[1000mp] MP Defects was:FT-1000MP back ground hiss

[Pete Smith]

I suspect that when it comes to Yaesu's apparent insensitivity to 
continuing weaknesses in their top-of-the-line radios, at least some of the 
blame attaches to management in Japan.  I recall talking years ago to 
someone at Yaesu USA about the recurrent complaints about the fragile mast 
clamps on their rotators.  This person told me that they had tried for 
years to get Tokyo to acknowledge that there was a problem and to make a 
material change, but were never successful.  Similarly, the front panel 
casting for the Mark 5 remains the same as the MP, leading to some very 
awkward ergonomics (though still better than the original).  This seems to 
denote an extreme cost-consciousness at the manufacturing end, which may 
explain a lot.

On the other hand, I suggested to Chip over a month ago (via e-mail) that 
the company should consider releasing the full series of tech bulletins on 
the MP/Mark 5, as a way of demonstrating the extent to which the company 
has tried to pursue continuous improvement.  I never got an answer.

73, Pete N4ZR