Any experiance out there with this radio ? Looking for a decent first radio before buying a base/mobile unit.
I received one as a birthday present last year, not long after they first came out. At that time, Yaesu had not yet released their free software, so I went with the RT Systems package, and couldn't have been more pleased.
The screen is a big plus, as is very easy to read. Programming in the field is a snap, too. The menu-driven interface is very well done. Audio is loud and clear. Battery life, even with the stock battery is fantastic (I did buy the extended version, just to have a second, since there is no charging port on the radio to use with a DC plug).
The casing is rugged enough to withstand a drop or 2, and the belt clip isn't terrible.
I don't know why they changed from the time-tested "standard sma" to the "reverse" version on the antenna connection.
It's not a perfect radio, but it's a lot of fun.