I used Doug's FT-891 Optimization Guide on my FT-891 using a stock microphone and I'm always getting flowers on my signal and audio reports on SSB. Very much worth it! It would have taken me a long time to find all those settings.
6 meters has still been very sporadic in my area. There was a great opening in April of 2020 but I haven’t experienced that level of propagation since then.
Hi Doug, I've been thinking of purchasing the FT-891 for portable use. If I do I'll be back on UA-cam (or Patreon) to watch all of your operation tips and tricks videos to help me learn the radio. As alway thanks for your work to make these videos available. 73
Hi Martin! The FT-891 is a fun rig. There are a couple of shortcomings, as with all radios, but the good overwhelmingly outweighs the not-so-good. It lacks enough memory to save every setting when you save to a memory. But, still, do yourself a favor and operate it from memory tune, like I show in one of the videos. That will save you from having to use the Band button on top to change bands/modes. After you store your favorite frequencies and modes into memory slots, you will no longer need the top buttons, except to turn the radio on/off, or maybe the Fast button. The other shortcoming is the same as with other modern radios that task the DSP with handling the noise blanker role. DSP noise blankers tend to introduce distortion into the RX audio. Don’t run higher than level 5 and minimize noise with IPO, ATT, and/or RF Gain first. Those two shortcomings are the only ones that bother me but only one reaches the level of annoying, and that’s the noise blanker. 73, Doug
Wow great! Just now getting a chance to watch this vid. I’m about to put my FT-891 back in my truck. Having only been a ham for a few years I haven’t played with 10m fm yet. Looking forward to trying it out. Thanks K1 KAJ
If the first week of October is any sign of what cycle 25 is going to be like on 10 meters ,WOW! Using the internal tuner on my IC 746 with bring up the VE3MMX repeater in Ontario from DM72 ( using a 102 inch whip mount on a 6 foot high cyclone fence ), and I heard CN8VY on 29.620
I’ve definitely been enjoying the 10m activity, and especially the 10m repeater action. I’m so excited for those who haven’t been licensed for long enough to enjoy the action of the higher HF bands. They will get the opportunity to enjoy what some of us old-timers have been able to experience. 73, Doug
The FT-891 doesn't get the credit it deserves. It is so multifaceted. Working from the memories I programmed in, and using Memory Tune, it is a breeze to use the FT-891 as a mobile. I seldom need to touch anything other than the multi-knob and the VFO. 73, de N4HNH
As far as the "bonus item"... I do think Yaesu did a great job with that function on the FT-891. But it blows my mind they did not do the same thing with the FTdx10! I have to go into the menu and change the function manually vs. how the function changes automatically on the FT-891.
I wonder if Yaesu was thinking that the FT-891 would be mobile and thus they made it more convenient. But why not go ahead and make all of their transceivers operate that way. I think they need someone like me to ensure continuity across the product line. Hi Hi! Maybe they have different product managers for the different transceivers. Or the product manager for the FT-891 is no longer there. But seriously, someone should check for continuity across the product line. My FT-920 had a built-in pulser, for tuning a tube type amplifier. The FTdx5000MP has a Super Narrow APF option, which I utilize extensively. The 5000 also has more options for setting the AGC parameters. The 5000 has IPO2, which further improves the cross-modulation characteristic of the receiver. Why aren’t these features in the FTdx101D/MP and the FTdx10? Things that make you go, hmmm? 73, Doug
The RF bonus segment is exactly why I eventually sold my 7300. That SDR just would not work like that and always had useless noise when listening to strong net controls etc. Is that a super head thing or do higher end full sdrs like the flex or 7610 have something to mimic lowing the RF gain and raising the volume to limit noise?
It’s more of a superheterodyne thing. The RF Gain in the SDR lowers sensitivity. So does the RF Gain in the superheterodyne. But the S-meter in the superheterodyne is driven from the AGC circuit. The S-meter reading in the SDR is derived from calculations in the digital domain. They perform some math based upon the amount of spectrum you are viewing at the time. Technically speaking, it is a Fast Fouriier Trsnsform, or FFT. The S-meter function differs because the SDR is creating the reading from a sample of spectrum, while the superheterodyne is driving the S-meter from AGC voltage fluctuations. We are more accustomed to how the AGC driven S-meter functions because it is the traditional method. The SDR is literally converting dBm measurements to S-units, based upon spectrum sampling. It performs the aforementioned math in the digital domain. As you lower the SDR sensitivity, via RF Gain, you are lowering the S-meter reading. To give someone an “accurate” S-meter reading, you need maximum sensitivity, so you must set the RF Gain to maximum. With the superheterodyne architecture, you can lower the RF Gain, minimizing the noise, and still see a relatively accurate S-meter reading. Note that most S-meters aren’t scientifically perfect. I went over that in my S-meters, Decibels, Amplifiers, and Gain video. I think of it this way. The traditional AGC driven S-meter provides a better operational experience while the SDR provides scientific analysis. When I’m operating my radio, I want the operational experience. I prefer the traditional AGC method because I like to set a point of reference, which I call S-meter squelch. If I rotate the RF Gain until the S-meter deflects to S7, I’m telling my receiver to minimize any signals and noise below S7. If I’m having a QSO with an S9 station, I don’t need to hear atmospheric noise between words. 73, de N4HNH
The noise you hear from a 7300 is partially from its audio amplifier. You hear it even with no antenna connection. It seems like ICOM used a cheap audio amplifier. There is also the digital distortion when the ADC gets overloaded. When I first saw that, I said to my friend, someone needs to make a radio with a superheterodyne front-end, to condition the signal, then hand it off to the SDR stage. A year later, Yaesu published the block diagram for the FTdx101D. And there it was. Yaesu decided to call it a hybrid. I joked that Yaesu must have tapped my phone. 73, de N4HNH
I am a new Ham deciding on a HF base station radio between a FT-891 without having to spend on Sound Card or Tuner or the IC-7300. At present $280.00 more for the 7300. I know that the best is FTDX-10 but too expensive at this time or should I save my money and get the FTDX-10. Very informative videos on FT-891 and the IC-7300. I want my first HF to be easy to program and use.
IC-7300 is easy to program and use. You could start with it and upgrade to a FT-710 or FTdx10 later. The FT-891 has the better receiver and DSP over the IC-7300, but yes, it will need a soundcard if you are going to work digital modes. The IC-7300 is good enough for digital and for casual rag chewing. If you later decide to contest or chase DX the receiver in the FT-710 or FTdx10 will be best. If you are willing to learn how to maximize it, the FTdx10 will be the only radio you need for years to come. My FTdx10 playlist has over 100 videos that teach you how to maximize your use of that radio. If you want the next best thing to the FTdx10, at a price that rivals the IC-7300, then consider the FT-710 AESS.
@@n4hnhradio At present the FT-710 is $1050 with discounts, so you mentioned to get the FT-710 over the DX10 and 7300 especially for the price. The FT-891 will not work as a base station without the sound card?
No, I would never recommend the FT-710 over a FTdx10. The FTdx10 is a better radio. But I would pick a FT-710 over the IC-7300. I prefer not to spend money twice. I would dig in and learn to use a radio that can take you anywhere you want to go with ham radio, rather than buy a beginner radio and later buy a better radio, having spent money twice.
@@n4hnhradio Sorry for all these questions. What about starting with the FT-891 as a stand alone base station or is a sound card or external speaker necessary? If those expense are need then I will go with the FTdx-10.
I don’t care about a sound card, because I don’t care for FT8. I work FT8 occasionally for my viewers. It’s not my thing. I prefer to improve my skills by operating modes that could be used in emergency conditions, on battery or solar power, with no computer required. Those modes are CW and SSB. I also don’t care about a waterfall. It’s radio, not television. So, I could be perfectly happy with an FT-891 as a base station. There are videos here on my channel that show me using my FT-891 as a base station. I’m probably not the best person to get this type of advice from. I’m just not into the bling. For me, the focus is receive and transmit, in that order. Those take priority over a color display and waterfall.
Slightly off topic, but you went there first HI HI... The REC Menu paired with a Yaesu FH-2 Keypad is killer for POTA/SOTA/etc. activations as well. You have a video of me using it to call CQ POTA. Not only does it save your voice, you get to take a break, drink water, check your text messages/spots/etc. Just had to comment on that menu because while it is a nice feature, the FH-2 keypad brings it alive in my opinion. I was operating FM yesterday and noticed my messages were empty in CH1-CH5. I'm guessing like CW and SSB, FM (and maybe AM) get there own set of recorded messages. Something I plan to play with soon to validate. Comment if you know for sure Doug (or anyone else).
Curt, I suspect you’re right, but I haven’t tried recording FM messages. And yes, I like the FH-2. I use it with the FTdx5000MP. I probably wouldn’t take it up a mountain. It’s often a humid and sometimes dirty environment. But for POTA or Field Day, absolutely! With my FTdx10, I use the mouse to click the message memories, but only because I don’t have a second FH-2. 73, Doug
@@n4hnhradio well I just finished my morning walk and breakfast. I think I'll go out to the truck and play with the REC menu on FM and see what it does. I'll report back here in a few minutes.
Ok this is a bummer. On FM the REC menu does not appear to work at all. I cannot record any messages or play any messages. It's just unresponsive when in FM. No error, it just does not do anything. But on the upside, I just realized I neglected to program 50.125 USB into the radio memory along with 50.125 FM and 50.400 AM. I need to get that fixed because like you, I like to operate out of MEM mode when traveling and have the common frequencies/modes/repeaters/etc. pre-programmed for easy recall. Wonder where I learned that trick from HI HI!
@@n4hnhradio opps that was a typo on my part here in the comments... 50.125 USB, 50.400 AM and 50.525 FM. Just checked my RT Systems "Gold" file to make sure that is what I had programed in. I must have accidently overwritten 50.125 USB at some point with a random 20-meter frequency. I think there may also be some regional west coast calling frequencies on 6m I should plug in too.
The FT-891 is an amateur “ham” radio. It requires a license to transmit with it. With that license comes the responsibility of only transmitting on frequencies that are legal for a licensed amateur radio operator. Out of the box the FT-891 will only transmit on amateur radio frequency bands. But there are additional limitations. Your license class determines where within those bands you are allowed to transmit.
If you send a copy of your MARS license to Yaesu, they will send the instructions for the MARS modification. If you perform the MARS mod and you intend to use the radio on frequencies outside of the official ham frequency bands, you do so at your own risk.
@tmfracing1315 you could disconnect the power cable for about 1 minute. If that doesn’t work, try a factory reset. But be aware that you will lose any menu changes you made.
@@n4hnhradio in every other mode that XXX pwr setting is for cw. Mine is set to 100 but the FM output on 6m is 50w. I can’t find anywhere to adjust this value.
@@n4hnhradio it’s not my 891 that’s working different it’s my brain that is working different. That setting does adjust FM like you said what confused me was that I had it set to 100 and am measuring 50 FM output but that’s because 50 is the radios limit. When I set it to less than 50 the FM output came down. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for your assistance……73 Vk2cdb
I used Doug's FT-891 Optimization Guide on my FT-891 using a stock microphone and I'm always getting flowers on my signal and audio reports on SSB. Very much worth it! It would have taken me a long time to find all those settings.
Im waiting to see if 6 meters is going to be like it was 50-60 years ago
6 meters has still been very sporadic in my area. There was a great opening in April of 2020 but I haven’t experienced that level of propagation since then.
@@n4hnhradio There is an EA station from Spain working the 29.620 repeater right now-and I can hear him in NM!
...thank you AND your patreons!!! every ft-891 video helps!!! 73 de KO4UMY
I’m glad you found the video helpful. And thank you for showing appreciation to the Patreon support team.
73, de N4HNH
Hi Doug, I've been thinking of purchasing the FT-891 for portable use. If I do I'll be back on UA-cam (or Patreon) to watch all of your operation tips and tricks videos to help me learn the radio. As alway thanks for your work to make these videos available. 73
Hi Martin! The FT-891 is a fun rig. There are a couple of shortcomings, as with all radios, but the good overwhelmingly outweighs the not-so-good.
It lacks enough memory to save every setting when you save to a memory. But, still, do yourself a favor and operate it from memory tune, like I show in one of the videos. That will save you from having to use the Band button on top to change bands/modes. After you store your favorite frequencies and modes into memory slots, you will no longer need the top buttons, except to turn the radio on/off, or maybe the Fast button.
The other shortcoming is the same as with other modern radios that task the DSP with handling the noise blanker role. DSP noise blankers tend to introduce distortion into the RX audio. Don’t run higher than level 5 and minimize noise with IPO, ATT, and/or RF Gain first.
Those two shortcomings are the only ones that bother me but only one reaches the level of annoying, and that’s the noise blanker.
73, Doug
Wow great! Just now getting a chance to watch this vid. I’m about to put my FT-891 back in my truck. Having only been a ham for a few years I haven’t played with 10m fm yet. Looking forward to trying it out.
Thanks K1 KAJ
10m FM is fun! It should be getting better over the course of the next few years.
If the first week of October is any sign of what cycle 25 is going to be like on 10 meters ,WOW! Using the internal tuner on my IC 746 with bring up the VE3MMX repeater in Ontario from DM72 ( using a 102 inch whip mount on a 6 foot high cyclone fence ), and I heard CN8VY on 29.620
I’ve definitely been enjoying the 10m activity, and especially the 10m repeater action. I’m so excited for those who haven’t been licensed for long enough to enjoy the action of the higher HF bands. They will get the opportunity to enjoy what some of us old-timers have been able to experience.
73, Doug
Yessssa. This radio is great. Like alice in wonderland are the programming set up. I like that 🐈 kind regards
The FT-891 doesn't get the credit it deserves. It is so multifaceted. Working from the memories I programmed in, and using Memory Tune, it is a breeze to use the FT-891 as a mobile. I seldom need to touch anything other than the multi-knob and the VFO.
73, de N4HNH
@@n4hnhradio hey, thats ok
As far as the "bonus item"... I do think Yaesu did a great job with that function on the FT-891. But it blows my mind they did not do the same thing with the FTdx10! I have to go into the menu and change the function manually vs. how the function changes automatically on the FT-891.
I wonder if Yaesu was thinking that the FT-891 would be mobile and thus they made it more convenient. But why not go ahead and make all of their transceivers operate that way. I think they need someone like me to ensure continuity across the product line. Hi Hi!
Maybe they have different product managers for the different transceivers. Or the product manager for the FT-891 is no longer there.
But seriously, someone should check for continuity across the product line. My FT-920 had a built-in pulser, for tuning a tube type amplifier. The FTdx5000MP has a Super Narrow APF option, which I utilize extensively. The 5000 also has more options for setting the AGC parameters. The 5000 has IPO2, which further improves the cross-modulation characteristic of the receiver. Why aren’t these features in the FTdx101D/MP and the FTdx10?
Things that make you go, hmmm?
73, Doug
The RF bonus segment is exactly why I eventually sold my 7300. That SDR just would not work like that and always had useless noise when listening to strong net controls etc. Is that a super head thing or do higher end full sdrs like the flex or 7610 have something to mimic lowing the RF gain and raising the volume to limit noise?
It’s more of a superheterodyne thing. The RF Gain in the SDR lowers sensitivity. So does the RF Gain in the superheterodyne. But the S-meter in the superheterodyne is driven from the AGC circuit. The S-meter reading in the SDR is derived from calculations in the digital domain. They perform some math based upon the amount of spectrum you are viewing at the time. Technically speaking, it is a Fast Fouriier Trsnsform, or FFT.
The S-meter function differs because the SDR is creating the reading from a sample of spectrum, while the superheterodyne is driving the S-meter from AGC voltage fluctuations. We are more accustomed to how the AGC driven S-meter functions because it is the traditional method.
The SDR is literally converting dBm measurements to S-units, based upon spectrum sampling. It performs the aforementioned math in the digital domain.
As you lower the SDR sensitivity, via RF Gain, you are lowering the S-meter reading. To give someone an “accurate” S-meter reading, you need maximum sensitivity, so you must set the RF Gain to maximum. With the superheterodyne architecture, you can lower the RF Gain, minimizing the noise, and still see a relatively accurate S-meter reading. Note that most S-meters aren’t scientifically perfect. I went over that in my S-meters, Decibels, Amplifiers, and Gain video.
I think of it this way. The traditional AGC driven S-meter provides a better operational experience while the SDR provides scientific analysis. When I’m operating my radio, I want the operational experience.
I prefer the traditional AGC method because I like to set a point of reference, which I call S-meter squelch. If I rotate the RF Gain until the S-meter deflects to S7, I’m telling my receiver to minimize any signals and noise below S7. If I’m having a QSO with an S9 station, I don’t need to hear atmospheric noise between words.
73, de N4HNH
The noise you hear from a 7300 is partially from its audio amplifier. You hear it even with no antenna connection. It seems like ICOM used a cheap audio amplifier. There is also the digital distortion when the ADC gets overloaded. When I first saw that, I said to my friend, someone needs to make a radio with a superheterodyne front-end, to condition the signal, then hand it off to the SDR stage. A year later, Yaesu published the block diagram for the FTdx101D. And there it was. Yaesu decided to call it a hybrid. I joked that Yaesu must have tapped my phone.
73, de N4HNH
I am a new Ham deciding on a HF base station radio between a FT-891 without having to spend on Sound Card or Tuner or the IC-7300. At present $280.00 more for the 7300. I know that the best is FTDX-10 but too expensive at this time or should I save my money and get the FTDX-10. Very informative videos on FT-891 and the IC-7300. I want my first HF to be easy to program and use.
IC-7300 is easy to program and use. You could start with it and upgrade to a FT-710 or FTdx10 later. The FT-891 has the better receiver and DSP over the IC-7300, but yes, it will need a soundcard if you are going to work digital modes. The IC-7300 is good enough for digital and for casual rag chewing. If you later decide to contest or chase DX the receiver in the FT-710 or FTdx10 will be best. If you are willing to learn how to maximize it, the FTdx10 will be the only radio you need for years to come. My FTdx10 playlist has over 100 videos that teach you how to maximize your use of that radio. If you want the next best thing to the FTdx10, at a price that rivals the IC-7300, then consider the FT-710 AESS.
@@n4hnhradio At present the FT-710 is $1050 with discounts, so you mentioned to get the FT-710 over the DX10 and 7300 especially for the price. The FT-891 will not work as a base station without the sound card?
No, I would never recommend the FT-710 over a FTdx10. The FTdx10 is a better radio. But I would pick a FT-710 over the IC-7300. I prefer not to spend money twice. I would dig in and learn to use a radio that can take you anywhere you want to go with ham radio, rather than buy a beginner radio and later buy a better radio, having spent money twice.
@@n4hnhradio Sorry for all these questions. What about starting with the FT-891 as a stand alone base station or is a sound card or external speaker necessary? If those expense are need then I will go with the FTdx-10.
I don’t care about a sound card, because I don’t care for FT8. I work FT8 occasionally for my viewers. It’s not my thing. I prefer to improve my skills by operating modes that could be used in emergency conditions, on battery or solar power, with no computer required. Those modes are CW and SSB. I also don’t care about a waterfall. It’s radio, not television. So, I could be perfectly happy with an FT-891 as a base station. There are videos here on my channel that show me using my FT-891 as a base station. I’m probably not the best person to get this type of advice from. I’m just not into the bling. For me, the focus is receive and transmit, in that order. Those take priority over a color display and waterfall.
👍🍀🖐🐧💪
Slightly off topic, but you went there first HI HI... The REC Menu paired with a Yaesu FH-2 Keypad is killer for POTA/SOTA/etc. activations as well. You have a video of me using it to call CQ POTA. Not only does it save your voice, you get to take a break, drink water, check your text messages/spots/etc. Just had to comment on that menu because while it is a nice feature, the FH-2 keypad brings it alive in my opinion. I was operating FM yesterday and noticed my messages were empty in CH1-CH5. I'm guessing like CW and SSB, FM (and maybe AM) get there own set of recorded messages. Something I plan to play with soon to validate. Comment if you know for sure Doug (or anyone else).
Curt, I suspect you’re right, but I haven’t tried recording FM messages. And yes, I like the FH-2. I use it with the FTdx5000MP. I probably wouldn’t take it up a mountain. It’s often a humid and sometimes dirty environment. But for POTA or Field Day, absolutely! With my FTdx10, I use the mouse to click the message memories, but only because I don’t have a second FH-2.
73, Doug
@@n4hnhradio well I just finished my morning walk and breakfast. I think I'll go out to the truck and play with the REC menu on FM and see what it does. I'll report back here in a few minutes.
Ok this is a bummer. On FM the REC menu does not appear to work at all. I cannot record any messages or play any messages. It's just unresponsive when in FM. No error, it just does not do anything. But on the upside, I just realized I neglected to program 50.125 USB into the radio memory along with 50.125 FM and 50.400 AM. I need to get that fixed because like you, I like to operate out of MEM mode when traveling and have the common frequencies/modes/repeaters/etc. pre-programmed for easy recall. Wonder where I learned that trick from HI HI!
Curt, I think 52.525 is the 6m FM call frequency. Do you have that one programmed in?
@@n4hnhradio opps that was a typo on my part here in the comments... 50.125 USB, 50.400 AM and 50.525 FM. Just checked my RT Systems "Gold" file to make sure that is what I had programed in. I must have accidently overwritten 50.125 USB at some point with a random 20-meter frequency. I think there may also be some regional west coast calling frequencies on 6m I should plug in too.
I miss my 891
Fortunately, Yaesu is still making the FT-891. For how much longer, remains to be seen.
73 Todd, Doug
What about the split ie offset step? Is it done automatically?
Repeater shift (+), (-), or SIMPLEX, is set in the RPT parameter of the FM function menu. Tone is also set in the function menu.
great video KE8OUO
Thanks!! 73, de N4HNH
Can you do FM on cb band?
The FT-891 is an amateur “ham” radio. It requires a license to transmit with it. With that license comes the responsibility of only transmitting on frequencies that are legal for a licensed amateur radio operator. Out of the box the FT-891 will only transmit on amateur radio frequency bands. But there are additional limitations. Your license class determines where within those bands you are allowed to transmit.
@@n4hnhradio I mean’t to ask for the MARS Mod radio
If you send a copy of your MARS license to Yaesu, they will send the instructions for the MARS modification. If you perform the MARS mod and you intend to use the radio on frequencies outside of the official ham frequency bands, you do so at your own risk.
Wondering if you could help me out I started changing the menu but now it won’t move it’s like it’s locked. Any ideas thank you.
Try cycling power.
Ya tryed that a couple times
@tmfracing1315 you could disconnect the power cable for about 1 minute. If that doesn’t work, try a factory reset. But be aware that you will lose any menu changes you made.
To perform a hard reset, press and hold the F and the CLAR keys while powering up.
Got it working now just getting used to it first day haha thanks
where do you set the FM power for 6m band??
Menu 16-06. 50M PWR.
@@n4hnhradio in every other mode that XXX pwr setting is for cw. Mine is set to 100 but the FM output on 6m is 50w. I can’t find anywhere to adjust this value.
Your FT-891 must not operate the same as mine. 50M PWR adjusts my FM power.
@@n4hnhradio it’s not my 891 that’s working different it’s my brain that is working different. That setting does adjust FM like you said what confused me was that I had it set to 100 and am measuring 50 FM output but that’s because 50 is the radios limit. When I set it to less than 50 the FM output came down. Sorry for the confusion and thanks for your assistance……73 Vk2cdb
@chrisb3989 I guess you have a 50W limit in your country?
Many many thanks for this helpful video! 73 de DO7YMR
You’re very welcome! 73, de N4HNH