Yaesu FT-60r (FT60) Mars/Cap Modification

[@broncogirl8232]

I would like to say thank you for keeping this video available I modify about 2 FT60’s a year for neighbors and reviewing this video really helps. I work on a few different Yeasu models so I want to make sure to do it right! Thanks for a to the point simple video!!!

[@rpcomms1]

Guys just a hint here for people doing this,don't use the stock antenna,they are very narrow banded antenna! You will get very high VSWR outside ham bands and possible RF PA failures Put a commercial grade Vhf or Uhf antenna for the target band in use if going way out from ham bands,just some friendly advice from a radio comms engineer.

[@jessiewright1053]

I followed the video precisely and ended up with a MARS CAP modded radio that woks perfectly. Thanks for the very detail oriented video and the well laid out instructions.

[@NickPixelTV]

+Jessie Wright awesome! Glad we could be helpful. Where ya from? How do you like the ft60 so far?

[@jessiewright1053]

I'm in Phoenix, AZ. I've had the FT60 for about a month and so far I'm really impressed. I chose it mainly because it fell within my budget and it provided the most features that were available for a radio in my target price range (broad range scanning). The only con that I have so far but one that was not really a deal stopper, was that the radio has no active battery indicator display. Other than that, it's a really nice little radio and a solid performer. Just an FYI, HRO has recently discounted these to $150.00 bucks because they are being discontinued by Yaesu. They are still over 200 on eBay but I'm sure the prices will drop soon elsewhere. Thanks Again.

[@MrAnatolyvizitiu]

Took me 10 min and now I can transmit on GRMS. I used one of the needle picks from a phone repair kit and SMD resistor exploded when I pushed against it leaving the trace clean unmolested on both sides. This is so much a cleaner mod than messing with a soldering iron. Thank You guys... You are freaking AWESOME for uploading this video.

[@NickPixelTV]

RC Pilot Multirotor ;) no problem at all - thanks for watching. Sub if you’d like

[@lball4267]

Was looking for the upgrade. Called local ham ship and they wanted $50.00 to perform the activity. Im handy with a soldering iron but was super hesitant. This way was awesome. I can only bet the Ham shop does it the same way. 10-15 minutes. Make sure you have a good magnifying glasses. Thanks for the instructions for the DYI gang. Remember, if your unsure and cant afford to replace your radio is you screw up, pay the $50.00 to the shop. The break it, they own it:)

[@Brian424]

I just did this mod on my FT-60R and it worked perfectly. I followed your advice not to use heat via a soldering iron and used a new utility knife blade like you guys did. It took about five attempts, by putting the very tip of the blade beside and slightly under the edge of the resistor, and prying gently up and to the side. On the fifth try it popped right off with no damage to the circuit board or any surrounding components. All that remained were the two end posts and the solder that held them to the board. The resistor disappeared and is so tiny I couldn't find it. Unless you have very good eyesight, I recommend wearing a cheap pair of magnifying "cheater" glasses because that resistor is teeny-tiny, even smaller than it looks in the video. You will also need a very small phillips screwdriver to remove the four screws under the battery that hold the case together, particularly the top two tiny black screws. An inexpensive jeweler's screwdriver kit that contains a tiny phillips will do the trick. I put off doing this for a while, building up my confidence, but now that it's done I'll say that it was easy, and I'd attempt it again anytime. It took me about 25 minutes start to finish, including collecting the necessary tools and putting them away afterward. Keep in mind that doing this mod does reset the radio and you will lose all the frequencies you have programmed, so before you begin, write them all down or make a backup using programming software.

[@jethro9341]

Most of the haters are noobs that have never owned or used anything but a baofeng. Go to a club and try the yaesu, or anything other than a baofeng, and you will quickly realize what the saying "you get what you pay for" really means.

[@icemaster5738]

I have 2 baofeng radios they suck!!! Yaesu ft60r is the best radio!

[@culpepper7665]

@@icemaster5738 And yet they remain the most popular radio on the market. People have owned them for years now without issue... and if there was an issue simply buy a new one for 30 bucks lmao.

[@wdsracer]

I saw you on one of Buckins videos. I didn’t know you were a ham operator. I am too.

[@414RadioTech]

Also don't forget the VHF Murs channels as well that could be great for emergency comms

[@NickPixelTV]

Railfan 51 no doubt. Thanks for popping in!

[@dakkadakka9189]

@@NickPixelTV is there anything specific to the kenwood 16 channel 5 watt vhf radios for this, I'm in Canada and work on the road and deal with truck drivers problem is from what I see its all us spec radios tx 144-148 and I use freqs all in the 150s, I have an unlocked Motorola mobile in the work truck but am looking at getting a hand held for back up or if im spotting truck radio was bought previously modified for this.

[@mjm9863]

Simple and easy. I’ve extended the TX on my FT60R (R1164), FT3DR, FT70DR (FT3DR and FT70DR very simple, pop up rubber plug in battery compartment and solder suck to create an open), and even my Kenwood TH-D74 (requires complete tear down (remove R761). Kemwood TH-D74 might now be for the timid. I was RF Transmission Systems in the military and worked down to component level including SMC IC’s, so experienced though. Amateur radios are very simple though (toys). Remember, afterwards be responsible.

[@rezwan66]

Thanks mate..I have just completed the modification..working great :) 73

[@NickPixelTV]

+rezwan anwar awesome! Happy to help ;) subscribe for new videos on the way

[@rezwan66]

Already subscribed 😊

[@extravirginoliveoil266]

DON’T TRY THIS unless you have really steady hands. But I used a pair of long pointed tweezers. Heated them up red hot over the stove, then gave them a brief second to cool. Then, grabbed the solder ends of the specified cap using the long tweezers. Sometimes they won’t be hot enough to get the solder to flow. just try again and shorten your time in between heating/ tweezing. TAKE YOUR TIME. Practice with tweezers cool under magnifying glass without and then With touching the cap without touching any other components. Inspect and learn which cap you are after and other components around it that may be damaged if you get close to them before even bringing tweezers near the board. Don’t bridge any other connection to any other components on the board. Possibly shorting something. you will defiantly need a magnifying glass or jewelers ring. REMEMBER you can not touch any other components with the hot tweezers it will melt them and destroy your radio.

[@green7449]

Wow, so I bought one of these radios without reading through that it can't actually transmit on hardly any frequencies. I watched your video, grabbed my radio and in 5 minutes I can now use it on our work frequency! Yay, no more shitty work radio for me!

[@NickPixelTV]

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching

[@biologistjim4905]

What is the explanation for why this advantageous?

[@smudgey1kenobey]

To get access to more frequencies.

[@tl3305]

Does this mod also unlock the VHF channels up through 174mhz?

[@e1eve17]

Looks like; I can transmit on mine up to 174. 174.050 is where it stops for me.

[@yeticonadventures361]

So, I did this modification on two radios, I have four radios in all. The two radios that I did the modification on work fine and I can transmit and receive to FRS/GMRS radios. The problem I am having is the same as a couple people below. I can not get the either of the two modified radios to take programming from the FT-60 Commander or the Chirp software programs. Both of the programming softwares are working because I can program the two unmodified radios but obviously I can not transmit on the unmodified radios. What software program are you guys using to reprogram your radios after doing the Mars/Cap modification and on what PC?

[@NickPixelTV]

Yeticon Adventures i was able to use chirp and windows 10 after the mod on the radios i’ve done

[@yeticonadventures361]

@@NickPixelTV I have tried two computers one with Windows 7 and one with Windows XP. What cable are you using. I was thinking it might be a driver issue but the non-modified radios are programming fine. Anyone that you can think I should get in contact with to help with this problem?

[@yeticonadventures361]

So, I got the it to work. I was using the chirp program with some aftermarket cable. I purchased the Yaesu ADMS-1J-USB kit that came with the CD and the cable. Everything works now and I am able to program both radios off of my Dell Laptop running windows 10.

[@tx2sturgis]

How is the rx sensitivity and tx power on the 460 band once its modded?

[@NickPixelTV]

+tx2sturgis I use this radio often and for the most part at great distances and I haven't noticed a anything significant in sensitivity nor the transmit power since the mod. The tiger tail/counterpoise wire really helped and I highly suggest that.

[@ScrewdriverTUNING]

Interesting. This gives you different frequencies????? I want to know more friend

[@NickPixelTV]

Yes opens it up to a ton of frequencies for emergency use really if needed. But could technically talk to police, fire, air etcc.

[@vynpopplewell6099]

I might add watching you guys having fun pushed to shady and take the Tech and General test. Thanks KD9MAD

[@NickPixelTV]

Im sorry I took so long to respond. I hope you're still here. Did you pass your tests

[@electechyt]

So many negative comments by the armchair warriors. I modded mine because, not only am I a Radio Amateur, I am also a very experienced Radio engineering professional. I have my own licensed PMR repeater network and I find it easier to have a simple, radio that can do all, rather than have a cluster of different radios hanging off my belt, there is just one. However I also have DMR repeaters and radios therefore my trusty GD77 can do it all - although its not as sensitive or easy to use as the Yaesu. Best of all, the Yaesu receives Civil and Mil airband. As for the counterpoise, anything is better than nothing, but remember the stock antenna is just a coil and with you (or me!) as the reflected earth, it is inefficient at the best of times. Of course a Diamond antenna will help but the longer antenna length means it is not ergonomic anymore. Good video guys.

[@LaurentVF]

Hi Dave, I have a yaesu ft 270r. do you know how I can locate (or find out) where the resistor is located to complete the Mars/Cap mod?

[@electechyt]

@@LaurentVF Try Mods DK www.mods.dk

[@ko4gpa]

Does anyone know of a video for this on the FT-70dr?

[@jonathanclark7955]

Hey guys, just did this and followed your instructions/demo very carefully and what do you know, just like in the video, it worked perfectly!! Thanks so much for the effort! One quick question. Obviously I lost my freq fill during the process. I had previously used chirp to do the programming but now it no longer detects the radio. So my question is, is this a common problem post-mod or is it my software/process on my end? You don't need to answer my problem if it isn't a known issue. I just was curious if others had experienced similar issues. If not then I'll continue to work on it here. If they have, does anyone have a solution or work around? Thanks fellas!

[@NickPixelTV]

It sounds to me like software or process.. The mod shouldn't cause any issues with detecting the radio in chirp. I have re-programmed mine after without any issues... thinking maybe start with a fresh install of the software

[@jonathanclark7955]

KC3FSX Thanks man good to know. I'll drive on with triybleshooting the chirp. Thanks so much for the quick response!

[@thisnthat2391]

There may be nothing wrong with chirp. Some radios react differently than others, for me chirp came up with an error when I tried to upload the previous image from before the mod , turns out you need to download a new image from radio then import the previous data in to the current image . I'm guessing after the mod some settings, compatibility,version, etc. are different. I know this is years later but hope it helps someone.

[@HNEcustomprinting]

My ft3d dont have that resistor but still error tx any info?

[@NickPixelTV]

I haven't done the Ft3 does it look like - radioaficion.com/cms/ft3d-mods/

[@rezwan66]

Hey Mate, can we mod for TX range 476.4250-477.4125

[@vynpopplewell6099]

Thanks guys

[@NickPixelTV]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnUsp]

After this MOD, the radio becomes Tri-Band? What about the quality transmission/reception in 1.25m (219MHz - 225MHz)?

[@NickPixelTV]

no on tri band just opens up range the full details can be found via search "mars/cap" frequencies mod

[@bigcap01]

Hi Do you have the Mars modification for a HT yaesu ft-257

[@gfdfperte4248]

What is the power output of this FT-60r radio my UV-5R is 4w but limited by the antenna same as the FT-60r

[@NickPixelTV]

+Gfdf Perte 5w

[@dennispotts2292]

hello, I did this mod on my yaesu ft60r. I have the yaesu software for this to program radio, since I did mod I can not program it. Do you have any help for me? I did the factory reset too. Thanks

[@NickPixelTV]

Dennis Potts the factory reset should of completed after the mod. Did you get any errors? Is everything else working correctly? If its not on the radio side it might be ok the computer / usb side that ur using to program the radio

[@dennispotts2292]

KC3FSX yes I did factory reset. Go through programming process, then error pops up on the radio screen. KE8IPA

[@NickPixelTV]

Dennis Potts im thinking. When its trying to transmit the update file is that where it errors out maybe it’s a setting hard to tell without seeing it but I’m thinking. Usually this process is flawless

[@trmccowen6486]

KC3FSX-Nick maybe try the RT Systems programming software, tho it isnt freeware. I was having similar issues your describing and it turned out to be CHIRP.

[@AdamosDad]

Deep well nut driver?

[@StevenLutz]

It makes me nervous seeing guy break the resistor off the pcb. it could potentially tear the pad off the board. best ot flick it off with a soldering iron ot better off.. just take it off after melting the solder with hot air. I solder 0603 resistors by hand all the time.

[@robertr4561]

I did this MOD but when I transmit my other radios just get high pitched screeching, any advice? Do I need a different antenna? Thank you

[@NickPixelTV]

Robert Raleigh how close are your other radios? Sounds to me like there may just be interference because they are too close. Let me know how it works out.

[@eddiedowning2571]

I try it and couldn't even see mine on my board

[@NickPixelTV]

It is very small need to magnify

[@adventureseeker9800]

This certainly isnt meant as an insult in any way, but the guy on the left with the hat, I thought damn he looks familiar then it hit me. He looks like Bud Roberts from _JAG_

[@a1xavier]

hey I did this mod and everything works except my voice does not carry. I can key the mic and break squelch im lost. any suggestions?

[@NickPixelTV]

That is odd... did the radio reset after you did the mod? Did you do it exactly like the video?

[@a1xavier]

yes as far as i know, im afraid i may have hit something close to that resistor and damaged it, however i cannot find a good schematic detailing what does what. im going to get some electrical cleaner and try that tomorrow in case some residual is causing this problem. my voice wont even carry on the local repeater even though i can key and get it to identify. thanks for getting back to me.

[@NickPixelTV]

a1xavier I wish I could help you. If you’re keying up then you have the right pl code. How about mic volume? Let me know how you make out. Thanks for the sub

[@a1xavier]

hey you got it, ill look into the mic volume issue, and try to reset the radio manually. ill let you know, thanks again!

[@elihollaway5405]

Can this mod work with a yaesu ft-270

[@gfdfperte4248]

So what did you guys do? Anyone know?

[@NickPixelTV]

+Gfdf Perte what are you asking?

[@gfdfperte4248]

What was the big mod??

[@NickPixelTV]

Gfdf Perte removed the resistor so it opens up the ability to transmit on more frequencies if needed in an emergency

[@Thetreefella]

DooooooooooooooD.....👊👍🌳💚🌳💚

[@MrOverload10]

Does this mod work on Yaesu FT-60E(European version)? 73

[@NickPixelTV]

I believe so but don't hold me to that. If you pull that back panel and see that little resistor you should be fine. I have heard of others doing.

[@juansegundo4121]

Remove the resistance in the FT 60E. But I can not do TX at 146,520. I can only do TX up to 146,000. Forget to do something? Tks!

[@gfdfperte4248]

My 11$ new Baofeng UV-5R All Fm radio. 400.00 to 520.997 130.00 to 176.997 does this radio do this??

[@gfdfperte4248]

What is the power output of the FT 60

[@NickPixelTV]

+Gfdf Perte 5w

[@gfdfperte4248]

ok so 1 watt more and 15 to 20 times the cost. once more why would you spend that much money on a hand held

[@mrbyamile6973]

@@gfdfperte4248 I have both, you really do get what you pay for. My Yaesu has so much more sensitive receive than the UV-5R. Now if you want a cheap radio to toss in SHTF go-bag and vehicle glove compartment that wont break the bank or make you cry if someone steels it go with the UV-5R, that's why I have both.

[@JohnUsp]

Bofeng has a very bad sensitivity and selectivity in the radio receiver, you can hear less than 50% of what a Yaesu FT-60R can hear.

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

the counter poise is a excellent mod kg6mn

[@NickPixelTV]

+jerome grzelak thanks! Hope all is well

[@mattchew308640]

This work on a ft-25

[@brianbrown4965]

i would not let you near any of my radios . after seeing you 2 do this

[@NickPixelTV]

BRIAN BROWN ?

[@jethro9341]

Dont worry about it guys. Hes just mad he has to make the trek from his mommy's basement to the kitchen because the isnt home to make his pp&j for him.

[@BrekMartin]

Neither would I after hearing the “What are those things called?” “Soldering iron that’s right”, and the picking the link out with a blade.

[@NickPixelTV]

Gotta work with what you have and it easy and works.. troll much?

[@BrekMartin]

Either I’m trolling, or I actually wouldn’t let a guy who can’t remember what a soldering iron is called inside a radio of mine with a blade. One possible outcome of that is lifting one of the tracks from the PCB, making the mod harder to neatly reverse, and sell on through conventional ham sites. Having said that, I don’t care at all what you do with your own stuff, or how you go about it.

[@toddhall1018]

Ever think about rehearsing first

[@jay-rus4437]

Its interesting how you are giving such confident advice on how the razor blade is the beat way to go, but yet it seems you have zero experience with having ever even done this mod. 🙄

[@NickPixelTV]

So you watch ppls videos and you see them burn up their radio with an iron and see damaged radios and I have done about 10 now with the razor blade its a little pop and its off with no heat etc and have had zero issues sooo theres that

[@gfdfperte4248]

Really 150$ vs 11$ I do not see how someone can pay that much for the FT-60r Please help me out here

[@NickPixelTV]

+Gfdf Perte my buddy has two of the baofengs but they are a pain to program also they just feel like they are cheap. The ft-60 is a solid radio built really well and dependable. The cheap ones are good to have for beginners but I try to buy something right he first time. My favorite radio is the vx8-dr. I have a video on it and it is my edc radio

[@gfdfperte4248]

yes use the chirp program then it is easy. all hand helds are just that hand held radios for emergency use. and if your close to a repeater very close it works out ok

[@gfdfperte4248]

Now I need a Good ICOM for 11Meter use

[@jethro9341]

Use them both and you will see why. Huge difference. Compared to any baofeng, the ft60r is worth every penny.

[@a1xavier]

drop that awesome 11 $ radio once and you will see why.

[@patrickjopling7947]

Guys...hmmm your camera is OUT OF FOCUS and does NOT SHOW the point where the resistor should be removed...CLEARLY!! "Grab an razor blade and GO FOR IT" is not a good idea inside the FT60. .... 'chopping inside the FT60" is not a good behavior for the reliability of the radio. PLEASE...POST A "BIG PICTURE" of the site in the radio...CLEAR PICTURE ...with arrows to show folks what needs to go...(antenna adds are interesting..will check that out) KC9OHL....

[@jeromegrzelak8236]

Just buy a Bofang

[@gfdfperte4248]

Way better and for 11$ usd New

[@gfdfperte4248]

nice did not know about the UV-5X3 Thanks I am looking into to it now.

[@NickPixelTV]

+tim Forbrook what do you consider throw away? the ft60 is 180 and the vx8dr is like 400.. both great radios.. a baofeng might be thow away.. at 35 bucks

[@JohnUsp]

Bofeng has a very bad sensitivity and selectivity in the radio receiver, you can hear less than 50% of what a Yaesu FT-60R can hear.