Good Morning, QRPers!
Day one of Hamvention 2025 (Friday, May 16) kicked off bright and early!
I started the day with a quick walk-through of the Hamvention Flea Market before the gates opened. I also shared an impromptu video with Patreon supporters—it was a peaceful moment before the weekend’s whirlwind began.
I spent most of Friday at the Ham Radio Workbench Podcast table, which served as a kind of home base. I had the pleasure of chatting with so many HRWB listeners, QRPer readers, and YouTube subscribers.
Thank you for taking the time to introduce yourselves—it was a true joy to reconnect with many of you in person! Your kindness and encouragement fuel me through the wonderful chaos that is Hamvention.
First Stop: The Yaesu FTX-1 Field and Optima
As soon as the indoor exhibits opened, I made a beeline to the Yaesu booth to check out their new FTX-1 Field and FTX-1 Optima. They had multiple units on display, ready for hands-on testing.
In person, the rigs look fantastic—the displays are crisp, the fit and finish are excellent, and I really appreciate the modular design with snap-on battery and ATU options.
That said… my first reaction was: “This is bigger than I expected.” I wasn’t alone—I overheard several others expressing the same surprise.
I think that’s partly due to some early promotional material. One Yaesu rep video seemed to suggest the FTX-1 would be just a bit larger than the faceplate of an FTM-500D.
In reality, it has a much larger footprint. Even with just the battery attached, it has noticeable bulk—and with the optional ATU in place, it grows even more.
The Optima version, with its 100-watt amplifier and internal ATU, is larger still—definitely a full-size 100-watt rig. I’d say it’s bigger in every dimension than the FT-891.
I also recorded a quick video with my iPhone while checking out the FTX-1 at the Yaesu booth and shared it on YouTube yesterday, if you’d like a closer look.
Why I Cancelled My FTX-1 Reservation
After spending some time with the FTX-1, I walked over to DX Engineering and cancelled my reservation.
To be clear: I think Yaesu has done a great job with this rig. It’s incredibly feature-rich, well-built, and will no doubt be the perfect radio for a lot of operators. I’m willing to bet Yaesu will sell a ton of these—and rightfully so.
But for my specific needs—especially as someone who values small, minimalist radios for portable field use—the FTX-1 simply isn’t the right fit. Even the head unit of the FTX-1 Field is larger than I prefer. I could tell that, as much as I might enjoy the radio at home, I’d likely leave it behind more often than take it to the field.
So this was a personal decision, and canceling also frees up over $2,000 in funds for other gear that better aligns with my style of operating.
One thing I heard repeatedly throughout the day–a number of folks who had pre-ordered the FTX-1 Field through Ham Radio Outlet were frustrated. Several told me they were surprised—and disappointed—that HRO had a batch of FTX-1 Field units for sale at Hamvention, even though some customers placed reservations months ago.
These folks followed HRO’s instructions last year to reserve early and expected to be first to receive units in-hand.
Update: Two readers have noted that their FTX-1s reserved via HRO actually shipped on Friday, so perhaps all or some of the reserved orders actually shipped day of Hamvention.
Wrapping Up Day One
Hamvention day one was absolutely amazing—but I’ll admit I was wiped out by the end of it (and I know I wasn’t alone!). I did make it to Club Night at Four Days In May (FDIM), but we headed back to the hotel early—just in time to avoid the intense storm that rolled through Dayton around 8:30–9:00 p.m.
I’m wrapping up this post over breakfast, then heading back to the Greene County Fairgrounds for day two. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Once again, thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello. Your encouragement and kindness truly mean the world to me.
— Thomas (K4SWL)
I have been waiting for this to come out before added a new QRP rig. I did not have one reserved but after playing with it a bit I placed my order for a Icom 705. My main reason was no built in Bluetooth or WiFi, and for the size you think they could have controlled the heat with FT8 to not need a fan. If I needed. A 100 watt radio it might be a good choice to have a dual use radio.
I did not preorder an FTX-1. There are many things I didn’t like about it. For the price and bulk of an FTX-1 Optima, you can buy a FT-710 and a UHF/VHF radio and have much better performance. Oh well, I’ll stick with my current radios, Tnx for the quick review.
I had the same realization Thomas. Even in some of the videos that came out last week, they didn’t make it appear to be as large as it was in person. While chatting with the Yaesu rep in the booth, another person mentioned that HRO was selling them at the show. I understand the logistics of filling the preorders but pretty frustrating optics for folks like myself and the other gentleman who preordered.
After we were done at the show for the day, I called HRO. Since the Woodbridge store that I ordered from was closed, I got an HRO in Texas. The staff was super helpful but baffled that I’d want to cancel after seeing it haha. I got caught by the FOMO bug when HRO called me on the 2nd to see if I wanted to complete my order. The thought of having the extra power as the solar cycle waned did appeal to me, but the lack of tuner and internal battery that can run full power did not. Seeing it in person reminded me that I love Elecraft for good reason.
Good morning Thomas,
Great report on the new Yaesu! Your narrative is great and should be Ham Syndicated! You could be the Walter Cronkite of Ham Radio!
73
John Laycock KM4DPW
I’m glad I read your comments Thomas; I’m not as interested now either….
I’m glad I kept my 20+ yr old FT-817 and bought a brand new FT-817ND which is still in the box, unused. Wish I hadn’t sold my 857 though….
Not sure what all the confusion is about availability but here’s my experience. I placed a deposit for an FTX-1 late last year and received a phone call from HRO in Sacramento explaining pricing, options and shipping. Yesterday I received an email that my order was completed and shipped. A link to UPS indicates that my radio will arrive this afternoon.
Stephen, I truly appreciate you sharing this. Another reader contacted me to mention that their order has shipped. I have added a note to this post to indicate this update. It might have been valuable for HRO to send an email to customers who made reservations, informing them that while units were available for sale at Hamvention, their orders had already been shipped, thus preserving their spot in line.
Fully understand, it meets the eye candy requirements but a lot of the features would never get used and why would you want those features doing what you do?
I can’t think it would make my life any better so my money is safe
It’s really quite simple. I want a robust transceiver that has all the functions of an FT-818 with the current draw of a TX-500. This aint it. I think it will sell well but I wouldn’t buy one.
Sounds like a great time at FDIM/Hamvention!
Regarding the FTX-1 – a new radio becomes a hit when a company responds to a market with innovation.
The FT-817 was innovative with its combination of form factor, features, and price. The Elecraft KH1, while pretty ordinary technology in 2025, is innovative in its total integration of a station in a handheld package. I could list other examples of radios thing bring something new to the party.
Time may reveal something different, but I just don’t see where the new FTX-1 is doing any great innovation in form factor, features, use case, or price.
All this, said by someone who has only seen pictures of the radio on the internet
I agree, it’s hard to understand where this radio is intended to be placed in the market. Too big and heavy to be a packable field radio, at least for what I would want to carry. Has the idea of a detachable head, but I don’t think it can be used remotely like you would want in a vehicle. Definitely looks cool though and the idea of a configurable 6W and 100W radio is interesting.
Yes, FDIM and Hamvention have been fantastic.
I believe the FTX-1 will be a success, and I doubt it will disappoint Yaesu. My friend Todd (AI4TB) purchased one from HRO at Hamvention and has already used it for two nearby POTA activations. He is impressed with its audio quality, AGC, and display, among other features (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22I8lIFtBO4). It seems he is very satisfied.
I realize that full duplex operation was not an option for the FTX-1—Yaesu made this clear shortly after the FTX-1 was unveiled at the Tokyo Ham Faire last year. If they had included full duplex, it would have stood out among similar radios on the market and likely been on the shopping list of many satellite operators.
The FTX-1 is just more “chonky” than I anticipated, and I know it would have remained at home more than it would have accompanied me to the field. This is largely influenced by my style of operating radio, though.
Others may absolutely love the form factor and I very much respect that.
Tom,
I appreciated reading your candid observations of day 1. Always been a big fan of yours. I’ll look for you on the bands!
73,
AC6NT
HRO should make a public statement rather than let things boil over with public comments and rumors. There are many customers pissed and I understand why.
I’m waiting on a Optima and have a very early reservation and confirmed order.
At the very least all HRO customers with Field version orders should have a tracking number. Not just guessing.
Excellent pictures. Looking forward to more reports. Tell Gordon West Hi for me.
73,
Gene McPhee
My thoughts and musings after reading about this thing for weeks and now seeing Thomas’ video:
– Yeah, it’s big. Maybe closer to ‘car camping big’ than ‘backpacking small.’
– But of course it has to be big to put that beautiful waterfall display on the front. I’ve really come to like this on my 710, and am glad to see it here.
– Speaking of, it looks very 710-ish. I wonder if they kept much the same UI or re-arranged everything “just because”?
– That roll cage really splays out from the controls, both making things bigger overall and giving less protection to the controls.
– Does the roll cage come with a panel that snaps over it to cover the controls when it’s shoved in a pack?
– I take it that this is all mode on 2m & 70cm. (Because if it isn’t… Nah, no company would do that.)
I’ll keep car camping with the 710 and backpacking with the 817 for the time being, and wait a while more before deciding.
Good reporting! Thanks for the update & additional details.
Thanks, Rob. Yes, I’m sure it’s all-mode on VHF and UHF. It’s not full duplex, but they were clear about that last year. Evidently, a limitation of the RX/TX architecture.
Thanks Thomas, all-mode on VHF/UHF is so rare these days that having a new radio with it puts it into the ‘rare gem’ category. I can still see the FTX-1 as a good possibility for me, but only after another year or two.
Thomas,
I understand why you canceled your FTX-1 reservation. The FTX-1 is going to a very popular radio. It reminds me of an updated Kenwood TS-480SAT. However, that radio is too large for backpack portable. It will be just fine when operating from a park table or a vehicle. But to each his own, right?
Exactly! To each their own! No doubt, it’ll be a profitable seller for Yaesu.
I am surprised about the mulitple comments about being too big. Come on really. I have not seen the FTX-1 Field in person, but I do own and love my almost 2lb X6100. According to the Yaesu Brochure The FTX is only 1.5 inches longer, 1/2 inch higher. Bill Brown has a great comments. Maybe as a minimalist You may have to carry almost 3lb of radio in a back pack, but you have the whole station including HF/VHF/UHF, battery and tuner. Really! If you carry an HF radio, Handheld for VHF/UHF and battery you are not that far off. My wonderful FT-817 was 2.58 lbs, and without the tuner, Hello. For POTA in a park, or Mobile in a park, which due to disability I tend to do, this will be a great radio. Anyone that frequents QRPer.com knows that you can work the world with 5 watts. If this radio is anywhere near the quality in performance of the FT-710, it will be a game changer. I will be taking delivery of my FTX-1 Field and also keep my FT-710 for home. If you sit at a park picnic able, this radio will be a blessing. As Thomas says so well, everyone has there own needs and preferences in radios. Not one size fits all. I will happily take a small insignificant increase in size to have a magnificent 4.3 inch screen like my FT-710 along with all the great DSP and features. Just sayin’.
Tim VA3UZ
Thanks so much for the thoughtful comment—I really appreciate it!
I absolutely agree: I think the FTX-1 will be a solid seller for Yaesu. It really does check a lot of boxes, and I can see how it would be a fantastic fit for portable ops like you described, especially in a park or mobile setup.
When I held the FTX-1 Field version in person, my knee-jerk reaction was that it felt a lot like the front panel of the FT-710. I’m guessing the ergonomics will be very similar as well. And you’re right: when compared with many 100W radios, the FTX-1 is quite compact. I’d even say the Field version is only slightly bulkier than something like the IC-705 (and I’m sure someone will eventually do a detailed size and weight comparison between the two).
I’ve tried to be clear that it’s not a knock on the radio at all—just that, for my particular style of field operating (MORE minimalist, backpack-focused, QRP gear, etc.), it’s not quite the right fit. I know myself well enough to know I’d probably leave it behind more often than not.
That said, I have no doubt the FTX-1 is going to knock it out of the park for a lot of operators—especially those who want a full-featured station in one self-contained box. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the creative ways folks use it in the field!
Thanks again, Tim—and congrats on your upcoming FTX-1 Field delivery! Please consider submitting a field report when you take the FTX-1 outdoors! We’d all love to hear your thoughts.
Thomas (K4SWL)
Hi Thomas
Thank you for the kind words. I will be happy to do a review when the radio arrives.
Thank you for going to check out the FTX-1F and posting some information and pictures. I hope you had a great time and have a safe trip home.
72 Tim VA3UZ
Am a big Yaesu fan, but fail to see the need for their latest and greatest offering. Nothing to offer that cant be covered w my FT891 and IC-705, especially at the prices they are asking. Weight isnt too big of an issue as I dont foresee myself scaling a 8-12,000 ft mountain or doing 10 mile hikes to do an activation.
Thomas,
Thanks for the video and your thoughts, it certainly doesn’t fit the minimalist nomenclature. I’d find the KX2 fits my operating much better, the Yaesu with the tuner is pushing $1800.
Jerry N4DJC