[Yaesu] Ft100D vs FT847 Revisited

[John Geiger]

Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment on a
comparison between the radios.  Everyone agreed that
the FT847 was the better radio, except in a mobile
setting.  I don't argue that it is easier to use as a
base station radio, since it is much less menu driven,
and has real buttons and knobs on the front panel.  I
am sure that having 4 antenna jacks is also much
easier.  I must admit I wonder what Yaesu was
thinking, leaving off a built in SWR meter and memory
keyer on the FT847, when the 100 has both of these.

I am mostly confused with the receiver impressions. 
Everyone thought that the FT847 had the better
receiver.  if you look at the QST product review
numbers, the FT847s receiver sucks compared to the
FT100.  Here are the important figures

            BDR     3RDIMDDR      3RD IP
FT847         
20 meters   114        95           +12   
2 meters    96         84           -19 

FT100
20 meters   130        94           +10  
2 meters    113        84           -13
These measurements are with the preamp off on 20
meters, and with the preamp on for 2 meters, because
the preamp is always on for the Ft100D on 2 meters. 
The 130 BDR for the FT100D is impressive.  It beats
rigs like the Icom 746, Kenwood TS2000, and the Icom
756PRO.

Even more telling is the second order intercept point.
 It is +51.7 for the Ft100D, and +14.7 for the FT847. 
I do not look at the 2nd order IP alot in reviews, but
the FT847 has the lowest one I have ever seen.

I like numbers-they are somewhat more objective, and
easy to compare.  I am currently teaching two
statistics courses at the college level, so I
understand numbers real well.  What aren't these
numbers telling me?  How can the numbers show a much
better receiver in the FT100, but everyone
subjectively rates the FT847 much better?

73s John NE0P
  

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