Yaesu FT-900 Review: Is it Worth the Hype?

The Yaesu FT-900 has long been a favorite among amateur radio operators since its release in the 1990s. Known for its compact design, portability, and solid performance, this rig has earned a place in the hearts of many ham radio enthusiasts. But as technology advances, and newer models come to market, many are left wondering if the Yaesu FT-900 is still worth the attention it once commanded. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, and reliability of the Yaesu FT-900. By the end, we’ll help you decide if this transceiver is still worth the hype today.

Overview of Yaesu FT-900

The Yaesu FT-900 is a high-frequency (HF) amateur radio transceiver that covers all nine HF bands from 160 to 10 meters and includes the 6-meter band as well. Released in the early 1990s, it was designed as a versatile rig, suitable for both base station operation and mobile use. One of its major selling points was the removable front panel, which allowed it to be easily mounted in vehicles for mobile operations.

General Specs and Features:

• Frequency Coverage: 160-10 meters, including WARC bands.
• Power Output: Adjustable from 5 to 100 watts, providing ample power for both QRP (low-power) and high-power communications.
• Modes Supported: AM, CW, SSB, FM, and RTTY.
• Size and Weight: The FT-900 is relatively compact, making it easy to fit in small shacks or vehicles. It weighs around 9.9 lbs, making it portable but solid enough for stable base use.

The design of the FT-900 was forward-thinking for its time, incorporating a digital signal processing (DSP) unit for noise reduction, which was still a relatively new feature when it was released. Its versatility made it appealing to a wide range of amateur radio operators, from those looking for a reliable base station to those who wanted a mobile-friendly unit.

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Performance and Features

The performance of the Yaesu FT-900 is often where operators judge whether it is still relevant in today’s world of modern transceivers. Let’s break down its core performance areas:

Receiver Quality

One of the most crucial elements of any transceiver is its receiver performance, and the FT-900 doesn’t disappoint. It offers excellent selectivity and sensitivity, allowing operators to pull weak signals out of crowded bands. The receiver’s ability to handle strong adjacent signals without becoming overloaded is impressive, even by modern standards.

The FT-900 uses triple-conversion superheterodyne technology, which reduces the chances of unwanted signal interference and ensures a clear listening experience. The inclusion of DSP helps cut down on unwanted background noise, making for a cleaner sound overall.

Transmitter Power and Stability

With a maximum power output of 100 watts, the Yaesu FT-900 delivers ample power for most amateur operations. Its adjustable power settings allow operators to lower the power for QRP operations, giving more flexibility in different scenarios.

The transmitter’s stability across different bands is commendable, with a clean signal and minimal spurious emissions. Even after years of use, many FT-900s continue to perform reliably, delivering consistent performance with minimal drift across the bands.

Tuning and Interface

One of the user-friendly features of the FT-900 is its interface. The tuning knob is large and responsive, providing precise control over frequency selection. The digital display is bright and easy to read, even in low-light conditions. The buttons and dials are intuitively laid out, which makes navigation smooth even for users who may not be as experienced with ham radios.

Noise Reduction and DSP

The DSP in the FT-900 was a game-changer when it was first introduced, offering a digital solution to the problem of background noise. It significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing unwanted noise, especially when dealing with weak signals. This makes listening more enjoyable and enhances the overall performance of the receiver.

However, it is worth noting that the DSP on the FT-900, while innovative at the time, is relatively basic compared to modern transceivers. It lacks some of the more advanced noise reduction features found in newer models.

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Portability and Build Quality

Physical Dimensions and Weight

One of the FT-900’s strengths is its compact design, making it ideal for mobile operations. It measures 9.4 x 3.7 x 9.6 inches and weighs about 9.9 lbs. This combination of size and weight strikes a good balance between portability and durability. It is small enough to fit comfortably in a vehicle, yet it has enough heft to feel sturdy and well-built when used as a base station.

Ruggedness and Durability

The Yaesu FT-900 is known for its rugged construction. Built to withstand regular use in both mobile and base station settings, its solid metal chassis can handle the occasional bump or jostle. Whether you’re installing it in a vehicle or setting it up in a shack, you can expect it to last for years with proper care.

Design for Field Use

With the removable front panel, the FT-900 was designed with mobile use in mind. This feature allows operators to mount the body of the radio out of sight, such as under a seat, while still having easy access to the controls. This design makes it highly versatile and convenient for operators who are frequently on the go.

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User Experience and Usability

Learning Curve

The Yaesu FT-900 is fairly easy to use, with a manageable learning curve even for those new to amateur radio. The layout of controls is intuitive, and the radio’s straightforward interface allows users to get up and running without having to dig too deep into the manual. For experienced operators, this is a plus, as it minimizes the time needed to adapt to the radio.

Menu Layout and Navigation

While some older radios can be cumbersome to navigate, the FT-900 strikes a good balance between simplicity and functionality. The menu system is user-friendly, with most features accessible without having to navigate through endless sub-menus. This simplicity makes it appealing to both beginners and seasoned operators alike.

Modulation and Sound Quality

When it comes to sound quality, the Yaesu FT-900 delivers strong audio performance. Its transmitted audio is clean and clear, and modulation is well-regarded by other operators on the air. The audio from the built-in speaker is decent for a radio of this size, although external speakers will improve the sound quality significantly. This is particularly useful for base station setups.

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Connectivity and Compatibility

External Devices

The FT-900 is compatible with a wide range of external devices, making it easy to integrate into various setups. It has standard connections for microphones, amplifiers, and tuners. This makes it versatile for operators who like to tweak and enhance their rigs with additional equipment.

Interface Ports

The FT-900 comes with a good array of interface ports for connecting external devices, including data and microphone ports. This makes it compatible with most ham radio accessories, including external speakers, linear amplifiers, and automatic antenna tuners.

Digital Capabilities

While the FT-900 was released before the rise of digital modes such as FT8, it can still be adapted for digital operations with the appropriate interface equipment. Though not as plug-and-play friendly as newer transceivers designed with digital modes in mind, it is still possible to run digital modes on the FT-900 with a bit of extra setup.

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Pros and Cons of Yaesu FT-900

Pros

• Compact and Versatile: Ideal for both mobile and base station use.
• Solid Build Quality: Durable and built to last.
• Good Receiver Performance: Excellent sensitivity and selectivity, even in crowded bands.
• User-Friendly Interface: Simple and intuitive, with a minimal learning curve.
• DSP Noise Reduction: Offers a noticeable improvement in signal clarity.
• Removable Front Panel: Perfect for mobile installations.

Cons

• Aging Technology: While still functional, the FT-900 lacks many of the advanced features found in newer transceivers.
• Basic DSP: The DSP, while helpful, is limited compared to modern rigs.
• Limited Digital Capabilities: Not as digital mode-friendly as newer models.
• No Built-in Antenna Tuner: Operators will need an external tuner for certain band operations.

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Common Issues with Yaesu FT-900

Tuning Knob Problems

One of the most common complaints about the FT-900 is with its tuning knob. Over time, some users have reported that the knob becomes less responsive or wobbly. This is typically due to wear and tear on the internal components, but it can be fixed by replacing the knob or cleaning the internal contacts.

Screen or Display Malfunctions

As the FT-900 ages, some users have reported issues with the display screen, such as fading or malfunctioning digits. This is a common issue with older radios, and it can sometimes be fixed by re-soldering connections or replacing the screen entirely.

Aging Components

Like any piece of older technology, the FT-900 is susceptible to aging components. Capacitors, in particular, can degrade over time, leading to potential failures. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prolong the life of the radio.

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Is the Yaesu FT-900 Worth the Hype?

So, is the Yaesu FT-900 still worth the hype? The answer largely depends on what you’re looking for in a transceiver. If you’re in the market for a versatile, reliable, well-built HF rig that can be used in mobile and base station settings, the FT-900 is still a solid choice. Its performance, particularly regarding receiver sensitivity and overall durability, makes its performance commendable, even by today’s standards. For operators who prioritize simplicity, and reliability, and don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles of modern rigs, the FT-900 delivers excellent value.

That said, the FT-900 shows its age compared to newer models in terms of digital capabilities and advanced features like automatic antenna tuners, more sophisticated DSP, and plug-and-play integration for digital modes such as FT8. If you’re heavily into modern digital modes or need cutting-edge features, you might find the FT-900 lacking. Its DSP, while innovative when it was released, doesn’t offer the same level of noise reduction as current models, which may be a dealbreaker for operators working in noisy environments.

For those who are focused on HF voice operations, CW, or even some older digital modes like RTTY, the FT-900 still holds its own. Many operators continue to praise its receiver and transmitter quality, and for those looking to get into ham radio without spending a fortune on the latest models, the FT-900 offers an attractive option. Additionally, its portability and removable front panel make it a versatile option for those who need a rig that can easily transition between mobile and base station use.

In summary, if you’re after a reliable, well-built HF transceiver that can handle traditional operations and you don’t mind a slightly dated feature set, the Yaesu FT-900 could still be worth the hype. However, if you need modern features, better DSP, or seamless digital mode integration, you might want to consider a newer model. The FT-900 remains a solid, capable radio, but it’s important to assess whether it meets your specific operational needs in today’s fast-evolving amateur radio landscape.