| 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. |
|
| 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! |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| 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. |
|
| W0BKR |
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. |
|
| ZL4TE |
Rating: |
2016-11-22 | |
| Still an awesome radio |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have had this radio for 8 years now. It is a superb performer. I have the inrad filter fitted which I like. Sure the look and display may not be as whizz bang as newer tranceivers, but it does the job and it does it well.
I was looking to upgrade recently, but to be honest unless I want to buy something that would cost the price of a new car, I'm not going to get anything better than this radio.
Interestingly when I asked my 15 year old son, ZL4TM, for his opinion on a new radio with a big screen or the 1000, he went for the 1000 as it was "pretty cool looking". After seeing and playing with the current radio's on offer in a leading retailer in the UK, he said the only radio he preferred was a dx9000! I would tend to agree |
|
| VK2IK |
Rating: |
2016-08-04 | |
| A Great Rig - one of the best ! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
The FT 1000MP MkV Field is an excellent radio.
I selected this rig based on obtaining the best receiver I could find prior to heading to VK0 over winter between 2005 and 2007. I bought the rig new in mid July 2005, so its one of the last models as it ceased production soon after.
I also chose it based on the 12V internal PSU over the external 200W version, for ease of reliability, repairs or workarounds when away from spares and other resources.
It matched well to external station accessories, with easy interfacing including linear amplifiers and other equipment. I built a DVS1 equivalent out of a storage IC as well (theres no ham outlets in VK0 and the ship only brought mail twice a year :)), it worked well.
Whilst the Antarctic provides some excellent and unique RF conditions including a very very low noise floor, which the FT1K field really brings to life, The conditions on station were challenging due to the number of RF noise sources and experiments including high power MF radar and HF radiosondes and multi operator HF QRO station operations 24/7 during the summer.
I also had to ensure that the equipment would not cause any interference to adjacent operations. The FT1K field came through with flying colours and outperformed every other bit of gear on station, including the commercial grade HF receivers (R&S EK070's).
It also put out a very clean signal, which was required as the HF receiver antenna systems had multiple antennas, HF multi couplers and amplifier as well. I could TX on an adjacent antenna QRO and not cause any discernible rise to the receivers noise floor, In comparison with an FT897D, it lit up the whole HF spectrum 1.8-30Mhz on the same site, with further isolation and barefoot. most other HF amateur sets tested did the same, not the 1K!
The rig can cut through the noise and pull weak signals out, and I was able to use the rig on the various antenna arrays across different TX and RX antenna farms, including a 5 bay sloping triangle (terminated) array, allowing 'sector' isolation of the globe, Rhombics, Collins Conical Monopole. I had other rigs to do comparison tests in real conditions and this rig outperformed everything else. On station, in some cases, the other equipment compared would be S9+10 of noise, put on the FT1K, switch in the various receiver controls, all at your finger tips, and watch it disappear and start pulling signals in. I recall a QSO on 40m, where I worked a QRP station running 2W (+33dBm) into a low dipole (NVIS stuff), I could copy it clearly with no S reading registering on a crowded band, however I required 400W on the return path to work any VK stations on that band at that time.
The Antenna switching options are a great feature, as is the dual meters (thank to the earlier FT102 design); stepped attenuator and IPO. The notch filter is out of this world with the right QRM.
I also was able to test it out in some very interesting high latitude propagation conditions, which again , really tested the rigs performance and made the most out of the antenna farms, in some cases band openings in the winter where extremely short if at all, sometimes lasting less than 20 minutes as you switched the antenna arrays to follow the position of the sun beyond the horizon. You would listen to the band come up and then close away, with the noise floor being extremely low, there were often extremely very weak signals to be heard during the dark winter months. (the nearest "local" ham not on station was R1ANC, at Vostok)
Whilst the rig is somewhat dated,it is typically the display and logic control that differs from contemporary radios to make it that way, the menu system and logic control would be based on the FT1000MP with mid 1990's design, but it works fine.
yes, roofing filters and external preselectors, that are seen in the later rigs are not there, nor Direct Sampling of RF.
However I used this rig and had significant pile ups to work and it was not an issue, The rig has solid RF design principles right through the receiver chain, when the optional filters are used, the switchable "tuned" front end and the pres elector, followed by the tracking eDSP passband, it allows excellent manipulation of the receiver(s) and transmitter from the control surfaces with out the need to access the various menus.
The eDSP is quite effective, I do find that if you use all the DSP, receiver controls and filtering, it diminishes the signal of interest somewhat,but when you realise what you listening too in the noise, you soon discover that it has further enhanced the receiver.
Sometimes you may find the sharpness of the receiver a little much, for ragchews and the likes of local work on 80m, I occasionally find the FT817 or FT897D with the RF gain wound back more easier to listen to, very much like the FT7 used to sound. In comparison, the FT1K with the eDSP is very precise and cuts through the QRM and pile ups, but is more the Formala 1 car vs the family station wagon. say "Highly strung" vs "lumpy" :)
I have had the rig 11 years, some of those in storage,its been shipped halfway across the world a few times, and rough seas on the southern ocean , lived in sub zero temps, loaded on helicopters and so on. The rig has been looked after, it is in pristine conditions and is still going as good and as exciting as the day I got it,
The only negatives I would rate are these.
1. (minor) the internal supply could be cleaner RF and AC wise, (but thats easy fixed with an external supply, which is an easy option on the field vs the MKV 200W version)
2. (minor) The CW filters can sound "tinny" and the APF whilst providing excellent selectivity, may produce a ringing sound and the "edges" of the tones can sound "rounded", however you may have a copy, vs no copy.
Its a great rig, it has years of sound RF design behind it dating back to the FT-102 (which I had at the same time) and earlier FT 1K line up .
RE the roofing filter, yes can tell if you have station 40-60 over the 9 nearby (a few Khz), just switch in the additional filter or move your hand and adjust the receiver controls . Its not a big issue, I had huge pileups, huge signals, and it was not really a big problem, and its not a problem in VK here, either. in crowded bands its not a show stopper, if it is, maybe your taking it too seriously, it was that long ago we did well with basic equipment and simple RF design.
I wont say its the utopia perfect radio, no radio is , there will always be something that will bother someone, but hey enjoy for what it is, its a great rig, just get another transceiver and keep both if it bothers you :)
If you can get one, do yourself a favor and grab it, look after it, GET THE OPTIONAL FILTERS and sit back and enjoy it, it will serve you well.
There are newer rigs, but this ones got a hot receiver, excellent transmitter and audio, has all the features you need, in short its a keeper. |
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