Yaesu FT-747GX Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

The Yaesu FT-747GX is a compact, powerful HF transceiver that has become a favorite among many amateur radio enthusiasts. Known for its simplicity, affordability, and solid performance, it has generated significant buzz within the ham radio community. Despite being released years ago, its reputation remains strong, even in today’s market, where technology has dramatically evolved.

But is the Yaesu FT-747GX truly worth the hype it has garnered over the years? In this detailed review, we will break down its design, performance, features, and value for money. We’ll explore both its strengths and limitations, delving into whether this radio is still a good option for radio operators in 2024. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of whether the FT-747GX deserves a place in your shack.

Overview of Yaesu FT-747GX

The Yaesu FT-747GX is a vintage HF transceiver that first hit the market in the late 1980s. It quickly gained popularity for its ease of use, reliable performance, and affordable price point, which made it accessible to a wide range of users—from beginners to more experienced operators.

Key Features and Specifications:

• Frequency Range: Covers all HF amateur bands (160m to 10m, including WARC bands).
• Power Output: Up to 100 watts of output power, ensuring strong signal transmission.
• Modes Supported: AM, FM, SSB (Single Sideband), and CW (Continuous Wave).
• Digital Display: An easy-to-read digital frequency display.
• Compact Size: 240 mm wide and relatively lightweight, making it ideal for small radio setups or portable operations.
• Memory Channels: Equipped with a handful of memory channels for storing frequently used frequencies.

The FT-747GX was designed to be user-friendly, appealing to those who wanted an effective HF radio without the steep learning curve. Over the years, it’s remained a popular choice for its simplicity and ability to handle general ham radio operations.

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Design and Build Quality

The Yaesu FT-747GX stands out for its compact and functional design. Given its lightweight and relatively small form factor, it’s an excellent choice for those with limited space in their radio setups or for operators who want to take their equipment on the go. The layout is practical and easy to navigate, with all essential controls placed within arm’s reach on the front panel.

Physical Build: The transceiver is built with durability in mind. Its solid metal chassis ensures long-lasting performance, even when subjected to regular use. While some newer radios may have more modern designs, the FT-747GX maintains a clean and professional appearance. The knobs and dials are robust and offer good tactile feedback, ensuring a satisfying user experience.

User Interface: One of the standout features of the FT-747GX is its simplicity. The front panel includes clearly labeled buttons and dials, making it easy for operators to adjust frequencies, modes, and other settings. The digital frequency display is clear and easy to read, even from a distance.

Compared to newer models, the FT-747GX may seem a bit dated in terms of aesthetics, but for those who prioritize functionality over appearance, this transceiver offers a no-nonsense, efficient design.

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Performance and Features

When evaluating the performance of the Yaesu FT-747GX, it’s essential to consider both its receiver and transmitter capabilities, as well as additional features that enhance the overall user experience.

Receiver Performance

The FT-747GX offers good sensitivity, which is crucial for picking up weak signals across various HF bands. Its ability to receive signals from distant locations is often praised by users, making it an excellent choice for those who enjoy DXing (long-distance communication).

The radio also features reasonable selectivity, allowing operators to filter out unwanted signals and noise. However, the lack of advanced noise reduction features, commonly found in more modern radios, can be a slight drawback. While the receiver performs admirably, it may struggle in environments with heavy noise or interference.

Transmitter Quality

The FT-747GX provides up to 100 watts of output power, ensuring solid transmission capabilities. Whether you’re communicating across town or reaching out to a station on the other side of the world, the radio delivers strong, reliable signals. Users generally report that the audio quality of transmitted signals is clear and free of distortion.

One downside, however, is the radio’s lack of more modern transmitter features such as digital signal processing (DSP) for further refining transmitted audio. While it may not offer cutting-edge technology, it remains effective for most typical ham radio operations.

Additional Features

Despite its age, the Yaesu FT-747GX includes some useful features that enhance its usability:

• Memory Channels: While limited in number compared to newer models, the memory channels are helpful for quickly accessing frequently used frequencies.
• Simplified Operation: The transceiver is designed for ease of use, with fewer complicated settings than some of its competitors, making it great for those who want a straightforward experience.

That said, the FT-747GX lacks some of the modern connectivity features like USB ports or digital modes, which may be a dealbreaker for some operators who prioritize digital operation.

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Ease of Use

One of the main reasons the Yaesu FT-747GX has remained so popular over the years is its ease of use. Both beginners and experienced operators appreciate how simple the radio is to operate. There are no overly complicated menus or unnecessary features, which can often be overwhelming, especially for new users.

Setup and Operation

Setting up the FT-747GX is relatively straightforward, even for those with limited technical expertise. The radio comes with a detailed user manual that provides clear instructions on how to configure the device for optimal use. Once powered on, switching between bands and modes is simple, with well-labeled buttons and dials for easy navigation.

The FT-747GX’s interface is intuitive, and the learning curve is minimal. It’s an excellent transceiver for operators who prefer a more hands-on, tactile experience without the need to dig into digital menus or complicated configurations.

User-Friendliness

For beginners, the FT-747GX offers a gentle introduction to HF operation, allowing them to get on the air quickly without being bogged down by complex settings. Even for seasoned operators, the simplicity of the radio can be refreshing, offering a straightforward, enjoyable operating experience. However, for those looking for advanced functionality and fine-tuning options, the FT-747GX may feel somewhat limited.

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Affordability and Value for Money

One of the standout features of the Yaesu FT-747GX is its affordability. Compared to more modern radios with advanced features, the FT-747GX comes at a significantly lower price point, making it accessible to a broad range of users. For budget-conscious hams, the FT-747GX represents excellent value for money.

Price Range

Depending on the condition and availability, the FT-747GX typically sells for a few hundred dollars on the second-hand market. When it was first released, it was considered a budget-friendly option, and that remains true today. Compared to newer transceivers that can cost thousands of dollars, the FT-747GX is an attractive option for those who want solid performance without breaking the bank.

Value Proposition

While the FT-747GX lacks many of the modern features that are standard in today’s transceivers, its simplicity, reliability, and affordability make it a great value. For those who don’t require advanced digital modes or high-tech connectivity, this radio offers everything you need for casual HF operation at a fraction of the cost of a newer model.

Its long-term investment potential is also worth considering. The FT-747GX has proven itself to be a durable and reliable transceiver, with many units still functioning well decades after their original release. This longevity makes it a sound investment for operators looking for a radio that will stand the test of time.

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Common Issues and Limitations

While the Yaesu FT-747GX offers a solid operating experience, it’s not without its flaws. Over the years, users have reported several common issues, most of which are related to the age of the device and its somewhat outdated technology.

Limited Memory Channels

One common complaint about the FT-747GX is its limited number of memory channels. While this may not be an issue for casual users, more serious operators who regularly switch between frequencies may find the limited memory capacity frustrating.

Outdated Display

The FT-747GX’s digital display, while functional, is considered outdated by today’s standards. Newer transceivers feature larger, more detailed color displays that offer more information and are easier to read. For some operators, the FT-747GX’s display may feel somewhat lacking in comparison.

No Digital Connectivity

As mentioned earlier, the FT-747GX lacks digital connectivity features, such as USB ports or digital signal processing (DSP). For operators interested in running digital modes like FT8, the absence of these features can be a significant limitation.

Age and Wear

Given that the FT-747GX is an older radio, many units on the market are second-hand. Depending on how well they’ve been maintained, some units may show signs of wear, such as faulty knobs, switches, or internal components. While parts for repairs are generally available, buyers need to consider the potential need for maintenance when purchasing a used FT-747GX.

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Customer Reviews and User Feedback

A quick glance at user reviews for the Yaesu FT-747GX reveals a largely positive reception, with most operators praising its simplicity, reliability, and value. Here are some key takeaways from user feedback:

Positive Reviews

• Ease of Use: Many users, especially beginners, appreciate how simple the FT-747GX is to operate. The radio’s intuitive design allows new operators to get on the air quickly without needing to spend hours learning how to use complicated features.
• Reliable Performance: Users report that the FT-747GX delivers consistently reliable performance, both in receiving and transmitting. It holds up well for long-distance communication, with strong signal reception and solid audio quality.
• Affordability: Many users emphasize that the FT-747GX offers great value for money. Even though it lacks modern features, the transceiver still competes well with more expensive models in terms of performance, especially considering its lower price tag.

Negative Reviews

• Limited Modern Features: Some users point out the lack of advanced features, such as digital signal processing (DSP), USB connectivity, and more sophisticated filtering options. These missing features can be a dealbreaker for operators who are more accustomed to modern transceivers with advanced functionality.
• Outdated Display: A few users mention that the FT-747GX’s digital display feels outdated, particularly in comparison to newer radios that offer larger, more detailed color screens. While functional, the FT-747GX’s display doesn’t provide the level of information or clarity found in modern rigs.
• Aging Units: Because most FT-747GX units on the market are second-hand, some users have reported issues with aging components, such as worn-out switches, faulty dials, or display problems. It’s important to assess the condition of the unit before purchasing, as some may require maintenance or repairs.

Overall, most users view the Yaesu FT-747GX as a dependable and affordable transceiver, with reviews leaning more toward positive feedback. While it has its limitations, many operators still find it to be a great option for general HF operations.

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Final Verdict: Is the Yaesu FT-747GX Worth the Hype?

After thoroughly examining the features, performance, and user feedback surrounding the Yaesu FT-747GX, the question remains: is it worth the hype? For many amateur radio operators, the answer is a resounding “yes”—but with certain caveats.

Strengths

• Simplicity: The FT-747GX shines when it comes to ease of use. Its straightforward design makes it accessible to both beginners and experienced users looking for a no-fuss transceiver. The lack of complicated menus or advanced digital modes appeals to operators who prefer a more hands-on, analog operating experience.
• Reliable Performance: Despite its age, the FT-747GX delivers solid receiver and transmitter performance across the HF bands. The 100 watts of power output are more than enough for most amateur radio activities, including DXing and casual conversations.
• Affordability: For operators on a budget, the FT-747GX offers tremendous value. While it lacks some modern features, its core functionality remains strong, especially given its low cost on the second-hand market.

Weaknesses

• Lack of Modern Features: If you’re looking for cutting-edge technology, the FT-747GX may disappoint. It lacks DSP, USB connectivity, and the more sophisticated filtering systems that many modern transceivers include. This could be a dealbreaker for operators who rely on these features for advanced operating modes, like digital communication.
• Aging Hardware: As a radio that’s been around for decades, the FT-747GX is beginning to show its age. Prospective buyers should be aware that many units available today are second-hand and may require repairs or maintenance, particularly if they have seen heavy use over the years.

Who Should Buy It?

The Yaesu FT-747GX is ideal for amateur radio operators who prioritize simplicity and reliability over cutting-edge features. It’s especially suitable for:

• Beginners: Those new to amateur radio will find the FT-747GX easy to use and learn with.
• Casual Operators: If you’re primarily interested in casual conversations and general HF operation, this transceiver offers everything you need at an affordable price.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: Operators looking for a reliable HF rig without spending a fortune will appreciate the FT-747GX’s cost-effectiveness.

However, those who require advanced digital modes or more modern connectivity features may want to look elsewhere.

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Conclusion

The Yaesu FT-747GX is a vintage HF transceiver that continues to hold its own in today’s amateur radio market. Despite being several decades old, it remains a reliable and user-friendly option for operators who value simplicity, solid performance, and affordability. The radio’s intuitive design and ease of use make it an excellent choice for beginners, while its durability and consistent performance appeal to more experienced users.

However, its lack of modern features such as digital signal processing, USB connectivity, and sophisticated filtering may make it less attractive to operators who rely on cutting-edge technology for their operations. Additionally, because most FT-747GX units on the market today are second-hand, prospective buyers should carefully assess the condition of the equipment before purchasing.

Overall, if you’re in the market for a dependable HF transceiver that won’t break the bank, the Yaesu FT-747GX is certainly worth considering. While it may not be the most feature-packed radio on the market, it more than delivers on its core promises: reliable performance, ease of use, and excellent value for money. Whether or not it’s “worth the hype” ultimately depends on your individual operating needs and preferences.