Yaesu FT-891: CW & Voice Memory TX

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

Another "out-of-the-park" episode!!

[@n4hnhradio]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it. Thanks for letting me know! 73, de N4HNH

[@andrewfiertek5937]

Really appreciate this video probably the best I’ve seen about recording!! Thank You

[@n4hnhradio]

Thanks Andrew! 73, de N4HNH

[@larrytaylor7753]

It is faster entering with the morse keyer. But, I like the accuracy you get by using TEXT to enter the info. You will send perfect CW which helps those receiving you with a Morse decoder device.

[@n4hnhradio]

I’ve done it both ways. It’s interesting that when I typed my callsign into the FTdx10, I found myself needing to enter a space between characters, just because there didn’t seem to be enough separation between characters when I transmitted.

[@brianjester123]

Thank you for the demo!

[@n4hnhradio]

You’re welcome! 73

[@bommel88]

I didn't use it yet on my FT-891 but I'll definitely give that a try next time. Quite easy to use, thanks for the excellent video.

[@n4hnhradio]

Thanks Philipp! It’s much easier with the remote. All you do is tap the number of the recording you wish to play. But it’s okay via the multiknob. 73, de N4HNH

[@bommel88]

@@n4hnhradio I've seen a homebrew pcb for it some time ago, even though the kh-2 isn't that expensive to get. First I need to get on air again before buying more thingys 😁

[@o2bnov0307]

I keep coming back to learn new ways to enjoy my FT-891. Today I learned that I can program CW memory messages. This is really helpful!! TNX es 73 de David AE4LH

[@n4hnhradio]

You’re very welcome! There is an entire playlist dedicated to the FT-891. I like that radio so much that I have one in my truck and another in my backpack, for portable ops.

[@StanCook]

Thanks for all you do. I just found you and I am waiting for the next shipments of the 891 from HRO Portland, “early May”

[@n4hnhradio]

Hi Stan! Welcome to the channel! The FT-891 is a great little radio. It’s perfect for base station, mobile, Field Day, and backpacking. As good as it is for SSB it really excels at CW. It can make the weakest CW signal sound like a code practice oscillator in the room with you. 73, de N4HNH

[@marcodavian5487]

pro trick: you can watch movies on Flixzone. I've been using them for watching a lot of movies lately.

[@jedidiahwesley8522]

@Marco Davian Definitely, I've been watching on Flixzone} for years myself =)

[@thiagokareem7045]

@Marco Davian definitely, have been using Flixzone} for since november myself :D

[@timelord1137]

In my opinion, the remote control is absolutely necessary for the FT-891, it is strange that it is not put in the box by default. I was lucky enough to find a new FH-2 on sale for less than half the price, but it's quite possible to make it yourself - in fact, it's just a set of resistors with buttons. As an active CW user, it turned out to be very convenient for me to be able to conduct QSO almost completely using the remote control) And of course that the buttons A B C are not occupied.

[@n4hnhradio]

Yaesu doesn’t even include the remote with their flagship transceivers, the FTdx101D and FTdx101MP. The last transceiver to ship with the FH-2 was the FTdx5000MP. If hams aren’t even wiling to spend an extra $150 to buy a FTdx10 versus a IC-7300 (current prices), I doubt they would spend $750 for a FT-891 with the FH-2, versus $650 without it. I think Yaesu avoids extra expense for something that won’t be used by everyone. That’s my guess. 73, de N4HNH

[@py2ofmarcoskim643]

Tnx OM, you are the best, 73

[@n4hnhradio]

You’re very welcome! 73, de N4HNH

[@johnratcliffe6438]

I have loved using my FT891 so far Doug. Best DX is over 7000 miles to East Malaysia. It's an awesome little rig 😊🤘

[@n4hnhradio]

That’s great John! 7,000 is quite an accomplishment. I assume that was at 100W? 73, Doug

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@n4hnhradio 50W Doug, which is the limit of my UK Intermediate licence. The FT891 and my Hex Beam work beautifully together 😊

[@n4hnhradio]

John, that is amazing! So I gather that you are enjoying the HF bands? 73, Doug

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@n4hnhradio I love it Doug! I wish I had never bothered with my IC9700. So much fun and so much more to do! :)

[@n4hnhradio]

Well, VHF/UHF can be fun too. It’s an accomplishment to talk 50 miles on VHF/UHF without a repeater. But talking 7,000 miles without a repeater is even better. 73, Doug

[@ON3STG]

Hi and again many thx. A very practical video. 73 de ON3STG

[@n4hnhradio]

I’m glad you found it helpful. Without my Patreon team members this video wouldn’t exist. The credit goes to them.

[@dbailey3024]

Thankyou thankyou exelent video I never knew it had that,u should do a setup for ft8 lol I can’t wait thanks again Dylan M0dsy 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@JonathanKayne]

The only thing I would add is that you should add a bracket (}) to the end of each message when you enter text otherwise the "playback" message stays on screen even after playback. This is true for the 891 and FTDX10 (and probably the ft-710 too)

[@miketaylor6700]

Fantastic video… I’m going to record some messages on my FT-891 today!!! Subbed! I really like your videos.. You explain things well and it’s usually something I need to know!!! Mike - KK7MMN

[@n4hnhradio]

Welcome! Note that I teach operating techniques. The techniques I teach, no matter which radio I’m using at the time, can apply to other radios.

[@toddsternish]

the FT-891 was my first HF radio, and my "base station" for a year. I loved it, but that FTDX10 was so shiny... had to trade up. I'm certain I'll own an FT-891 again though. That recording feature is wonderful when doing POTA operations, just wish there was a way to make it auto repeat (like my KX2 does). Great video, de KD2TJU

[@n4hnhradio]

There is auto-repeat function for the FTdx10. It is called beacon mode. While in the message memory menu, long press the number of the message you want to repeat. Or long press the same message number on the FH-2. You can set the repeat timing from 1 to 60 seconds via menu setting, Repeat Interval. I haven’t tried this with the FT-891, but it might be possible. 73, Doug

[@toddsternish]

@@n4hnhradio I feel like I’m gonna have to get one of those little remotes.

[@n4hnhradio]

Scratch that. You don’t need the remote. Long press the number of the message you wish to repeat, either on the radio or the remote.

[@toddsternish]

@@n4hnhradio that’s right! I forgot that… I did actually do that on several POTA activations… amazing how fast the memories fade… hey, while I got you here, does the Ft-891 allow you to auto-repeat messages?

[@n4hnhradio]

The FT-891 can auto-repeat. Go to menu 04-04 and set the beacon interval. I generally prefer 3 seconds. With the beacon interval set, when you choose TX memory ch1, 2, 3, 4, or 5, the FT-891 will continuously repeat at whatever interval you set. You can press the multi-knob to start or stop the beacon transmission. Note that beaconing doesn’t work for voice modes. 73, de N4HNH

[@jaymclemore9497]

I recently found your channel and I am especially enjoying the series you have done on the FT-891. I am a fairly new operator and utilize a 7300 for a base radio. My wife and I have recently retired and I am looking for a more portable radio to take in the rv for more portable operating and for POTA and as my cw improves possibly even SOTA. I was wondering if you would recommend the FT-891 for my needs? I know it’s getting a little long in the tooth, but I really don’t see anything new that competes with it. Thank you very much for what you do!

[@n4hnhradio]

The FT-891 is great for portable ops. I have one in my truck and another in my backpack.

[@R2DXU]

Tnx OM!

[@n4hnhradio]

You’re welcome!

[@jaysilvers1471]

Great video! Just wondering what CW Keyer you are using ...It looks stable ontop the radio

[@n4hnhradio]

My portable key is the Palm Pico Paddle. It has magnets that hold it to the radio. For base station, I normally use a Kent TP1-B. The Kent feels as good as the $350-400 keys, but it costs much less. Kent is made in Germany, but they are available from DX Engineering. 73, de N4HNH

[@jaysilvers1471]

@@n4hnhradio Thanks! I use the Bencher but it's a little clunky for mobile operation. The Pico looks nice...Never thought I would be interested in a 350 dollar keyer. LOL I have an FH2 Keypad from my FT2K, so I might just use that ...As it's much easier programming the 891 memory for voice and CW Thanks dude! N1BZ

[@n4hnhradio]

The PICO didn’t cost $350. I would not pay $350 for a key. The PICO Paddle was $140 when I bought it, but they are out of business now. There are some PICO clones on eBay but not quite as small. The PICO has spoiled me. It fits my clipboard key holder. The clipboard setup was my friend Joel’s idea. I hope to see some PICO Paddles on the pre-owned market. You can see my clipboard setup at this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gJeWY2elo7iGh5Y 73, de N4HNH

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Nice side rails Doug! Where did you buy those please?

[@n4hnhradio]

Hi John! Those are from Portable Zero. Light and sturdy.

[@thomasrossow2130]

tnx from dc5ly👌👍

[@n4hnhradio]

You’re very welcome! 73, de N4HNH

[@antonanker583]

Interesting Video. The FT-891 has a jack on the back for Rem/ALC. What if you wanted to use both the FH-2 remote and say an ATU that uses that also used that jack for its control cable. What do you do?

[@n4hnhradio]

You might have to create a splitter of some sort. The ring portion of the plug triggers the transmitter. The sleeve is ground/return. The tip is ALC voltage. I never use ALC. It can cause square-wave/distortion. I just adjust my mic gain for the proper level. In fact, Elecraft advises not to use ALC with my KPA-1500. I use the FC-50 tuner with my FT-891. It plugs into the Tun/Lin jack. There is no conflict in that scenario. If you run an amplifier, you will need an external tuner anyway. So the jack is either for tuner or linear amplifier. If you use a LDG tuner, you can go through each band and transmit AM every 25 kHz and let it store the settings into memory. When you return to one of those stored frequencies, or one within 25kHz, just give a whistle. The tuner detects the frequency and recalls the LC combination that is the best match for that frequency. That’s how the Palstar HF-Auto works too. In other words, modern auto-tuners don’t necessarily have to transmit the radio, once you have allowed them to store the LC combination for every 25kKz on each band. My Palstar AT-Auto (earlier version of HF-Auto) can follow my VFO, using the CAT connection. It will adjust the LC combination as I rotate my VFO. But I started using Ham Radio Deluxe a couple of years ago, and it needs the CAT connection. So now I just give a quick whistle and the Palstar detects the frequency and adjusts accordingly. 73, de N4HNH

[@ka0eze1]

Just received the radio and using your excellent videos to setup....but I can't get it into memory tune. I go to the 60 meter memory stored freqs and try to turn the dial and it is still locked into the memory channel . Page 51 of the Advanced Manual says press v/m to enter memory mode and select a memory channel then rotate the "Dial" knob and observe changing freq and the "MT" mode. I am doing that and don't get that MT mode indicator. Any ideas? thanks. Jim

[@n4hnhradio]

You cannot change the 60m band frequencies or modes. The 60m band is channelized. We have very strict rules to adhere to, for TX bandwidth, power output, and carrier point. That’s why the 60m channels are preloaded. We share that band with government agencies. I recommend watching the 3-part series I posted all about the 60-meter band. If someone is transmitting a bit off frequency on 60m CW, use APF to shift +/- to zero in on them. Do not use ZIN. ZIN might change the frequency in the VFO display. If it does, you will not be able to transmit. Your TX LED will flash red, rather than light up solid. This means you are attempting to transmit out of band or off channel. If someone is transmitting off frequency on 60m USB, use the Clarifier to center up on them. For all other bands, Memory Tune works. You will see in my videos how I program the memories and make use of Memory Tune. 73, de N4HNH

[@richarde735]

will it display incoming cw / morse code on the screen as text?

[@n4hnhradio]

There is no decoder. The FTdx10, FTdx101D, and FTdx101MP have a decoder. The FTdx3000D also had a decoder option, but the FTdx3000D was discontinued early in 2021. I show the decoder in action in a couple of the videos in the FTdx10 playlist. 73, de N4HNH

[@JoseMaria-rv3me]

Hi Douglas. How can I reduce or change the volume of the playback voice function? It's so loud for me. Thanks

[@n4hnhradio]

Menu option 03-01 adjusts the volume of the playback that you hear. Menu option 03-02 sets the level that is sent to the transmitter. 73, de N4HNH

[@marcinmichigan2772]

@N4HNH Radio Will the FH-2 work with the Yaesu FTDX10 ?

[@n4hnhradio]

Yes, there is a receptacle on the rear panel of the FTdx10, labeled REM (Remote). The FH-2 plugs into that receptacle. Of course you can also use a mouse. You press the Function Knob to open the main menu. You then click on Message. Click which message you wish to transmit. I shot a video for the FTdx10 showing a CW SOTA chase. I used the decoder to display their message and I transmitted my callsign, their signal report, plus the dit-dit at the end, without ever touching my Morse paddles. 73, de N4HNH

[@marcinmichigan2772]

@@n4hnhradio thanks for the swift reply, yes, I have a mouse, but dislike hitting the MF knob, because its a real knob vs a virtual knob, looks like the FH-2 will eliminate that need to press the MF knob.

[@n4hnhradio]

I definitely prefer the FH-2. I use it with my FTdx5000MP. But, even with the FTdx10, I only press the Function Knob once, to see menu and click Messages. After that, I use the mouse to click Message 1, 2, 3, etc. I wish Yaesu would include in a future firmware update the ability to right-click our mouse and bring up the menu, so we don’t need to press the Function knob. We need more people to go to Yaesu.com, click on Contact Us, and request that. Also request the ability to use the mouse wheel to change frequency. I was told by a Yaesu official that Yaesu in Japan gets the Contact Us messages and that is the best method to use when making suggestions. 73, de N4HNH

[@marcinmichigan2772]

@@n4hnhradio I **really** dislike the Messages dialog box being displayed, and rather than hitting the BACK button, hitting the MF knob, starts TX'ing a message. UG

[@n4hnhradio]

Then for you, the FH-2 will be worth the price. I certainly like mine. 73, de N4HNH

[@geoffvk3sq113]

Hello Douglas. Thanks for this informative video, a great help! Love your qrz page. 73 de Geoff vk3sq

[@n4hnhradio]

Thank you Geoff! It’s great to hear from you. I love your country. I spent two weeks there in 2008. Thanks again for your kind words! 73, de N4HNH

[@geoffvk3sq113]

@@n4hnhradio When are you coming back then, that's 13 years ago hi hi. Thanks for your quick reply. I too use a zs6bkw, a great antenna. 73 de Geoff vk3sq

[@n4hnhradio]

Who knows? If the U.S. doesn’t straighten up, I might move to VK land. I was offered a job there in 2008. 73, Doug