• You can now help support WorldwideDX when you shop on Amazon at no additional cost to you! Simply follow this Shop on Amazon link first and a portion of any purchase is sent to WorldwideDX to help with site costs.

Which HF rig?

Atlasta

Well-Known Member
May 7, 2011
417
108
53
Greetings all:

Those with whom I have had the pleasure to speak with on-air, or have seen the photos of my station know that I am all about vintage equipment. Why? I don't know, I just am.

When it comes to HF rigs I've always had a preference for the FT 101 series, preferably mated to the FL 2100 amp.

My questions: Which version of the 101? It is my understanding that the later models were better than the earlier ones but what do I really need to know about these old rice burners? Best mic for the same?

I would primarily be using this on SSB, so is the AM filter absolutely necessary? How are these radios on AM anyway? Would I want to add an external VFO since it will never leave 11m? Are there any other accessories that should be looked into?

On Feebay I've seen 101s going for around 200$ at the low end to over $700 at the high end. Has anyone done business with jeffcampbell205? He seems to be the go-to guy for all things FT 101. His stuff isn't cheap but he claims to go through every unit and make it right before it goes up for sale. This appeals to me because while I don't mind tinkering with these old units I'm not completely comfortable working on them.

Are there any other vintage HF rigs that should be considered?

Advice and opinions please!
 

If you like the 101`s, the Ft 101F model was the last in the series.
They would have the latest Boards in them with all of the up-grades.
160 through 10 meters, with 11 meters on the AUX position, the down side is they are a lot harder to find than the 101E models.

The E models are just about as good, with the only thing different really is the NB board in the radio was not the same as the F model... it had the final board with slightly improved noise blanking action.

If you plan on using them on AM, the Am filter is a worth while option, as the SSB filter is just to narrow for AM mode in my opinion.
I have had a couple of 101`s, a B model and two E models.

If you are getting a E model, look for late serial number`s S# 20,001 and up.
They ( should ) have the latest nb, speech processor, audio and regulator boards.
They work fantastic on Am, in fact they rock on AM if you run them right.
Only run 25 to 30 watts carrier..... never any more than that or your Audio quality will suffer, and if you run it hard, you will cook the transformer, tube`s and the radio in general.
Adjust the Mic gain with the meter in the ALC Position according to the Manual and they have lot`s of punch and sound sweet.
Of the 3 101`s I had, none had the speech processor, so I can not comment on how well they work.
I used a Amplified D104, and keep the level of the mic down as to not pick up background room noise.
The Matching frequency counter is a very good option.

I did not care for the matching speaker....It looked good sitting next to the radio, but the sound quality left a lot to be desired.

I have never dealt with Jeff Cambell on E-bay, but it looks like he has a good track record, over 1200 transactions with 100% feedback, he must be doing something right.

I really loved my 101`s, and used them for years, but I have now sold them and moved on to solid state radio`s because they offer so much more, but if you like old radio`s the 101`s are great rigs.

73
Jeff
 
I know what you mean about the Siltronix. Years ago I had the full 1011D setup and loved it... as long as I didn't turn it off!

I've used all solid state or all tube, but never a hybrid.
 
I know what you mean about the Siltronix. Years ago I had the full 1011D setup and loved it... as long as I didn't turn it off!

I've used all solid state or all tube, but never a hybrid.

FT-102

Google search and read what you find.

Will make the Ft-101, any one of the series look like a toy.

If you want to play with a true quality hybrid, and want one of, if not the best rig ever made receiver wise bar none, take a look at the Ft-102.

The three 6146 finals will pump out 200+watts of sweet sounding audio all day long. Notice the tube part number? 6146, not a sweep tube.

I know what you mean about the silkies, I have a 1011c, and a D model, still looking for a B model, digital VFO stabilizers work wonders for the drift in those old rigs.
 
Last edited:
I run a 101e and have had great reports. I brought mine to Mr. Cambell for a few problems and had good service with him. He is not exactly cb friendly but would probably sell you a radio. I dont know about any mods though. A ft 102 would be better if you can find one, but they bring a premium price.(y)
 
Yes, I noticed that the 102s are less common and correspondingly pricier. I like the idea of 6146s vs. sweep tubes. On the other hand a 101 uses the same tubes I have in my amps now.

Gonna have to give this some thought....
 
101 ZD

I knew an old timer that had one of those ...Good solid radio,stable and had a good rich on air sound.

Since I heard and got to play with that radio I have always wanted one.....maybe somday
 
pappy.gif
FYI: (QRZ.COM) For Sale - FT-101B in Exceptional Condition $265
 
If you decide on the 101e, I have one that I'm thinking of selling to fund another project. I have the D104, YC601 and a spare set of crystals to go with it.
 
Hmm... so much to consider. I'd like to find an 'F' model, but the ZD looks good too! Unfortunately I do not have room in the shack for all of them so I'm gonna have to pick one (or two...)

@bamacj: From reading his ebay ads I also got the impression that Mr. Campbell is less than pleased with the idea of 'his' 101s ending up on 11, although he seems to acknowledge that most of them will likely wind up there.

@359: Right at the moment I'm in the exploratory stages. Just out of curiosity what would be your price on all that gear shipped to 85306?

The more I read about the FT 102 the more I like it, but evidently it has a history of relay problems and from my reading at least one of those relays is now made of unobtainium.

@KE3W: That link doesn't seem to be working properly.
 
Just to throw you another option, many of the newer solid state ham rigs can be had for what a mint 101 or 102 can be purchased for. With more features and options. All of which perform great on ssb and a few has decent am. This would also give you room to grow if you decide to venture into ham radio.(y)

I have been to Jeff's house a few times in my dealings with him. He was always straight and to the point. My yaesu has been flawless since he went throught it but these radios are very old and doesnt take much to turn them into a paper weight.
 
Yes, I noticed that the 102s are less common and correspondingly pricier. I like the idea of 6146s vs. sweep tubes. On the other hand a 101 uses the same tubes I have in my amps now.

Gonna have to give this some thought....

You will need to modify that FT-101 if you are going to use American made sweep tubes in the PA, I think it is changing a value of a capacitor in the Pa circuit. Anyway if you try to use American made tubes it will end up burning up some components.

The manual addresses this issue.
 
@359: Right at the moment I'm in the exploratory stages. Just out of curiosity what would be your price on all that gear shipped to 85306?
Nothing personal, but I don't really want to explore the boxing/shipping options unless you get serious. The radio and freq counter are boxed separate for storage right now and the Silver Eagle is sitting in the corner with a cover over it. I can tell you that it's heavy, maybe 40# for the radio alone.
 
Nothing personal, but I don't really want to explore the boxing/shipping options unless you get serious. The radio and freq counter are boxed separate for storage right now and the Silver Eagle is sitting in the corner with a cover over it. I can tell you that it's heavy, maybe 40# for the radio alone.


Not a problem. I'm still leaning toward a 101 although there is a LOT to be said about the 102. It will be at least another month or so before I'm ready to make a change anyway. Oh yeah, that stuff is heavy and will cost a bunch to ship. However I will keep you in mind.

@bamacj: Yes I know, newer SS rigs can be had for about the same price, are far more reliable, take up less space, use less energy and contain features not found on the older stuff. So why not just buy a newer rig?

This may sound nutty but IMO the new stuff is TOO good. I like a bit of mystery in my radio gear and have always been somewhat of a knob twister. I guess I'm more of a 'hands on' type of operator and the 101 is known to be a VERY mechanical radio. If I want to communicate without thinking about it I can make a phone call. When I work with radios I like to WORK with them.
 

dxChat
Help Users
  • No one is chatting at the moment.
  • dxBot:
    Tucker442 has left the room.
  • @ BJ radionut:
    LIVE 10:00 AM EST :cool:
  • @ Charles Edwards:
    I'm looking for factory settings 1 through 59 for a AT 5555 n2 or AT500 M2 I only wrote down half the values feel like a idiot I need help will be appreciated