THE BEST VALUE HT EVER MADE? RADIO TO RADIO IN ALL MODES WITH THE YAESU FT-70DE

This superb little radio has sat in the box for a year whilst life took over, moving house, bit late to the party but better late than never, I take this radio out of the box, have a very close look, test all modes and all power levels and take the radio out and test it radio to radio with another FT-70D and a Baofeng UV5R.
Is this the best value HT ever made? stay with me to find out.

[@whiskkers9291]

I have to say I love this video and how you show the real world audio rather than just reading the stats out of a book. Great Job! I hope to study up and get my Technicians license this year but a lot of this is still way over my head. I have a Yaesu FT-60R coming through the mail so I hope to be able to listen in and get used to the language a bit more. Thanks again

[@judeisaacbernardo8389]

Just got my FT70 yesterday. It is so easy to program manually, I haven't tried programming it via software, but it feels like I really don't need to because of how easy it is to use. I really loved your review btw, I love how you demonstrated it on the field. Thank you so much

[@knoxieman]

You are most welcome, enjoy, it's a great radio.

[@jaeron11]

How's the battery?

[@MrBracey1970]

When I first got licensed 18 months ago I got one of these and I loved it,but I traded it in when I got into HF,and this video has made me miss it so much I’ve got to buy another one 😝 I think these are a great little field radio for very little money compared to something like a FT5D,and I’m going to have fun taking it portable 😆

[@themgtowinfinium]

Yep, agreed the FT-70 is a great radio with two caveats: 1. I recommend getting the rapid charger base because it cuts down the charge times to a little over two hours. 2. Although the radio is easy to program via the keypad -- using the software method is a bit tricky. This is because there is no plug and play mode when connecting the radio via USB cable to a PC. There is a specific procedure which is like arming a nuke in order to place the radio into programming mode. Other than the aforementioned the FT-70 is a great starter or backup radio.

[@applejacks971]

I don't know the nuke codes to your FT-70 but I stayed at a Holiday Inn Express last night :)

[@KevinPinto]

Outstanding video, thank you! I have just obtained this radio and went searching for information on how to use the digital modes since the manual is a little skimpy. I'm excited to get a second one.

[@knoxieman]

Cheers, yes it's a superb radio.

[@themgtowinfinium]

Yep, I have two FT-70s -- one as a backup daily driver and the other as a backup home use radio. They fill the bill quite well.

[@andygee7017]

Just ordered one of these. All excited now. Thanks for the vid

[@knoxieman]

Your welcome, they are fantastic radios.

[@BlessedLaymanNC]

It's interesting to see you program it. I bought the RT Systems programming package with app and programming cable. I installed the software, plugged in the cable and was programming the radio in five minutes. I am a veteran user of the RT software, so someone new would take a little long on their first time. But even my subsequent programming only takes seconds now. In less time than you can prep the radio, I can program mine. I guess I am glad I bought the option for this radio.

[@sramsdellwdm]

Best video I’ve seen yet about this radio. Thank you my friend. 73’ W4ffx

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

There is a super easy way to get into ADMS mode.. switch the radio on. Remove the battery. Hold in ams whilst putting the battery back in. You do not need the power wire for this method

[@USAFJUNKIE]

I don't know why people don't use VW mode...it sounds better than both DN and FM. Yes, it's nice being able to see the other station's call sign and location on the screen, but sometimes it's nice to just have high quality audio.

[@ds4rxg]

Thank you so much for this video. I ordered it for Dmr and fusion and analog. Thank you!

[@knoxieman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@understandthetimes5721]

Great review! I have the FT3D. I've been using it on FM only. I have a trip scheduled next weekend and I hoping to use the digital mode. Very impressive range out of your rig on UHF.

[@bristol4k]

What's the difference between FT70D and the FT3D. Is is literally just the big screen and the build quality or are they functionally different pieces of kit?!

[@understandthetimes5721]

@@bristol4k They are different. The FT3D has 2 independent receivers, GPS built in etc. The FT3 was replaced by the FT5. 73

[@jashutin]

It would be really interesting to see field test comparison between vhf and uhf portables. The best of all using single band antennas.

[@Lukeuk001]

Thanks for the video 👍

[@salvatoreclames2834]

Good radio, To optimize the battery life, set : Menu 48 rx save 0,8 second Menu 14 dimmer level 2 Menu 28 lamp 2 sec Menu 56 Tot 1.0 M Menu 10 Bsy Led off To improve the sensitivity of the microphone, set menu 31 Mic gain level 9

[@M6LSJ]

Many thanks for showing.

[@WillLeingang]

VW mode sounded amazing 🤩

[@nicoschadjidemetriou4373]

Thank you very much for the presentation. 73 s from 5B4ER .

[@knoxieman]

Your welcome 👍

[@wolffo999]

excellent testing ! love it

[@knoxieman]

Thank you!

[@marchampson006]

I would be quite happy to program from the key pad i dont get on with computer download software stuff. Seems very clear on digital modes then FM another good video paul Marc in Bletchley Towers G6XEG

[@knoxieman]

Yes if you've got lots to program then you really need to use the cable but if you only have a handful it's easy to use the keypad.

[@oldpreach]

That video was so good, I feel like I should have paid for it.

[@knoxieman]

That's a great comment thank you ☺️😊

[@austinhallett9497]

I had no problems programming it with the computer... On the north america version, you don't have to hold the band button while it is communicating with the software

[@darrenorourke1310]

Does the FT70 still receive military airband,I had the VX7r which was as deafas a post on 225mz to 400mhz.We have mil traffic always flying overhead but the VX7r could not pick up.Any chance the FT70 is better,or are the FT 1 or FT2 any more sensative.

[@bryanpuckett3023]

I've had this ft70dr for about two months and I really do like fusion over analog fm I also drive RM kl 145 into a 5 element diamond beam at 30feet high I get good reports from other people over 49 miles away great radio DE kc0lrp across the pond.

[@knoxieman]

Yes it's a great radio 👍👍

[@mikesey1]

I like Fusion over any other digital mode. It's built for us amateurs, unlike the Commercial DMR.

[@pawelJonline]

What's about battery? How long u could work at this radio?

[@hamradioclub1019]

I have a question what is the wires x room node you were using in this video the goldb node

[@mikesey1]

Don't you have to wideband this radio before you can get PMR frequencies? Removal of a small diode?

[@wisecitizenry2844]

Wish it had dual receive.

[@rttakezo2000]

I've never even bothered to use the programming software, manual programming directly from the face of the radio is so simple.

[@knoxieman]

Yes if you only have a few repeaters to enter in its just fine, I've now got 200 memory slots full but it's still a pain to do the upload, it times out a fair bit, for a company like Yaesu to do something like this is baffling to me.

[@carpman4767]

Excellent vidio

[@utkf16]

Thanks, I'm brand new to the hobby so this has helped me a lot as its one of the radios Im considering. My local clubs are closed due to the CV restrictions so Im relying on the internet to get me through my Foundation Licence and to point me towards the right equipment. Can I ask what your advice would be for starting up kit wise? Main interest is to have stand by comms if the system is down for a length of time and the abiltiy to speak with friends in the UK along with something that would allow some room for growth as/if I improve. One other question is can a HT but used as a base station by adding a higher placed external antenna and the power boosted with an amp? Appreciate any support you can give. Thanks

[@knoxieman]

Yes you can use a HT as a base station and you can connect external antennas as well, you have to watch you don't exceed power limits as per the licence, this radio is a great starter radio however if you are on a budget you can do a lot with an affordable Chinese radio like the UV5R, shack in a box radios that cover all bands are expensive for starters even second hand, to be honest HF is so poor I would stick to UHF and VHF for now, glad my videos have helped you.

[@utkf16]

@@knoxieman Thanks for taking the time to reply I was looking at the cheaper options but thought Id give myself a treat. I guess I could save the difference on an upgrdae when I know more of what I'm doing. Thanks again

[@knoxieman]

You are welcome best of luck.

[@africantwin173]

I'm new to YSF. Do you need a Wires-X to use a Hotspot. I have Pi-star with Dv-Mega board and would like experiment with Yaesu. With D-Star all i needed was a HT and a Hotspot to make connections. It is for mobile use with tethering.

[@mikesey1]

As far as I know, no.

[@user-zy9lm1ok1n]

which battery compartment fits it?

[@terrycooper4149]

While easy to program from the front panel, with the RT Systems software, I can program a new repeater inside of 15 secs. including a named bank assignment for it. With hundreds of repeaters, it saves a lot of time.

[@knoxieman]

Yes it's supposedly a lot better

[@shadowsilverlight1651]

while it might be easier as programming, but who wants to have to connect their radio to computer every time you want to add a repeater or channel? i personally dont like programming by computer, i prefer to program by radio. i have several and havent plugged any into computer to program…done every radio by hand.

[@One-Eyed-Willly]

Why test in fm narrow? Is fm wide not legal in the uk?

[@wolffo999]

I waited a year to upgrade the antenna on my FT-60…..I never once had any issue with the oem yaesu antenna

[@djm243]

Excellent review. Can you tell me where I get my call sign from or can I simply make my own

[@knoxieman]

It depends where you live but normally you have to take an exam

[@lafikdadi1]

Those power measurements are below the specifications.... it is not the radio, it's the power meter. I have the same and it is off by around + and - by 8% to 10%. You will get a different reading if you use a standard Watt meter But it works, that's what matter for use on basic levels.

[@iwannawatsutube]

Hi! Since the power plugs directly to the radio body, can this be operated with battery removed and an external power supply attached? Also can two ft70 talk digitally directly?

[@knoxieman]

Yes and yes 👍 me and Mick are talking in digital mode for most of the video.

[@iwannawatsutube]

@@knoxieman thanks alot for the information! Take care always and 73!

[@Fiddlemandan]

Is it just me, or is G0LD B a cool call sign. Is that just lucky to get a something that’s not just random characters or something you pay extra for?

[@digitalanaloguehamradio]

It’s a brilliant radio

[@knoxieman]

Agreed it really is it's just the programming thing it's silly.

[@mikesey1]

Instead of using NBFM, try wide, and next time. You'll both sound louder to each other.

[@johncahill612]

G0LDB- that is a gangster call. Lol!

[@stankatz01]

RT systems is the answer to your programming issues, well worth the money.

[@knoxieman]

Yes I contacted them a while back to see if they wanted to have me demo it on the channel didn't hear back.

[@stankatz01]

@@knoxieman They are currently out of the components for the cables, I think they want Karen to do their company videos, defiantly theirs is plug and play. Nice video BTW

[@ralphalberti6851]

Is there a way for me to bypass entering of a call sign? I don't have one as of yet and would love to see what I can receive on the radio while I study to get my license.

[@knoxieman]

Yes you don't need to put one in you can skip that part.

[@carpman4767]

You shouldn't be operating on these frequency if you are not licensed

[@ralphalberti6851]

@@carpman4767 Got licensed over a year ago. The setup process for the radio didn't seem to let me complete it without a call sign. I just wanted to listen prior to getting my license. Moot point now anyway.

[@mw0gbr1]

We no longer have a special dispensation allowing us to use a radio while driving. It's a good idea to use a speaker/mic clipped to your seatbelt, it may not be legal but at least the risk of being spotted by a 'rozzer' may be reduced.

[@knoxieman]

Yes we do we can still use a radio whilst driving. 👍 Paragraph 4 states: A device referred to in paragraphs (1)(b), (2)(b) and (3)(b) is a device, other than a two-way radio, which performs an interactive communication function by transmitting and receiving data. Note the “other than a two-way radio”. Paragraph 6(b) defines a two-way radio as follows: “two-way radio” means any wireless telegraphy apparatus which is designed or adapted- (i)for the purpose of transmitting and receiving spoken messages; and (ii)to operate on any frequency other than 880 MHz to 915 MHz, 925 MHz to 960 MHz, 1710 MHz to 1785 MHz, 1805 MHz to 1880 MHz, 1900 MHz to 1980 MHz or 2110 MHz to 2170

[@skysurferboy]

Looks like by the regulations the frequencies quoted specifically exclude mobile phones but not other equipment. Where can I find those regs? Might be useful for the future.

[@severinsalin5467]

Hello, I have already programmed on my FT-5D and I want to transfer it to the FT-70D. Do you know the procedure? So that I don't have to start all over again. Thanks

[@knoxieman]

I don't think there is an easy way to do that without buying 3rd party software which I can't recommend because it's a rip off imo

[@severinsalin5467]

@@knoxieman Thank youvery much

[@AliReza-zx8km]

nice.....................................

[@watatek]

Hello..were you using simplex in the video for the different mode tests?

[@knoxieman]

Yes 👍

[@watatek]

@@knoxieman cool...thanks. Great video.

[@shadowsilverlight1651]

@@knoxieman is it my understanding that in simplex mode in digital, that only locally connected digital radios can hear you? like analog? or are you chatting with only 1 person? im new to digital.

[@sutitigi]

Very nice, would use it for PMR only. 56CT004 Glenn

[@mylesl2890]

i would sort of agree if the battery life wasn't so bad. dunno. also odd you prefer digital audio vs fm/analog. shrugs

[@knoxieman]

Yes battery life isn't great your right

[@dronipassnell6349]

Sehr guter Test, vielen Dank 🙏

[@cmerton]

Is the radio functional while the charger is plugged in?

[@knoxieman]

Yes

[@g1fsh]

Does it do military air band rx Paul on AM?

[@knoxieman]

It may do it depends, some of the military stuff is over 150mhz am, it won't do that.

[@straightpipediesel]

@@knoxieman No, it does military air just fine. You have to manually set it to AM in the military band (RX MOD, or P2 by default), but it works perfectly once you do that.

[@sramsdellwdm]

The audio on this model beats the snot out of ft-2d and ft-3d. Especially on analog

[@MrHYDRO84]

Cool video, I am airband avid listener anygood?

[@knoxieman]

Yes not many planes about to listen to though

[@jkpisces]

can the yaesu talks to baofeng with better audio transmission quality?

[@knoxieman]

Not really the transmit and receive performance is all within the radio and of course how it's setup, a wide signal for instance will sound clipped on a radio that is set to receive narrow band etc.

[@dont4450]

Does the ft 70dr also receive shortwave?

[@knoxieman]

No it does AM aircraft band though 👍

[@kenandbarbie-b6c]

I’m a new ham, but I’m too old for strange programming steps. I’m looking at the older designed (antique like me) FT-60r instead.

[@TonyLing]

Support given under CHIRP too

[@bryanpuckett3023]

DON'T do it you will brick it

[@TonyLing]

@@bryanpuckett3023 Why is that Brian?

[@bryanpuckett3023]

@@TonyLing you will brick it aka ends up being a paper weight.

[@m0aze611]

This a a great vid and very useful, a few years on from the original posting I’m looking at buying one. Looks to be a great radio but Yaesu keep on letting themselves down and more importantly their customers. Why, what is essentially a tech company, can’t make interfaces that are easy to use whether Windows/Mac based is beyond me. I have a FTdx10 and while Yaesu menu system is better, upgrades remain a joke. My Elecraft has a Mac/Widows interface and it’s easy peasy. Size of Elecraft compared with Yaesu is huge so what is stopping them from delivering what customers are shouting out for? Kenwood are as bad - the big 3 still dragging their heals and frankly taking the piss. Thanks for posting. Regards Mike

[@ben2e0omr]

What a brilliant advert for C4FM/ Fusion. However that programming debacle would have resulted with FT70 and a window making friends. Hihi.

[@knoxieman]

Yes indeed 😂👍

[@ManuelPinner]

Yeasu needs to make this Radio Easier to Program, I have a Alinco DJ-MD5X,

[@jerrygrimes8813]

I don't understand the programming you were attempting. I've owned this radio for two years, and program it routinely with no trouble whatsoever. But I do use the RT Systems software and cable (plugs into the audio/mic combo jack). Whatever that mess was you were doing with ADMS seems ridiculously difficult.

[@knoxieman]

Might work different for that but this is what you have to do with their software, it's a well known issue and not something i am doing by any lack of experience on my part as you seem to be insinuating.

[@alisonb4898]

Just the single line display is a deal breaker for me.

[@knoxieman]

Yes understand that, I don't know why they did that when a baofeng has it.

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

@@knoxieman Externally it looks like a 15 year old radio. Like imitating an old icom.

[@oldmanandguitar]

Thank God for that and you, am sick of seeing Baofeng radios.

[@ColeDedhand]

I have to disagree with your characterization of the FT-70DR as entry-level, unless you actually mean entry-level digital HT.

[@knoxieman]

Yup entry level multimode radio

[@Pops_607]

I use the RT software way nicer and easier

[@jeffkardosjr.3825]

It would be better value if it did DMR too.

[@knoxieman]

Well that depends, I'm not a fan of DMR so for me it's better it does fusion

[@radiosification]

Sounds like he was talking too far from the microphone on FM

[@roostersofer5759]

The cheap radio sounded just as good to me. Save some money.

[@pieman192]

It’s a baofang get real 😂

[@drewbee6248]

All of yaesu's radio's no are great Great ilustration , looks easier to program then chirp , that's a bad point & unfortunately it is what it is , it's not going to ditur me from buying one

[@baronedipiemonte3990]

I'm in the United States and used to like Yaesu until their warranty and repair service went to hell. They are also farming out a lot of the manufacturing to China which is disingenuous of them.

[@thelydiaspringexperiment6437]

all modes? all ONE mode. even my old vx7 does AM.

[@knoxieman]

It does AM?

[@yudoanggoro6157]

Harga jangan mahal. Oc

[@piplawrence2981]

You are paying extra for the name.

[@knoxieman]

Nope this is a super radio

[@wisteela]

That programming nonsense really does spoil it.

[@knoxieman]

It really does, I mean you do get used to it but when a radio that costs 20 quid can be just plugged in and it works it really makes you wonder, it's still a fantastic radio though, it was the only downside.

[@Ruinskiy]

Из машины лучше выйти, она как клетка Фарадея

[@theend5304]

Он сам Фарадей, поэтому не надо выходить)))

[@theend5304]

На ходу

[@mikegunthner7040]

I don’t like my ft70dr, hard to program the radio, hand disabled by birth

[@JohnSmith-wl8cv]

Had one usual disappointing audio as usual with Yaesu stock antenna not that good , battery life very poor ,sold on after having mine for a month

[@knoxieman]

Yes they are quite thirsty on the battery front but audio on this is superb, no complaints there and the stock antenna is as good as it needs to be.

[@billisnice]

The battery life is terrible and the speaker is subpar.

[@jay-rus4437]

Absolutely hate this radio. Battery life is terrible....for no apparent reason either. Bought it with high hopes, and have never carried it yet. Sits on the desk collecting dust. Yaesu dropped the ball on this one

[@davidl.4408]

I bought this radio less than 2 weeks ago at the Dayton Hamvention... I wish that I'd done more research before buying it. The battery life leaves a bit to be desired, and the insane method of getting into programming mode is not very intuitive at all. I would have loved to return it to HRO where I bought it from, but the international shipping costs from Canada to send it back would pretty much eliminate any refund that I'd get. The radio itself has superb QRM filtering compared to my other handhelds, but I still feel very disappointed in the battery life.

[@jay-rus4437]

@@davidl.4408 ….ended us selling it to another local operator that wanted it. I even asked him why he would want it….LOL

[@davidl.4408]

@@jay-rus4437 I've had my FT70D for about 10 weeks now, and my view of the FT70D has not improved at all, in fact it is now a little worse. I had the FT70D sitting on the seat beside me while mobile, and I needed to adjust the volume, but it was next to impossible to do while driving. What HT did you replace the FT70D with? I'm on a serious hunt for a new HT.

[@jay-rus4437]

@@davidl.4408 …went with an ft60r. Not c4fm, but I wasnt a fan of that either

[@richatgo9177]

Its dmrs radio

[@thetube577]

Over rated radio, that has an aweful battery life. This model is on the do not buy list.

[@2e0bgb]

Excellent review,, thank you...2E0BGB..