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Reviews For: Yaesu FT-450

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

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Review Summary For : Yaesu FT-450
Reviews: 219MSRP: aprox 999.00 new
Description:
The FT-450 is a rugged, innovative multi-band, multimode portable transceiver for the amateur radio HF & 6M bands. Providing coverage of the 160-10 meter bands plus the 6 m, the FT-450 includes operation on the SSB, CW, AM, FM, and Digital modes, yielding the most comprehensive performance package available for field operation.


Designed for use from an external DC power source, the FT-450 provides 100 watts of power output from a 13.8-Volt external power supply, 160 - 6 meter coverage
Product is in production
More Info: http://foxtango.org/FT-450/Yaesu_FT-450.htm
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
152194.6
N6MUK Rating: 2010-01-01
A pleasant surprise how nice a rig it is! Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
-I've had my little Yaesu FT-450AT for 11 months now and decided it was time to post here about it. A friend lent me his new one right out of the box. I silently scoffed at it because I'm so picky about a good and pleasant cw rig. Yaesu is not really known for this like Ten Tec and Elecraft are. So I took it home to try it out, just to be polite to my friend. After a few days of using it, I gave him the cash and just kept it; I like it that much! Yaesu has a winner for sure!

-I operate cw and several other digital modes but not SSB so if SSB is your thing, this review won't really be for you.

-Comments about the receiver being noisy, or lacking sensitivity are incorrect. I find the receiver to be excellent. It's not a $10,000 contest radio so don't expect it to receive like one.

-The AGC is just right and the IPO/ATT feature is very useful at times.

-At first, I thought the menu system might be daunting because I have never had a rig with complex layers of menus before. In reality, it just took about 20 minutes with the user manual to get the hang of it and then the features are quite intuitive. I don't seem to have trouble remembering how it all works if I don't use it for awhile. Maybe it just me, but Icom and Kenwood rigs don't seem to quite have the same user friendly menus like Yaesu and Ten Tec. I guess it's what you get used to.

-The DSP filtering is very nice. The width control, used together with the notch filter is great for cw. When a narrower filter is required, I switch in an outboard SCAF filter from New England QRP, which works great and I've never wanted more. The contour filter is super to help boost a weak signal and even the digital noise reduction works wonders at times. The DSP filters are tricky and it takes practice to learn to use them all together and effectively. I have spent more time learning to fine tune the DSPs than everything else on this rig put together. It has really paid off because proper DSP does work wonders. Really, the combo of the built in DSP filters (properly used) and the outboard SCAF filter is the best combo I've used in 20 years of cw operating. BTW, the built in keyer rocks.

-Some don't like the small knobs and I suspect they have big paws. I have smallish hands and think this rig is sized just perfectly and has a great tactual feel to it.

-Sometimes, while operating RTTY or PSK31 in VERY heavy and powerful QRM, I have wished for a more flexible filtering system like a variable bandwidth notch and a second notch/ autonotch. The fact is that there are limitations to any rig in this price class and in 11 months I've had SO MUCH FUN working 60 odd countries with the FT-450 and a vertical antenna and only wished for better filtering a few times in the big crowds. I don't contest much but if you do, this rig (like most) is suitable only for casual contesting. Get out a big dog check book if you want to get competitive!

-I disagree with those who don't like the built in antenna tuner. I think its great! Its fast and pretty quiet and matches well enough for me every time. I wouldn't consider buying the rig without that tuner! I think its about $75 extra. Where you going to get an auto tuner for under $100??

-This rig is an awful lot of Ham Radio bang for you buck. In this day and age of sobering economic reality, who really needs more than this FT-450 provides? For $600 (on sale) and a dipole or inexpensive vertical antenna, you can have tens of thousands worth of radio fun.
W7NYG Rating: 2009-12-27
not a real bargain Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I was surprised to find out my old Yaesu FT 840
has a more sensitive receiver.

The FT 840 has several problems. One is the push buttons that are not back lighted. Very difficult to use in dimly lighted rooms.

Tuning FT 840 with an external antenna tuner is not exactly easy.

If you need to change modes that is another procedure that requires pushing hard to read buttons.

Some adjustments are only accessible using the transceivers menu. That requires pushing dual function buttons and turning knobs.

The best way of making adjustments easy is downloading a copy of HRD ham radio deluxe software.

You will need a RS 232 serial cable with a DB 9 connector. That cable has to be a straight through pin to pin cable. Some cables are for modems or loop back systems. They have pins 2/3 reversed. So be extra careful which cable you pick.

The HRD software will make the FT 450 adjustment without pushing a single button or turning a knob.

The HRD software is best customized to meet each operators requirements.

The FT 840 looks like it has a exotic DSP circuit. I found that the DSP works best with CW, digital or RTTY modes.

The FT 450 is not user friendly and must be designed after the older FT 579 transceiver.

The IPO does provide some noise relief.
Like any new transceiver a day spent reading and understanding how to operate it will be necessary to get most out of your investment,

I experienced a main tuning shaft encoder failure after a months use. Yaesu made a seriously fast turn around. It must have been on it's way back within a hour after the encoder was replaced. I had the transceiver back the next day via UPS.

My opinion is stick with a FT 950 or some older transceiver.
KJ4MSM Rating: 2009-12-27
Nice Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I must say Im impressed thus far even though the bands are pretty much dead. Bought the 450at version for $799 at gigaparts. The receiver is very quiet. I was tetering between the 450 and the IC-7200. I havent played with the 7200, but I hear its amazing. I hope I made the right choice!

Paul, KJ4MSM
WP4CW Rating: 2009-12-18
Worth every penny Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I had a FT-450AT for 7 months. I've owned radios like the OMNI VII, FT-1k MKV, and the K3. I was pleased with this one. At the time of purchase, the $200 dollar discount coupon made the difference. I rate this radio 5 of 5. Ted
KJ4DKT Rating: 2009-12-17
BIG RIG PERFORMANCE Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
i currently have a ts-50, two ic-756 pros, and a late model ft-450. the ft-450 is as good in every respect as the icoms. it is far superior to the ts-50. i would sell the icoms and kwood before i would sell the yaesu. the size, functions, specs, and cost (value) are with the yaesu. fortunately, all are paid for and i can keep them in my shack and car. if you shopped around, you can find a ft-450AT for $400.00. the best money i ever spent on a hf radio. kj4dkt
N0ANE Rating: 2009-12-07
Great DSP rig for the money Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have used an FT-920, FT-897D, FT-857D, Kenwood TS-570SG, Kenwood TS-140 and more. After buying this FT-450 I ran it side by side with the TS-570SG with the intention of keeping the best rig. Both are good but the 450 won. I don't miss my FT-920 either.

The DSP really works. It still brings a smile whenever the DSP tools make a marginal signal become pleasant copy. The contour raises signals over the noise level. An actual RF notch is just great for local birdies and other carriers. Selectable bandwidth at this price is such a great bonus. This receive audio with any decent speaker is simply pleasing to my ears. I am always getting good reports on transmit audio with the stock mic.

Gripes: CW narrow needs to be more narrow, digital modes should offer narrow IF bandwidth.

At this price I am happy to accept the shortcomings. How much more radio can we get for the money? All this at twice the price of my Heathkit HW101 bought in 1973. We have it good!

Mike, WQ0A
KC0KJF Rating: 2009-12-07
Junk take to salvage yard Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
This was the biggest disappointment to date, the radio was junk right out of the box , rec was terrible. trans was less than desirable i have a galaxy for ten meters that outperformed this radio.
K4SPS Rating: 2009-12-03
Modern meets Old - East meets West Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This FT-450 transceiver was easily set up to drive my old Yaesu FL-2100B amplifier. All that was required was a simple 12 volt switching relay (which was scavenged out of a motorized skate board). This relay/cable was then plugged into the FT-450's tuner 8 pin mini-din socket which was then connected to the relay and ground connections on the back of this 70's vintage amp.

This combination works perfectly and I daily receive good signal reports. I couldn't be more pleased with the great Yaesu technology that has persisted through the years! 600 to 700 watts via the superlative Svetlana tubes which upgraded this amplifier - always seems to get the job done! K4SPS
K7ZOV Rating: 2009-11-22
Review 2 Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I am now sure my 703 trade was my best trade ever. Today was day 2 of the ARRL contest. I got on for 2 hours and made 40 contacts ranging on 40, 20 and 15 meters. The internal ATU was fast and gave me 1:1 on all freq. The IF/DSP did an awesome job pulling out and cleaning up signals. I got numerous "great sound" reports. All in all I was very, very impressed. Also had fun making the display color change to a nice Green on black Was good on the eyes too..hihi I would recommend this radio in a heartbeat. I might put my 706mkii up for trade for another one. I have had that one mobile with dsp and both filters and I like this radio better. First time I ran across one that impressed me so much without costing in the $2000 to $4000 range. The radio still can't match those but it does one hell of a job anyway.

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Earlier 5-star review posted by K7ZOV on 2009-11-21

Traded my IC-703 for a FT-450 then found out it was an AT to boot. Have had it only a few days and wanted to share my first impressions. It is a Apr/2007 version with the latest software update. Size is compact but not small like the 857D. Display is easy to read. Menu system was easier then I expected to use. Comparing the 450 with my IC-756 classic so far they both hear the same with the same s-meter or no s-meter reading as the 756. Close signal using the IF/DSP function surprised me in that they did as good as if not better job of cutting out close stations and hetrodyning then the 756. The DSP DNR is as good if not better also. (remember this in NOT the pro series) I have a s-7 background last might and it pulled it out and made cw/ssb copy clean and clear. Got good reports on my audio quality and I have not played with that feature as of yet. The internal ATU worked perfect with my 4BTV. Sound quality was over all good but the really don't like the small speaker. This looks like a keeper. Next step computer interfacing, digital modes, and portable with one of my rebuilt ATAS-100's. Will report back. This is not a FT-950/2000/9000 or a 756 pro III, but so far it is at worst as good and in many cases better in many ways to a 857D, 706mkII, 703, 718 and 756 non-pro all of which I have used and enjoyed (except the 857d). If you are considering a FT-450 it would be a good choice.
M3SKF Rating: 2009-11-21
top class Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
THIS IS THE HIDDEN GEM OF THE HAM RADIO SALES MARKET,JUST LOOK AT THE SPEC ON THIS RADIO.GO COMPARE THIS TO ALL THE OTHERS THEN CHECK THE PRICE TAG.i OWN SEVERAL HF TRANSCEIVERS AND HAVE HAD MOST OF THE MID RANGE AND SEMI SO CALLED TOP RANGE RADIO IN THE OFFERING OVER THE LAST 20YR.THE FT450 IS A FINE RADIO AND ONE THAT TAKES ALOT OF LICKING IN FACT ITS AS GOOD AND VERY COMPARIBLE TO ANY RADIO COSTING TWICE AS MUCH.MENU IS EASY TO WORK AND THE DSP IS ONE OF THE BEST I USED TO DATE THE TX AUDIO IS SUPER WITH THE VARIOUS DSP SETTINGS.WELL DONE TO YAESU FOR OFFERING A TOP CLASS RADIO THAT WORKS SO WELL AND COSTS A FRACTION OF WHAT ELSE IS ON THE MARKET.GO GET ONE 2ND USER OR BUY BRAND NEW THEN GET ON THE BANDS AND GO HEAD TO HEAD WITH THE BIG GUNS,OOH YEA IT PLAYS ALONG SIDE THEM VERY WELL INDEED AND GUESS WHAT THEY DONT LIKE IT.ITA A KEEPER FOR SHURE YOU CANT GO WRONG.