That was exactly it. Some parts had become unobtanium. But they should have left the power levels alone. Only a rank beginner thinks that 6 watts is any kind of useful increase in anything but battery drain. But the loss of the 0.5 watt output will hurt anyone using ?-wave transverters. Instead of using 0.5w as a driver, they now have 1w. That doubles every requirement including battery drain and resistor values in the matching input. And it increases the heat lost in the network.
Using the FT-817 was a very popular way to operate from V/UHF rovers because it is quite small, and was perfect for driving transverters.
The only thing constant is change. But sometimes change is not a good thing.
Mike – KD5KC -- El Paso -- Texas.
The canyons are calling, colorful and deep. But I have promises to keep.
And miles to go still in my Jeep... And miles to go still in my Jeep...
ADVENTURE: The respectful pursuit of trouble.
From: FT817@... <FT817@...>
Sent: Sunday, April 21, 2019 10:14 AM
To: FT817@...
Subject: Re: [FT817] Re: Power pole adapter
I believe the main reason for bringing the FT-818 out was some parts are no longer available for the FT-817.
It is sort of a "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." By upgrading to parts that are available, keeps the cost in line and
that seems to be the case with the FT-818.
73, Joe, K8JP/K5-V31JP
On 4/21/2019 8:42 AM, 'Mike Olbrisch' Mike-2020@... <mailto:Mike-2020@...> [FT817] wrote:
Good morning Ray.
Going over my notes, I show 240,000 radios sold a couple of years ago. I imagine they hit 250,000 radios before the 818 came out. Maybe not….. but only Yaesu knows for sure, and they are not telling.
I sometimes wonder if the 818 should be carried as 817 sales, or if it should stand under its own numbers. Is it different enough to make a difference? To me, there is a difference, and not for the better. While the 818 is essentially an updated 817, for my wants the made it a bit worse.. The 817 power levels are 5w-2.5w-1w-0.5w. The 818 runs 6w-5w-2.5w-1w. The difference between 5w and 6w is only useful if you are driving an amplifier that needs the 6w input. Actually on the air, all the 6w does is run your battery flat 20% quicker. But for my ops, the 0.5w level is very miserly on battery use, and is great for driving transverters, a very popular use among V/UHF ROVERS. The FT-818 announcement was a roar. The actual implementation was a whimper!
And you are correct. There still is not any other radio out there that directly competes with the FT-817. The FT-818 could have been so much more. It could have beat the KX3. Instead, it was a disappointment. But at least it kept the style out there. It would have been even worse if the 817 were discontinued and no replacement made.
Vy73 - Mike - KD5KC.
El Paso, Texas - DM61rt.
SOTA W5T-Texas Association Manager.
NA-SOTA info is at: <>
--
Regards, Joe, K8JP/V31JP, Ronnie, Martin & Sidney Pontek
175 Diamond Loch Rd., Apt. 5
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or
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Also, K8JP, member FOC-1743, QCWA-LM21894, OOTC-4607, A1OP, SKCC-3171T, NAQCC-5798, Flying Pig-2819, FISTS-7625CC951, A1C-2299, SOC 1075, 10-10 22977, PG1915841, CW Rag chewers #21,
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Skype: v31joepalooka
I am looking for Vibroplex Model X, Double lever and prefer basket cases to restore.
LotW
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