[Yaesu] Yaesu FT990 opinions wanted

[Ron Youvan]

> I have a Yaesu FT990 on the way (supposed to be here
> Friday) and am looking for any opinions, good or bad,
> about how this rig does as a contesting and DXing rig.

   I love mine.  There is a nice RX+RT clarifier (+/- 9.99 kHz)
that can be used to monitor or QSY up or down if you develop
the technique.
   It can work "split" cross band or whatever you want.
It has two VFO's "A" and "B" to jump back and forth with.
(one knob, just switch between them, like most single receivers.)
You can have a separate TX and RX antenna.

   As stated by others it is what it is, you need to learn to
use it to it's best.
Don't be alarmed by the lack of pre-amp on/off switch, it
doesn't need one.
   I have a friend with one, he has never used any of the 90 memory
locations, I have at least 60 in use.  It has a memory scan that
I have never used.
   It's a great receiver to scan the bands with to find the MUF or
to find activity, it has an (additional) memory location for each
band plus "general" (non ham band) and you can key in any frequency
with the key pad in a second or two.
   The auto (only) antenna tuner is great, I tuned up on 80 meter
with my 40 meter dipole, and the output transistors saw no reflected
power.  I couldn't believe it.  It's true. (I didn't work anyone.)

   It does not use menses, to change anything, you turn
the power on with a button combination held down. I love mine.
   I am a CW kind-a guy, I have always received great reports
on the transmit audio quality, I usually use the compressor.
-- 
    Ron  KA4INM - My Florida property tax is 7 times what it was
                  3 years ago with no change on my part. OUCH!