WA2IAC

My early Christmas present, a Yaesu FT-817, arrived December 5th. As advertised, it is an all-band, all-mode rig you can comfortably (?) carry around. However, with an output of 5 watts or less, HF operation is rather challenging, even with a full-sized antenna attached. I'm glad I have my Alinco DX-70 (more-or-less equivalent to FT-100 et al) for portable power in the 100W range. My biggest beef with the radio is that you can copy VFO B to VFO A, but not the other way. I've used the rig by now to work a contest (SSB on 10 meters) and QRP CW on 80, 40, and 20 meters. Plus, of course, VHF and UHF FM.

• Here's how it arrived.
• Compare size with a $20 bill
• Here it is assembled
• Here's how it was packaged

Stop back later as I expand this page to take over the world.

73's - Gregg