A Tour of the YAESU FT-991A - Connectors, Buttons, and Knobs - Oh My!

[@HunterSeim]

Thank you! I’m a technician about to go for general and this is high on my list of next radios. 73 KF0IIO

[@ND3N]

Good choice!

[@MountainMan7.62x39]

thanks, tom. very helpful.

[@dovetomarc]

Great review. Very much appreciated. Just purchased a 991A and you have shortened the learning curve! 73

[@ND3N]

Thank you so much - Comments like this make all my efforts worth it. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@edwardmanfredi121]

Thanks for the great presentation on the 991 A. As a newbie these things can be quite daunting. You help clear up a lot of questions ! 73 from FL, and W4EML

[@ND3N]

Thanks - I try to keep them interesting and informative.

[@johnling2919]

This is a fantastic video thank you. Having been out of practice for well over 40 years (!) I decided it was time to get back in. So much has changed-have a 991a on the way, and looking forward to setting it up-with your help. 73s from GM1KBV in Scotland now!

[@ND3N]

Glad it was helpful!

[@michaelzehrfeld7766]

...I really liked the video - it's nice to see how you calmly describe all the controls of the device. I have already ordered my FT991A - and it should arrive in the next few days. Through the video I can save myself from reading the probably quite boring manual, hihi..... Greetings from the south of Germany....Mike DO1MDE

[@jameslemley2828]

This was informative since I was thinking about getting the 991A. Good job

[@ND3N]

Glad it was helpful

[@johnnyangel8781]

Being out of the hobby for 10+ years, so much has changed. Your video was very informative, I have spent the last 3 days weighing all the pros and cons vs. other multiband radios. I am still on the fence, being an Icom man, I started out with a brand new original 706, these new radios have so many features it is very intimidating. I used to ragchew a lot on 17m, but with the wires x and so much more, I don`t know where I will end up. THX again for the video!

[@ND3N]

Thanks. Between you and me, I’ve always been a Kenwood guy. I wanted something to replace my old TS-2000, but the only thing that came close was the 991A. During the day I usually scan the local repeaters and use it for FT-8 in the evenings. My TS-890 I keep for contesting and chasing DX. Let me know what you decide to go with. There are very few bad radios out there and it mostly comes down to what you’re most comfortable with.. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@1OFGODSOWN]

@@ND3Nobviously you never looked at the ICOM 9100 because it has dual receivers with two different bands including VHF/UHF or HF at the same time in any mode.It’s the Best Shack in a Box ever built by any company.The output power is also better for the ICOM.It’s a No Brainer.

[@lestronicsuk5662]

I've just acquired this radio and stumbled upon your video, very informative and helpful. Thank you 73's Les

[@ND3N]

Thanks - I picked up this rig as a backup HF and VHF/UHF Rig. I've had a ball learning about it and wanted to share what I learned. I've got a a bunch of new vids planned and will be working on them over the next several weeks. Keep your eye out for them. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@michaelpapp665]

Thank you for the great walk-through. Good content.

[@ND3N]

You’re very welcome. I’m currently sketching out another one like this where I’ll go through all of the Function screens and discuss, briefly, each function.

[@rogerengetschwiler9257]

Great explanation for me since I just unboxed it. Thanks

[@ND3N]

No problem 👍

[@Jason-ti9ou]

Great video…. I just picked this radio up

[@ND3N]

You’ll love it but it takes a bit of time and experience with the rig.

[@jeffperonto3234]

Well done. Thanks for sharing.

[@ND3N]

Thank you too!

[@pogo1963]

you help make my decision to purchase the ft-911a, thanks

[@ND3N]

Thanks Lauren - I'm glad I could help. Be sure to take a look at my other FT-991A videos. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@JxH]

Nice video, an excellent tour.

[@ibuildsheds5654]

nice work, very thorough, thank you

[@ND3N]

You are welcome!

[@brianpickens1339]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@ND3N]

You are very welcome

[@JK-mo2ov]

Great video thank you

[@ND3N]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@JimChagares]

Thank you. Very well don't. Just ordered one today.

[@ND3N]

You're going to love it. It's not a perfect rig, but for the cost there isn't another as well designed, built, or easy to use as the 991A... (all IMO) - 73 de Tom, ND3N Here's a review that I did - enjoy... kzbin.info/www/bejne/i56pYaCkireXo9U

[@Leonards_life]

I just got my FT991a and find your videos of super help! Thank you ! I am guessing you are not aware that there is software available to prgram the radio from PC as you didn't mention the usb connect for that purpose? 73 N6zki studying for general.

[@ND3N]

I was aware and made a couple of videos about it - (kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z2mxlq1mp6uJm8k) - but that was beyond the scope of this video. Here's my FT-991A Playlist with over 20 videos... kzbin.info/aero/PLA1sqCS7rel1e_ESBnLS9Z42HZuceAmSm

[@PD1MM]

Thx fer info 73 😂

[@ND3N]

Welcome 👍

[@alvarogaitan2529]

Great video thanks 73 from kb2uew

[@ND3N]

Thanks for watching! 73

[@jean-francoisgrun7524]

Thanks for the nice video. It stands out from others; I like the pace, you take time to explain clearly. 73 de VE2VHE

[@ND3N]

Thanks for your kind words. I'm still rather new at this, and hearing things like this from viewers makes the effort worthwhile... 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@johndoggett9297]

W9YCD Very informative, then only recommendation I have is the background music was a little distraction. Thanks for the video.

[@ND3N]

Thanks for the comment - I'm still tweaking the music, which I use to cover up the background noise from a house full of dogs and a wife who likes to watch TV while I record my videos... hi hi... I'll kick the music down another notch, hopefully that will make it barely noticeable... 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@patsimmons9116]

thanks for the information. I would like to connect an external monitor to my 991A but I am not clear on where to connect it and what cable to use. please help.

[@goksiny.kivanc9855]

Hi Thomas, I found your video very impressive. Firstly, thank you. My question is: I am using Yaesu FT-991A. Waterfall one color. But on your radio, the waterfall is in full color. Did you do this with a program or software update? I couldn't find much information on the internet on this subject. Thanks in advance for your reply.. 73 De TA6B Goksin

[@ND3N]

Here's a recent video I made that discusses the settings you'll want for your waterfall (and a few others).... kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnu8m4hngbaDh5Y 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@georgesalinas7206]

Are you going to do a similar video on the Kenwood TS 890S? Would be curious on your findings with regards to the TS 890S plus digital work work with it. 73 KD4FJ.

[@ND3N]

Hi George. That’s already on the list. Been really busy with my day job, but will start sketching something out this week and hopefully find time to write the script, video everything, and put it all together. Hope to have it published within a couple of weeks.. there are a couple of others in the queue.. is there a particular digital mode you’re interested in?

[@georgesalinas7206]

@@ND3N Thanks for responding. I have had my TS 890s for a little over a year but have hardly spent any time on the air with it. Am particularly interestied in the applications of N1MM, Ham Radio Delux and WSJTX (FT8 and FT4) and how they interact with the rig, its connections and operational information . Thanks for the valuable "How to" videos you are providing. 73 KD4FJ

[@ND3N]

Thanks George. I'll be able to help with HRD and WSJT-X. I use WriteLog for my contesting, so no help with N1MM directly, but plan on talking about the MMTTY and 2Tone plug ins, which should help you in integrating them with N1MM. 73 de Tom, ND3N...

[@georgesalinas7206]

@@ND3N Thank you. KD4FJ

[@chadvandam7179]

Would you please do the same detail description for the Kenwood! I am blind and are is the same very accessible for the blind!

[@ND3N]

Chad, I would be happy to do that for you. I've already done a few for the TS-890S that you may find interesting and put the links to them at the end of this reply. I'll put out a "Connectors, Buttons, and Knobs" for the 890 in the next couple of weeks - if you haven't already, please subscribe so you'll be informed when my new videos are released. 73 de Tom, ND3N - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXunZWqgeMSjm68 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJy8kJ2FbJl0i7s

[@ND3N]

Chad - I'm outlining the Kenwood video. I don't want to sound insensitive, but can you give me some tips for doing a video for the blind? More in-depth descriptions? Better location identification? Your advise would be greatly appreciated

[@algorfa12]

Hi Tom. Is that a stylus pen you are using on the touch screen, or what is it?

[@ND3N]

It’s an extendable classroom pointer, but it is iffy when using it for touch, which is why I usually switch to my fingers

[@larrynorris8775]

Hello Tom,this is Larry N3JTN

[@ND3N]

Hey Larry - How are you? Still in L-Town? I'm in a small town about 40 miles east of Dayton. Good to hear from you.

[@larrynorris8775]

@@ND3N Yep still in L,Town i have new 991a and icom 7300...

[@Chrisonuradio]

I have to ask I just got my Tech License and plan to continue only have a Radioddity and a baefang....Been eyeing this bad boy up would this be a good radio for me....I want 2m 70 and of course all the bands once I get general would this do it...the price tag with supply is 1300 KC3SVG

[@ND3N]

Hi Chris - Yes, this would be a fantastic rig for you. For me it is a backup HF rig and my main VHF/UHF (2m/70cm) rig. I don't think there is another HF/VHF/UHF in this price range. Also, you don't have to get the matching Yaesu power supply. Take a look at this video to help you select your power supply - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hXS3mIh9Zd6Gd5o - (it's one of my first ones, so forgive some of the production work - I'm still learning, but like to think that each video is a little bit better than the one before it) You also get all modes (CW, SSB, FM, and C4FM (Yaesu System Fusion), that will get you around the world with VOIP... Take a look at my FT-991A Review > kzbin.info/www/bejne/i56pYaCkireXo9U - I can already tell you are going to really enjoy this hobby - if you haven't already, please give me a like and consider subscribing. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@DavidHarden-mq7yp]

Hi Tom how do today I have ft991a .when running ft8 how change ft8 to ssb what button thanks you kb5ljr 13:48

[@ND3N]

In the WSJT-x settings, radio tab choose USB. When starting WSJT-x your CAT controls should automatically change your rig. If that doesn’t work, just change the mode to USB using the front panel LSB/USB button on the rig.

[@clydeshehorn4923]

I'm really enjoyed watching your videos I'm not a ham operator I am studying for my amateur license I have more than one ham radio I have a Kenwood 2000x I have two icons 7000 at Kenwood TS 50 I have dipoles four different frequent is there any advice you can give me of getting my license please let me know

[@ND3N]

Hi Clyde - It sounds like you are doing just fine in your studies - I've owned the TS-2000 and TS-50 in the past. The TS-2000 is one of the best rigs I've ever owned. If there is a ham club in your area, plug in with them - they may have classes, or at least folks that can talk you through anything that you're having trouble with. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@paulhastings3109]

Tom been trying to adjust my alc, can't find it. Just maybe I don't know what Iam doing yet. Can't see how to adjust it when using FT 8.

[@ND3N]

There's a slider labelled "PWR" on the right side of the main WSJT-X main control page - while transmitting and observing the ALC on your rig's meter, click and slide it up. You should see your ALC increase. Stop when ALC gets to the top (but not over) the blue ALC bar on your rigs meter. If everything is set correctly, it should work. If that doesn't work, check out the speakers on your computer and make sure they are showing the codec there.

[@maryjanesenining8432]

Sir.. Me i know how many dollars is that radio. It so nice

[@ND3N]

Hi Mary Jane - The FT-991A lists with an MSRP of $1,229.95, but can be had at a $40-$50 discount at the common On-Line retailers. Ham Radio Outlet, DX Engineering, Universal Radio, Gigaparts. These are for U.S.A - if you're not in the USA, check with retailers in your country - It is available internationally. Unfortunately, because of the chip shortage that is affecting all electronics, it is out of stock everywhere I looked for it. Fortunately, this gives you time to do some research, find the best price (remember to include shipping costs), and get it reserved. I almost always use ham radio outlet (www.hamradio.com) and their shipping is free. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@arjenvalk876]

i want to buy one sal i do it ??? pa2aa arjen

[@ND3N]

It’s a great little rig, but always your choice…

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

I wanna trade my ftm 500 and all my antytone rigs for one so bad lol

[@ND3N]

I had an old Elmer of mine tell me that you only regret the radios that you’ve sold…. The ftm 500 is a good radio for its purpose. Save up your Pennie’s and watch for a good sale…

[@terryjwood]

I'm looking for the links you mentioned, but I can not find them.

[@ND3N]

Hi Terry - Which links are you asking about - can you give me a timestamp in the video. If they're not there, I need to research what happened to them - you're the first to mention this. Thanks, hope to hear from you soon and hope, with your help, I can straighten this out. 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@JHawkins]

Where is the Amazon link for the 232-to-usb FTDI cable?

[@TheAustinfuller]

Of course ring ring for a phone 🙂

[@ND3N]

hi hi - if its a phone you need, then the 991A isn't it. If you need a good rig though... 73 de Tom, ND3N

[@TheAustinfuller]

@@ND3N hi just a little play on words, helps me remember. Not got a rig yet but I think this one would tick all the boxes.

[@Johnny_Dj_Bravo]

Does it come with echo botton ? Local radio AM FM ?

[@ND3N]

It will receive in any mode from 30 kHz to 56 MHz, 118 MHz to 164 MHz, 420 MHz to 470 MHz - so it will receive local AM broadcast stations, but not FM broadcast stations. It will also receive Air Traffic Control frequencies, NOAA weather, and a few other non-Ham frequencies. I'm not sure what an Echo button is, but not sure I'd want one. You could over drive your speech processor, but that's really not kosher on the Ham Bands... We want to hear your voice like you sound in your shack, not like you'd sound in a cavern... hi hi - 73 de ND3N

[@Johnny_Dj_Bravo]

@@ND3N Thank you so much

[@ND3N]

You're very welcome and I hope it helps with your decision...

[@clarenceswope6706]

Antenna tuner is basically a liar that lies to the radio to tell the radio everything's gravy

[@ND3N]

I wouldn’t put it that way, if your antenna is resonant to under 3:1 across a given band, the impedance match can help to lower the strain on your rig at the higher parts of the curve, but if your antenna is non-resonant, then the tuner is just giving you a false sense of normalcy…. Your antenna tuner might be able to tune a wet noodle, but it won’t make the noodle into an effective radiator…

[@JxH]

24:25 "...FTDI chips..." I think that's the company that wrote their driver SW to literally 'brick' any clone chips from (of course) China. The entire world thought that such a counter measure was "a bit much", and many have essentially boycotted FTDI or their clones; if for no other reason than to avoid being caught in the cross fire. So to claim that this USB-Serial chip is somehow superior or recommended, given all these issues, is a rather odd opinion. In fact, there are other options that work perfectly well, and avoid all the drama. The FTDI chip is literally the very worst possible option. All the chips work perfectly fine, but only FTDI has all this 'Karen-like Driver Drama' and risk of equipment bricking. I believe that they've been forced, by common sense, to back away from the bricking, but still, who wants to walk into a gunfight?

[@1OFGODSOWN]

The ICOM 9100 blows it away in every aspect. The 991a can’t keep up when you look at the specs.The 9100 is a real Beast.YAESU = Yet Another Excuse Simply Useless.

[@ND3N]

While I do appreciate and agree with your about the IC-9100, this video was a tour of the Yaesu FT-991A. At no point did I compare the video subject radio to any other rig on the market. It seems that you just wanted to rant - so I have big shoulders and can take whatever you're putting out - just be a little more clever about it.