Yaesu FT-891 Current Draw Review

Hello Operators
today's topic is the Yaesu FT-891. In this video we'll doing a Yaesu FT-891 current draw test. that's right, we are actually testing the current consumption of the Yaesu ft-891. this test is especially useful to the portable operator who wants to understand the ham radio battery and solar power requirements for this rig. it will also help operators using this radio in the ham shack, to purchase the correct power supply to power this rig.

I'll test the Yaesu FT-891 at RX, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 Watts.
I've had many requests on the channel for such a video. Operators would like to compare current consumption tp other popular models like the Yaesu F5-857d, Icom 7200, Icom 7300, as well as understanding how hungry this radio is when deployed in the field.

There are no episode notes for this video, since the video itself is all very clear.

73
Julian oh8stn Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn an commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

[OHSTN]

Hello operators.
Heres a short follow-up video.
73
Julian oh8stn

[lemonster]

Just the video i needed! Published numbers by Yaesu had me worrying over batteries, but your test has convinced me that the 891 is for me! Brilliant! Cheers and 73 from Byron N4TIZ

[mikesolomon]

Thank you. Long time viewer, first comment. I really appreciate this video. This is the radio I have been looking at for several months and this answers many questions. I am also encouraged that you will be providing more videos on this radio. You tend to provide a lot of relevant detail and not just showing what buttons it has, so I look forward to these. Thanks Julian!!!

[DutchmanRadio]

I’m thinking of getting one of these, every time you increased the wattage and pulled more amps I looked at my current PSU nervously lmao, it actually puts out 23amps so I should be okay, really helpful video sir 73 and great content as always!

[georgecappello]

I've had an FT-891 for several months, and now I know the current meter on my Astron power supply is accurate, those are the numbers I get.

[caroleemoreno]

Your content is the best! Every question I ever have you seem to have a video for. Thanks so much for all you do !

[daviddietrich]

WOW!! I am astonished at the relatively low current draw at 100 W. That's telling me I can actually run my FT-891 out in the field at 50 W, and be OK if I need it.

[RJ_McKenzie]

Thanks for this video. I have a FT-891 and I've been doing a lot of mobile-portable FT8 work in my car just using my car battery. Been looking into getting a dedicated battery for the FT-891 and having these accurate numbers at each power level is super helpful. Thanks again!

[timelord]

It is better to write characteristics in worse conditions than to understate them. This current consumption makes the FT-891 very convenient to work with standard 24A/h for 100W and 12A/h for 50W LiFePO4 batteries.
I will say more, for the opportunity to put 100W in a backpack - I almost forgive Yaesu for FT-818😄

[thenewscaster]

Great video. I've had this rig for about a month. Great portable on 60m. I will watch anything you put up about the 891. Thanks, Tom, K8YPH.

[MrMOA]

Excellent video, this is exactly what I needed to know to determine what size LIFEPO4 battery to get. Thanks a

[CroPrepper]

A comparison chart on your blog for 891 857 and 817 would be awesome! Thanks for the efforts making this video series! cheers

[larrybushman]

Many thanks for another informative video. I am lucky to get 8hrs on my Ft 857 hooked up to a 17 amp hour battery on an average duty cycle. That's 10W TX on FM mind which is very power hungry. Larry UK RAYNET.

[hamtechoutdoor]

Another great video Julian, I am about to buy a FT891 as well for portable operation, I am still QRP operator but sometime you need more juice :-), Look forward to seeing new contents !

[timb]

Thanks again Julian for another interesting and real world video

[VEIPS]

Nice testing Julian, I could have saved you the trouble as my findings are similar. Bonus is 100w at 15A is battery friendly where the brochure says 23 Amps. The yaesu engineers have been drinking lots of sake while making the FYT-818. The FT-891 is cheaper and a better receiver if HF is your interest.
If the band fades on your 5-10 watt signal you can grab a few extra s units of power and jump to 100 watts and finish off the qso. Bonus this shows it works well in the cold and the warmth of the wood stove

[stevenposson]

Great timing for me. I just bought an 891. So I know you will be going Digital with yours. Thank you Julian. KM6OND

[adrianfairclough]

Very informative. Shared on the Delta Romeo DX Group Facebook page.

[oscarwbrown]

always great information and logically presented. Thanks

[CWB-RF]

I've only operated QRP up to this point but have been considering buying a rig capable of more output just to have some extra power in reserve when playing radio at home. I actually suspect I may want to take this portable even though I prefer to stay lightweight when out. I'm quite surprised that the draw beyond 50 watts isn't significantly higher as I thought it would be. I've been looking into this rig as it appeals to me and my simple ways with more than enough features for my use. I don't plan to use the full 100 watts but I couldn't find current draw specs. from Yaesu at reduced power so this video has been very helpful to me. Thanks and take care Julian.