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You can
write your own review of the Yaesu FT-2000 (PEP-2000 enhanced version). AKA Mark 2.
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KC2OYZ
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Rating: 4/5
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Jan 29, 2012 15:39
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Learning Curve... BUT
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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Not too long ago I upgraded from an FT-950, which I loved, to the FT-2KD. For the first couple of weeks, I was not a happy camper - had problems with the RX - low AF out, very noisy, etc. Also found that there was just too much radio compared to what I was used to - to many things to play with and adjust.
After hanging out on the Yahoo user group for a while I learned how to the set the menus so that the AF output is fine, and I've learned how to drive the rig - what to pay attention to, what to adjust.
Now, after a month or so and a lot of very good signal (I run 200 watts with compression cranked up - meter often shows 225 or 230w on peaks) and unsolicited great audio reports, and working just about everything I can hear (except for mile high pileups which I don't bother with) I'm starting to love this radio.
I use it with and MD-100 and a manual tuner (Dentron Super Tuner) - the ATU is generally useless for my antennas - strange wire configurations.
There IS a learning curve if you're coming from most other radios and I still find the RX noisy and harsh on the ears. This has been mitigated by shelling out $200 for an SP-2000 - I run from the external speaker jack out to the speaker and plug my good Sony audiophile phones into the post filtering headphone jack on the SP-2000 - the filters on the SP-2000 combined with judicious use of the the rig's DSP make things pretty OK.
The radio does feature dual-stereo output mixing VFO A and B, but I haven't seen much benefit from it since I work phone and it's touted mostly for CW and of course the external speaker jack and the SP-2000 are MONO (just another example of Yaesu's weird way of doing things...). With bandstacking, memory mode and QMP I really don't use VFO B at all. So don't buy it for stereo if you're a phone operator.
Overall I'm glad I bought this radio and stuck it out with it - looks great, works great, and it's big and well made, IMO a worthy successor to the FT-1000 line. The small companion PSU for the 2000D is also a plus for me - very limited space - sure beats having a 50 lb Astron under the desk. I know the FT-DX5000 is supposed to be the gold standard now, but that's a LOT of $ for a radio.
As mostly a weekend DX chaser and casual contester, the FT2000D is a winner for me - I don't plan on looking for a new radio any time soon.
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EI4HQ
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Rating: 4/5
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Oct 25, 2011 20:53
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Following mods, a keeper
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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I've owned this rig since well before the PEP updates arrived. They certainly made a big difference and convinced me to keep the rig at a time when I was beginning to have doubts. Why? Three hardware faults that for me relegated this radio to an "also ran" position: 1. The bad 3KHz roofing filter, 2. a high frequency hiss on the receive audio and 3. the weak RF front end protection. The last of these was easily solved thanks to OK1RR's front end protector. In relation to the roofing filter, like so many others I waited in the wings while technically much more competent folks than me figured out how to fix a bad design flaw. I recently installed the resulting NS filter by Jeff Baline AC0C (see my review here: http://www.eham.net/reviews/review/104407) and it has turned this rig from an ugly duckling into a beautiful swan. It is now a definite keeper. It is a different radio. The NS roofing filter mod puts manners on this rig and turns it into a serious contest/DX machine. I still have the audio hiss but the confidence the NS filter mod has given me (and the fact that I managed to do it myself) means I'm going to look seriously at whether I can figure out a mod to deal with the hiss as well. Barring the 3 faults outlined above, this is a wonderful radio with the best ergonomics of any rig I know. If you own one, get a front end protector - it'll give you great peace of mind - spend the $230 to get the NS filter mod, you won't regret it. Then, sit back and enjoy a truly great rig. If you are one of a small number of unlucky owners to have the audio hiss then there are various means to mitigate it - careful selection of headphones that naturally attenuate the higher frequencies, the SP2000 speaker, outboard audio filters etc. I hope to acquire a permanent fix...
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F4FXH
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Rating: 5/5
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May 24, 2011 11:22
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Very satisfied
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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After 2 years of usage of the FT-2000, I am very satisfied with this transceiver.
I like the ergonomics: all tunables are directly accessible with the knob.
All the tunables through the menus are very interesting to make some tests to increase the characteristics.
The parametic equalizer gives you an opportunity to increase the quality of the signal. After a good tuning with my Heil ProSet Plus, I received a lot of "strong signal" in the reports (only 100W with a small antenna and 60m of coaxial).
The firmware updates are easy, easier withthe CT-119 programming cable (can be used with a USB-Serial adapter).
I am a member of a radio club. The other OMs ask me to bring this rig at the club shack to use it for the contests.
If you hesitate between the FT-2000 and the FT-2000D, I suggest you to choose the D version (200W).
The sub receiver (VFO-B) is very interesting but it works only and the same band as the primary receiver (VFO-A).
You can find a lot of sites and software dedicated to the FT-2000(D).
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G0ORC
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Rating: 5/5
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May 21, 2011 12:05
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Excellent - no problems
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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Upgraded my FT-1000MP Mk V to a FT-2000 a few months ago and and totally sold on the FT-2000. I have always preferred the sound of analogue filtering and I never thought that I would get on with DSP but I was wrong and love the adaptability of the filtering.
I'm was a little concerned when I read stories about blown pre-amps but that one appears to be on early batch radios - mine is a 2009 version and I've had no problems at all
It is an excellent radio for a quite remarkable price.
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VE6MRX
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Rating: 5/5
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Apr 10, 2011 11:10
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Very happy camper
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Time owned: 6 to 12 months
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I have had the FT-2000 PEP for about 6 months and thought it was time to add my thoughts to the reviews. Previously I owned a FT-1000 MKV from new (2006) and really enjoyed that rig.
Our club station has two FT-2000s for base operations and after a very long review process I decided to make the switch and I have not been sorry at all.
Having the experience of the FT-1000 MKV's menu system, the FT-2000 menu is very straight forward; it’s a set and forget process. I really appreciate the ergonomics of the FT-2000; the layout for me is logical and well done. The PEP version performs as well as the FT-1000 MKV with the additional bonus of the way the DSP is managed on the FT-2000. Plus the added feature of being able to custom tailor the transmit audio to your voice and different mics is excellent. Using the PCC-2000 program allows you to store and load those various settings.
As far as noise and sensitivity to my ears the FT-2000 is as quiet as the FT-1000 MKV. I was able to A/B tests from the FT-2000 to a MKV, also to a TS-870 and a TS-830. All heard the weak signals as well but it was the way you are able to manage that signal to the speaker was the difference. They all did a decent job with the definite edge to the FT-2000. It’s hard to compete against a Kenwood for transmit audio but multi band equalizer on the FT-2000 is one step better. In my opinion the quietist rig I have even owned for receive was the old reliable Kenwood TS-820.
The recognized weak point with the FT-2000 is the 3KC roofing filter and after reading Bob Sherwood’s report I will wait to add the 3KC filter mod until my CW skills improve. Still CW the filtering is very decent for our local bands conditions.
For the dollars spent in a new mid range rig I am very pleased and at the end of the day there other choices that may work for depending on your needs and your likes or dislikes.
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WQ1Z
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 24, 2011 18:39
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Easy to like - SSB phone operator
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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SSB phone operator since 2004
Purchased the FT-2000D at Dayton Hamfest in the Spring of 2008. Radio is easy to like, easy to use and to operate. Updated per the PEP upgrades.
Phone operators
Loads of fun to work 'em while matched to a Sounds Sweet speaker, HEil Sound and Julius W2IHY EQ/EQ+ audio circuit outboard gear.
This radio is not for everyone - not for the purists; but is is a lot fun and a solid value.
WQ1Z
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AD9P
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Rating: 5/5
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Jan 16, 2011 15:40
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Very Good
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Time owned: 0 to 3 months
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This is my second go around with a FT-2000.
I bought my original FT-2000 when first released, and was not happy with the FT-2000 at all.
I had a chance to compare the my new FT-2000 with both a K3, and a Kenwood 590s.
I find the Ft-2000 to be very close, and much improved. All radios have strong points, but for the dollar the FT-2000 is hard to beat.
Just a nice BIG , well built radio that performs very well.
Thanks
Al
AD9P
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PA5CA
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Rating: 3/5
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Dec 1, 2010 01:23
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New review FT2K after NS modification
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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FT2000 review up-date:
After long waiting and being patience I finally received my NS 3KHz roofing filter.
It arrived just one day before the start of the CQWW SSB 2010 contest.
Installing it was not a big deal..
The main receiver has improved tremendously specially in relation to strong nearby signals.
My test case was the CQWW SSB .. we had the following setup:
Band 20M
- FT2000 + home brew 4-1000 Amp
- 4 element beam 40ft boom @ 100ft
The 20m band was saturated with extremely strong signals. The FT2K preformed average to good.
The main problem was digging weak signals from the strong ones.. which may have been a problem with any other rig.
I’m still testing the FT2K using the NS filter.
I must admit at home the performance with the NS filter is very well., there is a significant drop of noise engaging the NS filter and the weak signals can be better separated from the side band splatter.
The DSP works better due to the less band with to process, in order the enjoy the full benefit I would suggest to play more with the VRF.
So generally I can say.. the NS filter modification is a must, pity that Yaesu never took their responsibility.
We had to wait almost 3 years for the first software improvements the filter flaw was never admit by Yaesu.
So if I have to rate Yaesu it will be 1/3
In my previous comment see below I rated the FT2K 1/5
Now with the NS filter I rate the FT2K 3/5
73 Frans
-------------------------------------------------------
A FT2000 review on a small expedition.
The PA6Z DX and contest group went down to Luxembourg on a minor Dxpedition LX/PA6Z, the setup was as follows.
A total of 23.195 QSO's was made in six day's
Radio set-up:
- FT1000 mark V + Emtron DX2
- FT2000 + Expert 1K-FA
- FT2000 + SB220
- FT1000d + SB220
- TS950sdx + TL922
- TS950sdx + Alpha 99
- TS440s + SB220
Antenna set-up:
- 6M beam 6 element
- 10M beam 5 element
- 12M beam 3 element
- 15M beam 3 element
- 17M beam 3 element
- 20M TH6DX
- 30M vertical (elevated radials)
- 40M dipole
- 80M dipole
- 160M inverted L + extra beverage RX antenna's
The radio's where not dedicated to the antenna set-up.
All radio's except for the two FT2K's preformed FB one slightly better than the other.
The two TS950sdx radio's preformed flawlessly on CW and sideband, the FT1000d did an excellent job on CW, side band was okay not overwhelming.
The FT1K mark V worked averaged on both CW and sideband.
The TS440 was an average radio nothing special.
But the FT2K's (2006 and 2008 version EDSP 11.53 v1.49) preformed way below all the radio's.. on CW it was workable but on side band both preformed BAD.
We also noticed that both radio's where extremely sensitive for RF feedback.
Both radio's produced so much phase noise that we had to use two external band-pass filters in order to reduce the noise. On 50MHz the noise is uncontrollable when the FT2K was making TX all other radio's suffered from a S6…S9 noise level..
Working pile-ups using the FT2K is a real challenge.. where is was a piece of cake using the TS950sdx.
The FT2K's IF was completely overdriven by strong signals in a pile-up, so signal readability almost reduced to zero.
The audio HISS is an killer… after two or three hours listening you where exhausted.. on all other radio's except the FT1K mark V the long listen time didn't bother at all.
Summarizing:
The way the FT2K is these day's make here a NO go radio. I'm looking forward to the crystal modification of Jeff.
The phase noise is an serious issue if you have an neighbor who also owns a FT2K.
The audio HISS can be modified… and should be modified..
Frans… pa5ca
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WB8YQJ
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 24, 2010 11:24
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DEC 2010 FT2000 Update
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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December 2010 - see my review for the new NS 3khz Roofing Filter for FT2000:
http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/9347
FT2000 PEP Update Review:
The FT2000 is a pleasure to operate and the best desktop transceiver all around for the following reasons -
"DSP" has proved to be a limited solution for modern HF transceivers to date. In certain conditions, no matter how good
the DSP treatment, analog is far superior. I'll exclude K3 from the "far" superior generalization, this radio in my tests
is at least acceptable even in harsh conditions (as in the example below) where the DSP is failing.
The following recording displays one receiving setup where an analog IF strip radio "FT1000MP" simply outperforms a similar
DSP radio "FT2000" - you can hear it but remember it is versus the FT2000 "DSP" side. The FT2000 comparison would have been
greatly more favorable had the operator setup the demonstration versus the FT2000 analog side. Yet, it displays the problem of
IF DSP radios in those conditions.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehdtUtDDhgI&feature=related
FT-2000 DSP side sounds 100% better than FT1000MP in many conditions, like low noise and wide filter width 4.0khz.
So, if the recording were made on a nice low noise day on 20 meters, receiving example a FLEX radio, the MP
would sound very restricted and unpleasant where the FT2000 would be like "in person".
However in 80m/40m high noise conditions as in the above recording, and in narrow filter (CW), the operator must depend on the ANALOG side subreceiver. The DSP cannot keep up with too much noise coming in. If this FT2000 vs FT1000MP comparison was made with FT2000 subreceiver, then it is an "APPLES TO APPLES" true comparison and FT2000 will sound as good as MP.
In my own comparison, the DSP side also sounds disappointing on FT2000 DSP CW (500hz) until the analog subreceiver is used, then the results are greatly improved.
Listen Here:
http://www.zerobeat.net/wb8yqj/nosig.wav
http://www.zerobeat.net/wb8yqj/abtest.wav
There is an entire generation of HF radios where the DSP can be turned OFF, and I suggest these radios
are most often BETTER than DSP only rigs. IC775 is better than IC756Pro in CW and noisy lowband, and
FT1000 or FT1000MP is better than FT2000 (DSP) in those harsh conditions. However the saving grace with
FT2000, the analog receiver is always there to save the day. This is indeed the best of both worlds
and I would not have a DSP only radio from any manufacturer until DSP is better than it is today.
The best DSP I've heard to date under high noise conditions is Elecraft K3. If FT2000 DSP on CW
was as good as K3 DSP, the analog side might not be necessary, but it would still be "nice" to have.
Going with K3 would be the best way to go if the human interface was not a concern.
FT2000 does everything for a great price. FT5000 also does all this, however it is $5500 US. FT2000 is
$2300 US, add $100 for Collins CW filter, and $300 for a roofing filter that works from AC0C.
http://www.ac0c.com/main/page_ft2k_roofing_filters_project_overview.html
This is to suggest that the AC0C roofing filter is needed for competition class
and GAIN antennas. The 3 and 6 KHZ positions do nothing that I can see to
help the receiver under any conditions, neither does the Contour, VRF, or
those expensive and optional Micro Tune modules. I keep the FT2000 in 15khz
roofing filter mode. The stock 15khz roofing filter does a creditable job
under most conditions. Discounting these marketing failures, this is still
the premier HF transceiver in its price class.
The reason is that the RF design is robust, the transceiver is man sized
and feels substantial, and the ergonomics are better than I have ever seen
on any Yaesu transceiver. The display and all of the controls are really
exceptional and complimentary. For example - there are two sets of AF/RF
controls for main and subreceiver and a menu item that will lock the
tuning to both sides of the receiver. For a CW or 80m SSB operator this is
heaven because switching to either receiver simply means cranking one AF up,
and the other down. It also displays the relative benefits of one
side over the other based upon the conditions. It is a very profound
difference for one side or the other, depending on conditions.
Then there is the way the subreceiver knob is leveraged for controlling
the main receiver, it is so powerful and what makes it that way is how
Yaesu implemented it for tuning the pre-stored memories. Example, press
V/M to put the radio into VFO mode. Press until MS and MR cannot be seen
on the LCD display.
Make sure the A/B light is off to enable subreceiver tune knob control
of the main receiver. The band stack keys are all active. The BAND and
MHZ (100KHZ) buttons to the left of the subreceiver tuning knob all allow
you to fly around where you want to go in "VFO MODE". Triple band stacking
means pressing a single band key 3 times will cycle through the available
stored frequencies for that band.
But, press V/M again to see "MR" and now you are flying in "MEMORY MODE".
Spin the subreceiver knob to set the main receiver to any pre-programmed
memory, and hear it while you turn the subreceiver knob.
The added bonus here is this GROUP button that relieves the operator of
100 choices in one big scroll loop and allows 5 pages of 20 memories in
the scroll loop - SO slick. One of my GROUPS is 10m beacons, another,
10m repeaters. Press the GRP button to scroll memory groups rather than
scrolling the memories within the selected group. Press M-CH to scroll
the memories within the selected group.
Don't touch the main MAIN knob while scrolling memories using the subreceiver
knob because that will take you to an "MT" display and that means you are no
longer scrolling memories on the main display. The FT2000 assumes you are now
happy tuning the one memory you have selected from scrolling.
If that is not desired, a quick press of V/M will return the operator to memory
select mode. The great feature here is that these "tunable memories" are based
on your original fixed memories, and will "disappear" after you are done with them.
To save one of these tuned memories (MT on display), press M->A and hold it down.
You are now in "VFO MODE" again with the tuned frequency on the main display.
Store the frequency to a memory or tune away.
Press the A/B button on the right side of the subreceiver tuning knob and the
knob can then be used to affect the standard tuning of the independent
subreceiver. Right side BAND MHZ and FAST buttons are in effect and that
large sweeping LED glows to indicate subreceiver control from that knob.
There is the requirement for the bands to be close (within bandpass filter)
for dual receive, however on the plus side, MODE and AGC are independent. It is
possible to listen to 10 meter repeaters squelched on the subreceiver at the
same time as doing SSB qso's on the main receiver. The TX light above either
the MAIN or SUBRX knob determines where the transmit happens.
There is a laundry list of firmware items that did not work when the
FT2000 was introduced and they all work now. One tip is that the NB
function is adaptive, that means press and hold this control if
you dont hear enough improvement by simply turning it on. The 3 and
6 khz roofing filters will never work better than the 15khz filter
unless the AC0C mod is performed, this is strictly hardware.
There is this also free program from IW1AWH that is simply astounding.
http://iw1awh.jimdo.com/master-commander/
It will back up the entire FT2000, restore it, plot SWR for any antenna,
there is a page of virtual meters, a page for parametric microphone EQ
with swap files, it's just mad. In a great way. I make use of the MENU
function which brings full text descriptions, default values, and actual
values of the FT2000 menu to the computer screen.
All of these things together make the FT2000 the most complete package
imaginable in the $2500 class, and a better solution than many DSP
only transceivers at several times the cost.
One last thing I'll mention, is that some very capable DSP only radios
do not sound pleasing or natural to my ear, I think Yaesu got it the
best it can be right now.
At this point in time there are still some FT2000 users that have
painful memories from times when FT2000 was released in poor condition
and I understand they will never "forgive" the great injustice. The "zero"
review on eHam with only minor features listed is an indicator of this. Of
course a transceiver would not be evaluated by a rational person at zero
simply because of roofing filter or speech processor complaints.
However for those coming along today it's the premium way to go and saving some
big money in the process. The free "PEP" update from Yaesu is the key.
Get 1.50 or later, tell them I sent you. ;-)
de wb8yqj
ORIGINAL REVIEW FROM APRIL 2010 FOLLOWS ==============================================================================================
All right, I found the Sherwood BDR numbers a bit disconcerting for FT2000. Close in Dynamic range at 63db. That number in itself is not good. Being so impressed with the rest of the transceiver, I decided to do a test, call it the poor mans Sherwood test. ;-) I connected the FT2000 to a 20 meter antenna, receiving at 14.047.5, CW mode, and 500hz. I setup a K3 transmitter into a dummy load located in close proximity, so that then transmitting on 14.047.5, the FT2000 showed 50db over S9.
However imprecise, that is a BIG signal.
Then I tuned the K3 transmitter for 14.056. That is just outside of the 6khz roofing filter. W1AW CW bulletin was an S5 copy in the clear on the FT2000. When the K3 was transmitting, the W1AW signal was clearly masked by desense, almost uncopyable by the strong nearby signal, however that only happened when the 3 or 6 khz roofing filters were used! Talk about counter intuitive.
Switch to the 15khz Roof and the signal was again a clear copy, even though I detected a very small amount of desense.
First lesson: My FT2000 (YMMV) roofing filters are 100% gimmick, not to be used nor trusted.
The other lesson - even without the "Roofing filters" at 3 and 6 khz, this is a -very- fine receiver in the face of the poor BDR numbers.
As a point of reference, Ten Tec Argo V has close numbers to FT2000, which is how BAD the receiver looks on paper. I have used ARGO V in big signal conditions and the AGC pumping becomes completely intolerable. Don't show up to any CW contest with that radio - or phone for that matter, you will sit and watch the receiver fall apart on front of you. No such evidence in FT2000. I found the old Sherwood numbers as a basis for comparison here:
http://www.zerobeat.net/wb8yqj/drd.jpg
My feeling is that FT2000 does not have the upper 10% of performance required to operate a full contest, reported scores, etc. without some missed QSO's in the process. However, for the vast majority of casual operation with some contesting this radio is really very good. Now the roofing filters are a non functioning feature on FT2000 and I have suggested they are not necessary. This doesn't mean that Yaesu didn't -try- to make them work. Word is that at one time they both functioned (the 3 and 6 khz filters) at the 7 khz value, and I don't know, maybe someone else's firmware version w/FT2000 may still do that. What mine does is attenuate the IF gain by about 12db in either the 3 or 6 positions. So, that's what I use those roofing positions for, some attenuation when I need it. It seems to work best on 40 meters and at night or in any tough conditions using the 15khz roofing filter. It is said that the attenuation was added to the 3 and 6 roofing filters as a result of some failed attempt to narrow down the 3 khz roof and in the process impedance was compromised - thus the attenuation. It is also suggested that circuitry into the FT950 has been added, since it was a later design, to properly balance the circuit.
The FT950 does not have the 3khz roofing filter wart of the stock FT2000, but the FT2000 fitted with the new aftermarket NS filter exceeds both of these configurations by an order of magnitude.
http://www.ac0c.com/main/page_ft2k_roofing_filters_project_overview.html
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OH6MW
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Rating: 5/5
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Nov 12, 2010 19:05
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Excellent with PEP + AC0C NS roofing filter
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Time owned: more than 12 months
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Very satisfied already with PEP but AC0C NS roofing filter makes ft-2000 even better. This is the contest radio now in this price range.
NS filter is excellent, Thank You very much Jeff.
It is easy to recommend this roofing filter to every ft-2000 owner. Buy one and test yourself, satisfaction quaranteed.
I don't have smt experience, but no problem. Vy fast installation by a friend, tnx Juha.
By installing this filter into you FT-2000 you get FT-5000 performance with better rig ergonomics with minimal costs.
See yourself, http://www.ac0c.com/
My friend's measurements and my own ears tell the same as Jeff's pages.
Jeff,thank you ever so much, You are doing fb job !
Really looking forward CQ WW cw contest with my FT-2000, cu in test.
73 Ari OH6MW
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