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The Yaesu FTDX10 transceiver, a popular HF/50 MHz rig, often presents CAT control challenges on macOS systems due to driver incompatibilities. This resource addresses a specific issue encountered with Silicon Labs VCP/USB to Serial drivers causing system instability on a MacBook Pro running macOS 11.6.2 (Big Sur). The author details a robust solution involving a Sabrent USB 2.0 to Serial (9-Pin) adapter, which incorporates an FTDI chipset, ensuring native driver support within the macOS environment. This setup facilitates direct control of the FTDX10 without requiring proprietary driver installations. Configuration specifics include connecting the Sabrent adapter to the FTDX10 via a female-to-female DB9 adapter, setting the RS232 port to 38400 baud on both the radio and the WSJT-X software. For digital mode audio routing, a standard USB lead connects the FTDX10 directly to a second USB port on the MacBook, leveraging the transceiver's integrated sound card, which macOS natively recognizes. This dual-USB approach separates CAT control from audio I/O. The methodology was successfully validated through FT8 operation on the 30-meter band, confirming stable CAT communication and proper audio interfacing. This guide provides a practical workaround for macOS users seeking reliable digital mode operation with their FTDX10, avoiding common driver-related frustrations.

The Yaesu FTDX10 MF/HF and 6-meter transceiver, a 100-watt rig, is designed to bring high-performance receiver architecture to the intermediate-price class. It offers continuous receive coverage from 30 kHz to 75 MHz and transmit capabilities across all amateur bands from 160 through 6 meters, including five preset CW and SSB channels on 60 meters. The transceiver supports AM, FM, SSB, CW, and digital modes, with integrated decoders for CW, RTTY, and PSK31, making it a versatile station for various operating preferences. Physically, the FTDX10 measures 3½ × 10½ × 10½ inches and weighs 13 pounds, requiring a 20–25 A DC power supply for full 100 W output. Its front panel features a 5-inch TFT color touchscreen and a large VFO knob, complemented by an SD memory card slot for recording audio and saving settings. Rear panel connectivity includes a single SO-239 antenna port, multiple USB ports for CAT control and peripherals, and DIN jacks for external digital mode hardware and linear amplifiers, though it lacks a dedicated low-noise receive antenna provision. ARRL Lab tests confirm excellent receiver performance, with blocking dynamic range exceeding 137 dB at 2 kHz spacing and robust IMD dynamic range figures. The hybrid receiver design incorporates selectable roofing filters at 500 Hz, 3 kHz, and 12 kHz, along with two preamplifiers and various attenuation levels, allowing operators to tailor reception characteristics to challenging band conditions. Transmitter performance is also rated very good, with low transmit phase noise.