The FTM 400 has 2 buttons about 0.5" and 2 about 0.75 [slightly less]. 710 has 1 about 0.5' and 2 about 0.75". I prefer the Yaesu mic especially for long QSOs as easier to hold and easier to keep PTT pressed but that is my preference. I also like Yaesu mic as it will perform most functions of the radio and can change them to suit ones use. I've own numerous Yaesu radios including FT8900 for 20 years with no mic problems. But of course peoples mileage vary. Have not had any final failures on old 400 or newer. The 710 mic has a limited number of radio functions. The 710 has a better APRS/TNC functionality of which I seldom use. It is easier to output to computer for plotting APRS positions. I find programming Yaesu much easier than Kenwood but that is because I have used Yaesu radios longer. One has to determine just what you want from a radio and how to use it. I really can't recommend one over the other.
First Mobile debating on radios TM-D710GA ID-5100A FTM-400XDR
- Thread starter W7GEL
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As the clip from the TM-D710G CD Rom manual describes, there are four programmable buttons on the microphone, in addition to the up and down buttons which work in both VFO and Memory mode. You can set those four programmable buttons to any of the functions listed below.
I have had two Yaesu mics fail, as they are light duty. The Kenwood mics are much more solid and are the same, as my Connect System radio.
I don't mind the larger mics and even like them better when the don't break like Yaesu ones.
I don't mind the larger mics and even like them better when the don't break like Yaesu ones.
Yes as mentioned, limited. Yaesu has 8 plus scan buttons so don't have to use Programmable Keys for scanning. And as I stated have had FT90, 100, 857, 897, 2 x FT8900, 2 x 400 with only 1 mic failure which was my fault entirely as accidently broke the top of the modular plug. Because some said their mics failed [as some said with ICOM and not really paid much attention to kenwood]. I purchased another mic and just the cord. I have no idea now where they went to.
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mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
These were older mics, for the Yaesu FT-2400 and FT-2500, so that puts them back in the early 90's? Anyway, after the second one failed, I sort of gave up on Yaesu for a while. Consider at the time that the cost of the replacement mic was upwards of $60, at lot back then.
I switched to an Icom 2 meter radio, forget the model number, 2100 probably. I personally do not like the 'feature mics' on any radio, be it amateur or commercial/HHCH's. In addition to the 2 meter radio, I had a few UHF commercial Icom radios for GMRS and 70cm. I think every one of those needed the PTT button on the circuit board replaced at some point. In fact, I still have a few, as I think I got to the point where I just ordered 10 or so of them since it was such a common occurrence.
After all that, I tried the Yaesu 7800, and that microphone was OK, but after the previous experience, I was always a little wary of it. Again, feature packed microphone, and I never liked those from any brand, and that's just a personal preference.
The Kenwood 710 was my favorite. I liked the mic. While it did have the full DTMF with the programmable A,B,C,D keys, it was larger buttons and they didn't get in my way.
I know others have had better experiences with Yaesu mics. Not sure if those were the older ones or not. After having 2 fail, I'm still wary of their quality. If you've had a good experience, then great, maybe they've finally resolved the issues I experienced.
As for Icom, we just switched to buying the higher tier mics, and they didn't have the same issues.
n5ims
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A couple of things to think about. Since I've never used the Icoms, I won't mention them. The Yaesu models while they have GPS and do APRS, they don't have a full TNC so you can't do other packet related things like Winlink (something that can really help out at times). The Kenwood does allow you to use the internal TNC for what you want beyond APRS if desired.
A down side to the Kenwood is that although they use RJ-45 connectors for the mic and radio to head connection, it's not a standard ethernet cable. The main issue with this is that when you use a standard ethernet cable for a mic extension (or replacement cable), you'll get the "Kenwood woodpecker" sound on your audio. This is because the pairs are wired so the mic audio and mic ground are on different pairs so you'll pick up the timing signal on your transmitted audio. Not a huge deal since you can get a legit and correctly wired cable from Kenwood (the audio is a shielded cable, not just a twisted pair to boot) that doesn't have the woodpecker issue.
The Kenwood can be programmed using standard programs. Both Chirp and the 710 specific software from Kenwood do the job and are free. There's also the RT Systems software that works well, but costs extra. The Yaesu programming is a bit more problematic. Reports are that Chirp can brick your radio and Yaesu will not fix it under warranty if Chirp was used to program the radio. I really don't know what the issue is, but apparently the two companies are fighting for some reason. Hopefully they'll work out their differences. RT Systems do have versions that work on the Yaesu radios.
A down side to the Kenwood is that although they use RJ-45 connectors for the mic and radio to head connection, it's not a standard ethernet cable. The main issue with this is that when you use a standard ethernet cable for a mic extension (or replacement cable), you'll get the "Kenwood woodpecker" sound on your audio. This is because the pairs are wired so the mic audio and mic ground are on different pairs so you'll pick up the timing signal on your transmitted audio. Not a huge deal since you can get a legit and correctly wired cable from Kenwood (the audio is a shielded cable, not just a twisted pair to boot) that doesn't have the woodpecker issue.
The Kenwood can be programmed using standard programs. Both Chirp and the 710 specific software from Kenwood do the job and are free. There's also the RT Systems software that works well, but costs extra. The Yaesu programming is a bit more problematic. Reports are that Chirp can brick your radio and Yaesu will not fix it under warranty if Chirp was used to program the radio. I really don't know what the issue is, but apparently the two companies are fighting for some reason. Hopefully they'll work out their differences. RT Systems do have versions that work on the Yaesu radios.
Well, if you are ever in this situation again, a mobile isnt going to do anything for you with a dead battery. Lets also not forget on your side, your antenna will be horizontal and radiating into the dirt. If seriously justifying emergency comms, id look into a satellite communicator of sorts and leave the mobile rig for secondary, or non emergency communications.
It's a concern. We used to have a local guy who checked into our Skywarn nets while mobile using his Yaesu FT-7800/8800/8900. Invariably, while trying to drive, spot the incoming weather, and use the radio, he'd accidentally press the wrong button on the microphone changing the radio's frequency or disabling the tone encode.
I recently brought my Icom IC-7000 out of storage and used it yesterday for a Parks on the Air activation. The stock microphone for that radio has 14 buttons plus "0" through "9", ".", and PTT. I'm glad I don't use that radio as a mobile because I'd feel compelled to actually look at the microphone while driving to figure out what button to push. Potentially as distracting as looking at a smartphone.
While it's nice to have some functions in the microphone, there is a point of diminishing returns. At least Yaesu seems to have learned their lesson from the "Mr. Potato Head" mic used on the original FT-8500.
AE6QE
Member
So, my experience for what it's worth:
TM-D710G - This is a solid radio, and the cream of the crop even today when it comes to APRS. I have had my radio installed mobile in the past, and had no issues. Granted, the backlight is frustrating to me when driving at night. APRS is terrific on this radio; it has a full KISS compliant TNC in it and can be used for APRS and Packet with a variety of software. It can also be used as a digipeater, or even a fill-in digipeater while mobile. My radio has since been moved to base station duty due to all of it's APRS capability.
FTM-400XDR - This is my current mobile radio, which I installed mostly because of Fusion (the predominant digital waveform in my area). It is a capable APRS node, but it's not designed for anything more than being a two-way node. Over the TM-D710G, I do prefer the multi-color screen, which makes it easier to deal with at night (although the brightness setting is deep in a menu instead of easily adjustable). Another positive - I can reprogram the radio from my easy chair thanks to its SD card, instead of dragging out a laptop and cable.
Some other points: The GPS on both units is great, and I have used both radios to feed GPS to my 536. The remote heads made installation much easier, even in a large pick-up that has much less space than you would think.
So, between the two radios, the decision point I see is full APRS capability vs Fusion + basic APRS send/receive
Rickey/AE6QE
TM-D710G - This is a solid radio, and the cream of the crop even today when it comes to APRS. I have had my radio installed mobile in the past, and had no issues. Granted, the backlight is frustrating to me when driving at night. APRS is terrific on this radio; it has a full KISS compliant TNC in it and can be used for APRS and Packet with a variety of software. It can also be used as a digipeater, or even a fill-in digipeater while mobile. My radio has since been moved to base station duty due to all of it's APRS capability.
FTM-400XDR - This is my current mobile radio, which I installed mostly because of Fusion (the predominant digital waveform in my area). It is a capable APRS node, but it's not designed for anything more than being a two-way node. Over the TM-D710G, I do prefer the multi-color screen, which makes it easier to deal with at night (although the brightness setting is deep in a menu instead of easily adjustable). Another positive - I can reprogram the radio from my easy chair thanks to its SD card, instead of dragging out a laptop and cable.
Some other points: The GPS on both units is great, and I have used both radios to feed GPS to my 536. The remote heads made installation much easier, even in a large pick-up that has much less space than you would think.
So, between the two radios, the decision point I see is full APRS capability vs Fusion + basic APRS send/receive
Rickey/AE6QE
K9DWB
QRT
Me, I'd feel more comfortable using a mic in a mobile setting with minimal buttons to bump. Just my opinion of course.
And just for nostalgia I'd hang the mic off the sun visor bracket with a Gear Keeper. I'm on Chambersburg's repeater 147.120 breaker 1-9...
And just for nostalgia I'd hang the mic off the sun visor bracket with a Gear Keeper. I'm on Chambersburg's repeater 147.120 breaker 1-9...
In my area, DMR repeaters outnumber everything else. I was going to put the Kenwood in my truck, but now I am thinking it will be an Anytone. I already have the Anytone DMR handheld and it is a rock star on analog repeaters as well. I also pretty much have the codeplug all figured out already. Is DMR just not popular in Washington?
Exactly, the mic on the Kenwood mobile does not have any keypad/buttons.
The Kenwood mic has buttons.
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Yea, DMR has way more repeaters in this area also. I do have a dumb Fusion radio in the mobile, but mostly just get's used on analog. Spend a lot of radio time on the CS800 on DMR. After using the Connect Systems radio the Yaesu feels like a cheap toy with easy to break mic and the CS800 feels and works like a commercial radio.
the size is probably the first thing I notice with a microphone. I very much dislike the tiny ones, not many ways you can grab it without pushing something you may not wanna push. I also have little use for the huge ones, I don't wanna kill myself if I hit my head with one. After that it's just getting used to the thing, you know?
K9DWB
QRT
I have to agree. That Kenwood image showed a mic with a "keypad". I guess that means it has buttons. BTW I like the looks of that Kenwood 710. Maybe you just talked me into getting one for my auto with a hole in the roof for a proper antenna. I do want a mobile radio at some time, and maybe I shoulda bought that 710 instead of an FT3D.
Go back to post #22 where I copied and pasted the page in the manual that describes how to assign four of those buttons to a range of functions.
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