Which radio would I choose if I could only own 1 radio? The Yaesu FT857 in my opinion is The Best all round radio for shack/portable/mobile use. Music: www.bensound.com
I’ve been continuously licensed since 1964 (60 years 😳) I own an FT-857d which I bought new many years ago. i’ll never part with it. Great little rig. 73, Marc, W4MPS
I bought a new FT-857D in 2013 and now, at the end of 2019, I'm finally powering it up and playing with it. So far, II like the way it works. The user interface is logical. I have the LDG YT-100 autotuner and it's very nice too. I was very impressed with how easy it was to program the 857 using CHIRP. I'll be taking the 857, YT-100, LiFePO4 battery, 60W folding solar panel and a small Eee PC when I go camping for Winter Field Day in one month. I plan on mostly using JS8Call. The 857 and tuner are heavy and bulky for backpack use and I'll soon have something smaller and lighter (QRP Labs QSX if Hans finishes it), but I only have around a mile of hiking each direction for Winter Field Day.
Mike, great video. I would have to agree, I sold my 857 about 6 years ago. I have a 817d, 891, 991a and a 101d but still miss my 857. It was the 857 that got me from CB to Ham radio. Its has magic memories for me, the first time I heard 40 Mts. I think I will chop in the 817 and 891 for a 857, and it works with my Atas 120. Keep up the videos...
Thanks for this wonderful review. You've provided me wth some much needed information. I have a new truck and have been looking at various HF rigs to put in it. I have an FT-891, which is a great radio but it lacks 2 meter 70cm cabablities. Having the screwdriver antenna and auto tuner on the vehicle is a nifty idea as well. Thanks again and 73 from Canada VE3VCG.
Hey Marvin. Thanks for you nice comments. Obviously the list isn't full and the are many more to look at that could be a better choice for you however it's a place to start. I used the ATAS120A with my 857 with amazing results. 73
I have been using the 857 since I started the hobby. I will never changed it. It's my radio hand. I might buy lots of other radio gear, but I will never stop using it. I also love the Yaesu MD-100 mic. 73s M0IUR
Thanks so much for your opinion about this radio. I am just getting started and your way and reasons for using ham radio is what I believe mine will be as well. Really nice presentation. I will be looking to take my exam in two weeks ...cheers from the states!
Ham Radio VLOG I Was quite surprised that the Yaesu ft 857D is no longer made ( discontinued 3 months ago) and it’s successor does not carry vhf or uhf . After calling ham shop and doing more research, there really is nothing like it available. The only option is to pick up one used on eBay and even that is difficult. Thanks again for pointing this radio out....hold on to the one you have. Also.have been studying for the technician and general exams and will be taking both this Saturday .....looking forward to getting started. Maybe some day I will be able to make your contact
Great stuff.. Didn't have a clue about the bluecat! and I am after either the tuner.. or the ATAS 120a I think the tuner might be a better spend as I can use the safely rig with any antenna then.. ;)
I love my 857d too - coupled with a DX Commander I can drive some place and use in the car till I get there, then set up the DX Commander (no tuner needed - although I have a FC-40 if needed) and then be making contacts till I go home. The removable front plate also makes it great for a Go-Kit too. I plan to add a SDR-TAP buffer board so I can also use it with my RTL-SDR to have a waterfall when set up as a base station. Great all round radio and second radio. I got mine 2nd hand - mint condition and half price, what's not to like! :)
Great video, I'm new to the hobby and a friend has offered me a FT857, boxed mint condition, separation kit, original and upgrade Mic and various other bits and pieces. He too raves about the 857 and you have now convinced me. I'll give it a go. I've subscribed to your channel too. 73's Mick M7VCB
Hopefully you jumped on that opportunity, sadly Yaesu has discontinued it with no viable replacement. I'm glad I picked up a spare 857 about a year ago (about the time you commented) and packed it away. After they were discontinued the used prices appeared to have gone up considerably and have not gone back down.
Mike, greetings from the US, and thanks for the FT-857 review. I'm studying for the Technician license and thought about buying a mobile unit for use as a base station, rather than spending tons of money for a unit with "bells & whistles" which I don't need. This one or possibly another Yaesu model may work just fine.
Hi I think this makes a good shack radio for loads of reasons. Maybe look at adding a ATU for HF antennas if needed. The other radio to consider which is a bit bigger but basically the same is the FT897. Good luck. 73 & Stay Safe.
cool overview, thank you - i have one, too. if i‘d only have one radio, it would be the icom ic-7100 - it is not much bigger but by far more sophisticated without complicity. you might want to have a look at it. using it is a breeze.
All good points. I just bought a used 857D since a couple of friends own them and speak highly of them. It seems relatively simple to operate. I will probably use it for portable mostly. Thanks for the spot on review. Jack K5FIT
I have two FT-857d, one FT-897, and on IC-706Mkiig. I consider them all shack in a box radios without tuners. I do have an MFJ-949E, LDG-897, LDG-z100proII, and two qrp tuners. Being a mostly portable operator living in a condo interested in ECOM shaped selections. I am waiting for a SDR like the IC-705, but at 100W. All band, all mode are my requisites. I will admit I am eyeballing the FTdx10. You are correct. It is hard to beat an FT'857d for portable all mode, all band operation.
Great video...completely agree with your view about 857d for use when portable but for use in shack I prefer my 7300 for me it's easier to change settings etc. Would be interested in your choice of battery for portable ops as I'm planning some Sota/HEMA/POTA activations.
Hi. Thanks. This is the battery I use. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LI12-12-Ultramax-12v-12Ah-LiFePO4-Lithium-Iron-Phosphate-Battery-and-Charger/122423814678?hash=item1c81072a16:g:2W0AAOSwc-tY3lF7
Like the video, even now. 3/2020. Just got word Yaesu Discontinued it after all these years. This video along with their announcement convinced me to purchase a unit. Excited to get started using this radio. Thank you.
excellent comments, i allways get information when i read them. that being said ... there are some offering that will change the way some operators run QRP IC705. 7 3
Just pulled mine out of the so called closet and really enjoy using it again. Makes a great portable due to it being all band/mode compared to my other portable the FT-891. Enjoyed watching your video! Thanks
Hey Mike, thanks for the video! Going to purchase an 857D here soon since I got my certification last month, KD2TKF. Wondering if the power settings allow you to use low wattage (2-6W) for manpack use on a battery pack to conserve power?
Question: I just bought one of these and plan on getting the tunable antenna. If you're using that LDG auto tuner, are you using a duplexer to connect it to the two antenna ports on the radio? And if so, what kind did you use. Or did you use a plain "Y" cable. I know this is an older video, but from what I've seen, this radio is the best option for me.
Hi, love your vids!! I got an 857D a few months ago. I've only just plugged it in for the first time, yesterday. I was just wondering, can you tell me if it's normal for it to make clicking sounds (sounds mechanical/power related, not on the airwaves) whenever I press the Mode buttons? And, is it normal for the fan to whirl-up everytime I press transmit? Thanks!
Hi, Thank you and glad you enjoy the vids. Not sure about the clicking, maybe do a video of it and send to me. The fan does tend to turn on whenever you look at it! LOL
Regarding the display having zebra stripes that some say is due to too much exposure to sunlight, do you think if I just use this radio indoors could prevent this problem from happening?
hey i love your accent but i couldn't understand the type of antenna you suggested also is the tuner a z-100 plus auto tuner by LDG? would get this antenna and tuner if i get the 857D thanks
Hi Garry. Well accents are very much "love 'em or hate 'em" The antenna I refer to is the Yaesu ATAS120. It basically "tunes" itself to the band you are on so you wouldnt need a tuner but the z-100 is a perfect companion for the 857. 73 and happy Christmas.
Sorry, I cant advise on the US licensing conditions. Do they not teach this as part of the exam? The 857 is discontinued however, you can still buy awesome "2nd user" models. I bought another one since this video. 73
Hi, would you recomment an FT857D or an IC706 for use in a pack doing mobile/SOTA ? I cant decide, I heard the 706 runs hot but they are easier to find. Thanks
Great vid!! :D I was wondering if you could share a little about what kind of converters and cables are required to hookup that battery to the radio? Thanks!
All I did was solder two wires permanently onto the battery and then soldered POWERPOLE connectors on. This way the battery can power any of my devices as they also have POWERPOLE connectors. They are great and simply to fit.
@@MikeM0XMX Thanks for responding. I only recently got my Foundation license so am new to all this. Just wondering, do I need to have any fuses installed through the setup you mention?
I see that this radio switches to 20 watts max when on battery power.......question is can you reduce the power as required on this radio by dial/switch?
Nice video! Would you make video about Yaesu FT-857 vs Yaesu FT-891? I have bought Yaesu FT-897 earlier this year, late summer and now I sold my Icom IC-706mkII and I would buy FT-857D ( There was option to buy also FT-891 but in the end, FT-857D is my choice.
Hi, thanks for the comment. My first radio was a 450D. I loved it and still rate it very highly. For me, not doing 2M was a big thing. Whilst I haven't owned an 891, same issue, no 2Mtr. If, as you imply, its only for HF then I would be tempted to say the 891. Its newer and has a USB for direct PC connection (the 450 doesn't). The 450D does have an internal ATU though which could be useful? The 450D is bigger and I liked that. Hmmmm tough choice. Good luck. 73
Hello, Mike. Greetings from Brazil. At the beginning your video, you said you use a Flex Radio 3000, I'm right ? Well, I bought this radio a few months ago, but until now I can't make it works. I have changed 3 types of Fire-Wire boards, and the software did not recognize the radio. Did you could give-me some tips, or some tutorial ? Thanks, and 73's !
Can you please tell me what current radios have QSK (full CW breakin)(including this your favorite)? I'm a Ten-Tec and CW fan and once you've experienced Ten-Tec's QSK you're never satisfied with anything else - unfortunately rigs aren't coming out of Sevierville, Tennessee anymore. (Oh, I'm not talking semi-breakin and thanks)
I have both the FT-891 and IC-7300 and hands down the noise reduction on the 891 is far better, I listen with the same headphones and I always prefer the 891, it can really pull out a signal from the noise. The 7300 can be tiring after a while , the 891 actually enhances the intelligibility of the signal where the 7300 reduces noise but also the audio quality and quietens the audio too much to make it appear to be doing something. People complain about the menus of the 891 but most of them are set and forget, the most important functions are easy to get to. That being said I love my 7300 and the waterfall is handy but I wish it had a quieter receiver and I live in the sticks with no QRM. The scope on the 891 is convenient. Probably the greatest difference between the 857 and 891 would be the noise reduction and scope and of course the larger screen, the receiver might be better too, it might be worth an upgrade ?
For my opperations, as explained the 857 is perfect. For home I have the Flex and for caravan/campervan I have the 991. The video was really focussed on what is The Best Radio for MY opperating choices. 2Mtrs being a big band so the 891 simply wouldnt be a choice. 73
Great video Mike. I am just getting into HF and looking at the Yaesu offerings. Is FT857 still available from Yaesu? If not, what is the replacement model? Is the app you demonstrated available in the USA? It appeared to be really handy. Have you changed your mind about the "one" radio to own since this video was made? Thanks
Hello Mike. I enjoyed your video. Question about the ATAS 120 since you seem to like it. You say that it senses what band you have tuned on HF and adjusts the coils. It adjusts resonance from 2m down to 80m? I agree with you about the minimum controls on rig. I have both the 857D and its little brother the 817ND. I occasionally operate the 857D outside QRP transmit levels, but rarely. My first rig was the Heathkit HW-9 with W.A.R.C. bands. That radio formed my operating preference. I agree that the FT-857D is the best radio, but I use the FT-817ND more because I can dial down output power without having to use an attenuator. I worked many CW QRP contacts from the UK and Europe in previous Century. I was not aware, until 10 years ago, that entry level in most countries, outside the U.S., radio operators are restricted to CW mode and QRP transmit levels as a foundation operating requirement. There was indication to that on the QSL cards that I either. 73 KB8AMZ
Hi Terry. Thanks for the comments. Sorry for misleading you about the ATAS. It will cover 7/14/21/28/50/144 & 430MHz. Regards the tuning, again I mislead you by saying it automatically tunes. The tuning requires you to press and a button on the 857. As with many antennas it is a compromise, but a convenient and effective one.
I sometimes use my 857D for portable use, but lugging in up hills has made me switch to a FT60 with A RH770 telescopic whip. Maybe when I start using hf I will use the 857 again
@@MikeM0XMX Any opinion on a well suited 50w+ dual band vhf/uhf mobile rig? I was looking at the 857, and as good as a radio it seems to be, i feel like there may be better options for me. Kinda bummed about 20W @ 70cm. I'm a tech, so i can really only use vhf/uhf, CW is out of the question. Looking for a first mobile radio i can use as a base, mobile, and portable lol. Planning on picking up a VX7R for a portable a little later on. 817nd is nice but I feel like i may be limited as a beginner with only 5 watts, more reason to get the vx7r
@@JakeHinds Hi. Thanks for the comments. I will always be biased towards Yaesu as thats what I know. A radio that I can personally recommend is the FT7900. 50W on 2Mtr and 40W on 70cm. You are only paying for the bands you need rather than an 8900 quad band. Another one I like is the FTM100 would be a good option as it has Fusion digital in addition to 2&70. There are a million others I am sure but these two are ones I have owned and would recommend.
Hi. No problem. Here it is. 73. www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LI12-12-Ultramax-12v-12Ah-LiFePO4-Lithium-Iron-Phosphate-Battery-and-Charger/122423814678?hash=item1c81072a16:g:2W0AAOSwc-tY3lF7
Great video! A lot of good points to contemplate. I was wondering what cameras you used to video this? The one on top of your bench looks like a Canon EOS. Do you just video to the internal SD card, or are you using a capture board of some kind? Thanks. Good video and audio as well. The audio stays consistant even when you change camera views. 73
Hi Greg. Thanks for the comments and questions. Yes the DSLR is a Canon 200d. The other cam was a Panasonic HD Camcorder. Both HD. The audio is coming solely from the camcorder (no reason for choosing that one, just needed to choose 1). The reason for the consistency is that I am using a lavalier mic on my jumper so its always the same position relative to my mouth. I record onto SD then import into PC and when I do the multicam edit I make sure that I maintain the same audio source otherwise it would always sound different when you swap camera angles. Like you, I learn by watching other RU-vid vids and am flattered that you are impressed with my techniques. Thanks and 73.
If had had to choose just one it would be my 897. All bands, decent power output, built in tuner, plus I really like the appearance and solid build of the thing even though it is a bit on the heavy side for SOTA etc. I prefer the 891 with an ATAS and FTM400 in the car though, both also "face off" rigs so not too difficult to fit in. I guess extended menus are just a fact of life on radios this small.😁
Ham Radio VLOG I adpoted an idea from I saw on youtube by Diego EC1CW, and installed the tuner in the battery compartment of the 897. It obviously increases the weight slightly but not the overall size as does the Yaesu bolt on tuner. The LiFePo batteries I use for portable wouldn't fit in the compartment anyway so why not. Just one less thing to carry.
Hi again :D I was just wondering if I could ask you (I don't know if you still have it), I've had great fun working the 857D on the rooftop on 2m (all fine and thx for your help over the past year). The aerial I've got is a NewSuperAntenna. So, I can supposedly setup for various bands. I've tried to setup for 10 and 20 metres. On 20 metres, I can hear the stations 5-9 but I can't seem to transmit out. Do you think it could be because I'm on my rooftop and ideally I need to get to higher ground or by the coast? Could it be that I'm limited by 10 Watts due to my Foundation license? Or, could there be settings on the 857D that might be not be opened-up by default? Thx again.
Sorry if I am missing something. Who are you? You type as though I have sold you an 857? I cant rely understand your question. Can you please try again.
@@freelancer2011 Hi. Sorry, I must have miss-read it. I certainly will try to help you however this may be the wrong place to go backwards and forwards with questions and answers and I do have a few before I can even start to help. Drop me a FB messenger or an email to mike@m0xmx.co.uk and then we can get into what is wrong. Thanks.
The 891 is great when it works, however, it seems to be quite a "problematic" rig with the odd bug according to reviews & various forum posts. I've got one, and so far it's been OK.
Hi Ray. Here in UK the s/h price for an 857 is between £250-£500 depending on condition & what it includes (box, seperation kit, DTMF mic, etc). They sell very quickly if correctly priced. Good luck. 73.
Well, like all radios PEP is best measured usining an accurate test device. Its close enough for most feild adjustments etc. Is there a particular reason why?
@@MikeM0XMX only because I'm going to be limited to 10w when I get my call sign which isn't much use with radios that have 1w 25w or 100w as their only 3 desecrate power settings
Minimal. The proper way is using a signallink (or similar) TNC to connect to the rig to your PC. You can do it faffing around with the microphone and speakers etc but not if you want to spend any really time and get proper results. That's it. You have everything else you need.
Для меня FT-897 удобнее и вот почему - у него есть 2 отсека под батареи. Это удобно. Можно работать QRP и подзарежать их от солнечной батареи. А так, согласен, вся эта "линейка" 817/857/897 очень удачная. У меня довольно много лет эксплуатируется FT-817 и FT-897. Впечатления исключительно положительные. Прекрасные аппараты для экспедиций. Пишу по русски, так как мой английский очень плох. А онлайн-переводчики при двойном переводе, изумляют. Удачи. Дальних связей. 73!
@@MikeM0XMX Mike, Have you encountered any problems with your 857s over the years? I've heard the LCD is notoriously bad for the "Zebra lines" problem.
@@MikeM0XMX Have all yours exhibited the LCD issue, and how long did it take? I've just purchased an FT-857D as a backup rig, but intend to keep it indoors out of direct sunlight.
Why would they make the radio put out 20 watts in UHF (70 meter band) and not 50 watts like most dual band radios which are WAY less costly? I realize the 857 has a lot more going for it than cheaper dual bands but that low power on UHF isn't great.
@@MikeM0XMX I have two FT 891s, one for the car and a manpack version that is backpackable. ATAS will work with the FT 891, but I have not had luck with them. I have gone through two of them, too much plastic and relatively fragile. I am now using the Diamond screw diver antenna and it is built more rugged with metal housing, albeit not automatic as the ATAS.
Hi Mike, I am a big Yaesu user also, I really liked your video and generally agree with your thoughts. I have the 897D, 857D & VX-8DE. I marginally prefer the 897D because of the slightly larger controls etc. but use the 857D much more because it is in the van where I use the radio most. I also have the separation kit, remote control microphone, Atas 120 and blue cat. The low power puts me off but I still contemplate the 818nd as it has the 2/70 antenna for walk about. How would you do this with the 857? Also, how did you mount the separation kit without the suction cup on the screen - as this can fall off at times? Please come back to me. 73 JOHN 2E0JFQ
Hi John. Personally having owned a few 817s, I would suggest for /P 2/70, a decent handy would be a better choice, same power, cheaper and smaller (more portable) The suction mounts can be flaky, the one you are refering to was on a mount attached to the dash rather than the screen
Studying for my Technicians license (US beginner’s license) and trying to pick a radio that gives me everything- with the idea of doing it right the first time. I had been reading about many brands, types, and models, but mobility is a must. The HTs lack of power bothers me, and, as I drive a truck (lorry) for a living, while I can use a mic, I cannot use a handheld device. It has to be this style. I haven’t purchased yet, but this radio seemed to me to be the obvious choice. I think all I need is a little shove (like this) from the more experienced to tell me I am on the right track. I now have a sense that I am understanding enough of both my intentions and the technology to make good decisions. Thank you for the shove.
I have ft991a, ftm350, ft1d, vx8, vx2, vr500, ft 7900, ft 8800 and of course ft 857. If I need to sell all of them except one, 857 will stay. It is the most amazing trx I have ever with so many functions that I enjoy 7 years and cant stop. Ppl said - it's bad trx. So I bought 991...I compared with 857 and my feeling is I have 1300EUR less in my pocket.
But this year 857 display get zebra issue... Tried to fix it but without sucess. I had to buy new control panel - quite expensive but it can be last oportunity to do that as it's not produced anymore. P.s. in the meantime I sold FT991... It was DRAMA and shame for Yeasu. Replaced by IC 7300 but again, FT857 I will never sell 🤪
I completely agree with your opinion on the FT-857 as being the one radio I'd choose for my ONLY radio. Yaesu still makes them after 10 years and that says a lot about the FT-857.
Funny that good old Yaesu discontinued it. I think this is the perfect radio. If only the 891 had been modeled after it. Goes to show you that these companies hate all mode all band radios.
Good video Mike, I like honest reviews. It would appear we have been licenced for the same amount of time and I too would agree I haven't got the years behind me to say what's good and what's not! I'm also a Yaesu man, only strayed once to an Icom 746 as my base rig and to be fair it was pretty good but soon upgraded to an FTDX1200 :-) I use the 857D out portable and in the car and it is great and doesn't take too long to learn the fast tracks to menu options you may need when operating, I'm lucky the original owner loaded it with the filter options which do make a difference when on SSB. Keep up the good work and I'll forward to more video reviews 73 De M0LVL
$829! No thank you! Used Yaesu FT-857D $750 - Yikes! Perhaps my asperation to become an amateur radio operator may need to be replaced with another asperation. I think I will stick to Citizen's Band. New Citizen's Band transceiver $35 to $169. Used thrift store Citizen's Band transceiver $10. Maybe I should aspire to make my new hobby in stamp collecting or get an ant farm.
All hobbies tend to involve spending large money. Golf, fishing, shooting, horse riding, motorsport. Actually I would say Ham is relatively cheap to get a reasonable setup.
Maybe you need to budget your money better. I agree with MikeM0xmx, hobbies cost money and ham radio is pretty inexpensive compaired to many other hobbies. So you spend $1000 on this, and ham radio equipment lasts a long time so in 20 years a very good chance the same radios will still be working... Of course ham radio can be much more expensive, but can be quite a bit cheaper than spending $1000 for a setup too. I just bought a ft-857d and a little tarheel 2 yesterday for $600. Overall My ham radio hobby has made me money as a side gig buying and selling (very small time btw), I have a ton of radios and amplifiers. Your hopeless attitude isn't helping yourself. Not trying to be harsh, but if you can't save up and spend $500 bucks to get yourself started something is wrong with your financial situation (assuming you actually wan't to get into the hobby).
Hi there I just want to ask you something if you using occasional ham radio for example on a hiking trip or hunting when you in forest or desert away from cities who you gonna disturbing ? Many people on a RU-vid talking get the radio test even the entry level .i listening for the moment and I telling you.all dead on repeaters or even simplex I heard time to time older folks chatting about connectors cables and vets bills part of that, that it .I came to conclusion that years ago those radios where more popular and even CB radio but now hardly even heard younger generation on it .so I don’t think so the fcc or different gov radio agency in different countries will trying to chase you for talking normally even without call id .that only people on you tube build up this thing like kind of witch hunt hundreds of years ago from mouth to mouth this woman is a witch if someone did not like someone. Is 21 century’s for goodness sake nobody gonna spy someone on a radio as everyone gonna heard the conversation I don’t think so government worry about lacking of some kind of information. I hope or emergency services using or the should using DMR encrypted radios so they should not worry about any disturbances on plus side their information will be safe and all other frequencies should be for people. And I’m not talking about bloody PMR radios where I live I can’t get signal even 500meters away in build up are.where is the fun ? I my go and tell him what I think 🤔 or want. Is not that far . Come on !.at least on ham when I tried once same build up area 7miles that’s the difference
Hi. Thanks for the comment Mike Hagan. There are plenty more videos of a similar style in the playlist. Enjoy, and consider subscribing if you haven't already. 73
