| K7NM |
Rating:  |
2023-11-04 | |
| Great Rig - Was ahead of its time! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
When I received my FT-1000MP MK5 Field, I turned it on and thought I forgot to hook up the antenna coax - the receiver noise floor was that low compared to my previous rig (which shall go unnamed). I used it for several years and love the selectivity, the KNOBs and BUTTONs (as opposed to menus three layers deep). Then one April, the unthinkable happened. Though the coax was disconnected and about 8 inches from the antenna selector box, lightning cam up through my radial system and arced from the corner of the selector switch to the mid-air coax connector. It melted the PL-259 center conductor and when into the radio.
I found that the radio still seemed to receive OK but on transmit, the SWR fold over would not allow more than 10W of transmit power - and a BAD SWR. I looked into it and was pretty sure that the problem had to be between the antenna connector and the sensor coil of the SWR bridge. All of it surface mount. Though set up for surface mount work, it was a pain to get to it so I filed for home owner insurance which funded a new rig. In the meantime, I sent the FT-1K to Yaesu after they gave me a return authorization. When they got it, they refused to service it saying, "We don't service lightning damaged radios." About $120 in shipping later, it sat in my basement for a number of years.
Earlier this year, I sent it to a service person in South Dakota who has high rankings here on eham.net. When he received it and tested it, he could find nothing wrong with it - it's receiver was hot and the transmitter put out full power.
It turns out that UPS fixed the radio. The lightning had temporarily welded the TR relay contacts in permanent Receive. So when transmitting, there was no antenna on the transmitter. The two shipments to Yaesu and to South Dakota popped the relay contacts loose and now the rig works perfectly again.
I have it out of mothballs and love this rig for SSB operations and FT4/8. My newer rig is QSK iwth it's amplifier so prefer that for CW.
An Oldie - but a Goodie - Even today!
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| W4AIN |
Rating: |
2023-02-25 | |
| Good rig |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| I just recently obtained an FT-1000MP MK-V Field. It seems to be a very good radio and holds its' own against more modern rigs. My other radios in the shack are FTDX-3000D, FT-950, FT-920AF and IC-746PRO. The Field is no slouch. I thoroughly enjoy the knobs/buttons approach to operating a radio rather than the extensive menu driven SDR platform that is prolific today. I am a rag-chewer and operate mostly SSB and CW. The digital modes never really appealed to me, with the exception of SSTV. This rig suits my operating style perfectly. I did have to spend a little time getting it set up to suit my taste and it was well worth the effort to do so. Looking forward to putting in many operating hours on this rig. |
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| AB4D |
Rating: |
2021-01-14 | |
| Proven winner over the long term |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Over the years, I've owned many of the Yaesu HF line produced since the 70's, FT-101F, FT-840, FT-1000D, FT-1000MP, FT-1000MP Mark V, FTDX-9000MP, and FTDX-3000D. I relocated and sold off the majority of my radio gear. Including a FT-1000MP Mark V, that I purchased new in 2003.
It was one of the few transceivers that I later thought, "I probably should have kept", because it works quite well. It's also the one transceiver I used, that routinely had ops giving unsolicited praise about the excellent sounding transmit audio from my station.
Last year, a friend offered a perfect condition (4L) Field to me, that was a spare in his station. I took that opportunity to bring that late model "MP" into my station. I am not disappointed. The rig functions well and is on par with the 200 watt Mark V I once owned. The only difference to me, seems to be the higher power output and the TCXO in the Mark V. I retained a Quadra amplifier in my station, and the Field mates perfectly to that amplifier. Therefore, the additional 100 watts was not a deterrent to purchase the "Field". I cannot detect any unusual frequency drift without the TCXO, so the standard frequency control seems to be rock solid.
One of the main issues I've always had with the entire FT-1000MP line. The receiver white noise in stock form is quite high. Luckily, INRAD produced several boards (noise reduction and roofing filter) to help with that situation. I was fortunate to purchase the last INRAD roofing filter board they had in stock. It makes a substantial difference for the ear when using the transceiver, as the noise floor of the receiver is much improved after installing the INRAD filter board. I also added multiple crystal filters to fill all slots, that I picked up on the used market. There are many of various bandwidths available for the Mark V, with it's common 8.215 kHz and 455 khz IF frequencies. I currently have a 2.8 kHz in the widest position, that makes SSB a joy to copy during rag chew and casual operating.
Overall, I would say it's an excellent transceiver, for general day to day use. It offers multiple reception tools that still prove to be effective. The ergonomics are good, and the menu system is not complex, rather it's easy to use. Many of the functions are set once, and are not revisited, except in rare instances, or when adding optional filters.
Certainly, the transceivers of today have surpassed the older models in performance of weak signal reception under demanding band conditions, but the FT-1000MP line, including the Field, can still hold it's own with the best of them the great majority of the time. |
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| MM0XXW |
Rating: |
2020-08-27 | |
| Solid ..... |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
I recently managed to pick one of these up, in immaculate condition and double-boxed with all it's original bits, which had been a back-up radio so had spent most of it's life in a box and works like new!
It's stock apart from the addition of the Inrad roofing filter and a few SSB filters.
This old radio is a pleasure to use and is the 1st one I switch on when I sit at my desk, my other is an FTDX5000MP, but the info in the previous 106 reviews tells us why this is the case.
An extremely solid performer which has held it's own against some very stiff competition and if you get the chance to pick up one of these grab it with both hands you'll not be disappointed! |
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| N7WR |
Rating: |
2020-04-16 | |
| Very pleasant to use |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Years ago when contesting at the NK7U multi-multi contest station each operating position had a MK V Field. With hours and hours of using this radio I became thoroughly familiar with all of its features and got to the point where I took such things as its excellent receiver for granted. Eventually the NK7U station (no longer exists) replaced the MK V's with K-3's.
My personal rig was not a MK V but over the years I found myself missing the features the rig has. Some months back my transceiver went belly up and the cost of repair was prohibitive. By chance I had the opportunity to pick up a very clean MK V Field at a very good price and I jumped on it. It was like being reunited with an old friend. Nothing to learn, no elaborate menus to navigate. Just a pleasure to listen to and use on both CW and SSB. |
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| VE3XMN |
Rating: |
2019-10-20 | |
| EXCELLENT |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| I love this YAESU FT-1000MP Mk V Field! Dual receive is a plus. VE3XMN |
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| K4IIE |
Rating: |
2019-05-26 | |
| Great rig |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
| Have had this rig for over 10 years.Recently the display was very dim.Sent it to Byron campbell in TN.and had him do his magic.Now performs better than new and matches the IC7610 and 7300 in performance.Miss the panoramic display a little.It will still be playing when the Icoms are in the graveyard.A superb radio. |
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| AJ2I |
Rating: |
2019-05-26 | |
| Can still hang with the newer rigs |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| It may not have a built in waterfall or a fancy screen, but on SSB or CW, it has pure raw performance. I've had several rigs over the years, Ten Tec Eagle,Flex 6400, FT950, TS590S. This thing leaves them in the dust. I'm a Dxer, and only operate on SSB. I need a dual RX and good receiver that can pull in a weak signal, the Field fits the bill. The First IF inrad roofing filter is a must. IDBT and other DSP featues really make this radio shine. |
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| VE7ABC |
Rating: |
2016-11-24 | |
| Going to look for another |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I purchased one brand new back in around 2004 and had it until 2014. I won't go into what others have said about it as there is nothing I can add.
It was probably the best HF rig I've ever owned. I've had plenty of good gear, and to this is one of the few that I regret selling.. If and when I find another in the same condition as my first one, I'll scoop it up asap.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by VE7ABC on 2005-12-11
Year number 2 with the FT1000 MKV Field. It"s still performing like a champ. I tried the suggestion of John, turning off the DSP on menu 0-9. He's right. Great sounding smooth received audio. Give it a try on the short wave bands.This radio is possibly (IMO) the best value on the market. I think it's underpriced. There are more expensive (and possibly better rigs) for sale, but after owning a lot of rigs, and using some high end gear as a guest at various contest stations, the Field rates right up there. Destined to become a classic.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by VE7ABC on 2004-12-11
It's been almost a year and a half since I purchased my FT1000 MPV Field, and after a lot of use, rag chewing, dx chasing, contesting I'm still exceptionally pleased with it. I still haven't added any filters to it and don't know that I will. As I've become more familiar with it the radio, I doubt that I will add any additional filters to it. Maybe for a real serious multi-multi operation they might be required, but for the average user, I'd say they aren't necessary. I've never had any problems with the radio, and still would recommend anyone looking for a relatively inexpensive radio the Field is an excellant choice. I had to chuckle when I read the review by VE3QAC. The license restricts the holder to operation only above 30MHZ, so I wonder how that review could be valid, as my Field won't operate above 30 megs.
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Earlier 5-star review posted by VE7ABC on 2004-01-03
I've had the FT1000MP MkV Field now for about 6 months. This is the first NEW radio I've had in a long time, and it took me some time to decide on this radio. I had thought of looking for a used FT1000D, but a friend of mine who has the D model suggested that I look at a new Field. He had recently purchased one and was exceptionaly happy with it.
This radio is not just a "turn it on" everything is fine radio. The menu selection is at first a bit overwhelming, but with assitance from others I've got everything set up now that suits me best for my operating habits, rag chewing, chasing dx and a bit of SSB contesting.
The dual receive feature is remarkable. I've never had radio that could do this before. You've got to try the true dual receive to experience it yourself. The receiver works very well for me right out of the box, although for serious contesting work, I might consider putting in a little tighter filter. The ability of the radio to cut down on noise is very good. I live close to some 50KVA power lines, and I can eliminate the noise the lines can produce. Other radios I've owned could not. I've received many compliments on the transmitted audio. The other weekend during the RAC Winter Contest, a fellow competitor I know quite well praised my audio, asking what I was using for a rig and a mike. The mike by the way (Shure Model 517SB) is a Flea Market Special I bought for a couple of bucks. I was orginally going to use only the mike housing and put a Heil Element in it, but thought lets just try it on the radio first. I'm glad it did. I've also had good audio reports using the Heil #4, and #5 elements, but the best reports have been with the Shure.
I guess the bottom line is this. Would I buy another one, or recommend another ham to buy the radio. In a word, yes. Once you've got the menus set up to your preferences, the radio is a joy to use. The radio is also friendly to those of us with large hands, something that other rigs seem to lack. I've read other reviews about the display not being bright enough. No complaints from me in that department. Great Radio. |
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| W0RDX |
Rating: |
2016-11-23 | |
| What an outstanding Performer!! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
This radio has everything to offer a casual op or a serious DXer. The only thing lacking is 6 meters. I love the lay out of the radio, the feel of the controls, the separate shift and width controls vs concentric, two receivers, 5 (plus sub rcvr) optional filter slots so you can populate as you need, etc. Radio plays really really well....may not have the blinking lights and bells and whistles, but this radio rocks! I have two and plan as best I can to hang on to them....
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Earlier 5-star review posted by N9CM on 2016-09-12
Won't go thru all the reviews again, but will say this radio is a top performer, very easy to use, great ergonomics, dual receivers, able to dig out weak ones on 160. What an awesome radio!
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Earlier 5-star review posted by N9CM on 2013-10-30
Sorry, can't edit a post but I have to tell you, for the money spent, the features this awesome radio gives you, you won't be disappointed! Every time I turn it on, I love using it.
Dual Receivers (yes a dedicated sub rcvr)
Quiet Receiver
Rcv Antenna Port which works great for low band.
Easily used on SDR software
Separate shift/width which really make tweaking in a weak one awesome.
Never use the DSP, don't need it.
Dual NBs, and they work!
On and on I could go.
Spend 5K or more or get a proven performer is about all I can say. I have had (note "had'), the PRO3, K3, 775DSP,Orion 1, etc. About the only other radio I liked was the PRO2. TO me, the 1000 runs rings around them all. Cheers. |
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