[Yaesu] FT-100 output problem

[danjr]

I've owned the FT-100 and FT-100D.  I love these rigs, but yes, one 
problem with early models was weak finals.  I had the exact same 
problem happen to my fairly new FT-100D.  The HF/6m final went out.  I 
sent it back to Yaesu for repair, including all factory mods, and it 
was returned within two weeks in great shape and has been working 
beautifully ever since (going on two years now).  If I recall, it was 
around $180.00 for parts/labor.  And I abuse it greatly on 6 meters.  
Not so much on SSB, but whenever I am using it on FM, I also keep a 
small fan on the rig, separate from the fans it already has.

If you wish to tackle the repair yourself, here is some information:
http://www.k0lee.com/thermalmod.htm

Also, very detailed FAQ of the 100/100D:
http://www.k0lee.com/ft100faq.html

Note:  On FM, the rig is *not* 100% duty cycle.  Yaesu recommends 
backing the power off to around 75-watts, especially for extended 
conversation.  The difference in power output will not likely affect 
your signal that much anyway.

73
Dan

> Well I've had this FT-100 just a few months now and have enjoyed it 
> until tonight. I've used it mainly for 6 meter QSOs with some local 
> hams. Normally I keep the power turned down to 5 or 10 watts since 
most 
> of the guys are within a couple of miles of me. Tonight, however, I 
was 
> running a full 100 watts on 6 meter FM for a not to long QSO of about 
a 
> half hour when I all of a sudden quit getting responses to my 
questions 
> and then realized I had no RF out. The radio was warm to the touch 
but 
> not red hot and the antenna I use has virtually no SWR so I wonder 
what 
> took out the finals. I have no output on any HF band either but I 
figure 
> the HF and 6 meter bands share a common output stage. 2 meters and 70 
cm 
> are ok of course. I can hear the radio on my other HF rig so I know 
that 
> I have not lost anything but the final stage. Is this a common 
problem 
> with this rig? What finals does it use? How expensive are they and 
> where, other than Yaesu can they be acquired (RF Parts maybe?)? Is 
their 
> replacement a particularly difficult job? Any and all suggestions 
will 
> be greatly appreciated.
> 
> Paul, N5PS