Yaesu FTX-1 Field vs Optima: The #1 Comparison Guide for Radio Enthusiasts

I am used to two antenna ports on the Kenwood TS-590. Even the TS-480 has two antenna ports. So was disappointed in the one port on the IC-7300. Kenwood doesn't do the RF gain control correctly, TT did, the 7300 does. So happy to hear about two antenna ports. Hopefully they do the RF Gain control correctly. If the S meter works properly when RF gain is reduced then it does.

This radio is a "Hot Mess".... Cool, but no thanks Yaesu.

The IC 7410 has dual antenna connectors

As well as switching back and forth, you can also set one as an RX-only antenna, and another as TX-only

How about looking in the manual...? That's why they printed it and put it in the box... to answer questions like that.

I wish the gps was built in. I can see that breaking off the side

That little piece is the head stand

Yo idk if you know this but … there’s two antenna ports

Most dedicated base radios with 2 or more antenna ports, don't have a removable head for portable use; the 7760 has a remote head connected via cables, not portable

If and when extension cable are available to remote mount the amp and the head unit can be mounted on your dash, I will buy this radio because it will then be a base/portable AND a mobile all in one. The price will then be worth it. That being said, ICOM could add a remote 100 watt amp (that also offers 50 watts for UHF/VHF) for the 705 and I would get that for my 705 and save a ton. Competition is good for business and in our case, more options!

Kenwood ts 590 has 2 antenna connections about $1600 give or take

Trying to decide if Optima is functionally equivalent to the 991A, or if there will be a 991A refresh (“soon”). I want a shack radio to drag around on my trips, but I can’t tell yet if Optima could be the ticket or not.

I don't understand the popularity of a $1500.00 5-10 watt radio. Why is the 100w amp so huge? This radio is a complete rip-off. Wake up people. Buy and old Icom 706MK IIG and use a super light LiPo battery.

Why are Yaesu calling the connectors on the back of the amp M-type connectors, not SO-239, i know Yaesu have explained SO-239 are 50ohm and these M-type Connectors are not 50ohm connectors, but they look exactly the same to me?

For a moment there, I thought towards the end, gigaparts was going to give it away, the field radio. I want one to also review.!

I have a ft 450d and it has a place for a handle but it didn't come with it. Also looks like you could get a car mount (drilled on both sides), but where in the heck would you mount it??
Turned 54 today, I could use a good pota radio if you have a spare! Can't wait to see you pota that thing out in the wild!

What I would like to know is can this radio do crossband repeat mode either the field the optima or both

Is there a potential for a seperation kit as I would like this in my vehicle

Not only is the GPS dongle a joke but I’m waiting for someone to break theirs off the side of the radio and mess up the jack.

I’m concentrating on the positive not the negative. Perfect radios at this price point, IMO, probably doesn’t exist. Looks to be a great pice of kit for field and home. FTdx10 owner here and it’s great not perfect, but I’m happy. Those that have purchased or about to just go and enjoy. Regards Mike

Thought one was hf and the other is vhf/uhf. Josh said the field has the vhf on the bottom, hf on top🤷🏼‍♂️

If you looked in the manual it probably woulda told ya what comes in the box.. ;)

Need to compare this to a FTDX 10.

Thank you very much for this Jason this is a great review and much more than the typical unboxing like video. Thank you very much for this I appreciate it

Hello Jason... from Havana, Cuba, CO2OQ, a cordial greeting! Excellent video

Agree handle should be included .

On the dual antenna ports. It was very disappointing when the FTDX-10 came out to see it didn't have dual antenna ports. The radio Yaesu said itself was the replacement for the FTDX-3000. That radio had dual RX/TX antenna ports plus a third port for RX only.

SATAlways been a Kenwood man, both my TS-480SAT and my TS-590SAT have two antennas, one just 160-10 the other includes 6m as well. Looking forward to receiving my Optima, it will be my first non-Kenwood since i got my ticket in 1989. I’m looking forward to Kenwood getting their portable on-the-air so i can stay true. ‘73, Bill, KA1TIU, Luverne MN

Just started watching this video and I already hit the Like button. Happens allot when watching your videos. Your videos rocks. 73 from the Netherlands!

I've got three antenna connections on the back of my FTdx101D but I believe it is a bit larger than the FTX-1. Maybe more than a bit.

That's a cool video. Thank you for sharing it. Not to open a can of worms but, my KW TS-2K has 4 or 5 antenna jacks on it. 2 HF, 1 VHF, 1 UHF (N type), and an optional BNC for 220. The TS-2KX came with the 220 module from the factory.

Glad you had a great time at Dayton and got home safely.

Stay safe and happy hamming Everyone. 😎😁

Awesome radio I hope I can get one soon. Thanks for the video . In your opinion what's the price hike for? Is it that much better compared to a 991a or a 710. Only thing I am seeing is the antenna ports and removable face. Is that really worth the 800 dollar price hike. Or is the filtering just way better than the 710?

Thanks

73

KI5JRP

I wonder how durable it's going to be with that screen. I like the modern screen capability but for outdoor use that orange screen is great

Lol what does opening a manual have to do with being a REAL HAM or NOT? LMAO HIHI

Jason, are there any improvements to the complex menu structure Yaesu is known for? How about a short video? Thanks much, appreciate your videos!

What about the data port and USB for digirig mobile?

Very disappointed GPS is not Standard equipment, otherwise it would be the ultimate Sat/APRS/ISS Station.

Is there a mod yet for the 11 meter for personal use & will it support DMR & DStar repeaters? Can you also mod it for GMRS? Was it made in Japan? or China? -73's

Send me one

lucky ! and am cancelling my order from dxengineering..

I've been waiting and saving to get my first HF radio for a few years and was looking at the 705, so I've been researching Icom radios for years. I've been an Icom man for years without even owning one!
However, who knew! I'm now a Yaesu man and will be getting the Optima!
I knew about the dual HF ports on the SP-1 and that's more than sealed the deal for me 👍🏻

I am looking to see a comparison between the 991a and the ft1

my TS 990 has 4 ant ports plus a receive only port.

It's full of bugs to begin with

My ICOM 9100 has 2 HF antenna ports.

Looks like a great POTA rig and even fine for shack use. The price...not so great, but it's new and scarce, so that's to be expected. Can't wait to see what this goes for when they're plentiful and Yaesu has a promotion. Not surprised that the handle wasn't in the box. I had to buy the handle for my FT-710 separately, They should include one at that price, but that's Yaesu. And not internal tuner at that price? Come on, Yaesu - you can do better! Thanks for the review.

Kenwood TS-2000 had 2 antennas. Rare to find but nothing new.

With APRS functionality and no built in GPS, I suppose the optional GPS donegal would be necessary for position reports etc.

My icon 746 has three on the back connect