FT-101ZD DC converter query - UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum

Chrissywissy · 3rd Aug 2019, 2:21 pm

Hi All

I have been looking for a DC voltage converter box for the rear of my FT-101ZD for ages and one turned up recently so I bought it! Thinking to myself I'll just plug this in the back of the transceiver I removed the metallic tape on the back panel only to find that there was no socket! Taking the lid off revealed some neatly taped up wires with stripped ends going into the mains transformer!

Does anyone know if this is a special model which required retro fitting of the socket by Yaesu or is the special socket supplied with the DC converter kit?

I will be searching for a socket for this but, if its anything like as rare as the mains input connector, I will be searching until the cows come home! If anyone has information, parts etc, I would dearly like to hear from them!

Cheers

Chris G4RBR

ex seismic · 3rd Aug 2019, 7:30 pm

Probably not what you want to hear, but mine is the same as yours. I haven't opened it but it has the metal tape over a rectangular hole on the back panel.

Gordon G7KNS

Mike. Watterson · 3rd Aug 2019, 8:31 pm

I don't think any of the MkIII version have the socket. My MKII had the connector and my MkIII does not.
You can see that the HT inverter is pretty simple from looking at the circuit and hardly more than a transistorised vibrator pack.

The current draw is pretty severe. Moding to use 12V for LT direct and mains from 12V inverter might make more sense.

I've used my FT101ZD MkII and then my MkIII on generators. Unless you have a running vehicle with heavy duty battery and alternator the DC operation isn't very practical.

I think that's why it was discontinued with the MkIII. Certainly all earlier models I seen have the connector even without the "DC Converter box" which is little more than two transistors on a heatsink with a couple of caps.
Connections are +12V, 0V, push pull drive (x2) and feedback windings to bases (x2).
It's well documented on the FoxTango group.

Chrissywissy · 4th Aug 2019, 1:36 pm

Hi Chaps

Many thanks for your valuable comments. I have emailed Yaesu with the part numbers but I'm not holding out much hope for obtaining the connector!

Regards

Chris
G4RBR

3rd Aug 2019, 2:21 pm	#1
Chrissywissy Tetrode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: West London, UK. Posts: 65	FT-101ZD DC converter query Hi All I have been looking for a DC voltage converter box for the rear of my FT-101ZD for ages and one turned up recently so I bought it! Thinking to myself I'll just plug this in the back of the transceiver I removed the metallic tape on the back panel only to find that there was no socket! Taking the lid off revealed some neatly taped up wires with stripped ends going into the mains transformer! Does anyone know if this is a special model which required retro fitting of the socket by Yaesu or is the special socket supplied with the DC converter kit? I will be searching for a socket for this but, if its anything like as rare as the mains input connector, I will be searching until the cows come home! If anyone has information, parts etc, I would dearly like to hear from them! Cheers Chris G4RBR

3rd Aug 2019, 7:30 pm	#2
ex seismic Heptode Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Tonbridge, Kent, UK. Posts: 686	Re: FT-101ZD DC converter query Probably not what you want to hear, but mine is the same as yours. I haven't opened it but it has the metal tape over a rectangular hole on the back panel. Gordon G7KNS

3rd Aug 2019, 8:31 pm	#3
Mike. Watterson Heptode Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Limerick, Ireland. Posts: 901	Re: FT-101ZD DC converter query I don't think any of the MkIII version have the socket. My MKII had the connector and my MkIII does not. You can see that the HT inverter is pretty simple from looking at the circuit and hardly more than a transistorised vibrator pack. The current draw is pretty severe. Moding to use 12V for LT direct and mains from 12V inverter might make more sense. I've used my FT101ZD MkII and then my MkIII on generators. Unless you have a running vehicle with heavy duty battery and alternator the DC operation isn't very practical. I think that's why it was discontinued with the MkIII. Certainly all earlier models I seen have the connector even without the "DC Converter box" which is little more than two transistors on a heatsink with a couple of caps. Connections are +12V, 0V, push pull drive (x2) and feedback windings to bases (x2). It's well documented on the FoxTango group.

4th Aug 2019, 1:36 pm	#4
Chrissywissy Tetrode Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: West London, UK. Posts: 65	Re: FT-101ZD DC converter query Hi Chaps Many thanks for your valuable comments. I have emailed Yaesu with the part numbers but I'm not holding out much hope for obtaining the connector! Regards Chris G4RBR