Need to know about Yaesu FT-101

[beebuzzbee]

I was talking to a operator last night that sounded really awesome on a Yaesu FT101, it sounded like nothing I ever heard before. I know Yaesu FT101 is a HAM radio, but does it have the ability operate on CB frequencies or did this guy modify his rig to talk on 11M. I did google search found some general FT-101 specifications, it looks like it cover the 11M range but it's does say it actually TX /RX in the 11M range, Any one know?


Frequency Range: 3.5-30 MHz*
27.0-27.5 MHz (11/AUX)
10.0-10.5 MHz (WWV receive only)
* 160 meters included with B/E/F Series
Modes: USB, LSB, CW, AM
Power Input: SSB 260 watts PEP DC Input (130 watts output)
CW 180 watts PEP DC Input ( 90 watts output)
AM 80 watts PEP DC Input ( 40 watts output)
TX Freq Response: 300 Hz - 2700 Hz
RX Freq Response: 300 Hz - 2400 Hz Standard Yaesu SSB Filter
500 Hz Optional Yaesu CW Filter
Optional Filters: 300 Hz - 1800 Hz SSB Narrow(Fox Tango Filter)
250 Hz CW Narrow (Fox Tango Filter)
Audio Output: 3 watts
AC Power: Rx 35 watts, Tx 300 watts
DC Power: Rx 0.5 amps, Tx 20.0 amps
Weight: 35 lbs
Size: 13-1/2" x 6" x 11-1/2"

[TwentyTwo-Zero]

They are difficult to find, but 11m crystals were offered for that radio making it plug-n-play for 11m. If you look into buying one, make sure the 11m crystals are intact, or that you have a source for them if you plan on using it on 11m.

[beebuzzbee]

They are difficult to find, but 11m crystals were offered for that radio making it plug-n-play for 11m. If you look into buying one, make sure the 11m crystals are intact, or that you have a source for them if you plan on using it on 11m.

Would the crystals out of Tram 201D work in one? I have a few old Tram that I can part out.

[Circuit Breaker]

I don't know about the those crystals. A lot of the FT-101s you find out there already have 11 meter crystals in them. The FT-101E was probably one of, if not THE, best sounding AM transmitter out there. There are some modifications out there to make them sound even better. These radios are held in high regard among amateur radio operators who like to work AM. I'd like to acquire one for myself.

[721HACKSAW]

That is a very unique radio, the receive section is transistorized, but the transmitter is tube driven. I don't believe you can get any better sounding audio than that radio provides. I have one I bought from a local HAM, it is set up for 11m, the band selector appears to be "factory". These old radios require a lot more user input, mine DKs 40 watts and swings to 60 on AM. Nothing but flowers on AM or SSB. I use an older D-104.

[26 TM 100]

The cx's have to be the correct spec for that radio...Some details for you here......



FT-101 series, convet 10 meter to 11 meter


The mod is to easy, it is certainly useful for the FT 101 series owner.
Conversion to the 11 meter CB band is as simple as replacing one of the 10 meters crystal, that can be 10A 10B
10C 10D or AUXILIARY depend the band you be more interested to keep on 10 meters.
The new 101 radio come with 11 meter, all the new model's have 60M, 80M, 40M, 20M, 15M, 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 11M or AUXILIARY
1 - Open the radio and looking for the crystal's block. The block is close to
the band switch on your right side check it before you doing something. ( Read the manual )
I have one FT-101, 30 years ago, but my is the first series yaesu made. On
my radio I have made the change on 10D for the 11 meters.
2- Replace with a correct crystal. For 27,000 to 27,500 Mhz use the 33.020khz crystal
27,500 to 28,000 Mhz use the 33,520khz crystal

That all folks you radio work now on 11 meters band.



And here.....[Please login or register to view this link]

[pipsqueek]

The FT101 line has a few different models out. I find that the ft101E usually can be found working on 11. While the radio has a 300-2400Hz frequency response like you noted, a simple mod on the audio board can boost it from 2100Hz to about 6000Hz. With the right mic and audio stuff going in, you can almost achieve AM broadcast audio, an AM filter will do the same for RX.
Don't run the thing too hard and the tube finals will last a very long time. If the tubes crap out, you can't put new tubes in without doing another mod. They are not quite the same as the tubes of the 1970's.
Look up the Fox Tango website, there is a ton of information there.
pipe

[Night Crawler]

They are difficult to find, but 11m crystals were offered for that radio making it plug-n-play for 11m. If you look into buying one, make sure the 11m crystals are intact, or that you have a source for them if you plan on using it on 11m.

Would the crystals out of Tram 201D work in one? I have a few old Tram that I can part out.

You have to get the right xtal cut for that radio. Frequency,Holder, Load Capacitance series or parallel. 26 TM 100 posted all the information you need for the modification.
Here's where you can get the xtal. I live about 5 miles from them and have been doing business with them for almost 30 years. Just give them the frequency of the xtal you need and radio make and model they have all the information for cutting the xtal on file.
[Please login or register to view this link]

[beebuzzbee]

With the right mic and audio stuff going in, you can almost achieve AM broadcast audio, an AM filter will do the same for RX

The sound quality truly is a audio sensation I won't forget. Reminded me listening to a ballgame on the AM radio on a hot summer afternoon ..... it's was freaken unbelievable....I now have to have one.

[PONY EXPRESS]

I was talking to a operator last night that sounded really awesome on a Yaesu FT101, it sounded like nothing I ever heard before. I know Yaesu FT101 is a HAM radio, but does it have the ability operate on CB frequencies or did this guy modify his rig to talk on 11M. I did google search found some general FT-101 specifications, it looks like it cover the 11M range but it's does say it actually TX /RX in the 11M range, Any one know?

This is the best website I know on the FT 101 series yaesu

[Please login or register to view this link]

The FT 101 E version in my opinion is the only version to get


Frequency Range: 3.5-30 MHz*
27.0-27.5 MHz (11/AUX)
10.0-10.5 MHz (WWV receive only)
* 160 meters included with B/E/F Series
Modes: USB, LSB, CW, AM
Power Input: SSB 260 watts PEP DC Input (130 watts output)
CW 180 watts PEP DC Input ( 90 watts output)
AM 80 watts PEP DC Input ( 40 watts output)
TX Freq Response: 300 Hz - 2700 Hz
RX Freq Response: 300 Hz - 2400 Hz Standard Yaesu SSB Filter
500 Hz Optional Yaesu CW Filter
Optional Filters: 300 Hz - 1800 Hz SSB Narrow(Fox Tango Filter)
250 Hz CW Narrow (Fox Tango Filter)
Audio Output: 3 watts
AC Power: Rx 35 watts, Tx 300 watts
DC Power: Rx 0.5 amps, Tx 20.0 amps
Weight: 35 lbs
Size: 13-1/2" x 6" x 11-1/2"

[beebuzzbee]

I found one in the Craig's List for $200, a C model but it does have the 11m crystal in place.
Assuming all is in order, is that a fair price?

[Night Crawler]

There never was a C model produced. Must be a misprint.

[PONY EXPRESS]

I found one in the Craig's List for $200, a C model but it does have the 11m crystal in place.
Assuming all is in order, is that a fair price?

Must be a B Model that I would run away from .Go to that website read it and become knowledgeable and study up and become an expert to help others on this board If I was looking for 1 I would only go with a FT 101 E the version that has built in speech processor and there were 2 versions of that . You want the one where you can adjust the compression of the speech processor . there is 1 that was preset
The bottom right corner will say CLAR AND LEVEL 2 controls on 1 shaft .
It is well worth getting the correct one first .
Gotta get wife wants to go out and eat tonight. I guess I'm buying since we get paid this week.

[beebuzzbee]

My bad, you are right it's a B model and I thank you for the heads up.

[721HACKSAW]

Mine is the E model, I gave $250 for it. It is in excellent shape, original hand mic, manual, and box.

[beebuzzbee]

I found a 101-E, it's on it's way up from TX. Complete with remote VFO and EXT-speaker. thank for all your help

[pipsqueek]

That's great bbb, have fun with it. If it doesn't have the AM filter, try to find one, the RX will come to life. If it comes with the manual, follow the AM operation to the letter. Ya don't wanna overdrive and damage the tubes. SSB, different story, I let mine swing up to 120watts (it'll do a little more).
Pips

[Cochise]

with a decent ssb kicker
a d104
homebrew dipole wire antennas in the 20-40-80 meter ranges
and a cheapo mfj tuner
you can freeband around the world..
check out.
alfalima.net
and
frn.net
catch ya on the waves..
Cochise

[beebuzzbee]

Well, about the AM filter. That's the one question I didn't ask.
How do I know is it has one? If not, is that one can install or do I have to send out to a shop?

[721HACKSAW]

These radios are 30 years or older be careful, there were a lot of accessories for these radios filters, keyers, ect.. It is a much different animal than anything being made these days. As I said before they are a lot more "hands on" for the operator, but well worth it when you get those "flowers" from your contacts. Do you have a HAM ticket? Watch out if you don't those 10m guys are easy to %$&% off. Enjoy that big ole boat anchor! :D :D

[928bolo]

Well, about the AM filter. That's the one question I didn't ask.
How do I know is it has one? If not, is that one can install or do I have to send out to a shop?

This is the AM Filter.

[ external image ]

I think this just works with CW unless you make a modification. The details of the modification are here [Please login or register to view this link]. Click the link for "AM Mods and AM filter install".

[PONY EXPRESS]

Well, about the AM filter. That's the one question I didn't ask.
How do I know is it has one? If not, is that one can install or do I have to send out to a shop?

The actual board that the am filter is soldered on can be pulled out of the radio and AM filter can be installed .That would save you shipping cost and avoid damage.

[beebuzzbee]

No, I don't have a HAM ticket and I don't plan on talking anything beyond 11M.
As for the high maintenance i don't mind that either, I love the warm sounding of tube radios and I take pride working on them. I have 2 Tram (D201 & D201A) and 2 Browning (Mark II &III) that I recently restored.
I get all fuzzy when hearing some one else talking on a tube set and no doubt that particular 101 I heard, by far, is, the best sounding radio (tube or silicon) I ever heard.

[721HACKSAW]

The older guys around here say the F model is the top dog.

[928bolo]

The older guys around here say the F model is the top dog.

I agree. Last of the series.

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