Why do I use an old radio?

[@624radicalham]

This man is having genuine fun with his radio. Not just fun, he's using as a proper tool for weak signal reception because its' not just an ordinary radio. It's one hell of a radio.

[@johncharles9105]

I just bought a used 5000MP from the original owner, he bought it in 2013 and has all the history on the rig, got it for 2200.00 shipped.

[@n4hnhradio]

Nicely done Charles. My favorite radio. There are over 180 videos on my channel that feature the FTdx5000MP. Congratulations! 73, de N4HNH

[@twan251010005100080]

Thanks for the video. I’m actually following this channel for the 5000mp videos.

[@n4hnhradio]

Thanks! There are over 150 videos featuring the FTdx5000MP. I hope you have found them helpful. 73, de N4HNH

[@twan251010005100080]

@@n4hnhradio Honestly, I did! I was researching this radio compared with others (basically your own story before purchasing the 5000mp) and I must say those video make for an excellent base to compare. I use CW pretty much exclusively so all the explanations concerning the filters and such were really helpful.

[@patrickslevin6424]

That is a GREAT radio!!!! I'd like to have that for today. Very impressed by it and I don't think the new radios, at least in all occasions, are better than the new ones.

[@n4hnhradio]

Unsuspecting hams have fallen prey to the clever marketing scheme of newer must be better. It’s sad to see the FTdx5000 discontinued. I believe it to be the last great superheterodyne radio. When I bought mine, I felt like I was buying the last big superheterodyne radio with knobs and a real meter. 73, de N4HNH

[@YosemiteGuy]

FTdx5000 is a very capable radio with extremely low noise floor. I use SDR receivers to scan the band, but for very low signals FTDx5000 has the lowest internal noise.

[@n4hnhradio]

Listening to my FTdx5000MP right now while I am working to finish a PDF of optimized menu parameters for the FT-710 to give to Executive and VIP Patreon team members.

[@eqradman]

I still use my Yaesu FT 101 from 1979 (I do have a modern rig also) and I love it!

[@624radicalham]

I love the FT101s but it's been a while since I've had one. Decent filtering that began in the 80's (with the exception of 60's Collins rigs) and DSP in the 90s and now SDR have made people dependent on filters. How do you handle strong adjacent stations and electrical noise these days with it due to it's limited filtering?

[@eqradman]

@@624radicalham At the time I had an external Autec filter which worked very well.

[@infotoober]

Thanks Doug for your awesome videos! I read in a post on another site where someone called the ftdx5000mp a boat anchor. How ignorant. I spent the summer of 2019 researching the top radios and even going to my local HRO a couple of times just to be sure. In Sept of that year I finally purchased the 5000 and haven't looked back. I am very happy with it.

[@n4hnhradio]

I did the same, starting in January of 2019. Purchased in August. Couldn’t be more pleased. 73, Doug

[@lbljlionel4862]

I just bought one on eBay 5000 MP 2018 Model. Such a wonderful radio and gorgeous looks. Controls are just right there where they should be. Maybe the nintendo and iPods generartions have different definition about what a right user interface is ;-)

[@n4hnhradio]

Amen to that. The ergonomics of the 5000 rules. And it backs it up with superior performance. Have you seen the video on this channel entitled “Sherwood Should Have Retested the FTdx5000?” 73, de N4HNH

[@chiphungerford]

I have a Yaesu FT-991A and love it. No its not a new SDR radio but I seem to do pretty well with it. I could only hope to own a radio as nice as the “Old FTdx-5000” I am still learning the 991A and have yet to try CW. But for SSB, FT8 its a great radio

[@allenpamscofield]

I have the 991A as well and love it. Great all around radio in it's class and when one learns to use it correctly, it just can't be beat.

[@StuartM0TTQAmateurRadio]

I think the 5000 will still be going when a lot of the newer rigs have fallen by the wayside. Proper controls and excellent performance. No "space invaders" screens!

[@rodgermckeon]

Great video! Just the comparison I was looking for. 73

[@n4hnhradio]

I’m glad you found it helpful Rodger. Thanks for stopping by the channel! 73, Doug

[@harveypiper3268]

The FTdx5000MP is AWESOME! I have watched your videos and have learned so much...thank you. I recently purchased the FTdx101D mainly because of the Scope display but it was a very hard choice between the 5000 and the 101. I like the FTdx101D but I see performance from your videos in the FTdx5000MP that scoops me up in thoughts of did I make the right choice...? regardless, the performance in the "today" radios including the FTdx5000, it's had to tell the differences but I like doing the same things you do in digging out those weak CW signals and I believe the filters in your FTdx5000 make the difference. You have a keeper! Thanks, K5NR

[@n4hnhradio]

Thank you Harvey! Well, at the level of the 101 and 5000 it’s hard to choose. I usually say to pick based upon whether you prefer more knobs and buttons or the beautiful display. And I don’t think displays come any better than the 101. Thanks for your comment! 73, Doug

[@JamesJ7851]

Two weeks ago, I received a new FTDX-5000. I'm still learning this one, coming off a FTDX-3000 and experience with a FTDX-9000mp. I noticed that my display seems much less brilliant than the 5000's in some of these videos. There is a setting for the dim, but no setting to brighten the display in normal mode.

[@n4hnhradio]

Menu 011 controls brightness for the SM-5000. Menu 010 controls the brightness of the OLED displays. Menu 009 controls frequency display. Menu 008 controls meter lamp. When you press Dim and turn it off, it defeats the menu settings. 73, de N4HNH

[@JamesJ7851]

@@n4hnhradio Thanks for the reply. It's my understanding, those menu settings are for when "DIM" is active. Mine seems by default, to not be that bright, certainly is not as bright as the other Yaesu rigs I've owned. However, with that said, it's my first experience with the 5K.

[@n4hnhradio]

Those menu settings are indeed for dim mode. Disabling dim should push everything to full brightness.

[@JamesJ7851]

@@n4hnhradio I took a photo, indeed I believe that both photos and video greatly enhance the brightness. Thanks for the series of videos, they are helpful.

[@robertallbright]

Another good one Doug My 5000MP was manufactured September 2020 Also has 4 antenna ports. IF output where one can attach say an SDRPLAY RSP1A receiver etc, 200 watts and a wide ranging internal atu, which will match all bands on my ZS6BKW Also better quality in my opinion. I also own a FTDX10 which is great and half the price. 73 Rob G3RCE

[@JR-lx8nn]

Why the FTx5000 ? Because it is an excellent radio with a superlative service history with few bugs or other quirks. It works well and does the job. Seems like the winning team in the WRTC in Germany used a pair of this rig. It is a winner for sure - one of the radios I am sorry I never owned. JR

[@n4hnhradio]

Still my favorite of all time. Had features that weren’t carried forward to the FTdx101D or MP, which I’ve covered in the various videos. I operate a FTdx101D today. Great radio but wouldn’t trade my 5000 for one, not even the MP version. In fact, I could have bought the FTdx101MP names I bought the FTdx5000MP. I chose the 5000 then and I would choose it again today.

[@momo759-f7z]

is there some documentation on what changes were made to this model over the years? some version history? thank you for all the awesome videos.

[@n4hnhradio]

I don’t know if there is any public documentation about that. Mine is a 2019 model. It came with the latest firmware.

[@n4hnhradio]

I do know that the DNR was improved in the years since the 5000 was released, in 2009.

[@momo759-f7z]

I sent a mail to Yaesu today about revision history and got this reply: “I am sorry but that information is not available for publication. The current and last was 7.18.19 and that added 60m transmit” 🙏🏽

[@n4hnhradio]

That’s the version I have. It works incredibly well. My FTdx5000 MP is still the nearest to perfect radio I’ve ever used and I’ve used many.

[@momo759-f7z]

@@n4hnhradioI finally bought myself a used FTDX1000MP and waiting for it to arrive. Your super informative videos have everything to do with the choice. 🙏

[@fullsaildigital]

I had an ft1000 mkv field , great Receiver and very sensitive. Some may say old, but I’d put it up against an icom 7600-7800 any day of the week

[@radiofan2454]

I too have the FT1000 MKV Field, and thought of trading it in for a FTDX5000 MPL, and the dealer (owner) told me to hold on to the FT1000 MKV Field because it was one of the last great analog radios. Still have it, and while the FTDX5000 MPL is better, the FT1000 is a great radio.

[@n4hnhradio]

The 1000 really elevated Yaesu’s standing in the ham radio industry. It was a great legacy that started the trend that led to to 9000, 5000, 2000, 3000, 101D, 101MP, dx10. All with stellar superheterodyne performance. I probably missed one somewhere in that list.

[@iK0NiK]

Great video! A good friend of mine just got a 5000 a couple of weeks ago and it's a joy to operate. There's just something about sitting down in front of it like you're a switch board operator with every function and setting right at arms reach on a knob or button. That tangible user interface is unfortunately going away with this new generation of radios. Also pretty cool to see my POTA spot pop up on your cluster at 10:35 . What are the chances! 73 - KI4MYD

[@ncphotos]

Great radio & Video!!! Thanks de W2CSI

[@statmanSL]

Have you considered doing a video on Yaesu's "Mu-Tuner"? The tuners are an (expensive) option for my FTDX-3000 and I would love to see a real-world demonstration. BTW I have learned so much of how to use many of the DSP features by watching your vids. Thanks!

[@n4hnhradio]

I’ve done numerous mu-tuner videos. Look in the FTdx5000MP playlist. I’m so glad to know that you found the videos helpful. Thanks for watching! 73, de N4HNH

[@BobGarrett66]

Doug the 5000 may be an “old” radio but I’d buy one in a heartbeat if Yaesu would release it again tomorrow.

[@n4hnhradio]

Bob, there was one for sale on the groups.io site for the FTdx5000. The guy said it was in great condition. The 5000 is still my all-time favorite. I even ordered extra OLEDs, in case mine fail. Thus far, after over 3 years, mine are still fine. I run them on level 3 out of 15. They are supposed to provide up to approximately 30,000 hours of service. All displays will eventually fail, so I would rather have my favorite radio and spare displays. They were only $45 each, for the three. 73, Doug

[@BobGarrett66]

@@n4hnhradio I’ll check out the one for sale. Thanks for the heads-up. I would guess it’s still possible to order the OLEDs????

[@n4hnhradio]

I ordered them directly from Yaesu two weeks ago and they arrived early this week. I also ordered the main display, which shows the frequency. The other three are for VFO-B, DSP-A, and DSP-B. I should have ordered the one for the SM-5000 but I didn’t think it. I will call back and order it.

[@BobGarrett66]

@@n4hnhradio That’s good to hear Doug. If I found the right sale showing on the FTDX5000 board, the gentleman bought this unit from an estate sale and it doesn’t appear to have the station monitor included. Anyway, thanks for the lead and I look forward to your videos. I always seem to learn something new!

[@n4hnhradio]

The SM-5000 was optional with mine. I bought it separate.

[@Guns_N_Gears]

Hello, great video AS USUAL 👍👍 I am aware of the hundreds of hours spent on that Rig, and I sure appreciate your time spent making the videos you do!! Sorry if I missed the video if you have one, but have you tried the class A mode at all? If you have, what do you think of it? Thank you.

[@n4hnhradio]

I haven’t shot a video of Class A. Class A runs the risk of overheating the finals and shortening their life. I could get away with it when driving the KPA-1500. It never needs more than 37W. But I get phenomenal audio reports as is. And at 15-37W to drive the KPA-1500, it is just coasting when set to Class A-B. 73, de N4HNH

[@infotoober]

What is class A? Running the 5000 at 200 W?

[@Guns_N_Gears]

@@infotoober Class A is an option available on the 5000 that puts the amplifier into class A operation for a clearer signal out. I believe I read somewhere the max Watts out in class A is 70W, but as N4HNH has stated, Class A-B will give clean results when tuned up properly, and not driven hard. I'm sure N4HNH will be able to describe this way better than I ever could.

[@infotoober]

Thanks for clearing that up. I have yet to get into the world of amplifiers. I would like to have a setup with an amp and tuner combo with automatic capabilities.

[@n4hnhradio]

Amplifiers can run cooler by not being biased on until there is a signal at the input. The 5000 normally operates as Class A-B, which operates in such a manner. This means the duty cycle is easier on the final transistors, and the amplifier can deliver a full 200W output without overheating. But, since the transistor is being biased to conduct after the modulated signal reaches a certain level, a noise is generated as it begins to conduct. This noise is negligible to the human ear. Class A biases the final transistors such that they are conducting constantly, even when not being modulated. So when the modulated signal starts, the transistor is already conducting, thus the noise is minimized. But, since the transistors are constantly conducting, they run hotter. So the output power must be limited, in order to protect the transistors from overheating. Yaesu limits the 5000 to 75W when operating in Class A mode. There is a faction of amateur operators who insist upon sounding like an FM broadcast personality. They want to operate beyond 3kHz transmit bandwidth. And they like the idea of using Class A, for that added extra. Such obsession with TX audio is not healthy. Wide band TX doesn’t make the best use of our limited spectrum. In fact it hurts the transmitter’s power spectral density. DX’ers use a narrow transmit bandwidth for a reason. It packs the most watts per Hertz of transmit spectrum. They will transmit at 2,000 to 2,200 Hertz. We can sound great at 2,400 to 2,800 Hertz. We don’t need to occupy more than 3,000 Hertz of a band in order to sound great. We aren’t playing music. Music requires 20,000 Hertz of spectrum. The human voice is primarily in the 300 to 3,000 Hertz range. We don’t need to be 4 to 6 kHz wide. So the idea of Class A bias is an extension of the desire to turn a radio into a broadcast transmitter. The results aren’t worth the risk of damaging, or shortening the life of, the output finals. 73, de N4HNH

[@HamRadioLiveShow]

Great video. I have one as well and it’s the last one I would probably go up for sure. Well done. I’d like to use a little bit of your analysis on this for an upcoming show on this transceiver. You’ve done quite a few and they’re all very good. I certainly watched a few of them while I was trying to find mine. Took took me six tries LOL! Had to be newer than 2015 to get the updated OLED’s. I’d like to use a little bit of your analysis on it from your impressions on an upcoming show. Are you OK with that? I’ll Make sure and credit your video as well as put a link to it in the description of mine. All the best and good DX to you! Larry de K7HN Great work again!

[@n4hnhradio]

Sure thing Larry! Glad to help my friend! 73, de N4HNH

[@mantassernius8976]

Hey, ftdx5000mp vs ftdx10 your opinion biggest difference?if you have to choose witch one?

[@RA4FOC]

My choice ftdx10.

[@forgetyourlife]

Lol, biggest difference would be money.

[@n4hnhradio]

FTdx10 is best value. If you must have beautiful display, FTdx10. FTdx10 is smaller package. Can be base or portable. If money is no concern, FTdx5000MP + the SM-5000 station monitor. Best radio overall. Real base station. But hard to find new now. Beware used older models. Some OLED issues. 73, de N4HNH

[@johnratcliffe6438]

You aren't comparing like with like. FTDX5000MP versus FTDX101 is a fairer comparison.

[@mantassernius8976]

@@johnratcliffe6438 ftdx10 is half of ftdx101 its same radio.

[@BFOlivier]

This is not an old radio. I just open a box I found in the basement, and there was an Icom IC-735. It seems to work, I will try it in few days

[@n4hnhradio]

I have an IC-725 here. Nice little radio. 73, de N4HNH

[@ChuckBigbie]

Doug, have you used any remote software with the 5000? Rig Pi? FTDXRC?

[@n4hnhradio]

Hi Chuck! No I haven’t. I know there are interface devices out there but I haven’t looked into it yet. I’m thinking that I should buy that last mu-tuner (1.8MHz) I don’t have, and the SCU-17 before they are no longer available. 5000 accessories are getting scarce. 73, Doug

[@ChuckBigbie]

@@n4hnhradio what prices are you getting on that tuner

[@n4hnhradio]

HRO for $650 but has to be ordered. That’s not a warm fuzzy feeling. When Yaesu starts making something only when it is ordered it is often an indication that the product is in danger of being discontinued. 73, Doug

[@ChuckBigbie]

I don't have any how can I justify the cost,benefit of getting the ones for 40 and one for 20?

[@n4hnhradio]

Chuck, it’s difficult. The VRF that is built in isn’t bad. The mu-tuner is about twice more tighter and it tracks the movement of the VFO. I get the most use from the one for 40-60-80 meters. I assume you have seen the videos where I feature the mu-tuners, right?

[@jeffdyer2393]

That's not an old radio. I have a couple of almost new radios but I still like my old kenwood ts 530sp and even my old ts 820s.

[@n4hnhradio]

Exactly! And people call my radio old. Some of the “old” radios still hang tough. 73, de N4HNH

[@infotoober]

It looks like Gigaparts is listing this radio as discontinued. I have nothing against SDR radios, would be nice if the manufacturers continued giving their costomers a choice. Its probably cheaper to manufacture the new SDRs

[@n4hnhradio]

SDR is less expensive to manufacture, indeed. The problem is that so many hams assume that the “newer technology “ is always better. The more of us who fall for the clever marketing the more they will make. It’s a shame. The guy who told me I should replace my FTdx5000MP with a FTdx101D must assume that newer is always best. But, to be fair, the FTdx101D is a hybrid, and it has advantages over the straight SDR. Yaesu told me back when they discontinued the FTdx3000D that there was no decision to discontinue the FTdx5000MP. But I didn’t believe it. Supposedly it is available by special order. You might try Ham Radio Outlet. 73, de N4HNH

[@n4hnhradio]

Well, the Yaesu guy told me wrong, or he didn’t know. The FTdx5000MP was discontinued within a couple of months after he told me there are no plans to discontinue it.

[@hitekredneck109]

Lol......"old radio"...... I love my ft990.....not sure I'd ever need more radio than that.

[@n4hnhradio]

One of my favorite operators, W4TWX, on 3.856 every morning, uses a FT-990. He sounds spectacular. 73, de N4HNH

[@hitekredneck109]

@@n4hnhradio Eh....right on!!! Ot always comes down to what works for an individual and how happy they are with their equipment. Cheers and 73's....keep up the great vids 🤙

[@n4hnhradio]

Thank you Jer! I still have a FT-890 and a FT-920. Those are fine radios as well. People think the SDR is the best. But I say don’t be so quick to dismiss a good superheterodyne receiver. 73, Doug

[@cannong1728]

Ummm...the FT-5000 is not an old radio. My Heathkit SB-102, which I still use on the air, is an old radio.

[@n4hnhradio]

It depends upon your perspective. I have had viewers accuse me of knowing nothing about the newer transceivers because I use “an old radio.” The Hallicrafters SR-150 I started with was old. The FTdx5000 is a 2009 design. It still competes with the newest radios. I still prefer it.

[@EdzashedFudwinkle]

Maybe 1 day ill own a decent multiband radio 👍

[@chesterjohnson4504]

It is a great radio. The OLED's suck.

[@Markinpuff]

Get the same radio, put a touchscreen on it, it would probably sell for 5k.

[@n4hnhradio]

I believe the 5000 sold for around $5,000 when it was first introduced. The FTdx101MP is as close as it gets to a touchscreen version of the 5000. But the 101 is missing IPO2 and Super Narrow APF, two of the features that give the 5000 an edge. The 5000 also allows us to adjust the AGC delay, which can minimize the echo effect caused by the Digital Noise Reduction algorithm. I personally like the echo effect, but some find it offensive. I would rather listen to someone who sounds like they are in a hallway than listen to noise. RF Gain can help when the signals are strong, but I mostly chase QRP signals that are barely above imaginary. I need the DNR for that. 73, de N4HNH

[@MrTalaue]

Old? My IC-765 and IC-740 are old.

[@n4hnhradio]

The FTdx5000 is a 2009 design. Old by today’s standards. I didn’t decide to call it old. People who tease me for using a boat anchor call it old. I just let them talk while I work stations that they can’t pull out.

[@johnnyrebellion8672]

I have an FTDX 10 + 8 more radios from the 1990's. The FTDX 10 is not my favorite.

[@miker8379]

A FT-101 is a old radio, not a 5000

[@n4hnhradio]

I hope you grasped the point of the video - I prefer knobs, buttons, and superheterodyne over touchscreen, SDR, and colorful waterfalls. The FTdx5000 is 13 years old. Considering the technology curve, that’s old. Not ancient, but old. 73, de N4HNH

[@samjones-ou3bn]

LMAO TOO FUNNIE OLD RADIO HAHAHA FT101b or ft 902dm or ftdx400 is old not a 6 grand plus radio from a few years ago lmao

[@n4hnhradio]

I guess you don’t understand the technology curve very well.

[@samjones-ou3bn]

@@n4hnhradio im suggesting your radios not old sir sorry for misunderstanding

[@samjones-ou3bn]

but i throught the 5000 was not that old so i could be really messed up lol

[@n4hnhradio]

The FTdx5000 is a discontinued 2009 design. It is old by technology standards. I still prefer it though.

[@samjones-ou3bn]

@@n4hnhradio i love my ic7410 so i understand

[@jemussi7842]

You call that old? Sounds like bragging.

[@n4hnhradio]

No, I don’t call it old. A viewer did. He said I need to replace it with a FTdx101D. I bought my FTdx5000MP new in 2019. It was only discontinued this year. I chose it over the FTdx101MP.

[@Team-fabulous]

That's not an old radio. Get yourself some Drake equipment. Just love my TR4... You have to work the radio..

[@n4hnhradio]

I started with a Hallicrafters SR-150. I appreciate those vintage radios.

[@Team-fabulous]

@@n4hnhradio good man.. Just love the old valve gear..