Speech Compressor - unleash your DX potential
***apparent improvement can be up to 6dB!***
The FT-817 FT-818 is a great radio but the SSB speech power does lack "punch". This great little external AF dynamic compressor from Box 73 in Germany will aid readability and maximise the performance of your radio (essential when using QRP). Speech Compressors work by raising the average level of your audio signal, giving greater "talk power".
Plug and Play! Connects between the radio and microphone (lead included). The compressor function can be switched in or out, the module draws its power directly from the transceiver (approx. 10mA). The compression level is adjustable. Modifications to the microphone or transceiver are not required.
Click here for instructions. The speech compressors that we sell are fully built and ready to use, so the construction part of the instructions can be ignored, but there are some operating instructions near the end of the document. The potentiometers inside the compressor may need a bit of adjustment to suit you and your radio (page 10 of instructions).
The compressor is also suitable for use with the FT-900, FT-857, FT-897 and FT-450 (all versions). For more modern Yaesu radios, they may already have similar functionality built-in (look for 'speech processor' in the manual), so an external compressor might not be necessary in that case.
Note: if using an external speech compressor, any internal speech compression in the transceiver should be turned off. Otherwise there will be too much compression, resulting in distorted audio.
Video: demonstration of how speech compression works
FAQ
Modes
Speech compression is not recommended for use on FM.
Microphone cable
Occasionally people have problems plugging their microphone into the compressor. This is because the Yaesu microphones are fitted with an oversized rubber boot that shrouds the RJ45 connector. If the RJ45 connector does not click firmly into the body of the speech compressor, gently retract the rubber boot a few millimetres and the connector will engage properly (100% success rate!).
Video: how to fix a microphone cable that does not plug in properly
Also available from our international agent(s):
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54 Reviews Hide Reviews Show Reviews
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Does what is says
After completing the assembly that was very easy I plugged it in to my ft818 and it worked. My first QSO was on 20m from my home in central France to a contact operating portable on the sea front in Blackpool who gave me a 59 signal report. I was using a half wave endfed antenna and my contact a quarter wave vertical. I have never managed an SSB QSO before with the ft818 so think this a success for the speech compressor.
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Speech Compressor for FT-817
Does what is says on the can. Perfect plug and play, just adjusted the rig mic gain for excellent results.
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Speech Compressor 818
I contest using the ft-818 on most bands vhf/uhf , since using this stations that normally have difficulty hearing me are bow hearing me, much improvement
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Speech Compressor
Ecxelent product ! Realy adds power level about +3dm, voice becomes clearly. Little bit tuning and to solder 3 parts.
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SPEECH COMPRESSOR FOR FT-817, 818
I am using this with my FT857D. Worked straight out of the box. I'm getting reports of at least one S-point of improvement and punchier audio when switched in. I found it best to reduce the rig mic gain slightly. The device also seems to feature a noise gate which mutes the background noise when I am not speaking. A pleasing addition to my mobile/portable set-up.
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Speech Compressor for FT-817-818
This is the latest version of the Speech Compressor which I purchased from SOTABEAMS a few weeks ago. The few stations that I have worked so far using the compressor and standard MH-31 microphone have said it has definitely improved the quality and level of audio from my old FT-817ND.
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Speech Compressor for FT-817,818.
I recently purchased the Speech Compressor kit to use with my FT817nd. After a lack of spare time I assembled the kit & performed the suggested checks, all OK. I used the Compressor for the first time during the VKFF team championships & received very good reports. I have since used it during more activations both QRP & with my 45 watt linear amp. This is a keeper & I highly recommend it.
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ssb on ft-817
The ssb mode is really kicking with this smal but effective compressor.
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SB Speech compressor for Yaesu FT8*7
Makes one HUGE difference. Used mine in the CQWW SSB contest, and worked some nice DX (for a QRP SSB station) Well worth the money, and highly recommended. Also used a Sotabeam linked dipole......what a combo....
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FT-817 Speech Compressor Kit
Easy to assemble and worked fine without tweaking the pots from their 50% setting. Comments received on 2m SSB were that, while audio is sweeter without it, the difference in signal level is dramatic.
