Thanks for having one of the only FT-450D videos that demonstrates the spoken announcement of frequency or anything else for that matter. My 90 year old ham friend is going blind and I think that he might be able to stay active on the air with a rig like this. Most of us,Ishtar not benefit from this feature but then again… when we are old it might come in handy. Great video. 73!
Something that many people don't know is that if you hold in the BAND UP button and the BAND DOWN button at the same time while pushing the On/Off button to turn the transceiver on, the FT-450 will clean it's relays!! This is an awesome feature that helps with receive for sure!! Only needs to be done every few months of operation.
Just bought one of the last of these as they are being discontinued. Great for a first and not overly expensive journey into HF as a new HAM. Your video was well worth watching even six years later. 73's KD9PBT
Just unpacked my FT450D and plugged it in. My Kenwood TS520S died after 30 years of service. My wife got me the Yahoo FT450D as a birthday present. Since I am a CW OP there are too many bells and whistles in comparison to the TS520S, but the filtering/DSP systems will work well. Thanks for the videos it beat trying to figure out the manual. 73 de Joe N1NUH
I have a TS520SE and this FT450D is a HUGE difference with the 520SE. Luckely we have some good folks with good video's as, in my case, i have to go thru the manual then i need mutch more time to understand that " puzzle"
I have had a 450 for 4 years (AT model). I don't find it difficult to use, although I admit that I do not use a lot of the functions of the radio that are into the deeper menu functions. What I do use is very easy easy, and the manual is pretty good. I've never had to resort to Prozac to use it... One comment for Tony: Use power poles on the power cable. That dongle takes a bit of effort go pry off. Not only will it be easier, but you don't risk damage to the connection. I use power poles on every radio and type of connector--base, mobile, portable, etc. It is so easy to grab and go that way. Maybe it is a "beginner" radio in some people's opinions. I do not think so. I have gotten contacts all around the world, and I was complimented on both my signal strength and quality of audio. Not bad with 100 watts and a 30' OCF dipole, or Par EndFedz for portable. As for the ATU only being 3:1, if you can't tune an antenna to where it is below 3:1 SWR, something is wrong. I have my 80m HF antenna. It has tuned from 160m all the way to 6m on the OCF--no lie! I use a good quality balun from Balun Designs, 100' of RG-8X, and 100 watts. It isn't really a mobile or pedestrian mobile rig, but to throw in a crate or suitcase to take on vacation, it does a great job.
Thank you. I wasn't expecting to buy a radio today but I did. I got my general but have zero experience in using radios. This video helped me know a bit more about today's purchase. Being a noob, I don't know what to ask yet.
Great video. Going out to the shack to set up my new 450D, and now I am not afraid to turn it on. Keep up the good work. Will check back when I need more answers after I go and find out what I don't know.
TNX for this video. I this same rig a year ago and really learned a lot from you from this video. Learned more from yo than the manual. Keep more coming on this rig.
Thanks Tony! I am trying to decide what radio to purchase as my first HF rig and you have helped immensely! This is one of the best how-to radio vids I have seen!! Keep up the good work!
Your utube was timely find for me and excellent! I just purchased a barely used 450D with some accessories today, and your video was just the thing for this Tech General-wanna-be. I hope to find others by you on this unit and to learn exactly what "subscribing" means. Thanks for your invaluable service! 73!
Great video. Got finalized and up and running quickly. So quick the radio just came out of the box, and I was listening on some great DX within 10-minutes. Bravo! Cheers.
I am Tony Ridlen KC9QVE in Kokomo,Indiana and I use an ICOM IC 746 PRO but I have to admit and confess and later on down the road in the future of my ham radio hobby I may have to invest in one of these rigs that you are talking about! Great video by the way. 73's.
I’m taking a foundation course in August and people have said the ft 450 d is an ideal starter I’m only going off what other club members have told me I’m doing a good bit of research so it’s all new I had cb in the 80,s but this is a different game I’m not well and don’t get out much so this is ideal for me I’m a good talker and not mike shy so I’m looking forward to getting on the air
Very informative video, and has answered some of my questions about the FT-450D. I just bought the FT-450D, and I have been reading about the oprations. Thank You for the demonstration. This is my first real radio, with HF, but I do have the Yaesu VX-8DR (handheld), which I have had a challenging time understanding how to operate it. I hope to get a 2-meter radio in the future. This is KK4GPU thanking you again for a good video. Good Day. Edward / KK4GPU
Hi Tony, I am just about to take my Foundation course here in the UK and this radio was mentioned to me as one to look out for. It comes highly recommended and can be used both home base and mobile. The videos you have posted are an excellent introduction to the basics and based on what I have seen, I think I will be saving my pennies and investing in one. Once again, many thanks and have a great Christmas. 26CT1855 (Gary)
Looks like a great radio for a new general. Reasonable price and has an autotuner too. Would love to get my hands on one to see how it sounds compared to the 857D.
Great video there guy, I just bought this radio bit ago, will be arriving Wednesday,, not a clue how to use it, but learned alot watching your video just now..Thank you much....!! Was very helpful......
Tony, good overview of functions and operation. I think it is a dis-service to most hams to call this an " entry level" radio. It performs to a high standard, probably on a par with the best radios of 10 years ago .Flexibility and adjustability are super. Perhaps "More buttons is better" if you are compensating for some personal inadequacy ( like Bigger Trucks Are Better). But too many people plow $1000's into radios..only because the ads in the magazine tell them to. This modern dsp radio will full fill the needs of 95% of the hams on HF and 6M. Check the receiver reviews to compare radios. If more expensive radios have specs that will be NOTICABLY BETTER To YOU... buy them if you can. I cant use all the features this radio has. 2 cents please. Do I need a band scope, 2 or 3 recievers, or a display that costs $2000 to replace ? Not in the last 50 years.
I just got this radio and all I have is a hand mic no buttons on the hand mic and everybody sounds very tinny I don’t know how to open it So I get some Lowe’s with the audio thank you God bless
Really enjoyed video and looking forward to your series. Im trying to decide on first hf so this is a great look at what the radio is like. Would like to see the good and maybe not so good comments like might be seen on eham comments plus hearing the radio on some good signals. Get some more on here cause they are very helpful.
Great stuff! Now get that sucker hooked up to an aerial and demo that DSP and show us how it sounds on the air! Cool start to the series though, good work! de W2MDW
$699 at HRO right now. nice radio. i still like the old school S meters and those are going away. the 3000 retains it i believe, or at least a simulated one. nice video.
The FT-450D is a bit tricky to use at first since many functions have multiple button selection. Some features are not immediately obvious (eg. the attenuation operates in reverse!) and features such as the IF DSP are just not particularly effective in my view. My biggest gripe with this transceiver is the recovered audio. It sounds awful - hissy and tinny thanks to the crap speaker Yaesu used. Using an external speaker helps but simply exacerbates the synthesizer noise inherent in this CPU driven receiver. The noise floor is also surprisingly high. Overall, it's solidly built but lacks the ease of operation and listening pleasure of rigs that are slightly older.
I already have an HF radio, but for some reason I keep finding myself looking at this radio, I like the FT-897D, too, would love to have one of those, but I have its successor, the 991a. Really like it, but I don't get on the air much anymore. I do a lot of listening though. And I do appreciate that the audio quality is so much better on HF ham radios than they are on SSB CB radios. I wonder why they sound so much better? Maybe that fat price tag has something to do with it lol.
Great video!! Been thinking about picking one of these up but can't decided if I want to get the 857D or this one. I'll defiantly will be checking out your series!
*_Hi Tony, I would like to see how you monitor your own audio on the 450D. Thanks for a great video as I just got an FT-450D and am just getting set up._*
Thanks for sharing this, I need to watch the rest of them, but a couple if questions/suggestions for future videos: 1.) Variable RF power - could you show all the options. 2.) What is the actual power used? 22A @ 13.8V DC seems very high for 100W RF output! Can't understand how this could be more than 12A = 165W. 3.) Could you show it controlled by computer by RS232? Thanks, really like the look of this radio, very tempted by it!
22A is the rated spec...I've never seen it get that high. It's usually around 15A-20A or so If I remember correctly. However, remember that there are plenty of other users of power than the RF output...the fan, display, etc all use power as well. Also, the amplifiers and such are not 100% efficient...there will definitely be more power consumed than what goes into the RF output. Most 100W HF rigs are spec'd around 22A max current. As for the RF output power, it is selectable in 1W increments from 5W to 100W. I certainly could show off the RS232...I'll look into that for a future video. 73 and thanks for watching!
LoneVideographer Solid State Amps are 50% efficient. 100 RF watts out requires 200 DC watts input,plus the digital logic, driver , fan and display all require power. 22 A x 13v = 273 watts ( peak) so while the average will be lower... you can believe that the thing does require that much peak power. However.. you can Dial In any output power you want... 2 watts, 39 watts or whatever you need. .. Remember you have to Qadruple ( 4X) your power output to Double your signal strength.. which is barely perceptible on the other end ( 1 S unit). So chosing 25 watts instead of 100 watts will make not much difference except Marginal conditions . So want 5 amps max draw.. turn down the RF power and bob's your uncle !
I agree with previous comments. 100 PEP might draw 22A. I talk softly with the gain fairly high, and the meter seldom shows anywhere close to 100 watts, let alone full output draw. Not using the ATU reduces current drain also. You can dim the screen and reduce it a bit also. Using it at 50 watts is a bit easier on the amp, and just try it at various settings. I've used mine with a 9 aHr SLAB on 30 watts, and it did well, all things considered. With a Par resonant 40/20m EndFedz and the ATU off, it's pretty nice. Anybody can nit-pick, but if you look at most 100 watt rigs, they will draw a max of around 20 amps...at PEP.
Best to start with the general spec of the radio (e.g. bands and modes covered, power out, power requirements etc.) before getting into the plugs and switches - not a critisim just a constructive suggestion.
Good Video. Can you go through the step-by-step process on doing a recording of your voice to VM1, and then playing it back? and then causing the c.s button to actually send it? I am confused as to this feature. Jerry
I've just recently bought one of these, but I find the RX audio terrible & muddy; the only way I've found to improve it is to turn the contour fully down to the left. Out of the numerous rigs I own, the FT-450D is hands down the worst for receive audio. Has anybody else noticed the same poor audio?
Yes, I just purchased mine recently & it's a bad radio. Too much noise, although, they they said the 450 (old) & 450D (new) which is the new version has a roofing filter, & it's completely rubbish. The only good thing is it has a tuner. & can be used portable with ATAS-120A antenna.
at 8:28 How can I get USB DATA? I have cycled trough all the options and only have LSB DATA. I heard you mention something about some menu error. Please advise, thank you
Hey Tony thanks for posting this. I'm interested in this radio and curious to know what your experience has been with the receiver, especially the sensitivity and noise floor. I may have missed if you have already covered it. If not, could you show some stateside and/or DX on-the-air testing with CW and SSB reception? Thank you! - John / KF5KI
Hi John, I didn't go in depth with it, and I have no scientific measurements in terms of sensitivity and noise floor, but I've found both to be quite good. I'll try to get some more videos on this guy up soon- school's busy right now. Thanks for watching!
Hey! Tony, I've got the new FT-450D, just like yours. I turn on the service menu,try to change the LED color. It does not work.I know the old 450AT is able to change display color and key color.
Great video on how to use the display and all,, Ilearned alot , thank you,, Im wating on my radio to come today UPS sometime this afternoon,, Learned alot about watching your video,but 1 question I have for you, is how too store a channel,...Can you program the radio to store channels into it?? If so, can you make small video of it please..Thanks
If I have an EFHW 10-80m and a 1:49 transformer do I even need to activate the tuner? I got lucky in that someone gave me both an auto-tuner (not sure if I need with this radio having built in tuner) and then a MANUAL tuner as well! The manual tuner seems to have some groovy SWR meters on it so maybe I want to control the tuning manually? Should I bother? Help! Thanks in advance. Cheers.
I think this radio is a prescription for a nervous breakdown . I am already on Prosac after three weeks trying to sort out the menu ,I only want to use CW but cannot programme it, I heard it said that the more buttons you have on radios the LESS fun you get out of it bought three weeks ago and now in the bin..GOOD RIDDANCE.... M1EDF....
Hi Tony, little question. If i start transmitting with the FT-450, the ventilator starts running. My vswr is1,1 and power 25 watts. Is it normal that the vent starts running as soon transmission begins? Normally i suppose that the vent starts only when the radio gets warm ...i dont know. Thank you for your answer, all the best 73
Eh, nice radio, really. But, I'm use to alpha-tag memory banks and being able to key in frequencies rather than tuning or scanning to them. While I do use VFO, most frequencies I use are regular. So, I generally just use a mobile unit hooked up as a base.
Thanks for your excellent video Tony ! Very clear and concise... I just ordered a 450D so your video is very helpful in learning how to operate it faster...What about the ground, do you not ground your rig ? Also, do you know if i should ground a MFJ-2010 Wire dipole ? Thank you ( don't have my license yet but i'm one big SWL fan for now... )
You probably dont care but does any of you know a tool to log back into an Instagram account? I somehow lost my password. I appreciate any help you can offer me
@Tatum Miller thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later with my results.
Tony, can you do video on the function button what features the F button has ?? I don’t understand a few on it and having problems .. I thought I had a Roger beep on it says it does in my book but I can’t find it when I use and hold the F button in then I search for the STBY BP but I don’t see it no place??? Can u help me find it ?? I have the 450d here, thanks rich kelly
Tony great introductory video. I am looking for something similar for the new FT 991...just became licensed a year ago and for Christmas go the latest from GIGA Parts.
***** I am having trouble getting out...this is my first radio...had been using HT since becoming licensed last March waiting for the 991...had another hammer and he cannot figure what I am doing wrong
I like the rig and am debating getting it but for 2 things, first it seems really really small. At 3.3 "high how useable is the display? Do you need a magnifying glass to see it. Second, you pay $7-800 for this and then have to get a d.c power supply! and by most accounts the memory and other features fail just past the warranty date. Is it a car or a transceiver? Is the front panel plastic, the rear, the cover? Id like a good ft101e or z but they are 30+years old and getting new final tubes is pricey. But you dont need a dc power supply. I'm torn and unsure any suggestions? Anyone? I just want to get on the air! KD2JSS
It's interesting you've heard such negative things about the 459D- most people I know love it. The display is a fine size for me, I don't think it's small by any accounts. I've also not heard anything about memory failing just out of warranty. As for the dc power supply, that's fairly standard on most radios less than a couple thousand dollars. I really like this radio, personally. I think it's great for a new ham.
Tony kd8rtt, thanks thats helpful. I was a ham in the late 60's thru the mid 70's and just now got my ticket again. I'm used to my Drake, Johnson and Swan equipment.even though im comfortable with that equipment I do see the need and benefits of the newer equipment, like the 450d. Its just hard to make the leap from what I recognize as solid durable equipment to the current all solid state fragile looking stuff. I still have the Drake 2-c receiver I bought in 1967 and its flawless, will this current stuff last even half that long? Purley a rhetorical question. But I wonder.
HI TONY HELP PLEASE,,,,,, TONY I HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH A FT450D THAT WILL ONLY TRANSMIT IN AM AND FM ONLY ANY ONE KNOW HOW TO MAKE IT TRANSMIT IN SSB I BOUGHT IT NEW
Thanks for the video! Very good introduction. For CW practice, it has a menu configuration to generate random caracters, but I have not been able to figure out how to practice sending without actually transmitting. Don´t even know if it has that feature, and I have been looking thru the manual, but have not found it. Can you tell me if it can be done and how to do it? Thanks. 73, de XE2PDZ
You can definitely practice and hear the tone without sending it. I can't remember the exact setup (maybe in a future video) but if you plug in a key and don't hit the "Keyer" button, using a key should create a tone and not transmit.
Tony Milluzzi, KD8RTT Thank you so much for the answer. Yes please, a video about it would be great. I configured the radio to use a straight key, and the keyer button is not to be used there, but instead the STO/VOX during the process. The Keyer botton is for the electronic keyer. It mentions a computer generated straight key emulation though, but does not explain any latter. A chart of how much current that baby sucks at different power levels would be very useful too, in case one does not have a 22Amp power supply at hand. Would a simple rule of 3 be close enough to figure it out?
rickthenailer Ah that's right. After looking in the manual, it looks like you need to active the "BK IN" to actually transmit, but it doesn't say anything about practice. It's been awhile since I've tried it (and unfortunately none of my radio gear is currently setup) but I though just plugging in the straight key generated a tone on key down. As for the power, yeah, that could be useful. I'm really busy as of now, but I'll try to get something put together.
hi, whitch yaesu would u say is the best... 450d or ft 891 they both similar price n im new to radio. just passed exam. and fancy 1 of the 2 mentioned. thoughts please
A good transceiver overall with one major gripe. The audio is awful - it has this dreadful hiss in the background which can't be mitigated much with the DSP and RF-GAIN/ATT settings. Might be my location and antenna (which is not the best - just a loop) . It sounds a lot like my Icom R75 which had the same annoying hiss in the audio amp. Heck, even my old Radioshack DX-394 sounds much better.
Tony, KD8RTT cool. If I understand it when running like PSK31 the ALC meter still shows a signal but as long as you dont go over the two vertical dots on the end your okay? I heard some guys run the power at 100 watts and then use the speaker volume on PC to lower the output. Tell me how you do it please.
+mykenwood830 You dont want to use 100 watts on PSK, it will splatter on the waterfall. 20-35 watts, and the ALC meter should be almost not visible at all for best results. i like to keep mine at 2 or 3 little bars.
Yes you can use a straight key or a paddle. If you uses a straight key you need to use a stereo connector and leave the ring unconnected. The wiring diagram is in the manual which you can download from Yaesu.
Hi very nice video, i will receive this radio to morrow i like to make a remote controlled radio so wen i am on vacation i like to use this radio remotely,can you make a video how to do it thanks new ham radio ON3YNL
Thanks for having one of the only FT-450D videos that demonstrates the spoken announcement of frequency or anything else for that matter. My 90 year old ham friend is going blind and I think that he might be able to stay active on the air with a rig like this. Most of us,Ishtar not benefit from this feature but then again… when we are old it might come in handy.
Great video. 73!
Something that many people don't know is that if you hold in the BAND UP button and the BAND DOWN button at the same time while pushing the On/Off button to turn the transceiver on, the FT-450 will clean it's relays!! This is an awesome feature that helps with receive for sure!! Only needs to be done every few months of operation.
Thanks!
clean?what you mean
That’s the factory reset process
Just bought one of the last of these as they are being discontinued. Great for a first and not overly expensive journey into HF as a new HAM. Your video was well worth watching even six years later. 73's KD9PBT
Just unpacked my FT450D and plugged it in. My Kenwood TS520S died after 30 years of service. My wife got me the Yahoo FT450D as a birthday present. Since I am a CW OP there are too many bells and whistles in comparison to the TS520S, but the filtering/DSP systems will work well. Thanks for the videos it beat trying to figure out the manual. 73 de Joe N1NUH
I have a TS520SE and this FT450D is a HUGE difference with the 520SE. Luckely we have some good folks with good video's as, in my case, i have to go thru the manual then i need mutch more time to understand that " puzzle"
I have had a 450 for 4 years (AT model). I don't find it difficult to use, although I admit that I do not use a lot of the functions of the radio that are into the deeper menu functions. What I do use is very easy easy, and the manual is pretty good. I've never had to resort to Prozac to use it... One comment for Tony: Use power poles on the power cable. That dongle takes a bit of effort go pry off. Not only will it be easier, but you don't risk damage to the connection. I use power poles on every radio and type of connector--base, mobile, portable, etc. It is so easy to grab and go that way. Maybe it is a "beginner" radio in some people's opinions. I do not think so. I have gotten contacts all around the world, and I was complimented on both my signal strength and quality of audio. Not bad with 100 watts and a 30' OCF dipole, or Par EndFedz for portable. As for the ATU only being 3:1, if you can't tune an antenna to where it is below 3:1 SWR, something is wrong. I have my 80m HF antenna. It has tuned from 160m all the way to 6m on the OCF--no lie! I use a good quality balun from Balun Designs, 100' of RG-8X, and 100 watts. It isn't really a mobile or pedestrian mobile rig, but to throw in a crate or suitcase to take on vacation, it does a great job.
Thank you. I wasn't expecting to buy a radio today but I did. I got my general but have zero experience in using radios. This video helped me know a bit more about today's purchase. Being a noob, I don't know what to ask yet.
Great video. Going out to the shack to set up my new 450D, and now I am not afraid to turn it on. Keep up the good work. Will check back when I need more answers after I go and find out what I don't know.
TNX for this video. I this same rig a year ago and really learned a lot from you from this video.
Learned more from yo than the manual. Keep more coming on this rig.
This is an under rated radio. Great auto tuner too. It tunes my antennas even with a 7:1 swr.
Hank Justice folks don't seem to like the tuner much ( bought mine without one) but YES.. totally under rated.
I do confirm. It's a very good transceiver. I own two of them and I'm completely satisfied!
Thanks Tony! I am trying to decide what radio to purchase as my first HF rig and you have helped immensely! This is one of the best how-to radio vids I have seen!! Keep up the good work!
Your utube was timely find for me and excellent! I just purchased a barely used 450D with some accessories today, and your video was just the thing for this Tech General-wanna-be. I hope to find others by you on this unit and to learn exactly what "subscribing" means. Thanks for your invaluable service! 73!
Thanks for the video. I am awaiting the arrival of the 450d from HRO and should be here in 2 days. You have saved me some manual reading time setup.
Looking to buy a 450D as my first HF setup as a new ham. Thanks for posting
Great video. Got finalized and up and running quickly. So quick the radio just came out of the box, and I was listening on some great DX within 10-minutes. Bravo! Cheers.
I am Tony Ridlen KC9QVE in Kokomo,Indiana and I use an ICOM IC 746 PRO but I have to admit and confess and later on down the road in the future of my ham radio hobby I may have to invest in one of these rigs that you are talking about! Great video by the way. 73's.
I’m taking a foundation course in August and people have said the ft 450 d is an ideal starter I’m only going off what other club members have told me
I’m doing a good bit of research so it’s all new
I had cb in the 80,s but this is a different game
I’m not well and don’t get out much so this is ideal for me I’m a good talker and not mike shy so I’m looking forward to getting on the air
Probably the best radio video I ever watched!!👌
Very informative video, and has answered some of my questions about the FT-450D. I just bought the FT-450D, and I have been reading about the oprations. Thank You for the demonstration. This is my first real radio, with HF, but I do have the Yaesu VX-8DR (handheld), which I have had a challenging time understanding how to operate it. I hope to get a 2-meter radio in the future. This is KK4GPU thanking you again for a good video.
Good Day.
Edward / KK4GPU
This is gonna be my first HF radio hopefully I can get the best out of it
Super petit decametrique avec une superbe audio et modulation avec le yaesu MD100 et une Sirio Gain Master le tout bien réglé. Que du bonheur
Hi Tony, I am just about to take my Foundation course here in the UK and this radio was mentioned to me as one to look out for. It comes highly recommended and can be used both home base and mobile. The videos you have posted are an excellent introduction to the basics and based on what I have seen, I think I will be saving my pennies and investing in one. Once again, many thanks and have a great Christmas. 26CT1855 (Gary)
My first HF radio. Still got it and love it.
Just saved me reading through the manual ! I think I am going to love the 450D :-).
Looks like a great radio for a new general. Reasonable price and has an autotuner too. Would love to get my hands on one to see how it sounds compared to the 857D.
Great video there guy, I just bought this radio bit ago, will be arriving Wednesday,, not a clue how to use it, but learned alot watching your video just now..Thank you much....!! Was very helpful......
Tony, good overview of functions and operation. I think it is a dis-service to most hams to call this an " entry level" radio. It performs to a high standard, probably on a par with the best radios of 10 years ago .Flexibility and adjustability are super. Perhaps "More buttons is better" if you are compensating for some personal inadequacy ( like Bigger Trucks Are Better). But too many people plow $1000's into radios..only because the ads in the magazine tell them to. This modern dsp radio will full fill the needs of 95% of the hams on HF and 6M. Check the receiver reviews to compare radios. If more expensive radios have specs that will be NOTICABLY BETTER To YOU... buy them if you can. I cant use all the features this radio has. 2 cents please. Do I need a band scope, 2 or 3 recievers, or a display that costs $2000 to replace ? Not in the last 50 years.
Thanks for the video Tony. I just ordered this radio and it's a good walk though of the basic operation before it arrives.
K1PJ -Pete
I just got this radio and all I have is a hand mic no buttons on the hand mic and everybody sounds very tinny I don’t know how to open it So I get some Lowe’s with the audio thank you God bless
Thanks I'm getting one today. And I need all of your video's for help.
Thanks for posting. I'm very interested in this radio.
Really enjoyed video and looking forward to your series. Im trying to decide on first hf so this is a great look at what the radio is like. Would like to see the good and maybe not so good comments like might be seen on eham comments plus hearing the radio on some good signals. Get some more on here cause they are very helpful.
Great stuff! Now get that sucker hooked up to an aerial and demo that DSP and show us how it sounds on the air! Cool start to the series though, good work! de W2MDW
I'm tempted to buy a used one of these to supplement my FT897d as it's reciver is pretty noisy and apparently the 450d has a nice recieve
$699 at HRO right now. nice radio. i still like the old school S meters and those are going away. the 3000 retains it i believe, or at least a simulated one. nice video.
The FT-450D is a bit tricky to use at first since many functions have multiple button selection. Some features are not immediately obvious (eg. the attenuation operates in reverse!) and features such as the IF DSP are just not particularly effective in my view. My biggest gripe with this transceiver is the recovered audio. It sounds awful - hissy and tinny thanks to the crap speaker Yaesu used. Using an external speaker helps but simply exacerbates the synthesizer noise inherent in this CPU driven receiver. The noise floor is also surprisingly high. Overall, it's solidly built but lacks the ease of operation and listening pleasure of rigs that are slightly older.
I already have an HF radio, but for some reason I keep finding myself looking at this radio, I like the FT-897D, too, would love to have one of those, but I have its successor, the 991a. Really like it, but I don't get on the air much anymore. I do a lot of listening though. And I do appreciate that the audio quality is so much better on HF ham radios than they are on SSB CB radios. I wonder why they sound so much better? Maybe that fat price tag has something to do with it lol.
Will this radio transmit on cb frequencies?
Great video thanks for the run down on the FT-450D 73
Thanks for taking the time. Helpful.
Great video!! Been thinking about picking one of these up but can't decided if I want to get the 857D or this one. I'll defiantly will be checking out your series!
SD Cruiser I would chose this in a heart beat over the 857. Better radio, easier to read.I monitor VHF ssb with separate radios... while I operate HF.
Easier to see "what's" going on with the 450D "all at once" on the display.
Great video! A big time saver for use and set up of our FT-450D.
73
Don KM4ACT
Great Video ... Probably my next HF Rig ..
VK2FSAV
Great video! This was really helpful getting me going with my radio.
Tony, excellent review. I am considering buying this radio for data modes. W6QT Mike
*_Hi Tony, I would like to see how you monitor your own audio on the 450D. Thanks for a great video as I just got an FT-450D and am just getting set up._*
Thanks for sharing this, I need to watch the rest of them, but a couple if questions/suggestions for future videos: 1.) Variable RF power - could you show all the options. 2.) What is the actual power used? 22A @ 13.8V DC seems very high for 100W RF output! Can't understand how this could be more than 12A = 165W. 3.) Could you show it controlled by computer by RS232?
Thanks, really like the look of this radio, very tempted by it!
22A is the rated spec...I've never seen it get that high. It's usually around 15A-20A or so If I remember correctly. However, remember that there are plenty of other users of power than the RF output...the fan, display, etc all use power as well. Also, the amplifiers and such are not 100% efficient...there will definitely be more power consumed than what goes into the RF output. Most 100W HF rigs are spec'd around 22A max current.
As for the RF output power, it is selectable in 1W increments from 5W to 100W.
I certainly could show off the RS232...I'll look into that for a future video. 73 and thanks for watching!
LoneVideographer Solid State Amps are 50% efficient. 100 RF watts out requires 200 DC watts input,plus the digital logic, driver , fan and display all require power. 22 A x 13v = 273 watts ( peak) so while the average will be lower... you can believe that the thing does require that much peak power. However.. you can Dial In any output power you want... 2 watts, 39 watts or whatever you need. .. Remember you have to Qadruple ( 4X) your power output to Double your signal strength.. which is barely perceptible on the other end ( 1 S unit). So chosing 25 watts instead of 100 watts will make not much difference except Marginal conditions . So want 5 amps max draw.. turn down the RF power and bob's your uncle !
I agree with previous comments. 100 PEP might draw 22A. I talk softly with the gain fairly high, and the meter seldom shows anywhere close to 100 watts, let alone full output draw. Not using the ATU reduces current drain also. You can dim the screen and reduce it a bit also. Using it at 50 watts is a bit easier on the amp, and just try it at various settings. I've used mine with a 9 aHr SLAB on 30 watts, and it did well, all things considered. With a Par resonant 40/20m EndFedz and the ATU off, it's pretty nice. Anybody can nit-pick, but if you look at most 100 watt rigs, they will draw a max of around 20 amps...at PEP.
Truly excellent video.. thanks for making this.
Great review and overview. Do you ground your transceiver?
Best to start with the general spec of the radio (e.g. bands and modes covered, power out, power requirements etc.) before getting into the plugs and switches - not a critisim just a constructive suggestion.
Good Video.
Can you go through the step-by-step process on doing a recording of your voice to VM1, and then playing it back? and then causing the c.s button to actually send it?
I am confused as to this feature.
Jerry
Very nice and very helpful! THANK U SIR.
Good video. Greetings from Poland.
I've just recently bought one of these, but I find the RX audio terrible & muddy; the only way I've found to improve it is to turn the contour fully down to the left.
Out of the numerous rigs I own, the FT-450D is hands down the worst for receive audio.
Has anybody else noticed the same poor audio?
Yes, I just purchased mine recently & it's a bad radio. Too much noise, although, they they said the 450 (old) & 450D (new) which is the new version has a roofing filter, & it's completely rubbish.
The only good thing is it has a tuner. & can be used portable with ATAS-120A antenna.
at 8:28 How can I get USB DATA? I have cycled trough all the options and only have LSB DATA. I heard you mention something about some menu error. Please advise, thank you
Hey Tony thanks for posting this. I'm interested in this radio and curious to know what your experience has been with the receiver, especially the sensitivity and noise floor. I may have missed if you have already covered it. If not, could you show some stateside and/or DX on-the-air testing with CW and SSB reception?
Thank you! - John / KF5KI
Hi John,
I didn't go in depth with it, and I have no scientific measurements in terms of sensitivity and noise floor, but I've found both to be quite good. I'll try to get some more videos on this guy up soon- school's busy right now. Thanks for watching!
That knob looks very wobbly.
Hey! Tony, I've got the new FT-450D, just like yours. I turn on the service menu,try to change the LED color. It does not work.I know the old 450AT is able to change display color and key color.
The 450D has no facility to change the colour, just the brightness.
One of the reasons I bought this radio was because of the back lighted buttons, but how do I get to that to change it to the "on" mode?
Hey Tony, nice video and very informative. Thanks!
Is the power supply cord the same for the FT-450 and the FT-450D?
Great video on how to use the display and all,, Ilearned alot , thank you,, Im wating on my radio to come today UPS
sometime this afternoon,, Learned alot about watching your video,but 1 question I have for you, is how too store
a channel,...Can you program the radio to store channels into it?? If so, can you make small video of it please..Thanks
Hi can you do a video on programming 6 meter fm repeater freqs in the radio-the manual is too confusing for me to understand, thanks John
When using the scan feature does it stop at a strong incoming signal? Sorry, total newbie here.
If I have an EFHW 10-80m and a 1:49 transformer do I even need to activate the tuner? I got lucky in that someone gave me both an auto-tuner (not sure if I need with this radio having built in tuner) and then a MANUAL tuner as well! The manual tuner seems to have some groovy SWR meters on it so maybe I want to control the tuning manually? Should I bother? Help! Thanks in advance. Cheers.
Thanks for this video, informative.
What are the typical rf power settings, in terms of output?
Can you practice sending CW on the Ft-450D without actually transmitting the signal? All my other radios had this training feature.
Nice video. How do you change the transmitting power?
At 16:19 I hear CW, but yet you say you have the radio connected to a dummy load?
I think this radio is a prescription for a nervous breakdown . I am already on Prosac after three weeks trying to sort out the menu ,I only want to use CW but cannot programme it, I heard it said that the more buttons you have on radios the LESS fun you get out of it bought three weeks ago and now in the bin..GOOD RIDDANCE.... M1EDF....
My 11 year old nephew has one and he's finding it easyyyyyyy
Don't be a pussy bro. Super easy.
Congrats for the excellent video.
Any chance of showing the radio with cat control please thanks Shane uk
I heard you say you use a signal link for the front connector for PSK31 I assume.... but does the data port also work for PSK31 ?
did u cover how to turn down the power in any videos, i would like to turn the radio down to at least 50 watts
As this got all Amutur Frequencys on it and is it wide banded as well
Hi Tony, little question. If i start transmitting with the FT-450, the ventilator starts running. My vswr is1,1 and power 25 watts. Is it normal that the vent starts running as soon transmission begins? Normally i suppose that the vent starts only when the radio gets warm ...i dont know. Thank you for your answer, all the best 73
Great vids, love the channel!
Eh, nice radio, really. But, I'm use to alpha-tag memory banks and being able to key in frequencies rather than tuning or scanning to them. While I do use VFO, most frequencies I use are regular. So, I generally just use a mobile unit hooked up as a base.
Great video. Very informative.
Thanks for your excellent video Tony ! Very clear and concise... I just ordered a 450D so your video is very helpful in learning how to operate it faster...What about the ground, do you not ground your rig ? Also, do you know if i should ground a MFJ-2010 Wire dipole ? Thank you ( don't have my license yet but i'm one big SWL fan for now... )
You probably dont care but does any of you know a tool to log back into an Instagram account?
I somehow lost my password. I appreciate any help you can offer me
@Max Mario Instablaster ;)
@Tatum Miller thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site on google and Im waiting for the hacking stuff now.
Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later with my results.
@Tatum Miller It worked and I actually got access to my account again. I am so happy:D
Thank you so much you saved my ass!
@Max Mario no problem =)
Would you recommend this radio to a technician who wants to take advantage of the HF I do have access to?
hello 73, how can I put a dx recording on the air
Tony, can you do video on the function button what features the F button has ?? I don’t understand a few on it and having problems .. I thought I had a Roger beep on it says it does in my book but I can’t find it when I use and hold the F button in then I search for the STBY BP but I don’t see it no place??? Can u help me find it ?? I have the 450d here, thanks rich kelly
You have to enable the advanced menu first
Tony great introductory video. I am looking for something similar for the new FT 991...just became licensed a year ago and for Christmas go the latest from GIGA Parts.
***** I am having trouble getting out...this is my first radio...had been using HT since becoming licensed last March waiting for the 991...had another hammer and he cannot figure what I am doing wrong
+Luis Morales Luis, did you figure out your problem yet? Email me at kj4kki@kj4kki.com and we'll try to figure out the problem.
+steveinkentucky Yes, LDG sent me the correct FT991 steps...using a Buddypole and getting out just fine. 73's
Nice clear video and Fair explanation, however, way too many "ahhh" and "umms". It was hard to follow along as that became distracting.
I like the rig and am debating getting it but for 2 things, first it seems really really small. At 3.3 "high how useable is the display? Do you need a magnifying glass to see it. Second, you pay $7-800 for this and then have to get a d.c power supply! and by most accounts the memory and other features fail just past the warranty date. Is it a car or a transceiver? Is the front panel plastic, the rear, the cover? Id like a good ft101e or z but they are 30+years old and getting new final tubes is pricey. But you dont need a dc power supply. I'm torn and unsure any suggestions? Anyone? I just want to get on the air! KD2JSS
It's interesting you've heard such negative things about the 459D- most people I know love it. The display is a fine size for me, I don't think it's small by any accounts. I've also not heard anything about memory failing just out of warranty. As for the dc power supply, that's fairly standard on most radios less than a couple thousand dollars. I really like this radio, personally. I think it's great for a new ham.
Also, most of the enclosure is metal. I think the front is plastic, but the rest is metal.
Tony kd8rtt, thanks thats helpful. I was a ham in the late 60's thru the mid 70's and just now got my ticket again. I'm used to my Drake, Johnson and Swan equipment.even though im comfortable with that equipment I do see the need and benefits of the newer equipment, like the 450d. Its just hard to make the leap from what I recognize as solid durable equipment to the current all solid state fragile looking stuff. I still have the Drake 2-c receiver I bought in 1967 and its flawless, will this current stuff last even half that long? Purley a rhetorical question. But I wonder.
HI TONY HELP PLEASE,,,,,, TONY I HAVE A BIG PROBLEM WITH A FT450D THAT WILL ONLY TRANSMIT IN AM AND FM ONLY ANY ONE KNOW HOW TO MAKE IT TRANSMIT IN SSB I BOUGHT IT NEW
Read the manual, AM and FM is locked, you need to go into the menu and ENABLE them.
Exellent video very informative
nice radio,73's from brasil
Nice job Tony. I picked up this rig recently and your video helped me figure out how to use it. I'll be looking for followup videos. 73 KA3AUD
Thank You super
Thanks for the video! Very good introduction.
For CW practice, it has a menu configuration to generate random caracters, but I have not been able to figure out how to practice sending without actually transmitting. Don´t even know if it has that feature, and I have been looking thru the manual, but have not found it. Can you tell me if it can be done and how to do it?
Thanks.
73, de XE2PDZ
You can definitely practice and hear the tone without sending it. I can't remember the exact setup (maybe in a future video) but if you plug in a key and don't hit the "Keyer" button, using a key should create a tone and not transmit.
Tony Milluzzi, KD8RTT Thank you so much for the answer. Yes please, a video about it would be great.
I configured the radio to use a straight key, and the keyer button is not to be used there, but instead the STO/VOX during the process. The Keyer botton is for the electronic keyer. It mentions a computer generated straight key emulation though, but does not explain any latter.
A chart of how much current that baby sucks at different power levels would be very useful too, in case one does not have a 22Amp power supply at hand. Would a simple rule of 3 be close enough to figure it out?
rickthenailer Ah that's right. After looking in the manual, it looks like you need to active the "BK IN" to actually transmit, but it doesn't say anything about practice. It's been awhile since I've tried it (and unfortunately none of my radio gear is currently setup) but I though just plugging in the straight key generated a tone on key down.
As for the power, yeah, that could be useful. I'm really busy as of now, but I'll try to get something put together.
hi, whitch yaesu would u say is the best... 450d or ft 891 they both similar price n im new to radio. just passed exam. and fancy 1 of the 2 mentioned. thoughts please
The 450D.
A good transceiver overall with one major gripe. The audio is awful - it has this dreadful hiss in the background which can't be mitigated much with the DSP and RF-GAIN/ATT settings. Might be my location and antenna (which is not the best - just a loop) . It sounds a lot like my Icom R75 which had the same annoying hiss in the audio amp. Heck, even my old Radioshack DX-394 sounds much better.
tnx 73
do you run PSK31 on this radio? If so what do you normally run as far as the power output and How does the radio hold up to it?
Yep, I do use PSK31 with this radio. I usually run at about 20 watts and have had no issues with it!
Tony, KD8RTT cool. If I understand it when running like PSK31 the ALC meter still shows a signal but as long as you dont go over the two vertical dots on the end your okay? I heard some guys run the power at 100 watts and then use the speaker volume on PC to lower the output. Tell me how you do it please.
+mykenwood830 You dont want to use 100 watts on PSK, it will splatter on the waterfall. 20-35 watts, and the ALC meter should be almost not visible at all for best results. i like to keep mine at 2 or 3 little bars.
How do you get the power down to 10w?
Can it run on 10w?
can you use a stright key with that radio i like stright key
Yes you can use a straight key or a paddle. If you uses a straight key you need to use a stereo connector and leave the ring unconnected. The wiring diagram is in the manual which you can download from Yaesu.
does this radio have a spot function to zero beat a cw sig
Yes
Hi very nice video, i will receive this radio to morrow i like to make a remote controlled radio so wen i am on vacation i like to use this radio remotely,can you make a video how to do it thanks new ham radio ON3YNL