I’m not saying this is going to happen, but I am starting the “thinking” process for replacing my Icom IC-705 with the new and soon (early 2025) to be released Yaesu FTX-1F.
I absolutely love my little Icom IC-705 QRP rig and it has served me very well over the last 5 years but maybe it’s time to upgrade to something different and at the same time slightly better.
If this happens it will be the first time that my main radios don’t include an Icom radio which will be just a little bit strange for me. But the IC-705 is getting a bit dated these days and Icom don’t seem to be planning any update in the foreseeable future. On top of which I really do like the look ad feel of Yaesu radios just now. They have a certain slickness to them while Icom radios look just a little bit dated and boxy.
Specs for the Yaesu FTX-1F are a little thin at the moment but I will keep my eyes open for any updates as and when they show up. I also want to see some pre-release video reviews before I commit to spending what I expect to be the best part of £1500 – £1600. For now this is what I have to go on.
- Operation in SSB, CW, AM, FM and C4FM digital modes
- SDR Technology and 3DSS (3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream) on a 4.3-inch high-resolution full-color touch display
panel - Two independent receiver circuits provide true simultaneous dual-band operation, whether in the same band or in
different bands. For example: SSB communication on HF bands simultaneously with C4FM digital communication
on V/UHF bands (*HF+V, HF+U, V+V, U+U, V+U, U+V) - Two Loud speakers ensure clear and powerful audio output
- An optional Automatic Antenna Tuner can be attached to the rear of the transceiver with the 5670mAh high-capacity
Li-ion battery pack. The optional Cooling-fan, which is necessary for comfortable FT8 operation, can also be
combined with the antenna tuner. (All-in-one rear panel design) - RF front-end and Low Noise Reference Oscillator, enable Phenomenal Multi-signal Receiving characteristics
- Effective QRM rejection afforded via High-speed 32-bit IF DSP (YAESU’s renowned interference reduction
systems: SHIFT / WIDTH / NOTCH / CONTROUR / APF / DNR / NB) - Compatible with WiRES-X operation
- PMG (Primary Memory Group) function can register and monitor up to 5 frequently used frequencies
- MAG (Memory Auto Grouping) function enables Memory Channels to be categorized in each band that can be
quickly recalled by band groups (HF/VHF/UHF/AIR/OTHERS) - USB ports support CAT operation, audio input/output and TX control
The new FTX-1F will be available early 2025. Please be ready for this forthcoming exciting new radio!