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Reviews For: Yaesu FT-100D

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

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Review Summary For : Yaesu FT-100D
Reviews: 167MSRP: 1,200.00
Description:
HF MOBILE
Product is not in production
More Info: http://yaesu.hamgear.eu/ft-100.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001674.2
ON4LG Rating: 2002-05-27
EXCELLENT Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
An excellent compact radio, full of features.
I really love the new speaker, it produces a great audio. The 500hz CW filter does a good job too. Glad to change my IC706 for this Yeasu (my 1st one).
FORMER_WS4V_KS Rating: 2002-05-19
Splendid! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
The Yaesu FT100D has been a welcome addition to my mobile operations for sure! I am still amazed by how much technology can be crammed into one small little box. The front panel is ergonomically designed and easy to use. Everything you need really is in one unit.
The main reason I chose to use the 100D in my car over the 706 series was the ATAS 100 antenna system. Matched to the 100D this is the ULTIMATE way to go mobile.
Installation of the antenna was simple and straight forward. Just make sure there is good ground with the antenna system. The best thing though? The antenna is not overbearing or an eye-sore like some other HF antennas I've seen on cars.
Operation is simple, too. Just push the TUNE button in the menu system of the FT100D and wait for the antenna to retract or lengthen. Next thing you know and the radio reads that the SWR is good and you're ready to roll.
I operate everywhere from 40 meters to 10 meters (including WARC) and reception is excellent. Reports are good, too. Good reception on 2/440, too.
The DSP and audio/filtering tailoring on the 100D is second to none. Noise blanker is superb compared to the 706 or DX70T.
Radio itself has over 300 memories (more than I'll every need).
Microphone is backlit for nite operations (thanks, Yaesu!) and very sturdy and well built. You can also hop to different bands, scan and toggle between frequencies via the microphone features (something I find very useful when driving).
The blue LCD is a nice feature and it is easily adjusted to one's preference. I find the blue lighting much easier on the eyes at night, too.
Frequency readout is clear as are all the other displayed readouts.
Also really like the lock feature to prevent accidental button press problems.
Yaesu really did their homework here, I believe, on what the ham on the road really likes in a radio.
I've used the 706 in the past with an Outbacker Perth Plus and found that, too, to be a nice setup. (The Outbacker is one amazing antenna!). But, I found changing bands to be a chore with having to stop at the side of the road and change band taps. Also, the frequency range on each band with the Outbacker is nowhere near what the ATAS 100 provides.
If you only work one band then by all means the 706 with the Outbacker, Hamstick or equivalent would be just fine but for increased versatility and one touch antenna tuning the 100D/ATAS is, in my opinion, a much better way to go.
Easy to use (the manual was only looked at breifly for some of the unique features), intuitive, great audio (a Yaesu standard), nice features.
Give the FT 100D a look. You'll like what you see.
NC7M Rating: 2002-05-06
Great little rig. Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I bought this rig about a month a go. I finally got a good antenna for the car and have worked some serious DX with it. 3V8BB, JY9NX, and a bunch of eu. Really have enjoyed the radio. Recomend it highly. 73 NC7M
N6AF Rating: 2002-04-12
N2ZD Mic Mod Time Owned: more than 12 months.
The microphone modification described in my February 25th posting was originally described by N2ZD, Richy. So when you start getting those excellent transmit audio reports tell 'em you're enjoying the "N2ZD mic mod".

Chas N6AF

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Earlier 5-star review posted by N6AF on 2002-02-25

I have posted my positive review about the FT-100D previously. I wanted to tell all FT-100D users about the simple microphone mod that will make your transmit audio sound outstanding. Open the mic, remove 4 screws, carefully remove the electret mic element and take out the tiny plastic "baffle" that's in front of the element.
Then jam a needle through the 3rd tiny hole in the front. Re-insert the mic element. You will have trouble convincing people that you're using an FT-100D. That little baffle is in there to reduce "wind noise" during mobile operation. Problem is that it provides some pretty heavy low pass filtering, resulting in the infamous FT100 "muffled" transmit audio. I couldn't believe the audio reports I was getting last night. A great little rig just go whole lot better. I compare the stock FT-100D to a Turbo Porsche with a restricted intake manifold. Take out the baffle and this baby just screams! Yahoo!
N6AF Chas
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Earlier 5-star review posted by N6AF on 2001-12-19

I wanted a receiver that could handle crowded CW conditions and this one fit the bill. Between its superior overload performance, variable band pass DSP filtering and excellent noise blanker this receiver is just great! That goes for HF, VHF and UHF operation. My only real complaint is that it seems that a fair number of these units need to have the spurious oscillation modification done. And all of them require the fan modification in order for the fans to operate properly during extended periods of receiving on VHF/UHF. But once those two mods are made the rig performs flawlessly. Also, as compared to the obvious competing rig, the 100(D) tunes well beyond the 460 MHz limit of the other one so you can listen to your public services around 490 MHz if you so desire. The manual lacks complete information, especially about AM operation so you have to "experiment" your way to optimum operation. Note that the 6 kHz optional filter is needed for AM operation so be ready to spring another 100 bucks or so if you want to join the AM bunch on 75 meters. Once the filter is installed and you set the rig up properly it works fine though. The users forum at Yahoo/groups/FT-100D archives a huge amount of operating hints so go check that site out. I bought mine in December 2000 (about a year ago) and have had a blast with it. I paid considerably more than the current approximate $850 price. What I thought was a fair deal then is now a great deal. So that's my story. It's a 4.9 out of 5 due to the two mentioned but fixable bugs but the performance gives it a full 5 rating. If the other rig had variable bandpass DSP, a noise blanker equally effective and the extended receive range I would have taken a closer look at it, especially if I was aware of the two bugs. But the other rig doesn't have those pluses and the two bugs are fixable so I'm quite happy with my choice. I worked a bunch of stations on 6 meters, coast to coast, the other day using a G5RV. Just a whole bunch of fun!
N6AF Chas
M5BXB Rating: 2002-03-05
Simply the best for mobile use Time Owned: more than 12 months.
For all those with this great rig, and for those who are considering getting one, there is a great bulletin board at tyhe following link. You will NOT have to subscibe to use it.

http://pluto.beseen.com/boardroom/x/48479/



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Earlier 5-star review posted by M5BXB on 2002-01-15

I have had my Ft100 for over a year now and am delighted with it's performance. Great value for money.
There is a bulletin board on my website www.qsl.net/m5bxb

73
W2CSH Rating: 2002-03-05
Not for the price Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I borrowed a new FT-100D a few months ago as I was looking for a mobile rig to replace my Ten Tec Scout, Yaesu FT-90 combination in the new vehicle. I noticed right away that the unit picked up a lot of RFI from the car's computer and the ABS processor. The dealer had some sevice bulletins that eliminated the ignition noise and the electric fuel pump noise but there was still noise being picked up. The screen and controls are impossible to read if you are farsighted and using bifocals. Its just as annoying as the FT-90 mini VHF/UHF rig. On the air audio reports were nothing to write home about and the programming of frequencies are difficult if you don't opt for the very pricey cable and software. Even though the FT-100D boasts a larger speaker remote mounting makes the use of a auxillary speaker necessary if you want to hear the rig without the volume distorted at high levels. For desktop use the internal speaker is fine but is still not up to vehicle use. Yeasu's use of RJ-45 connectors for microphones should be banned by international treaty as I have repaired my FT-90's twice and the FT-100D pulled out a conductor and had to be repaired before being returned.

After my disappointment with the FT-100D I tried the ICOM IC-706 and found it easier to see, easier to operate with intuitive menus and functions. The MIC is larger and the controls easier to manipulate without looking away from the road. It can be programmed quickly without software. It also has some features burried in menus that will get you killed or maimed if you go looking for them while driving. Overall though I liked it better than the FT-100D. Price is about 200 to 400 more than the FT-100D street price because it is popular and not discounted.

So what did I end up buying you ask? Well I was searching through ebay just last week and found RadioShack.com auctioning off about fifty brand new Alinco DX-70's in a dutch auction. I got one for $360.00 brand new, latest version, full warranty. I got more than that price when I sold my Ten Tec and all the accessories, enough to buy an LDG automatic mobile antenna tuner and a case of imported beer. If you look at the specs the Alinco has one of the best receivers in the business, sounds great on the air, is less complicated and far cheaper than either the Yaesu or ICOM and it is far more impervious to noise than either the FT-100D or the IC-706. I kept my FT-90 since it's paid for and can live with having two radios in the car.
WV4I Rating: 2002-03-05
Mike/Receiver/Support Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Kudos to N6AF for his mike mod info. Makes me wonder what type operation was planned for the stock mike by Yaesu, with a BAFFLE completely covering the mike element. Getting good audio reports without baffle from base ops. Have worked ops using the Heil HC-5 mike/FT-100D who had excellent audio also.
The receiver in this radio is on par with my FT-890, as far as what you can hear. Neither the FT-100D or my FT-890 receivers are even close to the receiver (sensitivity) in my FT-990. Nothing scientific about such a comparison, just do a A/B test with the same antenna.
Yaesu support. I'm surprised that nobody ever comments here that you should not need warranty work on a new radio. My VX-5R has a dead receiver, and the present repair time time estimate is 5 weeks. No, it has not been modded or opened up by me in any way. Guess at some point I'll have to send in FT-100D for the infamous internal grounding strap mod if mobile RFI can't be solved.
The FT-100D seems to be extremely susceptible to RFI in mobile ops. My other HF mobile ops have been with the Alinco DX-70T/TH, the latter you just bolt in, connect power and reasonable antenna, and away you go with good audio, no menus, push button ops, and at nearly half the price (see Ebay). The receiver sensitivity of the DX-70T/TH is at least as good as that found in the FT-100D and FT-890, if not slightly better. I use hamstick antennas, by the way, tuned with MFJ-259 analyzer.

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Earlier 3-star review posted by WV4I on 2002-01-04

For HF mobile in congested areas, found Alinco DX-70TH far easier to operate. While it had
no DSP, it did come with decent SSB and CW filters, at the touch of a much larger button(s).
Also, DX-70 series is buttons only, larger than FT-100's, and no menus. While the DX-70T/TH
does not do 2M/70CM, it is more than adequate for HF mobile, at HALF the price. In fact,
unless you work 6M, the DX-70T (T is 10W on 6M, TH is 100W on 6M) would be my choice,
with a separate 2M/70CM rig. I have had several reports of distorted audio on 2M FM with
the FT-100D, and still don't have this issue solved. AArgh! Lastly, the power cord is normal,
there are no pigtails, and the separation kit/other accessories is/are far cheaper for the
DX-70 series.
Any body got a DX-70 they want to sell cheap? Hi!
KB7NTL Rating: 2002-03-05
Goliath beware! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is one packed little radio. So is the 706. Sparing prev tech details, I love it. Do your research and choose what fits you. This rig delivers audio as good or better than my FT-890AT, which I also adore. Yaesu is noted for its excellent customer support, and I can say from experience Icom left me wanting in that department. A little less power on 70cm than I'd like but adequate to access what I need to. Where was this radio when I was a packet sysop years ago? Very easy to tweak in all modes.
Don't let the rash of complaints scare you if you want one. I have been inside this radio and found no loose screws or solder flux or anything suspicious whatsoever. Advice: Rumor has it that Yaesu's specials are finished at the end of March, and no new incentive is planned. So now may be the best time to buy. Note tuners and accessories are more reasonably priced also. Not perfect, but close enough for me.
73 and good DX!
K
KJ4GY Rating: 2002-02-26
Excellant CW Reciever Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have a Icom 756pro and a new FT100D.I believe the Ft100D sounds better than the PRO
on CW recieve.The FT100D comes with a 500HZ CW filter installed and sounds great on CW.
The CW note sounds better than the DSP on the Pro.
The FT100D menu is is more friendly than the Icom 706mkIIG also.I have owned the the IC706MKIIG also.
KO6GF Rating: 2002-02-23
What a combination! Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just got back from a few hours down at Crissy Field in San Francisco, where I parked the van and used the FT-100D with the Yaesu ATAS-100 antenna on a hatch-back mount (Maldor PRM-T). I installed the mount today, with a piece of speaker braided copper wire fed under the mount between the set screws and the lip of the hatch-back door. The set screws penetrate the braid, and I ran the other end of the braid over to a screw which was set into the car body to hold some curtain lines. Just run the screw right through the braid, and tighten it all down for a good ground. NO NOISE! Smooth listening!

What a combination! I had the rig wired up to my marine battery, just to see what sort of time I can get out of it .. and it did fine during the few hours that I was out there. I will play around with the secondary battery in the
van later. I figured I might want to use the marine one so that I can keep the VW one for lights, fridge etc. Hah!

Check out these log entries ... all phone mode <Grin>

Call Freq PST QTH

JA7MGP --- 28.378 --- 3:34 --- Tokyo, Japan
JA2KSI --- 28.370 --- 3:45 --- Neghya, Japan
YU7GMN --- 14.202 --- 4:16 --- Northern Yugosolvia
K70 --- 18.139 --- 4:20 --- Utah - Olympic Special Event Station
JH5CCA --- 21.245 --- 4:30 --- Okusi, Japan
JA8CIE/P1 --- 21.245 --- 4:40 --- Ageo, Japan
JK4CHT --- 24.932 --- 4:45 --- Tottori, Japan
N9JIA --- 14??? --- 5:15 --- Munsee, Indiana
TM9R --- 14.210 --- 5:45 --- Bordeaux, France

Just spin the dial, hit the TUN button, watch the display as the antenna finds SWR .... when it stops searching for best match, it gives you a different symbol on the display, and you're ready to go. Piece of cake!

No tuner. No antenna analyzer. No coax switch. No extra lengths of coax. Just stuff that will fit in a day pack, the atenna, and a battery. ONE TRIP UP THE STAIRS!

With the duplexer that I also have for it, 6m/2m/440 also work with the same antenna. I tried 6m, but no-one was out there that I could find. Hitting repeater on 2m/440 no problem.

Plenty of local stations on 40m, but I wanted the DX, so I moved around looking for that stuff.

I was not able to work 80m, so maybe the antenna is limited to 40m and up. That's ok ... plenty to do on all of the other bands. Just wait 'till I hook it up the the High Sierra!

So, I'm REAL happy with the FT-100D and the ATAS-100, while I was very nervous about getting it after seeing 50/50 reviews, some love it, some don't. Put me down in the "Love It" column!

I think part of it is getting a late serial number for the radio. Mine is 1H240452 and Yaesu starts January with "C", so it makes it June of 2001. I understand that a lot of the earlier bugs were fixed by April of 2001.

I must say, having the radio able to directly tune the antenna is a major plus! The radio sends voltage through the coax to drive the antenna motor. Pretty smart! No need for extra motor cables etc. Just the antenna coax. The duplexer that I have for it (Comet CF-530)is the one HRO recomended for it, since the duplexer has to be able to pass DC voltage via the coax to the antenna. Some duplexers don't allow for that.

The rig has a (for me) a great set of DSP modes as well as BP filters. Lots of stuff there to play with for best audio. I didn't have to use any of it today, since the bands were real hot with no noise floor. Maybe it was where I was parked. I parked on the dirt, which was damp, about 50 yards from the bay water. A nice view of all the marine activity, container ships, sail boats, fishing boats etc... had the binoculars out to bring it all into the van!

So, writing tablet, pencil, and a bottle of Anchor Steam beer - just kicking back taking in the view and rag chewing. FINALLY got a system that is so easy to make contacts with, it's almost a sin!

I give it a full 5 rating. The menu options are great. Nice display. Easy to use ... and yes I even have fat fingers! Good signal reports with good audio. Can't go wrong in my opinion.

72/73 de KO6GF - Denis in SF
http://pages.sbcglobal.net/ko6gf