Re: Pros and Cons for keeping my FT 817ND
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I use my FT-817ND mostly as an IF rig for VHF and microwave operation. I use it directly on 50, 144 and 432 MHz CW/SSB; as a 28 MHz IF for 222; as a 144 MHz IF for 902, 1296, 2304, 3456, 5760, 10368 and 47088 MHz; and as a 432 MHz IF for 24192 and 76032 MHz. Power levels to my transverters on transmit vary per unit; most want 0 dBm but some want other power levels., So I have to use attenuators, but the 0.5 watt position of the FT-817 gives a convenient level that doesn't waste too much power.
I find its performance in these uses to be excellent. A lot of people are raving about the new IC-705 as a microwave IF rig. That one is out of my price range right now. Even if I did get one of those, I'd keep the FT-817. You can't find a much smaller rig. I did the W1GHZ panadaptor mod for the FT-817 and use it with a FUNCube Dongle. So I do have a spectrum display with the radio.
There actually is an HT on the market that does all modes. I forget the brand or model number , though. It wasn't one of the Big Three. But I don't think I'd like the shape of it in IF radio use. It would be difficult to use mounted to a base somewhere and I wouldn't want to use it handheld with several cables going from it. I use a wire from the TX GND on the ACC jack to key my transverters.
73, Zack W9SZ
On Tue, Apr 5, 2022 at 3:37 AM VK1MA Matt < doormatt@...> wrote: So Andrew, the commentary thus far has been from those who only activate on HF or maybe FM with their 2m HTs. Without a very expensive optional transverter the Elecraft radios don¡¯t do 2m (and definitely don¡¯t do 70cm) ¨C some may say they have their HT¡¯s, but there are no current HTs that I am aware of that do 2m SSB or CW. The use of 2m and higher bands for SSB/CW seems to vary significantly depending on where you are ¨C here in VK there is quite a bit of 2m SSB activity within a couple of hundred km of decent sized population centres (although in the deep outback of little if any use). When I was in the UK I noticed that there was quite a bit of activity on 2m and 70cm as well ¨C like anything it depends on what people are wanting to play with ¨C we have a number of very keen VHF and up activators amongst our local SOTA ops and as a result, lots of activity there. ? It truly is amazing what can be done with an 817 and a small 2 or 3 element collapsible yagi ¨C the numerous blog articles by VK1AD (VK1NAM) cover numerous SOTA activations and are but one example of what an activator can achieve. The 857 obviously gives better power out but at the expense of more weight and increased battery requirements. ? Many people have sold their 817¡¯s ¨C a large number have then realised they still want one and buy another one ¨C unless you need to sell, keep it unless you know you are not going to need its capabilities. ? ? Matt VK1MA ? ? Thanks Chip.? The key takeaway I found interesting from your comments was the one saying:? I can¡¯t see what operating capabilities you would lose sellin¡¯ the 817.And your right about 2 meters in the car and I have two handhelds covering two meters as well.? My biggest problem is that I, unfortunately, get attached to my equipment and find it difficult to give up.? I know I will sell the IC 718 but I'm not sure about the others.? ? Which is why I posted the?question.? Looking for reasons, like yours, to help push me in the right direction.? Thanks again for your input.
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