Yaesu FTdx10 Sherwood Engineering HF Test Results

The Yaesu FTdx10 HF transceiver underwent comprehensive laboratory testing by Sherwood Engineering, with results documented on December 29, 2020. Key receiver performance metrics include IF bandwidth measurements at -6 dB and -60 dB for 2400 Hz and 500 Hz filters, showing ultimate rejection exceeding 100 dB and 105 dB respectively. Front-end selectivity and first IF rejection at 9005 kHz were measured at 91 dB. Receiver dynamic range, both with and without preamps, was consistently 107 dB at 20 kHz, 10 kHz, 5 kHz, and 2 kHz spacings without preamplification, and 106 dB with Preamp 1 at 20 kHz. Blocking performance reached 141 dB at 100 kHz offset with a 1uV signal.

Phase noise was normalized across offsets from 2.5 kHz to 500 kHz, with a value of -145 dBc/Hz at 2.5 kHz and -155 dBc/Hz at 500 kHz. Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range (RMDR) peaked at 128 dB at 500 kHz spacing. Noise floor measurements for SSB and 500 Hz bandwidths at 14 MHz and 50.125 MHz showed -133 dBm with Preamp 2 at 14 MHz SSB. Sensitivity figures and S-meter accuracy were also documented, with one S unit equating to 3 dB from S3 to S9.

Transmitter composite noise was measured at 100 watts and 30 watts, with values like -123 dBc/Hz at 2 kHz offset for 100 watts. Operational observations from the January 2021 CQWW 160m CW contest highlighted ergonomic issues, such as VFO knob placement and small buttons. A significant firmware limitation noted was the band scope and waterfall data being erased upon transmission, which severely reduces its utility for search and pounce operations.