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write your own review of the Yaesu FT-100D.
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N5YRJ
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Rating: 3/5
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Aug 9, 2008 18:16
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OK at best.........
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned two FT 100d's. Ive also owned the FT 857 and the IC 706 MKIIG. The 100d is OK at best. For those that have owned it for many years with no problems you are mighty lucky. You better sell it before it breaks..... Both 100d's I had failed on me. The first one four times before the one year warranty was up, this included vhf/uhf PA failure all four times and the sticky button syndrome. The second lasted three years before vhf/uhf PA failure, but only months before the buttons started sticking on me. The FT 100D has a great display when compared to the 857 and a comparable one to the 706. I like the fact that it gives you two meter readings at once. You can see your power and swr at the same time. This is very useful when you are mobile. The receiver is great until you turn on the NB and inject a strong adjacent signal nearby. Then the receive goes to heck and a hand basket. When mobile the NB is almost a necessity... So receiver is mediocre. The Ft 100d has great transmit audio and has many features one could want in a small compact radio, but it is by no means a 5. It is OK at best. Buy at your own risk. If you intend to use it primarily on HF and 6 meters it should work fine... Yaesu has good customer service and for me and many of my local ham friends have provided personalized parking spots for repair work. Hi.Hi. 73'
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KG4RUL
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 30, 2008 18:16
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No Problems AT ALL!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Going on five years with radio as my mobile. I use it with a Lil Tarheel II for HF and a Comet tri-bander for VHF/UHF. BOTH antennas are mounted on heavy-duty Comet lip mounts on the hatch lid of my 2003 Saturn VUE.
That being said, my base rig is a Kenwood TS2000X. IF I could figure out where to put it, I would have one in the mobile using the remote head. Otherwise, I will stick with the Yaesu!
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KB3LAZ
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Rating: 3/5
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Jan 30, 2008 15:26
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ok radio at best
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Iv had my 100d for almost 2 years now. Do not care for it at all. For all the louder the volume goes u would think i was def. The rx audio is a 4 of 10 at best. The separation kit could have used some more planing. And the only radio with a worse display is the 857. Now i still give it a OK ratting because it operates as it says with no electronic defects. Such as full power out ect. Now I cant complain about the price as i only paid 475$ for it. But there not worth what there going for on ebay About 600$ no way. Maybe about 300$. Oh and Im not bashing yaesu because i love my vx7r and Im attached to my 920.
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AA5JG
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 14, 2007 17:17
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Excellent value
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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If you look around, you should be able to find a Yaesu FT100D used for around $500 to $550. I paid $500 for the one I have (a 2F serial number range). That is an excellent price for what you get-100 watts on HF and 6m, 50 watts on 2m, and 20 watts on 70cm, DSP built in, a memory keyer, speech processor, and excellent NB. With the D model you also get the 500hz CW filter and the TCXO as standard, which would cost around $250 to add to the FT857D or Icom 706mKIIG.
I have done just about everything with the FT100D-DXing, contesting, activating grid squares while mobile and contest roving, EME (moonbounce) on 2m, satellites, most digital modes, and just plain operating. It is the most radio you can get for $500, bar none, if you want to do both HF and VHF operating.
The DSP works nicely, especially the noise reduction and the band pass filtering. The noise reduction doesn't distort the received signal, and the band pass peak filter is awesome on CW.
Now the FT857D is a great value on the new market for less than $700, but I do think the receiver is a little better on the FT100D, and I really like the antenna pigtails, which makes it much easier for connecting and disconnecting antennas.
Anything I would change on it? Yes, specifically:
1. Add a headphones jack on the front
2. Make filters easier to install, and include a 1.8khz SSB filter option
3. Have the fans run all of the time on receive instead of requiring a modification.
If you don't have alot of money to spend on a radio, but want to do it all, this is the way to go. I would definitely recommend the D model over the plain FT100 as they don't cost that much more on the used market, and in addition to the CW filter, TCXO, and larger speaker, the D models (at least the 1 and later serial numbers) will have the improved grounding and the fan mods done at the factory.
Should you have problems with self oscillation-where you key the mic on SSB and it is putting out lots of power without you speaking into it, open up the case and tighten all of the circuit board screws. That will fix most problems, and this isn't unique to the FT100 series, I have also had to do this on an Icom 551D and a friend had to do it to his Icom 706MKIIG.
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KU4MY
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 13, 2007 20:04
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Easiest Rig To Operate - EVER!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have had my late model FT-100D for about two years now. I purchased it with the separation kit as I thought I might run it mobile but never have and likely never will. It has been a solid performer, has had all of the modifications done and is, once you are used to maneuvering through the menus, one of the easiest menu driven rigs I have ever seen. If you cannot run this one, do yourself a favor and shy away from it’s poor excuse for a replacement, the FT-857(D) and definitely stay away from the Icom706mkIIg because you will be lost forever. A few of the remarkable things about this rig are the NB and DSP, they are far superior to anything I have ever operated at any price. Once you learn to keep the DSP for TX audio OFF, you will be surprised at the compliments you receive, which usually begin something like, “You are running a WHAT?!?! NO WAY!!!” I have always wanted an FT-900/AT and may add one to the stable yet, but, it will not replace the FT-100D. It has always performed flawlessly on all bands with never a hint of an issue or a glitch. The next effort or addition will be to add a desk microphone. Other plusses are the easy to read and follow large blue display, which would have to be a gem for mobile use as compared to the other limping competitors and alleged replacements, the nice large VFO knob all the way down to little useful subtleties like the 5 QMB memory channels which are PERFECT for storing the 60m channels and are easily accessed. I never have understood the need for a bazillion memory channels and multiple banks, but it has em if that floats your boat. Yes, I have a ton of stuff stored which I did when I initially set it up, but, other than the QMB’s storing the 60m channels, the only others that are really useful or handy are for 2m/440 and 6m repeater and simplex frequency storage. I really hope that Yaesu will decide to make another rig as fine as the late serial number 100D’s again one day, but, from what I have seen and heard out there, like the FT-450 for example, I’m afraid that it will just fade into a fond memory or become a legend like the equally awesome FT-900/AT.
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W8TOG
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Rating: 4/5
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Aug 10, 2007 19:27
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not easy to learn to operate
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Bought mine 4 years ago and had to send it back because of a bad board.
I am still learning how to operate it in various modes.
Have a friend that owns one and still helps me.
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WV4R
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Rating: 4/5
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Jun 13, 2007 08:25
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My FT-100D Takes a Lickin' & Keeps on Tickin' . . .
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Yeasu FT-100D
I am writing this followup note since I have now owned my FT-100D for almost Five years without a hiccup.
I did hear rumors that the old “FT-100” units were dogs with fleas, however, I have the “D” model which has worked flawlessly since I bought it.
I have operated the FT-100D on Two DX-Safaris to the Islands with super results on CW, SSB, and Digi-modes.
I have installed it on my tractor and now am using it for VHF/UHF on my main console with a Sigma-5 Vertical Dipole and NO antenna tuner for Full Power Output… hey hay IF you gotz SWR problemos it is Not the rig’s fault, eh?
I use a good ground in accordance with good amateur practice and have no RF or other problemos.
I like the SSB receive audio and get gud reports on TX SSB audio as Communications Grade which is what I seek in this Portable radio.
I especially like the RX Bandspread, which can be configured to about one dial turn per hertz… or go Real Fast with a touch of the button.
I like the compact size and the bright display too.
I am sorry to see the plain jane “100” model was probably a real Dud, but the “100D” is an entirely different animule fer sure.
OK… I Do have three gripes with the rig…
ONE: There is no Grounding connection on the rig which Might make Some hams think it needs no ground… WRONG… All rigs need a ground… so I just attach it to the mounting bracket screws which are tapped into the heat sink of the rig.
TWO: I have some heartburn with the dual HF/VHF “pigtail” coax leads for hookup. I do like the Dual leads for separate antennae, but I prefer the chassis connectors, not pigtails… however… IF installation space is a consideration, the pigtail leads offer most flexibility for sure.
THREE: the cheapie plastic microphone has Two problemos which I corrected. First it has a heavy piece of metal attached inside to give it some heft… this is so bogus… I unscrewed this heavy bobweight and trashed it making the microphone light as a feather. Secondly, the Holes for the mic. Element are Not centered on the microphone element… amazing! These holes are Not for noise canceling they are just messed up. So I got out my dremel tool with a drill bit of the samo size as the factory holes… AFTER disassembling the unit… and made more holes that matched up AND got more of my audio to the microphone element without adding any more background noise. I did install a teeny bit of aucustic foam as a popper-stopper between the element and the case… for you audio purists worried about breath-blow on the element. You WILL get better audio reports IF you do this Modification to correct for poor design and manufacture.
Long term reliability, Function, RX & TX audio, Bandspread, Portability, and my THREE Gripes earn this rig the WV4R “FOUR” Star. 73 es God bless, murf.
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KB2SEO
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Rating: 0/5
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Jun 13, 2007 05:57
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It is a TURD, The rig is a Nightmare!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Purchased the FT100 just as the 100d was hitting the market from HRO in Atlanta, With a good sale of 100's, I figured it was worth it, I could afford an "atas 100" (which would be a great rain guage- Mine filled with water in 2 months)
kept getting told by yaesu that it was grounding, But the Hi SWR meter would come on- Even with a SWR of 1.2-1 and a TUNER running, 2 -440 went soft, could not get more than 5-7 watts out of 440- NOTHING I tried to use antenna wise would work.
I called Yeasu once again, explained that I blew over 1800 bucks for the ultimate setup and instead, it's falling apart (I later learned that ALL the early rigs had too much Flux used, the solder job was shoddy and quality control was nil)- the radio works into a dummy load- just not any antenna. this time- Now 8 Months later they switched the story to They was all sales slips sent BEFORE a RMA would be issued. I explained that I still had the deposit for the rig- and HRO would be willing to vouch that I indeed purchased the rig- the rest was paid cash, the invoice was lost.
Here it is-6 years later- I won't sell the rig as I would just dump a problem on someone else. I am hoping that enough disgruntled owners read this, Perhaps we can band together to make the tech dept. make good on this radio- 1200 bucks is a lot for a LEMON.
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VU3PAT
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Rating: 5/5
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Dec 25, 2006 20:30
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Great radio but I have a problem HELP!!
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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The radio surpasses everything in the market except my Kenwood TSB2000. I bought both in 2002. Its better than the Icom 706Mk II in terms of Rx coverage as it extendes to the 900Mhz + region making it simpler for one to construct a receive converter for the S/L bands. It was used in satellites using SPLIT mode. Sometimes I'd use it for TX only and downlink RX on my handy. Received weather sats too. The audio is fantastic. I was not too happy with the Menu setup at the beginning but when you use it everyday you kindof remember everything and operating the menu becomes a breeze later. Not a radio for someone who would like to work with one radio for some time and then move on to another radio in a week.
this is a 9 out of 10 Radio. 1/10 went missing becuase Yaesu did not think of a system by which excessive supply voltage could prevent damage to the radio which was what hapenned the other day. Now my radio is not completely dead. It boots but has an "outrng" message( what does this mean?? :( on the freq display but the other things like SWR and FUNC buttons works but you can't change bands or freq. the knob does not work now. Guess I'll have to get it serviced and spend some $$ for that.
Patrick
VU3PAT
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W5TD
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Rating: 5/5
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Sep 13, 2006 08:50
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Small in size, big in performance
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I recently got a Yaesu FT100D back in the shack, and am glad to have it back! This is definitely the best mobile HF/VHF/UHF radio out there, and might be beaten only by the Kenwood TS2000 in the overall HF/VHF/UHF market, and it does do better than the TS2000 in some things. Definitely a great value on the used market, when you figure that the CW filter and TCXO are standard.
The receiver is so much quieter than the 706 series radios I had been running this summer. I even took it to get it checked out briefly, it was so quiet. Thought maybe the receiver was bad HI HI. The DSP also works great, and you get the digital band pass filtering, which is a big help in crowded band conditions, and unavailable on the 706 series.
I have owned a Yaesu FT857, and it is a piece of junk compared to the FT100D. The FT100D actually works correctly on 6 meters (this might be fixed in the 857D), the menus are easier to use, and it has a better receiver. The receiver on the 857 is pretty noisy to start with and gets really bad when the band fills up with signals. Also, the NB on the FT100D is legandary-takes out power line noise I have hear where the NB on the 706 and 857 couldn't touch it.
And the FT100D has a reasonable SWR protection circuit. You still get full power out at a 2:1 SWR, which just makes sense. A 2:1 SWR is not going to hurt the finals in a properly designed radio. And when the SWR power cutback does occur, it doesn't destroy the audio as the SWR circuit does in the 857D.
I could go on and on, but this is just a great radio. Is it a DXing radio? I went through my logs and figured out that I have worked at least 210 DXCC countries with a FT100D, including 3Y0, 4W, YB, JD1 on 80 meters, YV0. Is it a contesting radio? I worked 850 QSOs on one in the 2002 Ten Meter contest. It must be both, then.
Get a later serial number, and you won't be disappointed. Much better than the 706MKIIG or the FT857D (a cheap attempt at a FT100D replacement).
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