[Charles Martel]

It's always a good idea to look at the rigs that are favored for use during radio "field days" - and that Yaesu is one of the radios that is consistently seen at those events. Put it in a rugged "go box" and keep it as mobile as possible. Home base station rigs are nice, but mobility is a much bigger consideration.

[MarchonDC09122009]

Charles, thanks for your input!
Plus you can also turn it into somewhat of a base station with a linear amplifier and pump out 25 - 100 watts way beyond the 5 watts that the rig comes with.

To anyone who’s looking for a perfect SHTF portable world capable transceiver here’s additional info:

Here’s the Best deal I can find for the Yaesu FT817ND $629.
http://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-007097

Here’s the largest FT817ND support/fetish forum:
FT817@yahoogroups.com

Here’s my favorite ham radio review & info site.
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/6883

Portable antennas:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/products/75

YouTube demo videos for the FT817ND:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=tdMW_j0XZKE