Its solid state features offer high-performance, low-current characteristics and its tube amplifier provides an almost mismatch-resistant transmitter and tuner stage.
This was also one of the first all-in-one box rigs, as it had a built-in AC Mains and 12V DC inverter power supply and even a loudspeaker, which made it ideal to use portable (it even had a carrying handle on the side).
They also included two switched crystal-controlled positions for Novice license holders, who were restricted to crystal controlled transmission until the late-1970s.
Thousands of these transceivers are still going strong today, as even if any parts do fail, they are readily replaceable with standard components.
It was single conversion from a 9 MHz IF, lower power PA tubes and no plug-in circuit boards.
The unit could receive from 10.0-10.5 MHz in order for reception of the WWV time and frequency standards.
Many station accessories were available including the FV-101 remote VFO, FL-2100 Linear Amplifier, SP-101PB Phone Patch with Speaker or SP-101 Speaker-only, YO-100 or YO-101 Monitor Scope, YC-601 Digital Display Unit, FTV-250 2 Meter Transverter, FTV-650 6 Meter Transverter, YP-150 Dummyload / Watt Meter, YD-844 Dynamic Desk Microphone and QTR-24 World Clock Many models in the FT-101 series were manufactured in its timeline:[5] Because critical circuit designs were kept to a manageable size, hams had no problem in offering circuit changes, isolating and repairing problems.
The Fox Tango Newsletters were published for 14 years covering the early FT-101s through the latest Yaesu transceivers in 1985.