FT-2000 Yaesu in CQ WWDX SSB Contest Oct 28-29- 2006 in CQ WWDX SSB Contest Oct 27-28- 2007 |
||
NEW NEW NEW "PEP2000",
Jan 1-2009 My FT-2000 after PEP2000 early report Aug 26, 2010: new CPU ver. 1.52 EDSP ver. 11.54 older report: 1. FT-2000 tested in Oct CQWW DX SSB Contest at IR4B and Pictures Gallery 2. In dept I4SBX RX tests .pdf 3. Some early lab test, In Band Audio IMD 4. In Band Audio IMD Comparison with my Kenwood TS-57ODG 5. Further experience in CQWW - CW 6. Upgrade time: Yaesu releases firmware update 7. Comparative RX test data table with other RX 8. FT-2000 links |
FT-2000 tested in CQWWDX SSB
Contest at IR4B
CLICK HERE FOR:
|
July 24, 2010
I have got a brand new FT-2000 serial
number 9N Dec 2009 production with latest firmware (traded in
with my 6K).
Most of earlier small issues are gone, anyway it is just slightly better since
basically it has the same hardware, if you have already upgraded to the latest
firmware.
see my
new 3°IMDDR
and MDS RX tests here.
Now both AF audio gain control have an off audio cut off zero position with
relays.
Enjoy it, best 73.
------------------------
Jan
4, 2009
I would like to focus on Yaesu documentation "FT-2000_PEP2000_Software_Procedure_1.1.09" downloadable as .pdf file from www.yaesu.com (click FT-2000, files) regarding the EDSP update software. See below an abstract from it about reported changes in the 1.42 CPU software update, another software update in the PEP2000 upgrade package). This has been a very nice Happy New Year gift from Yaesu, very much welcome to enjoy even better our FT-2000 Amateur Radio equipment.
V er. 11.29 DSP implements improvements: Implements the FTdx9000 (PEP9000) DSP technology DNR superior SSB mode noise reduction DNF greater reduction of beat tones AGC attack time fine-tuned SSB speech processor audio augmented Activate RTTY monitor while transmitting DELAY characteristic of AGC close to analog AGC |
Following carefully Yaesu procedure I was
able to load in to the radio both softwares without any problem. I was on the air
soon to get acquainted with the improvements. My
radio op preferences are mainly SSB and CW modes.
We have got a new feature APF Contour Filter for CW only that arised my interest
immediately.
I found of help
NN4ZZ
advice in ft-2000 Yahoo reflector to go in his website where he wrote a
page on FTDX-9000 PEP9000 since this new function
has been introduced in it and now for the FT-2000 as well.
Since this is an all software update, no hardware changes, I was interested to
see if any changes have affected the main RX measurements and how much
in a less subjective way, so I decided to perform some tests and hear are my data
collected carefully. All tests have been performed in our (me and my father
I4FAF) laboratory.
Jan 4 - 2009. Performance Enhancement Program PEP2000 for FT-2000 Main CPU and EDSP version 11.291.42 (1/1/2009) upgrades to my FT-2000 (100W) SN. 6K. See www.yaesu.com (FT-2000 - files). Here are my first home laboratory tests about some key RX parameters after the above updates (a tolerance of 1dB is to be considered small and normal)
notes: Roof Filter BW 3,6,15 KHz loss very
similar. 15KHz Roof F. BW has 1dB better MDS
Notes: L means IMD measured with the two
tones RF Generators in the lower side of RX frequency |
I'm sorry I do not have the above BW data
before the upgrade, but I believe these are very good data and the stated
more differentiation between Gentle, Med, Steep filter menu options (now you
change on the fly and hear the difference) since
the early days I owned this radio is welcome. The 6dB 2400 SSB
bandwidth (as reported in the first FT-2000 ARRL lab review) is a bit
smaller, can be adjusted with Contour. The BW filters have much less ringing than before and more pleasantly
usable down to 100Hz. You can change and here immediately the difference
The new, CW only, APF filter gives an advantage in MDS by 5 to 6 dB, and this has been achieved without any front-end IMD deterioration since it is a DSP feature.
Contour works differently than before. If you set menu 092, contr level, in the positive side in SSB you do not get more audio output (together with more band noise) selectively (Q setting menu 93 range: 1 for higher Q so smaller BW, to 11, lower Q so more wide BW contour action), audio output level stay the same (however overall audio is better than before from the front panel audio) but when you turn the Contour knob you get a side attenuation by the amount you have set in the menu, positive number above zero. If you set for notch menu 092, from zero to - 40, it works the same as before.
DNR is much better than before, and the new level temporary display, 1 to 15, in the subreceiver display area is very much useful.
It has been reported in yahoo ft-2000 reflector, and
I experienced the same, if your receive CW and try to use DNR, in some
circumstances, it depends
by DNR settings it tends to attenuate the CW wanted signal, therefore,
I found to be more useful the use of new APF Contour filter alone, without
the DNR, for CW. Try also to narrow IF BW as more as possible to
reduce noise with front panel Width concentric control (it seems to me that with
EDSP ver 11.39 DNR works better while RX in CW on weak signals). DNR appeared to be more useful for SSB.
DNF. Thank you Yaesu staff. Now you have got it right. Very
effective audio auto notch without the previously reported distorsion to
the audio and I tested with 2 equal power CW carrier Signal Generators in band
and DNF was able to eliminate with attenuation both signals: now it is a real
multiple autonotch and works fine.
I really suggest you to play with a computer audio spectrum analyzer software (many are free) and connect the RX audio output to the sound blaster input (mic in) in your computer via an audio isolating interface (like I-Box by W2IHY) set the level in the audio control and see.
Power output and PROC.
About Power output, my FT-2000 is the 100 W version,
I did not see any problem with it.
Now it is almost impossible to get a poor audio out of
it, in SSB transmission mode. I use a Proc level around "10" - "11",
not critical anyway now.
Take care mainly of your Mic Gain settings when you switch the PROC ON, stay
always within the ALC blu area.
The Equalizer default settings are a good start,
may be try to adjust the 2100Hz freq to a +6 +8 dB depending to the microfone in
use of course.
When you switch off the Proc maybe you need to rise a bit
the Mic gain to get again full output to its max PEP level, but stay again
within the blu ALC area in analogue meter. Use the ALC meter option
instead of COMP option to adjust Mic Gain with Proc Off and Proc On.
PEP2000 is an overall step forward to enhance our
FT-2000 performances, I find even more pleasure to use it now. A very welcome
new year gift by Yaesu staff to which we pass our best regards (last
update Jan 4,2009).
Some DX Station QSOs .MP3 Audio files with my FT-2000
(recorded with Create Audigy 2ZS sound card,
FT-2000 with both receiver A, main rx, and subreceiver B activated, in some
below recording DX station was operating in split frequency so
different RX -TX freq; antenna was wire morgain antenna folded dipole for 40 and
80 meters about 15meters above ground north-south heading; the file name shows
band,mode, date and local time):
YK9G -Syria on 80m | YK9G on 40m | 6V7I Senegal on 80m | A71BX Qatar on 40m | TF3SG Iceland on 80m |
mp3 file (3288kb) |
mp3 file (1552kb) |
mp3 file (2921kb) |
mp3 file (3582kb) |
mp3 file (4604kb) |
1. PICTURES GALLERY
(click on picture to enlarge, left
arrow browser to come back)
2.
I4SBX, Eraldo, FT-2000 RX Tests: Down
Load here .pdf files (data tables tnx to Eraldo, I4SBX):
RECIPROCAL MIXING .pdf file VRF on/off IMD DR Roofing Filters IMD DR IMD DR by bands IMD DR vs delta freq Two tones |
RX2 IMD DR by bands RX2 IMD DR vs delta freq Two T |
notes: reciprocal mixing .pdf curves about FT-2000 in comparison to our home made CDG2000 TRX (named shortly SRC) |
Roofing Filter Measurement Trace Spectrum Analyzer test-setup - Down Load
here
.pdf file
(data tables, provided "as is", tnx to Eraldo, I4SBX) |
Nov 8, 2006 By Sergio Cartoceti, IK4AUY (IR4B Contest Call) All rights reserved
(Last update Dec 11, 2007)
FT2000 tested in CQWWDX SSB Contest at
IR4B and further updates.
After entering CQWWDX SSB Contest in the single op single band 20m (500w max
power) category with my IR4B contest call I would like to
express my happyness to have trusted on this radio and purchased it in time to
give it a try in this competition. After more than 1000 QSOs in about 36 hours
of operation in a band full of contest station like a "double layer zipped file"
(I mean that from 14.100 MHz to 14.350 MHz in that week end there were so many
stations so often someone even jumped on, in this case no tools could be magic, or simply strong signals nearby the wanted
frequency). With solar cicle around its minimum it was expected a big
concentration on the low HF bands. Prop conditions revealed to be very good on
20m and in my QTH there were, at times, at least 3 in band powerfull stations to
push up my S-meter up to 59 + 60dB if antennas were pointing each others (IR4T,
IR4X, II4A to mention some locals).
I find this rig with one of the best ergonomics and easy to use front panel,
well sized to run trouble free for many hours of operation.
The RX is good enought to the point that I never could notice any sign of
overload or phantom IMD signals (most of the time I had
preamp 1 in. Maybe if any IMD was present it was masked by stations in band).
Even if it is not difficult to learn to use the basic functionalities of this
rig you need time to get out the most from this rig in any band situations and
to play with all the menu settings available (stay away from hidden menus!
go to YAESU SERVICE trained personel if, by any chance, should happen to you to
experience serious problems with the rig: there are plenty regular user menus to
test for proper settings or front panel knob and buttons. In any case I suggest
to read first and carefully the manual it is so well written, informative and
with new ideas, audio effects to play with and test).
So after the first positive impression about a well layed out front panel the
second positive impression I had was that the Main RX, the only one with IF DSP,
the sub RX is fully analog, is very quiet and sensitive and AGC is very good
and you can adjust from panel and from menu other interesting AGC parameters. In a few
words the main RX is just a pleasure to listen to.
3. Some early personal
LAB TESTs
First of all FT-2000 inside is well built. Since one full
year and 2 CQWW Contest not a single problem with it, no reset at all was never
needed.
My AGC settins for maximal sensitivity to small signals and fast recovery
among strong signal (proposal for a Contest Set-Up) are as follow:
AGC feature for main RX |
Setting |
AGC Front Panel |
Medium |
Sloped AGC feature | menu # 088 rout AGC SLP set to default normal |
AGC MID MID DLY (*) | menu # 003 default 800 msec |
AGC MID HLD (*) (hang time for AGC MID mode on Main RX | menu # 004 set to 40ms (instead of default zero msec) |
(*)
Of course you could also use Slow front panel AGC for SSB
(Fast or Mid for CW), but I suggest you to DO NOT
keep AGC HLD hang time, a menu setting, at the default zero setting:
It is better to set HLD time at 20 to 40 ms at least.
I have found that this improves IN BAND AUDIO IMD
Behaviours (my test set: two close RF tones at ant Input and FFT audio
spectrum analyser via a computer sound card from the audio headphones FT-2000
output with an audio isolation transformer in between).
For SSB I set Slow time at 1700 msec instead of default value of 2000 msec,
slightly faster, or even use mid agc at default setting. For CW
I set Fast at 500 msec DLY and HLD time at 20 or 40 ms.
CLICK HERE FOR
IN-BAND AUDIO 2 TONES TEST
- a) VRF and 3KHz Roofing Filter.
See our above detailed pictures tnx to our friend Eraldo I4SBX and his
very good Marconi 2382 accurate setup Spectrum Analyzer with tracking generator
measuring system (for
Roofing Filter Measurement Trace Spectrum Analyzer test-setup - Down Load here
.pdf file,
data tables tnx to Eraldo, I4SBX), by the way this is the same spectrum analyzer that W2VJN used
to trace filters curves.
Remember that FT-2000 RX was designed with the goal to provide up to 4 KHz BW
for ESSB use so, I guess, Roofing Filters at 69.450 MHz could not be sharper
than 3KHz if you wish to go wide up to 4KHz at IF. Also our measured -3dB Roofing
FLT BW showed a BW slightly sharper with the 6Khz nominal Roof Filter than
the 3KHz (earlier FunkAmateur magazine in Germany did
the same measurement with almost the same results), but anyway the close
in IMD DR was better with the nominal 3K BW Roofing filter in (the roofing
filters in place are not reversed, the component marked device name is exactly
the one in the schematic). I would prefere a 6K
filter to look like a 6K BW and a 3K filter to look like a 3K Bw, anyway
the main question still remains that the measured 2 KHz close in IMD DR is only
average in comparison to nowadays technology available.
FT-950 manual declares a maximum of only 3KHz possible SSB BW and not 4KHz and
roofing filters are switched with diodes instead of relays). In anycase VRF
plus 3KHz Roofing Filters and IF DSP
selectivity are doing a good job to achieve good earing of wanted on channel
signals in a sweet way.
Also Contour was alway on (setted to amplification from menu) and IF Shift
and
Variable Width panel control often used in a very quickly and easy way to
adjust. I did not use in contest the stereo feature but just the main RX on
running channel and the sub RX to seach, out of main channel but in band
multipliers.
VRF IN peaked for max level | VRF IN CCW(1) | VRF IN CW(1) | VRF In/ Out | |||
R Filt | IPO ON | AMP 1 | AMP 2 | AMP2 | AMP2 | (VRF loss about 1dB only) |
3KHz | 5-7 | 5-9+2dB | 5-9+15dB | 5-7 (abt - 20dB) | 5-8 (about -15dB) | no loss on S Meter |
6KHz | 5-6 | 5-9+1dB | 5-9+12dB | 5-7 (abt - 20dB) | 5-8 (about -15dB) | no loss on S Meter |
15KHz | 5-7 | 5-9+2dB | 5-9+15dB | 5-8 (abt - 20dB) | 5-9 (about -15dB) | no loss on S Meter |
(1) ccw=counter clock wise knob to left, CW =CLOCK wise knob to right
Main RX settings Ant 1, Att Off, VRF
in, Ipo On, R FLT 3KHz, IFDSP BW 2.4KHz, Agc Fast
Other RX related menu settings 102 rdsp SSB SHP (default is SHARP), 103 rdsp SSB
SLP nEd (default IF DSP passband filter slope, or shape factor, is Medium):
S0 | S2 | S3 | S4 | S5 | S6 | S7 | S8 | S9+10dB | S9+20dB | S9+30dB | S9+40dB | S9+50dB | S9+60dB |
-91dBm |
-88dBm | -85dBm | -82dBm | -79dBm | -76dBm | -73dBm | -70dBm | -60dBm | -50dBm | -40dBm | -30dBm | -20dBm | -17dBm |
The analog S Meter is almost well calibrated from S9 to S9 +40dB, between +40
and +60dB is not well calibrated,
below S9 to S0 one
S unit is about 3 dB, so the
overall S Meter-AGC range is about 74dB from difference off two levels:
(-17
-(-91)= 74dB)
The S meter issue above did not show while testing another FT-2000 S/N 6Mxxxxx |
The VRF peak range has about 20 dB of side attenuation on 20m band
(see now the detailed analyzer pictures above).
Look at the sharp VRF peak: the power density of all
signals present inside the very wide RX input passband filters, the superimposed
wider curve in the spectral pictures above, it is also at the input of first
mixer if VRF is OFF.
Put VRF on and all the power density in the area below and above the peak
response is already mostly reduced in the first 10 dB of attenuation.
The 6KHz R.Filter is introducing 1 or 2 dB of more loss than the 3 and 15 KHz
position.
Mode | IPO | AMP1 | AMP2 |
SSB | -117dBm | -127dBm | -132 dBm |
CW | -123dBm | -133dBm | -138 dBm |
- b) Audio level out : I tested 4 headphones, 3
stereo an AKG studio model K240, a German headphone Ultrasone, Yaesu YH 77
STA (very light and good) all 3 with around 16 - 32 Ohm impedence and Kenwood HS5 an
8 Ohm impedence and never I had to bring audio volume
up to 12 'o clock, most time around 10 'o clock. If you use the stereo feature
with both main and sub RX the volume was set even
lower because enough audio was available in that way. The audio out from the
inside speaker is also quite good.
- c) RX Audio hiss issue: I could not detect
above normal hiss from
the main RX with headphones inserted in front panel jack, an higher level of hiss is noticeable only out from the
sub RX audio (this is at a normal level out from an all analog RX
but i feel it could be improved a bit)
Feb 24 - 2007 - SP-2000 external LOUD SPEAKER with 2 (dicrete Passive components) High-Pass and 3 Low Pass filter settings, provision for 2 different RIGs RX Audio front panel push button selection. There is also a mute button. |
I would like to say that this is a usefull and fine accessory. The rear audio output from FT-2000 to the speaker allows you to connect your head-phones into the SP-2000 front panel jack (while this is not a stereo output like the one in the FT-2000 front panel). The bonus is that the audio volume is higher and it seems better also the monitor audio level. Further more if you think to suffer from some wideband hiss noise when headphone is plugged in this higher level audio output you can eliminate wide band hiss by switching in the passive audio low pass filter. The loud speaker is sensitive (and robust rated by Yaesu a max of 7 Watts) and in a silent room you can listen with a small amount of volume audio and forget about headphones. The appearence matches very well the FT-2000 look. I like it. |
- d) SSB talk power and TX: tested with a professional PEP
Coaxial Dynamics
83000-A
RF
Power Meter with a Two Tone audio device in the mic input (700Hz and 1900 Hz
tones like the one used by ARRL Lab) so the PEP Power out was set to 100 W PEP,
switching the wattmeter to Average the power reading was 40 W and this is
exactly what should be. The analog power meter scale in the FT-2000 is
well calibrated to read Average Power and reads exactly the power out
with Tuner in (tuner in losses are about 10 - 12 watts. Power out without
autotuner is about 112 W in all HF bands measured in a 50 Ohm Bird dummy
load, so useful power out with autotuner in is exactly what expected to be
100 W average with one tone into the front panel mic)
TX Max Power OUT Test: (Watts, Average) on 50 OHm Bird Dummy Load. Audio Mic in
700Hz
(MIC gain at 9 0'clock, ALC minimal reading), Speech Proc and EQ OFF,
Tuner OFF.
MHz | 1.800 | 3.700 | 7.050 | 10.130 | 14.200 | 18.140 | 21.250 | 24.950 | 28.500 |
Watts | 108 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 114 | 113 | 112 | 112 | 112 |
- e) Speech Processor: I now always use it looking only at ALC
meter, not the compressor scale, and it is effective as a compressor.
I set it between 9 or up to max 10 'o clock. Remember that if you have the mic EQ ON (like
the default factory setting) you add, in some audio band, an amplification
so in most instance ALC read higher if you do not put the mic gain slightly
down to stay always inside the ALC meter border.
I suggest to start your tests putting the mic EQ OFF at first to get a better
feeling how the speech processor work and how it performs, after that
start to do
more tests with the EQ on looking also to ALC meter and balance it with mic gain
panel control which is very sensitive.
Menu - quick reference - to set EQ OFF for audio test purposes (updated with
menu item as in latest firmware releases):
EQ OFF
with Speech Proc OFF |
EQ OFF
with Speech Proc ON |
|||
Menu item # | setting | Menu item # | setting | |
125 | OFF | 134 | OFF | |
128 | OFF | 137 | OFF | |
129 | OFF | 140 | OFF |
My preferred audio mic equ. menu settings (cpu firmware 1.50 -
EDSP Ver. 11.53) where found from the very much similar starting point suggested from
Heil Sound in their website.
Speech Proc OFF | Speech Proc ON | ||
Menu item # | setting | Menu item # | setting |
125 Eq1 Frq | 200 | 134 Eq1 Frq | 200 |
126 Eq1 Lvl | -8 | 135 Eq1 Lvl | -8 |
127 Eq1 BW | 2 | 136 Eq1 BW | 2 |
128 Eq2 Frq | 900 | 137 Eq2 Frq | 900 |
129 Eq2 Lvl | -3 | 138 Eq2 Lvl | -3 |
130 Eq2 BW | 2 | 139 Eq2 BW | 1 |
131 Eq2 Frq | 2100 | 140 Eq2 Frq | 2100 |
132 Eq3 Lvl | +8 | 141 Eq3 Lvl | +8 |
133 Eq3 BW | 2 | 142 Eq3 BW | 1 |
Now I use a Shure dynamic Mic 55SH series II (and Shure Beta 58A).
Menu item 85, audio tx
passband settings, is specific to your preferred mode of operation,
DX or ragchew, so a good starting point is
3-27 and for ragchew 2-28. Speech Proc ON at 10 -
11 'o clock.
Mic Gain - Comp Level - TX Audio Monitor - Vox front panel
audio mic input versus rear panel RCA mic audio input,
here some personal notes (sept 1, 2007):
Yesterday I monitored my audio (s.n. 6K, 2006) with
a separate very well dBm calibrated S meter (1 dB error in 100 dB
range! with professional Analog Devices log ampl in it, the W7AAZ Bill Carver
design) and a separate antenna, the increase between Proc
OFF and ON (same eq-settings: 200Hz attenuation, 2100Hz boost) was an average
around 2 to 3 dB with good quality (at 200Hz to 2.8Khz TX IF passband).
I have tested for the first time the rear audio RCA input (pulled off the
front mic, you do not need any changes in the menus)
with my
Shure Beta 58A dynamic studio microphone (150 Ohm impedance when
unbalanced, so compatible with the 500-600 Ohm input imp).
Mic Gain settings are very much different in comparison with the front Mic
input.
The rear audio input has less gain, less critical, so you get a
broader mic gain range and very good audio with a setting around
12 o'clock (it depends of course on the sensitivity output level of the specific
mic used and how far you speach in it).
I can use in both audio input Comp level up to 10 o'clock without
distortion and, confirmed by the above measurement that, switching in the
Comp button even at low settings as 9 o'clock there is a visible 2 to 3 dB average push up as measured above.
Never use the Comp meter scale not usefull at all since it start to move at Comp
Gain settings where there is already distortion, much
better to use the ALC meter scale while moving mic gain and comp level
for proper settings.
One complaint: if I use the audio Monitor together with VOX, there is,
time to time, some Vox erratic operation, it seems that the
monitor it self is loading to much the audio path taking out some signal for the
Vox circuitry (Vox gain already set to max position).
Vox is always fine with monitor off.
Did anyone else experienced the same issue?.
Test info by VE3PN Measuring the distortion and S+N/N gave with (mic gain set to 12o'clock). The front mic input with a 1mV injected signal gave 36db S/N up to 1.5mv,the S/N inproved to 40db and then fell back to 37db up to 2mv I/P. The alc was at about S6 on the S meter scale. The rear mic input with 11mv signal injected gave 52db S/N up to 15mv the S/N held at 50db and then fell back to 37db up to 20mv I/P. The mic gain was set at 12o'clock (the alc was also at about S6 on the Smeter scale). Putting a metal cover over the front mic panel while using the rear mic input lowered the 60 and 120Hz pickup by about 8db. So the rear input has about 10db better S/N than the front input. So I would say on this sample that keeping the alc below S7 on the S meter scale is a good idea regardless of which input is used. |
f) Digital Voice Memory keyer. I made more try and I found that I
now get a very good quality of voice reproduction out of it but I
still have to remember that the DVK needs a mic gain setting higher than
driving the TX with the microphone so a setting up to 10 or 11
o'
clock or more (it depends on mic used and if you use the audio mic input
RCA in the rear it must be even higher than 12 o' clock) solved the noise and quality issue very well indeed.
The two DVK Menu settings (RX menu item n. 015, TX level menu item n. 016) I use now
at a low setting of 5, lower
than default values. The Tx value in menu n. 016 must be set to stay always
within ALC limits with or without speech proc. in or out (speech proc.
level always better to stay at a low value around 9 'o clock). The squelch sound issue at the end of message
was there in the earliest firmware. Now after firmware updates
it is gone. I
recommend the use of FH2 keyboard.
The best way to monitor the TX audio quality out of the RIG is with a separate RX
connected to a separate antenna well decoupled from the TX antenna or an
RF decoupling device
(ie by Bird) with the TX output into a 50 Ohm Dummy Load, with a good quality head-phones (ie. AKG K240 or K271
STUDIO). Remember that an antenna with ROS will interact with ALC.
- g) Tx is good. I performed Two Tones IMD Test with a 50 Hz IF
selective and calibrated Marconi Spectrum Analyser and they are around 28
to 30 dBc down each of the two tones at 100 w pep out (measured as above in to 50
OHm dummy load, Mil-std-1131 Version A - test method 2204B; if you compare
that number to the one referred to the PEP, the "commercial" EIA soft test
method you add 6 dB to - 28 or 30 dB, taken as absolute value, so it is equal to
- 34 or - 36 dB), at a lower 50 w pep out the 5th, 7th and
9th order
is even lower the figures measured at the higher level reference of 100 W PEP
as expected. If quiescent current would have not set properly this test
usually reveals poorer numbers.
Vertical Div 10 dB
Orizzontal Div 1KHz
Spectrum Analyser IF Bandwidth 50 Hz
Two Tone Test with 700 Hz and 1900 Hz input in to the fron panel Mic input. RF
power out to 50 Ohm Bird Dummy Load and RF sample taken from a Bird RF sampler
new and good for the 1 MHz to 35 Mhz range.
20m Two Tone Test for 100 W PEP out | 20m Two Tone Test for 25 W PEP out |
- h) Digital noise reduction effectiveness, 16 choices by
rotating the DNR front panel knob, needs to be tested further and it is
related to the type of noise present in band (It seems you regulate the time of
algoritme response more than the level of it). Choose the one let show up best
the wanted signal and lower back ground noise.
Remember to turn DNR knob slowly and at each step wait several seconds, wait
until you clearly ear the noise reduction effect.
It works. So the time action is different but when ready the attenuation of band
noise for each settings is almost equal and around a pretty good 20 dB of
attenuation (it seems to me that DNR has improved a bit with latest firmare
upgrades).
CLICK HERE FOR
DNR AUDIO SPECTRAL TEST VIEW
- i) Front panel Variable Manual Notch is very effective and
acts at IF so the RX re-gains its sensitivity when notching the offending signal
(S Meter goes back) and you should use it first,
second choice use the autonotch DNF (per Yaesu manual page 59), S-Meter is
unaffected so AGC, anyway the notch is noticeable in the audio. However my
tests showed that autonotch DNF is not a multiple beat canceller
and in presence of two signals it does not work and distorsion shows up.
Autonotch DNF is very effective to notch out a single tone offending signal
present in the passband.
CLICK HERE FOR
DNF AUDIO SPECTRAL TEST VIEW
What next? I will try CW mode more but untill now I'm very happy, and the
main RX is delivering a very natural sounding audio and clean signals even
if they are of very low intensity at the antenna. I have not tryied any digital
modes or CAT yet.
5. Further experience with this new radio:
Now the CQWWDX CW week-end has passed and I
had the time to operate just about 5 hours per night on 40 meters band where I
use folded dipole type of antenna called Mor-Gain, which is longer than half
wave lenght on that band and receives well. The background band noise during
night was very low and I really could appreciate how confortable, pleasant and
enjoyable was listening the crowded 40 meters band with my FT-2000 together with
Yaesu stereo headphone YH77STA.
I used all the time the "stereo feature" with the Main RX and Sub RX both on and
the two audio output one to the right ear the other to the left ear of my stereo
headphone with audio balanced for each ear with the separate audio level front
panel knobs. I could fight very well nearby QRM most of the time with the
Width control from 500 Hz BW down to 300 or 200 Hz BW and in some
situations moving slightly the Shift control with success. I tested also
the CW memories without any problem, as per manual.
What say? It was a pity I had to switch off the rig to go to sleep.
By now my FT-2000 on air impression after the highly competitive SSB and CW CQWW Contest week-ends, chasing DX and Expeditions and regular QSOs is positive and the RIG revealed to be friendly user defined, easily configurable to achieve the edge in each different situations of propagation noise and QRM. Very good ergonomics and with a very gentle RX to my sensitive ears after already 26 years of radio experience (I started the hobby at age of 16 tnx to my father Romano I4FAF). Never used the RX preamplifier during contest week-ends, and also for normal DX activity (not tested yet 6meters), the low noise RX back ground and sensitivity is really pleasant. I' m mostly well satisfied by this rig.
My FT2000 is a s.n. 6K07xxxxx.
Best regards de Sergio IK4AUY
6. Upgrade time: Yaesu has released first firmware update for FT2000 (ask to your Yaesu authorised dealer-representative for your Continent-Country version).
Abstract from some latest Yaesu firmware procedure .pdf file: |
Ver. 0137 declared improvements: Addition of CAT command RI (To turn "TX""RX" on and off in PCC) The QMB marker 014 diSP QMB MKR is corrected to center. Change MIC-SEL 073 F3E MIC SEL so the Front is not chosen for DATA/PC in-put. PITCH and SPEED will be displayed for two seconds when the control is adjusted. It is no longer necessary to hold the Keyer or Monitor button. Provide a more noticeable change for MENU SHAPE and PASSBAND. SHAPE: 093 rdSP CW SHAP, 096 rdSP PKT SHP, 099 rdSP RTY SHP, 102 rdSP SSB SHP PASSBAND: 094 rdSP CW SLP, 097 rdSP PKT SLP, 100 rdSP RTY SLP, 103 rdSP SSB SLP Output value of the MENU SHAPE DSP is reversed. 093 rdSP CW SHAP, 096 rdSP PKT SHP, 099 rdSP RTY SHP, 102 rdSP SSB SHP The Carrier Point frequency is optimized for CW reception Correct WIDTH indication to show correctly during Antenna Tune operation. Correct the Tuning Offset Indicator during Power On at PITCH 300Hz CW mode. Ver. 0138 declared improvements: Corrected a bug of version 0137. In split frequency operation, which caused incorrect mode change between the sub VFO-B and the main VFO-A on RX Reduce the response time of the main & sub S meter, for more suitable readings. Ver. 0139 Implement 50 ms hold time for SSB TX Power meter. Eliminate crackling noise from CW full break in monitor. Roofing filter Auto selection no longer reverts to 15 kHz when NB is enabled. Permit AF (MONI) monitor in the Packet mode (PKT). DMU monitor MENU name changes: No.116 MAIN DIAL STEP → DIAL STEP No.117 MAIN DIAL CW FINE → DIAL CW FINE Add a curve to NB GAIN control (a curve same as RF-GAIN). Also includes all previous updates. The software updates will work with all versions (AF, AS, EU, NA, OC, SA or all Countries) of the FT-2000 and FT-2000D. SEE above PEP 2000
Main CPU, ver 142, and EDSP firmware ver 11.29 upgrades Jan 1, 2009
released by Yaesu |
Yaesu provides instructions to do the update yourself, firmware
update file and the software that let you make the file upload in to the FT-2000
via:
a) rear CAT DB9 straigth female to female computer serial
cable (the same cable you will use with software like ie "MIXW" to control
the Radio, I down loaded a trial latest version
MixW 2.18 software to check
serial port communication, you need to tell to the software and radio menu the
proper matching communication speed details)
b) via PGM rear cable Yaesu part number CT-119 in this way you do not need to
access the inside switch S3004!
Importante recente nota
della ICAL - YAESU Italia: vedi
www.yaesu.it : Aggiornamenti
software ricetrasmettitori YAESU FT-2000, FT-2000D, FTDX-9000
7. Comparative RX Lab Tests (selected parameters) about FT-2000 in comparison with other RX
Remember that Lab tests are not the whole story and you should use on the air the radio for a while under different band conditions and as soon you know a bit more about your radio you will be able to have a right perceptions of it.
FT-2000 Links
(Click Here)
FOR SPECTRAL VIEW PICTURES TESTS ABOUT IN-BAND (CLOSE-IN) AUDIO TWO TONES IMD,DNR
and DNF
CLICK HERE
FOR SPECTRAL VIEW PICTURES IN-BAND AUDIO TWO TONES IMD COMPARISON WITH MY
KENWOOD TS-570DG
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Last update July 30 - 2010