Any Rochester area members with ham radios?

[Ham_Chu]

Technician (no code) with a Yaetsu VX-3

(and no idea how to use it)

[Cgrutt]

You guys know anything about Yaesu FT-857D? Thinking about picking up another radio. Want something portable with broad range of bands and good power. Seems to fit the bill...

YAESU - FT-857D The FT-857D, the world's smallest HF/VHF/UHF mobile transceiver, provides base station-type performance from an ultra-compact package that's ideal for mobile or external battery portable work. Wide frequency coverage, outstanding receiver performance, and the convenience of optional remote-head operation make the FT-857D the expert's choice for high-performance mobile operation! The new FT-857D version includes coverage of the U.S. 60-meter (5 MHz) band, plus the previously-optional DSP circuitry, at no additional cost! Ultra Compact Design Measuring just 6.1” x 2” x 9.2”, the FT-857 is the world’s smallest HF/VHF/UHF up to 100W multimode transceiver! Its rugged case design is a masterpiece of ergonomic design, with often-used switches and knobs conveniently positioned for easy access. High-Performance Receiver Design Building on the acclaimed performance of the FT-1000D, Mark-V FT-1000MP, and FT-897, Yaesu’s engineers have crafted the FT-857’s front end for a very low noise floor, along with wide dynamic range. Utilizing an up-conversion architecture for HF with a first IF of 68.33 MHz, the FT-857 features a double-conversion superheterodyne system (triple conversion on FM), with the 2nd IF at 10.7 MHz. Extensive bandpass filtering in the front end, along with careful device selection and gain distribution, yield a receiver system ready for the strong-signal challenges of today’s crowded bands! Wide Frequency Coverage Providing transmitter coverage of the HF, 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz Amateur bands, the FT-857 also includes receive coverage on 100 kHz to 56 MHz, 76 to 108 MHz, 118-164 MHz, and 420-470 MHz. Enjoy the excitement of public safety monitoring, along with weather broadcasts, AM and FM broadcasts, aviation communications, as well as the action on the Ham bands! Versatile Memory System The FT-857 provides up to 200 “Main” memory channels, each of which may be named with an Alpha-Numeric label of up to eight characters. These 200 Memories may be separated into as many as 10 Memory Groups of 20 Memories each. For added convenience, you also get a “Quick Memory” and a “Home Channel” on each band, plus ten pairs of band-limit memories, to let you restrict operation to a sub-band, if you like. Digital Signal Processing (option) For superior interference rejection and transmitter “talk power,” the FT-857’s optional DSP circuitry enhances both sides of the communications circuit. The FT-857’s DSP Unit features a 24-bit high-tech D/A chip for signal processing. Included are Bandpass Filter, Auto-Notch, and Noise Reduction filters, along with a Microphone Equalizer. Big Radio Tuning Dial and Outstanding Ergonomics Ease of operation of the FT-857 is enhanced by the large-diameter (1.7”) Main Tuning Dial, similar in size to the tuning knob of many base station rigs. Selectable tuning steps of 2 kHz/4 kHz per revolution allow easy navigation around your favorite bands, while important keys and switches are strategically placed around the front panel for quick access.

[Ham_Chu]

based on the quality of my Yaesu VX-3 manual.....I hope you can find another source for technical information. I've actually been looking to get the ICOM version of this radio, due to the number of instructional videos etc.... If you have experience already, I'd bet it won't be a problem. I have never used it, and don't know why I would use/need each feature.

[Norm DeGuerre]

@CRG
You may purchase a "real" Manual here

https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/hamhf/1857.html

[Norm DeGuerre]

P.S.
I really prefer ICOM

[Cgrutt]

Thanks not a lot of experience. Thing I like about the Yaesu is it's small, 100w (most bands) and covers UHF, VHF and HF through 160m in one box. Also covers emergency, weather, AM/FM in receive only. Does ICOM offer something with similar specs. Thanks.

[usmcveteran]

I know the yaesu is popular and I've even seen battery systems designed for that radio to operate portable. I doubt you can go wrong with it. Definitely look to see what people say about the optional filters as well as they can help with performance.

[Cgrutt]

So what about Icom ic7100? Seems to have better options/ports on back. Looks quite a bit larger though. Thinking this would be mainly for pickup truck/mobile.

[Norm DeGuerre]

So what about Icom ic7100? Seems to have better options/ports on back. Looks quite a bit larger though. Thinking this would be mainly for pickup truck/mobile.

https://www.gigaparts.com/icom-ic-7100.html

[Norm DeGuerre]

https://chameleonantenna.com/

[Cgrutt]

https://chameleonantenna.com/

Great company. I had their MPAS but unfortunately had to sell it. Company provided great tech support. Will buy again.

[Cgrutt]

So ordered an iCOM ID-4100A and dual band antenna today. Should get it on Thursday if there are no issues with shipping. Looks like a solid VHF/UHF mobile radio. 50 watts. Wide receive band (covers more than transmit, including local EMS, weather, etc). Supports D-STAR digital communication, terminal and access point communication. Has GPS.



Looking at IC-7300 for HF as next purchase when funds allow...



Thanks Norm DeGuerre for pointing me toward's iCOM, definitely seems like these radios have better user interface and are more intuitive than others...

[Norm DeGuerre]

[WARFAB]

Has anyone else in the Rochester area seen the customized "Rainmaker" capped pickup truck? It has all kinds of antennas sticking off the top so I'm assuming the owner has all kinds of HAM radio stuff in it.

[WARFAB]

Apparently you can contact the ISS via HAM radio?

[Norm DeGuerre]

Apparently you can contact the ISS via HAM radio?

oh yea, and even send e-mail these days