FT-1907R

[KD8TZC]

I was looking to augment my rigs in my shack, and since I already have a really good 2M and HF rig, all I need is a decent 440Mhz rig. I came across the Yaesu FT1907R, but it appears to only be sold in the Asian markets. Does anyone know the why? Is this because there just isn't any demand for the radio in the US market, or are there legal issues?

 

[N4KVE]

Most radios sold are VHF. But for those who need UHF, The dual band radios are less cost than a VHF & UHF radio. While the companies used to sell both, sales figures show UHF stand alone radios don't sell well. There are many low populated areas where there are only VHF repeaters exist. Years ago Yaesu had a FT 2400 VHF radio, & it sold for $300. That was the going rate for a VHF radio. But they also offered a 7400 in Japan. People here found out & asked for it, but it took 2 years until it was sold here. It was a fabulous radio, but sold for $479 & $50 for the PL decode board. That was almost dual band price. It didn't sell well, but I still have mine. Years later I got a new one on close out for $200. They are fabulous radios, but not cost effective.

 

[WB4CS]

Here's all I could find that are UHF only amateur radios currently being sold in the US.

Alinco DR-435T - RADIOS>RADIO TRANSCEIVERS>MOBILE RADIOS>70CM RADIOS

Yaesu FT-277R - RADIOS>RADIO TRANSCEIVERS>HANDHELD RADIOS>70CM RADIOS

Alinco DJ-S45T - RADIOS>RADIO TRANSCEIVERS>HANDHELD RADIOS>70CM RADIOS

Alinco DJ-V47T - RADIOS>RADIO TRANSCEIVERS>HANDHELD RADIOS>70CM RADIOS

Yaesu FT-257 - RADIOS>RADIO TRANSCEIVERS>HANDHELD RADIOS>70CM RADIOS

 

[KD8TZC]

Most radios sold are VHF. But for those who need UHF, The dual band radios are less cost than a VHF & UHF radio. While the companies used to sell both, sales figures show UHF stand alone radios don't sell well. There are many low populated areas where there are only VHF repeaters exist. Years ago Yaesu had a FT 2400 VHF radio, & it sold for $300. That was the going rate for a VHF radio. But they also offered a 7400 in Japan. People here found out & asked for it, but it took 2 years until it was sold here. It was a fabulous radio, but sold for $479 & $50 for the PL decode board. That was almost dual band price. It didn't sell well, but I still have mine. Years later I got a new one on close out for $200. They are fabulous radios, but not cost effective.

Thanks Moonboots, and that makes sense to some extent. I have a 2M rig already though that did not have the 440. I guess I'm just more curious if their is a technical/legal reason why the FT1907 is not sold in the US.

 

[AK9R]

I guess I'm just more curious if their is a technical/legal reason why the FT1907 is not sold in the US.

I believe that any radio with scanning ability sold in the U.S. has to have, at a minimum, Part 15 certification. Since it costs money to get a radio certified, Yaesu may have decided that the market for this radio was too small to justify the expense.