Only started my journey in this hobby in January 22 I use the FT818nd I have had a fantastic year so far I can’t believe that with the 6W output I have spoken around the world on a less than perfect antenna, learning something new every time I use the radio. Thank you for your videos that are very useful M7CVK Tony
I have had my FT-817nd for a number of years and have made numerous global contacts using, it’s a fabulous radio! Having said that I learned so much from this video. Thank you very much for sharing!!
Dear Mortimer, thank you VERY much for this calm and detailed explaination of the FT-817 transciever. Nowadays, I am only a CB operator who all of a sudden discovered this Hobby again. IT was some 30 years ago when I hat my first CB experiences as a child. I have always been fascinated by using radios, knowing that the result is not always predicatble and a bit like fishing. You try it, you fail. You get helpful Tips and learn about how to get better. And the erst is: time, place, circumstances. I love that idea. I meanwhile bought a FT-817 and prepare for the HAM-licence. Impressive, how much options and possibilities are built in such a small portable device. But all the knobs, switches and menues are really not self-expaining. I am very thankful for your step-by-step go through and Understand my transciever much better now. Especially "finding" the right setting of per-amp (or no per-amp), ATT and RF-gain to get the FT-817 more silent and the signal I am listening clear helped a LOT to Understand the options and possibilities. Again, thank you very much for your video! 73 from Germany!
Thank you for your kind words - I am very pleased that you found my video helpful and hope you achieve your license soon! Have fun with your FT817, 73 from Mortimer / G4BSK
Thank you very much for this wonderful presentation of this rig. I started recently as a HAM radio operator and I purchased a ft-818. I love this radio and had some good FT8 QSOs with it. I learned a lot of important settings from your video. 73, HB3XBP
Ok after watching your video, I picked up a used Yaesu FT 817 ND very cheep it was stored along with other ham gear under the house in a box for about ten years. I cleaned it up put in fresh batteries and it turned on. Now working on figuring the radio out, its been a while but Im getting back into ham radio again. Next upgrade my license. Thanks
Good show for getting back on the air. I'm a new ham, getting my ticket 2 years ago in April 2020. This radio is my favorite field radio, though I have the upgraded version, the FT-818 and I operate primarily via CW. I just find the CW is far more efficient than SSB Phone. I don't mess with digital that much except for Hellschreiber once in awhile. Subscribed, cheers 72/73 de AI5DD. **Edit** Yes your video helped me a lot, I will be setting my CW Delay to 400 or 450ms, I didn't realize the home button acted as a spot to match sidetone to the the frequency for zero beat. THANK YOU!!!
This channel is now my main reference to operate and learn how to use my FT-817ND. Though it came almos new in the box, I am its third owner. The first owner was British and he unlocked it, maybe because he wanted to use the 60m band. Thanks a lot!
Fantastic video, Sir! I followed along with my own 817 and found this video easy to follow and duplicate with the same results. Made owning and operating this radio even more enjoyable. Thanks!
I've also taken a 40 year break from being on the air, especially HF. I'm just getting back into it now, and I have an FT817ND. Thank you for this wonderful video! It's very helpful!
You sir are an absolute legend!! I've recently passed my foundation licence and my dad has gifted me one of these. I was a little daunted by some of the features of this radio, until now I've only had a few fm handhelds. All these different modes to try and all the different features and settings was crazy but watching this video, game changer This video was exactly what I needed to find 😊 Everything is extremely well explained, clear and concise and easy to understand. Thank you so much for making it kind regards M7YOD
Glad to know you found the video helpful - well done on getting your license and I hope you have lots of fun with your new transceiver. 73 from Mort / G4BSK
Nicely done sir. I am quite new to HAM and studying for my General in the US (to get to HF). I picked up an 817 today at a swap. My plan is to have it as my backup once my 891 gets here. I'm quite excited to flesh it all out. Thank you for the intro.
This video came at just about the right time thank you. I have been away from Ham radio for about four years and have just started to get interested again, after reading a book about a ship's radio officer in the 1950s to 1960 and the training. This spurred me on to learning morse code, and now on day ten I'm learning to copy - learning the letters and numbers and some punctuation only took four days but the real work I found is tuning my brain to the rhythm. At the weekend I got my 817ND out and it's working fine but my display shows M Tune. I now know why, so thank you. I have just received my morse key from CW Morse and some legs for the 817. I have also ordered a (tr) uSDR transceiver. Getting back has turned out a bit expensive but enjoying the hobby again and looking forward to getting out QRPing in a few months once I'm Morse literate. Look forward to other videos.
That's great to hear, Alan - I'm glad the video was useful and I hope you have a lot of fun getting back to amateur radio. CW opens up a whole new world and QRP CW is even more exciting! 73 Mort/G4BSK
Thank you for making this video on the ft817. I have the 817 and I had missed the spot feature on the radio really really nice to know. I hope to catch you on the band. 73s Rich KG5IF
Very informative. IPO = preamplifier. For a cheap c.w. filter I tried a single HC6U 455 kHz xtal, it's o.k. so I soldered it in. I got my 817ND in 2017. Love it. A lot of features I don't need, just wish the readout was not coloured but white as I'm sure it would be easier to read. About six times smaller than my h/b one (very basic) and got it because of high QRM from broadband below 17 MHz so I got it to go portable. G4GHB.
I have to say, when I first started watching this I found it somewhat dry, but after watching all the way through, I could have saved myself hours reading and searching through the manual of my FT-818 if I'd had your video as a reference! You did make the best little intro video to these Yaesu radios! thx! 73
Thanks a lot for this very interesting and helpful video. I had this rig for nearly 25 years now, but I have to admit that your excellent video gave me some new ideas regarding the settings. Best 73 from Germany! Mike DL1BJW
FT817ND is a Swiss Army knife of transceivers. You don't need many radios, just 1 radio such as 817 or maybe even Icom IC703 QRP. If you want more power, just hook up a HF amp. I use Tokyo Hy-Power 45B amp inline to help me with contacts when operating from a base station. For SOTA/POTA activations, I just use it with my trusty LDG Z817 tuner. Will never sell mine for anything else and any additional bells and whistles with a more expensive rigs are very marginal.
Hello Mortimer, thanks for this informative video. You are absolutely right. It is a nice kit and I purchased mine earlier this year as my first and only radio. Its features are amazing and yes, it may look a little old fashion but it has all features that I need and I like the portability. I only wished you made this video earlier since I learned to operate it the hard way myself.But thats not your fault. But one thing was new even to me and I will try it out myself which is the mic volume. Thanks again and keep up your excellent work. 73 DD1TA
Many thanks for your feedback and I'm glad you found the video helpful - hope to make a QSO sometime (I start every session with a listen around 14060mHz) - 73 Mort/G4BSK
Very nice video and I just came back two years ago to Amateur Radio after a twenty year absence and I have chosen the FT 891 but look for a FT 818. 73 KV5P
Glad you enjoyed it Mike - isn't it amazing to come back after a long gap! So much has changed and it's great fun to get back into it...73 from Mort/G4BSK
Good video. I have had my FT-818 for about a year and am finally focusing more on QRP with DIY antennas. I have the Windcamp battery which beats the provided battery pack and I have a 9 AH lithium battery. I might have misunderstood but my take is the front antenna (BNC) connector is for VHF/UHF frequencies. 50mhz is optional, front or rear with the supplied rubber duckie and HF through the rear connector. BTW ... I'm in Canada so my FT-818 may be set up differently than a European one. Good tips regarding the mic gain, and others. Cheers, VE3PUH. 73
Thanks for your feedback - glad you found the video helpful. I think the default is as you have described with the antennas, but it can be changed. 73 from Mort/G4BSK
Great video! I really enjoyed your walk through. I have an 817 or 817ND can't remember. I bought it used. I need to go through it's menus and check the settings to see if I can improve anything. My family bought me a used IC-705 last August for my birthday so I haven't used the 817 or my mcHF transceiver since. Thanks
My FT817 has become a portable SSB/CW/Data mode rig. Adding a SCU17 to my kit makes it a great rig for digital modes as well. Thanks for the set up video I will change my breakin menu too next time I use it on CW. regards vk5cz ..
Only started my journey in this hobby in January 22 I use the FT818nd I have had a fantastic year so far I can’t believe that with the 6W output I have spoken around the world on a less than perfect antenna, learning something new every time I use the radio. Thank you for your videos that are very useful M7CVK Tony
Glad you are finding the videos useful Tony - thanks for your feedback and keep having fun with your QRP 73 Mort G4BSK
Yeah the bands are on fire. Don’t expect the same result in 5 years at the solar minimum
I have had my FT-817nd for a number of years and have made numerous global contacts using, it’s a fabulous radio! Having said that I learned so much from this video. Thank you very much for sharing!!
I'm pleased you found it helpful, thanks for your feedback - 73 from Mort/G4BSK
Dear Mortimer,
thank you VERY much for this calm and detailed explaination of the FT-817 transciever. Nowadays, I am only a CB operator who all of a sudden discovered this Hobby again. IT was some 30 years ago when I hat my first CB experiences as a child. I have always been fascinated by using radios, knowing that the result is not always predicatble and a bit like fishing. You try it, you fail. You get helpful Tips and learn about how to get better. And the erst is: time, place, circumstances. I love that idea.
I meanwhile bought a FT-817 and prepare for the HAM-licence. Impressive, how much options and possibilities are built in such a small portable device. But all the knobs, switches and menues are really not self-expaining. I am very thankful for your step-by-step go through and Understand my transciever much better now. Especially "finding" the right setting of per-amp (or no per-amp), ATT and RF-gain to get the FT-817 more silent and the signal I am listening clear helped a LOT to Understand the options and possibilities. Again, thank you very much for your video!
73 from Germany!
Thank you for your kind words - I am very pleased that you found my video helpful and hope you achieve your license soon! Have fun with your FT817, 73 from Mortimer / G4BSK
Excellent ! Exactly what I was looking for … Waiting for my 818 to show up at the door delivered by postman. Thx for sharing
Enjoy!
Thank you very much for this wonderful presentation of this rig. I started recently as a HAM radio operator and I purchased a ft-818. I love this radio and had some good FT8 QSOs with it. I learned a lot of important settings from your video. 73, HB3XBP
Thank you very much - I'm pleased you found the videos helpful, that's why I make them! Best 73 from Mort / G4BSK
Ok after watching your video, I picked up a used Yaesu FT 817 ND very cheep it was stored along with other ham gear under the house in a box for about ten years. I cleaned it up put in fresh batteries and it turned on. Now working on figuring the radio out, its been a while but Im getting back into ham radio again. Next upgrade my license. Thanks
Great to hear, hope it all goes well and I'm glad you liked the videos...73 from Mort/G4BSK
From Experience this is an /truly excellent Radio GM4NNC..I have ..Worked All Continents WAC with 5 Watts or less using my home made my wire aerials
Good show for getting back on the air. I'm a new ham, getting my ticket 2 years ago in April 2020. This radio is my favorite field radio, though I have the upgraded version, the FT-818 and I operate primarily via CW. I just find the CW is far more efficient than SSB Phone. I don't mess with digital that much except for Hellschreiber once in awhile. Subscribed, cheers 72/73 de AI5DD. **Edit** Yes your video helped me a lot, I will be setting my CW Delay to 400 or 450ms, I didn't realize the home button acted as a spot to match sidetone to the the frequency for zero beat. THANK YOU!!!
Thanks for your feedback - I'm really pleased you found the videos helpful - CW QRP really is a great way to make contacts - have fun, Mort G4BSK
This channel is now my main reference to operate and learn how to use my FT-817ND. Though it came almos new in the box, I am its third owner. The first owner was British and he unlocked it, maybe because he wanted to use the 60m band. Thanks a lot!
Thank you - I'm pleased you found the videos helpful. 73 from Mortimer/G4BSK
You are a life saver. I have trying to use my ft818 to make ssb contact with no success. I am going to check mic level…
Hope it works out for you Andrea! Glad you liked the video. 73 from Mort G4BSK
Fantastic video, Sir! I followed along with my own 817 and found this video easy to follow and duplicate with the same results. Made owning and operating this radio even more enjoyable. Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Brilliant video. Thank you so much. Your style of presentation is superb and this video has helped me set up my 818.
Glad you found it helpful, Steve. Thank you and 73 from Mort/G4BSK
I've also taken a 40 year break from being on the air, especially HF. I'm just getting back into it now, and I have an FT817ND. Thank you for this wonderful video! It's very helpful!
Thanks Lisa. That's great to hear. For me it's been like arriving in a time machine! Have fun with your amateur radio! 73 from Mort G4BSK
Thank you for making this video, it has been a huge help. I plan on a POTA activation with it soon.
Thanks for your feedback - I'm glad the video was helpful. Have fun with your POTA ! 73 from Mort G4BSK
You sir are an absolute legend!!
I've recently passed my foundation licence and my dad has gifted me one of these.
I was a little daunted by some of the features of this radio, until now I've only had a few fm handhelds.
All these different modes to try and all the different features and settings was crazy but watching this video, game changer
This video was exactly what I needed to find 😊
Everything is extremely well explained, clear and concise and easy to understand. Thank you so much for making it
kind regards
M7YOD
Glad to know you found the video helpful - well done on getting your license and I hope you have lots of fun with your new transceiver. 73 from Mort / G4BSK
@@Q26Video thank you kindly, I'm in your area so hopefully I'll hear you on the air waves and I'll say hi 👋
Nicely done sir. I am quite new to HAM and studying for my General in the US (to get to HF). I picked up an 817 today at a swap. My plan is to have it as my backup once my 891 gets here. I'm quite excited to flesh it all out. Thank you for the intro.
Thanks Marty - I'm sure you will have a lot of fun with your 817 as well as your other radios - 73 from Mort G4BSK
mine arrives in 2 days! thanks for this video!!
Have fun with your FT817 ! 73 from Mort G4BSK
This video came at just about the right time thank you. I have been away from Ham radio for about four years and have just started to get interested again, after reading a book about a ship's radio officer in the 1950s to 1960 and the training. This spurred me on to learning morse code, and now on day ten I'm learning to copy - learning the letters and numbers and some punctuation only took four days but the real work I found is tuning my brain to the rhythm. At the weekend I got my 817ND out and it's working fine but my display shows M Tune. I now know why, so thank you. I have just received my morse key from CW Morse and some legs for the 817. I have also ordered a (tr) uSDR transceiver. Getting back has turned out a bit expensive but enjoying the hobby again and looking forward to getting out QRPing in a few months once I'm Morse literate. Look forward to other videos.
That's great to hear, Alan - I'm glad the video was useful and I hope you have a lot of fun getting back to amateur radio. CW opens up a whole new world and QRP CW is even more exciting! 73 Mort/G4BSK
Thank you for making this video on the ft817. I have the 817 and I had missed the spot feature on the radio really really nice to know. I hope to catch you on the band. 73s Rich KG5IF
Thanks Rich - glad it was helpful - have fun with your 817! 73 from Mort G4BSK
Great radio! I have the FT-818. 🏆🤝🏽
Very informative. IPO = preamplifier. For a cheap c.w. filter I tried a single HC6U 455 kHz xtal, it's o.k. so I soldered it in.
I got my 817ND in 2017. Love it. A lot of features I don't need, just wish the readout was not coloured but white as I'm sure it would be easier to read. About six times smaller than my h/b one (very basic) and got it because of high QRM from broadband below 17 MHz so I got it to go portable.
G4GHB.
I have to say, when I first started watching this I found it somewhat dry, but after watching all the way through, I could have saved myself hours reading and searching through the manual of my FT-818 if I'd had your video as a reference! You did make the best little intro video to these Yaesu radios! thx! 73
I will add that with the addition of a Digirig, the 817/818 make excellent portable FT8 capable radios!
Thanks so much - glad you enjoyed the video ! Mort/G4BSK
Thank you, and thanks for taking the time! 😉
Thank you for this really useful introduction to setting up the 817.
Thanks Nicolas - I'm glad it was helpful. 73 Mort/G4BSK
Thanks a lot! I got that radio and It was very useful!
Thank You for your excellent videos
i like your nice clear english voice and your xalm speaking ...
Thank you for your kind words and I'm pleased you enjoyed the video. Best wishes, Mort / G4BSK
The '817ND is a fantastic radio. I'll never part with mine. The more you use it, the more you'll come to appreciate its many capabilities.
Thanks a lot for this very interesting and helpful video. I had this rig for nearly 25 years now, but I have to admit that your excellent video gave me some new ideas regarding the settings. Best 73 from Germany! Mike DL1BJW
That's great to hear Mike, thanks so much for your feedback - much more fun with your radio ahead! 73 from Mort G4BSK
FT817ND is a Swiss Army knife of transceivers. You don't need many radios, just 1 radio such as 817 or maybe even Icom IC703 QRP. If you want more power, just hook up a HF amp. I use Tokyo Hy-Power 45B amp inline to help me with contacts when operating from a base station. For SOTA/POTA activations, I just use it with my trusty LDG Z817 tuner. Will never sell mine for anything else and any additional bells and whistles with a more expensive rigs are very marginal.
excellent work , I just got the 818 nd and love it . Your video was very help full. 73 ... W5XCW
Glad you found the videos helpful - thanks - have fun with your 818! 73 Mort G4BSK
EXTREMELY WELL CONSTRUCTED AND DESIGNED! YAESU HAS DONE
VERY WELL! BY THOUROUGHLY READING THE MANUAL YOU W I L L
MASTER THIS LITTLE WONDERRADIO!
Glad you like it!
Hello Mortimer, thanks for this informative video. You are absolutely right. It is a nice kit and I purchased mine earlier this year as my first and only radio. Its features are amazing and yes, it may look a little old fashion but it has all features that I need and I like the portability. I only wished you made this video earlier since I learned to operate it the hard way myself.But thats not your fault. But one thing was new even to me and I will try it out myself which is the mic volume. Thanks again and keep up your excellent work. 73 DD1TA
Many thanks for your feedback and I'm glad you found the video helpful - hope to make a QSO sometime (I start every session with a listen around 14060mHz) - 73 Mort/G4BSK
Top Bloke! Thanks for the video.... great help! Cheers
Glad you found it helpful, have fun with your 817! 73 from Mort/G4BSK
Very nice video and I just came back two years ago to Amateur Radio after a twenty year absence and I have chosen the FT 891 but look for a FT 818. 73 KV5P
Glad you enjoyed it Mike - isn't it amazing to come back after a long gap! So much has changed and it's great fun to get back into it...73 from Mort/G4BSK
Tip: Change the display colour to amber...much better contrast and easier on the eyes. Ivan VE7IVN
Well explained, many thx! looking forward to the next part.
Thanks so much - glad you found it helpful 73 Mort/G4BSK
Sadly I hear this radio classic is being discontinued now.
Keep hold of these and buy your accessories now. Great radio!
Good video. I have had my FT-818 for about a year and am finally focusing more on QRP with DIY antennas. I have the Windcamp battery which beats the provided battery pack and I have a 9 AH lithium battery. I might have misunderstood but my take is the front antenna (BNC) connector is for VHF/UHF frequencies. 50mhz is optional, front or rear with the supplied rubber duckie and HF through the rear connector. BTW ... I'm in Canada so my FT-818 may be set up differently than a European one. Good tips regarding the mic gain, and others. Cheers, VE3PUH. 73
Thanks for your feedback - glad you found the video helpful. I think the default is as you have described with the antennas, but it can be changed. 73 from Mort/G4BSK
What a great video ! thanks for taking the time to do this ! 73 Mike VE3MKX
Glad you enjoyed it Mike - thanks for your feedback - 73 Mort/G4BSK
Great video! I really enjoyed your walk through. I have an 817 or 817ND can't remember. I bought it used. I need to go through it's menus and check the settings to see if I can improve anything. My family bought me a used IC-705 last August for my birthday so I haven't used the 817 or my mcHF transceiver since. Thanks
Glad you liked the video, Dennis, thank you - have fun with all your radios! 73 from Mort / G4BSK
Earned another like!
KC8RCF Birmingham Al (U.S.).
TU VY nice introducing. bama key . 73
excellent video on the Yaesu FT 817ND, thank you. ke6otk
Glad you liked it!
Thank you for your video. 😊
Glad you enjoyed it, 73 from Mort / G4BSK
Is that a Bamatech TP-111 I spotted in the CW section? Very informative videos. The QCX series was excellent ... thanks.
Yes indeed it is - my first paddle and I'm very pleased with it! Glad you liked the videos, thanks for your feedback, 73 Mort/G4BSK
great video
wow great video my friend 73 from kb2uew
Thank you Alvaro - glad you liked it! Mort/G4BSK
Thank you for the video, I have an 817 and really ought to update the battery pack and use it more often. Have you joined the GQRP club? 73 G0JLF
Thanks John - yes indeed, I'm pleased to be a member of the G QRP club now! Have fun with your 817. 73 from Mort/G4BSK
Vídeo good
Yes In a few years you’ll need 1000 watts and a beam to do the same thing
My FT817 has become a portable SSB/CW/Data mode rig. Adding a SCU17 to my kit makes it a great rig for digital modes as well. Thanks for the set up video I will change my breakin menu too next time I use it on CW. regards vk5cz ..
Thanks, that's very interesting Willian - glad you found the video useful too, 73 Mort/G4BSK