Yaesu FT-857D, all mode mobile radio

Nutty4Guns · Oct 23, 2022

Personally, I have never seen Ham equipment listed here for sale or trade, but I'm going to try it anyway and see what happens before I take it over to QRZ and list it there.

I've got this lightly used FT-857D here that is more radio than necessary for me; since I am not interested in getting into HF anytime soon.

If you know about these radios, then you know that they don't make them any longer and they are highly sought after by some. These typically go for well over $900 in this condition on eBay. I'll let it go for $850, or trade it for a nice dual-band radio plus cash or a nice digital hotspot and an appropriate amount of cash to make up the difference, or ???.

Info from Yaesu's website:

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.