Yaesu FTM-7250DR System Fusion Mobile Radio Review

Today I get to review the newest Dual Band Yaesu Fusion Mobile Radio from Yaesu, the FTM-7250. This is more of a lower-end, consumer grade radio, at least as far as price goes. They cut some of the features from their previous dual band mobile radios to lower the price, but the features of this one are still great. Check out the video, and also watch the end for a small snippet of the WIRES-x 40448 Room with the KZbinrs Fusion Net
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[@TheRadioNerd11]

This has been my daily driver for 8 months. It does everything I ask of it and more than that. No complaints.

[@binoykv]

Hello is it possible to connect to a Jumbo hotspot for Yeasu fusion System ?.. TNX

[@dorkysss]

@@binoykv Yes you can.

[@richlin1]

Just passed my foundation licence (technician) in the UK, and started using this radio which I bought at less than half price from another ham who had never even taken it out of the box! So I am loving this radio to bits. Nothing is higher than my antenna for miles and miles around, no neighbours and only a few very low trees. Only 1 gripe: my max power on my licence is 10W, and it is only 5 W in low setting. But at that price: absolutely loving it. 73s M7RJB from the UK

[@patriayvida4209]

Cheers from KJ4BGW! Do you still have it? How do you like it so far...? 73s! KJ4BGW

[@jay-rus4437]

Considering this radio for a pelican go box radio. I like that the speaker is on the face of the unit

[@stridermt2k]

I just bought one of these to use in my car. My brother sold me an FT-7900 that I'm using in the shack, and I just bought the little FT-4XR handheld. I've been impressed with the Yaesu radios so I got this one for the mobile. 73 de N2NLQ

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for commenting

[@wateroperator1972]

I bought this radio for my car about a year ago. As with all yaesu products, it is super easy to navigate and program. Works great, and I liked it so much, I bought another one for my shack to replace an Icom IC208H.

[@jamiecook5066]

Looks like my FTM-3200DR. I really like this radio on the base as all fusion repeaters in my area are VHF.

[@chuckk5358]

Picked up the 7250D to replace my BTECH that died after a couple years. Seems like good value, lots of new (to me) features to try out. Working on learning the RT Systems program software. Looking forward to getting on Fusion.

[@BenButler1]

I have this radio in the shack and the ftm-400 in the truck. I like the radio. I do wish it had the dual display. For this reason I'm contemplating the ftm-100 for the shack and moving the ftm-7250 to the go box. You mentioned GPS a couple of times in the video, this radio does not have a GPS. It also does not have a data port. Another cost saving move by Yaesu I'd imagine. Overall a great radio.

[@HamRadio2]

Yea you are right, this one doesn't have GPS. But other Fusion radios, when in DN mode, use GPS in 6.25KHz of the transmission. I was more talking about the mode and not necessarily about this radio.

[@ryankc9oza118]

The vhf mono band is the ftm 3200 and the uhf is ftm 3207. The vhf is 65 watts and the uhf is 55 watts.

[@jay-rus4437]

Considering this radio as a small go box with signalink. Seems like a good solid simple radio, with more power than an HT, that will give me access to vhf, uhf, fusion, and then the many digital modes through signalink and fldigi.

[@Chuck1855]

I just bought one last weekend as a hamfest never opened. 175 for the unit Lucky me. It is my mobile unit. I like the radio has a great audio to it.

[@patrickslevin6424]

When they work they're good radios. My speaker stopped working 33 days after buying it along with the TX dropping out at times. Then, one night while in qso the fatal black smoke rolled out the back of the rig and it had breathed its last. The finals got were cracked and when it heated up the solder flowed causing a massive short. Yaesu should have it by now and hopefully they'll put authorized equipment in it and send it back. I did read Yaesu cancelled production of these radios Feb. 22 2021.

[@JeffHochberg]

How is it that a new radio like this ends up shipping with a display reminiscent of a calculator? Keeping costs down can’t be the reason since you can buy radios less expensive than this with far superior displays. I understand that what’s inside the radio counts, but if Yaesu is trying to make System Fusion look attractive to hams, turning out products that look like this isn’t going to win anyone over.

[@HamRadio2]

Yeah... I kinda had the same thought. This is their lower-end version, they cut some corners to lower the price, it seems. I still like my FTM-100DR best.

[@DougThompson]

Cost

[@JeffHochberg]

The color OLED displays used by many hams in hotspots are $6.00/unit end user cost which means they likely cost < $2.00/unit to manufacture. I think it’s more a matter of Yaesu just not thinking that sort of thing is important. The attractiveness of a radio (or any electronic gear for that matter) counts for a lot to many people. It’s a shame because Yaesu makes really great radios and I fear they’ll lose business to hams buying inferior quality radios because they like the way it looks more than anything else. I can look past it but that doesn’t mean others will.

[@HamRadio2]

Depends on where you go tinyurl.com/y3x46dhe

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

I've actually bought a few yaesu radios (ft7900 & ft8800) used off of ebay recently because I don't like the new displays, and I don't really have a use for the newer features. Personally, I like the amber displays of the previous generation. I am considering this radio to try digital modes (fusion is most common in my AO), but I wish it had the amber display. Why they discontinued the 7900/8800 is beyond me. They're really great radios. I just hope they don't end up going all touch screen in the future. #saveamberscreensandsquishybuttons LOL KC1GZR

[@robertoellison348]

GOT THAT ONE, VERY NICE UNIT.. LOVE IT. FROM N3NDX... 08-12-2019...

[@jay-rus4437]

Really considering this one for my very first radio. Decided last week to start milling around for info about ham, started studying yesterday, and am testing on thursday. Want a good solid dual band for my truck and one for my sons truck. There seems to be a lot of bang for the buck on this one.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes, this one gives you some good features for the price. I am working on a new video for "choosing your first mobile radio" and I speak about this one during that video.

[@jimmyt5487]

@@HamRadio2 Did you ever finish that video? Didn't see it with a quick search.

[@CMDR.Gonzo.von.Richthofen]

@@jimmyt5487 I'm wondering the same thing.

[@ryankc9oza118]

I have all three and for the features the 400 is the way they go. I started out with the 100 and it's a good radio too. As both of them have a good amount of features. The 7250 I guess is that okay entry level if you don't need or care about the extra features that the other radios have. I bought one for my work truck. And it works just fine for what I needed to do.

[@HamRadio2]

I have the FTM-100DR and I like it best. I have 2 or 3 friends in a local club who bought the FTM-400 when they first released, and all of them have failed now. Some display issues, a couple with no power out. Kinda sad. But again, those were first-run radios. I kinda think they did some sort of updates to them by now since lots of folks still use them. Kinda like the recall they did on the FT-991 when it first released.

[@ryankc9oza118]

@@HamRadio2 I've had one of my 400s for 3 years now and not had any issues. Been a good rig, gets used daily. Love the bigger display of it, but the 100 is good rig too. Just depends on your options your looking for. Did a video while back comparing all 3 rigs

[@MattCoversTech]

The FTM-100 was more than double the price of this when both were available. Seems like a bit of an apples to oranges comparison. I went with the FTM-7250DR for just a little over $200 US and have had no regrets.

[@tylerdean980]

I really like the looks of this radio. I already have a FTM-400, but if I had another vehicle I would for sure get this. Hard to beat when they’re on sale for 200$. That’s only 50$ more than the entry level HT yaesu makes that does digital.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes, agreed. The price on this rig is great.

[@forrestj1964]

Will the data cord that comes with the ftm 7250 F, program channels on the radio?

[@mikeklemens]

This is the equivalent of the Yeasu FT70 HT - a basic radio with C4FM in a small mobile rig with a small display. The microphone keypad is very similar for FT70 users. Mike N6IMY

[@HamRadio2]

Yep I have that radio also. I didn't really care for it either. i am still waiting on my FT3D

[@twohandsandaradio]

@@HamRadio2 FT70dr... Fantastic radio that I absolutely don't care for (I'm being polite). I'm a bit nervous when I read "equivalent to the Yaesu FT-70". Great video. Audio from the radio sounds.... "wonky".

[@alanrobnett336]

To me it is an ft70 in a different box but the beauty for me is the volume control so awkward on ft70 so easy on ftm 7250 wish I had one

[@rickbattle5706]

I have the FTM 7250, really like it. Digital is clear as a bell. Can't beat that. KB3NG

[@MrRadiorobot]

Dunno if it's the same in the states, but here in UK yeasu currently have a cash back offer on the transceiver.. Small saving of £15 but worth it for someone wanting in on c4fm..

[@HamRadio2]

Yes they do that off and on.

[@beretta804]

I could swear this radio was less than $300 and now it's around $400 on Ebay and discontinued by manufacturer.

[@wateroperator1972]

I bought 2 of them brand new from DX Engineering less than a year ago for $200 shipped each. I cannot believe people are paying $300-$400 used on Ebay for them now! Maybe I'll sell one of mine!!!

[@Kd8OUR]

The 3200 and the uhf version have been discontinued, along with the ftm100. Sucks but I think part of it was supply and market with COVID.

[@anielloesposito9188]

Is it possible to set it so you have a VHF uplink and a UHF downlink? And viceversa Thanks

[@HamRadio2]

I don't believe so.

[@anielloesposito9188]

@@HamRadio2 thanks

[@wateroperator1972]

Yes you can. You can program using the split memory feature described on P.17 of the advanced menu. I have this radio and utilize this feature to make contacts with satellites.

[@K5NOV]

Be a great radio to link to the HRI which it does not i have to use my blasted ftm 400 for the hri i wished yaesu would allow us to have a cheaper radio for linking the HRI and use the high end radios for looking 😎. I think this would attract more sales on a cheaper radio that will link. Wires X is great it's just yeasu have it upside down. Hope this makes sense 😒

[@bmxracernc]

Is the fan on that MFJ power supply quiet? I have an older one that is kinda loud. Looking for a new (quieter) one. Thanks! KI4TTZ

[@HamRadio2]

Oh yea, I can't even hear it. So far I really like that p/s

[@calvinlong1265]

Great video! Love my 7250!

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for commenting

[@calvinlong1265]

@@HamRadio2 no problem, you're welcome

[@mcchillindaily4581]

How many times can you reset this thing before you break it? Ive learned pushing buttons IS "not the way"

[@HamRadio2]

Never reset mine. I recorded this video and then sold the radio. It works great for what it is, but it wasn't for me.

[@tehlolercaust]

Dude, your call sign is 2 off of my dad's as a kid. He was KC5HXM

[@HamRadio2]

Wow, nice!

[@kgeganjrify]

Bought one, I haven't set it up yet. Looking forward to using it

[@tonytyler6390]

and yaesu just killed a really good radio......

[@3TQVK]

Jason, the FT7250, seems to fit a daily drive than a shack radio. The display seems bland enough that you wont or shouldnt take your eyes of the road, with AMS set and forget. Quite cool, but very experienced with the IC-5100 and 7100 in the car and they are a bit of a distraction so I have pulled them, they are excellent shack radios. No fusion enabled repeaters here yet. Fusion replacements DRX 2's set up for IRLP WTF Thanks for your good work, the MD9600 gets here Wedneday, Happy Easter 2020 Pete VK2LD

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for commenting

[@Probedude2000]

I just received one of these today - and I'm wondering if I have a defective one. Programmed same VHF channels into it as my other two rigs, same power supply, same antenna, and I need to put the squelch at 9 on the Yaesu to mute the audio, but both other rigs go quiet at setting 1. UHF is quiet and squelch 1 works, but not for VHF. Anyone else notice the same thing? I can swap them back and forth and it's night and day. This is in my shack, Astron 35A linear supply, LMR400 to a Tram 1480 base antenna.

[@childfree83]

This radio is a great price only 200 bucks but I will only use the analog portion of the fm bands because the winsystem already has irlp linked repeaters

[@MaverickFlyBoy622]

You mentioned early in this video that you don’t like this one as much as your FTM-100D. Could you do an update video on that now that WiresX and Fusion has come this far? Is the 100D worth the extra $100 for someone starting in Fusion or would this be a good rig? Looking to maybe upgrade my mobile and go digital in one swoop. Thanks

[@HamRadio2]

Yea I am working on that, actually

[@MaverickFlyBoy622]

@@HamRadio2 Awesome thank you! Look FOward to it

[@moondog_radio]

I have one question about this radio (as well as the FTM-3200 and FTM-3270). The higher-end Fusion radios have GPS in addition to the ability to manually specify your location. This enables the Fusion feature that shows stations on both sides of a QSO the distance between them. I don't believe this feature would work at all for these cheaper Fusion radios that don't have GPS. But I have yet to find a definitive answer to this.

[@moondog_radio]

I just contacted Yaesu with this question. Turns out... yeah... the feature of calculating and displaying the distance between stations totally doesn't work unless both radios have a GPS. So that is a cool little feature that one won't have with these budget C4FM rigs.

[@gusmarche8976]

I just recently bought two 7250's. The P3 button to get into Wires X works on one but not the other. Is there a setting to activate the P3button?

[@tylerdean980]

Late response, but those buttons should be programmable, at least, they are on the FTM-400.

[@miltong64]

Why don't you test the output power as part of the evaluation?

[@frankmolina2076]

does it have a built in duplexer. Thanks.

[@HamRadio2]

No, hardly any radios have built-in duplexers

[@twohandsandaradio]

My stupid question fo the day. I want a mobile UHF/VHF for my desk. My only criteria is I don't want a removable head. Seems liek the big three think that is trendy. What say you on a recommendation? Would this be it or something else? The reviews seem mixed on this one.

[@HamRadio2]

The reviews are mixed, yes. But I think this is a good one also. It is hard to find a mobile without a removable face these days, but the TYT MD-9600 and the Anytone D578 would fit this need.

[@twohandsandaradio]

@@HamRadio2 Thank you Sir!

[@mrradio2187]

Aging 70 year old idiot here. Can I use this radio with my OpenSpot3 or a JumboSpot? Thank you.

[@HamRadio2]

Yes you can. The radio does Fusion, and the hotspot connects to Fusion reflectors, and the hotspot will also let you transcode to DMR, so you can use this radio to talk into DMR (DSTAR also with the Openspot3)

[@davidbruner9263]

I'm still pretty new to the ham world but am looking into getting this radio. I would like to know if a power supply rated at 10 amp constant and 12 amp surge would be enough to power this unit. any advice would be helpful. Keep the great content coming as I have learned a ton from you. Thank you and 73 from KI5ION.

[@mikesey1]

It should be okay.

[@m3uec]

I love watching your videos about radios. :-)

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

This looks like the mobile equivalent of the FT 70. FT 70 is one of the only fusion radios that stores the mode along with the channel. TheFTM 100 will not do this. So I wonder if this radio does the same and stores the mode with the channel?

[@HamRadio2]

Yes this radio and the FT70 were released about the same time. I didn't store any channels in it so I am not sure of that answer.

[@TheRadioNerd11]

It does.

[@africantwin173]

If only this radio had a mini din 6 packet data port like the ft-7900. For now i'm not getting any FTM model, due the lack of a 9k6 data port.

[@HamRadio2]

Agreed. Lots of the newer radios don't seem to have this option

[@swenner64]

This is KD9PBR I just bought this radio haven't installed it yet.

[@HamRadio2]

You should like it, mine was very solid.

[@swenner64]

@@HamRadio2 I now have two of them one in each vehicle thanks for the recommendation.

[@buickbud]

Will this communicate on FRS and GMRS?

[@HamRadio2]

No

[@wateroperator1972]

Yes. If you do the super easy MARS mod, you can communicate on FRS and GMRS, but it's not legal to do so....😉😉

[@forgetyourlife]

lol, the 1st question on Bobs Fusion net is about D-Star ?!?

[@HamRadio2]

LOL yeah.

[@radioaxe6964]

Great radio for the price point.

[@pataimers5288]

Great video on 7250 I have one new in the box got to put it in the line in the shack there but thanks there 73 N9Soc

[@evandro37]

hi .. i have de yaesu ftm 100 geat radio i want to buy another.. i want the 7250...do think is a good choice..thanks 73 watching you ..

[@HamRadio2]

Depending on what you are looking for, this radio is a great choice, yes.

[@evandro37]

ok good... can you tell me if the yaesu ft 1dr is a full duplex??

[@HamRadio2]

@@evandro37 I don't believe so

[@tonydavis8375]

Do a video on the 3200dr

[@HamRadio2]

Is that the 2M or 440 monoband?

[@jamieb9556]

Sounds as good as dmr

[@HamRadio2]

The protocols are nearly identical

[@mikewilsher1005]

The FTM-7250DR is a decent radio, but,... the face plate is NOT detachable, which is a non-starter for me. Other wise this is a great little rig.

[@dwayne5530]

That display is a turn off for me. Are we ever gonna see a decent DMR mobile

[@HamRadio2]

End of this month. But honestly I like the MD-9600 quite a bit

[@CenturyofTerror]

Connect systems BFD...

[@mikesey1]

Personally, I would never stand any radio on top of a PSU like you have done here.

[@Prepologyblog]

After having a FTM-400XDR I could not see ever having one of these, Its half the cost but to me just not worth it.

[@HamRadio2]

I have 2 or 3 friends in a local club who bought the FTM-400 when they first released, and all of them have failed now. Some display issues, a couple with no power out. Kinda sad. But again, those were first-run radios. I kinda think they did some sort of updates to them by now since lots of folks still use them. Kinda like the recall they did on the FT-991 when it first released.

[@TheFiveyoungs]

@@HamRadio2 I purchased the early FTM400DR and I had failure on mine very recently. Sent it to Yaesu for evaluation and the cost to repair was more than the price of a new FTM400XDR. Looking for another Yaesu Fusion radio now so these videos interest me. Thanks

[@hamradiocomms]

Im not sure your pronunciation of Yaesu is correct. I’ve only ever heard it pronounced as Yaesu , never as YaeZu … with a Z.

[@Chad-usaf]

How's your wife feel about you having all these different radios that don't even get used after you do a review Lol does she have a Ham license too?

[@HamRadio2]

She does, yes. And most of the radios I don't actually keep - some I sell, some I give away, and some are even radios that were lent to me just to do a review and I send them back to the owner.

[@Chad-usaf]

@@HamRadio2 ah ok cool :)

[@albertra06]

je ne suis pas satisfait de cet appareil !

[@HamRadio2]

C'est bien pour sa gamme de prix, mais dans l'ensemble, vous pouvez certainement trouver une meilleure radio

[@albertra06]

@@HamRadio2 oui, meilleur et moins cher ! On prend souvent les radioamateur pour des vaches à lait !

[@albertra06]

Je m'en suis aperçu, mais un peu tard.

[@daveengstrom9250]

I find it quite confusing/frustrating to watch you fiddle around instead of teaching us how to program this. May next time learn it FIRST then make a video.

[@HamRadio2]

Thanks for watching

[@donaldshields2483]

I been watching your video and you are a terrible demonstrator. I learned absolutely nothing from it so you need to read the book.

[@HamRadio2]

Ok great

[@rayk5uzz317]

NO AUDIO HELLO JASON

[@HamRadio2]

Huh? Audio sounds fine here. Are your speakers on?

[@rayk5uzz317]

MY BAD J

[@JeffHochberg]

Was just about to say the same thing. Audio was fine. Bluetooth always seems to take over the audio output on devices so it’s easy to think there’s something wrong with the recording.