The FT-891 supports operation on all shortwave bands from 160 to 10m as well as the 6m band (50 MHz). The transmit power is 100W in SSB/CW and 25W in AM. The supported operating modes are SSB (USB/LSB), CW, AM and FM. The receiver is designed as a triple conversion super heterodyne (FM: double super het) and offers very good results concerning sensitivity and large signal handling. A 3 kHz roofing filter is installed by default, this helps in very good near signal selectivity. A TCXO is also installed by default and offers a frequency stability of ±0.5ppm.

On the IF level the FT-891 is equipped with a powerful 32 bit signal processor (DSP). With this DSP system you do not need to buy costly crystal filters anymore, the IF filter characteristics can be adjusted individually for each mode. The same DSP also supports an effective noise reduction and notch filter functions (automatic and manual). An inheritance from the large desktop transceivers by Yaesu is the 'Contour' and 'Audio Peak Filter' (APF) which both greatly help to raise the intelligibility of a signal in most cases.

The ease of use of the transceiver is supported by a large and clear LC display. A large tuning button and a multi function button are used to quickly navigate the menu system for all settings. Three buttons on the front panel can be freely programmed to the users requirements. A multi colour indicator to the side of the display shows the currect state of the transceiver (Squelch status, transmitter status).

The FT-891 provides a USB interface which can be used as a CAT interface for remote control. The usual digital modes are done via the "RTTY/DATA" socket [1]. Besides the USB and Data socket the FT-891 also offers the usual Yaesu Tuner/Linear socket, so you can continue to use existing options with this transceiver. Other connections are available for Remote/ALC, a morse key and an external speaker.

As with many other Yaesu mobile transceivers, the FT-891 also supports the use of the ATAS-120A mobile HF antenna. With this function an automated system for HF communication can be installed very easily in a car or on a boat. The antenna connection is a PL socket, optionally the desktop tuner FC-50 is available for easy tuning of other antennas. The FC-40 tuner fr end fed wires can be used as well. Included in the shipment is a hand microphone MH-31A8J. Optionally the external keypad FH-2 can be connected.