Why I still use my Yaesu FT-817ND | Ham radio review

I have recently had a good clear out of radios and equipment I no longer need. There are some key pieces of equipment I cannot do without and the FT-817ND is one of them.
NOTE: I mention the Yaesu 991 I meant the HF/6m FT- 891
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I'm a licensed amateur radio operator from the United Kingdom. My KZbin channel features videos focusing on operating portable radio from various locations plus how to videos, tutorials, insights and conversations in the hobby.

[@charlieb.4273]

The 817 is really the Swiss Army knife of ham radio. I’ve got two and they are my go to radio for both daily use and portable ops. Sure there are fancier rigs and I’ve tried a few. But the 817 is a solid performer. KM4ZZ Charlie

[@woodsbikes6130]

That's a nice way to describe the FT-817. 🙂

[@warrenmasters3036]

I feel the same way about my 817... Great little rig...

[@timg5tm941]

They still represent decent value for money and are bomb proof for sure 73

[@twohandsandaradio]

Will never sell my 818. Just never disappoints out in the field.

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks very much for the terrific radio I have Yaesu ft 818 nd from kb2uew

[@davidweatherill5472]

Although I’ve bought and sold a few radios over the years, I’ve had an FT817 for about 20 years now and have never thought of selling it. Great little QRP HF/VHF/UHF radio that you can take anywhere and is very adaptable.

[@kelstajames7319]

I bought the 818nd a few weeks ago and absolutely love it. I can't believe how small it is. Great for QRP work up in the hills.

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

I've just got an 817 and love it.

[@gamlemann53]

Thank's very much for the video. I have had the 817 for some years now, and I love this radio. It have it all! I also have many other HF and 2m+70cm radios, but I love to use the simple Yeasu FT-817! The best from LB1NH Arild

[@robertmitchum2972]

I’ve used the FT-817 for years as a portable station. Field day operation in the woods. Hiking and camping, even around the house just for the fun of running QRP. The rig finally quit about two years ago, and I missed it so much I went out and bought the FT-818! I too do not use the 818 as my main rig while running portable anymore ( I wanted a bit more than QRP) but it still takes the trip every time I get out and head into the woods or even on an extended trip. Grab the rig, an antenna and GO!

[@kevinjohnson8574]

What do you use for main rig running portable now?

[@robertmitchum2972]

@@kevinjohnson8574 I was using the Icom IC-7000 for a while with a nice sized Bioenno battery... Now I’ve moved up to the Icom IC-7300..... Needed a bit more screen for my old tired eyes, plus I like the idea of the built in antenna tuner.... It’s a heavy one though, and on a long hike to the campsite I’ll take the FT-818 just to keep the weight down.... And I’m using a home brew inverted V with individual legs cut for 10, 20, and 40 meters...

[@aceventuraaceventura2003]

I think a lot of people who first get into Amateur Radio buy the 817 dreaming of taking it for outdoor activation. However, most of us rarely ever do. So we just have other radio to use at home so sells it. Then as years go by, we miss the little guy, and then we come to realization that we really don't need fancy radios with all the bells and whistles to have fun with spontaneous activations. This is where the 817ND comes in. It does all for most situations. It even does 2m/440 and works well as a general receiver. Now here's the best part. Forget about SSB and CW narrow band mechanical filter. Just add the BHI DSP and you'll see this radio come alive. Not kidding, I will never get rid my little radio that can.

[@stevemcnaughton-kb3jc96]

I really like my 818. I do need to upgrade the internal battery still. I don't know if you do CW Carl, but I recently added the Wolfwave audio processor. All I can say is wow! I have the narrow CW filter installed, but the Wolfwave turns the 818 into a world class CW transceiver. I do have the sotabeams speech compressor module also, I highly recommend that too. It really works. 73 Steve KB3JC

[@woodsbikes6130]

Hi all. Yes I agree with the host that this radio is a very good portable rig. And he offers good advice for doing the setups you want to use during the planning phase before you leave on your trip. Which only makes sense so once you're setup at your spot, you can just operate and not waste time fiddling with the menus. Thank you for the good video. Stay safe everyone.

[@zeebraeend]

Nice to see how someone appreciates his equipment. My favorite is a Yaesu FT 470 handy. The second I own but the best of my small collection. Mind you, I'm still using it for listening due to an absence of license (working hard on that part). Thank you for your insight.

[@markg6jvy135]

Great rig Carl, what’s not to like 👌

[@kd4baoc612]

I purchased the Yaesu FT 818nd several years ago, and It's a great radio for my needs. I don't use the internal battery packs, but I use an external battery, SLA 12vdc at 7ah.

[@TheSmokinApe]

Nice video, I just installed the Portable Zero rails on my 817 today 👍

[@wayneskiba1237]

Enjoyed your review of your 817, a great little radio, and your other radios that you used or are currently using, alot of good information! Thank you, Carl.

[@M0RSF]

Good video Carl. You hang onto that 817. Keep up the good work. 73 Chris M0RSF

[@nethoncho]

Thanks for sharing your review of the FT-817

[@temporarilyoffline]

Great vid Carl. I might get a pair of these for working the birds.

[@ianxfs]

Yes, the 817/8 look like good all-round rigs. Nicely put across Carl 👍🏻

[@KI4ASK]

Yes! I love my FT-818 (basically the same as 817, an extra watt of power and bigger battery) for the same reasons you do Carl. It’s the ideal radio for portable QRP. Lately there have been some spectacular Sporadic-E openings. I was able to work a station in Canada from here in Atlanta, GA (almost 900 miles) using the stock 6m rubber duck antenna! With a resonant antenna and some patience, the 818/817 is a fun, versatile radio. It’s also ideal for VHF/UHF SSB - useful for satellite work. By the way, how’s your plantar fasciitis Carl? 73 de KI4ASK, Joe in Atlanta, GA USA

[@Duelezz]

What mode were you in. I’m in Pa and have been wanting to try 6. All I have is the stock rubber duck for 6 as well.

[@simonhammond5904]

Another great video Carl. I love my FT-817ND. I still use it to make QRP contacts all over the place. Great fun rig which I’ll never sell!

[@2j4ez]

i'd never sell mine small portable light weigh and works great for a qrp radio i managed to work the states on 5w with a ampro 20 on my bike

[@M0SZT]

Yes great for bicycle mobile, I need to do that more!

[@2j4ez]

@@M0SZT Yep i have a ground place mounted on my bike so i can put a CB antenna in and do CB then change it for a ampro 20 and do 20m its good

[@Norfolk_Nomad]

Thank you for a very helpful video. I'm currently studying for my Foundation Licence and I've yet to decide on what my first radio should be. This video has aided me greatly as having a portable friendly option is a must for me. Therefore, I will keep this radio in consideration. Keep up the great videos and thanks again 👍

[@M0SZT]

Thank you

[@tomasz5274]

Nice rig mate. Thanks for the video. For backpacking the ft-891 is also interesting option. 73!

[@adamap2796]

Thanks Carl, very versatile little radio and available in good supply on the second hand market at sensible prices. 👍

[@M0SZT]

Yes they remain a sturdy radio over a number of years so good value on the second hand market

[@skysurferboy]

Love my 817. Threw up a 6m 1/4 wave on top of the shed tonight and was picking up EA2 and F5 stations on 6m. Have taken it out on walks before. Nothing serious though. Sometimes zi wish for a bit more power when the bands aren t working that good but still plenty of contacts on 5w. 73s

[@gbamck]

Cheers Carl. It was my first rig (cheap hand-helds aside) bought brand new too. I often think I should have bought the 857 as the lack of power has left me frustrated more times than I can remember.. I eventually got the little amp you have there too. I did sell the amp to fund another amp(!) but the 817 stays. It comes on holiday with us and just recently I've been using it on 2m SSB and FT8 which is perfection. I've not done the condenser mod for the MH-31 but I have done the quick "punchy mod" mod detailed on here by DH7LM (simple mic mod for the MH-31). Just swapping a cap makes a good difference. I love the rig and with an amp on 2m it's great but I think I'm too old and grumpy now for QRP! Cheers!

[@garymcanulty5757]

Quite the opposite old man. If your old and Grumpy, qrp is definitely for you.

[@techguy9023]

@@garymcanulty5757 been a ham since 81 and always avoided 75 meters. I never hear anyone calling CQ-just the same old guys talking and almost never giving an ID. It’s the curmudgeon band.

[@peterschulze2082]

Thank you for your insights

[@johnc3403]

Wow, you've really gone through the portable rigs, haven't you? Personally, I loved the '706. I'm sorry I sold mine but you know, your enthusiasm for the '817 is making me interested in at least checking it out :) Maybe it's time for a portable rig again... cheers bro... John EI5JS

[@mully89]

Thanks for sharing, I never thought about going portable before, considering my first radio, another thing to consider I do like camping & hill walking so might be something for me to look at, reasonable price point too for a newby

[@USXPOP]

Interesting video. Surprised you weren't out walking about with a radio. Well, one can't be outside all the time. Keep them coming.

[@wayneskiba1237]

Great review of a great radio.

[@AndyWragg]

I think for those that have them already the FT-817/8 is a great radio and a keeper. But for those of us that don't have them, there's not a lot for us to consider when it goes up against the Xiegu G90 and soon the Icom IC-705. It's an old design well past it's prime, and a G90 new costs around the same as a cheap 2nd hand FT-817. The display, and features of the new SDR based radios just blows even the FT-818 out of the water. I really do think Yaesu missed a trick when they decided on a revamp rather than something new. Don't get me wrong - If one happened to land in my lap (club raffle maybe) , I wouldn't part with it, but I think there are "better" solutions out there, if I was to part with cash. At the end of the day it all depends on what your need is. When backpacking I can work 2m/70cm FM using an 8w HT (I never use SSB outside of contests), and my full power IC-706MkiiG covers everything else I'm likely to need anyway, including the ability to run data modes, with a ZLP interface and R-Pi. I can even work Packet radio/APRS with my GT-3TP. Just my 2 bits Carl. take care and 73 DE G1AW

[@M0SZT]

I do miss my Icom 706

[@placeholder-065]

Andy, the G90 blows the 818 in several ways out of the water but believe me it has still PLENTY a problems which just don't get resolved after more than a year. I have an 818 and a G90, as a CW operator I - for now - by FAR prefer the FT-818ND. By the way, have a TS-590SG too, if a hear a signal on the 590SG I will hear it on the FT-818 too, each and every time, 100% of the time. I'd steer clear from the G90 for now. 73 Gust ON6KE

[@M0SZT]

Interesting point about the G90.

[@mallyjoyplaneflighttv]

My Ft 757 was a lovely radio , sorry I let it go . Enjoying your content very much . Cheers 👍

[@Pasquale_IK1SOW]

Best QRP ever.

[@mikesey1]

I like the 897D myself, but it's probably a tad too heavy to cart around for camping, even though it's described as a "portable".

[@kazcat8096]

Hi I got the ft818 I have not used it outside yet I was looking for a used ft817 but there been sold for silly money it was cheaper to get a ft818 with £105 cashback I have not seen any difference between the 2 radios keep up the good work mate

[@sulochanasatyan7228]

Mine is 6 years and is a keeper, especially when I get outdoors. 73 vu3mes

[@mahargkp]

Hi Carl.. Always look forward to see you adventures.In this video you showed a small amplifier..What make and model number is it please..Take care..Graham m1bsz

[@merlinonline67]

I've been searching high and low for one as well!

[@tristan4777]

You've been out with so many other rigs I thought you'd sold it. I've got one too, with most of the accessories. As you say, that gives you a lot of options to operate any way you want to and possibly anywhere. There's a lot of capability there. So I won't be getting rid of mine either.

[@James_Bowie]

Yaesu did itself no favors by calling it the 818 and setting up expectations of new features. In reality it's 817 Mk 2. The principal reason for bringing out the 818 was supplier end of life of some key components of the 817. That said, the 817/818 is a neat little radio for all the reasons you mention.

[@romanomorelli2831]

Not to mention the icom 703+internal ATU that works a bomb 73s EI5EN.

[@ianhand5006]

I've bought and sold a few, over the years. I don't bother with HF anymore, but I do like 2 metres SSB. I use an old FT-290R, which has a 3SK88 RF amplifier (probably fitted by the original owner). I often monitor 144.300 and I worked Leamington Spa on 2.5W, on my 4 element yagi in my loft, the other day.

[@M0SZT]

I'd love to get a yagi for 2m in the loft.

[@ianhand5006]

@@M0SZT I made my own out of 25mm plastic conduit and a steel retractable tape measure. It's currently pointed SSE. I monitor GB3VHF, to judge propagation. 144.430MHz.

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

Ihad mine rebuilt twice i got the protection frame for my 991 and 817 kg6mn

[@paulhastings3109]

Like you're video. Been off the air for sometime. Have a 817 and the menu, just don't have a clue. Guess I afraid that I will change some things. So I guess how do you correct a mistake. Tnxs 73 Oh I will know it is not going to be easy.

[@michaelwylde1065]

Been watching your videos since early last year when I first got into amateur radio and really enjoy watching your videos. It's good to see how your video style has progressed since I became a subscriber. Dont often comment on videos but good work Carl and look forward with whats to come. All the best up to 5k subs. Cheers! MM7MMW

[@M0SZT]

Cool, thanks!

[@stewpot3971]

Great video Carl, I have a question with regards to the windcamp battery...what sort of runtime do you get from it? Just bought one of these secondhand and looking forward to getting into my local forest with it!

[@M0SZT]

It depends what you do with it, for voice I can get a few hours mostly listening and get a few contacts but the radio drops it's output after a couple of hours of this. I've not timed this but this is an estimate.

[@stewpot3971]

Thanks Carl👍

[@ianharling9569]

Hi Carl.I also have the 817 and will NEVER part with it.Worked all over the world on ssb with just 5 watts.I did the M0UKD mic mod and now I don't need the compressor in line as it's now such a punchy signal over the original dynamic mic.☺73..G7HFS/PA3IKH

[@M0SZT]

Yes I forgot about that mic mod, thanks for reminding me!

[@cwoodalluk]

I use the 818 with the same ATU, not much difference Carl Just 1 Watt.

[@ronangsr]

Xiegu g90 is the new swiss army knife....

[@pwhk01]

Thanks Carl. You said that you wouldn't part with your 897 but if you could only keep one (817 or 897) which would you choose and why would that be?

[@M0SZT]

I would keep the FT-897 as its the same architecture inside but more power, I would suffer the weight :-)

[@richardtwyning]

Will you be trying the IC-705 when it's available? Also, have you still got the Kenwood TH D74?

[@M0SZT]

Still got the Kenwood for now. If Icom gave me the new radio for a try out I would but I've given up and buying new shiny things and prefer getting what I enjoy which is slightly more rugged looking radios

[@jjaldin5769]

What are your thoughts on buying the 817nd straight from Japan?

[@M0SZT]

Not needed from the UK

[@sulochanasatyan7228]

6 years and kicking, mine is a keeper. 73 de vu3mes

[@landsnailproject2875]

When are you going out with CARLSburger Van (trailer) or is that resigned to a storage/junk unit , these days as we dont hear about it :) 73's Paul

[@M0SZT]

The van belonged to G1WHP and has been sold 😔.

[@landsnailproject2875]

@@M0SZT That was lucky as you would not have sold many 'chip butty's during lockdown :)

[@M0SZT]

Yep zero ham sandwich sales

[@HamRadio200]

never say never

[@g1fsh]

How long should the internal battery last in average use Carl?

[@M0SZT]

Only a couple of hours of steady use but the radio drops its power output so the first hour is peak hour, not scientific but a guess.

[@dmcarpman]

watch OH8STN Ham Radio and his review on it save your money you don't need it. the 817 is fine i have one it needs a tune up as only pushes 3-4 watts on full power. but it works fine one radio i will not sell. i had a ic706 yes it had more power than the ft817 bit the fit for and function of the ft817 i found much better.. this is his words The video goes through the top 5 reasons I believe the Yaesu FT-818, all mode, all band HF VHF UHF radio is a complete fail, as a replacement to the Yaesu FT-817

[@dmcarpman]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5OkZYtqa52cprs

[@andy2E0JIU]

When you next out portable carl?

[@M0SZT]

Hopefully a short trip out this next weekend, 1st overnight is 4th July

[@kevinkc3onohelijeepworld953]

Yaesu 😉😉 try the 991A and if the amp draw suits ur battery it will win 😁😍 KC3ONO

[@BulletButle]

I understand the sentiments attached to your first radio or most loved radio, but i dont like old hams hording 2-3 old radios each one to remember some milestone or other in their life. Guys if you dont sell your own radios new hams wil not get radios at affordable prices and it will hurt the hobby. Especially in country like India, here HF radio not only cost too much but also hard to get due to customs restrictions and fewer venders.