FT-817 / FT-818 XT-60 conversion

The original model did not fit my radio right. Instead of the bottom of the model being paralell with the bottom of the radio, it was angled down and was sticking down below the radio. I guess that could be because Yaesu might have changed where the grounding point is in relation to the DC jack. I included the FreeCad model file, so that if you are in the simillar situation as me, and it does not fit your radio right, you can adjust it to fit.

Printing

I printed mine in PETG. Print with 0.25 mm layer height. This is important, because I included a sacrificial layer (built in supports) in the screwhole and above XT-60 connector that is 0.25 mm thick. You need to cut this out after printing, and if it's exactly 1 layer thick it makes it easier. Other layer heights might work, just check how many layers are those sacrificial layers made out of.

Instalation

Originally I wanted to avoid glue, because glue makes things hard to disassemble. Therefore I tried to make the XT-60 fit in so tight, that it would not come out when you unplug it. That however did not work too well, so to secure it in place I put a little bit of hot glue in the XT-60 hole and pushed the connector in. Only do this after you have already soldered wires from the original plug to the XT-60. You won't be able to do that with the XT-60 glued inside of the model.

The DC jack might not make a good contact when inserted into this model and mounted to the radio. If that happens to you, it is because it isn't plugged in all the way. Just fold a piece of paper and put it into the model under the DC jack as padding. This way the DC jack sits higher and plugs in all the way.