[Yaesu] questions---questions---questions

[Michael Clarson]

Ron: I have an FT-857D (same radio, different case) but a friend has an 897
which we use in contests, so I am familiar with both.

Microphone: The optional  MH-59 is a full remote control microphone.
Coolest feature for me is the tuning wheel on the side. Only issue is it is
an electret microphone and the stock mic is a dynamic, so one has to change
a menu setting to switch between them.

Power Supply: Switching between internal battery and AC supply  on the 897
is a real pain. If I had the  897, I would have internal batteries and a
separate AC supply. My 857 once in a while crowbars my Astron 20 amp linear
supply, but the 25 amp Jetstream switching supply works just fine. No
detectable RF noise either.

Filters: I have the 2300 and 500 Hz filters installed. I do a lot of
contests, so I had hoped the 2300 would do more on recieve (too bad a 2000
or 1800 is not available). I could live with the stock filter on SSB. On CW
and digital, I consider a narrow filter a must, especially if the band is
crowded. Doing again, I would have probably gotten the 300 Hz instead of
the 500 Hz.

Can't help with pricing info. Good luck, Mike, WV2ZOW