[Yaesu] Long term prognosis for FT100D

[John Geiger]

I have a yaesu FT100D which has worked great for me so
far.  Like the receiver, and think it works fantastic
on CW.  WHile it isn't as easy to use as the Icom 746
I used to have, and doesn't come with an autotuner, it
still gets the job done, and contains 432 also.  Even
better, the NB takes out almost all of the noise I
have at my QTH.  The 746 would not do that.

However, I remember seeing horror stories about the
FT100 on various reflectors and the FT100 bulletin
board (which seems to have died).  Things about the
finals going bad often, etc.  In addition to SSB and
CW, I do run digital modes and FM on the FT100D.  On 2
and 70 cm I am running at 25-30% of total power
because both bands have amps which require 10 watts
in.  On HF and 6 meters I reduce power to 50% when
going in digital modes.  Have not run any 10 meter FM
yet.

I have had the fan mod performed, so the fans run all
of the time on 2 meters and 70cm, in addition to HF
and 6 meters.  My serial number is in the 1I range. 
Are the horror stories rare instances, or are their
problems that will eventually appear with long term
use.  Really like the radio so far, but don't want
something that breaks down at the worst possible time.
 What are others experiences with the FT100 after 3 or
4 years of hard use?  Given the fan mod, and the low
power for the digital modes and FM, should everything
be fine with my rig?

Any reassurances would be appreciated

73s John NE0P



=====
John Geiger
Assistant Professor of Psychology, Cameron University
Ham Call NE0P, active 160-23cm
Yaesu FT100D and Icom T81A 
Now on RTTY, PSK, Hellschreiber, MFSK16, JT44, and HSMS with WSJT
SMIRK 5768, 10X 67581, 6 club 497, Geratol #853
5BWAS, 5BWAZ, 5BWAC, DXCC, 3 VUCCs on 50mhz: from EN41, EN51, EM04

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