FT-847 or FT-897D?

[n1tyh]

Hi all,

I’m not looking to start a heated discussion amongst Yeasu owners. Instead, I’m looking to see if anyone has used both the FT-847 and the FT-897D, and wouldn’t mind sharing their experiences. I’m a current Yaesu owner (FT-530 HT and the FT-8500 dual band mobile). I’m studying for my Morse code exam and would like to buy a Yaesu HF rig that also includes VHF/UHF in a base station.

Both the FT-847 and FT-897D seem to be very nice radios. In addition to the emergency communication nets, I was hoping to use the radio for contesting and listening to Morse code for on air practice.

I like the idea that the FT-897D would be a neat radio for taking out to the park, on vacations, or to the top of the local mountains here in New England. However, it seems as though the FT-847 may be easier to use and has less menus. Also the FT-847 could be used for satellites (something that I’m not into at the moment, mainly because I haven’t had a radio to work the birds).

Are there any positive thoughts from folks?

73,
Steve (N1TYH)

[mi0wwz]

i have operated both radio's and without any doubt i preferred the ft 847 not that it is any easier to use i preferred it over the ft-897d

[sv1eex]

I second that!
847 is superb in sat work also and prefer it for home use.

I'd stick to the 897d only if I choose some field work with HF.

Both rigs are great anyway....

[KD5LWU]

Both are excellent units a lot of Backpackers use the 847D you can't go wrong with Yaesu 73 Johnny KD5LWU

[m1fet]

The Ft 897 suffers from the same problem as an Ft 857 in that you need a good supply of boxes to continually return it to yaesu to have the p.a. fets replaced. I have suffered 3 failures on my unit and having had the last repair done 6 months ago am on now on my 4th failure of the p.a. At £60.00 ish, at a time I think I will forget about another repair.

Do not operate t an FT 897 or FT857 with an ATAS 120 ---absolute expensive disaster.