Re: was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
Hi Marty, Don't know the FT-857D, but the FT-991A has everything and all reviews say it's great, so I'd feel safe in saying that the FT-991A is a complete and deluxe upgrade for the FT-857A.
-----Original Message-----
From: Marty Hartwell
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 4:54 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
Hi Chuck
A question please. Is it safe to say the FT-991A is a good
replacement for the FT-857D?
Say size wise and mostly the same but up to date or with more
features?
Thanks
Marty kd8bj
On 8/11/20 3:43 PM, Chuck Cole wrote:
I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and
use it . ?Have portable and walkabout antennas for it.
Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it.
Very happy with my 2 FT-991As. ?Will do "expeditions"
in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have
90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still
raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black
Diamond). ?,,,
Chuck K4TZO
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Re: Trade W4RT one board CW/SSB for an 817 CW filter
I've got the xf-115c filter. 500hz. Which cw filter is in the dual board?
On Tue, Aug 11, 2020 at 7:07 PM, Matthew Shipley" via groups.io <mshipley2@...> wrote:
Orlando,Fl
On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 03:48:14 PM EDT, Don T via groups.io <satranger@...> wrote:
I'll take you up on that. Have check which CW filter I have and get back with you this afternoon.? Where are you located??? Don.? K5ZRQ On Tue, Aug 11, 2020 at 2:42 PM, Matthew Shipley" via groups.io <mshipley2@...> wrote: I have a new unopened W4RT one board filter that covers both CW and SSB. I do not use SSB and would like to trade for an 817 CW filter. Thanks
Mshipley2@...
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Re: Trade W4RT one board CW/SSB for an 817 CW filter
Orlando,Fl
On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 03:48:14 PM EDT, Don T via groups.io <satranger@...> wrote:
I'll take you up on that. Have check which CW filter I have and get back with you this afternoon.? Where are you located???
On Tue, Aug 11, 2020 at 2:42 PM, Matthew Shipley" via groups.io <mshipley2@...> wrote: I have a new unopened W4RT one board filter that covers both CW and SSB. I do not use SSB and would like to trade for an 817 CW filter. Thanks
Mshipley2@...
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Re: Trade W4RT one board CW/SSB for an 817 CW filter
Ok. Price would be 175.00. KG4IZS 321-239-2403. Matt
On Tuesday, August 11, 2020, 04:34:54 PM EDT, Gandalf The Gray66 <sroncasa@...> wrote:
I am wiling to buy it from you if still available.
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Re: was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
Hi Chuck
A question please. Is it safe to say the FT-991A is a good
replacement for the FT-857D?
Say size wise and mostly the same but up to date or with more
features?
Thanks
Marty kd8bj
On 8/11/20 3:43 PM, Chuck Cole wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and
use it . ?Have portable and walkabout antennas for it.
Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it.
Very happy with my 2 FT-991As. ?Will do "expeditions"
in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have
90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still
raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black
Diamond). ?These are the best and were the most common in
the US Southeast until about 1960. ?These are big, round,
dark green, and average 40-60lbs each. ?They do not pack
at all in stake-bed farm trucks, so there were frequent
"melon avalanches" that often had fatalities. ?The melons
were outlawed to be taken to market because of this, so
they are now only found at farm stands by a growing patch,
and these are not easy to find!
Probably need a MOTA award for "Melons On The Air" when
found ? ?:-)
Chuck
K4TZO
-----Original
Message-----
From: Marty Hartwell
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 3:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
That group are designing yet another amp, much
smaller is footprint too and more
upgrades since improvement in design features. From
my experience and lack of
much use for the current one I am not sure I would
sell mine just to build a newer one.
I think if anything I would keep what I have and I
need more power or features I would
go with an FT-991 maybe.
Not doing much of anything for the time being
though.
Cheers
Marty kd8bj
PS. By the way during one of my longer trips to UK
in the 80's I had the good fortune
to meet the Rev George and attempt to operate from
a park in Oswestry with a very
under powered TX and very poor antenna with a home
brew small unit. With a nice
antenna from the home area on a better antenna it
worked fine.
On 8/11/20 5:51 AM, Peter
(G1FXE) via groups.io wrote:
On Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 02:42 PM, Marty Hartwell
wrote:
I have been following along here with this
discussion, and just noticed that Peter is and I
would presume have a UK version of the ND.
While Mike has a US version of the ND.
Marty,
You are correct I do indeed have the UK version but
it does appear that my rig is somewhat unique in
allowing a Softmod as others with UK versions
(including my colleague who bought his within weeks
of my purchase) are unable to use this method
BTW I also have a HFpacker amp..well most of it
anyway as I have still to complete the build !
?
--
Peter.....
(G1FXE)
|
Re: was TX ERR, now FT-817, FT-991A, and MOTA
I'm fond of my FT-817 and plan to keep and use it . ?Have portable and walkabout antennas for it. Planning to get either a PTT or VOX headset for it. Very happy with my 2 FT-991As. ?Will do "expeditions" in my minivan sized RV and use nearby repeaters that have 90 mile radius as I search for hobby farms that still raise the Stone Mountain Cannonball watermelons (aka Black Diamond). ?These are the best and were the most common in the US Southeast until about 1960. ?These are big, round, dark green, and average 40-60lbs each. ?They do not pack at all in stake-bed farm trucks, so there were frequent "melon avalanches" that often had fatalities. ?The melons were outlawed to be taken to market because of this, so they are now only found at farm stands by a growing patch, and these are not easy to find!
Probably need a MOTA award for "Melons On The Air" when found ? ?:-)
Chuck K4TZO
-----Original Message-----
From: Marty Hartwell
Sent: Aug 11, 2020 3:14 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [ft817] TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
That group are designing yet another amp, much smaller is
footprint too and more
upgrades since improvement in design features. From my experience
and lack of
much use for the current one I am not sure I would sell mine just
to build a newer one.
I think if anything I would keep what I have and I need more
power or features I would
go with an FT-991 maybe.
Not doing much of anything for the time being though.
Cheers
Marty kd8bj
PS. By the way during one of my longer trips to UK in the 80's I
had the good fortune
to meet the Rev George and attempt to operate from a park in
Oswestry with a very
under powered TX and very poor antenna with a home brew small
unit. With a nice
antenna from the home area on a better antenna it worked fine.
On 8/11/20 5:51 AM, Peter (G1FXE) via
groups.io wrote:
On Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 02:42 PM, Marty Hartwell wrote:
I have been following along here with this discussion, and
just noticed that Peter is and I
would presume have a UK version of the ND. While Mike has a
US version of the ND.
Marty,
You are correct I do indeed have the UK version but it does appear
that my rig is somewhat unique in allowing a Softmod as others
with UK versions
(including my colleague who bought his within weeks of my
purchase) are unable to use this method
BTW I also have a HFpacker amp..well most of it anyway as I have
still to complete the build !
?
--
Peter.....
(G1FXE)
|
|
|
Re: Trade W4RT one board CW/SSB for an 817 CW filter
I'll take you up on that. Have check which CW filter I have and get back with you this afternoon.? Where are you located???
On Tue, Aug 11, 2020 at 2:42 PM, Matthew Shipley" via groups.io <mshipley2@...> wrote: I have a new unopened W4RT one board filter that covers both CW and SSB. I do not use SSB and would like to trade for an 817 CW filter. Thanks
Mshipley2@...
|
Trade W4RT one board CW/SSB for an 817 CW filter
I have a new unopened W4RT one board filter that covers both CW and SSB. I do not use SSB and would like to trade for an 817 CW filter. Thanks
Mshipley2@...
|
Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
That group are designing yet another amp, much smaller is
footprint too and more
upgrades since improvement in design features. From my experience
and lack of
much use for the current one I am not sure I would sell mine just
to build a newer one.
I think if anything I would keep what I have and I need more
power or features I would
go with an FT-991 maybe.
Not doing much of anything for the time being though.
Cheers
Marty kd8bj
PS. By the way during one of my longer trips to UK in the 80's I
had the good fortune
to meet the Rev George and attempt to operate from a park in
Oswestry with a very
under powered TX and very poor antenna with a home brew small
unit. With a nice
antenna from the home area on a better antenna it worked fine.
On 8/11/20 5:51 AM, Peter (G1FXE) via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 02:42 PM, Marty Hartwell wrote:
I have been following along here with this discussion, and
just noticed that Peter is and I
would presume have a UK version of the ND. While Mike has a
US version of the ND.
Marty,
You are correct I do indeed have the UK version but it does appear
that my rig is somewhat unique in allowing a Softmod as others
with UK versions
(including my colleague who bought his within weeks of my
purchase) are unable to use this method
BTW I also have a HFpacker amp..well most of it anyway as I have
still to complete the build !
?
--
Peter.....
(G1FXE)
|
Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
On Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 02:42 PM, Marty Hartwell wrote:
I have been following along here with this discussion, and just noticed that Peter is and I
would presume have a UK version of the ND. While Mike has a US version of the ND.
Marty, You are correct I do indeed have the UK version but it does appear that my rig is somewhat unique in allowing a Softmod as others with UK versions (including my colleague who bought his within weeks of my purchase) are unable to use this method BTW I also have a HFpacker amp..well most of it anyway as I have still to complete the build ! ? -- Peter..... (G1FXE)
|
Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
Hi Mike and Peter
I have been following along here with this discussion, and just
noticed that Peter is and I
would presume have a UK version of the ND. While Mike has a US
version of the ND.
Might that be a possible cause of differences between what is
seen and allowed to
be used to modify the rigs? Just a possible cause of the
difference.
Good discussion though, I did buy my first 817 in 2003 if I
remember right at my
age it is possible I am off a year or two. I sold it in the
middle of the time Ten Tec
came out with the 516 Argonaut so I sold it and got one. During
use I found that
the 516 was not happy with battery power when it dipped below
about 11 Volts which
didn't take to long. Requiring the use of a AC PS and hampered my
portable activities.
So sold the 516 and purchased another 817 in about 2006 which was
again an original
model. Had it every since and is my only working ham rig. Love
it, and I do have a 40W
HFPacker amp model IV that I can boost the power out on the HF
bands but don't use it
very much. On digital modes I find that 2 1/2 watts or 5 watts is
usually enough.
Cheers guys.
Marty kd8bj
On 8/10/20 9:31 AM, Peter (G1FXE) via
groups.io wrote:
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 01:35 PM, Mike Olbrisch wrote:
There were 4 major changes to the FT-817ND.? The
software programming was changed to the solder-blob
configuration.? The violet back-lighting was added.? The
60m-band was added.? And the final board was improved.? I
believe your radio is likely a very rare exception.? If you
know, what version did you get?? If you modified it some time
ago, you may not remember.? I also wonder if you ever replaced
the final board, and if so, was the original the non-ND final?
Mike,
As previously I certainly have the 3 colour back light & the
60 metre band. I'll have a look later i the week to see if the
solder blob points are there & what PA is fitted.
Funnily enough much like your contact I regretted selling my
original 817 hence picking up the ND version quickly afterwards.
I found it odd at the time that I managed a 'software mod' when my
colleagues ND had to be de-blobbed or blobbed (can't remember
which) ;-)
?
--
Peter.....
(G1FXE)
|
Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
On Mon, Aug 10, 2020 at 01:35 PM, Mike Olbrisch wrote:
There were 4 major changes to the FT-817ND.? The software programming was changed to the solder-blob configuration.? The violet back-lighting was added.? The 60m-band was added.? And the final board was improved.? I believe your radio is likely a very rare exception.? If you know, what version did you get?? If you modified it some time ago, you may not remember.? I also wonder if you ever replaced the final board, and if so, was the original the non-ND final?
Mike, As previously I certainly have the 3 colour back light & the 60 metre band. I'll have a look later i the week to see if the solder blob points are there & what PA is fitted. Funnily enough much like your contact I regretted selling my original 817 hence picking up the ND version quickly afterwards. I found it odd at the time that I managed a 'software mod' when my colleagues ND had to be de-blobbed or blobbed (can't remember which) ;-) ? -- Peter..... (G1FXE)
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Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
That is interesting Peter.
The solder-blob change to the ND version panel unit was a requirement to pass type-acceptance.? Before that, using the software to modify it made it too easy to use the radio in places it was not designed or accepted for.?? I do not believe CB was the issue in this case.? While VFO control of the transmitter is still illegal on CB, I can’t see any free-banding CBer going through the trouble of using an FT-817 on a measly 5-watts when so many other 100W+ radios were available.? OTOH, why do we use the FT-817-series on a measly 5-watts?? Portability!? The FT-817 provides a level of portability that no other SSB-CB radio can match.
Side-note:? I once owned a Belcom LS-202.? That was a 2m-HT.? It worked FM, and SSB!? Someone talked me out of it, and to this day I regret selling it.? And I’ve never seen another.
There were 4 major changes to the FT-817ND.? The software programming was changed to the solder-blob configuration.? The violet back-lighting was added.? The 60m-band was added.? And the final board was improved.? I believe your radio is likely a very rare exception.? If you know, what version did you get?? If you modified it some time ago, you may not remember.? I also wonder if you ever replaced the final board, and if so, was the original the non-ND final?
Long ago I had copies of the Yaesu technical bulletins spelling out the serial number effectivity of the changes.? The change from 817 to 817ND was in lot-30.? I no longer remember how many radios were built in each lot, I only recall is wasn’t an even number that one would expect.? I wonder if you ever tried to decode your serial number totally?
One of the minor difficulties with the USA version of the 817ND was that the USA 60m channels was changed, and CW/digital was also added.? Yaesu made no attempt to correct this in radios already sold.?? However, the free program CHIRP will allow you to edit the 60m frequencies and modes, and I have done so here, adding CW for the two lower channels.? I have considered modifying mine for full 60m coverage for when I visit Europe, but I really cannot recall if I ever made a 60m contact there at all.? I can check that quickly…… NO.? Of the hundreds of contacts I’ve made throughout Europe, not a single 60m contact.? I need to fix that, next visit.
I was talking last night on the local 2m-SSB net.? I was sitting out in the garden using the FT-817ND.? I think there was only one or two stations on the net I could not copy.? Several stations were surprised at how well 5-watts on a rubber duck antenna was doing.? The farthest station I worked was 26 miles away, and the other side of a 7,000+ foot tall mountain.? He mentioned that he had owned an FT-817 several years ago, but sold it.? And hearing me sitting in the garden, he wished he had kept it now.? I told him that in my opinion, 80% ± that sold an FT-817 had bought another within 2 years.? He said it was just about 2 years ago when he sold it, and maybe it was time for another.? We were both laughing about it. ? 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. ? ? ? ?
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Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Peter (G1FXE) via groups.io Sent: Monday, August 10, 2020 4:16 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ft817] TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200 ? On Sat, Aug 8, 2020 at 12:49 PM, Mike Olbrisch wrote: Perhaps you have an early “ND” with the non-ND panel unit.? Often when there is a major change in progress, there are a few “abortion” units made from new parts here but old parts there as they use up the last of whatever they have on the assembly lines.? ? The panel unit change was made somewhere at Lot-30, or so says the bulletin.? The ND panel unit uses solder jumpers.? Period. That is what makes them an ND panel unit, it was a requirement to gain type acceptance.? This is clearly defined in the maintenance bulletins put out by Yaesu during that transition period. ? Vy73 – Mike – KD5KC El Paso, Texas – DM61rt
Mike anything is possible. I haven't disassembled the radio? to have a look. However, I can confirm that the display has the 3 back light selectable.
?
--
Peter.....
(G1FXE)
|
Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
On Sat, Aug 8, 2020 at 12:49 PM, Mike Olbrisch wrote:
Perhaps you have an early “ND” with the non-ND panel unit.? Often when there is a major change in progress, there are a few “abortion” units made from new parts here but old parts there as they use up the last of whatever they have on the assembly lines.?
?
The panel unit change was made somewhere at Lot-30, or so says the bulletin.? The ND panel unit uses solder jumpers.? Period. That is what makes them an ND panel unit, it was a requirement to gain type acceptance.? This is clearly defined in the maintenance bulletins put out by Yaesu during that transition period.
?
Vy73 – Mike – KD5KC
El Paso, Texas – DM61rt
Mike anything is possible. I haven't disassembled the radio? to have a look. However, I can confirm that the display has the 3 back light colours selectable. ? -- Peter..... (G1FXE)
|
Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
Perhaps you have an early “ND” with the non-ND panel unit.? Often when there is a major change in progress, there are a few “abortion” units made from new parts here but old parts there as they use up the last of whatever they have on the assembly lines.? ? The panel unit change was made somewhere at Lot-30, or so says the bulletin.? The ND panel unit uses solder jumpers.? Period. That is what makes them an ND panel unit, it was a requirement to gain type acceptance.? This is clearly defined in the maintenance bulletins put out by Yaesu during that transition period. ? Vy73 – Mike – KD5KC El Paso, Texas – DM61rt ? ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Peter (G1FXE) via groups.io Sent: Saturday, August 8, 2020 1:50 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ft817] TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200 ? On Fri, Aug 7, 2020 at 08:56 PM, Mike Olbrisch wrote: ? I was pretty much certain the software mod DOES NOT WORK for the FT-817ND.? Even though someone said it worked for him, I wasn’t buying it
?It was me who said it. Just because you haven't seen it doesn't make it not possible.
As i said my ND was an early model (4e serial) perhaps they changed things after that run ?
--
Peter.....
(G1FXE)
|
Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
On Fri, Aug 7, 2020 at 08:56 PM, Mike Olbrisch wrote:
?
I was pretty much certain the software mod DOES NOT WORK for the FT-817ND.? Even though someone said it worked for him, I wasn’t buying it
?It was me who said it. Just because you haven't seen it doesn't make it not possible. As i said my ND was an early model (4e serial) perhaps they changed things after that run ? -- Peter..... (G1FXE)
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Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
Very good. ? I was pretty much certain the software mod DOES NOT WORK for the FT-817ND.? Even though someone said it worked for him, I wasn’t buying it.
Glad you got it working.? Enjoy. ? 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. ? ? ? ?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
From: [email protected] < [email protected]> On Behalf Of Andrew Lindley Sent: Friday, August 7, 2020 7:41 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [ft817] TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200 ? Thanks to all who responded. I tried the Widebander software mod (Thanks Robin G4JDO) but to no avail. Plucked up the courage & downloaded the Yaesu jumper mod sheet and reset the jumpers and all’s working great. I kept a record of my settings and restored them and the little rig is as good as new (and transmits everywhere I want it to ?. Hardest part of the mod was reseating the ribbon cable!
73 de
Andy M0DEL
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Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
On Wed, Aug 5, 2020 at 10:25 AM, Peter (G1FXE) wrote:
Still worth trying a PC/Software based MARS mod, my rig is an early 'ND' model and took a software mod ok.
Rgds,
Peter.....
Fyi, my rig is a '4E' serial number. ? -- Peter..... (G1FXE)
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Re: TX ERR on 40m from .101 to .200
Thanks to all who responded. I tried the Widebander software mod (Thanks Robin G4JDO) but to no avail. Plucked up the courage & downloaded the Yaesu jumper mod sheet and reset the jumpers and all’s working great. I kept a record of my settings and restored them and the little rig is as good as new (and transmits everywhere I want it to ?. Hardest part of the mod was reseating the ribbon cable!
73 de
Andy M0DEL
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Andy M0DEL