How to Operate and Use FT-450: SSB, CW and Other Features

In this video I show you how to use the radio in SSB and CW. I also share some great features you might not know about. Special thanks to desert dog for requesting this video.

[@xxmrrickxx]

I hope you are sticking with the ham radio hobby Josh. It's a great interest that will be rewarding throughout your life.

[@amateurradioworld8321]

Absolutely! Channel is halted as I pursue other things, but the hobby is not over.

[@mikebragg4029]

Great video, thank you for taking the time. I have just obtained one of these and its all very new to me. Many thanks

[@alanread6596]

Exellent video very informative

[@srs26]

Great video - well explained, keep more videos coming!! Simon, M0SYS

[@HamTechRadioScannerDrones]

Thanks enjoyes

[@desertdog5397]

Thanks so much for that video, its a menu driven radio, and that's why I ask to have you guys do a video, I am considering buying this radio, and wanted to see how it operated. I have been happy with my Yaesu FT-840 since getting licensed in 1996...but had concerns about the 450D, I wanted to upgrade my radio, and put my 840 away as a backup, and this Yaesu I saw on the internet, then saw your last video about the 450, and it cleared up a lot of questions for me...

[@amateurradioworld8321]

Glad I could help. Hope you enjoy your next rig.

[@clems6989]

You will not regret buying the FT450D. It is a great rig

[@leonardhilliker4338]

How about a video on ext tuner use. Len 73's KC4LEN

[@richierich1966able]

very nice video I enjoyed,,, I just got my Yeasu 450D,,,, learning how to use it,, was wandering how or if this radio has a built in Roger beep, and if soo, how do you turn it on please....thanks....Rich

[@Klaatu-ij9uz]

QUESTION -- with the FT-450D while wearing headphones, can you remain on SSB transmit "monitor" all the time? There is no heating problem issues, etc.?

[@calvinlong1265]

I have an FT-450D and was wondering if getting the deskmic (MD-180A8X) would be worth it. Any thoughts?

[@angpar8449]

Hello. I use this radio and it has been great! Just wondering if I use fldigi for cw, do I need to go through the cw settings in the radio or does fldigi alter the cw settings for you? Also wondering same with the other modes...rtty etc...thanks !!

[@amateurradioworld8321]

Sorry I have been busy of late. I am not experienced in any form of digital operating but as far as I know you should change them manually

[@donr2670]

Great video - did you hear about some problems with the key jack? Some were failing - would like to know if Yaesu fixed the problem along the line. If you connect the speaker output to soundcard input and then turn up the bass on the soundcard, you can use the Contour boost on the FT450 turned all the way to the left (and press it until the triangle points up) . This will provide lots more audio in the shack.

[@amateurradioworld8321]

THX for the tip. I have had good success with my key jack thus far but haven't heard about the problem B4 now.

[@chrismclain1594]

I plan on using a straight key with my FT-450 but I don't feel That setting up the radio to use a straight key instead of a paddle was covered very well. Do you have some good instructions for us all who want to use a straight key?

[@calvinlong1265]

Great video 👍 Question: How do you 'exit' the PMS mode?

[@binnawan]

Not sure if you would be still monitoring this video, but just in case... I do not have a CW mode on LSB, (80 or 40). Have CW on USB. Any answer ? thanks, Baz

[@aroc000]

Hi Baz, you can set it through the menu: CW BFO Function: Sets the CW carrier oscillator injection side in CW mode Available Values: USB / LSB / AUTO Default: USB USB: Injects the CW carrier oscillator on the USB side LSB: Injects the CW carrier oscillator on the LSB side AUTO: Injects the CW carrier oscillator on the LSB side while operating on the 7 MHz band and below, USB side while operating on the 10 MHz band and up You're set on USB 73 de iu0kwx, alessandro

[@uticaprepper4098]

Hello there 73 I have a question about my 450D. My 450 restart few after I press the ptt so wish bottom I press wrong? Thank you 73

[@amateurradioworld8321]

Chances are you have a poor ground, or the SWR is too high. When you transmit, a short or ground is occurring, and the radio is shutting off to protect itself. Do you have any external accessories attached?

[@paulfraser7494]

Hi Thanks for the video. I just received this radio and am trying to figure it out. I like the feature of limiting my bands and my modes. However it seems my menu is on the reduced number of 16 selections and not the broader 62. See page 76 of the manual. I tried turning my menu off but that didn't open up the remaining 46. Do i need to do a menu mode reset ? Here's hoping some of you still monitor this older thread.

[@amateurradioworld8321]

Hey Paul. There is a setting in the menu called “Ext. Menu”. Scroll to this setting, select it, then adjust it to “on”. The purpose is to keep it simple for your day to day operations. However, you’ll want the extended menu on while configuring everything.

[@paulfraser7494]

Thanks@@amateurradioworld8321

[@johnstrunck3659]

Excellent vid? Do you have any boat anchors in use at you QTH?

[@amateurradioworld8321]

Yes...tr-7950 and an old cb. I also have a ten-tec argosy with no frequency display but I don't have a mic for it.

[@johnstrunck3659]

@@amateurradioworld8321 Fine Business

[@George_S.G]

great video but what is the difference between vfo-a and vfo-b ?

[@aroc000]

Hi George, the VFO (Variable Frequency Oscillator) sets the frequency on which a radio is tuned, receiving or transmitting. This radio (like many others) has two VFOs. You can set the two VFOs at different frequencies. Of course, you can only select one one of the two. What is it for? For example you could have a sked with a friend on a certain frequency, which you can set e.g. on the VFO-A. But your friend is late as usual! In the meantime you can select the VFO-B and browse the frequencies. From time to time you go back to the VFO-A to see if he/she is arrived. More seriously, the double VFO is used for communications in split, those where you listen on a frequency (VFO-A) and transmit on another (VFO-B). To understand how split mode works on the Internet there are lot of sources. Ciao, 73 es GL de iu0kwx, alessandro

[@guitarman8818]

I don't get this if you're a Radio amateur like I'm then you should know how to use it? he's not telling people you need a Licence to operate the Radio?

[@waynethebarber1095]

I am in words per hour.....

[@johntyler4222]

The title says it’s a 450 but it isn’t.

[@paulfraser7494]

Its a 450D. As opposed to a 450 or 450AT. But based on what I viewed the settings etc. are very similar. Complete reviews are in QST Dec 2007 and Nov 2011