The Workbench: FT 891 powerpole mod

3d printed a housing and installing a set of power poles in the yeasu ft891 instead of stock proprietary connector.
3d model: www.thingiverse.com/thing:544...
Iwiss power pole tool: a.co/d/0rFGMdk
Irwin vise grip wire strippers: www.lowes.com/pd/IRWIN-Wire-S...
be advised this may violate your warranty. please take all proper safety precautions before attempting this mod. it is fairly simple and beginner friendly however any time you open up your radio you take some risk.

[@JaySteiner]

This is a great video! Lots of detail. I just picked up a 3D printer and have been cranking out all kinds of HAM stuff. This just moved to the top of my list!

[@racerx0796]

how can i buy a set? i dont have a 3d printer..........

[@nine7295]

Soldering a silver plated terminal connector like the Anderson power pole, can be risky, if the solder runs off it'll cover or ruin the silver plating, causing it a it less good electrical connection (higher contact resistance). But if you don't care about that then you can solder it. I just think crimping alone is good though for this connector, if the wire size is a good fit.

[@WC9Beau]

I thought I asked this question but I guess it just bounced around in my head. Thought: I never understood why they split the power up and then put it right back together. Q: Do you still get 100w output?

[@CharlesHuse]

Am I seeing this correctly? The soldering pen is terminated with Power Pole connectors going to that drill battery adapter?? If so, nice idea!

[@FITFO]

Yeah I might make a quick video on that if people seem interested

[@MichelPikkaart]

Thanks for the idea. I going to mod my rig as well. Vy 73 pe1pts

[@K4dsx]

Where did you get the cable from? I don’t want to modify the back plate due to voiding the warranty but I’m looking for that cable you have!

[@pulponair]

Thanks for the video, good to see that it works for you :). 73 DG7PX

[@temporarilyoffline]

This is great and is on my list to video. What soldering iron are you using? Looks like it has power poles?

[@FITFO]

Using a ts100. I have a 3D printed dewalt battery adaper with a power pole output, then I use powerpole to barrel connector into the iron. The ts100 works on something like 10-24v I usually use the dewalt battery for 20v faster heat up time. If I don’t have that around I can just plug into any 12v powerpole source. It’s great especially for stuff I can’t move to my workbench.

[@temporarilyoffline]

@@FITFO Yeah, it would be great for field use

[@Jubileeos]

Thanks for the detailed mod description. What size screws did you use?

[@FITFO]

Screw sizes where 3-48x1/2”

[@RalphsGarage]

Know of any place selling the 3d printed part? I don't have a 3d printer and like the power pole mod. Also good luck operating over seas. I was able to operate in Iraq as YI9HOC and Belize as V31OC both on military trips. I tried for Afghanistan but wasnt able to obtain a call.

[@FITFO]

Where you operating under any agreement or just sent it?

[@RalphsGarage]

@@FITFO No I applied for the local call with the host nations.

[@JeffErdman]

Maybe I missed this but what size screws do you use to hold the pieces together?

[@user-ko3fq7he5c]

3-48 x 1/2"

[@JeffErdman]

I did this today. I used 12ga wire so getting the length exactly right was a bit of a challenge. Awesome mod and pretty easy too!

[@mikemiles3068]

I am glad I found this video, my friend made me an Anderson power pole plug for my FT 891 but when I tried to put it in I could not get the old plug out now I see how it comes out I will try again. Thanks 73 KV5P

[@TheChasFred]

I d/led your files from thingiverse to have printed. The screw wholes on the two outside pieces are offset, not inline. Thus they do not line up with the holes in the inside piece. Is this a fault of the person who printed them? Please double check your uploaded files. I really want this mod for my radio. K5CYA Charles

[@FITFO]

So this file is not mine. As for the holes in the thingiverse the creator does explain to print two of the outside pieces. One of them printed as mirrored (I know at least you can do this in cura) so being that you allready printed one set. To fix you would just have to print one outside piece mirrored and it should work fine.

[@pulponair]

I added a mirrored part. Because a lot of people seem to have problems mirroring it.

[@pulponair]

@FITFO i hope you don't mind that i added your video to the thingiverse description

[@FITFO]

Have at it, happy to help.

[@pulponair]

@@FITFO Done. If people should ask you about the model just point em in my direction i am happy to help by answering questions or making adjustments.

[@coltendoc]

How much would you charge to make one of these up for me?

[@FITFO]

I will have to see it’s not super complicated but idk if I really have the time rn. Are you on the toads or Hrcc discord?

[@coltendoc]

@@FITFO I’m on hrcc. My ender3 is down at the moment.

[@JxH]

One great thing about Anderson Power Poles is that you can (if you wish) assemble the Red and Black backwards compared to all your friends. This can be a source of great amusement during Field Day.

[@enginedave]

Yikes

[@charlesharkin2165]

A drill to remove 5 mm long screws shame on you

[@FITFO]

I would use a air impact if it was available. I regret nothing.