ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Yaesu FT-817 Prepared by: American Radio Relay League, Inc. Technical Department Laboratory 225 Main St. Newington, CT 06111 Telephone: (860) 594-0214 Internet: [email protected] Order From: American Radio Relay League, Inc. Technical Department Secretary 225 Main St. Newington, CT 06111 Telephone: (860) 594-0278 Internet: [email protected] Price: $7.50 for ARRL Members, $12.50 for non-Members, postpaid. Model Information: FT-817 Serial #: 0M050276 QST "Product Review" April, 2001 Manufacturer: Yaesu U.S.A. 17210 Edwards Rd Cerritos, CA 90703 Telephone: 562-404-2700 http://www.yaesu.com/ ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: Yaesu FT-817 Serial: 0M050276 Copyright 2001, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Page 1 Contents: Introduction 3 Transmitter Output Power 4 Current Consumption Test 5 Transmit Frequency Range Test 6 CW Transmit Frequency Accuracy Test 6 Spectral Purity Test 7 Transmit Two-Tone IMD Test 11 SSB Carrier and Unwanted Sideband Suppression 15 CW Keying Waveform Test 15 Transmit Keyer Speed Test 16 Keying Sidetone test 16 Transmit/Receive Turnaround Test 17 Transmit Delay Test 17 Transmit Composite Noise Test 18 Receiver Noise Floor Test 21 Receive Frequency Range 22 AM Sensitivity Test 22 FM SINAD and Quieting Test 23 Blocking Dynamic Range Test 24 Two-Tone 3rd-Order Dynamic Range Test 25 In-Band Receiver IMD Test 30 FM Adjacent Channel Selectivity Test 33 FM Two-Tone 3rd-Order Dynamic Range Test 33 Image Rejection Test 34 IF Rejection Test 34 Audio Output Power Test 35 IF/Audio Frequency Response Test 35 Squelch Sensitivity Test 35 S-Meter Test 36 ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: Yaesu FT-817 Serial: 0M050276 Copyright 2001, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Page 2 Introduction This document summarizes the extensive battery of tests performed by the ARRL Laboratory for each unit that is featured in QST "Product Review." For all tests, there is a discussion of the test and test method used in ARRL Laboratory testing. For most tests, critical conditions are listed to enable other engineers to duplicate our methods. For some of the tests, a block diagram of the test setup is included. The ARRL Laboratory has a document, the ARRL Laboratory Test Procedures Manual, that explains our specific test methods in detail. This manual includes test descriptions similar to the ones in this report, block diagrams showing the specific equipment currently in use for each test, along with all equipment settings and specific step by step procedures used in the ARRL Laboratory. While this is not available as a regular ARRL publication, the ARRL Technical Department Secretary can supply a copy at a cost of $20.00 for ARRL Members, $25.00 for non-Members, postpaid. Most of the tests used in ARRL product testing are derived from recognized standards and test methods. Other tests have been developed by the ARRL Lab. The ARRL Laboratory test equipment is calibrated annually, with traceability to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Most of the equipment is calibrated by a contracted calibration laboratory. Other equipment, especially the custom test fixtures, is calibrated by the ARRL Laboratory Engineers, using calibrated equipment and standard techniques. The units being tested are operated as specified by the equipment manufacturer. The ARRL screen room has an ac supply that is regulated to 117 or 234 volts. If possible, the equipment under test is operated from the ac supply. Mobile and portable equipment is operated at the voltage specified by the manufacturer, at 13.8 volts if not specified, or from a fully charged internal battery. Equipment that can be operated from 13.8 volts (nominal) is also tested for function, output power and frequency accuracy at the minimum specified voltage, or 11.5 volts if not specified. Units are tested at room temperature and humidity as determined by the ARRL HVAC system. Also, units that are capable of mobile or portable operation are tested at their rated temperature range, or at –10 to +60 degrees Celsius in a commercial temperature chamber. ARRL Product Review testing typically represents a sample of only one unit (although we sometimes obtain an extra unit or two for comparison purposes). This is not necessarily representative of all units of the same model number. It is not uncommon that some parameters will vary significantly from unit to unit. The ARRL Laboratory and Product Review editor work with manufacturers to resolve any deviation from specifications or other problems encountered in the review process. These problems are documented in the Product Review. Units used in Product Review testing are purchased off the shelf from major distributors. We take all necessary steps to ensure that we do not use units that have been specially selected by the manufacturer. When the review is complete, the unit is offered for sale in an open mail bid, announced regularly in QST . ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: Yaesu FT-817 Serial: 0M050276 Copyright 2001, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Page 3 Transmitter Output Power Test description: One of the first things an amateur wants to know about a transmitter or transceiver is its RF output power. The ARRL Lab measures the CW output power for every band on which a transmitter can operate. The unit is tested across the entire amateur band and the worst-case number for each band is reported. The equipment is also tested on one or more bands for any other mode of operation for which the transmitter is capable. Typically, the most popular band of operation for each mode is selected. Thus, on an HF transmitter, the SSB tests are done on 75 meters for lower sideband, 20 meters for upper sideband, and AM tests are done on 75 meters, FM tests are done on 10 meters, etc. This test also compares the accuracy of the unit's internal output-power metering against the ARRL Laboratory's calibrated test equipment. The purpose of the Transmitter Output-Power Test is to measure the dc current consumption at the manufacturer's specified dc-supply voltage, if applicable, and the RF output power of the unit under test across each band in each of its available modes. A two-tone audio input, at a level within the manufacturer's microphone-input specifications, is used for the SSB mode. No modulation is used in the AM and FM modes. Many transmitters are de-rated from maximum output power on full-carrier AM and FM modes. In most cases, a 100-watt CW/SSB transmitter may be rated at 25 watts carrier power on AM. The radio may actually deliver 100 watts PEP in AM or FM but is not specified to deliver that power level for any period of time. In these cases, the published test-result table will list the AM or FM power as being "as specified." In almost all cases, the linearity of a transmitter decreases as output power increases. A transmitter rated at 100 watts PEP on single sideband may actually be able to deliver more power, but as the power is increased beyond the rated RF output power, adjacent channel splatter (IMD) usually increases dramatically. If the ARRL Lab determines that a transmitter is capable of delivering its rated PEP SSB output, the test-result table lists the power as being "as specified." Key Test Conditions: Termination: 50 ohms resistive, or as specified by the manufacturer. Block Diagram: AC ONLY CAUTION!: Power must only be applied to the attenuator input! Do not reverse input and output terminals of the Bird 8329. TWO-TONE RF Power AUDIO DUT RF WATTMETER Attenuator & GENERATOR TRANSMITTER 100 WATTS BIRD 4381 100 WATTS Dummy Load TYPICAL TYPICAL Bird 8329 PTT SWITCH TELEGRAPH KEY POWER SUPPLY DC ONLY ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: Yaesu FT-817 Serial: 0M050276 Copyright 2001, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Page 4 Transmitter Output Power Test Results Frequency Mode Unit Measured Unit Measured Notes Band Minimum Minimum Maximum Maximum Power (W) Power (W) Power (W) Power (W) 1.8 MHz CW N/A1 N/A N/A1 5.00 3.5 MHz CW – N/A – 5.14 3.5 MHz AM – N/A – 1.5W carrier 7.0 MHz CW – N/A – 5.00 10.1 MHz CW – N/A – 4.95 14 MHz CW – 0.53 W – 4.84 14 MHz USB – N/A – 5.00 18 MHz CW – N/A – 4.84 21 MHz CW – N/A – 4.89 24 MHz CW – N/A – 4.93 28 MHz CW – N/A – 4.98 28 MHz FM – N/A – 5.01 50 MHz CW – N/A – 4.72 144 MHz CW – N/A – 4.63 432 MHz CW – N/A – 4.63 Notes: 1. Unit's power indication is either “L” with 1-3 bars in suffix, or blank (denoting high power). Current Consumption Test (DC-powered units only) Test Description: Current consumption can be a important to the success of mobile and portable operation. While it is most important for QRP rigs, the ARRL Lab tests the current consumption of all equipment that can be operated from a battery or 12-14 Vdc source. The equipment is tested in transmit at maximum output power. On receive, it is tested at maximum volume, with no input signal, using the receiver's broadband noise. Any display lights are turned on to maximum brightness, if applicable. This test is not performed on equipment that can be powered only from the ac mains. Current Consumption: Voltage Transmit Output Power Receive Current Lights? Notes Current 13.8 V 1.9 A 5.0 W 370 mA ON 13.8 V 1.5 A 2.5 W 340 mA OFF 13.8 V 1.1 A 1.0 W – – 13.8 V 0.94 A 0.5 W – – ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: Yaesu FT-817 Serial: 0M050276 Copyright 2001, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Page 5 Transmit Frequency Range Test Test Description: Many transmitters can transmit outside the amateur bands, either intentionally, to accommodate MARS operation, for example, or unintentionally as the result of the design and internal software. The ARRL Lab tests the transmit frequency range inside the screen room. The purpose of the Transmit Frequency Range Test is to determine the range of frequencies, including those outside amateur bands, for which the transmitter may be used. The key test conditions are to test it at rated power, using nominal supply voltages. Frequencies are as indicated on the transmitter frequency indicator or display. Most modern synthesized transmitters are capable of operation outside the ham bands. However, spectral purity is not always legal outside the hams bands, so caution must be used. In addition, most other radio services require that transmitting equipment be type accepted for that service. Amateur equipment is not legal for use on other than amateur and MARS frequencies. Test Results: Frequency Low-Frequency Limit High-Frequency Limit Notes 160 M 1.800 00 MHz 2.000 00 MHz 80 M 3.500 00 MHz 4.000 00 MHz 40 M 7.000 00 MHz 7.300 00 MHz 30 M 10.100 00 MHz 10.150 00 MHz 20 M 14.000 00 MHz 14.350 00 MHz 17 M 18.068 00 MHz 18.168 00 MHz 15 M 21.000 00 MHz 21.450 00 MHz 12 M 24.890 00 MHz 24.990 00 MHz 10 M 28.000 00 MHz 29.700 00 MHz 6 M 50.000 00 MHz 54.000 00 MHz 2 M 144.000 00 MHz 148.000 00 MHz 70 CM 430.000 00 MHz 450.000 00 MHz CW Transmit Frequency Accuracy Test Test Description: Most modern amateur equipment is surprisingly accurate in frequency. It is not uncommon to find equipment operating within a few Hz of the frequency indicated on the frequency display. However, some units, notably "analog" units, not using a phase-lock loop in the VFO design, can be off by a considerable amount. This test measures the output frequency. Unit is operated into a 50-ohm resistive load at nominal temperature and supply voltage. Frequency is also measured at minimum output power, low supply voltage (12 volt units only) and over the operating temperature range (mobile and portable units only). Non-portable equipment is not tested in the temperature chamber. Test Results: Unit Frequency Supply Temperature Measured Frequency Notes Voltage Full Output Power 14.000 00 MHz 13.8 V 25 C 14.000 007 MHz 50.000 00 MHz 13.8 V 25 C 50.000 018 MHz 144.000 00 MHz 13.8 V 25 C 144.000 052 MHz 430.000 00 MHz 13.8 V 25 C 430.000 205 MHz ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: Yaesu FT-817 Serial: 0M050276 Copyright 2001, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Page 6 Spectral Purity Test Test Description: All transmitters emit some signals outside their assigned frequency or frequency range. These signals are known as spurious emissions or "spurs." Part 97 of the FCC rules and regulations specify the amount of spurious emissions that can be emitted by a transmitter operating in the Amateur Radio Service. The ARRL Laboratory uses a spectrum analyzer to measure the spurious emission on each band on which a transmitter can operate. The transmitter is tested across the band and the worst-case spectral purity on each band is captured from the spectrum analyzer and stored on disk. Spectral purity is reported in dBc, meaning dB relative to the transmitted carrier. The graphs and tables indicate the relative level of any spurious emissions from the transmitter. The lower that level, expressed in dB relative to the output carrier, the better the transmitter is. So a transmitter whose spurious emissions are –60 dBc is spectrally cleaner than is one whose spurious emissions are -30 dBc. FCC Part 97 regulations governing spectral purity are contained in 97.307 of the FCC rules. Information about all amateur rules and regulations is found in the ARRL FCC Rule Book. Additional information about the decibel is found in the ARRL Handbook. Key Test Conditions: Unit is operated at nominal supply voltage and temperature. Output power is adjusted to full power on each amateur band. A second measurement is taken at minimum power to ensure that the spectral output is still legal at low power. The level to the spectrum analyzer is –10 dBm maximum. The resolution bandwidth of the spectrum analyzer is 10 kHz on HF, 100 kHz on VHF, 1 MHz on UHF. Block Diagram: CAUTION!: Power must only be applied to the attenuator input! Do not reverse input and output terminals of the Bird 8329. TWO-TONE RF Power AUDIO DUT RF WATTMETER Attenuator & TRANSMITTER BIRD 4381 Dummy Load GENERATOR 100 WATTS 100 WATTS Bird 8329 TYPICAL TYPICAL TELEGRAPH KEY POWER SOURCE DO NOT 10 dB STEP 1 dB STEP EXCEED SPECTRUM 0 dBm ATTENUATOR ATTENUATOR ANALYZER HP 355D HP 3555C HP 8563E Test Results - summary: Frequency Spurs (dBc) Notes 1.8 MHz –55 3.5 MHz –62 7 MHz –60 10.1 MHz –55 14 MHz –54 18 MHz –51 21 MHz –53 24 MHz –53 28 MHz –55 50 MHz –58 144 MHz –63 430 MHz –55 ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: Yaesu FT-817 Serial: 0M050276 Copyright 2001, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Page 7 Spectral-Purity Graphs: 0 0 Reference Level: 0 dBc Reference Level: 0 dBc –10 –10 –20 –20 –30 –30 –40 –40 –50 –50 –60 –60 –70 –70 –80 –80 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Frequency (MHz) Frequency (MHz) Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 1.8 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W 7.0 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817SLO.TXT F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S40.TXT 0 0 Reference Level: 0 dBc Reference Level: 0 dBc –10 –10 –20 –20 –30 –30 –40 –40 –50 –50 –60 –60 –70 –70 –80 –80 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Frequency (MHz) Frequency (MHz) Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 3.5 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W 10.1 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S80.TXT F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S30.TXT ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: Yaesu FT-817 Serial: 0M050276 Copyright 2001, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Page 8 0 0 Reference Level: 0 dBc Reference Level: 0 dBc –10 –10 –20 –20 –30 –30 –40 –40 –50 –50 –60 –60 –70 –70 –80 –80 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Frequency (MHz) Frequency (MHz) Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 14.0 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W 21.0 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S20.TXT F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S15.TXT 0 0 Reference Level: 0 dBc Reference Level: 0 dBc –10 –10 –20 –20 –30 –30 –40 –40 –50 –50 –60 –60 –70 –70 –80 –80 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Frequency (MHz) Frequency (MHz) Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 18.1 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W 24.9 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S17.TXT F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S12.TXT ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: Yaesu FT-817 Serial: 0M050276 Copyright 2001, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Page 9 0 0 Reference Level: 0 dBc Reference Level: 0 dBc –10 –10 –20 –20 –30 –30 –40 –40 –50 –50 –60 –60 –70 –70 –80 –80 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Frequency (MHz) Frequency (MHz) Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 28.0 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W 144.0 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S10.TXT F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S2M.TXT 0 0 Reference Level: 0 dBc Reference Level: 0 dBc –10 –10 –20 –20 –30 –30 –40 –40 –50 –50 –60 –60 –70 –70 –80 –80 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 1800 2000 Frequency (MHz) Frequency (MHz) Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 Yaesu FT-817 s/n 0M050276 50.0 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W 420.0 MHz Band, Spectral Purity, 5 W F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S6M.TXT F:\SHARED\PROD_REV\TESTS\FT817\FT817S70.TXT ARRL Laboratory Expanded Test-Result Report Model: Yaesu FT-817 Serial: 0M050276 Copyright 2001, American Radio Relay League, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Page 10