Yaesu FC-80 vs Yaesu FC-90
The Yaesu FC-80 and Yaesu FC-90 are automatic antenna tuners designed for the Yaesu FTX-1 Field QRP transceiver, but they are designed for different types of antennas. The FC-80 is designed to mount directly on the back of the transceiver for use with antennas terminated with 50 ohm coaxial cable and has an SO239 connector, while the FC-90 is a stand-alone tuner for Long Wire (LW) and other unbalanced 50 ohm antennas.
Yaesu FC-80 vs FC-90 Comparison
| Feature | Yaesu FC-80 | Yaesu FC-90 |
| Antenna Type | Coaxially powered 50 ohm antennas (dipoles, verticals, etc.) | Long wire and similar antennas with 50 ohm coaxial power |
| Installation | Mounts directly to the back of the FTX-1 Field Transceiver | External, unbalanced tuner that connects via cable to the FTX-1 Field Transceiver |
| Portability | Excellent. Designed for portable and field use with the FTX-1 Field transceiver. | Less portable than the FC-80, as it is not directly connected to the radio, but still compact for use in the field. |
| Power capacity | Up to 10 watts | Up to 10 watts |
| Frequency range | 1.8 to 54 MHz (HF and 50 MHz bands) | 1.8 to 54 MHz (HF and 50 MHz bands) bands) |
| Special Compatibility | Includes adapter that allows use with SBR-52LI battery or SCF-1 cooling fan. | Unbalanced output for long-cable antennas. |
Which tuner should you choose?
Your choice depends on your working style and the antenna setup you plan to use with your FTX-1 field radio.
Choose the FC-80 if:
- You primarily use traditional antennas with coaxial cable to the transceiver: dipoles, verticals, end-fed, G5RV and the like, and want the most compact and integrated configuration possible.
- You want the convenience of a tuner that mounts directly to the back of your FTX-1 Field transceiver for a hassle-free, portable all-in-one unit.
Choose the FC-90 if:
- You use a Long Wire (LW) or other unbalanced, end-fed antenna that requires an unbalanced antenna tuner.
- You don’t mind a separate external tuner to get the flexibility to use it with a wider variety of cable antennas.
- With a control cable as long as the coaxial cable, you can to place the tuner next to the antenna itself.
I hope this information was useful to you.
I would be glad if you would share this or something else in the comments. If you already have personal experience and impressions, this would be invaluable for other radio amateurs!
73 es BST DX
