HFPacker or FT857?

[K7SGJ]

So, I'd like a little more power out when operating at home. QRP is great, but I don't think operating QRP all the time will be enjoyable for much longer.

Now, I already have a full-sized transceiver (FT840) which I'm planning to sell to get the 857D. But then I stumbled onto the HFPacker Amp. It's doesn't work on VHF/UHF/6M though.

So, thoughts? Smaller amp to get a little more power out, or just get the 857?

Why not do both?

I have the 857D in the truck, and think it is a great little rig. When I want to use the FT 817 or IC 703 at the house but want a bit more power, I picked up a used FL110 amp for $75. 10-15 watts in = ~100 watts out 160-10. Although not designed for the WARC bands, it will do them with reduced output. It will do AM/SSB/CW/FSK. They don't come along too often, but if you keep an eye out, they do show up. I looked at the HF packer, as well as a few others, but didn't want to put that much into it.

[KC2UGV]

since you said "at home" im thinking you want something to keep at the house? are you wanting to have VHF/UHF all mode capabilities? if not interested in 2m ssb/cw or 440 ssb/cw honestly for a home station id sell the 840 for a ft-950. if you want the 2/440 ssb/cw capability go for a FT-847 or a TS-2000.

I'm looking for a new rig, so the 847 gets ruled out. But, I am not spending $1500-2000 on a radio lol It's a hobby, not a vocation :)

Why not do both?

I have the 857D in the truck, and think it is a great little rig. When I want to use the FT 817 or IC 703 at the house but want a bit more power, I picked up a used FL110 amp for $75. 10-15 watts in = ~100 watts out 160-10. Although not designed for the WARC bands, it will do them with reduced output. It will do AM/SSB/CW/FSK. They don't come along too often, but if you keep an eye out, they do show up. I looked at the HF packer, as well as a few others, but didn't want to put that much into it.

Well, I'm just looking really to have a little more umph at home. On the road, weight is critical (My pedals are taking me places with this gear), and I don't so much need the extra RF out in those scenarios.

[K7SGJ]

I'm looking for a new rig, so the 847 gets ruled out. But, I am not spending $1500-2000 on a radio lol It's a hobby, not a vocation :)



Well, I'm just looking really to have a little more umph at home. On the road, weight is critical (My pedals are taking me places with this gear), and I don't so much need the extra RF out in those scenarios.

I understand. When I'm camping, traveling, and such, I just carry the 817 in a small bag with the essentials. I only use the FL110 amp at the house when I want to use the QRP rig with a bit of power. I