[CW] Re: TS950SD advice

[Roy Koeppe]

See comments inserted...(these are my own experiences and opinions,
Andrew--73, Roy, K6XK)...

Hi All

I'm looking for a new rig for CW contesting and have an opportunity to
buy a
second hand TS950SD for about US$ 1,500, I think with 500Hz filters
fitted
in both IFs (to be confirmed). Since I haven't used this rig before and
a
Yahoo search didn't provide much detailed information, I thought I would
trouble you kind and knowledgable folks for some information. Some
questions
that occur to me are:

1.  Is the QSK as nice as on the TS930S (which I have used)? NO!! The
950SD TRUNCATES DOTS TO AN UNACCEPTIBLE DEGREE. A FACTORY MOD SLIGHTLY
IMPROVED THIS, BUT XMTR OUTPUT LAGS KEYING INPUT, THEREBY CONFOUNDING
TIMING WITH QSK AMPS, ETC.
2.  I've heard some criticism of the built-in keyer, but no explanation.
What's wrong with it? And is it a Mode A or a Mode B keyer, or can you
select?
3.  I believe that only a level converter is required to interface with
a
PC, is this correct?
4.  Do the main and sub receiver share the same AGC loop?
5.  I believe the TS950SD includes AF DSP. Is this correct, and what
functions does the DSP provide? YES, AF DSP. IT WORKS QUITE WELL.
6.  Is US$ 1,500 a fair price? It seems a bit too near the price of a
new
FT1000MP Mk V Field (US$ 2000). FAR TOO MUCH.
7.  Is it worth the extra over a TS850S which would be about half the
price? NO.

Also, any general comments about the rig would be most appreciated.
UNLESS FACTORY UPDATED, THE EARLY MODELS HAD MORE THAN A DOZEN MAJOR
DEFECTS. ONE HORRIBLE DEFECT IS A STRONG XMITTED 80M SPUR.

Thanks for the help and 73,
Andrew ZS1AN