Randy - Absolutely awesome. My favorite part was when you cut the charger wire and said "we are HAM radio operators and we modify things". Besides the great mentoring your provide, one thing that drew me to your channel a long time ago was project videos. I was hooked after building my first 6m dipole based on your design. That said, I had to smile at the comment about modifying things! Now I feel better about doing the same thing to a smaller version of the same charger. I love the addition of the Turnigy Wattmeter. That sure gives a lot of valuable information. I think that pack is begging for a trip to Gold Beach! Very cool to see the AMP-3 bag. Thank you sir! 73 de David / KF7ETX
I just got into ham radio about a month ago. I just passed my Technician test this weekend and I'm looking forward to getting started on the air. I really enjoyed your video and I am now subscribed. I'm really interested in creating a Go-Bag for myself and you really inspired me with this video. I just wanted to say great video and thank you.
Randy, I have been a fan of your vids since before I earned my Tech license thank you for all the hard work you are putting forth. Christopher Bradley, AA5EM
The simple way to remember powerpole orientation is: 'Red Right; Tongue Top'. I personally prefer to solder powerpoles. They aren't as readily available as other connectors, so I like having the option of removing powerpoles and redoing. That's a nice 817 case. Another nice case is the 'Forward Observer' camera bag made by Hazard 4. It's a perfect fit for the 817. It's MOLLE compatible, so you can stick other pouches on it. On mine I stuck a Condor dump pouch that I use for coax. I think I will have to pick up one of those watt meters. Those look like a cheaper version of the watts up meter. I think I am going to use different colors of powerpoles so it's easy to tell which end is which. red/black to plug into the rig and black/something else, to plug into the battery.
I made the exact same mod to my charger, and I have 2 of those identical batteries which I run in parallel with a small Y adapter that I made out of cable and powerpole connectors. I use a larger backpack which fits the two batteries and also the antenna.
That's a neat case. Another option is the 'Forward Observer' camera bag made my Hazard 4. I originally got it to use as a camera bag. I then found out that it's a PERFECT fit for th 817. Inside the main compartment I can fit the 817m mic, Signalink USB, and a few other goodies. I could probably fit a compact tuner in there. Since it's a camera bag it's padded, so it will protect the radio to an extent. The bag is MOLLE compatible so you can stick other pouches on it. I stuck a condor dump pouch on the side. That works nicely for storing coax. I will have to look around to see if there is a better option than a dump pouch. Something with zippers would be nice. One of those medical pouches might work. The bag is sturdy enough that for operating you can set the bag on it's side and set the radio on top. It's a very cool bag and worth checking out if you own an 817.
Awesome video Randy. It's good to see your AMP-3 bag getting some workout for your radio kit, I've heard Dave's bags are awesomely made in craftsmanship as well, nice work KF7ETX! 73's - Jeff KE7OUR
i use a Tracer Lithium Polymer 12v 8Ah power pack 1/4 the weight of a SlA Battery its tiny actually lighter than the FT817 and no quick discharge or acid to worry about can be charged from the Ac mains or from Dc vehicle charger.
Did a similar set up with a kenwood tm281 a 12ah dry cell battery a battery tender charger and a mag mount antenna. I attached the radio to a piece of sheet metal and put it all in a back pack total expense about $200
I kinda like using heat shrink tubing at the end of my crimps - and over the .250 and .187 battery spade terminals. But, really good on the battery and the power poles and radio 73 de kb4twn
Watch out on those Noco Genius chargers on the G1100 models and up. They have a "pulse maintenance mode" where the charger pulses above 17 volts about once per second or so for 10 minutes if it is maintaining the battery long term (to reduce sulfation). I'm concerned that this may damage radios or cars if the charger is connected to the battery at the same time as the radio or car is connected to the battery. On older radios or cars, their electronics may not be as resilient to these pulses in voltage. What do you think?
I have the power pole connected between the radio and battery next to the radio. For charging I unplug the radio. Problem avoided. For storage, I can disconnect the battery. On some radios, even when off, they still draw a small amount of current and will drain the battery.
this FT817... is it really annoying that it has no DSP noise reduction, poor selectivity, general high noise floor and lose SEL button ? Which of these are real issues getting in the way of normal field use of radio? Thanks. I appreciate your videos.
Well, the FT-817 was introduced in 2000. Amazing that Yaesu continues to sell it. Sure many areas could be improved using today's technology. Thousands (estimate is > 250,000 sold) have been sold and are still making lots of contacts. Internal battery life is the limiting factor for many people requiring to drag along an external battery pack. Look at the Elecraft KX2 & KX3 for an amazing up to date radios.
Well Randy, it's been over five years since this was published... are you still running the Genius G3500 charger shown in this video? Just curious how it is held up or if you've migrated to something else by now. Thanks, Dave
Randy: What was the total cost of all you had on the video? I am planning to budget for all you have there and want to know how many $$$ I need to plan for? Thanks & 73, Kurt - KA7ZDD
You should really check all of the prices, as they have been lower when I made this video. I just checked that the case is now $182 www.amp-3.net/shop-amature-radio/tactical-transceiver-radio-bag. Battery, 7 AH is
Discovered your channel recently and love it. You're the best out there as far has HAM goes for beginners. Question: Do you recommend an amplifier for the FT-817? Specifically, I'm looking for more power on the HF SSB eventually (if I get this radio). Thanks! Steve....
TheMojo1963 Tokyo Hi Power used to make a nice 50 watt amp. They closed, but someone may be picking up their product line. You will need to search for this information. The HF Packer group has a nice kit, if you are comfortable with building. www.hfprojectsyahoo.com/hf-packeramp.html There is also an active FT-817 Yahoo group with hundreds of users. Join that, you may find some other information and maybe even used amps. Have fun.
Congratulations nice rig. You might be interested in watching this video on YT about the turningy meter ua-cam.com/video/Lxv9Rozs774/v-deo.html and check the accuracy of yours.
Randy - Absolutely awesome. My favorite part was when you cut the charger wire and said "we are HAM radio operators and we modify things". Besides the great mentoring your provide, one thing that drew me to your channel a long time ago was project videos. I was hooked after building my first 6m dipole based on your design. That said, I had to smile at the comment about modifying things! Now I feel better about doing the same thing to a smaller version of the same charger.
I love the addition of the Turnigy Wattmeter. That sure gives a lot of valuable information.
I think that pack is begging for a trip to Gold Beach!
Very cool to see the AMP-3 bag. Thank you sir!
73 de David / KF7ETX
I just got into ham radio about a month ago. I just passed my Technician test this weekend and I'm looking forward to getting started on the air. I really enjoyed your video and I am now subscribed. I'm really interested in creating a Go-Bag for myself and you really inspired me with this video.
I just wanted to say great video and thank you.
Randy, I have been a fan of your vids since before I earned my Tech license thank you for all the hard work you are putting forth.
Christopher Bradley,
AA5EM
Thanks for watching, have fun. Randy
Great video. Nice lesson on how to hook up Anderson power poles. Thanks again 73's N1PRH
The simple way to remember powerpole orientation is: 'Red Right; Tongue Top'.
I personally prefer to solder powerpoles. They aren't as readily available as other connectors, so I like having the option of removing powerpoles and redoing.
That's a nice 817 case. Another nice case is the 'Forward Observer' camera bag made by Hazard 4. It's a perfect fit for the 817. It's MOLLE compatible, so you can stick other pouches on it. On mine I stuck a Condor dump pouch that I use for coax.
I think I will have to pick up one of those watt meters. Those look like a cheaper version of the watts up meter. I think I am going to use different colors of powerpoles so it's easy to tell which end is which. red/black to plug into the rig and black/something else, to plug into the battery.
I made the exact same mod to my charger, and I have 2 of those identical batteries which I run in parallel with a small Y adapter that I made out of cable and powerpole connectors. I use a larger backpack which fits the two batteries and also the antenna.
That's a neat case. Another option is the 'Forward Observer' camera bag made my Hazard 4. I originally got it to use as a camera bag. I then found out that it's a PERFECT fit for th 817. Inside the main compartment I can fit the 817m mic, Signalink USB, and a few other goodies. I could probably fit a compact tuner in there. Since it's a camera bag it's padded, so it will protect the radio to an extent. The bag is MOLLE compatible so you can stick other pouches on it. I stuck a condor dump pouch on the side. That works nicely for storing coax. I will have to look around to see if there is a better option than a dump pouch. Something with zippers would be nice. One of those medical pouches might work.
The bag is sturdy enough that for operating you can set the bag on it's side and set the radio on top. It's a very cool bag and worth checking out if you own an 817.
Awesome video Randy. It's good to see your AMP-3 bag getting some workout for your radio kit, I've heard Dave's bags are awesomely made in craftsmanship as well, nice work KF7ETX!
73's - Jeff KE7OUR
They are
Very nice setup :) Made me wanna try my own! 73's from M3HHY!
Excellent video Randy!!!
i use a Tracer Lithium Polymer 12v 8Ah power pack 1/4 the weight of a SlA Battery its tiny actually lighter than the FT817 and no quick discharge or acid to worry about can be charged from the Ac mains or from Dc vehicle charger.
Did a similar set up with a kenwood tm281 a 12ah dry cell battery a battery tender charger and a mag mount antenna. I attached the radio to a piece of sheet metal and put it all in a back pack total expense about $200
Randy, nice vid, a question: how much does this arrangement weight? i want to know if u carry it on ur backpack is it easy to trek with. thanks.
I kinda like using heat shrink tubing at the end of my crimps - and over the .250 and .187 battery spade terminals. But, really good on the battery and the power poles and radio
73 de kb4twn
+Bradley Mabe Good idea
Nice video. It also reminded me to buy some powerpole contacts for larger diameter wire. Hope I can get some at Pacificon.
You can never have too many
Very neat! I would like to build something similar too!
Genius, glad I've seen this. Thanks
Watch out on those Noco Genius chargers on the G1100 models and up. They have a "pulse maintenance mode" where the charger pulses above 17 volts about once per second or so for 10 minutes if it is maintaining the battery long term (to reduce sulfation).
I'm concerned that this may damage radios or cars if the charger is connected to the battery at the same time as the radio or car is connected to the battery.
On older radios or cars, their electronics may not be as resilient to these pulses in voltage. What do you think?
I have the power pole connected between the radio and battery next to the radio. For charging I unplug the radio. Problem avoided. For storage, I can disconnect the battery. On some radios, even when off, they still draw a small amount of current and will drain the battery.
Nice,i think i must to buy one FT-817.
What gauge of zip wire you using there? Just love how clear your videos are, well done Randy!
Have thought about mounting it on a back board..
this FT817... is it really annoying that it has no DSP noise reduction, poor selectivity, general high noise floor and lose SEL button ? Which of these are real issues getting in the way of normal field use of radio? Thanks. I appreciate your videos.
Well, the FT-817 was introduced in 2000. Amazing that Yaesu continues to sell it. Sure many areas could be improved using today's technology. Thousands (estimate is > 250,000 sold) have been sold and are still making lots of contacts. Internal battery life is the limiting factor for many people requiring to drag along an external battery pack.
Look at the Elecraft KX2 & KX3 for an amazing up to date radios.
Well Randy, it's been over five years since this was published... are you still running the Genius G3500 charger shown in this video? Just curious how it is held up or if you've migrated to something else by now.
Thanks,
Dave
I still have it. I use it for small batteries. I have a Harbor Freight charger for larger batteries.
How many repeaters does the Yaesu FT817 store?
And how do you do it, what is the configuration. I appreciate any help.
I sold my 817 a few years ago. I don’t remember how many memory channels the radio ca store. RT Systems has good software for programming memories.
just bought and 817.... love it so far and looking for a bag like this.... but $182.00 yikes
Try portablezerostore.ecwid.com/ I have one of their bags.
amp3's web site is for sale so where can I get the bag now? My 817 is homeless!
Bob
Randy:
What was the total cost of all you had on the video?
I am planning to budget for all you have there and want to know how many $$$ I need to plan for?
Thanks & 73,
Kurt - KA7ZDD
You should really check all of the prices, as they have been lower when I made this video. I just checked that the case is now $182 www.amp-3.net/shop-amature-radio/tactical-transceiver-radio-bag. Battery, 7 AH is
Thanks, Randy!
Kurt
Nice👍 awesome video my good friend
Discovered your channel recently and love it. You're the best out there as far has HAM goes for beginners. Question: Do you recommend an amplifier for the FT-817? Specifically, I'm looking for more power on the HF SSB eventually (if I get this radio). Thanks! Steve....
TheMojo1963 Tokyo Hi Power used to make a nice 50 watt amp. They closed, but someone may be picking up their product line. You will need to search for this information. The HF Packer group has a nice kit, if you are comfortable with building. www.hfprojectsyahoo.com/hf-packeramp.html There is also an active FT-817 Yahoo group with hundreds of users. Join that, you may find some other information and maybe even used amps. Have fun.
Thank you sir! Looking forward to your next video. I have lots of your older videos to watch too! -- Steve
Great video as always. Is their room for an LDG Z-817 tuner as well???? 73, N4SMF
I think so. The Signalink may have to move to the other side pocket.
Randy Always leave wires too long you can always shorten but hard to make them long again
#
I need a cable stretcher!
Real cool Randy, 73,
JoeKC3BXZ
Very nice video Randy. Need one for my FT817. At the moment they are sold out!
73 -PD0KDN (Simon)
Oh no, David at AMP-3 will need to get busy!
god help you if you drop that with the heavy battery ! Then what seemed like a good idea, becomes a very very expensive and sad, wish I hadn't .
ouch
Thank you Randy! --... ...-- -.. -. ....- ... -- ..-.
Congratulations nice rig. You might be interested in watching this video on YT about the turningy meter ua-cam.com/video/Lxv9Rozs774/v-deo.html and check the accuracy of yours.
I'm viewer #2500 ;)