Yaesu FT817ND info from Yaesu.
FT-817 The Ultimate Backpacker!
Multi-mode Portable Transceiver
The world’s first self-contained, battery-powered, Multi-mode Portable Transceiver covering the HF, VHF, and UHF bands!
For more than four decades, Yaesu has been a world leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance multi-mode base station and mobile transceivers, as well as FM handhelds.Yaesu broke new ground with the introduction of the FT-817: the world’s first HF/VHF/UHF self-contained battery-powered Multi-mode Portable Transceiver. Providing up to five watts of power output, the FT-817 is designed for operation on the 160-10 meter HF bands, plus the 6 meter, 2 meter, and 70 cm bands. Whether your preferred operating mode is SSB, CW, AM, FM, Packet, or SSB-based Digital modes like PSK31, the FT-817 is ready to join you on your next hiking, camping, or search-and-rescue adventure!
Now the 817 legacy is even better with the introduction of the FT-817ND, which includes coverage of the U.S. 60-meter (5 MHz) band, and it also includes a 1400 mAh NiMH Battery pack (FNB-85) and NC-72B Charger!
Ultra Compact HF/VHF/UHF Multimode Rig
Despite its incredibly small size (5.3" x 1.5" x 6.5"), the FT-817 delivers big performance! Its next-generation PA puts out five watts on all HF bands, plus the 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz bands, on all popular operating modes: USB/LSB/CW/AM/FM/Packet/PSK-31/RTTY.Wide Receiver Frequency Coverage
Enjoy shortwave and FM broadcasts, , public safety communications, and air band calls thanks to the extended frequency coverage of the FT-817, which includes reception on 100 kHz - 56 MHz, 76 - 108 MHz (W-FM only), 108 - 154 MHz, and 420 - 470 MHz.Two Antenna Connectors for Ease of Installation
The front panel includes a convenient BNC connector for attachment of a whip or VHF/UHF rubber flex antenna (supplied). The rear panel includes a type “M” (“SO-239”) connector. As shipped from the factory, the BNC jack is active on 50/144/430 MHz, while the “M” connector is active on HF. But using the Menu, you can assign, for example, 50 and 144 MHz to the rear panel, if your coaxial cables have matching plugs.Receiver Enhancement Features
• IF Shift – For reduction of adjacent-frequency interference. • IF Noise Blanker – For reduction of ignition and other impulse-type noise. • IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) – Bypasses RX Preamp on HF/50 MHz for improved performance during strong-signal conditions. • ATT (Front End Attenuator) – For more pleasant reception of very strong signals.Outstanding CW Features
• CW “Semi Break-in,” with T/R recovery delay programmable from 10 ms ~ 2500 ms. At 10 ms setting, performance emulates QSK operation. • CW Reverse: provides BFO injection from LSB-side, instead of default USB-side. • CW Pitch Control: adjusts TX offset and (identical) side tone between 300 Hz and 1000 Hz in 50 Hz steps; this allows precise spotting on DX stations. Side tone level is adjustable. • Built-in Electronic Keyer, with speed adjustable between 4 WPM and 60 WPM, and Weight (Dot:Dash Ratio) adjustable between 1:2.5 and 1:4.5. • For emergency use, the Menu allows you to set up the Microphone’s [UP] and [DWN] keys for generation of “Dots” and “Dashes” on CW!Versatile, Easy-To-See Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
A wealth of information is available on the front panel LCD: • When you have to be away from the radio for a few minutes, but would like a visual indication of activity while you’re away, activate the Spectrum Scope Monitor. The Spectrum Scope Monitor allows you to watch activity ±5 channels from the current operating frequency. • The LCD illumination color may be set to either Blue or Amber color, using the Menu. • Watch for low battery trouble using the Battery Voltage Meter display selection. • For ease of viewing while outdoors, you can double the size of the frequency displayHigh Performance Collins® Mechanical Filter Options
An optional filter slot is provided in the FT-817, allowing the owner to install one of two available Collins® Mechanical Filters. For CW operation, choose the 7-pole YF-122C (500 Hz bandwidth), or for very natural-sounding SSB select the 10-pole YF-122S (2.3 kHz bandwidth).Internal Battery Power
The FT-817 is the only rig in its class with internal battery operation capability. Shipped from the factory with a battery tray for 8 "AA" batteries, the FT-817 may also be operated from the optional FNB-72 Ni-Cd battery pack. full power output is available under battery power. Other manufacturers make you carry around a heavy external power source. . .but the FT-817 is entirely self-contained, making it ideal for backpacking or search-and-rescue work.
Universal Radio, Inc. info on the FT-817ND.
he Yaesu FT-817ND is a new deluxe version of the hugely popular FT-817. The FT-817ND includes 60 meter coverage plus the new high capacity FNB-85 battery. The radio is a fully self-contained, battery-powered, low power amateur MF/HF/VHF/UHF transceiver for portable/camping/mountain top use. Providing coverage of of the 160-10 meter amateur bands including 60 meters, plus the 6 M, 2M and 70 cm bands, the FT-817D includes operation on the SSB, CW, AM, FM and digital modes. This radio is designed for use either from an external DC source or internal batteries and provides up to 5 watts of power output when on external DC power. When using the battery pack or 8 AA cells (not supplied), the radio automatically switches to 2.5 watts. The multi-function LCD screen includes selectable blue or amber backlighting which may be disabled for battery conservation. This radio comes with: MH-31A8J Hand mic, FNB-85 Ni-MH 1400 mAh battery, FBA-28 Battery case (for 8 x AA cells not supplied), NC-72B charger, YHA-63 Whip antenna for 50/144/430 MHz, E-DC-6 DC cable and shoulder strap.
Features
* TX Frequency Coverage: 160 - 10 Meters, 50 MHz, 144 MHz, 430-450 MHz, plus Alaska Emergency Channel (5167.5 kHz).
* RX Frequency Coverage: 100 kHz - 56 MHz; 76 - 154 MHz; 420 - 470 MHz. (Exact frequency range may be slightly different)
* Power Output: 5 Watts SSB/CW/FM with 13.8V External DC; 1.5 Watts AM Carrier. 2.5 Watts SSB/CW/FM with 9.6V Ni-Cd Pack or 8 "AA" batteries (AM: 0.7 Watt), Up to 5 Watts SSB/CW/FM power (max.) programmable via Menu on Ni-Cd/AA cells.
* Operating Modes: USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM, W-FM, Digital (AFSK), Packet (1200/9600 FM).
* Digital Modes: RTTY, PSK31-U, PSK31-L, and User defined USB/LSB (SSTV, Pactor, etc.).
* Case Size: 5.31 x 1.5 x 6.5 inches (WHD)
* Weight: 2.6 lb (with Alkaline and Antenna, w/o Mic.).
* Two-Color LCD Multi-function Display (Blue/Amber).
* Bar-Graph Metering of Power Output, ALC, SWR, Modulation.
* Optional Narrow CW and SSB Filters.
* AGC Fast-Slow-Auto-Off Selection.
* RF Gain/Squelch Control.
* Built-in Noise Blanker.
* Transmit coverage of the new 60 meter band
* IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) and ATT (Receiver Front End Attenuator).
* Dual VFOs, Split Capability, IF Shift, and R.I.T. ("Clarifier").
* Wide/Narrow FM Selection.
* AM Aircraft Reception.
* Dedicated SSB-based Digital Mode for PSK31 on USB/LSB, AFSK RTTY, etc.
* Built-in CW Electronic Keyer and Semi-Break-In (down to 10 ms delay) Capability.
* Adjustable CW Pitch; CW Paddle Normal/Reverse Connection Selection.
* Built-in VOX.
* Automatic Repeater Shift.
* Built-in CTCSS and DCS.
* ARTS™ (Auto-Range Transponder System).
* Smart Search™ Automatic Memory Loading System.
* Spectrum Scope.
* Front and Rear Panel Antenna Connectors (BNC on Front; M [SO-239] on Back).
* 200 Regular Memories, plus Home Channels and Band-Limit (PMS) Memories.
* Alpha-Numeric Labeling of Memory Channels.
* Automatic Power-Off (APO) and Tx Time-Out Timer (TOT) Features.
* Rear Panel Data, Accessory and Key jacks.
* CAT System Computer Control Capability (4800/9600/38400 bps); Cloning Capability.
eHam.net has a spot that offers views from folks who have really been touched by this remarkable radio. Click on their link.
Of course Yahoo Groups as a link.
Observations from Scotland 3rd September 2006 GM1SXX
The Yaesu FT817ND.
SXX has been for some time thinking about portable operations. His venerable FT290 and FT790 while useful are now old and somewhat dated. I was looking for something with more functionality in a small package and the FT817ND seemed to fit the bill. I like operating in the hills while out walking with the dog and the FT817 offers DC-440Mhz multimode performance at the 5W level, an ideal replacement for my ageing transceivers.
As you'll see from the above photo, the 817ND is a TINY radio, much smaller and lighter than my FT290 yet it covers 1.8 - 440 Mhz all mode, BUT, there IS a catch, and it's NOT the small but excellent display but the photo above gives a hint of the problem. The display is actually a LOT better than it looks in the photo. The camera flashgun washes it out.
The basic specifications are as follows.
Frequency Coverage:
RX: 100 kHz - 30 MHz, 50 - 54 MHz
76 - 108 MHz (W-FM only)
108 - 154 MHz (USA)
144 - 148 (146) MHz (other markets)
430 (420) - 450 (440) MHz
TX: 160 - 6 Meters, 2 Meters
70 Centimeters (Amateur Bands only)
Ultra Compact: 5.3" x 1.5" x 6.5" WHD (135 x 38 x 165 mm)
Multimode Design: SSB, CW, AM, FM, FM-Wide (RX),1200/9600 bps Packet, Digital (including PSK-31U/PSK-31L)
Power Output: 5 Watts (selection of 0.5/1.0/2.5/5 W)
Wide choice of power sources: AA Battery Holder included; FNB-72 Ni-Cd Battery Pack (9.6 V, 1600 mAh); external DC cable included for 13.8 V operation
Two Antenna Ports: BNC on front panel, UHF (Type "M") on rear panel; may be assigned via Menu on HF, 50, 144, 430 MHz
Built-in CW Electronic Keyer, Normal/Reverse Paddle connections, adjustable CW Pitch, Normal/Reverse sideband
Built-in CTCSS and DCS Encoder/Decoder circuits
208 Memory Channels, including 200"regular" memories, assignable in up to ten memory groups; Alpha-Numeric label may be attached to each memory
Dual-Color Liquid Crystal Display: choice of Blue or Amber display
Spectrum Scope records five channels above and below current frequency while you're away
Optional Collins Mechanical Filters: 10-pole YF-122S (2.3 kHz) for SSB, 7-pole YF-122C (500 Hz) for CW
The main difference between the 817 and 817ND appears to be that the Ni-CD battery and charger are included and the PA stage FETs have been upgraded. But, there's a catch!
The small size and light weight of the FT817ND make it the perfect backpacking radio. Add to that the multimode coverage of the ham bands from DC-430Mhz plus airband and FM broadcast band receive and it's a VERY versatile little radio.
The receiver is excellent and can copy anything that my RACAL RA1772 can hear (and more) but the user has to learn to 'fly' it properly. By that I mean that the receiver preamp must be used in an appropriate manner. For some reason, Yaesu have elected to call the preamp switch 'the IP3 Intercept Optimiser or IPO Optimiser' ... read PREAMP! Stupid or what?
I was very impressed indeed by the receiver in what is essentially a budget radio. It covers 50Mhz TRX but NOT 70Mhz so if 70Mhz is your thing, look elsewhere. The receiver performance on all bands except 50Mhz is very good indeed. On 50Mhz, performance was less acceptable, probably due to the proximity to the 68.33Mhz first IF. The receiver is a dual conversion type with the second IF being 455Khz. On Wide FM, a 10.7Mhz IF is used.
Not being a great CW fan, I chose the YF-122S Collins mechanical SSB filter which results in better selectivity on SSB. The audio output power is 1Watt, more than adequate in the small speaker used and enough to make you deaf when using phones.
The quoted power drain on TX is 2 amps and on RX should be 400ma. I found that the RX took somewhat more that this, and with the battery tray holding only AA sized cells. On TX the rig takes two amps. You can now understand what the 'BUT' is...... put simply, the batteries are woefully inadequate.
I think Yaesu might have been better designing the radio to be even smaller and having an external clip-on battery pack with something like a 7Ah or 10Ah battery option. Alternatively, keeping the same size package, the space vacated by the battery could hold some optional extras, like more filters.
Battery life is the Achilles heel of this radio. For myself, the solution is simple. Ditch the internal battery pack and use an external 7Ah Gell battery from our local model shop. The combined weight of the radio, battery, my wire antennas and a cheap fishing pole is still very acceptable. Apart from the fishing pole, the lot fits easily into a day bag with plenty of space left for nosh, dog food for my radio companion and my spirit stove etc.
Rather than spend my hard earned dosh on a lousy inefficient walkabout antenna, I just have some pre-cut wires I can string up as required to make a variety of antennas. They are 'terminated' at one end in some thin Dacron line that serves as both insulator and attachment point. With this simple kit, I can manage inverted Vee's,' slopers and EFHWA's. One end of each wire has a Dacron line and the other a crocodile clip. I made a simple T shaped plastic dipole centre with a couple of brass screws to which the feed line is connected and the wires just clip on to the screws and are led through a couple of notches in the plastic to take the strain.
The radio works very well with my Z11-Pro auto tuner which is similar in size but very lightweight.
The transceiver is CAT equipped and the very excellent FT817 Commander or Ham Radio Deluxe software will drive it through a simple interface. Both software products are free of charge and VERY good indeed. As a bonus, Ham Radio Deluxe also sports a very acceptable satellite tracking program although sadly the FT817 is NOT a full duplex radio and therefore not the most suitable for satellite operation.
If you want a cat interface for this or any other Yaesu radio, don't waste your money and time ordering one from Yaesu. You can build one to the many designs available on the wobbly-wide-web or simply buy a ready made one for a fraction of the cost from ZLP
More on the FT817 etc.
First and foremost I am not intentionally doing anything wrong by this compilation. This information is freely available on the internet. I am just collecting the data and place it here on my blog, as a one stop source for info. I am sure this is not all the data available, but only what I have found.
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