Yaesu FT-891

Unboxing the Yaesu FT-891 and R&L Electronics RLPS30M power supply. First contact was with W1AW!
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[@JReed305]

Don't know how I missed this one in all of my googling. I feel late to the party on this radio since I only got mine last weekend. You are right about how nice the VFO feels, especially compared to my G90.

[@MrTommy001]

I've been 'hemming and hawing' about whether or not to buy this radio for portable, POTA (which I haven't tried yet), and RV boondocking. I'm new to HF and have gotten spoiled by my first HF radio being an FT-710 with the waterfall and built in antenna match. I'm spoiled! As an 'old guy' of 78 with creeping CRS, the idea of learning how to run yet another radio is scary, but as usual, your vids are interesting, understandable, and laced with just enough humor to tell me that, "Yep, I need to get this radio". Thank you for your help, and just enough 'push' to get me into the great 891!

[@terencebone1able]

Must admit I do love the 891

[@williampeacock9473]

Enjoyed the video on the Yaesu FT891 it's a great compact size rig. I have mi e in a Apache 3800 case from Harbor Freight and it work's out real well. Have plenty of room for all of my equipment to run the FT891.And I made me a battery box out of a 50 CAL. AMMO BOX. 12 VOLT 35AH SCOTTER BATTERY 🔋 DOSE A GREAT JOB. 73 AE4OY WILLIAM PEACOCK EM-81UF BLACKSHEAR ,GEORGIA 😂👍.

[@jerrykrautenstaben6584]

Howdy, I also have an ft891, have had it since Christmas but have only used it on cw as that's my mode of choice. I do like the receiver. Thanks, good vid.

[@rebootjones3096]

R &L is jetstream

[@1crazynordlander]

Thanks, I'm ordering this radio as soon as I get my CC to cool off. It goes off sale this coming week. I was going to get for my first mobile radio but decided on the IC-7100. Don't get me wrong but I keep hearing that this FT-891 is great at pulling signals out of the mud.

[@hamradiotube]

I'd put it up there for sure. I've made quite a few muddy contacts on it myself on my POTA activations. The DNR is absolutely amazing on this radio.

[@CKJEntertainmentServ]

Still catching up on all your videos. I just bought one of these radios, so im anxious to learn it more. Im also happy to see another 2A supporter!

[@hamradiotube]

Right on man thanks for watching and congrats on the new radio. I know how exciting it is! 2A for life!

[@CKJEntertainmentServ]

@@hamradiotube i know you have did a couple of videos on the radio.... which is the reason I bought it, was because of your videos. So here is my thing. The manual sucks! Is there anywhere you could recommend going to watch a good break down on the radio? Im.really excited to get out in the field with this rig, just having a tough time understanding it. Thanks Mike.

[@jamiecook5066]

Having one sent to me and this video is very encouraging!!!

[@hamradiotube]

You made a great choice. Love my 891!

[@w4mkh]

I just ordered one about two hours ago. Mainly for POTA but also as a backup HF rig for the shack.

[@hamradiotube]

You have made a great decision. After a few years I still love this radio just as much as the day I got it. Still the best 100 watt mobile/portable radio on the market today IMO.

[@LambertMatias]

Hi Mike, I received my new FT-891 this weekend and got it out in the field for the first time today. I was at a picnic table in a park and one of my very first contacts, believe it or not, was W1AW! Lol! Anyway, I'm loving this radio to use over the Xiegu's that I have been using portable up to now. Much better receive and more power of course. I do not need the tuner as I have a few resonant options and a WRC. I also bought a FT-DX10 this past week so it has been a DOUBLE FUN radio week for me. Hope to catch you on the air sometime. Cheers and 73! de W3LAM

[@vaunsphotography6820]

Pretty cool that ARRL was your first contact with the radio. Unless I'm mistaken, you've had four years of good use with it. 73 de N7MRF.

[@thormusique]

Awesome video, thanks! I'd love to see how you hook up the SignaLink to the 891!

[@andrewperron5503]

Great video, just purchased the 891 as my first HF - been years in this decision making process 73 AB1YN

[@hamradiotube]

Andrew Perron awesome Andrew! Congrats and have fun with the radio. I know you’ll love it.

[@bobdillashaw4360]

Been deciding weather or not to get the ft 1200 or the ft 891, this video is close to me picking the 891, plus I can take it in the field where the 1200 I cannot, I also have the ft 450D great radio also! Thank you for this video.

[@hamradiotube]

That's a tough call man! I've never played with the 1200 but it looks pretty awesome. If you do portable ops it should be a no brainer though. Good luck with that decision!

[@dennisdeberry2582]

Your video was the only one on youtube about the FT-891 that actually shows it using a power supply. The others just had it magically turning on. Trying to find information on power supplies that will work with it is hard. I am reminded of that old Military joke "No Sparkie, No Workee"

[@hamradiotube]

Any 12V supply will work. I suppose some are better than others. A cheap switching power supply is fine. I actually use my Yaesu FP-1030A for my HF rig but the R&L one works and is inexpensive.

[@dennisdeberry2582]

@@hamradiotube I finally---- somewhere on the net found a reference to the FP-1030 after a LOT of googling. I assumed that and 12V PS would work but for people like me that have been out of the hobby for 30 years its nice to have things spelled out.

[@TROIDX]

CONGRATS ES GD DX, 73!!!

[@kellingc]

As some one who has operated W1AW many times, don't get discouraged if you don't get through the first few time responding to QRZ - there are so many stations trying to respond, the pile up is huge. I will respond to what I hear, and normally I'll hear. Keep trying (like you did).

[@BadHorsie2]

I am looking for a tidy mobile setup. I looked at all my options even considering the xiegu amp for my X5105. I finally made the decision to go with the FT-891. This with a resonant antenna will make a tidy powerful package. Will also pick up a MFJ-939 auto tuner. Thanks for putting up the videos. They helped me figure out what I wanted. 73 de KG5CFR

[@hamradiotube]

That’s great. Congratulations. The 891 is still my main portable radio for a reason. Because it’s awesome. Thanks for watching. Glad you found the videos useful. 73.

[@Bridgestreetnursery]

I'm enjoying your videos a lot. You have a way in front of the camera. Based on your videos I just bought the FT-891, the LDG Z-11 Pro, the MFJ 4230MVP, a crap load of Anderson connectors and now I'm broke. You should be a salesman. I live in an HOA (ouch) and they have strict rules about antennas so seeing your videos about portable stations inspired me to run a piece of wire in one of my trees and scatter radials in the grass. It's great on 20M which it was made for and tunes well to 10 and 15 meters. 40 meters tunes, but I still think I need to come up with a solution for a longer antenna. I refuse to be defeated by the HOA police. Thanks for the videos. W7STO

[@hamradiotube]

Thanks for watching. I just so happen to be in sales so there you go. Congrats on all the cool stuff. If you get yourself an End Fed Half Wave antenna that will be resonant on 40, 20, 15, and 10. Or you could get a 9:1 antenna and with the tuner you should be able to get all (or most) of the bands and still remain stealth.

[@Bridgestreetnursery]

@@hamradiotube I cannot believe this little radio. Hit Hawaii today at 12 noon on 20M and Brazil on 15 about 1:30PM . Used a LZ-11 tuner and an inverted V cut for 20M. And this was using the 20AH Bioenno battery. You know your stuff. Thanks for the channel and the recommendations. POTA here I come. W7STO

[@hamradiotube]

@@Bridgestreetnursery It's amazing what you can do when you just get on the air isn't it? The bands have been quite nice to us lately haven't they? I've seen 17 and 15 opening up a bit.

[@johnratcliffe6438]

The more I see of this rig, the more I like it. Have seen it with a panadapter for SDR style sexy waterfall action. Ooh er Missus! 😊

[@hamradiotube]

I have seen it with a panadapter, Johnny from Signal Search does a great video on that. It is a nice thing to have for sure but certainly not necessary. I have a 7300 now and honestly I love looking at the waterfall to find signals. I only use the 891 for my portable ops now. It is a great radio for that for sure.

[@rebootjones3096]

My first contact with my FT-891 was France . I was mobile and used a 20m Mfj hamstick antenna

[@hamradiotube]

Right on! Thats a lot better than my first contact!!! Have fun with the radio.

[@DonauweIIe]

from what QTH ?

[@rebootjones3096]

@@DonauweIIe A parking lot in Blue Ash Ohio. EM79 ish

[@straightpride451]

Good job, pal pal!!

[@BenButler1]

Contemplating the Ft891 myself. Would you still purchase it after having run it for a while. I travel a lot for work and was considering this one for my traveling rig.

[@hamradiotube]

I would absolutely still purchase this radio! 100%. It has performed flawlessly for me when I go portable and has replaced my FT-450 in the shack as my main radio. I think Yaesu has an $80 off instant coupon going on for Christmas right now too. Good luck on your decision;)

[@siientsinger6637]

great radios , and so cheap to buy a Digital box for those who require it, but myself i like having HF with 50, and a seperate vhf/uhf ssb radio.

[@hamradiotube]

I agree.

[@yugbe]

My FT-891 has shown to be on the truck to be delivered for 2 days now. Their waiting till tomorrow to deliver it. I'm so impatient!

[@hamradiotube]

Oh man, that's the worst. We should be able to go get our stuff when it's close enough. Non of this within on them crap.

[@sidmi5utc980]

I have one of these fine radios. Your S5-S7 noise in this video is because you are not using your IPO hence your pre amp is ON. Reduce the hash by putting your IPO on (turns pre amp off) and you will hear those guys like an FM signal with use of the DNR. Enjoy !

[@rogerwoodland2587]

it maybe his sm power supply.

[@salestrada1217]

just want to let you know that you are the reason that i am studying for my general test. I have been watching your vids with the ft-891 and i am having a blast seeing your videos doing park to park. that is the thing i have always loved to do. Dx. I have been a ham for almost 27 years now but have not been real active much in years. but you have inspired me to get back in. I now have a yaesu Ft 981 on my counter now just this past week. I love this radio. just ordered a tuner and some new feed line. Thanks Mike for the inspiration. I am in tn. em 75. the call is KE4MRX. Hope to work you one day. de 73.

[@hamradiotube]

Well thank you so much, that's incredibly humbling to hear. I hope the remote VE sessions come online soon so you can actually take your General test. Some progress is being made but there is still a long way to go. You made a great choice in the 891. I absolutely love mine. Good luck when you take the test and hope to catch you on the air. 73

[@wdsracer]

Did you pass?

[@salestrada1217]

@@hamradiotube Just wanted to let you know that i upgraded last night. life got in the way for a while, LOL. But i did it and i will test for my extra next month. thanks for all the good vids and keep the good work up. hope to work you one day soon my friend. 73 KE4MRX

[@hamradiotube]

@@salestrada1217 Fantastic, congratulations!! Thanks for the update and good luck on the extra!

[@salestrada1217]

thanks man, Where do you hang out? So i can look for you some time.

[@q1o1mancow]

Great video, just purchased the 891, i cant seem / to get the swr meter on the screen in replace of the po, how do you do that

[@hamradiotube]

Congrats on the new 891! My radio is packed away for field day set up so I'm going buy memory. Hit the function button and select the MTR. You can change it from power, swr, or alc.

[@jeffmay1024]

Mike, I just purchased the FT 891. It will be at my house on Thursday, December 21. I would appreciate any help of getting this radio set up.

[@dwatson4]

Why did you pick the 691 and not something like the 857 or a QRP rig? Any regrets? I’m shopping for a portable rig to make pota contacts and I’m leaning to the 857, I briefly looked at the 691, just not sure about it.

[@hamradiotube]

Well I didn't want a qrp radio, I think thats very limiting. I can always lower my power if for some reason I would want to do that. I also don't care about vhf/uhf in a portable rig. I have plenty of other options for that, so the 857, while it looks like a good radio, is old and outdated in my opinion. The 891 has the best receive of any portable radio out now and the DNR is fantastic. You just have to go with what suits you needs.

[@dwatson4]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF have you tried portable data modes (ft8) with it? And thanks for answering my questions and the great videos

[@hamradiotube]

Dwight Watson no I’d rather have a phone qso if I’m going through all the effort.

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Dwight Watson The 857D is a Huge POS.Good enough reason?

[@nivid01]

I think that power supply looks as rough as guts re the quality. Best place for it: the bin! The Yaesu is very nice!

[@hamradiotube]

It's ok. A bit noisy with the fan but its clean.

[@smoberdeen]

Mike, Thanks for another video. I noticed the sacrifice you made with your left hand @ 1:23 in offering it up to your cat. Besides that, I notice a huge difference between your audio in this 5-year old video and your current demeanor and audio quality of 2024.

[@hamradiotube]

Ha! Yeah I think that one actually got infected. Audio has always been something I've tried to get better at. I'm still not happy with it, but it has gotten better. Thanks for the comment.

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

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

[@hamradiotube]

Uhh, are you talking about a manual tuner? Yes you can. I did.

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

Mike: Do you have an episode pertaining to a manual tuner incorporated with the 891? I'm uncertain how the arrangement would work. Thank you.@@hamradiotube

[@ifrarrow7039]

Nice job as usual. Very clear and basic. The audio is a little low which might be my soud card.

[@hamradiotube]

No, it’s my terrible recording. This was a very early video so audio wasn’t very good. Thanks for watching!

[@jandersonemtp]

I just got mine from DX Engineering today!

[@joerogers4227]

R & L in Hamilton Ohio, my birthplace!

[@hamradiotube]

There you go. Might not want to tell too many people you're from Ohio though. Especially to someone who grew up in Michigan lol!!

[@chevyguy1128]

I got my new yeasu ft 891 a few days ago with a new mfj 939 tuner

[@hamradiotube]

Awesome Shawn, you're gonna love it!

[@FITFO]

Watching your videos love to hear a KZbinr from Michigan. I was born and raised up in Lapeer. KD8YIX

[@hamradiotube]

Very cool! Thanks for watching.

[@rmonsipapa]

Hey Mike, I'm enjoying your video's and the fact your keeping it light. Too many folks get hung up on the technical stuff, way too serious, more for the anal types out there. I like to keep it simple. Hopefully get some new blood into the hobby without overloading them with technical jargon! Good job my friend, looking forward to working you some time in 2019. Rob - Mesa AZ

[@jeffreypetchharrison4363]

yes i had a 450d the noise was always on a 9 my ft 857 its a 4 so i do not know why that is jeff

[@hamradiotube]

Different radios have different filters. Simple. The 891 doesn't usually need to go higher than 1.

[@NICKGAR7]

Hi Mike. Great vid. Thanks. I came over from Callum’s channel. China made stuff is always obvious by the font used on packaging and in instructions. Case on that psu doesn't seem to fit too good. I guess ok for $50. Look forwarding to taking a look at your contest. 73, Nick M1DDD

[@hamradiotube]

Wellcome to the channel! Unfortunately, all too many things are made in china. The psu isn't bad. It's actually quite nice. Not the best I own but not the worst either.

[@rufus101ify]

How is the receive on this radio on AM shortwave broadcasts?

[@hamradiotube]

Well, I don't really listen to am broadcasts but I have tuned around just for fun and they seem to come in great. I would prob not be the greatest person to ask that though.

[@Michael-nf2yx]

@@hamradiotube thanks

[@Michael-nf2yx]

@@hamradiotube thanks for giving it a listen.

[@sandynewman5533]

What's up with the PS case in the front? lt Looks damaged to me.

[@hamradiotube]

Not sure what you're talking about but nothing is damaged.

[@sandynewman5533]

@@hamradiotube I saw it when you showed the front of it, the top looked bowed upwards.

[@ihatesmartphones]

I am going to miss Crazy neighbor. I always looked forward to the videos that he was in. Take your time. no rush in making new videos right now

[@Marty48034]

I know that you are now in Texas, but I am still here in Michigan. I also know that we are not supposed to talk politics, but MI has gone CRAZY!! So jelly. I just know that TX wants more folks to move there. Hah! BTW--I'm finishing the General Class with Hazel Park Amateur Radio Club (HPARC) (and I passed the General test about two weeks ago). Woot! KM8RTY

[@Marty48034]

...and the 891 is my first HF radio!

[@hamradiotube]

I feel that's the same club I upgraded to my General. Went to the Howell club for Extra. Congrats on the General! Welcome to the world of HF. It's so much fun! Texas is full though. We're not taking any more transplants from blue states lol!!

[@Marty48034]

@@hamradiotube HAH!! that's EXACTLY what I thought about TX. Too funny. The Babylon Bee series about Cali transplants was epic. I've watched (and commented on) a ton of your vids now. Very much appreciated. As for moving, I hate to admit it, but I'm even tempted to just move across the border to...

[@Marty48034]

...O (cough cough)...Ohio. (that was hard to say.)

[@hamradiotube]

@@Marty48034 NOT OHIO!!!! You know how many frigging Ohio State fans are there??? Although, their roads are exponentially better than MI. But the speed limits are a joke! Plus you have to buy your liquor at the state stores. I can go on and on. I had to live there twice for work in Cleveland. Most non social place I've ever lived in my life. And I've lived all over the country.

[@darrellfuglseth2210]

General coverage reciever?

[@hamradiotube]

Yes. I think from 500hz to a little over the 6 meter band.

[@normjacques6853]

Am I the only one that saw the box and read, "Twitching power supply"?? LOL Cool video...love the 891! 73 KC1MGW

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Norm Jacques it is a Fancy S not a Fancy T sorry.

[@WoodyofTulsa]

I thought the FT 891 used over 20 amps on full power?

[@hamradiotube]

Nope.

[@chuckchamplin6627]

K8MRD RADIO STUFF///MIKE your video talked me in to ordering ft-891.but my wife isn't happy about it lol.

[@hamradiotube]

Haha, well I can't take responsibility for your actions but I certainly can be a bad influence. Sorry not sorry! Congratulations on your new toy though. I know you'll love it!

[@TheAmericanStranger1]

Great video! Would you still recommend the rlps30m power supply?

[@hamradiotube]

It's an ok supply but I would go for the MFJ-4230DMP. Its super quiet, has an adjustable voltage and has a nice digital screen.

[@TheAmericanStranger1]

@@hamradiotube Thanks for the recommendation, picking one up tomorrow

[@hamradiotube]

@@TheAmericanStranger1 Awesome, you should be very happy with it. I use mine all the time for bench testing. Love the variable voltage and it is super quiet. It does have power poles on the back so make sure you have some of those. There is a binding post on the front you can wire up too if you don't have the power poles.

[@jimedwards9310]

Hey mike. I live right by you. ❤ lol

[@eduardopower5254]

Congratulations for your new Rig. And new subscriber (me) Hi Hi

[@user-ss6zt2mo1l]

lol love the shirt

[@davidlinux]

Is there any way I can get some assistance from you on my 891? I will gladly pay for whatever time you give me. I am getting frustrated and I am sure the issue is ME. Thanks for all that you do.

[@hamradiotube]

What are you trying to do?

[@davidlinux]

@@hamradiotube Ok I have both the Super Antenna MP1DXMAX and a Buddipole Delux. Both are giving me an SWR of 1.2 or less. I have the Yaseu autotuner made for the 891 and yup I am connecting it (first couple of days I thought is was FM -- "something magic" - but I learned that I needed to turn it on). I hear people on 40, 20, and 17 very clearly but when I try to bust in I get nothing. I am VERY new to this so I am certain that I am doing something wrong. I just watched a YT video on the EQ settings but I have watched you several times just basically plug and play successfully. I really want to do POTA but I want to be a hunter for a bit until I figure this out. Thank you... David KC3QQM

[@hamradiotube]

Well it looks like everything is good. With a 1.2:1 swr you don’t even need the tuner. Dumb question but is your SSB (I assume your doing phone) power turned up? There are several power settings in the radio. HF SSB HF AM HF PWR etc. Menu 16.1. Also check your mic gain menu 16-07. Mine is set at 50. The eq is something you can mess with but isn’t important to getting on the air. Also, what type of contact are you trying to break into? If it’s a pileup you many have to try many times before the station hears you. I would try finding a net. There’s pretty much always one on 14.300, and there’s no shortage of them on other bands. Try checking into one as they are usually a slower pace and you should have a better chance of getting a contact. Just tell them you are trying out a new rig. They’re usually happy to tell you how you sound.

[@davidlinux]

@@hamradiotube ok I have success. increasing the mic gain did it (so it seems). I made a confirmed QSO with Missouri and North Dakota from here in SE PA. Thank you so much for the help. Do you have a link for membership levels like HRCC does? 73 KC3QQM

[@hamradiotube]

@@davidlinux Ah fantastic. I didn't even think of that. An easy way to check would be to set your meter to power and make sure you are getting the full 100 watts out when you are talking. I don't have any memberships no. Just #hamitforward when someone you can help needs it. 73

[@dougtaylor7724]

That radio is one odd duck. Comes out of box wide open, bad move if you have a shorted antenna. The menu is way over complicated. But they pick up like crazy and run over 100 watts and the noise reduction is very good for a cheap radio.

[@hamradiotube]

Interesting. What do you mean by wide open? I've not had any issues with mine. I will say, Yaesu's menus are horrible. Fortunately I don't really use many of them. The quick menu is usually enough to get most things done. It is pretty stupid that the power adjustment is all the way on menu 16. You would think that would be like menu 1?! I've not gotten over 100 watts output though. It's pretty on point. DNR is fantastic too. Best radio in its class if you ask me. I have a 7300 now for the qth. This is my main POTA radio now. Works great.

[@dougtaylor7724]

@@hamradiotube output at 100 watts. Then you need to hunt how to decrease it. I did not see that in the quick start guide. But for the money it’s can’t be beat. I talked to Chile from US on first QSO

[@ae4xo]

I love how everyone is ripping off Jetstream on their power supplies

[@hamradiotube]

Oh theres a bunch of this power supply that are all the same hihi. So much for originality!

[@MrRadiorobot]

Your RLPS30M is a generic unit.. I have the same PSU under a UK supplier brand. Works really well though.

[@hamradiotube]

Oh yeah I've seen several different brands of the same supply. It's a nice supply.

[@andrewhamop6665]

Meanwhile, play 891 is going to take a month and a half to get here. Thanks Covid... :(

[@hamradiotube]

Oh man that sucks!

[@andrewhamop6665]

@@hamradiotube Yup, I will likely get everything else that I ordered before the radio. I already have my coax jumpers and power poles, and my balun. I'm only missing my sound interface. It will happen eventually, though unfortunately because I know it is coming in the mail it's going to make the time pass really really slowly lol. Love the content, 73s from W8IJC!

[@WoodyofTulsa]

It needs a water fall. I love the radio otherwise.

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

Send it back get a ft991 hi hi

[@hamradiotube]

No way! The 891 is awesome! I'm not going to take a 991 out portable thats just silly ;p

[@q1o1mancow]

Great video, just purchased the 891, i cant seem / to get the swr meter on the screen in replace of the po, how do you do that

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Stormtrooper read the owners manual.