Yaesu FT-817 Mod

Here's the mod for the '817.


Remove the front panel.

Look down on the front panel, with the VFO knob just left of center. Look
at the jumper locations just above the VFO knob on the circuit board. 
Solder the first four jumpers and remove the solder jumper at location five.
Reassemble the radio, and reset the cpu by pressing V/M and the "F" button
and turn the radio on while holding the buttons down. This will extend the
xmit freqs. on hf, vhf and uhf.

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The following Yeasu FT-817 frequency expansion modification is
identical to the version provided by the manufacturer for MARS/CAP
application.


1.  Remove any power or battery from the Radio.

2.  Remove the 14 screws holding the top and bottom covers to the radio.

3.  Remove the battery cover latch.

4.  Remove the covers.

5.  Remove the BNC retaining nut.

6.  Carefully lift the 4 plastic tabs holding the front panel to the 
    chassis and slightly move the front panel forward.

7.  Disconnect the ribbon cable that connects the chassis and the
    front panel.

8.  Remove the jumper at location on Front Panel (J4005)

9.  Press and hold the "VFO/MR" key and the "F" key while turning on
    the radio.

10. Reassemble the radio.




Note:  The manufacturer states that "this modification opens up transmit
coverage for MARS/CAP ONLY!"  Other published modifications also have the
user bridge the "first four jumpers".  The difference between the two
modification schemes has not been tested by the author.

Proceed at your own risk.

AA7W

pigeon3@gte.net

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From: "The Hunters'" 
To: 
Sent: Friday, December 29, 2000 8:01 AM
Subject: yaseu 817 mod


Alright here is the first mod for the new 5 w. multimode 817.  It is 
stupid, but I'll give it to you anyway.

The 817 has charging capablities and eats AA batts. like crazy.  However 
Yaseu cautions that you need to buy their battery pack to have the 
re-charge ability.  The included alkaline pack will not allow you to 
re-charge.

When you examine the alkaline pack, you will see 2 red wires, 2 black 
wires, and a green wire.  Funny the charging circut works well with the 
pack empty and with only the top and bottom rows filled with batteries. 
 However, when you put batteries in the middle rows the charging circut 
cuts off.  I did a voltage reading and there is 12 vdc on the red and 
black, enough to charge the batteries.  The circut also has a timer user 
selectable to 6, 8 or 10 hrs.
To make the alkaline pack charge, disconnect and insulate the green wire. 
 I have used ni-cads and nimh batteries and thus far no problem. Of course 
you will get the reduced power outputs like you would for any voltage 
source under 13.8 vdc, but at least you can use it as a portable without 
breaking the bank buying alkaline batts.

Remember, Yaseu cautions you against such a mod because it does not have 
the "protective circut" and it doesn't put another $50.00 in their pockets. 
As with any mod, do so at your own risk!

Anyone else out there playing around with the 817?  It is a nice little rig 
offering big rig features in a QRP package. Enjoy.

de Dave, N3YFO