How to Program an FT-817ND — Step by Step

The little backpack all-mode rig, HF through 70 centimeters on five or six watts. Almost everything lives on three keys under the display, and which job they do depends on which of twelve rows is showing.

This page covers: Yaesu FT-817ND, Yaesu FT-818ND. The FT-818ND is the FT-817ND's successor, and its manual is almost word for word the same — same keys, same twelve rows, same 57 menu items under the same numbers. The differences Yaesu prints: power is 6, 5, 2.5 and 1 watt on the FT-818ND against 5, 2.5, 1 and 0.5 watt on the FT-817ND; the FT-818ND ships with the SBR-32MH battery and the FT-817ND with the FNB-85; menu 11 BATT-CHG defaults to 10 hours on the FT-818ND and 6 on the FT-817ND; menu 17 CW DELAY runs to 2500 ms on the FT-818ND but only 500 ms on the FT-817ND; the preset AM carrier is 2 W on the FT-818ND and 1.5 W on the FT-817ND; the FT-818ND receives up to 56 MHz and has a 5 MHz stop on the BAND key; the FT-818ND's manual adds the SCU-17 USB interface; the FT-817ND lists the TCXO-9 high-stability oscillator (±0.5 ppm) as an option, while the FT-818ND's specifications give ±0.5 ppm as standard and its manual has no TCXO-9; and the FT-818ND's options list drops the YF-122C narrow CW filter that the FT-817ND's lists. These steps were written from the two manuals and have not been walked on either radio. The original FT-817 from before the ND is not covered — its manual has not been checked.

What you can do on this radio

• Set the radio up for FT8 and other digital modes
• Connect the radio to a computer
• Set the drive level for digital modes
• Narrow the filter to shut out the station next door
• Turn on the noise blanker
• Work a DX station that is running split
• Save a frequency to a memory channel
• Set the CW keyer speed and weight
• Reset the menu to factory settings

Set the radio up for FT8 and other digital modes on an FT-817ND

Neither manual mentions FT8, but Yaesu says its USER-L and USER-U digital modes should let you run any SSB-based audio digital mode, and FT8 is one. You choose USER-U in the menu, then put the radio in DIG mode with the MODE keys.

1. If row labels are showing, press F once to clear them. Hold F for one second, turn the SEL knob to item 26 DIG MODE, and turn the DIAL to USER-U. Stay in the menu.F if labels show, to clear›hold F›26 DIG MODE›dial → USER-UThe screen should show: 26 DIG MODE, then RTTY, PSK31-L, PSK31-U, USER-L or USER-U.USER-U is Yaesu's user-defined mode on the upper sideband. FT8 runs on upper sideband (general practice; the manuals do not mention FT8).
2. Still in the menu, turn SEL to item 27 DIG SHIFT; if it is not 0 Hz, turn the DIAL to 0 Hz. Turn SEL to item 24 DIG DISP and do the same. Then hold F for one second to save and leave.27 DIG SHIFT›dial → 0 Hz›24 DIG DISP›dial → 0 Hz›hold FThe screen should show: 27 DIG SHIFT and 24 DIG DISP, each showing an offset in hertz.Both ship at 0 Hz. The manual's only suggested figure, about +2100, is for its RTTY-with-a-TNC example. For FT8 from a sound card, leaving both at 0 means the frequency on the display is the dial frequency your software expects (general practice, not from the manual).
3. Press MODE ◄ or MODE ► until the DIG icon appears.MODE ◄ / ►The screen should show: DIG in the mode position.The mode keys step LSB, USB, CW, CWR, AM, FM, DIG, PKT round a ring.
4. Connect your interface to the rear DATA jack: the radio's DATA OUT — pin 5, the 1200 bps output — and ground, pin 2, to the computer's input; the computer's audio to the radio's DATA IN; and the PTT line.connect the interface to the DATA jackThe screen should show: Nothing changes on the radio.Yaesu says that during digital or packet operation, the PTT line from the DATA jack automatically cuts off the microphone input, so you will not have a live microphone. The receive audio on the DATA jack is a fixed level and the AF knob does not change it.Watch out. Yaesu says to use the TX audio line from your interface, not an FSK keying line, and gives DATA IN a maximum of 1.0 volt peak to peak. Key the radio with the DATA jack's PTT line: Yaesu lists VOX for SSB, AM and FM only, and neither manual says whether the computer-control PTT command mutes the microphone or uses the DATA IN audio.

Next, set the transmit level — see "Set the drive level for digital modes". If you want to run digital modes on 60 meters in the US, the manual handles that band differently: its 60 meter memory channels are fixed, and its PSK example there uses SSB mode with menu 25 for the level.

Taken from the manufacturer's own manual for this model.

Connect the radio to a computer on an FT-817ND

Computer control goes through the rear ACC jack, not the DATA jack. There is one radio setting — the speed — and one detail most software gets wrong: two stop bits.

1. Connect the computer to the rear ACC jack. Yaesu's cable is the CT-62, which plugs straight into a serial port; the FT-818ND's manual adds the SCU-17 USB interface, used with the CT-62.connect the CAT cable to the ACC jackThe screen should show: Nothing changes on the radio.Watch out. The FT-818ND manual's SCU-17 drawing shows only the computer-control connection. It does not show the audio wiring for digital modes, which goes to the DATA jack separately.
2. If row labels are showing, press F once to clear them. Hold F for one second, turn SEL to item 14 CAT RATE, turn the DIAL to 4800, 9600 or 38400 to match your software, and hold F for one second to save.F if labels show, to clear›hold F›14 CAT RATE›dial → your software's speed›hold FThe screen should show: 14 CAT RATE, then 4800bps, 9600bps or 38400bps.It ships at 4800. The radio and the program must agree, or nothing connects.

In your software, set the same speed with 8 data bits, no parity and TWO stop bits — Yaesu prints that format in the CAT section. In general practice, a program left on one stop bit is a common reason a radio will not answer. Yaesu does not make control software; it says the radio is widely supported by third-party programs.

Taken from the manufacturer's own manual for this model.

Set the drive level for digital modes on an FT-817ND

The level of the audio coming in from the computer is item 25 DIG MIC, and Yaesu's way to set it is to watch the ALC meter while you transmit.

1. If the A, B, C labels are not showing, press F. Turn the SEL knob until the labels read PWR, MTR (row 9). If alc is not already showing beside the MTR icon, press B, marked MTR, until it is.F if no labels show›turn SEL to PWR, MTR›B (MTR) until alc showsThe screen should show: Each press steps the transmit meter through power, ALC, SWR and modulation; stop when alc shows beside the MTR icon.Watch out. Both manuals' power-level steps say to turn the DIAL to reach this row. Every other row procedure in both books says SEL, and SEL is the knob that changes rows.
2. While you are on this row, press A, marked PWR, as many times as needed to reach the power level you want.A (PWR) as neededThe screen should show: FT-817ND: one bar for 0.5 W, two for 1 W, and on battery the 2.5 W icon blinks when set to 5 W. FT-818ND: on external power, High shows no low-power icon; on the battery the icon blinks at High and Low 3.FT-817ND: 5, 2.5, 1 or 0.5 watt; on internal batteries it drops to 2.5 W, but you can still select 5 W. FT-818ND: 6, 5, 2.5 or 1 watt; on its battery, or on a DC supply of about 12 volts or less, High and Low 3 give only "2.5 W or more".
3. Press F once to clear the row labels. Then hold F for one second to enter the menu, and turn SEL to item 25 DIG MIC. Stay there.F›hold F›25 DIG MICThe screen should show: 25 DIG MIC and a level from 0 to 100.
4. Start a transmission from the computer. While it transmits, turn the DIAL until the ALC meter shows a few dots, then hold F for one second to save.transmit from the computer›dial → a few dots of ALC›hold FThe screen should show: The ALC meter while transmitting."A few dots of ALC" is Yaesu's own target, given in its RTTY procedure. Many FT8 operators aim for the lowest level that still gives full output, because heavy ALC distorts a data signal (general practice).

Yaesu calls RTTY a continuous-duty mode and asks you to keep transmissions short on battery power. The FT-818ND manual also warns against transmitting continuously for long periods because of overheating — worth remembering on long digital sessions.

Taken from the manufacturer's own manual for this model.

Narrow the filter to shut out the station next door on an FT-817ND

There is no adjustable width control on this radio. What you have is a narrow filter you can buy and install, the NAR key to select it in CW, and IF shift to slide the passband away from a neighbor.

1. Only if an optional filter is installed: if row labels are showing, press F once to clear them; then hold F for one second, turn SEL to item 38 OP FILTER, turn the DIAL to SSB for a YF-122S or CW for a YF-122C or YF-122CN, and hold F for one second to save.only with a filter fitted:›F if labels show, to clear›hold F 1 s›SEL to 38 OP FILTER›DIAL to SSB or CW›hold F 1 s to saveThe screen should show: 38 OP FILTER, then OFF, SSB or CW.Yaesu says this item defines the signal path for the filter you have installed.
2. Only if you are in CW and a YF-122C or YF-122CN is installed: if the labels are not showing, press F; turn SEL until the labels read IPO, ATT, NAR (row 7); and if the ▶ marker is not already beside NAR, press C, marked NAR.only in CW, YF-122C/CN fitted:›F if no labels show›turn SEL to IPO, ATT, NAR›C (NAR) if no ▶ markerThe screen should show: The ▶ marker beside NAR while the narrow filter is on.Watch out. Yaesu describes NAR for CW and for narrow FM only, though its RTTY section also uses it with the YF-122C. Neither manual says how a YF-122S is selected for SSB once item 38 is set.
3. For IF shift: if row labels are showing, press F once to clear them. Hold CLAR for one second, then turn the SEL knob to slide the passband up or down until the interference fades.F if labels show, to clear›hold CLAR›turn SEL to shiftThe screen should show: A shift icon to the right of the frequency.Watch out. The key table says a half-second hold and the IF shift section says one second; one second covers both. A quick press of CLAR switches to the clarifier, which moves your receive frequency rather than the passband.

Hold CLAR for one second again to turn IF shift off. The radio remembers the last shift setting for next time.

Taken from the manufacturer's own manual for this model.

Turn on the noise blanker on an FT-817ND

An IF noise blanker for pulse noise such as ignition noise. It is on or off; neither manual documents a level setting.

1. If the A, B, C labels are not showing, press F. Turn the SEL knob until the labels read NB, AGC (row 8). If the ▶ marker is not already beside NB, press A, marked NB.F if no labels show›turn SEL to NB, AGC›A (NB) if no ▶ markerThe screen should show: The ▶ marker to the right of NB.

Press A again to turn the noise blanker off, and the marker goes away. The B key on the same row cycles the AGC — auto, fast, slow and off.

Taken from the manufacturer's own manual for this model.

Work a DX station that is running split on an FT-817ND

This follows Yaesu's own worked example on the two VFOs of row 1, in SSB or CW — in AM and FM the DIAL is switched off from the factory (item 04 AM&FM DL). Keep row 1's labels on the screen the whole time: the A and C keys do the work, and the big DIAL does the tuning.

1. Get to a clean start. If the display does not say VFOa or VFOb, press V/M until it does — if you tuned away from a memory, the first press only returns to the memory's frequency. If the A, B, C labels are not showing, press F. Turn SEL until the labels read A/B, A=B, SPL (row 1). If the S icon is showing, press C, marked SPL, to turn split off for now. If the display says VFOb, press A, marked A/B, so it says VFOa.V/M until VFOa or VFOb shows›F if no labels show›turn SEL to A/B, A=B, SPL›C (SPL) if the S icon shows›A (A/B) if VFOb showsThe screen should show: VFOa, no S icon, with A/B, A=B and SPL along the bottom.Watch out. Once the labels are up, do not press F again in this procedure: a second press clears them, and with the labels gone the SEL knob tunes the frequency instead of picking a row.
2. Turn the DIAL to tune VFO A to the frequency the DX station is listening on — the one you will transmit on.dial → where he is listeningThe screen should show: VFOa and that frequency.
3. Press A, marked A/B, to switch to VFO B.A (A/B)The screen should show: VFOb.
4. Each VFO keeps its own mode, so if VFOb is not in the same mode as VFOa, press MODE ◄ or MODE ► to match it first. Then turn the DIAL to tune VFO B to the frequency the DX station is transmitting on — the one you want to hear.MODE to match VFO A if needed›dial → his transmit frequencyThe screen should show: VFOb and his frequency.
5. Press C, marked SPL, to turn split on.C (SPL)The screen should show: The S icon appears.In Yaesu's example, with VFOb on the display, the radio now receives on VFO B and transmits on VFO A — the one NOT on the display.Watch out. Yaesu gives no general rule beyond that example, so go by it: with split on, you transmit on the VFO that is not displayed.
6. Optional — to hear the pile-up on your own transmit frequency, press A, marked A/B; Yaesu says you can then tune with the DIAL to zero in on the station working the DX. If you did, press A, marked A/B, again to go back to the DX station before you call.optional: A (A/B) for the pile-up›DIAL to fine-tune if needed›A (A/B) again to returnThe screen should show: Your transmit frequency, then the DX station's frequency again.Watch out. Only call while you are hearing the DX station. Yaesu says A/B reverses the VFOs, so while you are listening to the pile-up your transmitter is sitting on the DX station's own frequency.

Press C, marked SPL, again to cancel split; the S icon goes away. The clarifier on the CLAR key only reaches ±9.99 kHz, and Yaesu points you to split for anything wider.

Taken from the manufacturer's own manual for this model.

Save a frequency to a memory channel on an FT-817ND

Two hundred memories. Storing one is a quick press of MW to find a channel, then a one-second hold of MW to write it.

1. Get into VFO mode — if the display does not say VFOa or VFOb, press V/M until it does. Tune to the frequency, and press MODE ◄ or MODE ► to set the mode you want to store.V/M until VFOa or VFOb shows›tune to your frequency›MODE ◄ or ► to your modeThe screen should show: VFOa or VFOb and your frequency.Watch out. In AM and FM the DIAL is switched off from the factory — item 04 AM&FM DL — so tune with the SEL knob there, with no row labels showing.
2. If the A, B, C labels are not showing, press F. Turn SEL until the labels read MW, MC, TAG (row 2), and press A, marked MW, once.F if no labels show›turn SEL to MW, MC, TAG›A (MW)The screen should show: Memory Check: a channel number and whatever is stored on it, if anything.This quick press only lets you look through the channels to find an empty one. Nothing is written yet.
3. Turn SEL to the channel you want, then hold A, marked MW, for one second until you hear a double beep.turn SEL to the channel›hold A (MW)The screen should show: The channel number.The second beep is Yaesu's confirmation that it stored.Watch out. The key table says a half-second hold; the memory procedure says one second until the double beep. Listen for the second beep. In general practice, storing to a channel that already holds something replaces it, so pick an empty one unless you mean to overwrite it.

If row labels are showing, press F once to clear them, then press V/M to switch to memory mode and turn SEL to pick a channel. Press V/M again to get back to the VFO — if you have turned the DIAL while on a memory, the first press returns you to the memory's own frequency and the second to the VFO. For a one-off frequency there is also the QMB: hold V/M until it beeps twice to store what you are tuned to, and recall it with B, marked RCL, on row 3.

Taken from the manufacturer's own manual for this model.

Set the CW keyer speed and weight on an FT-817ND

The keyer is turned on from row 10, and holding its key jumps straight to the speed setting.

1. With a paddle in the rear KEY jack, press MODE ◄ or MODE ► to select CW.MODE ◄ / ►The screen should show: CW in the mode position.
2. If the A, B, C labels are not showing, press F. Turn SEL until the labels read VOX, BK, KYR (row 10). If you do not want to transmit while setting the speed and the ▶ marker is beside BK, press B, marked BK, to turn break-in off. Then, if the ▶ marker is not already beside KYR, press C, marked KYR, to turn on the electronic keyer.F if no labels show›turn SEL to VOX, BK, KYR›B (BK) off if you will practice›C (KYR) if no ▶ markerThe screen should show: The ▶ marker to the right of KYR.
3. Hold C, marked KYR, for one second to jump straight to item 21 CW SPEED. Turn the DIAL while you send to set the speed.hold C (KYR)›dial → the speedThe screen should show: 21 CW SPEED and a figure in wpm.4 to 60 wpm; it ships at 12. A press of SEL shows characters per minute instead.Watch out. If BK is on, sending puts a signal on the air. Yaesu's straight-key section says that with BK off you hear the sidetone only and nothing is transmitted — turn BK off in the step before this one if you only want to practice.
4. For the weight, turn SEL one click to item 22 CW WEIGHT and turn the DIAL. Then hold F for one second to save and leave.22 CW WEIGHT›dial → the ratio›hold FThe screen should show: 22 CW WEIGHT and a dot-to-dash ratio from 1:2.5 to 1:4.5.It ships at 1:3.0, which in general practice is the standard ratio.

If the dots and dashes come out swapped, item 19 CW PADDLE switches the paddle from NORMAL to REVERSE. Semi break-in is the B key, marked BK, on row 10 — turn it back on when you want to transmit. Yaesu's straight-key section describes BK off as sidetone only, which makes a handy practice oscillator.

Taken from the manufacturer's own manual for this model.

Reset the menu to factory settings on an FT-817ND

Three power-on resets, each wiping a different amount — plus a way to reset just one menu item. Read the three before you choose.

1. Option 1 — to put just one item back: if row labels are showing, press F once to clear them; then hold F for one second, turn SEL to the item, press HOME once, and hold F for one second to save.Option 1, one item:›F if labels show, to clear›hold F›turn SEL to the item›HOME›hold FThe screen should show: The item returns to its factory value.Often all you need, and it touches nothing else.
2. Option 2 — to reset the whole menu instead: with the radio off, hold F and, still holding it, turn the radio on with PWR.Option 2 instead: radio off›hold F›hold PWRThe screen should show: The radio starts with the menu at factory settings. On an FT-818ND, switch it off and on once more — Yaesu says some items are not reset until you do.Yaesu calls this F plus power on: it resets the menu settings to factory but keeps items 06, 23, 30, 35, 42, 47 and 48 — the step sizes, DCS code, memory names, repeater shift and tone. Yaesu does not say what happens to your memories; since only the V/M reset mentions them, they are presumably kept.Watch out. Neither manual says exactly how to do "key plus power on" — whether to hold the key first, or for how long. Holding the key and keeping it held while you switch on is the usual way (general practice).

Two stronger resets, done the same way with a different key: V/M plus power on resets ALL MEMORIES along with items 06, 23, 30, 35, 42, 47 and 48; HOME plus power on is the CPU master reset of all memories and all menu settings. Neither can be undone. The FT-818ND manual adds that some menu items are not reset until you switch the radio off and on again afterward.

Taken from the manufacturer's own manual for this model.