Yaesu FTM 500 Review - Should I keep my FTM-400?

[@martin-ot]

I totally agree. I am disappointed that Yaesu have not released any FTM-400 mk2 on the market.

[@billsmotrilla6215]

When is Yaesu going to join this century and include memory bank creation and scanning by memory bank in their mobile rigs?

[@randominternet5586]

My exact complaint as well!

[@jonathonschram3429]

Yeah I'm not sure why they took the memory banks away with the ftm 200, 300, 500, etc. It's probably the most useful feature of the HT's that are very similar, menu wise. You would think they could have added this via firmware before or after releasing the ftm500. Right now I'm running a ftm300 as my mobile rig and i really do like it. The only downside is if I'm going on a trip I need to pull the micro-sd and load all of the freq's I want en-route, and drop them into a memory group (which isn't nearly as good as the 24+banks that the HT's have). Not being able to scroll around from the last memory channel in a group to the first (have to scroll backwards through ALL of the memory channels back to 1) is a giant pain as well. All pretty minor gripes considering how good the rest of the radios features are. I also wish the MARS mod would let you tx on 1.25 meters...thats a big feature I miss from the chineese tri-bands I ran before upgrading as well.

[@CarlKrasnor]

I bought an FTM-500 (new install, not an upgrade), after first considering an FTM-300, for one major reason - the complexity of the install into my Subaru Outback. My plan was to install the radio with the transceiver and control head separated placing the transceiver in the rear storage area of the vehicle and the control head in front. The FTM-300 has no microphone connector in the control head and no speaker in the head either. So, to install the 300, I would have to run three cables between the transceiver and head, the control cable, the microphone cable and a speaker wire. Also, I would have to purchase an external speaker and find a suitable spot for mounting in front where there is precious little space not already in use. The FTM-500, by comparison, has a powerful 6-watt speaker built into the control head and a microphone jack in the control head, so it needs only the one control cable to be routed through the vehicle between the units with no need for an external speaker. Anyone planning an install with the control head separated from the transceiver body should consider this issue in their decision. 73, Carl

[@K6UDA]

+Carl Krasnor Boom. We’ll you just answered my question about which one is the best between the 300 & the 500

[@mikeblaszczak5346]

7:25 ... The FTM-200 and FTM-300 have a 2-inch display. The FTM-500 has a 2.4-inch display. The FTM-400 has a 3.5-inch display. Note that Yaesu (like almost anyone else) measures diagonally.

[@chipmcginnis7490]

I am happy I watched the video. I was going to buy a 500 tomorrow. Now I am keeping my 400s and buying a new antenna. Saved me a lot of money.

[@TheTarussell]

I enjoyed your review. Long story very short, I had a brand new 400 when the radio first came out and had a ham blow the finals of it when we were doing a mobile antenna install. (Very sad day) They tried to fix it, but it just never worked out and I decided to take a break from ham radio. Now I have decided to get back into ham radio and I looked for the 400 everywhere. (I really liked the screen size.). The only radio I could find was the 500. It looks like there are not many 400s out there to be had. I bought the 500. I am getting use to it. It is a very good radio. I just miss the screen size. Your gripes that subject are not unwarranted. Thank you,

[@thomaspletcher4735]

I totally agree with you. Being at Hamvention, was able to see the 500 and was shocked how small the screen size was for offering their best mobile replacement. That size screen for my FT-3 and FT-5 is fine when I am holding them rather close to my eyes, but the mobile is much farther away mounted in my vehicles! The new features are nice but being able to see the screen is far more important. I am sure happy that I bought 5 of the FTM-400's when they were available. Even the rep admitted that I may want to hang onto my 400's. I use a couple for vehicles and rest for base stations with one staying on Packet on lower VFO.

[@mattblack133]

I understand a few of your gripes... but this imo is definitely "a 10,000' overview. "

[@ChrisGillenwater1]

i agree with you. i'll keep my 400 till it dies then i'll look into the 500. Thanks

[@jimricker403]

What ....an honest review Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Bob!! Thanks for always keeping it real. Have enjoyed your videos over the years. Thanks for taking the time and effort to do these.

[@assistantchief51]

This was enough to push me over the edge toward getting my FTM-400 repaired instead of buying the 500. Disappointed that I didn't notice the finals were blown until right after it got out of warranty. Thx for the video and info! -KC2DWG

[@seanmlarue]

Bob, GREAT insight! Thank you! Was debating between picking up a used 400 or going new with the 500. Will def be going the 400 route.

[@Aeroadjuster]

Saw you on Jason's live stream today. Now here I am!

[@TheHeff76]

Thanks, I have the FTM-400 and you really helped me make an informed decision. Not upgrading. :)

[@ckundred]

I was looking at the 500 and then kept staring at my 400--and came to the same conclusion as you...Would love a couple of the new features but at the end of the day the 400, and its bigger screen, is still a better radio for me.

[@libertyroads7342]

I just got my first Yaesu yesterday, the FT5Dr. Just got it programed, but still figuring out the digital modes. I was thinking the FTM400 would be perfect for my truck and home. Glad I watched this video first. The screen is much more important to me than a knob.

[@CharlesMiggins-r9w]

Thanks for the review on the FTM 500 I loved the 400 I bought the first 400 brand new the second one i got used and like others i could not get past the small screen on the 500 but today 1-29-24 the price dropped to 478.00 for the 500 @ R&L so i Purchased one. I sold the used 400.00 which was older than my other 400 for $200.00 So After playing with the 500 i actually really like it. Lets face it the 400 has been around almost ten years its only a matter of time when it will be discontinued because they can't get the parts. The 500 will be nice in the Truck with the new features and it's always nice to have a new radio with a warranty especially, when you can get a $350.00 discount for upgrading.

[@justcompton]

The mounting system was already on the ftm300 and the head of the frm300 also will mount to the body. Also if I’m not mistaken the mic can be plugged into the head with an adapter. Correction you can plug Yaesu’s speaker mic directly into the head of the ftm300.

[@stevewarner8880]

I have 2 400’s and plan on keeping them. Love the big display

[@commonsensenews9450]

My FTM 400 went to California 4 times. Each time difference issues. When I got it back the last time I sold it while it was in good condition. Yaesu says they're running out of parts for the 400. so I bought the 500. I am very happy with that purchase. It is an awesome radio. I really like it. I find nothing wrong with it. My opinion yours may differ.

[@3TQVK]

Hey Bob, totally agree I bought the last FTM-400 in Melbourne, Got to see a Yeasu 500 demo unit, it really didn't feel like a mobile, just the look and the smaller display. I agree with your comments on the ID-5100 which I own, the the FTM 400 is a winner. The display and APRS is superb. I have had the 400 in the car and it works really well. Its in the shack now experimenting with a HRI 200. I'm an Icom man like you. but Yeasu really produced a diamond in the 400, Love the new features of the 500, like repeater mode, but still the 400 outshines it. Happy New Year 2024 Pete VK3TQ/VK2LD

[@ambitiouslawn1678]

For someone who is purchasing a mobile Yaesu radio for first time, should you purchase the (current lineup) 300 or 500. That i think is the more important comparison since the 400 is discontinued. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, always a pleasure to watch you videos.

[@justcompton]

Ftm300 all day. I have two ftm300s and would buy another instead of the stupid over priced 500.

[@ambitiouslawn1678]

@@justcompton I agree. Some nice features on the 500, but for me, not for the extra money either.

[@prephampaul]

I have 3 400's, won't get rid of them and will use until they die! It's an amazing radio and screen! Thanks for the breakdown Bob I love that mount system. The 500 is a beautiful radio as well but can't justify it until my 400s die, their screens put them above the rest.

[@buds79]

I am new to radio and this was my first portable. Bought it based on what the HRO guy recommended. $500 on sale. So far it is a very nice radio, although I don’t have much to compare it to. Very clear sound on both reception and transmission. Good power. I’m still figuring out how to use it and would agree the menu system isn’t great. And the lack of banks is truly baffling on a radio at this price point and complexity. I could have gotten by with a lot less radio, especially since I live in a very rural area, the APRS features will almost never be used. But it’s what I’ve got and I don’t really have any complaints except the lack of memory banks.

[@bruehlt]

Not sure if the FTM-400 included a 9600 baud TNC but the FTM-500DR does, which is fantastic!

[@IgorDeCamps]

Enjoyed your review as always. Same old with Yaesu, they set the reference standard then go and release a Blah unit with an inflated price. How about some cutting edge shit Yaesu for those prices, like a better large display, higher pixel count. How about changing your OS to something more workable like Linux or Android giving us much more flexibility to customize and streamline the interface. When I see people gloating over the same garbage, then I understand why Yaesu is not motivated to change things. They inflated the price, reduced the screen and added a negligible whistle or two and bam, sliced bread. Such BS

[@donmontalvo1]

I just installed the body under my Jeep's driver seat. The mount is AWESOME, but it rattles. I had to stick a tiny ball of wax where the radio body meets the mount when fully inserted. I love how the microSD card and mic attaches to the head. Sold my FTM-400DR, haven't missed it at all. Add the RT Systems software, and BOOM adding frequency lists and repeater lists (ala API) is easy peasy.

[@K6UDA]

That definitely is a much easier way to access the micro SD card. Yes the new mounting system is slicker than owl snot.

[@sierraslim]

Good show Bob

[@K6UDA]

Thanks.

[@JimMarshallUK]

I’m looking for watts, something to do with FCC power limit. All the 1500-2000 watt amps require 50 watts (max) of drive. I’ve left the 100 watt transceivers behind and am now focusing on 50. My goal is to have 1 radio that I can move. Stealth antenna at home, hiking man pack setup and vehicle mount with Velcro. Antenna and watts is all that matters, I don’t really care what the radio is!

[@paul.phillips]

I have the FTM-400DR in my car, and the 500 just doesn't seem like much of an upgrade. I did hear the 500 has a speaker in the head which is cool, but I already have the radio under my seat, an external speaker behind the dash, and the head at the front of my center console.

[@DesignTrek]

Completely agree - I’m keeping my 400. Nominal feature improvements IMHO. Would have been more impressive if memory / firmware updates were handled more easily (current UI feels like stuck in clunky Win 98 era). And, more cables to buy, ship and add to landfill when expired? Needless wallet bleeding. Tnx for insights. 73.

[@tglenn3121]

Yeah, I think Yaesu's new mounting bracket is a stroke of genius!! However, if you're going to mount the control head remotely from the 'body' of the radio, do NOT use the longer black cable!! Many people (including myself) had big problems with that long cable (radio randomly jumping frequencies, strong static bursts, etc), then replaced the black cable with a standard CAT5, and now the radio works great!!

[@PatrickRich]

Man alive I needed this comment. I have this problem with my ftm400 and its been driving my crazy. I will have to swap it over to a cat5

[@K7EGA]

I love my 400!

[@K6UDA]

Me too

[@KS0JD]

Great review!

[@marcfeakins1158]

I have both these radios. IMO the 500 is a much better radio overall despite the smaller screen. Having said that, I'm keeping the 400 in the car and using the 500 as a base radio. I do like that big screen mobile. My major issue with the 500 is that it does not support memory banks like the FT5D. I think for the price point they should have included this feature. Good video. 73 2E0GKF BTW. You can change the menu system in the 500 to the grid system of the 400, it requires a combination of button presses at startup.

[@K6UDA]

I had no clue that you could switch the menu system. Now thats cool.

[@tojo823]

@@K6UDA All you have to do is power off the radio and then while off, hold the function knob and the band button down and power it up and it will then change to the grid style setup menu like you can use on the ftm 300.

[@Russ_N4RTD]

I purchased the FTM-400 for the bigger screen and direct ability for it to run my APRS stand alone. I like being able to respond to messages on the screen. I'll be keeping mine and passing on the FTM-500

[@bassdee10]

Im with you on this one 400 is good enough for me.

[@ThomasHart59]

Completely agree, I bought my second FTM400 the day after they announced its discontinuation, even with its software limitations I love it. The 500 is a great radio, but lets face it, that big screen on the 400 is, aside from the microphone, the main way you interact with your radio. There is no excuse for Yaesu going to a screen the same size as what they put on their HT! And I found the form-factor of the 400 to be far easier to find space for in my Jeep than I do the big control head (with tiny screen) of the 500. I was VERY disappointed when they announced the 500. As far as I can tell, it's basically the FTM 300.... really, it's the FTM 300 v1.2. C'mon Yaesu, you can do better.

[@Chuckwagon524]

The biggest short coming of the FTM-400 is not being able to organize channel presets into bands. Appears the FTM-500 doesn’t either? The FT3D was a fraction of the size and can do bands.

[@moondog_radio]

In my suggestion to Yaesu... I told them that their mobile radio design guys should maybe talk to the handheld design guys. Since the handhelds implement these things without a problem. My FT-70 (a sub $200 radio) can do a number of important things that my FTM-500 (a $600+ radio) cannot. ( just a note to @K6UDA... these things would be a great topic for a video).

[@guitarpro2006]

What can the FT-70 do specifically different?

[@ve2yud]

Thank you Bob,for the video. I agree with you concerning the display, I thought it would be bigger, did they put that big knob to fill the empty space? 73.

[@K6UDA]

I personally think they like the HF look of the big knob. It may also be more efficient in a mobile environment.

[@mikeerstad3705]

Measured my FTM-300 and it is 2" diag. The FTM-500 is posted on DX Engineering as 2.5" diag. Have no idea about the HT you measured. Anyway you put it, the 500 could have a larger screen. Thx 4 the vid.

[@teideterrors]

Great video !!! very simply spoken and understandable. No silly persona needed here ...cough...rubicon lol ...cough...

[@cgilbert56]

I just bought a NIB 500 for $429 so the features mentioned make it worth it to me. Now, what to do with my 400 😮

[@michaelstewart7285]

Looks Good, but nothing to tempt me to change my FTM400 for a 500. Smaller screen a bit disappointing.

[@ryangillespie1726]

I think I like my 400 more than the 500. That said I just ordered my 500 from gigaparts only because they had $150 instant rebate bringing it to $500. I think for that price it’s more worth it. I wasn’t willing to pay $650, especially since I love my 400. But since I have will have both ill put the 500 in the truck and retire the 400 to either the house or wife’s car.

[@xitec75]

I think that Yaesu can produce great radios but in my experience it's like you get something that looks perfect and if you look deeper into it some strange frustrating things start to happen, not about the working things that do well, more about the missing things you did not expect that they are not implemented or only partially implemented.

[@markr.1984]

When is Yaesu going to make a triband mobile? 220 is making a comeback in some areas. I'm in the process of buying a BridgeCom repeater and duplexer for my own 220 repeater. My house is on a hill overlooking about 80,000 people, so it will have great coverage. I can see wind turbines from my upstairs hallway windows that are over 29 miles from my house as the crow flies. I can get all the stuff I need (also all the cables and antenna for under $3,500.00)!! I didn't realize until lately that they almost give away repeater stuff. It all will draw under 10 amps when transmitting. Under 1 amp when just listening for calls. 2 meter and 440 repeaters bore me to death and we already have dozens of those in the valley. I will be able to use my own repeater in my house with my Kenwoods TH-D75 set down to extremely low power. I think that's a under 1/4 watt but I don't have my manual so I'm not sure. But I won't need much power at all. I'll have to set my receive side to attenuate, which such a little but oh well. And I know a few 220 fans now. So I'll have people on the repeater for sure.

[@johncadwallader8495]

If the 500 had a 400 size display, I would upgrade. I’m keeping my 400 warts and all ! 😂

[@ambitiouslawn1678]

Btw, you should be able to do APRS on either A or B. You have to go into the menu and change the default (B) to which you prefer. The FTM300 has this option.

[@davidmayes1912]

Is it possible you were reading the incorrect scale on the low and mid power?

[@pale_2111]

I was excited about hearing the release of the FTM 500. It looks good and I like that it has a port for the microphone in the control head. After watching some reviews on KZbin, I'll keep my 400XD. On a side note, I believe the FTM 500 will shine as a manpack 50w mobile radio compared to a 400XD. Been toying with the idea about building a manpack radio for some time now, but haven't got around to it. With the control head that has a speaker and a microphone port, it would be ideal, but the price seems a bit high.

[@airbur]

Would have been nice to see the 500 without the factory diaper on the screen.

[@jneale5204]

I WAS excited about the 500 but when the pictures and videos started coming out about it the more my excitement dropped and the less I wanted it. I like the idea of having the microphone attached to the head and the speaker in the head but after seeing how much of the head comes off with the remote head and the menu structure and some other features I didn't like, I decided not to get it. I like my 400 better

[@JohnSmith-xi2oq]

Liked the video. Looking for my first mobile and can still get a 400, would love a 300 vs 500 comparo

[@K6UDA]

+John Smith I’d love to do one. I just don’t have a 300 or a 500.

[@Crash5291]

Sure makes me miss my FTM-350DR.

[@chuckleskie]

For the price and features, I like the 300 better

[@K6UDA]

I guess if I was buying a new one my choice is limited.

[@cathodd2442]

Honestly for the price both the ftm-300 and 500 should have been tri-band with 220. The anytone tri band seems like a better bet and sits just above the 300 price wise

[@K6UDA]

The Yaesu radios do some great things that the Anytone doesn’t do. I’ve got the 578 and have played with the 500.

[@HamRadioRookie]

Is your wires x node accessible? Looked it up it wouldn’t let me connect to it ?

[@K6UDA]

40448

[@stevenwilson2292]

Why don't they allow you pair your phone with it, access all the programming, build custom freq programming, and send APRS messages from your phone? They could even integrate the repeater guide for quick programming changes on the road. It's 2024 ffs. Instead they made the screen smaller and added a bunch of physical buttons.

[@FranklySpeaking73]

It is quite telling when all the yaesu guys yearn for a radio that has been out of production for 4+ years over all the new radios. In my book that's seems like a pass over System ConFusion for something better. Despite that sentiment I gathered from yaesu users, I am waiting on an FTM-400 to arrive and try out. I have a feeling I will go back to dStar and DMR. Let's see what happens.

[@kb9liq]

Had the 400 and now the 500. What I did not like about the 400 was you had to remote mount the head. If it was not for that I might still have a 400

[@M0RMY]

Interestingly that is why I like the FTM400 for mobile - works great for me (body is behind the seat)

[@kb9liq]

@@M0RMY For some I'm sure remote mount is what they want but with the 500 you can have both. Should have made a bracket to mount the 400 head right on the unit like they did the 500. I'm sure this is what they heard and why the made the 500 like they did

[@RookieLock]

Man I wish i had an ftm400

[@BBaldwin]

The “sub-band” concept of the 500 is a BIG zonk on Yaesu. I’ve had the 500 for several weeks now and just can’t seem to get used to it. The 400’s VFOs had equal capability and were much easier to use in a mobile environment. This sub-band concept is clunky and cumbersome.

[@mattmclaren496]

62 years looking at screens ?

[@ItsEverythingElse]

I really wish Icom would support longer memory/channel names. 6 characters is ridiculous.

[@K6UDA]

I agree

[@DD-uq8qg]

I tried to go with mobile radio in my Subaru Outback and could not do it because of huge noise that gets on when I turn the engine on. I tried all kinds of rf snap on filters and it did not help. Did you have any problems with your car injecting noise/interference ?

[@K6UDA]

None at all. One is installed in my Jeep the other in my pickup.

[@tojo823]

How are you getting power to it? I would recommend running the power cable directly to the car battery. With my ftm 300 when I used the cigarette lighter point for power, I got alternator whine. Moved the connection directly to the battery (both positive and negative and both being fused) I no longer get any extra noise from my vehicle (2006 Chevy Suburban). This is with having multiple LED lights installed on the vehicle.

[@DD-uq8qg]

@@tojo823 Thank you so much for the tip - will be trying this.

[@JeffSkymaster]

Hi Bob!

[@Porco_Utah]

I think those digital Japanese radio are mostly made for domestic Japanese market. I suppose Digital mode are much more popular in Japan compare to USA. I just have normal analog FM radio FT-2800 , which used for mostly listening . analog FM is just fine for me. AG6JU

[@jerryhodge4250]

i agree with you FTM400 I LIKE BIG DISPLAY THANKS Bob 73 's AC0MW Jerry

[@K6UDA]

Haha. I’m not alone.

[@m0aze611]

Yaesu still don’t get it - user interface and ease of should be a given. Software updates should be available across different OS. I’ve hade two HF sets from this company and while the FT10 is a step in the right direction they still need to come into the 21st century. I’ve looked very hard at this new radio and would probably buy one except for one real issue - over here you can call CQ on the calling channel till your blue in the face and be greeted with silence. I don’t need this as a base station. Thanks for the revue 👍🏻

[@Mxyzptlk21]

No banks…. 👎 Trading a big screen for an oversized knob…👎

[@Chris-hy6jy]

The 500 is a big disappointment. Yaesu had an opportunity to improve on the 400 but blew it. Who on earth at Yaesu thought it was a good idea to fit a smaller screen needs firing!

[@El_Porcho]

Agree the FTM-500 is not worth considering as an upgrade to the FTM-400. It's a step backwards in many regards. I use my FTM-400 as part of my EMCOM plan and the large screen with virtual keyboard for APRS was a big reason why I bought the radio. After watching your video (and others) I have zero interest in the FTM-500.

[@steveventura5077]

FTM 500 has a bad DTMF tone generator so many owners are waiting for a firmware update. Love the radio but Yaesu dropped the ball.

[@texbaz2]

That is what I've read also and why I'm not making a purchase as of yet. They had to of known this was a discrepancy prior to launch. Pisses me off. And yeah what ham doesn't like a big knob, it is just "fluff" cause it really serves no immediate purpose other than eye candy. Screen size very disappointing, but I'd rather view that screen than a washed out LCD. Just look at the build quality of the ft857 I know it's not the same frequency range or spec but it's actually a quality build that person can enjoy for a long time Yaesu has dropped from top tier to average.

[@KG6NLW]

The firmware was updated a few months ago! It fixed that easily.

[@WalterBoring]

No APRS means it's dead to me.

[@Pedro8k]

Keep the ftm-400 the 300 and 500 have tiny screens and functional the 400 works better with the larger touch screen very disapointing

[@forgetyourlife]

Nope, it’s not. APRS is all jacked up.

[@DanMay-wp1ls]

Recent Yaesu radios in general are 2-5 years radios. Something WILL fail in that time frame. The FTM-500 is a pathetic radio for the money. For FM and Fusion it does it's job. But that's about it. Even John CROOK knows it's junk, but that's where he gets his paycheck from. Quality control for these CHINESE built radios with the Yaesu name is gone. Baofeng builds a more reliable radio!

[@t.m2933]

Great video, Bob. I was a huge Yaesu fan boy, but I have transitioned towards ICOM and have been enjoying it. I still like the Yaesu brand, but I have decided to open my mind. I am now enjoying DSTAR. KN6PWH....73

[@joeltalbot1546]

WOW! I guess I've been out of the "ham radio" business since the pre-pandemic era. Can't imagine why you migrated from SoCal to Idaho, I migrated to SW ID from NeCO some 8 yrs ago for most of the same reasons. Anyway, welcome to "Mr. Potato Head Land." de n0dne

[@ffighter1491]

Actually Kenwood came out with that sliding mobile bracket years and years ago on their mobile radios, nothing new here. If you have a difficult time seeing the screen, don't buy it....Period

[@rogerNKWYNNVIDS]

Hello from mid utah KK7KLD And WRQZ243 Here's a comment for your algorithm 😊 I like my ft5D