FT-991 first observations

[VK3AKC]

Hi all,
Did not think that I would be first to talk about this device.
I will not go into the obvious operations as they can be seen in the specs.
The following are not complaints but observations not clear in the manual or not mentioned at all.
First of all I am very impressed it is a very nice machine.
1. The attenuator and pre amp switching is only available on HF-6m. Not mentioned anywhere except for 1 line at the bottom of a block diagram.Not easy to find until you start to read every word and look at every diagram. I spent many hours trying to find why I could not access them on 2m & 70cm.
2. Loading Repeaters into the memories. The group memories are only 20 entries wide. In the high density areas a little wider would have been helpful. When entering the parameters into a memory for a repeater the input information should be grouped for fast entry. e.g if tone encoding is required or not and what frequency required you have to change pages to switch encoding on/off and set the frequency. They should be next to each other.
3. Looking forward to CHIRP or some other memory loading and unloading program.
Having it only for a couple of days I will add other comments as I use the device. Very nice!!
Kevin
VK3AKC

[VK6SIX]

gday Kevin.

3 Questions when you have time..

Is it exactly the same physical size as the FT450 ? 229 W 84 H 217 deep

Does the SWR meter function work on 2 and 70 like the old FT857 and Ft897?

Can SSB memories be scanned without the mute/squelch active? if so, what is the time delay between memories? when scanning on ssb.

Thank you

graham vk6six


e&oe

[VK3AKC]

Hi Graham

Sounds like you are looking at upgrading from a FT 450 to FT 991 which is what I did.

Size very close 229 x 80 x 253

Can't help with 857 & 897 comparisons as I have not used them.

At this stage I have no ssb in memories so cannot help yet

Regards

Kevin
VK3AKC

[VK3ZAZ]

as with 897
and icom 821
how does one work 2 and 432 without a decent preamp?
Pointless running after rig brick
And mast heads matching are discontinued.
Sounds like another yaesu oversight as to what we use 2M for.
$1600 for repeater use? Pass.
Not cheap either.

[VK3ALB]

No doubt the VK3TU switch box will work with this set allowing you to switch preamps for 2m / 70cm and well as controlling amplifiers.

[VK3QI]

Lou,

Do you have any circuit details of that switchbox?

I have been thinking about what I need to do for the home station when I eventually get around to upgrading the antenna system on the tower with some masthead preamps for 28, 50, 144 and 432

Cheers

Peter VK3QI

[VK3ALB]

Hi Peter,

I don't have the circuit off hand but you can email Bert directly. I know he has boards ready to go.

[VK3BA]

Has anyone had the chance of comparing one of these with a Codan NGT and/or an Icom IC-7100 at all? I've been reading some interesting reviews on eHam lately re the 991.

Cheers,