[Yaesu] FT890-initial impressions

[Deon Erwin]

Hi John

The FT-900 is exactly the same radio as the FT-890, only packaged
differently with improved cooling and a detachable face for mobile use.  The
FT-900 was released some time after the FT-890 and the FT-890/FT-900
circuitry and internal tuner have been hailed as one of Yaesu's milestones.

My friend has had an FT-890 installed at his busy Pactor gateway for a long
time and his radio rolls along, year after year.  An FT-900 is installed at
my remote controlled HF station where it also delivers sterling service
without falter.  I installed the TCXO and Inrad filters and the radio is
rock steady under all conditions.  Although the internal tuner is not
required at the remote station, it has always performed to expectations.

Based on my experience with the FT-900, I am sure you will enjoy the FT-890.

73
Deon ZS1ZL

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Geiger (NE0P)" <ne0p at lcisp.com>
To: <nh6cj at yahoo.com>; <w5ssg at earthlink.net>; <ke7n at arrl.net>;
<dross at sirinet.net>
Cc: <Yaesu at mailman.qth.net>
Sent: Thursday, November 10, 2005 1:03 AM
Subject: [Yaesu] FT890-initial impressions


I got the used Yaesu FT890 in today about 15 minutes before having to go
back to work, so I had very limited time to try it out (and was a little
late to work).  Here are my initial impressions of it.

2 things that impressed me:
1. The feel of this radio is top notch.  The controls feel like a high
quality rig.  The Kenwood TS690 I have feels pretty cheap in comparison.
One AES add called it the mobile version of the FT1000.  I wouldn't go that
far, but it does have the same fit and finish as the FT1000, and some very
similar type controls.  Very impressive for a middle range mobile rig.

2. I have heard some people say that the FT890 has the best internal tuner
ever made, and I have to agree.  It matches up things my LDG Z100 won't.  It
matched my dipole on every band I tried, except for 160.  It matched the
miniquad on 12 and 17, where that antenna isn't resonant.  I don't know why
they can't put this type of internal tuner in every modern rig.

One downside was that the Noise Blanker is similar to the one in the TS690,
which means adequate at best.  It didn't do a whole lot for the line noise I
get here, but using the NB along with turning off the preamp (turning on the
IPO) quieted things down enough.  After turning on the IPO it was quieter
than the TS690 with its AIP on (their version of IPO).  I am sure it is
sensitive enough that it really doesn't need the preamp on.  Still, the NB
is a far cry from the one in the FT100D or TS2000.  Wish they could put that
type of NB in every rig.

The CW filter sounded good.  Didn't really find enough crowded band
conditions to really try it out though.  And it has a real manual IF notch.
Much better than those stupid autonotch filters they put in rigs today, or
the AF notch the TS690 has.

Overall, an impressive rig so far, especially given what I paid for it.

73s John NE0P