| VE7EPP |
Rating:      |
2011-04-16 | |
| Very nicely done. |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I've had the FTDX-5000MP for a few months now and the biggest complaint I have is that I don't get to use the filters because I never have any problems receiving. Until I got this radio, I didn't know that it was possible to receive 24 hours per day.
I enjoy the station monitor and being able to see where most of the qso's are at without having to scroll around the band to find them. It actually helped me identify a few noisy power supplies in my house and in the neighborhood just by showing the noise accross the band at certain times of the day.
The bands seem to be doing well these days and I usually transmit with only 10 watts and get 20+ reports.
This is most likely going to be the radio that lasts me a lifetime. |
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| N7ZM |
Rating:      |
2011-04-13 | |
| Best radio around |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
| The FTdx-5000D is the best radio I have ever used or owned, The DSP is a dream, pleasure to use and listen to. I got one of the last ones out of Japan just two weeks before the earthquake. It has a late FEB-2011 date. Easy to do the upgrades from Yaesu and I have done one already. I just cannot get over the receiver, it's noise floor is the best around. Had a ham friend sell his Icom 7800 to buy one, it's that good. The speakers on the SM-5000 are great also. |
|
| VK3YW |
Rating:      |
2011-04-11 | |
| Very good so far |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
First impressions on the Yaesu FTdx5000 MP
First up what an awesome transmitter / receiver this radio is … after updating from the FT2000 it’s a joy to listen to
After a few hours my first thoughts are … I wouldn’t get the MP versiongiven a second chance … the SM5000 is a waste of time
The display is not accurate … and readable only directly in front … the speakers are “ gimpy “you’re better off with the DMU2000 and the SP2000 with the filters
More to come soon
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| G4YBP |
Rating:      |
2011-03-10 | |
| Fantastic |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I brought one - After reading all the test results for all the latest radio's and deciding that close in performance in SSB & CW must be the number one thing. We all want that even if we don't do contests to make listening to your contact with ease, whats the point of big antenna's and amp's only to have your QSO un-readable.
I put my trusty MP Mark V against it and wow how did I manage before, this radio is the rolls royce, the down conversion is the way forward with the first IF of 9 Mhz then down to 30Khz - the way forward for ALL radio's.
I know some say that its got this or that which is not good but put it next to another radio and see the difference. Well done Yaesu. |
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| WD8RWI |
Rating:  |
2011-03-05 | |
| Piece of JUNK |
Time Owned: 6 to 12 months. |
| I bought my FTdx5000MP in August. It is now a useless piece of junk in my shack. I was transmitting at about 50 W into a 1.1 to 1 SWR and when I unkeyed the mic it stayed in transmit mode until I turned the power off. When I turned it back on the TX indicator was blinking and I now had a very expensive receiver. For what this radio costs, you would think that it might work for more than 7 months. I am really unhappy. If it turns out I have to send this piece of junk back to Yaesu, I'm going to be out another $100.00 or more just for shipping. Buy something that works for a while. |
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| G8UBJ |
Rating:      |
2011-01-21 | |
| A great RTTY rig! |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
I will focus first on RTTY for this review as thats my main mode.
I'm impressed with the overall performance of this rig. For RTTY there is far better control of the bandwidth and shape of the filters e.g. 250Hz. Earlier Yaesu rigs (FT-2k/9k) provided only 300hz and 200Hz which was either a little wide for contesting or a little too narrow for reliable copy. In combination with the 300Hz roofing filter this delivers bomb proof performance on the lower bands.
The ergonomics of the rig are a vast improvement, with all the dials and switches easy to get at, and well laid out.
I can't quite work out the logic for the IPO settings though?
AMP1 -> AMP2 -> IPO1 -> IPO2 ->
Seems logical but gain wise they should should be AMP2 -> AMP1 -> IPO1 -> IPO2 -> ?
On SSB the DNR is really effective. On some of the weakest signals it may sound like the operator is at the other end of a concert hall but fully copyable... You can you give someone a true 51 report with this rig.
Unless you use the log book or SWR charts the station monitor replaces the DMU quite well and like the narrow roofing filter is worth the investment. I didn't get the OXCO but the rig seems stable enough measured against a 10Mhz reference, and I can't see any appreciable drift whilts operating.
Given the performance and price I give this my recommendation.
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|
| SV1DPP |
Rating:      |
2011-01-13 | |
| THE POEM OF RECEIVING TECHNOLOGY |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I bought my FTDx5000MP in early January 2011 by authorized dealer (DR Electronics). The radio production was December 2010. Previously
I was having many among which radio ICOM IC-706, IC-706mkig, IC -751, IC-756, IC-756PROIII, YAESU FT-890, FT-1000MKV, FT-897, FT-857,
KENWOOD TS-480HX. After a few days of experience with the FTDx5000MP the first and effortless
my conclusion is that the radio is the POEM OF RECEIVING TECHNOLOGY. I mention just a few impressive in my opinion features and
maybe come back with newer review. Principle the radio is quiet, and 5 roofing filters are awesome effectively and specifically the
crystal 6-pole (300-600-3KHZ). Indeed, the automated combination Roofing with DSP is a dream. The two independent receivers are ideal for SO2R.
The sound in SSB RX with carrier-200Hz and width 4000z is enjoyable. Here the Yaesu ought to have the badwidth of 4kz as default (has 2,4KHZ)
(you must enable the WIDTH knob and adjust it to 4KHz. Then the Roofing Filter 6KHZ goes automatically to 6K position) Here I believe that the manual
on page 18 has a mistake. The SSB badwidth in "AUTO" position is not 6KhZ but 2,4 and RF indicator goes to 3k.
The DNR is by far the best I've heard. This really kills the noise without distorting (at least to position 10). The Contour filter
dramatically improves the contours of curve and the variable notch works incredibly well. The shift combined with the width
literally raises a signal that you thought were lost. The preamp works fine by placing only a little noise but the position IPO2 and the direct
feed to the first mixer is the definition of quiet receive. The noise blanker drown any pulse and especially now that it is double and variable.
In CW, things are much better because I believe that the FTDx5000MP is the ideal radio for CW. The roofing filters of 300 and 600 are a dream,
but the ultimate weapon to pull out weak signals, is THE MAGIC APF button that selects the APF filter, that works perfectly still and alone. The emergence of a nonexistent
signal is a simple game for the FTDx5000. A few words about SM-5000. Poor contrast but very good scope, same with ICOM in CENTER and FIX
position but much better in LWS positions. Amazing speakers though little bit noisy in LOUDNESS position (I prefer the SOFT position). However in
ergonomics Yaesu has made several mistakes, such as position of buttons VFO A/B and colorin (the VFO B is blue, but its panel is white and vice versa), etc.
And one last thing i did not like is the lack of tuning offset indicator (like MARKV and PROIII for RRTY. I am RTTY maniac!!).
73 Spiros
SV1DPP |
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| K7JI |
Rating:      |
2011-01-08 | |
| LOVE IT - SOUNDS & FEELS FANTASTIC! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
This review is obviously just one person's opinion, and I am a very part-time operator - so the "grain of salt" rule applies. I do not have test equipment - but the ARRL and Rob Sherwood do. If you are reading these eHam reviews you probably already know the numbers, so on to the subjective stuff!
I have previously owned an FT1000MP, IC-7800, and most recently I still own a K3 loaded to the gills. I had some reservations about purchasing this radio given the myriad problems with the FT9000 and the less than spectacular receiver and inexpensive feel of the FT2000. But I bit the bullet and so far I am very glad I did.
I bought this radio because I never got totally acclimated to the K3. As everyone knows, the Elecraft is a CW ops dream because of the incredible receiver, filters and NR. But as an equipment nerd and very part time operator I could never get totally beyond the inexpensive feel of the radio, the multi-function knob learning curve, the lack of individual band selection buttons, etc. I may keep the K3 for traveling and for more in-depth comparison to the FT5000 when tuning weak signals. I think the K3 is hard or maybe even impossible to beat electrically. The radio for its size and weight is a miracle. But the FT5000 receiver may match it, and the convenience of more knobs that fit my fingers better and a layout I am more familiar with makes it seem like I will spend more time in the radio room now that I own the 5000. Someone who is less a creature of habit, faster at new radio learning curves or less concerned with the feel of the controls of their radio may find few or no reasons to own anything other than a K3.
The FTDX 5000 sounds great, and is very, very quiet. Not as tinny and bright sounding as the K3, as someone else noted, which seems easier on the ears. Votes not in yet if in the most extreme conditions it will match the K3 performance but we'll see. If the numbers mean anything, it probably will.
The rig has a learning curve, even after having used a 1000MP for years. But getting to know the features and controls will hopefully be part of the fun of a new radio. I could not perform some basic functions without reading the manual, but this is just fine with me. I want something different (and better) than my previous radios, so I am fine with reading the manual and up to a point learning new tricks and techniques.
The feel of the radio is great - almost as nice as the IC7800, which is saying a lot! Even though the knobs are still plastic, there is less wobble in them than the FT2000 for example or my K3. They feel more solid. Just the difference in the method of adjustment in the tension and the overall feel of the main tuning knob between the K3 and this radio shows that they are a universe apart. The K3 feels like a toy even with nothing to compare it to - and then after using the 5000 the Yaesu feels light-years ahead. If your orientation is even a little kinesthetic you will love the feel of the 5000.
I wish the passband of this radio could be adjusted from widest to most narrow on CW with one knob, like the K3. The radio requires hitting the "narrow" button for selecting any filter setting under 500hz. Maybe there is a menu setting to adjust this? More homework needed.
Bandscope on this rig is terrible by all standards, esp. after having owned the IC7800. Speakers are pretty good, and with tinnitis ringing in my ears 24/7, the front facing speakers delay the need to put on headphones to pull out the weak signals, which is great.
The ability to select transmit and receive VFO's for split by just hitting the illuminated rec and xmt buttons above the VFO knobs is something I have missed from the first minute after selling my 1000MP. Again, we are all creatures of habit to varying degrees. I also really like the larger knobs for adjusting bandwidth and DSP features.
The 200 watts is of course a plus!
The quick and easy selection of the two preamps and ISO settings with just one control is fantastic for optimizing listening in various band conditions and noise levels.
Like the K3, it is easy to get rid of noise and QRM and pull weak signals out of the crud. For someone who grew up thinking the 75S3C was the ultimate receiver, this is a different universe than existed not only back then but even just a few years ago!
So far no regrets at all and in fact just the opposite - as a former 1000MP owner I feel more at home with this radio (naturally) than I ever did with the Icom or Elecraft. The sound, performance, build quality, control feel and ergonomics of this radio seem to be fantastic. I miss the scope in the 7800, but will probably get Larry's LP PAN which offers more features anyway.
If you like Yaesu radios but avoided the high price and problems of the 9000 and the less than state-of-the-art performance and feel of the 2000, you now finally have a radio worth owning again! |
|
| N1JAO |
Rating:      |
2011-01-02 | |
| Truly a work of art |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
Happy New Year to everyone. I have had the 5000MP for a week now and love it. Would anyone be willing to post or send me their audio settings for the radio? I am using the MD200 microphone and wand to take some of the bass out and put in
some highs but do not know how. Please help and thank you.
I am just blown away with the receiver and its capabilities. I got the MP with the scope, roofing filter, txo, and initial comments are just out of this world. A step up from my MK5 for sure. I did alot of reading about radios available in the price point and feel I made the right choice.
I will give a more comprehensive review after a while of use.
Robert
N1JAO
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|
| PA1HR |
Rating:      |
2010-11-12 | |
| Comparison Yaesu FTdx5000 - Icom IC-7700 |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
After 2,5 years of Icom IC-7700 I switched to the Yaesu FTdx5000.
Here is my comparison:
- the FTdx5000 costs 1,000 Euro less (about 5,000 Euro) and has more features (see below) than the IC-7700 (about 6,000 Euro)
- Yaesu offers three FTdx5000 versions (standard, D and MP); Icom has only one IC-7700 version
- the FTdx5000 has a fully independent second receiver; the IC-7700 has none, even no dual-watch
- the FTdx5000 has a low first IF with very selective and high quality Roofing Filters; the IC-7700 has a high first IF with Roofing Filters which are presumable good for Icom's marketing but in practice have no function
- the FTdx5000 has an IF-OUT, which is very useful for e.g. LP-PAN pan adapter, the IC-7700 lacks an IF-OUT
- on the FTdx5000 you can connect two loudspeakers; one for the main receiver and the other for the sub receiver. On the IC-7700 you can't (it has no sub receiver)
- the FTdx5000 offers Class-A which is very useful when you are using a linear amplifier; the IC-7700 has not
- the FTdx5000 has four antenna connectors; the IC-7700 has three
- the FTdx5000 has two IPO, the IC-7700 only one
- the FTdx5000 has an excellent Noise Blanker, easy to set and without distortion; better than on the IC-7700
- the FTdx5000 has the VRF, which works better that the DIGI-SEL of the IC-7700
- the main VFO knob is the biggest I have had in the past 40 years; bigger and more comfortable than that of the IC-7700
- the FTdx5000 has only very few double function knobs or functions deeply hidden in the menu; the IC-7700 has
- the connection between the BAND DATA FTdx5000 and the KEY IN and KEY OUT of my Acom 2000A linear amplifier; the IC-7700 does not support the KEY OUT function
- on the FTdx5000 you can do CW in the SSB-mode (great feature!); the IC-7700 cannot
- the DNR, DNF and APF on the FTdx5000 work better than the NR, AN and APF of the IC-7700
- with the FTdx5000 you get a remote control FH-2; the IC-7700 not and does not support a remote control unit
- with the FTdx5000 you get a hand microphone; the IC-7700 not so you have to buy one
- the FTdx5000 offers a parametric equalizer; the IC-7700 not
- the FTdx5000 has a real analog meter; the IC-7700 not
- doing CW on the FTdx5000 is much better than on the IC-7700; in the past years I have noticed that the Yaesu developers are much more CW-minded than Icom's developers
- the FTdx5000 does not support USB; the IC-7700 does
- the FTdx5000D has a simple but useful spectrum analyzer; the one on the IC-7700 is more extended
Needless to tell you that I am a very happy user of the FTdx5000!!
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