New Yaesu FTdx 10 Hybrid SDR Ham Radio Review

Today we take a look at the interesting freatures on the Yaesu FTdx-10 and I give you my review. Also, I explain why the FTdx-10 is a Hybrid Software Defined Radio.

Hybrid SDR Configuration:

Like the FTDX101 series, the new FTDX10 utilizes the Yaesu Hybrid SDR configuration – Narrow Band SDR and Direct Sampling SDR. The Narrow band SDR receiver emphasizes excellent receiver performance, while the Direct Sampling SDR provides a Digital Processing Real-Time Spectrum Scope.

Narrow Band SDR with 3 types of Roofing Filters and Phenomenal Multi-signal receiving Characteristics:

Like the FTDX101 series, the Down Conversion type receiver configuration with the first IF at 9MHz has been adopted. It makes it possible to incorporate excellent narrow bandwidth crystal roofing filters that have the desired sharp “cliff edge” shape factor. Thanks to the Narrow Band SDR with the latest circuit configuration including 500Hz, 3kHz and 12kHz roofing filters and low-noise oscillator, the RMDR (Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range) reaches 116dB or more, the close-in BDR (Blocking Dynamic Range) reaches 141dB or more and 3rd IMDR (third-order Intermodulation Dynamic Range) reaches 109dB or more in the 14MHz band at 2kHz separation.

250MHz HRDDS (High Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer) affords Quiet and Clear Reception:

The local circuit of the new FTDX10 uses 250MHz HRDDS method same as the FTDX101 series. Thanks to its characteristics that improve the C/N (carrier to noise) ratio and the careful selection of components in the design, the phase noise characteristic of the local signal achieves an excellent value of -145dB or less in 14MHz at 2kHz separation.

3DSS (3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream) on the 5-inch Full-Color TFT Display with Touch-Panel Functionality:

The 5-inch Full-Color panel shows the 3DSS display. By touching the frequency display, the numeric keypad is displayed and the active band and frequency adjustment can be set by direct input. Frequency setting and adjustment can also be performed by turning the MAIN dial or touching the scope display. Similar to the FTDX101 series, the MULTI display, RX operation status display, Center, FIX and Cursor modes are available.

Front Panel Designed for Superior Operating Efficiency:

MPVD (Multi-Purpose VFO Outer Dial), is a large multi-purpose ring around the outside of the VFO dial that enables control of Clarifier, C/S (custom selection function) and recall of memory channels.

Remote Operation with optional LAN unit (SCU-LAN10):

Remote operation of the transceiver is possible with the optional SCU-LAN10 and SCU-LAN10 Network Remote Control Software. In addition to controlling the transceiver basic operations, the versatile scope displays enable sophisticated operations such as monitoring the band conditions on a large display at a location away from the ham shack by connection to a home LAN network.

The features of the New FTDX10 include:

15 separate band pass filters
Effective QRM rejection with the IF DSP (IF SHIFT/WIDTH, IF NOTCH DNF, DNR, COUNTOUR)
High-quality and super stable final amplifier utilizing the new push-pull MOSFET RD70HUP2
Aluminum Heat Sink with 80mm low-noise axial flow cooling fan
High Speed Automatic Antenna Tuner with a large capacity 100-channel memory
RF & AF Transmit Monitor
Microphone Amplifier with Three-stage parametric Equalizer (SSB/ AM mode)
QMB (Quick Memory Bank)
Band Stack Function
Optional speaker – SP-30 designed for the new FTDX10
Optional roofing filter (300Hz) – XF-130CN available

Radio Features:

HF/50MHz band 100W Transceiver
Hybrid SDR configuration utilizing a Narrow Bandwidth SDR and a Direct Sampling SDR
Narrow Band SDR enables Phenomenal Multi-signal Receiving characteristics (2kHz RMDR 116dB+, 2kHz BDR 141dB+, 2kHz 3rd IMDR 109dB+)
Down conversion, 9MHz IF Roofing Filters produce Excellent Shape Factor
250 MHz HRDDS (High Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer) Ultra Low-Noise Local-Oscillator System
15 Separate Powerful Band Pass Filters (BPF)
Effective QRM Rejection with IF DSP (IF SHIFT/WIDTH, IF NOTCH/DNF,CONTOUR,DNR, APF)
High-quality and Super-Stable Final Amplifier utilizing the new push-pull MOSFET RD70HUP2
5-inch Full Color Touch Panel and 3DSS (3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream) Display
MPVD (Multi-Purpose VFO Outer Dial) enables Outstanding Operating Performance
Quick Memory Bank (QMB)
Supports CW operation with multiple functions such as: CW zero-in, CW Auto zero-in, CW Reverse, CW decode, CW keying Signal form Shaping by FPGA and others
RTTY (FSK)/ PSK Encode/Decode Function
Other practical features such as Optional RF Gain Selection by IPO. Automatic Gain Control, Quick Split Function
SD Card Slot
Remote Operation via Internet with optional LAN-Unit (SCU-LAN10)

Specifications:

Frequency Ranges:

RX 30kHz – 75MHz (Operating)
RX 1.8MHz – 29.699999MHz (Specified performance, Amateur bands only)*
RX *5.1675/5.332/5.348/5.3585/5.373/5.405MHz (US only), 5.351500-5.366500MHz (EU only)/ 5.25000-5.406500 (UK only)
RX 50MHz – 53.999999MHz (Specified performance, Amateur bands only)
RX 70MHz – 70.499999MHz (Specifed performance, UK Amateur bands version only)
TX 1.8 – 54MHz (Amateur bands only)

Modulation Type: A1A(CW), A3E(AM), J3E(LSB,USB), F3E(FM),F1B(RTTY),G1B(PSK)

Frequency Stability: ±0.5ppm (32°F to +122°F/0? to +50?, after 1min)

Supply Voltage: DC 13.8V ±15%

Circuit Type: Double-Conversion Superheterodyne

Intermediate Frequencies: