Name: Yaesu FT-857D
Brand: Yaesu

160m – 70cm

Bands

100 W

Output

2003

Introduced

Frequency	TX: 160–10 m (+60 m) + 6 m + 2 m + 70 cm, RX: 0.1–76 + 108–174 + 420–512 MHz
Bands	160m, 80m, 60m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m, 6m, 2m, 70cm
TX power	100 W (100W HF/6m, 50W 2m, 20W 70cm. 5W minimum.)
Modes	USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM, Digital
Weight	2.1 kg (4.6 lb) - ~2.1 kg. Dimensions 155 x 52 x 233 mm (6.1 x 2.0 x 9.2 in). Marketed as the smallest 100 W all-band all-mode transceiver.
Connector	SO-239 (HF/6m/VHF/UHF shared, single port)
Year	2003

Connectors

antenna	SO-239 (HF/VHF/UHF shared, single port)
mic	modular (MH-31A8J included)
key	key/paddle (3.5mm)
cat	6-pin mini DIN (CAT + data + linear control)
ext spkr	external speaker (3.5mm)
dc in	DC 13.8V
power req	DC 13.8V. 22A max TX.

marketed as the world's smallest HF/VHF/UHF 100 W all-mode transceiver covers every amateur band HF through 70 cm: 100 W HF/6 m, 50 W 2 m, 20 W 70 cm up-conversion HF design (1st IF 68.33 MHz); double-conversion superheterodyne (triple on FM) extensive bandpass filtering for wide dynamic range IF DSP included on the 857D (was optional on the original FT-857) DSP bandpass filter, auto-notch and digital noise reduction; IF shift basic spectrum scope detachable front panel for remote-head mounting (YSK-857 separation kit) optional Collins mechanical CW filters (YF-122C 500 Hz / YF-122CN 300 Hz) 200 memory channels; built-in electronic keyer with CW trainer CTCSS/DCS encode/decode; full CAT control via 6-pin mini-DIN 60 m (5 MHz) coverage (added on the 857D) AM aircraft and FM broadcast receive supplied with MH-31A8J hand mic, mounting bracket, DC cord and spare fuses

Strengths

One of the smallest 100 W all-band all-mode rigs ever made, with an up-conversion HF front end and full 100 W on HF. It includes IF DSP, a detachable face, Collins filter slots, a basic spectrum scope and full CAT, plus AM aircraft and FM broadcast receive, all in about 2.1 kg.

Weaknesses

Discontinued. A single antenna port (HF/VHF/UHF shared; a duplexer is needed for separate antennas). No built-in ATU. No color display, waterfall, USB audio or touchscreen. 20 W on 70 cm. A small display and dense menus. The DSP is audio-level only.

Verdict

A 100 W all-band rig in one of the smallest form factors ever built (155 mm wide, about 2.1 kg), with an up-conversion HF receiver. For operators who need full power on all bands from HF to 70 cm in a package that fits almost anywhere, Yaesu never made a direct successor at this size - the single antenna port is the main limitation. At $500-800 used it remains in steady demand.

The Yaesu FT-857D is one of the most popular 'shack in a box' transceivers ever made, an ultra-compact all-mode radio covering HF, 6 meters, 2 meters, and 70 centimeters in a body small enough to mount in a vehicle. It puts out 100 watts on HF and 6 meters, 50 watts on 2 meters, and 20 watts on 70 centimeters, operating SSB, CW, AM, FM, and the digital modes, with a removable front panel for flexible mounting.

Introduced in 2003 (the 'D' version in 2004), it packs IF DSP, a great deal of memory, and broad general-coverage receive into a remarkably small chassis. That combination of full HF-through-UHF coverage, real power, and portability made it a mainstay for mobile operating, field work, Summits on the Air, and emergency communications, and a huge installed base keeps it in active service and high demand on the used market.

It is a discontinued model. Compare it with the base/portable FT-897D and the QRP FT-817ND.