Well....
1. It is a classic and there is something to be said about preserving the history of amateur radio.
2. It is built like a tank and will not move on the table when pushing buttons and twisting knobs.
3. As this is a hobby and it is only on occasion that I dabble in contests the 69 db selectivity is of no concern to me. The main rig is near the top of the Sherwood list and if the adjacent channel selectivity becomes an issue then i will use that one
4.The hernia has been repaired with some kind of mesh implant so at least that side is safe. The HQ140x likely is just about as heavy and I can still carry that. (difficult...yes!)
5.Being a button and knob, long of tooth kind of guy, the 1000d just appeals to me. I would rather { I don't} drive a 20 year old top of the line BMW 7 series than a new Yugo even if the Yugo has a touch screen.
6. I like the sound of analog stuff better than SDR equipment
Lastly....the 1000d just has an appeal, to me, that the newer, plastic, menu driven, shoe boxes do not. If need be will get a second one to act as a spare parts unit.
73's
David, I understand where you are coming from... It sounds like the FT-1000/D would be a fun radio to use in your shack.
Tim Moes, WD0FKC,
www.midwest-technical.com has an excellent reputation for repairing older Yaesu Transceivers. On his website it says he will be back open on April 15th.
I bought the FT-990, the little brother of the FT-1000/D, in 1992. I've built accessories: CAT Interface, Digital Interface, Digital Recorder and added a panadapter. I also have all the filters and a DSP unit. It works fine for PSK31, FT8 and the receiver seems as good as my FT-2000 and my 990 has full output on all bands. It meets all my operating needs at this time. I like the pleasant Analog sound, especially on CW, better than my FT-2000.
I think it would be very easy to add accessories to the FT-1000/D if that catches your interest. Plus your main rig is near the top of the Sherwood List.
In 30 years I've replaced the S-Meter Lamp twice, replaced 2 backup batteries, blown standard diodes, blown a zener diode, had a few colder solder joints, had 3 or 4 IC failures, and 5 years ago replaced the T/R relay($13.62 from Yaesu).
eham.net reviews has a lot information on FT-1000/D repairs.
You can always check on ebay to see what kind of modules and parts may be available for the FT-1000/D. I've been following 990 repair parts on ebay for at least 10 years and it has been surprising how many 990 parts/modules can be purchased. These days people tear an old transceiver apart and sell modules, on/off power switches, displays, knobs, speakers, fans, connecting cables, chassis parts, front panels, rear panels, screws, and a lot more stuff.
Yaesu doesn't have a lot of replacement parts but I believe they continued to repair the FT-1000/D for about 15 years. So you can always check with Yaesu - sometimes they may have the part you need.
73,
Ed