Do you own a Yaesu FT-891 or are you thinking about getting one soon? If
so then watch this video and I will show you how to program 6 and 10
meter repeaters into your FT-891!
Yaesu FT-891 Programming Tutorial
Yaesu FT-891 Very Pleased with the Radio
Yaesu FT-891 Very Pleased with the Radio
I purchased the 891 to replace my 817 for mobile/portable operating. While the VHF/UHF frequencies were a big plus for the 817, the 5 watt output was very limiting for HF. The small physical size is impressive considering the features that are built into this radio. I also operate an FT-1200 so some comments will be based using this radio as well.
Due to its small size the 891 is very “menu driven”. If you have operated a Yaesu radio built in the last ten years or so the menu structure will be intuitive. The radio includes an Operating Manual that describes the basic usage of the radio. Unfortunately, the Advanced Manual (absolutely required for initial familiarization and set up) is only available as a PDF download from the Yaesu website. I am having it printed and bound at my local Staples office supply store.
I purchased the 891 to replace my 817 for mobile/portable operating. While the VHF/UHF frequencies were a big plus for the 817, the 5 watt output was very limiting for HF. The small physical size is impressive considering the features that are built into this radio. I also operate an FT-1200 so some comments will be based using this radio as well.
Due to its small size the 891 is very “menu driven”. If you have operated a Yaesu radio built in the last ten years or so the menu structure will be intuitive. The radio includes an Operating Manual that describes the basic usage of the radio. Unfortunately, the Advanced Manual (absolutely required for initial familiarization and set up) is only available as a PDF download from the Yaesu website. I am having it printed and bound at my local Staples office supply store.
YAESU FT 891 Review Solid
After using this radio more, I am updating my review. Yes, a solid little radio and I have experienced no problems--excellent audio reports using my Heil mic, no problems operating, and has the features I expect from a field radio. I have it side-by-side with my Elecraft K3 and enjoy using it.
The menu system is easy, once you see how it works. This radio has few buttons (uses its menu system instead), but that makes it a simple and great field radio to me... I am use to the "many button settings" on my Elecraft, but generally only use them under certain conditions; so the 891 posed no problems--just takes a few seconds more to set. Of course, if you cannot figure out menu systems or don't want to learn something new--then it may be better to select a radio that has no learning curve.
Would I buy it again--yes. Would I recommend it--yes. It has been a fun radio and enjoyable to use.
The menu system is easy, once you see how it works. This radio has few buttons (uses its menu system instead), but that makes it a simple and great field radio to me... I am use to the "many button settings" on my Elecraft, but generally only use them under certain conditions; so the 891 posed no problems--just takes a few seconds more to set. Of course, if you cannot figure out menu systems or don't want to learn something new--then it may be better to select a radio that has no learning curve.
Would I buy it again--yes. Would I recommend it--yes. It has been a fun radio and enjoyable to use.
Yaesu FT-891 Great 100W HF/6M Portable Radio
Yaesu FT-891 Great 100W HF/6M Portable Radio
I've had the FT-891 for about 2 months, and here are my impressions.
The FT-891 is a great little HF/6M, 100W, portable radio. Its small size is easy to transport. The LCD display is easy to read in bright light environments. I like that the A/B/C buttons on the front can be assigned different functions for quick access. I find the memory group function to be a useful feature for organizing settings/frequencies for nets, digital, SSB, ... Due to the small size, this radio is heavily menu dependent, but I find the menus easy to navigate. The DSP, noise reduction, and variable bandpass features provide many ways to help deal with urban QRM and weak signal.
I bought the FT-891 to have a portable 100W radio to use for hiking and camping. I haven't yet been camping, but I have taken it hiking. With a 9Ah LiFePO battery, folding multiband vertical antenna, and small antenna tuner, I've made SSB and PSK31 contacts, with good reports.
The receiver and noise reduction is so good, it has replaced my FT-450D at my QTH. The FT-891 is currently selling for about $700 which is less than I paid for a used FT-450D 6 years ago.
As others have noted, this radio does not have VHF/UHF. Nor does it has a built in audio interface (sound card). Also, as mentioned previously, the small size it is heavily menu dependent. It just doesn't have the room for a lot of buttons and dials. If those features are what somebody needs/wants in a radio, this isn't the one for you. So, don't buy this radio and then complain it doesn't have a feature that you want. Do your homework first...
I feel the FT-891 is a great value at the current retail price for a 100W, HF/6M, radio!
The FT-891 is a great little HF/6M, 100W, portable radio. Its small size is easy to transport. The LCD display is easy to read in bright light environments. I like that the A/B/C buttons on the front can be assigned different functions for quick access. I find the memory group function to be a useful feature for organizing settings/frequencies for nets, digital, SSB, ... Due to the small size, this radio is heavily menu dependent, but I find the menus easy to navigate. The DSP, noise reduction, and variable bandpass features provide many ways to help deal with urban QRM and weak signal.
I bought the FT-891 to have a portable 100W radio to use for hiking and camping. I haven't yet been camping, but I have taken it hiking. With a 9Ah LiFePO battery, folding multiband vertical antenna, and small antenna tuner, I've made SSB and PSK31 contacts, with good reports.
The receiver and noise reduction is so good, it has replaced my FT-450D at my QTH. The FT-891 is currently selling for about $700 which is less than I paid for a used FT-450D 6 years ago.
As others have noted, this radio does not have VHF/UHF. Nor does it has a built in audio interface (sound card). Also, as mentioned previously, the small size it is heavily menu dependent. It just doesn't have the room for a lot of buttons and dials. If those features are what somebody needs/wants in a radio, this isn't the one for you. So, don't buy this radio and then complain it doesn't have a feature that you want. Do your homework first...
I feel the FT-891 is a great value at the current retail price for a 100W, HF/6M, radio!
YAESU FT 891 A Great Radio For Its Intended Purpose
Lets get the obvious out of the way right up front - it has no UHF/VHF side. It's HF only. I know there's been a lot of wailing and gnashing of teeth on the internet over this 'shortcoming', but also keep in mind that this radio is retailing about $150 less than the beloved FT-857.
I don't own an 857 so I can't make a comparison between the two on HF performance. What I can say is the 891's digital signal processing and filtering is excellent.
Contrary to some reports the menu system is actually very easy to figure out and navigate. I passed on buying RT Systems programming software because the rig is easy to figure out and configure right from the front panel.
FT-891 HF+50Mhz ALL MODE MOBILE TRANSCEIVER
FT-891 HF+50Mhz ALL MODE MOBILE TRANSCEIVER
The FT-891 HF All Mode Mobile Transceiver once again continues Yaesu's legacy for legendary receiver design in a compact package, providing uncompromised performance for both the mobile and stationary Amateur operator. High end 32-Bit floating point DSP enhances the operating experience providing a cleaner, clearer signal and reducing overall operator fatigue creating a more enjoyable environment for any Amateur operator.
Uncompromising Receiver Circuit Design Ensures Excellent Performance
• Triple conversion with a 1st IF frequency of 69.450 MHz (SSB/CW/AM
• 3 kHz roofing filter equipped as standard feature
• TCXO provides ±0.5 ppm High frequency stability (-10°C to +50°C)
Stable 100 Watt Output
The FT-891 provides stable 100 Watts (25W AM) of high power output. High reliability is assured by the transmitters careful circuit design with efficient thermostatically-controlled Dual internal fans and the die cast heat transferring chassis.
32-Bit IF DSP Provides effective and optimized QRM rejection
The 32 bit high speed floating Point DSP (max 3000 MIPS) provides effective cancellation/reduction (DNR) of the random noise that is frequently frustrating while on the HF bands. The highly optimized AUTO NOTCH (DNF) automatically eliminates dominant beat tones, and the CONTOUR, and the APF, are very effective receiver noise reduction tools during HF band operations.
The FT-891 HF All Mode Mobile Transceiver once again continues Yaesu's legacy for legendary receiver design in a compact package, providing uncompromised performance for both the mobile and stationary Amateur operator. High end 32-Bit floating point DSP enhances the operating experience providing a cleaner, clearer signal and reducing overall operator fatigue creating a more enjoyable environment for any Amateur operator.
Uncompromising Receiver Circuit Design Ensures Excellent Performance
• Triple conversion with a 1st IF frequency of 69.450 MHz (SSB/CW/AM
• 3 kHz roofing filter equipped as standard feature
• TCXO provides ±0.5 ppm High frequency stability (-10°C to +50°C)
Stable 100 Watt Output
The FT-891 provides stable 100 Watts (25W AM) of high power output. High reliability is assured by the transmitters careful circuit design with efficient thermostatically-controlled Dual internal fans and the die cast heat transferring chassis.
32-Bit IF DSP Provides effective and optimized QRM rejection
The 32 bit high speed floating Point DSP (max 3000 MIPS) provides effective cancellation/reduction (DNR) of the random noise that is frequently frustrating while on the HF bands. The highly optimized AUTO NOTCH (DNF) automatically eliminates dominant beat tones, and the CONTOUR, and the APF, are very effective receiver noise reduction tools during HF band operations.
Replace Legacy Radios Yaesu FT-891
Nice concise video. I'm looking for my first "new" HF rig. I have a
mid 1990s Icom 737 that has taught me a lot, and the price was right.
I would like nicer receive/DPS/filtering, and the portable size sounds really appealing.
Portability aside, how does this radio compare to the FT-450D? They are within $20 of each other, cover the same bands/modes. I imagine the FT-891 has improve RX.
Also, the FT-450D includes a built-in tuner. Because of my compromised antenna system in my small suburban lot, and lousy band conditions I mainly work digital modes like PSK31 and JT65.
I would like nicer receive/DPS/filtering, and the portable size sounds really appealing.
Portability aside, how does this radio compare to the FT-450D? They are within $20 of each other, cover the same bands/modes. I imagine the FT-891 has improve RX.
Also, the FT-450D includes a built-in tuner. Because of my compromised antenna system in my small suburban lot, and lousy band conditions I mainly work digital modes like PSK31 and JT65.
For mobile purpose and fieldday/camping its very good
For mobile purpose and fieldday/camping its very good
I started with my mobile operation in the middle of the 0 years with a IC-7000, which was a nice rig. 2015 I decided to sell it and look for another one.
My purpose is do ham radio operation on holidays and some mobile operation out of my city QTH, due to distortion
So the rig should have a small form factor, VHF/UHF is not in the focus, using SSB and CW.
AFter a short period with a FT-991 and an IC-7300 (to big) I occasionally got a used FT-891.
I read about the FT-891, but even at Yahoo groups there are not so much members, so in my opinion, there is not a big community now :-).
First I took it to my shack, compared it with my K3S, so I recognized the differences.
RX in practice is well, also on a middle sized beam.
Modulation with the original mike is also well after you have done the right setup (1hour work)
I started with my mobile operation in the middle of the 0 years with a IC-7000, which was a nice rig. 2015 I decided to sell it and look for another one.
My purpose is do ham radio operation on holidays and some mobile operation out of my city QTH, due to distortion
So the rig should have a small form factor, VHF/UHF is not in the focus, using SSB and CW.
AFter a short period with a FT-991 and an IC-7300 (to big) I occasionally got a used FT-891.
I read about the FT-891, but even at Yahoo groups there are not so much members, so in my opinion, there is not a big community now :-).
First I took it to my shack, compared it with my K3S, so I recognized the differences.
RX in practice is well, also on a middle sized beam.
Modulation with the original mike is also well after you have done the right setup (1hour work)
Best mobile rig ever YAESU FT 891
My first mobile rig was a Collins KWM-1 installed under the dash in my 56 Ford. Since then I have used IC-706's, TS-50, FT-707, FT-900, FT-857D, FT-817ND, small older Kenwood's and small Icom's, all with antennas ranging from the Webster Band Spanner, Hustler, Hi Serria, and Bug Catchers of all sizes. Of all of those the FT-900 and the Bug Catcher performed the best. Until the new FT-891 entered the market. I needed a rugged compact radio with a detachable display that I could easily see the controls and buttons and operate in the dark. The rig was to be install in a Jeep Wrangler. The FT-891 appeared the be the rig. For an antenna I chose the ATAS-120A. I mounted a steel light bracket from a Jeep parts house to the windshield hinge bolts. I carefully removed paint from the underside of the screw heads and paint from the mounting bracket to provide a solid ground connection for the antenna. Inadequate grounds seem to be an issue with the ATAS-120A. The FT-891 main unit was mounted in the storage tray in the rear of the Jeep. I used a heavy gauge 19 strand, silver plated Teflon coated ground strap from the rigs ground lug to the Jeep body. The positive power cable was connected directly to the battery and the negative power cable was shortened and connected to Jeep body near the main rig. These connections provided a solid ground for the antenna, power and radio cabinet ground. The control head was mounted to the console and mic cable routed through the console box. All of this was done before I ever applied power to the rig for the first time. I removed the ATAS-120A from the mount, terminated the connection, started the Jeep and powered the rig. It was amazing that I heard no auto noise, no alternator whine, no ignition noise, just quite white noise from the external speaker. The antenna was connected, programmed for the rig and then tuned on all bands without a problem. The next day I took a 250 mile trip and enjoyed the best mobile operating experience ever.
Yaesu FT-891 on the 40 meter band
Yaesu FT-891 on the 40 meter band
Trying the new Yaesu FT-891 on my 40 meter rotary dipole @ approx 30ft.
Trying the new Yaesu FT-891 on my 40 meter rotary dipole @ approx 30ft.
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