The Yaesu FT-77 is a transceiver to be used in the 3,5 – 29,9 MHz shortwaveradio amateur segment. This means the coverage of the 80-40-30-20-15-17-12 and 10 meter HF bands.
Contents
Its construction is based on a metal-cased transceiver with a polymer front. In its standard configuration the rig is very basic – even without a standard mike - with marginal control features and can handle the AM, CW and SSB modes on the above-mentioned bands. A 25 kHz frequency marker unit, a print to operate in FM mode and 1 fixed crystal operation mode are available as internal options. General frequency receiving coverage is impossible. Its frequency readout is available in digital display mode only.
Intended to offer only the most essential operating features the FT-77 was released in 1982 by the Japanese Yaesu Musen Corporation for appx $ 250 as an economic and compact rig very suitable for mobile use. The set was in production until 1986 in both FT-77 and FT-77S versions (S version was the 10W output QRP type).
Technical description
Incoming rx signals are fed to one of 5 Low Pass filters and continues to the RF unit. Via several bandpass filters the signal goes through RF amplifier and mixer unit before being delivered to the IF unit and AF amplifier. The receiver front end uses Schottky barrier diodes which results in good performance in the presence of strong signals. The lownoise premix local oscillator optimizes its receiving performance. A 5 pole IF filter allows a variable IF bandwidth and an optional filter may be put in place for demanding operators. Rx is single conversion superheterodyne functioning in AM/CW/SSB mode and in double conversion mode when the FM print is installed.
A variable 5-100W transmitter output is being generated by a combination of protected 2SC1589 (predriver), 2SD235Y (bias), 2SC2395 (driver) and 2SC2290 (final) transistors. A built in mismatch protection of the final stage is included and band switched lowpass filters provide the necessary interference protection.
Accessories
Pro’s
Even after so many years reasonable transmitting and receiving results. Few known problems. Easy readable digital display readout.
Contra's
Notice that this set is out of production for a long time and that obtaining spare parts will not be easy and former accessories are very hard to get. As the set is an economic type there are few known FT-77 problems through the years! However the built in combined PO/ALC/SWR meter might be a problem. In case of unreliable readouts after all those years proper realignment or complete replacement might be needed. Sometimes the pushbuttons might be worn out. Inconveniences are the lack of features to enhance rx and tx audio quality and a rather noisy cooling fan.