I’ve had the Yaesu FT-857D for just over 12 months now and so I figured it’s time to share what I like and dislike about this radio. Ultimately, it doesn’t fit into my rotation and so you won’t see it on the DisasterCommsNet Instagram very often, but that doesn’t mean I don’t like it. In fact, it lives in the truck and it’s there as a just-in-case radio should I need it since it’s arguably the most capable radio that I own. It just doesn’t really fit my style of operation.
The original FT-857 was released in 2001, with the FT-857D being released in 2003. It was discontinued by Yaesu in late 2019. The major differences with the “D” version is that it added the 60-meter band (5MHz) and digital signal processing (DSP) as standard.
What’s to love about the Yaesu FT-857D? It’s an all-band, all-mode radio, and can operate on HF, VHF, and UHF. It’s also high powered, pushing out 100W on HF and 50W on VHF. It also packs all of this functionality into a very small package, at just 15 x 5 x 23cm and weighing in at just 2.1kg. Whilst it can’t do digital modes like FT8 out of the box, you can easily add this functionality with devices such as the DigiRig.
If you’re looking for a small radio that packs a lot of functionality to sit on your desk, or to fit into your vehicle. The Yaesu FT-857D is a great choice.
That said, the menu is deep and unintuitive. The display is small and lacks modern features such as a waterfall (there is a basic band scope, but it cuts out receive audio when in use). Plus, the radio has no built-in tuner. Being a discontinued radio also means that availability can sometimes be difficult and prices may fluctuate.
Overall, it’s a rugged and well built radio, but it feels like a radio from 2003. If you’re looking for a touchscreen, detailed waterfall, WiFi, and integration with your iPhone – you’re not getting it here. If you want a “just get it done”, all-mode, all band radio in a compact form. The FT-857D is a great choice.
So why don’t I use this radio more often? I’m primarily a portable radio operator. For SOTA work, the 857D is a heavy choice. The radio itself is 2.1kg and you’ll need a battery capable of its high power draw – add in cables, antennas, and all that and you’re pushing 6kg of gear. I have actually used this radio on SOTA activations, for example when I activated Kinder Scout, but there are certainly lighter options out there if you’re happy to operate on lower power or fewer bands.
I do still have a lot of love for this radio though, and it lives in a radio “Go Kit” in my truck. It doesn’t take up a lot of room, but being so fully featured it’s a great radio to have just in case. If I feel like a POTA activation after work but didn’t pack a radio, my Yaesu FT-857D is sitting in the back ready to go.
Just a few photographs of my FT-857D in use on summits and park activations:
