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I own two of these radios, have for many years. In 35+ years as a licensed amateur, I've had the best high end rigs and I've had some not-so-nice rigs. I sold everything except the two FT-817nd rigs. They really are all that I need. While at home, One stays on HF while the other is on VHF & UHF. This allows me to monitor & talk on two bands simultaneously. I'm even thinking of adding a third. On HF at home, I use a good quality external 100w bandswitched amplifier if I need more power. Most of the time I don't need it though. Both radios have the optional 2.3k SSB filters installed. I also use a Timewave DSP-9+ for DSP. One of these radios has been with me everywhere over the years. From long (20+ mi.) wilderness hikes & mountain climbs to camping to a 7000+ mile cross-country road trip in 2012. Never once have these little wonders let me down, and I have made many, many contacts & good QSOs on all bands & modes. With the FT-817, I can listen to many other services besides amateur radio - VHF air traffic, FM broadcast, Shortwave, and even public service if I plug in a small receive converter (MFJ-313). And all in a box about the size of a thick paperback book. Some have complained about internal battery life. In my case, I bought & installed the Windcamp 2500mah LiPo batteries & associated charging doors on my 817s and have no problem with battery life. For long-range hikes I also carry one or two small external AA packs which have eight NiMh batteries each. For digital modes, I use simple transformer-isolated audio cables along with USB CAT cables. They work flawlessly. So to sum, what I have with my FT-817s is: All mode, all band amateur capability including HF/6m/2m/70cm in a station which performs very well and which I can use anywhere - at home, backpacking, camping, in motels, park tables, even pedestrian mobile. Despite the Elecraft KX-3, this radio is still in a class by itself.Read full review
The stand is well made, sturdy and looks great. It restores a collapsible bottom lift like the 817's big brothers like the 897 have which makes using the 817 much more enjoyable. Felt surface should hold the rig securely, will know more as I get more use out of it. Overall first impression is well worth every penny. One note: Since the supplier is not Stateside, check with your local Post Office to verify delivery. Mine was sitting in their holding bay for 3 weeks until I found out. Shipment was actually very quick especially for overseas transaction. I would purchase another of these stands if and when I get a second radio. As an added plus, the color scheme matches Yeasu's predominant colors, so the stand looks like it was provided by Yeasu. Five stars 73 Robertc7237
This is a beautiful hand made stand for the FT817nd series transceiver. Rugged well designed and built. I also use it for my keyer for an elevation I need when setting in my easy chair. I am very glad I mas this purchase. Glenn AK4HA
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Very, very happy with this radio. Great size and easy to customize. Battery drain is crummy --- I don't even bother trying to make use of internal battery --- but with a small 12 volt battery (even the tiny ones that are just a few amps), it works well. I also recommend this as a good radio for SWL (shortwave listening).
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
I got this so I can go places with it. Just now SDR is starting to get to the point of competing with the 817 but the 817 has been around a lot longer
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned