[CQ-Contest] Best CW contest rig

Wed Sep 16 06:39:02 EDT 2020

I had two FTdx-9000D rigs in my shack in May 2019 when a lightning strike destroyed both units.  I sent one back to Yaesu in California to declare it officially dead for insurance claim purposes.  Oddly, the station was being moved at the time of the strike, and the antennas were not even attached.  The damage was apparently caused by the connection to the associated PCs, both CAT and Winkey USB, and AC through UPS units.

These were great rigs.  I looked for replacements but found none.  I did find one tech who is trying to repair one of the units, but no luck so far.

Meanwhile, I purchased an Icom IC-7610 to use as interim rig, based on a conversation I had with Rob Sherwood NC0B during Contest University in 2019.  This is a very good rig, with a reasonable price.  I have had my eye on both the Elecraft K4 and Yaesu TDdx-101MP for quite a while.  But I decided to get a second IC-7610.  I am thinking the Elecraft and Yaesu rigs are likely better than the IC-7610, but maybe not worth the increased price.

Both IC-7610 rigs have external monitor and wireless mouse to make operation a breeze.  I also have two Alpha 87A amps for strong signals.

73, Keith NM5G

-----Original Message-----
From: CQ-Contest <cq-contest-bounces+kdutson=sbcglobal.net at contesting.com> On Behalf Of AB2E Darrell
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2020 9:23 PM
To: cq-contest <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Best CW contest rig

As a contester, my current favorite is the FTDX-9000D, and FTDX-5000D probably its equal. Setting up the 2nd radio for dabbling with SO2R.
I still have a K3, mainly for FD and forages to V2, and a IC-7800 which had been my favorite until acquiring the 9000D last year.
Just my preference, and I think it's really splitting hairs. I am fascinated by the u-tune units in the 9000D. When engaging the u-tune on the 9000D, the overall noise floor reduces substantially. To me the low band performance is unparalleled.
My 5000D came with all the upgrades that makes it basically a 9000D, the u-tune units are outboard though, SMU-5000 , and DMU-2000, and realistically it performs as well as the 9000D.
OK, just my 2 cents.
73 Darrell AB2E

________________________________
From: CQ-Contest <cq-contest-bounces+ab2e=hotmail.com at contesting.com> on behalf of Marty Sullaway <marty.sullaway at gmail.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2020 10:07 PM
To: cq-contest <cq-contest at contesting.com>
Subject: Re: [CQ-Contest] Best CW contest rig

It's worth pointing out that Mike, VA3MW is an employee of Flex Radio Systems.

Marty
NN1C

On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 10:02 PM Michael Walker <va3mw at portcredit.net>
wrote:

> You really have to consider the 6600 from FlexRadio (even the 6400 for 
> a single op - you can't do full SO2R, but you can do a great SO2V).
>
> Full SO2R built in. - works with N1MM
> OTRSP built in - N1MM integrated
> 50db band pass filters built in so you can do dueling CQ's
> 4 full HF band receivers and a share transmitter for all receivers
>
> And, if you really like you can run a M2 from 1 radio.  And, both can 
> be remote if you really want to.  Built in from the ground up.
>
> I don't have the contest headaches I used to get after a long contest.
> Just easier to listen to.
>
> Very simplistic integration into N1MM for SO2R - no DX Double required.
> Sadly, the simplicity of station integration is just much simpler than 
> any other radio.
>
> Mike va3mw
>
>
> On Tue, Sep 15, 2020 at 7:02 PM K9MA <k9ma at sdellington.us> wrote:
>
> > The FT-1000D and FT-1000D have good receivers, but have terrible key 
> > clicks. The W8JI mod helps, but they are still pretty bad.
> >
> > 73,
> > Scott K9MA
> >
> > ----------
> >
> > Scott Ellington
> >
> >  --- via iPad
> >
> > > On Sep 15, 2020, at 5:12 PM, Dan <w8car at buckeye-express.com> wrote:
> > >
> > > John, I have a 1000MP (since 1993)and still use it as my second 
> > > radio
> > in SO2R. I have an Elecraft K3 with all the new boards and whistles 
> > and that does me just fine. But, if you are looking for top shelf---
> > > At Tom, K8AZs, super station he has Icom 7851s. When I first sat 
> > > down
> at
> > his 7851s I fell in love and even though my K3 still kicks butt the 
> > 7851 goes to another level.
> > > It has superb audio, selectivity and more bells and whistles than 
> > > any
> > other radio. I can sit in front of that radio for hours with little 
> > to no fatigue.
> > >
> > > So, My vote goes to the IC 7851 with the K3 a close second and the 
> > > MP
> as
> > still no slouch.
> > >
> > > Dan W8CAR
> > >
> > > -----Original Message----- From: John Geiger
> > > Sent: Tuesday, September 15, 2020 11:27 AM
> > > To: CQ Contest
> > > Subject: [CQ-Contest] Best CW contest rig
> > >
> > > I am sure this is going to lead to several different opinions, but 
> > > what
> > is
> > > considered the best CW contesting radio on the market today?  I 
> > > know at
> > one
> > > time it was Ten-Tecs, at the TS930/TS940s were for a while, and 
> > > the FT1000MP probably was for a while, but was is the current best CW rig?
> > > Would it be the Elecraft K3?
> > >
> > > 73 John AF5CC
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