My Yaesu FT5D Battery Lasts 3 Times Longer Than Yours!

[@Radio1979]

Mike, I just ordered one for my ft5 and I thank you for sharing this awesome upgrade you have No idea how much I was looking for a decent battery because that one that the HT comes with it Sucks really bad as far as holding charge for long periods.

[@hamradiotube]

My pleasure. Glad you were able to snag one.

[@adamcorum-wa7cug794]

Didn't even finish the video before I ordered one! Thanks Mike!

[@hamradiotube]

You're a good ham!

[@76macleod]

I just got mine in the mail Friday. Charged it up, and then ran around with it on all day Saturday. Still plenty of charge at the end of the day. Loving it, and if your on the fence about ordering, do it sooner rather than later. He might have had a couple ready to go last I looked, but he is taking backorders for this battery. NGL, it took 3 weeks from order till I got it. Still worth the money.

[@VE9ASN]

How embarrassing it must be for Yaesu to see homemade real batteries and usb-c capabilities offered from some guy in his garage! Yes please!

[@hamradiotube]

Right!? And like EVERY Chinese HT that has been coming out for the last couple years all have USB-C as well.

[@hwrex93]

I do ship to Canada!

[@Hero1395]

It's embarrasing you replace the stock antenna with a Nagoya of the same length and gain a couple S units on receive. Yaesu antennas are trash.

[@texasfirefighting]

I tried looking for links on your store to the Antenna that you currently have on your Yaesu HT. Where can I find those?

[@hamradiotube]

@@texasfirefighting they’re under Antennas and Antenna accessories.

[@adammoore7994]

It baffles me that these radios don't come stock with replaceable 18650/2170 batteries and wireless charging. If you make a portable communication thing, and it's battery doesn't last all day and then some, it sucks. Period. This mod is awesome.

[@hamradiotube]

I agree. There is so much great charging technology out there but the radio companies (not just Yaesu) seem to be developing with 20 year old technology. I mean, the FT5 has a mini USB! Like, really??? Icom was kind enough to give us micro USB on the 705 I guess 🤦‍♂️

[@BowWowPewPewCQ]

Me2. It makes me wonder about a 3d printed case that holds 18650s even if I had to charge them off line. There are so many options.

[@K3JRZOnTheAir]

Been using that battery for a few months. Wicked awesome! 73!

[@hamradiotube]

Very cool!

[@MrKholcombe]

Sold out. Watching the video, looks like they were sold out at filming. Hope he restocks soon cause I has a mighty need!

[@hwrex93]

Sign up for the website news letter! I should be caught up in two weeks!

[@HamRadioCrusader]

I just ordered one!! Thanks Mike for a GREAT Video!!

[@hamradiotube]

Heck yeah man!

[@HAMFunko4pdi]

I ordered this when you posted this video. I hope it comes before Huntsville.

[@hamradiotube]

I would hope it will. If not, I’ll let you look at mine.

[@HAMFunko4pdi]

@@hamradiotube I was going to use the Tidradio but it's all screwed up and I returned it. I'll tell you why when I see you. T.O. knows about it too.

[@GunsandRadios]

I have had one of these for 6 months it’s awesome

[@jimstearns8180]

Glad to see this battery. The Yaesu battery is pretty bad, discharges just sitting there. My Anytone HT battery blows it away. When this is back in stock, I will buy one.

[@hamradiotube]

He is accepting backorders...

[@Dusty_Ham]

This is an awesome mod and looks very well printed! I just wish I had the smarts to come up with something like this! Great work by Kevin!

[@RookieLock]

I have GOT to get one of those.. my one complaint about the ft5 is the battery life.. Thanks for making us aware of those bad boys..

[@don_n5skt]

That is an impressive product. Thanks Mike

[@ke8mattj]

Ordered anyway though it's on back stock. This addresses two of the three major reasons why my FT3D is not my EDC radio, with the third being a null point after this. Now, I don't have to carry a stepdown converter if I do take it with me. Thanks for reviewing this. Yaesu not having USB charging for one of their most iconic lines is embarrassing for a company that is a part of the Big 3 of a hobby. There's zero reason to not have USB charging on HTs these days. I don't want to have to carry multiple batteries for multiple devices when I can carry a single battery bank that can charge them all. Also, thanks for the FT8 contact a week or so ago.

[@hamradiotube]

I never had to use a step down converter with the FT5. I just put power poles on the supplied power cable (I cut the cord from the wall wart) and charged off my battery box or 12V supply, but it takes SO LONG! This is so much better. USB-C for the win. And thanks for the contact!

[@ke8mattj]

​@@hamradiotubeStep up is what I meant. My mistake. For some reason, I got the two switched since I'm going USB-C from the battery bank to 12v.

[@hamradiotube]

@@ke8mattj Ahh yes, that makes more sense. And quite inefficient I would suspect, no?

[@ke8mattj]

@@hamradiotube Yes it very much is.

[@dougdaniels]

Very impressive design/build, and made in the US. I'll be getting one of his 6Ah portable packs when they're back in stock.

[@hwrex93]

Thank you! I am working on getting a new spot welder to make my portable packs better quality. I am also designing a cage to protect the packs and make it look nicer out the outside. I have updated the listing on my site with the new design. 73!

[@hamradiotube]

Oh boy, look out DenCo!

[@philbodden4981]

Wow, very nice upgrade, thanks Mike, Greetings from the Cayman Islands, de ZF1PB

[@hamradiotube]

glad to be able to share it with the world.

[@pedrocatalan9814]

We need this for the Icom IC-705.

[@hwrex93]

It’s on the drawing board! I do need that radio to be able to tinker with the design and make something.

[@jamesschmaus8597]

Ain't that the truth! Can't believe they never made a big battery for 10w or matching amp. Icom is deaf

[@hwrex93]

The battery for the ID-51/52 and IC-705 is in active development!

[@G7VFY]

Needs to do Jumbo batteries for the IC-705

[@hwrex93]

It on the drawing board! I just need a radio to tinker with to build one.

[@hamradiotube]

Now you have an excuse to buy the 705. It's for "R&D" lol!

[@rickygallodoc]

oh you people from US are full of solutions

[@mainetomass99]

There is a "full charge" indicator light when the battery is charged when not connected to the radio. It's on the inside portion of the battery case where it was opened with the screwdriver.

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah Kevin mentioned that in the live chat when this video was premiering. Hopefully I didn’t break mine when I was prying it open with my screwdriver lol!

[@mainetomass99]

@@hamradiotube hahah. Nahhh! You good!

[@Rusted_Link]

On a recent ATV trip I brought my VX-6, I had it on all day Friday and all day Saturday. I keyed up a couple of times on 52 but never had a QSO. When I arrived home on Sunday I realized that the little guy was still on! I was pleased to say the least. Here's the most awesomestest thing. I had it strapped to my ATV. Down here at 23 feet ASL we treat our ATV's more like submarines. The VX-6 went Jacques Cousteau on more than one occasion. One of my buddies asked "is that thing water proof"? I threw it near him but passed him so that it would land in the water. I said, no! It's submersible! See you at HamCation, I'll have on my "KO4TNL" t-shirt and I'll be carrying my VX-6 on 448.500 with my single band signal stuff glow in the dark 70 cm antenna!

[@hamradiotube]

Yeah that's a solid radio. I have a VX-7R and absolutely love it. Hopefully I'll have an Icom ID-50 by Hamcation though. Easy to use, rugged, and waterproof.

[@will6051]

Way cool Thanks mike

[@wassman27]

His printer(s) are gonna be running 24/7 for awhile, just ordred mine too

[@hwrex93]

Man, you are right. 18hr per session of 6 packs. Girl will be putting in work.

[@hamradiotube]

Let's hope so. Always happy to support the small business. Especially when they are doing what the big manufacturers should have been doing in the first place!

[@K5YVY]

Nice! I may get me one of these radios at the right price next weekend, I’m going crazy having nothing but China radios laying around, I need at least one name brand lol.

[@hamradiotube]

Yes, you need to get the FT5 just so you can buy this battery lol!

[@k9rka489]

Bought one based solely off your video and love it. May buy a second one. Yaesu brand batteries just don’t last even just listening. He’s also working on an Icom battery for the 705/52/51/50. If it’s just as good my 705 will be getting the upgrade as well.

[@davidsradioroom9678]

Really nice

[@JamesHannibalKH2SR]

Such an awesome battery! Can you charge it via the 12v input port on the radio side?

[@hwrex93]

Yes, you can charge the battery via the radio, but it will take ages to charge!

[@JamesHannibalKH2SR]

@@hwrex93 Cool! Thanks for the reply. 👍🏽 I wonder if the next gen will have the charging plates for the Yaesu drop in charger?

[@hwrex93]

No plans for adding support for the drop in charger. I am releasing my own desk cradle on October!

[@JamesHannibalKH2SR]

@@hwrex93 Cool! 👍🏽

[@jolebole-yt]

Im kinda surprised the guys at Windcamp have not come up with a Lithium replacement battery pack for the FT5D. They do make one for the FT-818.

[@richardwatsonjr.5067]

This battery is awesome!!! Anything for the FT70D?

[@hwrex93]

Not yet. Initial prototyping did start, but I had to refocus on this to make it even better.

[@richardwatsonjr.5067]

@@hwrex93 You have sale here! FT 70 D needs this upgrade bad!

[@Skullfocher]

I bet John Kruk is fuming from this. 😂😂😂

[@VI_Radio_Guy]

I would love to see one of these batteries for the Kenwood D74.

[@MishaDaBear]

I am tempted to get four 14500 LiFePO batteries to put into my 4AA BP-180 (Icom) that fits my IC-W32A, IC-T7H, IC-Z1A radios. 3.2v each ~ 12.8. The radios are designed to work on automotive power (12-15 (13.8) volts)

[@RicSpivey]

I'd have to say that what would be a perfect 3rd party battery for me would be easily replaceable 18650 batteries with hardly any battery management or USB charging. I can charge vape (type) batteries super easily in large quantities, and I also have a bunch of them. But I definitely plan on ordering one of these when it is available!

[@k_meowington]

Hi. Are there such batteries for FT-70D? Thanks

[@Bugkiller991]

Does anyone make a belt pouch that will fit the HT with this battery. Love the battery. But I don’t like belt clips. A belt pouch and or molle attachment pouch to fit HT with this battery would be great.

[@nvhawkeye]

What antenna is on this FT 5 and how well does it work? Range wise ?

[@rogerNKWYNNVIDS]

There are a few aftermarket batteries available for the ft5d but usb c that's 😎 cool

[@AdamSWL]

Reminds me of when I had a Yaesu FT-50R with the optional big battery installed. It became 3 times the size and turned into the grenade form factor! That FT-5D battery case is a great product!

[@rogermedley8043]

USB-C charging will get me using my FT3D again. Y'all better hurry, only 4 left.

[@hamradiotube]

Nice.

[@olatac1]

Are these still available?

[@daveborchard2019]

What antenna is on the FT5DR, and how does the performance compare to the stock antenna?

[@hamradiotube]

I'm using a short little stubby antenna. I made a video about them a while ago explaining why I like them and why I use them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ6bdaSqlq6EfcU Surprisingly they're not as bad as I make them seem in the video though. I can hit repeaters with them. Compared to the stock antenna they are a little bit worse though.

[@ChrisN8PEM]

I’d put that sucker on a plane/train/balloon and do the ultimate APRS test lol.

[@hamradiotube]

It'd prob go around the world a few times before it ran out. Rig up some solar to USB-C and it could last indefinitely.

[@jaymartin3130]

What antenna are you using on your ft5? and how does it perform compared to the stock antenna? I like the small profile of the one you are using.

[@hamradiotube]

It's a short stubby antenna. I originally got them to use with my DMR radios/hot spots because I wanted an antenna that would be terrible so as to not TX any further than they needed to. But I've actually hit repeaters 10 miles away with them so who knows? Here is a video I did on them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ6bdaSqlq6EfcU and you can pick them up on my Amazon store: www.amazon.com/shop/k8mrdradiostuff/list/16JF7ZMVM23BG?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfk8mrdradiostuff_0PY8P28EVE3ZPBV1BGKK

[@goodymb]

Any updates on when the Big Geek Battery box will be in stock?

[@hamradiotube]

uhhh, not yet. Shoot me an email with your info and I'll put you on the waiting list. [e-mail]

[@DarwinHorvath]

I just got my FT5D a few days ago, I put my callsign in and everything, then I tried to make a contact with a buddy on both 154.750 and 462.750 MHz and on some GMRS/FRS channels but every time I press the PTT button the radio beeps and says "TX Inhibit"on the screen an it does not transmit. I've looked online and I haven't found anything on this issue, or anything in the manual. I was hoping someone would have insight on this but I no reviews talk about it, it seems to work straight out of the box for most reviewers. 73s

[@hamradiotube]

The FT5D doesn't TX on those frequencies. It is locked to the ham bands. You could do a MARS mod to it by unsoldering a tiny resistor, but some people have reported issues after doing so. DO AT YOUR OWN RISK! imgur.com/gallery/yaesu-ft-5dr-mars-mod-expanded-transmit-frequency-range-QVHfAiw

[@lauragarlitz9877]

You might have to mod it for free and. Also putting your call sign in won't help on GMRS

[@minutemaidification]

What antenna is that on your FT5DR?

[@hamradiotube]

Video kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ6bdaSqlq6EfcUsi=sVccBz6I6KekPQx0 Product amzn.to/3sWU0ze I use the BNC so with an adapter but they come in SMA male and female as well.

[@MrDavidos32]

Sooo nice. Please add an USB-C Charging Unit to it! :) :) :)

[@kenroberts4767]

As of late February, he's sold out of these with no indication of when they will be available again.

[@pep1dog1]

I build these for the UV 5R

[@hamradiotube]

Really? You should send me one. Though the UV-5R battery lasts quite a long time as is. On RX anyway.

[@iamnotraylewis5838]

…what’s the color on these batteries?,…looks grey,on the website…

[@hwrex93]

Main battery back is currently available in Black. Grey is from the Fusion360 screen shots!

[@kellycarpenter9350]

What is the email to this guy .

[@jimedwards9310]

Sold out 😢

[@dominodoggy1]

Yeah every time I check out his site he is sold out. I am sort of losing interest in trying if he can't keep them in stock.

[@hamradiotube]

Hey, he's small time, doing it on the side of his regular daily commitments like job, family, etc. You have to set your expectations as such. Look at PackTenna. He's been making awesome antennas for years as a side hustle and they sell out just as fast as he can produce them. It's just the way it is. If you want to be mad at anyone, be mad at the manufactures that make radios with such shitty battery life. This guy came up with a solution.

[@mainetomass99]

Solid batteries by Kev. I had 2 of his most recent version. Sold them along with the FT5D though. Ha.

[@hamradiotube]

Wait, you can sell your radios??? I thought that was illegal lol!

[@mainetomass99]

@@hamradiotubeI’m the only ham getting rid of radios!! Ha.

[@неостанавливаемый]

Put quick charging on it lol

[@hwrex93]

It supports QC 2.0

[@hamradiotube]

I mean, it charges in ~4 hours with my USB-C PD outlet. That's much better than the crazy long time it takes if you use Yaesu's charger that comes with the radio. I think it's like ~10 hours or more? It's a stupid long time to charge a 2200mAh battery. This is more than twice the capacity and charges in less than half the time. This is a huge upgrade in my opinion.

[@brendankoetsier1939]

Can't buy it, sold out grrrr

[@jamesschmaus8597]

Or buy 21 Fengs for the same price as that 5 yaesu

[@hamradiotube]

I like where you’re heads at.