Buy only if you can test full receive sensitivity on all bands and full 100W output into a dummy load. If it works, budget $50–100 for a recap and relay replacement, and it will likely last another decade.
The Yaesu FT-757GX, produced in the mid-1980s, remains a popular entry-level HF transceiver due to its compact size, relatively simple operation, and 100W output. However, age has caught up with this veteran. Electrolytic capacitor plague, brittle solder joints, and proprietary modules make troubleshooting a unique challenge.
If you own a "for parts or not working" FT-757GX, do not just apply power. Follow this order: ft-757gx problems
The S-meter stays low or zero, even on strong signals. Background noise is faint or absent.
Aging electrolytic capacitors on the IF and RF boards can cause "dull" performance. A full re-cap and alignment is often the best long-term fix. Display and CPU Problems FT-757GX Troubleshooting Guide | PDF | Diode - Scribd Buy only if you can test full receive
The FT-757GX is not a "set and forget" rig. It suffers from design flaws (marginal VCO shielding, undersized T/R relay, thermally unstable final bias). However, for the vintage enthusiast, a fully restored FT-757GX is a joy—it has analog warmth with digital stability, and the receiver sounds "big" compared to modern DSP rigs.
The original incandescent bulbs used to backlight the signal meter and display generate significant heat and eventually burn out. However, age has caught up with this veteran
The 1SS53 or 1SS97 switching diodes in the RF front-end are notorious for failing or becoming "leaky" over time.
While some operators attempt to clean the encoder with specialized contact cleaners (like DeoxIT), a permanent fix usually requires replacing the encoder or using a modern optical encoder retrofit kit. 3. Burned-out Dial Lamps