[Yaesu] Re: FT-990 Answers - LONG

Thu, 19 Dec 2002 04:54:14 +0000

> . . . am strongly considering purchasing a FT-990. 

> (1) Was there any serial number run that may be problematic 

> (like with the TS-940, for example) 

   I only heard of one, earlier units had the 13.8 Volt Molex connector
at the bottom edge, when the radio is tipped up, the connector presses
on the table top, I was told it was moved up a little in the later
versions.
   You might want to find out the latest ROM version (firm ware) from
Yaesu es if they will still bring any FT-990 you purchase up to the
latest version of firmware es all else. {es price}
(Improvements since that unit was built.)
   Then check the firmware version number before you buy one.
(You power it up holding down a button.)

> (2) What stock filters (if any) did the rig come with?

   Contrary to what others here have said, the 2.4 k is the only standard
factory filter I heard of. (some dealers may have added one or two in the
deal)  At other times other filters might have been supplied. ?
Unlike my FT-757GTII that has very leaky filters, where signals go around
the edges, my Yaesu FT-990 2.4 k, 2.0 k es 500 H filters are tight es
good.

   Two versions of the 990 were sold, the FT-990 es the FT-990DC, the DC
was the standard FT-990 shipped without the internal SWITCHING 13.8 Volt
20 Amp. power supply.  I was told by Yaesu the supply (es a rubber stamped
"DC" on the box) is the only difference.
   My 990 does not have the internal supply, I use a deep cycle battery es
a 20 Amp. external supply.  The internal supply is good, but with out full
ventilation can have a high failure rate.  It is a very light weight power
supply. (I think it would be great to operated from hotel/motel rooms with.
   Without the internal power supply the rest of the radio gets some added
ventilation.

> (3) Any after-market filter suggestions? (like the InRad line). More 

 > specifically, recommended filters for contesting es Dx'ing.

   I am satisfied with the quality of my Yaesu filters. I RC on CW.

> The eham.net reviews of the 990 are impressive, but if there is something 

 > else I should know regarding this rig, please let me know.

   A very fine CW rig, U won't find a replacement pre-amp. that is better,
there is none better, in fact there is no way or need to bypass it.
   Cross talk from adjacent signals is very good, the [RF gain] control
is actually a PIN diode attenuator in front of the pre-amp.
   The desk mic is the best I have seen in a long time, it has a `counter
wound' coil around the mic capsule to cancel induced hum from magnetic fields,
such as a desk mounted power supply or fluorescent lamp.

   I wish my fluorescent display was brighter, I love the amber everything
es the analog meter.
   On the down side, the unit consumes 5 Amps. in receive.
   Please tell us us your experiences.
-- 
        73 (= Best Regards) de: Ron [email protected]
     100% Slack. since July, 1997 (still free!) SENT D&T are UTC
        Visit my HAM Web SITE at: http://www.qsl.net/ka4inm