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For amateur radio enthusiasts eagerly awaiting the next big step in portable transceivers, the Yaesu FTX 1 promises to be a game-changer. As someone deeply involved in the ham radio community, I’m excited to share all the latest details on this new release. Combining cutting-edge technology with user-friendly features, the FTX 1 comes in two distinct versions tailored to different needs: the 10-watt “Field” model and the powerful 100-watt “Optima.” Let’s dive into what makes these radios special and why they’re generating so much buzz.
The Legacy of MFJ and a Special May Discount Offer
Before we delve into the Yaesu FTX 1 details, a quick note on some exciting news for those looking to upgrade their antenna matching units or analyzers. MFJ, a pioneer in antenna analyzers and matching units, ceased production about a year ago. However, we’ve secured a stock of MFJ gear available with a 15% discount throughout May. This is a rare opportunity to get your hands on some classic MFJ equipment before they disappear from the market. If you’ve been considering an upgrade or want to add to your ham radio toolkit, now’s the time to act.
Introducing the Yaesu FTX 1 Series
Yaesu has long been a respected name in the ham radio world, and the FTX 1 series is no exception. The two models available are:
- FTX 1 Field: A compact, portable 10-watt transceiver designed for field use.
- FTX 1 Optima: A 100-watt transceiver with an integrated amplifier and antenna tuner, ideal for more powerful base station operations.
FTX-1
Both models cover a wide frequency range, including 160 meters through to 70 centimeters, making them versatile for a variety of amateur bands.
What Does the “F” in FTX 1F Stand For?
The “F” in FTX 1F stands for “Field,” emphasising the radio’s portability and suitability for outdoor use. This version is designed as a low-power, lightweight transceiver with a maximum output of 10 watts when using an external power supply. It also comes with a substantial 6.4 amp-hour, 10.6-volt battery pack included as standard, which is a pleasant surprise for a radio of this size.
Battery Life and Portability: A Major Advantage
One of the standout features of the FTX 1 Field is its impressive battery capacity. The 6.4 amp-hour battery is significantly larger than the standard battery found in the popular IC705 model. This means you can expect all-day operation without worrying about running out of power, which is crucial for field operators who may be away from mains power for extended periods.
In terms of size, the FTX 1 Field is just slightly taller and wider than the IC705, with a notably shallower depth, making it easier to carry and handle in the field. However, it’s worth noting that the exact depth measurement may vary depending on whether you include the clip-on battery pack in the calculation.
Expandable Functionality with Optional Accessories
The FTX 1 series is designed with modularity in mind. There are two notable optional accessories that enhance its capabilities:
- Ultra Antenna Tuner Unit (ATU): This tuner clips onto the back of the radio or the battery pack, allowing for seamless matching of coaxial and end-fed wires. Two versions exist – one with a spacer and one without – to accommodate different setups.
- Optional Cooling Fan: When operating at higher power levels (particularly 10 watts with an external power supply), a clip-on fan can be attached to the back of the radio to maintain optimal operating temperatures during data or FM transmission modes.
Advanced Architecture Inspired by the FTDX Series
The internal design of the FTX 1 follows the architecture used in Yaesu’s acclaimed FTDX series. This includes a superheterodyne (superhet) front end combined with Software Defined Radio (SDR) technology for signal processing. The front end employs elaborate bandpass filtering, which significantly improves reception quality and selectivity. This approach promises a receiver front end that is among the best in its class, especially considering the compact size of the transceiver.
The FTX 1 Optima: Power Meets Flexibility
The FTX 1 Optima takes the Field model a step further by adding a clip-on 100-watt amplifier with a built-in antenna tuner. This effectively transforms the FTX 1 Field into a full-fledged 100-watt transceiver suitable for base station use or more demanding portable operations.
Key features of the Optima include:
- 100 watts output on all HF bands, including 6 meters.
- Reduced output (approximately 50 watts) on bands above 6 meters, which likely includes 4 meters as well.
- Ability to reduce power output further, enabling QRP operation on VHF bands.
- General coverage receive from 30 kHz to 174 MHz, including longwave, mediumwave, shortwave, airband AM, marine bands, and FM broadcast.
Power consumption varies with output power:
- 6 watts transmit: around 2.5 amps
- 10 watts transmit: about 3 amps
- 100 watts transmit: peaks at 21 amps
User Interface and Dual Receive Capability
The front panel of the FTX 1 features a screen identical to that of the IC705, which is compact but clear. Due to the limited space, some controls are located along the top edge of the front panel, with dual functions to maximize usability. The radio also incorporates a touchscreen interface, which adds to its modern and intuitive operation.
A significant advantage over the IC705 is the inclusion of dual receive capability. This means you can monitor two frequencies simultaneously—such as an HF band and a VHF FM repeater. This feature is particularly handy for operators who want to keep an ear on local repeaters or other band activity while working DX on HF.
Innovations in FM Reception and Digital Modes
For VHF FM reception, Yaesu has introduced a new DX receive mode that applies noise reduction to improve weak signal reception. This enhancement helps operators work more distant stations with greater clarity on the FM bands.
Regarding digital modes like FT8, the FTX 1 is well-prepared. While it does not decode FT8 signals internally, it offers an FT8 preset mode that configures the radio for easy integration with external PC software. This means you can simply connect the radio to your computer and start operating FT8 without complicated manual setup. Additionally, the optional cooling fan helps keep the radio cool during extended digital mode operation at higher power levels.
Yaesu’s Rich History in QRP and Portable Radios
Yaesu has a long-standing reputation in the QRP (low power) market. Their earlier models, such as the FT7 and the legendary FT817, set the standard for portable HF operation. The FT817, later upgraded to the FT818 with a slight power increase from 5 to 6 watts, became a favourite for its compact size and versatility.
The FTX 1 series represents a significant leap forward from those earlier models, promising to be a world-beating QRP transceiver with the flexibility to scale up to full 100-watt operation with the Optima model.
Availability and Pricing
Anticipation is high for the official launch of the FTX 1 series. The radios are expected to be unveiled in their final form at Dayton, Ohio, in mid-May. While it’s uncertain whether they will be available for sale at the event, shipments to the UK and other markets are believed to be imminent.
We are now accepting expressions of interest and orders. Importantly, no deposits are required at this stage, which avoids complications if stock levels fluctuate. If you’re interested in securing one of these radios, it’s a good idea to register your interest early to ensure you’re on the priority list for the first shipments.
Pricing details for both the Field and Optima models have been published and are in line with expectations for radios of this calibre. We also offer part-exchange deals to help you upgrade your current equipment.
Final Thoughts: A New Era for Portable and Base Station Transceivers
The Yaesu FTX 1 series combines portability, power, and advanced technology in a way that few other radios have managed. Whether you’re a dedicated QRP operator looking for an all-day portable rig or a base station user wanting a compact 100-watt transceiver, the FTX 1 offers compelling options.
The inclusion of features like dual receive, advanced front-end filtering, modular accessories, and comprehensive band coverage makes this a versatile and future-proof addition to any amateur radio shack. With Yaesu’s heritage and proven track record, the FTX 1 is poised to become a favourite among ham radio enthusiasts worldwide.
If you’re passionate about ham radio and want to stay ahead with the latest gear, keep an eye out for the FTX 1 Field and Optima models. Register your interest early and prepare to experience the next generation of portable and base station transceivers.
Enjoy your ham radio adventures, and here’s to making great contacts with the Yaesu FTX 1 series!
For more information please visit our online store or alternatively contact us and our team will be happy to assist you!