Thank you! I totally agree. I do have an antenna that was sent to me recently that I'm going to try but I will never be a regular product salesman on CZcams.
I just recently got an FT891… love it. And I love the idea of tossing my counterpoise into the ocean… I’ll need to make it 450miles long though… I live in Idaho! 😂 We moved here from Portsmouth VA back in 2020… great to see the beach and harbor in your videos! 73 Mike KK7MMN
We just got the ic-7300 up and figured out. Kinda feels like cheating! So far, if we can hear ‘em, we can get ‘em.. Thanks for the upload, entertaining as always!
Nice to see you “step on the gas” once in a while Walt! I’ve been experimenting with 9M pole and so many wire config.s I’ve lost track. It’s a real hoot. Planning a trip to the Cedar Key, FL (an hour away) to dip the counterpoise and use the saltwater amplifier!!
I also have a x6100, G90, and FT-891. If I could only keep one, it would be the 891. The other radios have their points - I do love the tuners on the Xiegu radios, but each has other issues. There are numerous birdies on the X6100 that can really trash weak signal receive performance, and it has a really dumb planned-obsolescence non-replaceable battery. For the G90, my main gripes are the tiny display, lack of audio processing, and the cheap mechanical tuning encoder. I totally agree that the X6100 needs a major new-model "X7100" re-boot by Xiegu. First, the improved "X7100" should have a user replaceable power pack based on 8 STANDARD 18650 LiFePO4 batteries - which should provide at least 10W CW TX and 20W SSB PEP - and these power levels should be available on both battery and external power - and second, Xiegu needs to clean up the receiver and GET RID OF ALL THOSE DAMN RX BIRDIES, AND FIX THE DEFECTIVE WIFI AND BLUETOOTH. Till then, based on my experience with the G90, X6100, and FT-891, I would have to recommend that if you only want ONE radio for portable operation, GO WITH THE FT-891. The FT-891 is reasonably priced, delivers a full 100W, and is almost as compact as the G90. In fact, my FT-891 is just as compact and lightweight as my G90 when I factor in the bulky, heavy add-on G90 fan tray (a fair comparison since the FT-891 has very effective twin fans built in). The FT-891 is not just better on TX, it's also MUCH better on RX than either the G90 or X6100. The G90 has no proper digital noise reduction, and although the X6100 does have DNR, it is also sadly plagued by birdies and self interference. The FT-891 on the other hand, has both a nice clean receiver and excellent tunable digital noise reduction, and no need for an external speaker on the FT-891, because the built in speaker is fine.
When I wanted to become active in ham radio late last year, I went to YT looking for inspiration. Your content stuck with me. I eventually even settled on a G90. I used it for a few months and realized I had to try the 891. That G90 is long gone, no regrets, and don't take it personal Walt🙂 I honestly felt like a trader as I tuned in and watched your new content since then, haha. I love your content Walt, regardless of which radio you're using.
Another neat beach video, Walt. Glad you don’t hawk products but after seeing several of your G90 videos you sold me on it. I bought a used one. The first night I got on 17 meters I talked with VK3EY with 20 watts. I think he was as surprised as I was. 9560 mile qso. Talked the next day with a guy who lived 35 miles from Rob. What a great introduction to the G90 and to near qrp operating! I bought a new one yesterday. I appreciate your enthusiasm and what I’ve learned from you. 73, N4LWT
Awesome video Walt! Thanks for all of your videos! I have the 891 and love it. I also went through the audio videos put out by N4HNH and it made the radio a totally different animal. I wish I lived next to the ocean so I could take advantage of that natural amplifier! Great work!
The 891 is a fantastic rig. I use it as a base as well as portable. I run about 20 watts CW and 50 SSB, into a ground mounted Chameleon MPAS 17 foot extendable whip. Great video content as usual de K4CKR
Finally my secret long distance Elmer and I have the same radio. I just got my general the last day of June and haven’t even exercised any general class privileges yet. I have used the FT-891 on 10M SSB and 6M FM and love it. Listened on 20M but haven’t been successful in tuning a hamstick to be resonant below 15MHz. Time for an EFHW.
The 891 is certainly a good radio. Personally i steered around it because of at least 1 amp current draw on rx. That may not be a problem for some but still. Got hold of a 897d that draws near half as much on rx and it is a great radio. Still have to bring a tuner or a renonant antenna, so its not perfect. Lets see xiegu make a G100 with 100 watts and a display like the 6100 😃
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Hey, I'm loving my t(ru)sdx, too! It's hard for a blind guy to get the frequencies plugged in it, but I'm figuring out new things, every day!
@@shanejackson1973 hope you enjoy that little radio my friend, it takes a lot of tinkering but it’s a rewarding feeling when you make a great contact with it!
Great video Walt ! I just picked up an FT-891 a week ago and have been using it on CW at 25 watts and it is a beautiful little rig. I mostly operate QRP CW but I wanted something with a little more oomph to bring along with my QRP rig(s) when I go on vacation. - Cheers Michael, VE3WMB
I've noticed a little 10m as well. Some FM (probably a Texas repeater), and I managed to work the NOTA special event station from the jet propulsion lab out in LA (W6JPL) the other day on the way home from work. I was really surprised he was able to pick me up because I sure didn't have a very good hold of him lol. I hope it's a sign of things to come.
I had the same feeling that your going to release video comparing your experience with a higher power radio than the QRP Xiegu X6100 radio. And you did. Love your videos!
Awesome Walt. We share a similar passion for qrp and I have an 891 also. Tracy ve3twm on his channel did a really nice video of qro vs qrp and he used field day as a benchmark, he noticed about 50% more contacts between the two.
Great Vid. I've only just watched a video by Raisa R1BIG where she buried a dipole in the sand on one occasion and under the ground inside a forest in another, just looking at your beach and it got me wondering how a full sized dipole or even a large loop buried a few inches down under the sand would perform. Again, great vid, love the enthusiasm, keep up the great work. 73 from Ireland MI7WPX
Hey Walt! I have a microPA50 to use with my uSDX and X6100. It peaks at about 35w, and really transforms the X6100 with portable antennas. You need a tuner with swr above 2.0, but a well tuned vertical is awesome. A self contained AT100M lasts for a couple of activations on it's internal battery, and tunes most antennas well. Like you, I enjoy low power radio, and that little amp gives a boost to 5w.
Excellent! Every time I hear QRO I think KW! That shows how old I am. While it’s so hot I have been sitting out on my screen porch with my 891 set at 50 watts. I have my Hustler with a C clamp mount on my deck and am building lightweight dipoles and tuning them. Getting good reports on a “dead” 10 meters from the RBN with 10 meter dipole at 4 feet above the ground! For some reason I could not get my Hustler to tune on 10 meters (all other bands were fine) clamped to the deck but on my truck it was perfect! I have two stainless steel whips and with the long one I was perfect at 27 MHz and the short one was perfect at 30. No amount of radial lengths would get either one to tune at 28 to 28.7 to suit me. I think should consider one of those telescoping whips! I think you went too far with your power…100 watts or 10 dB is definitely QRO compared to QRP..😊
Walt, i love your videos. As a new Ham I find them very inspirational. Maybe our paths will cross on the air sometime. And I forgot, I have the FT-891 as well. Used a Kenwood TS-130S to get on the air back in Jan and I made lot's of great contacts with it. But I love the FT-891. That's my main rig for now. KQ4FIP
Greetings old man. Another great video. Walt, I finally received my mini pa-50. I've got about a week on it now and seems to be a solid little unit. Using it only on 20 now, but really gives the little g90 an extra punch.
Way to knock the bottom out of those VK’s! I like QRP also, but some days, you need to kick in the afterburner! Keep up the great work! Love the beach vids, especially on the OBX. 73, Mike K3CXG
Loved the video on the 891 at 100 watts, great contacts. I have an 891 as welll and use for POTA usually at 20 watts. Love the voice recorder function. Still favorate portable are G90 and FX4CR. Regards, Norm, KD9HAV 73
I have the 817, Lab 599, Xiegu G90, and Icom 705. If I only have to take one radio when offroading, it's the Yaesu 891. Was in Inyo National Forest at 8000' and made it all over Western US with a Buddistick Pro and 25 watts.
@RiflemanLEONE. Question for you. Why would someone want a Lab 599 or G90 when you can purchase a 891 and dial it down to 5w other than to be a true QRP ham who limit themselves to the lower power to hone their skills? Just trying to decide on a portable but efficient setup. Thanks.
@@anthonygiancarli9089 Good question. I think the answer is the power draw on RX, if you’re operating portable for extended periods. If portable power isn’t an issue then the 891 is a better radio choice. I’ve never had much luck with less than 10 watts BTW on SSB.
Walt, I wish you had shown the guy with the metal detector jump and yank his headphones off the moment you keyed up. LOL! (I think I've watched too many cartoons in my younger days)
From what I experience on 20 mtrs 100 watt is still QRP 😅 I love the 891 I have in the car, always amazes me what I've been able to work with that and a ham stick.
I love QRP too, so much that I have a 705 and a KX2. But having the 891 makes it hard to go QRP because it’s small, and the way I built my box makes it easier to take to the field than the qrp Radios, of course except for the weight hehehe 73!
Nice work.. Sometimes ya have to go QRO to burn the dust off the ole antennas and clean things up a bit.. Hope to catch you under better conditions next time your are out early.. Thanks for sharing all your fun and keep it up.. k0klb
Nice to see you with this rig! Get this baby on a delta loop next =]] Have you done the audio settings from N4HNH (I think). By default the audio of the 891 is weak for DX, there’s a setting you change that improves a lot your audio. It’s easy to find here on CZcams. 73!
Great video, the one I've been waiting for. Very impressed with your 891 as well as the MFJ antenna. Would like to see the mfj antenna and your M1eec? green coil. It looked to me that you were only actually running 50 watts according to your s-meter, I didn't see a peak at 100 watts. Love all your vids, very informative. Brock KC4SMI
The 17' antennas are too long to go on the DX Slidewinder coil and can damage the coil in the wind. M1ECC suggest an antenna the length of the mil whips only. M3KXZ
Thanks Brock, I think the MFJ antenna might be a better fit with my big Wolf River Coil. I don't think that little Slidewinder could support it. Yes I noticed I wasn't peaking at 100 despite having the power set at 100 SSB. I'll have to figure out what's going on there.
Hi Walt, FT-891 looks promising. What is your opinion on the receiver and filtering on the FT-891? I think it is a Triple Conversion Receiver....not an SDR, so it might be a bit noisier but with a better front end for rejecting nearby signals? It sounded good on the video, but that might just be the speaker.
Honestly it sounded and received well, as I get more comfortable with it and start tweaking things I’ll be able to give a better assessment but it really did sound good.
I’ve hit New Zealand once on 12m last year. I was floored. You hit Australia a lot and I’m floored by that. So do you feel like you cheated on your QRP radios? LOL! 73!
I always enjoy your posts.. looking forward to hearing what you think of the 891 overall vs the g90 even though it's not all in one like the g90.. I ended up with the 891 and really like it, I think it hears better than my 7300 and feel there is a bit more built in quality and factory support over the Xiegu stuff..only down it is a bit more hungry on power..
Another top vid, mate. Good to see you driving the FT-891, a solid portable performer. Cheers from VK4 FOO was here - now 🏢40th floor rooftop in Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do ROK, sporting the same setup, but I found a weatherproof powerpoint outlet on the roof, whooHoo. Nice change from the 12V12Ah Lifepo4. 😁🇦🇺 / 🇰🇷 ⚡
I kinda feel bad, but after getting my ft-891, i have had little interest in my g90 or x6100. Not because of the transmit power, but because of pretty much everything else. The ft-891 has much better receive and filters, and seems to me to be a much higher quality operating experience overall. I never operate at 100 watts, and rarely over 80 watts, except when i want to break through a pileup. The recording feature and the large vfo knob are other things that i prefer with the ft-891 over the xiegus. But what it really came down to for me was the receive being so much better. I'll probably sell the x6100 and keep the g90. But i also own the fx-4cr because of you. I like that little radio. And I plan on getting an icom 705 just to round out my portable rig collection. Do you own any icom radios?
You got that on the air in a hurry! 2 things, the speaker/audio is better than the Xiego's and the receive seems .... like a Yaesu! I still love the G90, but having a bigeer foot is fun too. BTW, it looked like you were peaking at about 60-50 watts....is that right? Great video. I
Can I ask a few questions? I am traveling to Honolulu HI for a couple weeks. I want to take my Yaesu FT 891 and MFJ-939. What antenna would you recommend? I was thinking a collapsing vertical for on the beach (camera backpack capable) and maybe one of your speaker wire antennas hanging down from the 6th floor of the motel from our room(0ne leg on each side of the balcony running along the pillars so no one sees them). I know you have way more experience then I do and hopefully could point me in the best direction. Also I know in one of your videos you speak of battery size limits for flying. I can not for the life of me find that video again. Mr Google says up to 100 watts? I am also going to have to take a charger. What might you point me towards. I think it will be an absolute blast hopefully talking from a different part of the world seeing what I can call up. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and appreciate the time it takes to create them. Thank you. Maurice
Thanks so much!! I've actually done exactly what you are going to do and you are going to have a blast. I did it on the island of Kauai. I did it with a small QRP setup but if I was going with the 891 I would probably take a telescopic whip like the MFJ one in this video or a coil and Man Pack folding whip. I only travel with QRP stuff so the battery issue may take some research. I do know that 100 watt-hours is the TSA rule and it has to be in your carry-on. I have a small little 6 Ah battery that is perfect for low power but will probably only get you an hour or two at a time with the 891.
Thanks for the great videos. I have a xeigu g90 and really like it. Do you think the XPA125B amp would give me the 100 watts of the 891? I’d like to have one system with the flexibility of low and higher watts, but if it’s better to get something like the 891, I would buy it for a higher wattage option. I’ve been concerned that 100 watts in my attic antenna might be dangerous but it looks like you survived at fairly close proximity to your antenna. Thanks again.
Thanks!! I have the XPA125B and I’m extremely pleased with it. Having an internal tuner built into an amp is great. I would take my G90 paired with the XPA125B over an 891 any day.
Excellent video buddy..Power aside how do the receivers compare to your normal QRP Radios as i was initially interested in the G90/x6100 style radios but was thinking the FT891 may get more use portable and mobile.Thanks
Thanks! Just getting to know this radio and yes the receive seems slightly better but I need some more outings with it to really give a good opinion on it.
Amazing video thank you ! I'm on the fence to get a icom 705 , I've never done qrp , would you recommend that radio? I know it's only 10 watts , thanks !
Hi Walt, how do you feel about the 891 now you have had it a few months? I know you are not sponsored and your assessments are fair, so is there another similar QRO radio you would buy in preference to the Yaesu? I am seriously thinking of getting something more powerful than my usual trusty steed, the G90 but gathering info first. 73, Pete M0KNQ (Mike Zero Kings 'N' Queens)
I wasn’t impressed with the 891 and actually sold it last week. I was not a fan of the Yaesu menu system and to be honest 100 watts versus the 20 from the G90 really isn’t worth the money. There’s not that much of a difference in power. I also own an older ALINCO DX-70 100 watt rig and to be honest it’s a much better and friendlier radio than the 891. You might like the 891 but it wasn’t the radio for me.
👍Good stuff, thanks. I was curious about your battery voltage. When I have used various 100W rigs portable, even with a high capacity fully charged SLAB or Lithium battery, the terminal voltage quickly drops to nearer 12V. They drop from 13.8V to say 12.2V. This can significantly reduce the RF output power to maybe nearer 50W.
Interesting, and thanks for the comment. I noticed I wasn’t peaking at 100W on battery but was when I got home and connected to my home power supply. I think I need to do some battery shopping
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES @COASTALWAVESWIRES I have had this problem lately when mobile and parked up in my car. Even with a new fully charged car battery and IC-7100 wired directly to the battery, if the engine is off, I don't expect anymore than 50W out. This is fine most of the time (a lot of the time I am 5W QRP CW). However, if I want 100W, I need to start the engine. I had been wondering if a battery booster might help. Though, tbe booster may be OK for installing in a car but perhaps a bit bulky for portable operation.
100 Watts portable, love it! How long does your 20Ah battery last on 100 Watts? I have the 891 as well and was considering getting a 20Ah battery for it. The 20Ah seems to be a sweet spot as far as bang for the buck.
@@forgetyourlife thanks for the reply! Bioenno is a quality battery though you pay for it. My 891 came with a used 6Ah bioenno, it's served me well but won't make it to 100 watts output, too much voltage drop. That 891 will handle pretty low voltage too.
@@youtubeaccount931 I like the Bioenno 9Amh AS version. It is made to pull 100w if you need but runs 50w for 4/5 hours easily. The regular 9Amh will not do 100w, has to be the AS version. Bioenno mentions this in the description so you’ll know when the right one.
Nobody's turned up to shout "Judas" at you like they did when Bob Dylan went electric so I think you've got away with the QRO Walt. I have started doing some 5W CW to even things up. Had someone call me from California on 20m last night, amazing.
Hahaha thanks Stuart. Still working on the CW skills hope to be out there portable soon doing some CW. Looking for another Portsmouth to Portsmouth QSO but next time CW.
I live about 30-45min from the Pacific Ocean and I have yet to take my portable rig out there to see what can be achieved. Is the difference really that significant? My normal antenna is an elevated vertical, with the top up at about 32ft or so. I get decent performance in a somewhat noisy suburban neighborhood, but I’d love to try playing radio somewhere where there isn’t much noise.
Another fine video Walt! I do love the fact that you're not a shill for products like some other channels. WAY too many product pushers on CZcams. Tom
Thank you! I totally agree. I do have an antenna that was sent to me recently that I'm going to try but I will never be a regular product salesman on CZcams.
Great video with some nice contacts. Im thinking of getting one of these thats how i found your video. 73
I just recently got an FT891… love it. And I love the idea of tossing my counterpoise into the ocean… I’ll need to make it 450miles long though… I live in Idaho! 😂
We moved here from Portsmouth VA back in 2020… great to see the beach and harbor in your videos!
73
Mike
KK7MMN
Hi Mike! Thanks for watching and commenting! 73 from Portsmouth!
We just got the ic-7300 up and figured out. Kinda feels like cheating! So far, if we can hear ‘em, we can get ‘em.. Thanks for the upload, entertaining as always!
Thank you so much my friends!!!!
Look out everybody, Walt is breaking out the 100 watts! :)
hahahaha I'm out of control!!!
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES lol
Nice to see you “step on the gas” once in a while Walt! I’ve been experimenting with 9M pole and so many wire config.s I’ve lost track. It’s a real hoot. Planning a trip to the Cedar Key, FL (an hour away) to dip the counterpoise and use the saltwater amplifier!!
It felt good! I’m not going to lie. Have fun in Cedar Key!
I also have a x6100, G90, and FT-891. If I could only keep one, it would be the 891. The other radios have their points - I do love the tuners on the Xiegu radios, but each has other issues. There are numerous birdies on the X6100 that can really trash weak signal receive performance, and it has a really dumb planned-obsolescence non-replaceable battery. For the G90, my main gripes are the tiny display, lack of audio processing, and the cheap mechanical tuning encoder.
I totally agree that the X6100 needs a major new-model "X7100" re-boot by Xiegu. First, the improved "X7100" should have a user replaceable power pack based on 8 STANDARD 18650 LiFePO4 batteries - which should provide at least 10W CW TX and 20W SSB PEP - and these power levels should be available on both battery and external power - and second, Xiegu needs to clean up the receiver and GET RID OF ALL THOSE DAMN RX BIRDIES, AND FIX THE DEFECTIVE WIFI AND BLUETOOTH.
Till then, based on my experience with the G90, X6100, and FT-891, I would have to recommend that if you only want ONE radio for portable operation, GO WITH THE FT-891. The FT-891 is reasonably priced, delivers a full 100W, and is almost as compact as the G90. In fact, my FT-891 is just as compact and lightweight as my G90 when I factor in the bulky, heavy add-on G90 fan tray (a fair comparison since the FT-891 has very effective twin fans built in). The FT-891 is not just better on TX, it's also MUCH better on RX than either the G90 or X6100. The G90 has no proper digital noise reduction, and although the X6100 does have DNR, it is also sadly plagued by birdies and self interference. The FT-891 on the other hand, has both a nice clean receiver and excellent tunable digital noise reduction, and no need for an external speaker on the FT-891, because the built in speaker is fine.
Sheeesh that's some impressive distance! Thanks for posting Walt.
Thanks for watching and commenting!!!
When I wanted to become active in ham radio late last year, I went to YT looking for inspiration. Your content stuck with me. I eventually even settled on a G90. I used it for a few months and realized I had to try the 891. That G90 is long gone, no regrets, and don't take it personal Walt🙂 I honestly felt like a trader as I tuned in and watched your new content since then, haha. I love your content Walt, regardless of which radio you're using.
Thank you so much my friend!!!!!
You have made me want an 891 for portable operations and as a backup to my IC-7300
So far I’m really liking this radio.
Another neat beach video, Walt. Glad you don’t hawk products but after seeing several of your G90 videos you sold me on it. I bought a used one. The first night I got on 17 meters I talked with VK3EY with 20 watts. I think he was as surprised as I was. 9560 mile qso. Talked the next day with a guy who lived 35 miles from Rob. What a great introduction to the G90 and to near qrp operating! I bought a new one yesterday. I appreciate your enthusiasm and what I’ve learned from you. 73, N4LWT
Thank you so much! The G90 is still my number one and favorite. 73, Walt
I just picked up an FT-891 and I'm exciting to get it on the air. Hey, can't have too many radios! Great video Walt!
Thanks! Have fun with that new radio! 73, Walt
Awesome video Walt! Thanks for all of your videos! I have the 891 and love it. I also went through the audio videos put out by N4HNH and it made the radio a totally different animal. I wish I lived next to the ocean so I could take advantage of that natural amplifier! Great work!
Thanks! I will check out the N4HNH videos as well
The 891 is a fantastic rig. I use it as a base as well as portable. I run about 20 watts CW and 50 SSB, into a ground mounted Chameleon MPAS 17 foot extendable whip.
Great video content as usual de K4CKR
Thanks for the kind words and great comment! 73 de K4OGO
Finally my secret long distance Elmer and I have the same radio. I just got my general the last day of June and haven’t even exercised any general class privileges yet. I have used the FT-891 on 10M SSB and 6M FM and love it. Listened on 20M but haven’t been successful in tuning a hamstick to be resonant below 15MHz. Time for an EFHW.
20 meters is my favorite band and the place for solid DX. Hope to catch you there!
Thank you for your time and effort to demonstrate your rig. Very nice and happy to give you a thumbs up.👍
Thank you so much!!!!!
I have two FT857d. Great radios. You can always turn down the power to 5 watts. Great video Thanks.
Thanks David!
The 891 is certainly a good radio. Personally i steered around it because of at least 1 amp current draw on rx. That may not be a problem for some but still. Got hold of a 897d that draws near half as much on rx and it is a great radio. Still have to bring a tuner or a renonant antenna, so its not perfect. Lets see xiegu make a G100 with 100 watts and a display like the 6100 😃
Would be cool but I can’t see Xiegu doing what’s necessary to keep a 100w rig from being a splatter monster.
I've always said that if Xiegu made a 100 watt radio they would really grab a big part of the market.
I was just thinking about that radio. Good to see that it performs so well.
Congrats on the new radio, Walt!
Thanks! Had a fun morning with it!
I love hearing that FT-891, Walt! That's what I'm rocking as my main portable station!😊
It's a great radio, I'm really enjoying it.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Hey, I'm loving my t(ru)sdx, too! It's hard for a blind guy to get the frequencies plugged in it, but I'm figuring out new things, every day!
@@shanejackson1973 hope you enjoy that little radio my friend, it takes a lot of tinkering but it’s a rewarding feeling when you make a great contact with it!
Always amazes me what a salt water counterpoise achieves. Can't get anywhere close to that level of performance out here in Texas with same setup.
Yes I'm very lucky to live where I am.
Great video Walt ! I just picked up an FT-891 a week ago and have been using it on CW at 25 watts and it is a beautiful little rig. I mostly operate QRP CW but I wanted something with a little more oomph to bring along with my QRP rig(s) when I go on vacation. - Cheers Michael, VE3WMB
Thanks so much!! Cheers
I've noticed a little 10m as well. Some FM (probably a Texas repeater), and I managed to work the NOTA special event station from the jet propulsion lab out in LA (W6JPL) the other day on the way home from work. I was really surprised he was able to pick me up because I sure didn't have a very good hold of him lol. I hope it's a sign of things to come.
I'm really looking forward to 10 being open regularly again!!
VK! Great job!
Thanks Tim! It was a fun morning and you’re the reason I got this radio my friend
Always a treat when you post a new video Walt. Great contact swith the Yaesu FT-891.
Thank you so much!
Great video again walt n some nice contacts there 😊73 n look forward to the next one
Thanks Andy!!!!
I had the same feeling that your going to release video comparing your experience with a higher power radio than the QRP Xiegu X6100 radio. And you did. Love your videos!
Thank you so much!! That was a great comparison for me.
Awesome Walt. We share a similar passion for qrp and I have an 891 also. Tracy ve3twm on his channel did a really nice video of qro vs qrp and he used field day as a benchmark, he noticed about 50% more contacts between the two.
Thanks! Yes I saw Tracy"s video, it was great.
Great Vid. I've only just watched a video by Raisa R1BIG where she buried a dipole in the sand on one occasion and under the ground inside a forest in another, just looking at your beach and it got me wondering how a full sized dipole or even a large loop buried a few inches down under the sand would perform. Again, great vid, love the enthusiasm, keep up the great work. 73 from Ireland MI7WPX
Thanks so very much! I need to do some research on that. 73 from the Virginia Coast K4OGO
Hey Walt! I have a microPA50 to use with my uSDX and X6100. It peaks at about 35w, and really transforms the X6100 with portable antennas. You need a tuner with swr above 2.0, but a well tuned vertical is awesome. A self contained AT100M lasts for a couple of activations on it's internal battery, and tunes most antennas well. Like you, I enjoy low power radio, and that little amp gives a boost to 5w.
Great setup!
Excellent! Every time I hear QRO I think KW! That shows how old I am. While it’s so hot I have been sitting out on my screen porch with my 891 set at 50 watts. I have my Hustler with a C clamp mount on my deck and am building lightweight dipoles and tuning them. Getting good reports on a “dead” 10 meters from the RBN with 10 meter dipole at 4 feet above the ground! For some reason I could not get my Hustler to tune on 10 meters (all other bands were fine) clamped to the deck but on my truck it was perfect! I have two stainless steel whips and with the long one I was perfect at 27 MHz and the short one was perfect at 30. No amount of radial lengths would get either one to tune at 28 to 28.7 to suit me. I think should consider one of those telescoping whips!
I think you went too far with your power…100 watts or 10 dB is definitely QRO compared to QRP..😊
Thanks! Yes I could really tell the difference breaking through a pileup with that 100 watts plus the saltwater amp lol
Walt, i love your videos. As a new Ham I find them very inspirational. Maybe our paths will cross on the air sometime. And I forgot, I have the FT-891 as well. Used a Kenwood TS-130S to get on the air back in Jan and I made lot's of great contacts with it. But I love the FT-891. That's my main rig for now.
KQ4FIP
Thanks so much Kevin! I look forward to that contact on the air my friend!!!
Greetings old man. Another great video. Walt, I finally received my mini pa-50. I've got about a week on it now and seems to be a solid little unit. Using it only on 20 now, but really gives the little g90 an extra punch.
Greetings! that sounds like a great addition to the G90.
Nice one Walt…
Some find contacts there!
Love the 891… have 2 of them myself. 😊
Thank you so much my friend!!!
Way to knock the bottom out of those VK’s! I like QRP also, but some days, you need to kick in the afterburner! Keep up the great work! Love the beach vids, especially on the OBX. 73, Mike K3CXG
Thank you so much Mike! I'll be spending Labor Day weekend on the OBX and I can't wait!
Loved the video on the 891 at 100 watts, great contacts. I have an 891 as welll and use for POTA usually at 20 watts. Love the voice recorder function. Still favorate portable are G90 and FX4CR. Regards, Norm, KD9HAV 73
Thanks Norm! I think we share the same favorites. 73, Walt K4OGO
Now we finally got you a matching Nickname "Hundred Watts Walter" Welcome to the Low Power HAMily 💯👌🍻
hahahaha perfect!!!
Enjoy videos with the contacts
Thanks for watching! 73, Walt
I have the 817, Lab 599, Xiegu G90, and Icom 705. If I only have to take one radio when offroading, it's the Yaesu 891. Was in Inyo National Forest at 8000' and made it all over Western US with a Buddistick Pro and 25 watts.
@RiflemanLEONE. Question for you. Why would someone want a Lab 599 or G90 when you can purchase a 891 and dial it down to 5w other than to be a true QRP ham who limit themselves to the lower power to hone their skills? Just trying to decide on a portable but efficient setup. Thanks.
@@anthonygiancarli9089 Good question. I think the answer is the power draw on RX, if you’re operating portable for extended periods. If portable power isn’t an issue then the 891 is a better radio choice. I’ve never had much luck with less than 10 watts BTW on SSB.
Yea...891. I have one and love it. Low power too with 818
I'm really liking this 891
Walt, I wish you had shown the guy with the metal detector jump and yank his headphones off the moment you keyed up. LOL! (I think I've watched too many cartoons in my younger days)
hahahaha too funny!!
Great video as usual, but you have gone over to the dark side, at the end of the video I could see it in your eyes, "my precious"
Thanks! hahahaha yes I have!
Great Video. If I may suggest for a side by side comparison between QRP and QRO. with the FT-891. Run the Ft-891 at 5 w and then at 100w. 73 K5CIP
Thanks, I will give that a go soon!
From what I experience on 20 mtrs 100 watt is still QRP 😅 I love the 891 I have in the car, always amazes me what I've been able to work with that and a ham stick.
Lol there are definitely some guys with power on 20
I love QRP too, so much that I have a 705 and a KX2. But having the 891 makes it hard to go QRP because it’s small, and the way I built my box makes it easier to take to the field than the qrp Radios, of course except for the weight hehehe
73!
You are absolutely right. 73
You will be amazed how well the slidewinder performs on 100w
I will be out with it soon!!! Really looking forward to it.
Nice work.. Sometimes ya have to go QRO to burn the dust off the ole antennas and clean things up a bit.. Hope to catch you under better conditions next time your are out early.. Thanks for sharing all your fun and keep it up.. k0klb
Thanks so much Kevin!
Extreme cool 💎💎💎💎💎 100 W great
Thank you!!!
Walt goes to the dark side. Lol. Nice video. Waiting for much better condx to really play with my FX-4CR. 72
Thanks! yes it felt good on the dark side hahaha
Another great video Walt! Thank you!!
Thank you so much!!!
I have only made it to the intro, but with your success with QRP, I assume you end up talking to yourself with 100 watts. 😂😂
hahaha It sure was easier making contacts, that's for sure.
Nice to see you with this rig! Get this baby on a delta loop next =]] Have you done the audio settings from N4HNH (I think). By default the audio of the 891 is weak for DX, there’s a setting you change that improves a lot your audio. It’s easy to find here on CZcams.
73!
Thanks for the tip, I’ll look into that for sure! 73 my friend!
Great video, the one I've been waiting for. Very impressed with your 891 as well as the MFJ antenna. Would like to see the mfj antenna and your M1eec? green coil. It looked to me that you were only actually running 50 watts according to your s-meter, I didn't see a peak at 100 watts. Love all your vids, very informative. Brock KC4SMI
The 17' antennas are too long to go on the DX Slidewinder coil and can damage the coil in the wind. M1ECC suggest an antenna the length of the mil whips only. M3KXZ
Thanks Brock, I think the MFJ antenna might be a better fit with my big Wolf River Coil. I don't think that little Slidewinder could support it. Yes I noticed I wasn't peaking at 100 despite having the power set at 100 SSB. I'll have to figure out what's going on there.
Would be interesting to see how a "shorty-forty" works at the beach.
I’ll try to make that happen in the future
Hi Walt, FT-891 looks promising. What is your opinion on the receiver and filtering on the FT-891? I think it is a Triple Conversion Receiver....not an SDR, so it might be a bit noisier but with a better front end for rejecting nearby signals? It sounded good on the video, but that might just be the speaker.
Honestly it sounded and received well, as I get more comfortable with it and start tweaking things I’ll be able to give a better assessment but it really did sound good.
What a beautiful place to play radio. Great video as always.
Thank you so much! I'm blessed to live so close.
I’ve hit New Zealand once on 12m last year. I was floored. You hit Australia a lot and I’m floored by that. So do you feel like you cheated on your QRP radios? LOL! 73!
LOL yeah a little bit 😂
QRP radios are always the last to know.
Yoda quote...“Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.”
I'm using the force!!!!
I always enjoy your posts.. looking forward to hearing what you think of the 891 overall vs the g90 even though it's not all in one like the g90.. I ended up with the 891 and really like it, I think it hears better than my 7300 and feel there is a bit more built in quality and factory support over the Xiegu stuff..only down it is a bit more hungry on power..
Thanks! yes I really like the radio. I need to get a better grip on the menu and settings.
Another top vid, mate. Good to see you driving the FT-891, a solid portable performer.
Cheers from VK4 FOO was here - now 🏢40th floor rooftop in Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do ROK, sporting the same setup,
but I found a weatherproof powerpoint outlet on the roof, whooHoo. Nice change from the 12V12Ah Lifepo4. 😁🇦🇺 / 🇰🇷 ⚡
Thanks so much mate! Have fun on the rooftop that sounds like a cool place to operate from!!
I am looking at the 891 or the 991
I like the portability of the 891
Yes the portability of the 891 is awesome.
I kinda feel bad, but after getting my ft-891, i have had little interest in my g90 or x6100. Not because of the transmit power, but because of pretty much everything else. The ft-891 has much better receive and filters, and seems to me to be a much higher quality operating experience overall. I never operate at 100 watts, and rarely over 80 watts, except when i want to break through a pileup. The recording feature and the large vfo knob are other things that i prefer with the ft-891 over the xiegus. But what it really came down to for me was the receive being so much better. I'll probably sell the x6100 and keep the g90. But i also own the fx-4cr because of you. I like that little radio. And I plan on getting an icom 705 just to round out my portable rig collection. Do you own any icom radios?
I have just noticed this comment after asking Walt the very question,is it really that much better with RX?
No I don't own any Icom radios...... yet LOL
Welcome home!!!!
It’s good to be home!
👍@@COASTALWAVESWIRES
Very fine !! What sort of antenna did you use ? Greetings from France 😀
Hi Walt ! What you don't use the excellent NB on the 891 ??? It's awesome !!! Good job as usual! Best 73's de OK2BAD 👍🏻
Thanks! I'll get there with the NB, just learning this radio
Yep! This is realy goood tcvr ! Enjoy Walt ! 👍🏻
You got that on the air in a hurry! 2 things, the speaker/audio is better than the Xiego's and the receive seems .... like a Yaesu! I still love the G90, but having a bigeer foot is fun too. BTW, it looked like you were peaking at about 60-50 watts....is that right? Great video. I
Thanks! I was noticing that I was peaking around 80ish. Had the settings at 100w. I’ll keep my eye on what’s going on.
Can I ask a few questions? I am traveling to Honolulu HI for a couple weeks. I want to take my Yaesu FT 891 and MFJ-939. What antenna would you recommend? I was thinking a collapsing vertical for on the beach (camera backpack capable) and maybe one of your speaker wire antennas hanging down from the 6th floor of the motel from our room(0ne leg on each side of the balcony running along the pillars so no one sees them). I know you have way more experience then I do and hopefully could point me in the best direction. Also I know in one of your videos you speak of battery size limits for flying. I can not for the life of me find that video again. Mr Google says up to 100 watts? I am also going to have to take a charger. What might you point me towards. I think it will be an absolute blast hopefully talking from a different part of the world seeing what I can call up. I thoroughly enjoy your videos and appreciate the time it takes to create them. Thank you. Maurice
Thanks so much!! I've actually done exactly what you are going to do and you are going to have a blast. I did it on the island of Kauai. I did it with a small QRP setup but if I was going with the 891 I would probably take a telescopic whip like the MFJ one in this video or a coil and Man Pack folding whip. I only travel with QRP stuff so the battery issue may take some research. I do know that 100 watt-hours is the TSA rule and it has to be in your carry-on. I have a small little 6 Ah battery that is perfect for low power but will probably only get you an hour or two at a time with the 891.
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES Thank you very much for your time. Maurice N7NHS
Thanks for the great videos. I have a xeigu g90 and really like it. Do you think the XPA125B amp would give me the 100 watts of the 891? I’d like to have one system with the flexibility of low and higher watts, but if it’s better to get something like the 891, I would buy it for a higher wattage option. I’ve been concerned that 100 watts in my attic antenna might be dangerous but it looks like you survived at fairly close proximity to your antenna. Thanks again.
Thanks!! I have the XPA125B and I’m extremely pleased with it. Having an internal tuner built into an amp is great. I would take my G90 paired with the XPA125B over an 891 any day.
Excellent video buddy..Power aside how do the receivers compare to your normal QRP Radios as i was initially interested in the G90/x6100 style radios but was thinking the FT891 may get more use portable and mobile.Thanks
Thanks! Just getting to know this radio and yes the receive seems slightly better but I need some more outings with it to really give a good opinion on it.
Amazing video thank you ! I'm on the fence to get a icom 705 , I've never done qrp , would you recommend that radio? I know it's only 10 watts , thanks !
I've honestly never used that radio but it has great reviews and a solid following. It's an ICOM so it's a good radio for sure.
Hi Walt, how do you feel about the 891 now you have had it a few months? I know you are not sponsored and your assessments are fair, so is there another similar QRO radio you would buy in preference to the Yaesu? I am seriously thinking of getting something more powerful than my usual trusty steed, the G90 but gathering info first. 73, Pete M0KNQ (Mike Zero Kings 'N' Queens)
I wasn’t impressed with the 891 and actually sold it last week. I was not a fan of the Yaesu menu system and to be honest 100 watts versus the 20 from the G90 really isn’t worth the money. There’s not that much of a difference in power. I also own an older ALINCO DX-70 100 watt rig and to be honest it’s a much better and friendlier radio than the 891. You might like the 891 but it wasn’t the radio for me.
👍Good stuff, thanks. I was curious about your battery voltage. When I have used various 100W rigs portable, even with a high capacity fully charged SLAB or Lithium battery, the terminal voltage quickly drops to nearer 12V. They drop from 13.8V to say 12.2V. This can significantly reduce the RF output power to maybe nearer 50W.
Interesting, and thanks for the comment. I noticed I wasn’t peaking at 100W on battery but was when I got home and connected to my home power supply. I think I need to do some battery shopping
@@COASTALWAVESWIRES
@COASTALWAVESWIRES I have had this problem lately when mobile and parked up in my car. Even with a new fully charged car battery and IC-7100 wired directly to the battery, if the engine is off, I don't expect anymore than 50W out. This is fine most of the time (a lot of the time I am 5W QRP CW). However, if I want 100W, I need to start the engine. I had been wondering if a battery booster might help. Though, tbe booster may be OK for installing in a car but perhaps a bit bulky for portable operation.
Nice DX
Thanks! It was a fun morning
100 Watts portable, love it! How long does your 20Ah battery last on 100 Watts? I have the 891 as well and was considering getting a 20Ah battery for it. The 20Ah seems to be a sweet spot as far as bang for the buck.
On 50/50 duty cycle ssb, a looooooog time. If your into Bioenno the 15Amh is the sweet spot for price and weight.
@@forgetyourlife thanks for the reply! Bioenno is a quality battery though you pay for it. My 891 came with a used 6Ah bioenno, it's served me well but won't make it to 100 watts output, too much voltage drop. That 891 will handle pretty low voltage too.
@@youtubeaccount931 I like the Bioenno 9Amh AS version. It is made to pull 100w if you need but runs 50w for 4/5 hours easily. The regular 9Amh will not do 100w, has to be the AS version. Bioenno mentions this in the description so you’ll know when the right one.
@@forgetyourlife great! thanks for the info
@@youtubeaccount931 correction, the correct Bioenno model is BLF-1209WS
Nobody's turned up to shout "Judas" at you like they did when Bob Dylan went electric so I think you've got away with the QRO Walt. I have started doing some 5W CW to even things up. Had someone call me from California on 20m last night, amazing.
Hahaha thanks Stuart. Still working on the CW skills hope to be out there portable soon doing some CW. Looking for another Portsmouth to Portsmouth QSO but next time CW.
Use the DNR on that radio. It's quite amazing.
Will do! Just figuring everything out with this great little radio
In reference to Super Troopers... you don't own the beach. God owns the beach.
LOL I love that movie!
Could you please tell me where I can buy that antenna system?
1.5 S-unit difference 10W vs 100W.
I live about 30-45min from the Pacific Ocean and I have yet to take my portable rig out there to see what can be achieved. Is the difference really that significant? My normal antenna is an elevated vertical, with the top up at about 32ft or so. I get decent performance in a somewhat noisy suburban neighborhood, but I’d love to try playing radio somewhere where there isn’t much noise.
I think there is a considerable difference when I'm directly by the sea. Give it a try!
Walt, how'd the battery last?
De k6whp, William
Was still going strong after the 3 or 4 hours I was out there. It did well. I’ll give it an all day test soon and see how it does. 73, Walt
Did you use 50 watts ? 😀
Do you need a bigger 100w noodle?
hahahahaha!!! yes I think so
Thanks Walt! Keep doing what you do and I'll keep coming back to watch and learn! Have a great weekend! de KI5VIG
Thank you so much my friend!!!
Sometimes when conditions are rough, I pull out my original issue icom 706 and get ‘er done. So I can relate. 73’s de n5vwn
Yes sometimes you just need that extra kick! 73 de K4OGO