Yaesu FT-891 - HAM Radio for Non-Techies (2024)

The Yaesu FT-891 is a fantastic little power house of an HF transceiver! Packing 100 watts in a radio the size of an old car stereo, do NOT let its size fool you. Although it may not have the fancy colorful animated waterfalls like some of the HF radio, it packs a punch when it comes to reaching out and touching someone. With a good antenna you will log thousands of contacts with the Yaesu FT-891!!!

At the time of this writing the FT-891 is $639.95

Similar to the 991A Diagram on this site, the FT-891 has multiple menus that you are not seeing displayed in teh graphic above. If I remember correctly there were about 60 menu items on the 891 that most of which you will set it and forget it.

INNER KNOB - AF Knob -

The inner AF knob adjusts the receiver
audio volume levels of the internal or
external speaker. Clockwise rotation
increases volume level.

Outer Ring Knob -

RF/SQL knob

Rotate this knob counter-clockwise to reduce the
background noise and the system gain. Rotate this
knob fully clockwise to set the gain to the highest
level for normal operations. Counter-
clockwise rotation will raise the start position of
the S-Meter indication. When receiving a strong
signal, the noise is reduced and the signal is emphasized.

Rotate this knob slightly counter-clockwise
to the point where the “stationary” meter

indication is set just about the same as the
receiver noise level.

This control may be changed to function
as the squelch control by selecting “SQL” on
Menu Mode “05-05 [RF/SQL VR]”.

MULTI function knob -

This knob incorporates multiple tasks and makes
it very convenient to operate the various
functions of the FT-891.
1 Adjusts the operating
frequency of VFO-A in 500 kHz Steps (except the for
AM and FM modes)
2 Adjusts the operating frequency of VFO-B

3 Operates the [A]/[B]/[C]/ [CLAR] key function

4 Selects the Desired memory channel

5 Switches the Setting Modes ON/OFF

6 Changes the Menu Mode setting values

[F] key -Repeatedly press this key momentarily
to step through the Setting Modes as follows:

➠ FUNCTION-1 ➠FUNCTION-2 ➠ CW SETTING ➠

Select the desired function from the Setting
Modes, and then press the MULTI
function knob to switch the selected function ON or OFF.

While in the Setting Modes,
to assign the Setting Modes
to the [A]/[B]/[C] keys, rotate the
MULTI function knob to select the
desired function, and then press and hold
the [A]/[B]/[C]
FM SETTING, REC SETTING and ATAS SETTING
function screens may be enabled via Menu mode
“05-10”, “05-11” or “05-12”.
To return to normal operation, rotate the MAIN DIAL
or press another

Press and hold this key to activate the Menu mode.

● [A] (SFT): IF SHIFT function

In the SSB mode, IF SHIFT permits moving the DSP filter
passband higher or lower, without changing the pitch of the
incoming signal, and thus reduces or eliminates interference.
Press this key to display the IF SHIFT

Rotate the MULTI function knob to the left or right to
reduce interfering sig
Press and hold the MULTI function knob to restore the IF
SHIFT setting to the factory default.

● [B] (SCP): The SCOPE function
The SCOPE function provides a spectrum display of the band
conditions. Press this key to display the band condition
(spectrum).

When the SCOPE function is active, the [A]/[B]/[C] keys are
automatically changed to the below operations.

[A](SPN) key: This key changes the displayed bandwidth.
Available selections are 750 kHz, 375 kHz, 150 kHz, 75 kHz, or
37.5 kHz ranges.

[B](SWP) key: Each time the [B](SWP) key is pressed, a new
scan of the spectrum scope is shown on the LCD display.

MAIN DIAL

This is the main tuning dial for the transceiver. Rotate this knob
clockwise to increase the operating frequency and rotate it
counterclockwise to decrease the operating frequency.

Pressing the [FAST] key will change the tuning of the
MAIN DIAL to a higher step rate.The frequency steps
available are 10Hz and 100Hz per step (2kHz and 20kHz
per rotation).

Pressing the [PWR/LOCK] key briefly will engage or release
the DIAL knob lock.

[QMB] key

Press and hold this key for more than one second to write
the frequency and the data presently displayed on VFO-A
to the quick memory bank (QMB).

Once all 5 QMB memories have data written on them, the
previous data will be over-written on a first-in, first-out
basis.

5 QMB memory channels are Press this key briefly to recall
the data written onto the quick memory banks (QMB) one
by one.
To change the frequency in the recalled quick memory
bank (QMB), rotate the MAIN DIAL.

[M▶V] key

This key will copy the saved data from a written memory
channel to VFO-A. Press this key to display the “MEMORY
CHANNEL” list screen.

Rotate the MULTI function knob to select the desired
previously written memory channel.

Press this key again to copy the currently selected memory
channel data to VFO-A.

[V▶M] key

This key is used to save the data from VFO-A to a memory
channel. Press this key to display the “MEMORY CHANNEL” list
screen.

Rotate the MULTI function knob to select the desired memory
channel.

Press this key again to copy the VFO-A operating data to the
selected memory channel.

When the “MEMORY CHANNEL” list screen is displayed,
press the [A]/[B]/[C] key to edit the selected memory
channel.

[V/M] key

This key toggles frequency control between the VFO and the
memory systems.

When the memory channel data is recalled, the previously
selected Memory channel

number is displayed like “M01”.

Rotate the MULTI function knob to change the memory
channel
While operating on a memory channel, if the MAIN DIAL
knob is turned, the “Memory Channel Number” will be
replaced by the MEMORY TUNE indicator “MT ”; this
indicates that the operating frequency of the Memory
Channel is temporarily changed. Pressing the [V/M] key
while in the MEMORY TUNE state will restore the previous
memory channel data.

[A/B] key

Pressing this key momentarily, exchanges the frequency and
memory channel data of VFO-A and VFO-B.

Press and hold this key for one second to set VFO-A and VFO-B to
the same frequency and data values.

[BAND (MODE)] key

Press this key to display the “BAND SELECT” screen
(Operating band selection screen).
Rotate the MAIN DIAL knob to select the desired frequency
band (operating band).
The selected frequency band will be set automatically in one
second and the display will return to normal operation.Press and hold this key to display the “MODE SELECT”
Rotate the MAIN DIAL knob to select the radio modulation
form (operating mode).The selected operating mode will be set automatically in one
second and the display will return to normal operation in the
selected operating mode. (The mode is automatically preset
for each operating band, it is only necessary to set “MODE SELECT”
when a change is desired).

[FAST] key

Press this key to change the tuning of the MAIN DIAL to a
higher step rate. The “FST ” will be displayed at the bottom right
corner of the screen.

The tuning steps for the MAIN DIAL knob are set at the factory
to 10 Hz -100 Hz for one step and 20 kHz for each dial rotation, in
the SSB/AM/CW/RTTY/DATA Mode (One kHz for each step and
200 kHz for each dial rotation in the FM Mode).

TX/BUSY Indicator

The Indicator glows green while the squelch opens on receiving
signals. The Indicator glows blue: While Zeroing during CW mode.

On receiving a signal with a CTCSS/DCS tone matching the
squelch tone code setting of the transceiver.

The Indicator glows red when transmit is engaged.

[PWR/LOCK] key

Press and hold this key to turn the transceiver ON or OFF.

Briefly press the key while the transceiver is ON to engage the
MAIN DIAL knob lock. This key toggles the MAIN DIAL knob lock
ON/OFF.

FT-891 Screen Features Explained

Antenna Tuner - Indicates
if a tuner is present.

The VOX function is in use

The Speech Processor
function is in use

The Monitor function is
in use

Running split operation

Lock Feature Active

Displays the various Operating Modes:

A/A VFO-A
M01 - Memory Channel Number
PMS - Programmable Memory Scanning
QMB - Operating with the Quick Memory Bank
MT - Memory Tune
EMG - Recalling the emergency contac tfrequency

Mode Indicator -

USB, LSB, CW, Etc...

Meters Indicator -

PO - Output Power Meter
ALC - ALC Voltage Meter
SWR - Standing Wave Ratio Meter
CMP - Speech Processor Compression level Meter
IDD - Displays the drain current of the final stage FET transistors

Actual Meter Reading based on
what you have showing on the left

Current Operating Frequency

VFO-B data Clarifier operation

VFO-B

Clarifier

The receiver preamplifier is OFF

The attenuator is in use

The Narrow IF DSP filter is in use

The noise blanker is in use

MAIN DIAL at a higher step rate

IF SHIFT function

Scope Function

Noise Blanker Function

Yaesu FT-891 Radio: Unleashing the Power of Communication

In the realm of amateur radio enthusiasts and professionals, the Yaesu FT-891 radio stands as a powerful and versatile communication tool. With its impressive features, compact design, and exceptional performance, this transceiver has become a top choice for radio operators across the globe. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of the Yaesu FT-891 radio and explore the various ways it can enhance your communication capabilities.

I. Exceptional Performance:

The Yaesu FT-891 radio is built to deliver exceptional performance, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications. Here are some of its notable benefits:

Powerful Output: With a maximum output power of 100 watts, the FT-891 provides ample power for long-range communications, even in challenging conditions. This high output ensures clear and reliable signal transmission, allowing operators to reach distant stations effortlessly.
Extensive Frequency Coverage: The radio covers a broad frequency range, including all amateur bands from 160 meters to 6 meters. This wide coverage ensures compatibility with various operating environments and enables communication across multiple bands, expanding your reach and enhancing your radio experience.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP): Equipped with advanced DSP technology, the FT-891 radio offers superior signal clarity and noise reduction capabilities. The DSP filters eliminate unwanted noise, improving the overall audio quality and ensuring crystal-clear communication even in noisy environments.

II. Versatile Design:

The Yaesu FT-891 radio combines power with versatility, making it suitable for a diverse range of radio operators. Here are some features that make it stand out:

Compact and Portable: Designed with portability in mind, the FT-891 is compact and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for outdoor activities, field operations, and emergency communication setups. Its small form factor allows for easy transportation and installation, without compromising on performance or functionality.
Multi-Mode Operation: The radio supports various operating modes, including USB, LSB, AM, FM, and CW. This versatility enables operators to engage in different types of communication, such as voice, data, or Morse code, depending on their preferences or specific requirements.

III. User-Friendly Features:

The Yaesu FT-891 radio offers an array of user-friendly features, simplifying operation and enhancing the overall user experience. Here are a few key benefits:

Intuitive Front Panel: The front panel of the FT-891 features a well-organized layout with a large, easy-to-read backlit display. The user-friendly interface allows for effortless navigation through the menu options and quick access to essential functions, providing a hassle-free operating experience.
Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Features: Along with noise reduction, the radio incorporates additional DSP features such as auto notch filter and contour noise blanker. These features help suppress interference and improve overall signal quality, enabling clearer and more enjoyable communication.

IV. Target Audience:

The Yaesu FT-891 radio caters to a diverse range of individuals and groups who can benefit greatly from its features. Some of the potential beneficiaries include:

Amateur Radio Enthusiasts: Whether you are a seasoned ham radio operator or a beginner looking to explore the world of amateur radio, the FT-891 offers a reliable and feature-rich platform for your communication needs. Its powerful output, wide frequency coverage, and intuitive controls make it an excellent choice for amateurs seeking enhanced performance.
Outdoor Adventurers: The compact and portable design of the FT-891 radio makes it an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts, such as hikers, campers, or off-road explorers. Its rugged construction and versatility ensure that you stay connected even in remote areas, enabling you to maintain communication and enhance safety during your adventures.
Emergency Communication Networks: In emergency situations where conventional communication channels may be disrupted, the FT-891 radio proves invaluable. Its robust performance, broad frequency coverage, and easy setup make it a reliable tool for emergency responders, disaster relief organizations, and community-based emergency communication networks.

Conclusion:

The Yaesu FT-891 radio stands as a powerful and versatile communication tool, offering exceptional performance, versatility, and user-friendly features. Whether you are an amateur radio enthusiast, an outdoor adventurer, or part of an emergency communication network, the FT-891 provides a reliable platform for clear and reliable communication in a compact and portable form factor. Embrace the power of the FT-891 and elevate your communication capabilities to new heights.