FT-1000MP Filter Summary

[Jack Trampler]

Gentlemen,

I recently asked for opinions on the FT-1000MP IF filters.  More 
specifically, when on a tight budget which two filters would be the best 
to select.  The following is a summary of the info I received.

For those who may not know, the 1000MP has two selectable filter stages 
located in the 2nd and 3rd IFs.  The rig comes stock with a 2.4KHz and 
500Hz filter in the 2nd IF (8.2MHz) and 2.75KHz Collins Mechanical 
filter in the 3rd IF (455KHz).  The rig has five optional filters for 
the main receiver and one for the sub-receiver.  At an average cost of 
$165 per filter, I felt proper initial selection is not a trivial 
matter.

I received 10 responses and they were split almost 50-50.  Proponents of 
the 2nd IF filters (8.2MHz) said these were the better selection since 
they are closer to the front end and can filter out all the "crud" 
before reaching the later stages of the rig.  William Osborne, Dean of 
Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science in Richardson, TX 
stated that when given a choice, always put the filtering at the first 
available stage.  

Proponents of the 3rd IF (455KHz) liked them because they have a better 
shape factor than the 2nd IF.  Bill, K5FUV said the stock SSB filters 
are more than adequate and opts for the 500 Hz filters for the main and 
sub-receivers.  Andrew, GI0NWG has the 1000MP with all the filters and 
said the 455KHz filters make the most noticeable difference.

I also had one split decision.  Scotty, N4PYD suggested the 500Hz 3rd IF 
filter and the 2.0 2nd IF filter.  This is actually a vote for the 2nd 
IF since the 2nd IF comes with a 500Hz filter stock.

So there you have it folks.  My conclusion is to convince VISA and the 
XYL to let me have three filters (maybe four?) Hi. Hi.  Seriously, since 
I work almost entirely CW, I'll probably go with the 500Hz 3rd IF and 
the 500Hz sub-receiver.  Then the 2.0KHz 2nd IF and then the remaining 
CW filters.  

-- 
73, Jack
packet: KB2NY @ N2OCW.NJ.USA.NA  e-mail: kb2ny@fast.net