RTTY Radios
Updated
12/30/2007
Which radios are the best on
RTTY? Which are not so good? If you are in the market for a new or used radio
read what experienced RTTY operators say about the transceivers they are using
now and have used in the past. If you have comments you'd like to make
about a particular radio and how it performs on RTTY, please send an E-mail to
me at aa5au@bellsouth.net.
FlexRadio Systems includes
SDR-1000
Icom includes IC-737,
IC-740, IC-706MkII,
IC-765, IC-761,
IC-775DSP, IC-756, IC-756PRO,
& PRO III.
Kenwood includes TS-940SAT,
TS-870, TS-850,
TS-570DG, & TS-2000.
Ten Tec includes Omni VI
Plus, Omni V, & Corsair.
Yaesu includes FT-840,
FT-900, FT-920,
FT-990, FT1000, FT1000D,
FT1000MP, FT100,
FT-757GX, & FT-757GX Mark II.
Bill, K4FX - I think this one is a keeper, no FSK but they tell me it's coming soon, but for AFSK only the DSP makes up for it! Just after I got it running I was working EU stations and had people come in above and below me, I don't think the 756 or the 940 could have stood it, but the DSP on the Flex was dialed down to about 200 hz and the QSO's went on. Also with the Flex and VAC (virtual audio cable) software, no sound card is used with MMTTY or MixW or whatever, just the VAC and the Flex, all processing is done in the PC and the latency is zero! The external Edirol FA-66 handles the Flex, I removed the SoundBlaster to free those resources up, but suppose there is a need for a sound card in a particular app? No sweat, just run the "repeater" function in VAC and tell it to link virtual cable 1 to the FA-66 and viola you have sound, works like a dream, so far I have used MMTTY and MMSSTV without any issues. There are 10 DSP filter banks for every mode with "pre-made filters", even 10 separate ones for LSB and USB, and 20 total DIGU and DIGL which are just lower and upper sideband for digital modes like RTTY and SSTV, in addition to those ten there are 2 variable DSP filters, with width and shift sliders, but these reset to center when you change bands so they are more for "on the fly use. You can go into the DSP filter banks and tweak them, you can move the passband up and down, and change the width, and its locked in stone, you can even change the labels on the buttons, I have redone all mine, there was a 1.0Khz on sideband banks that I felt was a waste of a position, way too narrow, now it's a 1.7khz and very useful, but the good news is on RTTY filtering, I now have 4 main RTTY filters, a 1.0 KHz, 750hz, 500hz and *250hz (*for big-time contesting), and before I was using RIT to be dead on freq, well I tweaked these new filters up and down during QSO's so now when I click on a signal, I am dead on it.
Icom
Radios
IC-765
Randy, K5ZD - Is great on FSK. For AFSK you can use the IF Shift to narrow the
bandwidth, but not as good as using the filters.
IC-740
Bruce, WT4I - Used on FSK, 270Hz filter, small radio that tends to get hot, no
rig control available, RIT but no RIT clear, good backup RTTY radio with
amplifier.
IC-706MkII
Dan, N1JEB - This is our portable station, used most recently from Bonaire.
Transmitter is OK, though gets hot, receiver is noisy when compared to the
FT1000MP, but that's to be expected. We've got a 500Hz filter in one of the
filter slots. Works reasonable well. The Icom filters for these have slots.
Works reasonably well. The Icom filters for these have been around for many
generations of radios and really are just OK. We use FSK input on this radio
with good success. Never tried it on AFSK. All around a decent rig, would be OK
as a second rig or portable, but sure would not be happy with it as my only rig!
Jay, WS7I - Have tried both the 500Hz and the 350Hz filters. 350Hz are better, a
nice little performer. A little better than a '751A and a lot smaller. This is
my travel radio.
Dave, WW2R - Wouldn't use as my main RTTY rig but great for expeditions. Used it
on last 2 years expeditions to Crete. Has provision for 2 optional filters for
RTTY. Installed 350Hz filter which helps performance. Fan runs noisily at high
speed in hot climates but rig still gets very hot after extended use. Use FSK on
transmit, interface is easy. With the Kenwood switched mode PS40 psu (external
switchable 240/120V, the Icom needs a soldering iron!) makes a cabin baggage
expedition setup. CW filter is usable on SSB by menu selection.
IC-761
Joe, DJ5JK - My oldest one (Icom). (Joe rates this radio is pro + and con -) +
RTTY mode: true FSK, correct MARK frequency reading. + Standard 500 Hz filter
and additional 250 Hz filter selectable. - FSK shift not quite stable due to the
fact that frequencies are generated by crystal oscillators rather than by
digital synthesizers. - AFSK: only in USB/LSB mode, no CW filters available
unless you modify the control circuits - no recommended. + Easy installation for
RTTY, AFSK or FSK, through rear panel accessory sockets. + No RFI problems at
all. + Transceiver control running with all kinds of software and hardware (e.g.
PACTOR controller, WX0B SixPak).
IC-775DSP
Joe, DJ5JK - The radio I like best for contesting, 5 years in use now. (Joe
rates this radio is pro + and con -) + "RTTY DATA": excellent mode for AFSK,
turns mike off. + Correct MARK reading, all filters can be selected 500/250 Hz.
I found that two 250 Hz filters in series are too narrow for RTTY (group delay
distortions). I use one 250 Hz filter in the first IF channel, that is perfect
for me. + "RTTY": FSK perfect due to synthetical frequency generation, all
filters selectable. + High/Low tones (2125/1615 Hz) and shift (170/200/524) menu
selectable [unfortunately the low tones do not match with WriteLog Rttyrite
settings. + Easy installation for RTTY, AFSK or FSK, through rear panel
accessory sockets. + No RFI problems at all. + Transceiver control running with
all kinds of software and hardware (e.g. PACTOR controller, WX0B SixPak).
IC-740.
Don, AA5AU - I used the IC-775DSP for several
months on RTTY and although I liked the radio very much for FSK operation, the
receiver overload was too much to handle on non-RTTY modes. I never really
noticed it on RTTY, but nearby signals on CW and SSB would cause noise to be
generated on my receive frequency. I ended up selling the radio and
getting a new IC-756PROIII which is the best radio I've ever owned. See my
Icom IC-756PROIII review on rttycontesting.com
here or read my general comments lower on this page here. One thing I
really liked and disliked was the 200 watt transmitter output. I like
using it barefoot at 200 watts, but I did forget to lower the power one time and
burned the 20 meter section of my Dunestar filter.
IC-737
Bruce, WT4I - Not the best RTTY radio. I found no easy way to run the CW filters
in SSB mode. SSB filter too wide for contesting. No FSK.
IC-756
Walt, EU1SA - I am using the IC-756 with 2 x 250 Hz CW filters installed. AFSK
is used as otherwise I cannot use such filters. The radio obviously has a FSK
capability, and I'd love to use it but unfortunately it is not possible. The
radio is configured just like the narrow band SSB filters are installed. It
gives a possibility to use CW filters on SSB. In order to match the filters'
passband the SB is configured for frequency offset of no more than 600-700 Hz.
With such a setup I can easily print a weak station as close as a few hundred Hz
from a 500+40 signal. The transmitted signal goes to an AL-572. Even when it
goes full power, there is no complaints (even from my neighbors) on quality of
the AFSK signal.
Army, AE5P - The '756 is very well suited to RTTY operation. I have used mine
exclusively on FSK, although AFSK is also possible. Mine is equipped with the
INRAD 400Hz filters (both high and low IF), which are very effective on RTTY
operation. In addition, the '756 offers passband tuning which allows you to
further narrow the response passband if necessary. One of the outstanding
features of the '756 is it's spectrum analyzer. It allows you to "see" the
activity on the band, and RTTY signals stand on the scope due to their
continuous carrier. You can literally "see" a signal, and rapidly tune to it.
Once you have used this feature, you will feel blind without it. The transmitter
can run all day long at 100 watts output. The built in fan seldom has to run.
The receiver includes two stages of RF pre-amplification, especially useful on
15 and 10 meters. Overall, an excellent radio, highly recommended.
Bruce, WT4I - AFSK, 350Hz filter (250 & 500 available), does have FSK, RIT, RIT
clear, given it's spectrum display it is the best radio I have found for S&P.
Runs 100 watts entire contest with no heat problems.
Bill, K4FX - I use a Icom IC-756
at present with only 1, 500hz filter in the 9Mhz IF, but that in conjunction
with the twin PBT and bandscope for search and pounce make for an excellent RTTY
rig, in the FSK mode of course. Have ran the majority of a 48 hour contest
at 100 watts with no over heating at all, it's a very tough and stable radio,
for a rig that is now going for 700-800 dollars it's hard to beat.
IC-756PRO
Joe, DJ5JK - My Radio 2, now 1 year experience. (Joe rates this radio is pro +
and con -) + FSK and AFSK perfect transmitting. + Filter bandwidth in all modes
can be selected in 50 Hz steps to match the desire, great! + No noticeable group
delay distortions, flat top passband. + "USB-Data" mode for AFSK, turns mike
off, displays correct MARK frequency. + Most accurate MARK frequency readout
(+/- 15 Hz). + Selectable RTTY DSP filter is very sharp, excellent for weak
signals and QRM, but.. .- selectable (front button) RTTY DSP filter is too sharp
for S&P mode, puts out strong hiss audio with no signal coming in, therefore it
is difficult (at least for me) to tune in a signal. Once you stay on a frequency
this filter is very useful. + Built-in RTTY decoder, data are shown on front
display, makes it easy to check a signal with turning on your PC. - RTTY tuning
indicator is not a great help. + Tones and shift: same as IC-775DSP (see above).
+ Easy installation for RTTY, AFSK or FSK, through rear panel accessory sockets.
+ No RFI problems at all. + Transceiver control running with all kinds of
software and hardware (e.g. PACTOR controller, WX0B SixPak).
Dave, WR5O - FSK RTTY is the radio's strong point. Front panel RTTY filter is
very sharp. As a low power S&P contester, I love it. I didn't notice any obvious
audio hiss with mine (7 months old in 1/01). 100% copy on signals that didn't'
move the S meter while using a vertical. Spectrum display is helpful, I usually
use 12.5 or 25 kHz display. Tuning guide could have been better designed, but
once you get used to it, it's not that bad. Excellent mid level contesting
radio. Allows for computer control and rear panel FSK/AFSK connections. If I had
room for another antenna I'd definitely buy another 756PRO.
Don, AA5AU - This is by far the best radio I've used on any mode and the Twin Peak Filter for RTTY operation allows for excellent RTTY receive capabilities. There too many good things to say about this radio here. Read my detailed review on rttycontesting.com here.
TS-940
Bob, N3FR - I use a Kenwood TS940SAT. I've used it in the AFSK mode but really
dislike the lack of filtering. I currently use my 940 in FSK mode and it works
great. While it is capable of 250 hz filtering, I have mine equipped for 500 hz.
Seems sufficient for my needs. Both of these filter configurations are optional
in the 940. My bottom line: It suits my contesting needs quite nicely. Handles
the stress of RTTY key down for very long contesting periods with relative
coolness.
Al, KE1FO - I've had great experience with the TS-940 running AFSK and using the
slope tuning. You basically get a nice bandwidth that seems to work really
great, even in crowded band conditions.
TS-870
Don, AA5AU - The TS-870 is the best radio I have used on RTTY. I now own two of
them. I use it only on FSK for RTTY, but also on AFSK with PSK31 & MFSK16 and it
does a great job. The DSP in the receiver's IF makes for a very quiet receiver.
There are several variations of filter combinations for the various modes and
are all digital and standard. For RTTY I use either the 500 hz or 250 hz
filters. For AFSK I use the LSB or USB mode and vary the filter down as narrow
as 400 hz. It also has menu options for a 300 hz PSK filter but I prefer the
regular SSB filters for PSK31. All filters are switched from the front panel. I
have no problems running it fully keyed on RTTY as long as I want. It does not
get hot. During contests, the receiver can get overloaded. However, using the
AIP (Automatic Intercept Point) function reduces ALL overload and nearby
interference in crowded contest band conditions which is a plus. I would
recommend this radio on RTTY to anyone.
Chuck, N8CL - I owned a TS-870 until lightning recently zapped it and now have a
IC756PRO. The 870 is a great FSK radio, with some minor shortcomings: digital
250, 500 and 1000 hz filters on FSK but not AFSK; factor set filter parameters;
and - for me - rather confusing split operation. For those who run FSK only, the
870 is hard to beat for the price.
TS-850
Walter, DL4RCK - I am running a TS850SAT and it work very well with RTTY with a
500Hz and 270Hz filter. I already tested some TRX (transceivers) in RTTY and
this one is one of the best.
Bruce, WT4I - Used on FSK, 250 and 500 Hz filters, small RIT knob, no RIT clear
(other than via software), runs 100 watts entire contest. Easy RCA jack for FSK
hookup. Solid mid range performer.
Jim, KD4OM - I am using a Kenwood TS 850 here and have for several years.
Biggest advantage is FSK capability. The radio was used for several years 24/7
for BBS use in the Winlink System set-up for Amtor using a HAL PCI 3000 card. I
have the crystal oven for frequency stability and used 500 Hz CW filter with the
rig. Did not experience any down time for maintenance while in use - over two
years. I am still using the radio for normal everyday pursuits and have been
well pleased with it.
Roy, N8YYS - I'm using the ole standby's here.. TS850S/AT for SO2R. I also use
FSK which gives me the narrow CW filter options with the TS850. Both have 500 Hz
and 250 Hz IF filters (INRAD).
Dave, K6LL - I used a pair of TS-850's in the RTTY Roundup. I didn't have any
com ports available in the computer to send FSK, so I used AFSK. With the
TS-850, you can select the two 500 Hz filters in the SSB mode. Setting the
computer for "low tones", the filter bandpass was absolutely perfect.
Jan, SM5FUG - I run FSK keying only. Filter: 270 Hz (in 8.83 MHz IF) and 500 Hz
(in 455 kHz IF). Rugged final. Band noise blanker. Good large signal performance
but the "AIP" is recommended on 40m at evenings. Fixed AF-output is on the low
side for P38. No separate receive antenna input. Radio control works well with
RTTY (by WF1B) and WriteLog. Probably today the RTTY-radio for the money but
forget the Kenwood power supply if you run full power.
Joe, K0BX - I bought the Kenwood TS-850S/AT for RTTY. I am using FSK, 170Hz
Shift with an IRC 400Hz filter. The incoming signal in the FSK position goes
right through the narrow filter. The TS-850S is capable of running 100 watts on
rtty with no problem. I am not sure of the FSK, that is, if it is true FSK or
just a tone keyer, but it always has a nice clean signal.
Dave, WW2R - Up to now my main RTTY rig (just got an FT1000MP). I use the
International Radio 1800Hz 1st IF filter and their 400hz 2nd filter. Use FSK on
transmit, easy via interface via phone plug on back. Runs 100W all weekend
without getting excessively hot. Only failed once when went deaf on 10/15m
discovered Kenwood Service Bulletin on replacing PIN diodes and not a problem
since.
TS-570DG
Jon, K1US - The TS-570DG is fun to operate, and has made a fine backup xcvr to
my faithful '850. The chief points I'd consider for RTTY are these: Computer
control is smooth and reliable with the built-in RS-232 port. AGC can't be
switched off, though there is a somewhat intrusive mod for this available at
http://www11.cds.ne.jp/~cqdx/ A narrow filter is definitely a must! Only one IF
filter can be used (and that only in the 8 mhz 2nd IF.) A narrow CW filter works
quite well in FSK but not in AFSK unless you trick the rig by selecting the 1.8
mhz in the Menu filter item. If that's done you have to move the IF shift knob
to get the right center freq. (I use low tones.) It's useful if you must use
AFSK for some reason in preference to built-in FSK. Beware though that if you do
resort to this trick, it has to be undone and reset to the actual 500 or 270
value before operating CW. Otherwise, you'll get no output and fear the worst!
Audio output from the ACC2 is marginal at best. I've found it better to take it
from the speaker jack or use my always-in-line MFJ-784B to control
speaker/headphone volume. While monitoring of outgoing AFSK RTTY is provided
with the DG upgrade, it disappointingly does not give you anything for FSK,
which should have been quite easy for the designer to implement. (So I just use
MMTTY's "Sound + ComPort FSK" keying option which provides monitoring from the
PC speakers.) The DSP noise reduction features are some help on RTTY, but work
great on SSB and CW. So does the nifty CW auto tune, tight filters, nice memory
keyer, and fantastic SSB Beat canceling. Audio DSP gives you a 500 and 250 hz
position in FSK, and there's some debate about how this really combines with an
IF filter. I've no complaints with this, but I do find that for RTTY I much
prefer to rely on an outboard MFJ-784B for noise reduction and really tight
filtering ahead of the TU or soundcard. Mine is an original 1997 vintage 570D,
with upgrade to DG done quickly and inexpensively by Kenwood Service. That was
really worthwhile, and solved serious problems with early battery failure and
antenna tuner disorientation.
TS-2000
Wes, K4WES - There is a 13 pin DIN connector on the back which allows the user
to run RTTY as FSK or AFSK (use LSB mode). I use it with FSK and a TNC and it
works great. The manual didn't explain it well on how to use it for AFSK, so I'm
not sure how it would work with a sound card set up. I can use full power (100
watts) without any problems or the rig getting hot. For FSK the filter bandwidth
is adjustable via the front panel. There are also two levels of noise reduction
and a noise blanker via the front panel for FSK. I didn't find these to be very
helpful in reducing QRM though. You can even listen to your own FSK signal via
the Transmit Monitor function.
Jon, K1US - What a surprise! This is one fine rig for RTTY, CW, SSB, any mode
you choose. After three weeks of solid enjoyment, I can certainly recommend it
to anyone as an outstanding transceiver. As a very satisfied owner of two
excellent TS-870s, I can also say it has already become a marvelous replacement
for one of them. Can hardly bring myself to turn it off! After reading early
disparaging comments some had written about the unusual appearance of the
TS-2000, I was prepared to be unimpressed when I finally saw one at the Boxboro
convention last summer. The fellow I was standing next to in the mob said he had
a 950SDX and really couldn't imagine that the 2000 was rugged enough to do what
Kenwood claims for it. For my part, having owned an 830, the classic 850, the
light-weight 570DG, the superb 870 and even a little TS-50 for a while, I was
eager to see what the 2000 would actually do, but had not had a chance to try
one out. I didn't know anyone who had one. Then in the fall of 2002, I stumbled
onto a VHF portable contesting setup on a mountain top here in southern Maine.
The big contest was about to start, but he gladly took time to offer
enthusiastic comments about the smooth ruggedness of his prized TS-2000. Food
for thought... Hmmmmm!
Now it's mid-summer, and I've made a rare visit to the HRO store in Salem, NH. A
customer has returned his brand new TS-2000 after a few days trial, saying it
was too complicated for him. Hmmmmm! More food for thought... Feels solidly
built, and is not all that funny looking either. Next thing I knew, I had the
nicely discounted box with me on my way home to Maine. There it slipped right
into the console space where I had kept the backup 870 and the 570 that preceded
it. All the cabling and the RTTY FSK interfacing was identical to the 570, and
15 minutes later it was up and running and purring nicely on 14.085. A few days
later it was doing a great job for me in the Russian WW RTTY test.
Audio is fantastic, sensitivity is tip-top, selectivity is at least as good as
the IF DSP-based 870, plus it has the AF DSP features of the 570 I had liked so
much for CW. TX monitoring of FSK is there, just like the 870 but strangely left
out of the 570. Noise reduction options feel like a combination of the best of
the 870 and 570, and are better than either alone. The split function works like
the 570 does, not the somewhat awkward setup of the 870. The automatic antenna
tuner has a wider range than either the 870 or 570, and works great with loops
and rhombics and verticals. Front panel is actually quite pleasant in operation,
ergonomically designed for easy switching, and tuning is very smooooth! One
other happy discovery was that it has the high-stability TCXO as standard
equipment. Nothing else to buy in the way of filters, either. (It came with a
mike, but I've never really learned to use on of those things.)
I'd say that anyone who is familiar with the 570 will be instantly right at home
with this rig. It's my celebration present after 50 years in ham radio.
(Jon Harder, K1US, became a Silent Key in February 2004. We'll miss you Jon -
Don AA5AU)
Omni VI
Plus
George, N7GC - Several features make the TT Omni VI a neat digital radio. Not
the least is the ease of connecting the multitude of cables! Instead of those
accursed DIN plugs of various sizes, plain old "RCA" sockets are used. (It makes
it very easy to home-brew shielded cables.) Operating features include: Ability
to operate either AFSK or "True" FSK. (BTW, Ten-Tec's FSK is real FSK, because
an oscillator is frequency shifted); any filter can be selected in any mode and
for the truly narrow-minded 250hz filters are available. All filters are easily
owner-installed with no soldering required. Under the miscellaneous heading, the
tuning rates of main tuning and RIT/XIT's can be slowed down to a boredom rate.
Chuck, WA0ROI - RTTY filter for 2nd IF has not been installed nor used since I
run low-tones and it is optimized for "normal" tones. I used the 500 hz or 250
hz filter in the 1st IF in conjunction with the BPT. It does have FSK input and
separate "keying" dedicated to the FSK on the rear panel along with an FSK mode
switch which activates the above inputs. Since I've been limited to AFSK due to
low tones, I've never used the FSK position but rather utilize LSB. The Omni-VI
also has a DSP-based Low Pass filter and Noise Reduction that is used
extensively on RTTY. The Low Pass filter will be a non-issue when I go to FSK
and high tones I suspect, although I've not checked the optional cutoffs on the
LPF. The Omni-VI has both RIT and XIT (+/- 10 kHz, programmable range) that can
be activated and is VERY nice in its operation. The radio also has rear-panel
input for AFSK.
Bill, K5YG - I used my Ten-Tec Omni VI Plus exclusively on RTTY. Omni VI Plus
Features: 1. Outstanding receiver selectivity and sensitivity - Very good for
contest/pileups. 2. True FSK input. 3. Fixed rear panel audio output - level
sufficient to drive HAL DXP-38 to proper level. 4. Rear panel AFSK input. 5.
Clean AFSK - Easy to adjust to proper output level. 6. Tune button works in any
mode - easy to set for "clean" AFSK output. 7. Xmtr is capable of 100 watts out
- continuous. 8. All filters can be used with FSK (any mode for that matter). I
have 500 hz (standard) and 250hz filters installed for RTTY and CW - any
combination can be selected. 9. Connector convenience - RCA jacks on rear panel
for all inputs.
Carter, K8VT - A great radio with many features, but as related specifically to
tty, it has true FSK and the ability to use any filter (TT or INRAD) in any
mode. Will run a rtty contest all day at full power without a fan. Lots of
auxiliary functions brought out on the back panel (PTT, FSK, fixed level audio
output, etc) to RCA jacks, not those miserable DIN plugs. American made (not
jingoism, just easy access) and superb customer support.
Omni V
Chuck, WA0ROI - RTTY filter for 2nd IF has not been installed nor used since I
run low-tones and it is optimized for "normal" tones. I use the 500 hz or 250 hz
filter in the 1st IF in conjunction with the BPT. It does have FSK input and
separate "keying" dedicated to the FSK on the rear panel along with an FSK mode
switch which activates the above inputs. Since I've been limited to AFSK due to
low tones, I've never used the FSK position but rather utilize LSB. The Omni-V
has no RIT or XIT so the split VFO's must be used for this activity. The Omni-V
does have a Tone and a Fade control which can be used together to enhance or
suppress freq range. The radio also has a rear-panel input for AFSK.
Dale, W6IWO - I use a Ten Tec Omni V radio here. It was setup at the factory
with special optional 6.3 Mhz IF filters. It has PBT and a 500 Hz is recommended
for digital modes. However, in addition to the 500 Hz filter I also have a 250
Hz filter which I use for RTTY. It works great except that if someone is right
next to me calling CQ, I may not hear him. On the other hand if some one is
calling me and some one moves in close, I still can copy the calling station.
The radio does not have RIT control so when I'm H&P I don't have this feature.
Again, when I am calling CQ, I use the dual VFO in split and then have a RIT
control. It is really handy when calling CQ but I do miss not having it for H&P.
The radio is equipped for FSK and I use it exclusively for RTTY. Since I operate
the digital modes only, I need not worry about SSB. I have a mic that collects
dust here and a bug doing the same.
Corsair
George, N7GC - I have used an older Ten Tec but no other brands...I completely
wore out a TT Corsair with contesting and DX'ing, and truth be known I think the
receiver on that non-digital rig was better than the Omni's. But the filter
selection was not as flexible. In order to get narrow filtering for RTTY, I
swapped the SSB and CW filters. Also, the Corsair did only AFSK as different
from the Omni which can do either.
FT-920
Marty, NW0L - Overall great RTTY contesting rig. I've used it with AFSK only on
RTTY (via WriteLog's WinRTTY as well as the DXP-38) and other soundcard-type
modes (PSK31, MFSK16, etc.) Can do AFSK or FSK easily via dedicated DATA jack on
the rear. I have added a small audio amp to bring the level from the back panel
up a bit for injection into the DXP-38. Has dedicated DATA mode for FSK or AFSK
(and FM packet), with adjustable frequency offset display (to show true Mark
frequency) and control of shift, sideband and high or low tones. One narrow CW
filter can be installed and selected in the DATA mode. International Radio sells
an add-on board that allows using either a single filter or two in cascade (two
boards could be installed, one for CW/RTTY and one for phone.) Note that setup
of this rig for AFSK is NOT explained correctly in the manual - there is an
application note available from Yaesu that explains proper setup (also available
from WM7D's fine FT-920 site -
http://www.wm7d.net/hamradio/yaesu_pages/ft920/ under "Known Problems").
Capable of running 100% duty cycle at full output - I run this radio at 100
watts for every RTTY contest with no problems. Receiver tends to get overloaded
when there are lots of strong signals and the INRAD 400hz narrow filter has a
"ring" from the opposite sideband if there's a strong signal nearby, but it's
not a significant problem in my experience.
FT-100
Marty, NW0L - Not exactly a "contesting" rig, but does do a good job on AFSK
RTTY via dedicated data port on the rear of the radio. Can also do FSK via the
same port. Recently used this radio as second rig in SO2R setup. Most notable
problem was the phase noise present on the other receiver - coax stubs helped
eliminate that problem. I use the Yaesu 500Hz CW filter and it does a good job
getting rid of strong stations nearby. Easy to set up, easy to use - keying is
handled via software command in rig control (in WriteLog) so no need for keying
circuit. I also run this rig RTTY mobile from time to time (this rig is normally
installed in my Ford pickup - I park before operating!) and have received good
signal reports with it.
FT-757GX
Marty, NW0L - Was a good starter rig for RTTY, probably not great for any
significant contesting effort. Had to use microphone jack for audio input and
external speaker jack for output on AFSK but worked well. Adjustable bandpass
and bandwidth were great features - you could get the effect of a 400Hz or
narrower filter by twiddling the knobs "just so".
Don, AA5AU - The FT-757GX Mark II
was the very first transistorized radio I used on RTTY. It runs only AFSK,
there is no input for FSK transmission. This radio did very well on RTTY
despite not having narrow filters. I liked the compactness of the radio
and took it on DXpeditions to V2 Aruba and VP2M Montserrat. It was a fun
radio and I still own it. But I would not recommend it for RTTY today with
too many other radios readily available that have FSK capabilities.
FT-990
Bruce, WT4I - Used on FSK, 250 and 500Hz filters, big RIT knob, RIT clear, runs
100 watts entire contest with no heat problems. Due to it's front panel
similarities, good second radio with the FT1000. Four pin DIN connector required
to wire for FSK.
Dick, W1KSZ - I use the FT-990 and the DSP-59Y (audio filter) on FSK. I like the
ability to switch in the 250 Hz filter when QRM gets bad.
FT-900
Phil, GU0SUP - AFSK only (no FSK), and the CW filters (where fitted) are not
available for use whilst engaging on RTTY. For improved performance in crowded
conditions, I operate split, and use the receive VFO in CW mode, and transmit on
the other in the normal SSB mode. I use a home-made "patch panel" into which I
either plug the TNC for RTTY, or the cables from the PC sound card for the new
soundcard-based programs for digital modes. This is easier than trying to fiddle
about the back of the radio. My rig runs contests at 60-70 watts output quite
happily, and it is feasible to turn up the power the full 100 watts if you need
to "bust the pile-up", but remember to reduce the power once that QSO is made.
PROS: Relatively cheap radio. Data connection is simple. Has SHIFT control,
allowing you to shift the IF passband. NOTCH control enables you to lessen the
impact of a noisy station just to one side of your spot. Has a programmable
tuning knob step selection. I use 2.5Hz steps, which is great for tuning RTTY,
PSK, etc. It has a CAT interface for the proprietary Yaesu rig control
interface. Small, compact size (similar to the Yaesu FT757 or 847). CONS: The
manual has very little information on digital modes, and how they can be
operated. Lacks the WIDTH control of some other Yaesu radios (such as the
FT757). The 3.5mm stereo jack used for data in/out is not too easy to solder,
and only provides one ground connection. The SHIFT control takes a bit of
getting used to, although using something like Digipan allows you to see the
effect of turning the SHIFT control. The internal ATU is not very good. The
manual recommends running at less than full power (100 watts).
FT-840
Tom, W7WHY - I'm presently using a Yaesu FT-840, and with the MFJ-784B DSP
filter, it would be useless. No filters in the SSB position and no possibility
of putting one in. The MFJ filter works like a bomb on RTTY!
FT-1000D
Randy, K5ZD - Great for FSK and good for AFSK. On AFSK you can use the 500 Hz
filters even when in LSB.
Ed, W4EP - Am currently using the FT-1000D on FSK with the HAL ST-8000. I have
also used the TS-450, FT1000MP. After selling my first 1000D and going to a
1000MP in order to get the DSP and "mix and match" 1st and 2nd IF filters, I
returned to the 1000D because of the 200 watt output. I never use more than 100w
output from the 1000D. I do NOT think the 100w output on the 1000MP is adequate
for long periods of key down rtty operation. I loved the filters in the 1000MP
though. I returned to the 1000D because it can be used at 100W all day long.
FT-1000MP
Dan, N1JEB - Excellent RTTY radio. Separate RTTY inputs/outputs on the back,
separate key to select them. FSK input connects to audio tone generator inside
(not "true" FSK) but outstanding quality. Receiver is fabulous. I used both the
crystal filters (500Hz in both IFs, and 250Hz in 2nd IF) as well as the DSP
filters. The combination is quite good. Really nothing bad I can say about this
rig. It'll handle running barefoot at full power for an entire weekend of
mult-single.
Goetz, DJ3IW - I use the FT1000MP, loaded with all filters (standard Yaesu) and
TCXO-6. I use both its RTTY/FSK input and its PKT/AFSK input. The RTTY/FSK input
is fed with TTL-level FSK from a HAL PCI-3000, the PSK/AFSK input with audio
tones (high tones) from my SCS PTC-II. For Baudot RTTY I can use the cascaded
250Hz filters if required. For Amtor/Pactor/PSK31 it is better to use the
broader cascaded 500Hz filters, the 250Hz ones are a bit too tight for these
modes. The setup - using 2000/2240 Hz filters is also good for SSTV with PTC-II.
The 1000MP's flexibility in filter selection is outstanding! I have set the
1000MPs menu options so that the frequency readout shows the MARK frequency for
all am combinations. I run the 1000MP with 70-75 watts in RTTY - no problem even
in prolonged contest sessions. At present I only have a 2x10m inverted V dipole,
apex at about 7.5m (25feet). To get an impression of the capability of the
FT1000MP with the HAL PCI-3000 and this poor antenna see my SWL results in the
recent JARTS RTTY contest. Overall I think the FT1000MP is a superb performer
for RTTY.
FT-1000
Bruce, WT4I - Used on FSK, 250 and 500Hz filters, big RIT knob, RIT clear, runs
150 watts entire contest with no heat problems. Excellent low power run radio.
Second receiver good for S&P on same band as run (single radio operation). Four
pin DIN connector required to wire for FSK.