Yaesu FT-DX101D 100W HF/50MHz SDR Transceiver

Named in homage to the iconic FT-101, a cornerstone in HF transceiver history, the Yaesu FT-DX101D is a flagship HF/50MHz transceiver engineered to redefine the future of HF communications. This 100W powerhouse embodies Yaesu's 60+ year commitment to achieving ultimate performance in challenging DX environments, where hearing weak signals amidst strong interference is paramount.

True Performance Through Hybrid SDR Technology:

The FTDX101D utilizes a sophisticated Hybrid SDR configuration, combining a high-performance Narrow Band SDR receiver with a Direct Sampling SDR receiver. This innovative architecture delivers exceptional basic performance alongside a stunning Digital Processing Generated Real-Time Spectrum Scope.

Key Performance Metrics:

• 2kHz RMDR (Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range): 123dB+
• 2kHz BDR (Blocking Dynamic Range): 150dB+
• 2kHz 3rd IMDR (Third-order Intermodulation Dynamic Range): 110dB+
• 400MHz HRDDS (High Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer): Ensures ultra-low noise local oscillation with a 2kHz Phase Noise of -150dBc/Hz.
• VC-TUNE (Variable Capacitor Tune): Newly developed RF preselector providing unparalleled -70 dB maximum attenuation for signal peaking.
• 3DSS (3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream): Intuitively visualize signal strength changes with this advanced display system, complementing the conventional waterfall display on the large 7-inch color touch panel.

Hybrid SDR Configuration:

The combination of a narrowband SDR, emphasizing fundamental receiver performance, and a direct sampling SDR enables the inclusion of a superb real-time spectrum scope. Optional 300Hz and 1.2kHz roofing filters further enhance the narrowband SDR's capabilities.

Narrow Band SDR Excellence:

Utilizing crystal roofing filters, the narrowband SDR achieves phenomenal multi-signal characteristics. Its down-conversion receiver design, similar to the renowned FTDX5000, features a 9 MHz first IF, a low-noise dual-gate MOS FET, and a D-quad DBM mixer with excellent intermodulation performance. This configuration allows for the use of sharp crystal roofing filters, crucial for exceptional multi-signal reception in challenging interference scenarios. The receiver incorporates Yaesu's legendary RF front-ends, low-noise local oscillators, and carefully selected components, resulting in outstanding proximity BDR, RMDR, and 3rd IMDR values.

Narrow Band SDR + Direct Sampling SDR Synergy:

The narrowband SDR effectively removes strong out-of-band signals, while the direct sampling SDR provides a real-time view of the entire band. The narrowband SDR converts desired signals to digital using a high-resolution 18-bit A/D converter and processes them in an FPGA. This hybrid approach optimizes the entire receiver system. The direct sampling SDR drives the real-time spectrum display, allowing even the weakest signals to be observed, while the narrowband SDR enables precise selection, filtering, and decoding of those signals. The effective roofing filters in the narrowband SDR's front end reduce the signal load on the A/D converter, mitigating interference from strong out-of-band signals, such as powerful AM stations or contest activity.

Truly Quiet and Clear Reception:

The ultra-low noise local oscillator system, featuring a 400MHz HRDDS (High Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer), is critical for superior proximity multi-signal characteristics. Unlike generic PLLs, this circuit directly divides the high 400 MHz frequency, resulting in a theoretical zero PLL lockup time and eliminating C/N deterioration. This significantly reduces noise throughout the receiver stage and improves BDR in strong signal environments. Combined with carefully selected low-noise components and the latest circuit configurations, the local signal achieves an exceptional phase noise characteristic of -150 dBc/Hz or less at 2kHz separation. This low-noise, high-quality local signal is crucial for excellent multi-signal and ultra-close signal proximity performance.

Unparalleled VC-Tune RF Preselector:

The newly developed VC-Tune RF preselector, driven by a high-precision stepping motor, provides outstanding attenuation characteristics with a maximum attenuation of -70 dB. This automatic frequency adjustment RF preselector continuously covers the band using a variable capacitor, eliminating the steps and switching relays of conventional preset methods. The VC-Tune system stores the last tuning point for each band, allowing for consistent attenuation of recurring interference.

The Highest Transmit Signal Purity:

The 400MHz HRDDS technology also significantly contributes to the transmitter's high signal purity. By meticulously examining every element up to the final TX stage and carefully selecting circuit configurations, Yaesu ensures that the high-quality local signal characteristics are maintained without degradation. The transmit signal is directly generated from a 16-bit D/A converter, bypassing a mixer circuit and significantly suppressing distortion and noise. As a result, the FTDX101 boasts a transmit phase noise characteristic of -150 dBc/Hz at 2kHz separation, delivering the finest performance with a high-purity transmission signal.

New Generation 3DSS Scope Display:

The newly developed 3DSS (3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream) system provides an intuitive way to grasp changes in signal strength, complementing the conventional waterfall display on the 7-inch TFT color touch panel display (800 x 480 pixels).

Add a Second Display

The FT-DX101 is equipped with a DVI-D display out connector, which allows operators to connect an external DVI-D display to their transceiver.

ABI & MPVD for Superior Operability:

The front panel design emphasizes solid, superior touch and operability. Primary functions like the Main VFO dial, VC-TUNE, and WIDTH/SHIFT are centrally located for easy access. The ABI (Active Band Indicator) keys are positioned above the VFO dial, providing efficient band selection with clear LED indicators for MAIN, SUB, and transmit status. The MPVD (Multi-Purpose VFO Outer Dial), a large aluminum ring around the VFO dial, allows for convenient control of the SUB VFO frequency, VC-TUNE, Clarifier, and custom select functions without taking your hand off the main tuning knob.

PC Remote Control Software:

Optional PC remote control software allows for comfortable operation from a distance via LAN or the internet, taking full advantage of the Hybrid SDR architecture with dual band-scope capabilities and versatile displays. This enables remote transceiver operation, including basic controls, DUAL-BAND scope, and various filter and interference reduction settings.

The Yaesu FT-DX101D sets a new standard for HF/50MHz transceivers, combining cutting-edge technology with intuitive operation to meet the demands of the most discerning amateur radio operators.

Download the Operating Manual by clicking here.