Uploaded November 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
How long can a Yaesu FT-891 actually run at 50 watts on a small 9 amp-hour Bioenno LiFePO₄ battery? Today, I put this compact HF rig to the test and push it until the radio says “no more.” If you’re a portable operator, POTA activator, SOTA hiker, or QRP/QRO-on-the-go ham, this real-world runtime test will help you plan your next field activation with confidence.
00:00 - Welcome
00:13 - Theme
00:33 - Travel Montage
02:30 - Introduction
02:53 - Setup
11:15 - Radioactive!
25:17 - Wrap-up
28:26 - Outro
Set Up:
Yaesu FT-891
500 watts SSB
Chameleon 17-ft Whip mag-mounted on the truck
9ah Bioenno LiFePO4
N3FJP logging software on 12-volt Gateway Laptop
AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS:
Radio Equipment:
Bioenno 9ah LiFePO4 - amzn.to/4lsyrww
Bioenno 15ah LiFePO4 - amzn.to/4kWqEqF
Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo Digital Voice Recorder - amzn.to/4mua8zk
Nanuk 909 Case - amzn.to/4jgwB03
Nanuk 910 Case - amzn.to/3Z3wFcl
Digirig DR-891 - amzn.to/4k8CuO1
Lido Suction Cup Mount for Yaesu Mobile Radios - amzn.to/4mwZ9VT
CW Morse Iambic Paddles - amzn.to/3FvcLQP
Arrow II 70cm/2m Yagi Antenna w/out duplexer - amzn.to/3Sl55Ub
Sandbags for antenna tripod - amzn.to/3HdwVzn
Vekkia Headlamp w/ redlight - amzn.to/43sLOFw
Rite in the Rain logbook - amzn.to/4kBAz4B
Heil Sound foot switch - amzn.to/45x5QkG
Nano VNA-H antenna analyzer - amzn.to/4jgVedf
InnoView 15.6 Inch FHD 1080P portable monitor - amzn.to/3Tk7yPf
Recording Equipment:
DJI Wireless Mic System (not what I have, but what I'd get today) - amzn.to/43xRsq3
Other Items I Really Love:
National Park Map Coffee Mug - amzn.to/3FCEhMn
Music:
"Sudden Celebrities" - by Rockin' for Decades
epidemicsound.com/track/C5bgBJEEMn
"Rusty Nails" - by Got Happy
epidemicsound.com/track/OUORcm6mpd
How long can a Yaesu FT-891 actually run at 50 watts on a small 9 amp-hour Bioenno LiFePO₄ battery? Today, I put this compact HF rig to the test and push it until the radio says “no more.” If you’re a portable operator, POTA activator, SOTA hiker, or QRP/QRO-on-the-go ham, this real-world runtime test will help you plan your next field activation with confidence.
00:00 - Welcome
00:13 - Theme
00:33 - Travel Montage
02:30 - Introduction
02:53 - Setup
11:15 - Radioactive!
25:17 - Wrap-up
28:26 - Outro
Set Up:
Yaesu FT-891
500 watts SSB
Chameleon 17-ft Whip mag-mounted on the truck
9ah Bioenno LiFePO4
N3FJP logging software on 12-volt Gateway Laptop
AMAZON AFFILIATE LINKS:
Radio Equipment:
Bioenno 9ah LiFePO4 - amzn.to/4lsyrww
Bioenno 15ah LiFePO4 - amzn.to/4kWqEqF
Sony ICD-PX470 Stereo Digital Voice Recorder - amzn.to/4mua8zk
Nanuk 909 Case - amzn.to/4jgwB03
Nanuk 910 Case - amzn.to/3Z3wFcl
Digirig DR-891 - amzn.to/4k8CuO1
Lido Suction Cup Mount for Yaesu Mobile Radios - amzn.to/4mwZ9VT
CW Morse Iambic Paddles - amzn.to/3FvcLQP
Arrow II 70cm/2m Yagi Antenna w/out duplexer - amzn.to/3Sl55Ub
Sandbags for antenna tripod - amzn.to/3HdwVzn
Vekkia Headlamp w/ redlight - amzn.to/43sLOFw
Rite in the Rain logbook - amzn.to/4kBAz4B
Heil Sound foot switch - amzn.to/45x5QkG
Nano VNA-H antenna analyzer - amzn.to/4jgVedf
InnoView 15.6 Inch FHD 1080P portable monitor - amzn.to/3Tk7yPf
Recording Equipment:
DJI Wireless Mic System (not what I have, but what I'd get today) - amzn.to/43xRsq3
Other Items I Really Love:
National Park Map Coffee Mug - amzn.to/3FCEhMn
Music:
"Sudden Celebrities" - by Rockin' for Decades
epidemicsound.com/track/C5bgBJEEMn
"Rusty Nails" - by Got Happy
epidemicsound.com/track/OUORcm6mpd
