Optimizing the Yaesu FT-817 for Contesting 

I'm truly in your debt for these tips. You've improved my SSB experience considerably on my FT-818ND. I just upgraded to General and I'm really enjoying this little QRP rig this weekend. I love the channel! 73 de KT1RUN.

Excellent explanation: For about a year, I didn't know about the IPO inverse logic. I am sure a whole group of users will benefit from this video. Thanks.

This applies to all radios. I do this even on my FTDX3000 high performance radio. IPO is often misunderstood by many Yeasu owners. Turning it on disables the RX preamplifier. A preamplifier is not needed on 160 - 20 meter bands in most conditions, even with small antennas. IPO should always be ON (preamp off) when operating on 160 through 20 m bands. Using preamplifier on those bands (IPO off) adds a lot of "hissing" noise and screws up the receivers dynamic range. Turn IPO on (preamp off) and you will hardly loose any RX signal strength but there will be a LOT less noise. Try it. You would believe how many times I told this to Yaesu owners and most of them had no clue about the IPO feature. They turned it on and could not believe how much better their receiver was performing. Another thing worth mentioning if you are a CW operator. Adding an optional 300 Hz CW filter will literally transform your receiver into a high performance CW rig. I have both a Yaesu FT817ND and an Elecraft KX3. I prefer my FT817 for CW operation and many times for SSB as well. Yaesu receiver is that good if you know how to use it.

I am fairly new to HF working and, by chance, own a FT-897D and a FT-817. I knew about IPO and ATT but had never really experimented with them before. Well, today I did! All I can say is thanks for the massive improvement in my reception, especially with regard to noise levels. Operating from London (England), I had successful SSB contacts within about ten minutes with Hungary, Italy and Algeria - my first foray into Africa, so thanks! 73, Phil M1GWZ

Tracy, I just wanted to say thank you for all you Amateur Radio related videos but especially the ones on the FT-817. So much so I decided to get one myself. It was new just yesterday so I haven't had much hands on time but after watching yours (and other videos) I can tell it has a lot of potential. I'm looking forward to traveling with it. Mnay thanks & 73, K6KWI

Thanks Tracy for a great and informative video. I always enjoy watching your vids.

Great video on the FT-817. This really helps me out with mine and understand some of the controls and how they affect the receive on this little rig. I'm so happy with it. Hope to take camping this winter here in Florida. You know QRP is fun to me because it is a challenge to make everything work to get that contact on 5Watts or less. Much more challenging than firing up a Log Periodic and a 1500Watt amp.

Thanks for posting this, I've enjoyed this and your other videos on the FT-817. Very useful.

Thank you for the very informative demonstration. I ran my FT817ND on the stock settings in 2016 Jock White Memorial Field Day weekend with great success.For the 2017 event I will be using your recommended tips. All the best for the festive season and best of DX for 2017, 73 de ZL1PO

Thank you. I’m learning this radio at the moment and there’s a lot of useful info in this video.

Great information. I had no idea about these two settings of IPO and ATT with the RF-Volume dial.

Great video. Precise and concise, quick way to get started with the FT-817.

I've been using the 817 for over 15 years now and I've just learned a neat new little trick from your video @ 6:25 Thanks!

Gosh I love your videos. After watching your QRP in the pouring rain video, I decided to buckle down and pick up an 817ND. I'll have my General upgrade on 9/25 and I'm just dying to chew the rag with you on HF when the bands open up. Thanks for uploading this, I'm confident I'll be making good use of the info here. 73, KE0IMD Matt

Cool. I've been doing this all the time whenever I have a radio with these features. I remember reading once that "less is more". Great tip. Thanks"

Thanks! This mod increased my audio from a muffled 57 to a solid 59! 73, KL1Y

Tracy, great video. I'm going to try this as soon as I get home from work. 73. Jaime

Thanks for the demo. These tips are also applicable to the FT857 and probably FT897.

Excellent video as usual... You're the "Go to" guy for using the FT-817 in real world outdoor environments. 73 de NQ8RP.

I passed over this vid for quite some time thinking, "contesting, not for me at this time" but since I finally have an 817 on its way, thought I'd check this out even though I don't have any intent of contesting in the near future. Glad I finally watched, great info even for the non-contester.

Resurrecting this thread. Still applicable today as yesterday. These settings work fantastic on my FT818 as well. Thanks Tracy!

Thanks for posting this! I’ve been listening with the IPO and ATT engaged so far and it really helps with signals but haven’t tried the RF Gain, will give it a try.

Many thanks Tracy like you videos I have used an FT 817 now with 94 Countries worked in Contests , with simple in V or half wave End fed aerials .. 73 Trig

Very nice vid my good friend 👍 has the FT857 model the procedure. Thanks for sharing very informative 😊

Excellent. Thorough. Thanks for your overview! 73 from Alabama!

I am one of the full volume (AF Gain) with RF Gain as volume proponents. Usually I just run IPO/RF preamp off, but I also take advantage of DSP: DNR, DNF, and DBF at low settings. DNR about 6-8, DNF 60Hz, and DBF 460Hz low cut and 2610Hz high cut. Also, I have the optional 2.3K Collins filter that I run on Tx (Menu 64: Optional Filter) and Rcv. Lastly on the really strong noise from neighboring frequency stations I use the Clarifier. It is a 2 second push next to RIT/Clar knob. It will cause a round dot to appear to the right of the frequency. As you turn the knob with Clarifier engaged one or two arrows like solid carots ^ will appear pointing up or down. When you go in the right direction the adjacent channel noise will basically disappear with a mild frequency distortion of the desired signal. Sometimes I increase the high cut frequency to compensate. The sweet spot for the Clarifier is typically around the switch from one to two carots. This 2022 Field Day I was given a Kenwood 2000 to operate QRP. After working with the radio for almost two hours I switched to my FT-857D. As one of three station I was operating 20m SSB phone. The other two stations were an Icom 746 Pro and KX-3 running CW on 40m and 15m. I made about 1/3 of total contacts with two CW operators and I got more DX including Slovenia from Florida. I got the golden 1000mi/Watt. We each were using tuned wire dipoles. The 20m and 15m antennas were supported on the same rope about 20ft apart end to end. The 40m antenna was 45 degrees from the other two antennas and about 40ft from the closest antenna. We did not operate all night. I will have to defer to official logs for actual numbers, but I believe total contacts were 258 and SSB phone were 78. Granted 15m wasn't that great. The CW operators stayed later to about 02:00L and operated 80m. I left about 22:00L. I returned in the morning early about 06:30L threw out the solar panels and operated 40m and 20m for about an hour before heading to church. When I returned at 10:00L the other two stations were going. Overall we did well and 20m SSB phone did well.

this video worths every minute

I have to say, that I would not have thought of this. But clearly it makes sense, and from the video, it also seems quite effective. Thanks for the tip. 73

Loved this video, so helpful. Thank you, from a new user of the 817

Great video! Helped me with my FT-857d as well. Thank you!

Wow super clear and helpful info thank you for a new user of the 817nd 73

Thank you for the lesson. Owned this thing for 6+ years, didn't have a clue. Going to have a go at the North American SSB Sprint on the 4th of April.

That works well for any radio, thanks for your insight.

Tracey, Again very good advice and your technique can be used on any transeiver, the ICOM 706 and 7000 line especially. Dave K8WPE

Thanks! I'll be operating QRP this weekend and plan to put your suggestions to work.

Hi Tracy! Thanks for this video - I don’t yet have an 817ND although I am actively looking... but this helps me understand my 897D much better! I will miss there being additional 817 videos from you, with your recent decision to move to the ICOM!! Have a great day.

Excellent video. one of the reasons some hams swear by max audio and using the rf gain to control audio is they are using a holdover from the tube era when many of your old vintage tube radios did not have a product detector for SSB , nor adequate AGC control, Most modern solid state radios probably are not needing that, Some hams like to turn off the AGC and do this routine for manual control of AGC gain when dealing with very weak CW signals and strong QSB and can be quite affective, 73 J

Danke für das tolle Video.73, von Wien.Österreich.😊😊😊

Nice job. I just picked up a FT-818ND. I also picked up a Collins filter (the 122S variety). It's not the one people crave who are CW aficionados, but it should help SSB. Stay tuned....

Good video. I've seen the combination of using the ATT & RF Gain, but not the IPO along with. I'll use all three in the future! 73, Don, W5DON

I operated Field Day last weeked at QRP power. Five watts from an FT-818 (it does 6 watts, but I ran 5 to get the QRP multiplier). It is possible to do it, but you must be patient. Several stations asked for repeats, but most were eventually able to get all my information. I made most of my contacts early Sunday morning, when stations were hungry for contacts and more willing to work a weak signal out of the noise. QRP is a challenge, but also very rewarding!

This will come in handy when I'm fully licensed!

Great video. Very helpful. Thank you.

Excellent video very informative.

The 817 can be used in contests successfully, it just depends on which contests those are. Your video demonstrates some basic settings that are obvious to remove hash, but based on the replies they are not known by a bunch. For the adjacent QRM you noted, ensure you disable the NB noise blanker. Filters also help with narrowing up things and reducing QRM. All of this is in the manual, which it appears people did not receive one with their purchase. The 817 is a fun radio. I have used it with smaller compromised antennas up to a three element Yagi-Uda at 50 feet AGL. I prefer the yagi. The gain on TX & RX is something everyone should try and enjoy. Many would realize how critical an improved antenna is to their radio system. A directional antenna also works to null out stations causing QRM, unless the are in the path. Unfortunately, we may need to use compromised antennas in our system. I rarely turn on the preamp with any rig, as it also raises the noise floor. A higher signal with a preamp in-line does not make for good listening. The only time I recall turning it on was during a QSO was with an Antarctica station.

Great video! Thank you!

I always wondered what those settings are about, using them with no clue because the explanation in the manual is not really understandable as I am still quite new to transceiver electronics. Thank you for that video. I love my 817 :)

The Yaesu (Collins) YF-122S mechanical filter should have made this list. I know you have sold your 817 since making this video however being a few years later in my 818's life I was amazed at the difference a 2.3 makes compared to the stock 2.7 filter and felt you kinda missed out. Worth the money.

Very good info, i can now tame my 817nd, thank you very much,73's Shaun M6TGZ

Good video ,easily explains to those that havent figured this out yet, as i only use cw a filter for that is a must, i have the 500 hz filter and its great, 73 de paul.

don't forget to also use IF Shift in crowded conditions. the ft817 has a brilliant one installed.. great demo of the IPO, so many people don't read manuals and due to their ignorance miss a great radio performance feature

Great explanation, tnx!

I have been playing with this for a bit since seeing this video a while ago, and it seems i also am finding i get better results if i also turn off the auto agc setting, is that just in my imagination or is really helping

THANKYOU 4 SIMPLE COMMONSENSE. Xx...

Yes yes yes AF gain up RF to control vol, att on, this sounds upside down to a lot of new hams. Tks for vid

Hello! Of all contests that already participate, 90% of them were with the 817ND. Great video! 73 PY1XR

I use the same settings on my 450D. They make a ton of difference!

Very clearly done.

So I see you have a Type 40 capsule. Super nice.

thanks, Tracy fantastic video 73 from kb2uew

Very helpful! Thanks!

Excellent

I'net like this all the time. I use my FT817nd for the thirteen colonies every year and have no issues.

Good tips! Thanks

Great video thanks

I am just getting in to amateur radio and have a ft857d, can you tell me if its possible to have both ipo and att on together on this radio? if I put one on the other goes off!!!

Thanks for the great tutorial. Now, I want to use this radio to hunt down power line noise on 10 meters, in which case (somewhat perversely) noise floor is more important to me than any operator's signal. How to I optimize it for reception of broadband noise? What AGC setting would you suggest? (Note that I need to have the S-meter operational.)

Great info thanks 73s

Great tutorial ... keep'em comin'! Cheers & 73 -- KI7BSW.

for the last 5 years field day has been ft817 on battery and solar and a trail friendly antenna by lnr precision de ne4am

Tracy you number one

Thank you-great video & explanation.AC7AA

Very useful. 73!

NICE VID

Solid advice, . . . . I never like the YAESU's "IPO" = pre-amp off idea, . . . just call it a pre-amp like everyone else

Thanks!

Luvly lil Radios Audio seem Top Notch Noticed the LHS Dial looked Loose ,is that a Issue with them ,easily resolved?

Still good instructions!!

Good advice for using any simpler HF set, not just the 817/nd. BTW - non-USA models come defaulting to the Squelch option rather than RF gain. Lord knows why they thought that US ops' need would be different - but seems they did... Same design feature on the FT-857d, same odd reasoning?

Great video. Just like anything else, you can have too much gain. Even on more modern rigs than the 817 that have digital signal processing, a lot of operators don’t understand why their noise reduction isn’t effective with their gain wide open and pre amp on. Noise can overwhelm a signal, and past a certain point increasing your gain simply increases the noise. This makes it hard for the digital signal processing in your radio, and the analog signal processing in your brain and ears to function properly.

Good video. If more hams would learn how to use the RF gain and turn off the pre amps in their radios when not needed, they would realize how much they would get rid of a lot of noise. Seems most new hams turn on the pre amp just so they can see a higher S meter reading. The art of using the RF gain has been lost for the average ham. Barry, KU3X

I own a FT-450AT and the FT-817ND. I keep the IPO switched ON for 20m and above and switched OFF for below 20m.

tnx 73!

tnxs just pick this radio up and trying to understand what I am doing. Been off the air for sometime and the last wad was ft890. It is all a new game for me KQ4CDPaul

Thank you for Sharing, planning to have one, de 4I1ANA

How to make your FT817 even more less sensitive (deaf ) than it was before cool. The FT817 isn't a contest radio, and being 15 year old technology it's the Ford model T of amateur radio. Time to move onto something more capable that doesn't need to be desensitised!

Great video. I have a FT 817 and an Alexloop Antenna. Unfortunately and I have to send it do repair its encoder. This radio offers manu joys to its owner. 73 de PY1FX / Marcos (Rio de Janeiro).

Don't forget the Clarifier for adjacent frequency stations.

Having problems with the menu

Thanks for this excellent tip. 73 de dg0jao

děkuji za pěkné video :-) Ahoj OK2AQA ok2aqa.rajce.idnes.cz/