[1000mp] Feature trade-offs

[Jim McDonald]

Wouldn't it be nice if we could order a radio with an ala carte features
list so we could get exactly the radio we want?

In my MARK-V, I would have rather had optimized CW shaping (maybe an
FCC-compliant signal??) and the old MP selectivity flexibility rather than:
Class-A audio, squelch for both receivers, FM (with repeater offset), AM,
packet, noise reduction that I've never liked, AF reverse (say what?),
contour, a MOX switch, and 100 memory channels.

I would have also ordered mine with selectable tuning rates by mode, so that
CW, RTTY, and SSB each have a presettable tuning rate and I don't have to be
readjusting the tuning rate or using a compromise setting.

Regarding ergonomics, RF power and keyer speed knobs that are larger and
more accessible than on the bottom of the front panel would have been nice
too.

Maybe my hearing is getting worse, but I'll never forget how easy it was to
zero beat with a Drake C-Line.  I must be tone deaf, because the spot
function on the MARK-V and MP never gives me a warbling sound as the two
frequencies come together within a few hertz, so I have to compare the two
tones without the benefit of the warbling when the frequencies are close.  I
therefore don't use the spot function.

I do really like, I must admit, stereo receive for working split pile-ups
and wish all radios had it.

I guess the manufacturers try to make a radio to please everyone, but I do
find it interesting which feature get included and which don't.  But then
again, generating a clean signal shouldn't be a feature trade-off.

(Blame this ranting on my going to bed too early and waking up in the middle
of the night.  I wish Andy Rooney of the TV program 60 Minutes could do
this.)

Jim N7US