James Sarte
2010-11-14 19:03:37 UTC
Did anyone read the December QST's review of the FTDX5000MP?
And I quote:
"The FTDX5000 series establishes a new benchmark, the highest close-in IMD
dynamic range and third-order intercept we've ever measured."
And the review goes on to state:
"For Receiver A, at the where-it-really-matters 2kHz spacing, the two-tone
third-order IMD dynamic range at 14 MHz is just as good as at 20 kHz
spacing. In all cases, IMD dynamic range was well over 100dB. This is the
receiver with a 9 MHz first IF and narrow roofing filters, currently the hot
setup for top-of-the-line close-in dynamic range."
"For Receiver B, with a VHF IF and without the narrow roofing filters, the
worst-case dynamic range was 88 dB on 14 MHz at 2 kHz spacing; all other
numbers were in the 90s, the best being 98 dB on 14 MHz at 5 kHz spacing,
yielding an IP3 of +25 dBm."
According to the measurement summary, 2 kHz blocking gain compression is 136
dB on 20m and 80m. The third-order dynamic range was measured at 114 dB on
20. On the TX side, transmit 3rd order IMD was -30 dB on 80m, and -35 dB on
20.
I don't know about the rest of you guys, but that's pretty impressive. Even
the sub receiver's performance (while no match for the K3's sub with
filters) still puts on a good show, and is a lot better receiver than some
other rig's main receivers.
For $6,000, it's a lot of radio (literally), and would never fit on my
desk. But if you compare it to the FT-9000 or IC-7800, it's a relative
bargain.
Honestly, it looks like a great radio if you like a lot of knobs and
buttons. I won't be buying an FTDX5000 anytime soon, as the K3 does all of
that and more at the fraction of the cost, size, and weight. Plus, Elecraft
has in my opinion the best support in the industry. For those however that
want a "big rig", I think this is the one to beat.
--
73 de James K2QI
President UNARC/4U1UN
And I quote:
"The FTDX5000 series establishes a new benchmark, the highest close-in IMD
dynamic range and third-order intercept we've ever measured."
And the review goes on to state:
"For Receiver A, at the where-it-really-matters 2kHz spacing, the two-tone
third-order IMD dynamic range at 14 MHz is just as good as at 20 kHz
spacing. In all cases, IMD dynamic range was well over 100dB. This is the
receiver with a 9 MHz first IF and narrow roofing filters, currently the hot
setup for top-of-the-line close-in dynamic range."
"For Receiver B, with a VHF IF and without the narrow roofing filters, the
worst-case dynamic range was 88 dB on 14 MHz at 2 kHz spacing; all other
numbers were in the 90s, the best being 98 dB on 14 MHz at 5 kHz spacing,
yielding an IP3 of +25 dBm."
According to the measurement summary, 2 kHz blocking gain compression is 136
dB on 20m and 80m. The third-order dynamic range was measured at 114 dB on
20. On the TX side, transmit 3rd order IMD was -30 dB on 80m, and -35 dB on
20.
I don't know about the rest of you guys, but that's pretty impressive. Even
the sub receiver's performance (while no match for the K3's sub with
filters) still puts on a good show, and is a lot better receiver than some
other rig's main receivers.
For $6,000, it's a lot of radio (literally), and would never fit on my
desk. But if you compare it to the FT-9000 or IC-7800, it's a relative
bargain.
Honestly, it looks like a great radio if you like a lot of knobs and
buttons. I won't be buying an FTDX5000 anytime soon, as the K3 does all of
that and more at the fraction of the cost, size, and weight. Plus, Elecraft
has in my opinion the best support in the industry. For those however that
want a "big rig", I think this is the one to beat.
--
73 de James K2QI
President UNARC/4U1UN