[Yaesu] FT-900 Questions

Tue, 3 Sep 2002 17:47:00 -0500

John,
I would like to agree with all that Floyd has do say about the FT-900. I
have the CAT model with a 250 Hz CW filter, and have used the radio for all
of the above as has Floyd, and have been well satisfied. I have not used it
on RTTY but have used it for PSK31, which is not really my thing, so most
experience has been SSB and CW, base, portable, Field Day, and mobile. Some
things I would like to add. I really like the overall game plan of the
radio, enough knobs for usual use, and menus for things that you usually set
and forget. The metering is great, set for signal strength on receive and
power and SWR on transmit, same setting. Radio is basically very quiet, more
quiet that my FT-990. Antenna tuner is great, has matched separate 15 and 20
meters dipoles from 40 to 10 meters. Can't say much about the filters as I
use a Timewave DSP-59Y for base operations, and that covers up any problems
that may exist, like the low frequency rumble from my Ten-Tec Scout. My only
drawbacks would be cooling fan is a bit noisy in base station operation,
doesn't matter mobile, and memory/VFO/bandswitching is a bit tricky, still
haven't mastered it, and it doesn't have dual band stacking registers like
the FT-840 and others. Still for simplicity, radio, mike or key, power, and
antenna, I consider it the best choice available, new or used. My FT-900 CAT
is a keeper. You might look at eHam's evaluations also. Hope this is of
interest.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Floyd Sense" <[email protected]>
To: "John O. Newell" <[email protected]>; <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 03, 2002 1:44 PM
Subject: Re: [Yaesu] FT-900 Questions


> 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" <[email protected]>
> To: <[email protected]>
> 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
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>
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