[Yaesu] FT-900 Questions

[Floyd Sense]

The FT-900 CAT is a very capable transceiver that I've used in my fixed
station, as a vacation portable, and mobile (currently mobile).  Regarding
the adequacy of the filters: I've always thought that many hams simply do
not know how to use the IF shift control on a rig to narrow the passband.
The FT-900 has a good IF shift function and I often use it to narrow the SSB
passband down when operating mobile.  I've not measured the resulting
passband using the IF shift to narrow it, but it's adequate to take the
passband down to the limits of intelligibility.  I've used the rig for
contesting on all modes (including RTTY) and was pleased with the
performance.  In mobile operation, the noise blanker is very effective
against ignition noise.  The only drawbacks I see are:

- The knobs are small (!)
- When using the front panel remotely, you sometimes wish that you had all
the controls on the remote panel.  Some of them are only on the main unit's
front or rear panel.  On the other hand, there are no menus to plow through
for basic functions - a big plus for mobile.

I've also owned the FT-900 without the Collins mechanical filter.  The stock
crystal filter in that unit was perfectly adequate and I notice no
difference in normal operating.  Perhaps the mechanical filter skirts are
better or the ultimate attenuation might be better, but I don't believe the
difference is important.

When paired with a small switching supply, like the Alinco DM-330MV, it
makes for a very nice and easily packable portable rig.

K8AC
Floyd Sense in Angier, NC
----- Original Message -----
From: "John O. Newell" <jnewell@attbi.com>
To: <Yaesu@mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 12:13 PM
Subject: [Yaesu] FT-900 Questions


> I'm wondering if anyone here has general comments on the
> FT-900AT or FT-900CAT radios, especially any significant
> positive or negative points?  I'm looking for a HF rig for
> mostly stationary use that has a capable front end and the
> ability to do a respectable job fighting QRM but is also
> capable of being moved to remote locations or mobile use if
> desired.  I'm not a contester.
>
> The only thing I've noted about the FT-900 that seems a
> slight drawback is that there are no alternatives between
> the stock SSB filters and the narrow CW filter.  Or does the
> crystal SSB filter really improve on the filter that comes
> installed in the rig?
>
> Many thanks for any info
> 73
> John Newell KB1FPM
>
>
> Moderator: Ray Brown, KB�STN
> _______________________________________________
> Yaesu mailing list
> Yaesu@mailman.qth.net
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/yaesu
>