Yaesu FTdx101D First Look at Strictly Ham (with Noise Reduction demo at end)

[@RateMyRadio]

News Just In: FTdx101D sits on top of the Sherwood Chart with 110dB of Dynamic Range at 2kHz!

[@n0callham146]

Rate My Radio who cares what it’s dynamic range is. The thing sounds like absolute crap and it’s ugly.

[@lizzyfan1986]

@@n0callham146 ugly it's not....issues, definitely

[@rockdanny]

good day jarrad and ross/Slim THANKS FOR DEMO love the radio its on my bench cheers and 73 VK4SD

[@HamRadioAdventures]

I’m going to the Hamvention in next week so I’m gonna get my hands on one of them. Thanks for the preview!

[@RateMyRadio]

You saw the sherwood numbers, didn't you Rich? :)

[@gonebamboo4116]

Great! Will be waiting your more extensive test

[@RateMyRadio]

Same here! Unfortunately our 'b role' video was all we had for this weekend due to illness, 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@okhamradio]

This is a very interesting device!

[@HamRadioAdventures]

Now that’s a good looking radio!

[@RateMyRadio]

The videos (and pictures) don't do it justice; in person it is VERY commanding and has a real presence about it. Hard to describe but it just feels powerful. I'm really looking forward to see the numbers; it should be capable of some amazing performance, as it arguably sits somewhere between a 'full' SDR and a superhet (it just moves the DSP up to the first IF) as it still uses roofing filters etc. An interesting way to go for Yaesu and something that will either pay off or backfire. The other thing I find disappointing is it only comes with 1 preselector (for the main band) not one for each like the IC-7610. Overall I feel the IC-7610 has more features for the money, but it doesn't have as much personality if that makes sense - though thats pretty much Icom for you. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@ftlaud911]

I went back and forth for like a month choosing my radio. Three choices we're Kenwood 890S, Icom 7610, and Yaesu 101D. All three are amazing choices. I chose the 7610 since Icom has the most experience with SDR. Still like the Kenwood, but hated that it only has one receiver, refresh rate is not great, and screen is not as customizable. Love the encode CW feature. The Yaesu looks great so far from the videos. Always felt the DNR did a great job. They also added the VC tuning as well. Screen looks great minus the font, but not a 3D fan. I am very happy with the 7610 and love the screen layout. Might add the Kenwood or Yaesu - still undecided which one.

[@ftlaud911]

​@@RateMyRadio = thanks for responding. I bought an extended warranty for the 7610 for the screen issue possibility. Obviously all three radios are not cheap. I was going to just get a 7300 and call it a day, but wanted a larger radio for the shack with two receivers. It also helped that the 7610 had come down in price. Out of the three the 7610 is the cheapest by around $1k which isn't chump change. It's not perfect, but is the cheapest two receiver radio and has a gorgeous screen/layout. I personally think all three models are a great choice if you can afford them. I don't have a local shop to touch them so rely on reviews/videos. I am currently leaning more towards the Kenwood for my main CW rig to compliment the 7610. Having the encode feature to review your code before sending will make me a better operator. I would like to use both radios at once so running CW software on 7610 is not the same thing in my mind.The 101D does have a second receiver which keeps it in the mix and has a built in CW decoder, but no encoder (I read the manual on all three radios).

[@geekverve]

THANK YOU!!! I think you're the first person I've seen mention the minor feature that bugs me probably more than it should. All the sub-receiver controls are on top and the main receiver controls are on the bottom. I agree with you. That seems backwards to me.

[@pangreek1964]

thanks Jarrad, if Slim will be open June long weekend Saturday will be visiting store for a cupper and pick up some goodies never know could be leaving with this impressive radio de vk2nn.

[@AdamSWL]

"The 3D scope looks like an 80's Kenwood stereo" :) Admittedly it does! I guess if it was really a useful feature, R&S or Keysight might start making a 3D spectrum analyser! Otherwise it is a really nice looking piece of gear. Thanks Jarrad and Ross for the preview.

[@RateMyRadio]

Well Adam, admittedly I still feel its a bit of a gimmick but that said only time will tell if it ads value; not an issue at any rate as one can select a traditional scope/waterfall combo. What is certain though, is that the radio is a fantastic performer AND it feels beautiful to use. Pretty much EVERYONE was shocked to see it hit the top of the Sherwood list; we knew it would be good but straight to the top well done Yaesu! I can imagine this being a VERY popular radio. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@bahathir_]

Nice first impression about the rig. One of the features is VC tuning for better signal tuning . I like to see it in operation. If you can have IC-7610 side by side, for comparison, it will excellent. :) The rig's scope and waterfall refresh rate is lower than IC-7610 is quite unexpected. Wish for in-depth review and comparison.. :) Thank you. ..

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear Bahathir, the waterfall refresh rate seems mainly limited to the '3D' version, which after playing with for over an hour I think is probably more of a gimmick than anything. The traditional 'scope over waterfall' seems to offer a better refresh rate, but the 'experience' isn't as nice as an Icom at all. I think this is something Yaesu will be able to 'smooth out' with firmware releases etc. We really wanted to try VC as an owner told us it was a great feature, but the store is limited to a multiband vertical and at time of recording there was just nothing on the bands. Hopefully we will be able to visit the shack of our friend next weekend and get a full overview of his experience using the radio to date. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@bahathir_]

@@RateMyRadio Great. Bring along the IC-7610 and RF splitter too. Capture both rig's audio at optimal or same level setup. From what I see from reviews in KZbin, both IC-7610 and FT-DX101D are great HF rigs. FT-DX101D has more physical filters at the front end which may be advantage to focous RF signal for better RX. Compared to IC-7610, which has simpler frontend and most of the filterings are done in software. Tank you, and looking forward for the comparison. :)

[@pu2xbt74]

Please review the YAESU M1 microphone for use with the FTDX101.

[@robertnagy2163]

I'm just saying this again in case Yaesu reads this. Please add scope averaging. Both the 3D and 2D scopes need an option to do 4 steps of averaging. The full frame rate refresh (looks like 25+ FPS) is difficult to look at for long periods. If it had averaging, the package would be complete. Nice radio!

[@RateMyRadio]

Completely agree!

[@jim5204]

Agree scope too fast too many fps. Need a way to slow it down plus averaging. More than one has noticed power overshoot and it’s been confirmed.

[@robertnagy2163]

@@jim5204 Yeah. This radio could be the king of SDR's in a box if they comb this out. There will be other problems (like the 7610 suffered). Hopefully the engineers will respond to them quickly.

[@bruehlt]

8:52 - this is where all of the money you are paying for this radio pays off....the other stuff is window dressing! Beautiful radio that someday I'd like to be able to try out!

[@RateMyRadio]

The NR actually really surprised me; no high frequency roll off so typical of Icoms to the point I'd rather not use it. What you cant see in the quick clip is the NR seems to 'train' on the voice and get better in the first few seconds, it is surprisingly good. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@ianhawkins6656]

Lovely radio and good review - I found it slightly hobbled in part by the brightness of the LED indicators (or rather, lack of brightness, even with it set to max) The blue/white leds are simply not bright enough. The decode button could be in a better place, and the CW decoder is a waste of space, and the DSP is too 'active' on the lowest setting (I would like to retain a little background noise on speech, or at least have the option to control the level more). I found '3d' waterfall not to be very useful, more of a showoff feature, though the actual waterfall in itself is slightly better than the ic7851 and 7300's. The radio is 12v fed which is a big plus for me (though the power connector will probably wear and push through into the case as it did on my 991a with regular use, given it's the same connector type)

[@RateMyRadio]

I was a little surprised by a few little things such as the above to, but overall felt they did a much better job that I had expected. Certainly, the build quality felt sturdy, which was very welcome for the money, especially if you're going to trade off some of the features the IC-7610 has as standard for a more ragchewing and DX centric radio, which is our reading of its target market. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@G3PWP]

They have got it right it’s just awesome ! My previous sets are FT450D , FT1200 DX and a FT991 which I love but this “presses all the right buttons “ very easy to use and has loads of features I’m just waiting for an optional add on VC01 Tuner to arrive which I will install myself to give even more selection you can also add additional filters and if installed you then have almost the same spec as the MP version with exception of the extra 100 watts and dedicated speaker with built in PSU So a big thumbs up from me Mike UK 2E0LVL

[@pu2xbt74]

I want to know if this model FTDX101D already comes with the filter SSB XF128SN or this filter is optional ???? Can someone answer? 73

[@RateMyRadio]

It comes with a wider SSB filter as standard, however you can buy a narrower SSB filter. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@VK3FTOM]

Cool vk3ftom

[@RateMyRadio]

Its an exceptional bit of kit Tom, but don't be fooled it far exceeds what is needed to have a lot of fun in the hobby. In fact, one of the legacies of these new breed of radios such as the IC-7300, IC-7610 & FTdx101D is that second hand prices have plummeted and VERY good radios such as the Icom IC-7100 & IC-7200, Kenwood TS-590SG and others can be had very cheaply. In fact, the Icom IC-7200 which has IF DSP, built in USB for digital modes and is practically indestructable, - just to name a few features - can be had if you're quick for between $500-600. To get such a radio for that money is unprecedented! Enjoy the hobby, and remember that the chase is better than the catch, 73 Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@pu2xbt74]

which to buy yaesu FTDX 101 or Icom ic 7610 ?? which has more resources and credibility?

[@RateMyRadio]

The IC-7610 is a more well rounded radio. The FTdx101D has more personality, but you loose quite a bit of 'standard' connectivity in the process. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@slbynum]

I wouldn’t touch the 7610 until they get the screen issue squared away.

[@robertnagy2163]

Let's not forget, the 7610 is $1000 USD less. It doesn't do the Disco lights display, but I'll never use that. The 101D's 2D display needs work (averaging and color fill). Other than that, it is a amazing looking radio. Add averaging and I'l buy it. And PS: please give us the option to go over 3Khz on TX!

[@fredlodden1538]

I saw it last year at Hamvention. It is a 'physically large radio. The front panel design is interesting and a first glance it looks to be two different regions - the screen - and the buttons & knobs. Lots of bling with many illuminated buttons. The screen size and resolution is great. I think a 3D spectrum display is just a gimmick, adding no additinal information or making it easier to quickly interpret the displayed spectrum.

[@G3PWP]

Fred Lodden I find the 3D spectrum very useful when looking for other stations

[@TAKEONEURBANPRODUCTION]

The scope has its place and its useful but i stlill love analog meters and less menus.

[@psulion78]

How effective is the noise blanker?

[@RateMyRadio]

We're not sure, but we'll find out as soon as we can! There was no pulse noise when we recorded this video unfortunately. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@JamesCutlervk2tim]

Nice radio - nice price too! It is HF only???

[@alanhughes1262]

i heard there not in stock sell really fast

[@Gabagabe1]

there was buzzing noise, you should have tested the noise blanker.

[@frankjankovich3512]

How do you extend the front feet on the radio?

[@McRocking]

Twist & pull

[@Thejohnnyoshow]

I like this radio but i have a feeling the wideband noise blocker in flex is probably better on the noise sampe you showed at the end, it will probably be hard to find someone doing a comparison as i doubt to many people have this and a flex just laying around. but i would love to know, I was leaning toward the flex before this radio came out, but really would like to see if this has anything like the wideband noice blocker

[@RobB_VK6ES]

I wonder if Yeasu decided on the name before or after initial testing? Would'nt want to sully the iconic model number like the new VW beetle or Mini

[@brian-g4dvb384]

I sold my 101D in favour of a Flex6600M - Bad move !!! - I'm now selling the Flex and going back to the 101D !!

[@RadiosPlanesSpace]

Very nice HF radio..... I hope YAESU will next come out with a new FT-736 to complement this one :)

[@RateMyRadio]

They certainly are due for a VHF/UHF all mode, so we'll see. That said, they still have to start shipping the FTdx101MP which isn't expected for quite a few months, and I dare say there will be a few firmware updates in the process. My prediction would be that an IC-9700 competitor would be at least 2-3 years off. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@joansola1429]

Un aparato maravilloso.

[@davidray4128]

Would you trade your Icom 7610 for it?

[@kb9khm]

The radio is beautiful, but that speaker though .... what was Yaesu thinking?

[@RateMyRadio]

Wow, I’m surprised how many people don’t like the speaker its ‘ok’ in my books the lines match up etc but it doesn’t have nice analogue filtering like the SP-2000s of the past. Thanks for letting us know your thoughts - it confirms what many have said so far! 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@manuelmaseda4875]

Internet connectivity requires the optional Yaesu Network Control Box.

[@RateMyRadio]

Which will also support the FT-818ND! That was a surprise, but its pretty darn sad its not built into a 'mid' tier rig in this day and age. Yaesu sure has an obsession with external boxes for things. Still, we now look forward to the first QRP internet remotes! Lol, 73 Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@johnratcliffe6438]

@@RateMyRadio Particularly because competitors include such connectivity as a given. The new Elecraft K4 is the rig to watch, I'm awaiting the testing and owner reviews of that one with interest.

[@Markinpuff]

What sucks here in America anyway is that as the radios get more sophisticated, the Ham radio operators get stupider.

[@AdamSWL]

No different to just about anything else. Cars, Smartphones, home appliances....etc...etc...

[@marktate3431]

I want one....

[@quadplay2591]

The 3D display looks like a toy, but that's the only disappointed so far. At least the user can disable it.

[@RateMyRadio]

Look, I want to give it the benefit of the doubt but it really makes the radio feel like it has a 'ghetto blaster' feel to it. Dance Dance Revolution anyone? Perhaps DX DX Revolution? The 'traditional' scope over waterfall is decent, but lacks the refinement of Icom's scopes. I hope Yaesu adds to the firmware and makes the overall feel of the scope more pleasant. That said, I could live with it as it is. 73, Jarrad VK3BL

[@williamstaylor5449]

First impression: Love the looks of the hardware. However, the Display is not nearly as refined as the Icom 7610. Additionally, I feel the 3D aspect of the display is more of a gimmick.

[@RateMyRadio]

Dear William, you're absolutely correct in that the display (other than not burning in) doesn't come close to that of the IC-7610. The scope is quite flickery and its obvious Yaesu have a bit of work to do there. I'm hopeful that they will address it in subsequent firmware releases, as it would be a real pity of the new king of the Sherwood Rankings doesn't have a pretty scope. Thanks for the comment, 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@robertnagy2163]

William- I concur fully. My 7610 looks like a refined spectrum analyzer and I think most guys are going to use the traditional display. The 3D is just too flashy..and not calibrated. If IT was averaged too, it might be more useful as well. the FFT frame rate is excellent...just needs averaging.

[@cu4at]

The Radio locks like is bin afect weth static wen you get your hand close to the front painel , strange , but is locks a impresive gear , 73s

[@RateMyRadio]

That's likely something to do with trying to use my Mevo Live Event Camera for close in recording in low light - something it really sucks at which you can see at the end of the video when I use an iPhone in the same situation. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@pluszor]

Yaesu should include an epilepsy/seizure warning to all manuals coming with FTDX-101. This flashy display is absolutely a no-go. I know it can be tweaked in many ways but those abrupt orange 1 inch spikes are really of no use. 73!

[@riottaba]

That display is pure gimp

[@revadan]

Seems the same tech for DNR from there 891 model.

[@RateMyRadio]

It might very well be; that would be interesting to know I haven't looked into the parts list. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@g4obb]

" one of those people who likes a nice big knob " WTF!!!!!!!!!

[@RateMyRadio]

Have you ever let a young child into a ham shack? When they see a rig, the first thing they go for is the 'big knob'. As adults, I don't think we're too different, except perhaps we've lost our innocence and feel we can't say things as they are for fear of what people might read into it. Me? I'll just say it, I like my inner young child. 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@richylad]

Rate My Radio nicely delt with

[@rf8266]

Dinlemesi yokmu bu cihazın

[@ArleanSchieferstein-j7d]

Kohler Knoll

[@billyshears6503]

SAVE YOUR MONEY 95 % OF PULLING IN WEAK SIGNALS IS IN YOUR ANTENNA. HOWEVER IT LOOKS GREAT.

[@txpatriot7044]

In my opinion the 3d is a gimmick. I've had the radio almost 2 years and only use the 3d when I show the radio to friends. I don't have the speaker....id like a review to know if the speaker is better or not

[@Pull_It_Apart_Paul_Ham_CB]

Im giving it a thumbs down because it apparently does not or able to be upgraded to, to make a decen Espresso Coffee when i need one... 😅

[@Gw0wvl]

The design of the speaker looks awful .. looks very 1990's Kenwood , It doesn't suit the FTdx101 at all ..

[@RateMyRadio]

You're not the only one to say that but I am surprised - it actually suits the radio very well in my opinion, as all the lines and curves match up. That said, the lack of analogue filters offered on all previous Yaesu speakers is a bit sad in my opinion, especially given the plethora of knobs on the rig itself! 73, Jarrad VK3BL :)

[@JohnFT3414]

It's simple, one can't produce a 3D display on a 2D screen! A gimmick...

[@n0callham146]

Dude starts off his video with “better build quality than an Icom” give me a break man. Seriously. I’ll never buy another yaesu.

[@gregboggs4721]

N0CALL Ham Why will you never buy another Yaesu? Could you please explain, because I’m seriously considering buying the MP version.

[@danielkindred1793]

@@gregboggs4721 YOUR ASKING A CHEVY GUY HOW HE LIKES MOPERS