Finally - an Honest and Real FT-891 Radio Review 

I agree with many of your comments. As a new ham, it became apparent that all rigs are a compromise in some way, depending on how you plan to operate. I chose the FT-891 because of its small form factor and relatively lower amp draw for a 100 watt rig (running off of battery power) and knowing that while it could serve as my base rig for starters, it would eventually become my mobile rig (giving me more time to figure out what would be really important to me in a base rig). Despite the complexity of the menus, I found that I didn’t really need much of it to get on the air and make contact with more than 70 countries (SSB) in less than a year at the bottom of the sunspot cycle. I also found that simply spinning the dial was a very effective way to train my ears to dig out the weak stations … no waterfall needed …slow, but still very effective! The choices can be overwhelming to a new person at first, but this is part of what makes it a fantastic hobby. Good info that helps illuminate the pros and cons of various choices. 73, Linda

While I may agree with many of your observations for the new ham or if this is your only base rig, not all of us look at this radio in this light. I have a full size base rig with all the bells and whistles. I also have QRP rigs. I paid $600.00 for my 891 last Christmas. I got it mostly for portable use when I want 100 watts. If something happens to it in the field, I will be upset, but will not throw myself off a cliff. I use resonate antennas in the field, so no tuner is not an issue. Most of us who have been hams for a while already have a portable tuner we can take along if necessary. As to running the radio at 100 watts on digital modes...Who does that ? So the heating up issues is really a non issue. I've added a DigiRig and cables and for much less that a full size Yaesu or Icom. This radio 100% has it's place. It's not perfect, but I'm darn happy with it out in the field when I want 100 watts. Every radio has it's trade off's. So much depends on what you are trying to do. It would not be my ideal base rig and my base rig for sure would not be my ideal portable 100 watt rig. I'm still waiting for a company to come out with the portable rig with an antenna tuner, built in sound card, 2 meter and 70 CM SSB , 6 to 160 meters that is compact and has the modern features we have all come to love with about 50 watts, 100 would be even better. Yaesu has come close in the past, but just won't listen. Also, do not forget that the 891 has been out for a number of years. Comparing it to the "Johnny Come Lately" radio's is just not fair. I started off ham radio with a FT-450 and worked on upgrading my antennas. The 891 is not a whole lot different in operation than the FT-450 and it served me well for years until I got an Icom 7300. I think the 891 is advertised as more of portable, jack of all trades radio. The lower price is because it does not contain the tuner/sound card. Not everyone needs the extras and it's still cheaper to add those than buy one of the new base radios. If you don't need these things, you have saved $$$. At $600-$640, the 891 is a good deal and it's compact size is ideal for portable. Great DSP and Great audio reports.

Hi Tom. New ham and My FT-891 Is used at home, mobile and pedestrian portable. I use resonant antenna’s so have no use for a tuner. Once setup I find very little reason to enter the Deep menu. RX and TX audio is excellent on this awesome little radio.

Thanks... I'm a new ham trying to see what rig to get following my 10 meter rig that's inadequate. I appreciate this.

According to Yaesu Site, the rig is advertised as "FT-891 HF+50Mhz ALL MODE MOBILE TRANSCEIVER." It is obvious that the transeiver has been designed for mobile use in a vehicle. That being said, it offers a whole range of functions and can put out a full 100 watts, which is remarkable for its size and price. It is not intended as a primary base station rig or QRP portable rig. However, it can be pressed into service for those uses. Since I am primarily a digi mode operator, I agree that the lack of an internal sound card is something of a downside. I also agree that the scope function leaves something to be desired. Many rigs include a built-in tuner, sound cards, keyers etc. However, this leaves new hams paying for features that they may never use. Considering the capabilites, size, weight, quality and the price point the FT-891 is a gem.

I have had this setup for over 3 years now and can share my experience: External antenna tuner: in any case, I prefer it, even if the rig has a built-in one, because it is able to match much higher impedances than the internal one. External keyer: just... why? I don't see any problems with the built-in one, it covers any CW needs. External sound card: not needed. I did not notice any difference in operation from external and built into the computer. Yes, you say that galvanic isolation is needed, but nothing has happened for several years. All you need is an external audio cable and ferrite cylinders to cut off the RF current. Overheating during continuous transmission: I worked actively in FT8 at summer, and it turned out to be very hot. So, every day, for many hours of continuous 50:50 TX\RX in FT8 at a temperature of +28C (82F), in direct sunlight, no signs of overheating were observed. The fans just worked constantly and that's all. Menu: yes, it is compactly located, but you get used to it in a couple of hours, and almost all functions need to be configured only once. It’s quite possible to get by with a pop-up menu and assignable buttons, it’s just a matter of configuration. Here's what I really don't like about the FT-891: Lack of constant voltage indication: this is simply ridiculous, the voltage should always be displayed, this is the most important indicator for working from the field. Audio cable required: FT-991, IC-7300, etc. transmit all data over one USB cable. What prevented Yaseu from supplying a tiny and cheap USB audio module is a mystery. In general, there is nothing on the market in this form factor and with such capabilities. It’s a pity, we need competition, there is still a lot that can be improved in mobile\backpack radio. Thank you and 73!

I like FT-891 than FT-2000 or TS-590 radios. I Was a fan of Kenwood rig but this little giant prove me It can acomplish the mission!

I have a FT-891 mostly for portable use but have and do use it at home a good bit. I have been a ham over 60 years and my main rig is an Elecraft K3. When I got the 891 I set it up next to the K3. Big big difference in price! I only have one minor complaint and since I do mostly CW it’s very minor. I wish I did not have to remove the front panel to plug in the Microphone on the few occasions I want it! I think the CW keyer is very adequate and never considered using one of my other keyers with it. I don’t do digital so I don’t miss anything there! It does very good AM but I prefer my Vintage Viking Ranger for that mode, even over my K3. I like that I can program buttons on the front to do what I want. I never use an antenna tuner. My portable antennas are either tuned dipoles ( excellent antenna that can’t be beat signal strength wise) or a Hustler mobile antenna with two to four radials about 11 feet long either on a tent stake mount of my trailer hitch mount on the truck. Not as good as a dipole but I get plenty of DX with it. Learning any menu takes time. I learned the 891 menu better and quicker than the K3 menu! If the K3 quits on me the 891 is probably going to become the main rig before I spend $4000 again! I do lots of contesting and the 891 seems to do just fine there also.

Yea, This rig can be used as a base if one is on a budget or use as a back up, but as others have mentioned, It shines as a mobile or portable rig. I bought an LDG 100ProII tuner over a year ago & have never used it. I am either using an EFHW (no tuner needed on 10, 15,20, 40) or Wolf River Coil, again no tuner needed when doing Portable Op. which is what I use it for. For the money, I don't think your can finder a better compact HF 100Watt radio. When it comes to the manual, watch N4HNH RU-vid videos. His videos will show you how to use the rig & optimize it to get the 891 playing at its peak. I Love this radio!

Tkx for your content Tom. I'm an 891 user. You've nailed it with this video. Love my 891 but spot on review. K7DT Don. Ham since 1964.

Interesting perspective. As a holiday-style DXpeditioner and casual contester I bought this radio for its size and I quite happy with it.

I agree and have relegated my 891 to my Toyota install and switched to the 991A for portable ops. I have the FTDX10 in the shack.

The 891 is a great CW rig, once you understand where all the most used controls are it becomes a breeze. Most controls are set and forget anyway...if you have a limited budget but want a well featured CW radio look no further, the inclusion of an audio peak filter and adjustable bandwidth down to 50hz at this price point is just brilliant..yeah, the menu system leaves you scratching your head a little but like anything else in life you can become accustomed to it..People bleating on about the scant information in the supplied paper manual..this is the 21st century, download the full manual for free..print off the most relevant parts for your operating needs!, also, plenty of tutorials for this radio on YT. ".. But it hasn't got a waterfall!! " if you want a waterfall go to niagara and see a real one! I've also got the DX10..I barely use the thing..the 891 just sounds better to my ears..there you go, you've had my 10 cents worth of opinion...

Good review and I think you've brought a important point forward to think about. We need to think of purpose, what are we going to use a rig for, when looking at what to get. I bought a FT-891 but with the intention of installing it in our Jeep. I use the ATAS-120a antenna so for the purpose I use it for it's small size along with the ATAS antenna is perfect. I did add a external sound card (the Digirig which is about half the cost of the Signallink) and includes the CAT functions. I would never buy this radio for a shack rig because of the issues you've mentioned. For base I use my trusty IC-7410 along with a IC-7300 which is built into a rack panel GOBOX that can be plugged into the shack setup when not in portable use. But, all in all I think the biggest point you bring out is, think of what you are going to use a rig for, then choose acordingly. 73 de KF3BH

It's my primary stationary rig. Excellent filters, noise reduction, large easily readable display, nicely weighted VFO dial etc. Using it for FT8 , CW and occasional voice contact. Rig control and audio in/out works well with my Windows laptop, no need for external devices. I use it with EFHW and other resonant antennas - no need for tuner

Thank you - this was very helpful. I'm in the market for my first HF radio and your video certainly gave me some things to consider.

I have an 891. I have never used it in my shack. I don’t think it was meant to be a base station rig. For portable/mobile operations, it’s great. I agree with the grrrr factor from the lack of an internal tuner.

Thanks Tom. I have a FT-991A for the shack and POTA. I hope to add the FT-891 to my POTA/Go Kit in the very near future, because the thought of dropping the FT-991A during transportation scares me.

I believe it's a great portable or mobile radio especially for voice, I use mine now for mobile with a Hi-Q-5/80 antenna and a ALS-500M amp. I've been a General for just over two years and got this radio about 5 months in and love it for what I believe it was made for (portable-mobile) voice/phone use, I do have friends that use theirs with add-ons for digital and they do very well with it. I do have a Yaesu FTDX10 in my shack for more advance operations but as for portable or mobile use It's the Yaesu FT-891 for me thanks and 73

This radio replaces, or “repurposes” the FT-857D that I’ve been using in my pickup for the last 13 years. I mainly bought it because of the larger display because the 857 display can be challenging to view at times while driving. But as others have pointed out, this radio is expressly designed for mobile applications. While a ham could use it in a fixed-base capacity, it really shines off the grid. (If one were primarily looking for a base unit, the FT-710 would be a much better choice for a couple hundred bucks more) The FC-50 as a matching tuner is pretty sharp as well, and not all that expensive of an add on. But speaking to new hams, I’ve been a ham for 42 years and in that time the only time I’ve ever used an antenna tuner has been with a loaded backstay on my sailboats. Other than that, I’ve always used resonant antennas. Even mobile (Silver Bullet coil w/102” whip works wonderfully). In any event, I enjoyed your review and appreciate your having taken the time to post it. 73

Tom, I do not think Yaesu was looking at the FT-891 to be used as mainly a base station. I have one that works very well for portable field operation and it is GREAT!!!!!. Also it makes a great mobile rig when used with Atas-120 Screwdriver type mobile antenna. I really thing you missed the boat when reviewing the FT-891 for a beginner base station radio. 73!

I had a Yeasu 10000mp for a couple of years but my shack is in the garage (insulated but only heated for 4 hours a day) In winter it gets -25C or colder at times. The features I liked about the old radio was the noise filters build quality and built in tuner and power supply. I am looking for a new rig and thought the FT891 would be a good option for voice on 40 meters mostly. I have a 5 band hustler vertical with lmr400. I like the Icom 7300 but I am not sure how it would do in the unheated garage.

Love this radio

I thought I was the target purchaser. I bought it because of its size. I am an experienced op. My former rigs included a Ten-Tec Corsair II. Because of where I now live, I need a small rig that I can move out to my back patio. Extremely limited antenna space means that I need an antenna tuner more capable than built-in units. An LDG Electronics Z-11ProII is perfect. The 891 is a great rig for Parks on the Air. I do agree completely with your thoughts on the manuals. They stink. That is not a first for Yaesu. Thank God for RU-vid.

I've heard similar reviews about this radio. I didn't know there wasn't a tuner

It has its place, but for a home radio I say no. My perfect place would be in a car, with the atas antenna. Also easy for portable use if you had simple resonant antennas. I don't have 1. I stick to the 991a for portable activations. Stay close to the truck so heft is not a consideration.

Fairly new ham here. I have had my FT-891 for over a year. It is my only radio and I absolutely love it. However, your video is a good assessment of the short comings. I haven’t had any issue with the cw keyer, but I don’t send that fast. Thanks for being fearless and telling it like it is. 73

My first rig was a Yaesu FT 101. No tuner. No microphone and no instructions. New hams want everything easy, cheap and digital AKA texting. I personally know several.

Does this radio have a back up battery for keeping memories and other settings like bigger rigs have ?

Great video! I don't plan to have a shack at home but would like to do some SOTA/POTA/QRP type stuff as a good excuse to take my motorcycles for a ride....and finally work HF....since I've had my General for a few years now and done nothing with it. In your opinion, is the 891 still a good radio for this, or is there a better option?

Thank you for that review very informative

Good video just got a FT891 for back up for my Ft991A will use it as base rig to rest the FT991A also I will use the FT891 for portable 73

Well done video! Very informative.

Why do you need an external sound card? I am using USB cable and it works perfectly on FT8, but yes it is my car radio with ATAS-120 antenna it probably will never be my main radio, but it good for car and my boat I agree with your recomendation of main radio to be FT-991A or FTDX10 also will add FT-710AESS to list

Thanks for sharing Tom

As a milliwatter, I mostly use QRPp CW, but I'm buying this radio because sometimes I need the power boost for DX due to severe antenna rules at my apartment. I also considered just continuing using what I have but adding Alinco units for 6 FM and 10 FM. Since those units cost $250 each, for just a little more I get full power when I need it plus HF SSB and odd things like 12 and 17 meters. I don't want to invest extra money due to my age and poor health as my kids would just have more to dispose of when I QRT.

Thank you for the informative review. I was considering this radio as my first radio as a new ham. I am interested in FT8 and CW. so I guess I will pass on this one and get something more suited. Thank you for the video.

I don't understand why people buy a small radio, then complain because it is small. I have considered selling my Xiegu G90 and buying this rig, mainly for higher power output. I'd really miss the internal tuner of the G90 though.

I wanted this radio for camping and hiking. And I will probably do some SOTA and POTA with it. After I finish learning all of the ins and outs of it it will only be used as such because that’s the only reason I got it. My desktop shack radio has to have dedicated knobs and buttons for everything or at least most functions. My current shack radio is a Drake TR7. At some point I will get a new radio like one of the others you mentioned. And I think I will always use an external tuner because the internal tuners don’t seem to work as well as the external tuners. Or at least from what I’ve heard anyway. If the new shack radio I get has one I will try it. But I already have an auto tuner I use with my Drake. So if a radio had a built in tuner isn’t a consideration for me when looking at radios.

Tom, another option may be that the FT-891 makes a superb shack rig ** provided ** it is computer controlled. You mentioned the operators manual and the advanced manual but there is another FT-891 manual that is even more useful - the CAT manual! The FT-891 offers an extensive suite of CAT commands- you don't even need to touch the power button to turn the rig on and off! You aimed you vid at newcomers to radio and I would think many of those would be interested using a computer in with the rig for FT8 or "click on waterfall tuning" in conjunction with an SRD receiver. Its not a big leap from there to full computer control. The strongest feature of the rig in my option is its versatility as a multi role transceiver combined with good on air performance.

well said Sir,

I got this radio few weeks ago . Have no clue how to use but I look forward to get on air soon

Well said

New hams need to remember to budget in anywhere from $100 to $200 for a power supply to make their new radio run. Almost all radios require some sort of external power source.

I love my FT-891, (I'm not Yaesu's fan) after all these years using Kenwood radios and many other Yaesu's HF models, this little giant is my choice. Only that bzz bzz CAT sound on the phones put me down.

Good video. I may be your target audience since I have been a ham for many years, became inactive, and I am currently getting back into HF due to SOTA and the new digital modes. I think a point you missed, however, is the use case where a fairly tech savy new ham might use the FT-891 for SOTA/POTA but use it in conjunction with CAT software in the shack. That is what I am considering.

You have valid points, had this been an entry-level radio. It is not an entry-level radio. This is a mobile/portable radio, meant to be small for portability or vehicle installation. I'm sorry you're not happy with it, sell it on down the road but don't bellyache about it.

More Money thats what makes the world go around. As far as Ft-891 goes without extras you get a good deal , leaving vhf & uhf out so less RF problems like earlier models. Dislikes are no independent mode button on face you should be able to switch to LSB or FM , AM anywhere USB is . Also should have more mem channels for ots technoligy! Hreat vudeo good point of veiw and video. Good for : Portable, Mobil, Base use! The menu is terribly long.

What are you thought on the IC-7100?

I am not a new ham, but your comments are fair - particularly for the new ham. I really like this radio myself, but the radio does have issues that the new and less technically savvy ham may find the radio difficult to use. For example, at 5:42, you are dead right about the deep menu! I would have to use the deep menu wto turn your power down to 20W when using the antenna tuner or run lower power for POTA (to save battery). Fortunately, I use flrig which has a power setting that controls that deep menu directly. I disagree about the CW keyer as I am a CW operator and find the keyer just fine. However, I had to reprogram the front buttons to turn the keyer off and on and to adjust its speed. It only leaves me one button for a keyer memory. If that is your criticism, I agree. I find the FT891 a very good backup radio for me as the audio and filtering capabilities are comparable to my primary rig - which is an IC-7300. However, the FT891 is not a replacement for the IC7300.

excellent pota rig.

This radio is intended for mobile or portable use! Not necessarily for the shack!

What would have been a better "full function" radio right out of the box?

Tom, great review however the FT-891 has been mischaracterized terms of its intended use case. By that I mean this radio is first and foremost a mobile rig as evidenced by the detachable control head and mounting hardware that comes with the rig. To the extent it’s used for mobile or for field use like POTA it shines. If you characterize it as a base station rig it clearly falls short compared to the 7300 or 991A. I agree that Yaesu mischaracterizes the radio if they promote it as anything other than mobile or field radio.

You won't find a rig on the market that satisfies all HAM's. This radio is a brilliant compromise, you can put in a rucksack, mount it in a car or use it as a base station. If you want easier control use HAM radio delux. Sound cards can be made cheaply plenty of circuits on the net. An internal ATU would increase cost and bulk and may not suitable for your needs.

You'd think their basic manual would be a subset of the Advanced Manual. You'd be wrong. Certain info is ONLY found in the basic manual. You need both. It's like what they did on the FT-6000 with hot keys. You can map certain menu function items to specific buttons. Then those items DISAPPEAR from the main menu list. Why?? I just can't bend my head around their thinking.

Nice review Tom I have had mine for a year now and very happy with it, I use mine for 11m and looking to get my licence in the near future

You gotta have a great XYL 😅

Buy or make a resonate antenna and you save that cost.

I think you hit the nail on the head. I have an 891 and it now lives in my truck where it is working very well. A good POTA or mobile rig, but in no way is it a "killer" ham shack rig. Too many things missing as you pointed out, and ergonomics are not the best. A 7300 or the new yeasu ft710 would be a MUCH better first rig for the shack for a new ham. I have compared the 7300 and the 891 in my shack for months, and the 7300 is the winner for that service hands down. The ability of the 7300 to run 100 watts on FT8 hour after hour and the 891 to run no more than 30 watts in FT8 service alone is enough to make that case, let alone the ability of the 7300 to have an actual band-scope and waterfall. So like you, I relegated the 891 for POTA/Mobile and it is serving very well there. But shack rig? No, not so much.

I totally agree with what you've said here. And I'm torn, because I can tell from seeing other hams use this radio that it works well and has lots of great features. But for a new ham (which I was) it was way beyond me - neither user friendly nor ergonomic. As it stands, after a few years of having it, my 891 still mostly collects dust. I'll keep it, in the hope that I might use it in the field at some point, but of course that'll mean I'll have to 'crack its code', which will require some concentrated time, which is currently hard for me to come by. In the meantime, I plan on getting a different rig to use as a base station. Great video, cheers and 73!

I understand clearly why you’re judging it as and against base station rigs. It seems to me, however, it should be judged as, and against other, mobile rigs. Because it is a mobile rig. As for not having a built in tuner, I believe in a mobile installation it should be paired with an ATAS-120 mobile antenna. Which it does tune automatically. I personally, would never consider this as a base station rig. Just wouldn’t have. If I wanted a budget base station rig, an FT-710/IC-7300 makes much more sense. But as a mobile rig, paired with an ATAS-120, and used as most mobile HF rigs are used (SSB communication) I don’t think there is anything on the market that can beat it. Is it a great FT8 rig? Well, it’s probably not the best choice for watching computers exchange signal reports. But as a mobile rig you take on a camping trip to the top of a mountain, and make dozens of DX contacts on 5 continents in one night on 20 meters, from the comfort of your pickup cab? Yeah, it’s freaking AWESOME!

Please stop with the cartoon cuts. Really irritating.

no built-in soundcard. icom ic-7200 intro radio has one. added over 100€ to get digital modes working.