Yaesu FT3D Full Review and Battery Torture Test | K6UDA Radio

This is it. The first complete unbiased review of the new Yaesu FT3D dual band Fusion handheld ham radio with built in GPS and APRS. Watch this before you buy one.

[@4X4-RADIO]

My FT-3DE arrives tomorrow... Found your video very useful :) Ex CA Resident, Now back home in UK... Lived up the hill from you in Forest Hill, worked in Roseville.

[@EdwardGriffin]

I liked that this video review was more than a unboxing and quick spin through the menus. Bob used the radio and showed the menus and screens while it was being used over the air and not hooked up to a dummy load. I appreciate the extra time and work it takes to make a review video in this manner.

[@radioaxe6964]

Awesome review Bob, thumbs up! Great hands on information on what promises to be a fantastic radio. Appreciated.

[@EnriqueSonora]

Thank you for the review and insight. Really helpful. always good to see the Hosh on the show.

[@emsmikes]

Thank you for the thorough review of this radio. Showing the live use, functionality, and that battery life is a big help before dropping money on yet another radio.

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@cossiedriverrs]

I have had a REAL hard time trying to figure how to switch to a single band display. Had the radio three weeks. Your video gave the answer, MANY THANKS! 73 de Stan, G4EGH

[@r0bv123]

Love how you got all the guys on at the same time and raise their glasses!

[@K6UDA]

Wait till you see the new show.

[@carln6ckv8]

Hi Bob Thanks for the review, sorry you could not make the meeting last Friday, want to see the radio. Will wait to order one until I have the funds and they are back in stock.

[@tomisham9900]

Hi Bob, I enjoy your videos. I just purchased this radio, should be here next week and looking forward to it. Your videos helped me to decide on the Yaesu. 73s KB1ZGK.

[@roberts3942]

A very good review of this new device. Other channels with similar reviews have complained about the volume not being as good as the prior model.

[@K6UDA]

I think the volume is improved from the FT2. now compared to the D74 or some other radios, it is still low, but not enough to bother me.

[@flpirate45]

Thanks for this video, I've learned quite a bit on the FT3. Will order it next month.

[@indecentseas-]

ive been watching alot of your videos lately. so i figured i'd subscribed. just passed my tech and missed my gen by 1 question "i didnt study for gen", waiting for my license to hit the database. just purchased the FT-3d also. man im excited.

[@N4EJM]

Great review Bob, wow that battery life! Not only do I want the FT-891, I'll have to splurge on that FT-3 now.

[@Richard_K1630]

Save your money. 12 hours to charge plus a plastic touch screen.

[@FlonishaMerritt]

Great video. I did the Mars Cap mod successfully this morning (same as the FT2). There was issues restoring my settings from the SD card. The frequency memory info transfered fine. Overall I'm very pleased. It's essentially a digital version of the Vx-8dr. It's almost the exact size and profile of the Vx-8dr/ gr and uses the same batteries and chargers. Along with a BNC adapter and Signal Stuff antenna, this is my new EDC radio. Now if only RT systems can hurry up with the programming software.

[@bruceforster5993]

During the 2022 Seaside Hamvention in Oregon, someone broke into my vehicle and stole MY VX-8. I was at home at the time with the vehicle in the Driveway. It happened on the Saturday Night of the event. My wife was out o town and SHE had the Dog with her. Otherwise I might have been able to prevent the theft.

[@wastbs]

Best Reviews found here!!!

[@butch111957]

Mine came last Friday, it's a big step up from the FT2. Thanks for the detailed review. 73 K1RTL

[@sire24657]

Looking forward to getting mine; I appreciate your efforts in emptying my retirement funds..... Good stuff!!

[@normk7nwf323]

Just bought the FT-3DR to replace my FT-2DR...Luv it big improvement. Great video, very informative... Thank you... 73 from Arizona

[@Sam1986E]

Well hello there fellow Arizonian :D KJ7VEY

[@redwoodrickkn6dde122]

I too love my FT3D HT. I've used the recently released RT Systems programming software to set up my CAM channels and repeaters in my area. I also have the Kenwood THD74 which I like but am spending my time with the FT3D and FTM400XD to get to know how to use Wires-X. Keep putting out the great you tube videos.

[@EssexCountyPhoto]

Newbie question: is the RT software really helpful? (FT3DE arriving in a few hours...)

[@bentleys5059]

Another fine video. Any stand out comparisons between the FT3D and the Kenwood D74A?

[@goophy30]

Thank you for making this video. All the other channels complaining that this will have shitty battery life without even testing it. I'm glad the battery life is great. I'll be picking one up for sure, and I'll bet a lot of other people will be too coz of this video. 73's my friend.

[@richhill5464]

Great channel! I came from the joint video that all you guys did on amradio 2.0. I will be back and thanks. I'll be back!

[@sevenslots]

Maybe I missed your comment on this during the Video but was your battery test done in power save mode? Amazing video. Very helpful and I think you have convinced me to purchase this radio. First radio for me after having owned a few Baofengs. I did have a brief encounter with a VX-6R which i really enjoyed but programming was a bit cumbersome. I am hoping programming this will be easy.

[@donh5794]

Thumbs up 👍 for a very informative video on the FT-3DR.

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Thanks for the review Bob. I had checked some reviews before buying my FT3D and felt good about getting it from HRO with an instant $40 off at $359. I had the D74 and ID-51 on the short list as well. The Kenwood is too much for now, maybe later though. ID-51s can't be found very easily now. Anyway good stuff as always. 73s KC3PRU

[@carldolan4389]

Just bought an Ftm100 and getting used to fusion. Been thinking about getting a fusion hand held and think you just sold it to me! Good honest review

[@K6UDA]

I wish I were on commission with Yaesu right now. Welcome to WiresX

[@forgetyourlife]

K6UDA You would get paid in hats.

[@larrylecrone3639]

Just got mine. Great complete review. it really help me since you know Iam not a Yaesu person per say...

[@K6UDA]

You and me both. But I'm now a Yaesu Mobile fanboy.

[@scottbuttrick-w8skb396]

Excellent review Bob.

[@K6UDA]

Thanks

[@rays9033]

Awesome video, just as your other FT3DR video I watched. Currently HRO has the radio for $380, is it still worth it or is another radio recommended (other than the Kenwood D74) ?

[@glynnetolar4423]

Bless yasue's heart. No competition, keep the process high!

[@HubertKirchgaessner]

Excellent review - I'll likely buy it

[@barackobama2722]

Cool presentation! Please demonstrate on the area.

[@BenDover-wm7wf]

I’m planning to get one of these. I also ride, and can’t wait to see how it works with my Echo Frames.

[@ojjenkins7110]

I use the thumbs up to remind me that this is a video that I have seen before. If I hit the bell I'd have way to many alerts. I have been a subscriber though. Nice HT.

[@dahveed284]

Great review! I'm really interested in this to use while motorcycling. Both the built-in bluetooth as well as the water resistance make it appealing there. I have a Sena 10S, so hearing of your connection to your Sena 20 was encouraging. On your Sena, did you use the VOX feature or the PTT button on the radio? Can an external PPT button be used with this radio? Can the radio be powered on the bike? I'm curious on your exact setup. So many questions. Thanks! David KI5DKV

[@prettyboyjesse]

dahveed284 Curious too

[@kevinokeefe7796]

Hope you made it threw the power outage. I’m trying to connect to your fusion node I saw on another video. I know the freq and offset is there a tone as well. On the yaesu list it doesn’t show one and I can’t seem to hit it from Sacramento.

[@willshaffer734]

Bob, did you do any PTT testing with the Sena? Will KM6SRX

[@27CHuG]

Second Congrats on 20k!!!

[@K6UDA]

Thanks to you guys.

[@bormil66]

Hi K6UDA, nice review, thank you:). I have one question - I saw you are using FT3D when riding your motorbike. My questions are can we use FT3D on 3 motorbikes when we are on an offroad trip to track each other in the wood and to be able to see where is my companion and do he needs help. I think this APRS can help with it. I'm totally new in the filed and any info will be of great help. Also will be nice to share with me what motorbike mount do you have for the FT3D. Thank you

[@allanmacuser]

Hello Bob well l am the kind go person who likes to ponder all the radios l am looking for, I was really stuck should l go for the FT2d or the FT3D but now l know what l wanted it yesterday lol. thank you so much for the effort you put into your videos. all the best to you and your family and may l wish you a very happy Christmas regards Allan in Stoke on Trent UK G6TMO oh by the way l have been off the air for about 33 years WOW what a change to Ham Radio

[@m.ferreira470]

How is that Nagoya antenna working out with the FT3D??

[@dougputhoff3215]

Really good review

[@r0bv123]

Noticed you tried in your 20S, I have the same and do ham radio on the moto. How would you activate PTT from the FT3D? Also how's the audio quality? Would be great to see if the Anytone 878 PTT button is bluetooth and can connect to the FT3D and be used to key up the mic. Thanks and 73!

[@MRRice-wz3bv]

TNX U great video on FT3DR. We will place this on our wish list. After I master FTM300DR.

[@Sam1986E]

I also got the FTM300D and now wanting this FT3DR for when i get out of the Jeep

[@watchfan6180]

Is the receive audio any good or does speaker get overloaded? Heard reports it gets more overloaded than FT70D.

[@MWDAdventures]

what antenna did you go with? I am assuming that isn't stock?

[@jeffpixelated]

That would be a big upgrade to my FT1D (still works perfectly), but I can’t spend that much right now. Definitely will be keeping this in mind when the time comes.

[@007cheburashka]

Jeff Pixelated not seeing the value to upgrade from my FT1. Color screen and Bluetooth are cool, but many of the functions are identical. Extra APRS stuff is neat.

[@lorknozzel11]

ok help me with this, you started at about 5ish a.m. and ended about 6:15 p.m. by my math that is only 13 hours. How did you get 14 hours out of that? either way that is great battery life. how long was the recharge time from that level of depletion? its a fine looking radio, hope to get my hands on one soon. thanks for review!

[@sonarmb]

Yet another fan bloody tastic video Bob....I wants one! 73 VK6MMB

[@TimothyGoetz]

New Tech licensee here. Just ordered this radio. Patiently waiting for my call sign to come through. Still trying to figure out the repeater protocol. Hopefully I can figure it out.

[@linkdude64]

Did you have the screen timeout battery saving feature on while running the test? I've also seen in some of my own small devices, battery life being affected by having an SD card inserted - I think it depends on whether or not it's constantly accessing the SD card and keeping it "hot" or not, but just throwing that out there.

[@bobcrocky]

Awesome review, can’t get one over here yet... Another couple of weeks 🇦🇺 yet... we are on the list. What was the antenna you were using?

[@K6UDA]

It'll be worth the wait.

[@normkirk65]

Hi Bob. Fantastic review ! Thank you ! What do you think of the shortwave, AM broadcast and FM broadcast performance and sound ? Norm KC1VY

[@forgetyourlife]

if it’s the same as the 2D the FM sucks for anything other than a 100,000 watt station. AM was pretty good since it actually has a ferrite rod unlike the icom 51a

[@Robertoce8eys]

Hi Bob, great video. This is Bob, CE-8-EYS from Patagonia, Chile. I´m seriously thinking about getting one of these babies, do you know if they need MARS Mod or is it "ready for fun just out of the box for those of us that need to also use it out of the 144/440 Ham frequiencies ? Thanks and Best 73´s

[@linaskerbelis5636]

can you do digital( psk31, js8call, jt8 and others) modes on it? What attachments needed?

[@lawrencemayfield9669]

what a good yaesu base staion/mobile to leave hooked up to my big box computer and use the FT3d as my mobile?

[@ligafebi]

Hello, I wanted to ask a question, does Yaesu FT3D/2D broadcast on airband? I am interested to be used RPAS, thanks

[@markcoon567]

I have the FT-1 and FT-2, I think it is an improvement in the screen especially. Now I have to get one of these to keep the family growing. ;-)

[@K6UDA]

Yeah baby!!

[@ubik372]

Same here and of course I gotta get one too!

[@iluvchocolate]

GPS- I noticed my FTD3 will lock on GPS and the FT2D does not. My yard is surrounded with trees. I appears that the FT3D has a better GPS receiver.

[@ElectronicsComputers]

It's a great radio with a bunch of unique features. The problem is the power of this radio is far below from claimed 5watts. I've checked 3 radios from random shops and all I got is something between 3.2-3.9 watts.

[@fred-283]

I can confirm this, though I could only measure one radio. Maximum power was 4W.

[@wesell4corners]

I'm in the market for an upgrade from the FT-2D and am considering this along with the Kenwood D74. Touch screen is ok but never really a deal breaker if not a feature. I've done DSTAR on the IC-51 series radio and consider that an edge for the Kenwood because the Wires set up with the cable kit isn't particularly great. Getting to the main point I'm trying to make; I'd love to see a head to head on the Kenwood and this flagship model Yaesu. In any event and as always, nice review. KK4TBJ Joe D.

[@K6UDA]

Did you really think I wasn't planning something like that?

[@pcango8694]

Is FM Broadcast in stereo?

[@copdwarriormcdonald7968]

Thats what I need to connect to my Sena 20S Evo! Gotta get one now. Thanks, Bro de WV1Q AL Semper Fi, Can Do and1*SRT/TAC

[@JustLearning]

Love the radio. On this radio can I use WiresX right out of the box or do I need a separate device to get to Wires X? I know I would need a hotspot but aside from hotspot can I connect to WiresX with the radio alone?

[@jjclements9972]

yes you can

[@lotus17ss]

Great video. What antenna are you using?

[@lotus17ss]

Nvm I saw it!

[@davidwilson2255]

Thanks for your videos, how are you liking the HT after having it for some time? EHam has some pretty negative reviews. I am looking to upgrade my current HT from a Yaesu VX-8G. I do a lot of hiking and ARES Skywarn in Colorado so APRS is a must. Thanks, N0DAV 73

[@K6UDA]

I really like the radio. I've heard others complain about the volume, its not the loudest but is just fine for most of the stuff I use it for. The APRS works great, its easy to program on the fly and the battery life rocks.

[@W6MDE]

I’m slowly saving my pennies for the ft3. Question what’s you thoughts on using a Super Elastic Signalstick Antenna with it? I currently have the Yaesu VX6R with a Signalstick Antenna and I’m constantly using the radio in the backcountry. That antenna is awesome because I can’t break it. Is the ft3 waterproof? 73 Kn6mat

[@forgetyourlife]

waterproof? Not like the vx6

[@hipolitoortiz6182]

Hi Bob !! KD2VRL here. My FT3DR I don't know how my VFO mode jumps from FM to digital, when I hit the mode bottom change but when I switch the cannel goes back to digital. I back up the memory and did a factory reset but nothing change. I don't know what to do.

[@MrLilmac75]

Do they make an extended battery?

[@stewartwilson1624]

I use Sennheiser CX350BT it’s connects to 2 Bluetooth devices at the same time I am using the IPhone 12 Mini & Yaesu ft3d ). I can listen to music on my iPhone and monitor for phone calls and the Yaesu ft3d will audio interrupt when RX. Turn Siri off on iphone then the ( Siri button ) on CX350BT to transmit on Yaesu then ( Play / Pause button ) on CX350BT stop transmission on Yaesu. Sounds pretty good too !

[@blakemanuel4700]

Can you charge this radio with the micro USB port?

[@charlie12590]

I wonder if you can preform a mars mod on that radio? kind of like the yeasu ft-4x with just a push of a couple of buttons. That would be icing on the cake. Thanks for the vid 73 from N2FJ

[@K6UDA]

Yeah, there was a guy who posted that he did it. Same procedure as the FT2

[@hectorjulian2535]

2nd time watching this video & I just realized that this is the video (out of all the others) that really pumped me up to buy the FT3D. Thanks Bob.

[@lukeoid153]

Great video Bob! Thanks!! KC3DFS Neal

[@joeframo3347]

Hey Bob I haven't seen you in awhile I hope you're doing okay watching your video now on KZbin nice to see you on Facebook

[@Thelnferno]

I'm a new Ham and I ordered this HT. Since this is my first HT, what vid would you recommend that would take me through a complete setup/config of the device?

[@K6UDA]

It's so new there isn't one. I think mine is the most complete one

[@FlonishaMerritt]

RT systems software and cable are now available for order!

[@K6UDA]

They sent me an email & I downloaded it. i'm all programmed now.

[@Bkrdstudios]

I love mine and just ordered the motorcycle handlebar bracket for my new Africa Twin adventure bike. Plan to wire a better antenna on the trunk and maybe a mirage HT VHF/UHF 45w amp with airflow ducting. Thanks for the review Bob! Do you know if any helmet Bluetooth communicators work with this radio?

[@Bkrdstudios]

Also shared in our new Adventure Bike Maps Group to spread the love. When our site advbikemaps.com is up, I'll toss this video in the forums too.

[@K6UDA]

I have to check that out. And yes, my sena 20s worked.

[@iPavelTIP]

Tell me which antenna is better: native or some other. Interested in both ranges. Thank. UB0ALU. 73

[@k2wo1]

Great Bob job. Thanks for taking the time to do such a thorough review of the FT-3DR. How is the receive audio when compared to the FT-2DR? I got rid of my FY-2DR because the receive audio was so poor. I liked the features but found that the Ft-1DR receive audio was better. In any case, great review and nice video. 73 George K2WO

[@K6UDA]

You'll most likely be happy with the FT3d then. Much better audio.

[@k2wo1]

K6UDA Thanks Bob, that’s good news.

[@Pascal-F11DRE]

Thank you very mich for your video. Nice Teeshirt JEEP :-) (i drive a Renegade in France equiped to FTM-400D) 73's to France Best regards

[@jeffshort6766]

What antenna are you using? Kd8kar

[@lawrencemayfield9669]

Im a union Av tech in Las Vegas if you needd crew?? plus i just ordered an ft3d

[@SteelWolf13]

Mini USB? Does not look like any standard UBS mini that i've seen. The radio version seems to have have circle divots.

[@kerbsidemotors9249]

How many bugs does it come with?

[@forthy62]

Very impressive radio. Is it possible to access it as a simple KiSS modem for an app like APRSDroid? 73, Stephan DF6PA

[@K6UDA]

I didn’t see it, but I may have missed it.

[@jimlips]

Hi Bob: is there a software package I can buy to program the FT3DR? I can't seem to find one online. Or am I stuck programming the radio by hand?

[@Sam1986E]

RT systems makes a package (software and cable) for $50, thats what i will get to program it

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Nice review. How does it compare to the FT2D?

[@K6UDA]

My Opinion. This is what the FT2 should have been from the beginning.

[@DAVIDGREGORYKERR]

That Walkie-Talkie is essentially a handheld SDR transceiver, is the first thing to do when you get the transceiver is to fully charge the battery as it might be only partially charged.

[@RussellThomas]

Bob, I have the NA-701 antenna, are you using some sort of extension on the FT-3? I would love to know more because like the FT-3 the ID-51 has that GPS hump that limits what antennas you can use. some sort of narrow extension would solve the problem.

[@K6UDA]

Russell Thomas no adaptor needed. It fits perfectly.

[@RussellThomas]

@@K6UDA fantastic, thank you Sir!

[@W2GLD]

Bob, why do you chose the Nagoya NA-701 antenna over the stock and/or Diamond? Just curious if you’ve seen any “real” improvements or just preference on a more flexible antenna.

[@jimlips]

Considering buying a camera for KZbin where you can disable Autofocus. Thanks for the review.

[@lawrencemayfield9669]

Thanks again for helping us noobs buy the best gear. not spending 3 grand buying a kenwood then a yaesu ft3d then a ftm400.

[@jameshelvey3383]

I see you were able to connect the Bluetooth headset in your helmet and another type of headphones to the 3d. Do you think it will connect to most Bluetooth capable headphones? JBL, Sony, Beats, Etc.....?

[@K6UDA]

Hard to say. Yaesu says not to expect much as they want to see their BT earpiece.

[@Tiburon.hd1]

I just ordered this radio for my first radio, I dont even have a license but I’m working on it, I’m totally lost , I will learn, I see the radio ask for a call sign at the beginning, what if I don’t have one, can I still use the radio to listen ? Thanks for all the info !

[@K6UDA]

Yes. Just fake a call in the radio

[@aw7425]

Super detail Bob, many thanks 73 w1nga

[@K6UDA]

Thanks Al

[@mikengeerockstarkaraokedj8474]

Question Bob, I'm looking at buying this radio. I have watched a lot of your reviews / videos about it. What are some mods or accessories a guy should get with the radio? Thanks, Mike K0MYK

[@K6UDA]

Buy a speaker mic if your going to use it in noisy environments. You could do the MARS/CAP mod but you’ll toast the warranty.

[@mikengeerockstarkaraokedj8474]

@@K6UDA thanks

[@K4MJV]

I finally broke down and sold the FT2D so I could pick up the FT3D. It didn't take long to realize it was the right thing to do ... for me at least. It fits in my hand much better and the screen is great. Like you said, if you know the FT2 then this will be like an old friend. Very happy with it!!

[@jakep5121]

so is that 145.5625 THE Fusion Calling freq? It'd be nice to get a set one and use the GM feature.

[@K6UDA]

I suppose so, although I haven’t made a contact there yet.

[@bkrdtours]

Great review!