Yaesu FT-891 Buttons and Functions- Ham Radio How-to

Getting started with the Yaesu FT-891 can seem a little complicated with many of its features hidden behind a menu. In this video I break it all down for the the new user and show a few hidden tips for the experienced ham.
Timestamp
00:00 Introduction
00:49 Front Panel Controls
03:20 Memory and VFO switching
04:15 60 meter operation
04:49 QMB Quick Memory Banks
05:39 Clarifier
06:19 Customizing the A B C Buttons
07:16 Function Menus
08:26 Function Menu 1
12:16 Function Menu 2
18:04 CW Setting Menu
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#YaesuFT891 #Yaesu #PortableHamRadio #MissingManual

[@727jetjumper]

great intro. I've had my 891 for 3 years and learned something :)

[@F4LDT-Alain]

Thanks a lot, this was extremely useful. I'm discovering my FT-891 and I was struggling a lot. The documentation isn't the best either. This helped a lot.

[@cchalfantusa]

So helpful Michael! I got an FT-891 as my first HF radio last week. Coming back to this video was a huge accelerator.

[@mikestone9129]

Just ordered the 891 and this is the best menu functions video I've found, thanks and 73s

[@ChannelofRichPierik]

I have owned this radio for over a month. Helpfull to watch this video for a second time. Thanks.

[@bleeelmer]

Hi from SC Wisco! I just ordered an 891 to replace my old FT-757GX. I've got a lot to learn! This is the best video I've found for the 891. Will definitely be coming back to it.

[@perrseb5772]

Thank you! New to FT 981 and appreciating your video

[@brian.7966]

you do a great job, smile a bit more. you look very serious.

[@KI5DDO]

Great video! And super pumped to hear a dedicated CW video to come. Thanks for putting in the time to makes this reference video. I’ve owned an FT891 and learned some new things! 73!

[@JohnPuglianoWEALTHSTEADING]

Great explanations. The 891 is full of features and I’m always learning something new. It’s a fantastic mobile rig.

[@jefft2553]

Great video. I hope you continue building on this series. This is valuable Learning about all the functions and how to apply them.

[@laszlokovacs8827]

A+. Excellent work Michael and thanks for doing this. Looking forward to your future videos on this great radio.

[@azarellediaz4892]

Great video, especially for this rookie. I just got my 891 a week ago and haven’t powered it up yet for lack of an antenna, but it’s coming soon.

[@anthonycosta1776]

Thanks for that full depiction of the radio. It was perfect.

[@toddshook1765]

Thanks for the “out of box” review and operation of the 891. I have had one for about two years and been in my mobile; either my pick up or my Peterbilt. I reinstalled in my pick up. I try out different settings and find the functions. You helped me by stating how you set yours.

[@hamradiobasics]

Michael this this an excellent overview and perfect for beginners or those new to the FT-891. Thank you for sharing !

[@haroldskinner1783]

Thanks for sharing, the FT 891 is a new rig for me, great video for getting it up and running

[@donz7992]

Thank you , Michael, for such a comprehensive but quick overview of essential functions of this rig. Mine came just a couple days ago and as an IC-7300 owner I was concerned about the menu structure. Thanks to you and some other videos I have realized the hidden gems in this rig. I plan on using it for portable / POTA and as a very capable back up should my 7300 get sick. Great job! Don Z, KC0DWZ

[@richarde735]

Hi Michael, this is exactly what I needed this evening! I hope all is well in Wisconsin!

[@johnpeterson7264]

Fantastic overview ! Just what I needed ! Thanks !

[@preparados1917]

Thank you for the video, it is very informative. I look forward for more videos about the FT-891.

[@OysterPir8]

Oh man! This is great! I wish there was a video like this for the 897D!

[@ryanjones9305]

Many thanks for your work. I just got my 891 delivered yesterday and part of my decision to get that radio was your videos. So again, thank you, sir! And I still use my 2m j-pole I got from you, it works perfect for my setup and I have no reason to change it!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

That's great to hear!

[@AllanBProductions]

Thanks for sharing this Michael!

[@RayMoser]

When I first got my license, I bought a slim jim 2m antenna from you. It is amazing. Now, I am going to buy an FT-891 for mobile/field operations. This video really helped me make up my mind between this and the FT-991A. Unless you feel otherwise, I think this will work for me. It's not a matter of money, but the simplicity of operation. This video really helped me understand that the FT-891 has the features I need to use phone/ssb on HF. Thanks again David!!

[@allenmcgee9379]

I have the FT-891 and I love it for in the field. Such a great and simple radio and the screen is easy to see even in sunlight. It’s small, and compact but has a great sound and its a great looking little rig. I prefer to use a travel MFJ tuner and they work well together

[@Ophiuchus42]

Great overview. Should be a required video to watch after purchase. Look forward to the next detailed videos. Thank You. 73 W4HDX

[@MrJimmy440]

Again, a very informative video. Thank you.

[@wushock92]

Thanks, Michael. I haven't sat down in front of my 891 long enough to figure these out.

[@mikemiles3068]

Good video Michael👍❗️I am glad you are doing this series on the YAESU FT891 I just picked up a used FT891 two weeks ago at the Texas Orange Ham Fest for a very reasonable price a so far I am very happy with it but it definitely does much more than I expected. 73. KV5P

[@w4mkh]

Great video Michael with excellent descriptions of the different functions. I admit that my biggest issue with the 891 is quickly finding the function I need to respond to changing band conditions. This will help and I plan to watch it again when I am in front of the radio. My primary POTA/SOTA radio is a Xiegu X6100 as I like QRP. But if I need a 100 watts then I turn to my 891 for portable use. MY 7300 stays in the shack as does the 891 when it isn't going portable.

[@josephhaga1]

Thanks I just bought this is as my first rig I was a bit nervous about using it but it seems to be rather straight forward

[@u2fanforever1]

Thank you Michael. I’m thinking of picking this radio up as my first HF rig. I’m hoping to mimic you to a degree, field set ups, mobile ops type stuff. If you have a dream rig set up that would fit in a backpack, I’d love to hear it! Thanks for all you do !

[@bennettmcbride8399]

This video explains very well the menu system of the FT-991. I did not see the "S meter" function on this video. And, I have never been able to to get it to work on either of my two FT-891's. Otherwise, this is a great portable & mobile rig. Great for POTA activations. Thank you for this and your other videos.

[@mikemiles3068]

Good vide Michael❗️I just picked a used FT 891 at the Orange Texas Ham Fest last month for a very good price and it is less than a year old without so much as a scratch. I am just getting acquainted with it menu and I am not finding it to be as difficult as I heard, it seems to be fairly strait forward and the little radio has quite a bit to offer. So far I am very happy with it and definitely appreciate these videos on the FT 891, they help a lot. Thanks 73 KV5P

[@KE0ZCO]

Thank You Michael. That video helped a lot.

[@garyoliver8183]

Really helpful, Michael. Thanks!

[@vtradio]

Great video. I just won a Yaesu FT-891 as at door prize at a Hamfest, called NEAR-Fest. 73 Paul AA1SU

[@okhouri]

That was a very good tutorial. Thank you

[@ai5dd]

I appreciate the info on the FT891, I recently got this with the side rails from Portable Zero in O.D. green. This fits a specific role in my kit for 100watts if I need it. The most annoying menu change I needed was to make SWR to show on the main screen, it was hidden in the menus. ZIN and NAR are my favs :)

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm on the fence with the side rails. I like the look, but they sure add bulk to the radio. I think the two biggest questions I see the new user of the FT-891 ask is: how do I change the power and how do I change the meter. I'll get into the power question and other things hidden deep in the menu in a future video.

[@jean-francoisgrun7524]

Thanks for the nice video! Well done!

[@MisterBigDave]

Very excellent video on my favorite mobile radio! I have it mounted on a 2x4 block in my truck with two large bolts so I can easily remove it during periods of winter/summer extreme temperatures.

[@philipchandler330]

Thanks so much answered some questions I had

[@jacobaccurso]

My dear 811.100 (Violation of the Basic Rule) 😂…… this video was most helpful. Without it, I would have remained completely lost. I was able to select CW in order to become a tuner upper and that has made all the difference. I’ve learned so much about all the other settings in my new 891. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@Marty48034]

So.much.information. here. WOW!!

[@MrTommy001]

I'm struggling with what Yaesu radio I want to use for POTA. I have an FT-710 in my shack and am fairly familiar with it (but still have a long way to go). I see many POTA operators USE the 710. But I'm not fond of the idea of having to disconnect all my wires and connections when I want to go portable. Buying another 710 is an option so long as I don't mind spending another $1000 (GASP!). So, enter the FT-891. A lot of reviews I've read say it's extremely complicated to get used to. I can see that! As an old guy (78) with CRS and chemo-brain, learning yet another radio seems a daunting task. The 891 is only four pounds while the 710 comes in at a honking 10 pounds! So, I'll watch all your 891 videos that pertain to what I want to use it for and 'try' to make a decision. Thanks for this seemingly easy to follow video. Added on 7-9-24: Well, I bit the bullet and bought the FT-891. Your (and others) videos will help get me up to speed. Thanks for your help.

[@raymondglidewell5481]

Love mine! Hoping to get out and activate a park or two this summer. I’ve found that using FLRIG on my computer to control the radio has made POTA hunting much easier while at home. Most of the functions have a slider. Thanks for breaking down what each item does. 73 K5RAG

[@ATOMSHAMRADIO]

Great introduction 👍

[@petermajor4599]

Thank you💎💎💎💎💪👋🍀👋💪💪💪🥐🥐🐿🤗 kind regards from germany

[@ATOMSHAMRADIO]

That radio is straight forward to me 👍💯

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I also think its pretty straight-forward. Once you understand the Yaesu mindset, things just fall into place.

[@davewhite7679]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Like all things - repetition is the best teacher. For us old guys it doesn't take long to forget all the small details. KZ9V

[@hightail4x478]

thanks for the great info

[@owlcricker-k7ulm]

Very well done sir.

[@davidschumacher3456]

Nice video Michael! This provided a great overview of all the functions and even learned there is a friction control on the tuning knob. I'm relatively new to HF and even newer to the FT-891 so much to learn. I used to live in Wausau many years ago but have bounced around the western states but will be moving back to northern WI probably next year. I want to tap your knowledge and talents some day. 73 KF7CSV

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Glad you found the video useful. Drop me a line when you get back to Wisconsin. Nice thing about living in Wausau is that I can get to most anywhere in the northwoods in a hour or so.

[@instafax]

Tuner button also turns external FC-40 wire tuner or FC-50 coax tuner on/off. Press and hold forces a tuning cycle. Also controls some non-Yaesu tuners. External tuner must be connected when rig is powered up or the button won't work. Great show Michael!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yeah, all the Yaesu tuners use the same tune button. I think the MAT-30 may use it also. The LDG tuners use a different method where you press the tune button on the tuner and it switches the radio.

[@barrykery1175]

You really get a lot of radio for the money. What a great affordable radio for the new ham with a limited budget. Barry, KU3X

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

They've packed a lot into this little radio.

[@brucesteele3052]

Have the 891 as a mobile. Love it.

[@ATOMSHAMRADIO]

Love to try one of them radios I've heard them on the air and they sound pretty good 💯⁉️perfect portable for me👍

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I've always gotten excellent audio reports with mine, even with tough conditions in the field.

[@VOGDXEU]

I have ordered one ... Will arrive in 2 weeks. Best 73s, Jimmy sy1dal

[@ipklondonuk]

Thanks Michael, At the moment I take out my Yaesu FT450D portable, but it's getting somewhat tiresome keep unplugging everything at home, and to be honest the power connector is a real pain, so I have decided to pick one of these up in the very near future, So why not go for the Yaesu FT818 or Icom 705, simple answer, Power, just being out portable is a compromise in itself but to have a maximum of say 10 Watts just wouldn't do for me, I like to use three to four times more than that. Great video, very informative

[@bradnicoll2282]

Great video Michael. Thanks! Maybe we'll catch up with you in the U.P. someday. W8RAD

[@roberts3942]

Another well-done video for those of us considering this transceiver as our first HF rig. K4PYA

[@Downeastwaves]

Just got one yesterday! My first HF! Excited to get started but the ATAS 120A won't be here for a few days.

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Mine just came in yahoo can’t wait to get an antena and work technician hf privelages . I need and antena and power supply and need to study for general . Just got my study guide !

[@macreynolds4377]

B-S, you get out what you put in!

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

This makes no sense

[@delruner]

Thank Michael this was a great reference for me. Love my ft-891. Question, for portable power would Lifepo4 4s 14.8v rc battery damage this radio? Yeasu Specs say +-15% can I say then 2v over or under 13.2v is ok and safe?

[@Ron-xn4wf]

Wow. Good video. Seems very complicated. I'm starting to think that I will never learn this radio.

[@JosephVE3GKT]

Hi Michael! Great video. How do you operate 60m digital modes? Are you able to change SSB to DIG-U? FT8 is normally on Channel 3 Also, is there an RIT or XIT that works on 60m CW, so you're not zero-beated with everyone else? I don't know CW yet, let alone have a 60m CW qso. Just asking this out of curiosity. 60m is my favorite band, and FT8 is a fantastic mode on 60m. I've worked dozens of Europeans on 60m FT8 on my POTA activations. I have been considering an FT-891 as it's easier to fly with than with my IC-7100, but the IC-7100 is widebanded on 60m, so I don't have those issues. 73 de VE3GKT!

[@davewhite7679]

Lots of subscribers are anxiously awaiting Michael's FT-891 CW tutorial.😃 The 891's "data" mode has some odd characteristics that annoy me, so I prefer to just use "SSB" mode for PSK31, FT8, and all the others. That solves your FT8 issue on 60 meters too. KZ9V

[@ai5dd]

I have this rig and love it, only I don’t know why Yaesu took out the voltmeter on the display. For a portable field radio this is essential. Do you know if Yaesu will update this in a future firmware update? Thanks and 73 -Joe

[@AB1Vampire]

3rd time I watched your vid, thanks for posting. I've had my 891 for 8 months ... it takes time. The Power Out settings seem to overlap but I'm not sure. Can an external display be connected? n2eye

[@MrBobchiz1]

I watched another you tube channel and it was suggested to do a factory reset I did now any settings of course are gone is there set up settings ? then set up settings for ft8.Im a newbee to HF this is my first with such an advanced radio.

[@Deus-Too]

I inserted one QMD memory into the radio, but when I attempted to put the second QMD memory in, it overwrote the first one. What am I doing wrong?

[@MBJanus]

Many thanks for your video Can the 891 use an ATAS 120 ? The 991 can but is somewhat large in a car. 73, Milos F4IIP

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yes, the FT-891 can control the ATAS 120.

[@LambertMatias]

Thank you, this was very helpful. Just got the FT-891 this weekend and trying to figure out what everything does. Cheers and 73! de W3LAM

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

QUESTION -- Can I use a "Cross-Needle" SWR meter on the FT-891 instead of the automatic type?? Thank you.🤔

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

You sure can. I know another ham that always uses a cross needle meter with his FT-891 to verify everything is working properly.

[@deklund1955]

I am trying to use my target tuner with my new 891. How do I setup the 891 to use the auto feature of the target tuner? I am tring to find how to pupt the radio in the cat mode like I did on the 857. 73, Don N1EDF

[@DuckingAround58]

What are your thoughts on this radio vs the 817? I believe this radio does everything the 817 does but operates at a higher output?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I don't think I'd call the 891 a high power version of the 817. Namely, the 817 also includes VHF/UHF and the 891 only have 6 meters on the VHF. The 891 has a more sophisticated noise reduction system and a bigger display, so it is more power hungry when just receiving.

[@robkendall-eo3up]

how do i adjust the power output on fm

[@oldpreach]

Most recent firmware? My bandwidth only goes up to 3k, and IF shift doesn't have the graphic display.

[@zoolkhan]

on the yaesu desk rigs, i can configure the rigs so that i can use CW in ssb mode - which comes in handy when you run long distance QSOs where some of the participants are too weak for voice. This is something i do all the time. So in our nets, where everybody understand CW if they need to - it is very common to break in with the callsign suffix in CW, so we know you are there - and then continue in ssb, but be ready by the CW key if a member can otherwise not get your greetings and well wishes. Now, how do i set that up on this mobile rig for my car? selecting mode cw just to blast out my callsign then quickly selecting ssb again to not miss the ssb content all that while driving 80km/h is something i would like to avoid - and since this is yaesu, i am caerfully optimistic... but first.. no "bk in" button...

[@CE4JDM]

Can you tell me what I'm doing wrong? I'm using WSJT-X, SignaLink, and each time I TX, it goes into D-U mode instead of SSB. Then I manually switch back (the BAND key) to SSB and it receives fine until I TX again then it is back into D-U. Please help!!!

[@chuckleskie]

A lot of people look a th 891 as a beginner Radio. I just bought one and I am long time ham but I am a cheapskate and don't want to spend thousands on an HF rig and the 891 serves me fine ..

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

The FT-891 packs a lot of power into a small space. Like you said, calling it a beginner rig is an injustice.

[@henryfraticelli7738]

Hello I asked once I was a General class licence. I didn't renee. So I guess I need a Tech license. You said if I show the FCC a General class licence, I can use General class frequencies using the Tech licence. If I show them a photocopy of the licence is that alright? Thanks.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

If you hold an expired General license, you can go and retake the Technician exam, show proof of your expired General, and you will regain your General class privileges.

[@alanbrockmeier6871]

I just started operating my 891. I had received signal strength showing on meter. Now I’ve lost any received signal strength on the meter. All other meter readings are working. Any ideas why no signal strength readings now? Thanks! NM5SP Alan

[@sanjithnair3266]

Hi sir I like your all very useful and informative videos. And I have a humble request please slow down your presentation. TNX De VE7JAI 73

[@ronsisk3181]

Can the 100 watt power be adjusted down like other radios to say 25, 50, an 75?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yes, you can adjust the power to any level between 5 and 100 watts. This video shows you how: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5mto3qpntGdmLc

[@ronsisk3181]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Thank you! I watched the video, and bookmarked it. I'm a new ham here in Wisconsin, and now this is going to be my first radio. The research and effort you put into helping people understand amateur radio techniques is very much appreciated. Hope to hear you on the air soon.

[@radioactive8772]

Thanks for the video can you show how to adjust the ALC. Thanks K7WHN

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'll add that topic to the list.

[@jorgeguzman8776]

good morning Michael from n2qcu Jorge Guzman hello hello where you always at on which band 20 frequency my rig are an sdr g90 and anft891

[@o2bnov0307]

First of all, thank you for a nice presentation. I just purchased an FT-891. I’d like to watch the dedicated CW video. I haven’t found it…yet, but will look for it in the listing. Also, my only CW key is an MFJ keyer / Bencher paddle combo. What would be a good option for the 891? I’m hoping there is a built-in keyer, so I only need the key. I want to carry my rig to the field (POTA, camping, etc). I purchased an Apache 4800 case, so I will be VERY interested if anyone has a good layout for the storing rig, Dakota Lithium 12V/18Ah, 40m EFHW, MFJ-929 tuner, and coax. I’ll stand by for suggestions. Now, off to find the CW video…. 73 de David AE4LH

[@kingkong_1959]

how you unlock the v.f.o.?

[@ShaneKA5GSS]

Will this radio transmit at 2meters or 70cm?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Nope. The highest band it will go is 6 meters.

[@robertkeller9828]

Great radio that Yaesu hasn't offered a single software upgrade to users in 3 years. Reason the Xiegu G90 is the leading POTA rig right now. Compact, frequent updates, 20 watt power that gets out, digital integration, water fall, and so much more. The only real thing the 891 has over the G90 is the 100 watt power BUT for 225 bux, you can add a good 3rd party 120 watt linear to the G90. The 891 just doesn't compete anymore.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'm not entirely sure the Xiegu G90 is the leading POTA rig, although it is a popular choice. My experience lends me to believe that operators are choosing a wide variety of transceivers. The FT-891 is a mature product and you won't see countless firmware updates from Yaesu. Plus the build quality of the 891 runs circles around the G90 and it doesn't have the overheating issues like the Xiegu has. But to each their own. Whatever rig gets you outside and working portable is a good choice.

[@deweypeters9515]

😮

[@LondonCityEvents]

Special menus ?? Anyone found them ???

[@1crazynordlander]

Thanks I have this radio, but not impressed with it's Noise Blanking capabilities. This shows me that maybe I don't have the NB on???

[@oldpreach]

You should see NB on the screen when it's on

[@instafax]

It works very well especially when you are in a POTA park and somebody pulls into a parking spot and leaves their engine running while they chat on their phone.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I've run the noise blanker in both my Subaru and a Chevy Silverado. The truck required a more aggressive setting to eliminate the noise. But the radio cleaned up the pulse noise quite well.

[@1crazynordlander]

@@KB9VBRAntennas I tried the NB today and at least for my 03 Chevrolet Duramax Diesel it does nothing but muffle the sound. Yes I adjusted it from 1 to 10. I had to shut it off. I have ground straps all over this vehicle and ferrite chokes where suggested. Next I am going to try my IC-7100 in this rig. The NB in my other vehicle actually works great on the IC-7100.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Diesels are notoriously difficult to quiet down. Fuel pumps and injectors are the prime culprits. Let me know if the 7100 works better in that vehicle.

[@Windmill97]

Has anyone ever done a visual map of the FT-891 menus?

[@tailfire09]

Will this radio rx/TX on 2 meters?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

No it won't. It does have 6 meters, though.

[@tailfire09]

@@KB9VBRAntennas Unfortunately I bought this before I licensed and learned about my area, the repeater nearest to me that I might access is.................2meters... Thank you for the reply sir. I literally got my call sign today (in the database) And today is my birthday. Weird coincidence.

[@jorgeguzman9955]

Ok

[@angelscomputers]

I guess there is not a way to put the power/watts button in any of the ABC front buttons right? ahhh Yaesu, Yaesu...

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Unfortunately not, you have to adjust the power levels in the main menu settings.

[@GaryLordsWayMinistry]

Surely the functions and the menus are covered in the manuel.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

They certainly are. But many people prefer a visual or experiential learning method, so following a well executed video can be very instructive.

[@Davidsmith218]

I see some sites showing this radio for $99 that can't be right or some sort of scam?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I'd say it's a scam

[@aerozg]

I just purchased the 891 today, hoping to have it delivered next week. Thanks for all the videos, really handy for a new user like myself! 9A5ELO