Yaesu FTX-1 Optima HF/50/144/430 MHz SDR Transceiver – 100 W

The Yaesu FTX-1 Optima is a versatile all-mode SDR transceiver designed for both high-power base-station use and portable field operation.

The Optima version combines the compact Field Head with the detachable SPA-1 RF power amplifier. When connected to a suitable 13.8 V DC external supply, the complete system delivers up to 100 W on HF and 50 MHz and up to 50 W on the 144 and 430 MHz bands. No tools are required to attach or remove the amplifier.

For portable operation, the Field Head can be removed and powered by the supplied 6400 mAh SBR-52LI battery. It provides up to 6 W from the battery, with output limited to 5 W in QRP mode. Connecting an external 13.8 V supply directly to the Field Head increases its maximum output to 10 W.

The transceiver covers amateur bands from 1.8 through 430 MHz and supports SSB, CW, AM, FM, data and C4FM digital modes. General receiver coverage extends from 30 kHz to 174 MHz and from 400 to 470 MHz, including shortwave, FM broadcast and air-band reception.

Simultaneous dual-band reception allows an HF frequency to be used while monitoring a VHF or UHF channel. Simultaneous HF/HF reception is not supported.

A 4.3-inch full-colour TFT touchscreen provides spectrum, waterfall, filter-status and 3DSS displays. Its DSP interference-reduction functions help improve reception in crowded bands and weak-signal conditions.

The Optima configuration includes a built-in automatic antenna tuner for HF and 50 MHz. The SPA-1 also adds a 66 mm, 2.5 W speaker, bringing the system’s maximum audio output to approximately 4 W.

Main features

• Model: Yaesu FTX-1 Optima
• Type: all-mode SDR transceiver
• Transmit bands: HF, 50, 144 and 430 MHz
• Modes: SSB, CW, AM, FM, data and C4FM
• Output with SPA-1:
  • HF/50 MHz: 5–100 W
  • 144/430 MHz: 5–50 W
• Portable output:
  • Up to 6 W from the supplied battery
  • Up to 10 W from an external supply
  • Maximum 5 W in QRP mode
• Receiver coverage: 30 kHz–174 MHz and 400–470 MHz
• Display: 4.3-inch full-colour TFT touchscreen
• Spectrum displays: conventional waterfall and 3DSS
• Simultaneous reception: two bands, excluding HF/HF
• Antenna tuner: built into the Optima configuration
• Battery: SBR-52LI, 10.8 V / 6400 mAh Li-ion
• Maximum audio output: approximately 4 W
• External supply: 13.8 V DC ±15%
• Maximum approximate current: 21 A at 100 W on HF/50 MHz
• Dimensions: 213 × 89 × 240 mm
• Approximate weight: 3.9 kg
• Country of origin: Japan

Package contents

• FTX-1 Field Head transceiver
• Detachable SPA-1 RF amplifier
• SBR-52LI Li-ion battery
• SSM-75E hand microphone
• Heavy-duty SPA-1 DC power cable with 25 A fuse
• Field Head DC power cable
• Spare fuse
• Protective caps
• Support plate
• Operating manual and documentation

Package contents may vary according to region or distributor.

Recommended applications

• Fixed amateur radio stations
• Portable and field operation
• HF, 6 m, 2 m and 70 cm communications
• DX, contest and QRP operation
• Analogue and C4FM digital communications
• Computer-based digital modes via USB
• Simultaneous HF and VHF/UHF monitoring
• Shortwave, FM broadcast and air-band reception

Important note

Operation at 100 W on HF/50 MHz requires the SPA-1 amplifier and a regulated 13.8 V DC power supply capable of delivering approximately 25 A. The power supply and antennas are normally not included.

Separate battery charging requires a commercially available 45 W USB Power Delivery charger supporting 15 V/2 A. The BU-6 Bluetooth module, microSD card and other accessories are optional.

Transmitting requires a valid amateur radio licence. Available bands and frequency ranges may differ between regional versions.