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| Reviews Summary for Watkins Johnson 8718A/MFP |
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Reviews: 2
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Average rating: 5.0/5
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MSRP: $1000+
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Description: Multiprocessor version of the venerable WJ8718A
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More info: http://
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write your own review of the Watkins Johnson 8718A/MFP.
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W4EWJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Mar 8, 2005 20:47
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excellent rf performance
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Time owned: months
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Trying to be objective about the review...but
having owned Collins, Racal and used many other
high end rcvrs...the 87xx series is (considering
3 criteria) in my opinion the best ... the
3 criteria are:
1. RF performance
2. ease of repair/maintainability
3. build quality
The 8718A/MFP is a dream to use...scan, memories, keypad entry, BITE, and with
RS232 option PC controlable. The RF performance
is equal to the best modern commercial rcvrs with
the exception of effective DSP and SAM if you
listen to AM...but in all fairness the AM fidelity of the 8718 is pretty damned good. At
< .4microvolt at 16db the factory spec sensitivity is supurb. The MFP option is a little
rare and considered very desireable by those of
us who like WJ rcvrs...
Like all WJ products this was a surveillance/intercept rcvr and the build quality
exceeds most other rcvrs with the possible exception of R & S and the pre Racal 1772 series.
The mere ease of repair (if you're lucky enough
to own extender cards) is outstanding...although
synthesizer pblms, fortunately rare can be trying
but thats true of all other modern rcvrs as well.
The next generation of the 87xx series is the
8711 and the 8712 which is a PC radio but does
come with an optional front panel.
See my review of the 8709 half rack version of the 8718A
EWJ
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DAROBIN
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 16, 2004 16:34
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Powerhouse Oldie
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Those familiar with the WJ8718 series of receivers are certainly familiar with the MFP version. This stands for Multiprocessor Front Panel, which essential means you have a radio that, although many years older than the latest wonder sets by Ten Tec and JRC, can probably give them a good run for the money.
The MFP is a multimode wonder, with FM, USB, LSB, AM, ISB, and two levels of CW reception (V for variable and F for fine). AGC options are Manualo, Slow and Fast, with five selectivity buttons below (sorry no DSP). There are also 100 memories with Recall and Store buttons next to a double LED digit bank at the bottom.
The keyboards on the 8718 MFP and 8718A differ. I have a 8718 formerly in service with the FAA, and its buttons are demonstrably different, but almost preferable to the changed design in the A version, which are kind of "spongy"
At the top above the main WJ tuning knob, which is famous for its heft, you have a separate three digit LED display for CW fine tuning, next to the main LED display. My 8718A has 1 hz readout option installed. To the right of the knob, the tuning rate buttons, which on the non MFP 8718 versions were large mechanical buttons with small red colored inserts that show in the button.
If you're looking for a receiver built like a tank, that cost when it was new in the multi-kilobuck range (I think the WJ price sheets are still out there on the web) this is the one for you.
MFP versions are probably the rarest of the WJ HF receivers right now, but they have varied widely in price. Usually they will go for 1200 - 2000, but recently one went for $999, which says more about the strangeness of ebay than anything else.
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