Considering a Yaesu FT-897D, any input?

[AKRover]

The 857d is a very nice unit and I'm sure you'll be happy with it. It may take a while to figure out all the menus so be sure keep the manuel very handy.

 

[rambrush]

Congrats glad you found the unit you needed. Hopefully you will utilize a good antenna system to be able to get out in the fringe areas.

General is not that tough a lot of the tech level info will jog your memory on several questions they ask.

 

[bj70_guy]

It may take a while to figure out all the menus so be sure keep the manuel very handy.

The Nifty manuals are very handy to have in the rig:

http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-008434

 

[xtatik]

Thanks for all the input guys! After some deliberation I've decided to go for a used 857d I found on eham.net. It's a nice unit, all the filters added, upgraded mic and a bunch of other extras. I'm totally stoaked and can't wait to start playing with it. Now to study for the general so I can really use it. Intsall pictures to come.

Good goin'! If you pay attention you can find some great deals on eham and QRZ. Sounds like you found a good one. Have you figured out an antenna yet?

 

[burquedoka]

Good goin'! If you pay attention you can find some great deals on eham and QRZ. Sounds like you found a good one. Have you figured out an antenna yet?

I did! After reading their rave reviews, I dropped the whopping $379 on a Little Tar Heel II with the 32" and the 52" whips. I am going to attempt to do with out an antenna tuner since those add ANOTHER almost $300 item. Right now I'm fabricating some military replica antenna mounts for the G. As soon as I get it all together, I'll post pictures. Right now I'm using the 857d on the 2m/70cm side, and I love it so far. I was used to Yaeu's menu style from my 7800, while there are twice as many function, I honestly find this one much easier. I'm into the component and circuits chapter in my general book and have hit a wall in my absorption. Holy cow this stuff might as well be greek! I'll get through it and at least memorize the question and answers for this section. The rest of the book, so far, as been enjoyable. :smilies27

 

[Team Ball's Out]

I have a Yeasu ft8900 and love it!

 

[xtatik]

I did! After reading their rave reviews, I dropped the whopping $379 on a Little Tar Heel II with the 32" and the 52" whips. I am going to attempt to do with out an antenna tuner since those add ANOTHER almost $300 item. Right now I'm fabricating some military replica antenna mounts for the G. As soon as I get it all together, I'll post pictures. Right now I'm using the 857d on the 2m/70cm side, and I love it so far. I was used to Yaeu's menu style from my 7800, while there are twice as many function, I honestly find this one much easier. I'm into the component and circuits chapter in my general book and have hit a wall in my absorption. Holy cow this stuff might as well be greek! I'll get through it and at least memorize the question and answers for this section. The rest of the book, so far, as been enjoyable. :smilies27

Now you're packing some serious communications capabilities. Tarheel makes great antennas. You'll need a way to get it adjusted (tuned), but I'm sure you'll get it figured out. There are several auto-tuning adapters that will function with that antenna. As for absorption an comprehension...just take it in stride.

 

[burquedoka]

Now you're packing some serious communications capabilities. Tarheel makes great antennas. You'll need a way to get it adjusted (tuned), but I'm sure you'll get it figured out. There are several auto-tuning adapters that will function with that antenna. As for absorption an comprehension...just take it in stride.

Well, it comes with a remote mounted toggle switch to run the antenna up and down, so it then just becomes an issue of developing an ear for listening for it to tune. That and watching the SWR meter. Right?????? Yeah, I'll get her figured out as soon as I get it all working and can play with it.

-James
W5PHC

 

[rambrush]

Sounds like things are moving along great. I was going to suggest podcasts for studying for the General test but the site I used appears to be gone.

Also a tip on adjusting your antenna is to switch the radio to low power before moving it up and down. I run the Hi-Q and a 706MK II G on mine. Key up the mic just off of the frequency I want and raise or lower depending if I am heading to 160 or 6 watching the SWR meter.

Not sure if the subject has come up as I don't run the Tar Heel but do they suggest a shunt coil? It is a great addition if Lightning or static electricity hits your antenna not hard to make and is good insurance.

 

[burquedoka]

Great suggestion there, I'll look into that for sure. I defiantly want to protect my investment here. Thanks. -J

 

[Mike_rupp]

What about using one antenna with a splitter?
Diamond MX62M duplexer
That is what I ended up with, the Asat 120a.

Sweet setup Corey. I've been wanting to get the Yaesu 857D / ATAS120 HF antenna for a while, especially after hearing an experience from a friend of using HF to be able to contact someone in a remote area to get help after a vehicle breakdown.

How has the HF performance of the setup been for you? Most of my friends aren't using screwdrivers and I'd like to get a review from someone who specifically uses the 857D and ATAS120.

 

[burquedoka]

Sweet setup Corey. I've been wanting to get the Yaesu 857D / ATAS120 HF antenna for a while, especially after hearing an experience from a friend of using HF to be able to contact someone in a remote area to get help after a vehicle breakdown.

How has the HF performance of the setup been for you? Most of my friends aren't using screwdrivers and I'd like to get a review from someone who specifically uses the 857D and ATAS120.

Visit the product review section of eham.net. It is VERY informative on any product out there, including the 857 and the yaesu screwdriver.

 

[xtatik]

How has the HF performance of the setup been for you? Most of my friends aren't using screwdrivers and I'd like to get a review from someone who specifically uses the 857D and ATAS120.

I use this setup daily and have talked around the world with it. Most recently last Friday logging XF1RCS...a DXpedition on an island (NA-171) in Sinaloa, MX. This was while driving the 405 freeway in West L.A.
I have logged multiple contacts in Asia, Oceania, VK & ZL, and most of Europe. I used to have a FT-8900 with the Diamond CR8900r. This antenna is supposed to be optimised for that radio. I can tell you I've noticed absolutely no difference in performance when using the ATAS as a 2m/70cm antenna as well.

 

[Mike_rupp]

Thanks for the reviews. I like eham, but I take the reviews there with a grain of salt. It is difficult to get an honest opinion of something when you can have people that absolutely love the item and some that hate the item.

I much prefer to try to get a more personal review on something.

 

[xtatik]

Thanks for the reviews. I like eham, but I take the reviews there with a grain of salt. It is difficult to get an honest opinion of something when you can have people that absolutely love the item and some that hate the item.

I much prefer to try to get a more personal review on something.

I agree. You really have to "read between the lines" with eham reviews. There have been some shenanigans played with them in the past by small mfr'rs having their friends, and friends of friends post raving reviews in order to boost review ratings. Be careful, and get as much firsthand review as you can.