Receiver comparison K2 v FT1000mp

[Vk2NU]

I've recently completed my second K2 and have been running some side by side
trials with my FT1000mp.

My first time around, the K2 was my only rig and having nothing to compare
it against I had an element of self doubt that something I put together
could perform as well as an off the shelf radio. In the end I sold the K2
and bought myself a FT1000mp, which I've had for a couple of years. To cut a
long story short I took the plunge and got another K2 a month back, and
since construction have been comparing the receiver against that of the
FT1000mp.

I've got no test gear to speak of, and have just been switching between the
two and comparing received signals by ear. What I can report is that at no
time were there signals on the bands that I could hear on the Yaesu that I
couldn't copy equally as well as on the K2. This is even listening to weak
and noisy 80m DX signals.

One major difference I did note between the 2 receivers was the overall
audio tone in my headphones of the background noise. It's hard to describe,
but when comparing the 2 radios using 500hz filter settings, it almost
sounded as if the filters on the K2 were much narrower.

I was having a listen again today and decided to hook both radio's up
through the soundcard and compare them using spectrogram. Both radios were
set to 500hz filter settings (I have all of the optional filters installed
in the Yaesu), and again I switched between them and observed the display in
spectrogram. Lo and behold, the filter bandwidth on the K2 was roughly 500hz
as you would expect, but the FT1000mp showed a filter bandwidth in the
region of 800hz.

I'd always run the Yaesu using the 500hz filters and liked the tone of the
radio, and I was wondering why I preferred a filter bandwidth on the K2
around 800hz... well now I know why!

I'll probably hang onto the FT1000mp, as I like all features and it performs
well, but it's good to know that the K2 (which cost less than the additional
filters in the Yaesu) can receive just as well.

Just another couple of observations...

1. Along with some recent options I bought for the K2 I ordered a 'finger
dimple'. I must say it was $5 very well spent, as I definitely fall into the
camp of those who do not like the K2 tuning knob.

2. Also very impressed with internal ATU for the K2. I have a Cushcraft R8
vertical, which I have always struggled to tune on 80m (I know it is a 40-10
antenna). Even the KAT100 which I had first time around would not tune it.
Just for fun I tried the internal ATU tonight and it had no problems, and
whilst I was listening to the 80 I even managed to work 3D2(Rotuma) and
YJ(Vanuatu) using 10w CW. Good stuff !!

I hope I can make the trip and work of few of you in the EQP, although I'll
be primarily be having a go in the Commonwealth contest at the same time.

Regards

David, Vk2NU

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