I agree with you Jonathan when you driving is impossible to use the touch screen . I believe the ftm 300 is the best option. But you need to consider first if you having in your area a c4fm repeat.
It's great to see both real analogue APRS and a data port with true discriminator output returning. It's almost as if they're catering for what users want, rather than what the manufacturers think we should want. Is it worth it? For those seeking a modern device with these features, sure. For those wanting to kerchunk their local repeaters or discuss their gammy leg with John down the road, possibly not :)
Firstly ... Excellent video Jonathan - Had the FTM-500D also included HF I would have purchased immediately. Given its current price and given my FT857D is doing all jobs just fine --- I'll just empty my shopping basket. It's always best to take a five minute think before splashing out as there is no advantage to be had in a sideways move ! 73 de GI8WFA.
Actually I was surprised it was not over $700 in the US. I paid $589.95 for my FTM-400 back in 2014, so actually taking in to account inflation the FTM-500 is less expensive. I keep my equipment for a long time and don't switch rigs often so I feel its best for me to get the newest technology I can when I do buy, knowing I'll not get another rig for a while. Not sure if I'll get an FTM-500 or not since I am still happy with the 400. But that is based more on need than the price. I would probably buy a truly mobile version of the 991A, that is what I really want for my car. Thanks for the great video.
in USA priced at US$650 , is quite bit , specially for digital mode I don't use. we can buy Chinese radio for US$100 . I believe this products are mostly intended for domestic Japanese market.
The 500 does look nice and would of been a game changer if had the 4 &6 meter and ssb I would of been in the front of the line for one pity really ,so looks like the 300 will be with me for a while yet.I find it funny when dealers ask for deposits but don't know the price of the radio on its release, will people who paid their deposits get their money back now they know how expensive it is..
That’s fairly common practice across a lot of industries, not just ham radio. A no obligation deposit is like taking a ticket at the butchers, reserves your place in the queue.
I have both, the FTM-400XDE and the FTM-300D and I personally found the FTM-300D easier to get to grips with after coming back to the hobby. I just wished I could have got onto HF, as my Icom-7300 and antenna are still in their boxes
Nice one Jonathan. I Will likely as not get a FT-500, But it will be the A version. Still pricey in the states granted, but still a nice addition to the shack or mobile setup & the audio quality of C4FM is still worth the cost. Stay safe matey. Paul. 2E0KOA/KN6FKW.
I’m not sold on Yaesu’s APRS UI, it’s much more difficult to send and receive messages. It has to be squelched to beacon…not good for the ISS digipeater’s weak signal when it pops up at the horizon. The scanning and memory set ups are not up to Icom’s (IMO). The 300 is a better option for a crossband repeat capable, full duplex radio that has APRS in radio (rather than using a TNC like a Mobilinkd 4).
The 300 is single speaker does not have a 6 pin mic connector in the head unit so when you separate the units it's all at hand the touch screen works well and is larger, the 300 has no PMG you basically get more for your money , the 300 is good value but you still spend £400 but for £240 pounds more you have the flag ship Radio .
I’d like a new mobile and this looks great but overly expensive. The big issue for me is that I can drive from the Midlands to the south coast and not get a single 2M contact. While on holiday other than the Isle of Wight repeater there was very little activity on 2. My favourite band but alas not what it used to be. Great vid Jonathon 73 Mike
I was considering a FTM 300 but after seeing all the stuff about the 500 I've decided to go with the 300 as before. FTM 200, FTM 300, FTM500, I think Yaesu are going overkill on VHF/UHF is there a need for this repetition? Who knows? This is just my humble opinion
I think Yaesu need to listen to their potential customers and current customer feedback, as to what they want. Reading comments on social media platforms, it seems American customers want 220mhz, which JK has flat out said no plans to release an American market radio with that band and world wide, customers want either VHF/UHF all mode (the large knob gave hope), or at least FM, C4FM and SSB and a direct mobile platform "shack in a box" replacement for the 857. At a guess, people will be more inclined to purchase the FTM-200 or 300/HRI-200 combo for dedicated WIRES-X gateway/room hosting radio or for mobile mobile. I've already got a FTM-7250 for mobile, but if I upgrade, then it will be either the 200 or 300, I think while the 500 has some neat extra features, I couldn't justify the cost for any purpose, but would have been very much inclined if it had SSB.
I think this particular model is really intended for Japanese domestic market. where they want to connect to internet. and in Japan, they must have transmitter certification, so many Chinese made radio can not be used. quite different story in USA.
A very good point you raised during the video Jonathan, is there a replacement for the fantastic 857 on the horizon? I'll be keeping an eye on your channel as I'd be very interested having owned the 857D in the past to see what Yaesu will come up with......SDR based maybe??
I've looked at the 500, and rejected it. I have a 400d, and that has the same design error - switched pre-set squelch levels. I gave up with the 400 because sq 0 was obviously too low,and sq 1 was too high, blocking out or chopping up weaker signals. I've re-installed my comparatively ancient 7800, with a squelch control pot on the front face, and now am hearing stations that the 400 was blocking - on the same antenna/feeder!
My thoughts.. 1) You edited this with Davinci Resolve (only because you told me!) and 2) Ideal mobile would be FT-8800 for me. But mine's just been stolen! Grrr.
I've got a 400xde running as a gateway radio, I've been plagued with what I believe is firmware related issues from day one. Yaesu UK have been worse than useless and uninterested in rectifying them. So really the 3 year warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on. And if they think I'm going to shell out for the 500 they can think again. Why they don't listen to their customers and make an 857 replacement is beyond me!
I’m sorry to hear of your bad experience with Yaesu UK. Do you mind me asking which dealer you originally purchased the radio from? As for an 857 replacement: let’s hope Yaesu have something up their sleeve for Dayton?
Are there really still no radios with this same general feature set that also have full bluetooth control from any android/ios phone? Theres really no good reason at all that modern radios should be THIS far behind the technology curve when modern BT hardware is so cheap and it would take 1-2 devs max to handle the phone UI side of things. Radios should be easily programmable over Bluetooth, controllable, and basic file/text sending should be seamless from your phone to the radio. The hardware for that side of things is readily available and cheap.
Another mobile radio, where is a proper outdoor radio waterproof rugged with appropriate sized battery for tue field use, now they have killed both the 897,817,&now the 818. The ic705 is just like the kx3 are not true field radios none are purposely built for the outdoors
Not an interesting product. Yet another undifferentiated dual band mobile. What Yaesu should have made is a modern replacement for the ft-857 at this price.
Feel free to develop your own transceiver and take it to market? It’s pricey, and possible too pricey, but margins are slimmer for dealers than you may think.
I'll keep my FTM-400XDE I think. No need to 'upgrade'.
I agree with you Jonathan when you driving is impossible to use the touch screen . I believe the ftm 300 is the best option. But you need to consider first if you having in your area a c4fm repeat.
It's great to see both real analogue APRS and a data port with true discriminator output returning. It's almost as if they're catering for what users want, rather than what the manufacturers think we should want. Is it worth it? For those seeking a modern device with these features, sure. For those wanting to kerchunk their local repeaters or discuss their gammy leg with John down the road, possibly not :)
My thoughts on this matter are that I would like to see more videos from you, Jonathan :)
Thanks. It's been a rough few months, but things are looking brighter now.
Great commentary. I will probably get the 500.
Firstly ... Excellent video Jonathan - Had the FTM-500D also included HF I would have purchased immediately. Given its current price and given my FT857D is doing all jobs just fine --- I'll just empty my shopping basket. It's always best to take a five minute think before splashing out as there is no advantage to be had in a sideways move ! 73 de GI8WFA.
Actually I was surprised it was not over $700 in the US. I paid $589.95 for my FTM-400 back in 2014, so actually taking in to account inflation the FTM-500 is less expensive. I keep my equipment for a long time and don't switch rigs often so I feel its best for me to get the newest technology I can when I do buy, knowing I'll not get another rig for a while. Not sure if I'll get an FTM-500 or not since I am still happy with the 400. But that is based more on need than the price. I would probably buy a truly mobile version of the 991A, that is what I really want for my car. Thanks for the great video.
in USA priced at US$650 , is quite bit , specially for digital mode I don't use. we can buy Chinese radio for US$100 . I believe this products are mostly intended for domestic Japanese market.
The 500 does look nice and would of been a game changer if had the 4 &6 meter and ssb I would of been in the front of the line for one pity really ,so looks like the 300 will be with me for a while yet.I find it funny when dealers ask for deposits but don't know the price of the radio on its release, will people who paid their deposits get their money back now they know how expensive it is..
That’s fairly common practice across a lot of industries, not just ham radio. A no obligation deposit is like taking a ticket at the butchers, reserves your place in the queue.
Great overview, thank you.
Great video yeah I agree with you would of been nice to see this being the 817 replacement and 10w.
Motters M7TRS 👍🏽 73
I have both, the FTM-400XDE and the FTM-300D and I personally found the FTM-300D easier to get to grips with after coming back to the hobby. I just wished I could have got onto HF, as my Icom-7300 and antenna are still in their boxes
Nice one Jonathan. I Will likely as not get a FT-500, But it will be the A version. Still pricey in the states granted, but still a nice addition to the shack or mobile setup & the audio quality of C4FM is still worth the cost. Stay safe matey. Paul. 2E0KOA/KN6FKW.
I’m not sold on Yaesu’s APRS UI, it’s much more difficult to send and receive messages. It has to be squelched to beacon…not good for the ISS digipeater’s weak signal when it pops up at the horizon. The scanning and memory set ups are not up to Icom’s (IMO). The 300 is a better option for a crossband repeat capable, full duplex radio that has APRS in radio (rather than using a TNC like a Mobilinkd 4).
Australia 🇦🇺 is watching 🇦🇺
The 300 is single speaker does not have a 6 pin mic connector in the head unit so when you separate the units it's all at hand the touch screen works well and is larger, the 300 has no PMG you basically get more for your money , the 300 is good value but you still spend £400 but for £240 pounds more you have the flag ship Radio .
I’d like a new mobile and this looks great but overly expensive. The big issue for me is that I can drive from the Midlands to the south coast and not get a single 2M contact. While on holiday other than the Isle of Wight repeater there was very little activity on 2. My favourite band but alas not what it used to be. Great vid Jonathon 73 Mike
I recently got an IC 2730 to work satellites with-that does me fine😊
Excellent stuff. I’ve never been a fan of the 2730. Can’t explain why though! 73!
I was considering a FTM 300 but after seeing all the stuff about the 500 I've decided to go with the 300 as before. FTM 200, FTM 300, FTM500, I think Yaesu are going overkill on VHF/UHF is there a need for this repetition? Who knows? This is just my humble opinion
I recently picked up a new ft-818, ft-991a, and ft-60. Not sure what I'd use the 500 for. I'd be more interested in an 891 or something. 🤷♂️
I think Yaesu need to listen to their potential customers and current customer feedback, as to what they want. Reading comments on social media platforms, it seems American customers want 220mhz, which JK has flat out said no plans to release an American market radio with that band and world wide, customers want either VHF/UHF all mode (the large knob gave hope), or at least FM, C4FM and SSB and a direct mobile platform "shack in a box" replacement for the 857.
At a guess, people will be more inclined to purchase the FTM-200 or 300/HRI-200 combo for dedicated WIRES-X gateway/room hosting radio or for mobile mobile. I've already got a FTM-7250 for mobile, but if I upgrade, then it will be either the 200 or 300, I think while the 500 has some neat extra features, I couldn't justify the cost for any purpose, but would have been very much inclined if it had SSB.
I think this particular model is really intended for Japanese domestic market. where they want to connect to internet. and in Japan, they must have transmitter certification, so many Chinese made radio can not be used. quite different story in USA.
A very good point you raised during the video Jonathan, is there a replacement for the fantastic 857 on the horizon? I'll be keeping an eye on your channel as I'd be very interested having owned the 857D in the past to see what Yaesu will come up with......SDR based maybe??
I hope we may see something at Dayton next month. I’d like the feature set of the FT-991A in the form factor of the 857D/891
I've looked at the 500, and rejected it. I have a 400d, and that has the same design error - switched pre-set squelch levels. I gave up with the 400 because sq 0 was obviously too low,and sq 1 was too high, blocking out or chopping up weaker signals. I've re-installed my comparatively ancient 7800, with a squelch control pot on the front face, and now am hearing stations that the 400 was blocking - on the same antenna/feeder!
Digital squelch has a lot to answer for. 73!
My thoughts.. 1) You edited this with Davinci Resolve (only because you told me!) and 2) Ideal mobile would be FT-8800 for me. But mine's just been stolen! Grrr.
Oh no! Sorry to hear that Cal!
I've got a 400xde running as a gateway radio, I've been plagued with what I believe is firmware related issues from day one.
Yaesu UK have been worse than useless and uninterested in rectifying them.
So really the 3 year warranty isn't worth the paper it's written on.
And if they think I'm going to shell out for the 500 they can think again.
Why they don't listen to their customers and make an 857 replacement is beyond me!
I’m sorry to hear of your bad experience with Yaesu UK. Do you mind me asking which dealer you originally purchased the radio from?
As for an 857 replacement: let’s hope Yaesu have something up their sleeve for Dayton?
Are there really still no radios with this same general feature set that also have full bluetooth control from any android/ios phone? Theres really no good reason at all that modern radios should be THIS far behind the technology curve when modern BT hardware is so cheap and it would take 1-2 devs max to handle the phone UI side of things. Radios should be easily programmable over Bluetooth, controllable, and basic file/text sending should be seamless from your phone to the radio. The hardware for that side of things is readily available and cheap.
Shame it did not have 6m but expensive compared to the ft 300
yes but £625.... I don`t think so far to expensive.
I thought "How much!" Not for me at that price point.
What’s the difference between the d and dr
Technically the ‘D’ doesn’t exist. The versions are ‘DR’ for everywhere outside Europe and ‘DE’ for the European market.
@@M0JSX what’s the difference in the euro one they are cheaper on eBay
@@DaytonaJim78 are you based in Europe, or North America?
@@M0JSX USA
@@M0JSX USA I have the dr but was wondering why the price difference as I need a second
When will Yaesu wake up to the fact that we want a modern 857 with C4FM? The 991A fits the bill but is inappropriately large for mobile use.
Same as you I think this radio is well over priced. So will stick with ft7900.
I wa sinterested in one,but£600+ Forget it !
Another mobile radio, where is a proper outdoor radio waterproof rugged with appropriate sized battery for tue field use, now they have killed both the 897,817,&now the 818. The ic705 is just like the kx3 are not true field radios none are purposely built for the outdoors
Sounds like you might want something painted green with a ‘Racal’ badge on it! 73!
@@M0JSX about time Kenwood Icom or Yaesu nee to pull their respective fingers out
@@Stealthmodeactivated-h8w unfortunately, I suspect you are in a minority of people seeking such a radio for it to be commercially viable.
How much lol :) No way Jose !
Not an interesting product. Yet another undifferentiated dual band mobile.
What Yaesu should have made is a modern replacement for the ft-857 at this price.
"we have to sell it at that price to make any profit". I call complete BS on that. It's overpriced, plain and simple.
Feel free to develop your own transceiver and take it to market? It’s pricey, and possible too pricey, but margins are slimmer for dealers than you may think.