FT817 replacement - 2 years away

The following (extract from a) post from Bryan KE6ZGP appeared on the FT817 Yahoo group in the last few days.

"Tom interviewed the Yaesu rep about their new FT-DX3000 and the FT-1D, when all was said and done he started taking questions, I went ahead and asked about a possible replacement for the FT-817. The rep then stated - due to some parts (like the LCD screen) either being no longer available or extremely hard to find, they will likely replace the FT-817 in a couple years. He wasn't sure when exactly, R&D hasn't started on anything, but the earliest we can expect to hear any solid talk is two years from now."

Now I assume this data is good and the rep from Yaesu is properly informed. If so, then any replacement to the FT817 is at least 2 years away. This gives Elecraft a clear field for a couple of years with their new KX3. The only other QRP radio on the horizon is the Ten Tec Argonaut VI which is due out towards the end of the autumn this year.

4m Chinese Multimode rig and a FT817 successor from China?

There are rumours, apparently with some substance, that a Chinese mulitmode transceiver for 4m may be being designed. This would not be too surprising, although expect some delay between "being designed" and being available in the shops.

Of course, with several Chinese FM handhelds and mobiles now available at competitive prices from 4m - 70cm it can only be a matter of time before a Chinese equivalent to the FT817's successor (yes we are still waiting, waiting, waiting Yaesu!) will hit the streets, and at a knock-out price. It would not surprise me one bit if such a rig appeared before the end of 2011. Once the Chinese realise they have a ready market for quality ham gear then look out Icom, Yaesu and Kenwood as your days may be numbered, seriously.

FT818 - a "what if" radio that does not exist....

The FT818 handheld:

• All mode, all bands 1.8-1296MHz with 5MHz and 70MHz
• 5W RF (2W 1296MHz)
• 3.5AHr Li-Ion battery pack (2hr charging)
• Built in random wire and whip auto-ATU
• Full colour OLED display
• Multi-function DSP noise reduction
• RF Speech processor

.....wouldn't that be nice for Christmas 2010? Sadly, it doesn't exist except in our dreams.

70MHz, Icom and Yaesu

There are now approaching 40 DXCC countries granting access to the 70MHz (4m) band and further countries are granting access every few months it appears. See  http://www.70mhz.org/bands.htm.  I do hope that some of the commercial "big boys" such as Yaesu and Icom start to make VHF multimode rigs that include 4m in future. It can't be too difficult to add this band. Apart from the latest ChineseWouxun FM handportables (see  www.wouxun.co.uk) and ex-PMR units, only the FT847 has 70MHz coverage. Imagine how operation on 4m SSB/CW would take off if Yaesu's FT817 successor has 4m coverage as well.

FT817 successor coming?

Has anyone heard any intelligence/news on what is happening at Yaesu regarding new hand-held all-band, all-mode, successor to the FT817 with new features such as internal auto-ATU, speech processor, maybe 70MHz included on EU version, LiIon battery pack, etc...