Yaesu: FT60R

[KE0GXN]

After taking care of my family for holidays I plan on pulling the trigger on my HT.

I thought I would share with you guys what all I plan on getting and see if there is anything I may need or may have missed.

-Yaesu FT60R HT
-MH-34B4B Hand Mic
-FNB-83 1400mAh battery
-FBA-25 AA battery case
-Diamond SRH77CA HT Antenna
-Diamond MR77SMA Mag Mount
-RT Systems programming software

I figure if I go mobile, I will run off battery power like I do with my scanner. Hence the reason for the extra battery and the separate AA case also.

Which leads me to another question. I have several rechargeable AA batteries I use with my scanner. I would like to use them with my HT too, however I downloaded the owners manual in order to get familiar with the FT60 and it specifically states to use only alkaline cells with the FBA-25A case. Anybody have any experience with this?

I thought I have read on here of folks that use/have used Ni-MH cells with their FT60.

I also plan on getting some personal accessories that are not operational related, desk stand, log book, etc..

Thanks in advance.

 

[bharvey2]

Seems like a good start for an HT. I don't own an FT60 but they are very rugged and respected. As far as the batteries go, Alkalines are 1.5VDC per battery. Most of the rechargeables are 1.2V per battery. That might be the manufacturer's concern. - That the voltage would be too low.

 

[cmdrwill]

"MH-34B4B Hand Mic". There are much better aftermarket speaker-mics. Surecomm comes to mind.

 

[KE0GXN]

Will, you got a link? My google skills apparently suck..

 

[RadShackFan]

I've had this HT for a few years now. The audio on the hand speaker/mic is low. The HT is great. Check out the batteries and other power accessories at batteriesamerica.com I have bought batteries and other items from them for about ten years. Great products. They even have a 2500mAh battery for the FT-60.

NOTE: I am not affiliated with batteriesamerica in any way, just a very satisfied customer.

 

[FKimble]

The NiMH in the original battery are the same voltage as NiMH in the AA battery pack. Don't try to recharge them in the radio or the radio charger. Most folks use an external charger for the individual cells.

 

[KE0GXN]

Oh yeah, I knew that and I wonder if that is why they don't want people using NiMH cells?

I could see some guy thinking he could slap the AA case into the charger and charge away.....

I would be externally charging mine like I do for my scanner now. I have no inclinations of putting 6 NiMH cells into the battery case, attaching it to the radio and then putting the whole thing in the Yaesu charger to charge. I have a Maha charger to charge my NiMH cells with.

 

[KE0GXN]

I've had this HT for a few years now. The audio on the hand speaker/mic is low. The HT is great. Check out the batteries and other power accessories at batteriesamerica.com I have bought batteries and other items from them for about ten years. Great products. They even have a 2500mAh battery for the FT-60.

NOTE: I am not affiliated with batteriesamerica in any way, just a very satisfied customer.

Thanks for the link Mark, I'll check it out. Yeah, I have heard it likes to pop out too...was hoping it may have been addressed in later production models though.

The hand mic has mixed reviews to say the least...but its the only one I have seen that Yaesu makes for the FT60...

 

[ke6gcv]

I agree with qslmark! Save your batteries and get a 12v power adapter to run your HT from.

 

[NDRADIONUT]

The aa case doesnt have the charging tabs on the back...

 

[jaspence]

FT-60R

You might want to check out the FT-60 Commander software or even chirp before paying out cash for programming software.

 

[KE0GXN]

Thought about it, but RT was recommended by fellow local HAM who tried chirp and some other others and in end said RT is well worth the money.

 

[jaspence]

Just my 2 cents worth. I have used both chirp and FT60 Commander on my FT60R with no problems. I have used RT on other radios, but their software also requires their cable in many cases. I have a generic cable that works with all my Yaesu HTs.

 

[LivnInAz]

I use Chirp with my FT-60r and love it. You should try Chirp before shelling out $50. Nothing to lose.

 

[KE0GXN]

Don't get me wrong any and all feedback is welcome on my threads...I thank you for the input.

I understand what you are saying about the cable issue but, I am okay with it. I will be getting their cable with the software.

 

[KE0GXN]

The aa case doesnt have the charging tabs on the back...

Thanks for pointing that out...Not hard to figure out I am a newbie.

 

[KE0GXN]

I agree with qslmark! Save your batteries and get a 12v power adapter to run your HT from.

Sounds interesting...I'll look into that. Just so I know I am understanding you....are you referring to a small DC power supply along the lines of being able to supply 13.8 volts and a 3 amp current capacity?

 

[RadShackFan]

It looks just like the battery that comes with the radio and it has a cigarette lighter plug on a curly cord. It replaces the battery and provides the correct voltage when plugged in. Works great and is on the batteriesamerica website.

 

[KE0GXN]

Okay, I understand what you are talking about, I saw it on there. Thanks!

 

[K5MPH]

Tony wanted to let you know i look up the repeater close to you and i will be able to connect to it via echolink just let me know when you get your radio so we can have a QSO..........