| AF4HL |
Rating:  |
2017-08-21 | |
| Fantastic Rig! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I've owned this rig for a year now, and I just can't find anything bad to say about it.
I operate almost exclusively CW on the HF bands and always operate barefoot, but my few tries at SSB have resulted in great signal reports with just the stock settings.
The receiver still blows my mind - weak signals (S0 - S1) are clear and loud, and the filters are excellent. All of the controls I need are right under my fingers, and it's just a joy to operate.
I still get excited when I turn it on - I love this radio !!! |
|
| WB4RA |
Rating: |
2017-04-13 | |
| Nothing bu problems |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
I bought this radio in July 2016. Two months after receiving it the USB control board went out. It cost me $100 to send it back to Yaesu for the warranty repair and they kept the radio for six weeks. It wasn't until I contacted the district rep that I got the radio repaired and returned.
Then in March 2017 (radio was 9 months old) the same problem with the USB control board. This time after bitching Yaesu sent me a return label. Once again they had the radio five weeks.
No one at Yaesu wants to tell me exactly what was repaired. Only general information.
I'm fighting with Yaesu to try and get my warranty extended because they have had my radio 1/3 of the time.
Radio works nice when it works, Yaesu stinks! |
|
| G4YVM |
Rating: |
2017-03-31 | |
| Excellent rig and excellent value for money |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Ok, this radio is superb. Thats the first thing.
I am 100% CW on the HF bands so my critique is based on CW use only! It is superb. The receiver is first class and the digital aspects are top notch too. What do I compare this to?
Well, I have had a TS590...sold due to ear bleading audio. I have a K2, Kx2, Kx3 and have had a 7300 and all the usual other radios...and the FTDx 3000 is the one I keep. Very recently I bought an Icom 7600 and sat the icom and yaesu next to each other: the Yaesu is a better Rx, quietr Rx and MUCH better audio for listening to for long periods. I wish I could say the more expensive Icom was the winner, but I cant.
What about that awful waterfall the Yaesu has...I mean what a joke, right? NO. The waterfall on the Yaesu is the single best bit of kit in my shack for finding weak signals after my own ears. The blue background changes, almost imperceptibly when it hears ANYTHING...I turn the dial and work 'em. Using my eyes AND my ears to find weak dx has really opened up a new mode of fun for me...it is great. The waterfall also shows what signals have just stopped of course, and this works for weak ones too as I tune up and down. Strong signals are easy to see of course, but the weak ones take some practice - it's worth it! The waterfall works!
The DNR is good and makes a huge difference.
Value for money? Sure is...I have two friends with FTDx5000s so we have compared them of course. I think the 3000 is 90% the 5000 for a third the price: I'd LOVE a 5000 because they look so darned good, but unless I get a lot better off I wont be trading the 3000 just for the looks.
The audio out of the radio is also good, it has a soft almost valve sound to it and I can listen to it for hours at a stretch when the bands are open. It is a delight to the ears.
So, if I rate the 3000 highly as a CW rig, why only a 4? Ergonomics! Fiddly buttons are a pain it has to be said, and what the heck is that mini keypad?!!? Not having the CW memories on the front panel is a crime. Scrolling through modes is a drag. The internal auto ATU is a right laugh I can tell you. It works and it works well...but you'd better pull up a chair and pop the ear defenders on. Here's a heads up to Yaesu about ATUs...LDG and Elecraft both have them taped...have a chat with them and learn something. There are a few other niggles but not enough to counter the superb technical performance of this radio.
If you're in the market for a really good CW rig and you cant spring for a FTDx5000, K3 or a Kx3 then grab a yaesu FTDx3000...you will be impressed. |
|
| K2AGZ |
Rating: |
2017-03-17 | |
| Disappointment |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Bought three of these radios over the last few years. Don't ask me why I must be crazy. Had quality issues with two, not impressed. Liked the idea, size and features but does live up to expectations. My main rig is a FTDX 5000, no problems love it! If you are thinking of a FTDX 3000, buy an Icom 7300 or wait for the new 7610 you'll be glad you did.
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Earlier 3-star review posted by K2AGZ on 2015-01-15
When I decided to get back on the air after I retired I looked at the 3000 and being a Yaesu fan thought it was the best deal for the price. After a few days lost the 15 meter transmit, sent it back and while the dealer sent it back to Yaseu I bought another one waiting for the credit from Yaseu. Receiver was noisey, radio controls felt cheap, not up to previous Yaesu quality in my opinion, Decided to upgrade to the FTDX 5000. Arrived out of the box with the white line problem. Yaseu repaired the problem but dealing with their service deparment on that and another Yaseu product left me disappointed. I have heard on the air several other problems with the FTDX 3000 so I urge you to handle the rig in person before you buy. I went to a TenTec Omni VII and am totally satisfied, they even have a thirty day money back policy.Maybe I just got a Monday morning assembled unit after a party weekend but I doubt I'll ever buy Yaseu again. |
|
| NW2M |
Rating: |
2017-03-09 | |
| Excellent "used" too! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I wanted to share with you my perspective as a new owner of a used FTdx3000. Don't be afraid to purchase a FTdx3000 used. Just remember to do a Full Reset to remove any of the setting from the previous owner. Their settings may not be your settings.
If you are buying one used, please ask:
1) What is the Serial Number (Reveals production date codes). Tells the production age of the radio.
2) What are the Firmware Versions (4 total at power-up). You may have to do the updates.
3) Download the Operating Manual and see what a fantastic radio you have. 140 pages, 32.3MB size, PDF. Download the Technical Supplement 151 pages, 42.4MB, PDF.
4) Please do a Full Reset. Depress the PowerOn+Fast+Lock buttons. Page 7 in the Operating Manual. This takes you back to a factory-fresh User Menu (all 197 of them!).
5) Have you modified settings in the Service Menu? If so, what? Why? My previous owner did... This menu is for Technicians not Users. I have a calibrated R2004D/HS to do this!
6) Get the Yaesu Virtual Port Drivers installed BEFORE you ever connect it to you computer. Also buy a high-quality shielded USB-B cable.
7) Reset the friction (Torque) on the Main VFO knob to your liking. Page 6 in the Operating Manual.
All in all- I am thrilled with my purchase. Yes, I would do it all again, and I would not change a thing. The FTdx3000 becomes the centerpiece of a highly sophisticated digital-enabled HF radio station. I purchased a new PC and a 30" wide 21:9 screen to leverage all of the software and capabilities this radio exhibits. It was a full Tech-Refresh for me. 73 Al - NW2M |
|
| KK4Z |
Rating: |
2016-12-22 | |
| Very Good Radio |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I've had this radio for approx. 5 years and it has been a very good radio for me. The firm ware updates have been great and made a good radio better. It has good "ears" and I always get good audio reports with a Heil Mic.
The only issue I have with the radio is working with digital modes through the USB port. It can be done but it is not very intuitive.
I recently purchased an IC-7300. Overall, I find the two radios somewhat comparable, each with pluses and minuses over the other. Digital modes are easier to set up on the 7300. Fun factor does go to the 7300, I love the user interface.
Right now I am using the 7300 more but we will see once the newness of the 7300 wears off. Both good radios, both have their place. |
|
| ZS5WC |
Rating: |
2016-11-06 | |
| Simply The Best!.. |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I was offered the FTDX-3000 recently as the person that had placed the order for it had changed horses mid stream and wanted the new "wunderkind" rig, IC7300 instead.
I am not an SDR groupie, and although some parts of the FTDX-3000 is SDR based, the main architecture is still an Superheterodyne.
The rig it replaced was the IC-7700, and FT-950.
*WOW!--is all I could muster the first time I heard the RX audio. It is super clear-almost has an FM quality to it, and the DSP is mindblowingly good.
This would be the first radio I have owned where I actually USE the DSP!.
*The RX noise floor is super low-I get on the 10m band and work DX even with the band in a poor state. (meaning A index is high and sunspot numbers low.)
I can hear the tiniest signal on the other side of the world with the selective and quiet RX.
Strong adjacent signals-no problem!.
*This rig modulates well, and sounds good-I get glorious reports regularly.
Using the BAND DATA control (sensibly connected to a DB15 socket) I can easily control my Expert amp using two DB15 plugs and homebrew cable.
(Band Data, PTT, ALC)
*It never gets hot even in a warm shack--I still have not heard the fans speed up on TX.
*The 'S'meter is awesome!.. Unlike the useless 'S' meter on the IC-7700 that runs with a 30dB offset below 'S'9!.. Ever heard a strong station and the 'S'meter reads ZERO!. This caused major arguments on the ICOM forums re. the atypical operation of the meter.
On the FTDX-3000 the meter is very responsive to small signals and the emulation is very good.
*Band scope is entirely accurate and useful.
No Ghost birdies or blips in scope screen.
A frequency legend below the scope could have been useful though.
*Noise blanker still is not perfect-it has that slight impulse noise overshoot issue most DSP rigs suffer from , but it is MANY times more efficient than said IC-7700.
I LOVE this rig--plain and simple. Not the prettiest out there-but has a layout that grows on you.
73 de William
ZS4L / ZS5WC |
|
| M0SAZ |
Rating: |
2016-08-27 | |
| Still Brill |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
I have owned many radios - many more than once so have plenty of experience to form the basis of what is good and bad in terms of HF Transceivers.
I have recently gone back to the FTDX-3000. What a receiver! Its so close to the FTDX-5000 - for the casual op, there's no difference.
With most radios on the market having excellent specs nowadays what sets the 3000 apart? It's the warm, rich audio - even from the internal speaker and the DSP that pushes the noise and dirt down, and brings the otherwise hard to hear stations up.
I toyed with trying an FTDX-1200 but the 300Hz roofing filter and general selectivity numbers made me go for another FTDX-3000.
I promise to keep this one - at least for a month!
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Earlier 5-star review posted by M0SAZ on 2013-06-05
I have owned a lot of Yaesu HF radios, FT-817ND, FT-857D, FT-897D, FT-450, FT-950, FT-2000, FTDX-5000MP, FTDX-9000D and some of these more than once. Thing is, I knew I liked the Yaesu radio's ergonomics but I couldn't settle on one in my quest to find the best radio for me.
After many changes in opinion, soul searching and thousands of pounds later, I am ready to settle on the FTDX-3000.
What I like about it:
1: The receiver is excellent, not an FTDX-9000 but for casual operation and SWL'ing there is nothing the FTDX-3000 cannot do. The filtering and DSP are very good in real world terms and if you watch some of my YouTube videos you will see what I mean.
2: It is a lightweight, 12v radio. Which I prefer, means I can move it if I need to, can run it on batteries if there is a need and have no issues caused by an internal PSU (heat and potential failure).
3: TX is excellent right out of the box - using an MD-200 or Heil Pro Set Elite 6, I get good audio reports and the 3 band equaliser is the same setup as the FTDX-5000.
4: The ergonomics are great. All the important stuff is on the front, including a scope which is perfectly adequate. The menu system is all in plain English.
5: The CW/RTTY decoder is very accurate. Again, see my YouTube videos for the proof.
I do think if you don't let marginal specs get in the way this really is an impressive radio to use and to look at. I got mine fully loaded, with the DVS-6 recorder module and the 300Hz filter which is a must for anyone wanting their best from data/cw with this radio. |
|
| IU2GFF |
Rating: |
2016-07-24 | |
| Great rig |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
This is a class radio. RX is great and TX audio is very clean.
The layout of the front panel is rational, ergonomics are fine.
99% of a top notch transceiver for half the price.
What's missing for perfection?
1. DNR and DNF are both hidden in a menu.
2. The same apply for monitor audio level, hidden in menu #35. A knob on the front panel would be a better solution.
3. Not full Mac compatible. At least, yeas should make it Mac compatible for firmware upgrades.
73
IU2GFF |
|
| KM6AXC |
Rating: |
2016-07-16 | |
| Instructions lacking on one area I noticed |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| I do not have a great deal of experience with radios (a newbie) so I have no reason not to give this radio a 5. I does more than I need that's for sure. But I can offer one helpful tidbit for other new folks. You all know about "Instruction Manuals" - either difficult to read or not totally clear on different points. Here is what I discovered that may save you time/aggravation. On the front display where it says "Keyer Off", you will not be able to make that read "Keyer On" if you happen to be in the "CW Decode mode". You must get out of Decode mode (by pressing Select for a second or two) and then you can change it to "on". The instructions did not mention that. You may already know that but I didn't :):) |
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