[1000mp] Comparison Mark V and ProII

[1000mp@mailman.qth.net]

Hello,

Here is my impression of a comparison between the Yaesu FT-1000MP Mark V and
the Icom IC-756ProII.

This is a very personal opinion. When you want a more objective comparison,
then please gather more of such field tests or try the rigs yourself and
make your own opinion.

I wil try to write the English language as good as possible.

In the Mark V I installed INRAD filters (250, 400, 2.1 and 2.8 kHz) and the
INRAD IF-modification.
Menu 5-9 on 6.0, 7-7 all off and 8-9 all 0.000.

In The Netherlands and Germany (countries where I buy my HAM-equipment) the
price of the Mark V is about $ 3500 and the ProII about $ 3000. The Mark V
includes Power Supply.

Both transceivers are excellent, but very different!

Strong points of the Mark V:
- 200 Watt output
- Class A
- Ergonomics (solid knobs, some of them are rubberized)
- IF-monitor (also in CW!)
- VRF (Variable RF Front-End Filter)
- Shuttle Jog
- Front Panel Connections
- Front and Top Panel Controls
- FH-1 Remote Control Panel as option, with Tune in every mode

Strong points of the ProII:
- 5-inch TFT color LDS display (8 display types and 7 fonts)
- >100 choices of filters (between 50 Hz and 15 kHz) including the choice of
two different shape factors
- Twin Pass Band Tuning (you'll find graphic adjustments on the display)
- Variable Noise Reduction
- 50 MHz
- Spectrum Scope
- Triple Band Stacking Register
- User friendly menu
- Standard Digital Voice Recorder
- Standard 0.5 ppm TCXO
- RTTY Decoder on the display

Things which could be better on the Mark V:
- Display (e.g. LCD)
- Adjustment of IF-filters (was much better on the MP)
- Visible (graphic) adjustment of the IDBT (Shift and Width)

Things which could be better on the ProII:
- Some of the knobs (too tiny)
- The place of the AF/RF knob (should have been at the place of the
NR/balance)
- Tune
- Rear connections; e.g. for keyer
- PS-125 and SP-21 (bad quality for huge price)

They both make too much fan noise. The ProII starts immediately when you PTT
.

The sound!
The Mark V sounds (really noticeable) much more natural, more analogue.
The ProII sounds clear, flat, more digital.
Both ways; receive and transmit!
I tried this with various fellow stations under different conditions and
with different adjustments. They all told me the same. I can't tell you that
one of the sounds is better, but they are noticeable different!
Not very surprising, because the ProII is all-DSP.
By the way; I use the Yaesu SP-8 for both rigs.

Sensitivity: Both excellent. I did'nt use a radiocommunication service
monitor or spectrum analyzer for this comparison... I just listened to
various signals on different bands under different conditions.

Signal/noise ratio (more important then sensitivity): both excellent. On the
lower frequencies (1,8 - 7 MHz) I don't use pre-amps.

Third Order Intercept Point: both very good. Even in Europe on 7 MHz.

Dynamic range: could be better on both.

Conclusion:
I prefer the sound, the ergonomics and the look of the Mark V. It is a very
good rig for contests. It is more solid.
The ProII is very advanced with innovative features, like the display and
the filtering. Very suitable for digital modes.

For SSB and CW and with the linear (TL-922) I use the Mark V.
For digital modes, for 50 MHz and as second receiver I use the ProII.

Kind regards,
Hans Remeeus PA1HR.

e-mail: hans@remeeus.nl
site: www.remeeus.nl
Ham Radio call: PA1HR