YAESU FT 891 REVIEW by 91DD018

[unit_399]

Here is a link to an excellent review of the new Yaesu FT-891 hf mobile by 91DD018.

https://dd182003.wordpress.com/2017/02/20/a-new-radio-on-the-bench-ft-891/

I usually don't post links to other person's blogs, but I am doing this so that I won't be accused of plagiarism again by Senor YetiComm.

- 399

 

[2RT307]

Interesting review. These mobiles are menu driven due to their miniscule size, and they take some getting used to. An FT-991 or IC-7300 are really too big to go mobile, unless you have a pickup or 18 wheeler, so there are few choices out there. IC-7100, FT-857D, TS-480, and a couple of Alinco's are it. The 7100 and 857D are the only ones that do HF/VHF/UHF, too. I have been considering the FT-891 for some time now, but this review was more of a " I like this and don't like that", that it didn't really sway me one way or the other.

73,
Brett

 

[222DBFL]

Don't forget the IC7000 as well. Disnt see it on the list.

 

[magnuman]

get one and stick it in your car and let us know what you think.

 

[Moleculo]

I've looked at the feature set and operation of this radio enough to know it's not for me. I really would like to see Yaesu come out with an updated version of the FT-857D, but this just isn't it.

 

[2RT307]

Don't forget the IC7000 as well. Disnt see it on the list.

I was talking new rigs. The 7000 is nice, but out of production. And the 706 mkIIG is a little too old for me... I hear parts are very hard to come by.

73,
Brett

 

[2RT307]

I've looked at the feature set and operation of this radio enough to know it's not for me. I really would like to see Yaesu come out with an updated version of the FT-857D, but this just isn't it.

My eyes have gotten worse over the years, and I'm not sure I could see the 857D's diplay while driving down the road. That was the main thing I liked about the 891, was the larger display. Not having UHF/VHF isn't a deal breaker for me, since you can get small dual band fm mobiles on the cheap. The IC-7100 is interesting (although a bit funky looking), but I have read a lot about it not having full output on ssb. When running a compromise mobile antenna, you need every watt you can get!

73,
Brett

 

[fourstringburn]

I've looked at the feature set and operation of this radio enough to know it's not for me. I really would like to see Yaesu come out with an updated version of the FT-857D, but this just isn't it.

What is it that you don't like?

A quick glance at it, I see a bigger display than the FT857 and this one is the first mobile with a roofing filter. It also has a TCXO and supports an optional antenna tuner if needed and sells for $700.

Seems like a good deal for a mobile to me.

 

[camaro1]

any word on the "mars mod" frequency expansion?

 

[2RT307]

any word on the "mars mod" frequency expansion?

I realize this is an old post, but I have seen it on the web recently. A dab of solder between two pads...

73,
Brett

 

[Mudfoot]

I've looked at the feature set and operation of this radio enough to know it's not for me. I really would like to see Yaesu come out with an updated version of the FT-857D, but this just isn't it.

What does it lack that kills it for you?

 

[2RT307]

Bought mine today.

73,
Brett

 

[Road Squawker]

Well, .......good luck with the ATAS 120A.

I know you JUST bought it, but, many people seem to have issues with the 120 (not the "A") .

YMMV

 

[2RT307]

Well, .......good luck with the ATAS 120A.

I know you JUST bought it, but, many people seem to have issues with the 120 (not the "A") .

YMMV

Thanks, I know the history. Supposedly fixed with the "A" version. Eham posters can't seem to read... the review topic for the ATAS 120A clearly says the "A" model, yet non "A" owners post on there and say how bad it gets water in it.

73,
Brett

 

[firerunner]

I have the FT857D and it's a great radio, but the screen is on the small side. Here is a video by OH8STN on the FT817 the setup works on the FT857d also, i purchased the bluetooth module and downloaded the software and it works pretty good and now i have a larger screen.


picture of my tablet.