Hi to those who are lucky enough to already have the
Yaesu FT-817's! I have a few questions for you if you
have the time to answer them.
First, is the optional filter a solder in type or
does it use screws? How well does it perform, the 500
hz CW filter that is? How is the stock filtering on
CW, SSB, and AM?
Does the radio use the stock SSB filter in the AM
mode, like some of Yaesu's radios? If so, is there an
optional filter for it? If memory serves me there was
mention of an optional AM filter at Yaesu's website,
but perhaps they changed that before production
began... Hope so, as SWL'ing could be fun with that
little rig too.
How does the radio perform on FM? Any front end
overload by strong signals? How would you rate the
blocking dynamic range on SSB, using the stock
filtering? Again, how about AM performance?
How sensitive is the receive? i.e. how does it
compare to some of the other radios you've used with
similar antennas?
How is the transmitted audio in SSB? How about in FM
and AM?
Tell me more about the Spectrum Scope. Is it really
useful? I hear the audio is muted when it's on.

Guess it's wishful thinking when I compare how good my
Icom 756 works!
How well does the notch filter work, and is this
feature available in CW mode?
Any ideas as to how accurate the built-in metering
is? S-Meter and SWR mainly.
Any problems with your radio?
Okay, that should do it. I'll be placing an order for
mine in the next week or so. Perhaps tomorrow... I'll
mainly use it as a portable CW rig, although I will
probably play with all the modes on the various bands
from time to time. Hope to hear you on the air!
73, Clinton AB7RG/9