I've owned (and sadly sold) two FT990's.  One had version 1.3 software, the other version 1.2.
With the 1.3 software no problems running any logging or rig control programs.

With the radio that had version 1.2 NO software would work.  I had a cable from, I think Hosenose and used it on both radios.  I even borrowed a proper Yaesu interface from a friend of mine and it still wouldn't work.
I found out that with the 1.2 software, forget controlling the rig from the computer.

In my opinion, for newbies, a tube rig may not be the best way to go.  I know that tube rigs once you get to know them are great (I used to own a TS830S), but for the newbie, the learning curve might discourage him.
From the big 3, a late serial numbered TS850S, an ICOM 751A, or YAESU FT990 (late serial number).  A TEN-TEC OMNI V is also a good choice.
All four have great receivers and are simple to use.  I wouldn't make a big deal about a radio with or without an automatic tuner.  I've got one in my FT1000MP MKV and never use it.  Most built in  automatic antenna tuners tune a good antenna, but with their limited range not much else.

Just my two bits worth.

73..Graham

Does anyone know what hand mike or headset is the same as the Shure 444D?
The reason I ask, is I've got a 444D on my Yaesu 107m, and of all the mikes I've got, it is the one that I constantly get the best audio reports.  While the desk mike is nice, I like to lean back in the chair while ragchewing and a hand mike or a headset would make this old mans life just right.

Thanks for reading.

I recently picked up an ICOM IC735 as a backup radio, and I want to mate it to my PC for logging and rig control.  The software I use all show the 735 in their rig listings.
A couple of questions:
1: Any recommendations for the rig to computer interface (not the ICOM unit as they are really hard to find).
2: Any information on to baud rate etc for the 735.

Also, is there an ICOM users group (list).  I'm a member of the Yaesu Group on Contesting.com.

Thanks to all and any information.
Graham
VE7ABC

Hi all.  I've got a FT107M and the meter light has just burnt out.  Are these difficult to find, and secondly are they difficult to replace?
I have the owners manual, but not a service manual, so I would also like to know if you have to remove the front panel to replace the bulb if I'm lucky enough to obtain one.  If the front panel needs to be removed, how difficult is it to remove and are there any hidden screws that I should know about?
If you wish to, you can email me at
VE7ABC@RAC.CA

Thanks all and 73..de.
Graham
VE7ABC

Before you buy or sell anything to the above call sign, do a google search of VE3OQC.

I've had a FT1000 MKV Field for 7 years.  It's a great rig, and hopefully will give me more years of service.
From what I've been told, and what I've read, Kenwood, and Icom suffer from the same problems.  When a one off IC is made for a specific use, and then is no longer available, then problems arise for those that have that part in their equipment.
All older solid state equipment suffers this problem, Yaesu is not alone.  I understand the display for the IC781 and the ICPRO are no longer available from Icom, and the Kenwood 850, 930 and 940 have parts that fail that Kenwood no longer has.
I agree with W8JI, buy and enjoy.
73..Graham

My thanks to John, Ed, and VA3GML for your help.
I've fixed the stiff VFO problem.  What it was, was dry grease on the plastic bushing that is used basically as a brake drum.  I removed it, cleaned up the bushing and the band that is applied when you adjust the vfo tension, and all is now OK.  I applied a slight amount of (and I mean slight) an industrial grease to the band and the bushing.  Now the VFO is nice and smooth.  The VFO knob on this radio pulls off.  I just applied a gentle, but steady pull to it, and it came right off.
I took pictures of the tension bushing and band, so if anyone needs these, email me at home, and I'll be happy to send them to you.
I'm waiting for the photos from John on where the battery is actually located, and then I'll tackle that problem.
Thanks again
Graham  VE7ABC

Thanks for the hint John.  I thought this might be the problem, as I had to do that for a Ten Tec Omni V I once owned.

I've just popped the top off, and see that there is a circuit board that is screwed on to it, and in the bottom half of the rig, there is of course another board you can see, underneath a perforated screen.  As I don't have the service manual, I want to tread slowly before unscrewing anything.  Which board is this battery on.
Thanks for your help.
Graham

I was recently became the owner of a Yaesu FT757GX.  There are two problems with the radio, and I was wondering if help might be on board here.
Problem 1:  When you turn the rig on the display shows 7000.0.  Not a big deal I thought as I moved the VFO up frequency. Everything seemed normal, except for the 2nd problem.  I checked out the other functions of the rig, and all seems well.  Now, here is my problem.  When you shut the radio off, and then turn it back on, the rig returns to 7000.0, not the frequency it was on before you shut it down.
Problem 2:  The VFO is extremely stiff to move.  I loosed the adjustment screw on the bottom, but that did not make any difference.  I thought that the VFO shaft/bearing?? might need a drop of lube, but how does the VFO knob come off?  I took off the rubber ring and looked for a hole for a set screw but couldn't' find one.
Other than these two issues, the rig seems to work fine.  Any suggestions as to what the issues might be?
Thanks a bunch
Graham
VE7ABC

If the Shure mike is dual impedance, it will work just fine and dandy on your Yaesu.  I use one with my FT1000 MKV and have been told by many my signal sounds fine.  If you email me (VE7ABC@RAC.CA, I'll look for the instuction sheet I've got and scan it and then email it to you.  You will have to of course make some type of adapter up.
73..

My cw skills are somewhat limited, so I'm looking for a program that receives and sends cw via the computer.
I've got a couple of programs that receive very well, but won't send without building some type of an interface.  I've got a Signallink unit that sends and receives PSK31 and RTTY with no problem (software on the disc provided), but no such luck with a cw program.
With all the software out there for RTTY & PSK31, one would think that simple software could/should be available.  I know years ago, I had an old Commodore computer and an interface that plugged into the game port and it would send and recieve cw.
Any suggestions?

Thanks
Graham

NADA,ZILTCH, NOTHING.  
I would like to know how many hams in B.C., Washington, and Oregon have worked or heard FT5GA.  I retired this year, so I get to spend more time in the shack, and I haven't seen to many Northwestern hams spotting the call on the local dx cluster.
I agree with others, this dxpedition seems to be poorly run.
Oh well, if I work 'em, I work 'em, if I don't life goes on.
See you in the pileups.

Thanks for the info. John.
Downloaded the software and all is well now.
73
Graham

Anyone out there know of freeware software for the KPC3 TNC?
Please let me know.
73.
de..Graham
VE7ABC
gshortre@telus.net