Topband: Yaesu Mark-V comments...

[Kathy and Gary Pearse]

Hello from Gary NL7Y in Fairbanks, AK. Here's my tentative thoughts
regarding the Yaesu key-click issue. I'm on my second Mark-V, the first was
a used 2001 production 200W version, and the current is a Field model. I
like both. The first blew up some stuff in in the output (tuner/finals/?),
and that was apparently a common occurrence in some early models. According
to Burghardt (Jim via phone), Yaesu was aware of the problem, but neglected
to address the issue until it started to cost them $$$$ in warranty repairs.
Contact Burghardt or Yaesu for details if you're so inclined. The current
200W models are apparently better, and the older ones are repairable. I
returned mine to the selling dealer (The Ham Station - also an honest
dealer) for a used equipment warranty refund, via Yaesu repair Service, and
exchanged it for the Field model.

I have the Inrad click mod ready to install, plus their roofing filter in
the Field model. Sooooo, for the heck of it I just called Yaesu Service
Support and was told that: 1. Installing the Inrad click mod would not void
my warranty if properly done. The "Inrad stuff was good"; 2. Yaesu addressed
the key click issue in mid 2004 as referenced in an internal Service
bulletin (number not available - I asked) read to me by the support
technician, and; 3. Owners experiencing problems with their rigs need only
return their unit to Yaesu for repair or upgrades. I didn't ask if it was a
warranty item.

I guess this means a "factory" fix is available, and interested Hams should
contact Yaesu and see what Yaesu can do to help their customers. I'll likely
not install the Inrad mod unless someone finds out something to the
contrary. GL.

73 Gary