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| Reviews Summary for Yaesu FT-101ZD |
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Reviews: 28
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Average rating: 4.8/5
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MSRP: $$895 (1979-198X)
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Description: 180w (input power) SSB/CW/AM HF Transceiver covering 160-10 mtrs plus WWV. Hybrid solid state design incorporating tube 12BY7A driver and 6146B finals. Featured digital and analog display, variable IF bandwidth, noise blanker with threshold adjustment, and RF speech processor, selectable AGC. Considered by some to be the peak of the FT-101 Series.
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KB3SEA
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 13, 2009 20:58
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need i say more?
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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If you've read the other reviews, you know it's a great rig and I have to agree.
However, it is getting old. Mine was built it March 1979 and it's showing it's age. It does need repair, but I'm hoping it's a simple fix.
This is my first HF radio, and... of course it's taken it's share of abuse from a learning ham quite well, I suppose... I suggest reading the manual before you plug it in if you've never operated an HF rig. If you don't have a manual...GET ONE. There's alot more to it than these newer VHF/UHF radios.
..anyway, it's a great rig to start with (low cost, forgiving to a new ham, simple parts) and a great performer.
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K4IQT
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 9, 2009 04:03
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Excellent, easy to use
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Best rice box I've ever used!
I still regret selling my FT-101ZD Mk I several years ago, but the Wyoming ham that bought it is probably having a great time with it. During the ten years or so that I owned it, this rig provided excellent and reliable service, fine audio reports, and many enjoyable QSO's on SSB and CW. The receiver is stable and quite clean, and does very well in a multi-station FD environment. The transmitter, with its tube-type driver and finals, is a joy to use. We get spoiled with our broadband finals these days, but the 101ZD's 6146's were very tolerant of tuneups. You just had to keep a dummy load and antenna switch handy, and keep a record of your mike and drive levels and your final tank settings for each band segment.
I'll probably get another FT-101ZD in the near future, preferably a Mk III with its WARC bands. It'll make a well-bred companion to my Ten-Tec and Elecraft rigs.
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GM4ULS
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Rating: 4/5
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Apr 13, 2009 23:04
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I can see why it was the flagship
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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It is 0600 UTC, I have just worked S04R (Western Sahara) on 7.185/7.190 split, using the tx clarifier. The antenna is a short doublet at roof height. This is precisely what I have this rig for - the top end of 40m (from a European point of view).
I love this rig. It was my late father's, and he bought it new in 1981. OK it hasn't got CAT, PSK31, a screen, auto-keyer for bug keys, instant tune on all bands, but it is still pretty wonderful for what it is!
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VE3PTC
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 10, 2009 15:22
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very nice!
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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i was looking for an ft 102, but this gem came up, at a local swap.in pristine condx, obviously well looked after by previous owner.
definately a trip down memory lane for me. the received audio is superb, with very low noise floor, especially on lower frequency's.
on the transmit side of things, plenty of audio drive, from an old yd 148 mic, and when condx dictate, or that special call comes up, the processor adds real punch to your output.
all necessary controls are very nicely grouped, and function well. easy to tune up. its a delight to operate this golden oldie from yaesu.
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MI3LVZ
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Rating: 5/5
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Feb 2, 2009 09:28
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Memory lane
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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If you fancy a nostalgia trip down memory lane, well this is the lady for you. Dont expect too many bells and whistle's with this old gal but who needs all that anyway!? These old rigs are probably responsible for the start of many's an amateurs career and are plentiful on the second hand market. Great back up rig or even just for fun to use. The down side is you'll most likely need to reinforce the bench as these old mama's aint no light weight!
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W3ML
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 25, 2009 19:06
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Great rig even today
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The FT 101ZD was my second rig. I still have it on the desktop, but don't use it that much. The last time I used it was when I took it to Field day and we used it. Sure easier to take than the new FT 2000D.
John
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YY1MFF
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 25, 2009 17:08
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Incredible Rig
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I am young , once my rig old and
Yeah it is an incredible rig ...
Rx clean and Tx powerful.
Very stable VFO, I do have the analog model (101Z).
Over 30 years still going and the best service for me .this is best guarantee and recommendation.
I have nothing bad to say about these precious models.
OH! almost forget; the 6146 valves are the same when 1979 ,still given full power for Jan 2009
It is no Incredible ?
I apologize for my English
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GM1FLQ
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 1, 2009 04:13
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Solid construction
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Like this radio but being a good old CBer's favourite it is difficult to get a good unmolested one now and most of the hobby newcomers don't know the first thing about tuning a valve PA albeit foundation level operators shouldn't even be using them.
Mine had an annoying wear spot in the vfo gearing where a previous owner must have rocked the vfo knob back and forth over the same 2 or 3khz for most of it's life.
Along with the FT990 & FT1000D it is probably one of the best radios Yaesu built.
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M3RTX
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 1, 2009 00:30
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GOT ONE - KEEP IT!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Even qrp this was a great radio! Load of contacts.
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W5YDM
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 5, 2008 19:05
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30 yrs and still going
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I bought one of the early ZD's in April 1979, so I don't have AM or WARC bands. I lost interest in ham radio around 1983 and dropped out of sight until this summer, so my 30 year old FT-101ZD really has only about 4 years use on it. It's just a really good radio and about the only complaint I can come up with is while operating cw (my only mode), the clicking T/R relay drives me nuts, so instead of semi-breakin, I have to lock the rig in transmit. Small annoyance from an otherwise great radio. I especially like it because it has a knob for every function instead of a menu.
Mine doesn't have a drift problem. Never did. The early ones had frequency display drift, so maybe that's what some of you are seeing. Mine had it too and it was a common problem so Yaesu sent me a new display unit, which eliminated the problem. If you have an early FT-101ZD the dimmer control will cause the display to drift so try running it as dim as it will go. Even when my display drifted, it was never as bad as some of you describe.
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