857D: reliable kit?

I have my eyes on a 857D + LDG 100 Pro tuner combo as a first HF kit. Problem is I don't know if its a solid radio. I usually consult eHam before making a purchase. The reviews are mixed but the review category there is for all flavors of 857 so in my eyes, I can't come to a conclusive opinion on the radio. What do you all say? On one hand, it would seem to be a good fit, as I am a casual ham at best and have a strong interest in portable e-comms. OTOH if I decide to throw down, it would be the largest one time radio investment I've made to date. The price of the combo, LN according to the seller, is slightly less than the radio itself at retail, which is a bonus. But it would mean putting off some other preps for the time being and I want to be sure I'm making a good investment if I do that. What does the hive say? I've got guns, beans, and bandaids plenty for any realistic scenario. Gennys and AGM batteries. VHF/UHF mobile and base stations. I don't have base SWR or HF gear if that helps. Thanks.

Disclosure: I do have a IC-718 put up but I intended it from the beginning as a b/u rig and only bought it because the price was very attractive. I want something else as a main radio. Should I just stick with that instead?

My station is very similar to what you are thinking about. I have the 857D and the YT-100 auto tuner. Both are excellent pieces of equipment. The Yaesu's menu system in not the most
user friendly, but I've found that once you set it up to your liking, you won't be making that many changes. Using the tuner is simplicity in it self, all you have to do is push one button and
the tuner does everything else. On the Digital net last night I could hear every station that checked in with my random wire antenna and some of them reported that I had a booming signal!

I think that it's an excellent rig for the cost-conscious beginner and when you upgrade to a better desktop rig for your station you will already have a HF mobile rig for your car or truck.

As to the IC-718, that is an excellent rig as well. I haven't used one that much, so I can't really comment on it. However, those here on Arfcom who have the 718 really seem to like it.


Vulcan94

The 857D occupies a space in my one radio shack... I'm constantly pleasantly surprised by this little radio... I would buy it again...

For "bug out" I chose to use the 2m rig already mounted in my vehicle for that purpose. And for longer range, my 718 in a Pelican case. I have an HF 75-6 m (the 718 does not cover 6m, but the antenna will) antenna that is quickly deployable and with 50-100 w SSB is capable of coast to coast coverage. I can draw power from an a/c source, or from the vehicle via Powerpole connection I put under the dash. I can also connect directly to a car, boat, or even lawn tractor battery via a Powerpole to alligator clips if necessary.

The 857 and 897 will both do fine for you, but lack the simplicity of a rig that almost anyone can work (718) with ease, and without, in most cases, reference to a manual.

I just sold my newly acquired FT-817ND on ebay.

I love my 2m mobiles... I have two FT-1900 and one ft-2900. I have a couple wouxun dual band HTs so I am not new comer to complex menus. The FT-817ND IMO was super menu driven. Twice as complex as my wouxun HTs or other ft 2m mobile rigs. I really wanted to like it but just couldn't. Not for cost vs functionality. I operate a kenwood ts-440 on HF and nothing beats a rig with front end operating functions. From now on I plan to stay away from menu on menu driven HF rigs as I just could not get comfortable operating it. One menu deep is good but I hate multiple menus. I also found I like keeping HF separate from 2m/440. It just seems to work better. Maybe one would call me old school even though I just enrolled?

I haven't hooked it up yet, but I have an 857d also. It seemed the best mix for my needs.

I have it, and like it! I am trying as we speak to buy a ldg-100pro off a guy right now. The radio is solid, but a little bit of a learning curve for the menus.

Use the 718 as a base. Break it out and use it for now. Keep looking around for an 857 on QRZ,QTH e-ham and here on the EE. Craigs List is also a good option. The really good buys are gone quickly so look several times a day.

I've been running an FT-857D mobile for a while.

It's totally reliable, but I find it difficult to use while driving.

Since you already have the 817, you might want to consider getting something like the Tokyo HiPower HL-45b amplifier. 5 watts in for 45 watts out. You won't notice a huge difference between 45w and 100w and it's a lot cheaper than guying a whole new radio.

I have a 718 and a 857d, I got the 857d to put together as part of my emcomm kit and as a mobile. I have it setup in a metal case with a power pole panel, at-100pro2 tuner, and cigarette power plug. I really like the radio. but I don't like operating it as much with out it being hooked to my netbook. Don't get me wrong I love the 857, it does great with digital and voice modes. The menu options take a while to get used to.

Initially I wanted an IC-7000, but it draws more power on RX.

I have one base, one mobile. Muscle memory for the win.

They may not have the best receive, or the best filters, or be the best radio out there. But for the price, and the size, I feel it is adequate for it's intended purposes.

This.

I appreciate all the input fellas. As it turns out, the radio wasn't in LN condition upon inspection. I passed on it and so am in the market again for a main rig. For now I will put antenna, tuner, and other accessories to get the 718 ready to run. I have a PS and coax, so the antenna, tuner, and Rigblaster are priority. Yet, I'm still looking for a small form factor rig for mobile purposes. I missed a GOOD deal on a 480SAT from QRZ last night by a little over an hour. Will continue to haunt the FS forum there for another steal in the mean time.

Looking for an 857d myself.

Will prices dip around the Dayton Hamfest? Man last year or so these things were 650 brand new now they're 870 at HRO!!!! Pretty big price increase!! Once I see one dip to the 650 price range I'm going to snap it up I believe.

I'd suggest using the Icom and spending your money on an SG-230 antenna match and a SignLink instead.

ETA: Rigblasters are tEh sUxor...get a SignaLink.

Thanks for that advice. I didn't know.

Currently in discussions with a seller about a IC-7200. Waiting on pics.

ETA: Will I need a separate controller for digital modes if I score the 7200?

Just a USB cable.

Thanks BD.

Your definition of mixed must be more stringent than mine.
4.5 out of 5 (90%) seems pretty darn good to me.
The 718 gets 4.6.

I am sure the Tsunami disrupted the Japanese supply chain and Yaesu has to re-coup their costs and losses.

Cheap shit comes from China....not Japan. I don't think you are going to see $650 Yaesu FT-857's anytime soon.

I've had my 857D installed in the truck now for about a year and a half. In my opinion, this radio is GTG. Not only would I buy it again, I've considered picking up a second to take out into the field with a gel cell and a homebrew buddistick.

I'm now the owner of a new-to-me IC 7200. Thanks all for the guidance. Now onto the Element 3 exam before the taking the maiden voyage onto HF. Plan is to have it no later than field day. Hopefully I'm able to get on the air a little sooner than later.

Congrats on the new acquisition!



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You're gonna love the 7200. We have several in our deployment kits and I have had the opportunity to use them of late. Great radio. My only issue is they have no vhf.

Now get an SG-230 antenna match and a spool of wire and you'll be in dandy shape!

nvm...found the answer I sought in the Go Box thread.

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