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Reviews For: Yaesu FT-450D

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

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Review Summary For : Yaesu FT-450D
Reviews: 164MSRP: $899.00
Description:
160-6 Meter Base/Mobile/Portable Transceiver.
Product is in production
More Info: http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=102&encProdID=870B3CA7CFCB61E6A599B0EFEA2217E4&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
151644.5
KB3ZS Rating: 2011-10-14
Great Little Rig Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have owned the rig now for only 2 weeks. I was off the low bands for many years (last rig FT-757 CAT) but wow have things changed. I don't think the menus are very complicated. For the most part you only use a few of them, most functions are done through the front panel buttons. I think the DSP gives the radio a great receive. The only CON that I have is the same as someone else who wrote about the one button (DSP/SEL) Push On that controls the many functions is flimsy. It scares me to think this might go bad.
I have the radio connected to my computer by a serial (DB9 MxM) cable and using Ham Radio Deluxe and it controls most functions that you would need. What is missing from a normal NEW radio is the accessory plugs. They don't come with the radio so if you plan to use the 3 different DIN jacks, you better order up some plugs. My antenna is a vertical helix (DXtreme)on a 31' fiberglass pole. I only use the internal tuner on the radio for now. (can't get 80 to tune, yet)
Next project is to hook the radio into my digital modes.
All in all I think it is a great radio.
K5QY Rating: 2011-10-10
CW to SSB Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
Its' menu is too awkward! Example: It takes entering and holding the "F" key, -then in coded text you go through two sub-menus and program in a beacon message. To use that message in CW you you again repeat one sub-menu then go to another and save it to "C.S." When in CW, to recall that message you simply push "C.S, " Now if you're operating Field Day and change to SSB, and go back to CW, the CW message must be recalled via the menu process again. Also I wish FM was an option that way the 10 kHZ roofing filter could have been 6 kHz and the signal rejection possibly could be better.... The first 450D had to be sent back because of a whine on the signal in SSB
SP9NLI Rating: 2011-10-07
Nice little RIG Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
My previous transceivers were K2 and then IC-746, and all I can say is that the FT-450D’s receiver is a bit inferior to K2’s when it comes to pulling out weak CW signals, and its tuning knob is not as good as that on IC-746. Nevertheless, I’m finding it much more ergonomic than K2, and its footprint on the desk is insignificant compared to what the 746 required.
Personally I have no issues with either the tuning knob or its menus. The buttons, which are laid out in a very logical and convenient way, nicely handle all the functions I use.
Summing up, I don’t regret getting rid of my previous rigs, this one will stay for good.
K3EY Rating: 2011-10-01
All You Need Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
Great little do all HF radio that takes precious little space and has functions included not found on more expensive radios. I operate mostly CW and some PSK which this radio handles very well. I believe at it's price nothing touches it on any level. I have spent three and four times as much on HF radios. When I look back it was a waste of hard earned money considering what you get for your money on the FT450D. Great Job Yaesu
N7YLZ Rating: 2011-09-30
Love my FT-450D Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
After over 20 years with the Kenwood TS-430S, and having a great time with it, it was time for an upgrade. I went thru quite a few reviews, and tried several different radios, and settled on the FT-450D. I have to say, I love this little radio. It has a much better receiver than my TS-430S could have ever dreamed of, and the signal reports I am receiving are 1 to 2 units better than the 430 sitting side by side. The tuner is extremely quiet, although it will only tune a 3:1, does just fine for me. I run an MFJ 949D for tuning my long wires anyway. I did replace the stock hand mic with the MD-100 Desk mic, and can say, this FT-450D will be on this desk for a long long time to come. This radio has more features available on it than you can shake a stick at, and everything is just plain easy to use if you read the book! As far as cons, the only thing I could have liked to see is a changeable color display, but with that as the only con I have in the month I have used it, its not an issue. Overall, it is comparable with much more expensive radios, in a package that is small enough to take with me as a mobile if needed. Mars/CAP mod was easy enough also, taking less than 15 minutes from start to finish.

My final rating, is a 5 because there is no higher rating I can give this radio. 32 States towards my 20m WAS is less than a week is very impressive.
N0YG Rating: 2011-09-23
READ THE MANUAL AND ALL WILL BE FINE Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I received my FT-450D today you might think I have not had it long enough to review it. I should ad I also own the original FT-450 which I put the tuner in to make it a FT-450AT for over 2 years. The orignal is a fantastic radio and with the "D" version they just RAIZED the bar for a radio in this price range.I could say a lot of what has been said already but why.You will have to read the manual to get the full use of this radio. I just learn something new after 2+ years and my original does this also and did not know, lol. The "D" version is great with the buttons being back lit and the new stock mic and the pop up legs under the front. Ask someone who has 1 of these jewels if they will let you play with it a while and Yaesu will have another sale.
WD4HLO Rating: 2011-09-23
Great Little Radio, Good Value Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
I've had the radio for a little over 3 months and have made contacts all over the world on 15 and 20 meters using a dual band dipole at 15 feet. Nice sound and the filters work great. I don't think you can beat this rig for the price.
W2NER Rating: 2011-09-17
Other than the audio hum, great radio Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I have had this 450D for a month and everything is great except for one thing. The audio will have a hum on TX if the audio is above LOW and the display brightness is below HIGH.

This is the only problem and I'm still trying to find a fix. I know the older models you need to add copper fingers to the display board to contact the shield for a ground. The new 450D has this already however, VERY poor design with grounding the display. Why not just add a ground. I also heard something about the MIC ground being to close to the display ground or something like that. If anyone has an answer for this, please email me at gt600@optonline.net
KA7RRA Rating: 2011-08-28
GREAT RADIO Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I just bough this radio from HRO on Saturday 8/27/11 I have made 4 contacts and the radio is working fantastic Good clear audio built in automatic antenna turner and the radio us easy to use so far no problems I'm using the MFJ -6 band dipole antenna
W7KKK Rating: 2011-08-24
Nice Rig Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
I picked this 450D up and I have been playing with it and getting used to all the controls for around a month now.
You need to experiment with all the features of this radio to get the most out of it. The manual in my opinion at least is weak at telling you just what all can be done with the rig so do play with it under different conditions and you will learn very quickly.
That being said, I have had a lot of radios since my return to the air some 10 years ago.
This is one of the best I have played with for the money.
The size is nice for a desk top or mobile if you want to do that. And I like the back lighted buttons at night as I just don't like a lot of light in the shack except on my writing area.
For the money I don't think you can buy a better radio.