There has been a lot of buzz about the Yaesu FT-710 (above) on Twitter and YouTube over the past week or so. For the life of me, though, I can’t figure out what the buzz is about. Here are the specs from the Yaesu website:
- TX Frequency Range: 1.8MHz band – 50MHz band (Amateur bands only). 70MHz – 70.5MHz (UK Amateur bands only)
- RX Frequency Range: 30KHz – 75MHz (Operating)
- 1.8MHz – 29.699999MHz (Specified performance, Amateur bands only)
- 50MHz – 53.999999MHz (Specified performance, Amateur bands only)
- 70MHz – 70.499999MHz (Specified performance, UK Amateur bands
- Emission Modes: A1A(CW), A3E(AM), J3E(LSB/USB), F3E(FM)
- Supply Voltage: DC13.8V ±15%
- Power Output: 5 – 100W (5 – 25W AM Carrier)
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 9.4” x 3.1” x 9.7” (239 x 80 x 247mm)
- Weight (Approx.): 9.92lbs (4.5kg)
OK, so it’s a very small, HF+6m SDR transceiver. According to video hastily produced by John Kruk, N9UPC, the FT-710 is meant to be a desktop base station radio and NOT a competitor of the Icom IC-705.
The only reason that I can think of for all the hubbub about the FT-710 is to increase traffic to websites and YouTube channels. And, honestly, that’s the only reason I’m blogging about it. Thanks for reading this, and increasing my readership numbers. <evil grin>
Bas PE4BAS says
You have to focus at the remarkable Yaesu features Dan. If it is worth anything? Most oof it is already on previous models I believe.
73, Bas
Dan KB6NU says
That’s kind of my point. It would have to be priced a lot lower–say less than $1,000–to get someone to choose it over an FTdx-10, wouldn’t it?
Geoff VK3LZ says
I’m not sure about USA prices but in Australia the FTdx-10 is priced at $2299 (plus external speaker) and the FT-710 AESS (including external speaker) is priced at $1799 (which is $500 less and includes the speaker… that’s a big price difference).
The Icom IC-7300 (which I see as it’s main competitor, not the FTdx-10) is priced at $1699 (plus external speaker which still makes the IC-7300 more expensive assuming you want an external speaker, which most smaller base station radios benefit from).
IC-7300 versus FTdx-10? I know what I’d choose right now and it isn’t the Icom.
Dan KB6NU says
Here, at DX Engineering, the IC-7300 is $300 USD less than the FTdx-10 and $50 less than the FT-710. I don’t consider the speaker to be a big deal because I use Motorola communications speakers, which can be had here for $10-20 at most hamfests.
I am admittedly an Icom fanboy, but I’d still choose the IC-7300 over either Yaesu. I’d choose it over the FTdx-10 because of the price difference and the erogonomics. I’d choose it of the FT-710, because the display on the FT-710 is so small. To each his own, though.
Gerry says
I agree…unless Yaesu hired the UI guy away from ICOM, they don’t hold a candle to the 7300! I had the displeasure of playing with an FT-991A for a month. It was just awful IMHO. I’ll keep my 7300 & 705 forever. 83 DE N2GJ
Tim says
Boy did you ever get it wrong. The FT-710 according to Sherwood Engineering is number 4 in the world and top SDR in the world. Icom can’t hold a candle. I chose the 991a over the 7300 and have never looked back. Sorry guys you need to come into 2024. Real world tests show the 710 very close to the FTDX-10 In quality. Icom must be shaking in their boots. 73
Dan KB6NU says
I rather doubt that Icom is shaking in their boots. As you may (or may not) know the Sherwood Engineering rankings are based on only one parameter, and I’d bet that the vast majority of hams can’t tell the difference between the top ten radios on that list. You don’t say whether you own an FT-710 or not, but if you do, I hope you’re enjoying it as much as I’m enjoying my Icom radio.
Cj says
Nobody has mentioned 4meters,it’s an added incentive to buy for me in the uk
Dan KB6NU says
Unfortunately, we don’t have access to 4 meters here in the U.S.
Indrid Cold says
Actually, yes, it is used in the United States of America as high end radio controlled aviation frequencies. It is used so much that the FCC denied the amateur radio operators a 4 meter allocation because of the prolific use of 4 meters for the model aviation frequencies. I believe the land based radio controlled models also work on a similar frequency. However, the Americans do not use 8 meter band for amateur radio frequencies. Perhaps a petition to use those very under utilised bands may be successful.
Dwight says
Not really any more. Most everything used by RC is up in the near microwave spectrum and uses spread spectrum.
Rob W4ZNG says
I’m interested. My main radio right now is an FTdx-1200. It’s just a beast, and I mean that both in good and bad ways. The filtering and NB are amazing, and with all the QRN in my neighborhood I need it. OTOH, the DSP is too aggressive for good SWLing even on its lightest setting, and I really could use something smaller in my too-small shack. It’d be nice to take it to take the 1200 to field occasionally, but it’s a hoss to move.
Will the FT-710 fix any of that? Size and heft, certainly. SDR and all of the FFT options built-in sounds good. No, I never popped for the FFT card for my 1200; maybe I should, or maybe I should just apply the money toward an FT-710. I have to wonder about the roofing filters though. With the 1200, noise is like dropping gravel in thick oil – a few little bloops and it’s gone.
So… I’m interested in the 710, and I’ll be watching for the early reviews. If those and the price are good, I might take a flyer on one. If nothing else, I can always flip it at the next ham show.
Dan KB6NU says
I never got into flipping radios like that, but that would be a good strategy. The price has to be less than $1,000, don’t you think?
Rob W4ZNG says
Yes, price < $1k would be a definite incentive to buy.
With the setup and learning curve (OK, menu-memorization) so steep on some radios, I've never been a radio-flipper either. This time I might try it though. Something about the newer SDR radios intrigues me. But in my noisy location, the heavy roofing filters, noise blanker, DSP, and analog heft of the 1200 may win out. I'd have to do a head-to-head comparison.
Anyway, interesting stuff.
Derrick says
Hi Dan, I think the 710 will be a competitor to the 7300 price wise!!..I also believe Yaseu will raise the price of the ftdx 10 and price the 710 a little cheaper then the 7300.. thank you, Derrick..73
W2DJT
Dave says
Exactly the target. And if the receiver is close to the DX 10 it will blow the Icom 7300 away…I love my 7300 but the receiver is sub par and is way down the Sherwood list.
Dan KB6NU says
I tell you what. If you can tell the difference in the two receivers, then you’re a better ham than I am.
Willee says
You do realize that the Sherwood rating list only rates them on one measurement … and it is something that most hams dont really have a problem with … adjacent siginal rejection. Great for contesting on a crowded band but if your not a contester it dont mean much. Noise floor and sensitivity are a much better measurement of radio receiver performance.
Dennis Pennington says
Exactly
John says
Hello, it’s April 2023 and I have been really pleased with my Ft-991a, but the one thing that has me thinking about selling the 991 and buying the 710 is the ability to just plug in an external monitor without the hassle of setting up an SDR box to a computer and extra jumper cables to have a pan adapter. Now the Icom 7300 has a mod to attach (internally) a device that give it plug and play capability for a pan adapter. So, this answers the question of what is the purpose of this 710 rig?, and that’s to compete with the Icom 7300. Plus the external speaker that comes with the radio from at least Ham Radio Outlet. With such small screens as the 991 and 710 all have an external monitor is very appealing to me. Thanks, that’s just my two cents on the matter. W5AWT
Gene @ KJI says
It’s the direct competitor for Icoms 7300. Both price and performance. Also the replacement for the old Yaesu FT450D. Its all about marketing.
Dan KB6NU says
But with such a small screen, I don’t think it’s much of a competitor.
Nick says
Hi guys. I have had many radios in my life as a ham.
About 15 years or so I got my first Flex 5oooA. I owned 4 of them,, Then I owned 3 Flex 6300s; Then I got the Flex 6500. I have been plagued for years with a high noise level at night on 75 meters I always had an s8=s9 noise level. So I was limited to enjoying only signals above S9.
Then I had a Led Light above our sink and when the YL would try and was dishes, I had a steady s9 of noise.
I got rid of my Flex 6500 because Flex is no longer supporting them, I happen to come across the Yaesu ft -710. I can hear now, My noise level is a s2-s3 most of the time and I can enjoy my hobby again, This radio has the lowest noise level then any radio I have owned, Including all the older stuff , The yaesu ft 950, the ft 2000, Kenwoods, Alinco s, Icom 7600, Icom 7300, Tentecs and many more then I can’t think of, Now being a Flex lover, I can honestly say that with the Ft 710, I hear signals that show zero on my meter, I hear and talk to them, And when I have a huge signal It’s awesome. And get this, I have had 2 s9 stations 4 kcs apart and no splash ov,er talk about brick wall filtering, Yaesu has just yesterday put up another firmware update, before this update I could not use the DNR past number 3 after that I got an underwater sound, After this past firmware update, I can take it to 9 with no underwater sound, And remember that kitchen Led above the sink, I turned it on, No noise, Just my 2 cents. I say it again, it’s thee best receive I have ever had on SSB HF . I am still a Flex lover but for around 1,000 dollars, It can’t be beat… 73, Nick W8NVC ,, Ohio And thanks for the good article and giving me the chance to voice my 0pinion,
Chris Babbitt says
The screen can be very large if you plug in an external monitor.
Bob says
I have both the FTdx1200 and just installed a FT-710. I’m a novice used, don’t contest. That said so far I like my FT-710 as well maybe better than my FTdx1200.
andy johnson says
Like Mr. Kruk said. It’s the replacement for the FTDX 1200. No roofing filters cuz it is direct sampling ala ic7300.
Regards, andy w6ad
arto says
Its a direct sampling SDR radio without a mixer, so it does not need a roofing filter…
Lön says
I’m an old timer, I use my FT-818nd for field use, and on my picnic table, no it has no bells and whistles other than standard baseline rigs. Its satisfied with very little power and for me that’s exactly what I need a little radio to do. It’s not intended to be a a tabletop radio. I was excited to see what they were bringing out too, and was disappointed by this release. One of my backup radios is a Yaesu FT-450d – that radio really impressed me, I bought it new for well under 1k, and once again it’s a no frills ( other than it’s roofing filter and DSP) but it never took the place of my big radios nor did it fit the bill for a field rig( it’s a bit fussy on batter power) I guess that this rig is supposed to be entry level? Seems like everyone wants the pretty lights etc. Kinda like my old Lionel trains. Nobody wants just a good toy train like my pre-war stuff now, they want the “bells and whistles” and they don’t want to save up for the high end gear. Well I hate sounding like an old codger but,it seems to me that people just don’t want a good solid radio, they want lights and gadgets and they want it cheap!? Just my humble opinion.. 73 , Lön de N3TGY
LARS KVANT says
I agree, 1k price tag at the most, will be a killer price for what you get.
Im looking forward to see it out in the store.
KB3WBT
Rog says
What store? Hmmm
K2qt
Rog says
Stores those days you can actually see how the real radio looks like the gadgets Dials the switches the bells and whistles. quality yeah you can actually see what you getting….qt
Chris Howard - M0TCH says
Surprised this wasn’t announced at the Dayton or Friedrichshafen shows. Come to think of it, were Yaesu even present at Dayton? They were noticeably absent in Friedrichshafen…
Thomas Michael Webb says
Yes, they were at Hamvention and I have the hat to prove it. Kenwood wasn’t there. Icom had a very big presence.
Dave Skevt says
To the whiners,
Yaesu continues to innovate and bring new products to the market. Who else is?
Adam VA7OJ/AB4OJ says
In my view, the “big deal” with the FT-710 is the fact thatit is Yaesu’s first HF /6m transceiver with direct RF sampling RX and digital up-conversion (DUC) TX. As such, it is the firm’s proof-of-concept for this architecture.
‘I see this as a major technological departure for Yaesu, which until recently seemed so wedded to legacy radio designs. I commend them for what to them must have seemed a sea-change.
The FT-710 did well in my recently published test report
.
https://www.ab4oj.com/test/docs/ft710notes.pdf
kenn says
hej hvad vil prisen blive 8000 måske
Wayne Montague says
Dan –
The “big deal” is that the IC-7300 after a 5 year run has finally got some competition. In addition, it appears that Yaesu has not only done that, but has raised the bar in doing so. When the radio does appear, it will be very interesting to see how it compares to the FTDX10. I suspect “close”, and if that is true then for a 20% less price you can have much the same thing.
So yeah…. to me it IS a big deal. I am quite sure I am not alone in this reaction. This price point is where many of us shop for an HF radio and its appearance suggests the hobby is alive and well.
Wayne
Dan KB6NU says
We’ll see. I still think that front panel is a little too small for a desktop radio. You can’t fit much of a display into 3.1 inches. Even the IC-705 has a 4.3-in. display.
Chuck says
Dan, not sure where you got the 3.1″ display, from the Yaesu site on the FT-710 ” – High Resolution 4.3-inch TFT Color Touch Panel Display”. That is the same size as the 7300 and 705.
Dan KB6NU says
I’m talking about height. According to the spec sheet the radio’s dimensions are 9.4″ (W) x 3.1″ (H) x 9.7″ (D). And, since there is a bezel on the display, the actual display height is probably less than three inches. imho, claiming a 4.3-inch display is a bit misleading.
Bill Woody says
I believe the display size is diagonal not vertical or horizontal…like a TV.
Mark Edwards says
Is this a true sdr or is it a hybrid like the 101 and 10? If it is sdr all the way then this is truly a new radio and Yeasu’s first attempt at a full sdr. Hope it is.
Christopher Marshall says
The FT-710 is a true SDR. I actually have one of these as my home base setup. Excellent radio it is.
Bert Winkle says
I think the ft 710 is the best radio ever. Some are saying it will be the last radio anyone will ever need. Most ic 7300 owners are expected to throw that radio in the trash. The nice thing about this great new radio is you can key the mic on 40 mtrs and ask people for a signal report and how your audio is. No one ever does that with the ic 7300.
Bert Winkle says
Just a side note. I’ve called Kenwood, yaesu and icom. I asked if they could design a radio with a toaster and coffee pot. Because I talk on the radio in the morning. Icom agreed to incorporate a snow blower for winter operations. Kenwood agreed to an air pump for low tire pressure mobile comms. Yaesu said they were going to add an electric tooth brush but the tooth paste gave an issue to the sdr which increased retardation on 7.200 khz.
Jim says
No 2m, no 440, no 220, no 902, no 1.2g. Nothing new here. No different than many, many existing radios. Give the rest of the bands and I will be the first to order. I still have my FT-736.
Bob says
Still have and use my IC-735, first HF radio bought in 1989.
Phil says
Clearly this radio is an attempt to pull back market share from the hot Icom IC-7300. It seems to be a very close match to that radio all in all in features, size and cost.
The one thing that stands out over the 7300 is there is an external display connector for connecting a monitor. Had this radio been out when I bought my 7300 I’d possibly have considered it for this added feature alone.
Pity it is so darned ugly though
73, KB0NES
Dan KB6NU says
This radio needs an external display connector because the built-in display is so small.
mike says
it does have external display connector!
Dan KB6NU says
Yes, and that is a plus, but it’s also an extra expense!
Patrick says
Apparently you are just a icom man get your whiney head out of your but this ready is better by far than the 7300
Dan KB6NU says
I may be an Icom fanboy, but at least I know how to properly punctuate a sentence.
Chris Collins says
My take is….. the 991 / 991a have all bands including 2 meters. It’s pretty near the same price, even much less on the used market. Sure it’s a shade bigger but it’s nice to have all mode 2 meter capability. 20 or 30 year old 2 meter all mode radios are selling for around $350-450. I searched for a 2 meter all mode for a few months and ended up buying a 991 for $550 shipped. I liked it so much that I bought a 991a and both are fantastic radios. In my station I can switch radios instantly with the push of one button. Both the 991 and 991a perform almost as well as my 101mp. I actually like the 991/991a’s speaker amplifier section better than the 101’s, it’s smoother. I run external speakers on both. Hopefully the 991a won’t be discontinued. The radio has it all and it’s overall performance makes it a tremendous value.
Darnell says
From what I understand the ft 710 has a choking hazard. When you compare it’s price with other radios. It makes you choke. And ask why?
Kd4eaq John says
I purchased the ft 710. Upon examination I noticed a wonderfully outstanding feature. When you hook a decent antenna to it and call cq. There are people that want to talk to you. But not for very long. It appears there is a conversation filter that shortens qso time almost in half. Which saves brain cells listening to useless information being relayed. I am saving $$ on my electric bill!!!
Buddy says
Wow, nobody has asked if it will work on 11 meter yet!
Rog says
Yes ….. if you’re smart enough..
QT
Bill says
Was wondering that myself.
Gary says
Somebody mentioned the DX-10 rcvr vs the icom 7300.
Having had both side by side in my shack, the Yaesu is noticeably superior, no contest there!
Dydan says
The ft 710 is wonderful radio. It has a chili recipe on the back.
Mike says
Is there a way to get IQ out of the radio? The FT-DX10 doesn’t appear to be able to do it, and it doesn’t appear to be possible with the IC-7300.
Something these radios are missing is an App Store. A some point, some one will develop a better software filter – or something else interesting, and it’d be slick to be able to download it to the rig. That’s what makes SDR worth it. Rather than replacing hardware, just tweak the code.
Jefferson says
No!! The last thing I want from a radio is for it to be more like my phone. I don’t want to wait for it to boot up, I don’t want to stop what I’m doing to install a new update, I don’t want any notifications, I don’t want to have to reboot it regularly, I don’t want to enter my WIFI password, I don’t want to have to type in my credentials to access the app store. If you want all of those, just connect an SDR dongle to your phone.
Gary says
I have a FT-710, have had two of them, actually, and the first one wasn’t as good a receiver as the FTdx10, which I have had. Of the two there are major differences in the way that the radio works. The FTdx10 is a Hybrid radio utilizing Roofing Filters and conversion whereas the FT-710, more like the ICOM IC-7300 is a true, straight, SDR radio.. Another difference is the FTdx-10 has CW Decode whereas the FT-710 is missing that feature, if you use it. I personally prefer the FT-710 due to it’s operation and sound. Unlike any other radio the FT-710, utilizing the AESS allows the operator to vary the AF Sound speaker output from Internal speaker to external speaker and vary how much goes to each speaker or choose one or the other or a combination of both (internal and external) speakers. Another difference is that the FTdx10 allows you to utilize ESSB with using 4KHz audio in the transmit bandwidth and the FT-710 is limited to 3Khz. To access the 4Khz transmit bandwidth on the FTdx10 you have to enable the TTBF transmit bandwidth function by powering up the radio while pressing a combination of front buttons.
Other than that they are very much the same in operation. The FTdx10 is slightly larger however I prefer the button placement on the FT-710 over the 10 and the lights around the VFO do serve a purpose, if you desire. You can set them to different colors, one for VFO A and another for VFO B and a third color for Memories. That way you can tell at a glance if you are working on Memory or on either VFO A or B. In split mode the lights are different also. That’s a very minor thing but one to mention. Lastly I’ve found that the FT-710 has a more defined and strong notch whereas the FTdx10 (or mine at least not as strong a notch operation.
One last thing, about the FT-710 that some may find better, or worse, is that the FT-710 puts the function of IF-Shift, Width, Notch and Contour nested under one knob to the bottom left of the main VFO and to adjust each you are using the same button/knob to adjust and select each. I’ve actually been told (by a dealer) that the FT-710 was originally (by Yaesu) meant to be released before the FTdx10 but due to semiconductors, COVID etc, the FTdx10 was actually released first. I don’t know if that is true but was interesting to hear. The FT-710 is the close competitor to the ICOM IC7300, also which I have had, and I believe the FT-710’s receiver performance is better than the IC7300. The FT-710 (and FTdx10) does also have another common feature to the IC7300 and that is that the hand microphone is excellent and performs so well that you actually don’t need a desktop microphone.
Don Fitzgerald says
I have the ft-710 and I like being able to use a larger monitor for seeing the display and I can also use a mouse to help with the menu and not have to touch the screen to change anything. You’ll be amazed at the difference a good monitor will do for the scren picture on the ft-710 I think it’s well worth the money. kj3don
Larry Klump says
I bought the 710. It had a dead mouse in it.
Keith Kumm says
My group7155 discussed the FTDX10 and FT-710 at length, and I have used the FTDX10 exclusively for almost two years now. Let me ignore ergonomics, of which I (and others I talk to) am totally used to – no sweat, and also the 3DSS sales gimmick, which I stopped using after a few months – a waterfall is just fine. And the DX10 built-in speaker is fine for my ears, even on SSB coffee roundtables. I’ve not even seen an FT-710, let alone used one (I’ve QSO’ed with several on CW and SSB – they sound great), but there is the one clearcut design difference: the hybrid receive 9MHz IF-to-HS ADC in the DX10 vs the direct sampled (DS) RF in the 710. Under a very wide range of QRN / QRM, there will not be much difference. Both rigs likely really good. But under stress, say in a high density urban-scape with lots of hams, especially big guns, or a field day site with lots of rigs, the DX10 should be much less vulnerable to co-site than any DS rig from any manufacturer. And an added thing are the steep crystal filters in the DX10, none in the 710 of course. I only have the 500Hz, but it’s just beautiful across the CW sub-bands. Such a listening pleasure, I rarely need the DSP (nearly never down to its nice, low ring 50Hz). Other guys I know plugged in the 300Hz option, compared it to the stock 500Hz, and they’re just in hog heaven in CW contests. They never touch (yes, touch) the 500Hz anymore. OK, too much. Hope useful. Thanks for the discussion.
Mark says
Bit late to the conversation but here’s my 2 cents.
I have the FTDX-10 and I had the 7300, the audio from the 7300 is noisy and it has a much higher noise floor than the DX10. I needed NR on all the time on the 7300 and this also effects sound quality, I was never a fan of that watery audio with NR on the 7300. The receiver on the DX10 is so much quieter that I don’t need DNR at all unless on 80m in the Summer when there’s lots of static due to lightning then I will use it more.
The DX10 is superb for shortwave listening, the 7300 cut a lot of lows from the audio which the DX10 does not and no adjusting of the equaliser could compensate. SYNC would have been fantastic but manufacturers never include SYNC which would be great but ECSS performs superbly on the DX10, the DX10 is an absolute pleasure to listen to either for SWL or SSB, Yaesu have nailed it when it comes to receive audio.
I never used the 710 and being full SDR so I can’t comment on the audio, one thing I do know is that SDR can be inherently noisier than superhet and they need proper access to AGC and one good example of this is the Kiwi SDR, in general it’s got the usual SDR harshness to the audio, tune the kiwi to an empty part of the spectrum and listen to that noise, now, go to the AGC settings and adjust the “threshold” to the right ” you’ll see a white bar on the smeter” you’ll hear the background noise drop and keep doing this until it sounds comfortable, then go to a signal and adjust, you can really make the kiwi sound sweet because of access to AGC, the 7300 does not allow this nor probably many other rigs except full SDR like the SUN SDR, ANAN etc, they can sound amazing.
Anyone who has SDR console can do the same with the AGC settings and it really makes a difference to SDR.
On xbstelecom the DX10 costs 1,479 Euro’s and the 710 costs 1,120 Euro’s and one really does wonder what’s the point when the difference in price is so small ?
In my opinion Yaesu would have been far better releasing a radio to replace the FT-450D, no bells and whistles SDR and screen, just a basic functional radio with good audio and a good receiver like the FT-891 only larger for base use, the receiver and audio on the 891 is also superb with headphones or external speaker. I always listen with headphones unless out portable.
What I would like to see is a radio with just a basic screen for freq etc and lots more knobs and buttons and a HDMI out then for those who want the screen and waterfall. At least the ergonomics should be much improved. Look at the Kenwood TS-590SG, it has IF out so you can connect your own SDR but you got a radio that’s just really nice to use, if yaesu went a step more with the 710 for example, had it look similar to the 590SG and being SDR you wouldn’t need to add a stand alone SDR for the waterfall.
I think too much emphasis is on the screen now.
Joe (KB3MLC) says
I’ve had the pleasure of owning and putting to use every late model Yaesu product – and the benefit I see with the 710 is the size. At the risk of grandstanding, I own a very large home (>6000 sq.ft.), and I have an entire shack in one room of my three-story house, with dozens of radios; A luxury many of my friends don’t enjoy. When your “shack” is a desk in the corner of the family room that you share with your wife and three kids, this radio is exceptionally well-suited for the task. While it doesn’t pump out 400+ watts like my FTdx-9000MP, it’s power rating is exceptional for the size (which I’m sure we can agree on), and the sheer breadth of features absolutely allows the 710 to be a base station radio for confined spaces. So, in my opinion, it’s less about features and more about convenience of size. My best to all.
Gary Kendrick KW4Z says
Having had two FTdx10’s and two FT-710’s I can say that my preference between the four radios is my last FT-710. I can think of two reasons one might choose the FTdx10 over the FT-710 and the first is you prefer the hybrid receiver with the roofing filters rather than straight SDR receiver, such as the IC-7300 has. Second the FTdx10 has CW decode, something the FT-710 doesn’t provide you with. Last the FTdx10 has the ability to choose TTBF (total transmit bandwidth frequency) as your transmitting bandwidth meaning 4khz wide transmitting bandwidth or ESSB whereas the FT-710 does not. That said I prefer the FT-710’s performance based upon two observed things. First my FT-710 was quieter for me and the skirts of the notch filter were more defined on the FT-710. I like the SDR receiver over the FTdx10’s hybrid but they essentially are the same. Second I prefer the knob and button placement of the FT-710 over the FTdx10. My big fat fingers were always activating some function or hitting some knob on the FTdx10 whereas the separation of the knobs on the FT-710 I like better and the buttons along the top (front top and top front) I like better than that of the FTdx-10. Yes the FTdx10 has the outer ring but I actually like the ability to look at the VFO knob and tell if I am on Memory, split frequency operation, VFO A or VFO B simply from looking at the color band around the main VFO.
There are reasons people will choose either of these radios but basically the performance of each is around the same. People should know as much as we would like to think each radio off the manufacturing line is identical to the one ahead and behind it that simply is not true. Whereas most are identical, at least from what we can personally observe, there are some radios that simply come off the line HOT or with better noticeable performance and my last FT-710 was one of those and, to me, superior to the two FTdx10’s that I had and superior to the first FT-710 I had. Why? I don’t know but it just seemed that way and thus I kept the FT-710 mostly because I liked the functions and placement of the knobs and buttons and how it worked for me. There are no losers here both are fine radios and great performers. Yes the FT-710 is priced less and can be had for less and for some that is a deciding factor. I’ve also had two IC-7300’s and to me the FT-710 (and FTdx10’s) were superior performers in most all categories with the sole exception of band scope and waterfall display where the IC-7300 shines and actually is better than it’s bigger brother the IC-7610, at least to me.
I like the FT-710 and if operating logistics are a function of your decision I think many will prefer the FT-710 over the FTdx10 .. or visa versa depending on your personal choices but at least Yaesu gives you the choice, SDR receiver over Hybrid Receiver design.
Jim Burns says
Licensed since 1967 and mostly inactive for many years I’m now looking for a modern HF/50 MHz rig to get back into the hobby. The many comments here are very constructive and I appreciate all the hands on knowledge presented by experienced users of the 710 and other top notch radios. Very helpful ! My only con regarding the 710 is it’s relatively small size and small display but that problem is solved by the direct connection to an external monitor. The external monitor and provision for use of a mouse are huge pluses for me. At 70 I’m not interested in squinting at a small display and I like the convenience of scoot and click with a mouse. Also the comments about the quiet receiver are making the 710 even more attractive. I live in a semi rural location but with an electronics assembly plant only 300 yards to the west and a commercial woodshop only 100 yards to the east I have a lot of electrical noise made worse by a HV overhead power line also to my east. The 710 seems to be the perfect rig for me made even more attractive by a price tag not much over that $1000 psychological barrier.
Thanks for all the input and Good DX !
Jim WB4ILP
Ramon says
Price is trivial. Gonna get a 710 and see what all the fuss is about. AL7X
John says
Several months ago I slept with my ft 710. I am the proud father of 8 newborn walkie talkies. I love my radio.
M. Todd Miskel says
I’ve had both the IC-7300 and now own the FTdx10 Yaesu. I wouldn’t go back to the Icom 7300 for anything unless it was in mint used condition / lower price, and I couldn’t afford to buy a new rig. I’m curious about the FT710 vs the 7300, but I’m not going to buy one just to try it.
While the front ergonomics are a bit cluttered on the FTdx10, I don’t buy a radio for a button pushing fetish. I can manage the crowded buttons.
I buy a radio for on-air performance. The receiver of the FTdx10 is light years better than the 7300. The audio amp of the 7300 has a “hiss” to it on RX that is noticeable (even with the antenna disconnected.) enough to be annoying. Yes, you can adjust the hiss out somewhat with the EQ but at the expense of losing audio fidelity. The FTdx10 receive audio is cleaner / clearer. The front end of the 7300 will crash in crowded nearby strong signal conditions. The FTdx10 stands very strong in the same situation.
My only niggle with the FTdx10 is the Parametric Mic Equalizer. Very complicated for a NON-sound engineer like me. I finally got my FTdx10 to sound as good as my old 7300 on TX, but it took a LOT of work. This is the only thing I think ICOM did better was the Mic TX EQ. It’s simple to get great TX audio settings.
The FTdx10 comes with an external display port that you don’t get with ICOM under their $3000 class 7610 (I did like my 7610), and the Icom scope is a bit prettier / nicer / more adjustable than the FTdx10, but that’s not any deal breaker for me. The Yaesu fit / finish is more solid to the “plastic” feel of the 7300.
I’m sold on the FTdx10 and it’s my last new “retirement” radio that’s not going anywhere. YMMV.
Todd – KT0DD
João Fonseca says
What’s the consensus between the FTDX10 and the FT-710 specifically regarding weak SSB signals on shortwave?
I’m debating between the two and wonder if the FTDX10 worth the extra money?
Thanks in advance
Matt w1mbb says
2024 Update
I’m an Icom user that has used both the 7300 and FT-710.
710 is not subject to overload problems that 7300 has.
710 has external display, 7300 does not
710 is substantially quieter than 7300
NR works much better on 710 (no artifacts)
Parametric EQ provides TX and RX provides more audio control than 7300
Remote control is superior on 710 but requires SC-LAN10 adapter.
The 7300 is easier to setup, the 710 requires setup and there are copious Youtube’s available to help you out.
I bought a 710 at Orlando Hamcation for $799 vs $1,049 for the 7300. The HRO salesman reports to 710 is outselling the 7300 by 25 to 1. There were dozens of used 7300 for sale at the hamfest and I didn’t see a single 710.
It’s the next generation SDR and a better radio than the 7300.
Doug Sewell says
£899 from ML&s here in uk. Wainting excitedly for delivery. Next step intermediate level to use the full 100w.
Paul says
I own an FT-710. I went to HRO and played with the IC-7300 and the FT-710 for about an hour. The 7300 seemed flimsy in comparison and the 710 has a great receiver. The things I do not like about the 710 is that it NEEDS an RX only port for split antenna use like a beverage for receiver. The internal tuner is not good. It only handles minor SWR problems. I am using an LDG to overcome that. The FT-DX10 was $500 more and since my use is base and portable, I went for the smaller radio. I see way more used 7300s being offered than 710s. That says something. Even with the drawbacks I am happy with my purchase. 73s Paul
Dan KB6NU says
My guess is that there are a lot more IC-7300s on the used market because there were a lot more sold in the first place.