Make
Yaesu
Model
FT-857
Overview
The Yaesu FT-857 is a compact, all-mode amateur radio transceiver covering HF, VHF, and UHF bands. Introduced in the early 2000s, it was designed to provide full-featured base-station capabilities in a mobile-sized form factor. The FT-857 became popular for portable, mobile, and field operations due to its wide frequency coverage and versatility.
Technical Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | Yaesu FT-857 |
| Manufacturer | Yaesu Musen Co., Ltd. |
| Frequency Range | HF: 160–10 meters; VHF: 6 meters, 2 meters; UHF: 70 cm |
| Modes | AM, FM, SSB (LSB/USB), CW |
| Power Output | 100W (HF/6m), 50W (2m), 20W (70cm) |
| Power Requirements | 13.8 VDC |
| Frequency Control | PLL synthesized |
| Display | Detachable front panel with LCD |
| Audio Output | Internal speaker and external speaker jack |
| Antenna Connectors | SO-239 (HF/6m), separate connectors for VHF/UHF |
Physical Description
The FT-857 features a compact chassis with a detachable front control head, allowing flexible installation in mobile environments. The front panel includes a multi-function display, a rotary tuning dial, and membrane buttons for band selection, mode selection, and menu navigation. The main unit houses the RF circuitry and cooling system, designed for continuous operation at rated power levels.
History
The Yaesu FT-857 was introduced as a smaller companion to the FT-897, offering similar all-band, all-mode functionality in a more compact package suited for mobile use. It quickly gained popularity among amateur radio operators seeking a single transceiver capable of covering HF through UHF.
The original FT-857 was later updated to the FT-857D, which included internal enhancements, including improved filtering options and factory support for optional accessories such as DSP units and TCXO frequency stability upgrades. The FT-857 itself represents the initial version prior to these refinements.