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
YEAR   BAND   QSO(*)   QSO PTS    PTS/QSO   ZONES   COUNTRIES   POINTS   PROPAG DATA ssn
                                                                                                                  day1  day2   3     
2006    20m     1397      2545         1.82           38           138         447,920     14     28     0
2007    20m    
1306      2372         1.82           36           130         393,752       0       0     0
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(*) qso without dupes

Equipment Description:  Yaesu FT-2000, one 4CX800A tetrode Lin Ampl 500 Watts, K1EA CT10DOS real time logging, Ant Hy Gain TH7DX.  
        
 

CLICK HERE FOR:
2006 CQWWSSB CONTEST CLAIMED SCORES ON SAME CATEGORY   
(Tnx to DXWATCH.COM)

2007 CQWWSSB CONTEST CLAIMED SCORES ON SAME CATEGORY   
(Tnx to DXWATCH.COM)
 

 


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.
------------------------


J
an 4,  2009

My FT-2000 after PEP2000.  An early report by  IK4AUY        (reproduction with permission only, please ask by e-mail).

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.

Ver. 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)
RX 1 -  Bandwidth (BW in Hz)   Measured with HP3400A dB scale Voltmeter,  Marconi 2019A sign gen.
autoroofing 6KHz    AGC OFF,  VRF OFF, IPO ON  (no preampl), Freq=14.2MHz  
             
CW BW set to 500Hz   GENTLE MED STEEP      
-6dB SOFT 550 520 490      
-70dB SOFT 1630 880 720      
-6dB SHARP 520 500 480      
-70dB SHARP 1810 900 720      
             
SSB BW  set to 2400Hz   GENTLE MED STEEP      
-6dB SOFT 1700 1700 1690      
-70dB SOFT 3910 3380 2990      
-6dB SHARP 1550 1480 1310      
-70dB SHARP 4050 3440 3090      

 

MDS  CW N =500Hz    IPO=ON
 Roofing Filter 3KHz, AGC OFF, VRF OFF

 

freq MDS   CW MDS with APF ON (PEP 2000 only)
  FT-2000   FT-2000
  dBm   dBm
1845 -122   -128
3545 -123   -129
7045 -122   -128
10115 -122   -128
14045 -123   -129
18085 -123   -128
21045 -123   -127
24905 -122   -126
28045 -123   -127
50205 -121   -126

notes: Roof Filter BW 3,6,15 KHz loss very similar. 15KHz Roof F. BW has 1dB better MDS
APF=auto peak filter, in CW only activated by pushing for 2 seconds the button CONT and auto tuned to the beat note Pitch control
a new feature in PEP2000 upgrade, gives 5 to 6 dB better MDS advantage on CW
see http://nn4zz.com for description (related to PEP FTDX9000) about this APF AutoPeaking Mode filter, FTDX9000 dsp technology implemented to FT-2000.
MDS measured for a 3dB increase of RX noise floor at SP2000 speaker - phones output- with high cut 1 passive audio low pass filter.

 
Two Tones
3°IMD DR
               
freq

FT-2000

             
  IMDDR-20K-L IMDDR-5K-L IMDDR-3K-L IMDDR-2K-L IP3  20K-Low IP3  5K-Low IP3  3K-Low IP3  2K-Low
  dB dB dB dB dBm dBm dBm dBm
28045 98 86 79 72 24,0 6,0 -4,5 -15,0
               
14045       70       -18,0
               
               

Notes: L means  IMD measured with the two tones RF Generators in the lower side of RX frequency
20, 5, 3, 2 KHz delta freq of two tones RF generators
3° IMD DR measured with reference to MDS

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)

For Roofing Filter Measurement Trace Test - Set Up used by I4SBX, see below link to donwload a .pdf file (TNX to Eraldo I4SBX)

For Roofing Filter Measurement Trace Test - Set Up used by I4SBX, see below link to donwload a .pdf file (TNX to Eraldo I4SBX)

3 KHz Roof. filter sweeping the front-end via I4SBX test set-up and signal taken with very low capac. high imp.probe to S.A.

6 KHz Roof. filter sweeping the front-end via I4SBX test-setup and signal taken with very low capac high imp.probe to S.A.

VRF ON and VRF OFF - 20m band - passband curves

VRF ON and VRF OFF - 40m band - passband curves

VRF ON and VRF OFF - 80m band - passband curves

VRF ON and VRF OFF - 160m band - passband curves

TX Two Tones IMD 20meters 100W PEP OUT in 50 Ohm dummy load

TX Two Tones IMD 160meters 100W PEP OUT in 50 Ohm dummy load


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 settingIt 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.

S meter Level  reading and VRF peaking Attenuation Test (IF BW 2.4KHz, USB, agc mid; Contour - DNR - Notch OFF.    Marconi  2019A Sign Gen set to 14.200 MHz at -73dBm = S9)
     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):
 
 

S Meter reading vs RF Signal Generator input at 14.200 MHz
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
see www.yaesu.com  under FT-2000,  files.
Ver. 0140
implements improvements:
• Corrects a bug (CAT on RX MAIN VFO-A) found in Ver. 0139.
• Also includes all previous updates.
Ver. 0142
Main CPU implements improvements:
• Added MENU #031 CAT IND. CAT data activity Indicator ENABLE/DISABLE (C/S button LED)
• Add MENU #015 LVL IND. Values are now indicated on the VFD display for
PITCHSPEEDCONTOURNOTCHDNRCW DELAYVOX DELAY (Press the [ENT] key to
set the command to “ON” or “OFF”)
• The AGC HOLD TIME default values are changed.
• Corrected a bug during TX; now the MIC-EQ is updated by PCC-2000 commands.
• Changed MENU PRMTRC EQ LEVEL range of values to -20 ~ 0 ~ +10.
• Changed the default values of MENU PRMTRC (LVL)
• Added the CAT Command (CO) for APF, ON
• Improve the ACS operation.
• Changed the VOX DELAY time settings to approximate the “CW Semi-break-in” DELAY setting on
the front panel knob.
Ver. 0143 MAIN CPU implements improvements (also includes previous Ver. 0142 updates):
• Added values are now indicated on the VFD display for MIC, PROC and RF PWR.
• Changed the position and the set point of the PROC knob. The 10 o’clock setting provides 5 to 10 db
compression. (*It is recommended that you utilize the monitor function and adjust the [PROC] knob
suitable audio, between 9:00 to 12:00 o’clock position).
Yaesu has released new CPU  ver. 0144  and new EDSP  ver. 11.50
Ver. 0144 MAIN CPU
implements improvements (also includes all previous updates):
• Corrects the CAT-CO01 command problem found in Ver. 0143.
Ver. 11.50 EDSP implements improvements (also includes all previous updates):
• Corrects a low audio problem found in Ver. 11.45.
• Corrects the CW-DET indication problem found in Ver. 11.45.
Ver. 0145 MAIN CPU implements improvements (also includes all previous updates):
• Level Indications are added for the SHIFT and WIDTH.
• The CW-DET indication is improved
• Corrects the CAT BP command
• Falsing of LEVEL INDICATORS is improved
• Frequency or Level display is shown instantly when the VFO knob or level adjustment knob is rotated
Ver. 0146 MAIN CPU implements improvements (also includes all previous updates):
• Correct the PC keying.
• Corrected the TX power level indication.
Ver. 0148 MAIN CPU implements improvements (also includes all previous updates):
• Corrects the INDICATOR (NOTCH, CONT and uTUNE).
Ver   0149
Ver   0150
•
The FH-2 [<-][->] keys are made to increment the frequency at 100kHz up or down.
• CW carrier is corrected to change LSB ⇔ USB when the indication is changed on VFO B.
• Correct the CW Auto Mode.
• DMU Band scope Display Signal Peak Frequency is centered.
Ver. 0151 MAIN CPU implements improvements (also includes all previous updates):
• AGC: Corrected the AGC in the “OFF” position; if an AGC MENU SET item was changed, the AGC
would sometimes turn “ON”.
• KEYER: The extraneous “dot” memory is eliminated during rapid keying when the dash output starts.
• CAT: Corrected the 1.5 kHz shift  when the CAT “FA” command is used to change the frequency on
the 5MHz band.
• SCOPE: The right edge signal position on the display is corrected.
• SCOPE: The left edge signal is corrected when the frequency is changed on the display.
Ver. 0152
• Stabilize initial power on display
Ver. 11.53 EDSP implements improvements (also includes all previous updates):
• The DNR algorithm is not reset between TX/RX, to eliminate the increased receive noise after a
transmission.
• Increase the response of the compression level meter in conjunction with the PROC knob. (Max up to
12dB).
Ver. 11.54 EDSP implements improvements (also includes all previous updates):
• Corrected FM TX for a slight frequency offset.


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

Click HERE
 

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 AB
OUT 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