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FEATURES

Improved visibility with retro display for the FT-817

By Denis, G8BZY

I have owned a Yaesu FT-817 radio for a while, using it only as a test signal/receiver for my radio construction projects. However due to my failing eyesight I found it virtually impossible to use, as the LCD display is small and dark. To someone else it may be adequate, but it was impossible for me to use.

 

I then saw an advert or article suggesting a retro-fitted display, which is directly plugged into the FT-817 CAT socket. Without a second thought I searched Ebay and found the item – External Cat Display 12864 LCD for YAESU FT-817 FT-818 FT-857 FT-897 818ND 857D for £65. I suggest you look up the spec if interested.

FT-817 retro fit

The display is powered from the FT-817 via the CAT cable supplied, it was then just necessary to fit it into some sort of case and attach it to the radio. As I still have stock of styrene sheet, although dwindling, I made a case in about five hours, with most of the time waiting for the plastic to weld properly using a reagent liquid. As can be seen from the photo, its not pretty, but functional.

 

The module is supplied with the CAT cable and has clear Perspex / acrylic sheet to protect the screen and rear pcb. The module has three sockets on the left side and a miniature slide switch 'power' on top and four mini switches on the right. Each has a function covered by the user manual. As I was covering the power switch I added a slide switch in parallel on to the case top and a round hole 10mm diameter on the side for the CAT plug.

           

The slide switch fixes the PCB at the top and a M3 screw holds the pcb at the bottom. I purchased two Mini Din 8 pin plugs to make a very shortened CAT lead, but the geometries to solder such was too much for me, and I abandoned it. Nothing more to add except to say, if you have a FT817  or similar you could do a lot worse, and it brings mine into use.

 We asked:
What's the best rig you've ever had?

'I like it so much that I have now added a second one'

Robin, G1MHU

Robin Moseley

G1MHU

ICOM IC-7610

The IC-7610 set up of Robin Moseley

I purchased the IC-7610 nearly  4 years ago, I decided to upgrade from  the IC-7300 that I owned  because it had better support for transverters. I approached ICOM UK to see if I could loan one? They loaned me one for three months. At the hamfest where I purchased it, I had the choice of the following:

  • Flex 6400M: Discounted because of the issues with firmware lockups and Brexit. Service is not UK based.    

  • TS-890S: Discounted mainly because of its size, it really does not fit in my shack. 

  • Yaesu FTDX101: Discounted after playing with one for 20 minutes in the Cambridge Repeater Groups van. I just did not like the economics and the menus. 

All four were around the same price at £3K. The extra two-year warranty – one year from Icom UK, and one from Lam – and the free extension speaker was a sweetener on the deal. No regrets, I like it so much that I have now added a second one to my shack that I use with a 70cm transverter and as a second HF receiver.

'If it broke beyond repair, I’d replace it with the same'

David Simmon's favourite rig, the FT 3000

David Simmons

M0RIU

Yaesu FT-3000

The best rig I ever had was – and still is – my current one, a Yaesu FT DX 3000. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of HF operating. Paired with an SDR on the RX out gives it a second receiver and makes it fantastic for contesting. USB connectivity is another plus, not only for the sound, but also rig control. If it broke beyond repair, I’d replace it with the same.

'A brilliant HF performer for portable operation'

Richard Blandford M0RBG

Richard Blandford

M0RBG

Kenwood TS-480SAT

Whilst this radio might be getting on in years, it is still a brilliant HF performer for portable operation. I have the display mounted on the back of the front seat headrest with the radio in the boot, mounted on a battery box. Fitted with the additional voice recorder and CW filter, it is simple to operate as it has all the main controls on the front panel. So no delving into menus to change bands or modes. 

A Kenwood TS-590 transceiver
An amateur radio transceiver

Denby Dale Amateur Radio Club was founded 50 years ago. We run a daily net from 9.30am on 145.575 MHz. Our Sunday net is at 10.30am on repeater GB3HD, 433.225MHz. We compete in contests, arrange special events and can offer help with training for the amateur radio licence. Our shack is at Field Lane, Farnley Tyas, Huddersfield, West Yorkshire HD4 6BS.

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