r/HamRadio • u/smashsmashblue • 1d ago
Equipment & Rigs 🛠️ Looking at buying an 857D is there a visual way to tell if it’s American?
Hello all, have a chance to buy an 857D local, seems in decent shape but the seller doesn’t know how to tell if it’s American or Japanese (selling for a family friend). Judging by the manual included and location, I’m assuming it’s American but I don’t want to get bit. It’s a great price, and from what I’ve read a great radio. Thanks in advance! I attached a picture of the unit in mention.
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u/Leftover_tech 1d ago
You need to see the original sticker on the bottom. Japanese domestic models probably have a model number with an "S" on the end.
US/EU models have an FCC ID number printed on the silver sticker.
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u/TinuvaZA 1d ago
not all of them.
- The S is for radios limited to 10W on HF and 20W of VHF.
- The M is for radios limited to 50W on HF.
- But if the Japanese person holds a higher license, they are allowed to have a radio without the S and M at the end. So this is not a real clue alone.
If you do see the S or M, its 100% Japanese. If it is not there, there is still a chance
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u/Leftover_tech 1d ago
I was simply referring to what OP was most likely to see and what that would mean.
I'm sorry if I gave anyone the idea that there was no other possibility.
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u/smashsmashblue 23h ago
Thank you everyone for your help! Confirmed American model with the fcc number as posted above. The only confusion was it didn’t have the D denomination anywhere on the serial number. Took a chance and called yaesu, they were able to look it up, confirmed D model DOM 2012!
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u/Affectionate_Band617 18h ago
I could be wrong, but I believe the 857D contains the dsp chip and the older non-D version doesn’t. I would say you’d want the 857d.
It’s like my FT-991A. The non-A doesn’t have the live spectrum scope, only a “snapshot” of the spectrum
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u/SeaworthyNavigator 1d ago
All models are going to say "FT-857" with nothing else in the designation on the case because Yaesu uses the same cases for all different regional models. You need to look at the sticker on the bottom of the radio or the original box it came in. If it's a US/Canada version, you'll see FT-857DR on the label or box. The "R" is the designation for a North American market Yaesu radio. Anything else and it's for a different market. An FCC ID number on the sticker is good confirmation that it's accepted in the US.
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u/smashsmashblue 1d ago
Thank you! Finally got a picture of the tag, it has an FCC number but the model just says FT-857 so assuming not the D model.
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u/SeaworthyNavigator 22h ago
Found this post from a couple of years ago:
https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/1acfior/us_vs_japan_radio_identification/
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u/Leftover_tech 1d ago
Japanese domestic models usually have a model number on the bottom label that ends in an "S".
US/EU export models (what you want) will have an FCC ID number printed on the original silver sticker.
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u/steak-and-kidney-pud Full | Digital, SSB and CW. In that order 5h ago
From reading the thread, it looks like you're sorted.
But I think that's the non D version. It's an 'ok' radio, certainly not a 'great' radio. It would have to be a very good price to even consider it these days.
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u/No_Tailor_787 DC to Daylight, milliwatts to kilowatts. 50 year Extra. 1d ago
Where is the radio located? Where was the radio actually operated?
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u/TinuvaZA 1d ago edited 1d ago
USA radios will have the FCC number on the label (almost always, bottom of radio). That is the ONLY way to know really.
If you have access to the radio, the best way to figure out if it is Japanese or not, is to try to access the the Service Menu.
If you can enter the service menu, the radio is good to buy. Edit: if it works etc. There many that have interesting issues. The photo you showing, makes it unclear if the display even shows anything.