Yaesu: Yaesu FTM-100DR .....what will I need with it?

I know at least a few of you here have this radio, as it was recommended.
So I'm going to give this one a try, actually for my son. He will use it mobile in his Honda CRZ.

Other than the radio, what do you recommend as far as accessories? He will need to mount it in his car. Not 100% sure where in the car we will mount it yet. I see the faceplate is removable and can be located separately. Most likely will place the main body under the front seat and mount the faceplate where he can easily have access to it.

Will go with a magnetic antenna for the roof.
What connection will I need for this radio? See the link below.
https://www.theantennafarm.com/catalog/mobile-antenna-mounts-264/magnetic-mounts-265/

And as far as the whip. A high-gain dual band?
There's a lot to chose from. Suggestions?
https://www.theantennafarm.com/cata...al-band-450/high-gain-dual-band-antennas-453/


So need:
- A cable to relocate the faceplate. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/ysu-ct-162

- A mount for the faceplate. https://www.gigaparts.com/ram-universal-x-grip-cell-w-twist-lock-suction-cup.html

- I think it comes with a computer cable, but I need programming software? https://www.gigaparts.com/rt-systems-software-m100.html https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-014322

- External speaker (let me know it theres a better one) https://www.dxengineering.com/searc...r&sortby=BestKeywordMatch&sortorder=Ascending

Below are three retailers with accessories.

https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=71-002024

https://www.dxengineering.com/searc...r&sortby=BestKeywordMatch&sortorder=Ascending

https://www.gigaparts.com/yaesu-ftm-100dr-50w-2m-70cm-mobile.html


What do you think? Put together a list for me for my son's first radio. I'm going order this soon, probably tomorrow.

THANKS!!!!!

Here is another retailer with accessories.

https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0100.html

Search Is Your Friend

Learn how...

https://forums.radioreference.com/amateur-radio-equipment/370672-good-mobile.html

https://forums.radioreference.com/amateur-radio-equipment/370626-good-handheld.html

The MMB-98 suction cup mount is rock solid. Don't go with that contraption you have listed. Its listed here on Universal Radios page.

https://www.universal-radio.com/catalog/fm_txvrs/0100.html

Dont forget SD card

These are nice radios. I programmed one for a friend and had a chance to play with it for a few days. I think you're shopping list is fairly complete. You need to keep in mind that this is a 2m/440 radio, but it is not dual band in the sense that it can listen to only one frequency at a time. It has a Band A and a Band B. However, it does not have dual VFO's like the FTM-400. It's also a lot less expensive.

If you are not planning to use the radio with the Yaesu Fusion digital system it may be overkill. With Fusion it also sends position information along with voice. The GPS can also be used with conventional APRS systems, but you really need a dual band radio to implement that. If this is important, get the FTM-400.

The programming can be accomplished with the software and a micro SD card. You write the programming on the card, put the card in the radio and then restore it to the radio. The card is not necessary to use the radio, but it is sure nice when the computer and the radio are not near each other.

Mag mounts are OK at best. I use them if I have to. Permanent mounts will give better performance.

The separation kit needs two cables one for the control head and the other for the microphone.

A ground strap from the radio the the chassis is required especially if you use a mag mount.

The radio comes with cables and mounts for remoting the head unit. I have one in my truck!

If you plan to use any of the GPS features, you'll probably need to mount the radio panel fairly high, so that it can "see" the satellites. Also, I would not recommend long-term use of the mag-mount antenna. Try to figure out a spot for a permanent mount with a good (body) ground.

ko6jw_2 said:

You need to keep in mind that this is a 2m/440 radio, but it is not dual band in the sense that it can listen to only one frequency at a time. It has a Band A and a Band B. However, it does not have dual VFO's like the FTM-400. It's also a lot less expensive.


.

Click to expand...

So is it necessary to have what's referred to as a dual band antenna?

ko6jw_2 said:

A ground strap from the radio the the chassis is required especially if you use a mag mount.

Click to expand...

What grounding strap would you recommend?
I see ones like this, but will it work? https://www.hamradio.com/detail.cfm?pid=H0-012441

No grounding strap needed. The FTM-100 comes with everything you need to mount it mobile, including the cable to connect the remote head. Depending on where you mount things, you may need an extension Computer networking cable, but that's $10 or less.
I always drill holes and use NMO mount to UHF connector. Using the Comet SBB-2, very pleased. I also have used Comet B-10, low profile and works very well. Drilling hole yields better groundplane, secure and looks proper.
If you decide you want a separate/remote speaker, I highly recommend the round Yaesu mobile speaker, MLS-200. Amazing audio and very loud if you need that volume.
BG..

trx680 said:

So is it necessary to have what's referred to as a dual band antenna?

Click to expand...

There are some specialized circumstances where you can use a 2m antenna on both 2m and the 440 MHz band. Generally, though, when people have a dual-band radio, they use a dual-band antenna.

OTOH, if you never intend to use the radio on both bands, then you could go with an antenna just for the band you plan to use.

eaf1956 said:

The radio comes with cables and mounts for remoting the head unit. I have one in my truck!

Click to expand...

Head extension cable is only about 9' long. The mic plugs into the radio body and no extension cable is included for it. I don't understand Yaesu's logic on that one...

Having said that, Yaesu does sell a 19' extension cable if you're like me and mount your radios in the trunk. And for the mic extension you can roll your own using 6-conductor modular cable and RJ12 ends.

mrweather said:

Head extension cable is only about 9' long. The mic plugs into the radio body and no extension cable is included for it. I don't understand Yaesu's logic on that one...



Having said that, Yaesu does sell a 19' extension cable if you're like me and mount your radios in the trunk. And for the mic extension you can roll your own using 6-conductor modular cable and RJ12 ends.

Click to expand...

If you’re going to remote mount this radio, you’ll need to make a mic extension cable for it since the microphone does not plug into the remote head. That’s really my only complaint about this radio.
My FT-7900 has the microphone plugged into the remote head, which made remote head mounting easy. Wish the FTM-100 or other radios did the same thing.

Now Yaesu owners have to suffer through what Kenwood owners have been all this time!