Yaesu: Newbie looking at FT-60R vs FT-70DR

[LuckyPennyGS]

Hey everyone, I will be taking my technician test tomorrow. About a year ago I bought a UV-5R just to listen and get somewhat familiar with amateur radio. I've been studying and I will be taking my test tomorrow and I'm looking at getting more of a "serious" HT radio and it seems like the FT-60R gets a lot of great reviews for a "next step" from a Baofeng. But I also saw the FT-70DR is only about $10 more than the 60R, but I can't really seem to find good information on what the pros/cons are between the two. I'd really like to stay under $200 for a good HT, something to help me get my feet wet and doesn't look and feel like a cheap toy, and something that I can keep and still not "out grow" if I decide to go further into amateur radio. Thanks and wish me luck on the test. I'm going the on-line route.

 

[danesgs]

The 70DR has digital and the FT60 is analog. The 60 has 1000 channels and more extended receive than the 70DR. If you have Yaesu fusion repeaters in your area the FT70DR is the way to go. Both are good radios. Good luck on your test and welcome to the world of Amateur Radio!

 

[LuckyPennyGS]

The 70DR has digital and the FT60 is analog. The 60 has 1000 channels and more extended receive than the 70DR. If you have Yaesu fusion repeaters in your area the FT70DR is the way to go. Both are good radios. Good luck on your test and welcome to the world of Amateur Radio!

I'm pretty rural, so I don't think I have any fusion repeaters in my area. Thanks. I'm still trying to figure out difference between analog and digital. I somewhat understand the theory, but not exactly what it means in practice.

 

[jaspence]

The FT-60R has been around for several years and proved to be one of the most dependable radios I and many others have owned.
The difference in analog and digital for hams is fairly irrelevant for general rag chewing. DMR offers a theoretically advantage in carrying two separate conversations on the same frequency at the same time, but was really developed as a commercial product to be a cheaper alternative to P25. DMR radios are more complicated to program and will also do analog. I have a Yaesu Fusion FT1D and there is a local Fusion repeater, but not worth the extra cost if you are just looking for a start in ham radio. The Fusion radios also do analog and are not as complicated to program. D-Star is the oldest ham digital mode. The big downside is the cost of the radios and in my area there are no repeaters in range. I have one from my previous location, but it rarely gets used. Whatever you select, check out programming software from RT Systems (but not for DMR radios). It makes life a lot easier and is worth the cost versus your time.

 

[ko6jw_2]

One thing to consider about the C4FM capabilities is that, even if you have no repeaters in you vicinity, you can get a hotspot the will allow you to connect to Fusion rooms all over the country using the FT-70.

That said, the FT-60 is a 16-17 year old design that has been well proven and is still a fine radio. It has extended range receive up to 999.9MHz. The FT-70 only goes to 580MHZ. The FT-70 has much better memory management using banks to organize and scan selected memories. You cannot link banks as with the FT2 ad FT3.

As a first radio either one would be an excellent choice. I would lean in favor of the FT-70.

Best of luck with your test and welcome to ham radio!

 

[LuckyPennyGS]

Thanks fellas! Starting to get a little over my head there with some of that stuff, but I think I got the basic gist. I think for me just starting off, simplicity of programming and use will definitely hold a lot of sway factor. Thanks again.

 

[AK9R]

Differences:

FT-60 is analog only, FT-70 also does Yaesu System Fusion digital voice in addition to analog. Whether or not you need any mode of digital voice is primarily a factor of your area and your communication interests. If your buddies are on digital voice and you want to talk to them, then you'll need a radio that uses that mode. The lowest common denominator among VHF/UHF amateur radio is still analog.

FT-60 has 0 key in the "correct" location, in my opinion, and the FT-70 does not.

FT-70 uses newer technology lithium-ion battery packs while the FT-60 uses nickel-metal-hydride. The LiIon batteries are a little lighter than NiMH. I understand that there are sources for LiIon battery packs for the FT-60, but I've not pursued them.

 

[N4KVE]

The FT-60 has been around for many years, & is a proven design. It’s like a Timex watch. If you don’t need a digital radio, get the 60.

 

[ladn]

I recommend the FT-60 as well. It's an excellent value for the price and should give you years of service. Unless you have YSF repeaters available, or want the added complexity of adding a hotspot (which is like a mini, low power, repeater connected to your network), there's no need for the FT-70.

Whichever radio you choose, remember you'll want programming software. The FT-60 will program with CHIRP, so you will be able to transfer your UV-5R channels directly. However, RT Systems software (about $50, including high quality usb cable) is a better product the CHIRP.

 

[LuckyPennyGS]

Here is maybe a dumb question. I just downloaded the Repeater Book app on my phone to see if there were any Fusion repeaters in my area. I found two, one that is 8.9 miles away and another that is 12.1 miles away, both in different towns. But the call sign for both repeaters is showing the same, W0QMF. Is that normal?

 

[ladn]

Here is maybe a dumb question. I just downloaded the Repeater Book app on my phone to see if there were any Fusion repeaters in my area. I found two, one that is 8.9 miles away and another that is 12.1 miles away, both in different towns. But the call sign for both repeaters is showing the same, W0QMF. Is that normal?

Yes, it's normal and fairly common. The licensee may be an individual or a club. If you are interested in the repeaters, you should try to contact the trustee (licensee) to see if the systems are open or closed/private. They may also help you with coverage information. A handheld with stock antenna may have trouble hitting those repeaters, depending on terrain and other factors.

 

[KE5BCP]

Another vote for the FT-60R. While both radios have "Banks", the FT-70DR has a silly limit of 100 channels per bank, so if you travel through metro areas, that could be an issue.

 

[blackbelter]

Although I have the FT 70, my vote will be for the FT 60. Other benefits of FT 60 are longer battery life and ease of PC programing.

 

[AK9R]

I just downloaded the Repeater Book app on my phone to see if there were any Fusion repeaters in my area. I found two, one that is 8.9 miles away and another that is 12.1 miles away, both in different towns.

The Yaesu Fusion repeaters can be configured to operate in analog-only, digital-only, or both analog and digital with automatic mode switching. Many Fusion repeaters have been installed configured for analog-only. So, just because a repeater is listed as Fusion, doesn't mean it actually operates in digital voice mode.

 

[LuckyPennyGS]

Thanks everyone for all the info and advice. I think the FT-60r and an upgraded antenna of what I’ll be ordering.

 

[LuckyPennyGS]

Last question, I promise. Does the Yaesu VX-6R gain much for a beginner over the FT-60R? It's about $100 more which I'm not opposed to spending, but I don't want to spend it if it's not necessary or something that provides $100 worth of benefit to me.

 

[robertmac]

I tried the VX-6R but have stayed with the FT-60R. From my hearing, the VX-6R is slightly louder as it seems to have more Treble. It does have other services [AM broadcast, FM broadcast ?] and HF but not SSB. These services are generally not usable on a hand held if a fair distance away. The only real advantage I can see with the VX-6R is that is has 1.5 watts for 220 band. If you have no 220 nor will you be using 220, then again no advantage. The FT-60R will receive 220 but not transmit. I still use the 60R as my main portable. A word of caution is depending on location, a portable is really a compromise especially if considering using it mobile even with an external antenna. I use my portables basically for monitoring while working around the house or outside. If I am going to be talking with anyone, I will use a mobile/base radio.

 

[belvdr]

I would suggest moving away from an HT entirely. Get a mobile radio, which you can always use in the house, and a proper antenna so you can have more available power. I never recommend anyone start with an HT.

Some use HTs heavily and some not. I'm in the latter category. I still have a silver VX-7R in the closet that I used about 5 times. I find it just too limiting.

 

[SurgePGH]

1-800-777-0703

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Brand	Yaesu	Yaesu
Manufacturer's Part Number	FT-60R	FT-70DR
Part Type	Handheld Transceivers	Handheld Transceivers
Product Line	Yaesu FT-60R 144/430 MHz Dual-Band HTs	Yaesu FT-70DR 144/430 MHz Dual-Band C4FM Digital HTs
DX Engineering Part Number	YSU-FT-60R	YSU-FT-70DR
Price	$154.95	$174.95
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Customer Rating	(24)	(30)
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Description	Transceiver, HT, 2M/440MHz FM Dual Band, 5 W, 1400 mAh Ni-MH Battery Pack, Charger w/ Base, Each	Transceiver, HT, 2m/70cm, C4FM System Fusion, Digital FM, 7.4 V, 1800mAh Li-Ion Battery Pack, Each
Aircraft Band	Yes	Yes
AM Broadcast Band Coverage	No	No
Antenna RF Connector Type	SMA male	SMA male
Band Agility	Dual-band	Dual-band
Battery Type	NI-MH	Lithium-ion
FM Broadcast Band	No	No
FM Maximum Power	5 W	5 W
Handheld RF Connector Type	SMA, female	SMA, female
Notes	Radio requires an antenna that is SMA Male, radio itself has an SMA Female.	-
Quantity	Sold individually.	Sold individually.
Radio Depth	1.200 in.	1.300 in.
Radio Height	4.300 in.	3.860 in.
Radio Width	2.300 in.	2.360 in.
Receive Range 1	108.000-999.990 MHz	108.000-580.000 MHz
Weather Band	Yes	Yes
Weight	13.050 oz.	9.000 oz.
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DX Engineering allows you to do side by side comparisons . Great web site to deal with.

 

[ko6jw_2]

Some points the have not been discussed:
1. The FT-60 is a proven design. However, it is static whereas the FT-70 can be upgraded with new firmware. Consider that radios like the FT-2 got important new functionality through firmware.
2. The FT-70 is a more advanced design. It is priced competitively because Yaesu is aggressively promoting Fusion.
3. System Fusion repeaters are expanding because of the same aggressive pricing. Many System Fusion repeaters can be linked worldwide using Wires-X. You may say you don't need that functionality, but you will be able to use it later with the FT-70. Not so with the FT-60.
4. Expanded frequency coverage with the FT-60 is of little value since it cannot follow trunked systems and is analog only. Scanning on both radios is too slow for use with large or multiple systems. Thus, the limit of 100 channels per bank is not a problem since the radio scans too slowly. The inability to link banks on the FT-70 is a serious omission by Yaesu.

Finally, I also own a VX-6R. This is a very rugged submersible radio. I do use the 220 capability and we have 5 or 6 220 repeaters near my location. Previously owned an old Kenwood tribander. You could consider the new Kenwood tribander. Expensive, but lots of features and 5 watts output on 220.