Yaesu FT-817nd non nd

apart from the type of batteries what are the other differences between the nd and non nd

Age.....Seriously I think that's about it.

Just to add the 817 in any guise is a superb radio. I use mine a lot.
And even used mobile with a Miracle Whip they can still log the countries for you.
There is one member of the ISWL who operates one mobile with a MW & he logs some decent call signs.

there is one local to me for £200 its an non nd and then there is a nd on ebay for £275 is it worth the extra?

Thats the difference, age mostly and the batteries

i have been told the 817 suffers from finals problems is this true?

Yes & no.
Yes some are prone to problems, but no most are not & if the older non ND model is fine then it will probably remain so.
The first sign of finals problems is on 2 meters, mine lost 2 meters just after I brought it, then I discovered that I had the power output switched to the front BNC & not the rear SO-239 Opppppppppp's
If the 817 local to you is from a owner known to you, then that is the one I would go for.
How do you want to use it ? Ours is mainly now used as a portable, but has been used as the main shack rig on a random wire & in the car. One ham I know has replaced his car radio with an 817 & uses it both for amateur use & as a VHF band 2 radio.

thanks for the info,i have desided to not go for the local one ,didnt return emails.almost bought a 1yr old one just waiting on an email.i will be using it mainly for hill use and in the van went 2m is dead.

well i have just bought a 817nd. had a listen through the bands and the rx is great,not tx'd yet i need to read the book and set it up.any help would be great.

1...Join the FT817 Yahoo group, it is invaluable.
2....Before TX'ing make sure you have the power output switched to the socket you want to use.
3.....Get a small dummy load in case you get the above wrong.
4.....If it's not broadbanded, do it or get it done.
5.....print off the idiots guide on the FT817 yahoo site, it will save your owners manual.
6.....Enjoy.

Oh & don't forget that for £30 you can get a small (up to an alleged 100 watt) 20 - 10 meter linear.
We have a 400 watt linear, that when set to minimum output with the 817's 5 watts gives around 50 watts from 80 - 10 meters & there are some very nice Summerkamp linears that are designed for rigs like the 817, so despite the opinions of others it is a VERY good rig to start with, as you can expand it without loosing what you brought it for.

thanks alan will do, finding the book a bit of a handfull so i will go to yahoo.