The Yaesu FT-DX101D is a top-of-the-line HF/50MHz transceiver designed for serious amateur radio operators who demand the highest level of performance, features, and operating experience. Representing the pinnacle of Yaesu's engineering expertise, the FT-DX101D combines advanced technology, robust construction, and intuitive design to deliver unparalleled performance and versatility in HF communication.
At the core of the FT-DX101D is its advanced receiver architecture, featuring a high-performance direct sampling SDR (Software Defined Radio) receiver with a 16-bit A/D converter and down-conversion IF stage. This configuration provides exceptional receiver performance with superior sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic range, allowing operators to hear weak signals with clarity and accuracy even in crowded band conditions. The transceiver's dual independent receivers and dual watch capability further enhance its versatility, enabling simultaneous monitoring of two frequencies or bands.
The FT-DX101D boasts a powerful transmitter with up to 100 watts of RF output power on HF and 6 meters, ensuring reliable communication over long distances. It has a strong final amplifier stage and a high-performance DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis) oscillator that give it clean and stable RF output across the whole frequency range. This gives it the best transmit performance for DXing, contesting, and other demanding uses.
One of the standout features of the FT-DX101D is its large, high-resolution color touchscreen display, which provides intuitive access to a wealth of functions and settings. The touchscreen interface allows for easy navigation through menus, adjustment of parameters, and customization of operating preferences, making operation straightforward and efficient. Additionally, the transceiver supports USB and Ethernet connectivity for remote control and data transfer, as well as an SD card slot for firmware updates and storage of user profiles.
In addition to its exceptional performance and advanced features, the FT-DX101D offers a range of convenience features to enhance the operating experience. These include built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU) with dual antenna ports, digital voice recorder for voice keying and audio playback, and adjustable DSP filtering for noise reduction and interference rejection. The transceiver also supports multiple operating modes, including SSB, CW, RTTY, AM, and FM, as well as digital mode capabilities such as PSK31 and FT8, providing operators with versatility for various operating activities.
Despite its advanced capabilities, the FT-DX101D maintains a compact and ergonomic design, ensuring comfortable operation for extended periods. Its rugged construction and high-quality components ensure durability and reliability in a wide range of operating conditions, making it suitable for both home station and portable operation.
Overall, the Yaesu FT-DX101D is a flagship HF/50MHz transceiver that combines cutting-edge technology, robust construction, and intuitive design to deliver unparalleled performance and operating experience for serious amateur radio operators. With its advanced receiver architecture, powerful transmitter, intuitive touchscreen interface, and comprehensive feature set, the FT-DX101D sets a new standard for excellence in HF transceiver design.
Strengths:
Advanced Receiver Performance: The Yaesu FT-DX101D features a high-performance direct sampling SDR receiver with a 16-bit A/D converter and down-conversion IF stage. This results in exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic range, allowing operators to receive weak signals with clarity and accuracy even in crowded band conditions.
Powerful Transmitter: With up to 100 watts of RF output power on HF and 6 meters, the FT-DX101D ensures reliable communication over long distances. Its strong final amplifier stage and high-performance DDS oscillator give it a clean and stable RF output across the whole frequency range. This lets it send signals as well as it can for DXing, contesting, and other demanding uses.
Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: The transceiver features a large, high-resolution color touchscreen display that provides intuitive access to a wealth of functions and settings. The touchscreen interface allows for easy navigation through menus, adjustment of parameters, and customization of operating preferences, enhancing user experience.
Weaknesses:
High Cost: The FT-DX101D is a flagship transceiver with advanced features and performance, which comes at a premium price point. Its high cost may be prohibitive for some amateur radio operators, particularly those on a tight budget or beginners who are just starting in the hobby.
Complex Setup and Operation: Due to its extensive feature set and advanced capabilities, the FT-DX101D may have a steep learning curve for some operators, especially beginners. Setting up and configuring the transceiver to its full potential may require a significant amount of time and effort, which may deter less experienced users.
Limited Portability: While the FT-DX101D is suitable for home station operation, its large size and weight may limit its portability for field operations or portable use. Operators who require a compact and lightweight transceiver for mobile or outdoor activities may find the FT-DX101D to be less practical compared to other models.
The specifications of the Yaesu FT-DX101D HF/50MHz Transceiver are as follows:
Frequency Range:
- Receive: 30 kHz - 75 MHz, 108 MHz - 154 MHz, 420 MHz - 470 MHz
- Transmit: 1.8 MHz - 29.7 MHz, 50 MHz - 54 MHz
Mode: USB, LSB, CW, RTTY, AM, FM, DV (Digital Voice)
Frequency Stability: ±0.05 ppm (–10°C to +50°C)
Operating Temperature Range: –10°C to +50°C (+14°F to +122°F)
Supply Voltage: DC 13.8V ±15%
Current Consumption (Approx.):
- Receive: 2.5A
- Transmit: 23A (100W), 10A (50W), 6A (10W)
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms (SO-239)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 480 x 167 x 455 mm (18.9 x 6.57 x 17.91 inches)
Weight: 21 kg (46.30 lbs)
Transmitter:
- Output Power: 100W/50W/10W (HF/50MHz), 50W/25W/10W (144MHz), 50W/20W/5W (430MHz)
- Modulation System: SSB: Balanced modulation, AM: Low level modulation, FM: Variable reactance modulation, DV: Digital phase modulation
Receiver:
- Receiver System: Direct Sampling SDR with 16-bit A/D converter and down-conversion IF stage
- Sensitivity (MDS): SSB/CW/RTTY: –138 dBm (1.8-29.7 MHz), –133 dBm (50-54 MHz), AM: –124 dBm (1.8-29.7 MHz), –119 dBm (50-54 MHz), FM: –124 dBm (28-29.7 MHz), –119 dBm (50-54 MHz)
- Selectivity: SSB/CW/RTTY: More than 2.4 kHz/–6 dB, Less than 3.4 kHz/–60 dB, AM: More than 6.0 kHz/–6 dB, Less than 15 kHz/–60 dB, FM: More than 12 kHz/–6 dB, Less than 30 kHz/–60 dB
Supplied Accessories:
- External Speaker (SP-2000)
- Hand Microphone (MH-31A8J)
- DC Power Cable
- Spare Fuse (25A)
These specifications highlight the FT-DX101D's wide frequency coverage, advanced receiver architecture, and powerful transmitter capabilities. It's a high-performance transceiver suitable for serious amateur radio operators who demand top-tier performance and reliability.