Modification of Yaesu FT-817
YAESU FT-817, OM1CI Jozef
The basic principle when making adjustments to the FT-817 is that all types of power must be disconnected, flashlights, or batteries and of course the external power cable !!!Modification of the FBA-28 flashlight case for the use of rechargeable batteries:
Yaesu supplies the FBA-28 flashlight case for the FT-817 8 AA alkaline batteries, which should last approx 5,5 hours. It is not recommended to use the case to fill with batteries, as they would also be charged in this case, and it is recommended to purchase the FNB-85 battery pack, NiMh 9,6V/1400mAh, or FNB-72, NiCd 9,6V/1000mAh.
With a simple modification, we will ensure that the FT-817 does not automatically detect the presence of a battery case and then we can put it in the flashlight case rechargeable batteries and charge them directly in the TCVR FT-817, as if the original was based there anyway.
Remove the flashlight case, peel off the black tape, under which there are wires. They are there 2 red, 2 black and green. Cut and insulate the green wire. Insert NiCd, or NiMh rechargeable batteries into the battery case and set the charging time in the FT-817 menu according to the capacity of the batteries. The manufacturer recommends a 1400mAh battery pack 8 hours, a pri 1000mAh 6 hours.
There is an option to set in menu No. 11 6,8,10 hours. The charging current is approx 170 mA, and after the end of the charging period, set in the menu, a maintenance current of approx 15 mA. If you fit the case with 2000mAh batteries, which are already common today, so full charging will have to be done for two cycles 6 + 6 throw., possibly 6 + 7 throw. Do not under any circumstances try to fit alkaline flashlights into the case modified in this way, that you would also recharge them !!!
This way you save on the purchase of expensive alkaline disposable batteries, which are recommended to be used in the TCVR FT-817 battery case. You can return the described adjustment to its original state at any time and then use alkaline flashlights. The translation of the descriptions of other modifications of the FT-817 is also available at my page
Joseph, OM1CI
