Specifications
Rig Review| Harm. Spurs IMD | Min Sig BlkRng IMD DR 3rdO Icpt
Issue | dBpep dBpep dBpep| dBm dB dB dBm
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Yaesu:
FT-101B 02/74
FT-101E 09/76 -34 -141 108 81
FT-101Z 12/79 -45 -38 -139 112 78 -22
FT-301 10/77 -55 -68 -40 -133 100 75
FT-901 11/78 -46 -57 -38 -137 114 85
If you have ever purchased a FT-101 transceiver without the Instruction Manual, you know it can be very intimidating to
operate until you perform the tune-up process a time or two. Without 'tuning up' your transmitted and received signals really
suffer AND could actually damage the tubes in the power amplifier. I always suggest that you obtain the Instruction Manual
for any FT-101 radio or accessory you own. Even older radios have web pages that can provide you copies at very
reasonable rates. An Instruction Manual was made for each and every FT-101 radio and accessory. They are worth every
penny. No excuses!
The FT-101 series is a very mechanical radio. The size, selection, and operation of this rig allow for very high-Q circuit
tuning. It is a very strong point with the FT-101 series. As with any high-Q circuit, it must be continuously tuned for
maximum efficiency. Once learned, it takes only a few seconds to perform. You should re-tune anytime you change bands,
change antennas, or move a significant distance (in frequency) from where you last tuned up. This may be as large as 200
kHz on the 10 meter band (10-15 turns of the VFO dial) or as little as 15 kHz on the 160 meter band (one turn of the VFO
dial).
Before you begin, you should allow the rig to warm up (with the heaters on) for at least 15 minutes. This allows the rig to
become frequency and temperature stable. Put the Meter switch into the 'IC' position with the CARRIER and MIC control
fully counter-clockwise. Throw the MOX switch to engage the transmitter and read the meter that is now displaying the
idling current. The current should read 60ma on the scale. If it does not, adjust the BIAS control until 60ma is obtained.
Move the Meter switch to ALC and ensure a full meter deflection to the right. Adjust the ALC control as needed. Return
the MOX switch to normal PTT.
Please remember to tune-up into a well-matched antenna system or dummy load representing a 50 Ohm load. Keep all
tune-up steps to under 10 seconds of transmitting to prevent damage to the Power Amplifier tubes! After each 10 second
transmission, allow the tubes to cool for a few seconds. Then repeat.
The earlier FT-101 manuals used a tune-up procedure which 'peaked' the output (PO) while 'dipping' the grid (Ic) current.
By the FT-101F series, the procedure was simply a 'peaking' (PO) process as depicted in the Instruction Manual. With a
little practice, you will be able to perform these procedures within 10 seconds. Really!
Tune-Up Procedure for SSB, CW, and AM:
After a 15 minute warm-up, and Idle Current confirmed at 60 ma:
Select the band and general operating frequency to be used.
Place the Meter switch in the Power Out (PO) position.
Rotate the PRESELECTOR for maximum receiver noise/signal output.
Place the CARRIER control to position 4 and MIC control to minimum.
Momentarially engage the MOX transmitter control for a maximum of 10 seconds.
Adjust the PRESELECTOR, TUNE, and PLATE controls for maximum meter deflection.
Disengage the MOX transmitter control and let the rig cool for a few seconds.
Increase the CARRIER control two units and repeat.
NOTE: If using AM, adjust CARRIER for 30 watts and increase the LOAD control one unit.
Adjust CARRIER, MIC, and PROCESS controls for the proper output as desired. Monitor the Meter for grid current (Ic)
and ALC levels (ALC) to ensure that you are not over-driving the transmitter. Both will greatly shorten tube life, cause
distorted transmitted audio, and is the prime source of television interference (TVI).
Yaesu FT-101 HF Transceiver Home Page, NW2M http://www.qsl.net/nw2m/
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