December 2009 QST Product Review Preview

Review: Yaesu 897

My FT-897 (purchased second hand) arrived about two years ago but was only used on receive for the first few days while I got the hang of the menu system and sorted out a new power supply. Out of the box I have to say that the pictures don't do this radio justice. Granted it's what's on the inside that really matters but it doesn't hurt if a radio looks good on the desk. To that end the FT-897 is a good looking radio! In use I have found the menu system simple enough but if you're used to a m...

Review: Yaesu 817

FT-817 The Ultimate Backpacker! Multi-mode Portable Transceiver THIS IS A GREAT LITTLE QRP RADIO. Its built in keyer and all mode/all band operation make it quite suitable for field day, backpacking, camping and most outdoor operations.I have made contacts world wide on ssb-cw-psk 31-as well as my local repeaters. Don't expect everything from an inexpensive piece of equipment. After all, its still a QRP radio. So before going through buyer remorse, one should take a bit of time to compile a ...