up do a reset. 73

[@nl12689]

tnx 73!

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

you're welcome! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@paulhastings3109]

Having problems with the menu

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Hi Paul, join the Yaesu FT-817 group on Yahoo. You'll plenty of folks prepared to help you with your questions.

[@paulhastings3109]

@@OutdoorsOnTheAir tnxs will do. 73 KQ4CDPaul

[@HAMRADIOJOE4178]

NICE VID

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

Thank you!

[@jeepnypitpits]

Thank you for Sharing, planning to have one, de 4I1ANA

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome, thank you and I hope you have as much fun with yours as I have with mine. 72 from VE3TWM.

[@m0taz99]

How to make your FT817 even more less sensitive (deaf ) than it was before cool. The FT817 isn't a contest radio, and being 15 year old technology it's the Ford model T of amateur radio. Time to move onto something more capable that doesn't need to be desensitised!

[@Rupkalwis]

Thanks for this excellent tip. 73 de dg0jao

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

You're welcome! 73 from VE3TWM.

[@ok2aqa731]

děkuji za pěkné video :-) Ahoj OK2AQA ok2aqa.rajce.idnes.cz/

[@OutdoorsOnTheAir]

nemáš zač 73 from Tracy VE3TWM

[@BastHoen]

Great explanation, tnx!