[Yaesu] Point of the FT857

[John Geiger]

I realize that this topic has probably been covered
before, but I am interested in seeing list opinions. 
What exactly is the point of the FT857?  Why did Yaesu
release it as a replacement for the FT100D, when the
FT100D did not need to be replaced, and the FT857
seems like an inferior radio.

I have used a FT100D for over a year, mainly as a base
station, but have taken it mobile once in a while.  I
have found it to be an excellent performer for its
size and price (I got mine used, but in mint conditon,
for under $400).  I have contested with it, chased DX
with it, worked satellites, and just had very good
luck with it so far.

A couple of observations about the two:
1. The FT100D has a vastly superior receiver, based on
the QST numbers.  If the numbers in QST are right, the
receiver on the FT857 is nothing short of terrible.  I
have not seen such low numbers in anything produced
after 1995 with the exception of the 817.

2. The FT100D has many standard features which are
options in the FT857-CW filter, TCXO, DSP.  Even at
$1000 the FT100D comes out to be cheaper if you add
the options to the FT857.

3. The FT857 isn't much smaller, from what I hear.

4. The FT857 will allow you to add a SSB filter,
something I wish the FT100D would have space for.

So, other than the SSB filter, how is the 857 better? 
I heard one ham say that it has a headphones jack in
the front, but I don't see it in any of the pictures. 

I also have heard that you can enter frequencies from
the TTP on the mic, which would be useful in a mobile
setting.

DId Yaesu want a replacement with a different number
because of some early problems the FT100 had?  If so,
why not keep the same basic platform, make some
changes, and list it with another number?  Why redo
the whole thing in an inferior way?  

Just wondering what Yaesu was thinking, and what I am
missing.  Really like my FT100D and don't think I will
be replacing it with a FT857 anytime soon.

73s John NE0P
  

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