Yaesu FTM-400DR System Fusion C4FM Dual Band VHF/UHF Transceiver

[@jimlanigan7298]

Just a quick note. APRS will work on the B side and is recommended since only digital can be used on the A side.

[@skinoku]

you can customize where APRS will work but as you said is better to use it on B VFO.

[@glennoconnor2980]

True that.

[@MisterPhister7]

The most epic intro EVER!!

[@WJ6FRadio]

I have had my FT-M400 for a few years now and haven't had a bit of trouble with it. Packed full of features and super easy to operate.

[@kenclark9075]

Just received my FT-400XDR yesterday from Gigaparts. The current plan is use it as a base and transfer it to my car sometime in the future. I purchased the RT Systems software with it. That made it extremely easy to program. The only negative so far is the length of the microphone cable as I intend to install the unit under the seat. A cable extension will solve that. I look forward to checking it out further over the next few days.

[@drmckinley]

I cover with a small hand towel all my mobile radios just to keep the radio cooler and protected from dust/sun. Use a hand towel that is close to your dash color so it blends in. radios are mounted with 3m plastic interlocking /Velcro type tape (home depot). It holds up to cold an heat very well. No damaged to dash when removed.

[@rancherodave]

DR McKinley i do the same thing, works very well

[@rancherodave]

Also were you able to get the bluetooth unit for yours, everyone seems to be out of stock on it.

[@drmckinley]

@@rancherodave no

[@diverbob8]

One thing that I have found very useful on this rig is the simple cross band repeat function. All that is required is to set up the top for either VHF Simplex or repeater and the bottom for UHF Simplex. Then you turn it off, hold down the three bottom Right buttons and turn it on with the 4th (Top) button. It will then show a cross band repeat notification and then all you need is a UHF HT setup on the same freq as the 400 UHF settings (including Tone Squelch). To return, it's the same process. Off, hold down the bottom three buttons and then hit On. If the special banner is gone, you are back to normal operation. C4FM does not work in cross band mode however. 73s WA8UIH

[@kj4ddmmrmitchell607]

FYI...K4DCS Palm Bay Club just purchased a couple of Fusion II repeaters (one for Melbourne and one for Palm Bay)...They should be installed on the current frequencies for K4DCS within the next 4-6 weeks...I just picked this radio up in anticipation, so thanks for the review.

[@ctscantechnologist]

This radio is easy to love. Proud to own one.

[@MisterTwister55]

this video is pure genius. intro is 100/10

[@BastekF76]

Thanks a bunch for your videos. I really like the way you show and explain things. I just re-watched this one and the icom id-5100 one, trying to decide which one to buy. As a noob, I have no preference nor an idea what to look for, and with sales going on now, both of those radios are only $50 more than Kenwood v71 (which I was planning on getting). Yupp, decisions decisions

[@hamradioandnscaletrains7925]

Video was perfect, everything showed up perfect

[@brian.7966]

You always put on a good show, the information you give is second to none.

[@N9710A]

Just passed my Tech and bought the FTM-400XDR. Installed this in my BMW X3 and am now overwhelmed. Where does a newbie begin? I also bought the FT-70DR hand held. I guess I am committed to Yaesu and C4FM. Open to all advice, recs, and input.

[@dcmsr5141]

Just got my tech yesterday still waiting on call sign, maybe Saturday? I too ordered FTM-400XDR and FT-2DR of course everything is on back order. The Ham club I'm with gave me an older Baofeng...good luck 73

[@Hax0rZ1]

Hey guys. Passed my Tech a month ago and now I passed my general 4 days ago. I order the FRM-400XDR a while ago it was on backorder and it arrived when I got home from work on Monday. Pumped to install it. Seems real easy. Don't be overwhelmed. Just like anything you have to play around with it and watch tutorials and ask lots of questions if you need help. With all the features this radio seems much easier to setup then the others I've seen and there are a ton of videos out there on specific things. I'm setting up APRS to a tablet in my Jeep and looking forward to that as well. I would love to have DMR and D-Star also its a pain there is no standard for the newer digital modes so everyone goes off to their favorites. I dont want to buy another expensive radio simply to add the 2 other digital modes but it looks likely. It seems like a big waste for me to buy a Icom 5100A simply for d-star but there isnt much out there cheaper that would be worth the while. Same with DMR.

[@Hax0rZ1]

Oh an a tip for noobs like me. Buy the RT Systems software for this radio. It allows access without an additional subscription to repeaterbook and you can load your radio with repeaters, etc without typing anything extra in. The Yaesu software i'm sure is easy but you'd still have to type everything in by hand and add 1000s of frequencies in by hand sucks

[@dcmsr5141]

Congrats to you, I'm still studying for General. 73

[@Hax0rZ1]

DCM SR good luck. 👍

[@w.rustylane5650]

A very nice radio. After I pass my Technician test I'll see if my dad will buy me one.

[@soupdragon12345]

Did you pass your technician class ?

[@GhostRider1974]

Great video Eric! I have the FTM-400XDR installed in my truck and have been using it for almost a year. Fantastic rig. Like you, the big selling point for me was the large display and intuitive nature of the radio, especially for someone already familiar with Yaesu products. One other thing you didn't mention is that the FTM-400XDR is able to be set to do cross-band repeat operation. I have a video on my channel of a part of a local net recorded while receiving on this rig. I plan on posting a video in the near future showing how I have this unit installed in my truck. Again, thanks for the video. 73 - KM4VAD.

[@DanielKE7UUM]

A fellow cross-band! I will check your channel out

[@DanielKE7UUM]

KE7UUM WROG651

[@elektroqtus]

That's a nice piece. I'd still like to build a radio clipboard with all control heads on the clipboard with every remote cables modified and cut to a 50 pin military cannon plug system to quickly hook up to multiple transceivers in 1.25 seconds. This could serve my functions.

[@aquatone327]

I just picked up the FT3DR and now that im seeing this..so happy I chose it over the Kenwood D74H

[@corgily]

Thanks for the walk through of the video

[@the_nothing]

and now the question for me... Icom ID-5100A or FTM-400XDR.... Both have the APRS/DPRS functionality (offroad in remote locations). Yaesu looks pretty. ICom sounds pretty. Both crossband repeat. Current price points are similar right now and I'm not married to any brand.

[@RedRider7240]

Japan 100%

[@rancherodave]

I have them both, only exception is my icom is a 4100a which is just a smaller version with a little less features of the 5100. Also the system fusion sounds a little better than d star in my opinion.

[@richardhenderson2932]

Would this be too much of a radio to learn on for a new operator. I'm REALLY green on this stuff, but I need a good system for not only me but for emergency communications. I just don't know where to start, but I need a good system for an EOC if i need it.

[@jefferysnelling9084]

I have this in XD version and haven’t played with it much yet. Impulse buy lol. Thanks for video Eric

[@skinoku]

Greatest Yaesu mobile radio I think. I have one and I love it. Excellent thermal management as well as super-easy to operate. Packed with many MANY nice features!

[@BruceInFlorida]

A big thank you to GIGA PARTS for providing these radios to you, to make these comprehensive reviews. When it comes time to purchase anything ham related, I definitely have them at the top of my shoping list. Another great vid Eric, and yea.... you out did yourself with the intro 😁 73 de N4BRM in SW Florida

[@glennoconnor2980]

I've had mine for 2 or 3 years now. 👍. Another ham in our small rural town has of as well, the D model. We've recently performed the latest firmware update to make the units available to the WiresX C4FM via the internet and a pc on the desk. Very flexible.

[@brian.7966]

Again you do great films on Radios, many thanks.

[@johnwmacdonald994]

Thanks. I've been eyeing this model for a while now.

[@MrToymod]

Love the intro !!!

[@seaningram3285]

I Still Have My FTM 400 XDR. I have it in the house right now to do some memory programming. I do have it connected to a dummy load. When I turn on the Beacon, and press Beacon Xmit, I get a transmit error. But when I press the ptt on the mic, that works. I am hoping that when I put it back in the vehicle and connect the mobile antenna, I won't get a transmit error message.

[@bpbass903]

Have had great luck with yaesu

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Me too.

[@otisman1000]

Oh boy ive been waitin for this video :D LOVE your videos Eric Best 73's de KC1IEG

[@2E0JTP]

You can use this as a node radio, but don't waste one of these on use as a WiRES-X HRI-200 node radio. Buy the cheaper FTM-100D for that. Once you switch the radio into WiRES X mode, that's it. That's all it does while in that mode, all other features and functions are not accessible.

[@johnmagee2394]

Love the Intro!!!

[@LivePDOfficerInterviews]

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: To USE WIRES X, you MUST BE IN RANGE OF A WIRES -X REPEATER! They aren’t everywhere as many KZbin videos claim! IF there isn’t a Wires/X repeater near you, you need to connect your FT400/100 DR to a Windows PC, register it and use it from home as a BASE STATION!! This video makes it look like you can just hook up to your repeater, it will have “wires X“ on it and you can scan the nodes and become part of one of the “rooms.“ This is definitely not the case if you’re interested in Wires-X! I MADE THIS MISTAKE based on this video because not enough knowledge about Wires-X was noted in the video. There’s Repeaters in my area that say they are “wires“ compatible. This does not however mean “wires X.” It must be a “wires X“ repeater. I’m not trying to crack down on you Eric, it’s just that the proper information would’ve really helped me out a lot here on your video as it just doesn’t have the right information. Also, This video makes it look like it comes with a microphone that you can take pictures with… That is also not the case. The camera mic is a $149 option for the 400 DR! It DOES NOT come with the optional MH-85A11U microphone that has the Controls for the radio as well as the camera. It appears as though Giga Parts sent you a radio with an option that is tremendously expensive but wasn’t noted. The remark about the optional voice board for seeing impaired is correct as noted in this video my friends. I do like your videos Eric, when you’re acting more humble and not calling people “my fans” but this should’ve been noted on your video as it’s extremely important to people who may be looking to purchase this rig. Now people, you have the proper information about Wires -X and the Camera mic.

[@backyardbasher]

If you are not in range of a Repeater you can connect to Wires X using a Hotspot, I have a FTM-100 and use that with Wires X connecting through a Raspberry Pi/DV Mega Hotspot.

[@JustLearning]

You can also connect directly to Wires X with the use of a cable and computer.

[@ThatCleanMT]

Have they updated this radio with memory banks? I bought this years ago but returned it once I discovered there was no banks. Outrageous for a flagship product. Other than that it was an excellent radio.

[@justanotherguy3850]

Another excellent review! The 400D has some very good features that would have been useful during a search and rescue operation where we had to search for evidence of a homicide and take pictures and used our cell phones to send them back to the ICP. With that said however, the issue that I have with any company that makes a product that is proprietary is a product that I won't buy. I believe that c4fm provides excellent audio quality. I believe that MotoTRBO / DMR edges it out and there are numerous manufacturers of radio equipment. With many hands report that DMR is confusing. I don't know why. It's pretty straightforward. C4fm on the other hand requires that you buy Yaesu. All of my equipment is Yaesu except for my HTs which are all Motorola with the exception of my VX7. It sits gathering dust. Yaesu tried an interesting marketing approach by basically giving away their dual band repeater. That draws users into proprietary which I have known from the computer industry since 1980. Proprietary did not work. But the problem here is that in a dense RF environment of Southern California they don't hold up. They're weak adjacent channel selectivity doesn't work well in a 15khz and plan. That alone drives one to purchase a Motorola DMR. There's the MTR 3000 or the less expensive XPR 8400. But I've got to say that c4fm has better audio quality compared to the now entrenched DSTAR. Even P25 is available to many amateur radio operators on eBay. Numerous repeaters provide mixed mode operation as well. You should be seeing a subtext in what I write. There are too many damn options! WiresX is not popular. Although it's true that one may deploy a mmdvm now we're kludging together a system. To be honest my preference is always been Kenwood's NextGen or Icom IDAS which originally were the same thing until they started adding proprietary options. It's just so damn confusing even for hams to figure out what to buy anymore. Who's going to guarantee that my digital format is going to somehow be merged into a hodgepodge of networks? I sincerely apologize to you for stepping on an excellent review of an excellent sounding radio.

[@Eduosg]

Great intro !!!

[@Davidjb37721]

Thanks for your help

[@patrickbouldinkm5l143]

Glad to see you're a "balanced" ham, love the bencher in the video :)

[@n0oer]

Great. going to order this radio as soon as i finish looking at vidio. Thanks Eric!!!!!!

[@sheri4673]

May I ask, did you purchase this radio? Are you satisfied with it?

[@n0oer]

@@sheri4673 Yes I got 2 of them, Sorry it took so long to get back to you.

[@sheri4673]

@@n0oer Thank you! I ended up buying a Yaesu FTM 400DXR/DE. I haven't even taken it out of the box yet - I have no idea what I'm doing yet. Time to start studying for my first exam. If you have any links to learning resources for a beginner Ham like myself, I'd welcome any suggestions. Thank you, and have a great time with your radio. Perhaps once I'm up and operating I'll find you out there!

[@JustLearning]

I do not have an SD card in my FTM 400DR but I do have the RT Systems software where I programmed it and sent it to the radio. I do not see the need for an SD card.

[@LM-sc8lu]

"...without Giga parts..." Ya know, Eric, without Giga parts I wouldn't hear my wife yell my name so much when the UPS drops off ANOTHER box with that gorgeous blue tape!!

[@seaningram4434]

Would a stylus, (used with tablets) help when selecting functions as well as entering letters and numbers on the touch screen? Has anyone tried a stylus compared to their index finger? Tnx :) 73 de wb4ur :)

[@ryankc9oza118]

You can also tap in on your dial knob to enter instead of touching the screen if you want.

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Yah, didnt mention that tho.

[@ryankc9oza118]

I love my 400. Had it over a year now. Love the aprs features it has. Waiting for next video to see picture load times

[@chiphungerford]

Love the intro

[@DocKingliveshere]

Thanks for your videos!

[@MatthewLazenby-g6t]

I own one just learning about it KJ5DIT Thanks

[@spakkajack]

cross band repeater mode is very useful. dont know why its not in the manual

[@clarenceswope3026]

Great introductions I like that introductions

[@hgw90026]

Thanks for the video tour of the FTM-400DR radio. Did you ever purchase one for yourself? I’m wanting to purchase this radio because many of my friends have it but want to learn more about it. I have a few questions. 1. How do I find available nodes in my area. I found a node’s list in the Yaesu website but it does not show me how to utilize the information. Sadly, even in Los Angeles, the list only showed a small handful of nodes. There has to be more. It occurs to me that a hot spot is the easiest way to get into Wires-X and join a room. 2. When I’m connected to Wires-X and in a room, does that mean I’m hogging the repeater till I disconnect? If not, how does the repeater handle multiple users at the same time? 3. I’ve been playing with the older 400D and I find the front panel to be way too bright for nighttime use and the Orange background is not adequate to preserve night vision. The LED brightness setting does not lower the panel enough while lowering the LEDs lit buttons too much. In today’s day and age, I don’t need that 2001 Space Odyssey shine on my face so the police thinks I’m on my cell phone. 4. When a computer is connected to the radio, can it be used in a complementary fashion such as an easier input method for texting, sending/receiving even higher resolution pictures, sending telemetry information, etc.? 5. You say APRS is more than tracking, how would you utilize this radio for additional telemetry information? 6. Not wanting to be locked into one ecosystem, is there a cross mode hotpot you might recommend to connect to Wires-X? Thanks. Harold KM6IVE

[@revmichaelm]

Love the introduction Music

[@bikerush1]

What is the microphone that you used that has the camera

[@coldwaterjimmy7044]

Great ... I am a newbie and just purchased one ... Still learning ... Tks much ... KE8PWK

[@jeffwilcox9987]

Aren’t all messages and GPS information publicly viewable? Same goes with the ham e-mails and photos?

[@ManuelPinner]

These make good base Station,

[@desdenova1026]

Is it necessary to attach an antenna to the radio while running strictly in Wiresx/laptop?

[@TheOfficerThomas]

I’m new to all this, can I monitor Fire and Police on this as well, As a scanner?

[@vonzigle]

Hi-what is the difference between the 400DR and 400XDR?

[@DannyB-cs9vx]

Go to 1:40 in the video

[@davewilson8118]

I know on the XDR they added holes for air flow from the fan over the finals.

[@pu2xbt74]

I want a radio to operate C4FM fusion am I in doubt between YAESU FTM 100D or FTM 400 DR? What is the best option ??

[@BigjohnZ06]

PU2XBT The FTM-400 has a color touch screen, dual transceivers on it so you can monitor a repeater for audio and do APRS at the same time, and some functions are easier to setup and use than the FTM-100.

[@metalhalokj7vzy164]

I have the FTM-400XD, I love it! from KJ7VZY

[@randelstuckey5494]

Does this unit have voice readout for visually impaired hams?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

I showed that towards the end of the video.

[@randelstuckey5494]

I saw that after I sent the query to you on it. I will say one thing is that the voice board is real cheap in price.

[@patrickobrien4129]

Awesome

[@KE8ODY-WV-Ares-Ham-Dad-3O4]

I'm so torn between this Ft-400 and a Icom-5100a deluxe.. Idk what to do

[@duaneshuster6366]

Be nice see what other radio yeasu can come up with dual banders twin display to left and right small face on body (not everyone wants a detachable face that's larger then body of radio) but even a ftm-100D is still too nice radio have as a node that should be on ftm-3200 series if they would put the hri 200 iaccessory din on them. But 400 nice radio I would leave in house too nice in car. 😎

[@DonaldChapman]

Eric, my son says you sound like the hulk (Dr. Banner), and now I have to agree!

[@ShannonGlenda]

Now that you've said it, I can't unhear it. Wow!

[@TimLitfieldakaTimWhitfield]

Have you got a video on the Icom ID 5100A DELUXE 144 440 Amateur Radio ?

[@BruceInFlorida]

Tim Whitfield I'll second that question !!!

[@HamRadioConcepts]

It's coming soon.

[@la5984]

Just curious what t the frequencies for fusion in LA CA

[@LivePDOfficerInterviews]

What would the APRS setting be for a base station operation? You mentioned “-9” for mobile. What about at a base station?

[@indyshadow18lg]

Wow! Quite the intro!! 😁

[@tnyberg67]

This looks like a great radio. I'm looking for a good 2m/70 Dual Band, large easy to see the screen, easy to use, removable head, and maybe a Bluetooth headset. Am I going to get that here, even if I don't start off using all the other functions? The Kenwood Original TM-V71A is all I really need but It is missing some of the features and the screen isn't as nice. Thoughts about the FTM-400DR in that regard?

[@J4ckieD]

Should I get this or the 300?

[@kevinokeefe7796]

I can not figure out how to change to listen to other bands like air ports so on even can’t find it in the menu any help

[@radiotvgod]

Actually that intro is Big Jim ("Edwards") Davis, right?

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Yes it is. A VERY good friend of mine

[@fawkyooo7377]

does this have a way to run a RED screen for night time use?

[@tubetone74]

How long are the supplied cables?

[@jeepertim1334]

If you buy this radio from GigaParts and have a problem and want to return it, they will charge you a big restocking fee. Even if you don't open the box, GigaParts will argue with you and charge the fee regardless. Don't buy from GigaParts!!!

[@paulalee]

hi wonder if you can help... i entered repeater in memory, 2nd position. but when i try to get on air, it keeps defaulting to the home position, channel 1. any idea why? how i can stay on my channel 2 where the repeater stored instead of defaulting back to home?

[@michaelbradley8508]

Eric - Would you invest in the Yaesu FTM-400 or the IC-ID5100 Michael VA6XMB

[@HamRadioConcepts]

Hands down, since I have had this 5100 in my vehicle this last month, the 5100 is the way to go. You can see my video of how i installed it.. I am on it every day. its amazing. bluetooth to my tablet. so powerful

[@richarde735]

does the mic connect to the head unit or only the base?

[@marvinmcgill]

Need to ask this about the new ver of this radio. I asked HRO they didnt know all this radio was able to know so Im here to ask this. Is this full duplex or simi other words can this do satlite work like full duplex? hear upload and down at the same time? If so how to programe it to do so?

[@hatorikouichi6834]

Is FTM-400DR capable of communication with specific power saving?

[@robdaines2448]

do I have to register like on dstar or will it work out the box thanks rob m1ayt

[@ronaldreynolds9870]

Hi Eric, tnx for the video, my new ftm-400xdr coming later this week, does this radio have a built in SWR meter, please advise, tnx Ron N8DUK columbus, ohio

[@wstsida2450]

do i have to have a call sign to use this?

[@jackiegreen9810]

I love my radio took me awhile to save money from Gigaparts ! I had sent to me

[@BreedBearWolf]

I had mine open and I wish to lock out some frequencies so no one can TX on them, Can this do that?

[@soupdragon12345]

Nice video , I was with my Elmer yesterday who has one I really liked it . It’s so expensive though ! How did you power it ? Thanks .

[@Devin82m]

So I'm in the market for a mobile radio for my truck, honestly I prefer Icom for a number of reasons but the ID-5100 has bad ratings with screen issues and booting issues. Also I would like to have a color screen, especially in this day in age. Do you suggest this Yaesu over the IC-5100A? Also, do you like DSTAR or WIRES more?

[@DdraigX]

I want to love this radio but not having a full TNC compared to the Kenwood makes me sad.

[@kd5bkw]

Hi Eric can I use this transceiver for satellite operation? thanks.

[@K2WH]

Curious, just watched your video and my 400 upon hitting the scope button does not scan the band, it just sits on that one channel even if I then hit the scan button. Doesn't do what you are demonstrating. K2WH

[@antimattercarp2720]

Wow that box dun got beat up.

[@paulrezende7101]

Most of the time I do not have repeater around in my área. What do I NEED TO have tô be TX and RX all the time ? PY4ZPE FROM BRAZIL.

[@mikeklemens8970]

Great introduction music Eric! Thanks for the review. Mike N6IMY

[@J_David_Worthington_III]

Great video! Thanks for sharing it! 73's KD9JEO

[@willydp1961]

Very informative video, thanks :) 73

[@la5984]

Help can I program the 800 frequencies into the version xdr

[@gburchett1]

Do you think this radio would be a good choice for someone just getting in to HAM Radio? Or do you think the FTM 100 would be better?

[@stevest.martin3940]

If they would have carried over all the features of the FTM 350 to this radio I would replace my 350

[@ChristianRahl]

What does the 400 not have that the 350 did?

[@stevest.martin3940]

You get 220 on the FTM 350 and Bluetooth

[@dougkuhlen3936]

Real nice

[@jeepfamily7091]

Hey, I'm kinda new to this and am trying to understand this wires x setup. I cannot get my ftm 400 XD to connect at all???? I looked through the manual and at the yaesu website and was unsuccessful any help would be awesome

[@HamRadioConcepts]

connecting through a repeater?

[@jeepfamily7091]

@@HamRadioConcepts that's what I was trying to do through my local.. I'm wondering if I'm not close enough maybe? I started looking at setting up a hri 200 would that fix my being too far issue?

[@Prodriver96]

Love it