The Yaesu FTX-1F Needs This: An Open Letter to Yaesu
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- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- This is an open letter to @YaesuUSAOfficial , a leader in amateur radios. I feel passionate about this and will hope you do as well.
In this open letter, I lay out the reasons why Yaesu should consider releasing the STL files for their newest radio and how it could benefit not just the community, but Yaesu itself. From fostering brand loyalty to accelerating market adoption, there’s a lot at stake-and a lot to gain.
"The new Yaesu FTX-1F HF/50/144/430MHz All Mode QRP Portable Transceiver is being hailed as the replacement for the popular FT-817/FT-818 portable transceivers.
The FTX-1F takes full advantage of state-of-the-art SDR technology and provides 6W of output power with its 5670mAh Lithium-ion battery pack, enabling an impressive 9-hours of stand-alone SSB operating time on the HF bands and up to 8-hours of operating time on the VHF/UHF bands, FM mode (based on a 6-6-48 duty cycle). Up to 10W of power output is available when using an external DC power supply. The FTX-1F is a true, all around HF/50/144/430MHz All Mode portable field Transceiver that is sure to be a hit for Amateur operators that like to participate in activities such as Field Day, POTA and SOTA." Taken from: www.dxengineer...
Credit to Simon The Wizard, for having the photos utilized in this video -simonthewizard...
Icom IC-705 files referenced in this video: www.icomjapan....
UPDATE: Yaesu public relations reached out to me after the video was released. They stated (summarizing on my part) they have a no interest in releasing a STEP, STL or other design on any radios currently in production or any future releases. I really appreciate all the support from everyone who agreed this was a good idea, but we cannot win them all. Thanks Yaesu for the response. - 73!
Pretty dumb, but not unexpected. I didn’t even think this is a revolutionary ideas / suggestion, just plain common sense in an age where every ham has a 3D printer. Alas this won’t change a thing, just delay it by the one week it takes somebody to take measurements and crank out a model. 🤷
@@labcat73or a 3d scan of the radio which is pretty simple these days too with photogrammetry or Laser /ir scanning tools. Wonder what the internal reasoning is for why they wouldn’t want to just release it? Do they consider it possible competition with accessories that would be produced easier ?
@@gbinford9009 Don’t know…
Yaesu is making good radios, but sucks at public relations / interacting with the users of their products. It’s the same with minor SW improvements. Unless you send them a package of culinary delights and a calligraphy letter in Japanese it is pretty much impossible to get a trivial bug in the SW fixed. - So whatever Icom is doing, Yaesu needs to do it as well.
This is just my gut feeling that they are running a „take what we have on the menu or get lost“ approach, which makes them look a tiny bit arrogant. - I am happy to be proven wrong! 😉
Personally for me this looks pretty bad. Yeah, we can scan, we can do other things. But they have everything, am I correct? They do? Or maybe not... I have been asking for programming protocols... Why not, as a community we can do something for free. But they don't want that help (hobby work). I can do reverse eng. But that need time, and I can brake something. So... is it the time to say godbye yaesu? This is sad for me.
Thank for your open letter. As I mention this tells to me much more...
Huh, clicked the thumbnail thinking “dude, it’s already too late for them to add any features”, but this is entirely doable. Definitely a good idea.
Let me just say, they could one up icom by simply releasing a step file instead of an STL.
For creating things like cases or accessories, using an STL as a reference is horrific, especially when there are circular structures to reference (like mounting holes). It's about the worst file type for this type of stuff.
STEP on the other hand, maintains all model features, making design of accessories super easy, especially when it comes to holes.
You sir, are correct. Thanks!
Ha! I just posted the same thing!
Excellent Video and reasonable request.
Thanks!
I really hope take your advice on this! I'm getting the radio no matter what, but having access to STL files would be a MAJOR win! And enable creating use-cases and solutions for this radio Yaesu hasn't even thought about!
YES!
Totally agree. This should be available by every manufacturer on the date of product announcement!
It’s a beautiful radio. Now give me a 100 watt version.
FT-710. There you go.
@@taekehf 710 doesn’t have VHF UHF or dual receive
That would be a FT-991A Replacement... FTX-2F..??
yes it would be awesome to get a 991a up date hopefully FTX-2F would have cross band repeat also
No. Plenty already. Give us a 30 Watt version.
So true, before I buy a radio (or camera) I google accessories for that product. So often the accessories can make or break the user experience.
I hope Yaesu listens. I couldn't have said it better myself.
Great thoughts DUDE. A STEP file would be a fantastic addition for sure. Many manufacturers of industrial equipment post the STEP with the product data sheet. It should become a standard in the amateur community as well. Cheers.
thanks, great job 73
Great idea. Keep the videos coming.
Agree 👍. Thank you! 73
Everybody asks for an STL. No! We want a STEP file. A STEP file is the standard for solid modeling and can be manipulated by all CAD software. STL files are shell coordinates for machines (3D printing, CNC, etc.). One can easily convert STEP to STL but you cannot convert STL to STEP without loosing information (screw holes are filled in, thread pitch is unreliable, small features missing, etc.). It drives me nuts when people only upload the STL on model sharing sites. I tried multiple conversion engines and could never get the IC-705 STL to convert to a solid model accurately. It was fun to 3D print it though.
Yes, this. Mesh files are interior for what we really want to do with them - develop mods.
But if they release the STL and 3rd party companies make accessories. How will Yaesu be able to charge way to much money for their accessories?
100% Agree, I Waiting for this Radio. One STL could be Nice. Please Yaesu give us One STL. 73 from Germany
I agree 100%
Would be cool to have stuff out for it on release day (or before). Sure looks like it's going to be a solid radio and definitely looking forward to being able to buy one.
OBTW received my wire winders - those are pretty darn cool! Think I got them yesterday maybe? Definitely looks nice with the white callsign! You should make a little bit bigger one (HINT HINT)! 😀
Would prefer a STEP file but I absolutely support this request 😊
You're absolutely correct!
Excellent, a bit forward thinking.
this should have been a 100/50 watt radio
100% Agree...
First thing I thought of was how to protect it.
A Windcamp style wrap around cage/frame.
Tastefully done.
Thank you kindly!
Printing that 705 STL now! 10.5 hours. New Creality K1 Max is the BEST printer i have ever used! just works!
Great Idea
@@don_n5skt thanks Don.
Sounds like a good idea 🙂
very good and well said. Radios today are great. Today when looking at new radio ,The first thing I hear is what accessories can I get for it ? Hams love their radios and want to take care of them. POTA and SOTA are HUGE now ! Having the STL file will be a big help for those that want a good backpack or protective case. Not having the STL file may cause some to buy a radio from someone else that has more accessories out and protective cases. I hope in the commings weeks we will see the STL file. Someone that gets one just may 3D scan the radio and we have it.
I think shortly after the first ones get shipped we will see lots on printables and outher cities. I would like to see them release it now so we get a head start . 73
Yaesu would also get FREE product hype for the release if they did this. Great video, brother!
The ham community is classically a tinkering community. In the modern era that means to enable said community you should enable 3d printing and its something that has only begun to become popular in the community.
The cad files for this will come out one way or another. Yaesu has the opportunity to gain good pr by being the ones to publish them
I can't believe somebody actually called this "whiny"...lol. I think the more accurate word would be "proactive". Let's be honest. Hams accessorize with radios like the fairer sex does with shoes. Heck, I'll admit that my red MTR4b has a matching BamaKey TP-III. Releasing the STL of the radio isn't making any tinkerers rich. It's providing an environment for peripheral development that only makes the radio more appealing. There is no reason they shouldn't WANT to do that!
No 222MHz? No purchase .
Maybe one day we'll see more 220 use. Those Arizona guys use it on the mountains all the time.
Yaesu need to make a competitor to the IC 9700. It's beyond frustrating that we don't have one yet. They can reuse the FTDX10 chassis and provide the same features and band coverage that the 9700 has.
Good idea.
My open letter to manufacturers including ICOM and Yaesu is we want a true field radio, not covered /pavilion picnic table POTA radio - IP66/67 rated at a minimum. Yaesu had 5 years to improve upon what the IC 705 released and I'm just seeing much of the same missed opportunities for a true field rated QRP rig.
They want to release the CAT commands too as when the 710 came out there were enough CAT differences to affect operation with a lot of software. Maybe with it being another SDR radio, it will use the same command set as the 710, but there are bound to be some differences.
THIS. THIS has always bugged me with YAESU.
I have the FT-897D. Its a CAT nightmare. I do not know of any bricked EEPROM's, however, I know of many that used the non standard commands on their rigs.
If Yaesu would just be a little more transparent, and willing to interact with the amateur community BEFORE the problems start, and to create a more friendly relationship, I believe more folks would enjoy Yaesu products more.
The accessories market is bigger than the base product. It boost sales of a base product and creates a fandom. Just look at what happened to the AR platform. Or the Ruger 10/22, I bought one just to mod it & make it unique. Look at the popularity of Overlander trucks & SUVs. People buy them just to put on external fuel cans, traction boards, rooftop tents, light-lift hacks, cargo baskets, off-road lights, just to shuttle their kids to school. Choppers, Hot Rods, you name it. HAM radio is the next big thing! Look at how many signature EFHW are out there. But none compare to the Dudetenna!
I don't have a 3-d printer, however, even with the STL files available, I am able to design parts for my desire, and have them printed at a friends.
I can decide the configuration that fits my needs. If the tuner doesn't fit my needs on the back, I can put it where I want it, or make a holder for the GPS antenna, or whatever other doohickey I may want or need with the rig.
Absolutely release the kraken, I mean the STL files!
I think the cage concept looks fraught as the optional items snapping onto the back would make a deeper cage or maybe thats a good things since the radio with all the wires will stay upright. I have the Z mount on my 705 and took it off when I got the Windcamp cage and just never found it as useful out in the field as thought.
What they SHOULD HAVE incorporated into this radio is a Packet Modem: APRS.
I can’t believe they didn’t, would it have been THAT difficult?
Unbelievable
Hey neighbor! Haven't heard you around the high bands in some time. I started an experimenters group for our area. I'll have to chat with you some time. KD9UQE CRAIG Antioch
Anyone thinking of buying into this radio should remember the FT-991 / FT-991A debaucle and all the people Yaesu screwed.
Except just out of curiosity, what does this have to do with my video?And the point that I made in the video? I'm trying to understand. Please fill us in about the ft991 STL debaucle. Or did you not watch the video? cheers
I usually have to loosen my debaucle after a big meal.
@@HAMRADIODUDE I was referring to Yaesu as a company and for people to be careful with adopting new products from them early. Early and expensive adopters of the FT-991 radio were left out in the cold when Yaesu released the FT-991A very shortly thereafter. Enhanced features made the FT-991 much less valuable and hurt the loyal Yaesu buyers who supported the FT-991 early. I might add, just me but I found your jumpy camera work to be really weird there Magoo. I did watch the video and if you're not English quit saying cheers.
A Gatekeeper of speaking... got it
PS: cheers, Mate
Rigs nowadays are starting to look ridiculous.
0:20 oh look, it’s me!
page 1 on my algorithm!
I agree, but the FTX-1F's design doesn't seem very conducive to racks and boxes due to the layout of the buttons and speakers. The IC-705 is perfect for that since everything is on the front. I'm excited to see what kind of things people make for the FTX-1F.
@ch716 I'd agree with your opinions!
UPDATE . That radio does not have FCC type acceptance as of AUG 31,2024. BY law in Japan and US That STL file and lots of information can not be released until the PART 97 of FCC comes threw. This takes time. Yaesu released some info before the part 97 went threw. This is coming from Yaesu . Once that type 97 goes threw will will have all the info. This is a part 97 radio not like the China part 15 FCC radio. 73
Thanks! I appreciate it! Yaesu is not going to release the STEP or STL files.
@@HAMRADIODUDE Yaesu is in Japan and laws are different. Once the part 97 goes threw things will change and we get more info on the radio . Once the first bach goes out I am sure someone will 3D scan it and we have a STL file. For now we have to wait. Just RED tape . The new Icom does have the part 97 approved. just waiting on shipping.
An stl file won’t get me any closer to designing accessories than dimensioning parts by hand, and starting from scratch. What we need is a STEP file.
I had pinned the comment mentioning this already. Thanks
Could not agree more! Free and open communication on the design will only enhance the buying experience! You called it a Ted Talk. I think its a Dude Talk! 73
This is a great idea for all manufacturers.
Make the menus sane. Always had trust issues with Yaesu menus. They're beyond crap.
If Yaesu should not release the stl-file, I could create an accurate 3D-Model of the radio, but therefore, someone needs to donate it to me first, so I can take all the measurements. 😊
In return, I then would make the file freely available. deal?
As long as yaesu loans me the radio 😅
Yaesu needs to release a decent portable HF radio like the G90 (only better quality) that the average people can afford. If Xiegu can do it for around $450, certainly the braintrust at Yaesu could do it for $600. I already have an FT891 that was around $600 when I bought it. But hauling a 100-watt radio and battery on a POTA activation is excessive. That's what I think anyway. But what do I know. I'm just a consumer. I already have VHF/UHF HTs that are Fusion-capable. I don't need that built in to a do-all radio. This FTX-1F is most likely going to end up at least two to three times the cost of the FT-818.
At least this radio has 2 antenna ports. That single issue kept me from buying a 705!
What's up with the Max Headroom type editing. Do you do it to cut down the video length?
I am Max Headroom. Kidding aside, I was reading from a script that was on the monitor below me, which caused me to continuously look down. I could put a teleprompter up, but I need to figure out where to put it.
@@HAMRADIODUDE I see guys using a screen next to the camera. You can see the eyes roving the script as they look at you. It works.
WIsh they made this a 100 WATT Radio... We need a new mobile rig that supports SDR and allows us the option of being more portable.. Best one I have now is the IC-7000 (obviously not SDR) but neither Yaesu nor ICOM have come out with anything new in the mobile space for 50/HF/UHF/VHF in quite some time !
I strongly agree with and support this concept
How about an app that can be used in conjunction with taking a 3D image and translating it to any file format so that someone can develop their own add ONS and this would not be restricted to any particular radio, personally I think this would be a better idea. I can’t see yaesu doing what you are mentioning.
I'd like to see a plug in BRICK that was an amp and tuner in one unit. imagine. this radio in a moblie, and the brick under the seat or anywhere. When your mobile, you got a nice rig, when you get to the park you take out a QRP rig that's always with you. and the interface would require ZERO menu adjustments. if its plugged in the brick works. if not it doesn't. simple.
Best of luck, Yaesu seems to be far less responsive than Icom in terms of responsiveness.
Still want uhf, vhf radio with a viable band scope to do weak signal work. Oh 100w on hf is more practical.
Thanks
Sad that it's not full duplex.
so you agree with the video?
@@HAMRADIODUDE Yes, sir. 👍🏼👍🏼
This new radio needs to be capable of 100W. Because this radio is NOT 100W... I guess I'll buy a ICOM 7100 and have 100W on HF. Just saying.
They should release the STEP files; STL isn't nearly as useful.
yes, good point! a few people in the pinned comments mentioned this already. However, this was a great reminder to start uploading step files for my stuff! Thanks!
Don't want to be a Debbie downer here but if they likely won't give away the STL file because they couldn't sell their accessories exclusively. Also considering what they did with fusion vs D-Star keeping their network proprietary they won't do it...but it can't hurt to ask Yaesu.
I appreciate your fair observation! Thanks and fair point.
PS, I didn't put it together it was THE K9AT! Nice! Hope you're well
@@HAMRADIODUDE I'm blessed to still be here and thanks for asking. Great videos as always...
I love Yaesu but VERY Frustrating on many fronts - how about: follower versus leader, recycled designs, lack of a clear vision - if they have a vision they are not sharing-, Bluetooth that only works with their average but expensive headsets, DVI Vs HDMI and 1 USB port (come on!)…. Yaesu….This is 2024 not 2004. My vision … my next radio will be the IC7760. Sorry for being brutally honest.
How can you make a vid on something you have never used or owned?
Did you watch the video?
LOL. This has to, when the comment of the hour, at least. which part of my video did you disagree with........ lol
Yaesu.... STL?!
YAESU is too greedy to give you anything unless they can overcharge for their inferior products.
dejaramos De comprar equipos yaesus veras como se ponen las pilas .por mi parte yo no comprare mas yaesu .dx 10 murio ya no ay mas mejoras increible adios yaesu hasta siempre habra que volver al analogico.tanta tecnologuia y caros equipos ni traen blutou ni gps ni nada de nada solo menus y mas menus para entretenerte la plataforms de yaesu a muerto
I'm a Yaesu Fan, but they are so backwards in terms of software and networking it's depressing. No chance against 705 in a million years.
Design tragedy ....
another radio that's a waste of time unless your into p.o.t.a don't get me started on the icom I think I will stick with what I have here in the shack
By pota do you mean portable?
I see you edited to clearly show P.O.T.A but this radio is good for other O.T.A like SOTA, IOTA, lighthouses on the air, etc. Also pretty much most other portable setups where carrying the batteries or generator to run 100watts or more is more difficult. For shack stuff I agree you can run other rigs because you have the house power or in a lost power scenario big batteries or generator.
Traveling in airplanes, through airports... etc
Well its qrp Rig but Price will be qro!
So what is QRP ? 😂
you didnt watch the video, i assume?
With the exception of extremely high-powered amplifiers there isn't a correlation between price and output. The cost of 100 watts is cheap. Building a quality high-performance QRP radio is a far greater, and more expensive, task than slapping 100 watts in a cheap radio. If wattage was the goal then everybody would just lug around FT-710's and IC-7300's with low end internal tuners and carry bigger batteries. That doesn't appeal to everybody, which is evidenced by the huge success of the IC-705. That's obviously why Yaesu knew they needed to design this radio.