Yaesu FT-857D Review in 2022 – Features, Pros & Cons

For beginners looking to buy their first ham radio, finding the perfect model can seem like “Mission Impossible,” given the huge number of options available. That said, there’s no better way to determine whether or not a product is right for you than first trying it out. But you will hardly get such an opportunity.

The next best option is to read a review on the product, and that’s exactly what you’re going to do here.

This Yaesu FT-857D review is about one of the most versatile and simplest ham radios in the market. Though not the best option out there, the FT-857D is a great choice if you’re looking for something decent yet with a price tag that doesn’t seem elusive for amateurs or new ham operators.

Despite its small size, it still offers some interesting features that make it compete favorably with most of the more expensive models.

In the next couple of paragraphs, we are going to delve into the main features of the radio as well as its pros and cons. By the end of the review, we hope you would be in a good position to decide whether the unit is worth your money or not.

Yaesu FT-857D Review

 

The Yaesu FT-857D packs a good number of features that make it useful for surviving nature and monitoring RF chatter. Let’s quickly look at them.

Small and Portable

With a dimension of 6.1” x 2” x 9.2”, the Yaesu FT-857D is one of the smallest transceivers available in the market. Although it packs a lot of gear in its small size, it is still light enough to be carried around. The addition of a battery makes the radio a little heavy, but this shouldn’t stop your show.

You can use it both indoors or outdoors. In fact, most people who use the radio normally use it in their cars or for camping.

Adjustable Color Display

You will be glad to know that the Yaesu FT-857D features an adjustable color display with up to 30 colors and contrasts. This enables you to customize the color of the display for various conditions.I particularly prefer the orange color as it looks great in any light condition.

The screen is quite small, which shouldn’t come much as a surprise, given how small the radio is. But despite this, all the details are clearly visible, so there’s no need to worry.

Noise Mute Function

Some two-way radios are usually difficult to use in a loud setting. This is because apart from the voice, they can also pick up the background sound (noise), making it hard to hear what the person is saying.

Luckily, this is not the case with the FT-857D as it comes with noise cancel feature, which makes it possible to reduce any background noise that might interfere with the transmission.

Such a feature does really come handy, especially if you reside in a place with a lot of RF activity. By activating it, you will be able to communicate effectively with other user(s) on your team even in noisy areas.

Long Frequency Coverage

By purchasing this unit, you can also benefit from its wide frequency coverage, which enables you to stay connected always. This coverage also encompasses FM, AM, CW, F1 as well as F2.

In addition, the radio can be used across UHF, VHF, and HF bands, making it incredibly versatile. In fact, you will hardly find a unit more versatile at the same price range. This is why it’s very popular among professional users.

Solid Construction

For what it’s worth, you will hardly find a transceiver more durable than the Yaesu FT-587D in the same price range. So, if you need a radio that will last you a long time, then this is the unit to go for.

From all indications, the FT-587D is a workhouse. So, it can take a beating!

There are many users who reported using the device for over 8 years. That is obviously a lot of value for its price. Depending on your usage, you should expect to get at least up to 5 years of use, provided you don’t use it carelessly.

The radio cover is made of steel, which is a great choice for survival. So, if you’re wondering how the unit is able to withstand heavy-duty use, now you know!

However, some users have complained about the inner screen glue coming loose. You can easily avoid this by keeping the screen away from too much exposure to the harmful rays of the sun.

DSP Noise Remover

One of the best features of this radio is its DSP noise remover which helps to filter out noise from the transmission. This is really great to have, given the price of the unit. While the DSP isn’t perfect, it’s still a lot better than nothing. You will find it really useful in loud settings.

There are many models in the same price range that do not boast of DSP. So, we are giving the FT-587D two thumbs up here!

Other Features

• SSB (Single-Side Band Modulation) capable
• 200 memories
• Includes microphone and power cable
• Spectrum display
• Built-in digital signal processing

Pros

• Highly versatile
• Compact and lightweight
• Comes with DSP
• Affordable price
• Can support all bands
• Also works in low signal areas
• Great for beginners

Cons

• Complicated menu
• Weak internal speakers

 

FAQs About Yaesu FT-857D

Does this come with the battery?

No, there is no battery. But that doesn’t change the fact that this is a great radio to have.

Does it cover 60m channels?

Sure, it does.

Does this come with abuilt-in antenna?

No, but you have the option to use either a VHF/UHF antenna or one for 0-54Mhz. The unit basically offers two antenna outputs for this purpose.

Is it possible to use this as a police scanner?

Sure, it can. However, most of the police channels we have today are digital, and so require scanners that can crack digital modes. Such police scanners tend to cost more.

Where can I purchase this radio?

To buy the Yaesu FT-857D, simply click on the corresponding product link to go to the product page.

Final Verdict

Overall, the FT-857D is an excellent little transceiver that really stands out from competitors. It is known for being incredibly compact and rugged, and so can take a beating.

In this Yaesu FT-857D review, our aim was to identify the most critical features of the radio so potential buyers can determine if it’s worth investing in or not. We hope we were able to accomplish this.

Finally, we encourage you to get this small nifty radio to enjoy all its amazing benefits. However, the radio does have a learning curve, so it might take some time to get acquainted with the menus. But once you cross that bridge, using the device becomes second nature.

Alternative Options:

1. Yaesu FT-60R Review – Features, Pros & Cons
2. BaoFeng BF-F8HP Review – Features, Pros & Cons

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