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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It really works good
The unit is really easy to use. I have had a few nets that I check into ask if I was still QRP. They did not believe me when I said yes. I almost never get someone asking for my call a 2nd time anymore. Since hooking the unit up I have worked Japan twice even with a solar flux below 70. I never say I am QRP, folks just seem to hear me. For me it seems like this unit does just what it claims to do. I think it was worth the money.
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Greatly improves the output performance of the 817
I bought one of these compressors when I ordered the SSB/CW filter module and I am very impressed with the performance of it. The compressor increases the output power on SSB enormously and turns the 817 into a super little portable radio for SOTA and general use. Highly recommended.
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Great addition for a Yaesu
Bought mine to use with my FT857D. It was easy to build and set-up. Makes a big difference to SSB talk power and have been given good reports! 73 de Geoff vk3sq
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FT817 now has punch!
Speech compressor is excellent - puts life into the FT817
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Great addition for a Yaesu!
Bought mine to use with my FT857D. It was easy to build and set-up. Makes a big difference to SSB talk power and have been given good reports! I also have a FT450D and although not mentioned in the list of rigs in the ads, it works fine! I just used the standard mic / lead the same as the FT857 and 817 instead of the one supplied with the FT450D. A great addition to my shack! Steve
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Its The Law Get ONE !
Well if its not it should Be... I think this is one of the best items you can get for the ft-817 Very happy with it. Easy to put together and set up. Improves the SSB talk power. As other have said "makes the difference between being heard and not being heard" Phil G1RGG IO93HK
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Definitely worth buying
This wee gadget really makes the difference between being heard and not being heard, My antenna is in the loft, So i really need all the power my 817 can deliver, And that extra S-point can make all the difference when working QRP, Hooked it up tonight and after a few calls worked a station in switzerland, It defo gets the thumbs up from me,
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Excellent Addition
I have just christened my new FT-817 Compressor. On the 4m Contest Night. It made operating a pleasure, no more getting hoarse! The Transverter is an old Mickey Mouse 28-70 Mhz 10 watts. Most stations I called came back with a QRZ. First time. 73 Phil
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Punch thru and make the contact.
I had seen several sites that offered this product and it was always something that was looked at from a distance. I have ordered other items from Richard and decided to get this item. If you own an 817 and like to work SSB this is a great item. I tried my first call and was solid contact.
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Works well, lightweight, no battery required
The first built version had no output at all! But Richard replaced it with a working model immediately. I plugged it into my FT817 and straight away got a 5,6 report from Germany on 40m with 5 watts of SSB. The advantage of the unit is it is very light in weight and it doesn't need its own battery. And bypassed at the flick of a switch, so leave it plugged in.
