Yaesu FT-817ND Field Test

[@Flatus4La]

Enjoyed the video. Jealous of your hillside residence! I am proud to say I am scheduled to take my technician class license in 3 weeks and your videos have kept me interested! Thanks again

[@TotemPoleOfCare]

I'm a new HAM and I'm doing a bit of research on my first HF. This is a really good, informative video. Thank you very much.

[@SurvivalRussia]

Excellent field video Hank:) Congrats with the new Yaesu. Good result on the 20 meter. Looks like you're having a good time friend. Regards, Lars

[@Commsprepper]

ILP - Good luck and don't give up. Once you get your license you will have so many more options. Search for a local amateur radio club in your area. They often meet weekly or monthly and are always willing to new people get into the hobby.

[@PrepperRetreat]

excellent review. I have been looking very seriously at the 817ND and I think you just help make up my mind. Thank for posting.

[@1oldarmyguy]

Between you and N2RRAny I'm sold on the FT 817. Nice little kit. Thanks for sharing.

[@RallySash]

Thanks for the tips. Keep em coming. And thanks for taking us along for the ride.

[@CulpeperMinuteman]

Lol, I recognized the gent on the Winchester repeater.. We must not too far apart. Good video, Great channel!

[@N2RRAny]

LOL! I was actually monitoring this QSO I guess while you were making this vid. Small world!! Love my FT-817ND!

[@CommoMike]

Great demo, sir. Ive been a Tech ham for 19 years, great explanation and details on your setup.

[@Commsprepper]

Thanks! CommsPrepper

[@orlandomonaco3475]

Thank you for a comprehensive demo of this incredible mobile transceiver. All the best...

[@cwes41]

Once again you've given us an impressive video. Well done.

[@mark20657]

Thanks for the scoop CP. I was trying to avoid buying a big HF rig, if I could add an amp to my base station configuration for the extra power. I'd go hiking mobile with the Wouxun KG-UV3D and keep the Ft-817; in the truck. I can't wait for your up coming Wouxun vids. Cheers.

[@Commsprepper]

Thank you. The retreat location is great. I look forward to every trip out there. Good luck on test day and come back and leave a comment when get your ticket. It will inspire others to get their tickets.

[@PreparednessToday]

I'm just now starting to work on my COMMS preps. Even though it isn't much and currently just in my pickup truck, I'm running a Uniden Bearcat PC68 cb radio and a Radioshack PRO-90 (I believe) scanner. Thanks for the videos and the reviews - I'm currently reading up on HAMs and looking to take my exam within the next 3-6 months. Stay safe

[@wesgilbert3030]

Great video! I'm about to take my Technician exam in April and I've been looking at some mobiles for UHF,VHF,HF comms. Thanks for posting this demo!

[@Commsprepper]

Remember - this radio has only 5 watts so it takes some effort to get the comms you want out of it. Good antenna and quality cables are the key.

[@wesgilbert3030]

I understand. I just love the idea that you can communicate on all bands with this radio and the fact that if need be you can run it with AA alkalines. I plan to make a comms bag for grab and go. Could you run an external amplifier with this radio for use as a base station in the home? Would duty cycle be of concern?

[@omegatonizzo]

I'm looking at exactly this sort of setup! I'm from NoVa and do a good amount of skiing at Timberline and hunting out around Romney. Great demo!

[@rchopp]

Nice demo, thanks for taking us along.

[@jolebole-yt]

Wow. I just got my technician licence and I am debating what kind of radio to get for my first one. This multi band radio is very impressive little package.

[@Commsprepper]

Mike - I just bought a Wouxun so I can do some vids on it. I prefer Kenwood handhelds but Wouxun seems to be the radio for preppers - so I picked one up. Thanks for watching - Hank

[@Commsprepper]

Mark there are few amps on the market specific to the Ft-817. I may add one in the future but adding an amp means adding more batteries or a power supply. As with most preps - finding the balance is the trick. Thanks for watching - CommsPrepper

[@GUERRILLACOMM]

I thoroughly enjoyed that, nice demo. Been eyeballing the 817 but was thrown off by the 5 watts max. Might just reconsider since it will take care of medium distances outside of 2M repeater range. Just curious, when will you be stateside permanently? Looks like you have a few bags of comm tricks in the USA to demo. again really nice vid.

[@Commsprepper]

Yes it's a surplus military antenna. However, it does not have a part number on it. Somewhere lower in the comments one of my subs posted the number. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@KeithGrommes]

This was pretty darn amazing video! Thank you so much for doing this! I am definitely going to look at this radio! 73!! KG1USA

[@mikeadrover5173]

Outstanding Video and information; as always, thanks’ for taking the time to make this video! And I support this site. ~M~ will be checking out the Yaesu 817-ND

[@Commsprepper]

Mike - Thanks again for the feedback and support. The 817 is neat little radio. You wont regret having one. Hank

[@GUERRILLACOMM]

If it helps any, its from an AN/PRC-104 man packable HF field radio. There should be tons in surplus.

[@N2RRAny]

I was mobile with my IC-7K spinning the VFO and this QSO is it. Sometimes band conditions make a difference, but no matter what there's gonna be a path from A to B even if you're running 1 watt. Just takes a bit more time. Now I know your call if you wanna make a sched on 20m, or where ever you know where to get my info. 73!

[@rabbahhagri1493]

Been struggling with the choice of FT-817ND or FT-857D but you video has helped greatly in clearing up that choice for me. I was and am very impressed with the 817 for it's versatility...right up to the point where you showed the batter you had with you...the same one that one would need for the 857. That being said, if I have to carry a heavy assed battery anyway, what's a little more weight from having the 857 instead of the 817, with the added benefit of 100 watts?

[@Commsprepper]

Hugh - The sealed battery in this video would not support a 100 watt radio pulling 20+ amps of current. Selecting the 817 is a tough call for sure because of the five watts. I wish they still made the ICOM IC-703 (just like the 706) but with 10 watts. You can always go with the 857 and dial the power back (reducing current demand) and use a lighter weight.

[@rabbahhagri1493]

The 857 and dialing back the power is the plan. thanks for your feedback

[@dojmike]

Ruger 10/22 on the front of the ATV? Nikon Scope? I agree that you've chosen the best radio for bug-out as well as the best rifle.

[@yankey4]

this was fun brother thanks. God Bless.

[@mark20657]

Nice Vid. I'm wondering if an amp would be practical as a modular enhancement to this rig if someone wanted a more powerful radio in a mobile platform. Enjoy your time home.

[@barrygkx]

What a fun day. Mixing four wheeling with QRP / Ham Radio. Did you bring any snacks with you? I use an IC 703+ but loved my FT 817 when I had one. I may get another? Barry

[@Commsprepper]

GG Thanks for the feedback! Will be back home in 492 days (but who is counting). I will be able to better videos when I do get home - more props here. It's more gooder when you can combine radios, mountains, and ATVs. Makes for better vids. CommsPrepper

[@BrooksideFarmBarreMA]

Cute little rig; almost bought one.

[@SignalsEverywhere]

For the money, I prefer the FT-857d, similar feature set with a lot more power. That being said 5 watts is nothing to scoff at, with the right band, band conditions, and antenna you can work wonders.

[@Commsprepper]

Thanks. I think quality basics are the best preps.

[@marcwbrown]

Great video, does the whip cover all H.F channel's? and where can you but the whip tks

[@thuff3207]

Great video and I wanted make a suggestion. For VHF / UHF you can't beat a Ed Fong portable Jpole. Just throw a line over a tree and pull it up, I use it portable with great results.

[@Commsprepper]

Thanks! Happy you liked it. Respectfully - CommsPrepper

[@ThePauperPrepper]

Great video, Whats even greater is if you can hit Berryville VA area we should be able to talk next time you are home. Im in Germantown MD and talk on the SKYWARN repeater in Berryville VA easily.What repeater were you on for that QSO? BTW, I am looking for some land in W VA, anything available around your area?

[@Commsprepper]

Thanks for watching. CommsPrepper

[@theoldhobbit3640]

Great video, thanks for posting. I have just taken delivery of my 817ND and have not deployed in anger, one question, if your dipole was cut for 20mtr why the ATU. I intend to use my home made dipole for 40 20 & 10 but do not want the added weight of a tuner.

[@Commsprepper]

Always have a tuner. Even if you cut the antenna for a band it will still need some tuning if you are jumping around on the bands. Also having a tuner provides greater field flexibility to overcome and adapt :-)

[@1903A3shooter]

YOU are asking a lot of one antenna to work like that on such a wide range of Freq. things like that are not going to happen with out help. A wire will be resonate at a freq. depending on its length and a few other factors that do not matter as much. You need to get into a book on antennas and see ways around that problem. He was transmitting into a antenna way to short for 40 meters and canceling out the HUGE reactance of that miss match with the tuner. HE lost a huge amount of power in the feed line because of the miss match. Just because you cancel out the reactance with a tuner [that makes the transmitter happy] it does nothing to make the system preform as you want. There are ways of working around this but not like this. Dave W4GSM

[@Commsprepper]

Wow... That is a small world. Tried for an hour to make a contact on 20m but could not catch a single "rag-chewing" station taking a breath to get a chance and make a QSO. Thanks for watching. CommsPrepper

[@mikeadrover5173]

Thanks for the vid outstanding! Would enjoy more of these videos and I think all of the viewers would agree? As said before new to ham/Com. I have a Wouxun KG-UV2D. Programmed for all local repeaters and then some would like to know more about antennas for on the go and can deploy quickly. ~M~

[@srob308]

What was that military whip you were using and where did you find it? I am a new ham and that antenna looked very interesting.

[@coincidentalrvadventures2081]

Great vide6o, Nice demo. I have the Icom 706 all band. I'm going to try to get out in march to do something like Funkey does. I'm going to add my go kit to it. that is the 706 in a go kit camping up here in the great Pacific North West. I like that ex-military antenna. Wouldn't mind knowing where one could be obtained from? Thanks again. 73'3 DE: N6PGG/7 Dave

[@Commsprepper]

Dave - I watch ebay for the old military antennas. Every now and then whole or parts of antenna come up for sale. CommsPrepper

[@Commsprepper]

Old vid (when the channel was new). Check out some of the newer vids (I think they are better). This vid was made in the states while on vacation. I'm still overseas so I don't have access to all my props and toys (like in this vid) but will be home this summer. Thanks for the feedback and subscribing.

[@ericspearsairborne]

The yaesu is one awesome rig for all your prepper needs! It's costly at $800-$900 but man it has the power to talk and all the thrills of a "man-pack" style, it runs parallel to a mini SINGARS basically. If your super tight on money get at least the baofeng UV-5R which is only $35 on amazon.com NOTE: Don't talk on these radios until you are a licensed radio operator. FCC rules apply.

[@Commsprepper]

Thanks for watching!

[@Commsprepper]

Take a look at the Icom IC-718. It's a nice entry HF rig.

[@stevegipson9699]

Hello Commsprepper. I have been looking at the 817 for a while now. I need to reliably be able to reach out to California from Mississippi but I am looking for this set up for bug out conditions so a small form factor. Recommendations???

[@Commsprepper]

+Steve Gipson My assumption is you have a General Class or higher Amateur radio license - You can increase reliability with added power and quality antennas (well installed). In which case - any 100 watt HF Amateur radio can work.

[@stevegipson9699]

+Commsprepper Thanks - and yes I hold a general class license although fairly recent. I watch all of your posts and you seem to research extensively before making a buying decision so I was just looking for your input on radios you may have tested that met the criteria. (KG5GOP)

[@vasilepop4369]

Great job and thanks for the video! I 73 de VA6POP

[@jayhawkman60]

would you reccmond the Yaesu FT-817ND as a first radio? I looked at the YAESU FT-857D and saw it was similar with just more power and a little more pricey? are any of these good first radios for a technician and then advancing on to a general class license?

[@ArmedCivilian556]

Fantastic video - just getting into coms and looks like your my newest bestest friend ....

[@texasstealthcamper8139]

CommsPrepper Cool video. Great radio. This video is 8+ years old. What radio do you use today?

[@Commsprepper]

Still have the radio but using my IC-7200 and IC-7300 now.

[@ElimelecMedina]

hi commsprepper... i was wondering... where did you got the schematics for the homemade antenna... WP4OUE i just got my self a yaesu ft817... and i have a antenna tuner mfj16010 i only need an antenna...

[@Commsprepper]

It's a 1/2 wave dipole antenna with each leg 1/4 wave. There are several dipole calculators on line that can give you the wire length for your operating frequency.

[@ElimelecMedina]

ok...

[@WW5RM]

Doesn't have to be bare wire. Other than velocity factor insulated wire tends to be slightly quiter. Best antenna i ever build/ have is a Double Bazooka for 75/80M. Its built with RG-58 is quiter and broader banded than simple wire dipole. I run it on 75/80M and don't need a tuner on most of the band. But you can also use 75 ohm coax its not as durable though but the larger diameter the more bandwidth you get. I knew a SK using 10 gauge stranded wire which is heavy!!! I don't know how he kept it in the air but did give more bandwidth than 14 or 12 gauge wire. But cheap RG-58 works pretty good. But it all depends on what you want. If for portable use, wire is more durable and works as long as you have a good tuner. But QRP wise we use Teflon 22 gauge i think it is but at a loss of bandwidth. Rolled up on a camping clothes line reel. 2 reels with 65ft on each one. But even for 100watts a small diameter wire will handle it. Main thing on wire is voltage but most wire voltage ratings are of the insulation. =]

[@Commsprepper]

I would not recommend the 817 as a first radio. I hear good things about the FT-857D, starting out with more power (and having a good base) is a good way to begin.

[@jayhawkman60]

cool vid makes me want to get into ham radio

[@codyf115]

What would be a good moble high power HF radio. I might be going on a mission trip next year and will need something reliable to talk from Africa to Florida. I don't know where in Africa yet so i will need to check the radio laws. Also does anyone know what band would be best?

[@FoneStar78]

I love this little rig but I'm disappointed that the VHF only receives up to 154.000 MHz. Why didn't they just make it 136.000 - 174.000 MHz like every other wideband receiver on the market? If I want to listen to local PD/Fire/Ambulance I need to pack a second HT or scanner. It's still a great radio though, I plan on getting the optional YF-122C filter that definitely appears necessary for CW work.

[@awesomeinforensics]

Nice video I am thinking of getting into HAM. I have to purchase some study material and get on my way for a Technician License.

[@Commsprepper]

Checkout www.qrz.com under the resource tab. There you can take practice exams with the actual questions. Best of luck.

[@blugrassdave]

I have one of those same tuners, if you get rid of the coax and use 450 ohm ladder line to that same dipole then that antenna will tune 20 meters also 15 , 17 , 12 , 10 meters

[@1fanger]

Hi, nice rig you put together there. Why isn`t that rifle cased? Just asking.

[@Commsprepper]

1fanger Thank you. I just did another field video with this radio (cleaner setup) with one of USNERDOC 's radio bags. As for the rifle - because I'm American and I can (outside of hunting season on private property). Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Respectfully - Commsprepper.

[@frostgfx]

What whip are you using in this video???

[@Commsprepper]

Old military whip. hard to find but they show up from time to time on eBay. However, Chameleon Antenna has a much better whip.

[@frostgfx]

That's what I am going to buy... Thx.

[@Commsprepper]

Thanks Yankey - CommsPrepper

[@jayhawkman60]

thanks for the advice :)

[@Commsprepper]

I was operating from Romney WV.

[@Commsprepper]

Not sure. There is no part number on it.

[@Commsprepper]

You would not regret it. I made this video last year. I just made a new video yesterday with this radio in the field with Moscow Prepper (last video posted). Check it out - this time we sent email over radio. Thanks for watching - CommsPrepper

[@Commsprepper]

Not sure. It does not have a part number.

[@brucewayne-cave]

Nice...

[@TheMasakura]

817nd the best:) 73 de R9WAI Eugene

[@Queensryche1]

do they make any of these crypto capable?

[@Commsprepper]

Nope. Encryption is not permitted in the Amateur radio service.

[@Queensryche1]

that sucks. anything to keep unwanted people from listening. im a former usmccommunicator

[@Queensryche1]

getting the itch again. the things ya miss

[@Commsprepper]

zac030101 Getting your license is not hard. They dropped the code requirement. Watch this video I posted to get started. Amateur (Ham) Radio License - Where to Start

[@Queensryche1]

one last question. is that radio vehicle mountable say in a cb holder

[@sweetgyy]

hey you were driving me crazy seein you balance your radio like that or just sitting in on your transport seat !!! you should have just put it in the crate in the back!! anyway that seems like a good radio.. I have the 857d with the 100 watts. 73's

[@Commsprepper]

Fred Suero I agree. I plan to make some kind of housing to put the radio stuff in that will connect to the atv. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment.

[@sweetgyy]

Commsprepper no problems man . I take it that little radio doesn't really get hot? I would get like an old dungaree , cut it up and make like a jacket for it. good look with it and keep in touch.

[@ManuelPinner]

Now You can get the HP Stream 8 Tablet the Runs Window 8.1, This Tablet PC can be use for Slow Scan TV and Packet and RTTY, I have the HP Stream 7,

[@NCOP21]

EXCELLENT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Keep Your Powder Dry OM. 73