Yaesu FT-102

Introduced in 1982, the FT-102 is one of the finest amateur transceivers of its era and remains an excellent alternative to modern multi-kilo-buck rigs. By year-end 1984 Yaesu was clearing the way for the FT-757GX — good marketing means not having too many models competing with each other.

Sporting three 6146 tubes in the final, the concept of a 3-tube PA with negative feedback was revolutionary for the amateur market. Tube transceivers were on their way out by the mid-1980s and the FT-102 was discontinued, but it remains a favorite among those who have used them — a cult following among users in the know.

One of the first things you notice is three 6146 finals in the tank circuit. The forgiving nature of three 6146s under occasional high VSWR at full output gives peace of mind not always enjoyed with all-solid-state rigs. More consistent power and improved reliability over sweep-tube designs like the FT-101.

The FT-102 claims 10 dB of negative feedback with third-order distortion 40 dB down — among the best-sounding audio of any transceiver without studio equalizers. Longer on the air, the better it sounds; audio reports are fantastic.

Like the Yaesu FT-One, the FT-102 uses dual front-panel metering: ALC on one meter; plate voltage, cathode current, power output, and processor compression on the multi-meter — simplified PA monitoring.

When it comes to knowing the FT-102, Malcolm Eiselman NC4L (Mal) is the go-to expert. He developed a nice modification for the meter lamps shown below.

Thanks to Malcolm for the photos. See also: Malcolm’s FT-102 web page.

Download the survival guide and save to your computer. Adobe Reader 6, 7, or later required. Our thanks to PAØPGA and NC4L for contributions used in this guide. C. L. Maher W4CLM, Fox Tango International

Every control is labeled — what you see is what you get. No menu diving, no accidental changes buried in sub-menus. Clean operation, low cost, reliable, and as a transceiver it holds its own against rigs under $10,000. In the transmit section, nothing outperforms the 102 at any price.

C. L. Maher W4CLM — Group Owner, Fox Tango International