FT-2000 and SDR-IQ Receiver

[W9GT]

Well, I haven't purchased a new "modern" radio for a long time.  My preference has been with my beloved old boatanchors, however, I'm interested in working other modes and experimenting with antennas, etc. etc.  So I decided I needed a new rig.

Anyway, I got a chance to get a pretty good deal on an FT-2000 equipped with the IF-2000 board and companion SDR-IQ software-defined receiver.  Guess I got an early Christmas gift.  All I can say is wow!  I think this combination provides more versitility than the Yaesu DMU stuff and really provides a top-notch receiving capability with a fast pan adapter function, similar to what is provided in the Flex transceivers.  I just haven't been able to bring myself to make the complete conversion to a "computer" radio yet, but this might provide the best of both worlds.

The SDR-IQ seems like a valuable spectrum analysis tool and it sure is interesting to look at the AM signals on the band and also to have the capability of monitoring my own signal in a detailed way.

Anyone else here playing with this combination, or with the SDR-IQ?  I've seen a couple of references to it in previous threads, but not a lot of detail.

73,  Jack, W9GT

[KF1Z]

I had an SDR-IQ for a while, a few years ago....

I think you should use it as a stand-alone RX.

Not sure what advantage, if any, you have using it 'through' the FT-2000, other than automatic frequency control. (?)

The SDR-IQ has it's own pre-amps/attenuators, and is a pretty hot RX all by itself.
Though I'm not sure if it had any or any good, band-pass filters.

For it's new price, the SDR-IQ is a pretty darn good SDR RX.

It was definately better than any of the Flex SDR-1000 s  I have had here, Seemed like it had better RX capability, and way better audio quality.


If you haven't yet.... try it by itself sometime, not through the FT-2000, I think you'll be suprised what it can do.


Have fun!

[W9GT]

Not sure what advantage, if any, you have using it 'through' the FT-2000, other than automatic frequency control. (?)


If you haven't yet.... try it by itself sometime, not through the FT-2000, I think you'll be suprised what it can do.


Have fun!

Yes, I'm aware that it is a pretty good receiver by itself.  The advantages are many, in that you can add the pan adapter function to the FT-2000, track the frequency by connecting to the transceiver, and have a much faster and more functional spectrum display capability than what you get with the Icom scopes or the Yaesu DMU unit.  The Yaesu already has two receivers...so you get a third which allows independent listening/observing on another band.  The Yaesu also provides 6 meter capability and acts as a converter for the SDR-IQ and allows you to look at 6 meters on the spectrum display.  Pretty cool!

73,  Jack, W9GT

[W2PHL]

Hi Jack,
       I picked up an FT-2000D with the DMU a few weeks back. I don't care for the DMU too much. It does give you more interactive control of the rig and the ability to save your configurations. Besides that however, it's not that impressive. I saw the youtube video of the FT-2000/SDR-IQ demo and it looks interesting.
I have a question. Does the SDR-IQ play through the FT-2000 exclusively or can you play it through the computer and select your bandwidth filters, demodulator etc... via the SDR-IQ software... independent of the FT-2000 backend?
BTW, I love the rig. The S meter on mine was out of whack. Signals over +30 would peg it. I was able to calibrate it via the service menu and now it's dead on balls accurate (it's an industry term) ;.

Phil

[W9GT]

Hi Phil...

Yes, the SDR-IQ works independently of the FT-2000 and it uses the Spectra Vue software which allows all the filtering and demod parameters to be separately configured.  The only thing that is controlled by the rig is frequency and that can also be selected by the computer which in-turn controls the freq of the FT-2000.  You can disable the frequency control by unplugging the serial cable.  It is really slick...and the FT-2000, as well as the SDR-IQ are complementing each other and providing some neat capabilities.  I have seen the DMU demonstrated, and while it is nice to have matching boxes, etc., I believe the speed and resolution of the DMU scope are far outshined by the capabilities of the SDR-IQ.  I guess you do get the rotor control and storage memories and a few other gizzies, like gray line map display,  but I think all those things can be provided via your computer and some other software (Ham Radio Deluxe?).  I seriously considered the DMU, but I think this set-up has it beat.

Yes, I love the FT-2000.  I have always been an Icom man, when it comes to rice boxes, but this rig is really nice.  I have much to learn about utilizing all of its capabilities, menus, etc. but, Wow...that DSP and DNL  just works fantastic!  The receiver seems very hot, and I do not have the optional micro-tuned front end modules.  Anyway...I'm having fun and that's what its all about!

73,  Jack, W9GT

P.S.  I didn't need the D model, 'cause my amplifiers work fine with less than 100 watts drive!  Hi Hi

[W2PHL]

Ok Jack I get it now. The Yaesu is just controlling the frequency of the SDR-IQ.
I bought my rig used. The DMU, speaker and some other goodies were part of the deal. I'm sure I would have held off on the DMU if I had to buy it separately.

I only have one gripe about the radio. It would be nice if Yaesu allowed the AM TX and RX bandwidth to be adjustable like they do on SSB, but then again I really didn't buy it to use on AM anyway.

Phil

[N2DTS]

Well, you can do a lot more with a flex, and its a much better receiver.
The sdr-iq is not bad though, very good for the price.
It has no sync AM detector, but maybe they will add that later.

As a standalone receiver, the sdr-iq lacks an easy filter adjustment, many of the controls are hidden, and I think there is a lot of delay through the receiver.
There are no ham band buttons, or band stacking registers, drag and drop filter widths and center, and other nice 'ham' features.
The audio is good, but with some background hiss.

I think they are working on upgrading software for it, plus you can run other stuff, winrad and something else, I forget what it is.

As cheap as the sdr-iq is, the flex 1500 will be about the same price, work better, and include a transmitter...

The displays on all these sdr's are great though, and they show a lot of interesting info.
Its hard to go back to being blind.

I hear the kenwood can be very good sounding, the essb guys seem to like it.

Brett

[W2PHL]

I'm one of the guinea pigs waiting for the Flex-1500 to ship. I am a little disappointed to learn they are limiting the TX bandwidth to 3.6 KHz however, but I'm still excited about getting it. As much as I hate to admit it, aesthetics are important to me. As functional as that little gray box may be, the FT-2000 is dead sexy (say "dead sexy" in a Scottish brogue) Going to find room for both of them in the shack! LOL

[N2DTS]

All the flex stuff is nothing to look at.
I liked the icom 756 pro3, thought it was a sharp looking radio.

I think I will get a 1500 when they come out, it will be great for the den with the laptop, that is where I used to use the sdr-iq.
I think 7.2 KHz bandwidth on tx is ok if you EQ it well.
I wonder why they limit it in the 3000 and 1500, but not the 5000....
Being able to go out to 20KHz (40 KHz bandwidth) is just crazy.



Brett

[W9GT]

Yeah....I guess I am still a little resistent to the whole "computer radio" thing, however, in reality, even recent YaeKenCom transceivers are more computer than radio.  The difference only being that they have knobs and buttons instead of just a mouse, keyboard, and screen like the Flex. I enjoy the whole realm of technology and I'm very impressed with the things you can do with SDR and spectrum display, etc.  

I agree Phil, the FT-2000 is really cool.  It has some innovations that are very useful as well as just being neat looking.  Seems like it has most of the basic features of the $10K model and certainly meets my needs.  I really don't have anything against the Icom stuff either.  For my intended use, however, the FT-2000 in tandem with the SDR-IQ made good sense for actually less total investment.  The DMU route would have been more expensive to put together all the pieces, and I got a pretty good deal on my package, so that's what I ended up with this time.

It is ironic to note the contrast in my shack between those great old boatanchor rigs and the new digital stuff, but it is all fun to play with and provides real enjoyment of the hobby.  

73,  Jack, W9GT

[W2PHL]

Agreed Jack there is something to be said for enjoying it all.

Brett, I should have said the TX AUDIO bandwidth is limited to 3.6 KHz.  The Flex 1500 and 3000 suffer from this firmware limitation, 3.6 KHz isn't exactly hi fidelitium!

Phil