Back in 2002 I sold my Icom 706MKIIG and bought a new FT-100D. Wise choice because 22 years later I’m still using the FT-100D as my daily all mode rig in the mobile. It has been flawless. My buddy that bought my 706MKIIG only had the rig for 4 years until the finals blew due to a self oscillation issue that Icom couldn’t fix.
FT-100 had a bad reputation with burnt finals. Just a few years later Yaesu stopped providing parts for it. With that in mind I bought the IC-706 MkIIg and never looked back.
My FT-100 is still plugging along as my primary radio. If it ain't broke don't fix it. It's on in the shack 24/7. Draws 1.75 amps (24 Watts) on receive. There isn't anything sold today that has as much power and is an all band, all mode transceiver in such a compact case. The FT-991 is close but it is bigger.
Steve Good morning and Merry Christmas! Your observation about hard-wiring connectors to the chassis versus using a short length of cable is both practical and insightful, especially when considering the different use cases for radio setups. For a fixed installation, such as a base station or a fixed mobile station, hard-wired connectors directly attached to the chassis offer significant advantages. The rigidity of the chassis acts as a built-in strain relief, reducing stress at the connection point, which is particularly beneficial in setups where cables remain static. This approach also reduces clutter by eliminating the need for extra pigtails or adapters, resulting in a cleaner, more organized setup with improved airflow and aesthetics. Additionally, fewer connectors mean fewer "potential" failure points as well signal loss or degradation. However, for portable use, a fixed connector can become a weak point, as the rigid mounting transfers stress directly to the radio and the internal board inside the chassis if the cable is bent or pulled. In contrast, a short length of flexible cable as in your example, extending from the radio is better suited for portable rigs that are moved frequently. Such a setup allows the cable to absorb and distribute strain caused by movement, protecting the connector and extending the lifespan of both the radio and the attached cable. Moreover, they serve as a buffer against impacts, which are more likely during portable use. However, this approach does introduce some minor drawbacks, such as additional clutter and a potential, albeit minimal, loss in signal integrity if the cable isn’t of high quality. In my opinion, the choice between hard-wiring and pigtail cables ultimately depends on the use case. For a base station, a hard-wired connector is often the best choice, simplifying connections, minimizing signal loss, and maintaining a clean setup. Balancing durability, functionality, and convenience is key to optimizing a radio setup. A mission purpose design informs the intended use case, which significantly improve the individuals user experience and extend the life of the equipment when built for the environment of intended deployment. Your perspective highlights an important aspect of radio operation that is often overlooked, and it’s a great example of how small design decisions potentially making a big difference in practical use. -73
FT-100D was my first HF mobile radio. Circa 2005. Used the original ATAS antenna. It all still works. My first QSO was from Tempe, AZ to ZL1UE in Auckland. I was impressed.
@ Do you know if I can use the older ATAS 100 with my FT891. I describes connecting it to the ATAS 120, but I don’t know the difference in the model numbers other than 20. :)
Dont think i would consider an ft-100 an old radio. Had several of them. Had a few ft-857s as well. As i got older i needed the larger screen on the ft-991. The ft-100 wirked great but the remote head for the 857 was an improvement.
Steve, is it possible for you to drop a link for that remote head adapter? I have the FT 100 D as well and the only thing I didn’t get when I bought it at the Hamm fest was the Cable to make the remote head and they ain’t available
I bought one of these FT-100D rigs new around 2004 I think. YAESU and ICOM, why have you stopped producing these HF/VHF/UHF all mode, shack in the box mobile rigs with removable face plate ????? IC-706, IC-706MK2, IC-706MK2G, IC-7000, FT-100D, FT857....and then nothing. These all in one mobile rigs are very popular, but the manufacturers have stopped producing them
@temporarilyoffline I really need to find a Elmer in my area to help me understand it and show me in person. I get suggestions from folks on social media and off TH-cam, but it doesn't click and last few times I hunted for pota and when I did make a contact sad hams actually kept giving me random callssigns were I got to pissed off and put my ft817 away
Very interesting to see inside one of these! I'm looking forward to watching more "inside tour" videos like this in the future. 🙂
Thanks, Steve, for this video. I knew about the FT-100D, but I forgot it featured 2m and 70cm. Have a Merry Christmas and 73 de WA3RSL.
Hey Frank! Merry Christmas 🎄🎄
Merry Christmas and thank you for sharing.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!!🎄🎁 enjoyed the video!!!!
Merry Christmas! Glad you enjoyed it.
The FT100 is my mobile rig for years, my 1st radio and still works great.
Back in 2002 I sold my Icom 706MKIIG and bought a new FT-100D. Wise choice because 22 years later I’m still using the FT-100D as my daily all mode rig in the mobile. It has been flawless. My buddy that bought my 706MKIIG only had the rig for 4 years until the finals blew due to a self oscillation issue that Icom couldn’t fix.
Merry Christmas Steve!
Merry Christmas Steve!
Happy and safe Christmas to you and your family
David
Great video 👍
Merry Christmas 🎉
Thanks Merry Christmas!
Hook a TNC to it, Steve. Merry Christmas. I do love Yaesu's radios.
We actually have connected the TNC to it during Nuggets... It was actually yours.
@@temporarilyoffline Oh, neat. I am working to get a TNC connected to the FTM-150
Merry Christmas Steve and a Happy New Year
Merry Christmas Scout!
I was going to make a snide remark about the case fitting but in the spirit of the holiday I won't. Merry Christmas to you and Chris.
Thanks Hank! Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Merry Christmas Steve! Hope you have a blast mate!
Merry Christmas Eamon!
Merry Christmas, Steve.
Merry Christmas Phillip!
Feliz Navidad Steve! Regards from Mexico.
Feliz Navidad Jose!
FT-100 had a bad reputation with burnt finals. Just a few years later Yaesu stopped providing parts for it. With that in mind I bought the IC-706 MkIIg and never looked back.
Wise choice!
Merry Christmas steve
Merry Christmas! Good to see you!
I had one and so did my buddy and we both blew our finals. This was probably in ‘92.
My FT-100 is still plugging along as my primary radio. If it ain't broke don't fix it. It's on in the shack 24/7. Draws 1.75 amps (24 Watts) on receive. There isn't anything sold today that has as much power and is an all band, all mode transceiver in such a compact case. The FT-991 is close but it is bigger.
Merry Christmas 🎄
Merry Christmas to you too!
Merry Christmas I have one mobile love it merry Christmas
Merry Christmas Mike! I'm kinda surprised at how little attention this rig gets, she's pretty powerful!
Steve Good morning and Merry Christmas! Your observation about hard-wiring connectors to the chassis versus using a short length of cable is both practical and insightful, especially when considering the different use cases for radio setups. For a fixed installation, such as a base station or a fixed mobile station, hard-wired connectors directly attached to the chassis offer significant advantages.
The rigidity of the chassis acts as a built-in strain relief, reducing stress at the connection point, which is particularly beneficial in setups where cables remain static. This approach also reduces clutter by eliminating the need for extra pigtails or adapters, resulting in a cleaner, more organized setup with improved airflow and aesthetics. Additionally, fewer connectors mean fewer "potential" failure points as well signal loss or degradation. However, for portable use, a fixed connector can become a weak point, as the rigid mounting transfers stress directly to the radio and the internal board inside the chassis if the cable is bent or pulled.
In contrast, a short length of flexible cable as in your example, extending from the radio is better suited for portable rigs that are moved frequently. Such a setup allows the cable to absorb and distribute strain caused by movement, protecting the connector and extending the lifespan of both the radio and the attached cable. Moreover, they serve as a buffer against impacts, which are more likely during portable use. However, this approach does introduce some minor drawbacks, such as additional clutter and a potential, albeit minimal, loss in signal integrity if the cable isn’t of high quality.
In my opinion, the choice between hard-wiring and pigtail cables ultimately depends on the use case. For a base station, a hard-wired connector is often the best choice, simplifying connections, minimizing signal loss, and maintaining a clean setup.
Balancing durability, functionality, and convenience is key to optimizing a radio setup. A mission purpose design informs the intended use case, which significantly improve the individuals user experience and extend the life of the equipment when built for the environment of intended deployment. Your perspective highlights an important aspect of radio operation that is often overlooked, and it’s a great example of how small design decisions potentially making a big difference in practical use. -73
Thanks for the tips! Totally agree!
Be nice to wake up and see that under the tree, Merry Christmas man!
All Radios are Good Radios! Merry Christmas VC!
Some similarities to the 706 line. I think the radios of 20-25 years ago were less flash and more function, but I'm an old timer!
Its a neat rig!
FT-100D was my first HF mobile radio. Circa 2005. Used the original ATAS antenna. It all still works. My first QSO was from Tempe, AZ to ZL1UE in Auckland. I was impressed.
Quite a distance on an ATAS, impressive!
@ Do you know if I can use the older ATAS 100 with my FT891. I describes connecting it to the ATAS 120, but I don’t know the difference in the model numbers other than 20. :)
@@LarryTaylor-l5m I don't know, the 100d has two different ATAS settings, so it could be different. Call Yaesu and see what they say
I had one in 1998. First batch 1 year later it blew finals. Sold it used. Got a Icom 706 to replace it. I still have that 706 to this day...73s..
That seems to happen alot with Yaesus...
Dont think i would consider an ft-100 an old radio. Had several of them. Had a few ft-857s as well. As i got older i needed the larger screen on the ft-991. The ft-100 wirked great but the remote head for the 857 was an improvement.
The FT-100 is a classic for sure!
Steve, looking forward to the FT-8 video if possible can you also cover winlink at some point? Merry Christmas
I'm working on both! Soon!
Wow, great radio! By the way, it looks suspiciously like Icom IC-706, just better. ;-)
Its a lot like the 706! In fact, that's what I traded it for! I think the 100d has the 706 beat with the DSP filters though
Pity they put us through the FT 857 phase with the small screen. That rig has a much more sensible screen like the FT891 /ic 706.
Would you believe the 857 is a newer model?
Was a great radio till my final went out on hf. Presented as hi alc. Sent it for repair to find out the final was no longer available available
Steve, is it possible for you to drop a link for that remote head adapter? I have the FT 100 D as well and the only thing I didn’t get when I bought it at the Hamm fest was the Cable to make the remote head and they ain’t available
Sure can. There is a link in the description for ya.
Sitting here looking at some dude talking about radios that I still consider new as "Old radios" hehehe :)
I guess we're all getting old! 😂
Know of any mic replacement? My ptt switch is wonky.
Got mine off eBay AD8NI
This radio will work with the MH-42 or the MH-36, Try this clone: geni.us/CXlME
There is a person who makes a head remote cable that uses ethernet cable.
Yes there is, I showed it in the video and it's linked in the description. He's working on an update now.
I bought one of these FT-100D rigs new around 2004 I think. YAESU and ICOM, why have you stopped producing these HF/VHF/UHF all mode, shack in the box mobile rigs with removable face plate ????? IC-706, IC-706MK2, IC-706MK2G, IC-7000, FT-100D, FT857....and then nothing. These all in one mobile rigs are very popular, but the manufacturers have stopped producing them
Let's dig deeper and see what is inside and what is the the tiny thing do right there 👍
Exactly!
Does the FT-100D use the ATAS antenna ?
Never mind, I didn't listen far enough into the video. It does support the ATAS.
I try to cover as much as I can
I have a love hate relationship with my ft817, I prefer using a keypad and I get frustrated using my 817 trying to have success for it.
I think they crammed a lot in that little package!
@temporarilyoffline I really need to find a Elmer in my area to help me understand it and show me in person. I get suggestions from folks on social media and off TH-cam, but it doesn't click and last few times I hunted for pota and when I did make a contact sad hams actually kept giving me random callssigns were I got to pissed off and put my ft817 away