Author: ww4dx

After selling my Yaesu FTDX5000MP last year, and focusing on my Yaesu FTDX101MP, I now have a better grasp on how much superior the FTDX101MP is, as compared to the FTDX5000MP.

For a conventional transceiver, the FTDX5000MP is very good. However what Yaesu has developed with the FTDX101MP, well there is no comparison the FTDX5000MP. The receiver of the FTDX101MP is leaps and bounds ahead of the FTDX5000MP. The filtering, and noise reduction is vastly superior as well. Ergonomically it took a little getting used to the front panel of the FTDX101MP, however after using the FTDX101MP exclusively, I now prefer the layout over the FTDX5000MP. I work a lot of DX, and often the DX station I’m working is using the split frequency method. Accessing the second VFO, and getting it up for either receiving, or transmitting is breeze. The controls that Yaesu is offering on the FTDX101MP, are the ones you are really going to use on a daily basis. The FTDX5000MP, did have more knobs and switches on the front panel, however many were seldom used. Yaesu really cleaned up the front panel controls on the FTDX101MP, over the FTDX5000MP.

The display of the FTDX101MP is fantastic. I have found I prefer the 3DSS band scope, over the traditional waterfall configuration. However, it does take a little getting used to. Another great feature of the FTDX101MP is that the display is also a touch screen, with access to several often used controls. If you take in consideration of the number of controls available on the display in addition to the standard mechanical controls, the FTDX101MP has basically the same amount of front panel control options as the FTDX5000MP.

In conclusion, do I miss the FTDX5000MP? Well yes. It was with me for quite a while, and I enjoyed operating it. Would I purchase another one? No. Outdated technology. Glad I moved on to bigger and better things.

I only QSL via The Logbook Of the World (ARRL), and the Logbook at QRZ.COM. I work all stations, but mainly log DX only.

I no longer send paper QSL cards via the Postal Service or a QSL Bureau.
If you wish for me to have one of yours, that is fine. Mail it directly to me.

If you MUST have my card, go here > https://cdn-bio.qrz.com/x/ww4dx/ww4dxqslcard.png?p=fef8a28d2e9ce67b604fc9cf7d6e0555 download the image. Then fill it in (honestly).

You can see my latest DX contacts by following this link https://logbook.qrz.com/lbstat/WW4DX/

I’ve heard several say this, so there is truth in it.

In order to operate the (higher end HF Yaesu) transceivers, you need to read the owners manual first.

I totally agree with this statement. That’s the reason the first item you see when you open the product container, is the owners manual. The higher end Yaesu transceivers have loads of great features, and if you’re not accustom to those features, without reading, and understanding the owners manual, you’ll not enjoy the transceiver to its fullest potential. However many hams are too lazy to read the owners manual, try to figure out the features for themselves, get frustrated, then bad mouth the product. It’s not the product is lacking, it’s the lazy hams lack of motivation. It’s just much easier for the lazy ham to bitch and moan, rather than to learn.

DX’ing on the HF bands. Still enjoy getting on-air with some local hams, however that quickly can get you into a rut. In addition, my retirement (semi) is working out to my advantage. I find myself staying up late night, or getting up in the wee hours of the morning, just to fire the station up, and see who I can hear, and contact across the world.

When WZ4C and I setup my current antenna system in 2001, we set it up for HF DX’ing. 115ft tower with a Force12 C19XR Yagi. It performs very well, especially on 10,15, and 2o meters. Bradley also installed a couple of pulleys around the 100ft height, and that’s how I raise my dipole antennas. My main dipole is a open wire fed 135ft doublet with the apex at approx 100ft, with the ends about 50ft from ground level. This simple doublet has proven to work both local and DX amazingly well. If I can hear you, more than likely you will hear me.

As for the station, my FTDX101MP is the center piece, and the Palstar LA-1K, and HF-AUTO transmatch are my go to amp and antenna matching components. I use these much more often than my OM Power OM2500HF amplifier and Palstar AT4K transmatch. Both of those are manually tuned, while the LA-1K and HF-AUTO are fully automatic. Switching bands, antennas, and trasnmitting with a KW is easier than ever now.

The mics are all Heil. PR40, PR77D, GOLD ELITE, and even the low cost HM-12. However, my main DX’ing setup is a Heil PRO 7 headset. This hands down is the most comfortable, highly effective headset I’ve ever used. I do not run a compressor/processor (even while DX’ing) and I keep the ALC level (mic gain) about 75% of full deflection. I am constantly receiving UNSOLICITED comments about the audio quality I’m transmitting.

For logging I’ve been using N3FJP’s software for decades. Scott has the best logging software I’ve ever used. I’m running ACLog in LINUX Mint. Even though there are quite a few logging and spotting programs exclusively for LINUX, ACLog (IMO) is superior to all. With some expert help from N4FWD it’s running great in LINUX using WINE (Wine Is Not an Emulator). I’m going to keep a log for DX contacts only, and re-establish my LOTW account. Have no plans to have any QSL cards printed. It’s just way more convenient and cost effective to use LOTW, rather than spending money on printed cards today. However printed cards still have their place!

Anyhow, that’s it for this post. Time to see what DX stations are lurking on the HF bands.

73, WW4DX

day after day on amateur radio, is like taking the same route to a specific destination each time.

Change it up a little!

Life is too short not to live it.

Was listening to a station the other evening who was informing others to visit a certain webpage, of which contained audio profiles (EQ settings) for amateur transceivers. Nothing of course wrong with having such a page, HOWEVER one must understand that each microphone will react differently with a different transceiver. Bottom line is, their is no universal audio profile (EQ settings) that works great across the board. These suggested audio profiles will get you in the ballpark. If you wish to tailor your transmitted audio, it’s best too monitor yourself on a remote on-line SDR, and adjust your EQ settings accordingly.

You will know your EQ settings are correct when you begin receiving UNSOLICITED positive comments concerning your transmitted audio.