Yaesu: FT-857D & Accys - I got lucky!

[N4GIX]

I got really lucky. I spotted an eBay listing for the FT-857D complete with a Portable Zero 857 sprint/escort (side rail frames, battery box and carrying shoulder strap) for truly portable operations...

...at a real bargain price of $650. The original owner had bought it and never even took it out of the box! He sold it to the second owner who only tried it twice before changing his mind and buying a KX-3 and Panadapter instead.

So I've wound up as the third owner of a nearly virgin transceiver! Even with the ~$50 shipping costs, it was still cheaper that buying all of the stuff "new in unopened boxes." Oh yes, I also got the optional DTMF microphone in addition to the stock mic.


Excuse the crappy photo, but my camera phone isn't the best on the planet for pictures, nor is it worth a darn as a phone for that matter! Anyway, the only thing I've bought is the ATAS 120A* (auto-tuning mobile antenna) and the battery/charger as shown in the forefront of the radio. I just got it charged up but haven't installed it in the box on top of the radio yet. I'll likely do that after I eat this evening.

I'll start a new thread once I've gotten it installed in my car and share some pictures.

* ATAS 120A: Yaesu ATAS-120A $389 at Gigaparts.

 

[vagrant]

Congratulations on your purchase. I hope you enjoy it for years to come. Here are three suggestions on accessories:
1. If you find that battery does not last as long as you would like, consider a Bioenno LiFePO4 battery.
2. If you plan on using it for digital modes, or dislike drifting, I recommend a TCXO. You can find it for under $100. (Look inside first, it may have been installed)
3. For SSB I purchased a Dynamic Compressor DYC-817 from Funk Amateur out of Germany. Well, they have an English website too, but it is under maintenance at the moment. It is a kit and it was shipped to me in about seven days for $45 total. I use it with my 817ND and 897D. It is just for SSB though. It has an off/on switch so you can leave it inline. I use it with the stock mic or DTMF microphones as well as a Heil headset, it works fine.

The Yaesu all band/mode radios are nice to use for the ARRL VHF/UHF contests three times a year. Turn it down to 10W and enjoy the QRP category, or turn the power up and enjoy the Rover category. If you stay at home you can of course run full power and enjoy that too. Any reason to play radio is a good one and there are various categories to try. Have fun!

 

[redbeard]

2. If you plan on using it for digital modes, or dislike drifting, I recommend a TCXO. You can find it for under $100. (Look inside first, it may have been installed)

The D model comes stock with the TCXO.

 

[N4GIX]

The D model comes stock with the TCXO.

Thanks for the comment. That's good to know.

 

[N4GIX]

Congratulations on your purchase. I hope you enjoy it for years to come. Here are three suggestions on accessories:
1. If you find that battery does not last as long as you would like, consider a Bioenno LiFePO4 battery.

Thanks for the three tips.

The battery pack I ordered came from BatterySpace.com and is a 13.2 vDC 4500mAh (59.4Wh) MiMH battery pack custom built to fit the Portable Zero 857 sprint/escort box. I will however keep your recommendation in mind whenever I need to replace it.

Installation of the ATAS 120A is going to require quite a bit of prep work since I will have to install ground bonding straps on all four pax doors, trunk and hood.

 

[vagrant]

The D model comes stock with the TCXO.

Yes, the 897D does include the TCXO, but the OP has an 857D. Regardless, I recommend opening it up and taking a look inside. One of the previous owners may have loaded it with the phone and CW filters as well. Remove a few screws and questions will be answered.

I use two 4500 mAh batteries with the 897D. It works as the output is limited to 20W or less with them, but I find they work well for a couple hours and not an extended weekend trip with plenty of TX. I measured the power draw on my 897D at different wattage levels. If I remember when I get home I'll take a look and post it. It can vary on different bands, but it will give you an idea.

 

[redbeard]

Yes, the 897D does include the TCXO, but the OP has an 857D. Regardless, I recommend opening it up and taking a look inside. One of the previous owners may have loaded it with the phone and CW filters as well. Remove a few screws and questions will be answered.

Ok, I thought the 857 received it as well when they moved to the D model but apparently it just added 60 meters and the DSP module. Agreed, a few screws removed will answer the questions.

 

[vagrant]

Okay, I found my note about the power draw for the 897D. Please note this was done using FM into a dummy load, SSB will consume less. The RX draw on the 857D is probably a little less as well. Your best bet is to use a meter between the battery and radio that keeps a cumulative total of the amps. I use this meter and added some Anderson Powerpole connectors on either end. If you use a meter, pay attention to which side you connect load and battery. One can spend more on a meter, but that one works well enough for my casual use. As we have different radios, your numbers may be different from mine.

897D Power Draw using AC power supply (Fans were on on during TX)
- Results are slightly lower on battery when less than 13.8v
- RX draw was 0.62A (RX Squelch off & Light ON) (0.85 when fans are on) Probably higher if volume increased.

2 meters 3.31A = TX FM 5W 4.13A = TX FM 10W 5.42A = TX FM 20W 8.69A = TX FM 50W

70 centimeters 3.31A = TX FM 5W 3.88A = TX FM 10W 5.78A = TX FM 20W

6 meters 5.18A = TX FM 5W 6.75A = TX FM 10W 9.61A = TX FM 20W 12.68A = TX FM 40W 14.15A = TX FM 50W 20.30A = TX FM 100W

10 meters 5.18A = TX FM 5W 5.43A = TX FM 10W 6.70A = TX FM 20W 9.54A = TX FM 40W 16.30A = TX FM 100W

The 897D really drinks the juice. For a comparison, my 817ND uses about half the power:
- TX at 5 watts 1.5A with the light on using an external battery.
- RX at 0.35A with the squelch off and the light on.

 

[N4GIX]

Thanks for the information.

As for opening it up, mine 857 has a Portable Zero battery box (sprint/escort) installed, so that's four screws to remove just for the box and side rails...