devicelab
Whacker Extraordinaire
Supports C4FM receive on both VFOs simultaneously.
That mic looks hideous though.
Yaesu: FTM-300DR C4FM Mobile /w Bluetooth
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Supports C4FM receive on both VFOs simultaneously.
That mic looks hideous though.
MTS2000des
5B2_BEE00 Czar
Built-in bluetooth is a plus, depending on what profiles it supports. I'd love to see the ability to program/rig control via BT.
No mention of cross band or cross mode (Fusion to analog/vice versa) repeating but it does appear to support simultaneous digital receive on both band/receivers.
I actually like the mike. It looks more "commercial" and appears to have a different key layout than the previous MH-36x generation. Hopefully better quality cordsets. I've replaced at least 6 MH-36x cord sets for various rigs, some that never leave the house, over the past few years.
No mention of cross band or cross mode (Fusion to analog/vice versa) repeating but it does appear to support simultaneous digital receive on both band/receivers.
I actually like the mike. It looks more "commercial" and appears to have a different key layout than the previous MH-36x generation. Hopefully better quality cordsets. I've replaced at least 6 MH-36x cord sets for various rigs, some that never leave the house, over the past few years.
The built-in Bluetooth is nice, but I already added the module to my 400XDR. The C4FM on both sides is nice and a feature I would use, but the 400 I use at home and in the vehicle will probably not be replaced for some time, as the larger screen on my 400 works better with my less than perfect eyesight.
Hideous mic you say, Yaesu has experience with that.
Hideous mic you say, Yaesu has experience with that.
devicelab
Whacker Extraordinaire
Hehe, yes I remember that one. I was too young to afford that at the time but I do remember seeing it in ads. Wasn't that model like $800 too?
gcopter1
Member
...but, they left out APRS!
An eHam review page notes the MSRP as $699 for the FT-8500 and it probably sold for less.
Wait what?! I just read gcopter1's post. Well, if they left out APRS (Built-in GPS) I value this radio around $200.
Wait what?! I just read gcopter1's post. Well, if they left out APRS (Built-in GPS) I value this radio around $200.
devicelab
Whacker Extraordinaire
Yes but I think the mic was an option -- it wasn't standard. It came with the generic hand mic.
You may feel the mic is hideous, but hopefully it holds up better the current mics. I have had two of the Yaesu mics fail and they seam light and cheaply made and to me this looks more durable. One the mic cable fell apart and the other on the FT8800 the ptt button came out.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
Yaesu seems to pride themselves in producing FUGLY microphones.
mmckenna
I ♥ Ø
I stopped buying Yaesu radios due to mic failures. After cranking through a couple, I got wise. I didn't think I was especially hard on them, but maybe I was.
Started using Icom, but had the PTT button fail a few times, but those could be replaced.
Kenwood seems to model their amateur radio mics off the commercial line of radio mics.
devicelab
Whacker Extraordinaire
Yeah I've never been thrilled with Yaesu's mobile offerings. I made the mistake of selling my TM-V71A. I really wanted a dual-band mobile at home so I took a chance on the FT-7900R when it was on closeout sale -- nearly half the price of the V71A.
I can say that the FT-7900R is pretty darn solid. Their generic mic is lightweight and feels cheap but it hasn't failed me yet. It seems to work OK.
You are correct, the potato mic was an additional cost.
I was told by several people that my audio sounds better on the Yaesu 400 compared to the Kenwood D710. I have owned various Yaesu and Kenwood mobiles. The Yaesu mic does feel "cheap" compared to Kenwood. As for mic issues, one of the D7010's is not looking so good where the mic and cord meet. No issues with the Yaesu. Obviously results will vary.
I was told by several people that my audio sounds better on the Yaesu 400 compared to the Kenwood D710. I have owned various Yaesu and Kenwood mobiles. The Yaesu mic does feel "cheap" compared to Kenwood. As for mic issues, one of the D7010's is not looking so good where the mic and cord meet. No issues with the Yaesu. Obviously results will vary.
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devicelab
Whacker Extraordinaire
I purchased the 400 soon after it was released and when C4FM was all the rage. I didn't like that rig at all. I sold mine after a few weeks. I bought the D710GA to play with APRS and while it required a simple fan mod to reduce its noise (from running 24/7) -- it was a nice unit -- especially for a home base. I really liked the large display too. Alas, it was a bit of an investment. I had to sell mine eventually.
I think Yaesu does a really good job on their entry-level mobile rigs. I think when they start to get 'creative' is when they get into trouble.
I think Yaesu does a really good job on their entry-level mobile rigs. I think when they start to get 'creative' is when they get into trouble.
kayn1n32008
ØÆSØ Say it, say 'ENCRYPTION'
You are forgetting to adjust for inflation. Assuming that US$699 was retail, in today’s dollars would be a shade under US$1100
kayn1n32008
ØÆSØ Say it, say 'ENCRYPTION'
I went the other way. FT-8800 to TM-V71A. It was a good upgrade. Now I find myself needing multiple scan lists(something no hammy radio does) along with an easy nuisance delete. My TM-V71A is coming out shortly to be replaced by a VHF MCS2000m2. Even with the 15+1 scan list limitation.
Devicelab was recalling it from the past in his post. Why would one need to remember to adjust for inflation?
I've seen online comments both ways about APRS in this radio. Some say "yes". Some say "no". Unfortunately, this radio isn't on Yaesu's US web site so it's hard to come up with a definitive answer.
devicelab
Whacker Extraordinaire
HAMRadio posted their product info now. It says it has a 12/96 ARRS modem -- I would presume that would do APRS too?
To me, it would be weird for Yaesu not to have a GPS in this radio with all of the other features it has. In particular C4FM and getting on Wires-X. One's GPS coordinates can be sent over during digital TX on Wires-X or not, let alone for analog APRS use. With say my FTM-400 and FT3DR I can see the direction/bearing and distance when sending GPS data during a transmission. (This can be turned on/off of course)
devicelab
Whacker Extraordinaire
The HRO info says it does have GPS.
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