[Yaesu] FT 1000 as a rig

Sun Apr 20 20:35:41 EDT 2008

Art,
Here is my opinion (it's only an opinion).
I bought an FT-1000D new in December 1991. I had it back to Yaesu after 
11 months for an update and to fix a couple of minor things before the 
warranty expired. Other than that it's been very reliable all these 
years. I had a couple of components in the BPF board fry during a 
lightening event and was able to replace them all myself. Despite its 
intimidating look inside, I have found it to be relatively easy to work 
on because of its modular construction (but then, I'm an engineer too). 
In fixing it I was easily able to get transistors, diodes, capacitors 
that were direct replacements for original components. I have also 
found that Burghardt has a good stock of certain more unusual parts for 
the FT-1000D - for example tuning knob "treads" and the little relays 
that are used all over the place in this rig. I have not replaced a 
battery on it - and to tell the truth, I can't recall if there are any 
to change unless I go consult with the schematic (but I'm sure someone 
else here will speak up). The weird, "unobtanium" parts are ones I 
don't really expect to die, such as the processors. Eventually 
something unobtanium will, however, break - hopefully it will take a 
long time - it has so far. Then it'll be time to have a junker one of 
these in the basement as a parts source.
I do mostly DXing, both CW and SSB, and a lot of weak signal CW work, 
especially in the sunspot minima, and dabble in contests. I have tried 
out all the newer rigs as they've come out over the years and haven't 
found one yet that is so significantly better with the features I like, 
to make me replace it. I'm sure it'll happen some day but not yet. The 
receiver is fabulous, and the construction is higher quality in various 
ways to many newer rigs (but in ways that don't affect performance). By 
the way, I'm not comparing to the 10ドルk class of transceivers here. 
My recommendation is that if you've found a "perfect" one, go for it. 
Whether or not it's a 'D' model will determine the price. If it's not a 
'D', you'll need to fill it with filters.
73,
Chris, W2PA
Artmouton wrote:
> I have a chance to purchase, locally, a perfect condition, FT-1000 
> (not sure if it is the D model) for a good price.
> Is this a favored rig?
> Does it have weird things, like batteries that die so you have to send 
> it back to the factory to get changes?
> or parts no longer available?
> I will be moving up from an FT-1 so getting into this century or much 
> closer to it.
> Art K5FNQ
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