[Icom] FT-100D vs. IC-706MKIIG

Sat, 29 Mar 2003 23:39:37 -0800 (PST)

Price is not really better for Icom.  With the FT100D
you get a 500 HZ CW filter included.  For the Icom it
costs an extra $100.  You also get a free TCXO with
the FT100D, and it costs an extra $150 plus
installation for the Icom.  In addition, the Yaesu has
a built in memory keyer.  The Icom has a built in
keyer, but no memories.  Add $20 or so for a used
memory keyer.  TTP mic is standard with yaesu, think
this is an option for Icom, with more $$$ spent.

So overall, the Yaesu does come out being cheaper if
you plan on using any of these options.  Also, the
FT100D has better DSP-meaning more features like a DSP
bandpass filter. Works great on CW, and seems OK on
SSB.  I don't run alot of SSB, but was playing around
with it during the WPX today and it did help on some
signals.  Such a DSP filter is not an option for the
706, but you can add a SSB filter in the 706 which you
cannot do in the Icom.  The NB does work much better
on the FT100D, removing almost all noise you throw at
it.  This included electrical noise, which allows me
to operate from home without the constant S5 noise
level on HF that I see with other rigs.

On the issue of performance and reliability, yes the
early FT100s did have problems, but Yaesu fixed them. 
They just didn't renumber it like Icom did.  Go and
look at the QST review for the original 706.  The
receiver had terrible numbers, the transmitted signal
was pretty dirty, and the ergonomics were poor.  QST
even mentioned these drawbacks.  So Icom fixed the
problems, and came out with the 706MKII, and finally
the MKIIG by adding 70cm and DSP as standard, although
by the end of the MKII run DSP was being included.

Now go look at the QST review for the FT100.   The
receiver numbers were good for the first model-better
than the 706MKIIG numbers, and comparable to many
higher priced radios.  The FT100 has a Blocking DR of
130DB on 20 meters.  You don't see that high of a BDR
on many rigs that cost twice as much.  The transmitted
signal is cleaner than the original 706 was, and the
ergonomics are better.  The dedicated DSP button is
very nice-and it helps you to get through the menus
quicker also.  The big problem with the Yaesu was one
design flaw-the rig would tend to go into self
oscillation at a frequency around 13mhz when on the 12
and 10 meter bands.  Yaesu fixed the problem with some
other ground straps.  This fix has been in place for
some time now, and there are no more problems with it.
 Icom instead put out a rig with a pretty poor
receiver because they wanted to hit the market first,
and later updated it.  

In terms of service, go to the eham.net reviews. You
can read plenty of horror stories about Icom's service
department.  I think the big problem has to do with
price and profit margin.  You are trying to get a rig
fixed that Icom or Yaesu made very little on.  If you
have a FT1000D or an Icom 775, you will probably get
much better service, but then you paid alot more for
it, and Icom/yaesu made alot more money on it.

Don't get me wrong, I am not bashing Icom.  I have
owned several Icom HF rigs, and really liked them.  I
am just trying to call it as I see it.  I really like
my FT100D,and think for the price it is a tremendous
buy.  When you consider that I got mine used, but in
mint condition for a total outlay of $390, it can't be
beat (I had to do a little buying, trading and
swapping rigs to get it at that price).  I have used
an Icom 706MKII for a couple of weeks, and it did OK. 

Either rig will do you just fine. Good luck with your
decision.

73s John NE0P

--- Mike Olbrisch <[email protected]> wrote:
> 
> 
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [email protected]
> [mailto:[email protected]]On
> > Behalf Of Charles Barkowski
> > Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2003 2:32 AM
> > To: [email protected]; [email protected]
> > Subject: [Icom] FT-100D vs. IC-706MKIIG
> >
> >
> > Ok, I need some advice here.
> > 706MKIIG - $739 w/ free shipping and free remote
> mounting kit
> > 100D - $719 no free shipping and seperation kit is
> extra $69
> > Thanks!
> 
> 
> Price only, looks like the 706 is the better deal.
> 
> I have a 706 mk-I, and I LOVE IT.  Seems the only
> real complaint people make
> about it is that the Yaesu has a better noise
> blanker.
> 
> I am sure within hours you will have made up your
> mind.
> 
> If you do get the Yaesu, don't come here asking for
> help! Yaesu is off-topic
> on an ICOM list.
> 
> <grin>
> 
> Mike.  KD9KC
> El Paso, TX
> 
> 
> ----
> Your Moderator: Dick Flanagan W6OLD,
> [email protected]
> Icom Users Net: Sundays, 1700Z, 14.315 MHz
> Icom FAQ: http://www.qsl.net/icom/

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