I bought this radio at a local ham-fest last February. It was hard to learn with all the menu issues but now love it. It just takes a little time to get used to it. The RT Systems software really helped. I almost gave up and sold it but now am glad I took the time to learn how to use it. This is now my regular radio.
Had HRO send me a FT 2 last week. Another Yaesu to join my FT60, a radio I love and which get me started in amateur radio. I am already enjoying the FT2. A great little radio full of features. A tad more complicated when learning to program and use those features but fun to play with once learned. I am looking forward to additional how to videos for this radio. I am very glad I purchased aa FT2 but will continue to keep the FT60 handy. Online instructional videos on these radios is very helpful. Thanks for the great instructions
Thank you!!!! For mentioning the speaker, it’s so quiet compared to other HTs. Hopefully you end up making an in-depth video of the HT. That would be awesome.
I hate you!! At MTC's black Friday price and your strong recommendation, I ordered another one. I'm still waiting for it to arrive. I gotta agree, at sub $300 this radio makes a lot more sense and I'm willing to work through some of the weak points. Thanks for the video.
There is a shout-out to you towards the end too. :D I totally see where you're coming from when it was at full retail. Too much for the radio. Cheers buddy!
Bought one a few weeks ago and audio is loud. I don't have a problem with the touchscreen menus. It is easier than other Yaesu handhelds that I purchased. The touchscreen is more responsive than the same radio I saw demonstrated at a hamfest in July 2018. The vendor had to keep pressing on the touchscreen to get to work, it worried me so I delayed the purchase - but no problem on the one I just purchased that happens to have an updated firmware. I took a chance with the price drop and glad I bought it.
Great vid Josh! I’ve had this HT for more a couple of years and find it to be a solid HT. There are scarce few others out there that can claim the same features. Speaker sound quality is OK...it’s an HT after all! Get the Yaesu earbud/mic for audio direct to your ear. Get the basic Yaesu hand mic for further functionality. Another great accessory is the leather case! Connect this to an Elk 2m / 440 5-element log periodic antenna and you will be amazed at how nice that combo plays together! 73 de KM4VAD
Thanks Hosh! Looking forward to the much anticipated and upcoming FT2D videos. Just got this radio, or , er, at least that’s what Santa told me will be coming.
I found a gently used FT1XD at a pawn shop for half the price because I wanted GPS/APRS plus dual VFOs and Wires-X on an HT. It has similar specs to the FT2D but without that touch display. The FT2Ds high price and that fragile (to me) display turned me off to the FT2D, but it is a nice radio.
RICK, KA0RLR HERE, I BOUGHT ONE FOR 200 AND I LOVE IT!!! IYTS AN AWESOME RADIO. ONLY UPGRADE I DID WAS PURCHASE A 3800 ML BATTERY FROM BATERRIES AMERICA, IT WAS ALOT LESS MONEY AND THE EXACT SAME AS THE YAESU BATTERY.
joined the hobby in nov 2019 had a 857 sold it on ebay, now i have the 400, the ft2d, ft3d and ft70 and all are enjoyed for various reasons, lately been focusing on the ft2d. picked up two nodes too
👍I am so glad I found his video‼️ I have just decided to get back into Ham Radio after many years so I am having to re-learn and learn many new concepts. I am doing research on a new HT but programming memory channels will be a big challenge for me so an HT that can be programmed without a CPU is a strong 💪 positive for me as I no longer have a laptop 👨💻 but I do have an 2018 iPad Pro and you said you had a friend that programmed his with a tablet‼️was it an Apple iPad and what program App did he use❓Thanks and you do a good job with your videos‼️. KV5P
I agree with the volume being to low even on maximum in some situations. While on Wires-X the audio of stations varies a lot and some people have very low audio.
YAY the 1st video for the FT2DR! Nice signalstick antenna with the equally important BNC connection adapter ;) I will absolutely second using the RT Systems programming software for this radio as their own software really does suck. Looking forward to more on this radio in upcoming vids :) This really is a nice little radio that gets a bum rap...
Good review. I own the FT-1DR but I'm kind of on the fence on the FT-2DR because I have some reservations about it. For one, I think that camera/mic is overpriced despite it being potentially very useful. I don't know why Yaesu couldn't have installed a camera right into the radio for a few bucks more. These days one can get smart phone with a camera built-in for next to nothing, but when it comes to implementing something like that for amateur radio it seems we are still in the dark ages. I'm aware that it's yet another accessory that Yaesu can make money from but being that the market price for the radio was $549, I felt they should have included a built-in camera for the radio. The FT-2DR built-in screen is far better than the FT-1 DR's convoluted method of unplugging the SD card from the radio and then into a computer in order to view a sent picture. Another thing that Yaesu missed on this radio is a touch screen, I've seen the display of the FT-2DR up close and it's screen is reminiscent of some hand scan bar code reader from the early 1990's. Come on Yaesu, get with the times. With a touch screen they also could have incorporated a touch screen QWERTY keyboard for APRS messaging instead of the awkward method it has now. So those are the reasons why I'm still on the fence. In summary, while I think it does have good features it also missed the mark in some areas. Still on the fence...
The fr2d has a touch screen and keyboard for msgs. Also, it’s kind of a large assumption you’re making that a camera can just be added for “next to nothing” I’m sure that isn’t the case here.
Great video! I too have the FT-2 and love it! While I still have the FT-1 the FT-2 has replaced it as my primary HT! I too am glad I didn't buy this when it first came out! Keep up the great work!! Subscribed!
Well, awesome analysis, and I own one that I have used and played with to some degree. I think though that the learning curve is a bit challenging and really don't need it. So in pristine condition I declare it for sale. I need to go to some kinda intro class for using handhelds. My last handheld was an Icom 2AT. Talk about simple. Oh well.
Waiting for mine to arrive. I have ordered the software and cable package as well but still looking forward to a video on programming this radio. Cheers, VK3PGK.
I have signal sticks on each of my hand helds. Another on a mag mount for my cars. Signal sticks are a great value and roll up so I can easily put my small Yaesu ft4 in a jacket pocket.
So glad you're covering this radio! I just bought one a couple months ago and am still struggling to wrap my head around some of the features. On mine the second band seems to want to stay in digital mode? Looking forward to this series, thank you for the time and effort.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse yeah, when I click mode it just refuses to change from DM to FM, I don't seem to have the same problem with the main band. I'm sure it's something stupid on my part, I program radios at a neanderthal level. I'll just follow your walk throughs as they drop, thanks!
Just got mine a couple weeks ago at the HRO price $291. I also bought it mainly for the APRS and dual band, mostly for SOTA also. I have always been a Icom guy but for all the features and the price it is worth it to me. The learning curve of the menus is a bit of a pain but more than doable as you stated. I have never used DMR/DStar/Fussion and nor do I know how to use it......Yet.... but I'm sure I will finally get around to it. Overall, nice rig and it is more radio than I really need. Thanks fer the video. K5DEZ
I have one of those radios and it serves its purpose. There are a lot of bells and whistles that I don’t use...APRS being one of them. Yes the radio is expensive, but for me it will be something I will grow into. I purchased it for its dual receive capabilities and that’s about it. In general I prefer it over Kenwood and most definitely over Icom. Would I buy another one, probably but at the sub $300 price. The RTSystems software is, for me, a memory management system tool. All in all I am happy with mine. Ordered the FTM400 but at the reduced price because that’s what it’s worth.
Good job Josh on the video Josh. I agree with you, at sub $300 it's a buy and like @k6uda I said, I bought one too. Having used my VX8 for quite a while now I thought the menu would be intuitive enough and to some degree it is but like the 817 I find most Yaesu's seem to be a heavy menu driven platform that takes some getting used too. I look forward to using this one on my next SOTA outing soon.
I LOVE my digital radio , I use my digital radio CALLED A MOBILE PHONE daily , it even has the Internet and SKYPE , Yet for Amateur radio I use NO WIRES , nor computers that use the internet as "Antenna" lol. Love when I hear hams calling cq-dx on DMR/Internet digital modes , wanted to be heard all over the world ( next they we ask for a QSL card , lol ). Yes, sad times when it comes to amateur radio. regardless, thanks for your time making those informative videos.
Good point is it has a large display but can be poor if you dont turn up the contrast the gps is slow to lock but is good buy if you can find a good one cheap
Thank you Josh. I have this radio, it is my second HT. First HT was beofang. It was interesting what you said about its receive capabilities. You recently helped me on a Sota activation on Flint Peak, where my front end was being overloaded/high noise floor and I couldn't hear anyone. Would you put this in the category of the radio having reception issues? Thanks Mark KM6MCG
I just passed my technician test and bought the Yaesu FT2D and and learning to operate it. Thanks for this video! I am looking for a different antenna. Can you give me any sugestions. Loren Knight
I got mine for this Christmas. The biggest complaint I have is the insane programming software from Yaesu and I have made it a mission. Not to buy the after market software. I finally threw up my hands the other day and just manually programmed it. Ran it all day today only lost 2 bars of battery.
the ft2dr is one of the best radios out there, if the touch display was more modern with better clarity and touch it would be at the top...however I traded it in for a d-74 , mainly because of d-star and better display...I still miss it though
I like the radio, although not crazy about the gray display, especially the part that's sometimes partially grayed out. This radio initially was in the $600 range. I'd like to see a FT-3DR with color display. Perhaps the price reduction indicates a FT-3DR is coming?
Too bad. A color screen would sure make it nice. As for wide band receive, AM and FM are ok but it's too bad it doesn't handle CW, USB, and LSB (like the Kenwood TH-D74).
Thanks for a great review! To be sincere, I am still looking at Kenwood D74 as my priority on the wish list. Full HF coverage, SSB, and other bells and whistles. The problem is - I am not a D-Star believer, and that makes me doubt it - do I need d74 at all, or my Kenwood th-f6a would offer almost the same in the end... 73 de R2ARM!
Part of my program with buying the D74 is I'm not gonna take it outdoors. Its going to become a shack queen, which means it'll be surrounded by more capable radios all the time.
I just got this radio for 291.00. All in all i like the radio a lot. But although it is not a deal breaker I am not too happy with the clarity of the display. I bought it to replace my FT1 because the display on the FT1 is hard to see because it is so tiny i need reading glasses to read it. I hoped the display would be better. But it is not terrible either. Everything else on this radio is fine.
Could you do a video (or at least explain) how to use YSF via the Zumspot (of which I own one.) I know with DMR you can program a tg to disconnect from a talkgroup. Does it work the same way with YSF/Hotspots? Thanks in advance.
Need a detailed Barney style breakdown on making this thing function. So far I can work conventional and some digital but know nothing about the SF stuff
Liked the presentation, I like the radio and I always program using the front panel keys. However I have not used wires-x. Could you do a segment on how to get on wires-x from the beginning. No shortcuts. How to make sense of the online charts they use?
I like my radio however I’d really like to have a coloured screen. It’s a challenge to get from feature A to B but it’s a nice challenge and I like challenges. ve1dfg from Nova Scotia, Canada.
The Yaesu 2dr radio works most of the time - however, compared to other handhelds I've owned so far, the user experience on 2DR is just horrible - poor response from touch screen, confusing buttons, difficult to navigate around.
Q. How does the FT2DR compare to the VX8DR???? Q. This being a digital mode radio can you program and listen to law enforcement agencies such as LAPD? 73’s, Chris KJ6FQD
The ft2dr is kind of a successor to the vx8dr. It has all the functionally in the radio instead of it being an attachment. No 6m transmit though. No, the ft2 cannot receive police digital voice.
Absolutely, I'll be making a video on it. But in short, the APRS controls on the FT2DR is maybe two clicks away from the main screen to see stations and messages. Very easy.
Just bought a FT2D. The programming software is absolutely useless. Have tried to construct a .csv file to import and all that happens is that the software corrupts the backup. I guess that's why companies like RT Systems exist... covering the deficiencies of the radio manufacturers.
My new FT2DR is charging. It sound like I'm in for some frustration when it come to programing the radio. When is your video on programming using the complicated menu coming out?
Love your videos, I tried to follow your livestream on setting up the FT2 for aprs and found it difficult to follow you. I’m very new to aprs but if you could make s simple video on this topic it would be greatly appreciated
I made a video on the subject covering what you need to get the FT2D setup on APRS. No, you don't need to sign up for anything. th-cam.com/video/jITKC5_XGB0/w-d-xo.html
I have a D74A, love the color screen, had a 51a too, which i sold, good radio too, very nice b/w display - i think yaesu dropped the ball on this, A mono display is fine - BUT its not as good as the one on the icom - With a little more work they could have made it right -
How about abandoning this "Ham" name and using "Radio Amateur" like we use in the UK? "Ham" was have a laugh at early morse-keyers not so good at keying! Hamming it up.
Ok. I need help. I can't find an answer to this question anywhere. Not even pilot friends. I have a technician license and I am also working on my private pilot certificate. For a backup handheld radio I want ONE handheld that I can TRANSMIT on my allowable technician bands as well as civil aviation bands (108-137 MHz). Can you give me some radios that will fill this need please? Thanks!
How to setup Yaesu Fusion (on FT2D/FT3D) everyone talks about features (need to know how to setup. (RTM) read the manual does not work. Requesting to see Video of YSF basic setup?
I don’t know where to find any info... Harder than I thought in 2019... The thing I’m looking for is a good comparison regsrding ham radios. I want something with durability, range and good battery. Yaesu is the closest I’ve come but which one of them.? Too damn many.... Budget is no problem.
In general, the FT2DR and the FT3DR is the most feature rich Yaesu radio and likely one of the more robust. Range is going to be relatively the same for most HTs even across the bands.
Ham Radio Crash Course and they’re analogue, right? Also analog or dmr?? Doesn’t analogue have the advantage of communicating if digital com goes down? Or am I totally out of it.. 4th unofficial question: can dmr work in analogue mode too?
The FT2DR & FT3DR are both analog and digital. The digital mode that it uses is Yaesu System Fusion. You can run a radio in digital mode or analog mode, digital doesn't "go out".
@@HamRadioCrashCourse True, so it should work fine. Then again how will the LCD display data in below zero degree conditions, since the radio is not waterproof, i.e. more protected construction.
I read online that Yaesu is pushing this model to the consumers, hence the price drop/s, because they are about to release an upgrade. Just hoping you or Billy can shed some light on this since I’m about to buy my very first digital/analog, after I get a brand new spankin’ license. Anyway, love your videos man. Keep em comin’ 😁
I don’t know if I can find the exact article, but as far as I can remember, they were comments made by some readers of the review/blog. Also, one follower of K6UDA mentioned it, although it sounded as if it’s wishful thinking.
I'm getting mine delivered in the next few days. Thanks for the video. It helped me make my decision. I'm also getting the FT-70DR. What SMA-to-BNC connector did you get? 73. KK4ILI
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Any word on delivery for the FT5DR? I just got my license and, if upgrading from my Baofeng, might as well wait for that to come out.
For those interested, I'm using the Signal Stuff Signal Stick antenna. signalstuff.com/product/super-elastic-signal-stick/
Thank you!
I was ready to buy one, thanks
Love mine. I’m always outdoors and my Signalstick is great with my VX6R
@@Whiskey6Radio It only works when it's warm. When it's cold it won't straighten for several hours and gets to be really aggravating.
Ham Radio Crash Course great antenna I bought it for my FT1xdr
I bought this radio at a local ham-fest last February. It was hard to learn with all the menu issues but now love it. It just takes a little time to get used to it. The RT Systems software really helped.
I almost gave up and sold it but now am glad I took the time to learn how to use it. This is now my regular radio.
I’m glad I stuck with it too.
Had HRO send me a FT 2 last week. Another Yaesu to join my FT60, a radio I love and which get me started in amateur radio. I am already enjoying the FT2. A great little radio full of features. A tad more complicated when learning to program and use those features but fun to play with once learned. I am looking forward to additional how to videos for this radio. I am very glad I purchased aa FT2 but will continue to keep the FT60 handy. Online instructional videos on these radios is very helpful. Thanks for the great instructions
Thank you!!!! For mentioning the speaker, it’s so quiet compared to other HTs. Hopefully you end up making an in-depth video of the HT. That would be awesome.
I hate you!! At MTC's black Friday price and your strong recommendation, I ordered another one. I'm still waiting for it to arrive. I gotta agree, at sub $300 this radio makes a lot more sense and I'm willing to work through some of the weak points. Thanks for the video.
There is a shout-out to you towards the end too. :D
I totally see where you're coming from when it was at full retail. Too much for the radio.
Cheers buddy!
Hopefully you got your gear by now - There was a shortage of the radios from several stores, HRO for example - so yeah at 5 months id be pissed too -
Bought one a few weeks ago and audio is loud. I don't have a problem with the touchscreen menus. It is easier than other Yaesu handhelds that I purchased. The touchscreen is more responsive than the same radio I saw demonstrated at a hamfest in July 2018. The vendor had to keep pressing on the touchscreen to get to work, it worried me so I delayed the purchase - but no problem on the one I just purchased that happens to have an updated firmware. I took a chance with the price drop and glad I bought it.
Great vid Josh!
I’ve had this HT for more a couple of years and find it to be a solid HT. There are scarce few others out there that can claim the same features.
Speaker sound quality is OK...it’s an HT after all! Get the Yaesu earbud/mic for audio direct to your ear. Get the basic Yaesu hand mic for further functionality.
Another great accessory is the leather case!
Connect this to an Elk 2m / 440 5-element log periodic antenna and you will be amazed at how nice that combo plays together!
73 de KM4VAD
Thanks Hosh! Looking forward to the much anticipated and upcoming FT2D videos. Just got this radio, or , er, at least that’s what Santa told me will be coming.
I found a gently used FT1XD at a pawn shop for half the price because I wanted GPS/APRS plus dual VFOs and Wires-X on an HT. It has similar specs to the FT2D but without that touch display. The FT2Ds high price and that fragile (to me) display turned me off to the FT2D, but it is a nice radio.
RICK, KA0RLR HERE, I BOUGHT ONE FOR 200 AND I LOVE IT!!! IYTS AN AWESOME RADIO. ONLY UPGRADE I DID WAS PURCHASE A 3800 ML BATTERY FROM BATERRIES AMERICA, IT WAS ALOT LESS MONEY AND THE EXACT SAME AS THE YAESU BATTERY.
Thank you for explaining the features, and context. Too many folks on the internet are quick to make hard judgements without being reasonable.
joined the hobby in nov 2019 had a 857 sold it on ebay, now i have the 400, the ft2d, ft3d and ft70 and all are enjoyed for various reasons, lately been focusing on the ft2d. picked up two nodes too
hello, thank you for the video. I will receive yaesu ft-2d this week. It's not a new one but used one. 73
😉
👍I am so glad I found his video‼️ I have just decided to get back into Ham Radio after many years so I am having to re-learn and learn many new concepts. I am doing research on a new HT but programming memory channels will be a big challenge for me so an HT that can be programmed without a CPU is a strong 💪 positive for me as I no longer have a laptop 👨💻 but I do have an 2018 iPad Pro and you said you had a friend that programmed his with a tablet‼️was it an Apple iPad and what program App did he use❓Thanks and you do a good job with your videos‼️. KV5P
I agree with the volume being to low even on maximum in some situations. While on Wires-X the audio of stations varies a lot and some people have very low audio.
YAY the 1st video for the FT2DR! Nice signalstick antenna with the equally important BNC connection adapter ;) I will absolutely second using the RT Systems programming software for this radio as their own software really does suck. Looking forward to more on this radio in upcoming vids :) This really is a nice little radio that gets a bum rap...
Which bnc adapter did you use.? Does it seat all the way into the antenna base?
I am thinking of getting FT2DRD
Enjoyed your video
Good review. I own the FT-1DR but I'm kind of on the fence on the FT-2DR because I have some reservations about it.
For one, I think that camera/mic is overpriced despite it being potentially very useful. I don't know why Yaesu couldn't have installed a camera right into the radio for a few bucks more. These days one can get smart phone with a camera built-in for next to nothing, but when it comes to implementing something like that for amateur radio it seems we are still in the dark ages. I'm aware that it's yet another accessory that Yaesu can make money from but being that the market price for the radio was $549, I felt they should have included a built-in camera for the radio.
The FT-2DR built-in screen is far better than the FT-1 DR's convoluted method of unplugging the SD card from the radio and then into a computer in order to view a sent picture. Another thing that Yaesu missed on this radio is a touch screen, I've seen the display of the FT-2DR up close and it's screen is reminiscent of some hand scan bar code reader from the early 1990's. Come on Yaesu, get with the times. With a touch screen they also could have incorporated a touch screen QWERTY keyboard for APRS messaging instead of the awkward method it has now.
So those are the reasons why I'm still on the fence. In summary, while I think it does have good features it also missed the mark in some areas. Still on the fence...
The fr2d has a touch screen and keyboard for msgs. Also, it’s kind of a large assumption you’re making that a camera can just be added for “next to nothing” I’m sure that isn’t the case here.
Great video! I too have the FT-2 and love it! While I still have the FT-1 the FT-2 has replaced it as my primary HT! I too am glad I didn't buy this when it first came out! Keep up the great work!! Subscribed!
Thank you for watching!
FROM N3NDX , I LOVE MY FT-2D, HAVE A PAIR OF THEM, GOT THEM AT THE 300 DALLOR RANGE.. LOVE THEM. LOVE SYSTEM FUSION.. 02-10-2019.
Well, awesome analysis, and I own one that I have used and played with to some degree. I think though that the learning curve is a bit challenging and really don't need it. So in pristine condition I declare it for sale. I need to go to some kinda intro class for using handhelds. My last handheld was an Icom 2AT. Talk about simple. Oh well.
For better audio (louder and more bass), uncover one of the rubber port covers.
Great review but I can sum up the 18 minutes and say that the FT2DR is an awesome radio. You can't go wrong picking it as your go to HT
Waiting for mine to arrive. I have ordered the software and cable package as well but still looking forward to a video on programming this radio. Cheers, VK3PGK.
Love the Ft2D for all it’s capabilities. The only issue I have is the volume level. Keep up the work great work on your channel.
Thks for the input... 73 /Qrt
Just got one. I am on the fence with it. So far. Going to give it a few days to decide if I’ll keep it.
Great little radio, I love mine.
Thank you!
Thanks for a Great Review on the FT2DR. 73 de KG5TJV
Love your videos .. Learning as much as I can
I have signal sticks on each of my hand helds. Another on a mag mount for my cars. Signal sticks are a great value and roll up so I can easily put my small Yaesu ft4 in a jacket pocket.
Hurry Up with a Ft2dr instructional video. We got 7 rescue squad members randomly pushing buttons :)
Hah!
So glad you're covering this radio! I just bought one a couple months ago and am still struggling to wrap my head around some of the features. On mine the second band seems to want to stay in digital mode? Looking forward to this series, thank you for the time and effort.
I'm assuming you've clicked the mode button to FM or FM with the line above?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse yeah, when I click mode it just refuses to change from DM to FM, I don't seem to have the same problem with the main band. I'm sure it's something stupid on my part, I program radios at a neanderthal level. I'll just follow your walk throughs as they drop, thanks!
Great open honest and Informative review..thanks! My FT-2DE arrives tomorrow - yikes! :)
Congrats! And thanks for watching!
Just got mine a couple weeks ago at the HRO price $291. I also bought it mainly for the APRS and dual band, mostly for SOTA also. I have always been a Icom guy but for all the features and the price it is worth it to me. The learning curve of the menus is a bit of a pain but more than doable as you stated. I have never used DMR/DStar/Fussion and nor do I know how to use it......Yet.... but I'm sure I will finally get around to it. Overall, nice rig and it is more radio than I really need. Thanks fer the video. K5DEZ
Thank you for the video, it is very helpful. I like my Garmin in this pocket, and my Horn in the other.
4 years of this video, now everyone go crazy with the hamvention ft5d sale, nice welcome for the new icom and Kendwood
I have one of those radios and it serves its purpose. There are a lot of bells and whistles that I don’t use...APRS being one of them. Yes the radio is expensive, but for me it will be something I will grow into. I purchased it for its dual receive capabilities and that’s about it. In general I prefer it over Kenwood and most definitely over Icom. Would I buy another one, probably but at the sub $300 price. The RTSystems software is, for me, a memory management system tool. All in all I am happy with mine. Ordered the FTM400 but at the reduced price because that’s what it’s worth.
Thank you for sharing really appreciate it hello from Atlanta Georgia
Good job Josh on the video Josh. I agree with you, at sub $300 it's a buy and like @k6uda I said, I bought one too. Having used my VX8 for quite a while now I thought the menu would be intuitive enough and to some degree it is but like the 817 I find most Yaesu's seem to be a heavy menu driven platform that takes some getting used too. I look forward to using this one on my next SOTA outing soon.
Thanks Jerry. I like it for what it is. I think once its setup it works pretty well.
I LOVE my digital radio , I use my digital radio CALLED A MOBILE PHONE daily , it even has the Internet and SKYPE , Yet for Amateur radio I use NO WIRES , nor computers that use the internet as "Antenna" lol. Love when I hear hams calling cq-dx on DMR/Internet digital modes , wanted to be heard all over the world ( next they we ask for a QSL card , lol ). Yes, sad times when it comes to amateur radio. regardless, thanks for your time making those informative videos.
I think aside from the solar cycle, its the best time to be a ham! So much cool gear to have fun with.
Good point is it has a large display but can be poor if you dont turn up the contrast the gps is slow to lock but is good buy if you can find a good one cheap
Great video Josh. Did Yaesu make the FT3Dr any eaiser to program ?
Thank you Josh. I have this radio, it is my second HT. First HT was beofang. It was interesting what you said about its receive capabilities. You recently helped me on a Sota activation on Flint Peak, where my front end was being overloaded/high noise floor and I couldn't hear anyone. Would you put this in the category of the radio having reception issues? Thanks Mark KM6MCG
No. Not the same issue. For the Yaesu I mean the wife and rx, not vhf uhf.
Thanks for putting this out
Where did you say you have a video that can get help programming the yaesu ft2dr APRS.
It will be a future video.
I just passed my technician test and bought the Yaesu FT2D and and learning to operate it. Thanks for this video! I am looking for a different antenna. Can you give me any sugestions. Loren Knight
You and K6UDA should get together and compare DSTAR HTs, DMR HTs, and Fusion HTs.
Good idea! I hope to meet him in person one day!
Got mine a month ago. Agreed regarding the ui. Not too intuitive but im sure ill master it. Gotta get the antenna. 2m range is limited.
I got mine for this Christmas. The biggest complaint I have is the insane programming software from Yaesu and I have made it a mission. Not to buy the after market software. I finally threw up my hands the other day and just manually programmed it. Ran it all day today only lost 2 bars of battery.
Top guy great will buy one soon not sure which one
Great review! I was wondering can you select AM for Rx within the military airband 225-400 range?
the ft2dr is one of the best radios out there, if the touch display was more modern with better clarity and touch it would be at the top...however I traded it in for a d-74 , mainly because of d-star and better display...I still miss it though
I like the radio, although not crazy about the gray display, especially the part that's sometimes partially grayed out. This radio initially was in the $600 range. I'd like to see a FT-3DR with color display. Perhaps the price reduction indicates a FT-3DR is coming?
Too bad. A color screen would sure make it nice. As for wide band receive, AM and FM are ok but it's too bad it doesn't handle CW, USB, and LSB (like the Kenwood TH-D74).
I returned mine. Couldn't stand high pitched sound during digital reception.
Changed 5 of them and all of them were same.
Thanks for a great review! To be sincere, I am still looking at Kenwood D74 as my priority on the wish list. Full HF coverage, SSB, and other bells and whistles. The problem is - I am not a D-Star believer, and that makes me doubt it - do I need d74 at all, or my Kenwood th-f6a would offer almost the same in the end... 73 de R2ARM!
Part of my program with buying the D74 is I'm not gonna take it outdoors. Its going to become a shack queen, which means it'll be surrounded by more capable radios all the time.
I just got this radio for 291.00. All in all i like the radio a lot. But although it is not a deal breaker I am not too happy with the clarity of the display. I bought it to replace my FT1 because the display on the FT1 is hard to see because it is so tiny i need reading glasses to read it. I hoped the display would be better. But it is not terrible either. Everything else on this radio is fine.
291 is a pretty go deal. IDK, I guess I am OK with the display. Try playing with the contrast?
Could you do a video (or at least explain) how to use YSF via the Zumspot (of which I own one.) I know with DMR you can program a tg to disconnect from a talkgroup. Does it work the same way with YSF/Hotspots? Thanks in advance.
Need a detailed Barney style breakdown on making this thing function. So far I can work conventional and some digital but know nothing about the SF stuff
Can an analogy of this review be made with the upgrade from 400dx to 300dr mobiles?
Love the videos! What antenna and coupling set-up are you using on that handheld?
I am using a diamond SMA to BNC adapter to a Signal Stuff - Signal stick.
What a neat little radio. But for 300 bucks. Little out of my buget. But still worth it!
Liked the presentation, I like the radio and I always program using the front panel keys. However I have not used wires-x. Could you do a segment on how to get on wires-x from the beginning. No shortcuts. How to make sense of the online charts they use?
Sure. Its on my list.
Would you still recommend the FT2DR/DE as of 2024 or is there an updated version worth the buy?
I’d go updated.
I like my radio however I’d really like to have a coloured screen. It’s a challenge to get from feature A to B but it’s a nice challenge and I like challenges. ve1dfg from Nova Scotia, Canada.
You can Send and Received Pictures from other Radios,
Yes. You can.
good job
The Yaesu 2dr radio works most of the time - however, compared to other handhelds I've owned so far, the user experience on 2DR is just horrible - poor response from touch screen, confusing buttons, difficult to navigate around.
Hey, I just bought one of these used and the screen wont work ( illuminates but no text at all) charging light not working
Q. How does the FT2DR compare to the VX8DR????
Q. This being a digital mode radio can you program and listen to law enforcement agencies such as LAPD?
73’s,
Chris
KJ6FQD
The ft2dr is kind of a successor to the vx8dr. It has all the functionally in the radio instead of it being an attachment. No 6m transmit though.
No, the ft2 cannot receive police digital voice.
You mentioned in passing you think the APRS is better than competing radios. Care to elaborate?
Absolutely, I'll be making a video on it. But in short, the APRS controls on the FT2DR is maybe two clicks away from the main screen to see stations and messages. Very easy.
Just bought a FT2D. The programming software is absolutely useless. Have tried to construct a .csv file to import and all that happens is that the software corrupts the backup. I guess that's why companies like RT Systems exist... covering the deficiencies of the radio manufacturers.
My new FT2DR is charging. It sound like I'm in for some frustration when it come to programing the radio. When is your video on programming using the complicated menu coming out?
Its on the list. I'll get to it in a bit. Take your time it'll start to make sense as you go.
Hi,What are the FT2dr like on the two airbands,a guy near me say's they are poor do they receive ok or is the receiver on board just an added extra.
Love your videos, I tried to follow your livestream on setting up the FT2 for aprs and found it difficult to follow you. I’m very new to aprs but if you could make s simple video on this topic it would be greatly appreciated
What is the issue you are having specifically?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse How to get started with APRS and what settings need to be turned on or off on the FT2D. I believe I need to sign up at APRS?
I made a video on the subject covering what you need to get the FT2D setup on APRS. No, you don't need to sign up for anything. th-cam.com/video/jITKC5_XGB0/w-d-xo.html
I have a D74A, love the color screen, had a 51a too, which i sold, good radio too, very nice b/w display - i think yaesu dropped the ball on this, A mono display is fine - BUT its not as good as the one on the icom - With a little more work they could have made it right -
I think you're right, but I don't think they were trying to compete with a color screen. Its capacitive touch, so color would have like been pointless
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I agree, just wish they made the B/W display the readability of the 51a -
How about abandoning this "Ham" name and using "Radio Amateur" like we use in the UK?
"Ham" was have a laugh at early morse-keyers not so good at keying! Hamming it up.
A great radio had mine for a while. best I have used. UK
I also very much like it!
Ok. I need help. I can't find an answer to this question anywhere. Not even pilot friends. I have a technician license and I am also working on my private pilot certificate. For a backup handheld radio I want ONE handheld that I can TRANSMIT on my allowable technician bands as well as civil aviation bands (108-137 MHz). Can you give me some radios that will fill this need please? Thanks!
There is not a radio licensed for retail that transmits on airband and amateur radio.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Well that sucks. Let’s make one and get the FCC and FAA to approve it 😂😂😂
Can you clone the from a FT1DR to a FT2DR?
Can you tell me where I can purchase this radio at the cheapest price???
How to setup Yaesu Fusion (on FT2D/FT3D) everyone talks about features (need to know how to setup. (RTM) read the manual does not work. Requesting to see Video of YSF basic setup?
What antenna is that your using
Does this radio have the TDMA on it for Phase 2 of the digital scanning? Thank you,,,
Yea sorry 300 still just too much for that and im just still wanting 6 and 222. Wires just looks like advanced trunking.
No handhelds I k ow of do 6 and 222
I don’t know where to find any info... Harder than I thought in 2019... The thing I’m looking for is a good comparison regsrding ham radios. I want something with durability, range and good battery. Yaesu is the closest I’ve come but which one of them.? Too damn many.... Budget is no problem.
In general, the FT2DR and the FT3DR is the most feature rich Yaesu radio and likely one of the more robust. Range is going to be relatively the same for most HTs even across the bands.
Ham Radio Crash Course and they’re analogue, right?
Also analog or dmr?? Doesn’t analogue have the advantage of communicating if digital com goes down? Or am I totally out of it..
4th unofficial question: can dmr work in analogue mode too?
The FT2DR & FT3DR are both analog and digital. The digital mode that it uses is Yaesu System Fusion.
You can run a radio in digital mode or analog mode, digital doesn't "go out".
What’s your opinion on anytone vs yaesu?
They both make good radios. What specifically are you looking for?
How do you turn off the "Dee dah" tone when aprs hijacks the screen???
How are the batteries ?
What alternative radios do you suggest with close/equal features?
Do you want APRS?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Yeah. I'm specifically looking for a good backpacking/offroad radio for emergency use.
Have you tested the LCD in cold conditions? Like below zero degrees? How does it perform with the gloves or even w/o in such cold conditions?
I have not tested in the cold, the screen is not capacitive so it will work through gloves. Good point!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse True, so it should work fine. Then again how will the LCD display data in below zero degree conditions, since the radio is not waterproof, i.e. more protected construction.
I don't know, its a good question.
What HT antenna are you using on the HT?
That is a Signal Stuff - Signal Stick
@@HamRadioCrashCourse I love mine, its funny when locals have all same HTs and different antennas. And this Signal Stick antenna out performs theirs.
can yoou talk more about group monitor?
Hi! Please tell me, Yaesu ft-2d or Yaesu ftm-100d. Thanks.
They’re totally different radios. Do you want to carry it around or mount in a car?
When do you think the f3dr will be announced? If you have a hand on its hardware and software design, how would you do it?
No clue. I didn't know one was in work.
I read online that Yaesu is pushing this model to the consumers, hence the price drop/s, because they are about to release an upgrade. Just hoping you or Billy can shed some light on this since I’m about to buy my very first digital/analog, after I get a brand new spankin’ license. Anyway, love your videos man. Keep em comin’ 😁
Where did you read that?
I don’t know if I can find the exact article, but as far as I can remember, they were comments made by some readers of the review/blog. Also, one follower of K6UDA mentioned it, although it sounded as if it’s wishful thinking.
It’s all just a story at this point.
So if you have used a yaesu vx8r then the menus will be basically the same?
2DR is different since it has the touch screen, so, how you navigate will be different - although you will find many similar menus.
yup sub $300 (or $420aud) in the USA and $690 in Australia... i get the mark up but $250aud/50 more? we get bash raped when it comes to radio gear
High pitch noise during digital receive is very annoying. I had it for years and had to sell it, couldn't stand it.
High pitched noise? Like a squeal?
Bluetooth ? That would fix the audio problem
I'm getting mine delivered in the next few days. Thanks for the video. It helped me make my decision. I'm also getting the FT-70DR. What SMA-to-BNC connector did you get? 73. KK4ILI
Is this still your go to hand held?
The ft3dr is now. Which is the upgrade to the ft2dr.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Any word on delivery for the FT5DR? I just got my license and, if upgrading from my Baofeng, might as well wait for that to come out.
Sometime in September.