In this article, I am exploring Yaesu FTdx3000 as my second option for a new ham radio to replace my dead Pro II. 

A few years ago, Yaesu came out with the FTdx5000 with first class specifications and a first class price, too, at US$3600. Unfortunately, it had some problems with the OLED displays. Also, its signal display unit was not that good. Many hams were pleased when Yaesu released the “baby brother” FTdx3000 in 2012. It has most of the features and specifications of the 5000 but at a more attractive price which is currently $US1650.

Yaesu’s high end radios are favorites for chasing DX and contesting among many hams. Especially those who like lots of knobs and buttons. The FTdx3000 has a traditional design: analog receiver with a DSP final IF stage. It gets much of its higher performance by using a first IF at 9.0 MHz rather than up-conversion. I have an older FT1000D which is great on the ham bands, but not so much for short wave listening.

Let’s get on with exploring Yaesu FTdx3000 according to my criteria of receiver performance, signal display and control/interconnection.

Exploring Yaesu FTdx3000 by Criteria

Receiver performance is everything you want want for SSB, CW and Digital modes. Great roofing filers, sharp DSP and flexible noise abatement. I especially appreciate the audio peak filtering for Morse Code.

Signal display is good, but not as good as the ICOM 7300. It is small and a bit slow. You cannot add an external monitor. On the other hand, the rig includes a CW decoder which you can display on the front panel. At first, the FTdx3000 lacked a waterfall display, but this was recently added with a firmware upgrade. In addition, you can connect an separate SDR to the Yaesu's IF output to provide an external spectrum display.

Control is very good, better than the ICOM 7300 as there is more of a traditional front panel. However, a few functions require menus. Interconnection is good offering both USB and RS-232 for external control. With the proper driver from Yaesu installed, the rig provides an audio connection over a USB sound card. Finally, like the ICOM 7300, there is no ability to export I/Q signal data.

Here is a video which compares the FTdx3000 and the ICOM 7300. I think I could have been happy with either of these radios, but was not yet convinced either would be my final choice.