Yaesu FT-991A

The Yaesu 991A is a true shack in a box featuring HF/VHF/UHF in one unit.  If you are on a budget and want it all, this may be the radio for you.  It is a full 100 watt rig and packed with features.  Great radio for other modes such as satellites and FT8, Etc.

At the time of this writing the Yaesu FT-991A is $1229.95

yaesu ft 991a ham radio

Power Switch

CW Key Jack - Connect your CW Key or Paddle for morse code operation

Headphone Jack

Microphone Jack

F(M-List) Button - Press
briefly to display the
function menu screen
where the operation
settings for a variety of
functions may be
configured.  Press again
to close the menu screen.

Press and hold this button
to display the menu list
screen where the memory
channel data may be
reviewed.

MENU(SETUP) Button

Press this button briefly to display the menu mode screen where you can set a variety of functions.

Press this button again (or touch [BACK] on the

touch panel) to close the menu mode screen.

Press and hold this button for more than 1 second to display the setup screen where you can configure the following settings.

  • MY CALL: Setting the call sign

  • LAT/LON: Setting longitude/latitude 

  • TIME/DATE: Setting date and time 

CW TEXT: Entering CW TEXT 

BAND Button

Switch the operation band (operation frequency band). Press this button to display the operation
band selection screen, then touch and select the desired band.

MODE Button

Switch the radio modulation form (operating mode). Press this button to display the radio modulation
form selection screen, then touch and select your de­sired modulation form.

MULTI Knob

Adjust transmit output,
microphone gain and opera­
tions of other functions

A=B Button

Pressing this button momentarily, sets the
same fre­quency and data values of VFO-A to VFO-B

A/B Button

Pressing this button momentarily, exchanges the
frequency and memory channel data, of VFO-A and VFO-B.

RCL/STO Button

Press and hold this button for more than one second
to write the frequency and data currently set for
VFO-A onto the quick memory bank (QMB).

5 channels are available for QMB memories.
Press the button briefly to recall the data written
onto the quick memory banks
(QMB) one by one.

TUNE Button

This is the on/off switch for the FT-991A Automatic Antenna Tuner.

  • Press the [TUNE] button briefly to display the

“TUNER” indicator on the touch panel and acti­vate the antenna tuner.

Press the [TUNE] button briefly again to turn the
“TUNER” indicator off and disable the antenna tuner.

  • Press the [TUNE] button for about 1 second to start “automatic
    tuning”. The “TUNER” indica­tor will flash.
  • Since the transceiver transmits automatically dur­ing
    automatic tuning, make sure to connect an antenna or dummy load before tuning up.
  • When the antenna or dummy load does not match the impedance,
    “HI-SWR” will appear on the touch panel.

C.S Button
Press this button momentarily to directly recall a fa­vorite Menu Selection.

To program a Menu selection to the S button, press the MENU(SETUP) button to enter the Menu.
Select the Menu item you want to set as the short cut. Press the C.S button, then
press the MENU(SETUP) button; this will lock in the se­lected Menu item as the short cut.

TXW Button

During a split operation, press and hold the TWX button
to listen on the transmitter frequency while holding the button.

Main Tuning Dial Knob

This large knob adjusts the operating frequency of VFO-A.

Rotate clockwise to increase the operating frequency and
rotate counter-clockwise to decrease the operat­ing frequency.

FAST Button

Pressing this button will change the tuning of the Main Tuning
Dial knob (VFO-A) to a higher step rate.

Press this button to double the main dial frequency variation.
“FAST” in the LED indicator area will light up.

Press this button again to restore the frequency varia­tion
to the original value. “FAST  ” will disappear.

LOCK Button

This button toggles on/off locking of the Main Tun­ing Dial knob.

Press this button to lock the main dial operations. “LOCK  ” will light
up in the LED indicator area.

Press this button again to unlock the main dial operations. “LOCK  ” will disappear

CLAR Button

During reception, press this button, then rotate the

CLAR/VFO-B knob to adjust the VFO-A

RX clarifier offset value (see page 36).

  • The clarifier offset value (frequency) can be re­stored
    to “0 (zero)” by pressing the CLAR button for more than 1 second.

Depending on the menu mode “040 CLAR MODE SELECT” setting,
this button can work as the TX clarifier for changing only the transmit
frequency (see page 75) or RX/TX clarifier for both receiving and transmitting.

V/M Button

This button toggles frequency control between
VFO-A and the memory system.

  • Pressing this button alternately recalls the VFO frequency data and the
    frequency data saved in a memory channel by turns.

A▶M Button

Pressing and holding this key for one second (until the double beep)
copies the current operating data into the currently selected memory
channel, over­writing any previous data stored there.

Press this button briefly to display the memory check function screen,
where the data saved in a memory channel may be reviewed.

  • While displaying memory data, rotate the MULTI

knob to review the data in each memory channel. Press this button
again, to close the memory list screen.

SPLIT Button

Press this button to operate split frequency between VFO-A
(used for reception) and VFO-B (used for transmission).

  • Press and hold in the SPLIT button for one sec­ond to engage
    the “Quick Split” VFO-B transmit will automatically be set to a
    frequency 5 kHz higher than the VFO-A receive frequency, with
    the same operating mode. The transceiver will operate in the Split mode.

CLAR/VFO-B Knob

During the VFO-A operation, rotate this knob
to adjust the clarifier.

During Split operation, this knob adjusts the
operat­ing frequency of VFO-B.

RF GAIN Knob

Adjust the receiver gain of the high frequency and
mid-range frequency amplifier stages.

  • Rotate the knob clockwise to increase the gain.
    Rotate the knob fully clockwise to set the gain to
    the highest level for normal operations.

AF GAIN Knob

The AF GAIN knob sets the receiver audio volume level.

  • Rotate the knob clockwise to increase the receiv­er audio volume level.

Operating Mode

Mode (radio modulation form)

Hi SWR indicating that your SWR is bad. 
Check your antenna ASAP!

MULTI knob operations show up here

This shows you various functions you
have activated and are using

You have various meters to display and you
can change these out for other ones depending
on what you want o see displayed in your screen.

Your current operating Frequency.

Clock in Zulu time

GPS Signal Capturing

VFO-B data Clarifier operation

There is a lot going on here.  You can set this up to display a waterfall, Scopes,
Menu Lists, Memory Lists and Function menus depending on what other buttons
you push to change the view here.

Main Control buttons - There are many ways you
can customize and setup so that the main features
you may want access to at any given time are right
in front of you.

In this configuration, you can choose between
the different meters you want displayed on your
screen above

If you configure this button to be in this position,
you can press it and using the Multi knob adjust
your power from 5 watts to 100 watts

With this button appearing in this configuration you
can control the amount of gain coming from your
Microphone at any given time by pressing this button
and again using the multi know to adjust your gain.

Touch and hold [SWEEP] on the LCD to begin
the continuous sweep operation. The spectrum
scope will start sweeping the band segment continuously.
While rotating the main dial, you can continuously monitor
the band condition.

To stop sweeping, touch [SWEEP] on the LCD again.

In the above graphic of the screen this is only a small…and I mean small portion of the functions that are displayed on a 991A.  There are around 156 menu items that you can bring up as well as a secondary menu (not shown) that allows you to tweak your settings in a bit faster way.  This gives you a brief idea and understanding of what to expect.  I urge you to check out videos on Youtube from creators that have more in-depth and closeup reviews on the numerous functions within the 991A.

Yaesu FT-991A Radio: Unlocking the World of Ham Radio

The Yaesu FT-991A radio represents the pinnacle of innovation and performance in the realm of amateur radio transceivers. Packed with advanced features and cutting-edge technology, this versatile radio opens up a world of communication possibilities. In this article, we will explore the extensive features and benefits of the Yaesu FT-991A, providing potential buyers with a comprehensive overview of its capabilities.

I. All-Mode, All-Band Coverage:

The Yaesu FT-991A radio offers extensive frequency coverage, allowing operators to explore a wide range of communication bands. Here are some of its notable features:

  • HF/50MHz Bands: Covering the High-Frequency (HF) bands and the 6-meter band, the FT-991A provides access to a broad spectrum of amateur radio frequencies. This enables operators to engage in long-distance communication with fellow enthusiasts around the world.

  • VHF/UHF Bands: In addition to HF, the radio includes coverage of the Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands, offering compatibility with repeaters, local nets, and FM communication. This versatility ensures operators can take advantage of various operating environments and modes.

II. Exceptional Performance:

The Yaesu FT-991A radio combines powerful performance with advanced features, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned amateurs and newcomers to the hobby. Here are some benefits that set it apart:

  1. High RF Output Power: With a maximum output power of 100 watts on HF/50MHz bands and 50 watts on VHF/UHF bands, the FT-991A ensures strong and reliable signal transmission, even under challenging propagation conditions. This allows operators to establish clear and robust communication links over long distances.

  2. Advanced DSP Technology: The radio incorporates Digital Signal Processing (DSP) capabilities, providing superior filtering, noise reduction, and interference rejection. The DSP algorithms enhance audio quality, reduce background noise, and improve signal clarity, resulting in a more enjoyable and intelligible communication experience.

  3. Built-in Automatic Antenna Tuner: The FT-991A features a built-in antenna tuner that automatically matches the impedance of your antenna system to optimize performance. This simplifies the setup process, improves antenna efficiency, and ensures maximum power transfer, irrespective of the operating frequency.

III. Multi-Mode Operation:

The Yaesu FT-991A supports multiple operating modes, allowing operators to explore various communication methods. Here are some key features:

  1. SSB, CW, AM, FM, and Digital Modes: The radio provides compatibility with Single Sideband (SSB), Morse code (CW), Amplitude Modulation (AM), Frequency Modulation (FM), and various digital modes such as PSK31 and RTTY. This flexibility enables operators to engage in voice communication, data exchange, and even digital experimentation.

  2. Integrated Sound Card: The FT-991A incorporates a sound card, allowing for direct connection to a computer for digital modes. This eliminates the need for external interfaces and simplifies the setup process for data communication, making it convenient for operators interested in digital modes.

IV. User-Friendly Design:

The Yaesu FT-991A radio boasts a user-friendly design, offering intuitive controls and convenient features that enhance the overall operating experience. Here are a few highlights:

  1. Large Color Display: The radio features a large, high-resolution color display that provides clear and detailed information. The vibrant screen ensures excellent visibility even in different lighting conditions, facilitating easy navigation through menus and settings.

  2. Ergonomic Layout: The control layout of the FT-991A is thoughtfully designed, with frequently used functions placed conveniently within reach. The tactile buttons and knobs offer a satisfying feel, enhancing the overall ease of use and reducing the learning curve for new operators.

  3. Advanced Connectivity: The radio includes a range of connectivity options, such as USB, Ethernet, and RS-232C ports. These connections enable integration with external devices, such as computers, amplifiers, and external displays, expanding the functionality and versatility of the radio.

V. Who Would Benefit Most from the FT-991A:

The Yaesu FT-991A radio caters to a wide range of individuals and groups who can benefit from its exceptional features. Some potential beneficiaries include:

  • Experienced Amateur Radio Operators: The advanced features, wide frequency coverage, and high output power make the FT-991A a desirable choice for experienced operators seeking top-tier performance and versatility in their communication endeavors.

  • Contesters and DXers: The radio’s powerful output, advanced DSP, and multi-mode capabilities make it a valuable tool for contesters and DXers aiming to make long-distance contacts and participate in competitive events.

  • Digital Mode Enthusiasts: With its integrated sound card and support for various digital modes, the FT-991A appeals to operators interested in exploring digital communication methods and experimenting with different digital protocols.

Conclusion:

The Yaesu FT-991A radio represents the epitome of performance and versatility in the amateur radio world. With its extensive frequency coverage, exceptional performance, advanced features, and user-friendly design, it caters to the needs of both experienced operators and newcomers to the hobby. Embrace the FT-991A, and unlock a world of communication possibilities that will elevate your amateur radio experience to new heights.

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