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FT817 replacement?
21 March 2015 | by I have mentioned this before, but I am truly amazed that Yaesu has not updated the FT817. OK, I have heard the “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” argument but on simple commercial arguments I think they must be stupid. There is a worldwide market (500000?) ready to upgrade yet I think they have now missed the window of opportunity as sunspot numbers are falling.
I wonder if any sharp eyed, sharp eared readers have heard any rumours of an imminent replacement?
10 Responses to “FT817 replacement?”
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I would certainly welcome an ‘upgraded’ FT 817! The old version has a terrible receiver. That, among other ‘built in pitfalls’ like the ‘one knob that does it all’ that wears out from the continuous twisting, would be a welcomed sight in my ‘rear view’ mirror.
Its a mighty cute radio. I love its size, and ability, but could not live with the noisy receiver. I hated the receiver so much that I ‘gave away this rig for free’ because I feared troubling my conscience with passing it on to another for $$$.
There is no doubt that this is a very popular radio and would buy an upgraded one, ‘IF’ it were truly ‘UPGRADED’!
Thanks for the post. I want to buy a FT-817 for satellite work….will probably purchase in July. I have some fear that 3 months after I buy the FT-817,they’ll come out with an improved model…..HI Harry K4BAD
There is always something better “just around the corner.” We just never get to the corner. LOL
Hello All
I had an FT-817nd and used it until it wore out and the cost of fixing
it became to high and I loved every minute of the time I used it. Yes I agree the receiver was a little noisy and the one knob does all took a little getting use to but overall it was a great radio. I used an external DSP speaker with it ant all was good on the receive side most of the time.
I wish I had anther one and if anyone is giving one away I could go back to front porch operating again this spring. Hint, Hint, Hint……….
I hope you’ll get your wish for a new, better and improver FT-817nd.
Happy front porch QRP to all.
Phil N4LNE
That is “and” not “ant” although a few ants did ride along every so often.
Phil N4LNE
I have already 10 years a FT-817, and still works great.
Of course there are better receivers, but who knows comes Yaesu sometimes with a update! FT-917?
73 Fred PA1FJ
President Benelux QRP Club
Yaesu says the replacement Ft 817 comes to Hamvention 2016.
Well it’s been a year since the big scare and all the ft 817’s went off the shelf because they lost their knob supplier. No one could buy one anywhere and those that had them doubled the price of them over night due to hysteria. Evey-one saying, this is it, they are going to upgrade to a new model. Everyone saying the ft 891 is going to be it. That turned out not to be true. Right now every one I have checked with has them in stock with no end in sight and still selling like hot cakes. Why would Yaesu quit making it? I see no evidence that they ever wanted to. It will do everything. And it is still the only rig on the market that is a true all band, all mode, DEDICATED QRP rig. I have had one for 8 years, no filter, and have rag chews and DX contacts every day on it. I also have two new ones in the chamber ready to go. I love those little rigs I hope they make them for another 16years.
Well it has been another year almost to the day and the 817 is still being sold and right now everyone has them in stock and ready to ship. Since my last post a year ago I have since bought another one and am now using my second FT 817 and still have two more in the magazine waiting for orders. The first one is still working fine and is in reserve. Once again I will say that the FT 817 is STILL the only Dedicated full featured and all band all mode QRP rig on the market and I still can’s see Yaesu replacing this reg in the near or far future. What can I say I love the radio and hope they keep making it.
Well folks it looks like I have been proven wrong. There is indeed a replacement due to come out next month. The FT 818. While it will do 6 watts and have a better battery and the TCXO which was an option as well as a few upgraded parts, I am happy to report it is going to be the same, the SAAAAAAME radio. Yes the Yaesu FT 81- series will continue far in to the future. Un- fortunately the 6 watt increase may invalidate it for contest work in the qrp category but that has no significance to me. Sorry for those who wanted more upgrades they thought were needed but all that stuff would cause a complete re design. Like I said before, I love the radio and they going to still keep making it. G3XBM, I hope you are not to disappointed.