Yaesu FT3DR: Introduction

#yaesu #ft3dr #hamradio #ht
This video is an introduction to the Yaesu FT3DR handie-talkie. I purchased this radio a couple of months ago. It is an updated version of the FT2DR, with a color display. It features simultaneous dual-receive, GPS, and APRS. It also has a feature called Club Channel Activity Monitor (CAM) which allows you to monitor 5 other frequencies with VFO B, while you are using VFO A. Another feature is the Bluetooth earbud.
In this video, I provide a brief introduction to the FT3DR. In future videos, I will go into greater detail, especially related to APRS.
Correction: I inadvertently referred to the AA battery case as a battery eliminator. Technically, the term battery eliminator is often associated with a device that allows you to power a radio via the cigarette lighter of your vehicle.
I hope you enjoy this video and find it helpful. If you find my channel informative and entertaining, I hope you will consider joining my support group by clicking on: www.patreon.com/N4HNH There are 3 levels of support, including exclusive content. Visibility of premium content is determined by the level of membership you choose. The higher the membership level, the more content you have access to. VIP members are invited to participate in periodic Zoom meetings.
Most videos are visible to the Patreon team members long before they are released for public viewing. Some videos are never released for public viewing. Yearly S7 (Executive) and S9 (VIP) members have access to the menu optimizations PDFs I’ve written for the FT-891, FT-991A, FTdx5000MP, FTdx101D/MP, FTdx10, and FT-710 AESS. Yearly S7 (Executive) members can receive one menu optimizations PDF while yearly S9 (VIP) members can receive multiple menu optimizations documents, plus my FT8 configuration guide for either the FTdx10 or the FT-710 AESS. Future radios might be added. The documents are copyrighted. They shall not be divulged to anyone else without written permission from Doug McAlexander, callsign N4HNH.
N4HNH Radio has a Web site where you can purchase T-shirts with some of the sayings you might hear in the videos. Some of the more prominent videos are featured there as well as a page geared toward ham radio training. Go to: www.n4hnhradio...
Other ways to help support this channel are to click like and subscribe, and watch the video to the end.
73, de N4HNH

[@BBLandServices]

the good ol Black Mtn repeater. The first 440 repeater I ever got on. It’s the only 440 machine I can hit from here in blairsville.

[@n4hnhradio]

Pete has great repeaters. It’s his labor of love for the North Georgia amateur radio community. He lets a club use his 2m repeater for their weekly net. He lends his repeaters for use by those providing communications for marathon type races. He also links his 2m repeater to the network of repeaters that the NWS uses to collect inclement weather reports.

[@garychap8384]

Had this radio for a few days and I've got a handle on most of it _(as regards analogue and APRS at least)_ But, switching the knob functions around? That's priceless info right there !!!! TNX OM, 73s de M6UDS

[@n4hnhradio]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. 73, de N4HNH

[@googlemustdie]

best video I've found on this radio. Thank you!!

[@n4hnhradio]

Thank you! I like the FT3DR. It has the best filtered SDR receiver that I’ve encountered in a HT. It can still suffer slightly from intermod in metropolitan areas or near a broadcast tower, but all SDR receivers will, and some superheterodyne receivers will. That’s why I keep a FT-60R around. It has a dual superheterodyne receiver that has proven to be able to receive even when I stand at the base of the tower of a 50,000 Watt broadcast transmitter. But the FT3DR is still the best of the SDR types. 73, de N4HNH

[@Steve_Wardley_G6JEF]

Great series of video's Doug, just picked up one of these here in the UK and finding it a bit intimidating but your content is helping greatly. Thanks

[@n4hnhradio]

Thank you for your comment Stephen! I’m glad you found the videos helpful. 73, de N4HNH

[@jerrymorales6501]

Great Overview. Just received my FT-3DR and this helps in getting started, as well as the additional accessories available for it.

[@n4hnhradio]

Congratulations! I like the FT3DR. Mine is still doing well. 73, de N4HNH

[@jerrymorales6501]

@@n4hnhradio I was hesitant at first, but a couple of buddies of mine acquired one and it's packed with many features. It is higher priced than other radios, but it looks like you get quite a bit for your dollar. I especially like the ability to message via APRS. I'll be looking for your video on that feature. Thanks again. 73's. KI5NIO

[@garychap8384]

I bought mine second hand and it came with the spring clip. I'd say that the clip is an absolute necessity - the spring is real strong and it clings on SO tight and there's no prising it off ... it's on there like a hobo on fries!

[@n4hnhradio]

Yes, I agree. I bought extra batteries for mine because I hike and camp with it. I also bought the AA battery pack, for emergency backup. The TX power is lower with AA but it is for emergency backup only. They changed the arrangement of the buttons in the FT5DR. I prefer the FT3DR. They are basically the same radio. 73, de N4HNH

[@wu2u]

great video Doug! What a radio, thanks for all the great info.

[@n4hnhradio]

The FT3DR is a very nice HT. It is definitely feature-filled. I could nitpick it over a couple of things but no radio is perfect. 73, de N4HNH

[@Paintbl99]

Great video, that group channel monitoring feature is cool. Never knew it could do that.

[@n4hnhradio]

Indeed the Club Active Monitoring (CAM) is cool. I use it for SOTA. I can call CQ on 146.520 while checking other simplex frequencies for a vacant frequency to move to, or while watching to see if someone starts transmitting on one of the other simplex frequencies, in case I’m looking for another contact. 73, de N4HNH

[@jerryfowler7182]

VERY GOOD

[@n4hnhradio]

Thanks

[@jerryfowler7182]

Thank you Doug for the video, but, I just bought the FT5D, and would like to see you do an, A to Z, on it, if you acquire one. I enjoy the way you teach. Thanks

[@n4hnhradio]

I’m still happy with my FT3DR. The principles are the same, though the menu layout is different. I don’t need the FT5DR but my friend Joel has one and he likes it.

[@sonnyjrcruz3022]

One Great share to look into. Like me who hates to read manual. Cheers and have Great one Doug.

[@n4hnhradio]

Thanks for your comment! 73, N4HNH

[@432hzcompanyq.6]

Gooder.. Thanks for the info. Cheers

[@infopimp]

Great job and info!!

[@n4hnhradio]

Thank you, Steve! 73, de N4HNH

[@robdlc438]

Good video

[@n4hnhradio]

Thanks! 73, de N4HNH

[@ThisTall]

Newbie question, but why do you need a license to use the FT3D if it’s on,y a VHF/UHF and only receives low range frequencies? I was under the impression you only needed a license to transmit in low frequencies?

[@n4hnhradio]

The FT3DR is a VHF/UHF ham radio. A Technician Class license is required in order to transmit with such a radio. To transmit on a HF radio, will require a General Class license. A Technician Class has some limited CW privileges within the HF bands, and they can use SSB between 28.3 and 28.5 Megahertz, at 200 watts or less power. The General Class opens up a wide range of frequencies and allows up to 1,500 watts of power. 73, de N4HNH

[@ThisTall]

@@n4hnhradio thanks for the reply. I just inherited a new FT3DR and was wondering if I can just use it on the regular FSR frequencies all my friends use on their cheap Beofengs when out in the back country. From what I can tell, in my area radios are limited to 2 watts of power without a license, but I have many friends with 4-8 watt Beofangs they use with no license. Would it raise any flags if I just used my FT3DR with them?

[@n4hnhradio]

The FT3DR will only listen on frequencies outside of the limits of the amateur radio bands. The transmitter inhibits transmission on such frequencies. The antenna isn’t made for those frequencies either, so transmit power will be compromised. The transmitter could even be damaged if you try to transmit on frequencies that the antenna is not made for. Since you were fortunate enough to acquire a FT3DR, I would highly suggest going to www.hamstudy.org and studying to pass the exam for a Technician Class license. 73, de N4HNH

[@ThisTall]

@@n4hnhradio Thanks for the reply. But unfortunately if it’s not even capable of communicating with public hand held radios, then it really has no value to me.

[@n4hnhradio]

I know someone who might buy it from you.

[@1polonium210]

I recommend a quick charge cradle. The HT charges VERY slowly with the charging cord shipped with the radio. You should also buy a Nagoya 771 antenna.

[@n4hnhradio]

I have the rapid charger, as well as the Bluetooth headset. I use the Signal Stuff antenna when hiking. It has the same gain as a Diamond SR77CA. But for longer range I use the Diamond SRH770S. Best HT antenna on the market. It beats the telescopic ANLI, yet the Diamond is flexible. My record with the SRH770S is 124 miles simplex. 73, N4HNH

[@1polonium210]

@@n4hnhradio Thanks for the recommendation. I haven't tried the Diamond yet. Will look into that. 73 KI5KET

[@MrWilliewonka69]

Is this a higher end competitor for a beufang uv-5r ?

[@n4hnhradio]

I’m afraid the Yaesu HT and a Baofeng HT are not even in the same league. The receiver in the Yaesu is way beyond a Baofeng. If you cannot hear the other station, you can’t talk to them. I have been on team outings with Baofeng owners and I had to loan them a HT. Plus the FT3DR, now FT5DR, has GPS and APRS. You can send and receive a text message with it. There are places with no cell coverage but radios can send a message. I hope this helps. 73, de N4HNH

[@MrWilliewonka69]

@N4HNH Radio can you program this one to talk to 2 way walkie talkies as well ?

[@n4hnhradio]

This is a 2-way walkie-talkie for ham radio frequencies. To use those frequencies, you must possess a Technician Class amateur radio license. The exam consists of 35 questions. 73, de N4HNH

[@kzlbaret2300]

Hello. 1. How do I turn off the tape I don't use on this device. For example air band. 2. How can I restrict it on a certain channel Thank you.

[@n4hnhradio]

I’m not sure I know what you mean by tape. To my knowledge you avoid the airband by not using it. You must switch to VFO mode and cycle through the bands in order to access the airband. You would then need to program a frequency. Beyond that, you would need to save the frequency into a memory in order to facilitate quick recall. I’m not aware of a way to completely disable access to the non-amateur frequency bands.

[@TellyS100]

Does anyone know what the difference, if any, is between the FT3DR (with an "R") and the FT3DE (with an "E")? European version perhaps?

[@n4hnhradio]

Frequency ranges. The USA has different frequency allocations than Europe. The “R” version is for the US market. 73, de N4HNH

[@miles12814]

I really appreciate this video, Doug. And your others on the FT3DR. You mentioned it has a built in screen protector, and I'm wondering where you read/heard that. What do you know about the screen protector? Can you share? Thank you.

[@n4hnhradio]

Keith, I just feel something like a thin membrane over the screen when I press it. It doesn’t seem to be something that can be replaced. I did purchase the optional “leatherette” cover for mine, but it doesn’t cover the display. It’s nice padding though, to prevent superficial scratches I hope. I have one on my FT-60R and it saved it from a fall on my driveway that probably would have damaged a corner on the radio. 73, Doug

[@miles12814]

@@n4hnhradio Thanks for the reply and the info. I'm enjoying the series. 73

[@tylerdean980]

I'd really like one of these, but the 991a comes first. They're both very compelling buys. I just wish the refresh rate of the 991a's scope was a little better.

[@n4hnhradio]

991A should be a first choice if you are General Class or above and will use a base/mobile more so than a HT. The HT is great for hiking and camping. You will like the FT-991A. The scope doesn’t bother me. I only look for spikes to know if there are others on the band. That’s all I use one for. The receiver is a boss and that is the higher priority for me. 73, N4HNH

[@tylerdean980]

@@n4hnhradio you have a 991a? Do you know if you can do 2 meter packet radio with just a single USB cable like you can the other digital modes, or do you need anything else?

[@n4hnhradio]

I don’t own a FT-991A. I have used one a few times. Actually I used my friend’s FT-991, and was very impressed. I don’t do packet but I know the radio has a built-in sound card. For FM packet it will require a slightly different setup. Below is a link to a discussion regarding packet and the FT-991A. 73, N4HNH forums.qrz.com/index.php?threads/yaesu-ft-991-fm-packet-9600.613797/

[@amercalifa5592]

The radio has a weak reception sensitivity. I bought one at HamRadioOutlet for $ 400 and took it back a week later. Compared with Icom ID51A Plus, Icom IC-91AD and Yaesu VX-6R .. all three radios were better in sensitivity and selectivity than Yaesu FT3D. A color touchscreen display would be nice if it also received digital TV, and radio only needs information about frequencies. At the same frequency, all three radios received good reception, without interference and hiss, and FT3D through strong hiss. I don't know, maybe I got a defective radio?

[@1polonium210]

Either your HT is defective or you don't know how to operate properly.

[@n4hnhradio]

Mine receives quite well, but, being an SDR, it suffers from front-end overload around tower sites. But it has the ability to switch to Narrow FM. That cleared up the interference I got from a forest of transmitters and towers at a tower site last week. So far, I am quite pleased. But I won’t give up my FT-270R. It is 2m only, with a tight front-end and superheterodyne receiver. I have stood next to the tower of a 50,000 watt broadcast transmitter and carried on a simplex QSO with someone 60 miles away, without interference. I was on a mountain, but only at 1700 feet ASL. Others, with SDR HTs couldn’t hear a guy 12 miles away who was running 160W on 146.520. So the FT-270R is a keeper. But the FT3DR is fast becoming a favorite. I want to take it to the mountain with the 50kW transmitter and see how it does. I know I will have to switch to the Narrow FM mode though. 73, N4HNH

[@jansensalazar4399]

Do you know how can you connect to a repeater with a diff PL tones? Like for example the PL.tones on the Tx is 100 amd the Rx tone is 77. I cannot figure how to set it up. Thanks

[@n4hnhradio]

I’ll shoot a video. There is an option for TX tone and RX tone. 73, N4HNH

[@jansensalazar4399]

@@n4hnhradio thank you so much. will wait for that video of yours to upload

[@n4hnhradio]

I’m afraid it looks like you cannot have a separate TX and RX tone. I even tried the method for programming an odd split into memory, but it only allows the same tone for both TX and RX. My $90 FT-65R can do it. If you are a member of the Official Yaesu USA Facebook group, try posting the question to @John Kruk.

[@n4hnhradio]

Jansen, I confirmed with Yaesu that you cannot use two different tones for TSQ. They don’t even understand why a repeater group would require a different tone for receive than for transmit. There are two options for you, as I see it. One is to program the repeater for tone only, not tone-coded squelch. You will be able to trigger the repeater and hear it on receive. Of course if you are hearing another distant repeater this method won’t solve the issue. The other work-around that might work is to program the repeater’s TX frequency into VFO B, with TSQ enabled and the repeater’s TX tone set. Do not program an offset. Then on VFO A program the repeater’s TX frequency with tone, not TSQ, set to the tone the repeater expects from you. Again do not program an offset. Set VFO A as the active, TX, VFO. Transmit with VFO A and receive with VFO B. And I still recommend that you contact John Kruk at Yaesu. The best way is to post to Facebook. Companies don’t like bad press. Posting to a social media platform usually rattles their cage, so to speak. 73, de N4HNH

[@jansensalazar4399]

@@n4hnhradio thank you for that info. i will try that other work around.

[@gs-nt6nf]

Hello. Is the signal stick SMA male? Does it need any spacers? Thanks

[@n4hnhradio]

The Signal Stick seems to perform close to the level of a Diamond SRH77CA, but the Signal Stick antenna is lighter. For longer range contacts, I use the Diamond SRH770S. I made a 99.1 mile contact on 146.520 a few weeks ago with the SRH770S. The Signal Stick is male, but you can order female if needed, to use with a Baofeng or the entry-level Yaesu radios, like FT-65R, FT4XR, etc. There is a spacer on my FT3DR but I think it came with the radio. I need a spacer for my FT-60R, but Diamond antennas usually include a spacer, in case you have a radio that needs one. 73, Doug

[@gs-nt6nf]

@@n4hnhradio thanks a lot!

[@Hamradio54730]

You need to use the sda-24 power cord as prescribed by yaesu to utilize quick charge. Please clarify.

[@n4hnhradio]

I called Yaesu when I bought the charging cradle. It didn’t come with a power supply. They told me to use the charger that came with the radio as a power source for the rapid charger. It isn’t a rapid charger that charges in 2 hours. It is mostly a convenient cradle for charging. However, it does seem to charge a little faster than when you plug the stock charger directly into the radio. I prefer that it not charge too fast. Rapid-chargers can be convenient but they can diminish the amount of charge cycles a battery can withstand. So, I just consider the CD-41 as a convenient charging cradle. 73, de N4HNH

[@p01am3a]

Hi! Could you do a fast test for me? to input 27.225mhz and set the receive mode to FM? I need a confirmation that this works since it's a deal breaker for me in buying this and there's no shop near me that has it in stock to do a real life test

[@n4hnhradio]

Yes, in VFO mode, I can program via the direct entry keypad, 027.225 MHz. I then hold down the DISP button to access the menus. I tap TX/RX, then select Mode and press DISP, then select RX mode and press DISP, then rotate the knob to select FM. Then press BACK 4 times to return to the main display. Note that the FT3DR will not transmit on Citizens Band frequencies. And 27.225 MHz is typically amplitude modulation. 73, de N4HNH

[@p01am3a]

@@n4hnhradio in europe we mainly use fm for road traffic info, so without being able to test this option I have to ask, since buying a kenwood d74 which has a proper wideband receiver that I’m sure it works is too expensive for my needs ... at that price I’ll continue to keep 2 radios in the car, 1 for cb, 1 for ham bands

[@n4hnhradio]

That would be best.

[@kd4exy]

Did you get the charge cord for the Bluetooth or is it a standard cord?

[@n4hnhradio]

It charges with a typical USB charger like the one that fits old Android phones. 73, Doug

[@radiostory420]

Thanks for the great video, i have a question, can this radio be a scanner for digital frequency? thanks

[@n4hnhradio]

I’m not sure I understand what you mean by “digital frequency.” The FT3DR can be programmed with a wide range of receive frequencies. It can scan the memory channels you program in. 73, de N4HNH

[@kungfucommando1642]

Pro tip: You can also switch vfo’s simply by touching them on the screen.

[@n4hnhradio]

And add more oil to the screen.

[@mikengeerockstarkaraokedj8474]

FYI If anyone ever has a problem where the screen is lit but blank. there is a very hard to see switch next to the data port that more than likely you bumped in some way. I had this problem a couple days ago, and you can imagine how upset i was till i talked to a tech at Yaesu today. hope nobody needs this info but if you do here it is.

[@n4hnhradio]

Thank you for sharing that information. You might save someone a great deal of frustration. 73, de N4HNH

[@danyoungs4061]

Can you charge the extra battery in the cradle without the radio?

[@n4hnhradio]

Indeed you can. The cradle is sold separately. You power the cradle with the wall charger that comes with the radio. I have two batteries. One stays on the radio while the other is charging. 73, de N4HNH

[@robertvarner9519]

I'd get that radio but all the repeaters in my area have been dismantled or just plain dead. My one friend, who was a ham, is also dead so no one to talk to anyway.

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

will the antenna burn up i was thinking of getting one i go out in the middle of nowhere. gotta get a call sign. let me know please. have a hood day.

[@n4hnhradio]

I’ve never heard of an antenna burning up. The radio puts out 5 Watts.

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

@@n4hnhradio my brother has a kenwood he had an antenna. doesnt work any more kenwood is fine.

[@n4hnhradio]

Most hams I know don’t use the stock antenna. They buy a Diamond SRH77CA. Some even opt for the SRH770S. 73, de N4HNH

[@greedygringoprospecting6941]

@@n4hnhradio thats all my brother has is a hand held tri band kenwood th-f6. you been doing this a while. need more info. have a good day.

[@SolarDrew]

What is "CQ Soda"?

[@n4hnhradio]

CQ SOTA means CQ Summits On The Air. There are some videos on the channel that show SOTA activators in action. You climb specific mountains and make simplex contacts with only battery power or solar power. You can get points toward awards. It’s an incentive to practice communications when the grid is down or during inclement weather. Any licensed amateur can participate. Just register at www.SOTA.org.uk 73, N4HNH