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| Reviews Summary for Yaesu FT-2000/2000D |
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Reviews: 184
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Average rating: 4.3/5
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MSRP: $2.995
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Description: HF/VHF-Transceiver (160 - 6 m) with 100 Watt output or 200 Watt with external power supply. Successor of the very popular FT-1000MP (Mark-V/Field). RF and LF scope. High dynamic range front end. 6 KHz and 12 KHz Roofing Filters. IF-DSP. Sub receiver.
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More info: http://www.yaesu.com
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You can
write your own review of the Yaesu FT-2000/2000D.
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WE1X
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Rating: 4/5
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Aug 31, 2008 07:47
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Interesting Radio with High Potential
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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I've been playing with my FT-2000D and DMU-2000 for almost a month now. I will echo what many satisfied FT2K owners have said: (a) the learning curve is long and steep, and (b) read the manual. This is NOT an intuitive radio like the Icom 756 Pro III. However, if you take the time to learn features, functions and the Yaesu-way of doing things I think you will be very pleased. As with any radio there is room for improvements such as better DSP implementation in the FT2K's digital noise reduction function. However, I can also say that the latest firmware upgrade (v1.39) done this past Friday has already resulted in a number of improvements. Hence, if Yaesu keeps up the good work the FT2K has the potential of becoming a stellar radio in its price class. Yes, the ARRL, Sherwood and W8JI lab data point out marginal specs. I cannot argue with that. However, there is more to evaluating the radio under lab conditions and that should be taken into consideration. Yet, the ARRL review presented in the February 2007 issue sums it up nicely..I quote:
"The ARRL Lab test results are in Table 1 and are shown graphically in the Key Measurements Summary. Perhaps not surprisingly, if you pay more, either for Yaesu or its competitors, you can achieve even better performance. Still, the FT-2000 performance sits comfortably between that of the FT-1000 line and the FTDX-9000 radios, competitive with others in its price range, and somewhat better in some areas, perhaps due to the use of multiple roofing filters."
Harry WE1X
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KE4EX
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 30, 2008 21:43
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Getting better with updates
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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With 147 menu items controlling nearly every conceivable function of this radio and a manual that’s nearly ¾ inch thick, the FT 2000/D is NOT for the appliance operator.
Reading and understanding what was read is essential. Assistance from a current owner is very helpful (hams helping hams). Joining a user group, can also help reduce confusion.
The Yaesu FT 2000 has growing pains, “no doubt”, released before it was ready, “seems that way at times”. Updates are starting to show up more often and their working. She is in need of some adjustments. The Yaesu FT 2000/D is in her infancy stages.
However, it will not be too long before the FT2K will be, a great contender.
I have compared the FT-2000 with several radios. Not trying to find out which radio is better, but getting an idea as to how she is doing and what adjustments I can do to bring the FT2K in line with a known great performer. Some issues were very obvious some not. Some were questionable, some not.
A short list of some of the radios used. The almighty FT-1000 MKV Field. The
blistering Kenwood TS-950 SDX and TS 940S. And yes, the tried and true veteran, Icom 756 Pro III.
As a new kid on the block the FT2K dose have growing pains. The fixes will be accomplished by online updates, the wave of the future. However, understanding the manual is very important. Getting help from others is equally important. Take your time and you will be the proud owner/operator of an outstanding transceiver.
After testing and adjusting I now have a very quiet receiver noise floor, smooth clean receive audio, awesome transmit audio. I am able to shed off adjacent noise. Now on C/W, (my favorite operating position), I found this transceiver as good as my Ten Tec Omni C, now that’s saying something….
I guess in closing I offer this suggestions. You spent a lot of money for a transceiver. Don’t give up, stay strong, read the manual, don’t be to proud to ask questions, join a Yahoo user group.
73
ke4ex
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WV1K
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 24, 2008 10:40
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What technical errors ?
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I have two FT-1000MP MK V with INRAD filters in both IFs at 1, 500 and 250 KHz to compare it to as well as many other radios with real antennas. My late 2006 radio is just fine. I've been at this for over 20 years. There are no "technical errors" in earlier versions. Sorry to disagree. Send me the board changes to look at before inflating the value of some serial numbers at the expense of others'.
The rig did not magically change with the 8 serial numbers. It's why it has firmware...
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IK0YKM
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 24, 2008 09:24
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Very good transceiver
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Fantastic and beautiful radio!!
I have the Yaesu FT-2000D. I had purchased after the Yaesu FT-1000MP Mark V (200 w version) and Icom IC-756 Pro III.
The models after 2008 (s/n 8C...) don't have the technical errors of the other model
I have adjusted all menu to my personal preferences (very difficult but resolvable reading the user manual).
All external reports are "great", fine and very clear modulation with the original handle microphone MH-31B8.
Perhaps a desk microphone MD-200 is better.
DSP work very well.
I'm very satisfied
Henry IK0YKM
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EI7BA
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 16, 2008 16:22
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Excellent
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've had my FT-2000 for almost two years now. I sold my beloved FT1000D, and also my MP. I'm really pleased with this rig. It is very well laid out, and easy to use. Most of the original problems have been cured, or greatly improved, by the latest upgrades. It is really great value for money.
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WZ0O
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Rating: 4/5
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Aug 15, 2008 07:02
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Good radio for the price
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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OK I have had the FT2000 for a year now and I am still finding new ways to use it. It has its faults (DSP and NB) but those issues are better after the last update. The audio processor is still not right and I don't use it but have found I really don't need it. I get great audio reports on qso's and have been ask several times what kind of add on audio goodies I use.None Hi Hi
I do have the DMU and it works great with the radio. The only trouble I have had was noise from the Samsung LCD. Still working on that but its not the radio's fault.
I know I may be a slow learner but take your time with this rig. You will not get the best out of it until you find out that small changes make a huge difference. For now the FT2000 has the #1 spot in the shack and I am happy. For all it does this radio is a bargain.
Brad
WZ0O
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OZ4P
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Rating: 5/5
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Aug 4, 2008 11:49
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Pro and con about FT-2000
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Time owned: 3 to 6 months
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Gentlemen.
I have recently gotten the FT-2000 and a bit later the ICOM IC756PROIII. Why I purchased the FT2000? Well I belived it would be a step ahead compared to the Ft1000 MrV Field I had. And it was a step forward.
I will NOT get into all the technical issues and specifications (too many have already done that) but only my gut-feelings. I read a lot on eham reviev about pro's and con's about the FT2000. I was a bit sad reading all the negative comments because one thing is the technical side and the other side is how it preforms.
Here I will admit that after having used the rig I am positive surprised. It works well, people who need to hear me comes thru, no problem. Get great report on my audio and the rig has a great audio output.
I get the signal to and from from the DX'er I call and have no problems really. Yes some small detail who only real advid DX'er would notice. Like the NB and things like this.
As mentioned I do have the IC756PROII right next to the 2000 and I normally start up both stations and I tend to start up with the 756PROIII but I will admit that after a while I fell more at ease to operate the 2000. I really don't know why but that the way it is. The 756PROIII is also a fantasic rig with it display etc.
To cut it short I really do not feel a great difference between the FT2000 and the 756PROII. Both are in my mind great stations and even it might be a bit overkill to have both rigs I will keep them both for time being.
Which rig would I part with??? To be honest I dont really know.
So finally dont listen to what others have to say..try the rigs out by yourself and then judge.
Go to your ham shop..take the time to listen and compare....
One issue might be importment to one operator and not important to another.
Hear you on the bands soon.
Best DX and 73 de 5P5N (and OZ4P)
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ZS4U
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 23, 2008 01:33
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Good value for money
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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This is my first review on the FT-2000. My back ground - I am a keen DX'er and an occasional contester. I purchased the FT-2000 in Jan 2007. I have operated IC-7800, 756 Pro II, Kenwood TS-2000, FT1000MP etc, etc. extensively in DX hunting and in contesting. Presently also an owner of the IC-7700. People normally reads these reviews to help them decide which radio they want. If you like something then buy it! The FT-2000 is NOT a perfect rig to me nor is an IC-7800 or 7700 - there is NO perfect rig! What the FT-2000 will offer you is a big rig with lots of features at a very reasonable price!
Plus points:
Dual receive.
Built in power supply.
Very sensitive receiver.
Excellent TX audio - use a Heil HC-5 with the speech processor and the rig rocks on DX.
All controls on face - no menu jumping to get job done.
Excellent on CW - TX does not get hot even during contest.
A PC friendly rig that works with almost any rig and contest software.
Very usefull features on DSP like contour filter and filter width control.
Minus points:
NR too overbearing on a signal.
Noisy receiver.
DNF improving with software updates but still limited.
S-meter not linear past 9 +20.
Caution : NOT a plug and play rig - you must spend time with it in order to appreciate the features and settings....
So - why give it a 5 - it is a great rig for the price you pay!
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ON6CV
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 20, 2008 02:14
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Like a child in Christmas time...
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Maybe for the first time, I'm posting a review after ONE FULL YEAR !
I bought my FT-2000 at the end of june 2007 from a German dealer for a fairly good price (2200 Euros), now even a bit cheaper at 2000 Euros !
I'm totally satisfied with that radio compared to, yes, two TENTEC ORION's MK1 I owned just before ! I never experienced ANY troubles with it, I never reset the radio except for firmware updates, everything works each and every day, radio is beautiful, the controls are intuitives and gives a positive feel of what's in front of you.
The EQ is a bit tricky to set but no problem with a second HF receiver connected to a dummy load for example. I'm using studio microphones Neumann KMS105, Heil GM-4 or Heil PR-781.
The receiver is very good for what I'm doing with it, I found the second receiver a pleasure to use also, it gives another interesting sound in receiving SSB signals that is not bad at all !
I'm filling the DXCC slooooooowly looking for DX but I'm not a great DXer and I don't want to be on any Hall Of Fame at all (HI), I prefer SWLing most of the time and the FT-2000 is a real joy for that.
A major firmware update is on it's way for the end of 2008 just after the work on the FTdx9000 will be released. I'm sure that once this major update will be available, my good radio will be a very good radio.
This FT-2000 is here for one full year and I never kept any radio so long. Maybe a sign ? Maybe the radio that is perfect for my operating habits ?
I want a second HF radio to set it for another purpose, I'm really thinking about the sexy FT-950 or the sober TENTEC OMNI VII, my heart will decide in a while but for sure I will keep the FT-2000.
You see ? For one time, I can be positive also !
I'm using the FT-2000 with a RANGER 811H Linear Amp UK + PALSTAR ATDT1500 tuner + RADIO WORKS CW-80 antenna, all of these are also excellent products !
Go to your YAESU dealer and make a place on your shack for this FT-2000, you will not regret it !
Very nice price/performance/features ratio. The best on the market maybe ?
Don't hesitate to contact me personnaly if you have any question ! You can easily find my adress on the QRZ.COM database.
73, Eric, ON6CV / OT6C.
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G3XAP
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Rating: 5/5
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Jul 19, 2008 02:57
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Fabulous CW rig
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I've had the 2000D for 6 months now and bought it to replace a Kenwood TS 570. I wanted something with a good receiver, and the 200 watts capability would help to break the occasional pile up I thought.
I operate about 99% CW and have found the 2000D to be an absolute dream to operate on this mode.
However, phone operating is not so straightforward. My first attempts on SSB were met with comments like "your audio is awful - you're difficult to read", etc. I soon realised that the audio pre-amp is extremely sensitive (too sensitive in my view), and turning the "Mic" control practically fully counter clockwise solved the problem.
Other SSB rigs that I've owned have been far simpler to set up and operate and I feel that Yaesu haven't done themselves any favours in this respect.
Would I buy it again? You bet I would!!
Phil, G3XAP
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