Yaesu FT767GX

[Mike Watterson]

The FT818 was recently discontinued. It was really just a cost reduced FT817ND as the only major difference was the 6W. But the FT817ND can do 6W or more easily (not the original non-ND, the finals too sensitive) if you make sure to take care about SWR. Plenty of heatsink compared to a 5W handheld, though those are often Class C only PAs for only FM. AM & SSB (and thus non-FSK digital modes) need a linear PA.

So now there is nothing similar to FT817, FT817ND & FT818 on the market. FT817ND fetching silly money S/H (I paid about €600 from the Netherlands, Classic Radio International in 2006).

I never widebanded it, apart from adding a homemade 2500mAH NiMH to replace the 1800mAH it was original till last month when I upgraded the TXCO plug-in module.

[Murphyv310]

Hi
All FT818s are the ND version with the TCXO fitted. My 18 month old FT818 came from NI for just £350 including special delivery post. No complaints from me.

[Mike Watterson]

Hi
All FT818s are the ND version with the TCXO fitted. My 18 month old FT818 came from NI for just £350 including special delivery post. No complaints from me.

The FT818 is fine. I wasn't meaning to cast any aspersions on it and good choice vs FT817ND as those are all older and might need a new battery pack. There is nothing else comparable. Don't forget to switch on the attenuator on HF if any decent aerial is connected!

The design was cost reduced in the sense of replacing older parts, either expensive or nearly unobtainable, with newer parts, not in the sense of reducing quality. A replacement rather than upgrade or downgrade. It's a shame the FT818 was discontinued. It was sold out almost overnight in many countries when the announcement was made.

FT817: 2000-2003 (Discontinued)
FT817ND: 2004-2017 (Discontinued) An updated FT-817 with 60 m coverage USA, improved RF power amp and higher capacity battery pack.
FT818ND: 2018-2022 (Discontinued) This is basically an updated FT-817ND with 60 m coverage for all, not just some models, redesigned RF power amp, higher capacity battery pack and TCXO-9 fitted as standard.

Totally extraordinary for a more or less consumer electronics to be sold for 22 years with two design changes. ND might be "new design" or "new deluxe". The first change was because the PA was a bit too fragile. The second change was mainly because of part supply issues. The TCXO have become much cheaper and battery capacity is higher anyway. The PA redesign does allow 6W rather than 5W safely but was likely about parts availability.

It's a niche in the Amateur market but now there is nothing at a similar price, form factor with all modes. It seems strange that the FT818ND was discontinued with no replacement. The "ND" is a bit superfluous on an 818.

The FT897 was really much like an FT857, both very similar architecture to the FT817, but 100W. However the FT897 was a true portable having the internal battery and maybe slightly improved heatsink. It's amazing how short lived those models where. I'd have bought an FT897 but couldn't afford it, but when I did have the cash it was enough for an FT817ND in May 2006.

[Mike Watterson]

I guess the FT991A is the replacement for the FT897  and FT857?

The FT-991A is the next generation in all mode, all band MF/HF/VHF/UHF transceiver with C4FM (System Fusion) Digital capability. The FT-991A includes multi-mode operation on CW, AM, FM, SSB, and Digital Modes (Packet, PSK31, RTTY and C4FM), with 100 Watts of HF/50mhz Capability (50 Watts VHF/UHF).

The New FT-991A now includes a high-resolution full color 3.5" TFT Touch panel for superior operability and visibility, incorporating a High Speed Spectrum and High Resolution real-time scope with ASC (Automatic Spectrum-scope control) built right in.

€ 1.128,10 ex VAT
€ 1.387,56 Irish VAT

Certainly a S/H rig is a lot cheaper, but I'd not buy an FT767. Likely in S/H HF only and separate VHF/UHF FM is cheaper unless you want SSB & Digital on VHF/UHF.

Older rigs might not have 60m or extended 40m. Few do 4m.

[Mike Watterson]

I didn't list the Icom IC-705 as an FT818ND replacement as it's € 1255.37 ex, € 1544.11 inc VAT and it's a strange shape for portable, more suited for a dashboard or bicycle? Though it's certainly all mode QRP (5W).

[AmadeusMozart]

Certainly a S/H rig is a lot cheaper, but I'd not buy an  FT767. Likely in S/H HF only and separate  VHF/UHF FM is cheaper unless you want SSB & Digital on VHF/UHF.

What would you buy S/H - my interest is HF only. Thanks!