wrote in message
ups.com...
Ed Byars wrote:
I am going to buy a radio that I hope will last me many years. I want
to start with a mobile that will also serve as a base station.I am
looking at a YAESU FT-857D. Any comments on the pros or cons of this as
a beginner radio that can stay with me as I develop my skills?

I am a relatively new Tech (1/06) and I bought one one of these, not
because I have a lot of money, but I wanted something I could grow into
as I upgrade to General.

I use it as my base station. I am told I have a solid signal with good
quality sound. I have been working mostly 6 meter and 2 meter. (far as
I go until I upgrade).

The only thing that I thought strange: the antenna hookups are UHF/VHF
on one side and HF on the other (however included in the HF is 6 meter)
I would have thought that it would have been on the UHF/VHF. Someday
I will find somebody that can explain why to, but I digress.

It does all modes/bands including 60 meters.

I bought the cat cable and I control mine through my computer using Ham
Radio Deluxe (shameful plug).

Big plus for buying now is you can get one discounted (they are on
sale) and get a free separation kit from most dealers.

- Ralph (KI4NJZ)


Though I've not seen this particular model, I'd suggest "engineering" of the
chassis/electronics!

As to buying a rig with all modes/bands/etc....... it tends to give you
"incentive" for the desire to operate the rest of the frequencies and
modes.. Not a "bad" thing. I bought my TS440 new, both for having seen it
and falling in love with it - AND - to fit me when I "did" upgrade - which I
promptly did.

Fred G.