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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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 :) :)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
Great activation Tracy thanks for sharing 🙂👍
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.
Thank you, Lenn! Welcome to the wonderful world of field ops. 73 from VE3TWM.
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
You're welcome, Alan! Thank you and go have some fun outdoors with your 897D. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
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
Great Video. I like the 897, nice radio. Low power consumption on receive, great for portable ops.
Thank you, Allan!
I couldn't agree with you more in regard to the 897.
Watched most of your videos “Outstanding work”. Thank you
Thank you very much, Steve. I really appreciate your comment.
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.
Congrats on the new rig, Bronson! I hope you get many hours of enjoyment with it once you get back.
Great Video !! Thank You so much. Greetings from Germany.
Thank you! 73 from Canada.
Gotta love the low noise levels out in the field. 73, Paul, VE3EBY.
You'll get to experience them for yourself in just over a month! See you at FD, Paul.
Looking forward to it.
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
Thank you, Craig! 73 from ON, 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.
have 897 and 897D, will never give them up...
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
Thank you , Bruno! I really appreciate your comments. 73 my friend.
I like the 'old school' logging computer: Pen and Paper OS...
It never crashes.
Hello OM, nice contribution with the ft897 you have done ... 73 and good DX from Switzerland, Daniel HB3YGD
Thank you Daniel! 73 and Good DX to you from Canada.
Thank you very much for your video. I'm inspired to get back into Radio. Very interesting. Best wishes G1 YFR.
That's what I like to hear, we need you back in our ranks! 73 from VE3TWM.
nice video. 16 minutes full of goodies. thanks man
Thank you very much!
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
Hi Shawn, thank you! Hope to work your station at FD 2017. 73 from VE3TWM.
Loved it as a FT-897d owner !
Best Luck es DX. 73
Lee, WA8QFE
Thank you, Lee! 73 Tracy VE3TWM
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 :) :)
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
Obrigado, Charles! Keep trying different antennas and I'm sure you will make many contacts into the US and Canada. 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
great video very inspiring love the enthusiasm
Thank you, Mike! Now get out there and operate some HF portable :)
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.
Inspiring Video, Awesome radio , Good to see Local Talent on U Tube VE3WYD Brampton
Thank you, Peter! Catch you at a local hamfest one day. 73 from VE3TWM.
lol looks like the fly is enjoying some radio aswell lol great vid m7by liverpool england
I get all kinds of curious visitors when I go out 😀
Wow, another very nice video from you. I like it, thank you very much.
73, Simon PD0KDN
Thank you, Simon!
73 from Tracy VE3TWM
4:18 How can he report "5/9" after not hearing "tango whisky" several times? Reflex?
That's contesting protocol, respond with 59 to everyone regardless of signal.
Awesome inspiring video my friend. 73 from Paul, M6GIP.
Thank you, Paul!
What is the 594 you are ending with? I'm a new ham and will take the general test next month. 73s KZ5MLS
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.
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.
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.”
Think of the FC-30 as being able to resolve an SWR up to 3:1. For my purposes, that's good enough and has not limited me.
love the honey bee in the video!
The bee was very polite and did not disturb the operation at all :)
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.
Great video. 73!
Thank you! 73 from Tracy VE3TWM.
can you share the name of that portable antenna please ? tnx
Is that an external speaker mounted to the side of your rig? If so, what model and how do you like it? 73
Actually it's the matching Yaesu tuner for the 897, the FC-30.
@@OutdoorsOnTheAir Awesome, thanks for the reply. Love your videos and your beautiful country :)
Great stuff, thank you
you're welcome and thank you for watching, David!
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
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.
Thank you for working my call in the contest WP3C your second qso...hi hi hi 73
And thank you for working me, Jaime! Now you know how loud and clear your station was making the trip into Canada.73 Amigo.
Great video Tracy keep up the good work. 73 Sid MI5UTC
Thank you, Sid! 73 Tracy VE3TWM
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.
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
Hi Leif, thank you for leaving your comment. To this point when in the field I only use the camera's built in microphone.
What is the brand of the neat clock on your table?
Good show my friend.
Dave K8WPE Dr Dave in Traverse City, MI.
Hi Dr Dave, and thank you! I bought the clock at IKEA of all places. It's a beauty, it's rugged with a rubberized finish and does the 24 hour format.
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.
Good tip, thank you! And best of luck on your test!
Great Job, Nice
Thank you!
very enjoyable :-)
Thank you!
Can 897d do 2 meter SSB?
Yes isr.
Thanks for showing us your complete setup. Most ham videos just show the radio in action. Great job. KG7CQG
Thank you, and you're welcome!
Nice to see. 😊 Have You tried SoTa?
Not yet, maybe in 2020. Not a lot of peaks near my location.
At 06:00 Brazilian navy 😮 pr 5911
WSL Qsl 73.9w8ea.have are nice day.👍
Thank you and 73 from VE3TWM!
Great great video! Thank you! K5UME
You're welcome!
When you have to ask the station to repeat a half of dozen times do NOT report a 5 and 9!
Welcome to contesting.
Has to ask for call 3-4 times. “You are 599” 🙄
Welcome to contesting.
I guess it takes all sorts, but this seems like a waste of time and technology to me.
To each, their own.
wow nice video. 73 PA3HAL
Thank you, Jos! 73 VE3TWM
tu 73
Thank you!
ham has gotten too much into contest. do not care for it just enjoy talking
Ham radio has something for everyone 😀