Yaesu FT2DR Ham Radio Review. Is it better the second time around? | K6UDA Radio

Welcome to my review of the Yaesu FT2/DR. A dual band analog fusion APRS transceiver. The first time I used this radio it was a train wreck. Let's see if it cuts it the second time around.

[@rickpinelli1586]

I think they actually lowered the price of the FT2D because they’re probably going to come out with a new model same with the 400. Yaesu usually does not cut prices that much so I will be waiting for something new to come out maybe with a better screen maybe even a color screen so we’ll see what happens thanks for the video.

[@sandraabarca6029]

I hope so 🤗73

[@K6UDA]

Yeah, a better screen would definitely be worth an upgrade.

[@sigint99]

I'd have to agree. The FT2DR's screen looks like an old washed out passive matrix display from the 90's :)

[@LancasterWannaBe]

I like this vid more every time I watch it... So I looked this video (specifically) up again, because I'm about to drop some $$$ on a few radio purchases for my truck, my wife's SUV, and a couple HTs. I want a way to talk with the wife when we move from Georgia to wherever the Army sends us (always an adventure!). I also want a solid backup comms plan for emergencies. I absolutely require a digital voice mode for our primary. We'll mostly (99%) be using it simplex and a mode that sends the call sign in meta-data will make that easier since we won't be required to send our calls every 10 mins. (If someone joins in, ok, different story). I've been going back and forth between ICOM and Yaesu. Really, the debate is between a somewhat more feature rich digital mode (ICOM), and an alternative digital mode (with better voice quality) that ALSO has APRS built in. I think APRS wins the day, ultimately. I've been out a few times and had my phone battery die and needed to text the wife. With my Kenwood D710 in the truck, no problem at all! I can easily send a message to SMSGTE and let the wife know whatever I need to. If the wife was in a similar situation, I want her to be able to do the same. I think that APRS capability is so critical, I don't want a radio that can't do it natively. ICOM "DPRS" simply doesn't have that, and their Android/iPhone app wouldn't help me at all in that situation. Is it cool? Sure! It's just not as real world applicable. Yaesu Fusion doesn't do the data transfer capability that I'd like, and their TNC for APRS isn't even exposed for us to access for data transfer like packet-radio. But the APRS option wins the day. Then to top it off, I do think Fusion sounds better than DSTAR. Now, if Kenwood would make a mobile version of the D74 (which I also own)... game over. I wouldn't chose that radio, buy two of them, and buy another D74 to go with the set. (KENWOOD! Seriously get on the ball here! geez...). Alternatively, if Yaesu would embrace sending serial-data via their system fusion and AX.25 TNC, they'd win it hands down!

[@southjersey10]

Hey, thanks for the review. I will be testing for Technician and General at the end of this month. Bought an Baofeng for kicks and use it now to simply listen to the repeater traffic and nets. So come April ............. Your videos will help me hone in what my first rig can/will/should be. At 63, I like the larger screen of the FT 2. Appreciate your time to educate us newbies.

[@donh5794]

I saw the FT-2DR last year the same time and place you did. It's not perfect, but has interesting features I don't have on other HTs, like Group Monitor to monitor location of a group of up to 24 stations and the Backtrack function to get back to your original location if necessary (nice if lost during hiking). First time, I passed on buying it due to the touch screen not being responsive and price seemed high. The audio seemed good to me. Fast forward to Nov 2018, I decided to buy it and been happy with it. Most of the firmware had already been upgraded and the screen is more responsive and sometimes the volume is loud enough that I have to turn it down - I don't have an FT-70 as a reference. The reason the FT-2DR and the SCU-39 cable kit and some of the radios have been out of stock everywhere I checked since January 2019 is the January firmware update that allows the FT-2DR connect to a PC as a Personal Digital Node (PDN) and several modes to go into Wires-X rooms without an HRI 200. It will access all of Wires-X that you can't do with a hotspot (limited to FCS and YSF reflectors). My backorder is Feb 1st into March now for the Wires-X Cable kit.

[@W4TRI]

Trackback function... Yea my 15 year old Garmin does that.

[@K6UDA]

@@W4TRI But you can't talk to your buddies on your 15 year old Garmin.

[@billunger8987]

Thank you for your second look at the FT-2DR. I agree with wishing there was an Alpha-Numeric tag option for each repeater I have in the MR mode. It is solid and a good feeling rig. I don't understand why Yaesu did NOT include the rapid charger (2-pieces), and a strap! I have the FT-70DR and TH-D74A as well.

[@joeddejohn]

I like the font layout and the larger screen.

[@sonarmb]

Another great video from Bob...btw its freezing here as well currently 22.2°C (about 71.96°F) hehehehe

[@K6UDA]

Isn't it the middle of summer there?

[@sonarmb]

@@K6UDA nope...Autumn now.

[@pale_2111]

I've been thinking about buying one as of late, just to get into Wires X. Also been thinking about getting the FTM 400XDR for my vehicle. I got into to D-STAR, which is leading me into trying other digital forms of HAM Radio. Some questions that I have is: what does it sound like on an FM repeater? Does it have a mic gain? What available aftermarket accessories work great with the radio? Thanks for the review and insight in the radio. 73, KO4AHX.

[@W4TRI]

All the bad stuff at the beginning would be a deal breaker for me to not even consider it the first time around. That and the TNC is useless for anything except APRS. (Winlink and other modes can be done on the D74 as I understand) Great video though as always!

[@K6UDA]

The bad stuff was a deal breaker for me the first time. I'm glad I gave it a second chance. At $400+ though I wouldn't recommend it.

[@tomcagan8370]

@@K6UDA I have TH-D74A, and it "talks" OK, but the battery usage is terrible and the thing is so thick, it's like holding a piece of 2x4 with an antenna. The Kenwood sits on the shelf and Mt FT2D (and one of my VX8s) is on my belt all of the time. de kb6nqw.

[@SteveWebbbb]

I have the FTM-100DR (same as the FT2DR but mobile) and the data capabilities are APRS and X.25 'receive only'. I tried everything in the book to get transmit working and no dice. That's really the only downside data-wise with these radios that I wish was different.

[@droningharry]

I liked the FT-2D but couldn't get the thing. Now I'm glad I got the AnyTone D868UV GPS I think it's a quqlity radio and being hearing impaired the audio is better on the AnyTone. I also think some of the features are also better. It's larger has a firmer feel to me and you get the charger and software with the radio. Why, Why! do we always have to buy more? I lay out my cash, should be done. I gettired of being nickled and dimed over things that should absolutely be a part of the package. This is the Yaesu way. I've had several HT's and Mobiles to program you need a degree or software. It just gets old sometimes and now that the quality of thew Chinese makes is SLOWLY beginnig to get better makes you wonder who's gonna step it up and be more friendly to those of us who still buy and support them. I also and this I understand but I can get a Zumspot Pi or a Shark and IF I choose run more than one digital mode with it. I do like Wires X but like the HT could't get it. The wait was even longer for the Wires X Spot. So what are you supposed to do? Interesting times indeed. Get job and fair and well balanced. 73, K9HDT

[@chuck4050]

Thanks Bob another good info video.

[@K6UDA]

Thanks

[@edgardoramos6061]

Thank you for the video, I own the FT2Dr for over a year. I’m still trying to figure out all of the features. I’m a visual learner and enjoy your videos. 73 Ed KG5VFY

[@HubertKirchgaessner]

Thanks for the review!

[@Uncle_Buzz]

BEST WINTER. We need the precip in the west. It kills me how people whine about the "drought" then they whine about the rain and snow. Clueless. NI7I

[@bluegrassdan]

For under $300 the FT2D is an outstanding value and I really enjoy the radio. For the next generation I would like to see, a home button that will get you back to the main screen no matter how buried you are in a menu, full duplex for satellite operation with alphanumerics when in full duplex, a color screen, Bluetooth, micro usb for programming and firmware. And if we could get away from the hardware switch for upgrading firmware that would definitely be appreciated. There’s a radio company in California that has managed to do this and they include a utility that goes out to the web and gets new firmware and uploads it to the radio. That would be a feature to consider. And one last thing, if the radio could dim the display when it is in the dark, that would be a nice bonus. This radio would trump everything on the market and it is very doable with todays technology. Dan KM6CQ

[@K6UDA]

What company in California?

[@bluegrassdan]

K6UDA Elecraft.

[@THEBIGLABAROWSKI]

Credit where it's due, you have it a second chance! Hopefully you were able to get around the programming issues. I agree that screen is somewhat offputtingbut overall the features look nice. I do think Yeasu has done a good job rolling infrastructure, providing clubs with good incentives to upgrade to Wires and retaining backwards compatibility. In my area, that makes a pretty strong case for Wires. Worth noting, hen looking at my digital radio, you have to keep repeater availability in mind.

[@HamRadioCrashCourse]

Great stuff Bob!

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@KentWilliams]

Just received my FT2 last week. Still figuring it out. Thanks for the report. Hope to meet you next weekend at Hamfest. KJ6EBJ

[@K6UDA]

See ya next week.

[@Billybob-qq7dy]

Another great video. Thanks Bob. I bought the FT2 and the camera speaker mic. I’m very disappointed with the camera speaker mic’s audio. Very hard to hear when I’m in the vehicle. Not sure if the other speaker mic’s audio is any better. As far as the radio, it’s not too bad and I have done the pdn thing using an USB 68 cable that comes with the RT System for this radio. I don’t care for the pdn thing as I’m tied down to a laptop. I want to be free. The battery life is horrible. You can’t talk on the radio while charging. Anyways, thanks again Bob and 73s. Billy N5WRH

[@nvmtnlion]

It's popular all of a sudden because of the PDN (Personal Digital Node) mode it supports. WiresX without an HRI.

[@forgetyourlife]

it’s popular for the moment since it went on sale (299.99) and everyone wants to justify their purchase with happy thoughts.

[@K6UDA]

@@forgetyourlife I think you just nailed it.

[@K6UDA]

I'm not a fan of the price for a set of cables. Or the fact that your tying your radio to a PC.

[@GhostRider1974]

Yep, it has a new popularity due to the PDN function and ability to tap into WIRES-X directly through laptop or desktop computer.

[@chinook366]

Been waiting 2 months,,,back ordered.

[@stevey500]

I agree so much that the dual VFO mode should allow us to see memory names and frequencies at the same time. John Cruk of Yaesu USA flat out shut me down when I asked about it to the Yaesu USA facebook page. That was unfortunate.

[@Pacman163]

I have the FT-2D and the FT-1D and I think the speaker sounds better on the FT1-D plus so far I think the menu system in the FT-2D is worse then the FT-D but maybe its just me and I'm use to the FT-1D. Love your videos 73 KB9HGI

[@k7rex]

I have the FT2D, All the reasons you didn't like it before still exist, I have to attach an external speaker or headset to hear it and the resistive screen is a pain. I keep it because it is the best that Yaesu has to offer if you want an HT to work their repeaters with. Yaesu or one of their dealers must have paid you to rethink your position on the FT2D, otherwise it makes no sense.

[@k7rex]

Okay, Okay -- I am now convinced. After watching this video, I started digging into my FT2D deeper. This is one VERY impressive radio - the more I find out about it the more impressed I become. I am guilty of taking shortcuts and paid the price of missing the good stuff.

[@moondog_radio]

@@k7rex Ok, who paid YOU?

[@k7rex]

@@moondog_radio Hi Elden --- I deserve that after my earlier comments. The truth is that the radio does have it's shortcomings, and there is a good reason that many might not like this radio, Yaesu could have done a better job. But then we had B&W TV before we had color and from my now viewpoint, the pro's of this radio outweigh the Cons.

[@the_kingd0m]

@@k7rex wow you are one indecisive guy lol. So the verdict is now that it's a good radio?

[@k7rex]

@@the_kingd0m Like you on the first time around with the FT2D, I had to take a deeper look at it. I just ordered my second FT2D so, YES it is a good radio...

[@ubik372]

I love my FT2DR and my newly arrived FT3DR! Think the FT2DR is a great little radio, don't know why it gets so little love!

[@Hax0rZ1]

Hi, Just letting you know about the backlog thing. The radio demand is not necessarily the most popular with lines. I believe that Yaesu has some type of supply problems with all their Fusion radios. I ordered a FTM-400XDR an it has a 30+ day waiting list and all the retailers have a long backlog on most newer Yaesu products. There seems to be some production problems at the source.

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

Looks great, new one out with color screen soon

[@jameschho]

It’s backordered because of PDN mode upgrades.

[@K6UDA]

You'd think they could anticipate their supply chain a bit better.

[@the_kingd0m]

what does this mean? You're saying it's backordered because of in-house stock firmware updates?

[@jameschho]

@@the_kingd0m No, just that there was a increase in demand for the FT2D because it now has PDN capabilities.

[@nvrumi]

If these had been in stock a few weeks ago, I'd have one. Now I'm not so sure. With them backordered, I'm another who is wondering if a new model is forthcoming. Then I saw Dave Casler's review of the AnyTone D878 and am thinking that it might be a better radio given there is more DMR down here than the other digital voice modes. Do you have any thoughts to share? Thanks!

[@K6UDA]

I haven't played with the 878 so I can't comment intelligently about it. I don't know if it does true APRS if thats important to you. If DMR is prevalent in your area though it may make sense to go that route.

[@robertvarner9079]

I will never buy another Yaesu product ever again. The digital display on my FT-897D went bad soon after I got it. My VX-8DR fell apart after normal use (the side panels peeled off). Nothing but junk poor quality control on Yaesu's part. I have an Extra license but don't even participate in the hobby anymore. BTW....I came upon your channel by chance.

[@henrywilson7802]

How do I change the power output on my yaesu ft2dr

[@terrygraham4555]

Sorry I forgot to say that I am going through a repeter.

[@SteveWebbbb]

The Yeasu FTM-100DR is pretty much the same, but mobile, 50W and: 1.) no touchscreen 2.) no dual transceiver 3.) no scope

[@LancasterWannaBe]

I can speculate that the popularity of this radio is the built in APRS. That's a huge draw for me, and every other new ham I know. It's the reason I bought a D74. We want data modes! ... Two things I kinda hate about this radio/Fusion, that COULD MAKE BOTH AWESOME if they changed... 1) Can't access the TNC at all for packet operations. 2) Can't send serialized DATA from a PC/SmartPhone using System Fusion like you can on D-STAR.

[@JK-ug7rm]

i use ht for simplex group communication, not dxing. want to see more focus for caravaning, camping, off road, fishing, events. i like knowing if group member is out of range where and how far away a group member is. simple repeater usage. like to interface with my mobile radio station. i use internet when i really need to dx or communicate with a non ham i also have to pay for multiple family radios, so it cant be expensive per unit.

[@K6UDA]

The GM function is a strong point on this radio. If there were a few more in my area, I'd do a video about short range point to point comms. Great comment. Thanks.

[@322doug]

Hey Bob, if im using say a IC 5100 in the house as a base , do I need to run a ground for it, or should I need a ground on the 5 foot ed fong 2 meter dipole???

[@K6UDA]

I'm a big fan of running chassis grounds to all of my radios in the shack. I've never grounded a dipole or used a 5 ft ed fong. :}

[@322doug]

ok, cool, good to know and thanks "Mr. saving ham radio one ham at a time"@@K6UDA

[@amop33]

AnyTone 878 DMR is my choice for now. C4FM, Dstar, DMR... is this a war. Who wins?

[@Whiskey6Radio]

Only 4 hours of battery life? That’s not much do they have extended batteries? Is that just running the ht or APRS? My VX6R last all day and then some. I want a radio with APRS. I currently use my VX6R and a Bionics AIO APRS tracker. But I want the messaging capabilities of APRS in a radio. Kn6mat

[@K6UDA]

I’m sure there’s an extended battery available for it. My experience is moderate use between TX and RX. The APRS feature is the main reason I kept it.

[@sandybryson7141]

Thank You for a Great Review Bob.....73 de KG5TJV

[@TomSP9TL]

What?? 4 hours of use? Seriously? That's less than FT-70D.

[@jwchancey]

Is there a trick to getting usb driver's installed in win10? Having issues with that here.

[@K6UDA]

I did it a couple of times until it "worked" I'm using win 7.

[@jwchancey]

Thanks, helping a friend set his up. KAØEGE

[@flyboybobio3431]

I just recently sold my 2DR. Tried to like it but like you love my Kenwood D74. The screen on the 2DR is HORRIBLE. Contrast SUCKS. That’s what you look at all the time. Don’t miss Fusion at all.

[@forgetyourlife]

thank god i sold mine before the price drop. This radio was such a disappointment. I’m glad they are not available so people can hopefully get the message that the screen and audio are so bad and save thier money.

[@kwinzman]

I can't live with a resistive screen at this price point.

[@BrekMartin]

Didn’t realise until after I ordered it. It’s on its way, and Im not so excited.

[@sorryociffer]

@@BrekMartin For the type of radio, Yaesu chose the right type of screen. Capacitive is fine for your phone but for a radio of this type that will see lots of outdoor exposure, resistive is better. Works with all gloves and wet fingers or screens.

[@hadrienrihn8272]

Bonjour je m'appelle hadrien rihn j aimerais avoir comme cadeau de noël des talkies-walkies et des pistolets laser j aimerais que vous les acheter et que vous les envoyer gratuitement par la poste à monsieur rihn hadrien au 7 chemin du paoulou au 65140 à lacassagne en France et je vous remercie beaucoup.

[@forgetyourlife]

yes use RT system software and let Yaesu get away with garbage set menus. Also freely purchase accessory charging docks that should come with the radio. Great customer approach 🙄

[@K6UDA]

Programming the radio from the front panel is easy, programming 100+ frequencies is a different story. The Yaesu software sucks that's why I use RT systems. As for a rapid charger, it would be nice as an included part but it would also drive the cost of an already expensive radio up. Better the consumer can decide what accessories to add.

[@forgetyourlife]

K6UDA The high price would be fine if the radio was worth it. Even at the new “lower” price it not. This radio will be depreciate in record time. Your 1st review was spot on. Yaesu is dumping this model.

[@robertr64]

Nice review, I agree with your comments on the touch screen and DTMF, though overall I really like the radio for its wideband coverage, easy programming and wires-X access, and APRS implementation. Getting ready to try out the new firmware that supports running a WiresX node.

[@N9IBZED]

Sorry I will not be buying the programming software because everyone should know how to program frequencies from the front of the radio in case you need to put something into it and you don’t have access to a computer

[@K6UDA]

This radio is a pleasure to front panel program but when you want to enter 100+ frequencies, software is king.

[@N9IBZED]

@@K6UDA maybe but with most programing software I find it hard to use for people like myself with bad eyesight to use so I need to find out if it is also easy to see most if not all the stuff on the display for us to use it and get going on it and as for using both a and b displays at the same time I have a main radio that dose a better job at that and I use the handheld as a handheld not something that I can't use because eyesight makes it to hard to use so I may look at the FT70 instead

[@Chungustav]

The have an FT-3DR now

[@kerbsidemotors9249]

The screen sensitivity enough to not want one, seriously disappointing for a brand leader

[@sorryociffer]

You don't want it so sensitive that bumps against the screen selects something you don't want. Remember, this is a resistive screen, not capacitive... Yaesu did the right type of and sensitivity of screen for this type of radio.

[@wjbacon]

Another nice job Bob! The Tinpusher

[@K6UDA]

Thank you my friend.

[@bilymac2321]

Thanks for another informative video Bob.

[@K6UDA]

Thanks

[@JK-ug7rm]

does it have ARTS (Automatic Range Transponder System)? if yes, how does it work?

[@K6UDA]

I don't think it does. What does ARTS do?

[@JK-ug7rm]

@@K6UDA This model doesn't appear to have the ARTS feature, but might be similar to Group Mode. I like the feature concept of trying to keep people within radio communication range (presumably alerting the operator when going out of range). "The ARTS feature uses DCS signaling to inform both parties when another ARTS equipped station is within communications range. This may be particularly useful during Search and Rescue situations, where it is important to stay in contact with the other members of the group."

[@W4TRI]

SSB HF RX?

[@K6UDA]

Well, AM.

[@jameschho]

Not being able to display the memory name in place of the frequency also makes me insane. I end up using just one VFO only much of the time.

[@K6UDA]

Me too.

[@evanpainter3482]

Looks cool 😎

[@forgetyourlife]

So did a slider phone in 1998

[@1MinuteFlipDoc]

fussy touch screen. no thanks!