Yaesu FTX-1 series, SPA-1

Object/Artifact

-

Radio Alpha

Field configuration. Image: product brochure

Field configuration. Image: product brochure

Name/Title

Yaesu FTX-1 series, SPA-1

Description

5 (6) (10) (100) Watt HF/50/144/220/430 MHz All Mode Transceiver

Category

Transceiver, HF, QRP, Transceiver, VHF, Transceiver, UHF

Made/Created

Manufacturer

Yaesu

Date made

2026

General Notes

Note

The Yaesu FTX-1 series (featuring the FTX-1 Field and FTX-1 Optima) is a highly versatile, all-mode SDR transceiver designed to seamlessly bridge the gap between portable field operations and a full-powered shack base station. Built around a compact, detachable central unit known as the "Field Head," its standout feature is a modular power architecture that scales based on how and where you are operating. Features – True Independent Dual Watch: The FTX-1 houses two entirely independent receiver circuits. This allows for true simultaneous dual-band monitoring across different bands or modes—such as running HF SSB DX on one channel while keeping an eye on a local VHF C4FM digital repeater on the other. – Digital & Memory Tools: It includes an onboard Memory Channel Scope capable of displaying the signal state of up to 43 saved memory channels in a clean bar graph. It also features standard APRS data communication (1200/9600bps), a Micro SD card slot, and a dedicated "PRESET" configuration mode optimized for rapid FT8 setup. – Connectivity: Native USB ports completely streamline station integration by supporting direct computer-aided transceiver (CAT) control, audio input/output, and TX control over a single cable. The FTX-1 essentially updates the classic "shack-in-a-box" ethos for the SDR era, giving portable operators a modern alternative to rigs like the IC-705 while maintaining the path to a high-power desktop setup. Architecture & Power Scaling The Field Head itself is highly compact (8.4" x 3.5" x 2.2") and adapts directly to your power configuration without requiring tools: – Standalone Battery Operation: When docked with the rear-mounting SBR-52LI 6400mAh Li-ion battery pack, it puts out 6W (or 5W QRP) on all bands. This configuration yields roughly 9 hours of SSB operation on HF or 8 hours of FM operation on VHF/UHF. The battery can even be charged independently using a standard USB-C PD cable (45W or greater). – External DC Operation: Plugging the Field Head directly into an external 13.8V DC source boosts the native output to 10W while automatically maintaining the internal battery charge. – Base Station Configuration (The Optima Package): By attaching the toolless, dockable SPA-1 RF Power Amplifier, the radio transforms into a full 100W base station on HF/50MHz (50W on 2m/70cm). The Optima version ships with this amplifier included from the factory. Specifications For specifications see attatched image.