FT1000MP Mark V Product Review - VA3CR

Yaesu FT-1000MP MARK-V Transceivermodel is fitted with both 2.4kHz filters and500Hz filter for the second IF; the 250Hz,2.0kHz and 500Hz third IF filters are optionalextras, as also is a 500Hz filter for the subreceiver IF. The Mark-V uses a 10-pole Collinsmechanical filter for the 2.4kHz third (455kHz)IF, which gives improved skirt selectivity comparedwith the original ‘MP’ 8-pole filter. Theother difference between the two models is theway that the filters are selected. With the Mark-V three buttons select normal, narrow 1 ornarrow 2 bandwidth settings, which are differentfor each mode and can be user set from thecustom menu.The Enhanced Digital Signal Processingcircuit (EDSP) provides a number of additionalfiltering functions for both the receiverand the transmitter audio path, as well asdigital modulation and demodulation to/fromthe 10.24kHz IF. On receive, EDSP providesfour different filtering contours for improvingreadability under difficult conditions.These selectable contours provide a bandpass(see IDBT later), low, mid or high cut-off tothe audio pass-band. Four audio peakingfilters with steep sides and minimal ringingmay be selected, giving bandwidths of 60,120 or 240Hz on CW and an optimisedbandwidth for data use. One of four differentnoise reduction algorithms may be implementedon receive, to improve readabilityunder various conditions and an auto notchwill effectively track and notch-out multipleheterodynes on SSB signals. On transmit,EDSP provides equalisation for four differentmicrophone audio characteristics, as well assome filter tailoring to give the best audioquality depending on microphone and voicecharacteristics. Although all these functionswere largely available on the original radio,user access to the functions has been greatlyimproved with the Mark-V by providing separatebuttons for each, in particular the audiopeaking filter which had to be set from theuser menu in the original radio.Three alternative receiver RF amplifiersmay be selected, a wideband amplifier coveringthe whole receiver range, a tuned lowgain amplifier covering 1.8-7MHz, and ahigh gain low noise tuned amplifier covering24-30MHz. In addition, the RF amplifiermay be switched out (IPO) or threelevels of attenuation inserted. Other receiverfunctions include IF shift / width andIF notch, fast/slow AGC, variable CW pitchand noise blanker.Apart from a completely new PA system,transmit features include an RF-based speechprocessor, full- and semi-break-in, VOX, variablepower output, audio monitor and auto-ATU with band/frequency stores. A fullyfeaturedcontest memory keyer is also built in.The multi-coloured fluorescent display isvirtually identical to the original radio, just acouple of status indicators are changed. Thedisplay is a little dimmer than before, but theunlit segments are somewhat less obtrusive.Both VFO frequencies and clarifier arecontinuosly displayed with memory number,status indicators and five bargraphs for Smeters, TX functions and tuning, all with orwithout peak hold.The rear panel connectors are the same asthe earlier model, providing twin selectableantenna sockets, twin key jacks, twinheadphone jacks and interfacing to externalreceiver, external receive antenna, linears, remotetuners, data TNCs and the DVS-2 voicestore. Transverters are accommodated withdisplay of the transverted frequency and anRS-232C port allows direct computer controlat 4800 baud. Although I did not have achance to check out the computer interface,the command set and data protocols appearidentical to the earlier version. 89 of the transceiver’ssettings are user programmable, evendown to providing fine trimming of the variousoscillator frequencies. This is largely thesame as the earlier model but with some additions.Extensive facilities are included for datamodes. Check out the earlier review for furtherinformation on all these aspects.CHANGES INTRODUCEDPROBABLY THE MOST noticeable physicaldifference between the original radio and the30 RadCom ♦ October 2000Untitled-1308/28/02, 10:21 AM