Thanks for sharing another great video. I learned from a fellow ham that the Antenna Relay is non-latching. The current through the coil reduces the battery live by some 5 to 7% based on the standard battery capacity. So you may want to use the BNC Connector in the field instead of the PL socket. Also I noticed the voltage difference between supply and display too. I always blamed the voltage drop between power supply and Transceiver but never measured it. Maybe worth a try. I totally agree on the assessment of the device as such. There is no other radio on the market with a comparable versatility. It will remain a classic. No doubt.
Thanks for the video. The x3 18650 solution looks ideal. You said it was a squeeze trying to fit the carrier with x8 AA cells into the radio. I found the same issue - with x8 Duracell AAs fitted, I gave up trying to squeeze it into my 817ND for fear of damaging something. My battery solution is not as eloquent, I opted for li-po power bank of the type where you can select various output voltages. It is quite slim and about the same footprint as the 817. This can be slung underneath the 817 and held in place with some elastic cord. The 20Ah capacity gives several hours of operation. I do hope that Yaesu replaces the FT-818 with a modernised but very similar rig.
I have an FT-817ND and I wonder if these tips are also good for it since this video features an FT-817. It is a great radio and for those who like DXing, its reception is very good and its features are of great use.
Thanks for the great video. I am usually using an external battery for my 818, as a 6Ah LiFePo which is easy and small to carry along. What I would really like, is to use the space inside for the internal battery, for an automatic antenna tuner. It should fit inside but I don't know if anyone have done this already. With diode switching we can also get rid of the relays, and save both space and current consumption. However, still a project rotating in my mind.
Great idea - and it would be helped by a cover that fitted over the space in the same way - I hope you make it and look forward to seeing the result. Glad you liked the videos, thanks! 73 from Mort / G4BSK
@@joewoodchuck3824 By solid-state T-R switching using PIN diodes. Just search google for "PIN diode T-R Switch", if you want to understand how it works. However, using PIN diodes for switching between low-pass filters is only suitable for low power, as high currents and/or voltages may occur at SWR mismatch.
there are still new out there, but the price for new is double. and used are going for more than the org new price. sad yaesu likes to stop making great radios. (the ft817/818 is not the only one here). they should "up-grade", not stop making them.
Hello Mortimer, I tried to power my FT-818nd with a Zolt power supply but it ended up in being very noisy on all the bands, so I am about to return it. I guess you might have used another model. Mine was the 45 W model, with a green led and an auxiliary USB port. What part number is yours?
Sorry to hear that, Andrea - the model I use is 36w with no usb socket and has no effect at all on the radio - I have many outlets and extensions in my house with USB sockets and they are all very electrically noisy, so I think this may be where the problem comes from (?). I hope you find a suitable power supply! All best wishes, Mortimer
Have you tried using 21700 LiFePO4 4500mAh or 26650 LiFePO4 batteries they are both 10x as safe then the Standard 18650 Li-Ion batteries the 21700 is 3mm dia larger and the 26650 is 8mm dia larger. They may be a bit bigger but they will last much longer. Also, you may want to change the power barrel plug with Anderson Power poles. EBay has several different kits to change it, I've brought several for my FT-891 & my FT-991A, but I have not done it for the FT817nd because I going to sell it, and I need to raise some cash. Also, those batteries are a lot safer.
Thanks for your thoughts on this, I'm sure your solution works well for you - and I have chosen and demonstrated the 18650 solution because it works well for me and is incorporated into the body of the radio. All batteries can be unsafe if not looked after or charged properly - and this is a very safe solution as well as very practical, giving a long session or two before charging needed. Glad you liked the video, have fun with your radios!
Thanks for this information. A really great solution. The internal Package is a crap. You cant turn the powersonsumption, while it is off, off. It draws everytime power. If the radio is used very often, no problem, but with alot of idletime, batterie will be empty. Dont forget the brightnes of the lcd, it comsumes too :P. With 13.8 V here : (FT-818ND) RX 5W 0,4A TX 6W 2.2A TX 5W 2.06A TX 3W 1.6A TX 1W 1.24A
Thanks Lars, for the useful info and for your feedback. I find with the 18650 batteries I can do a couple of evenings or a whole day expedition of 5w on my 817. I remove the power plug when not in use. 73 from Mort/G4BSK
I bought the WindCamp 3000mah battery pack, replacement battery cover and charger. Haven’t tried it out but on 14 October 2023, there’s an informal contest on 14.060Mhz for 1 watt or less. If I can decipher the 817’s power settings, I’ll give it a go. Cheers! WB3CFN
Thanks for watching - power settings are shown in this video : ua-cam.com/video/e3iUjMcXMa4/v-deo.html - have fun with the 1w, it's something I enjoy too! 73 from Mort G4BSK
I really enjoy my QRP/p when out and about and the 817ND is never far from my grasp. I ordered a spare battery tray and put in x8 Duracell rechargeable AA batteries at 2500mah and they work really well. There is a mod to be done to the tray which allows the batteries to fit and be recharged while in the radio through its recharging circuit. First thing is to take side cutters and cut out the centre rib (battery separator) in the battery tray, that way the batteries will fit no problem, secondly cut the green wire on the battery tray, not the radio, this will fool the radio to charge the batteries when on mains supply. They last for a good couple of hours and really easy to do. I would like to use the 18650 option, which batteries did you buy. Many thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the info - the batteries I purchased are : Samsung 30Q 18650 3000mAh High drain FLAT TOP Lithium-ion battery : 73/Mort G4BSK
I read that with the external DC connector plugged in, there is a small current draining all the time with the internal battery if connected. In this configuration it's a non issue, but just want to mention it.
Danke Jozef - Ein weiteres Video ist heute verfügbar - VHF and Repeaters - glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your feedback. 73 from Mort / G4BSK
I have thought about it Lance - it's easy to get in touch with me in the meanwhile if you want to follow this up across the atlantic...glad you liked the video, 73 from Mort / G4BSK
Thanks for the great video. I was unaware that the Zolt PSUs might be OK in terms of QRM. I just ordered one to try. Domestic QRM is a huge problem for me and it has driven me to discover the joys of /P operation with a backpack in the great outdoors. I too took a 40 year break from amateur radio and am rediscovering my teenage passion for radio and having fun trying out all those new modes now on offer and making the occasional youtbe video. I love my FT-818. Will watch more of your videos with enthusiasm !
Always great to hear from another returnee and thanks for your feedback and support. I hope the power supply works well for you, I started enthusiastically but later realised it was a bit noisier than I first thought - sorry! Now I run the FT817 entirely from 18650 batteries built in to the radio. Totally noise free, last for hours and hours, and built into the radio. Have fun with your amateur radio, 73 from Mort/G4BSK
Thanks for this series of videos. I have a nice used FT817 arriving tomorrow so will check the settings to make sure it has not been messed around with. The battery voltage adjustment is really helpful.
I've been wondering about battery options for a while. I'm just using nimh at the moment and recharging. But getting them in and put is a pain. The issue I see with the ,18650 is that there is no cell monitoring during discharge which can be problematic, and a bms may cause rfi. Also during charging you'll have to unscrew the battery case each time. I think 18650 are the way to go. But with a quiet bms so they can be recharged without needing to be removed. If I ever make such a pack I'll post the files on thingi .......
I just keep an eye on the voltage display and recharge when necessary, after many hours of operation. Keeping it simple! Easy to remove in just a few seconds. Have fun with your radio, 73 from G4BSK
Try looking at the cq ham tuner battery pack for the 817/818......it has 6, 18650 cells and a manual tuner that can work without batteries and is designed to compliment the radio. 73
Great video. You have just made me go and check my voltage display 🙂 all good so no need to mess with setting. Thanks for the info. I have rechargeable Ikea batteries in mine. They are LADDA 2540mA nice snug fit. You have to put the tray in empty then slide the battery in. May have to wiggle them about to get them in but they do go in. Plus I use a external lifepo4 battery. Motters M7TRS 73 👍🏻
I have enjoyed these video, I keep hopping to find a good used one at a reasonable price at one of our local hamfest this year, here in the US you just don’t find that many that are For Sale. 73 KV5P
Thanks Mike - I hope you find one before too long - the ending of the FT818 seems to have sparked a surge in demand all over the world... 73 Mort G4BSK
Have you a link please to the battery holder you used for the 18650s ? Also, does the original battery cover close properly with the 18650s and battery holder ? Did you ever think about adding a BMS and not using the battery holder ? you could solder the wires to the cells or better again use a spot welder designed for 18650, you can get ones now that run off a lipo battery and are not expensive. You could glue and shrink wrap the cells then and it would be more compact than using the holder.
Glad you liked the video - it's just a generic 18650 3 cell battery holder - I can't give a specific link - they are commonly found on Ebay, Aliexpress etc. The battery cover leaves plenty of room underneath and there is space to the side of the battery holder (inside the radio) for wiring. I did consider all the things you suggest, but wanted to keep it very simple - it's easy just to remove the batteries in a few seconds, charge them and replace them, or fit a spare set to keep going. They will give many hours of service from a charge, and I don't see the need for a BMS, just keep an eye on the voltage display. Hope that helps, have fun with your radio, 73 from G4BSK
Glad you liked the video - here is a link for the legs/supports : www.thingiverse.com/thing:5693045 I haven't uploaded the battery cover but if you are interested I could do that...
@@Q26Video yes please if you could that would be amazing !!!!! 3xactly what u was looking for !! Bless you for this !! Yes if you could upload battery cover it would be great !
Here it is : www.thingiverse.com/thing:5840204 it's fairly basic and I plan to revise it at some time, but it is a good start and works well for me - hope it works out for you!
I can confirm that my FT-818ND also takes 30mA more from the external supply when using the rear antenna socket compared to the front socket !
Thanks for sharing another great video. I learned from a fellow ham that the Antenna Relay is non-latching. The current through the coil reduces the battery live by some 5 to 7% based on the standard battery capacity. So you may want to use the BNC Connector in the field instead of the PL socket. Also I noticed the voltage difference between supply and display too. I always blamed the voltage drop between power supply and Transceiver but never measured it. Maybe worth a try. I totally agree on the assessment of the device as such. There is no other radio on the market with a comparable versatility. It will remain a classic. No doubt.
Many thanks - very interesting tip on the antenna switching, I'll check it out...
Thanks so much for this video, I'm a returner to the hobby and bought one of the last FT818s, so this series will be very useful to me./😄
I'm pleased you're finding the videos helpful. Have fun with your FT818, a truly great radio. 73 from Mort / G4BSK
Ditto !
Thanks for the video. The x3 18650 solution looks ideal. You said it was a squeeze trying to fit the carrier with x8 AA cells into the radio. I found the same issue - with x8 Duracell AAs fitted, I gave up trying to squeeze it into my 817ND for fear of damaging something.
My battery solution is not as eloquent, I opted for li-po power bank of the type where you can select various output voltages. It is quite slim and about the same footprint as the 817. This can be slung underneath the 817 and held in place with some elastic cord. The 20Ah capacity gives several hours of operation.
I do hope that Yaesu replaces the FT-818 with a modernised but very similar rig.
Thanks Steve - I agree, and hope that Yaesu comes up with something soon!
I have an FT-817ND and I wonder if these tips are also good for it since this video features an FT-817. It is a great radio and for those who like DXing, its reception is very good and its features are of great use.
Thanks a lot! Very good idea to use 817 with 3x 18650!
Thanks - I've been doing this for a while now and find that I can get a whole day's operation before charging. 73 from Mort/G4BSK
Thanks for the great video. I am usually using an external battery for my 818, as a 6Ah LiFePo which is easy and small to carry along. What I would really like, is to use the space inside for the internal battery, for an automatic antenna tuner. It should fit inside but I don't know if anyone have done this already. With diode switching we can also get rid of the relays, and save both space and current consumption. However, still a project rotating in my mind.
Great idea - and it would be helped by a cover that fitted over the space in the same way - I hope you make it and look forward to seeing the result. Glad you liked the videos, thanks! 73 from Mort / G4BSK
How would diodes replace relays?
@@joewoodchuck3824 By solid-state T-R switching using PIN diodes. Just search google for "PIN diode T-R Switch", if you want to understand how it works. However, using PIN diodes for switching between low-pass filters is only suitable for low power, as high currents and/or voltages may occur at SWR mismatch.
What a great Radio it never ceases to amaze me. I’m currently using an 818.
Excellent many thanks
there are still new out there, but the price for new is double. and used are going for more than the org new price.
sad yaesu likes to stop making great radios. (the ft817/818 is not the only one here).
they should "up-grade", not stop making them.
Hello Mortimer, I tried to power my FT-818nd with a Zolt power supply but it ended up in being very noisy on all the bands, so I am about to return it.
I guess you might have used another model. Mine was the 45 W model, with a green led and an auxiliary USB port. What part number is yours?
Sorry to hear that, Andrea - the model I use is 36w with no usb socket and has no effect at all on the radio - I have many outlets and extensions in my house with USB sockets and they are all very electrically noisy, so I think this may be where the problem comes from (?). I hope you find a suitable power supply! All best wishes, Mortimer
TNX 73 de TB6BQQ/QRP
73 from Mort / G4BSK - hope to cu on the bands sometime...
Have you tried using 21700 LiFePO4 4500mAh or 26650 LiFePO4 batteries they are both 10x as safe then the Standard 18650 Li-Ion batteries the 21700 is 3mm dia larger and the 26650 is 8mm dia larger. They may be a bit bigger but they will last much longer. Also, you may want to change the power barrel plug with Anderson Power poles. EBay has several different kits to change it, I've brought several for my FT-891 & my FT-991A, but I have not done it for the FT817nd because I going to sell it, and I need to raise some cash. Also, those batteries are a lot safer.
Thanks for your thoughts on this, I'm sure your solution works well for you - and I have chosen and demonstrated the 18650 solution because it works well for me and is incorporated into the body of the radio. All batteries can be unsafe if not looked after or charged properly - and this is a very safe solution as well as very practical, giving a long session or two before charging needed. Glad you liked the video, have fun with your radios!
Thanks for this information. A really great solution.
The internal Package is a crap. You cant turn the powersonsumption, while it is off, off.
It draws everytime power. If the radio is used very often, no problem, but with alot of idletime, batterie will be empty.
Dont forget the brightnes of the lcd, it comsumes too :P.
With 13.8 V here : (FT-818ND)
RX 5W 0,4A
TX 6W 2.2A
TX 5W 2.06A
TX 3W 1.6A
TX 1W 1.24A
Thanks Lars, for the useful info and for your feedback. I find with the 18650 batteries I can do a couple of evenings or a whole day expedition of 5w on my 817. I remove the power plug when not in use. 73 from Mort/G4BSK
I bought the WindCamp 3000mah battery pack, replacement battery cover and charger. Haven’t tried it out but on 14 October 2023, there’s an informal contest on 14.060Mhz for 1 watt or less. If I can decipher the 817’s power settings, I’ll give it a go. Cheers! WB3CFN
Thanks for watching - power settings are shown in this video : ua-cam.com/video/e3iUjMcXMa4/v-deo.html - have fun with the 1w, it's something I enjoy too! 73 from Mort G4BSK
I really enjoy my QRP/p when out and about and the 817ND is never far from my grasp. I ordered a spare battery tray and put in x8 Duracell rechargeable AA batteries at 2500mah and they work really well. There is a mod to be done to the tray which allows the batteries to fit and be recharged while in the radio through its recharging circuit. First thing is to take side cutters and cut out the centre rib (battery separator) in the battery tray, that way the batteries will fit no problem, secondly cut the green wire on the battery tray, not the radio, this will fool the radio to charge the batteries when on mains supply. They last for a good couple of hours and really easy to do. I would like to use the 18650 option, which batteries did you buy. Many thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the info - the batteries I purchased are : Samsung 30Q 18650 3000mAh High drain FLAT TOP Lithium-ion battery : 73/Mort G4BSK
I read that with the external DC connector plugged in, there is a small current draining all the time with the internal battery if connected. In this configuration it's a non issue, but just want to mention it.
Danke für das tolle Video.73,von Wien.Österreich.😊😊😊
Danke Jozef - Ein weiteres Video ist heute verfügbar - VHF and Repeaters - glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for your feedback. 73 from Mort / G4BSK
Have you thought about selling the battery cover as kit for the 18650’s? I don’t plan to get into the 3d printing hobbie.
Thanks. KQ0Q
I have thought about it Lance - it's easy to get in touch with me in the meanwhile if you want to follow this up across the atlantic...glad you liked the video, 73 from Mort / G4BSK
Thanks for the great video. I was unaware that the Zolt PSUs might be OK in terms of QRM. I just ordered one to try. Domestic QRM is a huge problem for me and it has driven me to discover the joys of /P operation with a backpack in the great outdoors. I too took a 40 year break from amateur radio and am rediscovering my teenage passion for radio and having fun trying out all those new modes now on offer and making the occasional youtbe video. I love my FT-818. Will watch more of your videos with enthusiasm !
Always great to hear from another returnee and thanks for your feedback and support. I hope the power supply works well for you, I started enthusiastically but later realised it was a bit noisier than I first thought - sorry! Now I run the FT817 entirely from 18650 batteries built in to the radio. Totally noise free, last for hours and hours, and built into the radio. Have fun with your amateur radio, 73 from Mort/G4BSK
Thanks for this series of videos. I have a nice used FT817 arriving tomorrow so will check the settings to make sure it has not been messed around with. The battery voltage adjustment is really helpful.
I've been wondering about battery options for a while. I'm just using nimh at the moment and recharging. But getting them in and put is a pain. The issue I see with the ,18650 is that there is no cell monitoring during discharge which can be problematic, and a bms may cause rfi. Also during charging you'll have to unscrew the battery case each time.
I think 18650 are the way to go. But with a quiet bms so they can be recharged without needing to be removed.
If I ever make such a pack I'll post the files on thingi
.......
I just keep an eye on the voltage display and recharge when necessary, after many hours of operation. Keeping it simple! Easy to remove in just a few seconds. Have fun with your radio, 73 from G4BSK
Nice video
Thanks
Try looking at the cq ham tuner battery pack for the 817/818......it has 6, 18650 cells and a manual tuner that can work without batteries and is designed to compliment the radio. 73
Thanks for the suggestion...I'll take a look...
Great video.
You have just made me go and check my voltage display 🙂 all good so no need to mess with setting.
Thanks for the info.
I have rechargeable Ikea batteries in mine. They are LADDA 2540mA nice snug fit. You have to put the tray in empty then slide the battery in. May have to wiggle them about to get them in but they do go in. Plus I use a external lifepo4 battery.
Motters M7TRS 73 👍🏻
Thanks for the battery tray tip - I will try it. Glad you found the video useful - 73 from Mort G4BSK
Very neat homemade work for battery. Also very nice presentation.
Diego
Thanks Diego. Glad you enjoyed the videos. 73 from Mort G4BSK
I have enjoyed these video, I keep hopping to find a good used one at a reasonable price at one of our local hamfest this year, here in the US you just don’t find that many that are For Sale. 73 KV5P
Thanks Mike - I hope you find one before too long - the ending of the FT818 seems to have sparked a surge in demand all over the world... 73 Mort G4BSK
TNX ! 73!
Are you using protected or unprotected 18650 cells?
Samsung 30Q 18650 3000mAh High drain FLAT TOP Lithium-ion battery
@@Q26Video Thank you very much I appreciate the clarification.
Muy bueno, gracias
Have you a link please to the battery holder you used for the 18650s ?
Also, does the original battery cover close properly with the 18650s and battery holder ?
Did you ever think about adding a BMS and not using the battery holder ? you could solder the wires to the cells or better again use a spot welder designed for 18650, you can get ones now that run off a lipo battery and are not expensive.
You could glue and shrink wrap the cells then and it would be more compact than using the holder.
Glad you liked the video - it's just a generic 18650 3 cell battery holder - I can't give a specific link - they are commonly found on Ebay, Aliexpress etc. The battery cover leaves plenty of room underneath and there is space to the side of the battery holder (inside the radio) for wiring. I did consider all the things you suggest, but wanted to keep it very simple - it's easy just to remove the batteries in a few seconds, charge them and replace them, or fit a spare set to keep going. They will give many hours of service from a charge, and I don't see the need for a BMS, just keep an eye on the voltage display. Hope that helps, have fun with your radio, 73 from G4BSK
1990?
Merci beaucoup pour vidéo. 73. De E73NSD
Je vous en prie. Thanks for watching...73 G4BSK
thats great!
are 3d files available?
Glad you liked the video - here is a link for the legs/supports : www.thingiverse.com/thing:5693045
I haven't uploaded the battery cover but if you are interested I could do that...
@@Q26Video yes please if you could that would be amazing !!!!! 3xactly what u was looking for !! Bless you for this !!
Yes if you could upload battery cover it would be great !
Here it is : www.thingiverse.com/thing:5840204 it's fairly basic and I plan to revise it at some time, but it is a good start and works well for me - hope it works out for you!
FANTASTIC! tahnk yoU!
Smart guy, thanks 👍
So clearly presented and informative, thanks so much for that! Duly liked/Sub'd! - MM0HRL
Thanks! Glad you found the video(s) helpful. 73 from Mort / G4BSK