[Yaesu] Yaesu Mark V Field - Beginner Questions

[MVSOPEN@aol.com]

I just ordered my new Yaesu MK-V Field on Saturday, and delivery is expected 
"Real Soon Now". So, because I've been out of HF for years (Last rig was a 
757), I'm positive that almost everything with this rig will be a new 
experience for me. 

Therefore, I'd like to get in contact with other Mark V Field owners, so we 
can exchange notes on the rig, discuss computer interfaces, etc. 

As it is, I've already got a few questions:

1. Is the "Deluxe Microphone" worth almost $400? Ouch!

2. What about the voice recorder? I plan on using the rig for field day. Is 
this a useful feature, or a rather expensive "toy". Ditto the remote 
controller.

3. Some optional filters are available. What are the pros and cons of these?

4. Does anyone know where you can download the manuals, in Acrobat or text 
form?

5. What about user mods, tips, techniques, etc? How can you adjust the 
quality of the transmit audio? How a rig sounds is equally important to me as 
how well it receives. 

I've already discovered a great web page for Mark V owners at:

http://www.qsl.net/va3cr/ 

but the MK-V Field is so new, there appears to be little information. Even 
Yaesu doesn't yet have the rig listed on their site yet.

(For those who may not have seen it yet, The Mark V Field appears to be 
virtually identical to the Mark V, except power output is 100 watts, and the 
switching power supply is built in. Yes, it  comes with an AC line cord. No 
more Astron under the bench!)

*Sigh* Life, as they say, is very good.

73's

Rich
(Tuning up a 20 meter vertical, even as you read this)