DeMented Toys

I have a Yaesu 817nd that I have been trying to figure out how to mount in a 3rd gen 4runner. Anyone know anything about this radio? I know it runs on quite a few different bands, but am still learning what that means. I'm studying for my Ham technician license and hope to test soon.

Is the Yaesu 817nd a good choice for vehicle mounting?

I have a cobra CB too just for the record. I don't want to start one of those CB vs Ham radio discussions

toyospearo

Study up!
If you have questions at this point about specific Ham bands those questions will be answered (by you) when you are prepared enough to make the appointment to take your test.
The 817 is a SERIOUS rig that requires a long day of reading the manual and another long day of hands on tinkering of the unit.
IMHO the 817 is a perfect rig for mounting in a 4 runner. This link might help- http://www.ram-mount.com/

Neo

"Why do my eyes hurt?"

Morpheus

"You've never used them before. Rest, Neo. The answers are coming."

Matrix

DeMented Toys

The more I study the more interesting it gets. SERIOUS rig is a good thing right?

toyospearo

Yes, its a GREAT thing.
However, unless you are going beyond technicians status on the first exam date the only bands you can TRANSMIT on that 817 are 2m and 440m. Thats ok! The other bands you can monitor and listen in until you move up to General Class!
good luck!!!
BTW- give me a shout when you get your call sign. I am K6ZXK

GSGALLANT

I think you meant to say 2m and 70cm.

Now, the 817 looks like a good radio, but it's a portable, so I'm not sure how satisfied you'll be using it as a mobile rig, because it looks to be limited to 5W output. You can try it to see what sort of range you'll get with it, but you may find that unless you're close to a repeater, you'll be pretty limited to how far you can transmit. Most mobiles will have 40W - 50W outputs.

toyospearo

hahahahah see thats what happens when you don't study!
thanks

DeMented Toys

Is there a better option that the 817nd? Or a way to increase the output? Maybe I should try and sell or trade for a more suitable unit...

GSGALLANT

Well... I'm not saying it won't work well... just that you may not get the range and clarity that you would like in your transmissions.

If you are looking at other options, there are tons out there. If you think you are partial to Yaesu radios, here is what they have for mobiles. I have the FT-7800R, and I really like it. Here is how I installed it in my 2002 4Runner.

DeMented Toys

I also have an Elecraft K2 that I had planned on using for a base station. If I sold the K2 I could probably get a Yaesu mobile.
Then I could use the new Yaesu mobile unit for a mobile/base and the Yaesu 817nd for a portable when I'm away from my vehicle backpacking etc. which it seems to be better suited for with the 5watt output...

I know with the technician licence I will be limited to 2m/70cm but can move up from there...

So I need to figure out what the differences are between the Yaesu mobile units and which one would be best for my application so I can install the right unit the first time...

GSGALLANT

Some have remote mount faceplates (mine does), so your have more options for mounting it. Some are dual band, tri band, or quad band. Most times, a dual band will be sufficient, because it will allow 2m and 70cm. Do some reading on the Yaesu site and on www.eham.net (they have lots of radio reviews on there.)

DeMented Toys

I decided to sell this Yaesu 817nd and buy a mobile unit with a remote faceplate. I think I will be loosing the portability and loosing bands, but being new to ham radio I can't really use all the extra bands anyway.

If anyone is interested I posted the 817nd in the for sale section!

khoopes

The remote mount faceplates are nice. The power output of your rig can easily be boosted by an Amplifier. Something like a mirage B-215-G