NEW! Yaesu FT3DR C4FM Handheld Review/Comparison

Enter my giveaway to win this awesome radio! Link is below.
The new Yaesu FT3DR is the latest C4FM System Fusion handheld by Yaesu. A BIG improvement with more features over the FT2DR.
• GIVEAWAY! Yaesu FT3D T... Giveaway video
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#Yaesu #FT3DR #C4FM

[@perryphillips6182]

Thanks for the excellent review. I will be watching more including the one for the FT-991a. I have been very interested in Fusion for a long time and hope to upgrade to it someday.

[@dpsflyboy]

Thank you for the comparison. I was looking at one or the other for regular use and my go box with my RS-918 QRP HF.

[@tokyochannel2020]

I've been using the FT3D for about a month now, and I love it, great radio. I know some people are disappointed with the audio, I don't find it a big issue. I usually plug it into an earpiece when outside.

[@MishaDaBear]

earpiece good and clear?

[@galax574]

How bad is the audio? When does the audio sound bad, analog, digital, or both?

[@NameL3ss71]

Been using the FT3DR for almost a year now as my daily HH. Great radio! Paired with a Nagoya 771. Also have this as part of my portable node on my rig with an HRI 200.

[@brianoneill462]

Great looking radio. Have about 5 repeaters around where I live that are fusion repeaters, closest one is 2 miles away from me in Detroit.

[@Gambit-jo4rw]

Finally a video that shows you in person how to use the radios instead of talking about it!

[@dennislaunzinger4487]

Thanks for the video. You answered my questions and curiosity. On the camera microphone and wiresX.

[@LysanderLH]

Thanks so much for this review. It has helped me a great deal. I’m researching which handheld to take with me over a 100mile walk along the South Downs Way where there are repeater beacons along the way and some other walks with a few peaks. Baofeng (15W??) seems like a popular choice and reviews of that brought me here.

[@tracym427]

Baofeng makes a 15watt??

[@johnbonvillian4417]

Thank you for the review -love the upgrades not so happy with the audio, but think there is a work around. I 73 KI5FRK

[@TheOpenAirGarage]

I think the FT3D is a solid radio with a lot of good features. TNC accessibility use is one of the reason I went with D74A

[@seaningram4434]

Haven't had a Yaesu HT since the FT-50R back in the 1990s. Now that is a classic. The buttons were okay, but they were small.

[@williambello4089]

Wow. Very kewl. I just got my aprs telemetry iGate up yesterday using a Raspberry Pi and RTL-SDR, KN6DAM-10 , readable on aprs.fi . APRS is so very important on Search and Rescue, I needed a portable one, and the Pi/RTL works as an excellent iGate for SAR. I'll wait a bit before I can afford to get a radio with GPS and APRS built-in. Kewl! Very much hoping to win the contest 😌

[@garychap8384]

I so wanted one of these, but I'm back on the fence again... very tempted to save the money towards an IC-705, Icoms new sexy-looking QRP SDR. It's the curse of Ham radio... so much great new gear, so little money.

[@fmaduro100]

Excellent overview of the new Yaesu. Thanks Frank KM4ZRT

[@joeblow8593]

Nice review. One thing I would liked to have seen in FT3DR is a built-in camera so one doesn't have to spring for the $130 optional camera mike. Perhaps the FT4DR will include it next time. On the other hand. The Kenwood TH-D7 which came out in the mid 1990's had a built-tnc and was also capable of sending and receiving pictures with the optional VC-H1 Visual Communicator (which was said to have cost about half the price of the radio ).

[@r0bv123]

Thank you for the audio comparison between the FT2D and FT3D!! For some reason Josh/HamRadioCrashCourse thinks said the FT3D was better which now hearing yours and a few others, the FT3D is not better or louder. I know the FT3D is smaller, but should NOT sacrifice audio quality or volume. Going to pass or hold off until this is resolved. 73,

[@HitFactorShootingSupplyLLC]

Can you hold your breath that long? Yaesu is unlikely to do an engineering change and degrade the waterproof rating. Other than the color screen and more responsive touch screen, this HT is only subtly different from the FT2. CAM is a joke, it only works in one mode. Better off creating a 5 channel scan group of you club freqs. K8HIT

[@miltonsingleton7244]

Thank you Eric and thank you GigaParts for letting Eric have the opportunity to present this radio k e 8 l w x a newham just trying to find my way

[@gsansoucie]

Still thinking about replacing my Kenwood TH F6A that I bought the week it came out (in 2003?). Same battery pack, still works. I don’t use the thing that often, every two years or so, I charge it, turn it on, and hit the local repeater that no one ever uses any more, then put it away. One thing I really like about the TH F6A is that I can receive from DC to daylight practically, including CW. That interstate me about this one, I have to read up on the filtering though.

[@DuckingAround58]

I'm still using the FT1DR, its been my go to HT for years but I'll admit I wouldn't mind winning this new upgrade. Nice to know all of my batteries and accessories can still be used. Thanks for the video 73 WA State

[@DeltaWhiskeyBravo13579]

Thanks for the comparison Eric. I just happened to buy the Yaesu FT3DR from HRO with factory rebate as my first radio. Good stuff as always. KC3PRU 73s

[@zrdcorp]

Nice display ! Interested in buying.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Great review!

[@jjsemperfi]

Had mine for a couple days now and I'm really enjoying it. To me the speaker isn't an issue. APRS works just fine and I love the scanning, memory banks, air band... I just wish there was a larger battery available. To me I think this is the most versatile handheld for the price.

[@joshcrowley318]

Do they make a bigger battery for this handy talky yet?

[@jjsemperfi]

Josh Crowley Not that I know of. Battery actually lasts fairly long. Charging is extremely slow unless you upgrade the charger.

[@BoxBuilderIdaho]

nice video thank you for it! just so u know. That mfj power supply have when they go bad.. they will wipe out everything there hooked to. it drops 600 ac volts out the front end befor the crowbar kicks in. Seen one wipe out 4000$ worth of radios and tuners and amps.. just a heads up. Mfj will not return our calls.. just a fyi. once again good video!!

[@BoxBuilderIdaho]

@John Doe 1 watt swinging up to 2

[@popnicable]

The speaker level is tiny only on broadcasting receiving mode. When it is used in vhf/uhf FT3D is much louder than FT2D But there is another issue. When you receive weak signals, you can hear pops in the speaker when the bargraph level is changing. BTW Great video!

[@arkadiuszweiss]

These gentle clicks are the effect of the signal suppressor for the SDR system.

[@cobrasvt347]

Oh no 😥 I was about to pull the trigger and buy the 3DR until I heard the pingy tinny little speaker. Dang. There’s no way I would be able to live with that problem. What’s the use in having a portable hand held radio when you can’t even hear the thing. Really rained on my day. I’m glad you done this comparison before I got stuck with a radio I can’t use.

[@Joe_HamRadioGuy]

Wow looks like a real nice radio.

[@m1pete]

I would just love this radio, I can't afford to buy one, so lets hope I win one, 73.

[@MEDICGDP]

Just subscribed. Enjoy your videos.

[@G1WHP]

Good review 👍

[@TimothyGoetz]

Brand new tech. Just ordered this while I study for my general. Hope it’s not too complicated for a newbie

[@viahf1200]

The audio can be dramatically improved by opening up the lower right rubber panel protecting the DCin and 3.5mm ports. You can actually feel the speaker pumping air pressure out of the DCin port. The audio becomes louder, fuller, and with more base. Just don't get it wet :)

[@playerzero2236]

I really love my baofengs but that thing is a sweet device.

[@soldermecold7456]

I have both, and both have their place. That said, there is a world of difference between the two. My biggest gripe with the Baofengs is memory, scan speed, and noise/interference rejection. For the price tho they make great beaters.

[@LarsSveen]

@@soldermecold7456 I agree. Totally different ball game. But for the price of a BF, it's like... why not? That's also kind of a problem, too. I personally know some unlicensed people who have bought them to use as "walkie talkies" because they're cheaper and more powerful than most FRS radios on the market. Really irritating. I almost feel like we need to upgrade the FRS spec to 5w just to entice people to stay legal. Of course, that low price also entices people to get their Tech license who were staying away because of the cost of radios.

[@sardinastekno]

Nice radio I wish i could get one.

[@ramonbannister9498]

Nice radio. They've come a long way since I bought my Vx-8, which itself is quite good. Powering it on again after not using it for like 5yrs...Since then I've bought an iPhone. And my iPhone ALWAYS works, lol. I'm really surprised that ham radios haven't yet caught up to cell phone quality. That pic you took was pretty bad as compared to the iPhone, and I say that while I know the iPhone isn't great either as compared to my real DSLR camera. Still, I'm impressed that ham radio manufacturers have at least tried to sort of catch up to cell phones, in that now you can take a photo and transmit it! And also the connectivity to WIRES through wifi. Wow. Here's to hoping I win the radio, because I'm certainly not going to buy the radio now that I have one that could still be considered brand new, as I haven't used it much. And I still have a dual band Yaesu mobile that works like new, and that one is like 15 yrs old! Man, I've got to start using my radios!

[@Rx_56]

I am satisfied with my FT-530.

[@tymullins6103]

Great radio that is my ht

[@drb235sgt795]

Eric, are you limiting entries to just one entry per callsign? Thanks, keep up the great work. 73 de Dave,N2NWS

[@peterkunka2694]

Not convinced, I'm happy and will keep my FT2DR. Nice comparison and review, though, and loved the honest letdown in your voice when you heard the poorer 3D audio quality. "Oh no!" 73 Pete - KI7LIL

[@w8mpx667]

nice radio I like the screen

[@AF1US]

Hey, just curious, are you sure the FT3D was in WBFM mode? It sounded like it was still in NBFM which would account for the thin volume and lack of bass. Just checking, AF1US.

[@galax574]

Yes. When you have FM radio broadcasting channels programmed in the radio, the radio will automatically switch to WFM. No sure if you're talking about this.

[@Pieh0]

Still love my FT1D, mainly because I got it cheap off ebay (like, insanely cheap), but I only really use the APRS function so the CF4M and picture stuff is meh.

[@uralrider88]

Great video, i have a question though. How well does the Bluetooth work in a modern Bluetooth equipped car (automobile). Vox etc.

[@radioaxe6964]

I suppose the inferior speaker sound is made up by the blue tooth feature as you can use your blue tooth headphones in noisy environments if you choose. Regardless, not a deal beaker for me. Can't wait to get my hands on mine next week :) Thx Eric. Thumbs up!

[@RadiosPlanesSpace]

Excellent review Eric ! unfortunately I wont buy this radio because of the tinny sounding audio... Ft2d is louder and has better audio than the FT3 ... I. was hoping that it will be as good as the Ft70 but it is not.. my guess is that even the vx3 has superior audio 😌

[@jermanoid]

I bought a Baofeng, and immediately upgraded to this Yaesu FT3DR. lol. Working on my ticket. I learned all this stuff in the USAF as a 3C251. Not the FCC laws about it, but AM FM SSB and all that as I worked in Satcom. I didn't get to actually use any of it as it was a broad career field. currently listening in on repeaters. The internet made everyone take radio for granted. Working full bore in the bowels of IT networking, I realize I've forgotten how fascinating all this radio stuff is. About the speaker though... If i'm in a loud environment, I'm going to be using wired or bluetooth headphones. Any word on how loud standard headphones get? maybe in comparison to the F2DR.. or use an iphone as a reference

[@LTVoyager]

Would have been nice to have demonstrated the Anytone speaker just for a good reference.

[@WJ6FRadio]

Great Video! I am looking at getting one in these. I currently have the FT-1, FT-2 and FT-70..... Might as well keep the collection going. Good on Yaesu for keeping the same accessories! Keep up the great work!

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I had a collection years ago. Yaesu VX3r, VX5R, VX6R, VX7r, VX8r, VX8GR, FT1Dr, now the FT2D, gonna wait on this FT3D

[@WJ6FRadio]

@@HamRadioConcepts ​ @HamRadioConcepts I also have the FT-60, Alinco DJ-500, and a few Baofengs. I entered this hobby only wanting to be a Tech with my FT-60 for earthquake preparedness...... Yeah, that didn't happen! Several radios I purchased based on your videos.

[@ghostmandka5498]

I still have e the FT-530 with the very nice speaker mics (yes 2 of them).

[@WJ6FRadio]

@@HamRadioConcepts I do need to off load some of mine and I too am waiting on the FT-3..... Waiting for the price to drop a bit and make sure all of the bugs are worked out

[@summersky77]

You can have the best looking radio on the market with all the bells and whistles....but if it sounds like complete garbage, it misses its main purpose as a radio. Yaesu really dropped the ball on this radio's audio. The FT-2DR was not only bassier and louder, but clearer too! Thanks for saving me $600.00. 73s.

[@DD-bn2mx]

this is a salesman for these radios

[@mstriker3656]

Good to see that Yaesu have been sensible with the sharing of batteries and accessories ! Looks really fancy, nice screen too. Read the other comments about the crappy speaker, and the others using Bluetooth or external earpiece. It would be amazing if the manufacturers standardised chargers and batteries, as 99% of the mobile market did. I've got a silly amount of different chargers for my handies, and only a small desk ! Thanks for your videos and it would be great to win and FT3 :) 73 2E0XXV

[@donaldahlskog3519]

Thanks Gigaparts, love larger field for entering repeater names. K4EAE

[@anthonyrpaoluccijr1007]

Eric thanks for your reply. Also you can take pictures & transmit on c4fm simplex or fusion repeaters besides just wires x. 73 Anthony KG5JPU

[@198Mihail]

awesome radio

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I have a TH-D74, but really wanted an FT-3DR too, because I guess I have OCD. I won't buy it however, just over the audio problem. Hopefully it'll be fixed in the FT-4DR, or whatever comes next.

[@doncoker]

Great comparison and food for thought on do I stick with my FT2DR or not? 73 KM6TRZ

[@HristoStoqnov]

Great!

[@ZOMBEKILLER321]

sweet radio

[@iceaxe01]

Great review... But would it pass the drop test?

[@TimothyK4TEP]

I have a Yaesu Vx 6 r it has wide rx And i love that feature and I have it proggramed with some local repeaters I wouldnt mind have a Yaesu 3d r

[@gjgp225]

I have both vx6 & ft3d , still trying to figure out the 6, 3 is much easier

[@utvolume]

@@gjgp225 Just ordered the ft3. Have had the vx6 a long time. So I agree with ya on that one. If I set it down for months. Have to learn again. Lol. Looking forward to the 3

[@davep6977]

now that they expanded the freq range to 900mhz, I waiting for P25 (maybe even digital trunk)

[@user-jt5vm3mi1w]

P25 I and II would make this awesome

[@Warguard9]

Good analysis on this radio, which I will be getting to add to my vx-7, vx-8 and ft-2dr! However I believe the best belt clip came on the vx-7, then they discontinued it and these new clips are garbage! I lost my id-51a with these belt clips so I never go out with them unless in a backpack! Thanks for the review 👍. de kc2enj

[@K4MJV]

FT2D sounds better when you leave the cover open over the data and mic ports. Does the FT3 as well?

[@jesusbeaver1569]

Do you do sales? ....over the net?

[@fjones7867]

I have the ft8900r but not a fusion radio it would look good mounted on my JK dash clip

[@raider2191]

I would think that the audio would be much better and louder using a Bluetooth headset with the FT3 and that it was perhaps designed that way, if not then it sucks for audio quality.

[@kd2rdhlarry571]

I’m going to be putting my ftm-400xdr in the truck. What should I be using APRS FOR?

[@soldermecold7456]

I use it for personal saftey. I give the aprs.fi website link my family and or friends so they can find me and make sure I am safe. Considering its free, its awesome, and its similar function to what my InReach Satellite communicator device does which can save me money too.

[@scottintexas]

Are there any Eq settings that might affect/improve the audio?

[@linaskerbelis5636]

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

[@Mini-Hakkero]

Torn between this and the D74.

[@gsdwolf4827]

Does anyone know of the FT3D is capable of sending GPS info (coordinates) to a paired device? For instance a tablet computer running Gaia maps or Google Maps?

[@uralrider88]

Do you need the mic or will it work hands free?

[@iwanicebee]

awesome radio where to buy

[@dougn7bfs]

One thing lacking on both... A real keypad so that you can easily send DTMF strings, why do they think we don't need one? I know the FT2DR had a touch screen DTMF pad (used to own one), does the FT3D?

[@kwanchitse25]

It took 12s to sent 1 picture + only 5W power! Hi, next door neighbor.

[@tomnapier8040]

I would like to know your opinion about low audio using the BT earpiece. Great video as always.AI4QV

[@tackley101]

Looks like a great radio. Also would like to know about the Bluetooth.

[@waterst20]

my ft530 works fine.

[@renatogravacoes]

Excelente equipamento, o problema é o preço.

[@IvoBELGIUM]

Is the external speaker on the 3DR as loud as the 2DR?

[@codythomas9545]

What is the range on this unit? Also, do you know the range on the Yaesu FTA 750L?

[@howardpaysen1424]

Are you sure there is no menu setting to adjust the audio?

[@ctscantechnologist]

I have a similar issue with the audio on the ft-70.

[@horstkyle]

So two years later, is the camera mic a novelty or something you would recommending buying in 2021 for $150?

[@makawskie]

Pls make video about its range in uhf and vhf thanks

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Its going to be the same range as a comparible VHF UHF 5 watt HT

[@pechacekcp]

Have you seen the Arkansas preparedness channel ? I watch it yesterday and it had some good info on the new FCC rules about ham radios with some type of FCC sticker to make your device legal to transmit or you could pay some hefty fines.

[@Plugh13]

Which video? They're not clearly labeled. I haven't heard anything from ARRL, so it sounds like typical prepper FUD to me.

[@Paolo29]

Can you transmit in airband frequency or just monitor?

[@AlexOuellette]

I still enjoy my FT1D! The FT3D does have a nice screen though. I wonder how battery life on standby compares? Hmm.

[@jasonmirabile5184]

Is that the mh-a11u picture mic? Does it work on the 3d? 73 kd2lrx

[@jamesainsworth972]

I had a YAESU VR-500 (BROKEN) and I was told that this radio is no obsolete. If so, is there a compatiable radio? We use the VR-500 to track Telemetry Dog Collars (works great). Other dealers have a specific box to track Telemetry Dog Collars but they are very expensive. Any ideas on a radio I could use?

[@jterrellcreative]

As digital radios go, how does this compare to your AnyTone 878?

[@greentea9510]

Will the bluetooth go through the car radio to get a louder volume?

[@b0neme]

So no digital QSOs tested? Or did I miss it?

[@earlysquad1098]

Love this radio. I hope I win. 73 KF4TEX

[@slyfox720]

HI Eric....I am just getting into the hobby and I live in a condo in Hudson, FL with strict HOA regulations....what recommenations for equipment, I know I might be a bit restricted....with my HOA, I have a small satellite dish that the previous owner left(mounted in the ground about 4 feet high) will an attenna be any good placed that low? Right now I will be taking my technician license in about a week. I am pretty darn excited to get into a new hobby.

[@jasonpalmer5437]

Ethan, welcome to the service. There is a variety of information available. First, do an internet search like "stealth antennas for HOA". There are also printed publications and check here on YT as well. You might be surprised what you can do, Good luck 🙂

[@davidashley2719]

Also. Dont discount an antenna outside at that 4 foot mark. Is it going to be a great improvement? There is only one way to find out. I will say that it's not going to be amazing in that location. However, It will definitely help. Like Jason said above. Look into some radio videos that cover HOA. Years ago when I lived in an HOA they allowed us to install a flag pole and flag. I ended up going with a flag pole antenna after looking at some other options. My neighbor 2 doors down used a plant on his balcony to mount a small quarter wave antenna and keep it hidden. There are options out there, you just have to use your imagination! It's not going to be a 50' tower, but if you can get any antenna outside, it's going to beat that rubber duck inside all day long. Good luck!

[@reynolds26n]

planning to buy after market antenna will the nagoya 771 wil fit to these radio sir ?

[@mattrizia]

How good is the GPS functionality? Does it have tracking?

[@bhgant813]

Can you use the FT3DR on wiresX without connecting it to your computer?

[@WillCarrot]

Just received mine. What’s a good aftermarket antenna for it?

[@slye753]

I have a yaesu ft1xdr and a ft3dr, the best of both radios. would like to sell ft1xdr, but cannot bring myself to part with it.

[@bruehlt]

Wish there were a place around here to try one. I'd love to see how it functions - maybe at Hamvention next year. Would love to get one!!

[@iPavelTIP]

Hello. please tell me: in which radio does the battery last longer in ft 2dr or 3dr? And which one is more convenient to use, the interface, and so on? thank. UB0ALU. 73