WorldwideDX Amateur Radio Forums

W1MSG · #1 07-27-2010, 03:34 PM

Well I guess I will be pulling the trigger on a new radio on Tuesday, gonna drive up to HRO in Salem and see what I come home with.

I am thinking the FT-857D and the AT-30 Tuner, should be able to do both for just under 1k ..

Any recommendations are welcome as I havent committed as of yet, I was looking at the review on the FT-897 and if I did that I would have to wait on the tuner a bit longer. I have a G5VR Jr antenna for 10 to 40 meter, still havent taken the General test yet and I don't plan on doing CW, I have tried to learn it but my head has been rattled by too many IED's and I just cant seem to get it.

So Fire away with the suggestions, remember I am a poor soldier boy...

doctor · #2 07-27-2010, 03:40 PM

I have a ft857d for 3 years now...super all bands and no trouble with it. Since you are using a computer<obvious>, if you get it and want to work digital modes,,go to ebay and look up ft857d cable or digital, a chap in England sells the cable which plugs into the data connection and run it to your pc...turn off alc in your ft857d, and use fldigi <free> and work digital modes....if you get a ft857d let me know and I will send you my settings for digital work...

DOCTOR/795

http://cgi.ebay.com/PSK31-Interface-...item563750014e

Qwazyone · #3 07-27-2010, 03:45 PM

All I have to say is, if you get the 857D, buy the RT Systems cable and programming software, it will work with Ham Radio Deluxe(the cable) and it makes programming freqs a lot easier. The 857 is a compact mobile all mode rig, with all the menu driven stuff the HRD software makes it a lot better to use as a base radio. Good luck on the General test.

Captain Kilowatt · #4 07-27-2010, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwazyone

All I have to say is, if you get the 857D, buy the RT Systems cable and programming software, it will work with Ham Radio Deluxe(the cable) and it makes programming freqs a lot easier. The 857 is a compact mobile all mode rig, with all the menu driven stuff the HRD software makes it a lot better to use as a base radio. Good luck on the General test.

I'll second that for the RT Systems software. I have the FT-857 and would not be without it for programming.

N3KDJ · #5 07-27-2010, 06:06 PM

Craig- base op or mobile? I have the FT-897D here as a base HF rig and love it.
The 857 I could see for mobile, but the controls are too cramped for me. unless I really had to save the space.

For an antenna tuner I really recommend the LDG AT line of auto-tuners...super fast- 3,000 memories. I have the AT-200Pro here and love that also.

Agree on get the ADMS SW, same as RT Systems and cable. Also suggest a Rigblaster PNP interface for audio to do PSK when you upgrade. West Mountain Radio is here in Norwalk CT and I can hook you up on that.

0x33f · #6 07-27-2010, 06:14 PM

+1 on the LDG tuner and RT software.
I love my 897 and if you can live with the smaller face of the 857 then go with it

N3KDJ · #7 07-27-2010, 06:18 PM

I am sure you read Moleculo's review:

http://www.worldwidedx.com/hf-bands-...7d-review.html

and the eham reviews:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/2432

the brochure:
Welcome to Yaesu.com

the 857 brochure:
Welcome to Yaesu.com

Good luck and keep us posted.

W1MSG · #8 07-28-2010, 10:36 AM

Ok well did all my homework and the verdict is in FT-857D and the LDG YT-100 Tuner, gonna drive up to Salem on Tuesday morning to pick it up. I will have my antenna installed this weekend so all I will have to do is plug and play when I get home. Looks like it will be VHF/UHF 6M and 10M till I can get off my dead butt and take the General Exam.
HRO gave me a decent price, $928.95 with the free seperation kit.
I also ordered the RT System software & Cable and I have been using the HRD software so it will be cool to finally have a radio to interface with HRD.

Craig

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Pullin the Trigger on Tuesday