FTdx10 & FT-991A: Selectivity Comparison (Video #19 in this series)

[@the1mrclean74]

Hello sir! I very rarely post comments to KZbin videos but felt inclined to express my gratitude for the things I learned watching this video, thank you very much! I'm a tech currently studying for my general...i found your practical demo of the features you went over VERY helpful, again, thank you!! I've just purchased the 991a as my first real radio...really awesome to be able to learn about these features on the 991a...I hope you'll do more videos like this as I very much enjoyed it!!

[@n4hnhradio]

You’re very welcome, Israel! 73, Doug

[@camphill]

Thanks for this video. I've learned more about the 991A in 32 mins than I have since I've owned it.

[@n4hnhradio]

I’m glad you found it helpful, Tim. Thanks for letting me know! 73, Doug

[@WV6Z]

Thanks for your posted videos Doug! It has been quite a long time since I have done any new acquisitions to update my station and it’s ’conditions’ so to speak. I will be retiring a pair of healthy TS-820s stations along with a TS-570Dg and a FTM-350AR/AE with a brand spankin’ FT-991a as, from what I have learned from watching your videos, budget wise, it will be my biggest bang for my buck. Sure, you have some rigs at your disposal that dominate the 991a, but, they aren’t quite in my budget. Hey, at least the 991a will bring me into this century and provide me with a station that will outperform what I will be retiring to the auction block. Very 73 de Tom and thanks again for helping me make what looks like the best choice for me at this time.

[@n4hnhradio]

Tom, the FT-991A is still the one transceiver I would own if I could only own one transceiver. During Christmas, the FTdx10 was priced barely above the FT-991A, but the FTdx10 is HF and 6m only, no 2m/70cm. 73, Doug

[@toddsternish]

I had very similar performance out of my FT-891. It was just a little harder to achieve, since all of these features are spread out in their menu system. It took a lot of mental leaps to wrap all of it together into a cohesive QRM fighting strategy. The FT-891's DNR, ATT, IPO seem identical to the 991/a. I would end up fighting a LOT of it with the RF Gain knob + Width + Shift (thanks to an earlier video of yours), then come at it with the DSP after those had done all they could do. Great video. I find it very helpful to see how different radios think of the same problem, it tends to help expand my knowledge of that concept. For instance, I found I learned a lot about Shift and Width from presentations of the 7300, even though I don't own one.

[@n4hnhradio]

You’re very methodical, Todd. That’s a great trait to have in life, in my humble opinion. I’ll bet you “think on your feet“ very well. Yes, just about every radio these days has the same utilities, though some might include a better execution of it. A few utilities are unique to specific brands. The Contour filter is mainly included with Yaesu radios. The Twin PBT tuning is popular with ICOM radios. You can achieve a similar result as Twin PBT does, on other radios, by narrowing the width and using shift to move the position of the narrow filter. Once you have mastered the use of ATT, IPO, RF Gain, Shift, Width, etc., you can apply that any radio. 73, and thanks for being a part of this channel! Doug

[@toddsternish]

@@n4hnhradio it's a very painful analogy, but it's a great example of how I like to think of most things... I see people tasting wine and saying they can taste Raspberries and Oak trees and such... I taste the same wine and it just tastes like "wine"... UNTIL I have a totally different wine... then all of the sudden, because I have the contrasting flavor of the other one on my tongue, I suddenly can pick up on subtle flavor notes, like "fresh cut grass" and "earthy mushrooms" and "antifreeze"... it's very illuminating to look at a problem from a contrasting perspective. And yes, your methodical approach hits me just right. I like the way you think about the problems you present.

[@jody9646]

I've studied and followed your settings for the FTdx10 and FT-991A. Audio FTdx10 received a Bravo rating from radio amateurs as the Sultan's radio. The SSB power output on the HF for the FT-991A reaches a maximum of 90 watts, you have explained the FTdx10 to me. For the FT-991A the sound in the 2 meter band is the best radio I've ever heard.

[@n4hnhradio]

My friend Joel uses his FT-991A as a secondary HF transceiver and a primary VHF/UHF transceiver. His FM TX audio is phenomenal.

[@aeron-mw7ofs]

Awesome , looking at upgrading soon and torn between the 991a and the dx10 .

[@n4hnhradio]

Both great transceivers. If you need an all-in-one, HF, VHF, & UHF, FT-991A is the one. If HF only is enough, FTdx10. The FTdx10 is the number two best receiver in the world. It has a direct output for an external monitor. 73, de N4HNH

[@aeron-mw7ofs]

@@n4hnhradio I like the idea of shack in the box with the 991a plus c4fm , but on the other hand I don't use VHF/UHF . I would also like to dabble with digital modes eventually .

[@n4hnhradio]

The FTdx10 can do FT8, if that is where you are headed. But the FT-991A can also. Consider the FTdx10 as a radio that is visually stunning and able to pull out the weakest of signals. That is where it beats the FT-991A. But as far as versatility, the FT-991A rules. 73, de N4HNH

[@aeron-mw7ofs]

@@n4hnhradio how easy is it to get the 991a up and running on ft8 etc ?

[@n4hnhradio]

The 991A has a built-in soundcard so it should be easy. I don’t do FT8, but I hear good things about the 991A and FT8. The FTdx10, with the latest firmware configures itself for FT8 with a single press in the mode menu. It also has a built-in soundcard. 73, de N4HNH

[@bigchew3149]

I am a fairly New ham 4-23 but not new to radios/amps I was a 11m guy for 35 years then sold all my equipment 6-8-years ago and finally got my ticket and so i had to try and build a station from the ground up (bit of a job in its self) and after a ton of research i went with the ft-991 i fell for it as soon as i saw it & i have had a lot of fun with it so far ! i was just playing around with the filters n it just 2-3 days ago winter field day when all the bands was kind of crowded ..lol. they seam to do pretty good imho and i have not heard any one say any thing bad about the ftdx 10 every one that has them loves them ! I would love to have one of them to ! Thanks for sharing !

[@n4hnhradio]

The FTdx10 has proven to be the game changer I predicted it would be when I read the specifications. I certainly enjoy mine. It is a boss of a transceiver. 73

[@thefusionelmerguy2234]

I like your comparison, I own the FT-991a and love it very much. Been doing a lot of C4FM on 10 meters. FUNtastic!

[@n4hnhradio]

FT-991A is a fantastic transceiver. It’s the one transceiver I would own if I could only own one transceiver. If you later decide to get a dedicated HF contest grade transceiver, the FT-991A can still be a primary VHF/UHF transceiver and serve as a backup HF transceiver. One of my friends has a FTdx101MP as his primary HF base station and a FT-991A for 2m/70cm and as a backup for HF. During power outages, he can still operate the FT-991A with a battery. 73, de N4HNH

[@judd_s5643]

Another great presentation!

[@n4hnhradio]

Glad you think so! 73, de N4HNH

[@rightpedaldown9346]

Frigging awesome!

[@jamesidone9482]

The 991A is a complete HF to light station in a box but anytime on a contest weekend or when the bands open wide open on a weekend the 991A is going to get crushed with strong signal overload were the FTDX10 will be A OK, they are two differently designed rigs.

[@n4hnhradio]

Indeed James! But, for an all-in-one rig, the FT-991A is no slouch. But in a contest, the FTdx10 wins without question. 73, de N4HNH

[@N4EJM]

Great video Doug. I know I’m loving my 991a. Need to get the mobile mount for it and get going on some POTA.

[@n4hnhradio]

Thank you! I will try to chase you. 73, de N4HNH

[@N4EJM]

@@n4hnhradio I’ve got a lot of work to do first, bond the truck save up for a TarHeel antenna etc.

[@JuscelinoRochaRF]

From their tests, what Yaesu and Sherwood say is not true. The FTDX10 does not have 2KHz selectivity as they say. You can see from the comparisons that the FTDX10 and FT991 are practically equal in selectivity. I'm frustrated.

[@n4hnhradio]

Indeed the FTdx10 meets the 2kHz spacing that Sherwood lists. You must know that the test is conducted using CW at 500Hz width.

[@JuscelinoRochaRF]

@@n4hnhradio Most hams buy a transceiver to operate on ssb. I continue to be disappointed with the receiver's performance in selectivity for ssb. It seems that Yaesu is more interested in marketing. But she's not the only one. Icom and Kenwood too.

[@n4hnhradio]

It seems that you will have to design and build your own transceiver.

[@JuscelinoRochaRF]

maybe!

[@n4hnhradio]

If you find a way to completely block interference from a strong SSB station 2kHz away from your receive frequency, you could make lots of money by selling the idea. Currently, the most effective method is to use a 1.2kHz crystal roofing filter, and the second best is to set a DSP filter to 1.2kHz with a 3kHz crystal roofing filter assisting (i.e. FTdx10 and FTdx101D/MP, Elecraft K3S). But even with those options, such features as IPO and a preselector can provide some additional help. Of course you have to be willing to accept the thin audio at the 1.2kHz bandwidth. But it’s a scenario where you trade fidelity in order to pull out the station you want to hear.

[@2metercrew389]

I’ve noticed in FM mode on all bands the receiver audio on the 991 a sounds wider than it does on the FT DX 10. Have you noticed the same thing? Is it a setting on the DX 10????

[@n4hnhradio]

I don’t recall a significant difference but I don’t have a FT-991A anymore. The one in the video was loaned to me. Maybe it’s a difference in speakers, or equalization. The FTdx10 has RX equalization. With my FTdx10, I run the AF treble at 0 and the middle and bass at -2. And of course I use the 12 kHz roofing filter. 73, de N4HNH

[@2metercrew389]

@@n4hnhradio hey thanks for the reply… on the nine9180 receive sounds like wide FM or regular broadcast band FM receiver audio… On the DX 10 it sounds like the low and in the high-end have both been rolled off a bit I guess it doesn’t make too much difference but it is kind of interesting

[@n4hnhradio]

Have you adjusted the 3-band RX equalization for FM mode? You can add more bass.

[@2metercrew389]

@@n4hnhradio I just sent you an email hopefully you will be able to hear the difference with some headphones… I sent it to your QRZ email address

[@n4hnhradio]

I don’t hear any difference but the phone camera might not reproduce it. However you are listening to white noise. That can vary, depending upon the type of demodulator used in the design of the radio. I recommend making a comparison when someone is talking. Also, with the FTdx10, you have receive equalization for each mode. You should consider setting that, if you haven’t already. Maybe add more bass and treble, +2 or +3 for each. Or, cut the mids by -3. 73, de N4HNH

[@roxleyldc]

Hello, loved your video! Did you happen to compare the 991a with the 710? I have a 991a and enjoy using it except on 2 meters where I find the reception VERY scratchy ( I use a ft-7100 for 2 meters). I would like to have an external monitor for the 991a but don’t think it’s possible… . Do you have any recommendations? Thanks!

[@n4hnhradio]

I didn’t have an FT-991A to compare to the FT-710. However, I compared the FT-991A to the FTdx10. I later compared the FTdx10 to the FT-710. The FTdx10 edges past the FT-710 in receiver performance and DSP, except that the DNF (auto-notch filter) is better in the FT-710. It doesn’t introduce distortion. But I don’t choose a radio based upon its auto-notch filter. It depends upon your operating interests which radio is better. For a grid-down survival radio, the FT-991A. If you will only own one radio, again the FT-991A. It works HF/VHF/UHF. If you want to directly connect an external display, the FT-710 makes that easy. If you want a receiver that is higher on the Sherwood list, when it comes to selectivity, the FT-710 wins, at least in the lab test. But, neither the FTdx10 or the FT-710 make the FT-991A look bad. And those two cannot operate on VHF and UHF. 73, de N4HNH

[@ncphotos]

Great video! de W2CSI

[@n4hnhradio]

Thank you so much! 73, de N4HNH

[@stevehaack5276]

Hi, I noticed that the 991a has the noise blanker on and you didn't fiddle with that. Wondering how that may have affected your testing. I've never used the NB myself on mine. Thoughts?

[@n4hnhradio]

Traditional noise blankers can affect selectivity, but they usually allow interference from outside of the passband (i.e. 5-6 kHz away). It would have put the FT-991A at a disadvantage if that were the case. My FT-920 NB is traditional. Before I acuse someone 6kHz away of splattering, I always check to be sure the NB is not on. I normally lrave the NB off unless needed. The FT-991A is a boss of a radio. It has a triple-conversion super-heterodyne receiver, a 3kHz roofing filter for SSB, and the same DSP chip as the FTdx10. The triple-conversion receivers are known for improved selectivity, over an equivalent dual-conversion receiver, but the triple-conversion will typically have more phase noise, which adds a slight bit to the internal noise floor. The FTdx10 couples a dual-conversion superheterodyne technology plus a SDR stage. Dual-conversion will exhibit less phase noise typically, versus triple-conversion. But, keep in mind that the mixer/oscillator components used it the FT-991A are from the FTdx family of transceivers, borrowing from the FTdx5000. So the FT-991A receiver is no slouch. In my experience, the FT-991A receiver is very nearly on par with the FTdx10 in on-air operation. Maybe not in a lab test, but in day-to-day operation the FT-991A is a contender. 73, de N4HNH

[@yvindwaaler2678]

Thanks for your videos. Are you using the latest DSP firmware version 01-12 on the FT-991A?

[@n4hnhradio]

No! It isn’t my radio. I updated my FT-891, which uses the same DSP chip. There was only a slight improvement. But the DSP in these radios is already very good. Have you noticed a significant improvement in the DSP of the FT-991A after the update?

[@yvindwaaler2678]

@@n4hnhradio I don't own a FT-991A so I can't tell. I am considering buying it. Thanks from LA3HHA.

[@n4hnhradio]

I recommend it. Especially if you need an all-in-one radio.

[@walkabout16]

Power out on tx at 100watts shown on external power meter, what difference between the two on talking or calling CQ?

[@n4hnhradio]

FM or SSB? FM will give the full power out. For SSB you will need a meter that can read Peak Envelope Power (PEP). Then you should see 100W on your voice peaks using SSB. The power output meter in the radios does not show PEP, but if you give a steady whistle it will get close. 73, de N4HNH

[@walkabout16]

@@n4hnhradio I watched a video kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZzRiamdg7ygn8U where the 991a tx was compared and was curious about tx in this comparison

[@n4hnhradio]

There shouldn’t be a difference between FT-991A and FTdx10, if both radios have transmit EQ set the same. Yaesu uses practically the same parametric EQ in all of the HF radios since around 2010. I used the settings from my FT-891 as a starting point for the FTdx10 and the FT-991A. The power output on Yaesu radios tends to be 98-99 Watts on 10 meters and tight at 100 to maybe a couple of watts more on 40 meters. Most finals will peak out in the middle of the HF spectrum and be slightly lower output on 160 and 10 meters. 73, de N4HNH

[@whippersnappercc]

Do you think the 7300 could have pulled that off?

[@n4hnhradio]

Close maybe but not quite. Different class of receiver.

[@whippersnappercc]

@@n4hnhradio Well, I finally pulled the trigger on the FTDX10. I live at the base of a 2200 foot mountain but I'm still amazed at what I can hear and how it mitigates the noise compared to my G90. I've noticed a couple of quirks but overall am amazed. I'm thinking of picking up a 991 for portable use but one thing at a time!

[@n4hnhradio]

I think every radio ever made has at least one quirk. Hi! Hi! I think you’re going to be pleased with the FTdx10.

[@ts440s]

The way you compare the two in the end is by leaving out a high end 50watt uhf vhf rig you have to effectively add 4 to 500 more to the dx10 now is it worth it, no way.

[@n4hnhradio]

Radios are relatively inexpensive today. An HF transceiver cost $600 to $1,200 in 1959. Adjusted for inflation that is $6,500 to $13,000 today. In 1959, $1,200 was 25% of the average person’s yearly wage. Aren’t you glad radios are less expensive now? You can buy a better radio for 1/50th of the average person’s yearly income. I paid $1,340 in 1999 for a basic HF radio. It was a sale price, saving me $160. The FM board, TCXO, and CW filter cost extra. If I had not bought the radio at a discount, it wood have cost nearly $2,000 with all options. Those options are included in today’s radios. Today you can buy an FT-991A for under $1,300 ($1,130 on sale now). HF, 6m, 2m, 70cm. It’s a good HF rig too. It won’t out-perform an FTdx10 in a contest but it is better than my 1999 radio. The FTdx10 is an incredible HF performer and it’s hard to believe it costs less than $2,000. It beats radios that cost over 10 times its price. If you must have a one-size-fits-all radio, consider the Yaesu FT-991A or the ICOM IC-7100. Just realize that you cannot listen to your local repeater while operating HF. You can only operate on one frequency at a time. I prefer a separate radio for VHF/UHF, so I can monitor my local repeater while operating HF.

[@Cedar_Ridge]

This FTdx-10 makes the 991A look like your kids Playskool toy radio - lol

[@n4hnhradio]

The FTdx10 is great but the 991A isn’t bad either. The 991A has a similar front-end to the FTdx series.

[@Cedar_Ridge]

@@n4hnhradio Yep, and I've already ordered a 991A, back ordered - but might show up tomorrow.

[@ernestoluzan]

@@Cedar_Ridge Curious, two years later would you buy the 991A again. I’m torn between the two

[@n4hnhradio]

I would buy the FT-991A if I was only going to own one radio, and I need all-mode VHF/UHF. I would buy an FT-991A and FTdx10 if I was going to own two radios. The FTdx10 is the superior HF transceiver but it doesn’t have 2m/70cm. It does have more advanced DSP and better selectivity. It doesn’t make the FT-991A look bad though. The FT-991A is better than many other transceivers on the market, from competitors. And I hate to concede that. I’m not on the best of terms with Yaesu. But I always give credit where credit is due. I won’t promote something for money. That’s not what my channel is about. I wouldn’t be scraping by if I would go commercial. But I’m trying my best to avoid that.

[@ernestoluzan]

@@n4hnhradioI really appreciate the honest response. I do eventually want two radios. It appears these two might be them lol