Yaesu Original FT-450D HF/50MHz Compact Amateur Base Transceiver - 100 Watts, IF DSP Technology

I have been using this radio daily and am very happy with the performance.I have had nothing but good reports about the sound quality of my signals on SSB, and even AM. Six meter FM had the same good reports. Digital communication modes are excellent.The variable bandwidth and tunable notch filter make working a busy digital band (like 20 meters) fairly easy. I use PSK31, JT65 and JT9 on a regular basis. This radio will easily handle 30 Watts digital for a full minute (= 100% key down). I have used it at 40 Watts digital and noticed that the variable speed fan ramps up after about 40 seconds of continuous use. For SSB, crank it up to 100 Watts and you can talk all day long.The radio needs a 12 Volt power source with a good Amperage rating. I use a 30 amp supply set to 13.5 Volts connected to a 12 Volt gel cell battery (for power loss backup) and all seems to work well.The built in antenna tuner is a nice feature, it will tune up to about 3:1 to 1:1. I did purchase an external manual tuner so that I could experiment with different wire antennas that had very high VSWRs. The RF power is adjustable from 100 Watts down to 5 Watts. On digital, set it at 100 Watts and use the modulating signal to vary the power level (else the ALC might distort the signal). I have no problems creating a 1/2 (or 30) Watt digital transmission with this method.The learning curve for the digital features was fairly steep for me. On SSB use, you may never need anything more than the DNR. For digital mode communications, learning how to properly use all of the digital features makes this radio a dream to use.As a FYI, this radio is fairly easy to modify for MARS operation and after modded, can transmit on on most all HF frequencies. Also FYI, unless you operate with MARS, or there is a life threatening emergency, transmitting on unauthorized bands with this radio can get you a hefty $ penalty.The AM mode is limited to 25 watts, few people use AM, not a big deal. I also owned the Yaesu 857D. I gave that one to my son who is busy on 2 meters and studying for his General class license (motivation). I personally prefer the larger buttons and display of this radio and use a hand held for VHF/UHF work.Update AUG 2018 - I purchased a new FT-991 a while back and am now using this 450D as a second rig. With the solar minimum upon us I mostly operate FT8. This rig works almost as well as the 991, except that the bandwidth is roughly 200-2600 HZ on the 450D. I have pretty much abused the heck out of this 450D and it just keeps on working. This radio is a keeper for me. :)Ken - K6WGX

This radio is worth a lot more than the price you pay. It is very selective from signals. far away, and it is not that hard to figure out how to use. May not have all the fancy touch screen things that other radios have, but none of the other radios have anything better than this one when it comes to HF operation. I think I got a great deal on this transceiver.

There are other HF or HF+6m radios that would suit true beginning ham operators better but with previous radio experience the FT-450D will serve just fine. I would recommend this rig.

Going to take my tech licence this weekend soon after to try for my general. I am excited to try out this little power house. All I have read on the FT450D is good. At 100 watts pep on cw it can, with the right propegation, talk world wide. I will do a lot of Dxing also.

Nice little radio. It will do what most of the 'big boys' will do - without having to take out a mortgage on your home.

For the price this radio is a good value with many features which is also a good radio for beginners.

Although it is a good radio for beginners, I have had fun using it. Lots of bells and whistles and am still learning what its capable of doing.

Haven't had much luck on reception as I don't think there were many people on any more. I don't have license just listen, I don't want to waist time on that Rocket science test for just a little chit chat and weather,,lol