Wednesday 14 August 2019

Yaesu YF-122S Collins Filter

Filter Out The Mush!

The Yaesu FT-818ND isn't the best receiver - real world side-by-side comparisons with a KX3 tell you that - but there is something that you can do to improve your listening experience (apart from use the best possible antenna in the best location) and that is to install a mechanical filter.

The 818 only has a single filter-slot, so you'd need to choose between a filter for CW or one for SSB. Not being a CW capable operator, the decision was made simple, so I looked at SSB filters.

The Yaesu YF-122S Collins Mechanical Filter runs out at about £125, so quite expensive! Needless to say, I opted for a used one and found a bargain (eventually) on eBay.
The difference between the 818's internal filter and this Collins Mechanical filter (at 2.3kHz) is markedly noticeable and makes listening much more pleasurable, helping to cut off noise either side of the wanted signal.

Recommended? Not at full price, but certainly if you can find a cheap second-hand one.



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