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.