It was the worlds first multi-mode, high-power base/mobile transceiver designed to fitted with internal batteries (optional) for portable use. Yaesu now offers the FT-897D deluxe version adding 60 meter coverage and including the formerly optional TCXO9 high stability option. The coverage is HF 160 to 10 meters (including 60 meters) plus 50/144/430 MHz VHF/UHF. Receive coverage is: 0.1-56, 76-108, 118-164 and 420-470 MHz. It is ideal for home, vacation, emergency, rescue, DX-pedition or VHF/UHF rover operation. With optional items the FT-897D system can be configured for mobile, base or portable use.

The large multi-color display can be programmed to show different colors on each band, mode, memory group or event to track signal strength by color! There are two antenna connectors HF/50 and 144/430. 7.9 x 3.2 x 10.3 inches (200x80x263 mm). The FT-897 comes with a MH-31B8 hand mic and power cord.