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I found this discussion of interest at the EHam Elmers forum:

<<<I was wondering if there were any recommendations for amplifiers
that work with the FT-817. I'm a rank beginner, and QRP DX-ing is
probably a bit beyond me. I'd like something that can take my 2.5 - 5
W and give me more like 35 - 50. My guess is that any HF frequencies
would do. This would be for a base station setup with a serious
antenna (maybe a yagi or dipole).

RE: Amplifier for FT-817 Reply
I'd recommend the Communications Concepts (CCI) amps, like model
#EB63 (as an example). These are kits, not factory built, but come
with good instructions and all the parts to build into an amplifier
except for the heat sink and chassis, which you can buy from Radio
Shack or many other sources.

I built an EB63 twelve years ago, and it still works perfectly! It is
a very robust design, based on a famous Motorola Engineering Bulletin
(#EB63!). CCI sells many other HF amps, from 20W output to 1000W
output, also based on Motorola Applications Notes or Engineering
Bulletins, so they have quite a variety of models to choose from --
all of which are attractively priced. Although not quite as easy
as "Heathkits" (darn it), the CCI kits are easy to assemble for
anyone with any level of homebrewing or kitbuilding experience.

The EB63, for example, produces 100W output for 5W drive power, and
can run up to 140W output (with about 7-8W drive power) before it
saturates, and requires only a standard 12-14Vdc power supply,
nothing unusual. It also contains RF-sensed T/R switching, so a
separate "amplifier key" line is not required.

There are many other options available, from other sources, but I
like this one.

Have fun with the 817!

I haven't determined that yet. Be my guest.

tom
wa2phw

--- In FT817@y..., jleonard@t... wrote:

Just built this antenna as per his instructions and with a 16'

ground

wire hanging off the back of the rig, the antenna is lighting up no
swr bars and it hears very well. A success. So how many turns for

the

other bands???

John Ve3ips

Pete NI9N wrote:

I've tried three times over the last 6-7 years to get one to work,
most recent was yesterday. No luck - tunes ok, but hears very
little, even compared with a random wire of equivalent length.

Just goes to show, as antennas go, resonance and match do not mean
efficient radiation. Many wild configurations of shortened antennas
are possible, and while interesting to experiment with, they are not
efficient enough to provide worthwhile communications on HF with the
5W power of the FT-817.

Bonnie KQ6XA

Thanks. Found a bad connection.
Gene KC0IKY

All's well that ends well

Thanks

Pres Waterman W2PW
c/o Patchogue Motors, Inc.
Long Island Ford and Kia dealer

GO BILLS!

Gang:
Made a few contacts last night with 1.5 to 2.0 SWR on the Z-11 but tonight
The FT-817 say HSWR and of course does not allow me to TX. No output on the
Wattmeter. This is on 20 and 40 meter SSB. I am using a G5RV.
I have tried in on Battery and Regulated power supply. Please answer to
gsailsbury@... to say space on this group.
Gene Sailsbury KC0IKY

Pres,
Thank you for the virus warning...I now know the guilt of a victim.
I got the bug from another Group member (to remain anonymous) who was
also a victim and most apologetic. All cleaned up now, even washed
behind my ears.
"welcome to da swaamp"
Cheers
Lynn Hilborn VE3CSS

Earlier today, I asked if anyone had had any luck with one of those.
I've tried three times over the last 6-7 years to get one to work,
most recent was yesterday. No luck - tunes ok, but hears very
little, even compared with a random wire of equivalent length.

Pete, NI9N

--- In FT817@y..., dafrozentundra@y... wrote:

Hello from an FT-817 wannabe (and soontobe)!

Don't know if the DCTL antenna has been discussed yet. It's a

small

loop made of 300 ohm twinlead. I saw it featured in CQ sometime
in '94. I built one for 40m and it worked fine. I was able to

tune

it down to 80m.

Granted, it is a single band antenna, but you can build one for

each

band you want to work. Given the material used, several antennas
would take up little space once rolled up.

I've since misplaced that issue of CQ, but stumbled upon a web site
that has all the details of construction.


Hopefully I can find the one I built and compare!

Good luck!

Mike n9xrt

Dave:

Thanks for the info. I just ordered the manual and some DIN connectors. Apparently Yaesu is coming out with a service manual update as they have assigned a new part number.
Unfortunately they are not yet in stock and could be a while in arriving. So...I decided to order what was available.

72
Elliott WA6TLA

David Henn wrote:

Just back from 3 weeks sailing in the Caribbean. This trip, I took
the FT-817 along for kicks. Attached to a 20-meter vertical dipole
strung up on the foredeck and using internal NiMH batteries (2.5
watts) the little rig always shocked and amazed my fellow sailors.

Example: while reclining in the cockpit with a Mt. Gay and coke at
Happy Hour, I perched the FT-817 on my stomach and tuned the 20-meter
band. SSB contacts were made as follows (I called each one and got
thru on the first call):

EK3GM Boris Armenia 0040Z He 5/9 Me 5/5 14150 kHz
UA4HKW Alex Samara 0055Z He 5/9 Me 5/5 14246 kHz
N3HON Mike Maryland 0100Z He 5/9 Me 5/5 14246 kHz

And the whopper a few days later:

ZL1RD Rob New Zealand 0346Z He 5/9 Me 4/4 14256 kHz

I figure that's just about .00025 watts per mile!

Who sez QRPing ain't fun???

73, 72

Bill
VP2VCS
WA6CCA

Yes....I am also using the WM-2 QRP watt meter and compared it to the watt meter in the MFJ-971 set for QRP. Identical readings.

Looks like Yaesu sets em on the low side.....assuming that it can be made higher. I realize that the difference is only ~1 db but it would be nice if the radio met the advertised
specs.

Elliott WA6TLA

Fred Winter wrote:

My bad! Didn't see the thread started with message #7873

Still is worth a try though...cheers!

Mike n9xrt

--- In FT817@y..., dafrozentundra@y... wrote:

Hello from an FT-817 wannabe (and soontobe)!

Don't know if the DCTL antenna has been discussed yet. It's a

small

loop made of 300 ohm twinlead. I saw it featured in CQ sometime
in '94. I built one for 40m and it worked fine. I was able to

tune

it down to 80m.

Granted, it is a single band antenna, but you can build one for

each

band you want to work. Given the material used, several antennas
would take up little space once rolled up.

I've since misplaced that issue of CQ, but stumbled upon a web site
that has all the details of construction.


Hopefully I can find the one I built and compare!

Good luck!

Mike n9xrt

--- In FT817@y..., Elliott <edl@p...> wrote:

Thanks Dave but the power output was down immediately after I

turned the radio on. So...duty cycle/heating is not the problem.

Elliott Wa6TLA

Hello Elliott,

Sounds like it could be just an adjustment.
I think the spec calls for 5.0 +/- 0.1W.

I'm not sure on your test gear setup..
But there are are adjustments that can be done in a Svc mode.
You can get a svc manual from Yaesu at (562)404-2700
Extn: 351 - Parts, Extn: 242 - Tech Support.

Rgds - David

--- In FT817@y..., Elliott <edl@p...> wrote:

At maximum selected power the output was ~4.5 watts 1.8-7.0 mhz and

~4.0 watts 10-28 mhz. I have not checked 6 meters, 2m/440. The
power output in the 3 lower power settings was

proportionally lower, about 20%.

TIA es 72
Elliott WA6TLA

I get exactly the same readings on my Oak Hills WM-2 QRP wattmeter...

Fred KD7T

Thanks Dave but the power output was down immediately after I turned the radio on. So...duty cycle/heating is not the problem.

Elliott Wa6TLA

David Henn wrote:

Hello from an FT-817 wannabe (and soontobe)!

Don't know if the DCTL antenna has been discussed yet. It's a small
loop made of 300 ohm twinlead. I saw it featured in CQ sometime
in '94. I built one for 40m and it worked fine. I was able to tune
it down to 80m.

Granted, it is a single band antenna, but you can build one for each
band you want to work. Given the material used, several antennas
would take up little space once rolled up.

I've since misplaced that issue of CQ, but stumbled upon a web site
that has all the details of construction.


Hopefully I can find the one I built and compare!

Good luck!

Mike n9xrt

Beware commercial 6M antennas. They are usually for the
52Mhz FM portion of the band. A 2M 5/8 wave whip = 6M ? wave whip.

For my ft-817 I order the superantennas.com mount kit.
This gives you a side attached 3/8" x 24TPI mount.
I picked up a "whip-tip" adapter at a hamfest. This is
a 3/8" male on one end and accepts a larger diameter whip and has
a set screw. Purchase an adapter that takes a 5/32" diameter whip.
Back out the set screw. Using a Radio Shack or similar 72" whip
antenna replace the bottom screw type base of the antenna whip with
a male banana plug. This will easily slide into the whip tip adapter.
(Those using the RS back of set antenna will already have constructed
the above whip.)

I found that if I put out all sections of the whip except for ? of
the top most section it would do well on 6M. Ok on 2M. Adjust
down to ~19.5" for 2M operation. I connected a counterpoise that
was cut for ~1/4wave length on 10M to the ground mount of the
FT-817 mounting bracket.

I used a short ~6" pl-259 -> pl-259 jumper cable between the
so-239 of the radio and the bracket. I have not yet tried
using a "banana plug jumper wire." And probably won't.

For mobile operation I used a cut down CB whip, split-ball mount,
springs, extension rod & whip tip adapter. FYI, use cutting oil
and a high-speed cutting wheel when you go to shorten the CB whip.
The cutting oil will significantly speed the process and prolong
the life of your cutting bit. (I use a dremel.) Check out my
web page for details and pictures.

I have also been experimenting with various coils and antennas
for HF. I will post more in a separate message.

72/73,

Bryan – k0emt

Original Message <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

On 13-06-2001, 08:57:29, "Simon Brown" <simon.brown@...> wrote
regarding [FT817] 6m Whip:

I ordered a FT-817 today, having been QRT since 1983/1984. I was GD4ELI,

am

now HB9DRV. Do 6m 1/4 wave whips exist for the car? When I was last

active

6m wasn't allocated (I think).

What do you all use for 6m while mobile?

* Objective
In an earlier post I outlined a 6/2M solution using the
superantennas.com mount bracket for the FT-817 and standard
3/8" x 24TPI components.

In this post I will address some VHF/HF solutions using 3/8" x 24TPI
hardware and the above mount. Those with out 817's, think of
using a mirror mount bracket for your back pack or adapting a
bracket for a painter pole.

* Dipole Vs Loaded whip

Of course, if you have the resources at hand and the time,
put up a resonant dipole. With out a doubt, the HF antennas
describe here are compromise antennas. These HF antennas
won't "get out" or hear as well as their dipole counterparts.
However, you will be able to easily set up and adjust in a variety
of settings with minimal equipment.

* the whips
First, pick up a 13 ?" -> 72" long antenna @ Radio Shack, etc.
RS #270-1408. Snap off the end and solder on a good banana plug.
(Not the kind you get at RS.)

Do the same thing with a shorter whip 3 ?" -> 16". RS #270-1410A

Unless explicitly stated "the whip" referred to in the following
is the LONG whip.

* 2/6M whip tip adapter

With a standard "whip-tip" adapter with a 5/32" whip opening:
6M: extend all sections minus 1/2 of the top section
counterpoise: ~1/4 on 10M

2M: extend all sections except for the top section
counterpoise: ~1/4 on 6M

2M: extend to overall length of ~19.5"
counterpoise: not really necessary

* 2/6/10M w/Lakeview 9106 load section
Using the loading section from a LakeView.com 6M whip.
Remove set screws. Drill out whip opening to 5/32".

6M: extend the top section minus 2 ?".
28.337: extend a section from bottom, extend top 3 sections minus 1"
2M: You could likely use either of the above for 2M as well.
Counterpoise: ~? lambda for 10M

* 10M w/RS base load
Radio shack carries a CB antenna that comes in a blister pack
with a base load section and a whip. RS #21-988. Remove the lock nut.
Using a 5/32" drill bit to enlarge the whip hole on the base load.
You should be able to put the banana plug in the hole.

I found for 29.6Mhz I had to extend a bottom section
from the whip and the top 2 sections.

For 28.3Mhz I extended a bottom section and the top 3 sections.
(I then retracted back in ? of the top section.)

I used a counterpoise cut for ~1/4 lambda on 10M.

* UHF/VHF/HF w/Wilson 6' FGT CB antenna
Warning: this can be unwieldy to handle and may place excessive
strain on a connector/mount.

As before, drill out whip hole w/ 5/32" bit.

432Mhz: SWR < 3 w/no whip
2M: couldn't find any sort of sweet spot for this yet.
52: SWR < 3 w/no whip
10M: SWR < 3 w/no whip
12M: 24.940 SMALL Whip, extend top section plus another 1".
15M: 21.360 Extend all of the SMALL whip minus ? of the bottom section.
17M: LONG whip, extend top section.
20M: I am sure it will do 20M but haven't had time to find the whip
length.

Counterpoise: was ~1/4 lambda for 10M
When operating/testing 17M the rig was setting atop the roof of
a car, with the CP hanging down.

I intend to do more testing with this antenna and to try using
Wilson 3' and 4' antennas. 3' seems to be an easily
packed/carried length. 6' is definitely not easily packed in a car.
I also believe that you could easily reach and pull down the whip
for adjustment from a 3' base.

* The future

I intend to find the "sweet spot" for 20M on the Wilson.
Try out a Wilson 3' FGT.
Eventually I will try building antennas for 40 and 80.
Currently, I use wire dipoles for 30/40/80.

* TIP
** Tuning
To speed in finding my individual whip settings for various bands
I cheated and used an MFJ analyzer to get me close. I then
"fine-tuned" on the 817 w/2.5-5W out until I received either
one or no bars on the SWR meter.

** Drilling Holes and Safety
Use cutting oil to aid in drilling holes out to 5/32".
(This can be messy.) Use a clamp of some sort to keep
the whip steady. Clamp as close to the whip hole as possible.
Consider eye, nose/mouth mask and hand protection. You will
have air borne metal and fiberglass particles.

** EMACS
If you use EMACS, you can view this document in outline mode.

* About the Author

I have been a ham for several years and really enjoy the
antenna building aspect of the hobby. I have a variety
of interests including emergency operations, NVIS,
portable/mobile operation and computer control/programming.

My mobile station is currently in transition but I have pics
of the last station on-line. The station was equipped with
a UHF/VHF dual bander, ICOM 706mkII, Scanner and 11M am/ssb rig.
(I run 11M for events such as the MS-150 where I am on of
very few ops that coordinate with the Gold-Wing riders.)
I used a Comet SBB-7NMO and the rest were home-brew antennas.

You can check out my web site for a variety of projects in
which I have been involved. Earthday special event station,
TS-570S tips, VB/VBA QRZ class and Java interface to dxworld.com
to name a couple.

My home station consists of an ICOM 728 w/AT160, a Kenwood
TS-570S and a Yaesu FT-8000. Antennas consist of a workman UHF/VHF
vertical ~17' tall. An Anttron 99 for 6-17. An X-beam is utilized
for vhf/uhf (and HF). I use a variety of homebrew wires for HF.
A picture and detailed description of the home station can be found
on eHam.

I am a board member with the local amateur radio club. I also
sit on the board of the regional SkyWarn association. Currently
I am waiting for the paperwork which will officially appoint me as
ARES EC for my county.

Outside of ham radio I earn my living as a software developer and
volunteer as a FF/EMT.

72/73,

Bryan – k0emt

--- In FT817@y..., Elliott <edl@p...> wrote:

proportionally lower, about 20%.
Has anyone else experience these type of readings

TIA es 72
Elliott WA6TLA

Hello Elliott,

See my message 6968.
I also had a power output problem.

Best Rgds - David

I recently purchased an FT-817 and am getting familiar with all the features and getting the feel with my oversized fingers!

I have worked some station on cw and ssb from home and the signal/quality reports are fine. I decided to do some checks on the radio with respect to the output power. The external
power source was 13.6 volts and at key down it dropped to about 13.1 volts. The antenna was matched to a VSWR of 1:1 and I also used a 50 ohm resistive dummy load. I used 2 independent
QRP power meters that gave essentially the same results.

At maximum selected power the output was ~4.5 watts 1.8-7.0 mhz and ~4.0 watts 10-28 mhz. I have not checked 6 meters, 2m/440. The power output in the 3 lower power settings was
proportionally lower, about 20%.

Has anyone else experience these type of readings? How easy is it to adjust the power out level? Since it is present at all power settings I would assume their is one adjustment to
take care of all 4 levels?

TIA es 72
Elliott WA6TLA