BAOFENG SW-9 Ham Radio Review

The BAOFENG SW-9 Full Band Ham Radio is an interesting addition to the growing selection of compact radios designed for people who want more than a conventional handheld transceiver. Instead of concentrating exclusively on the traditional VHF and UHF amateur radio bands, the SW-9 combines broad-band receiving capabilities with features aimed at shortwave listening, amateur radio monitoring, field communications, and emergency preparedness.

Among its notable features are an SI4732-based radio design, wireless programming, Bluetooth audio, USB Type-C rechargeable power, and support for several listening modes including CW, AM, FM, and shortwave reception. This combination makes the SW-9 particularly interesting for operators who want a small radio that can serve as a backup or monitoring receiver during Field Day, camping trips, emergency situations, and other outdoor activities.

The important thing to understand about the SW-9 is that its appeal is not necessarily based on replacing a full-size HF transceiver. Instead, its strength is versatility. A compact radio that can monitor a broad range of signals can be useful when traveling light or when a primary station is unavailable.

What Is the BAOFENG SW-9?

The BAOFENG SW-9 is a compact full-band radio designed around the SI4732 radio receiver platform. The SI4732 family of receiver chips is widely used in compact digital radios because it can provide extensive frequency coverage while keeping the hardware relatively small.

The SW-9 combines that receiver technology with a rechargeable battery, USB Type-C charging, wireless connectivity, Bluetooth audio, and programmable controls.

This makes it different from a typical inexpensive VHF/UHF handheld.

Traditional handheld amateur radios generally concentrate on the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands. They are excellent for local FM communications and repeater operation, but their usefulness outside those bands can be limited.

A full-band receiver takes a different approach.

Instead of being designed around only a couple of amateur bands, a radio like the SW-9 can potentially allow the operator to explore amateur radio, shortwave broadcasting, utility transmissions, AM broadcasts, FM broadcasting, and other portions of the radio spectrum.

For an amateur radio operator, that can make the radio useful even when there is no one to talk to.

Design and Portability

One of the biggest advantages of the SW-9 is portability.

A Field Day station can become surprisingly complicated. Operators may bring radios, antennas, coaxial cable, power supplies, batteries, logging equipment, computers, headphones, tools, and emergency supplies.

Having a compact secondary radio can therefore be valuable.

The SW-9 can fit into a small communications bag without taking up the space required by a larger HF transceiver.

This makes it attractive for:

• Field Day
• Camping
• Hiking
• Emergency kits
• Bug-out bags
• Vehicle communications kits
• Portable listening stations
• Backup radio equipment
• Shortwave listening
• Amateur radio monitoring
• Travel
• Outdoor communications

Portability is especially important for operators who practice lightweight portable operation.

A radio that is small enough to take everywhere is often more useful than a larger radio that remains at home because it is inconvenient to transport.

SI4732 Receiver Technology

The SI4732 is one of the more interesting aspects of the SW-9.

This receiver technology allows manufacturers to build relatively compact radios capable of covering large portions of the radio spectrum.

Rather than requiring a separate receiver architecture for every individual band, the SI4732 provides a flexible digital radio platform.

For listeners, this means the SW-9 can be used for much more than conventional FM broadcasting.

The receiver concept is particularly useful for people interested in experimenting with different frequencies and modes.

An operator might listen to local FM stations in the morning, explore shortwave broadcasting later in the day, monitor amateur activity in the evening, and listen to AM broadcast stations at night.

That versatility is one of the primary reasons radios using this type of receiver have become popular among radio enthusiasts.

Full-Band Receiving Capability

The phrase "full band" is one of the most attractive parts of the SW-9's description, but it should be understood correctly.

Full-band does not mean that every frequency on the radio spectrum will work equally well or that the radio replaces every type of communications receiver.

Different frequencies behave differently.

HF signals can travel thousands of miles under favorable propagation conditions. VHF and UHF signals generally behave more like line-of-sight communications, although repeaters, terrain, atmospheric conditions, satellites, and other factors can extend their usefulness.

Consequently, a broad-band receiver gives the operator access to a variety of different radio environments.

This can be especially valuable for someone learning how radio propagation works.

Instead of simply using a local repeater, an operator can experiment with different frequencies and discover how dramatically reception changes throughout the day.

Shortwave Listening

Shortwave is one of the areas where a radio like the SW-9 becomes particularly interesting.

Shortwave broadcasts have historically been used to transmit information over extremely long distances.

Although international shortwave broadcasting has declined significantly compared with previous decades, there are still broadcasters, amateur operators, utility stations, and other transmissions that can make HF listening worthwhile.

Shortwave reception can also become an educational activity.

An operator can learn about:

• Propagation
• Solar conditions
• Time of day
• Antenna performance
• Frequency selection
• Atmospheric noise
• Fading
• Signal strength
• Long-distance communications

The SW-9 can therefore be useful for someone who wants to get started with shortwave without immediately purchasing a dedicated tabletop communications receiver.

AM Reception

AM reception is another useful capability.

AM broadcasting remains common, particularly on the medium-wave broadcast band.

AM signals can travel considerably farther at night than during the daytime because of changes in the ionosphere.

This provides another practical way to experiment with propagation.

A user can listen to local AM stations during the day and then observe how reception changes after sunset.

For emergency preparedness, AM broadcasting can also be important because local broadcasters may provide information during severe weather, power outages, and other emergencies.

A small battery-powered receiver gives the user an additional way to receive information if Internet connectivity becomes unavailable.

FM Reception

FM is perhaps the most familiar broadcast mode for many users.

The SW-9 can be useful for conventional FM broadcast listening, allowing it to serve as a general-purpose portable radio in addition to its other capabilities.

This can be convenient during camping trips, outdoor activities, or emergency situations.

A radio that can receive both specialized radio transmissions and ordinary broadcast stations provides considerably more flexibility than a device designed for only one purpose.

CW Capability

CW, or Morse code, is an important part of amateur radio history and remains an active mode among many operators.

CW can be particularly effective when bandwidth and transmitter power are limited.

For operators interested in learning Morse code or monitoring CW activity, having a receiver capable of working with CW is useful.

CW also has an important connection with portable amateur radio.

Many QRP operators use Morse code because it allows relatively small amounts of power to produce successful communications under favorable conditions.

A compact receiver capable of monitoring CW therefore fits naturally into a portable amateur radio setup.

It can also be useful for people learning to recognize Morse code by ear.

Bluetooth Audio

Bluetooth audio adds a modern convenience to an otherwise traditional radio concept.

Wireless audio can be useful when the operator wants to listen without being physically connected to the radio with a cable.

This could be particularly convenient when operating outdoors or while moving around a campsite.

There are also situations where headphones are preferable because they reduce environmental noise and prevent the radio from disturbing other people nearby.

Bluetooth is not essential to radio operation, but it adds another layer of convenience.

It demonstrates how modern portable radios are combining traditional radio reception with features normally associated with smartphones and other consumer electronics.

Wireless Programming

Programming is an important consideration with any multi-band radio.

Entering frequencies manually can become frustrating when a radio has a large number of channels or a broad frequency range.

Wireless programming can make the process substantially easier.

Rather than relying exclusively on the radio's buttons and display, users can use a compatible device and programming system to manage frequencies and settings.

This is particularly useful for creating groups of channels for different purposes.

For example, a user might organize channels into categories such as:

• Local repeaters
• Simplex frequencies
• Emergency monitoring
• Field Day
• Weather information
• Amateur HF frequencies
• Local broadcast stations

Good organization becomes increasingly important as the number of frequencies increases.

USB Type-C Rechargeable Power

The use of USB Type-C is another practical feature.

USB Type-C has become extremely common, making it easier to recharge portable electronics without carrying a specialized charging system.

For emergency preparedness, standardized charging is especially useful.

A preparedness kit might already contain:

• USB power banks
• Solar chargers
• Vehicle USB adapters
• Portable battery stations
• USB Type-C cables

A radio that can recharge through commonly available equipment fits naturally into that ecosystem.

For Field Day, a large USB battery bank could potentially provide convenient supplemental power for portable electronics.

The exact operating time will depend on battery capacity, receive volume, Bluetooth usage, operating mode, signal conditions, and other factors.

Field Day Backup Radio

One of the more interesting uses for the SW-9 is as a Field Day backup.

Field Day often involves operating multiple radios simultaneously.

The primary station might be running HF contacts while another operator monitors VHF or UHF activity.

A compact secondary receiver can provide another set of ears.

It can also be useful if the primary radio experiences a problem.

The SW-9 should not automatically be viewed as a replacement for a dedicated 100-watt HF transceiver, however.

A full-size HF station generally provides capabilities, controls, filtering, power options, and antenna flexibility that a compact portable radio cannot duplicate.

Instead, the SW-9 makes more sense as a supplemental radio.

For a Field Day equipment bag, that distinction is important.

Emergency Preparedness

A broad-band portable receiver can have an important role in an emergency communications kit.

Communication during an emergency is not always about transmitting.

Receiving information can be just as important.

A person may need to monitor:

• Emergency broadcasts
• Weather information
• Local radio stations
• Amateur radio activity
• Public information
• Other accessible radio transmissions

If the electrical grid and Internet are unavailable, a battery-powered radio can become an important information source.

The SW-9's rechargeable battery and USB Type-C charging make it especially compatible with modern emergency power systems.

However, preparedness users should avoid depending on one electronic device.

A good emergency communications kit should include backup power and, when appropriate, another independent radio or receiver.

Antenna Considerations

No radio receiver can overcome every antenna limitation.

This is particularly important with wide-band receivers.

The antenna is a critical part of the receiving system.

The supplied antenna can be convenient for portable operation, but users interested in maximizing HF and shortwave reception may want to experiment with other antenna arrangements where the radio supports them.

Longer antennas, external antennas, portable wires, and other receiving antennas can produce significantly different results depending on the frequency and environment.

The operator should also remember that more antenna is not automatically better.

An antenna that works well on one band may perform poorly on another.

Experimentation is part of the fun.

Propagation and the SW-9

One of the biggest educational benefits of a radio like this is the opportunity to learn propagation firsthand.

Radio signals do not behave the same way all the time.

HF reception can change because of:

• Solar activity
• Time of day
• Season
• Frequency
• Ionospheric conditions
• Geographic location
• Antenna orientation
• Atmospheric noise

A frequency that sounds completely dead in the afternoon can suddenly become active after sunset.

A distant station that is impossible to hear one day may become surprisingly strong the next.

This makes a broad-band receiver an excellent learning tool.

Advantages for New Radio Operators

Someone new to radio can become overwhelmed by the number of available bands, modes, frequencies, and equipment choices.

The SW-9 provides an opportunity to explore.

Instead of immediately buying several specialized receivers, a beginner can use a compact multi-purpose radio to discover what interests them.

They might become interested in:

• Shortwave
• HF amateur radio
• Morse code
• Broadcast DXing
• VHF/UHF monitoring
• Propagation
• Portable operation
• Emergency communications

Once they discover which area they enjoy most, they can invest in more specialized equipment.

This can make the SW-9 a useful stepping stone into the larger world of radio.

Advantages for Experienced Operators

Experienced operators can also find a use for a compact receiver.

The most obvious advantage is convenience.

A large station radio may be extremely capable, but it is not always practical to carry around.

A small backup radio can live in a vehicle, backpack, emergency kit, or Field Day equipment box.

Having a second receiver can also allow an operator to monitor one frequency while the primary station is being used for another activity.

Portability Versus Performance

The biggest compromise with any compact radio is the relationship between size and performance.

A portable radio has obvious advantages.

It is small, lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to power.

But larger communications receivers generally provide greater control over filtering, signal processing, antennas, audio, and interference.

Therefore, buyers should consider what they actually need.

If the objective is a small backup receiver that can travel anywhere, portability may be more important than maximum performance.

If the goal is serious HF DXing from a permanent station, a dedicated communications receiver or transceiver may be more appropriate.

Build and Everyday Usability

The SW-9 is designed around portability and convenience rather than being a large desktop station.

That makes it particularly attractive to users who want something they can keep nearby.

A portable radio also benefits from being relatively self-contained.

There is less equipment to assemble before listening.

That can be valuable when the radio is being used during travel or an emergency.

The more complicated a system becomes, the less likely some people are to use it regularly.

A simple portable radio can encourage more frequent experimentation.

Learning to Use the Radio

A broad-band radio may initially seem complicated because there are more frequencies and settings than on a basic broadcast receiver.

New users should spend time learning the controls before they actually need the radio.

Practice finding frequencies.

Experiment with different modes.

Try the radio during the daytime and again after dark.

Compare different antennas.

Listen during different weather conditions.

Keep notes about what you hear.

These simple exercises can teach more about radio propagation than reading a manual alone.

Things to Consider Before Buying

The SW-9 is an interesting radio, but potential buyers should understand what type of equipment they are purchasing.

First, a broad-band receiver should not automatically be considered equivalent to a full-featured HF amateur transceiver.

Second, actual reception will depend heavily on the antenna and local radio-frequency environment.

Third, compact radios can have limitations when strong nearby signals overload the receiver.

Fourth, advertised frequency coverage should always be considered separately from actual usable performance on each portion of the spectrum.

Finally, users should verify the exact version, firmware, included accessories, supported programming method, and frequency capabilities of the particular SW-9 they are purchasing because product configurations can change.

Who Is the BAOFENG SW-9 Best For?

The SW-9 is particularly interesting for several types of users.

Amateur Radio Beginners

Beginners can use it to explore different areas of radio before investing in more specialized equipment.

Shortwave Listeners

People interested in exploring HF and shortwave reception may appreciate its compact size and broad coverage.

Field Day Operators

It can serve as a portable secondary receiver or backup radio.

Preppers

The combination of battery power, USB Type-C charging, broadcast reception, and broad-band capabilities makes it potentially useful in an emergency communications kit.

Campers and Travelers

Its compact design makes it convenient for outdoor use.

Radio Experimenters

Anyone who enjoys exploring propagation, antennas, and different radio modes can find plenty to experiment with.

Who Might Want Something Else?

Someone looking for a primary HF amateur radio station should probably look at a dedicated HF transceiver instead.

Likewise, operators who need maximum receiver performance, advanced filtering, high-quality audio, extensive computer integration, or sophisticated contesting features may eventually want a larger radio.

The SW-9 is better understood as a compact multipurpose radio rather than a replacement for an advanced amateur station.

Final Thoughts

The BAOFENG SW-9 Full Band Ham Radio represents an interesting combination of traditional radio technology and modern portable features.

Its SI4732 receiver platform, broad frequency coverage, CW, AM, FM, and shortwave capabilities give users a way to explore a wide range of radio signals without carrying a large communications receiver.

Bluetooth audio and wireless programming add modern convenience, while USB Type-C charging makes the radio easier to integrate into today's portable power systems.

For amateur radio operators, one of its most appealing roles may be as a backup and monitoring radio.

For preppers, it can provide another method of receiving information when normal communication systems are unavailable.

For shortwave listeners, it provides a compact way to explore HF reception.

For Field Day operators, it can be a convenient secondary radio to keep in the equipment bag.

The most important advantage of the SW-9 may ultimately be its versatility. It is small enough to take along, flexible enough to explore different types of radio activity, and useful in situations where carrying a larger radio would not be practical.

It should not be confused with a high-end HF communications transceiver, but that is not necessarily what it is trying to be.

The BAOFENG SW-9 is better viewed as a compact, multipurpose radio that can occupy several useful roles in an amateur radio, shortwave listening, camping, or emergency preparedness setup.

For radio enthusiasts who enjoy experimenting and want one small device capable of doing considerably more than a conventional handheld, the SW-9 is a radio worth investigating.

See The Baofeng SW-9 On Amazon!

Yaesu FT-710AESS 100 Watt SDR HF and 6-Meter Transceiver Review

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

Weak-signal 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:

Digital modes

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

Connectors and adapters

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.

Select a mode.

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:

100 watts

HF and 6 meters

Direct-sampling SDR

4.3-inch touchscreen

3D spectrum display

Built-in antenna tuner

AESS speaker system

USB connectivity

SD card support

External display capability

Digital-mode support

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

POTA 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.

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