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Reviews For: Yaesu FT-80C

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

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Review Summary For : Yaesu FT-80C
Reviews: 7MSRP:
Description:
Very similar to the Yaesu FT-747gx, the 80c has a metal case making it feel a bit robust plus it dosen't skip across the table when a button is pushed.
Product is not in production
More Info: http://
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
0074.3
LU1AAX Rating: 2020-09-22
Excellent classic HF transceiver Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Excellent HF transceiver. This radio looks like the FT-747gx without some keys, and circuit wise it is exactly like it. But beware that they are not equiped in the same way. FT-80C lacks the 500 Hz roofing filter that's standard gear in the FT-747GX. My FT-80C came with the TCXO option installed and it looks that even though the manual says TCXO is optional it was common for FT-80C to come with one installed. I got mine with the FT-747GX keys added and ready for general coverage. Operation is quite easy and it makes excellent for novice usage. It can be easily controlled from a computer using CAT and this makes it a good choice to work modes like SSTV and FT8.
LW8DJI Rating: 2012-05-15
not bad for price Time Owned: more than 12 months.
transceiver is not bad considering its price, in Argentina approx. 250-300 u $ s, the receiver is obviously suffering from the low price it is basic, but enough for general purposes. not to contest. the transmitter is very good with nice audio and good power. a transceiver is also very robust and easy to repair. I think in your price range has a 5.
NY4D Rating: 2007-10-10
Metal case is not a cure all Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Having just had one of these sent to me for evaluation, for anyone thinking the metal case is a cure for this rig's (ft747gx/sb1400) generic problems, it's not.

It is subject to most of the mechanical problems of the plastic cased FT-747gx, see my review, as that is what it is, a 747gx with a metal case instead. The front panel is plastic still. Same general flimsiness inside the rig.

It does have 20 programmable channels, but access to all the vfo functions is covered with a plastic pry off panel. You pry it off and use a toothpick or some such object to program the channels. Also band changing and the fast vfo function are covered by another pry off plastic panel.

You can program the rig with software through the CAT system. The same goes for the 747gx/sb-1400.

Also the rig comes without a cw filter, there's a slot for one though.

I'll give this the same rating I give the 747, a 2 for mechanicals and reliability and a 4 (barely) for general features/usefulness, IF you understand what you are getting. Overall a 3.

Once again, for general ham use, there are better choices for a bit more money. I sure wouldn't pay up for this over an FT-747gx just because it has a metal case.
YC3TKM Rating: 2006-04-30
Excellent Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Bought from a friend and really amazed by its performance compared to the price. It's about 2.000.000 rupiahs in Indonesia, maybe aroud USD225. Simple feature, sensitive rx, great tx power (mine put 180W out on 80m), excellent tx audio. Servicing / aligning is easy. Really best bang for the buck, especially for novice like me.
PY2ADR Rating: 2006-02-28
TUFF Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Best radio in his category.
Low price and very tuff. Metal case.
Mine is complete w/ all buttons and filters.
Good for a backup radio too.
Never had a problem w/ mine.
73´s -.-
KA0JQF Rating: 2002-11-10
Versatile, functional Time Owned: more than 12 months.
With a few dollars' worth of parts from Yaesu, the FT-80C gains the full functionality of the FT747 plus all the advantages of the '80 cited in the last review.

It's been an excellent performer over the past four years, serving as my primary rig in my shack, even with classics like the Drake C-Line and Collins KWM-2 on the desk at different times.

To gain the full functions of the FT747, the pads that go into the front panel were available from Yaesu USA directly at one time. Installing the pads into the front panel took only a few minutes but made all the radio's features available immediately.

It works well as a mobile rig and works many other Yaesu accessories for the '757 and 890 work with the '80, including the FC757 automatic antenna tuner (needs related cable), the FM board and more.
K8AG Rating: 2002-10-18
Different but the same Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
Looking at the picture, and reading the occasional classified add for one of these transceivers, one might mistake the ft-80c for an ft-747gx. Although they are very very similar, there are some major differences. First it is NOT an ft-747gx. Most of the features are the same however many of these radios were manufacturerd channelized without the memory and vfo functions normally associated with amateur HF transceivers. Another significant difference is that the 80c rarely (if ever) comes with the 500Hz CW filter installed. This was standard equipment on the 747gx. All in all, the receiver tends to be quite a bit more sensitive than many radios I have seen for much greater price. I get good reports on audio both SSB and CW. I purchased a 500Hz filter from Yaesu and installed it. It works OK, but definitely rings. Sometimes the ring is so loud as to be worse with the filter in than out.

I have tried the Linux Hamlib access software and it seems to work fine through a third party rs-232 interface. Also the general coverage transmit mod seems to be the same as well.

This radio is a very solid choice for a backup general purpose radio.