[1000mp] FT1000MP Mk5 Field

Wed, 11 Dec 2002 19:48:44 -0800

I have had my Field for a couple months now.
I installed the Inrad IF mod before I ever used it but havnt installed
the key-click mod.
I did notice when I set all the CW transmit delays to maximum, I dont
hear the clicking when I have the filters engaged. I dont know if this
smooths out the transition and reduces the severity of the clicks and I
dont know what it sounds like to others. I will check it with my 830 this
weekend.  I also installed a pair of Inrad 1.8's, a 400 in the 3rd IF of
narrow-1 and a pair of 250's in narrow-2.

These are my observations.:
I think the 830 had better selectivity with nearby close signals. I didnt
get near the AGC pumping as I do on the Mk-V.
The APF filters are great if you have the optional filters to keep the
AGC from being pumped.
I find I use the 120 and 60Hz APF's quite often.  More so than the
optional 500 and 250Hz filters. 
In fact, I really wonder what the optional CW filters provide except
better selectivity for the onboard APF filters.  Seems to be an expensive
fix.
Havnt found much use for the NR or Contour settings and the NB Sucks.
I also havnt found a good need for the VRF or the IDBT. 
This may be because im use to the old 830 which didnt have these
features, and im mostly a CW Op or I will come to appreciate these
features later when I become more familiar with it nad operate more SSB.
However, I love the way the Mk-V operates. The dual VFO's are great! I
can spend much more time listening to weak signals before becoming
fatigued, and the interface to DX4WIN makes life much easier. 
For 160M I really like the Mk-V. Its much better with the noise.
There are many other features that are very nice its a pleasure to
operate it.
So far, I think its a great radio but I havnt had  many to compare to.

Many say the MP is much better but I see alot of posts and read alot of
memos about MP problems and failures compared to the Mk-V.
I really havnt convinced myself I needed a new rig, and the 830 was fine
but its like driving old reliable car for 18 years, sometimes you want to
upgrade.  Since I was going to upgrade. I decided to buy new instead of
used. 
As for the price, I bought mine from Texas towers on special for $1924.
For $89 more I got the MD-200 mic.
I spent approx $600 on the Inrad mod and new/used filters so I figure
about $2600 fully equipped.
I could have probably saved approx $500 buying an equipped used MP or
Mk-V but again I decided to go new since im keeping it for the next 20
years :-)
All in all, I really like the radio and for the price I  think its a
reasonable buy.
Again, it depends what you want. I got HR on my 830 and probably would
have made #1 if the remaining countries ever became active.
Which radio do I prefer to operate, the Mk-5 Field..no questions.  How
reliable is it...well find out.

73 Chuck

On Wed, 11 Dec 2002 21:00:48 -0500 "John L Merrill"
<[email protected]> writes:
> Anyone have any comment about the recent crop of Fields? Any 
> problems, etc.?
> At the price they are currently going for, I'm considering buying 
> one.
> 
> John N1JM
> 
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