Note
The Yaesu FTDX101D is an HF/50MHz 100-watt transceiver that stands as one of Yaesu’s modern flagship stations. It routinely sits at or near the very top of the Sherwood Engineering receiver performance tables, largely thanks to its unique hybrid receiver architecture. Both the "D" and "MP" versions were introduced in 2019.
Rather than going fully software-defined like some contemporary rigs, Yaesu combines an ultra-sharp analog down-conversion front end with high-speed digital signal processing.
Core Architecture
The radio features two completely independent receivers (Main and Sub), which are identical in performance. Each receiver utilizes a dual-path design:
– SDR Path: A direct-sampling SDR branch feeds the high-resolution real-time waterfall and 3D spectrum scope on the display.
– Narrow-Band Path: A down-conversion mixer pulls the signal down to a 9 MHz intermediate frequency (IF), passing it through a bank of sharp crystal roofing filters (300 Hz, 600 Hz, 3 kHz, 12 kHz) before converting to digital.
This narrow-band configuration delivers phenomenal RMDR (Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range) and close-in blocking dynamic range. It effortlessly pulls weak signals out of the noise right next to high-power, multi-kilowatt contest stations on the same band.
Front Panel & User Interface
– The layout pairs classic, tactile analog control with a modern 7-inch color touch display.
– The MPVD (Multi-Purpose VFO Outer Dial): One of the most practical physical design choices is the large, concentric ring surrounding the main tuning knob. This ring allows you to control secondary functions—like Clarifier (RIT/XIT), Sub-VFO tuning, VC-Tune positioning, or memory selection—without reaching across the front panel or digging into an onscreen menu.
– VC-Tune (Variable Capacitor Tuning): The radio includes an RF front-end preselector driven by a high-precision stepper motor. It provides up to -70 dB of attenuation to out-of-band signals, acting as an incredibly sharp magnetic shield for the front end when bands are packed.
– 3D Vision Display (3DSS): The spectrum scope can display signals in a unique three-dimensional waterfall format, making it easier to visualize band activity over time and spot transient or exceptionally weak signals.
The FTDX101MP Variant
The FTDX101MP--named in honor of Yaesu's late founder, Sako Hasegawa (JA1MP)--is essentially the same rig, but with more power and the inclusion of features that were optional on the "D" model.
Differences From the FTDX101D
While the front panels, controls, and indicators of both models are identical (save for the model number), the FTDX101MP includes several major upgrades out of the box:
1. Power Output
FTDX101MP: Delivers a maximum RF output power of 200 W PEP (SSB, CW, FM).
FTDX101D: Delivers a maximum of 100 W.
Note: This 3 dB difference allows amateurs on bands like 30 meters to operate up to the 200 W legal limit without an external amplifier and provides a more linear signal when driving older linear amplifiers that require close to 100 W drive.
2. Power Supply Configuration
FTDX101MP: Operates using an included dedicated external power supply required to provide 50 V to its 200 W power amplifier stage.
FTDX101D: Operates from a standard external 13.8 V DC supply (not included as a package).
3. Standard Features vs. Optional Factory Add-ons
The 'MP model includes two high-end features as standard equipment that are only available as optional add-ons (which must be specified on the initial order) for the 'D model:
300 Hz CW/Data Roofing Filter: Included standard on the 'MP (a $260 option on the 'D), which improves close-in dynamic performance for CW and data modes.
VC-TUNER (VCT101): A motor-driven RF preselector included for the second receiver on the 'MP (a $330 option on the 'D). Note: Both models include the preselector on the main receiver as standard.
4. Display System
The 'MP model introduces multiple subtle improvements to the display system on its 7-inch TFT color touch panel compared to the original 'D model.
Specifications
For specifications see attached image.
