Yaesu FT-817 - User manual

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FT-817 Mods
Battery mod for ft-817
Yaesu folks want you to buy the 9.6 vdc battery pack and do not recommend you attempt to charge batts.
from the included "stock" alkaline pack.
They have even rigged the pack so it will not charge. Poking around with a VOM I discovered that there
is a way to make the alkaline pack charge. Pull out the pack and peel the tape off of the end with the
wires.
You will find 2 red wires, 2 black wires and a green wire. cut and insulate the green wire. Put NiCad's or
NiMh Batteries in the the pack and set up the charge time circuit. I have done this with no problem. This
keeps you from breaking the bank buying alkaline cells and give you portable batt. power.
Two words of caution:
As with all mods, the warranty is affected, do so at your own risk.
By during this mod you have now disabled the protection feature and can re-charge alkaline batts.
This could be dangerous and messy...be careful not to do that. Of course with this mod, you will have
little reason to use alkaline cells.
Enjoy. I look forward to hearing about other ft-817 mods for this nifty little rig.
Subject: Install fuse.
When you do the "green wire mod" on the FT-817 to permit charging of internal NiMH or NiCad
batteries, it's very important to install fuse protection or you could ruin your motherboard (a VERY
expensive mistake).
Perhaps the easiest way is to install a 2-3 amp Pico fuse in line with the positive (red) wires leading to
the battery pack. Better still, put another Pico fuse in line with the negative (green) wires also.
Bill
WA6CCA
Subject: Green wire mod

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There is no need to cut the green wire to get the alkaline pack to charge. Split the white connector and
then on the pack connector carefully lift the white plastic tongue that stops the green wire pulling out of
the connector. It will then pull out. This way you can push it back later and no one will ever know!
Extended TX for FT-817
1. Remove the front panel
2. Look down on the back of front panel, with the VFO knob just left of center. Look at the jumper
locations just above the VFO knob on the circuit board. Solder the first four jumpers and remove
the solder at location five.
3. Reassemble the radio, and reset the cpu by pressing the HOME and the power button.
This will extend the xmit freqs. on HF,VHF and UHF
Another mod.

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The following Yaesu FT-817 frequency expansion modification is identical to the version provided by
the manufacturer for MARS/CAP application.
1. Remove any power or battery from the Radio.
2. Remove the 14 screws holding the top and bottom covers to the radio.
3. Remove the battery cover latch.
4. Remove the covers.
5. Remove the BNC retaining nut.
6. Carefully lift the 4 plastic tabs holding the front panel to the chassis and slightly move the front
panel forward.
7. Disconnect the ribbon cable that connects the chassis and the front panel.
8. Remove the jumper at location on Front Panel (J4005)
9. Press and hold the "VFO/MR" key and the "F" key while turning on the radio.
10. Reassemble the radio.
Note: The manufacturer states that "this modification opens up transmit coverage for MARS/CAP
ONLY!" Other published modifications also have the user bridge the "first four jumpers". The difference
between the two modification schemes has not been tested by the author.
Proceed at your own risk.
AA7W
[e-mail]
Ham's Info
Subject: The BLUE numbers are correct . User comments

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I tried the extended TX modification using the blue numbers in the photo ie : where jumper 1 is at the
left, and it worked. I found, tho, that you have to hold down the F and V/M buttons together whilst
powering up the FT-817 for the changes to take effect.
Subject: The BLUE numbers are correct User comments
I tried the extended TX modification using the blue numbers in the photo, where jumper 1 is at the left
it works. Reset CPU: hold down the F and V/M buttons together whilst powering up the FT-817 for the
changes to take effect. 73 Igor OM3CUG
Subject: Extended TX User comments
Well after doing the mod & soldering the pos 1,2,3,4 and resetting the unit my ARS function
disappeared?
Have any one else noticed this.
greetings Lars
Subject: Verifed Jumper IDs user comments
I rang out the jumpers to the foil traces on my FT-817 and found that the red numbers of the photo
above agree with the schematic included with my radio. J4001 ~ J4009 follow the numbering in red
from 1 ~ 9. This then changes the four (left hand) jumper IDs to 6 ~ 9 (J4006 ~ J4009) that should be
shorted in order to open the transmit range of this rig.
My radio was a type BY3 (purchased in Singapore Feb. 2002). When I opened it up, jumper five
(J4005) was not soldered but position 6&8 (J4006 & J4008)were. I soldered position 7&9 (J4007 &
J4009)and checked out the rig. This mod opened up the transmit capability just as the posted mods
above stated. No negative results were noted.
This modification worked on my rig, I take no credit or blame for your results.
Subject: 817 BLUE number mod User comments
Use the BLUE numbers on the US version of the 817 for increased transmit. That is what worked for
me.
Subject: Jumper Numbers User comments
I have modified the 817 for UK 5MHz operation and have found that the RED set of numbers is
correct. This also agrees with Yaesu's own US modification sheet. For full coverage, bridge J4007, 8
and 9. If you also bridge J4006 the coverage remains the same. My 817 is a US Version and was
originally bridged 5,6 and 7.
Full TX coverage is:
1.8 - 33 Mhz
33 - 56 MHz
140 - 154 MHz
420 - 470 MHz
Subject: frequency expansion User comments
I posted my workings on the frequency expansion in the yahoo.group FT817 reflector and received
many enquiries. Perhaps, I would like to repeat here on what I did:
1.I follow the RED numbers in the previous messages;

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2.Counting from the left, I bridged all the solder pads 9,8,7 and 6;
3.Solder pads 5,4,3,2, and 1 at the right remain opened
4.After the modification, the rig was reset by holding V/M and F and powered on.
73
Johnny Siu VR2XMC
the Lot no. of my fig is 58 manufactured in Sept 2002
Subject: Initial config different than write-up User comments
I have a US version of FT817 purchased NEW from AES Las Vegas (s/n 1K440097) and when I
checked the original config of the solder bridges, I found (using the BLUE numbers) 3, 4 and 5 solder
bridged and the rest are OPEN.
My question referring to the original post, Is do I unsolder 3 and 4 also along with 5 and solder 6 thru
9? Or do I need to leave 3 and 4 as they are now?
I'm sure some else has seen this config and made the mod. Suggestions???
Thanks Gene KI6LO
Hidden menu for YAESU FT-817
Author: Noel - ON7XV
Just push and hold A, B and C simultaneously while putting the rig on, and you're in the hidden menu
with about 57 settings.
Number 5 for the 2 meter band will increase sensitivity while increasing he numbers; Default setting /
79.
To leave the menu just push and hold the F function just as the "ignition" switch will do .
It works...
Noel - ON7XV - Belgium
Subject: HIDDEN MENU FOR YAESU FT817 User comments
IT REALLY INCREASE SENSITIVITY ALSO ON 50 MHz
73 es cul fm IK5RNL frank
FT-817 Tips

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Author: Volker
Hallo liebe FT-817 Fans,
ich bin seit kurzem zufriedener Besitzer eines solchen Gerätes und möchte hier ein paar Tips loswerden,
die entweder aus dem Internet stammen oder auf meiner eigenen Meinung beruhen.
Bevor es ins Eingemachte geht eine wichtige Anmerkung-ein besonderer Schwachpunkt ist das
Batteriefach:
Beim Herausnehmen der Batterien ist darauf zu achten, daß diese nicht den Bodendeckel berühren.
Dieser ist an der Seite, wo die Batterien darunter verschwinden, extrem schlecht entgratet. Es gibt leicht
Kurzschlüsse nach Masse, wenn die Plastikhülle der Batterien beschädigt wird.
Dies ist besonders unangenehm bei der Bestückung mit Accus, weil diese einen "guten"
Kurzschlußstrom liefern. Ich empfehle eine starke Folie dazwischen zu legen.
Grundsätzlich sind VOR dem Öffnen des Gehäuses auf jeden Fall die Battereien zu entfernen und
eine externe Spannungsversorgung abzuklemmen!!!
Tip1- Betrieb mit Accus:
Das Batteriefach kann natürlich auch mit Accus bestückt werden. Wer die Accus nicht extern, sondern
mit dem internen Timer laden möchte muß den grünen Draht, der zum Batteriefach führt irgendwo
unterbrechen und die Enden isolieren, damit ein Accu erkannt wird. Wer wegen der Garantie eine
reversible Änderung vorzieht kann im Stecker den entsprechenden Pin mit etwas Geschick und einer
Nadel herausholen.
Weil der Yaesu-Accu nur 1000mAh hat und es für weniger Geld bereits 1600mAh NiHy Accus gibt
kann ich das nur empfehlen! Beim Laden der Accus ist zu beachten, daß eine geeignete Ladezeit im
Menü gewählt wird. Der Ladestrom ist etwa 170 mA.
Nach Ladeende fließt ein Erhaltestrom von 15 mA, es dürfen also keine Trockenbatterien mehr eingelegt
werden wenn eine extere Spannungsversorgung erfolgt!!!
Tip2- Erweiterung des TX Frequenzbereiches zum Betrieb mit Transvertern
Hierzu ist zu sagen, daß im Internet Meinungen existieren, daß sich nicht alle FT-817 erweitern lassen-
dies scheint zumindest bei den für den japanischen Markt gebauten zu stimmen. Mein Gerät, Serien-Nr.
1C20nnnn, mit CE-Zeichen, war in der Hinsicht freundlicher.
Den Lieferzustand habe ich nicht exakt in Erinnerung, auf KW / 6m waren es die DL Amateurbereiche
und auf VHF / UHF erheblich mehr. Nach der u.a. Änderung ergab sich folgendes Bild:
TX: 1,8 - 33 MHz überall max. 5 Watt
TX: 33-56 MHz, 140-154 MHz, 420-470 MHz hier fällt außerhalb der USA-Amateurbänder die Leistung
ab.
Die ARS-Funktion ist außer Betrieb, was (mich) aber nicht stört- man kann den Repeaterbetrieb und die
Shift weiterhin von Hand einstellen. Der 1750 Hz Tonruf bleibt erhalten.

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Nun zur Änderung:
Batterien entfernen (s.o.)
Alle Schrauben von Bodenblech und Deckel (nicht die direkt am Lautsprecher) lösen. Dann die beiden
Bleche entfernen. Hierbei bitte beim Bodenblech den Riegel für das Batteriefach im Auge behalten- die
zwei Federn sind schnell weggesprungen!
Wenn man schon mal die Deckel ab hat kann man auch mit einer Feile den Grat beim Batteriefach
entfernen...
Das Flachbandkabel zur Frontplatte lösen, hierzu muß dessen Verschluß an der Platine vorsichtig
hochgeklappt werden. Die Frontplatte nach vorne lösen, dazu die vier Plastikklemmen anheben.
Die Reihe mit den neun Lötbrücken ist leicht zu finden. Bei mir waren sie folgendermaßen gebrückt:
=0=0=====
0 heißt dabei geschlossen und = offen
Mit: 0000===== ergibt sich die oben beschriebene Variante.
Vorsicht beim Löten, etwas Erfahrung sollte man schon haben um keine unerwünschten Kurzschlüsse zu
produzieren!
Ganz wichtig- Nach dem Zusamenbau muß unbedingt der folgende Reset durchgeführt werden:
Die F und V/M Tasten gleichzeitig festhalten und den FT-817 einschalten. Dabei werden leider alle
Speicher und Einstellungen gelöscht !
So, nun noch eine Frage zum Schluß:
Der Ft-817 ist ja angeblich "PR-tauglich", hat schon mal wer die Umschalt-zeiten (TXDelay) gemessen-
sind sie wirklich für 9600Bd in einer vernünftigen Größenordung ???
73 de Volker in Hannover,
packet: DL6OBU @ DB0CEL.#NDS.DEU.EU
e-mail: DL6OBU @ QSL.NET
19.03.2001, 17:32:05 (Local Time)
YAESU FT-817 Servicepoints
Author: DL5GBL
(push A/B/C synchron and start device)
Number;Content;Point;Declaration;
1;HF1RXG RX GAIN;1.8MHz;181;
2;HF2RXG RX GAIN;7MHz;91;
3;HF3RXG RX GAIN;21MHz;123;
4;50MRXG RX GAIN;50MHz;66;
5;VHFRXG RX GAIN;144MHz;90;
6;UHFRXG RX GAIN;430MHz;117;
7;SSB-S9 SSB S-Meter;S9;70;
8;SSB-FS SSB S-Meter;FS;59;
9;FM-S9 FM S-Meter;S9;76;

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10;FM-FS FM S-Meter;FS;109;
11;DISC-L FM Center;Meter;35;
12;DISC-H FM Center;Meter;69;
13;FM-TH1 FM;Squelch;82;
14;FM-TH2 FM;Squelch;82;
15;FM-TI1 FM;Squelch;14;
16;FM-TI2 FM Squelch;14;
17;VCC Power Supply;Voltage;138;
18;HF1-IC Over-current Protection;1.8MHz;111;
19;HF2-IC Over-current Protection;7MHz;116;
20;HF3-IC Over-current Protection;21MHz;111;
21;50M-IC Over-current Protection;50MHz;113;
22;VHF-IC Over-current Protection;144MHz;126;
23;UHF-IC Over-current Protection;430MHz;113;
24;HF1-HI RF Power HI;1.8MHz;116;
25;HF1-L3 RF Power L3;1.8MHz;67;
26;HF1-L2 RF Power L2;1.8MHz;21;
27;HF1-L1 RF Power L1;1.8MHz;4;
28;HF2-HI RF Power HI;7MHz;119;
29;HF2-L3 RF Power L3;7MHz;65;
30;HF2-L2 RF Power L2;7MHz;21;
31;HF2-L1 RF Power L1;7MHz;3;
32;HF3-HI RF Power HI;21MHz;117;
33;HF3-L3 RF Power L3;21MHz;63;
34;HF3-L2 RF Power L2,21MHz,20;
35;HF3-L1 RF Power L1;21MHz;2;
36;50M-HI RF Power HI;50MHz;115;
37;50M-L3 RF Power L3;50MHz;64;
38;50M-L2 RF Power L2;50MHz;23;
39;50M-L1 RF Power L1;50MHz;1;
40;VHF-HI RF Power HI;144MHz;140;
41;VHF-L3 RF Power L3;144MHz;93;
42;VHF-L2 RF Power L2;144MHz;28;
43;VHF-L1 RF Power L1;144MHz;12;
44;UHF-HI RF Power HI;430MHz;103;
45;UHF-L3 RF Power L3;430MHz;68;
46;UHF-L2 RF Power L2;430MHz;21;
47;UHF-L1 RF Power L1;430MHz;9;
48;HF1TXG TX Gain;1.8MHz;67;
49;HF2TXG TX Gain;7MHz;62;
50;HF3TXG TX Gain;21MHz;67;
51;50MTXG TX Gain;50MHz;89;
52;VHFTXG TX Gain;144MHz;79;
53;UHFTXG TX Gain;430MHz;69;
54;HF1POM Power Meter Sensitivity;1.8MHz;71;
55;HF2POM Power Meter Sensitivity;7MHz;72;
56;HF3POM Power Meter Sensitivity;21MHz;71;
57;50MPOM Power Meter Sensitivity;50MHz;70;
58;VHFPOM Power Meter Sensitivity;144MHz;83;
59;UHFPOM Power Meter Sensitivity;430MHz;64;
60;ALC1-M ALC;Meter;204;
61;ALC-M ALC;Meter;125;
62;HF1-RV Reverse;ALC;1.8MHz;13;
63;HF2-RV Reverse;ALC;7MHz;11;
64;HF3-RV Reverse;ALC;21MHz;21;
65;50M-RV Reverse;ALC;50MHz;15;
66;VHF-RV Reverse;ALC;144MHz;7;
67;UHF-RV Reverse;ALC;430MHz;28;
68;CW-CAR Carrier;Level;CW;252;
69;AM-CAR Carrier;Level;AM;210;
70;DEV-W;FM;Modulation;211
71;DEV-N;FM;Modulation;103;
72;M-MTR;FM;Modulation;188;
73;CTCSS;FM;Modulation;151;

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74;DCS;FM;Modulation;129;
75;LSB-CP;SSB;Carrier Point;-19;
76;USB-CP;SSB;Carrier Point;-20;
Proceed at your own risk.
73 from ron, dl5gbl
Subject: Voltage alignment successfull !!! User comments
My 817 showed 15V @ the Input Voltage of 13,6 V. So i pushed the 3 Buttons while powering up. At
Menu Number 17 I chose 136 and Voila, 13,6 V is displayed @ 13,6 V !!! Thank you for this detailed
Service Menu Overview.
Improvement of the ALC - better modulation and throughput
Author: Andreas Duessler
Hi ladies and gents,
The FT-817 is a lovely rig, isn´t it? This is a radio one must have - without special reasons. But
anyway, when I got the radio one week ago, I started to test it against exciting others. (like TS-870).
Everything was quite okay, but the output in SSB is not reaching the 5W-mark, even when the CW-
tone and in FM the rig runs on specified power. I walked through the circuit-diagram and found the
reason. The capacitor C1113 on the main board is too small. This has to be changed to bigger values.
In my case it´s now 470 uF instead of former 1uF.
To find the place inside the rig .... boy! This took some time. But after locating the place, it´s now
easy to describe:
Open the upper side (where the loudspeaker fits) and locate the red jack on the rear side. Inside a flat
band-cable comes up and is connected. Right beside this cable you find C1113, but it´s not labeled.
But anyhow, look for the pictures taken and I´m sure you find the place. The new C is visible in the
lower right corner of the picture (big and black) I removed the original C from the board before - but
it´s still not necessary.
After finalizing, close the rig and test the output in SSB in comparison to FM and CW. The
throughput is now there. And believe me, you get better voice reports. And running qrp - it´s
sometimes the needed peace of junk !

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Best wishes and good luck !
Andreas
DL6EAT
Subject: FT817 ALC mod 1uF to 47uF C1113
Hi;
I looked into the ALC mod you posted for the FT817. You changed a 1uF cap to 470uF
I entered the circuit into a simulator and got these waveforms. It appears this mod lengthens the
ALC "release time". Check out the simulate ALC output voltage waveforms below