Alan-

Thanks so much for that very helpful guidance.

Coindidentally I sit here in Heathrow, waiting to depart tomorrow AM, without
my 817, which has been a faithful traveling companion for quite a long time.

I'll give yeasu a shot, and hope the guys in the states are as accomodating
as the folks over here.

Cheers, Scott


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

There isn't a polarity protection diode, at least not across the supply.

ajsmith2000 wrote:

>Hi All,
>
>Bought an FT 817, and although it works ok on the external 12v feed I
>have a problem with installing batteries in it. There seems to be a
>short circuit when I install a set of batteries. I believe that there
>might be a polarity protection diode blown?.
>Is this a difficult job to replace or repair. Can I do it myself or
>how much should it cost to have it repaired in a radio shop. Is the
>diode easy to locate?
>
>Thanks in advance for any info,
>
>
>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Nigel A. Gunn. 59 Beadlemead, Milton Keynes, MK6 4HF, England.
Tel +44 (0)1908 604004
e-mail nigel@... or  nigel@...
www    http://www.ngunn.net  or  http://www.ngunn.demon.co.uk
Amateur radio stations  G8IFF, KC8NHF
Member of  AMSAT-UK #182, ARRL, GQRP Club, QRPARCI, SOC #548  RAYNET
            Flying Pig #385, Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA  LM-1691,
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

There have been several FT-817 operators successfully using the PCALE
software to run ALE (Automatic Link Establishment). It is amazing how
well ALE works for starting QSOs and catching band openings, even with
the low power of the FT-817.

You can download the PCALE software and find more info at:
http://hflink.com

Bonnie KQ6XA

Bonnie, There a MAC Version?.....
Bill (WD8ARZ) has been trying to get me into this, but Never sure
about MAC's?...
I Have ONE PC left here, but not sure I can get the DUST off it..
Jeff-N8NOE




--- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "expeditionradio" <expeditionradio@y...>
wrote:
> There have been several FT-817 operators successfully using the PCALE
> software to run ALE (Automatic Link Establishment). It is amazing how
> well ALE works for starting QSOs and catching band openings, even with
> the low power of the FT-817.
>
> You can download the PCALE software and find more info at:
> http://hflink.com
>
> Bonnie KQ6XA

There is a fuse though - F1001 on the circuit diagram (for the 817NB
at least) 3.15A. I assume this would be related to charging of the
batt pack but if it's blown then no power will get from the battery
pack to the transceiver anyway.

Pete, Brighton UK

--- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, Nigel KC8NHF/G8IFF <nigel@n...> wrote:
> There isn't a polarity protection diode, at least not across the
supply.
>
> ajsmith2000 wrote:
>
> >Hi All,
> >
> >Bought an FT 817, and although it works ok on the external 12v
feed I
> >have a problem with installing batteries in it. There seems to be
a
> >short circuit when I install a set of batteries. I believe that
there
> >might be a polarity protection diode blown?.
> >Is this a difficult job to replace or repair. Can I do it myself
or
> >how much should it cost to have it repaired in a radio shop. Is
the
> >diode easy to locate?
> >
> >Thanks in advance for any info,
> >
> >
> >
>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
>
> Nigel A. Gunn. 59 Beadlemead, Milton Keynes, MK6 4HF, England.
> Tel +44 (0)1908 604004
> e-mail nigel@n... or  nigel@n...
> www    http://www.ngunn.net  or  http://www.ngunn.demon.co.uk
> Amateur radio stations  G8IFF, KC8NHF
> Member of  AMSAT-UK #182, ARRL, GQRP Club, QRPARCI, SOC #548
RAYNET
>            Flying Pig #385, Dayton ARA #2128, AMSAT-NA  LM-1691,
>
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><
>

I second that.  Im a Mac user as well.  Would love to find Ham related
software for the 817 as well as the 897.

Dan
KD5SOM












On Jul 29, 2005, at 12:12 AM, Swiger, Jeffrey M. wrote:

> Bonnie, There a MAC Version?.....
> Bill (WD8ARZ) has been trying to get me into this, but Never sure
> about MAC's?...
> I Have ONE PC left here, but not sure I can get the DUST off it..
> Jeff-N8NOE
>
>
>
>
> --- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "expeditionradio" <expeditionradio@y...>
> wrote:
>> There have been several FT-817 operators successfully using the PCALE
>> software to run ALE (Automatic Link Establishment). It is amazing how
>> well ALE works for starting QSOs and catching band openings, even with
>> the low power of the FT-817.
>>
>> You can download the PCALE software and find more info at:
>> http://hflink.com
>>
>> Bonnie KQ6XA
>
>
>
>
> and for a great FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions ) see
> http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FT817/database
> Some really good technical info at:
> http://www.ussc.com/~turner/ft817pg.shtml
> Please note that your messages and files sent to this group may appear
> anywhere on the Internet or in print without notice or compensation.
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

I used covered (insulated) ladder line having open windows.  You can
use open 450-Ohm ladder line if you want, but you have to account
for the differences in velocity factor when you determine the
feedline length.
73,
Barry W4WB

--- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "Dick Thompson" <wb0dul@a...> wrote:
> Is the feedline the open wire ladder line or the covered type?
Does it
> make any difference?
>
> Dick
> WB0DUL
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: FT817@yahoogroups.com [mailto:FT817@yahoogroups.com] On
Behalf Of
> w4wb
> Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 10:01 AM
> To: FT817@yahoogroups.com
> Subject: [FT817] Re: Connecting doublet to Elecraft T1 -
alternative
>
>
> Hi Dick,
>
> It really is that simple, and you got the dimensions correct. In
the
> article, he used 41' for the feedline and his SWR wasn't quite as
> good on 40 m as mine with a 38' feedline.  Likely, the difference
in
> lenght is due to the velocity factor of his feed line was around
> 0.85 while what I used is 0.91 (from the Wireman).
>
> For the testing, I used the LDG 1:1 balun.  On the DXpedition, he
> will use a 1:1 balun from DX Engineering because he will be
running
> high power.  The LDG unit is limited to 250-300 W.
>
> Also, I suggest that anyone planning to build this antenna start
> with the feedline maybe 43 feet long,  ...   Point is to trim
> the feedline on the first cut less than what is needed to bring
the
> resonate freq up to the desired value.  Using basic principles,
the
> second cut will get you on the mark.
>
> Have fun and 73,
> Barry W4WB
>
>
>
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "jhm_2" <john.man@m...> wrote:
> > It's hard to create an effective RF ground in an upstairs room
> > anyway.
>
> As far as my limited understanding/experience goes, I understand that
> a RF ground will be required if the antenna is not balanced (or, even
> if it is meant to be balanced, it becomes unbalanced as a result of
> external influences).
>
> Given that, does anyone have any opinions about the MFJ-931 articial
> ground unit ?  Can I use it to create an effective RF ground in an
> upstairs room ?
>
> Ten-Tec also sell their 1251 compact RF ground counterpoise which I
> assume does pretty much the same thing.  It's shame that Ten-Tec or
> somebody else doesn't sell a built unit (as my construction skills
> are not very good due to poor eyesight etc) - I read that the MFJ
> unit, like MFJ's manual ATUs, suffers from "hand capacitance".
>
> Any advice offered would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.
>
> Kind regards
> John, G0NSI


I have never, ever used a shack RF ground, not when using balanced
antennas like dipoles or loops, nor when using co-ax fed verticals
with their own ground planes. I have never experienced problems with
RF in the shack.

The problem with artificial grounds is that they have to be tuned for
maximum current, and the question is whether a QRP radio driving an
antenna that is more or less balanced would generate enough current to
register on the meter and allow it to be tuned.

The other, general question about artificial grounds is that, as far
as I can see, they are just tunable counterpoises. Where does the RF
go? It isn't absorbed as heat, so presumably it must be radiated?

Julian, G4ILO

John, G0NSI asked

>... does anyone have any opinions about the MFJ-931 articial ground unit ?  Can
I use it to create an effective RF ground in an upstairs room ?
>
>

Grounding/earthing is merely finding (or making) places into which
current may be dumped without harmful effect.  An effective RF ground
would not only provide a low impedance at the frequency of interest, but
also avoid undesirable effects. What an "artificial ground" does is to
maximize the current in whatever wire you've connected to it, grounded
or not, but often, increased RF on that wire may couple into nearby
wiring or consumer electronics.  In these cases it is necessary to
rearrange the "ground" wire or counterpoise(s) to minimize undesired
coupling. If this can be done, an artificial ground may work well for
you.  It may be less trouble to eliminate sources of common-mode current.

That's my ha'penny's worth, anyway!

Cheers,

Cortland
KA5S

Hi,

I was also a member of the "Blown Finals Club". Got a new version
board at Yaesu UK (excellent service). Replacement was easy, but a
little skill in soldering SMD boards is needed.

Want to thank Phil Ridgeon for the excelent documentation "FT817
Faulty Power Output FET Diagnosis and Repair".

Many thanks to all the group for lots of information gathered through
the postings.

Just for curiosity, I posted 2 photos showing some differences between
the older and newer version of the FT817 finals board. See "Finals
Board Comparison" album.

73 and happy QRPing.
Edgar - PY2FXE

Thanks.  BTW, I got my OTT-817 yesterday.  Took 2 days to get here.
Tell Ralph I said thanks.

Dick
WB0DUL



-----Original Message-----
From: FT817@yahoogroups.com [mailto:FT817@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of
w4wb
Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 12:42 AM
To: FT817@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [FT817] Re: Connecting doublet to Elecraft T1 - alternative


I used covered (insulated) ladder line having open windows.  You can
use open 450-Ohm ladder line if you want, but you have to account
for the differences in velocity factor when you determine the
feedline length.
73,
Barry W4WB





[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

--- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, Bill N <bnix66@y...> wrote:
> Looking for a short 40M dipole for my attic. Attic is
> about 33 long...thanks
>
I have a portable multi-band dipole on my web page (www.ad5x.com) that
is just a 20-meter dipole with switches to disconnect sections for
higher bands.  For 30 and 40 meter operation, I use loading coils
across the inner 10-meter switch.  Check it out - the antenna is only
about 32 feet long and will give you 40 meters.

Phil - AD5X

--- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "GENE  MCPHEE" <GMCPHEE@N...> wrote:
> thanks everyone for the info concerning anderson power poles. it
seems i just need to get my hands on them to figure them out.
> gene,n3xus
>
Harbot Freight has their 36411 crimper on sale for $2.99.  This works
very well for crimping Anderson contacts.

Phil - AD5X

--- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "bvancon" <bertrand_vancon@a...> wrote:
> Hi, I purchased a second hand FT817 (manufactured in Sept
2001)which
> appears to work fine on all bands, checked at 5W ouput power all
> HF/VHF/UHF on external power supply 13.5V on a 50 ohms dummy load.
In
> this configuration displayed voltage on FT817 goes from 13.5V RX
> down to 12.5 in TX full power. For portable I'm using 2500mA NiMh
> batteries that once fully charged show roughly a 10.8 V value in RX
> on the internal FT817 voltage display. In TX mode however and even
> with
> power set to half (two bars) voltage drops down to approx 9V and
even
> down to 8.5 sometimes, within the very first key-down on Transmit.
I
> personaly find that drop a bit high and wish to check if other
users
> see similar values. Are the internal wires too thin to handle TX
> current properly ? Or is this drop swallowed by internal regulation
?
> Thanks
I built an external 10-cell AA NiMH pack using a 10-cell AA holder
(bought from Mouser Electronics).  I found that at 2-amps of current
drain, the voltage dropped 1.5 volts.  I measured the voltage drop
from battery terminal-to-battery terminal and found over 0.1 volts
drop at each battery.  So this includes contact resistance and the
drop across the spring and battery pack wire between each contact.
The FT-817 seems to have very small wires on the battery pack, plus
tiny wires going into the radio.  I never measured this on my FT-817
(don't have it anymore), but I would suspect you have at least the
same voltage drops - or higher.  I compared this to an external pack
with welded tabs and saw only about 0.2-0.3 volts drop at the output
of the pack, compared to the 1.5V drop on the pack in the AA holder.

Phil - AD5X

Anyone have or know of where I can download the service manual?  I
have one but am in need of about 8 pages being reprinted.

Thanks,
Denis
KC8VNR

Which tri-band antenna do you use on your radio ? I have seen alot of
posts about the stock antenna being bad or it needs a counter poise,
if you use a conter poise where do you connect it to the radio and
how
long is it, also what do you use.  My FT817 should be here next week
so trying to get as much info as possible.  I also see alot of you do
not trust the radios SWR meter, if your limited on space what do you
do
use ? I have a MFJ Analyzer but is not something I what to take out
into the field.



James
NO8RF

I'm new to this group and to QRP operations as well, I have looked
over most of the posts for the past few days and notice that alot of
you complain about the FT817, in short the antenna connection on the
front, or blown finals , if these are such hot items why has yaesu not
addressed the problems and why are you blowing finals ? With the
antenna problem I have found that a alot of posts advise to use a
counterpoise, at what point do you connect it to the radio and how
long is it, also what are you using ? I've seen some say just ground
it to the rear of the radio while other state ground to the base of
the BNC connector, if your using an aftermarket antenna what are you
using for that as well.  My 817 should be here in a few days and I'm
trying to get as much info on it as I can.


James
NO8RF

--- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "James A. Pratt Jr" <no8rf@c...> wrote:
My 817 should be here in a few days and I'm
> trying to get as much info on it as I can.

I'd suggest going to the FILES area, and reading the FAQ that W4WB
assembled, study the FT-817D manual, also available here in PDF form.
  And go back and read the posts on this group.  You've got access to
the experience of thousands of owners with thousands of hours of use.

And stop worrying so much!  Many users have enjoyed years of service
from their 817s without a moment of trouble.  If you subscribe to
Yahoo groups for ALL the major, popular rigs, you will find the same
kinds of issues.  There IS no bulletproof modern rig.

Howard
K6FYY

I don't know about the bullet proof comment I think
the 897 is pretty close ;)

Frank N6AQ
http://www.n6aq.com/index.php

--- themarguli <reallynoreally@...> wrote:

> --- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "James A. Pratt Jr"
> <no8rf@c...> wrote:
> My 817 should be here in a few days and I'm
> > trying to get as much info on it as I can.
>
> I'd suggest going to the FILES area, and reading the
> FAQ that W4WB
> assembled, study the FT-817D manual, also available
> here in PDF form.
>  And go back and read the posts on this group.
> You've got access to
> the experience of thousands of owners with thousands
> of hours of use.
>
> And stop worrying so much!  Many users have enjoyed
> years of service
> from their 817s without a moment of trouble.  If you
> subscribe to
> Yahoo groups for ALL the major, popular rigs, you
> will find the same
> kinds of issues.  There IS no bulletproof modern
> rig.
>
> Howard
> K6FYY
>
>
>
>


Frank N6AQhttp://www.n6aq.com/index.php



____________________________________________________
Start your day with Yahoo! - make it your home page
http://www.yahoo.com/r/hs

Some very good ideas on your page thankyou for sharing them with the group.
   ----- Original Message -----
   From: Phil Salas
   To: FT817@yahoogroups.com
   Sent: Friday, July 29, 2005 6:26 PM
   Subject: [FT817] Re: short 40m Dipole


   --- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, Bill N <bnix66@y...> wrote:
   > Looking for a short 40M dipole for my attic. Attic is
   > about 33 long...thanks
   >
   I have a portable multi-band dipole on my web page (www.ad5x.com) that
   is just a 20-meter dipole with switches to disconnect sections for
   higher bands.  For 30 and 40 meter operation, I use loading coils
   across the inner 10-meter switch.  Check it out - the antenna is only
   about 32 feet long and will give you 40 meters.

   Phil - AD5X







   and for a great FAQ ( Frequently Asked Questions ) see
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FT817/database
   Some really good technical info at: http://www.ussc.com/~turner/ft817pg.shtml
   Please note that your messages and files sent to this group may appear
anywhere on the Internet or in print without notice or compensation.






------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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     b..  To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
      FT817-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

     c..  Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------




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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Does anyone know if there is a mod to add 90m or atleast 3345Mhz to the
817.
The reason I ask it that this is the Mountain Radio emergency frequency
in New Zealand and it would be nice to have it on the set.
Regards,
John ZL2TTM

Hi James,

I've had my FT-817 for three years and I, like many, many other
satisfied owners, have not had any trouble with this great little
radio.  As with any transceiver, treat it well and it'll serve you
well for a long time to come.

I don't know how many 817s have been sold worldwide but I know it is
one of the best selling (if not the best selling??) amateur radios of
all time.  Together with the Elecraft K1, the FT-817 forms the
backbone of my shack and I wouldn't be without either of them. If my
817 went to the great shack in the sky today I would order another
tomorrow.

73,

Rick M1RAL
G-QRP No: 11229
Elecraft K1 No: 1872
http://www.m1ral.co.uk


--- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "James A. Pratt Jr" <no8rf@c...> wrote:
> I'm new to this group and to QRP operations as well, I have looked
> over most of the posts for the past few days and notice that alot
of
> you complain about the FT817, in short the antenna connection on
the
> front, or blown finals , if these are such hot items why has yaesu
not
> addressed the problems and why are you blowing finals ? With the
> antenna problem I have found that a alot of posts advise to use a
> counterpoise, at what point do you connect it to the radio and how
> long is it, also what are you using ? I've seen some say just
ground
> it to the rear of the radio while other state ground to the base of
> the BNC connector, if your using an aftermarket antenna what are
you
> using for that as well.  My 817 should be here in a few days and
I'm
> trying to get as much info on it as I can.
>
>
> James
> NO8RF

Folks I know this has been asked before but I have yet to see a clear
answer.

Given different usage patterns what sort of battery life can be expected for
the FT-817?

I wish to take the 817 with me on a up-coming mountain trip and want to
reduce weight to a minimum. The radio pack will be carried by an 8 year old
(with a bit of help) so weight is very important (and yes he is a licensed
radio operator. The trip is 4 days and I want to use HF frequencies on phone
only via a Buddipole; operation will be early evening and late morning.

The 817 has a internal battery pack (W4RT OPP) and I would be happy to carry
and external small battery.

So ideas and suggestions on power for the above invited.

73

--
George Shaw MI3GTO / 2I0GTO

" Any Sufficiently Advanced Technology
is Indistinguishable from Magic"
                           ---Arthur C. Clarke

Mobile: +44 (0) 7740 361 163
Primary Email: mi3gto@...
Secondary Email: george.shaw@...
Web: http://www.digipeater.net
EchoLink & eQSO connected 24/7
Monitoring: 7.087.50 LSB 14.342.5/18.157.5/144.200.0/144.300.00 USB 24/7

I have stopped crimping power poles and just solder them.
I find I can reuse them as needed and cant do that with crimping.
In addition, I find that even with the right crimper, it's easy to distort
the inserts enough to make insertion difficult.

Best wishes to all,
Jeff Montgomery
WB4WXD


> >
> Harbot Freight has their 36411 crimper on sale for $2.99.  This works
> very well for crimping Anderson contacts.
>
> Phil - AD5X
>

--- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "George Shaw" <mi3gto@d...> wrote:
> Folks I know this has been asked before but I have yet to see a clear
> answer.
>
> Given different usage patterns what sort of battery life can be
expected for
> the FT-817?
>

From the FT-817 page on my website:
http://www.tech-pro.net/g4ilo/ft817.html, the FT-817 draws about 400mA
on receive. On the original battery pack this would give about 2 1/2
hours of use on receive only. Less, obviously, if you do any
transmitting when the current draw can be more than an amp.

I'm not sure what the capacity of the battery pack in the newer ND
models are, but I doubt if it is enough for a 4 day trip. Probably
your best bet is to buy a small 12V 7Ah gel cell from Maplin as a
backup. They also sell chargers for these small SLA batteries.

Julian, G4ILO
G4ILO's Shack: http://www.tech-pro.net/g4ilo

Ditto! I have never crimped them, finding them a bit too costly & scarce
to consider them disposable. Besides,
plans and designs change over time. Crimping is fine in the field;
soldering is no problem in the lab.
Arthur VE3ZV

jeff montgomery wrote:

    I have stopped crimping power poles and just solder them.
   I find I can reuse them as needed and cant do that with crimping.

Hi John  the 817 well work on  mountain radio. you just have to do the out
of band mod to it . I have my one working on the South Island Frequency
3261Mhz hope this helps
   James ZL3FV


At 02:44 PM 7/31/2005, you wrote:
>Does anyone know if there is a mod to add 90m or atleast 3345Mhz to the
>817.
>The reason I ask it that this is the Mountain Radio emergency frequency
>in New Zealand and it would be nice to have it on the set.
>Regards,
>John ZL2TTM
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>----------

I order some DC cables from my YAESU dealer, but they don´t fit in
my
four years FT-817! The orginal DC cable have no plastic ring in the
tip of the connector, but the new one have a ring. No electric
connection to the rig. Have YAESU change the Plug in the rig in later
series?
Have anyone idea how to solve it?

73 de SM6CBQ

Check your RADIO to see it the "plastic ring" has come off your OLD cable,
and is stuck in the radios connector. This will cause a GOOD connector to fail
to contact, but the damaged, OLD one will work.----Use a sharp object, such
as a  needle, to remove the plastic ring from the radio.  opefully this will
fix  the problem.--73, KC3VO-Bob


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I had a similar experiance, fortunately after many emails and phone calls, I was
able to find an extremely helpful person who kept me informed.

What really upset me though, was that I authorised a debit to my credit card,
and the took substantially more, and have since not responded, leaving me with
no option but to lodge a complaint with the card company.

Not at all what one would expect from a large and supposedly reputable company
(they claim to be the main amateur radio magazine there) in a place that people
usually associate with efficiency.

Pity, as the product is supposed to be good.


Steve
G3EJS







Quoting Björn Mohr <bm@...>:

>
>
>
>
> Sergio,
>
>
>
> It took some time for me to receive my DYC-817 too!
>
>
>
> I couldn't wait, so I ordered the OBP. Received and installed in less than a
>
> week - has been working fine since that. The order from Box 73 eventually
>
> showed up and the DYC-817 is still in its box...
>
>
>
>
>
> 73 de Björn /SM0MDG
>
>
>
>
>
> > -----Ursprungligt meddelande-----
>
> > Från: FT817@yahoogroups.com [mailto:FT817@yahoogroups.com] För Hal
>
> > Skickat: den 30 juni 2005 02:11
>
> > Till: FT817@yahoogroups.com
>
> > Ämne: [FT817] Re: DYC-817 Speech Compressor - Made payment
>
> > never received :(
>
> >
>
> >
>
> > Sergio,
>
> >  I ordered my DYC-817 a few weeks before Christmas last year
>
> > (2004) and I just received it June 27 2005. I recieved no
>
> > replies to any emails about my order. After trying to contact
>
> > them many times I just gave up. But here it is Six months
>
> > later and it shows up. I'm very upset with them for taking so
>
> > long to ship it and not replying to any emails.
>
> >
>
> > Hal
>
> > ACØAX