Clinton
I don't owm an FT817 yet - but here are some answers from the Manual.
> 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?
It is plugged in using the pins on its mini-pcb to hold it - 4 at one end and 3 at the other.
> 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?
The standard filters are for SSB, AM, FM, FM-narrow, FM-wideband. There is one slot for an optional filter.
Mike VK2BMM