Introduction
The Yaesu FT-710AESS is one of those amateur radio transceivers that looks relatively modest on the outside but becomes considerably more impressive once you start operating it. Designed as a 100-watt HF and 6-meter software-defined radio, the FT-710AESS combines modern SDR technology, a touchscreen interface, digital signal processing, an internal automatic antenna tuner, spectrum visualization, and Yaesu's Acoustic Enhanced Speaker System into a surprisingly compact desktop package.
The FT-710 covers the amateur HF bands from 160 through 10 meters and includes 6 meters, with receive coverage extending considerably beyond the amateur bands. It supports SSB, CW, AM, FM and digital operating, while providing up to 100 watts of RF output. Yaesu designed the radio around a direct-sampling SDR architecture and used a high-resolution analog-to-digital converter and FPGA technology derived from its higher-end SDR equipment.
The result is a transceiver aimed at operators who want serious HF performance without moving into the size, complexity, and price of a large flagship-class radio.
After looking closely at its receiver architecture, DSP capabilities, transmitter performance, controls, display, antenna tuner, audio system, digital-mode capabilities, portability, and overall usability, the FT-710AESS is easy to understand as a radio designed around one central idea: deliver high-end receiving performance in a compact and relatively affordable package.
What Is the Yaesu FT-710AESS?
The FT-710AESS is a 100-watt HF/6-meter amateur radio transceiver featuring a direct-sampling SDR receiver. The "AESS" designation refers to the Acoustic Enhanced Speaker System, which uses the radio's internal speaker together with the supplied SP-40 external speaker to provide fuller and more natural-sounding receive audio.
The radio measures approximately 9.4 inches wide, 3.1 inches high and 9.7 inches deep, and weighs approximately 9.9 pounds. It is therefore substantially smaller than many traditional HF desktop transceivers while still offering the functionality expected from a modern station radio.
The manufacturer specifies 5 to 100 watts of output, with AM carrier power limited to 25 watts. The radio operates from a nominal 13.8-volt DC supply and can draw roughly 20 amps when transmitting at full power.
That power requirement is important for anyone planning a portable station. The FT-710AESS is portable in the sense that it can be transported relatively easily, but it is not a small battery-powered field radio. A capable 13.8-volt power source is necessary if you want to operate at the full 100-watt level.
The SDR Architecture
One of the most important things about the FT-710AESS is what is happening inside the radio.
Traditional superheterodyne transceivers process signals through multiple analog and digital stages. Modern SDR transceivers move much of that signal processing into the digital domain.
The FT-710 uses direct-sampling SDR technology. Yaesu specifically emphasizes its high-resolution A/D converter and FPGA architecture, which are intended to provide strong performance when multiple signals are present at the same time.
This matters because HF bands can become extremely crowded.
Imagine operating on 20 meters during a major contest. You may have strong stations only a few kilohertz away from a weak station you are trying to hear. A receiver that looks excellent when receiving a single strong signal can behave very differently when confronted with several powerful signals simultaneously.
The FT-710 was designed with this situation in mind.
Yaesu publishes strong dynamic-range figures for the radio, and independent laboratory testing also found the receiver performance to be very good. ARRL testing described the sensitivity and dynamic range as very good for a transceiver in this class.
That receiver performance is arguably the FT-710's biggest selling point.
Receiver Performance
If there is one area where the FT-710AESS deserves particular attention, it is the receiver.
The radio is extremely capable for its size.
Independent testing measured excellent dynamic-range characteristics, and the radio's direct-sampling architecture allows the operator to use sophisticated digital filtering and interference-reduction tools.
For ordinary casual listening, the difference may not always be obvious. However, when the band becomes crowded, the quality of the receiver becomes much more apparent.
This makes the FT-710 particularly attractive to:
DX operators
Contest operators
POTA operators
Field operators
Digital-mode operators
Amateurs who frequently operate during contests
Operators living in areas with significant RF interference
The receiver is also highly configurable.
You can adjust the receive bandwidth, use IF SHIFT, employ the contour function, activate notch filtering, adjust noise reduction and use the noise blanker. These controls give the operator considerably more control over difficult signals than would be available with a basic HF transceiver.
Digital Signal Processing
The FT-710's DSP system is another major strength.
HF operators frequently deal with noise. Electrical equipment, power lines, switching power supplies, computers, LED lighting and other electronics can create an almost continuous layer of background noise.
Digital signal processing can make the difference between hearing a weak station and losing it completely.
The FT-710 includes several tools for dealing with interference and noise.
These include digital noise reduction, noise blanking, digital notch filtering, manual notch filtering, contour filtering and adjustable receive bandwidth.
The noise reduction system offers multiple levels of adjustment. Like many sophisticated DSP systems, however, maximum processing is not necessarily the best processing.
Too much noise reduction can produce unnatural or "watery" sounding audio. In practice, moderate DSP settings are often preferable because they remove enough noise while preserving the natural character of the received signal.
This is not a criticism unique to Yaesu. It is simply one of the realities of aggressive digital audio processing.
The FT-710 gives you the controls necessary to find the right balance.
4.3-Inch Touchscreen
The front-panel display is a 4.3-inch TFT color touchscreen.
The display provides considerably more information than a traditional monochrome HF radio display.
You can monitor frequency, mode, signal strength, spectrum information and other operating parameters without constantly navigating through menus.
The touchscreen also makes many settings easier to access.
However, operators coming from older radios may need some time to become comfortable with the FT-710's interface.
Modern SDRs are extremely powerful, but that power comes with additional menus and settings. The FT-710 is not a radio where you should expect to understand every feature within the first ten minutes.
Once you learn the interface, however, the controls become much more intuitive.
3D Spectrum Stream Display
One of the most visually interesting features is Yaesu's 3DSS, or Three-Dimensional Spectrum Stream display.
Instead of simply showing a traditional spectrum scope, the display creates a three-dimensional representation of signals over time.
This can be particularly useful when monitoring activity across an HF band.
Rather than looking at only what is happening at the current instant, the operator can get a better visual sense of how signals are appearing and changing.
For operators who enjoy searching for DX, this can become one of the most useful features of the radio.
It also makes the FT-710 feel much more like a modern SDR workstation than an old-fashioned HF transceiver.
Built-In Antenna Tuner
Another major advantage is the internal automatic antenna tuner.
The tuner is designed to handle a reasonable range of antenna mismatches and can store tuning information for multiple frequencies.
Yaesu specifies an operating range of approximately 16.7 to 150 ohms on HF and 25 to 100 ohms on 6 meters when using the internal tuner.
This is important because an internal tuner should not be confused with a device that can make any antenna work efficiently.
If an antenna is extremely far from resonance, the internal tuner may not be able to provide a match.
However, with reasonably well-designed antennas, the tuner can make operation much easier.
For example, if your antenna has an SWR of approximately 2:1 on several bands, the FT-710's tuner can often bring the radio to a comfortable operating match quickly.
The tuner also remembers tuning solutions, meaning that returning to a previously used frequency can be considerably faster.
The AESS Audio System
The AESS system is one of the distinguishing characteristics of the FT-710AESS.
The radio comes with the SP-40 external speaker, which mounts alongside the main unit. The internal speaker and external speaker can work together to create a broader and fuller audio presentation.
The concept is interesting because many compact HF radios compromise on speaker size.
The FT-710 takes a different approach.
Instead of simply putting a small speaker inside the chassis and accepting mediocre audio, Yaesu designed the radio around a combination of the internal speaker and the SP-40.
The result is surprisingly good audio for such a compact radio.
It is particularly enjoyable for casual listening, ragchewing and monitoring shortwave or amateur radio activity for long periods.
The AESS system is not going to transform the FT-710 into a high-end stereo system, but it does provide a noticeably more substantial listening experience than many compact transceivers.
Transmitter Performance
The transmitter provides up to 100 watts on HF and 6 meters.
Power can be adjusted in 1-watt increments, giving the operator considerable control over output power.
That is useful for several reasons.
There is no need to run 100 watts when a lower power level is sufficient.
Reducing power can be beneficial when operating portable, when trying to conserve battery capacity, or when operating digital modes where excessive power is unnecessary.
It can also be useful when driving an external amplifier, since many amplifiers require considerably less than 100 watts of drive.
Independent laboratory testing found the transmitter's distortion performance to be good, with transmit IMD improving further as output power was reduced.
That is encouraging for operators who care about clean transmitted audio and for those who intend to integrate the radio into a larger station.
SSB Operation
SSB is probably where most HF operators will spend much of their time.
The FT-710 provides the filtering and audio controls necessary to make SSB operation highly customizable.
The operator can control receive bandwidth and use the DSP tools to improve intelligibility.
This is especially helpful when signals are crowded together.
Instead of simply listening to everything inside a fixed bandwidth, you can narrow the receiver and concentrate on the signal you actually want.
The transmitter also provides opportunities for adjusting audio characteristics, making it possible to tailor the transmitted sound to your microphone and voice.
For casual conversations, DXing and contesting, the FT-710 is very well suited to SSB operation.
CW Operation
CW operators are not forgotten.
The FT-710 includes the features necessary for serious Morse code operation, including adjustable receive filtering and support for an internal electronic keyer.
The ability to narrow the receiver bandwidth is particularly valuable on crowded CW bands.
When signals are packed closely together, a narrow filter can make it substantially easier to isolate one station.
The FT-710 is therefore perfectly capable of serving as the primary radio for an operator who prefers CW.
Digital Modes and FT8
The FT-710 is also an excellent choice for digital-mode operation.
Yaesu includes a preset mode specifically intended to simplify FT8 operation.
The USB interface provides connectivity for computer-based operation, including CAT control and audio input/output.
For operators interested in FT8, FT4 and other sound-card-based digital modes, this can significantly reduce the amount of additional interface hardware required.
A computer can handle the digital-mode software while the FT-710 handles the RF side of the operation.
The result is a very clean modern digital station.
As always, operators should pay attention to audio levels and computer configuration. Poorly adjusted digital audio can cause unwanted distortion and excessive bandwidth.
Running 100 watts does not make a badly configured digital station better.
Proper levels and clean signals matter considerably more.
6-Meter Operation
The inclusion of 6 meters is another major advantage.
Six meters is often called the "Magic Band" because its propagation characteristics can change dramatically.
Most of the time, 6 meters can behave somewhat like a VHF band. During periods of enhanced propagation, however, it can suddenly become capable of surprisingly long-distance communication.
Sporadic-E openings can produce contacts over hundreds or even thousands of miles.
The FT-710 provides full 100-watt capability on 6 meters, making it a legitimate 6-meter station rather than simply an HF radio with incidental 6-meter receive capability.
For operators interested in experimenting with propagation, 6 meters can provide a tremendous amount of fun.
Frequency Coverage
The receiver covers approximately 30 kHz through 75 MHz, while amateur-band transmit coverage includes HF through 6 meters.
This makes the FT-710 useful for more than just transmitting.
It can serve as a general-purpose listening receiver for a substantial portion of the HF spectrum.
Keep in mind that the transmitter is intended for amateur-band operation and should only be used on frequencies and modes permitted by the operator's license and applicable regulations.
Memory and SD Card Features
The FT-710 includes an SD card slot.
An SD card can be used for storing settings, memory information, screen captures, received audio and other data, as well as supporting firmware updates.
This is a very useful feature.
Modern radios can contain hundreds of settings, and being able to preserve your configuration is extremely convenient.
It is also useful if you operate the radio in multiple locations.
For example, an operator could maintain one configuration for a home station and another for portable operation.
External Display Capability
The FT-710 also includes a DVI-D external display connection.
This can be useful for operators who want a larger screen.
A larger monitor can make spectrum information substantially easier to see, particularly for operators who have difficulty reading small displays.
It also gives the FT-710 additional flexibility as a station centerpiece.
The external display capability is an example of how Yaesu designed the radio to bridge the gap between a compact desktop transceiver and a computer-oriented SDR station.
Computer Connectivity
The FT-710 includes USB connectivity for computer control and audio functions.
This opens the door to a wide range of applications.
Computer connectivity can be used for:
Logging
CAT control
Contest software
Digital voice applications
Remote station experimentation
Firmware and configuration management
The USB connection also helps reduce the number of external interfaces required for a modern computer-controlled station.
Portable Operation
Although the FT-710AESS is relatively compact, it is important to understand what kind of portability we are talking about.
At approximately 9.9 pounds before adding a power supply, battery and other accessories, this is not a lightweight backpacking radio.
However, it is extremely practical for vehicle-based portable operation.
For POTA-style operations, camping, emergency communications exercises, field-day operation and temporary stations, the FT-710 can be an excellent choice if you have sufficient power available.
Its 100-watt output also means that you do not necessarily have to sacrifice full-size-station power simply because you are operating away from home.
Emergency Communications and Preparedness
The FT-710AESS can also make an excellent component of an emergency communications station.
Its HF coverage gives an operator access to regional and long-distance amateur communications when local VHF or UHF systems are unavailable.
Its relatively compact design makes it easier to transport than many large desktop HF radios.
The internal tuner simplifies antenna deployment.
The SDR receiver provides excellent tools for dealing with interference.
And 100 watts gives the operator substantial transmitting capability.
For emergency preparedness, however, the radio should be viewed as only one component of the communications system.
A complete station also needs:
A reliable antenna
Coaxial cable
A suitable 13.8-volt power source
Battery backup
Proper grounding
Spare fuses
Antenna supports
A method of charging batteries
A backup communications plan
The radio itself cannot compensate for a poor antenna or inadequate power system.
Ease of Use
The FT-710 sits somewhere between a traditional transceiver and a modern SDR control system.
This is both a strength and a weakness.
Experienced operators will appreciate the extensive control options.
New operators may initially find the number of settings intimidating.
The good news is that the radio does not require you to understand every setting before making your first contact.
The basic controls are straightforward.
Turn the radio on.
Select a band.
Tune to a frequency.
Adjust the audio.
Transmit.
Once you become comfortable with those basic functions, you can gradually explore the more advanced features.
That is the best way to learn the FT-710.
Build Quality
Yaesu has designed the FT-710 as a serious desktop transceiver rather than a lightweight consumer electronic device.
The chassis feels substantial.
The controls are appropriately sized for normal operation, and the radio has enough physical weight to remain stable on a desk.
The compact dimensions are particularly appealing for operators who do not have room for a large HF station.
It is small enough to fit comfortably into many desks and operating positions while still offering the controls and display expected from a modern HF radio.
What I Like Most About the FT-710AESS
The strongest aspect of the FT-710AESS is its receiver.
The radio delivers an impressive combination of sensitivity, dynamic range and digital filtering in a compact package.
The second major advantage is the overall feature set.
You are getting:
HF and 6 meters
Direct-sampling SDR
4.3-inch touchscreen
3D spectrum display
AESS speaker system
USB connectivity
SD card support
External display capability
CW functionality
Multiple DSP tools
That is a lot of radio in a relatively small chassis.
What I Don't Like
No radio is perfect.
The FT-710's interface can take some time to learn.
The extensive menu system is powerful, but operators coming from simpler radios may initially find it overwhelming.
The 4.3-inch display is good, but operators who want a large waterfall or spectrum display may eventually want to connect an external monitor.
The internal tuner is useful, but it is not designed to compensate for wildly mismatched antennas.
The radio also requires a serious power supply when operating at 100 watts. A supply capable of comfortably delivering around 20 amps at 13.8 volts is appropriate.
Finally, the AESS version is somewhat larger and heavier than the field-oriented FT-710 variant because of the external speaker arrangement.
FT-710AESS Versus a Traditional HF Radio
The difference becomes obvious when you compare the FT-710 to an older analog-style transceiver.
An older radio may provide a frequency display, analog controls, a few filters and basic operating functions.
The FT-710 gives you a completely different operating experience.
You can visually see signals.
You can manipulate bandwidth digitally.
You can attack interference using several different DSP tools.
You can connect the radio directly to a computer.
You can save configurations.
You can use an external display.
You can operate digital modes.
This is much closer to operating a computer-based SDR, but with the convenience of a self-contained desktop transceiver.
FT-710AESS Versus Higher-End Yaesu Radios
The FT-710 occupies an interesting position in Yaesu's product lineup.
It does not attempt to replace the company's larger flagship radios.
Instead, it provides much of the modern SDR experience in a smaller and more affordable package.
Operators who need multiple receivers, elaborate contesting capabilities, enormous displays or the absolute maximum level of station flexibility may still prefer a higher-end model.
For everyone else, the FT-710 raises an important question:
How much radio do you actually need?
For many amateurs, the answer is that the FT-710 already provides more capability than they will ever use.
Who Should Buy the FT-710AESS?
The FT-710AESS is particularly well suited to:
Experienced HF operators
DX enthusiasts
Contest operators
Portable operators
Digital-mode enthusiasts
CW operators
6-meter enthusiasts
Emergency communications operators
Amateurs upgrading from an entry-level HF radio
Operators with limited desk space
Anyone wanting to move into SDR technology without building a computer-based SDR station from scratch
It is also a very good choice for someone who wants one radio capable of serving as both a home-station transceiver and a portable station.
Who Might Want Something Else?
You may want a different radio if your primary requirement is ultra-lightweight backpacking operation.
You may also want a larger flagship transceiver if you are a serious contest operator who needs multiple receivers, extensive multi-band capabilities and a much larger display.
Similarly, if your budget is extremely limited, there are less expensive HF transceivers available.
The FT-710 is not intended to be the cheapest way onto HF.
It is intended to provide a high-performance SDR experience without reaching the price and physical size of some premium transceivers.
Final Verdict
The Yaesu FT-710AESS is an extremely impressive HF and 6-meter transceiver.
Its greatest strength is not one individual feature. It is the combination of excellent receiver performance, direct-sampling SDR technology, sophisticated DSP, 100-watt output, an internal tuner, touchscreen controls, spectrum visualization, computer connectivity and surprisingly good audio in a compact chassis.
Independent testing confirmed that the receiver performance is genuinely strong, rather than simply being impressive on a specification sheet. The transmitter also performed well in laboratory testing, including good distortion characteristics.
Yaesu's specifications further show just how much technology is packed into the radio, including the direct-sampling architecture, 3DSS spectrum display, automatic tuner, AESS system, USB connectivity and external display support.
The FT-710AESS is therefore much more than a compact HF radio.
It is a modern SDR station in a relatively small box.
For the amateur who wants excellent HF receiving performance without purchasing a large flagship transceiver, it is one of the most compelling radios in its class.
The receiver is the star of the show, but the entire package is what makes the FT-710AESS so attractive. Whether you are chasing DX late at night, hunting FT8 contacts, working contests, enjoying a relaxed SSB conversation, experimenting on 6 meters, or putting together a portable emergency communications station, this radio has the capability to grow with you.
The Yaesu FT-710AESS is an excellent choice for the operator who wants serious HF performance, modern SDR technology and 100-watt capability without filling the entire operating desk with equipment. It successfully combines the performance of a much larger station radio with the convenience of a compact transceiver, making it one of Yaesu's most interesting HF offerings for operators who want modern technology without unnecessary complexity.
No comments:
Post a Comment