I've owned this radio for two years. I had no idea that split could be this easy. I've ignored split and told people, I love the radio, but its split is a pain. I just tried it. Thank you. Great video.
My 891 trick is I got another guy in our radio group to buy one, and I have been passing on your tricks, and as soon as he becomes very good at operating it, I will go and buy one. That is how I figure out how to get my radios to work!
My friend wanted to try it, so he found nice deal on one slightly used for me. I bought it, and we are both happy. He tried it and found out he likes it, and i got very capable starter radio, that can do most of the things beginner ham wants to try. He has 857 and 817, so he won't buy it anytime soon.
The 891 is just awesome, easy to operate sounds and looks great, I can see the screen in direct sunlight and it’s compact. Yaesu outdid themselves when they made the 891.
This is a very helpful video. I just hooked up my new 891 a few hours ago, and this is so helpful. The menu seemed pretty complicated, but after watching this, I see that it's fairly simple. Thank you, Karl
Great video! Lost both my 891 and 7300 in a house fire. Got my 891 back but not on the air yet because I'm still in a apartment. Looking forward to getting everything back. Your tips remind me of how great the radio is... Can't wait!
This is a fantastic FT891 video. I used to have you 91, traded away for another radio, and I'm thinking of getting it back again. this video reminds me of how much the it can actually do de WO8USA🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I have an FT-710 in my shack. I would just unhook it if it wasn't such a PITA to unhook everything every time I want to go portable (or try POTA). But after watching your vid, I might just get me an FT-891 and be done with it. You've given me food for thought. I WAS planning to buy a second 710 but now I may not. Added on 7-9-24. Bought the 891 two days ago. Watching your videos is helping me understand how to work this unit. Thanks.
So I bought my second Yaesu FT-891. I use one for off grid Field Day and POTA. I have only done one POTA and two field days with the 891 but I wanted to learn the radio better so I bought another to use in my Ham Shack. After 3 days with the 891 in the shack, and re-watching your initial 891 setup video and this awesome video, I am very happy I have a second 891 . Running 100 watts on a G5RV JR 21 feet at center point, with an MFJ manual tuner and an MFJ 1:1 balun at end of ladder line and it’s all grounded and working like a champ. I learned more about the 891 from these two videos than I could have figured out in weeks. Thank you again for these 891 videos, you make this hobby even better. KI5DAY
The FT-891 may be a portable rig, but it fits right in the shack too. It has a lot of features found in more expensive rigs. I used one as my primary shack rig for about a year until I upgraded to something more substantial
Got the FT 891 today, haven't played with it much as Im waiting for an auto tuner cable to follow. This video is a good bit of "homework" study before I take it out into the field to try it out. Thanks for making it :)
Hey Michael... thanks for this video. I've come back to listen to it a few times as I forget some of the tricks you teach in it. 73 from Mason City, IA KK0DJ
Menu items 14-02 - 14.05 change the tuning steps, but the biggest step is 10 Hz for sideband. If you press the FAST button you can toggle from 10 Hz to 100 Hz steps. I can't find a way to change to 1 KHz steps.
Thanks for the audio recording volume trick. I haven’t been using the audio record feature because I didn’t want to blow out everyone’s ears in the park with my CQ calls. Nice to know I can simply turn it down.
Thank you very much for this series on the FT-891. Mine just arrived (early Christmas present) and your videos have been tremendously helpful to become more acquainted with functions and features. Thank you, Michael! de AC5JS.
Get video,just bought a FT891,a mat 30 tuner,ham sticks for 20m &40m ,mounting kit for park portable an a Nano VNA.Everytime I watch your videos I learn something new,Thankyou 🎉 2E0HFO 😊
Thanks Michael, useful video to me, thinking about replacing my FT100 with the 891 and a lot of people have put me off by complaining about the menu system but you have removed the shroud. Think I’ll go for it. 73, Richard G0NAD.
Hi Michael. Thanks for another amazingly good video. I have an FT-891 too, and it is an amazingly good radio. I cannot fault it in any way. It has so many of the facilities of a full size desktop radio, in such a small package. What pleases me every time, is the fantastic audio quality. I do use an external, dynamic hand mic (similar to the famous Shure SM58) and a good quality external loudspeaker. The results are amazing. I generally get unsolicited good audio reports and the received audio is a joy. It really is worth taking time to set up the mic equalisation using Yaesu's very comprehensive Parametric Equaliser settings for use with, and without the processor enabled. The FT-891 is brilliant. Thanks again for a great video. 73 Mike M0MTJ
I love the 891 it's got an amazing low noise floor and fantastic audio quality, I listen via headphones. I recently got the 450D and not happy with the audio quality, it sounds bad in comparison to the 891 + the filters on the 891 are way better. The 891 is truly an amazing radio and very underrated, I use it as a 2nd receiver in my sitting room connected to the chameleon MPAS 2.0 with CAP HAT and it allows me to catch some cool DX while sitting on the couch and it just sounds so good to listen to. I had the 7300, hated the harsh audio and will sell the 450D, I'll never sell the 891 while it might be small and heavily menu driven most of them are set once and forget and you can't beat the audio quality with headphones. I have the FTDX-10 now too and while ergonomics are not the best it has an amazing receiver and audio quality. Pity they can't put more buttons and knobs like the TS-590SG and just use the monitor out for those who want the waterfall, it's not rocket science is it ?
Well done! Great video. I have two FT-891's and have been using them for a while. Still, learned some very practical tips I can use from your video. Thank you! 73 from VA3RCA
Hey Michael. My wife and I really enjoy your videos! We are new Hams - just got our Technician licenses in August - and really became interested in POTA after watching your videos. We actually went to an activation that a neighboring club member did near us a couple of weeks ago at the New River State Park in northwestern North Carolina. We are avid dual-sport motorcyclists and got into amateur radio to increase our ability to communicate in case of an emergency but are now really getting interested in POTA. We've seen your little camper and we actually have a small pop-up camper that I can pull with my motorcycle. If you were starting today, is there anything you would change in your POTA setup? We're planning to upgrade to General license this winter and are hoping to start our own POTA activations this coming Spring, so we'll be building our POTA radio equipment over the Winter. Thanks so much for the videos! We're learning a lot from watching. KQ4COJ & KQ4COB
Great video. My trick is to use the contour feature as kind of pre-amp that doesn't increase the noise floor along with the signal. Menu 12-4 level to 15. Menu 12-5 width to 10. Then turn on contour from the function menu number 2, and dial it down to 150. Bam, pops those signals up and DRASTICALLY improves audio quality. Also, put your I have shift to -140 and you're width to 2700. Unfortunately you need to do this every time you change bands.
Fairly new license here. If, when using split, if you are listening on one freq but transmitting on another how do you know if you are stepping on someone on your TX freq?
Good question! I think you need to check both frequencies to avoid stepping on some one. But I would love to hear more about this issue from an experienced DX ham.
Hi! Maybe a late answer, but there might be a way to checkif your txt freequency is clear... just use the waterfall... 73 from yo5tj! P.s. ... in a pile-up, working split, no one cares anyway, so you only need to check if there is a ongoing qso happening on that specific freqquecy
Hi Mike. love the video. My 891 is great and I have learned what I Need to, to do what I want as the menu is befuddling. So this vid taught me a bunch of new things that will indeed be handy. Thanks, Joe KC1MTM
Great video Michael, you are a great teacher! Im thinking the 891 would be a better choice for me than a 991a. Never a G90 for sure. I just really want to be able to work 2m ssb and digital. We'll see how the money goes. 73
Michael, Quick question: What are your standard settings for the A,B,C Buttons? In other words what do you leave them set to (for example MTR etc). Thanks for another great video.
Excellent "find your way around the -891" video Michael! Only thing I would add is that a long push on the BAND button will allow you to quickly change modes. 73!
This is a companion to my other ''find your way around the 891' video. I also have one that takes you through the entire front panel, including the band change button: ua-cam.com/video/Zh-U2pVTlUs/v-deo.html
I love this radio. If Yaesu ever discontinues this radio they better have something better in the wings. My suggestion would be to keep the main unit the same but design a color touch display the size of a FTM 400 or larger.
Thx for all the work that you put into your channel. This was great information to learn. I’m fixing to get a 891 & the videos you’ve done on this radio has gave me good knowledge about the 891.
Another great video Mike. I’ve pondered getting this radio for POTA use as my present rig is an IC-7200 which is big and heavy. But I’ve been burned 3 times by Yaesu in the past, although it’s been a while. If I do wind up with one these are great tips.
Did you get around to getting the FT891? I have the IC-7200 also and would love to hear your experience comparing receiver noise floor, audio and dsp functions (noise reduction/pass band/notch). Not in detail. Just the overall feel if you will. Doubt I’ll ever part with the 7200 but the 891 just keeps tempting me.
Thanks for the peak hold tip #4. That makes it way easier to see the other guy's signal strength. I was looking for a setting to slow the SNR meter down (and not finding it.)
KK7SWB- New Ham--thank you Michael- question unrelated but curious about something- i see 1/9 and 9/1 language for balun ads. are these the same and it doesnt matter how it is written?
Hi! They are build the same, it depends on how you connect them. 1 to 9 is transforming 50 ohms to 450 ohms, and 9 to 1 transforms tour 50 ohms output from your transceiver to about 6 ohms for low impedance antenna, 73 from yo5tj!
Good video. When I first noticed that a highlighted function can be re-activated by turning the MF knob I though my radio was broken. It took awhile to determine that it was intentional. My learning curve keeps changing as I stumble upon features through use. Lately I've notice a 30Khz freq shift when I switch from AM to SSB or SSB to AM and I'm not certain why it does that.
Michael, loved the video. I too have the FT-891 and have used it for about 3 years. And while I use the A B C buttons to assign some of my favorite options, the ones you showed in the video gave me some new ideas to simplify using the meter in particular. By the way, what headphones do you use with the FT 891 as I operate in my home and when monitoring it some times bothers others.
That easy front panel meter switching feature is an absolute God send for guys like me that want to constantly monitor their radios operating parameters. 👍 KZ9V
Great info, I also commented on Patreon. I usually use my FT818 in the field, but I've been wanting to take the FT891 out. I haven't used it in the field yet. 73 de AI5DD
I'm going from a pretty good Xeigu G90 to an FT-891 because of some of the better signal processing and better filtering. Hope it's as good as I imagine.
I previously had a Yaesu FT-891, but sold it because I simply had too many radios. This video did teach me something about my FTdx10, though. I did not realize that each time that you long-pressed the Split button that it incremented the split by the quick split amount set in the menu.
Could you help me please, on my FT-891 indicator of the received signal strength (11:12) does not work. He froze at a constant level. It worked before, but I switched something or changed the settings and now I don’t know how to get it back.
My guess is that you have the RF gain turned down. That's the inner ring on the volume control (AF gain) knob. As you reduce the RF gain, the S-meter level on the display will rise. Try spinning that knob to the right until the meter goes down to 0.
That is very “Wisconsin” of you guys....you’re in the camp doing radio stuff (that’s not the very Wisconsin party....), but your wife is over there working on the loom, perfect! God Bless the Midwest!!
@@KB9VBRAntennas and pop a few cheese curds? My whole family is up in your wonderful state. I love it up there. I love the people, qwiktrip, everything. You’re a lucky man!
Hi Miachel, after a long time seeing your lovely video. The FT891 has a real great form factor loaded with tons of features. Just wanted to know if there is a way to keep tab on the voltage especially when using it outdoors as the FT891 does not display it constantly. Also wanted to know if the rig will get damaged if operated when the battery goes down? Thank you and have a blessed day ahead Cheers! 73
I use an inexpensive power analyzer to keep track of voltage and power consumption. Some people say they aren't accurate, but really all you need is a ballpark estimate of power used: amzn.to/3eUoJWu
Unfortunately the only time the FT-891 displays the supply voltage is very briefly after "turn on". Turning the radio off & on just to see the supply voltage certainly isn't practical. I've inadvertently run a battery below the FT-891 cut off point and nothing bad happened. The radio just turned off. KZ9V
@@davewhite7679 Yes, Wish it had a constant voltage display but anyway an external device can be attached... Just wanted to know if setting the ft891 at 15 watt and the battery drains to 9volts, will it still run or shutdown on its own without affecting the rig? Thanks
Hi Michael, your video is useful and interesting even if I already knew these features of the Yaesu FT-891. It's a great radio that I also used yesterday in my POTA I-1384 activation. A useful function that unfortunately does not have the FT-891 and instead has the FT-450 is the possibility of constantly displaying the supply voltage Vcc. Too bad that the designers did not think about this very important and visible thing only when the radio is turned on. A firmware update would be useful. 73 IU5KHP Nicola
Monitoring voltage in the radio would be nice. I use an inexpensive power meter that is in-line with my power cord to track voltage level and amp-hours and watt-hours consumed. Tracking watt-hours will give you a better indication of capacity than just watching the voltage.
Thanks for a nice informative video. Question........... can you set the meter to IDD and have the display show the voltage in a similar fashion to how it will show SWR, etc?
Hey Michael, thanks for the nice video. Do you know something about the min. voltage you need for this radio. I just heard it would not go down to 10V like the older FT-857D does. I'm asking because i would like to use it at a 12V Batterie, which we all know well goes sometimes down to 10V ... 73, Ingo, dl5kci
The FT-891 doesn't like it when the voltage gets below 11v on transmit and will shut down if the voltage drops to 10.5v on transmit. I think because it has a slightly higher current draw than the FT-857, it is also more sensitive to voltage drop than the FT-857.
I was wondering about if you’ve ever upgraded the software for the 891? I’ve made several beneficial settings to my 891 based on this and your other 891 videos. Does upgrading software return the 891 back to default setting preferences? Enjoy all your videos.
Hi Michael, I have just bought an 891, your videos have been a great help in understanding some of the features of the radio, and great easy-to-understand content. I have a question I noticed in this video you are using what looks like an Eco-Worthy lithium battery what are your thoughts on this battery and roughly what life do you get out of it on a POTA activation? As I am still trying to decide which route to go for a battery. 73 VA7EEH
The 20ah Eco-Worthy battery has been performing quite well for me. It's life depends on what your power output and mode will be. But the battery will last a weekend if I do strictly phone at 50 watts and several hours if I do phone and data (20 watts). That equates to roughly 200+ contacts phone only or mixed about 50 data and 100 phone.
You could use quick split for repeater shifts, but the FT-891 has complete repeater support built into their FM mode operation. You can set the split and CTCSS tones and save all that into a memory channel. I'll make a note to cover FM in a future video.
@@KB9VBRAntennasThanks! Really enjoy these videos. This flatlander just bought a Wisconsin parks sticker and will be doing some camping/POTA this summer/fall.
This is my most asked question. It's an RJ-45 extension cable so I don't have to take the face plate off if I want to change the microphone for the headset. amzn.to/3oIcOgf
Someone complained that since there is no battery level reading on the display, that the ft-891 can be damaged by the battery level going too low. Is this possible? If so, is there no safety cutoff or warning? Thanks for a great video: learning about my ft-891!
Hi! Again, a late answer, but I used my 891 în the Field to the Point of depleting my homemade lipo battery, nothing goes bad with the radio, i'm going full power until the radio starts shutting down on transmit, then I reduce the power level to about 20W and keep going for a bout an hour more...😊. 3 from yo5tj
Another tip is to add a lsb freq into memory channel for quicker access if your needing to change to that mode for what ever reason rather than having to go into the menue system to change it over everytime
You can even simpler set the HF power to 100W temporarily: select the power settings (SSB/AM/HF) and press "CLAR" - will select 100W automatically but return to the previously selected value after turning off and on the TRX the next time.
Easily modified to transmit on CB channels I have one and I actually did it I won't divulge how either because I don't want any other screwdrivers in these things it's a bitch to do but can be done and it works great on the 27 MHz band especially on both AM and FM and sideband‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
I trust your opinions, so I have a question. I am currently running a TS-480 as a mobile rig and it performs really well. I have been considering a trade however to the FT-891, mainly due to size considerations and being able to use it on trips and in the field. Might even replace my G-90 with it as well. Do you think I would be satisfied with it as a mobile? I mainly operate mobile with monoband sticks, and in the ssb frequencies, so lack of a tuner is not a huge factor in mobile. Might be more of a factor for portable, but I do have some tuner options, if needed. What are your thoughts?
I think the FT-891 would make a great mobile rig. If I had a second one, I would probably mount one in the car for that purpose. It does have a removable head so the body unit can be mounted under a seat or something to take up less space on the dash. The display is large and easy to read on the road. It has a lot of memory channels so you can preset common frequencies, and the noise blanker is very good. I've used the noise blanker while operating mobile for the Minnesota QSO party and it does a great job with a minimal impact on sensitivity. As for a lack of a tuner, I don't think that should be an issue for mobile operation. Just about everyone I know operating mobile does so one of three ways: monoband sticks, remote tuner at the base of a long whip, or ATAS-120 antenna. I think if I was mobile, I'd go the ATAS route before buying some type of mobile tuner.
My 891 is for pota sota work. They are great for taking out in the field. Operated for 5 hours yesterday and used 16% of my 100ah battery. So easy on the wallet and not power hungry.
I've owned this radio for two years. I had no idea that split could be this easy. I've ignored split and told people, I love the radio, but its split is a pain. I just tried it. Thank you. Great video.
My 891 trick is I got another guy in our radio group to buy one, and I have been passing on your tricks, and as soon as he becomes very good at operating it, I will go and buy one. That is how I figure out how to get my radios to work!
My friend wanted to try it, so he found nice deal on one slightly used for me. I bought it, and we are both happy. He tried it and found out he likes it, and i got very capable starter radio, that can do most of the things beginner ham wants to try. He has 857 and 817, so he won't buy it anytime soon.
Sounds like you knew Tom Sawyer.
Tnx.73
The 891 is just awesome, easy to operate sounds and looks great, I can see the screen in direct sunlight and it’s compact. Yaesu outdid themselves when they made the 891.
JUST ORDERED THIS LAST NIGHT AS MY FIRST HF RIG!!!!
its all i could afford lol
Wise purchase, it is awesome!
Just got a new FT-891 last month, watching this video I instantly turned on the peak hold option! Didn't know it was there but a handy setting indeed!
I can't believe you managed to impress me with all five! I thought I knew my radio inside out :)
This is a very helpful video. I just hooked up my new 891 a few hours ago, and this is so helpful. The menu seemed pretty complicated, but after watching this, I see that it's fairly simple.
Thank you,
Karl
Great video! Lost both my 891 and 7300 in a house fire. Got my 891 back but not on the air yet because I'm still in a apartment. Looking forward to getting everything back. Your tips remind me of how great the radio is... Can't wait!
House fire... OMG Such a bad condition. Sad to know
Did you find out what caused the fire? Hope it wasn't to do with you radio setup?
Yet another fantastic “Violation of the Basic Rule” video. I’m learning lots about my new 8-niner-1. Thanks!
This is a fantastic FT891 video. I used to have you 91, traded away for another radio, and I'm thinking of getting it back again. this video reminds me of how much the it can actually do de WO8USA🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks Michael! I’ll definitely use these tips on my mobile FT-891!
I have an FT-710 in my shack. I would just unhook it if it wasn't such a PITA to unhook everything every time I want to go portable (or try POTA). But after watching your vid, I might just get me an FT-891 and be done with it. You've given me food for thought. I WAS planning to buy a second 710 but now I may not.
Added on 7-9-24. Bought the 891 two days ago. Watching your videos is helping me understand how to work this unit. Thanks.
So I bought my second Yaesu FT-891. I use one for off grid Field Day and POTA. I have only done one POTA and two field days with the 891 but I wanted to learn the radio better so I bought another to use in my Ham Shack. After 3 days with the 891 in the shack, and re-watching your initial 891 setup video and this awesome video, I am very happy I have a second 891 . Running 100 watts on a G5RV JR 21 feet at center point, with an MFJ manual tuner and an MFJ 1:1 balun at end of ladder line and it’s all grounded and working like a champ. I learned more about the 891 from these two videos than I could have figured out in weeks. Thank you again for these 891 videos, you make this hobby even better. KI5DAY
The FT-891 may be a portable rig, but it fits right in the shack too. It has a lot of features found in more expensive rigs. I used one as my primary shack rig for about a year until I upgraded to something more substantial
I ordered one and it arrives Monday, I cannot wait 73.
Great tips! I've had the radio for 3 years and didn't know about 2 of the tips. The meter tip is fantastic!
Great tips. Especially the DVS level tip 👍
Got the FT 891 today, haven't played with it much as Im waiting for an auto tuner cable to follow. This video is a good bit of "homework" study before I take it out into the field to try it out. Thanks for making it :)
Hey Michael... thanks for this video. I've come back to listen to it a few times as I forget some of the tricks you teach in it. 73 from Mason City, IA KK0DJ
Great video can you set it to tune at 1khz steps. Not found anywhere to do this I've looked at the manual thx
Menu items 14-02 - 14.05 change the tuning steps, but the biggest step is 10 Hz for sideband. If you press the FAST button you can toggle from 10 Hz to 100 Hz steps. I can't find a way to change to 1 KHz steps.
Thank you for all you do . I learn a lot from your videos . I’m not licensed yet still trying to learn talk this stuff
Thanks for the audio recording volume trick. I haven’t been using the audio record feature because I didn’t want to blow out everyone’s ears in the park with my CQ calls. Nice to know I can simply turn it down.
thank you just bought on of these, im mainly an icom guy.. the menus are pretty deep on this radio
Me uni a la liga! Compré uno. Llega la semana que viene. 73 From Argentina 🇦🇷
Awesome! You will love it.
Thank you very much for this series on the FT-891. Mine just arrived (early Christmas present) and your videos have been tremendously helpful to become more acquainted with functions and features. Thank you, Michael! de AC5JS.
WOW. I liked how you can adjust the digital voice volume. Didn't know that
Get video,just bought a FT891,a mat 30 tuner,ham sticks for 20m &40m ,mounting kit for park portable an a Nano VNA.Everytime I watch your videos I learn something new,Thankyou 🎉 2E0HFO 😊
Thanks Michael, useful video to me, thinking about replacing my FT100 with the 891 and a lot of people have put me off by complaining about the menu system but you have removed the shroud. Think I’ll go for it. 73, Richard G0NAD.
Yet another useful FT-891 video, great post Mike thank you! KI5DAY All Day Long!
Hi Michael. Thanks for another amazingly good video. I have an FT-891 too, and it is an amazingly good radio. I cannot fault it in any way. It has so many of the facilities of a full size desktop radio, in such a small package. What pleases me every time, is the fantastic audio quality. I do use an external, dynamic hand mic (similar to the famous Shure SM58) and a good quality external loudspeaker. The results are amazing. I generally get unsolicited good audio reports and the received audio is a joy. It really is worth taking time to set up the mic equalisation using Yaesu's very comprehensive Parametric Equaliser settings for use with, and without the processor enabled. The FT-891 is brilliant. Thanks again for a great video. 73 Mike M0MTJ
Love the video. I have almost convinced myself to pick up an 891 and seeing its capabilities is very helpful.
I love the 891 it's got an amazing low noise floor and fantastic audio quality, I listen via headphones. I recently got the 450D and not happy with the audio quality, it sounds bad in comparison to the 891 + the filters on the 891 are way better.
The 891 is truly an amazing radio and very underrated, I use it as a 2nd receiver in my sitting room connected to the chameleon MPAS 2.0 with CAP HAT and it allows me to catch some cool DX while sitting on the couch and it just sounds so good to listen to.
I had the 7300, hated the harsh audio and will sell the 450D, I'll never sell the 891 while it might be small and heavily menu driven most of them are set once and forget and you can't beat the audio quality with headphones.
I have the FTDX-10 now too and while ergonomics are not the best it has an amazing receiver and audio quality. Pity they can't put more buttons and knobs like the TS-590SG and just use the monitor out for those who want the waterfall, it's not rocket science is it ?
Constant display of supply power voltage instead of just on startup would be very helpful.
Well done! Great video. I have two FT-891's and have been using them for a while. Still, learned some very practical tips I can use from your video. Thank you! 73 from VA3RCA
Hi Michael,
Thanks for those tricks. Just set my 891 for the peak hold and the quick split operation at 5kHz. You and Christine stay safe. 73 WJ3U
Great video and instruction.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge and insight.
73! 👍
This was very helpful, thank you.
great video and awesome tips. Thanks for sharing.
Hey Michael. My wife and I really enjoy your videos! We are new Hams - just got our Technician licenses in August - and really became interested in POTA after watching your videos. We actually went to an activation that a neighboring club member did near us a couple of weeks ago at the New River State Park in northwestern North Carolina. We are avid dual-sport motorcyclists and got into amateur radio to increase our ability to communicate in case of an emergency but are now really getting interested in POTA. We've seen your little camper and we actually have a small pop-up camper that I can pull with my motorcycle. If you were starting today, is there anything you would change in your POTA setup? We're planning to upgrade to General license this winter and are hoping to start our own POTA activations this coming Spring, so we'll be building our POTA radio equipment over the Winter. Thanks so much for the videos! We're learning a lot from watching. KQ4COJ & KQ4COB
Great video. My trick is to use the contour feature as kind of pre-amp that doesn't increase the noise floor along with the signal. Menu 12-4 level to 15. Menu 12-5 width to 10. Then turn on contour from the function menu number 2, and dial it down to 150. Bam, pops those signals up and DRASTICALLY improves audio quality. Also, put your I have shift to -140 and you're width to 2700. Unfortunately you need to do this every time you change bands.
Sounds like a job for CAT control and software.
EXCELENTE DATO amigo, gracias, un abrazo!
@@PatrickKQ4HBDa total rookie here, what is CAT?
Fairly new license here. If, when using split, if you are listening on one freq but transmitting on another how do you know if you are stepping on someone on your TX freq?
Good question!
I think you need to check both frequencies to avoid stepping on some one.
But I would love to hear more about this issue from an experienced DX ham.
Hi! Maybe a late answer, but there might be a way to checkif your txt freequency is clear... just use the waterfall... 73 from yo5tj!
P.s. ... in a pile-up, working split, no one cares anyway, so you only need to check if there is a ongoing qso happening on that specific freqquecy
this was very useful. many thanks
Cheers for that. Really enjoyed it. 😊
Nice radio and lots of interesting function
Hi Mike.
love the video. My 891 is great and I have learned what I Need to, to do what I want as the menu is befuddling. So this vid taught me a bunch of new things that will indeed be handy. Thanks, Joe KC1MTM
Great video Michael, you are a great teacher! Im thinking the 891 would be a better choice for me than a 991a. Never a G90 for sure. I just really want to be able to work 2m ssb and digital. We'll see how the money goes. 73
Michael, Quick question: What are your standard settings for the A,B,C Buttons? In other words what do you leave them set to (for example MTR etc). Thanks for another great video.
My three favorite are: SFT (shift), DNF (digital notch filter), and CH1 (Channel 1 playback).
Excellent "find your way around the -891" video Michael! Only thing I would add is that a long push on the BAND button will allow you to quickly change modes. 73!
This is a companion to my other ''find your way around the 891' video. I also have one that takes you through the entire front panel, including the band change button: ua-cam.com/video/Zh-U2pVTlUs/v-deo.html
I love this radio. If Yaesu ever discontinues this radio they better have something better in the wings. My suggestion would be to keep the main unit the same but design a color touch display the size of a FTM 400 or larger.
Thx for all the work that you put into your channel. This was great information to learn. I’m fixing to get a 891 & the videos you’ve done on this radio has gave me good knowledge about the 891.
Thanks. I still have a few more FT-891 videos up my sleeve, so keep watching.
Another great video Mike. I’ve pondered getting this radio for POTA use as my present rig is an IC-7200 which is big and heavy. But I’ve been burned 3 times by Yaesu in the past, although it’s been a while. If I do wind up with one these are great tips.
I love my FT-891
Did you get around to getting the FT891?
I have the IC-7200 also and would love to hear your experience comparing receiver noise floor, audio and dsp functions (noise reduction/pass band/notch). Not in detail. Just the overall feel if you will.
Doubt I’ll ever part with the 7200 but the 891 just keeps tempting me.
Very good clear Ty 👍
Thanks for the DVS tip. When wearing headphones, my recorded CQ POTA always blasts my ears. Not anymore.
Nice!! Thank you.
another awesome video, thank you!
I use the meter function on my FT-857D all the time, along with an LDG meter that plugs into the control head.
Thanks for the peak hold tip #4. That makes it way easier to see the other guy's signal strength. I was looking for a setting to slow the SNR meter down (and not finding it.)
KK7SWB- New Ham--thank you Michael- question unrelated but curious about something- i see 1/9 and 9/1 language for balun ads. are these the same and it doesnt matter how it is written?
Hi! They are build the same, it depends on how you connect them. 1 to 9 is transforming 50 ohms to 450 ohms, and 9 to 1 transforms tour 50 ohms output from your transceiver to about 6 ohms for low impedance antenna, 73 from yo5tj!
@@danutbelea-e9b thank you so much!
Did you make or buy the microphone extension cord?
Good video. When I first noticed that a highlighted function can be re-activated by turning the MF knob I though my radio was broken. It took awhile to determine that it was intentional. My learning curve keeps changing as I stumble upon features through use. Lately I've notice a 30Khz freq shift when I switch from AM to SSB or SSB to AM and I'm not certain why it does that.
Michael, loved the video. I too have the FT-891 and have used it for about 3 years. And while I use the A B C buttons to assign some of my favorite options, the ones you showed in the video gave me some new ideas to simplify using the meter in particular. By the way, what headphones do you use with the FT 891 as I operate in my home and when monitoring it some times bothers others.
That easy front panel meter switching feature is an absolute God send for guys like me that want to constantly monitor their radios operating parameters. 👍
KZ9V
Many thanks, great video!
Thanks for great video michael,been looking for another radio for pota as my ftdx10 is heavy in a case.891 now ordered :) 73
great quality video as always, thanks 🙂
Great info, I also commented on Patreon. I usually use my FT818 in the field, but I've been wanting to take the FT891 out. I haven't used it in the field yet. 73 de AI5DD
Thx, I've learned a lot from your vid, lil Dude. 😎
I'm going from a pretty good Xeigu G90 to an FT-891 because of some of the better signal processing and better filtering. Hope it's as good as I imagine.
I previously had a Yaesu FT-891, but sold it because I simply had too many radios. This video did teach me something about my FTdx10, though. I did not realize that each time that you long-pressed the Split button that it incremented the split by the quick split amount set in the menu.
Could you help me please, on my FT-891 indicator of the received signal strength (11:12) does not work. He froze at a constant level. It worked before, but I switched something or changed the settings and now I don’t know how to get it back.
My guess is that you have the RF gain turned down. That's the inner ring on the volume control (AF gain) knob. As you reduce the RF gain, the S-meter level on the display will rise. Try spinning that knob to the right until the meter goes down to 0.
That is very “Wisconsin” of you guys....you’re in the camp doing radio stuff (that’s not the very Wisconsin party....), but your wife is over there working on the loom, perfect! God Bless the Midwest!!
I often crack a beer while doing radio stuff. That's pretty Wisconsin.
@@KB9VBRAntennas and pop a few cheese curds? My whole family is up in your wonderful state. I love it up there. I love the people, qwiktrip, everything. You’re a lucky man!
Great info 👍👍
Very helpful information……👍
Hi Miachel, after a long time seeing your lovely video. The FT891 has a real great form factor loaded with tons of features.
Just wanted to know if there is a way to keep tab on the voltage especially when using it outdoors as the FT891 does not display it constantly.
Also wanted to know if the rig will get damaged if operated when the battery goes down?
Thank you and have a blessed day ahead
Cheers!
73
I use an inexpensive power analyzer to keep track of voltage and power consumption. Some people say they aren't accurate, but really all you need is a ballpark estimate of power used: amzn.to/3eUoJWu
Unfortunately the only time the FT-891 displays the supply voltage is very briefly after "turn on". Turning the radio off & on just to see the supply voltage certainly isn't practical. I've inadvertently run a battery below the FT-891 cut off point and nothing bad happened. The radio just turned off.
KZ9V
@@KB9VBRAntennas thank you Michael
@@davewhite7679 Yes, Wish it had a constant voltage display but anyway an external device can be attached...
Just wanted to know if setting the ft891 at 15 watt and the battery drains to 9volts, will it still run or shutdown on its own without affecting the rig?
Thanks
Hi Michael, your video is useful and interesting even if I already knew these features of the Yaesu FT-891. It's a great radio that I also used yesterday in my POTA I-1384 activation. A useful function that unfortunately does not have the FT-891 and instead has the FT-450 is the possibility of constantly displaying the supply voltage Vcc. Too bad that the designers did not think about this very important and visible thing only when the radio is turned on.
A firmware update would be useful.
73 IU5KHP Nicola
Monitoring voltage in the radio would be nice. I use an inexpensive power meter that is in-line with my power cord to track voltage level and amp-hours and watt-hours consumed. Tracking watt-hours will give you a better indication of capacity than just watching the voltage.
Excelente!!!!
Thanks for a nice informative video. Question........... can you set the meter to IDD and have the display show the voltage in a similar fashion to how it will show SWR, etc?
Love the 891 topics. Helps me playing around in the menus. 73, w3rrm
Hey Michael, thanks for the nice video. Do you know something about the min. voltage you need for this radio. I just heard it would not go down to 10V like the older FT-857D does. I'm asking because i would like to use it at a 12V Batterie, which we all know well goes sometimes down to 10V ...
73, Ingo, dl5kci
The FT-891 doesn't like it when the voltage gets below 11v on transmit and will shut down if the voltage drops to 10.5v on transmit. I think because it has a slightly higher current draw than the FT-857, it is also more sensitive to voltage drop than the FT-857.
Just got one of these. Very helpful!
I was wondering about if you’ve ever upgraded the software for the 891? I’ve made several beneficial settings to my 891 based on this and your other 891 videos. Does upgrading software return the 891 back to default setting preferences? Enjoy all your videos.
It's been so long since I did a firmware update, but I believe the settings stay unchanged when you apply one.
Hi Michael, I have just bought an 891, your videos have been a great help in understanding some of the features of the radio, and great easy-to-understand content. I have a question I noticed in this video you are using what looks like an Eco-Worthy lithium battery what are your thoughts on this battery and roughly what life do you get out of it on a POTA activation? As I am still trying to decide which route to go for a battery. 73 VA7EEH
The 20ah Eco-Worthy battery has been performing quite well for me. It's life depends on what your power output and mode will be. But the battery will last a weekend if I do strictly phone at 50 watts and several hours if I do phone and data (20 watts). That equates to roughly 200+ contacts phone only or mixed about 50 data and 100 phone.
@@KB9VBRAntennas Excellent thanks for the reply
Hi! Is it possible to set the digitial voice keyer to auto repeat?
when operating split will it show it tx on the b freq. i set this up but it still shows my tx on the a freq. cant figure it out
At about 12:15 ish the woman is using some sort of portable loom.. now that's cool
I knew 4 of 5 but the one I didn’t know was incredible. MTR!
The MTR trick is pretty wild.
The split frequency looks pretty useful for contacting 10m repeaters (fm). Is there a ctcss function or some alternative way of injecting ctcss tones?
You could use quick split for repeater shifts, but the FT-891 has complete repeater support built into their FM mode operation. You can set the split and CTCSS tones and save all that into a memory channel. I'll make a note to cover FM in a future video.
@@KB9VBRAntennas thx!
Where did you pick up the mic extension cable on your 891? You buy the separation cable and just shorten it?
It's a one foot RJ45 network extension cable. You can purchase them here: amzn.to/3TdzwLY
@@KB9VBRAntennasThanks! Really enjoy these videos. This flatlander just bought a Wisconsin parks sticker and will be doing some camping/POTA this summer/fall.
Would love to see more details like this on the Yaesu FTM-3100R
Thank you mike. quick question that mic adaptor cable where can I get one from and model/item number?
This is my most asked question. It's an RJ-45 extension cable so I don't have to take the face plate off if I want to change the microphone for the headset. amzn.to/3oIcOgf
Someone complained that since there is no battery level reading on the display, that the ft-891 can be damaged by the battery level going too low. Is this possible? If so, is there no safety cutoff or warning? Thanks for a great video: learning about my ft-891!
Hi! Again, a late answer, but I used my 891 în the Field to the Point of depleting my homemade lipo battery, nothing goes bad with the radio, i'm going full power until the radio starts shutting down on transmit, then I reduce the power level to about 20W and keep going for a bout an hour more...😊. 3 from yo5tj
Thank you !!!!.👋
2:03 "IDD is the voltage" I don't own one, but I'll go out on a limb here and state that IDD is going to be a current, not a voltage.
Another tip is to add a lsb freq into memory channel for quicker access if your needing to change to that mode for what ever reason rather than having to go into the menue system to change it over everytime
You can even simpler set the HF power to 100W temporarily: select the power settings (SSB/AM/HF) and press "CLAR" - will select 100W automatically but return to the previously selected value after turning off and on the TRX the next time.
thats a cool t/r button you are using
You can build your own out of a bicycle handlebar grip and a push button: ua-cam.com/video/b5Wu8BlrSF0/v-deo.html
Easily modified to transmit on CB channels I have one and I actually did it I won't divulge how either because I don't want any other screwdrivers in these things it's a bitch to do but can be done and it works great on the 27 MHz band especially on both AM and FM and sideband‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️‼️
Great video. Thanks
Is the FT-891 a good starter stand alone base station?
When using the quick split, is that tunable or are you locked in the 5hz?
I trust your opinions, so I have a question. I am currently running a TS-480 as a mobile rig and it performs really well. I have been considering a trade however to the FT-891, mainly due to size considerations and being able to use it on trips and in the field. Might even replace my G-90 with it as well. Do you think I would be satisfied with it as a mobile? I mainly operate mobile with monoband sticks, and in the ssb frequencies, so lack of a tuner is not a huge factor in mobile. Might be more of a factor for portable, but I do have some tuner options, if needed. What are your thoughts?
I think the FT-891 would make a great mobile rig. If I had a second one, I would probably mount one in the car for that purpose. It does have a removable head so the body unit can be mounted under a seat or something to take up less space on the dash. The display is large and easy to read on the road. It has a lot of memory channels so you can preset common frequencies, and the noise blanker is very good. I've used the noise blanker while operating mobile for the Minnesota QSO party and it does a great job with a minimal impact on sensitivity.
As for a lack of a tuner, I don't think that should be an issue for mobile operation. Just about everyone I know operating mobile does so one of three ways: monoband sticks, remote tuner at the base of a long whip, or ATAS-120 antenna. I think if I was mobile, I'd go the ATAS route before buying some type of mobile tuner.
Tnx and 73's, TA1BP.
My 891 is for pota sota work. They are great for taking out in the field. Operated for 5 hours yesterday and used 16% of my 100ah battery. So easy on the wallet and not power hungry.