[1000mp] Possible FT-990 replacement?

[John Nelson]

Gentlemen:

I'm a long-time FT-990 user, and I wouldn't be thinking of changing if it
weren't for the fact that I'm increasingly aware that dual receive would
help handle some of the rougher pile-ups :-) A couple of years ago I looked
at the original 1000MP but wasn't overly impressed; it didn't feel anything
like as solid as the 990 and its ergonomics seemed considerably less well
thought out. I've considered trying to scare up a late-production FT-1000D
but have also wondered whether the Mk V Field is a contender to replace the
990.

I'd much appreciate comments on how the Mk V compares with the 1000MP or
1000D in build quality, and also whether anyone has had any problems driving
an Alpha 87A with the Field. It's also not clear to me whether the
differences between the Mk V and the Field amount to anything other than the
bigger PA and the external power supply; different sources seem to suggest
different things and clarification would be very welcome. If anyone has
owned both the FT-990 and either of the Mk Vs and made direct comparisons,
I'd love to hear the results.

Many thanks in advance for any comments and opinions, and a happy new year
to all.

73 John
GW4FRX