Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2003 17:45:07 +0000 From: "Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/KC8NHF" Subject: Re: FT-817 Service Manual Yes. I've given my opinion of it here several times. Everybody should have one. At 17:39 2003-03-06, you wrote: > Has anyone purchased the technical service manual for the FT-817? > If so, I'd be interested in your opinions of how good it is. > Ed WB6SAT ============================================================== Date: Thu, 06 Mar 2003 21:36:24 +0000 From: "Nigel A. Gunn G8IFF/KC8NHF" Subject: Re: knobs Everybody's small knob wobbles. Just wobble and enjoy, it's normal. At 20:17 2003-03-06, you wrote: >the smaller knobs on my ft-817 feel wobbly...does any one have tips how >to tighten them? > >larry KD5NPB ============================================================== Date: Fri, 07 Mar 2003 03:18:47 -0000 From: "Alun" Subject: Re: knobs Probably they are designed to wobble slightly so that they don't break as easily if struck. 73 de Alun, N3KIP --- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "n7rx" wrote: > Why do these knobs wobble? My icom mobile has wobbly knobs, too. Is it a design goal or are they just cheap? > > Mechanically, the AF gain control on the 817 feels like its out of > toothpicks, hairpins and elmers glue and its getting worse over time. > > 73 Neal N7RX ============================================================== Date: Thu, 15 Jan 2004 07:43:59 -0000 From: "Scotty Wright" Subject: Re: Yaesu repair experiences -- a query After Action Report Scott Here is a detailed report on my 817s trip to yaesu. Turn around was aprox 6 weeks during the Christmas Holiday. It will be noted that it is still running strong a year later. not a single problem with the new set of finals. I was happy with the service, just a bit expensive. here is the report: From: "Scotty Wright" Date: Tue Jun 3, 2003 1:52 am Subject: Repair Cost At Yaesu for new finals and factory Mods, updates?? hello group, sent this out back in Janurary, but thought it needed revisiting. The rig still works great. I never used a amp or made a mod, I always used a tuner at 1:1 SWR. I have a gut feeling that it is the idle current that cooks the finals over time. I hear from G land that once the factory guys repair the rig it stays fixed. 72 de WB5TLA K PS, I still wonder what the mods were on the invoice. Anyone get their hands and a service circular?? PSS the rig now works great with FT-commander and Basic. No problems it was operator error. The FT-commander can do a lot more tricks. --- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "Scotty Wright " wrote: I sent the Ft-817 (ser # 0l040139) back to Yeasu to repair finals. I also requested the do any factory mods. I also requeste they inspect and or replace the DC power plug. I ordered a new mic cord as well. I advised them to restore the rig to factory spec. they replaced the following part @ location G3829783 @ Q300,5 P0091072 @ J1017 J241890A8 @R1447 G1092768 @ Q3003 S8100389 Mic Cord The following were listed as "update Mod" K2218804 KK22178809 J24189025 j24189143 J22108802 K28179083 Work report stated the PA unit and Main unit were replaced. It took about 2.5 hours to repair Total cost with shipping $209 (this includes extra mic cord) It arrived at Yeasu 12/17/02 and was shippped 1/7/03. (lots of holidays in that time.) They sent back the old parts, including the IC Main Unit. mmmm The rest of the parts were surface mount stuff. I am very glad that I did not attempt this myself. On a scale of 1-10 I give Yaesu a 8.5 for customer service. I really would have liked to known what the mods were. The tech support guy was prompt in answering email and phone calls. Bottom line. The rig works great. Perhaps even better than before. I think the chip set is a bit flakey with my FTBasic control program, but i finally got it to work at a slower baud rate. 73 de WB5TLA K Scotty ============================================================== Date: Fri, 30 Jan 2004 21:59:35 -0000 From: "n2msqrp" Subject: Re: ft-817 screw size The screw size is M2.6, not very common. This size is used in many Japanese rigs. I got some M2.6 screws from Alinco years ago. Most stocked metric sizes are M2.5 or M3. Mike ============================================================== Date: Fri, 25 Jun 2004 22:02:51 -0000 From: "Jochen - DG2IAQ" Subject: Re: 817 AGC overshoot Hello Clark, yes I did the mod but as DL6EAT changed both R + C, the AGC began to reduce the gain on strong signals A N D to reduce the AF gain a little bit too ! I didn't like that behaviour so I found out a more simple mod. Only change the capactitor and use a larger value to slow down the AGC on SLOW mode. This makes the SSB signals sounding much, much better without loosing any weaker stations as the AGC is coming up again after a strong QSO partner. The original SLOW AGC time constant is much too short as some HAM magazine measurements tell too. So I only soldered an additional 4,7µF tantalum capacitor parallel to C1324 (2,2µF). That's all. The time constant is now about 2 times slower without having a too long holding time. I don't parallel R1305 with 10 ohms like DL6EAT told, but maybe on harder faults this could help you too. But I would first start with only C1324. If you have additional questions, please wait for about 2 weeks. I'll go on summer holidays soon. 73, Jochen, DG2IAQ ============================================================== Date: Sun, 22 Aug 2004 15:39:45 -0000 From: "Jochen - DG2IAQ" Subject: Re: FT-817 AGC Problem - Help Please! Hello Howard, there could be 2 faults on your second FT-817. a) The AGC is really to fast on "SLOW or AUTO", but then your first FT- 817 should have the same problem on the same signals. I don't know anything about revision changes on the AGC time constant. b) The fault comes from your DSP module, which you only have in your SECOND TRX as you described. On a too high audio input level these modules could produce distortions when not aligned or soldered correctly. I can give you a simple solution for a), by soldering a capacitor (tantalum) with 4,7µF parallel to C1324 (2,2µF). This cap is used for the SLOW + AUTO AGC time constant. This makes the AGC delay working about 2x longer without loosing the "break-in" sensitivity. Strong SSB signals are sounding much, much better. My FT-817 is modified with that and works great. What do you mean with "AGC Overshoot Mod". I searched for that item here, but don't found any postings. Maybe you mean my C1324 modification with that !? The second and more possible fault (for my opinion) is your DSP module which you only have in your second FT-817. What DSP module do you use ? I'm using the BHI NEDSP1061 but it could be possible that you're using the SGC ADSP2 module. BOTH MODULES DON'T LIKE A TOO HIGH AUDIO INPUT LEVEL !! On the BHI you have to reduce the input level via the pot. On the ADSP2 you have to choose a higher serial resistor in the input line (green wire). I need more infos about your DSP module to give further help. 73, Jochen Heilemann --DG2IAQ-- ============================================================== Date: Fri, 03 Sep 2004 06:59:48 -0600 From: Jeff Subject: Re: Tuning knob knanz0001 wrote: >I just got my ft817 a couple weeks ago and have been trying to >figure out if the tuning knob can be tightened a little bit. Mine >is VERY sensative. > If you peel the rubber off the mic there is a set screw hidden underneath the rubber ring. if you loosen the set screw and slide the knob closer to the front panel so that there is some friction it will tighten the feel significantly. It takes a small allen wrench to adjust. Jeff-- 73 de NØXDW ============================================================== Date: Sun, 5 Sep 2004 12:52:57 -0500 From: "Bart W0IIT" Subject: re: tunning knob Hi All, I gave the tuning knob on my 817 the same treatment I gave my K1 tuning knob. I purchased a 9"X12" piece of felt from the Wal Mart crafts section(you just have to put up with the odd looks from all the female shoppers:-). I removed knob and cut two washers out of the felt and placed them over the shaft---that didn't do a real good job, so I cut some thin strips and pressed them down into the groove that an apron on the tuning knob rides in when tuning. That did it. I expect that it will have to be redone sometime in the future. Right now, the pressure needed to turn the knob is just perfect. Can't take credit for this fix. I read about it on the qrp-l list server, if memory serves! cu es 73/72, Bart =========================================================================================== Date: Tue, 31 Aug 2004 07:16:39 +0000 From: G8IFF/KC8NHF Subject: Re: Mod to eliminate birdie at 7.240MHz May be only a rumor but I was told by a UK dealer some years ago that the European FT817 was fitted with a number of extra screening cans around various bits to tame it's spurii. It certainly has a large copper screen over the whole PA/filter compartment. Was also told the RX had an extra IF stage. Perhaps we need to get a Eu model to the W4RT labs for examination. Tom Nelson wrote: I own a second-hand FT817 that has the birdie at 7.240 Mhz which happens to be the same freq as one of my favorite nets, the West Coast Amateur Swap Net. Yaesu wants about $75.00 to fix their problem (not including shipping.) I am pretty handy with a soldering iron and would like to tackle the fix myself.. I have checked the "files" section for the mod with no luck What must one do to eliminate this problem? TNX in advance...Tom KD6EVM ====================================================================================== Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 14:30:41 -0000 From: "Bruno Rodeghiero" Subject: Help in repairing my FT-817 Hello, I don't know why, but R1235 is K.O. as there is no more 13V output power from ACC socket. I will try to repair. I opened the rig, removed the screws, but now I must remove the flat cable to the front panel (J1008). It seems stupid, but I don't know how to pull and what to pull and am afraid to damage anything. So please, someone who has already made it, can say me how operate? Best regards Bruno i3RGH. ________________________________________________________________________ Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 09:40:27 EST From: kc3vo@aol.com Subject: Re: Help in repairing my FT-817-STOP!! DO NOT PULL the cable!!!! There is a release that must be unlocked to remove the cable, unless you wish to DAMAGE it! Get a KNOWLEDGEABLE person to assist.-KC3VO, Bob. ====================================================================================== Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 07:50:24 -0700 From: "Jess Gypin" Subject: RE: Help in repairing my FT-817 The flat cables are held in by the connector. There is an outer "sleeve" that needs to be released. Just gently use something with a sharp edge like a small jewlers screrw driver and gently lift the coonector outer sleeve at the edges of the cable. The outer sleeve will pull up about 1/8th of an inch, releasing the cable from the connector. Jess ====================================================================================== Date: Tue, 14 Dec 2004 14:58:18 -0000 From: "Bruno Rodeghiero" Subject: Re: Help in repairing my FT-817 --- In FT817@yahoogroups.com, "Jess Gypin" wrote: The flat cables are held in by the connector. There is an outer "sleeve" that needs to be released. Just gently use something with a sharp edge like a small jewlers screrw driver and gently lift the coonector outer sleeve at the edges of the cable. The outer sleeve will pull up about 1/8th of an inch, releasing the cable from the connector. I thought it was so. I have a jewler screwdriver ready.. The body of the connector is white (fixed on the PC) and the "sleeve" is brown. I understand it must slip parallel to the pc board towards the front panel, isn't it? Thanks a lot. Bruno i3RGH ====================================================================================== Date: Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:27:35 -0600 From: Arlan Schultz Subject: FT817 minor erratic display issue Greetings all: I have had my FT-817 for 5 years trouble free. It is truly a great rig! Recently I have noticed that the coarse tuning knob has been operating a bit erratically immediately after power up. I will tune down the band and the steps will suddenly kick back up to a higher frequency. For example I will be tuning down by 2.5 and the display will descend in frequency as normal, but will suddenly ?skip? to a higher frequency and then continue down as I turn the knob. Has anyone experienced this with their rigs and do any of you have a speculation as to what is causing this? Thanks in advance, Arlan ? VE6QN ________________________________________________________________________ Date: Tue, 9 Aug 2005 9:28:48 +0100 From: Subject: Re: FT817 minor erratic display issue Hi, Remove the knob, stand the rig up, very carefully and slowly spray some contact cleaner down the shaft of the switch. Repeat a couple of times while rotating it. This is a surefire way to cure it without opening the set and it works great. Carl G0NZI ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= ======================================================================================= =======================================================================================