I like the FT70 one of the easiest HT to program from the screen. Battery life isn't the best but it works. I like the volume control, when in the fire service it was a lousy feeling when your coat moved your volume down and your buddies go by code 3 and you didn't hear anything lol.
The 70 has a few drawbacks but it is a solid radio for the price. I bought a custom battery pack for mine that uses two 18650 batteries and the radio lasts a long time now. I carry this more than my ID52 because of the durability and cheaper to replace if it gets wrecked.
I remember seeing those cases a while back. They were 3-d printed -- want to say it was a guy in Europe... But I can't find it any more. Would you be comfortable posting where you found them?
Great Video! I’ve always wondered about this model. I can see now that the Baofeng “Barry White” BF-18H was modeled after this Yaesu HT with its trigger style PTT and large top centered LED TX/RX light
That looks like a good quality radio, it would be nice if they could make the volume control both ways give you a choice one for professionals and one for recreationals, I like it!
I was going to buy it as my 1st HT and my first radio but I passed my licence right on with Black Friday and Anytone 878 was same price so went with that. More power, better battery life with usb C charging won me over, not to mention it's easier to program. 😅 If Yeasu updated it though, might give it a go.
It seems simultaneously a great deal for what all it does and "meh" - I'd suggest it's the best HT you can get in its price range -- which isn't high praise, but might be true.
I have two FT-70D's. One is for EDC, and the other is dedicated for the most part to the various hotspots I have. I use these way more than my FT-5D. More because it's a pretty simple radio to program and use, and the sound from these units is crystal clear and loud. Agree with the volume control, but once you know, it's no big deal. Bought both used at really great deals. I highly recommend. Yea, batter life is an issue, but that seems to be "the way" with most of the Yaesu HT's. Extra batteries for this unit is not too costly. - KN4VA -
This is a great radio, right in the sweet spot for price and features from a "big name". Thanks for letting me borrow it and check out the comments for all the love for this radio.
Nice! Love my 70d. With a stubby Diamond SRHF10 It is my perfered hamfest radio - small, easy to program when your group pics a frequency, and the battery lasts all day for me (thats all I need). With a little practice you can operate the volume single handed which is nice if listing to the talk in frequency while driving. I also wont cry too much if I have a few too many barley pops and manage to lose it! 😂
@@temporarilyoffline Ah yes I recall, I bought him a drink at the Flex dinner before he had got it back! It was still lost and obviously raw at that point in the week!
Look forward to hearing you on Toads Fusion… (or DMR - via your hotspot). BTW there are two different ways to connect to Brandmeister via your hotspot..
I have a ft-70d and a ft5d. Obviously i like the ft5d more. But for the price the ft-70 is a great radio and batteries are a good price to buy a couple extra. I just figured out ysf/wires-x last week. Im surprised at how simple it is.
Over here in the UK, I literally just picked one up tonight for £100 used on eBay with the fast charging dock which apparently is a £30 extra normally, also still has the plastic protector over the screen so it’s hardly seen any use.
A great radio and also good to use with a hotspot as it has C4FM built in. The way you use the free Yaesu software for programming is very unusual though, lots of weird steps.
I need a 3d printer so I can make custom battery packs. For now, I'm getting all the test Epworth I can before things are strangely unavailable. Thanks for the content, brother. 🤙🏽
The biggest negative I've heard about it is the stock battery life is quite lacking and Yaesu does not offer an extended/bigger battery for it. Can't recall where I saw it (ebay? etsy? QRZ?) but stumbled across a guy who perceived a needed product and is making/selling 3-d printed cases that will take a pair of 18650's for the FT-70.
As with all things ham radio "it depends" - first question is "What are your local repeaters running?" If Fusion, then get the yaesu, if DMR, then get the Anytone. second question is "Do you care about local repeaters" - get the one you like better. 3rd question - if you care about a certain internet based group AND want your local repeater that is a different mode, does the internet group cross-mode? For example: You can get to TOADs Internet Radio from DMR, D-Star and Fusion and they automatically cross-mode to the other flavors, but my local club has a DMR only talkgroup and repeaters in my area are Fusion!
I know they are 3.5 and 2.5 but I think you will find the actual pinout of that adaptor is not the same as a Kenwood style or K connector. Be careful and don't fry something.
Howdy. I be been studying for my technician license. Take the test 2/6. I feel pretty confident about it. I am beginning to do research for my first radio. I want a HT and am looking for suggestions. I want it to be decently durable. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Good luck on your test. Hamstudy.org will let you run practice tests if you haven't found that already. I always suggest that you look into what your local repeater uses for digital modes if any - fusion? The FT-70 is a great starting point. DMR? The btech 6x2 (or 6x2 pro) all-star? Any baofeng will do. For d-star there aren't as many choices. The Icom ID-50 is probably going to be the cheapest, although still pricey. Just remember that your first radio isn't your last radio.
This radio can't decode P25. You'll need to get another radio for that. Do you know if your public safety radio is encrypted? If so, even if you have a P25 radio you won't be able to hear it.
I bought one of these Yaesu FT-70D radios as my first upgrade from a Baofeng radio as a new Ham back in 2022. Within a week of having it, I was having regret buying the HT. The battery life is insulting, the volume control taking 2 hands is crazy. In fact, there are too many functions that require 2 hands to do with the radio. Starting the scan involves pressing the F button then the 2 button. Programming the radio using the included software - oh boy, that's a test in dexterity to remove the battery, Press and hold the ADMS button while plugging in the power adapter. My FT-70D is collecting dust these days...The FT-70D has really soured my view of Yaesu HT's and I ended up buying a Wouxun KG-UV9D Mate radio at Hamvention this year as my every day carry.
Just an FYI, this can charged off 12V. Get the right connector and stick powerpole connectors on it, and it is easy to charge. I've also found that the battery light comes on way earlier than the battery is actually low.
I love the 70d's audio, the feel, but the battery is FLAT OUT TRASH. I'm always charging it, it must have a parasitic draw because unless I remove the battery, the next time I go to use it, I need to charge it.
@@temporarilyoffline yeah, if it wasn't for the battery life, I'd love this radio. It's my favorite audio of all my HTs. I was appalled to hear the ft3d speaker. Much more deluxe radio, but with a FLAT speaker.
Sigh....technological progress really is hard on some people. Especially sad hams. Enjoy analog. For some reason, I have a feeling digital is here to stay. Some people like or need options. A lot of what I hear on Wires X is elderly folks that have no way to put up antennas or may be in condos shut in or even nursing homes. This allows them to enjoy ham radio and you can connect to repeaters (yes, radio wave producing repeaters) all over the world. I can put up a 80m wire antenna, a 2m yagi, or whatever I wish, perhaps they cannot. BTW, even without Wires X, the digital voice C4FM is great. The clarity is fantastic. It's a good HT.
I got one of these and the longer diamond antenna. Struggle to get to the digital repeater, access point from home. Go for a walk and get some height or something a bike ride away and get a fair distance to a repeater. Got a playlist or pretty pictures on QRZ. G7TRV. shame in the menu they could not give a choice of what the top knob does. Volume would be usefull when on the bike or just holding it. Pain the volume, knew before I bought it but wanted digital and not another DMR chuck out noise everywhere Baofeng or similar. Had before, too hard to program, work. Wanted Yaesu nice radio and digital. Was this then.
I like the FT70 one of the easiest HT to program from the screen. Battery life isn't the best but it works. I like the volume control, when in the fire service it was a lousy feeling when your coat moved your volume down and your buddies go by code 3 and you didn't hear anything lol.
Oh, that would be bad!
The 70 has a few drawbacks but it is a solid radio for the price. I bought a custom battery pack for mine that uses two 18650 batteries and the radio lasts a long time now. I carry this more than my ID52 because of the durability and cheaper to replace if it gets wrecked.
That price is "almost" perfect! Its a good radio.
I remember seeing those cases a while back. They were 3-d printed -- want to say it was a guy in Europe... But I can't find it any more. Would you be comfortable posting where you found them?
@@JDHood There was a guy on TOADs discord selling these. Check out there: discord.gg/97tkMEc
(drop a line in #builders-club asking about it?)
Great Video! I’ve always wondered about this model. I can see now that the Baofeng “Barry White” BF-18H was modeled after this Yaesu HT with its trigger style PTT and large top centered LED TX/RX light
I wonder how that BF-18H rates on the meters
@@temporarilyoffline I don’t have a TinySA….yet. But I do have an RF meter 🤔
That looks like a good quality radio, it would be nice if they could make the volume control both ways give you a choice one for professionals and one for recreationals, I like it!
That's a great idea
I was going to buy it as my 1st HT and my first radio but I passed my licence right on with Black Friday and Anytone 878 was same price so went with that. More power, better battery life with usb C charging won me over, not to mention it's easier to program. 😅 If Yeasu updated it though, might give it a go.
Yeah, good choice!
A long time ago it was once on sale for $140. USD only. It's also not expensive in Canada, at $239. CAD now, but once slightly less.
It seems simultaneously a great deal for what all it does and "meh" - I'd suggest it's the best HT you can get in its price range -- which isn't high praise, but might be true.
I have one but it sits around collecting dust. Thanks for getting me interested in tinkering with it again.
Go for it! The Chirp guys are in the middle of building out support for this rig.
I use the siren repeater when I'm up north. Heading that way for a few weeks maybe I'll hear you up there.
I'm leaving Friday... make it quick 🤣
Thanks Steve, I really like my FT-70DR, even the volume control is okay.
If I bought it, it would be a keeper... computer programming is a bit of a pain, but you can use the RT Systems software to make it better.
There is a setting in the menu to just click the vol button and then you can adjust. You can do it one handed with a bit of practice.
Nice tip!
I have two FT-70D's. One is for EDC, and the other is dedicated for the most part to the various hotspots I have. I use these way more than my FT-5D. More because it's a pretty simple radio to program and use, and the sound from these units is crystal clear and loud. Agree with the volume control, but once you know, it's no big deal. Bought both used at really great deals. I highly recommend. Yea, batter life is an issue, but that seems to be "the way" with most of the Yaesu HT's. Extra batteries for this unit is not too costly. - KN4VA -
Yeah. It's a solid radio that does the thing. Simultaneously hard to love and hard to hate!
If you typically have a 12VDC source handy this radio will charge directly from 12V. Get the right connector and roll.
@@bassmanjr100 I just found that out with my FT5D!
Good review, without being too technical. Thank you for what you do. Had I had the cash for something different or better......
This is a great radio, right in the sweet spot for price and features from a "big name". Thanks for letting me borrow it and check out the comments for all the love for this radio.
Nice! Love my 70d. With a stubby Diamond SRHF10 It is my perfered hamfest radio - small, easy to program when your group pics a frequency, and the battery lasts all day for me (thats all I need). With a little practice you can operate the volume single handed which is nice if listing to the talk in frequency while driving. I also wont cry too much if I have a few too many barley pops and manage to lose it! 😂
Jeem lost his 5d, I felt a little bad for him myself... (he got it back)
@@temporarilyoffline Ah yes I recall, I bought him a drink at the Flex dinner before he had got it back! It was still lost and obviously raw at that point in the week!
I like the feel of the FT70D. It definitely doesn't feel cheap. But like you I opted for the FT5D value during hamvention. 73
I could not pass up that deal at Hamvention!
Look forward to hearing you on Toads Fusion… (or DMR - via your hotspot). BTW there are two different ways to connect to Brandmeister via your hotspot..
Once I get on the road I'll have it all setup. Right now everything is put away as I'm getting on the road next week!
It's a good radio for the price. Not really a C4FM fan but, good radio. I carry it most of time.
I would have bought this if it came across my desk a few days earlier!
I Think from a test that antenna is not as efficient as the standard antenna on 2m but it gives some gain on 70cm .
Interesting, you mean the stock or the replacement?
I have a ft-70d and a ft5d. Obviously i like the ft5d more. But for the price the ft-70 is a great radio and batteries are a good price to buy a couple extra.
I just figured out ysf/wires-x last week. Im surprised at how simple it is.
Its crazy simple. I was super impressed. Video coming out soon.
Over here in the UK, I literally just picked one up tonight for £100 used on eBay with the fast charging dock which apparently is a £30 extra normally, also still has the plastic protector over the screen so it’s hardly seen any use.
Very nice. Enjoy!
Nice!
Thank you! Cheers!
A great radio and also good to use with a hotspot as it has C4FM built in. The way you use the free Yaesu software for programming is very unusual though, lots of weird steps.
agreed! hotspot video is coming out soon. Super easy to use with a hotspot.
I need a 3d printer so I can make custom battery packs. For now, I'm getting all the test Epworth I can before things are strangely unavailable. Thanks for the content, brother. 🤙🏽
You got it dude!
Good work, son!
Who me?
The biggest negative I've heard about it is the stock battery life is quite lacking and Yaesu does not offer an extended/bigger battery for it. Can't recall where I saw it (ebay? etsy? QRZ?) but stumbled across a guy who perceived a needed product and is making/selling 3-d printed cases that will take a pair of 18650's for the FT-70.
I've seen that too, Hams Lead The Way!
Thanks for the review! Having Baofeng loyalty conflict!
Forget the Baofeng. Get the 70DR.
Why not both?
An interesting question for you-for digital voice and anologue,this or a Anytone HT?
As with all things ham radio "it depends" - first question is "What are your local repeaters running?" If Fusion, then get the yaesu, if DMR, then get the Anytone. second question is "Do you care about local repeaters" - get the one you like better. 3rd question - if you care about a certain internet based group AND want your local repeater that is a different mode, does the internet group cross-mode? For example: You can get to TOADs Internet Radio from DMR, D-Star and Fusion and they automatically cross-mode to the other flavors, but my local club has a DMR only talkgroup and repeaters in my area are Fusion!
I know they are 3.5 and 2.5 but I think you will find the actual pinout of that adaptor is not the same as a Kenwood style or K connector. Be careful and don't fry something.
You're right, that was my mistake.
Howdy. I be been studying for my technician license. Take the test 2/6. I feel pretty confident about it. I am beginning to do research for my first radio. I want a HT and am looking for suggestions. I want it to be decently durable. Any suggestions would be welcome.
Good luck on your test. Hamstudy.org will let you run practice tests if you haven't found that already. I always suggest that you look into what your local repeater uses for digital modes if any - fusion? The FT-70 is a great starting point. DMR? The btech 6x2 (or 6x2 pro) all-star? Any baofeng will do. For d-star there aren't as many choices. The Icom ID-50 is probably going to be the cheapest, although still pricey. Just remember that your first radio isn't your last radio.
Yep! Got the app. Very awesome! Thanks for the suggestions
Hi, i had my ft 70dr mars modded and want to know if it will receive public safety P25 radio since this is a digital radio?
This radio can't decode P25. You'll need to get another radio for that. Do you know if your public safety radio is encrypted? If so, even if you have a P25 radio you won't be able to hear it.
its not a k plug its yaesu's older plug and is a different spacing and pinout.
Oh, thanks!
I bought one of these Yaesu FT-70D radios as my first upgrade from a Baofeng radio as a new Ham back in 2022. Within a week of having it, I was having regret buying the HT. The battery life is insulting, the volume control taking 2 hands is crazy. In fact, there are too many functions that require 2 hands to do with the radio. Starting the scan involves pressing the F button then the 2 button. Programming the radio using the included software - oh boy, that's a test in dexterity to remove the battery, Press and hold the ADMS button while plugging in the power adapter. My FT-70D is collecting dust these days...The FT-70D has really soured my view of Yaesu HT's and I ended up buying a Wouxun KG-UV9D Mate radio at Hamvention this year as my every day carry.
Yaesus are a little off in my thinking too. Solid performers, but "off" - I have plenty of them... once you get used to Yaesu Speak, it's not too bad.
It’s a great little radio, but the charging is really slow and the battery life is really bad, so it tends to stay on the shelf.
Just an FYI, this can charged off 12V. Get the right connector and stick powerpole connectors on it, and it is easy to charge. I've also found that the battery light comes on way earlier than the battery is actually low.
Bassman is right, this radio comes with a weak charger.
"After that you're into used radios." - The 991 has C4FM.
Agreed, I wasn't very clear but I was talking at price steps.
0:01 Cap
Missed you lately
I love the 70d's audio, the feel, but the battery is FLAT OUT TRASH. I'm always charging it, it must have a parasitic draw because unless I remove the battery, the next time I go to use it, I need to charge it.
Interesting. I've heard of an 18650 based battery that might be easier to charge and last longer.
@@temporarilyoffline yeah, if it wasn't for the battery life, I'd love this radio. It's my favorite audio of all my HTs. I was appalled to hear the ft3d speaker. Much more deluxe radio, but with a FLAT speaker.
@@Sparkfly88 I don't understand Yaesu's product line sometimes. I like the radios, but at times... I hate the radios. I'll never sell my FT-891
@@temporarilyoffline 891 GANG!
Nothing wrong with 1990's booty!😂
I like booty!
Great review and seems to be an awesome radio. KO4HPC 73
It's a great set of basic features
I can go on the internet with my phone LOL
Sigh....technological progress really is hard on some people. Especially sad hams. Enjoy analog. For some reason, I have a feeling digital is here to stay. Some people like or need options. A lot of what I hear on Wires X is elderly folks that have no way to put up antennas or may be in condos shut in or even nursing homes. This allows them to enjoy ham radio and you can connect to repeaters (yes, radio wave producing repeaters) all over the world. I can put up a 80m wire antenna, a 2m yagi, or whatever I wish, perhaps they cannot. BTW, even without Wires X, the digital voice C4FM is great. The clarity is fantastic. It's a good HT.
That's cool!
I got one of these and the longer diamond antenna. Struggle to get to the digital repeater, access point from home. Go for a walk and get some height or something a bike ride away and get a fair distance to a repeater. Got a playlist or pretty pictures on QRZ. G7TRV. shame in the menu they could not give a choice of what the top knob does. Volume would be usefull when on the bike or just holding it. Pain the volume, knew before I bought it but wanted digital and not another DMR chuck out noise everywhere Baofeng or similar. Had before, too hard to program, work. Wanted Yaesu nice radio and digital. Was this then.
That's the way sometimes - there isn't a 100% perfect radio out there.