Yaesu FT 710 Field Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

The Yaesu FT 710 has made a strong entrance into the world of amateur radios, quickly gaining attention and hype. As an SDR (Software-Defined Radio) transceiver, it’s loaded with modern features, designed to provide exceptional performance and flexibility. But with several top competitors in the market, many wonder if it truly delivers on the promises. In this field review, we’ll explore the build, performance, ease of use, and how it stacks up against similar models. By the end, you’ll know whether the Yaesu FT 710 is worth the investment for your ham radio setup.

Overview of the Yaesu FT 710

Key Specifications and Features

The Yaesu FT 710 is a compact SDR transceiver that operates on the HF/50MHz bands. It boasts a range of impressive specifications designed to appeal to both seasoned operators and newcomers. Here’s a breakdown of the most noteworthy features:

• Power Output: The FT 710 delivers 100 watts of power on SSB, CW, FM, and 25 watts on AM.
• Bands: It operates on all HF bands, including 160m, 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m, and the 6m band.
• Display: The transceiver features a 4.3-inch TFT color touch display, which simplifies navigation and makes it easier to interact with the device.
• Receiver: Its RF direct sampling system ensures that signals are processed quickly and accurately, providing exceptional clarity and low noise.
• DNR (Digital Noise Reduction): The FT 710 is equipped with Yaesu’s renowned Digital Noise Reduction technology, which helps eliminate background noise during operation.
• Size and Weight: Despite its capabilities, the FT 710 is lightweight and portable, weighing approximately 9.3 lbs (4.2 kg).

Design and Build Quality

The Yaesu FT 710 boasts a sleek, modern design that feels sturdy without being too bulky. Its compact size is ideal for field use, offering portability without sacrificing performance. The buttons and controls are well laid out, making it easy for both seasoned and novice operators to get comfortable with the device.

In terms of build quality, the FT 710 is solid. The knobs feel responsive, and the overall construction suggests durability, making it ideal for both home and portable operations. The color touch screen is a major improvement over older models, offering a more intuitive interface that enhances the user experience.

First Impressions Out of the Box

Right out of the box, the Yaesu FT 710 gives the impression of a well-engineered piece of equipment. The attention to detail in its design is noticeable, and the device feels like it was made to last. The touchscreen display immediately catches the eye, offering crisp visuals and responsive controls.

Upon powering up, the initial setup is simple, and the menus are easy to navigate. For those who are new to the Yaesu family or SDR radios, the learning curve is minimal, making it accessible for a wide range of operators.

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Performance in the Field

Signal Reception and Clarity

One of the standout features of the Yaesu FT 710 is its excellent signal reception. Whether you’re in a rural area with minimal interference or an urban environment with lots of noise, the FT 710 manages to pull in signals with remarkable clarity. The receiver’s RF direct sampling system is key here, providing low noise floor levels and exceptional sensitivity.

During testing, even weak signals were captured clearly, and the transceiver’s filtering options helped to eliminate unwanted noise. The Automatic Notch Filter (ANF) and Digital Noise Reduction (DNR) both work flawlessly, providing a clear and pleasant listening experience.

Power Output and Transmit Quality

The FT 710’s 100-watt power output on SSB, CW, and FM is more than adequate for most operators. In field conditions, the transceiver consistently delivered strong, reliable signals. Audio reports from contacts were overwhelmingly positive, with many operators noting the clarity and punch of the transmitted signal.

On AM, the reduced power output of 25 watts might be a limiting factor for some, but it still performs well in most situations. The modulation quality is clean, and the speech processor helps to boost audio output without distorting the signal.

How It Handles Noise Reduction

The Yaesu FT 710 excels at noise reduction, a critical feature for operators who frequently deal with noisy environments or weak signals. The DNR system is one of the best in its class, effectively reducing background noise while maintaining signal clarity. The transceiver’s digital filtering options, including the bandwidth adjustments and notch filter, make it easy to fine-tune the receiver for optimal performance.

In practice, the noise reduction capabilities of the FT 710 make it easier to pull in weak signals, particularly in noisy environments. Whether you’re operating in a high-noise urban area or a quiet rural setting, the FT 710 manages to provide clean, clear audio.

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User Experience

Ease of Use and Learning Curve

For a transceiver loaded with advanced features, the Yaesu FT 710 is surprisingly easy to use. The touch screen interface simplifies navigation, and the menus are logically organized, allowing users to quickly find the settings they need. Yaesu has designed the FT 710 to be as user-friendly as possible, minimizing the learning curve even for operators new to SDR technology.

The built-in speaker provides good audio clarity, and the external connections allow for easy integration with additional equipment like external speakers or amplifiers. The instruction manual is well-written and offers clear guidance for getting started, though more advanced users may not even need to reference it frequently.

Interface, Touchscreen, and Controls

The FT 710’s 4.3-inch color TFT touch display is one of its biggest assets. The touchscreen is responsive and easy to navigate, allowing users to access menus and settings quickly. The display itself is sharp and offers excellent visibility, even in bright outdoor conditions, which is crucial for field operations.

The physical controls, including the knobs and buttons, are well-placed and have a quality feel to them. The tuning knob is smooth and precise, and the buttons are easy to press without being overly sensitive. For those who prefer tactile controls, the FT 710 strikes a good balance between touchscreen functionality and traditional knobs and buttons.

Customization Options and Menus

The FT 710 offers a high degree of customization, allowing users to tailor the transceiver to their specific needs. Whether adjusting the RF gain, noise reduction settings, or transmit filters, operators can easily fine-tune the device for different operating conditions. The memory functions are easy to set up, allowing for quick access to favorite frequencies and settings.

The menus are straightforward, with the most important settings just a few taps away. For more advanced users, the ability to dive deep into the settings to optimize performance is a big plus.

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Compared with Other Models

FT 710 vs. Yaesu FT-DX10

The FT-DX10 is another popular model from Yaesu, and it shares many similarities with the FT 710. Both transceivers offer SDR capabilities, touch screens, and advanced filtering options. However, the FT-DX10 is designed for more serious operators who need the highest performance possible, especially in contesting or DXing scenarios.

The FT 710, on the other hand, is a more compact and affordable option, making it a better choice for those who prioritize portability and ease of use. While the FT-DX10 offers slightly better performance in terms of receiver sensitivity and filtering, the FT 710 is no slouch and provides excellent performance at a more budget-friendly price point.

FT 710 vs. Icom IC-7300

The Icom IC-7300 is often considered the gold standard for entry-level SDR transceivers, and it’s a direct competitor to the Yaesu FT 710. Both radios offer similar features, including touch screens, SDR technology, and powerful noise reduction capabilities.

Where the FT 710 stands out is in its superior build quality and slightly more advanced filtering options. The IC-7300 is known for its ease of use and overall performance, but the FT 710 has a slight edge in terms of signal clarity and noise reduction in difficult conditions. However, the IC-7300 remains a strong contender, particularly for operators who value simplicity.

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Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Portability: Lightweight and compact, making it ideal for field operations.
• Advanced SDR technology: Provides excellent signal clarity and performance.
• Touchscreen interface: Easy to use and responsive, even in outdoor conditions.
• Noise reduction: Exceptional DNR and filtering capabilities that reduce unwanted noise.
• Build quality: Solid construction that feels durable and reliable.

Cons:

• Limited AM power output: The 25-watt power limit on AM could be a drawback for some users.
• Price: While not overly expensive, it’s still a significant investment for budget-conscious operators.
• Limited advanced features: Compared to higher-end models like the FT-DX10, it lacks some advanced capabilities.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Yaesu FT 710 is a fantastic option for operators seeking a portable, easy-to-use, and highly capable SDR transceiver. It delivers excellent performance in both field and home settings, with outstanding noise reduction, signal clarity, and a user-friendly interface. While it may not offer all the high-end features of more expensive models, it more than makes up for it with its compact design, build quality, and affordability.

For operators who prioritize portability, ease of use, and solid performance, the Yaesu FT 710 is a worthy investment. It may not be the top choice for serious contesters or DXers who need the ultimate in performance, but for everyday use and field operations, it’s hard to beat. Ultimately, whether the Yaesu FT 710 is worth the hype depends on your specific needs as an operator. If you’re looking for a reliable, compact, and modern transceiver that performs well in both field and home environments, then the FT 710 certainly delivers on its promises. It combines the best of Yaesu’s SDR technology with user-friendly features and robust build quality, making it a strong contender in the mid-range transceiver market.

For those who want an easy-to-use radio that still provides plenty of customization and flexibility, the FT 710 is an excellent choice. However, if you’re a more advanced operator or a dedicated contester looking for cutting-edge performance, you may want to consider higher-end models like the FT-DX10.