Is the Yaesu FT3D the ideal hiking ham radio?

I decided to go for a walk to a local attraction and take the Yaesu FT3D radio hoping to make a few contacts as part of a short local hike.
Although during the trip I struggled to get a simplex voice contact I received many APRS packages and also sent out APRS packets to a local iGate (but not digirepeater). I could have also used the local repeater for contacts. I would say the Yaesu FT3D is a great hiking radio, a good all round VHF/UHF and digital radio that has APRS TNC built in.
I would be very grateful if you could make a regular DONATION and join my Patreon account. For the equivalent of £3 you can access extra content and behind the scenes info, this also helps me keep the channel running, many thanks / 2e0ezt
To subscribe click this link / @m0szt
I'm a licensed amateur radio operator from the United Kingdom. My KZbin channel features videos focusing on operating portable radio from various locations plus how to videos, tutorials, insights and conversations in the hobby.

[@zeebraeend]

I like these kind of videos, outdoor and "QRP"/portable.

[@PANICFPV]

I ordered the same radio today, no license yet but I'm planning on getting it very soon. I'll be listening in the mean time. Thanks for the video.

[@maqabyah2]

I signed up to a course to get my license, I'm looking to get this radio. Did you get one if if so, how is it working for you so far?

[@MichaelBuckley284]

I am studying for my technician, and bought one the other day. An important note is that it will not let you proceed past the startup screen without inputting your callsign. So at this point I can't even use it as a scanner haha. I'm not sure if you can input an artificial callsign and then place the legitimate one once you have passed the exam. If you can hold off on getting it until you actually have your license (which may be a while with covid) you will likely be able to get a couple more weeks/months out of the manufacturer's warranty. Just something to think about...

[@maqabyah2]

@@MichaelBuckley284 Nah man, I've been using mine just fine. I just dont transmit. I just put in Demo to get past the screen. It's a great machine, I take it everywhere. I even tune into CB channels and all. I got an antenna coming.

[@konradritter7543]

Did you get your license? :)

[@PANICFPV]

@@konradritter7543 Yes I did! I even bought a couple more radios since. Still haven’t done much taking, I really enjoy listening.

[@timw6513]

Thanks Karl for sharing your experiences braving the weather. All in the cause of amateur radio! 😊

[@wayneskiba1237]

Hi Carl: Another great video combining the great outdoors and amateur radio, and some really nice scenery, please keep showing these videos!

[@jordesclark]

Even though you struggled on Simplex, it certainly wasnt unsuccessful, as you seemed to enjoy yourself anyway. Cracking radio, I hope to get one soon. I'll stick to my Yaesu FT60 for now. Thanks for the video again Carl.

[@M0SZT]

Thank you

[@kennethslodowski8824]

Enjoy the outdoor videos you do! Keep up the Awesome Videos! :-)

[@g3cwi_Radio_Adventures]

Another good video showing just how well our hobby fits in with walking. I also like to use APRS with my FT2DR.

[@charlieandshell]

I really enjoy these videos, would love more of the Yaesu FT3D please

[@USXPOP]

Enjoyed joining you on the walk up the hill. Your comment about sedentary radio is very correct. You described it as too much sitting around on radio, but in my case it's too much sitting on my arse. I enjoy you take your tea on these outings in a vicarious way. I usually settle for a carbonated cola. Let's go for another walk soon. I need an excuse to get out.

[@bluesdude758]

Another nice outdoor video. Those people looked at you funny because you're talking to yourself! 😁

[@right360com]

Enjoyed the video, thanks 👍

[@joeframo3347]

Hello Carl you seem like a very nice man I like your positive thinking yeah taking a nice walk with your radio you getting exercise while enjoying talking to people it makes it pretty exciting and it's a very nice radio you have thank you for sharing this video I think you have a great platform God bless and take care from Atlanta Georgia in the USA

[@M0SZT]

Thank you Joe

[@haroldgoldback7199]

Your videos are always enjoyable as was this one. Just passed my Tech. exam two days ago, so I'm awaiting my call sign. The Yaesu FT3D is in my sights. Best regards.

[@M0SZT]

Thank you, the FT3D is a great radio for both outdoors and indoors via local repeaters or the internet.

[@kazcat8096]

yep i like your walk out theirs some nice places near your home to go portable its all farm land near me keep up the good work i enjoy your vids

[@DrHWO]

Nice to see a really simple setup. APRS 1, Voice Nil. But you were still man of the match! 2E0HWO

[@jurgenbornschlegl4388]

Good Job, i like your videos very much! 73

[@ivorbiggen9599]

Thank you Carl, thinking about getting one of these now the price has come down, looks like worth getting. Nice video

[@Adjustah]

Looking at getting an FT3D and out and about and your videos are very helpful. 73, VP9NQ.

[@adelarsen9776]

You're doing well Carl and I like what you do. I think outdoor radio is the quintessential essence of radio. Doing any kind of radio in nature is great. Keep it up. 7 3 de VK4SOE

[@CrittendenIV]

Thanks for the video. I am debating between that Yeasu and the Kenwood Th-d74. I hope you have a great day. :)

[@MrBracey1970]

Still valid a year on,my FT3D will be delivered in a couple of hours and I plan to do exactly as you’ve done-not enough people do this especially on KZbin-still inspirational -2E0HFO

[@M0SZT]

Brilliant hope it's arrived and you've got outdoors with it, superb lifelong radio.

[@evdyo]

A few months ago I was between FT3D and the Anytone 878. In the end, I went for the 878 and have no regrets. M0IUR.

[@jjsemperfi]

As soon as the 878 gets Air Band that will be my next radio. Enjoy!

[@robjheaton]

I'm still only a listener, but l enjoy your videos and I need to get out more and see what I can find :)

[@TXLorenzo]

I have the FT3D as well. I have a similar situation where my home is close to a hill site. I can easily talk back to my home based PDN running a FTM 100 on wires-x. Its nice to work people from all over the world on my HT using wires-x mode while walking about. I can get at least 12km range from a line of sight location.

[@nugnug63]

Hiya Carl from down under. Good on you mate I love your videos, getting out into the fresh air and braving the weather is so good for you and you soon will be very fit if you walk up and down hills like that often... I also love to get out and play radio outside, it's a great hobby....I also do metal detecting some of the spots you go to I'm sure there would be some old interesting treasures just under your feet.... keep up the good work mate ,I always look forward to you vids Damon VK4HBT

[@M0SZT]

Thank you Damon

[@PortugalCarp]

#2E0EZT Far better way for these sort of videos, puts a more practical spin on what these radios are like in real world situations. Thanks for posting it.

[@johnkershaw9575]

Great video. Always enjoy your adventures. My wife Carmen and I have made two trips to England and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Tip: I keep a plastic trash bag (bin bag) in my pack or jacket. Makes a great waterproof barrier for my butt (bum). Take care. John N6NRO

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

I love doing exactly that, especially with a packup and a flask. Just getting into DMR so Might have to get out and give that a /P outing. Just giving video making some consideration too.

[@jimshook39]

I love doing that sort of thing here in the US as well! I’ll put out calls on simplex and then try for some distant repeaters also. 73! Jim KE8WC

[@garychap8384]

Just got back from NARSA (Northern Radio Socs Assn Exhibition) ... the "Blackpool Rally" Picked up a nearly new FT3-DE and it's a cracking little radio. I especially like the wide receive! Blackpool has a ton of repeaters and they were all very active all day and night, so it got a lot of use ; ) I'd like to take mine hiking but I think I'll need to pack a fold-down yagi to hit a few of the more distant repeaters/IGates dotted around my home QTH.. The SOTA guys were there in Blackpool, showing off their tiny little altoid tins for CW on HF. Those look like a LOT of fun... so I guess that's my next purchase. I have an FT-817 and FT-857, but a tiny little altoids tin with a thrown wire would be so much fun to use and a lot easier to carry ; )))))) But yeah, I'm loving the small size and big feature set of the FT3. Oh, another fun thing I want to try while hiking would be to send some LORA or maybe a QRPP/QRSS beacon like WSPR back to my home station.

[@Stevenfclark]

Great video! 73 de N1AD

[@paramount10987]

This is what I am interested in. I carry my Yaesu ft60 although I am planning to get an ft3. When ever I go on local hikes I take a radio for security. I do live in New Jersey which is the most densely populated state.

[@kurtwolter3984]

Another great adventure! 73's KD9MGR

[@bufordt.justice1539]

Use the scope on the Yaesu FT3DR to find an active channel and you’ll have better luck reaching a CQ! You can also try scanning frequencies too! Beautiful scenery and a nice piece of history at the monument. 👍🏻

[@hoofie2002]

Worry a try anyway Carl - you don't get contacts if you don't send out some waves. Nice walk up there as well. 👍 I need to get out down here but it's a bit hot to go for a wander at the moment. Cheers 73 de VK6HIL

[@deenunya7735]

U gave it ur best shot Carl ..,thats beauty of ur Trailer at least ur away from the Elements

[@OneOfTheRobs]

Maybe use a 360 cam... I would love to see more of the nice nature you're in.

[@nickwright7944]

Nice video, what a relaxing watch. 🙌 Like the smock too, what is it please?

[@M0SZT]

It's Billabong from their extreme range.

[@haroldgoldback7199]

Hi Carl, Cheers from the US! Come to Colorado. I'll take you up Pikes Peak, 14,115 feet above mean sea level. The air is rare up there, so you might want to work on your cardio though. Love your videos!

[@M0SZT]

I'll bring oxygen as well as a flask of tea :-)

[@forthy62]

Great video again Carl. I always enjoy your videos. I don't have a chance to set up antennas at home. So I work only portable und and mobile for the last 40 years :-) Btw. what backback are you using? And what was the antenna on the handheld? 73s, Stephan, DF6PA

[@M0SZT]

Thank you, the bag is a Maxpedition Gearslinger Stika and the antenna is a Diamond SRH 940 triband.

[@kelstajames7319]

Hi Carl, I have recently purchased an FT3D and looking forward to using it when I pass my test. How are you finding the radio?

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

On it !!!

[@aussing92]

What type of pin connector does this take for mic connection?

[@1fanger888]

An external 2 meter 1/4 wave vertical groundplane can be easily made and hoisted up a tree limb and will greatly increase your range.

[@dingle5050]

Should have used the gps backtrack feature to find your way back Carl! 😉

[@DARTHDANSAN]

Kool

[@vk5zz785]

Hi Karl.Good videos. Keep it up. I'm interested in the back pack you are using in this video. Do you have any details? Regards

[@M0SZT]

Thank you, yes it's the Maxpedition Gearslinger Stika

[@vk5zz785]

@@M0SZT Cheers

[@andrewlee109]

I have just ordered this radio from Martin Lynch and sons. What antenna are you using for this radio looks a decent one. Thanks

[@M0SZT]

Have a look at Diamond antennas, be mindful about fake versions, google around and buy from a trusted source

[@Pilot0582]

Hello Carl. Can you listen to HF on this radio?

[@MikeM0XMX]

Definitely not "an unsuccessful day out" Carl, if you enjoyed it, that is what its all about.

[@tonyfung2566]

Cool video. But it could appreciated that you can use 1st angle to present the ft3d.

[@Nicktgrief]

funnily enough I've just bought an FT2d and am trying to find all the functions.

[@sealteem5]

can you please tell me the name make and model of the antenna you have on your yeasu ft-3dr ?

[@M0SZT]

It's made by Diamond, have a search for Diamond antennas with a long whip

[@Ei2iP]

Just as quite over here in EI on 145MHz FM.

[@jakesako]

Hi Carl , what make is your jacket/smock ? 73 from Western Australia 👍👍👍

[@M0SZT]

It's from Billabong they have some semi decent extreme weather clothes.

[@ottmarlaux5279]

Hi, thanks for the video. What antenna is this on the radio

[@M0SZT]

I use one of the Diamond antennas

[@desbelfastireland9982]

NICE POST, THANK YOU ..68CT022 BELFAST... IRELAND

[@johng7rwf419]

Yes, I wander about similar to you with a longer antenna and speaker mic on my hand held. My only gripe with 2m is that many in my area only speak with their buddies and ignore cq calls. A great pity as that kind of behaviour goes against the principles of the hobby ....

[@M0SZT]

Yes whenever I hear a CQ call especially portable or mobile I'll get back even if it's to say can't stop long but your 57 etc. I always say a stranger is a friend you don't know yet 🙂

[@Sanjuk0522]

How is the stock rubber ducky antenna?

[@M0SZT]

It works well, bigger antennas or a counterpoise can improve but really you would only need that if trying long distance.

[@jonunwin2780]

Hey fellow Stokie thanks for sharing. If you like getting out and about with the radio you should consider joining North Staffs RAYNET. We support events with radio communciations. Our first is up Tittersworth at the end of March. In relation to the FT 3D, how was the screen in the day light? I have a FT 2D and that isnt great whereas my D74 is superb. Thanks M0JUN

[@M0SZT]

Hi Jon, I've just joined RAYNET. The FT3D is decent although TBH it's difficult to really test bright sunlight on it :-) It's better than the FT1D and on par with the Kenwood THD-74

[@jonunwin2780]

Thats encouraging then if the screen is on par with the D74. Which branch of RAYNET have you joined? All of our events have been cancelled due to COVID 19

[@yvemarybmusic]

😂😂😂I'd probably walk that way up on purpose lol. Good one. I'd appreciate your views on the best hiking radio since this video. Many Thanks

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Hi there!... Thanks for a great video!... I've just ordered a shiny beautiful FT3DE (UK) but still haven't passed my Foundation Licence... (a few more weeks...) Can I still turn it on as a listen-only device?... Can you bypass / enter a temporary call-sign?... In advance, thank you very much for your time. 73

[@M0SZT]

You can still monitor frequencies as the callsign is only for either digital transmission or APRS. It should let you skip adding the callsign. You can listen to local repeaters by just dialing in the out frequency, you don't need the tone or anything like that.

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

@@M0SZT ...thank you very much! 👍🏻

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

@@M0SZT ...Allo-allo!!!... Thanks again for your help, I passed the Foundation exam last night, now waiting for the confirmation, as well as a Diamond RH771 for my FT3D, hopefully I'll manage to make it work! Also, is your mic the one with the weird camera? Cheers! Have a great weekend. De Manny Essex

[@M0SZT]

Well done on passing the exam! My mic is standard with no camera

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

@@M0SZT Cheers!

[@matchlessajsbsa2157]

Does the big aerial improve things much?

[@M0SZT]

A little but gets in the way sometimes when carrying the radio on a belt.

[@brucekempf4648]

I'm thinking of getting the FT3D- I am wondering how well it can receive AM broadcast as well as SW with the stock antenna?

[@M0SZT]

Yes I'm sure it does

[@kenharvey9714]

@@M0SZT For short wave and am (mw) it's a complete waste of time. You're lucky to find any broadcast stations on short wave and separation is terrible. Medium wave is also very poor, I can only receive Radio 5 live and Talk Sport with much interference. FM broadcasts are very low in volume too. I find the audio quality overall is very poor indeed, in fact the worst audio quality of any handheld that I've ever owned. Any Baofeng radio on the market has far superior audio to this absolute turkey. As far as I'm concerned, it's £390 down the drain.

[@M0SZT]

I'm glad I'm using mine for radio contacts and not dancing around the kitchen 🙂

[@kenharvey9714]

@@M0SZT I find the best way to use this radio is by putting my thumb over the speaker to filter out some of the high frequency hiss. If you read the reviews on eham reviews www.eham.net/reviews/view-product?id=14360&page=1&per-page=10 many people hate the audio. G0DGCV.

[@M0SZT]

To be honest, my experience of an outdoor radio isn't shaped by being indoors reading reviews on it

[@tchixttchouxt7457]

Hi, can u tell me who is better between the kenwood d74 and the yaesu ft3d? Thx

[@M0SZT]

The Kenwood has great design for the information on the screen and SWL features, the Yaesu is better designed for outdoor use in British weather

[@tchixttchouxt7457]

@@M0SZT yes thanks !

[@tchixttchouxt7457]

@@M0SZT and plz, just one last question lol What do u think about the yaesu FT 818nd ? It's a good deal for the same price with kenwood d74 ? Sorry for my bad english i m learning ^^

[@M0SZT]

The FT817 is a fantastic radio, very portable for HF and VHF/UHF more bands to use

[@tchixttchouxt7457]

@@M0SZT thx !

[@landsnailproject2875]

You should have used a 'Star Gate' ??????...... 73's Paul

[@andywilliams1826]

Nice video, Carl . I can't seem to hear you in VE1 land .

[@M0SZT]

On HF?

[@andywilliams1826]

@@M0SZT 20 m when things go right .

[@andywilliams1826]

I do a lot of POTA , love portable.

[@jollyfinequality9865]

Great video Carl. I like all your videos but these are my favourite. This is exactly what I do with my Yaesu VX8DE. (Its a bit dated but tri band with APRS (I'm looking for another one actually) (I also have the same Diamond Ant which has a clear advantage over the stock Ant. Getting out, a bit of fresh air, a bit of exercise, a bit of nature, some great scenery, you can't beat it. With these videos, there is a great deal of synergy, I have similar experiences, good to know and also learn some good tips. Keep up the good work. FYI, I will be donating to your PayPal account. 73 2E0JFQ

[@M0SZT]

Thank you very much!

[@Pedro8k]

Not waterproof or as rugged as the yaesu vx8d

[@af4od02]

You shouldn’t get lost. Doesn’t the 3D have a GPS trail feature to mark your path taken?

[@M0SZT]

It marks a waypoint which works well when you use it. 😁

[@44stevenson]

You didn't answer the question in the title...

[@M0SZT]

It's alright

[@ronangsr]

Should you not be using /P ? /M is for car ?

[@M0SZT]

Have a look at the licence conditions.

[@yanmingzhu8219]

顶一个，BD7JAR

[@neilspector9221]

Car Park = Parking Lot and does this remind you of making a contact during a Zombie apocalypse?

[@M0SZT]

I often wonder 🙂

[@sunsetcroatia]

You are saying that your mobile you're not. You are / portable. 2i0zxm/qrp only.

[@M0SZT]

While /p is more appropriate /m is according to the older licence conditions was the correct way, of course we know now you don't need either. QRP is a Q code

[@Ricochet1976]

You should be /P as you're not mobile (moving). Curious why you have the mic lead wrapped around the antenna? Won't that detune it and increase the SWR?

[@M0SZT]

@@Ricochet1976 I would advise if you are a UK operator to read your licence conditions. The mic cable isn't wrapped around it has a clip to slide over the antenna.

[@Ricochet1976]

/P is still would have been more informative on your operating conditions to the other stations than /M which suggests you are travelling in a vehicle. And common sense still says to me that clipping a screened / earthed cable onto the antenna is bound to degrade its performance. Still enjoy the vids tthough!