Yaesu FT-101B; Detailed Overview

[@OtterLakeFlutes]

I have wanted to play extended ham radio news for the net guys I check in with, which is always a relief to those who always get stuck with doing so, but had jury-rigged a radio that was really designed for intermittent PTT. Never did burn up my mobile with a unique cooling device on the heat sink fins, but this radio on its way (an FT-101 of my own with a fan) actually has a MOX switch that just switches on the transmitter; what better testimony that it's built to tolerate continuous transmission (on AM etc. not just CW considerations of different types these days). So awesome, like a mini broadcast station. I love my Hallicrafters Sky Champion (the rare one with elaborate mechanical band spread, no electrical fine tune needed) receiver but ha ve not had a transmitter except mobiles and an HT. Excited...!

[@highwatercircutrider]

Wow, thanks for the video. I have a Yaesu FT 101 E and am studying for my radio operator's license. My wife and I are planning on an extended sailboat cruise and were intending to install ssb radio gear on our boat. I have been a VHF marine radio user for many years and cut my teeth on CB's which I still enjoy. Again, thanks for helping a newcomer, your explanation was very clear and precise. Gary & Carolynn SV Paladin

[@seagull6288]

Fantastic review, methodical and detailed yet easy for a newbie to understand. Thanks man!

[@truthspeakerism]

I plan on buying one of these in the future but not sure when. I have a modern radio the FT817ND but used to have an FT10e years ago; everything but the monitor. How I miss it! So oh yes....I like the older stuff for simplicity and generally reliability versus the new stuff....smaller is not always better in these times...

[@RayBecker]

The 817 for QRP. The 857D or a comparable Icom would be next for me. The boat anchors are great for a back up radio. The thing is a Faraday Cage in itself. Good luck and let me know if you get one of these.

[@dread2044]

Thanks very much for your detailed review of this wonderful rig.

[@SpeedStar76]

Thank you, I have just been given this radio along with an FRG that looks the same and the (very) detailed manual. This explanation has been really helpful.

[@RayBecker]

woody...the radio is awesome! it has so much more power than a newer radio. much better audio quality. very easy to tune and maintain. if you find one, grab it

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Really? Please explain how it has much more power than a newer model radio? That was a stupid & uninformed statement.Do some research before posting total BS Lies old man.I have two of them & they pretty much put out around 100 watts just like my modern day transceivers.

[@VojvodinaNet]

Thanks! I bought one online, now I am working on my license. This was what I needed, really appreciate it.

[@1479andy]

Ray great info i have just got a FT 101B and will be looking at all your video's thanks for posting regards from the UK

[@boydstone7433]

Thanks for the update {for me} on the radio. It's been a long time since my early years as a extra class as a teenager Haven't touched a radio in a lot of years. Really would like to find one in pristeen condition.

[@RayBecker]

There are some out there. If you take your time and do the research, I'm sure you'll be able to find one of these 101's. They are old school and the fun comes from twisting dials and learning how things really work. Good luck and let me know if you locate a radio for yourself.

[@boydstone7433]

@@RayBecker ok

[@wdenis11]

Hello and thanks for the information. I just bought this same radio yesterday and It is in pristine condition. It came with the original manual, hand mic, two spare tubes and a digital freq counter. I look forward to any further instructions you put out and have subscribed of course. I love equipment built to last and this unit appears bullet proof.

[@joemaples6243]

Thanks. I'm new to ham and really want a tube radio. This was a lot of help!

[@1OFGODSOWN]

The FT-101 is NOT a traditional Tube Radio.It's a Hybrid because the only tubes are the three in the Transmitter section.The receiver is all solid state.

[@alexsandrosciolla6093]

great great hugh from Brazil my brother in waves , great radio im crazy for one of this congratulations !!!

[@808pathfinder]

best video for this rig and the Summerkamp FT-277b is the same as this one . the FT-277 only goes up to 80M

[@RayBecker]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate any positive comments!!

[@808pathfinder]

i have the 80M Summerkamp FT-277 but it has problems

[@MrHorsenaround]

Thank you for making this video. I learned a lot..

[@KM4ZMZ]

just bought this radio, great video, Thanks

[@1oldarmyguy]

I want one of these old school rigs. Very nice. One day I'll find the one and pick it up.

[@winemaker279]

get something besides this=anything else= johnson-tentec-kenwood you'll be happier

[@vlupis1]

How do you use "loading" knob, an example?

[@MrLosttheplot]

thanks i hope to get one of these today

[@TheBigfoot567]

No license here, but I do have two of these radios. FT 101EE and FT101F. Have had them both over 10 yrs. (Used, of course). Never attempted to power up. I have a cheap antenna kit coming from Ebay seller. Is it possible for you to make a detailed, step by step video on setting up one of these for LISTENING ONLY? I do have a variable power supply device for initial turn on. Any assistance greatly appreciated. Great video. Thx

[@RayBecker]

Bill...I would download the service manual and buy a Dummy Load. It's basically checking the plate voltages to see if the tubes are okay. Me, I would just change all of the tubes and then look at all of the capacitors. There are kits for these radios. Of course if you're only "Listening" then there's no need to put normal Plate and Loading voltages on the tubes. Just get a tuner and verify RX at each of the Boulder, CO atomic clock freqs.

[@iz6wnb644]

thanks! excellent video

[@curtismaxwell3342]

I have just got a 101B and I am learning how to work it on channel 6 Philadelphia Pennsylvania information on the radio really help understand radio I may need help finding tubes for it some tubes are the power tubes 70/65 +12by7 is /70 the antenna is a V-quad full wave antenna Maco I will have to take time to learn the radio to work it properly

[@1OFGODSOWN]

It's an Amateur Radio & NOT a CB Radio so it should NOT be used anywhere on the 11 meter band including Channel 6.It will work properly on the Amateur Bands where it was designed too operate.It was designed to receive on 11 meters.

[@w.rustylane5650]

I'll stick to my Kenwood TS-430S and dedicated power supply PS-430. I like solid state better than tube types of transceivers. 73 from K9POW in eastern Tennessee.

[@RichardAtkinsonspaceman]

Could you upload a video showing how to adjust the bias please as i read in the manual to adjust it to 60ma but dont know how to do it! its low on my 101zd, its at about 40. Thanks.

[@capthoook]

can you show me the type and back radio connection , and the type of omnidiretional antenna tks

[@tonymeuse3649]

what frequency on the vfo does the 11meter band start?

[@winemaker279]

they wont tell you because they know nothing about it

[@1OFGODSOWN]

Strange that they included the 29 mhz portion of the band when the transceiver has no FM unless there were plans for an optional FM unit which never was built?

[@RayBecker]

I believe the 101EE and 101ZD variants had fm

[@1OFGODSOWN]

They did NOT have FM in the FT-101 series except in the 101ZD series NOT in the E Series at all.The question was why did they put that portion of the 10 meter band in these radios NOT the FT-101ZD that does have FM?

[@DD-gd3fr]

thank you so much I am inheriting one from my father it will be here soon. I just received my general and ready to go, What a classic radio . Have you done cw on it ? Is it capable for a keyer or do I have to buy a keyer?

[@RayBecker]

I don't do CW and you'll need a keyer

[@DD-gd3fr]

@@RayBecker thank you

[@Nordland796]

How many KHz wide is the transmit?

[@PopsQuest]

OOPS!! I thought this was a vid on how to detail a Japanese Ham.... I wouldn't eat that if I were you...Take care Snookie!-)

[@Nordland796]

What does the B stand for in 101B ?

[@1OFGODSOWN]

It stands for that is was the 2nd version of the FT-101 series.They made a Low & High Serial number model of the 101B.Any of the 101B's with a serial number 6000 or below is an Early model,6001 & above are Late models. www.qsl.net/nw2m/

[@robertglass5308]

Are 6SJ6C's the only tubes in a FT-101 radio?

[@chevywheels56]

It also uses one 12BY7A in position V1 on the schematic. The other two larger tubes that go in position V2 & V3 should be 6JS6 with a A, B, or C after the 6. You may have your numbers/letters typed a little backwards above. I do that sometime and have to check myself. It, I think, is still possible to find just a 6JS6 on eBay. Be very careful putting your fingers in the High Voltage section of the radio because the electricity can kill you PDQ. I cut mine off and unplug it and then turn it back on and let it sit for awhile before I mess with mine. The only reason I've gone into mine is to put a couple of New Old Stock tubes that I bought on eBay into the High Voltage compartment. It is a great radio. Have a good one!

[@robertglass5308]

That FT-101B is still a nice radio!

[@trw_53]

do you keep the heater on the whole time ? great video!

[@RayBecker]

Yes...Heater stays on unless you're just RX'ing

[@robertglass5308]

Thanks for the info and voltage is NASTY. It doesn't usually give the stupid a second chance. As for the tube number, I suffer from typing dyslexia. My fingers won't hit the right keys.

[@winemaker279]

Did not make one contact or receive one single station

[@nickjaxe]

Very interesting..I am a newly licensed UK amateur...I would like a radio with gen coverage rec...I wonder if the 101 is gen coverage rec...I am also limited to 10w output max...will the 101 go that low, Also how does a valve set compare with the more modern type HF TX sets and are there any advantages to valve sets... Sorry to ask so many questions but how reliable are they also, I do like to look of the 101, I wonder what differences there are with the different modles of 101...this one being the 101b, Anybody that want to reply to me direct can do at nickjaxe at ntlworld.com Thanks guys...Nick.

[@raybecker4170]

hi nick...the 101b does NOT have general coverage receive. you could tune it for 10 watt output on AM mode but not SSB. sounds to me like you need a modern, all band radio. I would look at Yaesu Ft-897, FT-450 or FT-100. Icom makes a few as well.

[@dancraver3815]

Um

[@NM403NM]

what kind of antenna you running on this radio