The Yaesu FT-DX10 is an HF/50 MHz transceiver designed to offer outstanding performance and versatility to amateur radio operators. Combining modern features with a compact design, this transceiver delivers a comprehensive operating experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned operators.
At the core of the FT-DX10 is its high-performance direct sampling receiver architecture, which enables exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic range across the HF and 50 MHz bands. Utilizing a 32-bit floating-point DSP and an advanced A/D converter, the receiver provides excellent performance in crowded band conditions, ensuring clear reception of weak signals even in challenging environments.
The transceiver covers a wide frequency range from 1.8 MHz to 54 MHz, allowing operators to explore various bands and modes. It supports USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM, and digital modes, providing flexibility for different operating preferences and activities. Additionally, the FT-DX10 features a built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU) with a wide matching range, enabling easy antenna tuning for optimal performance.
One of the standout features of the FT-DX10 is its large color touchscreen display, which offers intuitive access to the transceiver's functions and settings. The touchscreen interface allows for easy navigation through menus, adjustment of parameters, and customization of operating preferences. It also provides real-time spectrum scope and waterfall display, enhancing the operator's situational awareness during operation.
In terms of transmit capabilities, the FT-DX10 offers up to 100 watts of RF output power on HF and 50 watts on 50 MHz, ensuring reliable communication over long distances. Its robust final amplifier stage and low-noise synthesizer deliver clean and stable RF output, contributing to excellent transmit performance.
Despite its compact size, the FT-DX10 features a rugged construction and high-quality components, ensuring durability and reliability in various operating conditions. Its ergonomic design and user-friendly interface make it suitable for both home station and portable use, catering to the needs of amateur radio enthusiasts who enjoy operating in different environments.
However, like any transceiver, the FT-DX10 has its limitations. While it covers a wide frequency range, its coverage does not extend to VHF and UHF bands, limiting its versatility for operators interested in those bands. Additionally, some users may find the absence of certain advanced features, such as built-in digital voice recorder or IF output, as a drawback compared to higher-end transceivers.
In summary, the Yaesu FT-DX10 is a versatile and capable HF/50 MHz transceiver that offers excellent performance and ease of use. With its advanced receiver architecture, comprehensive feature set, and compact design, it caters to the needs of both experienced operators and newcomers to the hobby. Whether used for casual rag-chewing, contesting, or DXing, the FT-DX10 provides a reliable and enjoyable operating experience for amateur radio enthusiasts.
Strengths:
High-Performance Receiver: The Yaesu FT-DX10 features a direct sampling receiver architecture with a 32-bit floating-point DSP and advanced A/D converter, providing exceptional sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic range across HF and 50 MHz bands. It ensures clear reception of weak signals even in challenging band conditions.
Versatile Operating Capabilities: With coverage from 1.8 MHz to 54 MHz, the FT-DX10 supports USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM, and digital modes, offering flexibility for various operating preferences and activities. Its built-in automatic antenna tuner (ATU) further enhances versatility by facilitating easy antenna tuning for optimal performance.
Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: The transceiver features a large color touchscreen display, providing intuitive access to functions and settings. The touchscreen interface allows for easy navigation through menus, adjustment of parameters, and customization of operating preferences, enhancing user experience and convenience.
Weaknesses:
Limited Frequency Coverage: The FT-DX10's frequency coverage is limited to HF and 50 MHz bands, excluding VHF and UHF bands. This limitation may restrict its versatility for operators interested in those bands or seeking a transceiver with broader frequency coverage.
Absence of Advanced Features: Some users may find the absence of certain advanced features, such as a built-in digital voice recorder or IF output, as a drawback compared to higher-end transceivers. These features could enhance functionality and convenience, particularly for contesting or digital mode operation.
Price: The FT-DX10 is priced at a premium level, which may be a deterrent for amateur radio operators on a tight budget or those seeking a more affordable option. Its high cost could make it less accessible to some users, particularly beginners or hobbyists who are just starting in the hobby.
The specifications of the Yaesu FT-DX10 HF/50 MHz Transceiver are as follows:
Frequency Range:
- Receive: 30 kHz - 75 MHz, 108 MHz - 174 MHz, 420 MHz - 470 MHz
- Transmit: 1.8 MHz - 54 MHz
Mode: USB, LSB, CW, RTTY (FSK), AM, FM, DV (Digital Voice)
Frequency Stability: ±0.5 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: 2.0A
- Transmit: 23A (100W), 7A (50W), 1.5A (5W)
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms (SO-239)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 262 x 110 x 320 mm (10.3 x 4.33 x 12.6 inches)
Weight: 7.5 kg (16.53 lbs)
Transmitter:
- Output Power: 100W/50W/5W (HF/50 MHz)
- 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
- Sensitivity (MDS): SSB/CW/RTTY: –137 dBm (1.8-29.7 MHz), –130 dBm (50-54 MHz), AM: –126 dBm (1.8-29.7 MHz), –126 dBm (50-54 MHz), FM: –126 dBm (28-29.7 MHz), –126 dBm (50-54 MHz)
- Selectivity: SSB/CW/RTTY: More than 2.2 kHz/–6 dB, Less than 4.4 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 25 kHz/–60 dB
Supplied Accessories:
- Hand Microphone (MH-31A8J)
- DC Power Cable
- Spare Fuse (25A)
These specifications highlight the FT-DX10's wide frequency coverage, advanced receiver architecture, and powerful transmitter capabilities. With its compact design and comprehensive feature set, it's suitable for amateur radio operators seeking high performance in a versatile package.