Ask Michael, KB9VBR: What's do I think about the new Yaesu FTX-1F QRP transceiver

A viewer asks my what do I think about the announcement of Yaesu's new QRP transceiver, the FTX-1F. On paper it looks good, but may be hiding some serious flaws.
Yaesu FTX-1F QRP transciever: www.dxengineer...
************
Links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This does not affect the price you pay.
*************
Like what you see? You can leave me a tip:
www.paypal.me/...
KB9VBR VHF/UHF Antennas:
www.jpole-anten...
Become a patron! Unlock exclusive content at: / kb9vbrantennas
Support Ham Radio Q&A by shopping at Amazon: amzn.to/2kO6LH7
My Parks on the Air setup:
Transceiver: amzn.to/3lmHoei
Battery: amzn.to/3xBGgbv
Tuner: amzn.to/2ZCNM9l
Folding Table: amzn.to/3xFIp5Z
Throw Weight: amzn.to/32QW2nB
Video Production Equipment:
Camera amzn.to/32UaXNX
Lens amzn.to/31mmDrX
Wireless Microphone: amzn.to/3xFVBb4
Microphone: amzn.to/3daoAdq
GoPro: amzn.to/3pkmP30
Music by license:
www.soundstripe...
Contact Information:
Questions, comments, or business inquiries may be directed to [e-mail]. If you wish for your product to be featured on my channel, please contact me.
#Hamradio #AmateurRadio #POTA #ParksOnTheAir #PortableHamRadio #YAESU #ftx1f #qrptransceiver #QRP #newproduct

[@pfmcdermott1]

Some water resistant rating really should be standard on radios meant to be used outside.

[@W7LDT]

I’ll keep my KX3.

[@PhilON4VP]

4 meters (70 MHz) is confirmed for UK users or where allowed. It is a nice concept clipping add-ons on the back of the radio (battery, tuner, ventilator). It's also a great solution for QO-100 satellite operation with a up/downconverter using HVF and UHF frequencies. 73 Phil ON4VP

[@theoldhobbit3640]

As a Yaesu fan boy, I love the idea of this radio. I operate almost extensively portable, and my radio stable carries nothing but Yaesu. Yaesu needed both a replacement for the 817/818 as well as challenging the likes of the IC705, give it time, there will be a 100w version on the horizon 😊. The battery does not concern my, neither does the additional fan for hateful 8, but no tuner😮. I have never used a tuner in the field as any antenna I build is resonate on the band I use, but for those who don't a tuner would be helpful. I'll stick with my trusted 817 and 857 for the moment ❤

[@VE9ASN]

As a 705 owner, it certainly intrigues me. Requiring a cooling fan with a mere 10w output is ridiculous, and a sign of being inefficient. After seeing how yaesu ignored the obvious widespread issues of the cracking cases on the ft5dr that I also own, it really gives me a bad "gut" feeling about the company.

[@nr3rful]

How can someone pre-order if you don't know the price ?

[@tcort]

they aren’t taking pre-orders, they’re taking reservations. You’re paying for a place in line to purchase it when it becomes available.

[@jneale5204]

After my disappointment with the FTM-500, i am going to hold my comments until it comes out and people make videos about it.

[@HamBandit]

QRP is Great with an amplifier. They would have a great radio if they added 90 watts. LOL

[@TheRetrospectVault]

I agree why don't they just make it 100 watts

[@J0HN3]

Yeah, QRP is a toy, not a radio for my purposes. If SHTF I want 100 watts. An updated 991A with a modern user interface would sell really well.

[@scottgarvy]

I think the screen is similar in size to the FT-710. The FTM-500 screen is smaller than the FTM-400 screen.

[@MikeB0001]

To break the market...i bet it will be just over 1k..with coupons to bring it sub 1k. It will make Icom fanbois jump ship...then the price will creep up. It would be a marketing genius ploy. But I digress.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

I'm holding off putting a reservation in on this radio. I want to know the base price and then the prices for the optional cooling fan and the optional tuner. 73

[@earnestmatlock9694]

I agree that touch screen will definitely be a power HOG. Im satisfied with the ft-891 and my 25 watt leixen dual bander. Easy to operate and all that I actually need. I hope the new Yaesu it doesn't have too many issues. The original ftdx 991 was plagued with problems and was replaced with the ftdx 991A which seems to be a decent ham shack in a box. I use an oversize military ammo case with my ft-891/ ldg automatic tuner/ leixen vv898s/R&L electronics switching power supply with noise shift. All of that fits inside the ammo case with 2 extra cooling fans. Its wired to operate 110 volts off the power supply or flip the switch and use external 12 volt batteries with solar panels and run all the way through field day completely portable. I use a laptop for logging and HRD so I have the waterfall running digital modes. The laptop runs ok on 12 volts as well with seperate batteries and pannele. I have a fully deployable screen encosure to keep mosquitoes from hauling me off along with decent size tarp above the enclosure to shed sun and rain so I keep working stations. It sounds like alot and it is, but it's all fully deployable in minutes where ever I need to be. We have tropical type storms here sometimes, and you need a full power rig and deployability with abilities to repair connectors if needed. I have the whole setup with a hand truck with case for coax feedline and another for antennas and 3 telescoping aluminum mast and mounts secured to the hand truck. I typically get deployed to 1 of the fire stations here in the county if disaster declaration is called. The two radio solution is the way to go for my application. Great video as always 73 Earnest K5EWM.

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Michael, I'm considering it for satellite communications since it's full duplex. 73 WJ3U

[@ivandubinsky1857]

It looks like it could have a lot of potential. I'll wait until it's been released and out for a while before I decide if I want one or not.

[@DominicMazoch]

Staying with my Ic 703+ Sips power on standby. Has tuner. George Jetson can use it without screaming JANE at the top of his lungs!

[@nr3rful]

Crips...just what we need is a other so called QRP radio😢

[@ivandubinsky1857]

Why "so called"? QRP is determined by power output which, on SSB, is 10 watts PEP output.

[@davidkay1386]

I don’t understand what the Crips have to do with it.

[@stalin200000]

what do you think about ICOM IC-V82

[@benquintero7589]

They should use the same format to do a replacement for the aging 891 which I love. Willing to pay a premium, of course.

[@EvanK2EJT]

I already put a deposit down for one. I own more QRP radios than I know what to do with, but if this thing has ears anything like my FTDX10, that's all I need to know (and I suspect it will minus the crystal filters). I don't really care so much about the price as long as it's not insane. My 705 is a great radio, but the receiver and filtering are just meh.

[@carlosroig5315]

The IC-705 currently sells for $1,349.99 The FTX-1F will be " conveniently priced between $1,199 and $1,299 that is my near guess.

[@N4GW]

Anyone know the final price

[@turtlecreek4633]

73, w3rrm

[@TheRetrospectVault]

why can't they just make it 100 watts

[@LeeMcc_KI5YPR]

The whole thing gets bigger. Bumping to 20-25W would not be as bad. I wonder if they will create an add-on tuner/amplfier. They announced a tuner, but amp/tuner would be great.

[@ivandubinsky1857]

Because, then, it wouldn't be a qrp rig.

[@TheRetrospectVault]

@@ivandubinsky1857 I know but I just think it is a waste of money

[@TheRetrospectVault]

IMO QRP radios are a waste of money

[@ivandubinsky1857]

Fortunately, real hams don't care about your opinion and have fun working the world with low power.