Hi Gerald, I ran the Yaesu FT-857D with the matching ATAS-120 screwdriver antenna in my car for the better part of 10 years. I love the radio, but there are a few comments that I need to make.
1- There is a well known problem with this and many other radios concerning the ceramic IF filters. They tend to go bad eventually with the symptom of very distorted audio. I had to have mine replaced by Yaesu a few years ago. The problem is that the manufacturer saved a few pennies by omitting DC blocking capacitors for the filters. I see that recently (perhaps in the last couple of years) they apparently added these capacitors to new rigs. As I recall the repair was less than $100. 2- Another common problem is a "streaky" display after years of use. Mine started to exhibit that problem a couple of years ago. Vertical blank stripes started to appear. The radio still works perfectly, but some of the dot matrix columns are blank. Apparently the display board ribbon cable is attached to the display with an epoxy material, rather than solder. Google SV8YM for more info. I operated with the remote head setup and rarely took the head into the house, so it cooked in the sun and humidity for years. Eventually that must have softened the epoxy. I'm sure that this isn't the only rig to have this problem. I think that if you cover the display when not in use to keep it out of the sun you'll be OK. Or better yet, pop it off and take it inside, particularly if your vehicle is not garaged. 3- I love the ATAS-120 antenna. It tunes from the radio automatically and covers 40 meters thru 70 cm. Make sure that you have a good chassis ground and it is a joy to use. Only maintenance that it needs is disassembly and cleaning every few years. 73, Doug WB5TKI Sent from my iPad > On Feb 26, 2016, at 7:59 PM, Gerald E Muller via tdxs-list > <[email protected]> wrote: > > Gents and Ladies > It looks like most people prefer to have a unit that has a feel to it > and not be distracted by a touch screen. With that in mind I am leaning > toward a FT-857d or a T-480. Need so on air experience / comments on these > units. Neither has a built in tuner so would need to get a screw driver ant. > Want the best so I do not have to replace it if I change out the radio. Any > suggestions? > > Gerald Muller K9GEM > [email protected] > _________________________________________________________________ > To unsubscribe or modify your subscription options, please visit: > http://lists.tdxs.net/mailman/options/tdxs-list/djseyler%40comcast.net
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