The Yaesu FT-891 is a compact HF and 50 MHz amateur radio transceiver designed for operators who want serious operating capability without having to dedicate a large amount of space to their radio equipment. With 100 watts of transmitter power, multiple operating modes, digital signal processing, a compact detachable control head and a rugged design, the FT-891 can serve as a mobile radio, portable field station or compact home base station.
There are plenty of HF radios available to amateur radio operators, but the FT-891 occupies an interesting position. It is considerably smaller than many traditional desktop HF transceivers while still providing full 100-watt output. It is also more capable than many small QRP radios because the operator does not have to limit normal operation to five or ten watts.
For operators interested in mobile HF, portable operation, emergency communications, POTA, Field Day or simply building a small home station, the FT-891 is a radio worth examining closely.
What Is the Yaesu FT-891?
The FT-891 is an HF and 50 MHz all-mode amateur radio transceiver.
It is designed to cover the major HF amateur bands from 160 meters through 10 meters, along with the 6-meter band. It supports SSB, CW, AM and FM operation.
The radio is capable of producing up to 100 watts on SSB, CW and FM, while AM operation uses reduced carrier power.
The FT-891 is not intended to be an all-band VHF/UHF/HF radio. There is no 2-meter or 70-centimeter section built into the transceiver. Instead, Yaesu concentrated the design around HF and 6 meters.
That specialization is actually one of the things that makes the FT-891 attractive.
Rather than trying to incorporate every possible amateur radio function, the radio concentrates its resources on providing a relatively small and powerful HF station.
Compact Size Is One of Its Biggest Advantages
One of the first things you notice about the FT-891 is its compact size.
The main radio body is approximately 6.1 inches wide, 2 inches high and 8.6 inches deep. The radio weighs approximately 4.18 pounds.
For a 100-watt HF transceiver, that is quite small.
Traditional HF radios can occupy a considerable amount of desk space. They may have large displays, numerous knobs and buttons, and substantial chassis dimensions.
The FT-891 takes a different approach.
Its compact body makes it much easier to install in a vehicle, transport to a portable operating location or place on a small desk.
This makes the radio especially interesting to operators who want HF capability but do not want a large home station.
Excellent Choice for Mobile HF
Mobile HF operation is probably one of the areas where the FT-891 makes the most sense.
Installing an HF radio in a vehicle presents several challenges. Dashboard space is limited, wiring has to be carefully planned and the radio needs to be installed somewhere that allows adequate cooling.
The FT-891's compact dimensions help solve the space problem.
The detachable front-panel design provides additional flexibility because the operator does not necessarily have to install the entire radio directly beside the control head.
The main transceiver can be mounted in another suitable location while the control head is positioned where it can be easily viewed and operated.
This makes the FT-891 particularly attractive for trucks, SUVs, RVs and other vehicles where interior space is limited.
The operator still needs to pay close attention to electrical installation, grounding, antenna placement and ventilation. A 100-watt HF radio is a serious electrical load, so the radio should be connected to a properly designed power system rather than treated like a typical low-power accessory.
100 Watts Makes a Big Difference
The 100-watt transmitter is one of the FT-891's biggest advantages.
There is a large difference between having a small QRP radio and having a compact radio capable of producing 100 watts.
QRP operation can be extremely rewarding, but there are situations where additional power can make communication easier.
With the FT-891, the operator has the flexibility to reduce output power when conditions are favorable while still having 100 watts available when needed.
This is useful for everyday HF contacts, DXing, contests, emergency communications, portable operation and difficult band conditions.
The important point is that the FT-891 does not require the operator to sacrifice transmitter power simply because the radio is compact.
The Receiver Is More Serious Than Its Size Suggests
The FT-891 is not simply a small transmitter with a basic receiver attached.
The receiver uses a sophisticated multi-conversion design and includes a 3 kHz roofing filter.
The roofing filter is particularly important when operating in crowded HF environments.
HF bands can become extremely busy, especially during contests, major operating events and good propagation conditions. Strong signals from nearby stations can make life difficult for a receiver.
A good receiver needs to deal with those signals without becoming overloaded or producing unwanted interference.
The FT-891's receiver architecture gives it a solid foundation for serious HF operation.
32-Bit DSP
The radio also incorporates digital signal processing.
DSP is an extremely useful feature on modern HF equipment because the HF environment is often noisy.
Electrical equipment, switching power supplies, computers, power lines, automotive electronics and atmospheric noise can all contribute unwanted signals.
The FT-891 provides several digital processing functions designed to improve the listening experience.
These include digital noise reduction, automatic notch filtering, contour filtering and other audio-processing functions.
DSP will not magically turn a terrible signal into a perfect one, but it can make weak or noisy signals considerably easier to understand.
Noise Reduction
Noise reduction is particularly valuable for HF operation.
Anyone who spends enough time operating HF eventually encounters a band where the desired signal is buried beneath noise.
Sometimes the noise comes from the atmosphere.
Sometimes it comes from nearby electrical equipment.
Sometimes it comes from the operator's own home.
The FT-891 provides digital noise-reduction controls that allow the operator to experiment with different settings.
Used properly, noise reduction can make a significant difference.
However, excessive processing can also make voices sound unnatural. Learning how to adjust DSP according to the signal is part of becoming a proficient HF operator.
Automatic Notch Filtering
The automatic notch filter is another useful feature.
An unwanted carrier or tone can sometimes appear directly inside an SSB signal.
Instead of manually trying to tune away from the interference, the notch filter can reduce the offending tone.
This can be especially useful when a weak station is being interfered with by a strong carrier.
It is one of those features that may not seem particularly important until you encounter a situation where you really need it.
Contour and Audio Filtering
The FT-891 also provides additional audio-processing tools.
Contour filtering allows the operator to alter portions of the audio spectrum to improve intelligibility.
Audio peak filtering can also be useful when dealing with certain signals and operating conditions.
These features are particularly valuable for experienced HF operators who understand that receiving a signal is not simply a matter of turning up the volume.
Sometimes the key to hearing a weak station is removing or reducing the portions of the audio spectrum that are masking the information you actually want to hear.
The 3 kHz Roofing Filter
The built-in 3 kHz roofing filter deserves special attention.
Roofing filters are an important part of receiver design because they help limit unwanted signals reaching later stages of the receiver.
This becomes increasingly important when operating in crowded conditions.
During casual operation, you may never think about the roofing filter.
During a contest or a large DX pileup, you may appreciate it much more.
The FT-891's receiver design demonstrates that Yaesu was trying to provide legitimate HF performance rather than simply making a small radio for occasional use.
50 MHz Operation
Another advantage of the FT-891 is its support for 50 MHz.
Six meters has a reputation for unpredictable propagation and is often called the Magic Band.
Most of the time, six meters can seem relatively quiet. Then conditions can suddenly change and distant stations can become audible.
Sporadic-E propagation can produce impressive openings, while other propagation conditions can create opportunities for regional and long-distance contacts.
Having 6 meters available in the same transceiver gives the operator another band to explore without purchasing a separate radio.
All-Mode Operation
The FT-891 supports several traditional amateur radio modes.
SSB
Single Sideband is likely to be the mode most frequently used by many HF operators.
It is excellent for voice communication and DXing.
CW
Morse code operators can use the FT-891 for CW operation, with filtering and keying functions designed specifically for this mode.
AM
AM operation is also available for operators interested in traditional amateur radio voice communications.
FM
FM is supported for appropriate HF and 6-meter applications.
Having multiple modes gives the FT-891 considerably more flexibility than a radio designed exclusively for SSB.
CW Operation
The FT-891 is also a capable CW radio.
The receiver can be configured for narrow operation, which can be useful when several CW signals are close together.
The radio also supports electronic keying and break-in operation.
For a portable CW operator, the compact size of the FT-891 is particularly useful.
You can transport a serious HF transceiver without carrying the large chassis associated with many desktop radios.
The Display
The display on the FT-891 is considerably smaller than the displays found on many newer high-end transceivers.
That is not surprising given the radio's compact design.
The display provides the information necessary to operate the radio and includes spectrum-display functionality, but it is not intended to compete with radios that feature huge color touchscreens and expansive waterfall displays.
For some operators, this will be a disadvantage.
For others, it will be perfectly acceptable.
The smaller display is one of the compromises made to keep the radio compact.
The Tuning Dial
The FT-891 includes a substantial main tuning knob for such a small transceiver.
This is important because tuning is one of the most frequently performed actions during HF operation.
A tiny or uncomfortable tuning control can make an HF radio frustrating to use.
The FT-891's tuning control gives it more of a traditional HF-radio feel.
This becomes especially important when tuning across a band looking for weak stations or trying to precisely position yourself on a signal.
Programmable Controls
The FT-891 includes programmable front-panel controls.
This allows the operator to assign frequently used functions to accessible buttons.
That can reduce the need to constantly navigate menus.
The radio also uses multifunction controls and menu functions to provide access to its many settings.
Because the radio is so compact, some functions necessarily require menu navigation.
This can take some time to learn.
However, once the operator becomes familiar with the radio, the controls become much easier to use.
USB Computer Connectivity
The FT-891 can be connected to a computer for radio control and other computer-assisted applications.
This makes it possible to incorporate the radio into a more modern amateur radio station.
Computer control can be useful for logging programs, frequency control and various digital operating applications.
Operators interested in digital modes should remember that the exact equipment needed depends on the mode and computer configuration.
The USB connection is an important part of the radio's computer-control capability, but operators should understand the requirements of their particular digital-mode setup before assuming that a single cable provides every function they need.
Antenna Tuner Considerations
One thing prospective buyers need to understand is that the FT-891 does not include a built-in automatic antenna tuner.
An external tuner can therefore be necessary depending on the antenna being used.
This is particularly important for mobile operators.
Mobile HF antennas can be relatively narrowband, especially on the lower-frequency bands.
A suitable external tuner can make changing bands easier.
Operators using resonant antennas may not need a tuner at all, depending on the installation.
This is an important consideration when budgeting for the complete station.
ATAS Antenna Compatibility
The FT-891 is compatible with Yaesu's ATAS active-tuning antenna systems.
This can be particularly useful for mobile operators.
An actively tuned antenna can simplify mobile HF operation by allowing the antenna system to adjust for different frequencies.
Instead of manually changing antenna configurations every time you move between bands, an appropriate automatic antenna system can make the process much more convenient.
For someone building a dedicated mobile HF installation, this is worth considering.
Power Requirements
The FT-891 operates from a nominal 13.8-volt DC power source.
At 100 watts, the radio requires a substantial amount of current.
The transmitter can draw more than 20 amps during high-power operation.
This means that the power system needs to be designed correctly.
A proper home station should use an adequately sized regulated power supply.
A mobile installation should use appropriately sized wiring, proper fusing and a reliable connection to the vehicle's electrical system.
For portable operation, the battery becomes an especially important part of the station.
A small battery suitable for a handheld radio will not necessarily provide the current required by a 100-watt HF transceiver.
Cooling and Heat Management
A 100-watt transmitter produces heat, and the FT-891 incorporates internal cooling fans and a metal chassis to help manage that heat.
Proper ventilation is still important.
This is especially true for mobile installations where the radio may be placed inside a confined area.
The compact size of the FT-891 should not lead an operator to install it somewhere with little or no airflow.
Good ventilation helps protect the radio and allows it to operate reliably during extended transmissions.
Construction Quality
The FT-891 has the appearance of a radio designed to be moved around.
Its compact chassis is dense and substantial.
That makes it well suited to operators who regularly transport their equipment.
A portable radio may spend one weekend in a vehicle, another weekend at a campsite and another day operating from a temporary field station.
The FT-891's size and construction make that kind of use practical.
Using the FT-891 as a Base Station
Although the FT-891 is strongly associated with mobile operation, it can make an excellent compact home HF station.
A basic station could consist of:
- FT-891
- 13.8-volt power supply
- HF antenna
- Antenna tuner if necessary
- Feed line
- Headphones or external speaker
- Microphone
- CW key if desired
- Computer for logging and digital operation
Because the radio is so small, it can fit into locations where a larger HF transceiver would be inconvenient.
This makes it especially attractive for operators who live in small homes, apartments, offices or other locations where desk space is limited.
Portable Operation
The FT-891 is also well suited to portable amateur radio.
At roughly four pounds, the radio itself is relatively easy to transport.
The biggest consideration is the supporting equipment.
A portable operator needs to account for:
- Battery
- Antenna
- Feed line
- Tuner if required
- Microphone
- Key if using CW
- Power cables
- Logging equipment
- Carrying case or protective storage
The radio may be compact, but a complete 100-watt portable station can still become a substantial package.
That is the tradeoff for having full-power HF capability away from home.
POTA Operation
The FT-891 is an interesting option for Parks on the Air operators.
Many POTA operators prefer lightweight QRP radios because they can minimize the amount of equipment carried into the field.
Other operators prefer having more transmitter power available.
The FT-891 falls into the second category.
It provides the ability to operate at full power when conditions are difficult.
The downside is the additional battery capacity and supporting equipment required.
For an operator who values power and flexibility more than absolute minimum weight, the FT-891 can be an excellent portable station.
Field Day
Field Day is another situation where the FT-891 can be useful.
Its compact design allows it to be transported easily, while the 100-watt output provides the same basic power level used by many conventional amateur stations.
It can be used with a variety of temporary antennas, including dipoles, verticals, end-fed antennas and other portable systems.
The ability to operate several bands also makes it flexible during a busy Field Day operation.
Emergency Communications
The FT-891 can also be useful as part of an emergency communications setup.
HF provides the ability to communicate over long distances without necessarily depending on a local repeater.
That makes an HF transceiver a valuable component of a broader emergency communications plan.
The FT-891's compact size means it can be kept in a vehicle or portable communications kit.
Its 100-watt capability also provides a significant amount of flexibility when communicating over longer distances.
It should not be considered a replacement for VHF and UHF radios.
Instead, HF can complement local communications equipment.
A well-rounded emergency communications station might include HF, VHF, UHF, handheld radios, backup batteries and other communications equipment.
What the FT-891 Does Not Have
There are several things the FT-891 does not provide.
It does not include 2-meter or 70-centimeter operation.
It does not have a large color touchscreen.
It does not contain an internal battery.
It does not have a built-in automatic antenna tuner.
It is also not designed around the enormous graphical interfaces found on some newer SDR-oriented transceivers.
These limitations are important, but they are also directly related to the radio's design philosophy.
Yaesu concentrated on making a compact HF and 6-meter transceiver capable of producing 100 watts.
FT-891 Compared With Larger HF Radios
The biggest difference between the FT-891 and larger desktop HF radios is physical size.
Larger radios can provide more buttons, larger displays, additional controls and sometimes additional operating features.
The FT-891 takes the opposite approach.
It attempts to put serious HF capability into a small chassis.
For a permanent home station where desk space is plentiful, a larger transceiver may provide a more comfortable operating experience.
For a mobile or portable station, however, the FT-891's small footprint can be a major advantage.
FT-891 Compared With QRP Radios
The FT-891 is also an interesting alternative to QRP radios.
QRP equipment can be extremely small and efficient, but the operator is limited to relatively low transmitter power.
The FT-891 provides a much different experience.
It remains compact while offering up to 100 watts.
That makes it useful for operators who want portability but do not want their operating capability limited to QRP.
The tradeoff is power consumption.
A 100-watt radio requires a much larger battery system than a typical five-watt QRP transceiver.
The Learning Curve
The FT-891 is not necessarily the simplest HF radio for a complete beginner.
There are numerous settings and menu functions.
Because the radio is so compact, not every feature can have its own dedicated physical button.
New operators may therefore find themselves consulting the manual when learning the radio.
That is not necessarily a criticism of the radio.
It is simply the reality of putting a large number of functions into a small front panel.
Once the controls become familiar, operation becomes much faster.
Who Should Consider the FT-891?
The FT-891 makes sense for several types of amateur radio operators.
Mobile HF Operators
If you want full-power HF operation in a vehicle, the FT-891's compact design is particularly appealing.
Portable Operators
If you want 100-watt capability without carrying a full-size desktop radio, the FT-891 is worth considering.
POTA Operators
Operators who prefer full-power operation over minimum weight may find the FT-891 a useful POTA transceiver.
Emergency Communications Operators
Its compact size and HF capabilities make it suitable as part of a portable or vehicle-based emergency communications station.
Small-Shack Operators
If you have limited desk space, the FT-891 provides a practical way to establish an HF station.
Experienced HF Operators
Operators who already understand HF antennas, propagation, power requirements and radio settings will likely get the most from the FT-891.
Who Might Want Something Else?
The FT-891 is not the right choice for every operator.
If you need VHF and UHF along with HF, you will need another radio.
If you want a massive touchscreen and large waterfall display, a different class of transceiver may be more appropriate.
If you want a radio with a built-in battery for ultra-light portable operation, the FT-891 is not designed for that purpose.
And if you want an extremely simple radio with minimal menus, the FT-891 may have more features and settings than you need.
The FT-891 works best when viewed as a specialized HF and 6-meter transceiver rather than an attempt to do everything.
Three-Year Warranty
The FT-891 is also offered with a three-year warranty, which provides additional peace of mind for owners.
A warranty can be especially valuable for a radio that may experience the additional demands associated with mobile and portable operation.
As with any electronic equipment purchase, buyers should confirm the current warranty terms with the seller at the time of purchase.
Final Thoughts on the Yaesu FT-891
The Yaesu FT-891 is an impressive example of how much capability can be packed into a relatively small amateur radio transceiver.
Its biggest attraction is the combination of compact size and 100-watt output.
This is not a five-watt handheld or a tiny QRP-only radio. It is a legitimate HF transceiver capable of operating at full power while remaining small enough to take on the road.
That makes it particularly useful for mobile operators.
It can be installed in a vehicle without consuming enormous amounts of space. It can also be removed and used as a portable field station or placed on a desk as a compact home HF station.
The receiver is another important part of the package. The multi-conversion design, roofing filter and DSP functions provide the tools necessary to deal with the sometimes difficult HF environment.
The radio also offers 6-meter operation, CW capabilities, SSB, AM, FM, computer connectivity and compatibility with Yaesu's antenna systems.
There are compromises.
The display is small compared with modern high-end radios. There is no VHF or UHF capability. There is no internal antenna tuner or battery. The menu system requires some time to learn, and a complete portable 100-watt station can require a fairly substantial battery.
However, those compromises make sense when you consider what the FT-891 is designed to accomplish.
This radio is about bringing full-power HF operation into a compact package.
For the mobile operator, it can provide a powerful HF station without consuming the entire vehicle interior.
For the portable operator, it can provide considerably more transmitter power than typical QRP equipment.
For the home operator, it can provide an HF and 6-meter station that takes up very little desk space.
For emergency communications, it can provide a compact HF component that can operate from a suitable 12-volt-class power system.
The Yaesu FT-891 is therefore a radio with a very specific mission. It does not attempt to replace every other amateur transceiver on the market. Instead, it focuses on doing HF and 6 meters in a compact, mobile-friendly package.
For amateur radio operators who want 100 watts, HF and 6 meters, multiple operating modes, useful receiver filtering, DSP and portability, the FT-891 offers a very attractive combination of features.
It is particularly compelling for anyone who wants a serious HF radio that can go wherever the operator goes.
