Yaesu FT-818 "No Difference" Wrap Up: Don't Bother Upgrading.

Watch Jarrad VK3BL get emotional as he gives the new FT-818 3/5 Stars, and a mere 1/5 Stars as an upgrade over the FT-817ND!
We reveal the internal changes of the FT-818, and confirm that it would seem to be mostly a parts obsolescence issue. That said, we expect some changes to result in slightly better performance.
High Resolution photos showing the differences are here:
bkb.so/3IkB5k+
bkb.so/bn3RRX+
Feel free to share them unedited :)
Overall, we're keeping the FT-818, but recommend you upgrade your FT-817ND instead.
73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team

[@jasonrearick4468]

The radio was never brought about to be an upgrade to the Ft-817, it was produced to continue the FT-817 line. There were components in the Ft-817 that were out of production, so it was end the 817 model, or replace the out of production components with new ones to continue the radio. Yaesu choose the keep the radio going, and updated the components. They would have continued to call it an 817, but due to FCC standards, the radio needed to go through testing and specs again, and with the different components it had to bare a different FT-###. That is the reason I found from someone at Yaesu USA.

[@RateMyRadio]

We believe the components, but are not convinced the name needed to be changed to "FT-818". For example, the original FT-817 had a different PA section; when it was revised due to a high failure rate the new model was released as the FT-817ND. We really think Yaesu threw away an excellent marketing opportunity on a minor spec bump; but thats just our opinion that many seem to share. 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)

[@rotorrant5867]

Rate My Radio vk5kbb here. I’ve been repairing these guys for years and as far as I can tell the 817nd change only effected the display. PAs are not electronically different to the point of needing recertification. However there are a few ICs that do not exist any more and on the receiver front end the helical filters for UHF have also been gone for years. Chip components now offer similar performance. We know they could have gone all out but not sure if it would sell more! I’ll give you a full review when I get the TSM

[@EricFullwood]

@@RateMyRadio The FCC required a name change

[@Scraws]

No! I think everyone should upgrade, then we'll have an oversaturated market of used 817s that will end up going for $200. 😁 Then I can get one!

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear Brian, You're not alone in hoping that. All Yaesu had to do was include a LiPo battery or C4FM, and I am sure it would have happened. Oh well, there is always the FT-819, right? 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@magic591]

wasn't that long ago you could pick up a good used 817 for $275, an ND for $325, now they are way too expensive for basically old school QRP.

[@magic591]

@@frankwc0o that was years ago, times have changed, wouldn't touch them at todays prices.

[@magic591]

@@frankwc0o right now, when even old outdated radios are selling for ridiculous prices I would probably go for something like the uBitx V6. The Alinco DX-SR8T is probably the best priced production rig that can be turned down to QRP output and pulls less current on receive as it doesn't have DSP .

[@Pedro8k]

Well now the icom 705 and 818 are out I am hoping there will be more 817 on the used market cheaper hopefully

[@hamradiocomms]

I agree, we could have added any of these upgrades...I don't think they wanted to redesign the radio, too costly. But they could have done these things below and I would buy it. > DSP like Bhi could have been retrofitted. This radio needs noise reduction. > 3000 mah LiIon battery, no need to redo internal charger, they can include an external adapter. > NOAA weather - Just raise the frequency on the 2m band to 163 mhz or higher, easy. For a survival, hiking, camping radio how does it not have weather? > DC Power in: More robust, larger cable. > TCXO - Include as standard using chinese type newer design that is more stable and around $25 retail > Include a bail to raise the front !!

[@RateMyRadio]

These are all good suggestions! The wish list for us included C4FM and a Li-Ion battery, but I must admit being impressed with the $20 IKEA LADDA battery ‘hack’ shown in my video. 83, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@KU9L]

Thanks, Jarad for the honest detailed reviews & solid opinions. We do not have either radio yet and are just getting back into the hobby after a 20-year virtual absence, except for 2M FM between OM & XYL. It is hard to compare apples to apples these days between competitors, so it seems one ends up owning a lot of radios or adjusts his/her operating modes to the radios they have. We are full-time RV Caravan travelers in North America (some year will come to AU & NZ land to rent a caravan to travel there also). We occasionally Camp Host for the National Park Service in remote mountain or desert campgrounds, so our personal communications are as unique as our QRP Sota & Hamsat communications. It seems almost every campsite we host is located in a box canyon so if one of us drives into town, it takes more than a 5-watt handheld's to penetrate those 750-meter deep canyons to the nearest mountain-top repeater. My aerospace electronics working career got me away from the hobby unfortunately and now jumping back in makes me feel a bit like Rip Van Winkle when it comes to trying to play catchup. We are glad to see mates like you helping re-educate us. My last big achievement was ARRL 2M VUCC in something like 1988, but our RV caravan limits us to a radio or two plus the one in our truck and anything I carry when I am portable QRPp. I'll go back to absorbing your videos. ;-) 73, Dave KU9L & Sheila KB9YYI

[@wadepatton2433]

Preach it! Yaesu REALLY dropped the ball here. Hope they really make up for it whenever next UPrate comes. 817 for me no problemo.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

That's the most honest YT title I think I've ever seen. Well done! Subbed.

[@mountainsunsets]

Nice video, thanks for your thoughts. Would you recommend the Ft818ND if you don’t own a FT817nd? I currently using an ICOM 703 as my low power radio. Any thoughts greatly appreciated.

[@fragmentedmind549]

I ended up purchasing a FT 817 was lost in airport baggage along with my other belongings. Insurance ended up covering the cost to a replacement after I paid the small deductable. Ft-818 is a nice rig as is the 817. However I have the 818 running 5 watts output to save some battery power and I tend to use a external or an after market lithium battery. Fortunately I had a spare filter and txco from my old 897 that I sold off years ago... So the upgrades are kind of lost on me. I was glad I got the 818 all on all. I didn't have learn a new rig, all my accessories worked, and so on. However I wouldn't have bought the 818 if I was wanting my first qrp radio or and upgrade from the 817. I simply wanted to replace my lost rig and not have to by a whole new kit.

[@RateMyRadio]

PS, check out the "Yaesu FT-818" Facebook Group for high resolution images comparing the FT-817ND to the FT-818ND. You can see the different relays, and the iterative improvements in RF Shielding etc. We've also posted a picture showing how to modify the AA tray to recharge NiMH batteries. 73, Jarrad VK3BL ALL MODIFICATIONS ARE MADE AT YOUR OWN RISK. PRIMARY CELLS (NON RECHARGEABLE) MUST NOT BE USED WITH THE TRAY AFTERWARDS.

[@radioaxe6964]

I have never owned an 817 but do own an 818. Totally agree with Jarrad... thumbs up.

[@LancasterWannaBe]

For someone who is new to ham radio, is there a different product you'd recommend for someone who is considering the 818? I've seen the 817nd on ebay a few times, but the lowest price is just 160 USD lower than a brand new 818. -KE0SBF

[@RateMyRadio]

Honestly for a first radio i'd recommend a unit capable of 100W. We're currently at the bottom of the solar cycle, requiring contacts to generally be made on the lower bands (40M or lower). These bands have higher atmospheric noise, which means extra power is needed to get past the noise floor. Its not that you won't make contacts with 6W, its just that they will be a lot harder. The Yaesu FT-857ND is almost as small, but offers the same feature set, 100w minus the internal battery. Alternatively, the Icom IC-7100 is a much newer radio with an awesome feature set. 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@thelydiaspringexperiment6437]

if you intend working portable a lot then 817/818 is great. its well built to take abuse and 5w can get you a very long way when you choose the right location and antenna. if you work cw or below 40m think about a collins filter for that extra 160$ instead of buying new. also you will want a few lipo packs and a charger (RC packs) and elecraft t1 atu (and a decent box for it), data and acc leads, build a splitter to run the atu data and bluetooth to android tablet with hrd software. complete the kit with a magloop, inverted v, cross dipole yagi for 2m/70cm repeater and satellite and a roll up solar panel (fuji fwave/laptop charger) and a kl400, i have often worked oz from uk out of a backpack. 5w and magloop got me a 5/9 from bulgaria to washington state. however, if you are going to plonk it on a shelf in the shack, you are better getting a full size rig for the same money. there are also some nice sdr rtx coming out of china if you want to run computerised,

[@MoTown44240]

I was attempting to purchase another FT817ND but kept hearing that my sources are out of stock and that a replacement for the FT817ND about to be announced by Yaesu. I was overjoyed until I read the specifications on the FT818. Nothing new and the MSRP was a bit higher than what I paid for the FT817ND. Maybe there will be an amazing replacement for the FT817ND that I can utilize while I'm capable to still play radio. An FT819? Thanks for the video. It assured me that my decision not buy the FT818 was correct. 72 de KB8AMZ, Terry

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear Terry, You're most welcome. Unless you don't have a 817 style radio already, or have a need for another, there is no point buying an FT-818ND which is a real pity. Stay tuned to our channel for further 81X related content - because the 818 announcement was such a let down we're reviewing various devices and 'hacks' to get more out of what we all already have. 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)

[@MoTown44240]

Jarrad, When the FT817 came into being I wanted one but in 2002 I bought the FT857D (listed at that time for $785 USD) instead because HRO had a great deal with a $100 off coupon. I had a trip planned to visit my Son at Ft. Benning, GA and could stop in Atlanta, GA on my way home to Ohio and save myself the shipping cost. I've been a QRP OP since receiving my Novice ticket in Jan. 1986. I was told by experienced hams that I would soon tire of QRP and want a rig with more umph. They were wrong. I've enjoyed QRP since the first CQ from my kit built Heathkit HW-9. Around 1989 I was able to afford a new Kenwood TS140S. It was not meant to replace the HW-9 but to add to my abilities to compete with stations running more than my peanut power. I have never run more than 50w output from the TS140. When I purchased the FT857 I planned to sell the TS140. I still have it but don't use it. It's time to sell it though. Finally able to scrape enough extra dollars from my retirement pension to afford the $750 list price. I planned to take my money to Dayton Hamvention to buy a discounted FT817. A week before leaving some ham friends alerted me that Giga Parts was having a $100 off coupon sale and I should check their web site. I hadn't heard of Giga Parts, but did check the web site. I did purchase the FT817 online but I would have to wait about 6 weeks for delivery. Oh well, there was my HW-9 for QRP. I didn't buy the FT817 to be a base rig. It was to be my out-and-about rig and used for CW only. I didn't buy it for bells and whistles or to use for phone, well compared to my HW-9 it did have some bells and whistles. After having the FT817 for a couple months I purchased the W4RT 300 Hz filter and Quick charger and larger NiMH battery. I had to carry a 7 aH battery with me went for extended outings. Don't need that so much now. Too old for the outings. Hi Purchased the Wincamp LiPo battery charging kit a couple years ago. This rig is all I want it to be. Even though I don't get out and about the countryside as much these days the FT817 and FT857 are my two favorite rigs. I have purchase the HW-7 and HW-8 as collectors rigs and get on the air with my trio occasionally. But none of the Heathkits compare to my FT817. I will take you up on further review watching of the FT81X content. Best 72 de KB8AMZ, Terry

[@rotorrant5867]

Great review. Any chance of getting a hi-res scan of the schematic? Then I can give you a real technical analysis.

[@charlie12590]

I think your coax cable out side your window is stauking you! Good vid. 73 from N2FJ

[@RateMyRadio]

I noticed that too ;). It was a very very windy fall day here in VK3! 73, Jarrad

[@swingdaddy2126]

this made my day, funny stuff. it def looks like a creeper

[@wadepatton2433]

shit, now that's all i can see.

[@richard-fy2mu]

I have a ft857d forced to run qrp due to restricted location. go field means lugging a lot. I wanted the 817nd for my cha p loop, but not here so 818nd would be starter radio. I need a light radio with batters I can carry with my loop and mag mount 2/70. Seems 818nd adds features I would have to do separately. Why not start off complete and up grade the 818nd later. I do cw and ssb but no chance I get my 100 watts and 30ft mast back

[@darrellhagan6124]

So the question is - if the new FT-818 uses new components, then is the FT-817nd still servicable? Will Yaesu and independant repair centers still be able to repair the FT-817 for the forseeable future? Lets hope so!

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear Darrell, The short answer is yes. The long answer is a manufacturer discontinues using a part when they can't buy in bulk, however a small repair shop can normally find replacements for many years after. Additionally, the PA side board from the 818 should work just fine with an 817. 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@rhythmstic]

My 817ND failed to start after charging the internal battery, haven't figure that out yet, so I went out and bought a brand new 818ND.

[@mostlypostie1]

I absolutely, totally agree with you. The 817 is such a great radio, but the 818 should have been something new, better, different. Thanks for the video.

[@RateMyRadio]

You're most welcome; I don't think I'll ever figure out what was going through Yaesu's heads when they decided to waste the 'FT-818' brand. 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@jirdesteva]

I want to thank you in advance and express how much I appreciate your thorough testing. I do have a question If you didn't have a all mode all band radio witch of the following would you buy Yeasu 818ND or Yaesu 857D ? Or is there another that you would choose. I am tight on space and budget so I would like a good do-it-all radio. I already KNOW do-it-all doesn't always mean do it all well. Thanks again.

[@RateMyRadio]

It depends on whether or not I had another HF radio. The FT-818ND is a lovely 'second' or 'third' radio, but with band conditions the way they are at the moment, the extra power the FT-857D offers is a must have if it is your only radio. Quite a few National Park activators in VK like to use the FT-857D at around 30 Watts with a LiPo battery pack. The FT-818ND on the other hand is a great 'tool' for finding RFI in the shack, house & neighbourhood, and has a cult following amongst QRP ops. If you are new to Ham radio, the FT-857D is definitely the way to go; QRP whilst fun, is a challenge and can be frustrating at first for new members of our great hobby. 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)

[@jirdesteva]

Thanks I've been looking into this for the last couple of weeks. The price point being the same and the power being better and a slightly larger screen (bad eye sight). It will be my first HF rig.

[@Thejohnnyoshow]

I love my 817nd but unless you plan on doing backpack portable, i would skip it. Also as a side note i do not have the 857d but i have then 891, and honestly i think based on my experience with the 817nd i would have liked the 857d better. even though it does not have all the filtering options built in like the 891. Im not a fan of my 891 but it is what it is. I know your not looking at an 891 but just saying i don't like mine is all. incase you decided to look at that radio, its got a few issues.

[@jirdesteva]

Thank you very much I do appreciate all the advice. Yes I was looking at the 891 and I wish Yaesu would have made the 818nd with the screen of the 891. But I need an all mode all band all in one because I have very limited space. I'm a new ham that wants to get the most out of one piece of equipment and then expand as I learn if I get more space and more budget.

[@frankwc0o]

817 is still expensive on eBay or other sites. That's incredible! You would think the 817 should sell for $250 or less, but they don't. As for the 818, you would think they would sell it much less than $600.

[@thelydiaspringexperiment6437]

i could actually sell my 817 now for more than i paid new in 2004

[@frankwc0o]

@@thelydiaspringexperiment6437 That's crazy. No reason for a popular radio to be so expensive. Especially those who want to get into HF and use an inexpensive used equipment.

[@andree0101]

Literally trading half a dozen for six. "Yaesu did it again"

[@RateMyRadio]

Historically speaking, counting beyond 6 was an innovation that took centuries... go easy on them ;)

[@MoTown44240]

Jarrad, have you heard about 2way-radioexpress selling a software converted FT818 that transmits 12 watts on HF? I came across such a deal on eBay. Since it is shipped from Athens, Greece I would be leary about the legitimacy of a software converted FT818. Have you heard anything about this?

[@binoykv]

TNX for the nice video , the case dimensions are same ?.. shall we use same accessories used for 817ND..?

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear Binoy, The radio case and dimensions are identical to the 817ND, and all the same accessories can be used. In this regard, it is a good new model. Certainly, I would have no problem recommending an FT-818ND to a ham who does not already own an FT-817ND. In fact, one of my friends just purchased one for that very reason! 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team

[@rurikau]

I am seriously looking at getting an 818. This is my first Hf Radio, the reason why I am looking at it over some other choices is the longevity and robustness of the desghin. I have looked at some other radios at the price point and none of them fill me with the confidence the 818 does. Now if I can across an 817 at a reasonable price I would go for that but they all seem to be fairly expensive and I wouldn’t upgrade from one. However I do think they are a great entry level option. If anyone has something to add or another perspective on this I would be keen to hear it.

[@RateMyRadio]

They're a great radio, and having examined both I am confident second hand FT-817NDs will be able to be serviced for some time. The only limitation of either as a first radio is that QRP is hard even at the top of a solar cycle, and we're at the bottom. I personally wouldn't recommend starting out with 5W unless you know what you're in for. That said, if you do there are two good 30W Chinese made amplifiers available for ~$200 that can add 6dB to your signal and help out a lot. 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@rurikau]

I keep hearing about “cheap” 817s and there must be a ton out there not being used. However when I have seen them for sale the price has been 80% of new. In which case I will buy new so I get a warranty. I even saw one sell the other month that was describe as “my dad was into radio and we are now selling his stuff. I don’t know if this works, does not power on has no mic” it sold for $450

[@RateMyRadio]

Cheap 817's are like unicorns; often read about a lot on 'paper' but rarely seen in practice. I've seen the same number of both; any cheap 817 I've seen was just like the unicorn I was offered once cheap that looked a lot like a horse... apparently, the horn was faulty... ;). 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@rurikau]

Glad it isn’t just me not seeing them; I was starting to think it was an emperors new clothes type of thing. Mind you I understand why people would hold onto them; they are easily portable and would make a great backup in any shack setup. I know I won’t let go of one once I get it.

[@rurikau]

Well I managed to find one at a fair price (I wouldn’t say cheap). The story is it was brought off someone’s dad who was into radio but the guy couldn’t do QRP so gave up and sold it for what he paid for it. I am yet to make a QSO on it but that has more to do with me having to sit down and learn about how to use it.

[@Fishermanfred1]

Wonderful review.🏁

[@RateMyRadio]

Thanks :). 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@TingILi]

Could I buy the Tokyo hy-power HL 450B from you?

[@RateMyRadio]

It isn’t for sale as such, but if you’d like you can send me an offer to my QRZ.com email address. Its as new with box :). 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@alanread6596]

Very interesting video I agree it's not worth buying the 818 just for 1 watt and a slightly bigger battery. Your idea of the AA batteries is a better option for the 817nd. 73's Alan in the UK.

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear Alan, Thanks for the comment :). I've just modified my tray by desoldering the green wire, so we'll see how these IKEA "Eneloop Pro" batteries perform; they're certainly bargain priced for Low Self Discharge NiMH cells! 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@1johnnygunn]

Be sure but I think maybe you need to turn your gain up on your microphone I do have some trouble hearing due to my tinnitus

[@karlfell3768]

I totally agree with your findings. I know a lot of 817 owners that find the new release a bit of a joke. As for 60mtr usage, all the earlier models are easy to upgrade as long as you have some soldering ability and a steady hand. I think that the original 817 will still be king of the hill for most for a long time yet and I personally would never part with mine. Thank you for your insights. Karl, M0KRL

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear Karl, your most welcome :). I honestly believe FT-817ND owners should stick with what they've got and maybe spend a bit of pocket change here or there if they feel like an upgrade. Its still a one of a kind classic radio, and everything in the FT-818ND and more can be had cheaply one step at a time. Enjoy your rig, 73 Jarrad VK3BL

[@Pedro8k]

Yes if you are buying new get the 818 if you already have a 817 don't bother upgrading

[@TheDf2486]

I just picked up a New one from HRO for $599. Not an upgrade but That's a great price.

[@TheDf2486]

I think the ICOM 7300 is going to push the price of alot of rigs down especially the used market :)

[@BennyCFD]

They're both good radios, but why not get a Yaesu 857. It's not that much bigger and it has all the same features HF, VHF, and UHF, 5 watts to 100 watts. How many people will only work 5 watts.

[@andykeir8489]

I think maybe you're approaching this from the wrong perspective. What you wanted/expected was an evolutionary step, not a simple update. The FT-817/817ND has been an amazingly successful and popular design which has stood the test of time. Yaesu have simply stuck with that proven design and just updated some of the internals with newer devices as older ones can no longer be reliably sourced. Maybe Yaesu will come out with an entirely new QRP HF/VHF/UHF all-mode portable in due course but, despite expectations, there was never any obligation on their part to do any more that update what is an already winning formula. An analogy. My last motorcycle was a Kawasaki KLR650. A popular and versatile dual adventure bike which has barely changed since the late 1980s. People are always asking "when will we get fuel injection" or "what about ABS?" ... but Kawasaki stick steadfastly the the original formula and still sell heaps of them. They are simple, reliable and predictable. If you broke down in Nepal you could probably find a mechanic there to fix it. Not so much with a certain all-singing, all-dancing European adventure bike :) Perhaps if sales of the FT-817 had slowed to an unviable trickle Yaesu would have been motivated to be bolder ... but I suspect sales were still strong and they've just moved to ensure a continuing supply. I agree that there's little point in updating from a FT-817 to a FT-818 however I'm confident sales of the FT-818 will be strong.

[@RateMyRadio]

The sales are indeed strong Andy; I'm not for a minute suggesting people shouldn't buy the new model. For about 5-10 years now, there have been rumours of an 'evolutionary step' upgrade of the FT-817, to be known as the FT-818. In that sense, I and a lot of others got our hopes dashed when we got more of the same. All of that said, the FT-818 still holds its own as a new purchase; I merely mean to point out that it isn't an 'upgrade' purchase. I've been following the story since the FT-818 papers were first lodged with the FCC, and given all the speculation that resulted in, it was indeed a bit of a let down. Still, I enjoy using the FT-818 daily, and the FT-817 was sold to a Ham who got a bargain given it already had the TXCO fitted, and I gave him all the brand new accessories :). 73 Jarrad VK3BL

[@andykeir8489]

Thanks for your reply. Perhaps I'm just a bit jaded after reading so many reviews recently which are blasting Yaesu. Perhaps it was the "don't bother" in the title (yes, I understand it relates to upgrading but it still looks dismissive of the FT-818ND). I've read so many which claim that Yaesu have lost the plot, are 'mad', will go broke and even "I'll never buy another Yaesu product after this". Some are like spoiled kids at Christmas ... upset because they expected a Lamborghini but got given a reliable Camry instead. Thankfully your reviews and videos are a bit more balanced :) Seriously, there's nothing wrong with the FT-818ND and I think you've hit the nail on the head with the mention of "rumours". Unrealistic expectations have been built over the years, based entirely on rumour and speculation. Somebody posts something like "it would be nice to see 1296 MHz and DSP on the next model". That morphs into "we can surely expect to see 1296 MHz and DSP on the next model", then it becomes "the new model will definitely have 1296 MHz and DSP" ... and then when the new version arrives everyone starts accusing Yaesu of lies and incompetence. Meanwhile nobody at Yaesu has ever mentioned 1296 MHz or DSP and they're just continuing production of a successful, reliable and well designed product at a good price point. I'm sure that to the decision makers at Yaesu the FT-818ND is much a case of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it". It's a bit like mobile phones. The fanboys dream up features like built-in holographic projectors and nuclear batteries, then when the new model arrives and it's just a phone everyone has conniptions! Anyway, thanks again for your videos. I do appreciate and enjoy them and perhaps one day we'll catch up on air ... FT-818ND to FT-818ND :) VK2AAK

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear Andy, Thanks for the lovely reply. We're absolutely on the same page regarding all the 'hate' thrown at Yaesu recently, and yes I agree my title was a bit provocative but as you've correctly identified it specifically refers to upgrading. We're quite big fans of Yaesu here - the other half of the team VK3HBN Ben grew up on Yaesu radios, and I'm currently in love with their Wires-X system. Hopefully, we'll get a chance to review the FTDX-101D, and hopefully it hits a home run so we can give it 10/10 and rave about yaesu's efforts :) 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@georgerex0]

I have owned the 897, the 857, and now own a ft991 and also a ftdx1200. I like yaesu. but having 6 watts ? I thought qrp is 5 watts ?? no need for 6 watts. but since it has such a small screen, how about a socket for a ft meter ??? like the 897 and the 857 have ? of all the rigs I know the 817 or 818 should have one. George VK2DLF www.morsekeys.com

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear George, 6 Watts has a lot of people shaking their heads - especially those who use them to drive transverters. Luckily, you can "restore" proper functionality using the service menu if needed :) An FT meter would be a nice addition; time and time again owners tell me I'm S++, even if they had of revised it to give decibel readings it would be nice... 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@hectorpascal]

I think Yaesu will get well and truly financially spanked, over this stupid decision to continue trying to sell a 17 y/o radio. This is idiocy on a par with introducing the 991, and 6 months later announcing the 991A.

[@RateMyRadio]

I'd like to think so as well, but the FT-817ND was still selling extremely well and the FT-818ND isn't doing any worse. The fact of the matter is no one else makes a radio quite like it! We really hope someone with a full lab setup tests the receiver performance, as there is extra shielding in the FT-818 that in theory should lead to better performance. That said, everyone we have spoken to would have preferred they called it anything but the FT-818!!! 73, Jarrad VK3BL & the RMR Team :)

[@hectorpascal]

I just wonder how many people like myself, have had enough cash put by for quite a while to buy the replacement, but now won't risk spending it on such an old patched-up design. The immediate parts sourcing problems may have been fixed in the "new" model, but how long before other critical old parts become unobtainable?

[@chavezc23]

I’ll take your old radio ;)

[@RateMyRadio]

I'm sorry you're too late it sold recently :)

[@massoud999]

Cool 73 de 4Z5UY

[@adrianoragazzo1321]

The FT-818 specs were out since bit o' time . New "improvements" are also on the box ...you're frustrated but...WHY you bought it anyway ?? Specs were ? Max Power = Six Watts . Any good from 5 to 6 ? No, ofc . Built in txco . Well, who cares.. new battery ? Ohhh....so why you bought it anyway...nonsense .

[@RateMyRadio]

Here at 'Rate My Radio', we aim to review popular new release radios. 73, Jarrad VK3BL