Thank you for the video, been considering the portability and all around versatility of the Yaesu FT -897D, your comments and videos are encouraging me as a new General Class to pick up a FT-897D and go to the field. 73s and keep up the good work.
Thanks for posting these videos. They are enjoyable and I do appreciate your simple equipment setups. I picked up a used FT-897D and am looking forward to getting on HF when I return from deployment. 73, KD8FJI.
you know what, I've owned an FT-897D for almost a year now. but I've never taken it portable. but after watching this video, you've inspired & motivated me to get outdoors and operate portable in 2017 Thanks for a great video 73 De 2E0WET
Great job! I found your channel looking for 817 videos, but it's good to see the new 897 too. I'm contemplating the jump to QRO myself. I enjoy your vids with either rig, looking forward to more. Good luck! 73 from NC, W4CRG
another great video and great inspiration for sure. radio, camping, fire, cooking outdoors. ...what else can we ask for? !!! great great work Tracy. keep them coming. 73
Liked and Subscribed! I'm a new Tech, and 2016 CQ WW DX SSB was my first contest. PJ4X was my first HF and my first DX contact...all in the same QSO!!! Your videos inspired me to try to participate, even though I "only" had an FT817 and a piece of wire I measured out half an hour before the contact, hihi! Keep the quality content coming. 73 from Doug KC3HRB
Thank you, Douglas! Congratulations on your new Tech license and your first DX contact. Great job with the homebrew antenna, I'm impressed. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM
Hi Tracy, I purchased the 3 Band Classic 100W HyEndFed Antenna, back in August 2019. Had Great Success using this Antenna in various configurations, but primarily as a sloper at 45 Deg. The reason I mention here, is that only after watching your videos, was I convinced this would be an antenna for me. I use it with my FT450D, but Im seriously thinking to purchase the 897D, although only available now as a used rig, I feel irs the essence of the Hobby, with rugged features, low power consumption, and large band opportunities. Yes I will eventually end up with an SDR , but fir now, want to have the heterodine radios, b4 everything is 1 big FPGA, .. cheers Tracy, thanks for the nice videos from time to time, and after my purchase of my EndFed, I mentioned to Ron, I purchased because of your Videos,..73s., A92GW, AE1TP.
Thank you for your comment and sharing your experience, Thomas! I really appreciate that you mentioned to Ron my videos played a role in your decision. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
I think you nailed it with the 'inspiration' comment. I need a kick in the butt sometimes to get on the air! The first time I ever used my FT-897d was on a field day! Can't wait for this years outdoor fun!!! Keep up the great work, QSL? 73! de K4ZRI
Parabéns pelos contatos, em um deles quando estava filmando a abelha foi possivel ouvir um brasileiro fazendo uma chamada, fico maravilhado com o entusiasmo, dedicação e seriedade que vocês tem com o hobby, obrigado pelo video e espero um dia conseguir fazer contato com alguem dos USA ou Canada em alguma modalidade. Charles PU2TBK Jaguariúna SP Brasil
good video :) .... ya gotta laugh at HF operation, specially during contests, ya have to repeat your call 5 times and yet they give a 59 haha ... has always been that way :) :)
Really enjoyed your video. Looks like you have a fun time. I love my FT 897D but don't use it that much. I seem to enjoy QRP much better. I use my KX2 for portable. Did you consider a small solar panel. I have a 24 watt panel that folds up neatly. My friend and I run field day off of it and a 14 ah battery. Keep up these nice videos. I really enjoy watching them. Barry, KU3X
Hi Barry, always good to see your feedback. Yes, one day I'd like to try a solar panel. Thank you for sharing your experience with the 24 watt panel, I'm intrigued.
As I wrote last time I also have FT-897D rig. Do you have any recommendations how to tune, improve modulation? I've heard that there is not enough low and medium tones. Is it possible to adjust?
Hi and thank you for your comment. There are menu items that allow you to tailor the transmit audio to your liking. In typical Yaesu fashion though, these functions are not clearly documented. Dig into the manual and do some on the air testing and you can get good results.
Hi Tracey Love the video's - run both the 817 & 703 when time permits. Like you thinking of a bit more power - it looks like you are using 12V SLA batts? Always understood that these can be an issue as they are outside the +/- 15% spec for the rigs, especially the IC-7000. Don't know if you have had this issue or is the 897 happy on just 12V? Thanks Davy
Hi Davy, thank you for your comment! SLA batteries can be used effectively with rigs like the IC-7000 but you'll want to go with a larger capacity one (I would suggest greater than 25 Ah) and keep an eye on the output voltage. Note the 7000's minimum stated voltage (13.8 volts - 15%) and don't ever go below that. BTW I once owned a 7000 and really liked it.
DX Engineering says the following about the FC-30 auto tuner. Has this limited you or anyone else in using certain antennae? “On the HF and 50 MHz bands the impedance matching range is from 16.5Ù to 150Ù (up to 3:1 SWR). Accordingly, the FC-30 should not be expected to match "long wire" type antennas unless you have taken specific design steps to ensure that the impedance presented to the FC-30 is within these specifications.”
Is there anywhere you can still buy a 897? Guessing you'd need to find one used if you didn't want a 991 or whatever the new ones are. Heard they're paperweights, full of issues
Hi Brandon. You won't be able to find a new one as they are now discontinued. Having said that, if you are patient you can find one in good condition in the used market. I really cannot speak to the FT-991 as I've never owned one. I have heard that the first batch had problems but Yaesu made some improvements which greatly improved performance and reliability. Just bear in mind the 991 draws a lot more current on receive that the 897 does, which means you'll need a significantly bigger battery to run the same amount of time.
In the CQ WW SSB Contest, the exchange is 59 for the signal report (in many major contests the exchange is 59 regardless of how you are receiving the other station) and your CQ Zone. Google CQ Zones to see where you are located. My part of North America is in Zone 4.
Hello great vidio...i just got my general licence and I was wondering if the yeasu 857d would be good for my first hf radio or the 897d...i would be open to any recommendations. since I'm only 15 and can't get a job yet those radios look like the cheapest good working ones out there.
Hi Elijah! The difference between the 857 and the 897 is only the form factor. If you like the bigger knobs, go with the 897. If you plan on installing the rig in a vehicle, go with the 857. And don't overlook the fact when money is tight there are plenty of other good used models to choose from at a low price if power consumption and portability is not a primary consideration.
Wow, a beautiful video from your portable radio operation. Which microphone you used on your FT-898D? I'm using a MH-36 VHF/UHF works very well. But on HF is the audio not good! Can make a QSO! Your HyEndFed doing also very well. I will listing on the band for your callsign and give you points on a contest hi 73 from Patrick ON6AT
Thank you Patrick! The microphone that came with my 897D is the MH-31. I haven't had any complaints about the audio yet. I am a believer in the HyEndFeds, every one I have used has worked very well. It would be nice to make a contact with your station, I'm looking forward to that day! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM
Slow down your call sign so they can hear you better. I work in the service industry and nothing worse than someone talking to fast to get there #s written down so I can call back and help them some times I just wait for a second call. I do like your set up!!! Around Seattle out. Studying for the ham test.
TU Tracy for interesting videos. Just order my Xiegi G90 and options. Pls tell me how you are recording the audio in videos. Using an microphone or a recorder? TU frm Leif, LA9BM
