160m – 6m
Bands
100 W
Output
2016
Introduced
FrequencyTX: 160–10 m + 6 m (amateur), RX: 0.03–56 MHz
Bands160m, 80m, 60m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m, 6m
TX power100 W (100W SSB/CW/FM. 25W AM. Diecast chassis with thermostatically-controlled dual internal fans.)
ModesUSB, LSB, CW, AM, FM
Weight1.9 kg (4.2 lb) - 1.9 kg (4.18 lbs). Dimensions: 155×52×218 mm (6.1×2.0×8.6 inches). Ultra-compact.
ConnectorSO-239
Year2016
Connectors
antennaSO-239
micmodular microphone
keykey/paddle (3.5mm)
catrear USB port (CAT control + firmware); digital-mode audio via optional SCU-17 or similar
ext spkrexternal speaker
atasATAS antenna control
tunerFC-50 tuner control
dc inDC 13.8V +/-15% 23A
power reqDC 13.8V ±15%. 23A TX max, 2.0A RX.
Yaesu's current compact 100 W HF/6 m mobile: 32-bit IF DSP, 3 kHz roofing filter, TCXO, under 2 kg 100 W HF/6 m in an ultra-compact package (same footprint as the FT-857D, but HF/6 m only) triple-conversion superheterodyne (SSB/CW/AM), double-conversion on FM 1st IF 69.450 MHz (high first IF for strong image rejection) 3 kHz roofing filter fitted as standard 32-bit floating-point IF DSP DSP functions: DNR (noise reduction), DNF (auto-notch), Contour and APF (audio peak filter) built-in TCXO: +/-0.5 ppm stability (-10C to +50C) detachable front panel (separation cable available) large dot-matrix LCD with a quick spectrum scope pop-up menu for quick navigation large 1.6-inch main tuning dial with torque adjustment multi-function knob (500 kHz steps for quick band changes) 3 programmable front-panel function keys QMB (Quick Memory Bank): 5 instant-recall memories ATAS-120A self-tuning antenna compatible optional FC-50 automatic antenna tuner (designed for the FT-891) diecast chassis with thermostatically controlled dual internal fans 2/5/10 Hz tuning steps (SSB/CW), 10/100 Hz (AM/FM) rear USB port for CAT control and firmware updates (no built-in audio codec - digital modes need an SCU-17 or similar interface) 3-year Yaesu (US) warranty
Strengths

100 W in 1.9 kg, with 32-bit IF DSP, a 3 kHz roofing filter and a TCXO (+/-0.5 ppm) all standard. It has a detachable panel, a quick spectrum scope, an available FC-50 ATU, ATAS compatibility, a diecast chassis with dual fans, and a 3-year US warranty. It is current production, and the DSP removes the need for crystal filters.

Weaknesses

HF/6 m only (no VHF/UHF; the FT-857D covered all bands). No color display, waterfall or touchscreen. No built-in ATU (the FC-50 is an optional extra). No built-in USB audio codec - digital-mode audio needs the optional SCU-17 or a third-party interface. A single antenna port. A small display and dense menus.

Verdict

A modern compact 100W HF/6m. The FT-891 takes the FT-857D's ultra-compact form factor and fills it with modern technology: 32-bit IF DSP at 3000 MIPS, a 3 kHz roofing filter, and a TCXO, all standard. The DSP removes the need for crystal filters. At 1.9 kg it is Yaesu's affordably priced answer for 100W HF/6m in a truly compact package; the trade-off versus the FT-857D is no VHF/UHF, but much better receiver technology.

The Yaesu FT-891 is a current ultra-compact HF and 6-meter mobile transceiver that has become a go-to radio for portable and vehicle operating. It covers 160 through 6 meters at 100 watts (25 watts on AM) in SSB, CW, AM, and FM, in a rugged, very small chassis with a detachable front panel. First shown at the 2016 Dayton Hamvention, it pairs a triple-conversion receiver and a 3 kHz roofing filter with a high-performance 32-bit floating-point DSP.

For its size it offers serious capability: a general-coverage receiver tuning roughly 30 kHz to 56 MHz, a factory-fitted TCXO for ±0.5 ppm frequency stability, and the kind of strong-signal handling that suits DXing and contesting. It has no internal antenna tuner (a common pairing is an external automatic tuner) which helps keep the radio tiny and affordable. Its blend of power, performance, and pocketable size makes it a favorite for Parks on the Air and field operating.

It is a current product. Compare it with the larger FT-857D and the modern FT-710.