Yaesu: FTX-1 Optima

[DaBearded1]

 

[DaBearded1]

Operator's manual available in the files section of the FTX-1 on Yaesu's website.

 

[Echo4Thirty]

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.

thats fair

 

[AK9R]

@vagrant KI6NAZ bought an FTX-1 Optima, took delivery at HRO Anaheim, and posted a quick video before he left for Hamvention.

There appear to be 4-5 cables between the FTX-1 Field and the 100 watt amplifier: a 12 volt DC power cable (from amp to head), a "tuner" cable that's probably carrying band data and maybe PTT, and 2-3 RF cables. These cables all have standard, off-the-shelf connectors on the FTX-1 Field end. On the amp end, they go behind a removable plate and then sneak inside the amp. Remotely mounting the amp looks like it will be possible with some ingenuity.

 

[K9KLC]

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.

I tend to agree. I had my time on QRP, back when the 817 came out, was fun at the time actually. My 991A does just fine for what I do.

 

[vagrant]

@AK9R - I happened upon his video this morning as well. It was very helpful in getting an eye-full of the cables and connections. I could whip something up and then slip them through a mesh wire loom to keep it neat along with some appropriate ferrites if needed. Still, with Yaesu I plan to wait as their hardware could be buggy and we may end up seeing an FTX-1 "D" or "A" within a year. By then, if someone has made a cabling harness I may just purchase it.

My other consideration later on, if I like the radio, will be whether to purchase another SPA-1 (the amplifier back-end) and use that in the house and just move the head back and forth. I won't need the 991A at that point, so the sale of it will cover the cost. It will be $650 for the convenience of not moving the SPA-1 and running wires each time between the home and vehicle. I'd probably sell my Yaesu 400XD as well at that point and another mobile used in the house. That will provide some funds to purchase Icom's version down the road.

At this point time will tell. I am in no mood to be the first to purchase. I'm tired of doing that. I did catch a glimpse of the menu system and I liked what I initially saw. Also, If I did not enjoy the ARRL VHF/UHF contest several times a year I doubt I would even consider the FTX-1. I also would not have purchased an 817ND, nor the 991A along the way. The VHF/UHF bands are very interesting to me along with the range, antenna options and results I have enjoyed over the years. I can do a lot with 10W and the right antennas...and elevation

 

[KF0NYL]

I did catch a glimpse of the menu system and I liked what I initially saw.

I watched the video too. And from what I saw the menu setup is the same as the FT991, FTDX10, etc.

At this point time will tell. I am in no mood to be the first to purchase. I'm tired of doing that.

It is a neat concept/setup. I've learned my lesson about being a beta tester for new product and will wait and see how things go. Plus I am not a big fan of "shack in the box" setups.

 

[rf_patriot200]

I watched the video too. And from what I saw the menu setup is the same as the FT991, FTDX10, etc.



It is a neat concept/setup. I've learned my lesson about being a beta tester for new product and will wait and see how things go. Plus I am not a big fan of "shack in the box" setups.

I never used to be either, but the 991A is probably the Only step in that direction I'll go since it's tried and true at this point.

 

[Echo4Thirty]

View attachment 183195

Apparently Yaesu is saying the head can only be remoted 6" from the body?

 

[NovaTech]

and allmode VHF/UHF

That's is why I like this system with VHF and UHF All Mode radio to add to the Yaesu line up of All Mode's and Plus it has the SDR on VHF/UHF screen.It's been a long time waiting since many others are and besides us Yaesu owners.

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.

I total agree on this too..........

Not really. It is supposed to have the same receiver as the FTDX-10. For that you get both a QRP and a 100 watt base.

That's what I like about this radio is that it has the same features as the FTDX101 D/MP and FTDX10 receivers with the DNR and the FT710 audio sounds in one radio package.

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.

Hope maybe Yaesu is listening and reading this post's and Forums of what the customers would like to see and have too with a NEW Satellite radio all mode full duplex,I'm game and I sure many other Yaesu owners would like to see that happen as well too.

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.

I'm part of that niche and can't wait for my copy of the new Optima when it gets to my home and in my hand.....

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.

I assume that Yaesu will have a extended cable later on,but DIY,seems like a task that I can make one or another vendor can make some too.

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.

It can be done..........

 

[KD7RJC]

I was at HRO today and I took some pictures of the FTX-1F compared to the FTM-510 control head.









It's much bigger than I thought it would be, but if someone does come up with a method to separate the radio from the amplifier then I could still see it being used mobile. It wouldn't be as easy as with the FTM-500/510, as the added size would make it more difficult to find dash space for it, but I have no doubt that there will be attempts if it isn't already being worked on.

 

[Echo4Thirty]

thank you for posting the comparison. I was going to replace my FTM-500 with this radio. I had no idea the control head was that much bigger. Not seeing them side by side made it seem like the FTX-1 would be similar sized.

 

[wa8pyr]

Apparently Yaesu is saying the head can only be remoted 6" from the body?

Until they come out with a Yaesu-branded extension cable….

 

[KD7RJC]

Until they come out with a Yaesu-branded extension cable….

All of the connectors are off the shelf connectors. I expect that this will happen in short order regardless of 'factory' support.

 

[KF0NYL]

All of the connectors are off the shelf connectors. I expect that this will happen in short order regardless of 'factory' support.

I agree, it won't be long before people start making their own extension cables or for aftermarket companies to start offering extension cable kits.

 

[wa8pyr]

All of the connectors are off the shelf connectors. I expect that this will happen in short order regardless of 'factory' support.

I keep wondering what the logic is behind the 6” stuff. All I can come up with at the moment (barring further investigation) is that Yaesu is trying to protect themselves against someone making their own cables and it not working right and/or causing damage (understandable), with a secondary desire to protect the market for a future Yaesu-branded extension cable.

 

[KF0NYL]

From a design point of view, the 6 inch cable length gives enough slack to attach the FTX-1 to the Optima amp while not having too much cable length to cause issues locking the units together.

Page 15 of the FTX-1 operation manual gives the pinout for the 10 pin output jack so it shouldn't be very hard to make your own extension cable. And you will need a 3.5mm mono speaker extension along with a power extension and two coax cables with BNC F on end end and BNC M on the other end.

 

[wa8pyr]

From a design point of view, the 6 inch cable length gives enough slack to attach the FTX-1 to the Optima amp while not having too much cable length to cause issues locking the units together.

Page 15 of the FTX-1 operation manual gives the pinout for the 10 pin output jack so it shouldn't be very hard to make your own extension cable. And you will need a 3.5mm mono speaker extension along with a power extension and two coax cables with BNC F on end end and BNC M on the other end.

Looking at the manual (which I need to do anyway since I have the field version), I can’t find anyplace where it specifically says the PA/ATU section must or should not be remoted farther than 6” away from the head. And, given that the pin outs are in the manual, the implication is there that it can be remoted farther away.

It does say that the head can be removed up to 6” away and placed on a commercially available mounting bracket for better viewing angle. 6” isn’t very much wiggle room for that purpose, however….

 

[KF0NYL]

It does say that the head can be removed up to 6” away and placed on a commercially available mounting bracket for better viewing angle. 6” isn’t very much wiggle room for that purpose, however….

They only say that due to the length of the existing cables. You have to have them just long enough to easily connect the two units and still leave room for the FTX-1 to fit onto the Optima without the cables getting in the way.

 

[kc2aof]

I think I’ll stick with my Kenwood TS-480 SAT and Yaesu FTM-500 in the vehicle.