[Yaesu] Mechanical vs. Crystal filters

[mikea]

On Wed, Aug 16, 2006 at 07:38:02AM -0700, John Geiger wrote:
> Is there any reason why Yaesu has been using
> mechanical filters in many of their latest
> transceivers?  Aren't crystal filters better-even
> though the mechanical filters have the "Collins" name
> on them?

"Better" in what sense, John? 

As I understand it, mechanical filters can be designed to have flatter
response and steeper skirts than any crystal filter in the same price
range, and that's what made them instantly popular. At the same time,
they can exhibit mechanical ringing after the input signal stops, 
which crystal filters don't do. 

It's very much a case of deciding what you want to have and how much 
you'll pay for it, and then looking at the resultant list. 

-- 
Mike Andrews, W5EGO
mikea at mikea.ath.cx
Tired old sysadmin