Put up the vertical dipole. Using the antenna analyzer I have an SWR of 1.5:1 over 5MHz. Using the HT as a baseline test I was able to access the repeater on low power without issues. Connecting to the VHF antenna port on the 857D it was a no go. So I reprogrammed the radio for simplex with tone on the uplink frequency of 146.13MHz and tone 107.2. Using the HT as a receiver I keyed the 857D. No love from the repeater.

To answer some questions that I am recalling from memory. Yes, I do see the radio switching frequencies when I key the mic. Yes. I am using the correct antenna port, but I have to admit that I checked. I currently have a 106.5' antenna connected via an MFJ Smart Tuner on the HF port.

For the life of me I still do not understand why I cannot access the repeater with this radio when my HT sitting right next to the radio can.

At this time if I had purchased the radio I would be selling it. However, it was a Christmas gift from my wife after by beloved TS-50S died. So, I must keep it.

The parameters again are
Mode = FM
Shift = 600KHz
Shift = - (minus)
Tone = 107.2 on both R and T
ARS = ON
Tfreq = 146.130
Rfreq = 146.730
Tfreq displayed on keydown = yes
TEN Displayed = yes
(-) Displayed = yes
Power = 5W up to 30W
Ant = Vertical Dipole
SWR = 1.5:1

So there we have it. HT keys repeater with the same antenna on 1W but 857D does not key the repeater with 5W~30W. I must conclude that the 857D is possibly NOT transmitting the tone.

You guys have been a great help and I truly appreciate all your input.

Brian D
KF6BL
S/V Takara