Yaesu FT-857D install in 2005 4Runner

[teotwaki]

A little while back I bought a Yaesu FT-857D multiband radio, primarily for HF. After playing with it for a bit I decided to get it installed in the truck. I took advantage of the power lines that I ran into the back for the accessory outlets and routed the front panel extension cables back along them in the door sill trays.

I also mounted a dual band antenna for 144/440 MHz and routed the cable through the taillight gasket. I may get the Yaesu ATAS 120A for HF.

Taking the back apart to mount the bracket and run cables


Bracket installed


Install of radio body complete




Tucked in by the fridge


Next I'll decide where the front panel will go.

 

[SP Jon M3]

Lookin good Jim, I can show you the ATAS in action this weekend if you're interested. Personally I'm very happy with the antenna. It's held up to death valley and the trees in the Inyos.. And have made quite a few contacts with it, including some DX.

Here's where I mounted the control head of my 857

and here's the mount: It's a panavise with the panavise extension so I can fit the two radios. If you're running just the 857d, then there's no need for the extension.

 

[teotwaki]

Thanks Jon! Where did you buy the PanaVise bracket?

 

[SP Jon M3]

I bought it on Amazon..

Amazon: Panavise 75137-303

 

[teotwaki]

I bought it on Amazon..

Amazon: Panavise 75137-303

Thanks!

 

[Corey]

The ATAS-120a and the 857D is a great combo.

 

[SP Jon M3]

And just so you're aware.. If you get a duplexer, you can run the ATAS 120 on HF and VHF/UHF. That is if you don't want to run two antennas. I personally have it connected this way, and I have a separate dual band antenna for the FT-350.

 

[Corey]

I have the duplexor, did not to run two antennas.

 

[teotwaki]

And just so you're aware.. If you get a duplexer, you can run the ATAS 120 on HF and VHF/UHF. That is if you don't want to run two antennas. I personally have it connected this way, and I have a separate dual band antenna for the FT-350.

I've already installed a dual band antenna for the 440/144 so the ATAS-120A would be just for HF and maybe 6 meters. In the past I have used a base loaded 5/8 two meter antenna for 6 meters with fair results.

 

[xtatik]

Jim
Great radio. I think you'll eventually notice the ATAS will function fine on the FM bands as well. With a duplexer on 2m/440 I've noticed no difference between its signal strength (in/out) when compared to the 5/8 wave antenna (Diamond cr8900a) that I had on the truck earlier on.