| K4IA |
Rating:      |
2001-12-31 | |
| A sleeper |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
I like to use eBay to try 'em and trade 'em so I've had a few radios through here. The 920 is a favorite I just can't part with.
It reminds me of the 990 but it compares very favorably to my IC756Pro. In fact, I often prefer it over the Pro, which costs more than twice as much. I doubt if anyone reading this review is seriously considering a choice between the Pro and the 920 but I will use the Pro as a benchmark.
I particularly like the quiet receiver and the pure tone it produces on CW. The Icom radios (746 and 756Pro) sound raspy to me (maybe too much digital processing?). The 920 is much easier listening. It hears everything the Pro hears and with a lot less background noise. I have the Inrad 250 hz CW filter installed and with the audio DSP, it cuts QRM as well as the Pro without the rumbling and growling of the Pro's IF DSP. I don't notice any of the hollow phase noise one earlier reviewer mentioned. In fact, I think the audio DSP does a great job of quieting hiss and growls.
I like the layout of the front panel a lot better than the Pro. You can find the power control and mic gain without accidently turning the wrong knob. You can turn off the keyer to tune your amp without going through a lot of menus. OK, it doesn't have the bandscope, it only has two filter positions (unless you get the Inrad mod) and the band stacking register only remembers two frequencies. Other than that, I find this rig to be top notch.
At today's prices, the 920 is an absolute bargain and I would highly recommend it. |
|
| N0FQN |
Rating:     |
2001-12-13 | |
| Good Radio but,.......... |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I bought mine second hand and have had it about 2 months. I also own a IC746, 756Pro and 706MKIIG. I'ved owned IC765, IC730, FT990, FT900, FT980, FT890, TS430, TS440, TS450, TS950SD and many tube rigs. So, I'm basing my review on comparison against other solid state rigs. First it has a quiet front end like the 990 and 900 has. NR is great for being AF. NF works well on SSB. The backlit display can't be missed with that amber color. Audio reports from other stations state that it sounds really nice. I'm using an unamplified MC60 Mic. I tried it against the hand mic and no difference was reported. The radio has worked flawlessly and has never been in for any repairs in it's 2 year life span. I never worked it on 6 meters so my observations are from HF.
What I don't like is the menu system. Without the book beside me I'd get lost trying to figure out the abbreviated terms on the screen. The quick menu helps but there is a learning curve to working with the menus. I don't care for all the VOX controls in the menu system. Makes it more difficult to make changes. Believe me, my shack has things going on all the time and it's nice to make quick changes to accommidate enviromnetal changes.The DSP High/Low cut controls aren't much improvement over the FT990s. Still produce the hallow phase noise when adjusted. They do help but, for DSP I was hoping for better performance. The NF is auto only and can't be used in CW mode. The Dual Watch is a waste of time. Squelch operated and, you can only hear one VFO, A or B, at a time. It does provide buttons for quickly switching between the VFOs and operating in split mode is very easy. Variable NB, thank you. I wish Icom would have gotten the idea sooner for the Pro. Overall, It's a good rig for the price.
With all the options in the menus it's definitely a contesters rig. |
|
| N5XM |
Rating:      |
2001-11-04 | |
| On Closer Inspection |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I bought my FT-920 from a Ham in Tennessee who enjoys buying and trading radios just for fun. It had less than 6 hours on it, and even smelled brand new as I removed it from the box. I would not be surprised to hear from this very nice man that he wishes he's kept this one.
It is my first Yaesu, so I had no expectations, other than the fact that my best Ham friend has a 920 and loves it. I was attracted by the dual VFO's, built-in keyer, audio "DSP", 6 meters, and the voice and CW recorder, not to mention that it is just a gorgeous radio period. I love the layout, and at my station, the radio is on a shelf at about eye level, and every knob and dial is easily seen and accessed.
I operate CW about 98% of the time, and I was concerned about the so-called filter blow-by. This hasn't been a problem for me. I think the key is to operate the "DSP" patiently, and in conjunction with the IF Shift and the "Clarifier" ( RIT ). Certainly an IF DSP would be superior, but the noise reduction is outstanding, and even though the radio already has a built-in audio DSP, I use a Timewave DSP-9 with it when nearby QRM gets unbearable, and I seem to be able to work anyone I want to within the limits of my inverted vee. I plan on getting the INRAD filters, but frankly, I don't feel too disadvantaged as it is. I think this is a radio that requires patience to learn to use properly, and it DOES seem to have its own "Zen" in the sense that you cannot overpower it like the reviewer above says, "in the manner of a high-school wrestling match". You are better off going slowly with this radio.
The manual does leave a lot to be desired, but that being said, I had no problem getting the menus set to my taste. The QSK works great, and while it isn't a Ten Tec in that regard, my unit has performed flawlessly so far on CW. I've made a few phone contacts with it, on 20 and 40 meters, and the signal reports have been good. Surprisingly, the small hand mike works great, and it fits my hand well.
All the built-in features are impressive. As your basic CW op, I won't have use for many of them, but they are there if I DO want to use them, and I like that. I may well want to check into an AM net just for fun, or work some of the FM repeaters on 6 or 10 meters, who knows. I do some casual contesting, so I can use some of the bells and whistles. The antenna tuner works well for my needs. I use an outboard tuner as well because I don't have a resonant antenna for anywhere except the middle of 80m CW. Doing it this way allows me to use the settings I already know to get things in the ballpark, so as not to overstress the inboard tuner, and I can also touch things up so that I always have a flat SWR. Not necessacary, but that is how I like to operate. For what this radio is and does, I'm not sure there is another radio in its class. It certainly isn't an FT-1000, but it isn't nearly as costly. It isn't a 950SDX Kenwood, a Ten Tec Omni 6+, or an Icom 781, but it doesn't claim to be. Right now, I am really hot on Ten Tec, but I love this radio, and it is a real hoot to use. It always runs cool, even with extended use, and while I don't abuse and overstress my radios, I use them a LOT, but I just don't expect any problems with this one, and no, I am not wearing rose colored glasses. It seems to be built like a tank to me, and I would recommend it to anyone except impatient operators who don't have the time to learn how a particular radio is intended to be used. I think it's going to be a classic. |
|
| RS234 |
Rating:      |
2001-08-19 | |
| ft 920 |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| HAVEING HAD MOST HF RADIOS 781 FT-1000 MP TS-950 IC-756 ECT ECT WHAT CAN I SAY THE FT-920 IS THE BEST HF TRANCEIVER I HAVE HAD I PUT THE CW FILTER IN AND THE AM FILTER VERY NICE IO THINK I WILL BE KEEPING THIS TRANCEIVER FOR SOME TIME HOW DO YAESU DO IT FOR THE PRICE I THINK IT IS BETTER THEN THE FT-1000 MP THAT I SOLD AM IS VERY GOOD SSB IS GREAT AND THE RECEIVER IS VERY QUITE I LOVE IT |
|
| M0BPN |
Rating:     |
2001-04-05 | |
| GOOD WITH PROBLEMS |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
| I GOT MY FIRST FT920 BACK IN APRIL 1998.I HAD SOME GREAT QSO`S WITH THE WORLD AND USING A WATSON WM308 AMPLIFIED MIC GAVE ME PUNCH AS WELL AS GREAT AUDIO.THE FIRST PROBLEM WAS THE ATT UNIT WENT AND YAESU REPLACED IT WITH A NEW RIG.THE NEW RIG IS OK BUT SEEMS TO DEVELOPED A PROBLEM AS IN TO GET BANG ONTO A ZERO FREQ:I HAVE TO GO 10HRTZ HIGH.THIS IS THE SAME ACROSS THE BAND IN ALL MODES.YAESU TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS STANDARD AND THAT THE COMPONENTS ARE IN TOLERANCE.I CAN GET THE PROBLEM FIXED BUT IT WILL HAVE TO SENT AWAY AGAIN.THE RECIEVE ON THE FT920 IS GOOD BUT NEEDS A EXTENSION SPEAKER TO GET THE BEST FROM IT.A OLD HI-FI SPEAKER AT 8 OHMS IS THE BEST RESULT I HAVE ACHIEVED.I NOW USE THE MD1 DYNAMIC MIC:AND I FIND THIS VERY GOOD.ALL IN ALL THE FT920 IS GREAT AND MONEY TO PERFORMANCE RATIO IT IS GOING TO BE A WINNER EVERY TIME.IF YOU ARE THINKING OF PURCHASING THIS RIG BE SURE TO BARGAIN FOR THE AM AND FM FILTERS INTO THE PRICE AS THEY DONT COME AS STANDARD.IF FIRST DEALER WONT DO THEM THEN THE SECOND WILL.I WILL GIVE THE FT920 4/5. |
|
| K2VI |
Rating:      |
2001-03-04 | |
| a beaut |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
| I bought my 920 new from AES in 9/00 and all I can say is this is a rugged well built radio. The dsp and N/R work superb to notch out adjacent signals. The noise blanker is excellent. I own a IC746 and a ft-990 also a ken 570/dg and the 920 is my favorite. The 746 has a bit better selectivity and if dsp but does not have the quality transmit audio the 920 produces. It is fun to operate and built for long transmissions. It never gets warm.i guess thats due to the power MOS-FETS for finals. I highly recommend this radio all you have to do is install the INRAD filter and you have a 10000 mp. |
|
| WV4R |
Rating:      |
2001-02-27 | |
| Going on Three years and still going Strong! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have been hamming since 1959, however, it is only my FT-920's Three Year anniversary coming up this year... with No trips back to the factory!
The receiver is Really Quiet yet still pulls in the DX, a feature you will appreciate when wearing headphones fer sure. The Pre-amps Really work, the true 35db DSP Notch and Noise Blanker Really do the job & the 'audio' DSP works great for what it is with the 2.4khz fixed IF & dual-conversion. I appreciate the 70db IF & Image Rejection too.
As far as looks go... This is the way I would design a HF transceiver if I had the ability. I love it's looks, what more can I say. From the exclusive Shuttle-Jog tuning which is awesome and tireless to the BIG display for my tired eyes to the variable peak-hold metering capability... it works.
According to my Bird-43 it is still putting out OVER 100w. of clean, communications grade audio. I use a 1984 vintage Heil HC-3 in an old D-104 case and always get 'good audio' reports from DX even with the fairly narrow 400hz-2600hz transmitting bandpass.
The menus offer some flexibility but it is no IF/DSP radio in cost or in performance.
All internal speakers are Bad, however, the FT-920 has more than enuf audio to drive not one but Two high efficient external speakers and then it's famous Yeasu communication grade audio can be truly appreciated.
The VOX works very smoothly & is very adjustable for just about any operating condx.
This FT-920 gets my "5 -Great!" Rating for no nonsense Working Features, great pleasing design obviously designed by hams for hams & great Yeasu Communications audio at the right price... yes there are better radios, but no better radios at better prices feature for feature and dollar for dollar a value for any ham operator.
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Earlier 4-star review posted by WV4R on 1999-09-25
My FT-920 was bought new last year. I like it so much that when a local no-code ham offered his for sale because he could not pass test, I bought His new one too! Bandspread of my KWM-380. Sensitivity of my TS-940s. Selectivity as good as Both. I use two external graphic equalized powered speakers to really bring home the bacon of the receiver. My transmitted audio is getting raves on 20m usb everyday. Never tried AM. Many CW features. Digital Voice Recorder! Front panel layout is designed the way I would have designed it, if I had the ability. In short, it is a ham operator' radio. "Shuttle-Jog" tuning has to be experienced to be believed. Display is Big and Bright enuf fer an old ham like me. "MENU" is simplist to use of any of the new hi-tech rigs... And 6m too. "NR" and "NB" Really work and work so Much better than Any rig I have Ever owned that I am Amazed! NOT The Best... but For The Money, #1. |
|
| N8NIJ |
Rating:     |
2000-12-17 | |
| Great Performer |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
| I have owned my FT-920 for about six months. I had to return it recently for warranty work(bad crystal). The repairs were made very quickly and I had the rig back in just over two weeks. I am very pleased with the rigs performance and have made several DX contacts over the past six months. The DSP is very helpful in allowing the user to zero in on the other station and eliminates unwanted signals. I am also using the Yaesu MD-100 deskmike and am very pleased with the audio reports I have received from many stations around the world. I have also used the rig on PSK31 and its performance has been excellent. For the money its hard to beat the FT-920. Its very user friendly and a great performer. |
|
| W8DMC |
Rating:     |
2000-10-24 | |
| Be Sure to trouble shoot! |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
| When my FT 920 arrived, I could not wait to see her....This was one impressive transceiver, it's size and over all appearance was just what one hopes for. All front line options are up front and in your face. Poor eye sight, then YAESU will help you hear to. Plenty of options, that will take some reading, but well worth the reading. This transceiver is designed to fit your needs, yes you make the options, so study the "menu" set up. I'm very concerned with Yaesu quality control however. Upon putting the transceiver to the test on a Beam, dipole and Vert., I found she only produced 70-90 watts on all bands. This , after I ruled out the after market SWR/PWR Meter and all my coax and connections. Made contact with R & L, as well as YAESU. I ended up bypassing R & L (they do not do test or bench tests on site). So off to YAESU she wen't! I was with some mild withdrawals, with the loss of this unit. I made phone contact with YAESU, seems the ALC was in need of adjusting, but that was the only issue. Turn around time was fast, only two weeks. Radio is up and running and satying right to the needs that I demand in a transceiver. Never push over 60 watts for 600 watts on my amplifier, and all seems to be great. End result, after looking at the ICOM 756 & 756PRO as well as the YAESU FT 1000 etc. For the cash and return investment, I'm pleased. OH YES. I added the IRAD Filters and the FM Mod.The MD 100 Mic gives me one after another 5/9 QSO. I have no complaints, other than the Quality control, so check her out first! W8DMC |
|
| W0UX |
Rating:     |
2000-09-06 | |
| A Great Radio, but..... |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have owned and operated an FT-920 about a year now. VERY NICE ON 6 METERS !
HF wise, so-so.
I put the International Radio SwitchBoard Mod Kit in mine to improve the somewhat lackluster selectivity of this radio. Don't know why Yaesu (and others) limit the filter slots, when I have to buy the filters as options anyway.
The Up/Down function is a pain. ZZZZ when changing from one band to the other (unlike that of the TS-850 which will go up/down in amateur bands or general coverage).
The Digital Recorder is so-so. Takes too many button pushings to get it playing and by that time, you are playing when the DX station is answering.
DSP is nothing but a "bloody" audio filter and not the best at that. Okay on NR, but that is about it. An external box would do better.
Dual knobs are GREAT ! I love being able to tune my receive frequency separate from the main tuning knob. Kinda like the ICOM 775. I like that.
Wish the push buttons were just a tad higher out of the front panel or a different material.
Miss having a manual notch. Why is it some many radio manufacturers think their "DSP" will solve all the problems with noise, QRM, etc. Why not give us a manual notch AND a true DSP ?
The DSP is a signal taken outside of the AGC Loop and is nothing more than an audio filter.
Using the International Switchboard Mod improves the radio quite a bit but then again, you are adding another $300+ to the radio cost that you probably will never recover.
All in all, I would go for it over the 756 and overpriced, colorful 756 Pro. It isn't a "small" radio, so be prepared to be surprised by its size.
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