[RTTY] FT-950

[Sean Cavanaugh]

Hi Tom,

I've been using the FT-950 for a couple years now, and have run it in 
most of the major contests. I have been running it in AFSK mode, but 
according to the manual it does run in true FSK as well. I've not found 
a problem running it in AFSK, as you can narrow the filter down to 200Hz 
in SSB mode.

I've had good success with this rig and AFSK. I really should give FSK a 
try sometime, though I have too many projects as it is.

I've also found the rig quite capable on CW, at least after the PEP950 
update. The filters were very harsh sounding before but are decent now. 
Any FT-950 you get should include that update by now. I got mine shortly 
after it became available.

There are a few things that could have been done better, i.e. a power 
control on the front would be nice instead of having to use a menu or 
computer control. Also the DSP notch filter is pretty useless.

If I could have gotten one right away, I'd have probably have gone with 
the K3, but with the waiting list and needing to replace a stolen rig or 
be off HF, I went for the quick fix. The K3 isn't too much more 
expensive for the base model, and you can always accessorize after the 
initial purchase.

Hope that helps you with your decision a bit.

73,
Sean - VA5LF

On 21/02/2010 4:03 PM, Tom Osborne wrote:
> Thinking of getting a new rig here.  Since I do a lot of RTTY contesting, I
> need a good one for that.  Funds are available, but not for a new K-3 or
> ProIII or rig like that.
>
> Is anyone using the FT-950 for RTTY contesting?
>
> This is off the Yaesu webpage:
>
> "* Operating Modes: USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM"
>
> But, looking at the back panel, there is a jack for RTTY/Pkt input.  It says
> there's a audio out, AFSK in and FSK keying line on this jack.
>
> Is it true FSK, where you can use the narrow filters or like on the FT-450
> where you have to run FSK in the SSB mode with wide filters.  Thanks and 73
> Tom W7WHY
>
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