Ever since the Yaesu FT-1000MP left the shack, I've kinda missed having a big "traditional buttons, dials and knobs" radio to play with. Most of my radio time is spent outdoors running QRP but Winter is coming and I have decided that I want a full-size rig in the shack.
Looking around, there were lots of choices, not least of all the IC-7300 but one major consideration is the high Noise Floor at my QTH and according to my research, the Yaesu FT-DX3000 is better at quietening that noise down than the 7300.
The 7300 seems to be everyone's sweetheart right now and it was a very difficult radio to turn up my nose at, but ultimately, I needed that extra quieting and although the 7300 has a superb hi-res screen with panadapter and waterfall, I will be happy to use the DX3000's IF OUT to feed my RSP1A and have a BIG panadapter and waterfall on my PC screen.
I had originally considered the cheaper FT-DX1200 and found it very difficult to find a comparative list of features to help me make my mind up. Even some radio-stores didn't know all the differences, so as usual, it's down to the consumer to do the research. So here it is...
Over and above the DX1200, the FT-DX3000 has the following benefits/features...
- Better receiver architecture closely linked to the FT-DX5000/9000. The DX1200 is closer related to the FT-450 and 991 architecture.
- IF-OUT. The 1200 has no IF-OUT socket.
- USB connectivity. This makes connection to a PC very straightforward!
- SOUNDCARD built-in. Simplifies the digital modes of operation.
- FFT1 CARD built-in. Allows encoding/decoding of RTTY/PSK1 on-screen. Also provides decoding of CW and Auto-Tunes the CQ signal.
- REAL-TIME SCOPE. Shows real-time scope reading like the 9000.
- THREE ANTENNA SOCKETS.
- SEPARATE FREQUENCY DISPLAY.
- SEPARATE FH-2 KEYPAD
- LINE IN/OUT
- 13.8v OUT
- EXTERNAL ALC OUT
- RX OUT
Oh and just look at Amazon's price (UK Aug 2019). I always considered Amazon to be pretty competitive but this proves otherwise.....
Just arrived..........
UPDATE:
Since writing this post over 2yrs ago, I upgraded to a higher-end radio and never came back here to complete a review of the radio - which I'm annoyed about!
Let me start by saying that the FT-DX3000 is one of the most enjoyable radios that I've ever owned. I actually miss this radio and have even thought of buying another one on the secondhand market. Why?? Well it just did everything effortlessly.
The flagship Yaesu 101D which I bought just annoyed the hell out of me!! The DX3000 just sat in the background doing its job and I probably didn't fully appreciate (then) how good it actually was for the money. If I get another one I will review it fully.
73, Tom, M7MCQ
I'm glad it sorted out your issues Tom!
ReplyDeleteI was in exactly the same position and did exactly the same swap, 7300 to Y3K, and have NO regrets it's a superb radio so good luck with it and welcome to the madhouse!
Martyn-MM0XXW