[Yaesu] Yaesu FT-3000M Versus Icom -IC-2100H

Thu, 5 Sep 2002 08:30:31 -0500

 I recently purchased a Yaesu FT-3000M on clearance to replace a failed
Icom IC-2100H. The Icom's RF module failed due to its inability to deal with
the rather large amount of heat it produced on transmit (it seems to be a
fairly well known problem/attribute).
 I decided that I wanted a radio that had a fan in it so that I wouldn't
have to worry as much about high-power final failures. After reading QST's
review on the Yaesu FT-3000M along with other individual reviews on
eham.net, I decided that the clearance priced FT-3000M should suit my needs
(I got AES' last unit).
 After having the FT-3000M in the car for a few days, I've identified the
following differences between the radios. I'd appreciate input from others
who've had experience with the FT-3000M just so that I know nothing is wrong
with it.
1) Yaesu's s-meter is much more stingy that Icom's (or Icom's is much more
generous). I've noticed the following differences using the same antenna to
the same repeaters from the same exact location (the car wasn't moved). Some
of these numbers seem inconsistent with each other, perhaps it is due to the
quantization error that is inherent to "digital" s-meters.
IC-2100H FT-3000M
full		full
full		S-9+
S-7/9		S-5
full		S-7
S-3		S-1/3
0		0
S-3		S-3
S-7		S-3
S-9+		S-5
full		S-9
2) Unsolicited audio reports indicate that the Yaesu transmit audio has much
more high-frequency response than the Icom. Most said that it sounds good
anyway, one felt that I should try to reduce the highs. It should be noted
that I have a pretty low frequency voice.
3) Although many reviewers have reported that the Yaesu's intermod rejection
is very good, it seems to me that it is not quite as good as the Icom's
intermod rejection (keeping in mind that Icom's intermod rejection claims
are "questionable"). The Yaesu's squelch opens more often for no apparent
reason than the Icom did and I have heard paging signals on the Yaesu that I
never heard on the Icom. It should be noted, though, that I have two
broadcast towers with MANY 2-way/paging antennas on them within a mile of my
home where I seem to notice the intermod issues.
4) The Yaesu has only gotten luke-warm during transmit so far. I'm not sure
if the fans have actually turned-on yet -- I probably couldn't hear them if
they did. The Icom, on the other hand, could get hot enough to cook bacon
with a few 3-minute transmissions at the 5w level!
 I'd appreciate input/comments on any of the issues I've raised here as
well as other issues that may also be of interest!
 Thanks, Michael N9BDF