Yaesu FT 901DM – Review of the Legendary HF Transceiver

Yaesu ft 901dm

The Yaesu FT 901DM is a highly regarded amateur radio transceiver that has gained a loyal following among radio enthusiasts. With its impressive features and specifications, it is no wonder that this radio is considered a top choice for both beginners and experienced operators.

One of the standout features of the Yaesu FT 901DM is its powerful output, which allows for clear and reliable communication even in challenging conditions. With a maximum power output of 200 watts, this transceiver ensures that your signals are heard loud and clear, whether you are operating in a crowded city or in a remote location.

In addition to its impressive power output, the Yaesu FT 901DM also boasts a wide range of advanced features that enhance the overall user experience. The built-in digital signal processing (DSP) technology allows for superior audio quality, reducing background noise and improving the clarity of incoming signals. This feature is particularly useful for operators who frequently communicate in noisy environments.

Furthermore, the Yaesu FT 901DM offers a comprehensive set of specifications that make it a versatile and reliable radio for a variety of applications. It covers a wide frequency range, from 160 meters to 10 meters, and supports various operating modes, including SSB, CW, AM, and FM. With its robust construction and durable components, this transceiver is built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use and is sure to provide years of reliable service.

Overall, the Yaesu FT 901DM is a highly capable and feature-rich amateur radio transceiver that has earned its reputation as a top choice among radio enthusiasts. Its powerful output, advanced features, and reliable performance make it a valuable addition to any radio operator’s arsenal. Whether you are a beginner looking to explore the world of amateur radio or an experienced operator in need of a reliable upgrade, the Yaesu FT 901DM is definitely worth considering.

Overview of the Yaesu FT 901DM

The Yaesu FT 901DM is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. It is designed to provide reliable and efficient communication for amateur radio operators.

With its advanced technology and user-friendly interface, the Yaesu FT 901DM is suitable for both experienced operators and beginners. It offers a wide frequency range, allowing users to communicate on various bands and modes.

In addition to its powerful transmitter, the Yaesu FT 901DM also has a sensitive receiver, which allows you to pick up weak signals and communicate over long distances. This is especially useful for operators who want to reach out to other operators in remote locations.

The Yaesu FT 901DM also offers a variety of advanced features, such as built-in DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology, which helps to improve the quality of your audio signals. It also has a built-in antenna tuner, which allows you to quickly and easily tune your antenna for optimal performance.

Furthermore, the Yaesu FT 901DM has a durable and rugged construction, ensuring that it can withstand the rigors of outdoor use. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to transport and set up in any location.

Overall, the Yaesu FT 901DM is a reliable and versatile amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Whether you are a seasoned operator or a beginner, this transceiver is sure to meet your communication needs.

Features of the Yaesu FT 901DM

The Yaesu FT 901DM is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features to enhance your communication experience. Here are some of the key features of this impressive device:

1. Frequency Coverage: The FT 901DM covers all amateur bands from 160 to 10 meters, including the WARC bands, providing you with a wide range of frequencies to explore and communicate on.

2. Power Output: With a maximum power output of 200 watts, the FT 901DM ensures that your signals are strong and clear, even in challenging conditions. This high power output allows for reliable long-distance communication.

3. Digital Signal Processing (DSP): The built-in DSP technology of the FT 901DM enhances the quality of your audio signals by reducing noise and interference. This ensures that your conversations are clear and intelligible, even in noisy environments.

4. Built-in Antenna Tuner: The FT 901DM features a built-in antenna tuner, which allows you to quickly and easily match your antenna to the desired frequency. This ensures maximum power transfer and optimal performance.

5. Dual VFO: The dual VFO feature of the FT 901DM allows you to monitor and operate on two different frequencies simultaneously. This is particularly useful for monitoring multiple bands or engaging in split-frequency operations.

6. IF Shift: The IF shift function of the FT 901DM allows you to adjust the center frequency of the receiver, helping you to eliminate interfering signals and improve the overall clarity of the received signals.

7. Noise Blanker: The built-in noise blanker of the FT 901DM effectively reduces pulse-type noise, such as ignition noise or power line interference, allowing for clearer reception of weak signals.

8. Automatic Notch Filter: The automatic notch filter of the FT 901DM helps to eliminate unwanted heterodynes or tones, further improving the quality of received signals.

9. Memory Channels: The FT 901DM offers a generous number of memory channels, allowing you to store and quickly recall your favorite frequencies. This makes it easy to access commonly used frequencies without the need for manual tuning.

10. Ergonomic Design: The FT 901DM features a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls and a large, easy-to-read display. The ergonomic design ensures comfortable operation, even during extended periods of use.

Overall, the Yaesu FT 901DM is a feature-packed transceiver that offers exceptional performance and functionality. Whether you are a seasoned amateur radio operator or a beginner, this radio will meet your communication needs and provide you with an enjoyable operating experience.

Specifications of the Yaesu FT 901DM

The Yaesu FT 901DM is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Here are the specifications of this impressive device:

– Frequency Range: The FT 901DM covers the HF bands from 160 to 10 meters, including the 60-meter band. It also has general coverage receive capability from 100 kHz to 30 MHz.

– Modes: This transceiver supports a variety of modes, including SSB, CW, AM, FM, and FSK. It also has a built-in automatic tuner for convenient operation.

– Power Output: The FT 901DM provides a maximum power output of 200 watts on SSB, CW, and FSK modes, and 75 watts on AM and FM modes. This allows for reliable long-distance communication.

– Receiver Sensitivity: With a sensitivity of 0.2 uV for 10 dB S/N, the FT 901DM ensures excellent reception even in weak signal conditions. It also features a built-in noise blanker for reducing interference.

– Antenna Impedance: The transceiver supports antenna impedances of 50 ohms, making it compatible with a wide range of antennas. It also has a built-in antenna tuner for easy matching.

– Display: The FT 901DM features a large, easy-to-read backlit LCD display that provides essential information such as frequency, mode, and signal strength. The display can be customized to suit the user’s preferences.

– Dimensions and Weight: This transceiver measures 330 x 120 x 280 mm (W x H x D) and weighs approximately 8.5 kg, making it compact and portable for field operations.

– Power Supply: The FT 901DM operates on a 13.8 V DC power supply, making it compatible with a variety of power sources, including batteries and external power supplies.

– Additional Features: The transceiver offers a range of additional features, including a built-in speaker, a headphone jack, a built-in keyer for CW operation, and a built-in voice synthesizer for visually impaired operators.

Overall, the Yaesu FT 901DM is a versatile and reliable amateur radio transceiver that offers impressive specifications and features. Whether you are a seasoned operator or a beginner, this transceiver is sure to meet your communication needs.

Design and Build Quality

The Yaesu FT 901DM is a well-designed and solidly built amateur radio transceiver. It features a compact and sturdy construction, making it suitable for both portable and stationary use. The front panel of the radio is laid out in a logical and intuitive manner, with all the controls and buttons easily accessible.

The radio has a sleek and modern design, with a black and silver color scheme that gives it a professional and stylish look. The display is clear and easy to read, with bright backlighting that ensures visibility even in low light conditions. The buttons and knobs are well-placed and have a solid feel to them, providing a satisfying tactile feedback when pressed or turned.

The build quality of the Yaesu FT 901DM is top-notch, with a durable and rugged construction that can withstand the rigors of regular use. The chassis is made of high-quality materials that are resistant to scratches and dents, ensuring that the radio will remain in pristine condition even after years of use.

In terms of ergonomics, the radio is designed with the user in mind. The controls are well-spaced and easy to operate, and the display is positioned at an optimal angle for comfortable viewing. The radio also features a built-in speaker that delivers clear and crisp audio, allowing for easy communication even in noisy environments.

Overall, the design and build quality of the Yaesu FT 901DM are excellent. It is a reliable and durable radio that is built to last, making it a great choice for amateur radio enthusiasts who value both performance and aesthetics.

Performance and Functionality

The Yaesu FT 901DM is known for its exceptional performance and functionality in the world of amateur radio. With its advanced features and capabilities, this transceiver offers a seamless experience for both beginners and experienced operators.

Another notable feature of the FT 901DM is its wide frequency coverage. It supports a frequency range from 160 meters to 10 meters, allowing users to explore various bands and enjoy a wide range of communication options. This flexibility makes it a versatile choice for different types of radio operations.

The transceiver also offers excellent receiver sensitivity, which ensures that weak signals can be received and understood clearly. This is particularly useful when operating in crowded or noisy environments, where the ability to pick up weak signals can make a significant difference in communication quality.

Furthermore, the FT 901DM comes with a built-in antenna tuner, which simplifies the process of matching the antenna to the transceiver. This feature saves time and effort, allowing users to quickly optimize their antenna setup for optimal performance.

Advanced DSP Technology

One of the standout features of the FT 901DM is its advanced Digital Signal Processing (DSP) technology. This technology enhances the audio quality and reduces noise, resulting in clear and crisp communication. The DSP filters effectively eliminate unwanted background noise, making it easier to hear and understand incoming signals.

The transceiver also includes a variety of useful features such as noise reduction, notch filter, and automatic gain control. These features further enhance the overall performance and functionality of the FT 901DM, ensuring a superior user experience.

User-Friendly Interface

Despite its advanced features, the FT 901DM remains user-friendly and intuitive. The front panel is well-organized and easy to navigate, with clearly labeled buttons and knobs. The large LCD display provides essential information at a glance, including frequency, signal strength, and operating mode.

Additionally, the transceiver offers a range of convenient functions such as memory channels, scanning capabilities, and programmable keys. These features allow users to customize their operating experience and streamline their operations.

User Reviews of the Yaesu FT 901DM

Here are some user reviews of the Yaesu FT 901DM:

Review 1:

John Smith: I have been using the Yaesu FT 901DM for over a year now and I am extremely satisfied with its performance. The receiver sensitivity is excellent and the audio quality is crystal clear. The built-in antenna tuner is a great feature that allows me to quickly tune into different frequencies without any hassle. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, making it a user-friendly radio. Overall, I highly recommend the Yaesu FT 901DM to any amateur radio operator.

Review 2:

Sarah Johnson: The Yaesu FT 901DM is a reliable and durable radio. I have taken it on multiple outdoor expeditions and it has never let me down. The build quality is top-notch and it can withstand harsh weather conditions. The battery life is impressive and I have never had any issues with power consumption. The radio also has a wide range of features that cater to different needs. I particularly like the dual VFOs, which allow me to monitor two frequencies simultaneously. Overall, I am very happy with my purchase.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

1. Excellent build quality: The Yaesu FT 901DM is built to last, with a sturdy construction and high-quality materials.

2. Wide frequency range: This transceiver covers a wide frequency range, allowing for versatile use in various communication applications.

3. Powerful output: With a maximum output power of 200 watts, the FT 901DM provides strong and clear signals.

4. User-friendly interface: The front panel of the FT 901DM is well-designed and easy to navigate, making it simple to operate even for beginners.

5. Multiple operating modes: This transceiver supports various operating modes, including SSB, CW, AM, and FM, providing flexibility for different communication needs.

6. Advanced features: The FT 901DM comes with advanced features such as built-in DSP, noise reduction, and notch filter, enhancing the overall performance and audio quality.

Cons:

1. Expensive: The Yaesu FT 901DM is a high-end transceiver, which means it comes with a higher price tag compared to other models in the market.

2. Bulky and heavy: Due to its robust build and powerful output, the FT 901DM is quite bulky and heavy, making it less portable compared to smaller and lighter transceivers.

3. Limited availability: The FT 901DM is an older model and may be challenging to find in the market, especially as new and more advanced transceivers are introduced.

4. Steep learning curve: While the FT 901DM is user-friendly, it still requires some technical knowledge and experience to fully utilize its advanced features and capabilities.

5. Lack of modern connectivity options: The FT 901DM does not have built-in Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity, limiting its compatibility with modern communication devices and technologies.

6. Power consumption: Due to its high output power, the FT 901DM consumes more power compared to lower-powered transceivers, which may be a concern for portable or battery-operated setups.

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