Yaesu's FT-3DR a conversation with John Kruk - Ham Radio Q&A

Yaesu’s FT-3DR is probably one of the hottest transceivers that came on the market this year. There are plenty of breathless videos on youtube reviewing this radio. I thought I would do something a little different- so when I was at the Chicago FM Club’s Radio Expo last September‚ John Kruk N9UPC the National Sales Director of Yaesu and I had a chance to talk a little bit about that radio and how it compares to their long running FT-2DR handheld transceiver.
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[@M0SZT]

I've just reviewed the new Yaesu FT3DR outdoors in the British autumn rain, performed really well, seemed the best place to review it

[@bodhi7945]

I've never commented before but I just wanted you to know that you are my "GO TO" for no-nonsense information on all things ham. Thanks for all the effort you put into your work and your great knowledge.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thanks‚ I really appreciate that.

[@AdamWarrix]

I have an FT3D and it is amazing. I'm glad I purchased it. It is a nice full feature radio. Built in APRS is awesome. WIRES-X is awesome. I just wish there were more operators in my area that used Fusion so I could take advantage in the functions.

[@walkingmanvideo9455]

Adam Warrix can u ILRP with this radio?

[@sonidoa.c.g3884]

I just ordered mine, thanks for all your help reviewing this radio, next in line for my station addition will be the icom 9700.!.!.

[@derrickhouska4935]

Thank you for a great video. Great information, and right from the vendor.

[@brent847]

I appreciate that you have solid and clear sound on your vision despite the noisy environment.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Thank you. People were starting to tear down so it got a little more noisier than I was expecting

[@daledurham7353]

I just purchased one from MTC. I watch a ton of videos and this radio will do everything I ask it to. Great video! Thank you! 73, Dale W5WI

[@corgily]

Thanks for cam walk through. N3NAT

[@N4EJM]

I’m really looking into getting that for my next radio. I’ll soon have a Surface Go tablet to use Wires-X while on the go with my FTM400. The FT-3 will be nice to run PDN and HRI mode from the house with my 15” laptop. This way I don’t have to keep going out to the truck to use Wires-X while I’m at home. Another great video Michael. 73, N4EJM

[@marcinmichigan2772]

Just picked up mine from MTC for $338 delivered, Merry Christmas to me !

[@jjsemperfi]

That's a great price! They're currently $345 at MTC and $349 at HRO.

[@RickChesler]

Thanks!

[@donnyknows6346]

I am still on the learning curve as I just recently bought it. I see it has lots of features and digital modes. So far I have to confess I am not such amazed. Maybe because I don't need all those modern features but I thought to buy it anyway. My previous radio was an icom IC-w32e. Maybe I should have bought something classic

[@mikeklemens8970]

I have a ft2d on loan from another ham. I like the color screen and group monitor features of the FT3D. Menu choices are set a a bunch better with the 3. Enjoy the holidays and let's see some ham radio price slashing this week! Mike N6IMY

[@oyvindantila]

Can I connect a bluetooth PTT button for my MC handlebar? Like I can with the AnyTone

[@enricolia]

Hi, I have a question: If I acquire a pair of FT3DR, can I determine the distance and direction until the other radio (without the use of a repeater and considering the signals to each other are reachable)?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

If both of you are transmitting in C4FM digital mode, the location is transmitted as part of the data stream (as long as the GPS unit is turned on). Direction and distance should show up on the screen.

[@kenrnet6706]

How does it compare to Anytone AT-dD78uv plus bluetooth?

[@cmritchie04]

So there is no way to connect a keyboard to the radio for APRS?

[@CMUchippewa]

I have the FT3DR as well and love it. However when I go into my dual monitor mode with A and B frequencies, it shows the channel number and not the alphanumeric name like John’s showed. Anyone know why?

[@scotthanna4836]

I'm guessing that you are in vfo mode and not memory mode. Hitting the v/m button will switch this

[@BlueRidgeMoto]

If you’re in memory mode do a long press on the freq and it will change between channel number and alphanumeric name.

[@brent847]

How sensitive is the below 30 part of it's spectrum? Is it something for the 40 or 80m? Or just more broadcast?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I believe it is full coverage- sensitivity is so-so as it uses an internal ferrite bar antenna for reception. I think it just decodes AM so you would only be able to use it to receive the shortwave broadcast frequencies

[@ToppKatt7]

So did u buy the Ft3dr and how do you like the audio from that tiny speaker. I’m still on the fence about buying one. Thanks. Barry. 73. NJ3X

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Yep, I bought an FT-3DR and have had it for almost 18 months. I don't think the audio is terrible, the speaker may be small but I don't feel it's underpowered.

[@earthey7499]

Made it early! Btw, I'm getting a Ham Radio and getting a Ham License as well!

[@southjersey10]

Wonderful!!!

[@nathanbieber2840]

does it have an extended batt? i think ysu should dev a extended batt like baofeng 3800mAh

[@jdillinger2307]

I hope they are working on an FT-4DR to fix the speaker and microphone! No one can hear me on this mic and the I’ve heard better audio fidelity on a hallmark greeting card! The screen is nice though.

[@whiskytango4853]

Can one use its full features (eg: APRS, Wires-X) without having a license ?

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

No. An amateur radio license is required for operation of this radio.

[@forgetyourlife]

from 449.00 to 379.00 in just a few months. Always in stock. My HRO said they are not selling well.

[@jjsemperfi]

I just talked to the HRO in TX and they said they’re selling really well.

[@forgetyourlife]

JJ lol, still full stock and now (4 months later) they are 349.99. Soon it will be 299.00.

[@jjsemperfi]

forgetyourlife Possibly due to the current economic crisis but at a certain point they would be giving them away. I doubt we’ll see $300 without coupons or sales.

[@forgetyourlife]

JJ oh it’s coming. Just like the 2dr. The sales and coupons are a regular occurrence, like a furniture store. This is “ICom month” just like last month etc.

[@aquatone327]

Just got mine today. HRO in Atlanta were selling them pretty well. Very nice radio and very pleased with it.

[@ricsanders69]

If we could get some sounds of a rodeo or maybe some nascar drive-bys...might help the hearability! :-D Just kidding...I've been looking at this little guy for a little while...the APRS, digital, etc...seems pretty sweet! Thanks for the video.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

Rule #1: don't do an interview when the show is closing down. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@edscully8531]

Audio only Bluetooth. I have a friend who is deaf and is a licensed Ham. She uses cochlear implants and like Yaesu (3200D & 70D) because of the speaker quality, but these two are not Bluetooth. The processors for her implants can pair with Bluetooth. Imagine the benefit of pairing a Bluetooth handheld! There are more deaf Amateur Radio operators than most would think.

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

I never thought of that application but that would be an amazing benefit for those that rely on implants and hearing aids.

[@robertvarner9519]

The VX8DR that I bought was a disaster. It fell apart under normal use. The side rubber grips started to peel off after about a month of use. The top dial would rotate but did not function. I think Yaesu has a quality control problem. Anyway I would never consider getting another HT because the repeaters where I live are dead and many have gone out of service all together. 73....

[@oldpreach]

Bluetooth can't hook up to car...my black Friday hopes are dashed, but I'm very glad to know this before deciding to purchase......for now. No, seriously....I'm bummed.

[@bradleyjohnson452]

GPS and APRS would have been nice

[@KB9VBRAntennas]

This radio does have a built in GPS and APRS support. For whatever reason Yaesu does a poor job at advertising that feature. Like I mentioned in the video‚ I'm wishing to replace my VX-8R and the lack of APRS would be a deal killer.

[@bradleyjohnson452]

KB9VBR Antennas good to know. Worth taking a second look at it. Thanks.

[@forgetyourlife]

Bradley Johnson How do you not know that, lol.

[@matsanisakrim5503]

Considering that were in coupons and specials might be involved in you know you might momthe hot air coming close to the holiday seasonI

[@oldpreach]

I saw someone hook up the Bluetooth to his car speaker so maybe he had a car that didn't send commands.

[@wastbs]

Add waterproofing&dust proofing then you have a runaway winner.

[@stacksmasher]

No way that touch screen is going to work after 2 or 3 years of daily use. You could see in the video its ability to detect action was suspect lol!!

[@MrTonyd1954]

Same analysis with a cell phone, etc. Nothing last forever. I didn’t buy mine because of the touch screen alone

[@looptheloopish]

Cue pon. Coupon.

[@bruceblosser2040]

I do NOT think that the screen is bright enough in full sunlight!!! - maybe a "switch to blk text on white background would be a good thing to add, for use outdoors!!!

[@samiam5557]

It's worthy of the hype, but not worthy of such a high price point......

[@kb6dxn]

I have the FT3D volume sucks, I have Kenwood and the Anytone also. Out of all of them the Anytone has more power, longer battery life and a much better audio. I am really disappointed with the new Yeasu FT3D with it's audio and the Kenwood with the battery life. You would think Yeasu would have done a better job!!!

[@michaels7499]

The poor audio quality is the biggest complaint for the FT-3DR.

[@smithsterj]

The FT2DR is louder. Hopefully they come out with an ‘a’ model (FT3DRa) with a better speaker and audio.

[@kc2bpp]

It would be nice to have that FT-60R audio in the FT3D

[@mattlord2906]

$349 + tax now

[@Vfoust]

Matt Lord where at?

[@mattlord2906]

@@Vfoust was at ham radio outlet spring sale

[@DonHavjuan]

These days Bluetooth headsets ALL send commands, the same as your car stereo. This guy has no idea what he's talking about.

[@rjlewis3932]

WIRES-X is a disaster. Spend a week on America-Link and you'll understand what I mean. DMR is the clear winner in the digital radio universe. The Anytone 878 plus puts the 3DR to shame for less than half the price.

[@lotakimu]

Dmr? ahah, audio Robot.

[@stillthakoolest]

Is it really that bad in Wausau or are you incapable of smiling? C'mon man, youll live longer if you're not angry at the world so much.