Yaesu FT-891 user review

My user review to the FT-891 HF transceiver

[@cosentinoconsulting8203]

Good review. Have one installed in a jeep for over a year and have had no complaints. Would stronglyrecommend to all owners that you always install the latest firmware. It makes a great radio even better. 73, WB6AGE

[@WJ6FRadio]

Great video! Great explanation of the workings of this radio. I like the one in my mobile so much I sold my IC-7200 and bought another one for portable work!

[@K4RRC]

Nice review, just purchased one today for my 18 wheeler. Very excited to put it on the air. 73’s. Kg4nai

[@kennethcoggin6729]

I’m considering the same, in my big rig. How do u like it. Thinking of mars mod and get rid of my dedicated cab...

[@daviddietrich9449]

Thanks for posting this. I originally was going to get an FT-818 in the next few weeks, but I really haven't been impressed with the "enhancements" they made. Basically, all they did was a few minor tweaks and slapped a new number on it. I still need to run the numbers regarding pricing for what I want, but I think I might be going with the FT-891.

[@tangotracker5297]

Dennis, thanks for the great review. Your explanations and close-ups of the equipment were very thoughtful and appreciated. Thanks!

[@KX4UL]

Very good review Denis! I just purchased an FT-891 and your video gave me a nice overview of the radios operating functions. I have not gone over the manual yet and was curious about the PH/SP selector on the back of the head. I figured it was a speaker/headphone option, but never really thought about why. It makes total sense if the main radio is mounted far away from the head...lol! You are right, I have yet to see any other review videos mention this. Looks like a sweet little radio. I am anxious to try it out. Now subscribed...73!

[@dutchovenguy]

Thanks for the help becoming familiar with my new 891.

[@richardpena7952]

I have the same radio, this radio has alot of adjustments in the menus. Nice presentation.

[@markmartin7881]

New ham (Tech license in June 2019, general January 2020) thanks for the good information.

[@JasonRobinsonidaho]

did you get your General yet? I'm waiting for testing to open up again locally so I can test for general. Strongly considering FT-891 when I get general. otherwise it would jsut be a CW machine due to tech limits.

[@BhamJames]

@@JasonRobinsonidaho There are remote exams now. Maybe you've already gotten your General that way. Good luck, regardless, and I hope to hear you on 20m!

[@danielkalczuk4518]

Excellent video! A joy to watch. Thanks for using a mic and no shaky camera view. I love the 891. Superb.

[@mikesmith5139]

Excellent video, thank you! Really great little radio. I have one too. Really can't appreciate how good it is until one uses it!! 73, Mike.

[@VE3BF]

Thanks for the kind words Mike 73

[@tonyd6884]

Great video I’m thinking about the 891 for mobile/portable

[@nazmi3126]

Great review. Just ordered my 891!

[@YO2DA]

Great video,apreciate it! I also own an ft891 an i am very happy with it!

[@grantbutcher5455]

Love the video, just ordered my FT-891 and LDG Z100 Plus, cant wait

[@VE3IPS]

I love my 891 and it has replaced my other field radios as I can crank up to 100 watts from the car battery if needed. The DSP on this is better than the FT991

[@nagasainathkoduru9995]

I want to buy this radio so u helped a lot I like your wey of representation and radio 😊

[@michaeledmonds3218]

Excellent as always. I recently bought a lightly used 891(seller moving to a 7300). I added a Powerwerx 15Ah LIFE boxed supply, MFJ dedicated auto tuner and a Myantennas HWEF 4010 antenna. Still working on a storage & transport case. Thanks again!

[@VE3BF]

Awesome thanks for taking the time to comment. 73 de VE3BF

[@paolonervi2208]

Excellent video review.

[@thormusique]

Excellent video, thanks and 73.

[@stevendewolfe4592]

I often vary between this one and the 991a; mostly due to cost. Both excellent radios! Nice video! de VA6DWF

[@TXLorenzo]

I own the 891 and I find that the flexibility it gives you would beat out the 991 in both usability and price. The noise reduction is first rate and I have no problem in punching out for decent DX. I have run this on full power with a 120WH battery connected to a solar panel for all day use with no problem.

[@denniskimrey4129]

Thanks for the excellent review

[@davejacobsen3014]

I have older a FT-991, very menu driven compared to older some older TX and the FT991 is larger making it easier to setup on bench. Happy with Yaesu radios but waiting for all digital radios.

[@jimedwards9310]

Nice video from Canada ❤

[@m3uec]

Very nice video.

[@kd5you1]

When I first saw that small hole on the back of the radio I initially thought it was for a Kensington lock but it looks a bit larger than it should. The manual states that there is a switch inside that hole for updating the firmware. I'm not sure if a Kensington lock will fit inside that hole or if it would damage the switch. One thing I wish this radio had was a mobile mounting bracket like the FTM-300 where you can push a lever and slide the radio out. 73 KD5YOU

[@RA4FOC]

I`am use FT-891 2 years. This good TRX!

[@capndavey1]

For the money I think its the best radio to buy if I didn't buy a used IC 7000 I would have bought one

[@alvarogaitan2529]

thanks Dennis very good

[@ronfirth5198]

I just ordered one of these for POTA/Sota...thanks for the video! VA3IRF

[@1crazynordlander]

Looking at this one for a mobile and park rig. Looks like the big ham radio stores have a great price on them now. I am curious about your diesel however. Today's diesels use solenoid fired injectors. You would have to go back to the earlier days of mechanically fuel injected diesels in vehicles to get this advantage. My '03 Duramax is noisy in my AM Car radio and would venture to guess it would be horrible on a HF rig.

[@VE3BF]

I've had this radio in the truck quite a bit, stationary mobile, I occasionally do run the engine for cab heat in the winter months ant there is a bit of noise from the injectors I simple capacitor across the power lie would take it out but the FT-891's noise blanker does remove all the noise I have. 73 DE VE3BF

[@skinwhistle]

Well explained, thank you

[@intrepidfox1000]

good review, it makes me want to buy one

[@nigelgriffin7016]

good one m6ltv 73s

[@VK4LL]

Perhaps a mention of the mode switch would have been useful... in my opinion it is a big let down with this otherwise great radio.

[@rufus101ify]

I am interested in buying the FT- 891. It appears to be a great radio for portable use and I like the price. I do wonder about the AM receive ? I will be using the rig for a majority of time listening to shortwave broadcasts. I currently use a Kenwood ts-440, which I love on AM, but that sucker is 14lbs. What is your opinion on the AM receive with the Yaesu Ft-891? Thanks

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

VERY well done review! Even the chickadees liked it. :-)

[@joelahnstein2281]

i don't understand why the mike cable is not on the removable face like some their other radios.

[@iluvchocolate]

Using ft-891 with a Heil proset 6 headset with boom. Hello Denis, your videos are great, they are well done. I have a question about plugging in a Heil headset on the ft-891. The jack on the Heil headset is longer than the one on the stock mic. I cannot slide on the front panel because there is not enough clearance. Do you know of a way to use a Heil headset with mic boom on the ft-891?

[@VE3BF]

Hi, it's a hard fit that's for sure, I have used my Proset 6 with the 891 but it takes a lot of fiddling around. I found that leaving some of the extra cord in the radio towards the centre works best, if you'll the adapter cable tight towards the opening the front just does not snap in. I'll see if I can film a little video on my method (if I can get my fingers out of the way lol.

[@davidcontraut7707]

great video thank you...it sounds like the internal speaker on the 891 produces very tinny audio....perhaps an outboard speaker may help???

[@VE3BF]

I’m glad you liked the video. The speaker is quite good, you have to remember the this was shot outside and the video cameras microphone is adjusted for my voice and is on my sweater. This is not an i studio production😃

[@johnratcliffe6438]

Great upload. Thank you so much! John M7JHA

[@johnratcliffe6438]

This rig is a lot easier to operate with Win4Yaesu; no need to navigate the menus, everything can be done via a GUI.

[@GaryUtz]

Dennis. I enjoy all your videos. Considering an 891 but a critical point for me is if the radio will do 100 watts on a deep cycle battery. Sold a 991 because it would on do 50 watts on battery. Your comments please! 73 de ke2yk

[@dhanashekarraju1934]

Nice one👍

[@jeffp9522]

Amazing design, but why do they sell you a 10' separation cord with a 2' Mike cord? Great video

[@anthonyhughes8888]

good vidio, wondering you had a lap icon in the upper left corner on the display whats is that for i couldnt find that on mine . kk6sje

[@geoffpriestley7001]

Just been loaned one of these radios by a friend it comes with a matching atu and they have never been used. they seem very sturdy but i wonder why there is no mic socket on the remote head just seem to let it down

[@jfrphoto01]

The remote kit has an extension for the mic.

[@geoffpriestley7001]

@@jfrphoto01 thanks i made the remote kit up from a 8900 lead a speaker lead and a computer lead it all works ok it was just surprising that the mi lead came separate

[@HugDeeznueces]

can you change the color on the screen like you can on the 857d?

[@VE3BF]

I’ve never tried so but I’ve never seen it in the menu options.

[@stevepatterson2290]

So can you use the MD100 desk mic with this radio ? Does it have EQ settings ?

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

Denis: What would be the best "lower-wattage output" amplifier for the Yaesu FT-891? I don't hear much on this subject for portables.

[@johnnink]

Let me guess: You're using this as a CB, and want to bathe yourself in 10,000 watts of RF while driving down the highway?

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

@@johnnink Negative......only 5,000-watts. :-) On second thought, can't use an amplifier since my tuner is only good for 130-watts.

[@nigelgriffin7016]

i got bob qrp m6ltv nigel 73

[@K4RRC]

I use one in the diesel car. K4RRC

[@agso73]

5:43 I'm still confused about the function of the small switch behind the head panel above it the socket to the radio !.

[@VE3BF]

The 891 has and external speaker jack on the back of the main rig, it also has a speaker/headhone jack on the left sine of the detachable face. The switch on the the back side of the panel is an attenuator that lowers the audio output for headphones use or at full power for an external speaker when the head is remotely mounted from the main body. I hope this helps 73 de VE3BF

[@agso73]

VE3BF thank you friend for answering my question, YG3DAP, I'm from Indonesia, greetings 73.

[@MikeWood]

How do you like the radio 2 years on? I am considering getting one and it's always good to see them in use. 73s. VE3MXU

[@VE3BF]

Mike Wood it’s not my daily user but if I had to replace it I would buy it again with no second tough.

[@SolitaryBro]

A quick question.. Will this radio transmit on 11 meters FM (27.60125 to 27.99125)... Thank you from Sheffield UK

[@kippaxni14]

It can be widebanded to do this yes.

[@MrRadiorobot]

Still torn over this radio... To buy or not to buy? Lots of noise at the qth so mobile ops is the next obvious step... Thats why it's this radio under consideration and not the 7300..and the price difference obviously .. £70 rebate on the 891 in the uk at the moment.

[@Hassan-Alnajjar]

How to change the below A B C shortcuts menu?

[@ATVONTOUR]

select the item you want from the function menu then press and hold the A,B or C key. That's it.

[@Hassan-Alnajjar]

@@ATVONTOUR bro u saved my life, thank you very much 👍

[@CaptainK007]

Do you think it may be a little deaf?

[@VE3BF]

No it receives but does not transmit. 11 meters is not a ham band.

[@cartert5915]

Hey VE3BF! i really want to buy one but i don't know what power supply i should get for it. please let me know if you can!

[@VE3BF]

I am a big fan if Astron power supplies, I have 2 of the 39M switching PS model, one at home and one for portable work. They are not the smallest or the lightest available but they are small enough for me. Astronauts are well made, they have good runaway power protection and they do not generate any effort noise. There are other good ones out there, check the eham reviews before you buy one. 73 VE3BF

[@cartert5915]

Ok I’ll be sure to check it out thank you very much 73!

[@Mr_Meowingtons]

Who ever decided to not have USB/LSB in the mode menu and having to use the VOF knob and not the "multi function knob" to change modes and bands then make them time out in 1 sec! GRRRRR 🤦‍♂️👎 Then when changing the squelch or RF gain the scale wont go away till you press a button but then that button is then activated 🤦‍♂️ i have an auto tuner on mine when you scan the band looking for some one you get "Wait" right over the Freq Display 🤦‍♂️ i like this radio but OMG!!! i wish they would fix that stuff. i have Emailed them asking to make some changes but they wont..

[@mikedonham3615]

Will it transmit on 11 meters

[@jfrphoto01]

Not without being modified, requires soldering.

[@tacticalwarfare8413]

Can this communicate with vhf

[@johnnink]

6 meters is technically VHF, so yes. If you're looking to call on 2 meter, or 1.5 meter, this radio doesn't operate in that range.

[@bigbone88]

here its made? thank you

[@VE3BF]

Sorry for the delay on this, I've been away. The FT-891 are made in Japan. 73 de VE3BF

[@bigbone88]

@@VE3BF Thank you,nice radio

[@BastHoen]

Nice video, tnx! 73 PA5BAS

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Nets are for fish not amateur radio.

[@py2ti787]

The only thing I hate in this radio Is that noise when using CAT.

[@KC6CNN]

PY2TI could you explain a little more?

[@py2ti787]

@@KC6CNN You can see the same issue that happens in my unit watching this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZPaq6hufJiIp6c

[@TXLorenzo]

I use CAT with mine all the time with no issues. Make sure you use good shielded USB cables.

[@py2ti787]

@@TXLorenzo thanks reply.. I use the best cables I could find, also wrapped it in aluminum foil, grounded USB connectors, so the noise remains. I believe It's not an cable issue, but something inside. May be CAT comm noise inducted in audio circuit. Also might be an first units issue...

[@TXLorenzo]

@@py2ti787 Was your radio an earlier model? I bought mine within the last year. I am going to guess Yaesu may have fixed the problem with later models. Like I said before, I use digital modes all the time with no issues, but I do use quality shielded USB cables with toroid coils. I also use the Yeasu SCU-17 interface. It looks like Yaesu CAN fix the problem, kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIKriZ2Nj7FnZ7s

[@denelson83]

Too bad you couldn't connect this to a panadapter.

[@VE3BF]

The radio does have a limited band scope that I find quite useful. This rig was designed to be a used for mobile but it does so much more. I’m guessing that the engineers might have thought that a pan adapter could be distracting in a mobile 😀

[@andhanwer]

that's a review? nothing on noise reduction, filters, not a single cw character and somehow it's a "review"

[@7wt]

amlite Well step up to the plate with your review there cowboy.

[@BennyCFD]

Way too many menus and sub menus.....What happened to real radios.

[@G7VFY]

So, it's all METAL construction, except where it's plastic. waffle waffle waffle

[@jfrphoto01]

Only the face plate is high impact plastic, everything else is made from metal!

[@mmouse928]

Very nice video, great explanation . Mario VE3WPZ

[@paolonervi2208]

Excellent video review.

[@-kamakiriad3096]

Thanks for the great review