NEW! Yaesu FTM-500DR Talk with John Kruk

[@TheBigdutchster]

I will probably get one when they're back in stock. Here's my wishlist for mobile/portable radios. 1. Support all of the major digital FM modes. Currently each manufacturer has their own digital mode. I'd like a radio that does them all. 2. WiFi access for programming and firmware updates. It terms of th FTM-500, that digital jack on the back could have every one of it's possible functions doen over WiFi. This would eliminate the endless variety of cables and give direct integration with computers, etc. 3. More supported bands. I like something that did 10, 6, 2, 1.25, and 70cm. I tend to think of 1.25m qs being a dead band because so few radios support it. As a Tech, I have some privileges on 10m and 6m and really at this point don't want something that supports HF. I"m pretty sure that there are more Techs than any other class of licensees.

[@ChristisKing7749]

10 and 6 are pretty useless without ssb

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

AUTO on PMG is on the FTM-500, you click the VFO when in PMG mode, works great.

[@HamRadio2]

I thought that is what that was also. Thanks Josh!

[@harritkoster8654]

for the people who want to buy a Yaesu FTM-500 just wait for them to get cheaper. and wait patiently to see if there are any problems with it and patience always pays off. wait and wait never rush to buy anything and certainly not when it's just on the market there can be problems with it what you might not want and then you are disappointed again. that's my personal opinion.

[@DominicMazoch]

Agree. Not a TOY STORY ham!

[@johnwhyte9393]

Love the show! Ordered mine yesterday! Replacing a FTM-200, it will become my dedicated Digital home unit. John K. keep up the support of the HAM Community, John KN6TMJ, 73's

[@propagating-radio]

The FTM-500 is on my wish list. Looks like a great rig.

[@don_n5skt]

The microphone in the head is great but due to the screen size, it will be a while before I replace my FTM-400. Got called into work so could not attend the stream. Thanks for the look over John and Jason.

[@barndweller4573]

I would like to get a new VHF / UHF rig, my ID-5100 is getting old but still works. I purchased a FTM-300D but it sits unused much because the menu's are a nightmare for me to remember. Just changing my output power requires me to get the manual out. I wish ICOM would come out with a new radio with a color screen.

[@HamRadio2]

Me too

[@DominicMazoch]

Now, if it had a built in modem for Winlink, maybe. That would make more sense than the fancy sound system and bandscope on a non-SSB rig.

[@cwclaypool]

⁠​​@HamRadio2.0 are you still using the cables from your 300 on your 500? In particular the Ethernet type cable that goes from the body to the head

[@rbh1151]

Mine arrived a few days ago. A first comparison on a simplex net with dozens of participants let me test sensitivty on weak signals. The receiver is very sensitive. More experiments to do, but it seemed to be on a par with my 9700 with pre-amp on. And the dx button gives a noticeable boost to weak signals. I assume this is otherwise known as a preamp. So far I am liking it!

[@ve3xyd]

Yaesu buttons are need it for a mobile operation. Physical buttons lets you use touch memory without looking at the radio. Have you tried to operate touch screen mobile radio without looking at it ?

[@dr4710]

Swing and a miss on the ability to toggle between AMS/DN and AMS/FM using the PTT as you can do w/ the ftm-400. Example... if your rig is on AMS/DN and you want to xmit in AMS/FM, you either have to wait for an incoming FM signal to switch the mode, or have to change the mode to FM (taking it out of AMS). Experienced this with the ftm-300, too.

[@HamRadio2]

AMS is a complete waste of time, imo. Worthless. But on this radio, you can use the touchscreen to change modes with 1 short press

[@alanshaw6161]

Does this radio support the camera mic or photos in general like the 400 did? I hope it still takes pictures...

[@HamRadio2]

I believe so

[@jayzee1968]

Trying to figure out if worth replacing my FTM200? Or nothing really significant other than newly added bells and whistles.

[@markww9z]

Is the CT-132 control cable a standard 8-pinout that I can buy elsewhere or make my own or is the pinouts custom? I think $45 for a 20' cable is very over priced.

[@vladimirzivadinovic3941]

Exposing ax.25 TNC, kenwood style is what Yaesu needs to do. Also expose C4FM data modes, like DMR's PDP over IP or NXND's Transparent Data. Also having a built-in mailbox would be awesome.

[@robertchambers5821]

I downloaded the manual and couldn't find the Cross-Band Repeat function. Is this possible?

[@DominicMazoch]

It is in the vid.

[@jsmurf45]

Just got my 500 today. So was setting up as watching this video. Nice way to figure radio out at same time. 73 W7JSM

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching

[@tglenn3121]

I think it's sort of ridiculous that for a $650 radio, they don't include the extension cables for the control head or mic.

[@HamRadio2]

Well you don't need extra control cables for the mic. But yes.

[@tglenn3121]

@@HamRadio2 Yeah, true. The mic plugs into the head, but still... $650 and they're too cheap to throw in a $15 cable and then charge $45 for it

[@ToppKatt7]

Radio costs too much. I’ll keep my ftm200

[@rubenjulieann1]

That’s correct all other radios has a separation cable they do a great job with the head able to use the mic and speaker. I was very excited to install de head but for until the cable was not included what a ridiculous thing all of that claim big head bla bla and no cable for the big head

[@rlsiii00]

I got mine for $499

[@roylafromboise9190]

Do think would be a good radio for someone new to ham radio

[@HamRadio2]

Yes. It has lots of features, so there is going to be a learning curve to it, but yes.

[@alanklasek7195]

It was my first radio. I don’t think the menu system is difficult but I don’t have anything to compare it to. Thought about getting another for a base in the house but I want a 9700 more. KF0NLP

[@Daniel-ds8nd]

I have the ftm 500, I have not tested it yet, but i am not optimistic when I face mount this onto my jeep... that thin plastic strip will not support the weight especially when there just 1 M5 screw.

[@HamRadio2]

I mounted mine last week and have had no issues, so far. The video I post today shows my install

[@Daniel-ds8nd]

@@HamRadio2 watched that video.. please do a video where you go off-roading on a bumpy trail.

[@ve3xyd]

Digital repeat mode doesnt downgrade audio. A cheap duplex hotspot can function as cross repeater. So it's not fusion protocol its the fact Yaesu didn't include this basic feature in their $600 radio.

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

What's the best way to start reviewing Radios? Like just hit up companies and ask them to send you a loaner

[@HamRadio2]

I purchased all my first review radios

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

@@HamRadio2 same here would love to review them

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

I grew up watching old tube check guys and dad run 10-11m talking to Guam and Mexico and I fell in love… I’ve always been a big electronic guy I would give anything to review lol

[@GPSJayDog22]

WOW! Tha mic is horrible for this use. It is proximity sensitive. John is perfect. You screamed at us every time you looked away. OUCH! Just a heads up 🙂N6WIP I love my new 500!

[@ChrisKD9YSW]

Wish I had more fusion repeaters here in Wisconsin

[@guydecamp9494]

I will watch this video many times

[@DominicMazoch]

Over $600 for a non all mode rig. What are they smoking? Ozone?

[@HamRadio2]

Watch the sales numbers and see if folks agree with you.

[@DominicMazoch]

​@@HamRadio2 I am just not a TOY STORY ham. Anyway, I am one not to buy the first run of a new rig.l, just in case there is a model fault in it.

[@HamRadio2]

@@DominicMazoch I don't blame you but being on KZbin, this is what people want to see, lol

[@nandrews8412]

​​@@HamRadio2 Naw, I clicked and fell asleep. The ft-710 and dx10 much more innovative and exciting.

[@ve3xyd]

VFO knob for FM dualband radio, wow innovation award Yaesu

[@darekt2107]

Marketing talk and a few specifics. Still unknown what exactly the S-DX button does, why there are no Memory Banks, why AESS removes the double volume control (it's a joke), why the scanner interferes with reception when AESS is on, why there is no power supply indicator, why there is no M-GRP (although you can mark memory in blue), etc.

[@HamRadio2]

Here's your answers. 1. S-DX question was answered, watch again 2. Who cares? 3. AESS uses both receivers to create a surround sound (again, this was answered) 4. Who cares? 5. Who cares? 6. We didn't discuss the M-GRP, so this is a legit question.

[@ths3900]

The power out put on the same band varying that much is weird. I wonder if setting it directly under the radio makes a difference.

[@rtoledo2]

are you allowed to say what was so bad on the 400 , that they replaced it with a tiny screen ? really wish I knew , cause I like the 400xdr better

[@HamRadio2]

I think it was just old and lacking some of the newer features that this radio and the 300 have

[@rtoledo2]

@@HamRadio2 I hate little screens. it's why I bypassed the 991a for the 7300, and happy I did. my eyes and hearing just suck , Diesel mechanic for 45 years takes it's toll as does diabetes. Americans like it BIG , and going down in size just blows , i will not be buying the 500.

[@HamRadio2]

I had 4 or 5 club members who bought the 400 when it was new and Fusion first came out. After about 1.5-2 years, all of those radios failed - and they were out of the 1-year warranty from Yaesu, so they were basically just stuck with a brick that needed expensive repair. Ever since then, I have had no desire to own a 400 - too many issues with the first ones, that are now fixed, yes....but that kind of problem turned me off of that model forever.

[@rtoledo2]

@@HamRadio2 that's the answer I was looking for , so I guess the yaesu 891 or the 991a as a rig for the truck . thank you so much and if i did not ever say it , I loved all your videos at the beach during covid Galveston reminded me of my youth at Sanibel Island , when humans were not really there .

[@kellydjohnson]

Will wait for the euphoria to die down and the price to drop.

[@anthonyspina4093]

Why would anyone spend $650 for a 2/440 radio when there's no one on the repeaters?

[@HamRadio2]

Plenty of repeater activity around here

[@ThatCleanMT]

STUPID COMMENT

[@news_internationale2035]

​@@ThatCleanMTNo. There's not enough repeater or FM simplex activity around here either on 2m or 70cm. Not everyone can be on an early evening weeknight net. I wish there were more operators willing to talk with us who work other shifts.

[@ridiculous9730]

Does this unit do crossband repeat

[@HamRadio2]

Yes

[@Machria23]

Nice looking radio, BUT, Yaesu needs to drop the price significantly. $650 for a little mobile 2m radio? Bring it to $400 and they will sell a bunch.

[@HamRadio2]

Believe it or not, all of the retailers are selling this radio faster than anything on the market right now. R&L had more backorders for this radio than any dual band mobile in recent history. Seems like a price drop would be a bad business decision.

[@Machria23]

@@HamRadio2 I believe it, BUT, that is normal as the “gung ho” fans AND all the reviewers…. always run out and buy the first lot which makes it look like sales will be great. Well, that came to a screeching halt, and now everyone has it in stock, and nobody selling many. Priced too high. The only reason it is so high is so they can sell out the stock of the older models first, then then will drop the price on this one.

[@HamRadio2]

--No... in this case, it was not normal. Several retailers have told me that the back-orders for this radio far surpassed orders for other radios when they were new (all of which did have an initial push, but none to this magnitude) --It is normal for the price to drop on any radio after it has been out for a while. Once this one drops, it won't be for any other reason than...that is what always happens. --Digital Radios are always priced higher than non-digital.

[@adamap2796]

The radio is the equivalent to 800 Dollars in the UK, ridiculous price.

[@HamRadio2]

The FTM400 was the highest priced radio on the market for a while.

[@BeastOx213]

I love the 400 will not up/down grade to the 500

[@DaytonaJim78]

What’s the difference between the d and the dr

[@HamRadio2]

I think they're the same

[@DaytonaJim78]

@@HamRadio2 I see a ftm 500 on eBay ships from Japan for 100 less

[@HamRadio2]

Japan has different band allocations than we do, so make sure it will go to all of our frequencies

[@RFMaster6]

If it doesn't have SSB, not interested

[@jakelonganbach]

Lucky for you, they do have other radio models that do have SSB.

[@RFMaster6]

@@jakelonganbach I have an FT-857D 👍

[@ThatCleanMT]

Stfu nobody cares.

[@DominicMazoch]

Jusr downloaded the PDF for the manual. You can control recent LIONEL train set locomotives with cell phone apps You can control some entry level dual band mobiles with a cell phone app You cannot do this with a top of the line rig? Advantage: LIONEL!

[@HamRadio2]

Then don't buy it. Problem = solved.

[@AmazingSteelers1933]

No desire to control it with an app. I can’t see any reason to need that

[@BeastOx213]

Hearing him list the differences between the models doesn’t do much for me. And sounds like mostly fluff. I hate the small screen reminds me of my handheld. Love the screen size on the ftm4. I’ll pass on this my 4 works just fine until some real upgrades come.

[@rubenjulieann1]

No separation cable they do a great job with the head able to use the mic and speaker. I was very excited to install de head but for until the cable was not included what a ridiculous thing all of that claim big head bla bla and no cable for the big head

[@HamRadio2]

I re-used the cable from my FTM-300. Same cable. I am told that a normal Ethernet cable will work also, but I haven't confirmed that.

[@nandrews8412]

Looks nice but the features just don't excite me. Basically just another uhf/vhf digital radio among many.

[@AmazingSteelers1933]

What features do you want?

[@nandrews8412]

@@AmazingSteelers1933 This is priced as a top tier radio. It's going to have to do more than every other radios out currently. Basic FM and one of the brand specific digital modes on 2 bands is not enuff. Bands 10m 6m or 220 would be appreciated not necessarily all but some bonus. Am and Ssb would also be nice. I feel that a price premium for a brand specific digital mode is a waste. A waterfall display in 2023 is about standard. Why do hams have to buy older and sometimes less reliable radios due to age to acquire these features?

[@DominicMazoch]

Cross band repeat?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes - we covered that in the livestream

[@garyzimmerman8679]

Anyone figure out how to do the mars mod on this unit yet?

[@HamRadio2]

Haven't looked yet

[@RookieLock]

#Teamreplay

[@markr.1984]

No 220/1.25M no buy!! If we don't use 220, we lose it and it will be because the big manufacturers refuse to support it. They can easily make a version of this that does triband, just charge more for it, big deal.

[@SIGINT007]

Whatever Yaesu is paying this guy, it's too much.

[@danieljones2936]

Don't really see why anybody would spend more for this radio when it appears to do pretty much the same thing as the FTM-300

[@cfuselier13]

This is what I am trying to figure out, I have not really seen anything that would make me want to pay an extra 200$ for the 500 and don't think the Yaesu guy did a good job in giving a good reason.

[@АлександрУсольцев-ъ6о]

Так SSB в нём есть или нет?

[@jaredringenberg]

Нет

[@HamRadio2]

No

[@АлександрУсольцев-ъ6о]

@@HamRadio2 Спасибо!

[@ItsEverythingElse]

Using gloves with a 2" screen. Have fun with that.

[@straightpride451]

Which radio is the ugliest? The FTM 500 or the icom 7100? I pick the FTM 500. We have a new champion 🏆

[@HamRadio2]

7100 would be my choice. The FTM-500 had a great screen

[@BBaldwin]

NOT A FAN of the sub-band! Yaesu dropped the ball! I still prefer my FTM-400.

[@waltercarhuno5226]

yaesu already had its time of glory the YSF protocol is inferior to the DMR when it comes to occupying the spectrum and 2 slots in addition to carrying errors of the FEC protocol. Yaesu should adhere to the open source and much more modern DMR protocol used by 15 million people worldwide. Yaaesu will be swallowed by the DMR.

[@news_internationale2035]

I like DMR because it's a commercial format we can experiment with, but DMR is really complicated to set up.

[@ppaolosan]

THE FTM 400 IS BETTER...

[@HamRadio2]

All of the Hams in my club who had a 400 fail in the first year would disagree

[@ppaolosan]

@@HamRadio2 mine never failed i purchased in the 2020 brand new and never problems not at all

[@stevest.martin3940]

Dose it have APRS ?

[@HamRadio2]

Of course