Does anyone have one or played with one for an extended time?? I'm getting the itch for a new radio and this looks interesting.
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FT-891 Radio
- Thread starter binrat
- Start date
Have one that I have been playing with in my work mobile. Unfortunately, my company car is a hybrid that puts out a ton of rfi. Rig does pretty well though with good grounding and a ferrite choke, and I have been able to make some decent QSO's with it. I haven't made any new videos lately, but I need to... just need to figure out a way to safely record while I'm driving. There is a new firmware update that I have not installed that takes care of some memory issues with settings. Need to do that, and maybe I will tackle it this weekend. Also want to take this rig as a portable, so I am working up a little "go box" for when it's not in my car, and considering using the EARCHI 40-6 antenna. It is a very capable little rig, and I have received very good reports on my signal and audio while using the ATAS-120A antenna. Sitting still for this video, and stupid me goofed my call after getting a vanity.
73,
Brett
73,
Brett
2 months now with mine in the mobile, I really like the radio, it has a few bugs that should be worked out in an upcoming firmware update, it is perfect size for a mobile unit and easy to use while going down the road and the DNR(DSP) really works good, just have to turn the DNR back on evey time you change bands(one of the bugs) , I called yaesu tech line on the issue and even he said yes that is very annoying and he put a request in to have that fixed in the next update
You fine gentlemen are making it hard to resist. I'm thinking portable and mobile for it.
It's funny... there are so many "haters" out there that are mad because it doesn't have VHF/UHF, and thought it would be a replacement for the FT-897D. It's not. What it is, is a full featured HF rig that is selling for about 600 bucks. That in itself is quite impressive. It is extremely small, and puts out a full 100 watts without any overheating issues whatsoever. I run my fan on contest mode, since I live in Texas and it's pretty stinkin' hot here all the time. Can't even hear it under the passenger seat of my Camry. I (and a ton of other hams out there) already have a dual band FM rig for VHF and UHF, so the lack of this feature is not a deal breaker for me. The display is fantastic, especially when compared to the 817 and 897. DSP works great, too, as long as you don't crank it up to very high settings, which make all of the new rigs sound like you are underwater or motor-boating. The band scope actually works well, and it's almost instantaneous when you hit the sweep button. Makes it very easy to find stations! I bought mine because it had all the features that I was looking for in a mobile HF rig. Just picked up a little bitty MFJ power supply and additional power cable for it, so I can grab it from under my seat, put the face back on it, and play wherever I want to with it as a portable. There are options out there for the ATAS as a portable antenna, but I think a wire antenna will outperform it 100 times over, so again... looking at the EARCHI or a variation of it. Just my opinions of course, but you asked.
73,
Brett
I'm just waiting for you fine gentlemen to tell me all the little things are fixed with the latest firmware updates.
North of the border it sells for just shy of $1k ($949) but is on sale for a few months ($100 off). It's cheaper than a 817 right now. My only HF rig is a KX2 which I love but at times need more power for portable (SOTA).
My partners in crime run 817's with 50 watt amps but I would prefer to keep it into 1 package.
Still thinking.... or shall we say plotting to get it into the shack. Wife is an amateur as well and even though she doesn't yak much on the radio she has a keen eye for new gear.
North of the border it sells for just shy of $1k ($949) but is on sale for a few months ($100 off). It's cheaper than a 817 right now. My only HF rig is a KX2 which I love but at times need more power for portable (SOTA).
My partners in crime run 817's with 50 watt amps but I would prefer to keep it into 1 package.
Still thinking.... or shall we say plotting to get it into the shack. Wife is an amateur as well and even though she doesn't yak much on the radio she has a keen eye for new gear.
the latest release was 3 months ago V1.06, maybe the next one will have the fixes in it,, my radio came with version 1.03 and going to v1.06 fixed a couple things but not the DNR(dsp) issue that you have to re-turn it on every time you change bands
Well, I goofed... meant to say 857D, not 897D. Can't figure out how to modify my post, so I guess it's there for prosperity.
73,
Brett
Use the EDIT button at the bottom of your post.
Oddly enough, (via my phone), when I click "tools", the only option is "report".
73,
Brett
Well I see two problems with that.
1)-- Websites look different on phones that PC's and I am used to the PC layout so you may not see it and--
2)--I am an admin so I see EVERYTHING on my screen and you may not have that. LOL Sometime when I get a chance (heading to work in a couple minutes) I'll have to check that out but you SHOULD be able to edit your own posts.
I'm also kinda looking at one. I need a cheap rig for the SUV.
I don't wanna to leave my IC7K in there any more.
There are a few questions I still have about the 891 tho.
For some reason, it seems to not be compatible with any digital type software when used as a fixed station. something to do with the PTT circuity .
also, it has a port for a USB type B connector, ......which must be purchased separately,...... but,... it doesn't have an on board sound card.......... whats up with that?
it looks like the USB port is ONLY for software upgrades.
the detachable face wiring kit is about $80,... and even then, you will have to deal with 3 separate cables to get the speaker, mic, and faceplate together at the operating position.
... and it uses a high impedance mic with one of those silly RJ45 connectors
That being said,.... about $650 for the rig and separation kit.....
I don't wanna to leave my IC7K in there any more.
There are a few questions I still have about the 891 tho.
For some reason, it seems to not be compatible with any digital type software when used as a fixed station. something to do with the PTT circuity .
also, it has a port for a USB type B connector, ......which must be purchased separately,...... but,... it doesn't have an on board sound card.......... whats up with that?
it looks like the USB port is ONLY for software upgrades.
the detachable face wiring kit is about $80,... and even then, you will have to deal with 3 separate cables to get the speaker, mic, and faceplate together at the operating position.
... and it uses a high impedance mic with one of those silly RJ45 connectors
That being said,.... about $650 for the rig and separation kit.....
Well worth the 700 bucks!
Mine stays on the bench all the time.
Just spend the time to get used to it..and it does take a little time for us kenwood and icom users.
JEEZ,................. HRO just sweetened the deal
$579.95,.... and they throw in a free HEIL HM 12 mic and XLR cable
Not the greatest mic in the world, but,.......
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...002216&usg=AFQjCNFTO1Yw4goJOyGwJ95BdeGBeXm0IA
$579.95,.... and they throw in a free HEIL HM 12 mic and XLR cable
Not the greatest mic in the world, but,.......
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct...002216&usg=AFQjCNFTO1Yw4goJOyGwJ95BdeGBeXm0IA