The following appeared in the Yaesu System Fusion - Official Facebook group:
From our National Sales Manager
We have received some comments and calls from customers (over the last few weeks) stating that they have heard on social media, some nets, and other sources of information that was either incorrect or is NOT true by the person who was stating the information. This information is surrounding comments about firmware, MARS modification, Tariffs/pricing, and other items. Furthermore, the information was being told as being valid as they called Yaesu, and it was said by them directly. Needless to say, this information was not correct, and the statement listed above is not truthful or factual in any means.
Allow us to take a minute to clear the air and provide the correct information compared to the ‘fake’ information that is circulating. The items will be addressed one by one for clarification purposes:
Firmware –
Firmware is not released on a calendar basis but on a cumulative basis. This means that when firmware addressing issues, identified by Yaesu, are corrected a firmware will be issued. Some models of radios have never had firmware updates issued and others have had various ones issued. The firmware can provide a variety of things ranging from adding new features to fixing or adjusting items for the radio’s operation/performance.
Firmware causing incompatibility with non-Yaesu products –
The claim that firmware prevents compatibility or operation with non-Yaesu products is false. Yaesu does not actively seek out methods that prevent products from working with aftermarket devices or products. The firmware is designed to improve upon the product and is only tested with Yaesu products. Yaesu has a policy in that it does not test with 3rd party devices, products, or manufacturers of non-Yaesu products. It is the responsibility of those non-Yaesu devices or companies to work with the Yaesu product and not that of a Yaesu responsibility.
MARS Modification –
MARS Modification requires proof sent to Yaesu that you are authorized to perform this operation. However, it is important to remember two key factors: 1.) Yaesu radios are designed and type accepted in the US for Part 97 certification for amateur band operation; and 2.) Yaesu can only guarantee operation of the radio for the design which is amateur frequency operation ONLY. If a MARS modification is done and the radio does not perform or operate correctly outside of the amateur band, it is NOT the responsibility of Yaesu. Furthermore, if the radios is damaged by the MARS modification or usage of the modification it will not be covered under warranty. If a repair is still requested the radio would be repaired and if the MARS modification is found it would be corrected to the Part 97 operation status.
Usage with Hotspot/MMDVM type devices –
These devices are NOT manufactured by Yaesu and do not follow the standards of Yaesu radios capable of C4FM/FDMA (a.k.a. Yaesu System Fusion). This ranges from the format used for FCS and YCS reflectors to the BER tolerance or threshold of the transmitter or receiver. If a Yaesu System Fusion capable radio does not work with a Hotspot/MMDVM type device but does work with other Yaesu radios, then it is not the radio.
End of Production (Discontinued)/Release of New Models –
If a device ends production a formal announcement is made stating that the item will no longer be produced. Likewise, if a new device is being released a formal announcement will be made. In the US/North America market ALL devices must be FCC type accepted prior to being sold, offered for sale, leased, or otherwise offered for procurement. This applies to pricing which would signify that the radio is available for sale. Yaesu has no control over what a dealer offers as part of the product line or classifies radios for sale.
BETA Testers/Field trial users –
Yaesu does not have an active BETA tester program, nor does it distribute radios for field trial by users. Likewise, Yaesu does NOT offer radios for review or testing to customers, social media or YouTube channels. Places or channels that do ‘reviews or ‘testing’ of the radio are provided directly by the user and without a special discount or offer from Yaesu. Outside sources or contracted people do not exist nor have there ever been any people such as that to do BETA testing or provide consultation on any products with Yaesu.
Announcement of New Products/Roadmap -
Yaesu does not release a product roadmap and does not discuss items that have not been officially announced or released. Yaesu is always in research and development of new products and devices. Many times, rumors are stated that “they heard a new radio is coming out” and (much like the root of this email) stating that they heard it from Yaesu directly. As stated, products that have not been announced or released are not discussed outside of Yaesu.
Tariffs and pricing –
Contrary to what has been said, Yaesu has NOT made any statements stating, “Prices will be going up soon,” “we will increase prices because of tariffs,” “buy now because of a price increase,” or any other statement along those lines. Our prices are set by the dealer, and we do NOT state or claim what a dealer can sell an amateur radio product for in their stores. In addition, pricing questions from the public received by the office are dealt with by two select individuals. Those two have NOT made any comments as stated above or to the similarity or nature as listed.
Instant coupon/Sales –
Through different periods of the year instant coupons, sales, or mail-in-rebates are offered. Like any other sales or promotion, they are for a limited time and do expire. These sales or promotions are not related to or influenced by any one certain factor. These do not signify, represent, or mean anything than an offering on a product. Assumption or insinuation that it does mean something on the product is grossly inaccurate.
Thank you for taking the time to read this posting and allowing Yaesu to clean-up rumors. You can always use the Contact Us page on the Yaesu website to contact Sales or submit a General Question. As stated in this posting, we may not be able to give an answer to every question that is asked, but those that can be answered are answered by direct Yaesu staff.
From our National Sales Manager
We have received some comments and calls from customers (over the last few weeks) stating that they have heard on social media, some nets, and other sources of information that was either incorrect or is NOT true by the person who was stating the information. This information is surrounding comments about firmware, MARS modification, Tariffs/pricing, and other items. Furthermore, the information was being told as being valid as they called Yaesu, and it was said by them directly. Needless to say, this information was not correct, and the statement listed above is not truthful or factual in any means.
Allow us to take a minute to clear the air and provide the correct information compared to the ‘fake’ information that is circulating. The items will be addressed one by one for clarification purposes:
Firmware –
Firmware is not released on a calendar basis but on a cumulative basis. This means that when firmware addressing issues, identified by Yaesu, are corrected a firmware will be issued. Some models of radios have never had firmware updates issued and others have had various ones issued. The firmware can provide a variety of things ranging from adding new features to fixing or adjusting items for the radio’s operation/performance.
Firmware causing incompatibility with non-Yaesu products –
The claim that firmware prevents compatibility or operation with non-Yaesu products is false. Yaesu does not actively seek out methods that prevent products from working with aftermarket devices or products. The firmware is designed to improve upon the product and is only tested with Yaesu products. Yaesu has a policy in that it does not test with 3rd party devices, products, or manufacturers of non-Yaesu products. It is the responsibility of those non-Yaesu devices or companies to work with the Yaesu product and not that of a Yaesu responsibility.
MARS Modification –
MARS Modification requires proof sent to Yaesu that you are authorized to perform this operation. However, it is important to remember two key factors: 1.) Yaesu radios are designed and type accepted in the US for Part 97 certification for amateur band operation; and 2.) Yaesu can only guarantee operation of the radio for the design which is amateur frequency operation ONLY. If a MARS modification is done and the radio does not perform or operate correctly outside of the amateur band, it is NOT the responsibility of Yaesu. Furthermore, if the radios is damaged by the MARS modification or usage of the modification it will not be covered under warranty. If a repair is still requested the radio would be repaired and if the MARS modification is found it would be corrected to the Part 97 operation status.
Usage with Hotspot/MMDVM type devices –
These devices are NOT manufactured by Yaesu and do not follow the standards of Yaesu radios capable of C4FM/FDMA (a.k.a. Yaesu System Fusion). This ranges from the format used for FCS and YCS reflectors to the BER tolerance or threshold of the transmitter or receiver. If a Yaesu System Fusion capable radio does not work with a Hotspot/MMDVM type device but does work with other Yaesu radios, then it is not the radio.
End of Production (Discontinued)/Release of New Models –
If a device ends production a formal announcement is made stating that the item will no longer be produced. Likewise, if a new device is being released a formal announcement will be made. In the US/North America market ALL devices must be FCC type accepted prior to being sold, offered for sale, leased, or otherwise offered for procurement. This applies to pricing which would signify that the radio is available for sale. Yaesu has no control over what a dealer offers as part of the product line or classifies radios for sale.
BETA Testers/Field trial users –
Yaesu does not have an active BETA tester program, nor does it distribute radios for field trial by users. Likewise, Yaesu does NOT offer radios for review or testing to customers, social media or YouTube channels. Places or channels that do ‘reviews or ‘testing’ of the radio are provided directly by the user and without a special discount or offer from Yaesu. Outside sources or contracted people do not exist nor have there ever been any people such as that to do BETA testing or provide consultation on any products with Yaesu.
Announcement of New Products/Roadmap -
Yaesu does not release a product roadmap and does not discuss items that have not been officially announced or released. Yaesu is always in research and development of new products and devices. Many times, rumors are stated that “they heard a new radio is coming out” and (much like the root of this email) stating that they heard it from Yaesu directly. As stated, products that have not been announced or released are not discussed outside of Yaesu.
Tariffs and pricing –
Contrary to what has been said, Yaesu has NOT made any statements stating, “Prices will be going up soon,” “we will increase prices because of tariffs,” “buy now because of a price increase,” or any other statement along those lines. Our prices are set by the dealer, and we do NOT state or claim what a dealer can sell an amateur radio product for in their stores. In addition, pricing questions from the public received by the office are dealt with by two select individuals. Those two have NOT made any comments as stated above or to the similarity or nature as listed.
Instant coupon/Sales –
Through different periods of the year instant coupons, sales, or mail-in-rebates are offered. Like any other sales or promotion, they are for a limited time and do expire. These sales or promotions are not related to or influenced by any one certain factor. These do not signify, represent, or mean anything than an offering on a product. Assumption or insinuation that it does mean something on the product is grossly inaccurate.
Thank you for taking the time to read this posting and allowing Yaesu to clean-up rumors. You can always use the Contact Us page on the Yaesu website to contact Sales or submit a General Question. As stated in this posting, we may not be able to give an answer to every question that is asked, but those that can be answered are answered by direct Yaesu staff.
