[1000mp] Filters: Inrad 400 or Collins 500 ??

[1000mp@mailman.qth.net]

Hi, Chuck,

You wrote:

"Im looking at purchasing some filters for a Mk-V Field. For Narrow2
setting, Im looking at the pair of Inrad 250's (160 weak signal)."
----------
I suggest that you get the filters from INRAD because they're less
expensive than Yaesu filters and have steeper skirts.  Every MP owner
prefers the INRAD filters.

I have two 500 Hz filters, two 250 Hz filters in my main receiver.  I
recently added the INRAD 125 Hz filter to the 455 kHz IF and it was a BIG
improvement for hearing the weak ones on 160m.
==========

"For Narrow1, Im debating on installing a filter in the 3rd IF (General
CW and some weak signal). Since the radio comes with a 500Hz in the 2nd
IF, does adding the 3rd IF filter really gain much?"
----------
Having fil;ters of equal bandwidth in both IFs is desireable.  Then the
IF shift and width controls operate at their best, similar to the
TS-830's VBT.
==========

"If so, which one? the Inrad 400 or the Collins 500?  I understand the
Collins has a little wider skirts but which way do I need to go? I dont
know if the 400 will be too tight since im going to have the 250's
anyway."
----------
Definitely the INRAD 400 xtal filter.  I had the INRAD 500 Collins
mechanical filter (same as the Yaesu 500) in my sub receiver and its
skirts were far too wide.  I replaced it with the INRAD 400 and it's a
LOT better now.  The 500 Hz filter is now in the main receiver.

For 160m, I almost always use the 250 Hz filter in the 8.215 MHz IF,
cascaded with the 125 Hz filter in the 455 kHz IF, plus the 60 Hz EDSP
filter.
==========

"Would the Collins widen things out so the Normal, Narrow1 and Narrow2 be
somewhat "linear" as I step down?"
----------
The big goof that Yaesu msde when they went to the Mk V and the Field is
that they eliminated filter selection from the front panel.  It's very
user-UNfriendly now, in that respect.  I wrote a Windows program for Mk V
and Field owners so that they can easily select filters a la original
FT-1000MP style.  It's popular with contesters and 160m DXers.  If you
want it, just ask.

A lot of Mk V and Field owners were disappointed and went back to the
original MP.  The filter switching problem is one reason.  Also, the
receiver isn't as good as the original model (borne out in the ARRL lab
tests).
==========

"Also, should I install the 70 IF Mod?  Is it worth it?"
----------
YES, YES, yes!!!
==========
  
"I figure since the radio comes with a pair of 2.8 for SSB, this should
be OK for SSB."
----------
I get along fine with the stock 2.4 kHz filters, but the SSB contesters
like the INRAD 2.1 filters.

73, de Earl, K6SE