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Reviews For: Yaesu FTdx-1200

Category: Transceivers: HF Amateur HF+6M+VHF+UHF models - non QRP <5W

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Review Summary For : Yaesu FTdx-1200
Reviews: 129MSRP: 1879
Description:
The FT DX 1200 provides up to 100 Watts on SSB, CW, and FM
(25 Watts AM carrier) and a rugged state of the art highly
balanced receiver circuit configuration for top performance
on today’s crowded bands. Similar to the high end “YAESU FT
DX” series, it uses 32-bit high speed floating point DSP.
Yaesu’s acclaimed superior DSP algorithm is highly effective
in weak signal processing and enhancement. The 1st IF
frequency is protected by selectable 3 kHz, 6 kHz and 15 kHz
roofing filters that effectively attenuate interfering
signals.
Product is in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
42.51294.6
W6RMC Rating: 2021-02-27
Significant Improvement Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I was looking for something new to replace my aging TS-2000 and the FTDX1200 looked interesting. So, I went to HRO in Oakland and did a side-by-side test using the same antenna and same signals.

The Yaesu won hands down on receive.

But it isn't a "Shack in a box" like the 2000. I want a radio that does a few things really well, not one that does a lot of things "ok".

I'm just working through the manual and the feature set is incredible.

**UPDATE**

4+ years later and I'm still enjoying this rig.

I get excellent signal reports SSB and CW.

I think I'll keep this one a while longer.
W8YFL Rating: 2021-02-19
Really enjoyable Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I had been looking to upgrade from my IC-718 which I'd had for 13 yrs. I previously had had a FT-301D and the FT-707 and enjoyed them both. The Icom never had the receive of the old Yaesu rigs.
So when HRO was closing out the 1200 in the fall of 2019 I pulled the trigger, and I'm so glad I did. I can't express how impressed I am with this radio. It is such a pleasure to listen to with speaker (sp-767) or headphones.
I hope to keep this one around for many years.
KT8DX Rating: 2021-02-18
Simply put - best rig I've owned Time Owned: more than 12 months.
UPDATE:

Well, I drank the coolaid and bought a Flex 6400. Used it for the past two years while the 1200 sat on a shelf. I generally sell radios rather than have a "back up" but for some reason did not sell the 1200. The 6400 was great but decided to sell it and put the 1200 back in service.
While it doesn't quite have the receiver the 6400 did, I find it more fun and intuitive to use. Glad I didn't sell it and I'm having fun with it. It certainly has more amenities for CW than the Flex did.

I've been a ham since 1975 and have owned quite a few rigs. With the exception of the TS-940 I used to own this is my favorite radio. Controls are solid and not tiny little pots like some other radios I've had. It is ultra reliable unlike the many Ten-Tec's I've owned. The ergonomics are great, receiver performance is fantastic, CW features are wonderful. I go through radios and get tired of them easily. This one I've had since they first came out and feel no need to "upgrade". If I did it would be to a FTDX-3000 only to have the Panadapter output, real-time scope, and second receiver. I see Yaesu has discounted these further now - if you are on the fence you can't go wrong pulling the trigger on this radio.

----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by KT8DX on 2015-11-18

My Omni VII developed some issues so I was faced with a repair/replace situation. Probably 350 to 400 to fix and to replace with another Ten-Tec (Eagle) would cost around $1400 or so. So - I went down to the local DX Engineering store "just to look". Well you know how that goes.

Anyhow, bought the 1200 and sold the Omni VII. What did I lose/gain? Audio I think is much better on the 1200 - less distortion. Better NR. Selectivity seems to be there although I haven't had it in a contest yet. Radio is MUCH more attractive and colorful! Shiny objects have always been fun. I find the scope useable as is - no complaints. Its not the Flex pan adaptor but has its application as long as you accept its limitations.

My biggest loss? Binaural receive which I loved on the Omni. Other than that, rig is fast, fun, a pleasure to use, and attractive. Bought the nifty manual but haven't needed it really. The menus are laid out well.

Unbelievable for the price of less than $1100!

G0LFQ Rating: 2021-01-16
Great radio for the cost Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The Yaesu FTdx1200 represents great value for money. If you see one second hand, buy it because the prices are so low for a radio of this capability. The DNR and NB work well to give a very quiet RX, even using the built in speaker, which makes listening that much easier. It has a logical front end which makes it a pleasure to operate, the only "niggle" being the power adjustment which is located in the main menu but you can counter this by utilising the CS button to quickly gain access to change the power output. You can spend thousands more but you wouldn't gain too much other than less desk space and a hole in the bank account :)
W9RNA Rating: 2021-01-02
Nice replacemnet for FT-920 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
When mt FT-920 stopped working after 21years. I had to find a new radio to replace it. I have seen the FTDX 1200 for awhile. And always tought if something happened to the 920. This would make a good upgrade.
Well that's what I did, I found a 2 year old unit on ebay. And bought it. I have been using it for about a month now. And after getting used to doing the menu dance. I have it working very well. The rx is very close to the 920. But the 1200 has better roofing filters, and better IPO settings.
It has been a little of a learning curve, but that's to be expected. I did not know, Yaesu disco'd the radio. For lack of parts. Until after I bought it. That's why my 920 is now sitting in the basement. No dsp parts. Maybe I'll sell for parts will see. But for now the FTDX 1200 is staying in the shack.
VA3IPG Rating: 2020-12-10
Amazing Time Owned: more than 12 months.
i purchased this radio 6 years ago and with it, i also got all the boards to fill all the internal sockets. that made of this rig a fully loaded one. I dont have any complaints about it, i already put thousands of hours of usage on it and still alive and kicking. everyday i dive into the pileups using the 100w and i never left a frequency without making the contact! easy to handle, confortable receiving. i certainly recommend this radio.
VK2SR Rating: 2020-10-23
GREAT RIG Time Owned: more than 12 months.
At the time this rig was outstanding value for money. The ftdx3000 is now the best HF rig for the price! The 1200 is Simple to operate with a very good receiver, excellent DSP noise reduction, easy set and forget menu's and a practical display which is easy on the eyes. A competitive rig for dxing and casual contesting with classic Yaesu SSB TX audio that is now even better value for money on the SH market. Good design effort Yaesu!
M0HDX Rating: 2020-10-18
Fantastic Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Picked up my FTDX1200 second hand at a great price, Tested it next to my Kenwood TS-890 and every thing i heard and adjusted on the 890 the 1200 did it just as well if not better at times, The DNR on the 1200 was far superior to that on the 890 which sounded watery and a burbling sound like the old TS-570 did 25 years ago so nothing improved there., OK it had a pretty screen and scope but i much preferred the FTDX1200 and sold my TS-890. The reception is great, The DNR is outstanding along with the narrow filters, notch and IF notch. I am amazed at the performance of the 1200 when you consider the price on the second hand marked, Definitely a damn fine radio and a keeper.
KM4ZVU Rating: 2020-10-17
Fantastic HF Reciever Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I recently traded for this radio, i previously was using the Ft450D. This radio is a Big step up ! The receiver is 10 times better than the 450, i can tune all of the HF static out, unlike the 450, which was a god radio, but the constant static would give me a headache.
The screen is very nice ! Helps to tune in signals and using the menu is extra simple and easy.

Ease of use, nice screen and Great receiver makes the Radio a winner.
KQ9I Rating: 2020-09-23
Good rig for non-SDR Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Picked this rig up at an auction for a great price and couldn't be happier (OK, well, I could be if it was a FTDX5000!). This rig came out in about 2013 if I recall correctly, when SDR XCVRs were still scary expensive and not as common as today. So don't compare apples to oranges: there are few SDR bells and whistles, such as a good spectrum display. That said, it's an excellent design for a traditional XCVR. Reception is great, transmitted audio is great, filters work very well. Handles 100W FT8 with no issues.

Downsides: AWFUL spectrum display, even with FFT module. However, there is an easy fix for this- get an RTL-SDR for $30, a 2 male RCA to SMA cable and plug it into the output of the Microtune plugs, and fire up HDSDR. Voila- Panadapter, CAT control, TX with the click of a mouse. Works perfectly. See the groups.io for FTDX1200 for more info.

60m-I kinda hate how Yaesu has implemented 60m in this radio, with locked frequency channels that are a pain to use.

Bottom line- If you can pick up a used 1200 for a reasonable price, grab it. You'll be happy. But if you're looking for a new new rig, I'd go with a modern SDR like a Flex Radio or similar.