[1000mp] FT1000MP Flat or Tuned?

[Ronald Walters]

For several years I have read comments regarding the selection of the "FLAT"
and "TUNED" preamps in the FT1000MP.  I have read were some users report
that the tuned preamp really helped pull out the weak ones on 10 meters
while others liked the flat for the lower bands.

I've looked over the section in the manual which describes that in the
"Tuned" mode, (page 30 of the manual) the radio will automatically select a
one of three preamps in the RF section, one setup for the 24-30 Mhz and one
for the 1.8 to 7 Mhz with a third for the remaining frequencies.  Tuned
would seem to indicate to this writer that a preamplifier would provide gain
over a non-tuned preamplifier, however I find somewhat the opposite, that
is:

The "Tuned" amp definitely has gain in the 24-30 Mhz range, were the preamp
for 1.8-7 Mhz appears to have less gain than the "Flat" preamp.  I assume
this is a specific design feature where they are trying to improve the
signal to noise ratio and IMD on the lower bands 160-40.  What I experience
on this end is that the FLAT seems to pull the weak signals out of the noise
floor especially when using the EDSP function than does the TUNED preamp on
the lower bands.  The Tuned preamp appears to pull the signal out of the
noise better on the higher bands, especially on ten meters.  I can see
especially on ten meters a 3 to 4 S unit improvement with a 2 S unit gain in
the noise floor while on the lower bands it appears around a 10 DB decrease
in signal strength and noise.  I  expected the opposite, that is gain
provided by specific preamps.  My observations appear to be inline with
various comments from other users,

I am lucky that I live in an area that were I do not experience a high noise
and or close stations that would cause intermod interference.  Therefore my
preference is using the flat preamp for all bands except the 24-30 Mhz range
where I would like to use the tuned, problem, how do I set up the rig to
accomplish this or do I need to manually select the preamp via menu 8-4
every time I change bands?  Do I have a problem with the preamp on the lower
frequencies or is what I am experiencing typical and by design?  Any way to
select tuned for just the higher bands?

I also have the INRAD IF Amp mod installed and have made adjustments to
setting 9-1 based on the selection of the flat preamplifier and assume that
is the preferred amp to use for adjustments and utilizing the higher bands
to compare the before and after setting.  Have it set for 10 using the flat
amplifier mode.  Does anyone recommend a specific preamp selection for this
adjustments?

Thanks for your thoughts?

Ron - W4LDE