The 817 is still the best 2m and 70cm rig I own.? If only for that, I would keep it.? Batteries are a pain, but actually easier than most of my other HT which are more manufacture specific.? It can be powered externally, which is rare.?
The HF performance has always been great, but limited by 5w.? Yeah, my 100w rigs go further, but if I had to carry a rig with me¡ ? Grab the 817. ?
Bernard
ke7feq?
On Mon, Apr 4, 2022 at 12:34 Larry Ryan <
llryan@...> wrote:
I've had two FT-817s for many years. I bought them when they first came out. I installed mech filters (500 Hz) in both and operated mostly CW. I carried at least one on business trips around the world (engineer on a global team) and found them to be really rugged and easy to get through security and customs of several countries. But, given new technologies I decided to sell both of them and they sold really fast. I lived with their pros and cons and never had blown finals. Now, I feel naked without those familiar radios. The replacement for both is an Icom IC-705. I wanted to get into more DSP, D-Star, frequency agility and a larger display. Also, I wanted to play with remote operation. Given all that I find that old habits die hard. Last week, I found myself working JAs on 15M CW just as I did with the 817s. I still use my little Palm Paddle for the keyer except its magnet won't stick to the plastic case of the '705. I haven't yet got into D-Star or portable operation. I haven't cancelled out of this group either. I'm not sure I did the right thing but I've moved on.
73, Larry W7DGP
