About Me

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Welcome to my little piece of the cyberworld. I am an Amateur Extra Class ham radio operator from Kentucky. In addition to ham radio, other interests include paddling kayaks and canoes, camping, flyfishing, shooting and photography...I am a major Jimmy Buffett fan (fans are known as Parrotheads). But, location, work and finances sort of got in the way of being a beach bum as a career. I am also an animal lover and have several pets. I also have a Facebook page at steve.kj4kki.

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Yaesu FT-817ND for QRP Phone?

I don't claim to be an expert on ham radio.  I do try to keep up with stuff and read a lot.  Some day, I'd like to get a radio that is more portable than my FT-450.  I've considered the FT-857D and the FT-817ND.  Obviously, the 857 has more punch, filtering and other options.  Yes, it is almost $800 at the time of this writing, and weighs a whole lot more than the 817, and requires a battery in all portable operations.  In contrast the 817 is about $200 less, has minimal filtering and only 5 watts.  It does have the internal battery and a AA battery pack--handy features if needed.  I guess my question is basically, all things considered...would 5 watts or less be able to do much on phone SSB?  I can see an antenna being a homebrew dipole/vee, EndFedz or something like a Buddipole/Buddistick.  Unlike a lot of people who buy the 817 for CW, I don't know any morse right now.  So, I'd be limited to voice, or perhaps digital mode, such as PSK-31.  So, I'd appreciate comments by anybody who drops by my blog.  Thanks, Steve.
Posted by Steve, KJ4KKI at 5:32 PM
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5 comments:

  1. techieJune 17, 2011 at 2:39 PM

    I use a 817 on SSB from the local parks quite a bit, and while QRP can be a challenge, it can also be very rewarding..

    Since the beginning of April, I have managed to work 3D2A (Fiji), and a couple of VK's on 10m, a dozen or so states on 20m, and a couple guys in Phoenix on 17m, all with 5w and a dipole at about 15' between two trees.

    You can always buy or build an amplifier for those times when you want a bit more punch..

    The ARRL Homebrew Challenge has produced a nice multiband design from WA2EUJ, which should be nicely suited for use with an 817. The design was described in the Aug 2010 QST, but has been revised a bit since then. Boards are available. See the ARRLHBC group on Y! groups for more info.

    You get more bells and whistles with an 857 or 897, but they both weigh more..

    Bob
    AF6RR
    CM87wk

    BTW: The IP address map below is humorous.. It shows the address of my ISP, which happens to be about 75 miles away..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
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  2. techieJune 17, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    Oh, I forgot to mention that the internal battery on the 817 is only good for _maybe_ an hour.. Ditto for the AA pack.. If you actually want to operate for the afternoon, you need to carry an external battery, either a gelcell, or a li-ion or lipo type. Lots of discussion on the FT817 group on Y!. Also see K6XX's webpage..

    ReplyDelete
  3. Steve, KJ4KKIJune 18, 2011 at 2:07 AM

    I took the map off of the site. It wasn't very accurate for me either. It just looked cool. Being new to this, I'm having problems putting things on the blog because it tells me the link is broken. Thanks a bunch for the suggestions. When I do make a purchase, it would just be the radio as I would not be able to afford anything else. Cabela's has some highly rated 7ah slabs at a very affordable price. That would give me some talk time. Right now, I'm looking at small power supplies to take places with me. The radio, a power supply and antenna would all fit in my satchel. I can't decide whether to spring for the 25 amp or the cheaper one that goes to 15 amps and just keep my power turned down a bit. Likewise, while I am making an alligator clip jumpered dipole, would a more expensive Buddistick/pole or an EndFedz serve me better? Things to ponder... Steve

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousMarch 25, 2022 at 3:32 AM

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