Yaesu FT-891 User manual

HF/50 MHz TRANSCEIVER
FT-891
Operating Manual
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2
Contents
FT-891 Operating Manual
Introduction............................................................... 3
Accessories & Options ............................................ 4
Supplied Accessories .............................................. 4
Optional Accessories ............................................... 4
Installation................................................................. 5
Connecting the Microphone..................................... 5
Power connection .................................................... 6
Grounding................................................................ 7
Mobile Station Grounding ..................................... 7
Base Station Earth Grounding.............................. 8
RF FIELD EXPOSURE............................................ 9
Front Panel Controls & Switches.......................... 10
Rear Panel Connectors.......................................... 12
Basic Operation...................................................... 14
Turning the Transceiver ON and OFF ................... 14
Operating Band Selection...................................... 14
Mode Selection...................................................... 14
Adjusting the Audio Volume Level ......................... 14
Adjusting the RF Gain and Squelch ...................... 15
Setting the Operating Frequency........................... 15
Operation on 60-Meter (5 MHz) Band
(U.S. Version Only)......... 16
Lock Feature.......................................................... 16
Clarifier (Receiver Incremental Tuning)................. 17
Advanced Operation .............................................. 18
IF SHIFT ................................................................ 18
AGC (Automatic Gain Control) .............................. 18
Noise Blanker ........................................................ 19
IPO (Intercept Point Optimization)......................... 19
ATT (Attenuator) .................................................... 20
DSP Noise Reduction (DNR)................................. 20
Notch Filter ............................................................ 21
Memory Operation.................................................. 22
QMB (Quick Memory Bank) Channels .................. 22
QMB Channel Storage........................................ 22
QMB Channel Recall .......................................... 22
Memory Operation on
“Regular” Memory Channels .... 23
Normal Memory Storage ....................................... 23
Memory Channel Recall ........................................ 23
Miscellaneous Settings.......................................... 24
Display Contrast .................................................... 24
Display Dimmer ..................................................... 24
Reset Procedure..................................................... 25
Microprocessor Resetting................................... 25
Setup (Menu) Mode ................................................ 26
Specifications ......................................................... 30
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FT-891 Operating Manual
Introduction
The FT-891 is a rugged, innovative multiband, multimode mobile/portable transceiver for
the amateur radio MF/HF/50 MHz bands. Providing coverage of the 160 - 6 meter bands,
the FT-891 includes operation on the SSB, CW, AM and FM modes, yielding the most
comprehensive performance package available for mobile and field operation.
Engineered for high performance, the FT-891 provides 100 watts power output on the 160
through 6 meter bands.
The multi-function Liquid-Crystal Display includes attractive backlighting.
The display includes bar-graph indication of power output, ALC voltage, SWR, modulation
level, and/or signal strength. Also included are a number of operating status icons, as well
as the function displays for the three operating function keys ([A], [B], and [C]).
Among the advanced features of the FT-891 are many incorporated only in large bases-
tation transceivers. These include Dual VFOs; Split-Frequency operation; Digital Signal
Processing (Bandpass Filtering, Noise Reduction, Auto-Notch, and Microphone Equaliz-
er);
IF Shift; Clarifier (“R.I.T.”); IF Noise Blanker; AGC Fast/Middle/Slow/Auto selection; RF
Gain and Squelch control; IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) and a receiver front-end
Attenuator; AM Broadcast reception; VOX; Built-in Electronic Keyer with Memories and a
Beacon mode; Adjustable CW Pitch; Automatic FM Repeater Shift (ARS); Built-in CTCSS
Encoder/Decoders;
Spectrum Scope; 200 Memories plus Home Channels and Band-limiting Memories;
Alpha-Numeric Labeling of Memories; Automatic Power-Off (APO) and Time-Out Timer
(TOT) functions; Computer Interface capability; and Cloning capability.
We urge you to read this manual in its entirety, so as to gain a full understanding of the
amazing capability of the exciting new FT-891 Transceiver.
ApplicationforFCC/IC
FCCID:K6620651X50/IC:511B-20651X50

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FT-891 Operating Manual
Accessories & Options
Supplied Accessories
Microphone (MH-31A8J)
Mobile Mounting Bracket (Attachment screw set)
DC power cable w/Fuse
Spare fuse (25 A)
Operating Manual
Safty Guide
Warranty Card
Optional Accessories
MH-31A8J Microphone
MH-36E8J DTMF Microphone
MD-200A8X Ultra-High-Fidelity Desktop Microphone
MD-100A8X Desktop Microphone
YH-77STA Lightweight Stereo Headphone
VL-1000/VP-1000 Linear Amplifire/AC Power Supply
FC-40 External Automatic Antenna Tuner
FC-50 External Automatic Antenna Tuner
ATAS-120A Active Tuning Antenna (Automatic Type)
ATAS-25 Active Tuning Antenna (Manual Type)
ATBK-100 Antenna Base Kit
FH-2 Remote Control Keypad
MMB-98 Front Panel Bracket
CT-58 VL-1000 Linear Amplifire Connection Cable
CT-39A Packet Interface Cable
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FT-891 Operating Manual
Installation
Connecting the Microphone
1. Insert the microphone’s plug into the recessed jack on the transceiver, as shown in the
illustration.
Note: When disconnecting the microphone, pull the cable while pressing the connec-
tor latch.
2. You may position the microphone cable so as to cause it to exit from the side or the
bottom of the transceiver. Just route the cable into the appropriate channel provided,
as shown in the illustration.
3. Connect the Control cable between the Front Panel and Transceiver Body.
4. Install the Front Panel by sliding it into the position shown; you will hear a “click” when
the panel locks into place.
5. To remove the Front Panel, use your left thumb to push rearward (slightly) the latch
on the left-hand of the panel, then slide the Front Panel to the right and away from the
transceiver.
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Installation
FT-891 Operating Manual
Power connection
The DC power connector for the FT-891 must only be connected to a DC source providing
13.8 Volts DC (±15%), and capable of at least 25 Amperes of current. Always observe
proper polarity when making DC connections:
The Red DC power lead connects to the Positive (+) DC terminal; and the Black DC
power lead connects to the Negative (–) DC terminal.
In mobile installations, noise pickup may be minimized by connecting the DC cable di-
rectly to your vehicle’s battery, rather than to the ignition switch or “accessory” circuitry.
Direct connection to the battery also provides the best voltage stability.
Warning!
Never apply AC power to the power cable of the FT-891, nor DC voltage greater
than 15.8 Volts. When replacing the fuse, only use a 25-A fuse. Failure to observe
these safety precautions will void the Limited Warranty on this product.
rBefore connecting the transceiver, check the voltage at the battery terminals while rev-
ving the engine. If the voltage exceeds 15 Volts, adjust the vehicle’s voltage regulator
before proceeding with installation.
rConnect the RED power cable lead to the POSITIVE (+)battery terminal, and the
BLACK power cable lead to the NEGATIVE (–)terminal. If you need to extend the
power cable, use #12 AWG or larger insulated, stranded copper wire. Solder the splice
connections carefully, and wrap the connections thoroughly with insulating electrical
tape.
rBefore connecting the cable to the transceiver, verify the voltage and polarity at the
voltage at the transceiver end of the DC cable, using a DC voltmeter. Now connect the
transceiver to the DC cable.
Warning!
• Do not use a DC power supply cable other than the one that is supplied or
specified.
• Do not place anything on the DC power supply cable or step on it.
• Do not use the DC power supply cable with the fuse holder cut off.
• Do not reverse the polarity (positive and negative) when connecting the
battery.
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Installation
FT-891 Operating Manual
Grounding
The provision of an effective ground system is important in any successful communica-
tions station. A good ground system can contribute to station efficiency in a number of
ways:
rIt can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the operator.
rIt can minimize RF currents flowing on the shield of the coaxial cable and the chassis of
the transceiver which may cause interference to nearby home entertainment devices
or laboratory test equipment.
rIt can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver operation caused by RF feedback
or improper current flow through logic devices.
An effective earth ground system may take several forms; for a more complete discus-
sion,see an appropriate RF engineering text. The information presented below is intend-
ed only as a guideline.
Inspect the ground system – inside the station as well as outside – on a regular basis so
as to ensure maximum performance and safety.
Mobile Station Grounding
Although satisfactory grounding in most installations will be achieved via the DC cable’s
negative lead and the antenna system’s coaxial cable shield, it is often recommended
that you provide a direct ground connection to the vehicle chassis at the mounting lo-
cation of the transceiver. Due to unexpected resonances which may naturally occur in
any location, improper communication system performance may result from insufficient
grounding. These symptoms may include:
rRF feedback (resulting in distortion on your transmitted signal);
rUnintended frequency change;
rBlinking or blanking of the frequency display;
rNoise pickup; and/or
rLoss of memory.
Note that these conditions may occur in any communications installation. The FT-891
includes extensive filtering designed to minimize the chance of such problems; howev-
er,random currents set up by insufficient RF grounding can nullify such filtering. Bonding
the FT-891 transceiver to the vehicle or vessel’s ground system should clear up any such
difficulties.
Yaesu Musen does not recommend the use of “on glass” mobile antennas unless the
shield of the coaxial cable is securely grounded near the feedpoint of the antenna. Such
antennas frequently are responsible for the ground-related difficulties described above.
ApplicationforFCC/IC
FCCID:K6620651X50/IC:511B-20651X50

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Installation
FT-891 Operating Manual
Base Station Earth Grounding
Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more copper-clad steel rods, driven
into the ground. If multiple ground rods are used, they should be configured in a “V”
configuration, and bonded together at the apex of the “V” which is nearest the station
location. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from type RG-213
coaxial cable) and strong cable clamps to secure the braided cables to the ground rods.
Be sure to weather-proof the connections to ensure many years of reliable service. Use
the same type of heavy,braided cable for the connections to the station ground bus (de-
scribed below).
Do not use gas line pipes in an attempt to provide a ground connection! To do so creates
a serious risk of explosion!!
Inside the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 1” (25
mm) diameter should be used. An alternative station ground bus may consist of a wide
copperplate (single-sided circuit board material is ideal) secured to the bottom of the op-
erating desk. Grounding connections from individual devices such as transceivers, power
supplies,and data communications devices should be made directly to the ground bus
using a heavy,braided cable.
Do not make ground connections from one electrical device to another, and thence to the
ground bus. This so-called “Daisy Chain” grounding technique may nullify any attempt at
effective radio frequency grounding. See the drawings below for examples of proper and
improper ground connections.
Improper Ground Connection
Transceiver
“Daisy Chain”
GNDGND GND
Linear
Amplifier
Power
Supply
Proper Ground Connection
Transceiver
GNDGND GND
Linear
Amplifier
Power
Supply
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Installation
FT-891 Operating Manual
RF FIELD EXPOSURE
This transceiver is capable of power output in excess of 100 Watts, so customers in the
United States may be required to demonstrate compliance with Federal Communica-
tions Commission (FCC) regulations concerning maximum permissible exposure to radio
frequency energy. Compliance is based on the actual power output used, feedline loss,
antenna type and height, and other factors which can only be evaluated as a system.
Information regarding these regulations may be available from your Dealer, your local
radio club, from the FCC directly (press releases and other information can be found on
the FCC’s site on the World Wide Web at <http://www.fcc.gov>), or from the American
Radio Relay League, Inc. (225 Main St., Newington CT 06111 or <http://www.arrl.org>).
Although there is negligible radio frequency (RF) leakage from the FT-891 transceiver it-
self, its antenna system should be located as far away from humans and animals as prac-
ticable, so as to avoid the possibility of shock due to accidental contact with the antenna
or excessive long-term exposure to RF energy. During mobile operation, do not transmit if
someone is standing adjacent to your antenna, and use the lowest power possible.
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FT-891 Operating Manual
Front Panel Controls & Switches
①
②
③ ④ ⑥ ⑦ ⑧ ⑩⑤
⑪ ⑫ ⑬ ⑭ ⑮ ⑯
⑨
RF/SQL knob
This (outer) SQL/RF knob adjusts the gain of the receiver’s RF and IF stages. Using
Menu Mode “No 05-05 [RF/SQL VR]”, this control may be changed to function as a
Squelch control.
MULTI knob
This detented rotary switch is used for function selection for the [A], [B], [C]keys of
the transceiver.
AF Knob
The (inner) VOL knob adjusts the receiver audio volume level presented to the internal
or external speaker. Clockwise rotation increases the volume level.
MODE key
Pressing either of this key momentarily will change the operating mode. The selections
available are:
àLSB àCWL (CW LSB) àR-L (RTTY LSB) à
àP-L (PACKET LSB) àAM àLSB à
Repeated presses of this key steps through the available selections. Pressing and
holding this key will toggle to the alternate mode. For example, In the LSB or USB
modes, a long press of this key toggles between “LSB” and “USB” mode.
RC/ST key
Press and hold this key for more than one second to write the frequency and data
currently set for VFO-A onto the quick memory bank (QMB)
m5 channels are available for QMB memories. Press the button briefly to recall the
data written onto the quick memory banks (QMB) one by one.
[VuM]key
Pressing and holding this key for one second (until the double beep) copies the current
operating data into the currently selected memory channel, over-writing any previous
ApplicationforFCC/IC
FCCID:K6620651X50/IC:511B-20651X50