Many years ago I bought a Yaesu FT817 ND directly from overseas. This radio was and is a real gem. I worked many satellites with this radio and made many QRP contacts with it. I really enjoyed the radio. In 2010 (I think) I was visited by Pierre Tromp ZS1HF just before he went to Marion Island as the radio operator on the island. He nagged me for this radio as he wanted to use it while traveling on the S.A. Agulhas to Marion Island. I eventually agreed that he could have the radio which was still new in its box. Pierre used the radio several times on the ship and the island. Needless to say that I soon missed my Yaesu FT817 ND radio. At that stage I had several other interests in amateur radio and the thought in getting another Yaesu FT817 ND only stayed a thought.
With the new model (Yaesu FT818) making its appearance and several other QRP radios my interest in operating HF again after more then a decade was again placed on the priority list. However the absorbent prices for amateur radio equipment lately discouraged me from buying any HF radios. I reverted back to my trusty old uBitx HF Tranceiver should I wish to work HF.
About a week ago I spoke to my brother in law ZS4N and we chatted about the prices of new and used radio when he mentioned that he had a Yaesu FT817 ND up for sale. It was not yet advertised. I immediately told him that I am interested in the radio. Needless to say we agreed on a price and I promptly paid him the money. Two days later I received the radio and are now once again the proud owner of a Yaesu FT817 ND.
Well it is one thing to buy a radio but what am I going to do with the radio. There is many advantages in using a QRP Radio. I will mainly use the radio for pedestrian mobile and that would include 2m, 70cm, 6m and HF. I will have to construct a few antennas for this purpose. First of will be HF. I am looking at using several antennas as built and described by Peter Parker VK3YE. Have a look at the video underneath
Finally: Without saying to much, I will start working on some of the antennas and I am sure you will read about them on this Blog in future. Updates to follow.
