While recently checking the SWR on a antenna I am making I discovered that my Yaesu 817Nd radio was only putting out 1 watt when I had it dialed to give out 5 watts. Well I called up Yaesu to find out what I am doing wrong.
In short the tech I spoke with had me do a few things but alas I still only got 1 watt out of the radio. So the tech asked me to send it back which I did on August 1.
Monday August 7th I got a call from the tech. He told me that he was getting 5 watts on his bench. He made contacts on every frequency from 160 meter to 440 cm. He then asked me a bunch of questions around how I have been using the radio. In essence, when on internal battery power, at best, I will only get 2.5 watts. And that will only be at full battery power.
To get the radio's full power, you have to run it off of a fully charged 12 volt deep cycle battery or your shacks 120V/12V power supply.
In closing the gentleman I spoke to told me to not be hesitant to call back with any questions I might have. He explained in heavily accented English/Japanese that he loves to talk to hams that use his radios.
Being in business for over 40 years this experience for me points out a well ran company. A company that puts its customers first. A company who's employees are happy and excited to work there. And because of those two aforementioned items, a healthy and profitable company.
Go Yaesu!
