Yaesu FT 101 EE Station and Repair Part 1

I bought another Yaesu FT-101 Station. Let's see if we can troubleshoot the problem and get this up and going.
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[@vhfgamer]

"Unless you're a technician, I don't suggest just plugging it in and turning it on." Amen.

[@george-ev1dq]

get the variator out for sure.

[@Drekkag]

@@george-ev1dq i think you mean variac

[@bblod4896]

That was a Ham who took care of his equipment. 😊 The symptoms you gave: warm transformer and noise in RX did point to a power supply rail issue. Another way to confirm would have been connecting to an external DC supply, watching the current draw and see if noise disappeared. Yes, I would replace all the electrolyte capacitors. Looking forward to the next episode. Have a great week Buddy.

[@TheRadioShop]

Correct you are. The DC power supply is a good way to tell what is going on.

[@ukm6yik69]

I love old radios much better than the stuff nowadays

[@TheRadioShop]

I am with you on that.

[@george-ev1dq]

Big and chunky, easy to use unlike todays sets which are wonderful but too small to be useable with their tiny little switches and multi function buttons. My favourite receiver is the old Sanyo RP8880 from 1978, so easy to use , read and understand.

[@jimhall9360]

I'm thankful you were àble to get this equipment. I'm sure you appreciate the treasure it is to have one in such immaculate condition!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks my friend

[@DonDegidio]

Hi Buddy, Nice video. The previous owner knew how to take care of his equipment. Good to know that when I recap my FT-901DM, I do not need a retune. Stay safe. 73 WJ3U

[@TheRadioShop]

Yes he did. Never seen one this clean.

[@jrumiano]

I remember the first time I saw an FT-101 (around 1975). They are still cool radios. Nice clean example there!

[@TheRadioShop]

Very clean, thanks

[@george-ev1dq]

Damn, that gear is totally mint, credit to the owner

[@TheRadioShop]

Agreed!

[@stewartthompson72]

What an incredibly clean and nice station.

[@TheRadioShop]

Yes it is.

[@nicksmit489]

Good day sir, thanks for this video. I am just starting to get involved in doing electronic radio repair and has already learned a lot from you only on this video. I am making notes as far as I watch and listen to videos and this one is extremely informative and easy to follow. Thanks again from Nick in South Africa.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Nick, and good luck on your studies of radio electronics.

[@ukrainehamradio]

Excellent device! Unfortunately, many people do not understand that any vintage device needs maintenance before turning it on and using it.

[@george-ev1dq]

Yep, anything that age needs new cans

[@TheRadioShop]

One reason why I do these videos is the share

[@lylewatts6370]

Yes I have the same set up here and worked on the FT-101E. Took me a while to get all the accessories but was worth it. Love the radio and should use it more than i do. To many transceivers and a little radio shack makes for not easy access to them. Thanks for sharing and will be following the next FT-101 videos.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for sharing. I know what you mean. I have very little room and need to expand.

[@Swaggerlot]

I recall using one of these setups back in 1979, it was getting on in time then.

[@lloydspivey8296]

Very logical and straight forward troubleshooting. Nice

[@alandrury9955]

Wow, what a great find. Looking forward to seeing the rest of the project

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks

[@cuban9splat]

Excellent video. I wish I still had my old 101-EE. Thanks for sharing it with us Buddy. 73 de K7RMJ Frank.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks Frank, I going to love this one

[@w.rustylane5650]

Wow, Buddy! What a station! And you got a good deal to boot. That's the prettiest Yaesu set up I've ever seen. I love my Yaesy 991a so much I spent another $100.00 and got rails to protect the front end. I can't believe you troubleshooting the radio and never even turn it on. Sounds great. Cheers & 73 from K9POW in eastern TN

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks, It is a nice unit. The thing is the previous owner gave enough detail to lead us to the problem. Plus knowing a little about the radio circuit helps.

[@MD0MDI]

Beautiful, Very envious, I collected a 101ZD Mark 3 in Mint Condition, Sadly no Scope which is on my Wish List. I do not normally post as you are obviously busy, but I do love your posts, Great Work Man. 73

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for stopping in and posting. Good luck on your scope hunt

[@mikefinn2101]

You did it again splurged i know the temptation as I am guilty just have to watch out for the wife she thinks i am obsessed. Great video

[@george-ev1dq]

Excellent video, Thanks for your wealth of knowledge and experience on these older sets.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks

[@droberts73543]

Love the 101EE that was my first radio I bought one that needs a lot of work eventually get it done but will be referring to your 101 videos to make sure I don't miss anything :)

[@TheRadioShop]

Good luck on your project and thanks

[@droberts73543]

@@TheRadioShop Thank you

[@rohnkd4hct260]

Pretty radio! Great job, looking forward to the next video.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks!

[@boxingday11]

Thanks Buddy, great upload.👍

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks you

[@bmh67wa]

I just need the phone patch to have the same setup but mine isn't nearly as nice looking. It was once owned by a CBer who smoked both cigarettes and cigars like a chimney. It took forever to get all of the sticky brown film off of everything but it all works well.

[@TheRadioShop]

That stuff can be tough. But I found that sometimes it helps preserve the paint. If you need to repaint I found that Rustoleum satin granite for the case and Krylon pewter grey for the trim is a close match.

[@stingray408]

GREAT RADIO AND VIDEO THANKS FOR SHARING--@@!!!!

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for watching

[@IMSAIGuy]

wow, you will never find one that nice again.

[@TheRadioShop]

This is very true. I never seen a used radio look so good. Nice to see you stop by.

[@BadSector]

another great video, thank you good sir

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for watching

[@RGB06084]

Hey Buddy! Hope you're doing welll!

[@TheRadioShop]

Not to bad, normal aches and pains, Hope you are good.

[@1903A3shooter]

GREAT BUDDY, that was fun, Great looking rig. Dave W4GSM

[@TheRadioShop]

Appreciate that Dave

[@hamradiohack]

I have 3 or 4. A early serial 101 no letter that is the best working one ive seen. Ive got a 101b but letters are flaking off. A 101e missing 10m xtals. A 101e with some weird demodulator mixer board. I have a original silver trim 101fv no B letter vfo. Probably pretty rare as ive never seen one ever before. Have the yo100 but cant figure out why theres voltage on the chasis. The yc601 in your video looks odd like a inbetween version...love these but i prefer the ft901dm or 101zd or ft102 for tube hybrids. This station looks super clean

[@Homer19521]

Maybe you can talk about "split" caps on your next vid. I haven't seen much discussion on those. My Tempo 1 has a bunch (I think 0.01uF 50v striped film style) , but I can't tell if they are a problem as the Radio works fine. 👍

[@TheRadioShop]

I did mention that in some of my older 101 videos. What happens is moister gets into those caps and they start splitting apart. Can be issues later down the road.

[@JoeW7BWA]

I was never into vintage radios. Then I saw your KZbin channel and fell in love with the Yaesu FT-101 series.I found a decent FT-101ZD. It arrived and I was excited. Then in a video where you said the 101ZD wasn’t really a 101! Can you please clarify what you don’t like about the FT-101ZD, etc? What model of the 101 is the best in your opinion? Many thanks! 73. Joe

[@TheRadioShop]

Hi Joe, It is not that I do not really like the 101ZD, nothing wrong with the radio. In fact it is pretty decent. But, it is not the original 101 design, if you look at the schematics between both you will see they are built completely different.

[@JoeW7BWA]

@@TheRadioShopThank you sir for the quick reply! Ah, OK I do understand your viewpoint now. I’ve learned so much from you, so thanks for all you do. I don’t plan on powering up this radio before I have the time to open the case, pull the boards out and clean them, inspect for cracked caps, etc. I learned that all from you. That’s awesome! I hope you are able to get your list out of common problems with each 101 model. That is something I would gladly pay for! Many thanks again and 73. Joe - W7BWA

[@PapasDino]

That's a keeper for sure Buddy! I've always wondered about why Yaesu put that plastic cover over the front panel...seen so many of them that have looked terrible as it ages on rigs that were well used. What was the "brown wire" syndrome? Hadn't heard that one before. 73 - Dino KLØS

[@TheRadioShop]

Hey Dino, I agree. The plastic really keeps the front of the rig looking good after 40 plus years. Brown wire? We dont need no stinking brown wire 10-4. :)

[@2packs4sure]

How the heck could that guy run that thing for a quarter century and have it be that clean ?? If I set that thing in my house and turned it on for an hour it wouldn't be that clean... lol

[@TheRadioShop]

Thats a good question I like to know. His house must be a clean room as this radio does not show any signs of normal wear.

[@2packs4sure]

@@TheRadioShop Yeah,, it's not natural.. :)

[@TheArtofEngineering]

Could I just say these videos are gold kind sir! They will ensure these rigs stay alive so thanks MIGHTILY 73 de VK2AOE....I aspire to own an FT101 ...one day??

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks for the kind words. There are lots of them out there. Hope you fins one.

[@rustylozanolpc4227]

I learned so much !! Thank you! What kind of antenna are you using ?

[@TheRadioShop]

Thanks. I am using a homemade multi band dipole with the apex at 50 foot, cover 10 through 160

[@lrspahn1974]

I have an ALC/IC/PO switch from a 101

[@TheRadioShop]

I recently had to go on eBay to purchase one of those.

[@lrspahn1974]

Im sending you one also...plus a few parts​@@TheRadioShop

[@TheRadioShop]

@@lrspahn1974 Thanks, if you need my contact, it can be found in the description box.

[@DukeN1WWS]

Brown wire?...not clipped? Its not connected? I don't get it?

[@josealeixes2861]

Hi, I'm in London, I have a Yaesu ft -101Z, would it be possible for me to send it there to be checked and aligned..

[@cadiscase]

Have you ever worked on a Yaesu FT-107M ? I heard they are a troublesome radio. Is the FT-107M poorly designed or were inferior parts used ? Thanks

[@TheRadioShop]

These are known for problematic memory functions. Also bad solder joints. Other than that not too bad.

[@alpcns]

Congratulations Buddy on such a beautiful addition. Very nice radio and great video.

[@TheRadioShop]

Thank you very much my friend.