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Universal Radio To Close Store

Dear Friends Of Universal Radio,

Time waits for no one, and that includes Barbara and myself. We have decided to retire and our current location in Worthington will close on November 30, 2020.

Even though the store is closing we will fulfill all existing customer orders and have a large amount of inventory to close-out.

The Universal Radio website will be maintained for the foreseeable future to sell this remaining stock, publications and some select products. Unfortunately the lack of a store front showroom will preclude us from carrying some manufacturers’ products.

I am very fortunate to have been in the radio business for over 50 years, 13 at Radio Shack and 37 at Universal Radio. We have met many wonderful people along the journey who have supported me personally as well as Universal Radio.

It has been a privilege to have a continuous career in the fascinating field of radio since 1969.

Please accept our sincere “Thank You” for your support of Universal Radio for these many years, and for the months to come. Our new address for correspondence and mail order is below.

This is not a store front.

Universal Radio Inc.
752 N. State St. Unit 222
Westerville, OH 43082
Phone: 614 866-4267

Thank you. 73,
Fred Osterman N8EKU Barbara Osterman KC8VWI

Universal has been offering the finest in amateur and shortwave equipment from central Ohio for over 60 years. Universal was founded in 1942 by F.R. “Gibby” Gibb W8IJ. Universal Service, as it was then called, was located on North Third Street in downtown Columbus, Ohio.

CQ WW DX CW Contest 2020

The 2020 CQ WW CW DX Contest

CQ WW DX CW: November 28-29
Starts 00:00:00 UTC Saturday Ends 23:59:59 UTC Sunday

The CQ WW is the largest Amateur Radio competition in the world. Over 35,000 participants take to the airwaves on the last weekend of October with the goal of making as many contacts with as many different DXCC entities and CQ Zones as possible.

GOAL: For amateurs around the world to contact as many other amateurs in as many CQ zones and countries as possible.

BANDS: Six bands only: 1.8, 3.5, 7, 14, 21 and 28 MHz. Observance of established band plans is strongly encouraged.

EXCHANGE: RST report plus CQ Zone number of the station location (e.g., 599 05).

Read all rules in several languages on official CQ World Wide DX Contest Page

 

CQ ZONE MAP

CQ DX Zones of the world

Contest Software
A selection of contest programs taken from our Contest Software links page

Top Amateur Radio Websites – Issue 2029

CQ WPX Contests Add New “Multi-Transmitter Distributed” Category, Remove Single-Op Unassisted Categories

(Sayville, NY – November 16, 2020) – A new “Multi-Transmitter Distributed” category is being added to the CQ World Wide WPX Contests to better accommodate operators who wish to compete as a team without all being in the same physical location.


According to CQ WPX Contest Directors Bud Trench, AA3B (SSB and CW), and Ed Muns, W0YK (RTTY), the new category will permit up to six separate stations in different locations (but all within the same DX entity and CQ zone) to operate as a single contest entry.

This was inspired by innovations being made in response to the Coronavirus pandemic, but Trench and Muns say the new category will be permanent.

In addition, QSO alerting assistance will now be permitted in all single-operator categories except for the “Classic” categories. This means that there will no longer be separate listings or recognition for “Assisted” vs. “Unassisted” categories, and all Classic overlay entries must be unassisted. Finally, Classic overlay stations will now have a maximum operating time in each contest of 24 hours rather than the previous 36.

The rule changes take effect with the 2021 running of the WPX contests – RTTY on February 13-14, SSB on March 27-28 and CW on May 29-30. These changes apply ONLY to the WPX contests and NOT to the CQ World Wide (CQWW) DX contests.

Top Amateur Radio Websites – Issue 2028

Top Amateur Radio Websites – Issue 2027

Yaesu FTDX10 FCC Approval & Price

The Yaesu FT-DX-10 Transceiver, recently announced to the word some days ago, has been approved by FCC. We also visited some Yaesu dealers websites to compare the current Yaesu FTDX10 Price.

FCC Approval

According to FCC Website, on November 4th, 2020 the Yaesu FTDX10 has got FCC authorization.

Yaesu FTDX10

FCC IDENTIFIER: K6620761X50
Name of Grantee: Yaesu Musen Co., Ltd.
Equipment Class:Scanning Receiver
Notes:Scanning Receiver
FCC Approval Label

Yaesu FTDX10 Pictures

In the meantime Yaesu, through his official website, has released first official High Res Pictures of the new amateur radio transceiver

FTDX10 Front
Yaesu FTdx10 front picture

FTDX10 Summary

Hybrid SDR Configuration
Like the FTDX101 series, the new FTDX10 utilizes the Yaesu Hybrid SDR configuration – Narrow Band SDR and Direct Sampling SDR. The Narrow band SDR receiver emphasizes excellent receiver performance, while the Direct Sampling SDR provides a Digital Processing Real-Time Spectrum Scope.

Narrow Band SDR with 3 types of Roofing Filters and Phenomenal Multi-signal receiving Characteristics Like the FTDX101 series, the Down Conversion type receiver configuration with the first IF at 9MHz has been adopted.  It makes it possible to incorporate excellent narrow bandwidth crystal roofing filters that have the desired sharp “cliff edge” shape factor.  Thanks to the Narrow Band SDR with the latest circuit configuration including 500Hz, 3kHz and 12kHz roofing filters and low-noise oscillator, the RMDR (Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range) reaches 116dB or more, the close-in BDR (Blocking Dynamic Range) reaches 141dB or more and 3rd IMDR (third-order Intermodulation Dynamic Range) reaches 109dB or more in the 14MHz band at 2kHz separation.

250MHz HRDDS (High Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer) affords Quiet and Clear Reception

The local circuit of the new FTDX10 uses 250MHz HRDDS method same as the FTDX101 series.  Thanks to its characteristics that improve the C/N (carrier to noise) ratio and the careful selection of components in the design, the phase noise characteristic of the local signal achieves an excellent value of -145dB or less in 14MHz at 2kHz separation.

3DSS (3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream) on the 5-inch Full-Color TFT Display with Touch-Panel Functionality

The 5-inch Full-Color panel shows the 3DSS display.  By touching the frequency display, the numeric keypad is displayed, and the active band and frequency adjustment can be set by direct input.  Frequency setting and adjustment can also be performed by turning the MAIN dial or touching the scope display.  Similar to the FTDX101 series, the MULTI display, RX operation status display, Center, FIX and Cursor modes are available.

Front Panel Designed for Superior Operating Efficiency
 
MPVD (Multi-Purpose VFO Outer Dial), is a large multi-purpose ring around the outside of the VFO dial that enables control of Clarifier, C/S (custom selection function) and recall of memory channels.

Remote Operation with optional LAN unit (SCU-LAN10)

Remote operation of the transceiver is possible with the optional SCU-LAN10 and SCU-LAN10 Network Remote Control Software. In addition to controlling the transceiver basic operations, the versatile scope displays enable sophisticated operations such as monitoring the band conditions on a large display at a location away from the ham shack by connection to a home LAN network.

The features of the new FTDX10 include:

15 separate band pass filters
Effective QRM rejection with the IF DSP (IF SHIFT/WIDTH, IF NOTCH DNF, DNR, COUNTOUR)
High-quality and super stable final amplifier utilizing the new push-pull MOSFET RD70HUP2   Aluminum Heat Sink with 80mm low-noise axial flow cooling fan  High Speed Automatic Antenna Tuner with a large capacity 100-channel memory 
RF & AF Transmit Monitor 
Microphone Amplifier with Three-stage parametric Equalizer (SSB/ AM mode)
QMB (Quick Memory Bank)
Band Stack Function
Optional speaker – SP-30 designed for the new FTDX10
Optional roofing filter (300Hz) – XF-130CN available

FTdx10 with SP30
Yaesu FTdx10 with optional external speaker

Yaesu FTDX10 Price

We made a quick overview of the current Price of the new Yaesu FTdx10 transceiver among Yaesu Dealers where prices are currently exposed. At time writing none of the Yaesu Dealers in the US, have published the prices.

CanadaRadioWorld – Radioworld Central$ 2,399.99
United KingdomML&S – Waters & Stanton£ 1549.95
GermanyWimo€ 1.798,00 
ItalyCSY&SON€ 1.649,00
The NetherlandClassic International€ 1.759,00

We will try to update above data, including the US Yaesu Dealers in the next week, when we belive the official price of the Yaesu FTDX10 for the US marked will be officialized.

Yaesu FTDX10 on CQ Amateur Radio

Original Yaesu Advertising Page

Yaesu has recently published on CQ Amateur Radio Magazine November 2020 the very first Advertisement for the recently announced new Yaesu FTDX10 HF and 50 MHz Transceiver.

Ultimate RD Performance with:

  • 5 Inch TFT Color Touch Panel with 3DSS visual Display
  • MPVD (Multi-purpose VFO Outer Dial) enables Oustanding Operating Performance
  • Remote Operation with Lan on Internet (Lan Unit Optional)

FTDX10 has not been FCC Approved as of November 2020 and may not be offered for sale or lease until the approval of the FCC has been obtained. In Europe the Yaesu FTDX10 will be available in December 2020. Price is still not been officially announced.

FTDX10 by YAESU
Yaesu FTDX10 freely rearranged Adv by DXZone

Top Amateur Radio Websites – Issue 2026

Yaesu FTDX10 – New product Announcement

New Yaesu compact HF and 50 MHz 100W SDR Transceiver available in December 2020.
Functionalities of the top line models in a smaller form factor transceiver. FTDX10 is going to utilize the Yaesu Hybrid SDR Configuration.

FTDX10 Price has been announced by Yaesu Dealers in Europe and Canada but not yet in USA since still missing for FCC Approval.

FT DX 10 Features

  • 15 separate band pass filters
  • Effective QRM rejection with the IF DSP (IF SHIFT/WIDTH, IF NOTCH DNF, DNR, COUNTOUR)
  • High-quality and super stable final amplifier utilizing the new push-pull MOSFET RD70HUP2
  • Aluminum Heat Sink with 80mm low-noise axial flow cooling fan
  • High Speed Automatic Antenna Tuner with a large capacity 100-channel memory
  • RF & AF Transmit Monitor
  • Microphone Amplifier with Three-stage parametric Equalizer (SSB/ AM mode)
  • QMB (Quick Memory Bank)
  • Band Stack Function
  • Optional speaker – SP-30 designed for the new FTDX10
  • Optional roofing filter (300Hz) – XF-130CN available

Hybrid SDR Configuration

Like the FTDX101 series, the new FTDX10 utilizes the Yaesu Hybrid SDR configuration – Narrow Band SDR and Direct Sampling SDR. The Narrow band SDR receiver emphasizes excellent receiver performance, while the Direct Sampling SDR provides a Digital Processing Real-Time Spectrum Scope.

Narrow Band SDR

Narrow Band SDR with 3 types of Roofing Filters and Phenomenal Multi-signal receiving Characteristics

Like the FTDX101 series, the Down Conversion type receiver configuration with the first IF at 9MHz has been adopted. It makes it possible to incorporate excellent narrow bandwidth crystal roofing filters that have the desired sharp “cliff edge” shape factor. Thanks to the Narrow Band SDR with the latest circuit configuration including 500Hz, 3kHz and 12kHz roofing filters and low noise oscillator, the RMDR (Reciprocal Mixing Dynamic Range) reaches 116dB or more, the close-in BDR (Blocking Dynamic Range) reaches 141dB or more, and 3rd IMDR (third-order Intermodulation Dynamic Range) reaches 109dB or more, in the 14MHz band at 2kHz separation.

 

FT-DX10
The New Yaesu FT DX 10 HF / 50 MHz Transceiver

High Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer

250MHz HRDDS (High Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer) affords Quiet and Clear Reception

The local circuit of the new FTDX10 uses 250MHz HRDDS method same as the FTDX101 series. Thanks to its characteristics that improve the C/N (carrier to noise) ratio and the careful selection of components in the design, the phase noise characteristic of the local signal achieves an excellent value of -145dB or less in 14MHz at 2kHz separation.

3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream

3DSS (3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream) on the 5-inch Full-Color TFT Display with Touch-Panel Functionality

The 5-inch Full-Color panel shows the 3DSS display. By touching the frequency display, the numeric keypad is displayed, and the active band and frequency adjustment can be set by direct input. Frequency setting and adjustment can also be performed by turning the MAIN dial or touching the scope display. Similar to the FTDX101 series, the MULTI display, RX operation status display, Center, FIX and Cursor modes are available.

Front Panel

Front Panel Designed for Superior Operating Efficiency

Front Panel Designed for Superior Operating Efficiency MPVD (Multi-Purpose VFO Outer Dial), is a large multi-purpose ring around the outside of the VFO dial that enables control of Clarifier, C/S (custom selection function) and recall of memory channels.

Remote Operations

Remote Operation with optional LAN unit (SCU-LAN10)

Remote operation of the new FTDX10 is possible with the optional SCU-LAN10 and SCU-LAN10 Network Remote Control Software. In addition to controlling the transceiver basic operations, the versatile scope displays enable sophisticated operation such as monitoring the band conditions on a large display at a location away from the ham shack by connection to a home LAN network.

FTDX10 HF/50MHz band 100W Transceiver

  • Hybrid SDR configuration utilizing a Narrow Bandwidth SDR, and a Direct Sampling SDR
  • Narrow Band SDR enables Phenomenal Multi-signal Receiving characteristics (2kHz RMDR 116dB+, 2kHz BDR 141dB+, 2kHz 3rd IMDR 109dB+) – Down conversion, 9MHz IF Roofing Filters produce Excellent Shape Factor
  • 250 MHz HRDDS (High Resolution Direct Digital Synthesizer) Ultra Low-Noise Local-Oscillator System
  • 15 Separate Powerful Band Pass Filters (BPF)
  • Effective QRM Rejection with IF DSP (IF SHIFT/WIDTH, IF NOTCH/DNF,CONTOUR,DNR, APF)
  • High-quality and Super-Stable Final Amplifier utilizing the new push-pull MOSFET RD70HUP2
  • 5-inch Full Color Touch Panel and 3DSS (3-Dimensional Spectrum Stream) Display
  • MPVD (Multi-Purpose VFO Outer Dial) enables Outstanding Operating Performance
  • Quick Memory Bank (QMB)
  • Supports CW operation with multiple functions such as: CW zero-in, CW Auto zero-in, CW Reverse, CW decode, CW keying Signal form Shaping by FPGA and others
  • RTTY (FSK)/ PSK Encode/Decode Function
  • Other practical features such as Optional RF Gain Selection by IPO. Automatic Gain Control, Quick Split Function – SD Card Slot
  • Remote Operation via Internet with optional LAN-Unit (SCU-LAN10)

 

FTDX10 Specifications

Yaesu-FT-DX-10

Frequency Ranges:

RX 30kHz – 75MHz (Operating)
1.8MHz – 29.699999MHz (Specified performance, Amateur bands only)*
*5.1675/5.332/5.348/5.3585/5.373/5.405MHz (US only), 5.351500-5.366500MHz (EU only)/ 5.25000-5.406500 (UK only)
50MHz – 53.999999MHz (Specified performance, Amateur bands only)
70MHz – 70.499999MHz (Specifed performance, UK Amateur bands version only) TX 1.8 – 54MHz (Amateur bands only)

Modulation Type:

A1A(CW), A3E(AM), J3E(LSB,USB), F3E(FM),F1B(RTTY),G1B(PSK)

Frequency Stability:

±0.5ppm (32°F to +122°F/0°C to +50°C, after 1min)

Supply Voltage:

DC 13.8V ±15%

Circuit Type:

Double-Conversion Superheterodyne

Intermediate Frequencies

1st IF 9.005MHz
2nd IF 24kHz

RF Power Output:

5W – 100W (CW, LSB, USB, FM, RTTY, PKT)
5W -25W (AM)

Case Size(W x H x D):

10.47 x 3.58 x 10.35(inch) / 266 x 91 x 263 (mm)

Weight (Approx.):

13lbs/ 5.9kg

FTDX10 Supplied Accessories:

  • Microphone SSM-75E
  • DC Power Cable w/Fuse
  • Operating Manual
  • 6.3mm 3-contact Plug

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