Pricing is at $1,899?
Too pricey for many in the hobby.
Too pricey for many in the hobby.
Yaesu: FTX-1 Optima
- Thread starter GlobalNorth
- Start date
and allmode VHF/UHF
KF0NYL
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The price for the FTX-1 Field and FTX-1 Optima is not that bad considering the Icom IC-705 is $1350.
The FTX-1 Field is $1500 and the FTX-1 Optima is $1900 which makes the cost of the amp at $400.
The SPA-1 amp is 100 watts on HF and 6m and 50 watts on 2m/70cm. $400 for an amp like that is not bad. The Xiegu XPA125B amp is regularly $650 and only covers HF and 6m.
The advantage to the XPA125B is that it has an excellent built in tuner. But the downsides are that it doesn't cover 2m/70cm and it is a separate unit that requires its own power supply and cables to interface with radios.
Every brand will have its positives and negatives. Go with the features you want at the price you want.
The FTX-1 Field is $1500 and the FTX-1 Optima is $1900 which makes the cost of the amp at $400.
The SPA-1 amp is 100 watts on HF and 6m and 50 watts on 2m/70cm. $400 for an amp like that is not bad. The Xiegu XPA125B amp is regularly $650 and only covers HF and 6m.
The advantage to the XPA125B is that it has an excellent built in tuner. But the downsides are that it doesn't cover 2m/70cm and it is a separate unit that requires its own power supply and cables to interface with radios.
Every brand will have its positives and negatives. Go with the features you want at the price you want.
Not full duplex which satellite enthusiasts want.
Amp can't be operated separate from the main unit. IOW, in a mobile installation, you can't mount the main unit near the driver with the amp in the trunk or under the seat.
Both are "swing and a miss" on the part of Yaesu.
Amp can't be operated separate from the main unit. IOW, in a mobile installation, you can't mount the main unit near the driver with the amp in the trunk or under the seat.
Both are "swing and a miss" on the part of Yaesu.
I don't think the radio will fail. I think it will be very successful in spite of what some might see as "misses".
The QRP and POTA/SOTA/WWFF crowd has been clamoring for a modern replacement for the FT-817/FT-818 and an alternative to the IC-705. The FTX-1 Field seems to fill that niche.
The FTX-1 Optima seems to be attempting to create a new niche for the operator who wants to go portable with a small, low-power radio and then "dock" it with an amp at home for a 100 watt radio. It's an interesting idea and certainly one that few people saw coming.
The QRP and POTA/SOTA/WWFF crowd has been clamoring for a modern replacement for the FT-817/FT-818 and an alternative to the IC-705. The FTX-1 Field seems to fill that niche.
The FTX-1 Optima seems to be attempting to create a new niche for the operator who wants to go portable with a small, low-power radio and then "dock" it with an amp at home for a 100 watt radio. It's an interesting idea and certainly one that few people saw coming.
I have the Yaesu 991a. Would the FTX-1 Optima be a replacement for, or upgrade to, the 991a or are there reasons to keep both.
KF0NYL
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I would say keep the 991 if you are going to use it primarily as a base station. The 991 will allow you to run a higher watt amp.
Now if you are wanting something for a base AND something for portable use then the FTX-1 Optima might be the right radio for you.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
At least someone is innovating. Developing high performance amateur subscriber gear costs real money, and Japanese engineering/manufacturing is expensive. I think the FT-1X is a good answer to the 705, which it clearly is intent on competing with. I welcome QUALITY amateur subscriber gear and thankfully both Yaesu and Icom are still in the game.
k6cpo
Member
I doubt I'll ever buy either version of this radio. There's a number of reasons beyond just the price.
- I don't another VHf/UHF radio. I already have 11 in various forms.
- I do very little HF at home and I can't see buying another.
- The FT-891 is priced well under $1000.
- There is an FT-817ND sitting in my shed that belongs to my club. I could use that on a loan basis or buy it for a very good price.
- 5. When I mentioned the price to the other half, all I got was a an eye roll.
1. Same reason, got stuff I really need to unload instead of buying more VHF UHF Stuff
2. I do HF at home but already have too much of that too including a 991A which will handle VHF/UHF SSB when the desire hits me
3. I usually buy used stuff anyway but that being said, I'd take a 891 against this.
4. Had 2 versions of the 817 (first and ND) and honestly while they were "neat", once I didn't do much CW, I just sold them both and don't do just QRP any longer.
5. "same".
That being said, what I would entertain, is a release that had the mounting options the FT-857 did which several guys in my area still run. Frankly while I really like the Icom 7100, I don't like the way the display would need to be mounted in the vehicle we have currently.
KF0NYL
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I feel the same way when it comes to getting a new VHF/UHF radio with SSB mode. Most radios are "shack in the box" and I don't need another 100W HF radio. And right now the Icom IC-9700 and the Yaesu FTX-1 Optima are out of my price range.
VHF and UHF output with the amp is 50 watts.
W4LTC
Newbie
Based on released schematic, will be more like the 710.
There's a schematic out there? Or, are you referring to the block diagram of the receiver that was in the brochure that was released?
rf_patriot200
Active Member
I also have the 991A and because of the Optima in the line up, I think the 91A is just going to become more valuable. After looking at the specs and price on the optima , I'll stick with my 91 A.
This right here is the reason I will not be purchasing one. I was all in for the 1900.00 price tag assuming I could mount the head on the dash and remote the drawer. I do not understand Yaesu's logic behind not cabling them to be able to remote, but since that was their engineering decision, It does not fit my use case anymore. Pity too, i was really excited for this.
Swing and a miss indeed.
Well, we are jumping to conclusions based on limited info. I think that once people have the FTX-1 Optima in hand, somebody will figure out how to remote the amp.
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