2026-09-20 23:12 UTC
@penguin42@mastodon.org.uk @edavies@functional.cafe @jamesb@fedi.duckduckpigeon.co.uk @M0YNG@mastodon.radio @flup@mastodon.scot thanks for the tag, I already have an FT-897.
FWIW, the 857 is well-liked and well-regarded as a portable rig. It's basically an FT897 without the internal battery bays and a bit less weight. The front panel's removable, which made them fairly popular for vehicle installs.
An 857 with ATU is probably worth £5-600 depending on which ATU. Check if it has any of the Collins IF filters installed under the cover, they command high (IMO silly) prices.
Replies (1)
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@philpem@digipres.club 2026-09-20 23:18
@penguin42@mastodon.org.uk @edavies@functional.cafe @jamesb@fedi.duckduckpigeon.co.uk @M0YNG@mastodon.radio @flup@mastodon.scot Correcting myself: the 857 weighs about half of what the 897 does. So I imagine it's more popular for portable work too. I'd be cautious of ebay sales, it's getting like the Wild West. Ordinarily I'd have said take it to the bring-and-buy stand at one of the big rallies. It's basically a commission sale, they sell it and give you the cash minus a small cut. Big advantage is it's all sold-as-seen cash-in-hand and done in-person so far less faff than ebay.