[1000mp] FT-1000MP Mark V Field

[Bert Garcia]

Just got an FT-1000mp Mark V Field to replace my FT-1000mp.  The reason =
I decided to get the Field version is that there are some nice receiver =
operating conveniences on the Field that I wanted.  Also, the old 1000mp =
got complaints about key clicks and I didn't like the thump on QSK CW.  =
Here are my impressions:

The new Field has separate Shift/Width knobs that are easier to use, and =
I like the larger rubber knobs.  Having the Noise Reduction and Contour =
EDSP controls on push buttons rather than knobs (that only turned one =
way!) is an improvement.  The new APF push buttons are also very =
convenient.  The Bandwidth push buttons are less flexible on the new =
Field, but not a problem for me.

The QSK CW sounds much smoother on the new Field and the thump on =
receive is gone.  That alone is worth the trade up cost.  No key click =
complaint to date.

The VRF preselector does not do a thing for me.  I guess it will be nice =
for those multi-multi station contest setups, but not for the single =
operator.  The IDBT is useful on SSB, but I don't work enough SSB to =
notice any improvement.  The Noise Blanker controls are now set using =
the menu rather than a knob on the front panel, which is fine for me. =20

I did a quick side-by-side comparison of the two rigs with the covers =
off.  The internal layout is nearly identical, as you would expect.  =
There is a relay board missing in the new Field (replaced with software =
switching?).  The TCXO board is different.  The TCXO-4 is no longer an =
option (so it must be built-in as standard?).  The rear panels are =
identical and you can see the differences in the front panel in the =
advertisement photos.

I can't do any technical comparisons since I don't have any lab =
equipment.  But my ears tell me that the receiver in the new Field is =
great.  Maybe the receive audio is cleaner?  or maybe it's wishful =
thinking.  Anyway, I can't find anything to complain about in the =
receiver.  (My old 1000mp had a scratchy AF Gain control from day one, =
so I'm glad that is gone.)

Checking into a local 10 meter SSB ARES net that I frequently join, I =
got two unsolicited audio reports of excellent audio.  I didn't tell =
them I had a new rig, so I was surprised that anyone would comment.  The =
microphone is a Yaesu MD-100a8x.

Maybe someone will do a technical comparison between the 1000mp and =
Field version, and then we can see if there is really much difference.  =
Even if the receivers turn out to be identical, the new front panel =
layout and controls make the Field a better rig for me.

73, Bert N8NN



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