Yaesu FT-901

The Yaesu FT-901 is a transceiver for operations in the 1,6-2 MHz (160m); 3,5-4 MHz (80m); 7-7,5 MHz (40m); 14-14,5 MHz (20m); 15-15,5 MHz (WWV/JJY timesignal receiving only); 21-21,5 MHz (15m) and 28-29,9 MHz (10m) shortwave amateur radio HF bandsegments.
Actually this radio is an upgrade of the FT-101ZD line so its construction (metal chassis, casing and die-cast aluminum front) is mainly equal as well as the solid state design combined with tubes in driver and final stage. The main difference however is that the FT-901 in its standard configuration is completely equipped with all plug-in circuitboards. Besides the set has lots of features such as a memo system storing the used frequency on demand (amateur radiosets were not yet equipped with built-in memos before) and a built-in electronic Curtis keyer and handles the AM, FM, CW, SSB and FSK modes on the above mentioned bands. Its passband tuning is continuously variable from 300-2400 Hz. The FT-901 is for the mentioned amateur bands only and has no general frequency coverage. Its frequency readout is in both analog and digital display modes.
Intended to be an improved FT-101ZD the FT-901 line was produced by the Japanese Yaesu Musen Corporation in the same timeline as the FT-101ZD line during 1979-1983 as
*FT-901D model starting at $1700 (without AM/CW filters, keyer, memo unit and DC DC converter)
*FT-901SD model (Qrp version with 10W output, without FM, AM/CW filters, keyer, memo unit, DC DC converter and coolingfan)
*FT-901DE model (without FM, AM/CW filter, memo unit and DC DC converter)
*FT-901DM full options model (VOX marker, speech processor, FM, AM/CW filters, keyer, memo unit and DC DC converter)
Technical description
The FT-901 all solid state receiver section is the single conversion type combined with Phase-locked loop circuitry and 8.9 intermediate frequency. The transmitter section is a combined type. Solid state in the carrier, filter, noiseblanker and RF units. In the drive and PA units however electronic tubes are used. RF unit signal is fed to a 12BY7 driver tube and amplified to activate the two 6164B final tubes producing a clean 100W output.
Accessories
*DC-901 converter for D, SD and DE models
* antenna tuner
*FTV-901 VHF-UHF transverter
*FV-901DM external memorized VFO
*SP-901(P) external speakers (without or with Phone patch)
*XF-90B/C SSB/CW filters
*YD-148 deskmike
*YO-901 monitor scope
*YK-901 keyboard
* CW/RTTY reader
Pros
Nice looking. When in good technical condition even after all those years very good tx and rx results. Clear digital readout display. Very clean tx and rx audio often described as near to hifi. A real HAM collectors item.
Contras
Note that this set is out of production for a long time so obtaining spare parts and certainly the accessories will not be easy. Large dimensions and a heavyweight. Known problems: the possibility of aged and deteriorated driver and final tubes (still available but expensive). Cracking sounds in all turn-type controls and switches (proper spray cleaning will do the job). The FT-901 is standard equipped with numerous whistles and bells which might be due for realignment or repair after all those years. You have to take it to an electronic shop in case you do not have access to adequate measuring equipment.
Technical specifications
*Frequency range: 160,80,40,20,15,10 m amateurbands (TX and RX; JJY/WWV extended)
*Operational modes: AM, FM, CW, USB, LSB, FSK
*Max transmitter input:
**FT-901D/DM/DE models: AM/FSK/FM 80W DC; SSB/CW 180W DC;
**FT-901SD model: SSB/CW/FSK/FM 20W DC; AM 5W DC
*Max transmitter output:
**D/DM/DE models: AM/FSK/FM 50W; SSB/CW 100W
**SD model: SSB/CW/FSK/FM 10W; AM 3W
*Carrier suppression: better than 40 dB
*Unwanted sideband suppression: better than 40 dB @ 1000 Hz
*Spurious: better than 40 dB below rated output
*3rd order distortion products: better than 31 dB below rated output
*Stability: less than 300 Hz after 10min startup
*Receive sensitivity: 29 microV/10 dB S/N SSB/CW; 0,75 microV/10dB S/N AM
*Selectivity: WIDTH control at “0”
**SSB, 2.4 kHz -6 dB, 4.0 kHz -60 dB
**CW, 0.6 kHz -6 dB, 1.2 kHz -60 dB
**AM, 6 kHz -6 dB, 12 kHz -60 dB
**FM, 12 kHz - 6 dB, 24 kHz -60dB
*Image rejection: 1.8-21 MHz better than 60 dB, 28 MHz better than 50 dB
*Antenna: 50 -75 Ohm unbalanced
*Audio output imp: 4 - 16 Ohm
*Audio output: 3W for 4 Ohm @ 10% THD
*Bandwidth control: continuously variable 300 Hz - 2.4 kHz (SSB)
*Power requirements: 13.8V DC neg grnd; 100-240V AC
*Current consumption: Rx 70W 5A (45W heater off 1,1A); Tx 320W 21A
*Dimensions: 34 x 15,5 x 32,5 cm
*Weight: 18 kg

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