I have both transceivers, in fact I have two FT-100Ds... one in the
car and one in my 'Go Bag'... but it is usually used on a secondary
position in the shack. I use both transceivers regularly, but I will
state up front that a Ten-Tec Orion is my primary. Although neither
the FT-570S nor the FT-100D are Orion class that in no way means they
are poor choices. They are 'different' in many regards though... so I
apply them differently.
However, let me state my observations:
1. The Kenwood is ergonomically far easier to use. Routine and not so
routine controls are readily available with out having to access any
menus, yet a good selection of menus exists under the surface to
'characterize' the transceiver more to your requirements.
Even though I am comfortable with the FT-100Ds menus from using it
mobile for some time now.... its menus system is tedious at best. That
is really the same for all 'mobile' designed rigs that incorporate but
a few front panel controls/buttons and require that your dig through
waves of menus to change what you are doing. The FT-100D's menu bar is
nicely laid out but only cycles in one direction often requiring that
you step through it numerous times, etc. There are also some glaring
omissions as well. You have a clarifier (RIT) but no XIT. This makes
operating split when chasing DX (for example) more difficult... and
the FT-100D's inability to indicate what your temporary split is while
still showing your main frequency is a problem as well. Operating
SPLIT with the FT-100D is, because of the menu system, is also overly
complicated.
2. I have both the standard 500Hz and the optional 300Hz CW filters in
my FT-100D, but I find little usable difference between them. The
DSP's BPF position can be 'menu' controlled to provide a far better
narrow-band signal-to-noise than what you get with either CW filter
alone.... However, the TS-570DG configured with the optional 500Hz CW
filter (or you could opt for the 250 Hz filter but not both)is far
more usable with an excellent variable DSP CW bandpass that provides a
quieter receive with, in my opinion, a better 'note' (not as many DSP
signal artifacts).
3. The FT-100D (late model) somewhat noisy cooling fans come on every
time I PTT or key down regardless of how brief the transmission (small
case demands it) while the TS-570DG's fan is so quiet I am never sure
when it is running. I find this fan noise acceptable in the mobile
setting but a bit much in the station.
4. The FT-100D doesn't have a front panel headphone jack. Plugging
your headphones into the rear speaker jack can be initially over
powering. It is also a chore to use a good headset/boom mic with the
FT-100D although I have accomplished it. Neither are issues with the
TS-570DG.
5. Other necessary operating changes, such as altering your output
power, or changing keyer speed, etc., is simple with the Kenwood...
once again the differences between a transceiver designed for desktop
versus mobile use. So let's just agree that the Kenwood is easier to
use and concentrate on performance.
6. The FT-100D has an excellent noise blanker (at least in my Honda
Accord V-6) and what I believe to be a very good receive front end. I
think the AGC is overly aggressive resulting in a higher apparent
noise floor (although you can reduce the RF Gain down to mediate this
somewhat). I find the Kenwood's AGC also overly aggressive, but not as
much. The Kenwood's RF Gain control is overly compressed making
adjustments tighter than they should be (an observation shared by the
TS-570's designer). The FT-100D's DSP works well, but I like the
Kenwood's better as it is easier to adjust and sounds more natural to me.
7. The Kenwood's receiver stands up well when compared to the Orion,
while the FT-100D doesn't appear to hear as well... but this is
probably more an issue of the FT-100D's more aggressive AGC than
anything else.
8. I don't have the TCXO option in my Kenwood but find it's stability
more than adequate in the fixed station environment. A TXCO is
available but expensive. The FT-100D has the TCXO option and as I use
it both mobile and portable (outdoors), I like that.
9. SSB voice quality. I continually obtain unsolicited 'excellent'
voice reports with the Kenwood (I use a Heil boom mic). My FT-100D
only has the Yaesu hand mic... never received 'great audio' reports
but no complaints either.
____________________________________
If I could have only one and it was to be used in the station (and VHF
and above are either not important or taken care of with another rig)
then the Kenwood is the clear winner for me. Of course the opposite is
true in a mobile environment. Regarding VHF, I think would I buy again
I would buy the TS-570SG rather than the DG model have six meter ability.
Hope some of this is useful. Conclusion.... each transceiver has its
strengths.... the FT-100D is designed where small size is paramount.
Small size dictates ergonomic compromises. For that reason ALONE I
wouldn't have it for my main 'in shack' rig. Then again I wouldn't
want to cram the Kenwood in my car either.
73,
Jerry, KG6TT