The status of various operations that are important during receive is shown at the bottom of the display. To change a setting, touch the appropriate location on the display.

The items below are the important setting items when receiving. Each of them is applied to the receiver front end or the IF/audio stage, and each is best used in a different situation.

Displays the current ATT (amount of receive input signal attenuation). When the desired signal is extremely strong, or the noise level is high on a low frequency band, activate the attenuator to reduce the incoming signal or noise from the antenna.

After touching [ATT], touch “ON” or “OFF”.

• The ATT feature is only available in the HF – 50MHz band.
• The ATT is set independently for each operation band.

Judgement guide: use ATT when the S-meter is pinned by a nearby broadcast station, when the noise floor itself (not a single signal) is so high that the AGC is being driven by it, or when strong-signal overload produces “mushing” and spurious mixing products. Leave ATT off when you are chasing a weak signal and the band is quiet.

The IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) function can establish the gain of the RF amplifier section to accommodate the connected antenna and the received signal conditions. IPO can be selected from three operating conditions.

After touching [IPO], touch the desired operating condition.

• The IPO feature is only available in the HF – 50MHz band.
• IPO is set independently for each operation band.

Increases the sensitivity of the RF amplifier when the received signal is weak. After touching [AMP], touch “ON” or “OFF”. The AMP feature is only available in the AIR band, 144MHz and 430MHz band.

AMP is therefore the VHF/UHF counterpart of the IPO selection: use it when the band is quiet and the signals you want are at or below the noise, and switch it off again once a strong local signal appears.

The Digital Notch Filter (DNF) is an effective beat-canceling filter that can null out a number of interfering beat notes inside the receiver passband. Because this is an Auto-Notch feature, there is no adjustment knob associated with this filter.

DNF is turned ON/OFF from the [FUNC] knob function list; it works automatically once enabled, so it is the first thing to try when several steady heterodynes sit inside the passband at the same time.

Displays the currently selected AGC setting. The AGC system is designed to help compensate for fading and other propagation effects. The AGC characteristics can be individually set for each operating mode. The basic objective of AGC is to maintain a constant audio output level once a certain minimum threshold of signal strength is achieved.

After touching [AGC], touch the desired time constant.

• AGC can be set for each operation band.
• The “AUTO” selection mode selects the optimum receiver-recovery time for the reception mode.

The delay values above are the menu items [AGC FAST DELAY] / [AGC MID DELAY] / [AGC SLOW DELAY], which may be fine-tuned in 20 msec steps under each mode menu. The bolded centre value in the menu table is the factory default.

In practice: choose FAST for CW so that the gain recovers between characters and you can follow a station through fast fading; choose MID for SSB so that syllabic pumping is not heard; choose SLOW for data modes so that a short noise burst does not desensitise the receiver in the middle of a transmission.

The scope screen shows the band spectrum in real time. Along the display edges, the current display mode, the sweep speed and the frequency span are indicated. Learning to read these labels is the first step towards using the scope as a real operating tool rather than a decoration.

The vertical Y axis depicts the signals and their strengths. The continuously present, low-level “grass” along the bottom of the display is the noise floor; anything that rises clearly above it is a signal. The horizontal X axis is the frequency span, and on the 3DSS display the receding Z axis represents time.

Always remember that changing the LEVEL changes only the way the noise floor and signals are drawn — it does not change the actual signal input level.

Practical reading rule: adjust the LEVEL so that the noise floor is only just visible. Signals that are audible but not yet visible in the colour gradient are at or below the noise floor; signals that stand out clearly are comfortably copyable. A signal that appears as a narrow, sharply peaked shape is usually a carrier or a data tone, while a broader, softer shape is usually an SSB signal.

In addition to the conventional two-dimensional waterfall spectrum display, Yaesu has added the 3-Dimension Spectrum Stream (3DSS) color display. The constantly changing band conditions and signals are depicted in real time and color. The frequency span is shown on the horizontal X axis, the vertical Y axis depicts the signals and their strengths, and the time is represented on the receding Z axis. The FTX-1 operator can intuitively grasp the band and signal conditions at any instant.

Switches the Spectrum Scope operation each time the key is touched. When the display area is touched, the receive frequency is moved to that point.

• In CENTER mode, the frequency touched becomes the center.
• In CURSOR and FIX mode, the marker and the receive frequency move to the touched position.

The receive frequency is always shown at the center of the screen and spectrum display. The band spectrum is shown within the range set by “SPAN”. The CENTER mode is convenient for monitoring the signal activity around the operating frequency.

On the CENTER screen the following items are indicated: the marker, the current display mode (CENTER), the sweep speed, and the scope screen frequency span (display range). At factory shipment, marker display is ON.

Monitors the spectrum within the range set with “SPAN”. When the frequency (marker) exceeds the upper limit or the lower limit of the range, the screen is automatically scrolled and the status beyond the setting range can be observed.

On the CURSOR screen the following items are indicated: the lower limit frequency of the display area, the marker (receive frequency), the marker (transmit frequency), the current display mode (CURSOR), the sweep speed, the scope screen frequency span (display range), and the upper limit frequency of the display area.

To use Fixed Mode, enter the start frequency of the scope. On the FIX screen the following items are indicated: the display area start frequency, the marker (reception frequency), the marker (transmit frequency), the current display mode (FIX), the sweep speed, the scope screen frequency span (display range), and the upper limit frequency of the display area.

Switch between the 3DSS display and the waterfall display. The display will change each time it is touched: 3DSS type, then waterfall type.

Use the 3DSS view when you want to judge how a signal has behaved over the last few seconds (for example to separate a fading DX station from a steady local carrier). Use the waterfall view when you want a longer, flatter history of the band and need to read exact frequencies across a wide span.

In addition to the scope display, the oscilloscope and AF-FFT are also presented. Touch again to return to the original screen.

Two touch areas are provided on this screen: touch the upper area to set the attenuator, and touch the lower area to set the level and sweep speed.

Set the frequency span (display range) of the scope screen. After touching, select the desired span. The display level changes when SPAN is changed, so reset the optimum display level with [D-LEVEL] each time.

Sets the Scope Display sweep speed. After touching, select the desired speed.

Touch [STOP] to temporarily hold the 3DSS display and waterfall display operations. Touch [STOP] again, or select another speed, to release the hold.

Operate the [FUNC] knob to make the following settings related to the display: D-LEVEL, D-PEAK, D-MARKER, D-COLOR, D-CONTRAST and DIMMER.

The last function used is retained in the [FUNC] knob so it can be easily set by operating the [FUNC] knob. Normally, it is suggested to utilize the [FUNC] knob as the [D-LEVEL] knob for the spectrum scope.

Adjust the level to make it easier to distinguish between the desired signal and noise. The display level changes depending on antenna gain, condition, frequency band, SPAN and so on. Always adjust the LEVEL for the best image on the screen.

Press and hold the [FUNC] knob then touch [D-LEVEL], and then turn the [FUNC] knob to select the desired level.

On the 3DSS screen, weak signals may be more easily observed by adjusting the LEVEL so that the noise level can be seen only a little, so always adjust the LEVEL and use it at the optimum position. Be sure to make adjustments when changing bands or changing SPAN.

If the level is changed, the signal strength also appears to change, but it does not affect the actual signal input level.

The color density may be adjusted to the level of the signal. Touch PEAK and then select the desired color concentration. Press and hold the [FUNC] knob then touch [PEAK], and then turn the [FUNC] knob to select the desired level.

The five steps are LV1 (slow) → LV2 → LV3 (normal) → LV4 → LV5 (fast).

Displays markers that indicate the position of the current receive and the transmit frequencies in the spectrum. Press and hold the [FUNC] knob then touch [MARKER] to turn the MARKER ON or OFF. Normally leave it ON.

The two markers shown are the receive frequency and the transmit frequency, which makes split operation much easier to keep track of.

The display color of the scope screen or font color of the frequency can be changed. Press and hold the [FUNC] knob then touch [COLOR], then touch the desired color from the color selection screen.

The scope screen display color can be selected from 12 types, and the font color of the frequency from 3 types.

Adjust contrast: adjust the contrast of the TFT display. Press and hold the [FUNC] knob then touch [D-CONTRAST], and then turn the [FUNC] knob to adjust the contrast.

Adjusting the brightness (DIMMER): adjust the brightness of the TFT display. Press and hold the [FUNC] knob then touch [DIMMER], and then turn the [FUNC] knob to adjust the brightness.

The PMG function scans up to 5 channels registered to the PMG. The receive status of each channel is simultaneously displayed in real time with a bar graph. In addition, two channels with signals are simultaneously received, allowing convenient standby.

Operation differs between “Manual mode” and “Auto mode”. The PMG feature is only available in the AIR band, 144MHz and 430MHz band. Frequencies between 108MHz and 470MHz can be registered.

The PMG screen shows one bar per registered channel, together with the channel bar and the current frequency. When there is a signal, a bar graph is displayed.

Two indication states are used: white for Manual Mode and orange for Auto Mode. The line under the bar graph is the channel bar. A bar graph is shown for a receiving signal, and previously received signals are also shown as a bar graph.

If there are no registered channels in PMG, the PMG screen will not be displayed even if the [PMG] key is pressed.

To adjust the squelch during PMG operation, press the MAIN-side AF/RF/SQL knob and turn it; the adjustment is reflected in all channels registered in PMG. To adjust the volume during PMG operation, rotate the MAIN-side AF/RF/SQL knob.

1. Press and hold the [PMG] key to register the current frequency in PMG.
2. Up to 5 channels can be registered in PMG. When registering more than five frequencies, older frequencies will be deleted in order from PMG.

To register the currently displayed VFO or memory channel to the PMG, simply press and hold the key on the frequency.

1. Select the channel (frequency) to be unregistered by rotating the MAIN DIAL knob.
2. Press and hold the [PMG] key to cancel the registration.

Press and hold the [SUB DIAL] knob to switch between “PMG Auto Mode” and “PMG Manual Mode”.

In manual mode, transmit and receive are performed on the selected channel. If a signal is received on another channel, it can be received at the same time.

• Transmission is on the selected channel.
• Displays historical received signal strengths in gray (disappears if the signal is lost).
• When a signal is received on another channel, the signal strength is displayed as a bar graph and it is simultaneously heard, but the transmit channel does not change. Turn the DIAL knob or touch the screen to change the transmit channel.

Example: while receiving on P2, P1 and P3 to P5 are scanned. If P4 also comes up, the audio of P2 and P4 can be heard at the same time, and transmission stays on P2. To transmit on P4, rotate the DIAL to select P4 or touch the P4 bar graph. When the P4 signal disappears, reception returns to P2 with P1 and P3 to P5 being scanned.

When a signal is received on the channels being scanned, the radio will automatically switch to that channel. If a signal is received on another channel, it can be received at the same time.

• When a signal disappears, scanning resumes.
• Transmission is automatically performed on the channel that received the signal.
• Displays historical received signal strengths in gray (disappears if the signal is lost).

Example: while P1 and P3 to P5 are being scanned with a signal on P2, if P4 receives a signal the channel automatically changes to P4, audio from P4 is heard, P1 to P3 and P5 continue to be scanned, and transmit is also set to P4. To transmit on P2 instead, rotate the DIAL to select P2 or touch the P2 bar graph.

PMG, M-GRP and MAG are three different ways of grouping and recalling channels, and they solve different problems. PMG monitors up to five registered channels at the same time and can receive two of them simultaneously. MAG (Memory Auto Grouping) recalls, in memory mode, only the memory channels of the same frequency band as a group. M-GRP (Memory Group) is a user-built list: channels, regardless of the band, can be registered in advance and called up as frequently used memory channels.

Press and hold the [MAIN] or [SUB] knob, then rotate the [MAIN] or [SUB] knob to exchange the SHIFT, WIDTH, NOTCH, CONTOUR and APF. The “MAIN” side is set with the [MAIN] knob, and the “SUB” side is set with the [SUB] knob.

The following explanation describes how to set up the “MAIN” side. To set up the “SUB” side, perform the same operation using the [SUB] knob.

1. Press and hold the [MAIN] knob or touch the spectrum area.
2. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to select the function, then press the [MAIN] knob. (The function may also be selected by touching the function name.)
3. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to set the desired value.
4. Press the [MAIN] knob to confirm the setting.

Press and hold the [BACK] key while setting the DSP interference removal function (SHIFT, WIDTH, NOTCH, CONTOUR, APF), and the setting will return to the default value.

IF SHIFT permits moving the digital filter passband higher or lower, without changing the pitch of the incoming signal, and thus reduce or eliminate interference. Because the tuned carrier frequency is not varied, there is no need to re-tune the operating frequency to eliminate the interference. The total passband tuning range for the IF SHIFT system is ±1.2kHz.

1. Press and hold the [MAIN] knob.
2. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to select “SHIFT”, then press the [MAIN] knob. (The function may also be selected by touching “SHIFT”.)
3. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to the left or right to reduce interfering signals.
4. Press the [MAIN] knob to save the setting.

Press and hold the [BACK] key to quickly move the filter passband to center. Moving the filter passband so that the interference is outside of the passband reduces the interference level.

The IF WIDTH tuning system allows you to vary the width of the DSP IF passband, to reduce or eliminate interference. Moreover, the bandwidth may actually be expanded from its default setting, should you wish to enhance incoming signal fidelity when interference on the band is low.

1. Press and hold the [MAIN] knob. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to select “WIDTH”, then press the [MAIN] knob. (The function may also be selected by touching “WIDTH”.)
2. Rotate the [MAIN] knob counter-clockwise to narrow the bandwidth and reduce interference.
3. Press the [MAIN] knob to save the setting.

Press and hold the [BACK] key to reset the digital filter bandwidth to its initial value. The default bandwidths, and total bandwidth adjustment range, will vary according to the operating mode.

The IF NOTCH filter is a highly effective system that allows removing an interfering beat note or other carrier signal from within the receiver passband.

1. Press and hold the [MAIN] knob.
2. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to select “NOTCH”, then press the [MAIN] knob. (The function may also be selected by touching “NOTCH”.)
3. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to adjust the “null” position of the Notch filter.
4. Press the [MAIN] knob to save the setting.

Press and hold the [BACK] key to return the center frequency to its initial value.

The bandwidth of the NOTCH filter (either narrow or wide) may be adjusted using Menu item [OPERATION SETTING] → [RX DSP] → [IF NOTCH WIDTH]. The factory default setting is “WIDE”.

Rotating the [MAIN] knob moves the notch through the passband; the notching effect is at its maximum when the null is placed exactly on the incoming heterodyne.

The CONTOUR filter system provides a gentle perturbation of the IF filter passband. The CONTOUR is set to either suppress, or boost specific frequency components, and thus enhances the sound and readability of a received signal.

The “CONTOUR” function does not work in CW-L and CW-U modes.

1. Press and hold the [MAIN] knob.
2. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to select “CONTOUR”, then press the [MAIN] knob. (The function may also be selected by touching “CONTOUR”.)
3. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to achieve the most natural-sounding audio reproduction of the incoming signal.
4. Press the [MAIN] knob to save the setting.

Press and hold the [BACK] key to return the center frequency to its initial value.

1. Press and hold the [FUNC] knob.
2. Select [OPERATION SETTING] → [RX DSP] → [CONTOUR LEVEL].
3. Rotate the [FUNC] knob, or touch “<” or “>” on either side of the value to set the CONTOUR circuit gain.
4. Press the [FUNC] knob, or wait for about 3 seconds to save the setting.
5. Press the [BACK] key several times to return to normal operation.

1. Press and hold the [FUNC] knob.
2. Select [OPERATION SETTING] → [RX DSP] → [CONTOUR WIDTH].
3. Rotate the [FUNC] knob, or touch “<” or “>” on either side of the value to set bandwidth (“Q”) of the CONTOUR circuit.
4. Press the [FUNC] knob, or wait for about 3 seconds to save the setting.
5. Press the [BACK] key several times to return to normal operation.

During CW operation, when interference or noise is present, the center frequency is automatically set to the PITCH frequency, making it easier to hear the desired signal.

The “APF” function only works in CW-L and CW-U modes.

1. Press and hold the [MAIN] knob.
2. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to select “APF”, then press the [MAIN] knob. (The function may also be selected by touching “APF”.)
3. Rotate the [MAIN] knob to the left or right to reduce any interference.
4. Press the [MAIN] knob to save the setting.
5. Press and hold the [BACK] key to restore the APF peak center frequency setting to “0Hz”, and disable the APF function.

The APF bandwidth can be selected from NARROW / MEDIUM / WIDE via the Menu item [OPERATION SETTING] → [RX DSP] → [APF WIDTH].

Two further noise functions are switched from the [FUNC] knob function list: NB activates the NB (Noise Blanker) function, and DNR activates the DNR (Digital Noise Reduction) function. They complement the five DSP items above: NB is aimed at pulse-type noise, DNR at broad-band random noise, while SHIFT / WIDTH / NOTCH / CONTOUR / APF work inside the IF and AF passband.

This is the screen for dual band operation, where MAIN and SUB frequencies are displayed above and below. The important receiver settings are shown for the MAIN side and for the SUB side respectively.

The single band screen is the screen for single band operation where only the MAIN or SUB frequency is displayed. Each time you press the SUB DIAL knob, it switches between MAIN and SUB.

On the dual band screen the receiver settings at the bottom of the display are duplicated for the two sides, so you can confirm at a glance which side has ATT, IPO, DNF or AGC engaged. Remember that the DSP interference removal functions of Chapter 15 are also set independently for each side.

A powerful capability of the FTX-1 is its flexibility in Split Frequency operation using the MAIN-side and SUB-side frequency registers. This makes the FTX-1 especially useful for high-level DX-peditions. The Split operation capability is very advanced and easy to use.

1. Set the MAIN-side VFO frequency to the desired receive frequency.
2. Press and hold the [SPLIT] key, and then set the SUB-side VFO frequency to the desired transmit frequency.

During Split operation, the MAIN-side VFO register will be used for reception, while the SUB-side VFO register will be used for transmission.

Press and hold the [SPLIT] key again to cancel Split operation.

During split operation, touch [TXW] after pressing and holding the [FUNC] knob, to receive the transmit frequency; press the [FUNC] knob to return.

[TXW] is one of the items on the [FUNC] knob function list, described as: during split operation, touch [TXW] to listen on the transmitter frequency.