What’s that buzz you hear? Don’t worry—it’s not emanating from your station.
It’s the good kind of buzz—the sound of amateur operators talking about the latest transceivers from Yaesu.
Visit DXEngineering.com to get your hands on the FTX-1 Series HF/50/144/430 MHz SDR All Mode Base/Portable Transceiver in “Field” and “Optima” models. Be sure to check the website for availability.
DX Engineering’s Paul, KJ8EEP, spent some time with John, N9UPC, National Sales Manager at Yaesu USA, who discussed the benefits and features of the FTX-1 and the differences between the two models. Watch the video below:
Here’s a rundown of both FTX-1 models:
The Yaesu FTX-1 Field is perfect for portable field operation. It features up to 10W of power output when used with an external 13.8VDC power supply. By attaching the SBR-52LI Li-ion battery to the rear of the Field head, the FTX-1 provides 6W (5W for QRP) stand-alone operation on HF through VHF/UHF bands in all modes—SSB, CW, AM, FM, and C4FM digital.
Nine-hour stand-alone operating time with 6W on HF bands (SSB) and eight-hour operating time with 6W on VHF/UHF bands (FM) are available (6-6-48 duty cycle). The FTX-1 Field head can charge the included Li-ion battery automatically when connected to an external 13.8VDC power supply or use an optional third-party USB Type-C PD (power delivery) cable to recharge the battery (45W or greater/15V 2A).
FTX-1 Field includes:
- FTX-1 Field head
- SBR-52LI—10.8V 6400mAh Li-ion battery
- DC power cable with 2.5mm ID 2-pin round power plug
- SSM-75E hand microphone
The FTX-1 Optima includes all the items that come with the Field version plus an SPA-1 100W Power Amplifier with heavy-duty 25A DC power cable. Like the FTX-1 Field, it supports operation across the HF to VHF/UHF bands in all modes. By connecting the power amplifier to the back of the Field head, you can instantly upgrade the FTX-1 into a powerful 100W base or portable transceiver when using an external 13.8VDC power supply.
The SPA-1 can be quickly detached and replaced with the included Li-ion battery. Alternatively, 10W field operation is supported using an external 13.8VDC power supply—both configurations allow rapid, tool-free reconfiguration. The Optima is capable of low-power operation at 6W (5W QRP).
Yaesu FTX-1 Series Key Features
MAG (Memory Auto Grouping), HF/VHF/UHF: Memory channels are automatically grouped and can be recalled by Band Groups—HF, VHF, UHF, and others.
QMB (Quick Memory Bank), HF/VHF/UHF: Frequency, mode, and all settings and parameters of the current receiving signal can be quickly stored and recalled.
PMG (Primary Memory Group), VHF/UHF: PMG channels can always be scanned and heard, which is useful when watching the channels club members use to communicate.
AMS (Automatic Mode Select), VHF/UHF: AMS automatically determines whether the receiving signal is C4FM Digital or FM and sets the receiver to the appropriate mode.
3DSS (3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream): The 3DSS Real-Time Spectrum Scope presents the constantly changing band conditions in three dimensions.
High-Resolution 4.3-Inch TFT Color Touch Panel Display: The large touch panel display provides outstanding visibility and intuitive management of the operating frequency, meters, and main function settings.
Yaesu RF Front End with Superb Interference Rejection: While the FTX-1 is compact, it boasts excellent proximity two-signal characteristics thanks to a powerful RF front-end design with 10-divided band pass filter) in amateur bands from HF through UHF, and RF amplifier with a low NF (Noise Figure).
Practical Features of the Yaesu FTX-1 Series
- 1200/9600bps APRS® Data Communication
- Compatible with WiRES-X (available August 2025)
- Micro SD card slot
- CW operation (CW zero-in, CW auto zero-in, CW reverse, CW keying signal form shaping, etc.)
- USB ports to support CAT operation, audio input/output, and TX control
- Versatile useful functions for FM mode: DCS, CTSSS tone encoder/ decoder, ARS (Auto Repeater Shift), DTMF
- AGC (Automatic Gain Control)
- Connectable with Yaesu Automatic Active Tuning Antenna ATAS-120A, Active Tuning Antenna ATAS-25, and long-wire compatible External Auto Antenna Tuner FC-40 for 100W HF/50 MHz and 50W VHF/UHF operation
