Ramblings by K6RJ

My new Yaesu FT-450

I recently acquired a Yaesu FT-450 HF + 6m transceiver to replace the aging Alinco DX-70 as my back up rig in my shack.  I’ve only had the 450 for a few days but I’ve already discovered there is a lot to like about this little rig.  First is it’s size.  It doesn’t take up a lot of room on the desk at only 9”W x 3.3”H x 8.5”D and it weighs in at only 7.9 lbs. Some have complained about the size of the controls, particularly the main VFO knob, but I’ve had no problems with the size.  Sure, a larger VFO know would be nice but it hasn’t been a problem for me.

It also features 400 MHz IF DSP, a 10 kHz bandwidth roofing filter in the 68 MHz first IF, IF Shift and Width, IF Notch filter, DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) and a contour filtering system that provides shaping of the IF filter pass band to suppress or enhance particular frequency components among it’s QRM fighting tools.

In addition, it sports a digital microphone equalizer to tailor your signal to your voice, a built in electronic keyer, a memory keyer,  a limited but useful voice memory keyer and CAT control, of course.  This rig has a lot of features I’ve yet to play with or discover.  As I use and become more familiar with this rig, I will post more.  If you have any tips, tricks or comments on the FT-450, I would appreciate your comments to share with others.  Thanks!