This was made when ham radio peaked and the demand was huge. The competition was the IC781 and the TS950SDX. All three are likely the best we have seen out of Japan. No expense was spared.
As an old timer of 55 years I enjoyed your review. My first SSB rig was the Heath SB 102 that I used until 1980 when I became inactive until 1998 when I bought a second hand TS940 which is vintage 1985 analog. Can see how yaesu took a lot from the 940 design when they made the FT1k. The cw on those analog rigs is still sweet sound. Looking at the magic Sherwood list those older rigs do not lack sensitivity but just score lower on selectivity. Unless you are serious contester or dx'r, those older rigs hold their own. Since I missed the innovations of the 1990*s I ordered an FT920 off of eBay. Still have a Drake C line bought in 2005 but maybe later in the year or next year I will go for an FTDX10 or 101. Just retired last year so like a kid again getting back into HR 😊
I have had this radio since 1990 and still have it and it's all I use.... Originally bought an Ft - 990 and then traded it in on the 1000... You'll love it
Ive used the 1000 for three months now. The receiver is amazing, everything actually works, ie the notch, IF shift and width, dual noise Blankers. I'm finding even with heavy static crashes from thunderstorms, it can muffle them down to a very pleasant listening experience. Since I acquired the ft1000, I also acquired from the same person through my buddy the Yaesu FL 7000 four button solid state matching amp. This guy purchased both of these pieces of equipment new, so I am the second owner. A killer combination, no fiddling with tuning and dipping like in tube amps. Just throw the switch and you are ready to go. Gives me 6 to 700 watts output and the guys on the nets I work say I have the biggest signal from Nebraska they ever heard!
There’s something special about the older radios, I had a 1000D many years ago which I regretted selling, I have others, FT902DM line-up an FTDX10 which is also a fabulous radio but I recently saw another 1000D for sale and rapidly bought it for £725 (UK) The quality and feel just draws you to this radio, the heavy tuning dial spins so smoothly, needless to say, my other radios have not been touched in the past few weeks!
The FT1000D came out in late 1989. I bought one of the very first units in the US and had it shipped to the UK, well before it was available over here. In its day it was an excellent radio and it is still a fine performer. Eventually I sold the FT1000D for a new FTDX5000 and since then SDR has taken over in the G3WGV shack. The FT1000D was and is a classic: I often wish I had kept it.
Thanks for the GREAT video, Scott! The 1000D was, and still is, a fantastic rig! I loved mine, but after family, kids, chores, career, and no time, I reluctantly sold my 1000D as well…Yes, I regret it! I was a “Too Busy to Key” fellow and went silent for many years. Kids are grown, I’m now retired and really getting back into the hobby! I’d love to find another one! I’ve been looking hard at the Yaesu FTDX 101 MP. Only time will tell!! Peace and Blessings!
I've always wanted one of these rigs and after a short hiatus away from the hobby a local SK's family was selling his FT-1000D which is in amazing condition both cosmetically and functionality. It's my primary HF rig and mine is a 1995 model. I only use SSB and have worked further than I thought possible with only simple homebrew dipoles and the 200w. I'm moving to where I will have a tower and a Mosley TA-33 which will really let it shine! I will never sell mine. I got the MINT FT-1000D w/the SP-5 w/Timewave DSP for $700. I enjoy it daily and the only rig I've liked better was the FTdx9000D at W1AW which I operated a few years back.
A top video and many thanks for it! I too have a 1000D, with all the holes filled including the extra cw filter that very few ever had. The 990 and it are of true instrument quality. Please see Nagra, Studer, Leica, Minox, Nakamichi, Sony PCM etc. Extreemly tactile and enguaging to use. Its a proper radio. And it is an all analogue design. I bought mine new in late 2002 in the US of A. Long story. It oozes quiet magnificence. Not for sale at any price. Bw from a G7 / DL7 Mike.
The 1000 D was my dream rig since I got first licensed in 1996. Finally was able to obtain a close to mint example last year It’s my main rig and I absolutely love it!! 73 de N1XV - Northern New Jersey
Nice video Scott! Seems all those old radios were better than the new ones for build quality, all they lack is in the 2.4khz limitation. I have FT2K and FT3K, never had the money for the best one of the group, FT1000D!
I couldn't agree more. With headphones I can hear the digital hash in ALL modern receivers except full SDR radios like the ANAN. My 7300 is a noisy radio receiver compared to a Kenwood TS830 which is all analog. Please do a video of the 5000D receiving and resolving weak SSB signals! Weak signal work is where it's at.
this radio is like a cadillac sedan de ville. in appearance and performance. the best features are 200w with very excellent tuner, audio peaking filter for cw, ability to handle local noise. very effective noise blanker which also works on FM. that's right, I said Noise Blanker on FM. pause, think about that, Mr Yaesu, sir. the annoyances are: highest sidetone freq way too low, no way to adjust higher. 10hz tuning, excellent receiver audio but put thru lousy audio stages adding hiss and limiting bandwidth. no way to go wider than 2.4khz xtal filter on ssb. no tone adjustment, poor tonal balance, no way to go wider than restrictive 6k on am. you see, once you get used to kenwood audio it's hard to be restricted.
Wow that's super! You won't be sorry. It really is breathtaking that it's over 30 years old and still a contender among the newest rigs out there..even Yaesus.
There is an FT-1000 loaded with all of the optional filters for only $400.I am considering buying it but I doubt I would ever use it since I currently have the ICOM 7600 & ICOM 9100 on my desk.It would just be a paper weight I think but a pretty one.
@@1OFGODSOWN I just paid 700 for mine and have been using it for four days now. After using it for those four days my feeling is I would have gladly paid over twice that much. Yeah, it's that good in every way. I may buy another Yaesu someday but the ft1000 will never be for sale.
A friend here locally owned an FT-1000D in the Early 90's when I had my FT-990? I believe your dates are off a bit? It appears either that the radio is New to you or you have not used it very much? You lack the knowledge of the controls.I can operate my ICOM 7600 with my eyes closed since I use it daily & I have for over 10 years.You should use it more & then gain knowledge about it's operation.
