Yaesu SPA-1 100W Portable Amplifier Preview: Specs, Release Timeline & Pricing

by Higginsreport
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Yaesu SPA-1: A 100 W Linear Amplifier for Your FTX-1F Portable Rig—What We Know So Far

Yaesu’s new FTX-1F portable transceiver will deliver up to 10 W on HF and 6 m, perfect for field operations. But what if you need more oomph for serious DX or local contest efforts? Maybe you’d like to use it in the shack too? Enter the SPA-1, Yaesu’s soon-to-release 100 W solid-state linear amplifier designed to pair seamlessly with the FTX-1F. Here’s a close look at the FCC filing, how the SPA-1 fits into Yaesu’s lineup, and our best estimates for release timing and pricing.

FCC Filing Reveals Key Specs

On April 30, 2025, the FCC’s equipment authorization database published an exhibit for SPA-1 (FCC ID: K8Y-SPA1) . While Yaesu hasn’t yet issued a press release, the filing confirms:

  • Frequency Coverage: 1.8 MHz–54 MHz (all HF bands plus 6 m)
  • Output Power: Up to 100 W peak envelope power when driven with 8–10 W input (matches the FTX-1F’s 10 W max)
  • Power Requirements: 13.8 V DC input drawing approximately 18 A at full output
  • Cooling System: Temperature-controlled fan with intake/exhaust on top and rear panels
  • Chassis & Connectors: Rugged metal housing, F-type RF connectors for input/output, USB-C port for firmware updates
  • Emissions Compliance: Passed FCC Part 97 spurious emission and harmonic tests without additional external filters .

These details suggest a well-engineered, field-portable amplifier that won’t require stacks of external band-pass filters.

Why a Portable Amp for the FTX-1F?

  • Extended Reach in the Field: The FTX-1F’s 10 W is excellent for hilltop activations and emergency work, but a 100 W boost lets you break pileups and reach distant DX stations without hauling a full base-station amp.
  • Seamless Operation: Expect the FTX-1F menu system to include an “AMP Control” section—key your SPA-1 via the rig’s PTT, monitor SWR on the FTX-1F display, and let the amp auto-switch low-pass filters as you change bands.
  • Compact Power: With a footprint similar to Yaesu’s FL-55 but twice the output, the SPA-1 will mount easily in portable shelters, mobile vehicles, or emergency-comm go-kits.

Positioning Among Yaesu’s Amplifiers

Yaesu’s existing lineup stretches from QRP boosters to 1 kW base-station amps:

  • FL-55 (50 W): A low-power solid-state amp for QRP stations—compact but only half the SPA-1’s output.
  • FL-2100B (1 kW) and FL-7000 (700 W): Heavy-duty base-station amps with extensive internal filtering—excellent for permanent installations but too bulky for field use.
  • FL-1110 (1 kW mobile): Designed for truck mounting, drawing over 100 A from vehicle batteries.

At 100 W, the SPA-1 bridges the gap: suitable for serious portable work without the weight and power draw of kilowatt amplifiers.

Anticipated Release Timeline

Yaesu typically waits 3–4 months after FCC clearance before showing new amplifiers in their catalogs. Given the April 30 FCC exhibit:

  • Dayton Hamvention Reveal: Mid-May 2025—likely in Yaesu’s booth demos.
  • Pre-Orders Open: June–July 2025.
  • Dealer Availability: August–September 2025, just ahead of fall contest season.

Expected Pricing

Looking at similar Yaesu products and competitive offerings:

  • FL-55 MSRP: $699
  • Kenwood KPA-500 (500 W portable): $999

A 100 W amp with Yaesu’s integration polish will likely carry an MSRP near $899–$999. Early-bird discounts at major dealers might land it around $850, making it an attractive step-up for portable DXers and emergency-comm operators. Time will tell, but it’s our best guess…

Unanswered Questions

  • Filter Bank Design: How many low-pass filters and switch-times will the SPA-1 include?
  • Drive-Level Recommendations: Will Yaesu specify an 8 W “sweet spot” for optimal IMD performance?
  • Accessory Package: Expect a Yaesu amp-control cable, DC power harness, and perhaps an extension display cable for rack-mount installations.

In Conclusion

The Yaesu SPA-1 promises to transform the FTX-1F from a 10 W field-rig into a 100 W portable powerhouse—combining solid-state reliability, integrated fan cooling, and tight FCC clearing in a single chassis. With the FCC filing dated April 30, 2025, and Yaesu’s product cadence, look for an official announcement at Dayton Hamvention 2025 and shipping to dealers by late summer. At an estimated MSRP under $1,000, the SPA-1 could become the go-to amp for portable contesters, Field Day teams, and emergency-comm volunteers.

What role would you give the SPA-1? Portable DX from a summit, emergency nets from your go-bag, or mobile contesting? Leave a comment below and share your ideal FTX-1F + SPA-1 setup!

73 and be safe!

Here are the primary sources I used for the SPA-1 information:

If you’d like more granular test reports or want to dig into the FCC filing exhibit details, the FCC ID link above is the best starting point.

Higginsreport

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