Yaesu: Voice announce: Why isnt it in the newer HT's?

[HudsonScannerGuy]

I look at the commercial radios, ie big M radios and I see they have voice announce as a programming option. So why don't the newer Yaesu radios have em? It would be a good option for disabled hams, and if you have your radio in a holster/radio strap and dont want to look down you can hear what channel your on when you select it. I think it would be possible to do it in firmware, most likely. Your guys' thoughts?

 

[jaspence]

It has been available in a very few ham radios in the past, but I don't think most hams used it. It is a help for the visually impaired.

 

[mmckenna]

It has been available in a very few ham radios in the past, but I don't think most hams used it. It is a help for the visually impaired.

I've got it on a few radios at work. Fun for a few hours, but then it annoys the crap out of me and I shut it off.
Yeah, great for sight impaired, though.

 

[pinballwiz86]

That feature IS available on different "pricier" amateur radios. For example, on the Icom D-Star ID-51 series, you can hold down the SPCH button and it will announce the current channel.

 

[Project25_MASTR]

Limited use. I like for a mobile environment but commercially I typically only ever see it used to announce the zone. Working field events, it's handy on a portable on a per channel basis (operating in the same zone).

 

[AK9R]

So why don't the newer Yaesu radios have em?

Ask Yaesu. Or, buy a Kenwood. My TH-D74 has that feature.

 

[robertmac]

Have it on a 710 but have it turned so low can't hear it. As stated, it seemed OK for a while but then it became irritating. Agree for visually impaired it is a good option.

 

[teufler]

whats really annoying is the morse code option and some radios. Don't talk, but send where you are in morse code.