The Yaesu FT-991A is an all-mode, all-band HF/50/144/430 MHz transceiver designed to meet the needs of amateur radio operators seeking a versatile and feature-rich transceiver for a wide range of communication activities. Building upon the success of its predecessor, the FT-991, the FT-991A incorporates additional features and improvements to enhance its performance and usability.
One of the key features of the FT-991A is its wide frequency coverage, which allows operators to access all amateur bands from 160 meters through 70 centimeters, including the popular HF, VHF, and UHF bands. This makes the transceiver suitable for a variety of communication modes, including SSB, CW, AM, FM, and digital modes such as RTTY and PSK31.
The FT-991A features a high-performance receiver with a triple conversion superheterodyne architecture, providing excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and dynamic range across all bands. The transceiver's DSP (Digital Signal Processing) capabilities further enhance its receiver performance, allowing operators to effectively filter out noise and interference for clearer reception.
In addition to its impressive receiver performance, the FT-991A boasts a powerful transmitter with up to 100 watts of RF output power on HF and 50 watts on VHF/UHF. Its robust final amplifier stage and low-noise synthesizer ensure clean and stable RF output, enabling reliable communication over long distances.
The FT-991A also features a large, easy-to-read color touchscreen display, which provides intuitive access to the transceiver's various functions and settings. The touchscreen interface allows for easy navigation through menus, adjustment of parameters, and customization of operating preferences, making operation straightforward and user-friendly.
Another notable feature of the FT-991A is its built-in antenna tuner, which can automatically match the antenna impedance to the transceiver's output impedance across a wide range of frequencies. This simplifies the antenna matching process and ensures maximum power transfer from the transceiver to the antenna, optimizing the performance of the overall station setup.
Furthermore, the FT-991A includes a built-in sound card for digital mode operation, eliminating the need for external interfaces and simplifying the setup for digital communications. The transceiver also supports USB connectivity for computer control and data exchange, enabling integration with logging software and other amateur radio applications.
While the FT-991A offers a wide range of features and capabilities, it does have some limitations. One potential drawback is its relatively compact size, which may limit the space available for controls and buttons on the front panel. Some operators may find the smaller size of the controls and buttons to be less ergonomic, particularly during extended operating sessions.
Additionally, the FT-991A's touchscreen interface may not be as responsive or intuitive as physical knobs and buttons for some operators, especially those who prefer traditional control layouts. While the touchscreen interface offers convenience and flexibility, it may take some time for users to become accustomed to its operation.
Overall, the Yaesu FT-991A is a versatile and feature-rich transceiver that offers excellent performance and usability for amateur radio operators. With its wide frequency coverage, advanced receiver and transmitter capabilities, intuitive touchscreen interface, and built-in antenna tuner, the FT-991A is well-suited for a wide range of communication activities, from casual rag-chewing to contesting and digital mode operation.
Strengths:
Wide Frequency Coverage: The Yaesu FT-991A covers all amateur bands from 160 meters through 70 centimeters, including HF, VHF, and UHF bands, providing operators with access to a wide range of frequencies for communication.
Versatility and Flexibility: With support for multiple modes including SSB, CW, AM, FM, and digital modes like RTTY and PSK31, the FT-991A is versatile and adaptable to various operating preferences and communication activities.
Built-in Antenna Tuner and Sound Card: The FT-991A features a built-in antenna tuner, simplifying the process of matching the antenna impedance to the transceiver's output impedance across a wide frequency range. Additionally, it includes a built-in sound card for digital mode operation, eliminating the need for external interfaces and streamlining the setup for digital communications.
Weaknesses:
Compact Size: While the compact size of the FT-991A makes it suitable for portable and mobile operation, it may result in smaller controls and buttons on the front panel, which could be less ergonomic for some operators, particularly during extended operating sessions.
Touchscreen Interface: While the touchscreen interface of the FT-991A provides intuitive access to various functions and settings, some operators may find it less responsive or intuitive compared to physical knobs and buttons, especially if they prefer traditional control layouts.
Learning Curve: The extensive features and capabilities of the FT-991A may result in a steep learning curve for some operators, particularly beginners or those new to the hobby. Configuring and optimizing the transceiver to its full potential may require time and effort to familiarize oneself with its operation and settings.
The specifications of the Yaesu FT-991A HF/50/144/430 MHz Transceiver are as follows:
Frequency Range:
- Receive: 30 kHz - 56 MHz, 118 MHz - 164 MHz, 420 MHz - 470 MHz
- Transmit: 1.8 MHz - 54 MHz, 144 MHz - 148 MHz, 430 MHz - 450 MHz
Mode: USB, LSB, CW, RTTY, 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: 1.8A (typical)
- Transmit: 23A (100W), 5A (25W), 1.5A (5W)
Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms (SO-239)
Dimensions (W x H x D): 229 x 80 x 253 mm (9.02 x 3.15 x 9.96 inches)
Weight: 4.3 kg (9.48 lbs)
Transmitter:
- Output Power: 100W/50W/5W (HF/50 MHz), 50W/25W/5W (144 MHz), 50W/25W/5W (430 MHz)
- Modulation System: SSB: Balanced modulation, AM: Low level modulation, FM: Variable reactance modulation, DV: Digital phase modulation
Receiver:
- Receiver System: Triple conversion superheterodyne
- Sensitivity (MDS): SSB/CW/RTTY: –137 dBm (0.5-1.8 MHz), –138 dBm (1.8-29.7 MHz), –137 dBm (50-54 MHz), –134 dBm (144/430 MHz), AM: –6 dB S/N (10 dB S/N for FM)
- Selectivity: SSB/CW/RTTY: 2.4 kHz/–6 dB, 3.4 kHz/–40 dB, AM: 6 kHz/–6 dB, 15 kHz/–40 dB, FM: 15 kHz/–6 dB, 30 kHz/–60 dB
Supplied Accessories:
- Hand Microphone (MH-31A8J)
- DC Power Cable
- Spare Fuse (25A)
These specifications highlight the FT-991A's wide frequency coverage, versatile mode options, and robust transmitter and receiver capabilities. With its compact size and comprehensive feature set, it's suitable for various amateur radio applications, from HF DXing to VHF/UHF local communication and digital mode operation.