Excellent recommendation ! I started off about 13 years ago with a Yaesu FT-60. It's a fantastic radio and has a lot of room to grow. That said, the menu system took me quite a while to get really comfortable with. Had to carry a cheat card with me. The FT-65 is a quality radio, yet user friendly. I try to steer new hams away from the Chi-com radios whenever I can. Yes, they work, but the quality and scanning speed of watching a lawn grow is more than frustrating to me. The FT-65 makes a great second radio when the experience level warrants upgrading. Also, you don't always want to take your high dollar radio out to some places where it might get damaged.
Hi Scott! Thanks again for donating a ft65r to our club raffle. That now has been my go to hand held. I have it in my truck all the time. I like the fact you can buy a RT System software for making it a snap at programming. Thanks again! I'll see you at the new club meeting soon. Larry
Great advice, Scott. I have had my cheap Baofeng UV-82's for about 10 years now, and they still work great. I have purchased a couple of TD-H3's , UV-17R, and two UV-21R's recently...mostly because they are fun and cheap. I do plan on upgrading to the Yaesu 65R but keep putting it off because my Chinese HT's work so well for what I use them for. That, and the accessories cost of the Yaesu is plain stupid. 😂 That 109 dollar HT quickly becomes a 200+ dollar one once you add an extra battery, mic, etc. That being said, if I combined the cost of all the toys I have bought, I could have had the Yaesu with accessories! Fun video, and thanks for sharing your insightful advice and thoughts. 73, Brett K5WXP
So true! Yesterday I commanded my first quality HT (Yaesu FT-65), thinking 100 € is not too much... But after adding a second battery, a speaker-mic, a programming cable and a case... Yes, 200 € 😟
Great video, Scott. My choice would be the VX-6R. Based primarily on the build strength, it will likely last a new ham a lifetime. Small, rugged and relatively simple to operate, although a budget limitation would be a challenge.
I bought my FT-65($89)two years ago, and it's still my daily driver in my work vehicle. I have 3 hi cap batteries, Diamond whip antenna, Comet short antenna, and a Specter Gear radio pouch. FPP is easy to navigate and tx/rx audio is very good. Your Op series on the 65 is well done. Thanks for sharing. 73. KC3UEE
Solid recommendation. I only wish this radio was out when I got my ticket, just a few years ago. After going through a bunch of "cheap" transceivers, that now live in the landfill, I did end up saving a bit and buying the FT-65 and although I've since "upgraded" to a VX-6R as my daily driver, I still do find myself using my FT-65 often and expect it to continue to serve me for the decades that follow.
I started just over a year ago. In search of the “best” radio I have acquired quite a few HTs, a base, and a few mobiles. Love the FT-65. Also fond of Wouxun. The KG-1000+ is my go to GMRS radio. Up to about 45 radios so far.
Excellent presentation, have a collection about half the size of yours, mostly Baofeng I will admit. I do also own a Wouxun KD-UVD1P and a KG-UV8D+, which is ideal for satellite work. Recently purchased an FT-65 and I am very impressed with this HT… for all the reasons you mentioned in this video. I like you, highly recommend the FT-65, not only as a starter radio but as a constant companion . I also use the 701 and when needed 771, they seem to be a perfect match to a great radio and the SSM-17B microphone is a welcome add on. Thanks, KD2FOH
I love the FT-65! I use to carry a Yeasu FT 5DR as my daily but even as a seasoned general it was too complicated for my daily needs. The FT 65 has replaced the 5DR as my daily radio and it has served me very well.
Thank you for a great video and a well reasoned recommendation. I had asked several Hams for a recommendation on a first HT radio and 99% of them were either Baofang or TIDRadio -- all $20 - $30 Chinese units. I knew a bit about Ham radios from friends -- and knew that Yaesu was a solid name in that market. I'm glad I kept researching and I bought a FT-65 today. One thing that I'm curious about -- I've seen videos and some owners commenting that some of the FT-65 radios have "made in China" on them. I'm curious if you know about that ?
The first generation units right after they first came out were made in China. However, they are all made in Japan now and have been for at least the past 3 years. This is my clubs unofficial HT and I program most of them up for the new guys and all of the ones I have handled recently have definitely been made in Japan. However, many of the accessory components such as batteries and speaker mics are made in China.
@@KS6DAY Well, I don't think they are *all* made in Japan now. I just got a new one yesterday from Ham Radio Outlet. Opened the box and looked at the label on the end of the radio box and what do i see ? -- "MADE IN CHINA". I had hoped it would have said Japan, but maybe Yaesu is still using the China operation.
@@jefffritsche9974 That is disappointing to hear. I will look into this and see if I can get any details on why they switched back. Thanks for the info.
@@KS6DAY Thanks for the reply. I really enjoy your videos and will follow them for programming it now. I'd be very interested to hear what you find out about the manufacture location of the FT-65R.
@@jefffritsche9974 If it's any consolation, the FT-65R that I use, and have been using for years now, is an early Made in China unit and it's been flawless.
Scott, many thanks. With the way the country is atm, I need to ramp up for SHTF. A couple of decades back, when HAM had five classes, I had a license and let it lapse. I'm sure I can will a little bit of brushing up to pass the Tech exam and get back into it. So being out of the loop for a couple of decades, this video is spot on. I figure that perhaps a GMRS radio would probably be a need also, and prior to this video I watched your video on the WouXun KG-935G. Not sure if that would be your recommendation to a new GMRS person, but was a great video. One more thing before I go, when looking for the KG-935G I ran across the WouXun KF-UV8H and wondering if you know of it, and what your opinion may be? Where does if fit if at all?
The Wouxun KG-935G is my #1 recommendation in GMRS. It is very user friendly and a perfect choice for someone new to GMRS. While the KG-UV8H is visually similar to the KG-935G it actually lacks a number of key features that the KG-935G has. So, I would recommend just staying with the KG-935G.
Would you recommend a simple (limited) HT when the repeaters the new ham would use are so quiet today? I would suggest a radio that the ham could have additional opportunities to experiment with as they move into the hobby. Maybe one that they could access a digital repeater along with the standard 2M / 70cm rigs. Pushing them to a cheep limited rig could bring boredom and the ham loosing interest in the hobby.
This is a bit of a tough one. For me, the VX-6R or FT-60 and corresponding RT Systems programming software were probably ideal. I have no issue with learning curves unless they're designed poorly. Cheers.
I love Yaesu quality. I have a Yaesu handheld receiver that's 20 years old and works like new. I recently bought a vx-6 and it's cake to program with pc software. I agree about uv5r. I've owned two. One still works fine. The other bricked itself after a year.
I know I have expressed quite some skepticism about this radio. But I am beginning to warm up to it. Scott has clarified some programming issues for me - thank you again! I have also experimented with more antennas. Today I was able to talk to a repeater about 120 miles away. Granted, UHF propagation was excellent. I think I am going to hold on to this baby. It's not going back to Amazon. It's a bit sad that it can't scan for PL tones (correct me if I am wrong), but it's okay.
You can keep your HTs in empty wine cartons from Trader Joe's or beer cartons from Kroger (or whatever it's called in CA). They are free. Helps keep things organized:)
You’ve spent a lot of time recently with the TD-H3 and H8 and appear to really like them. I recently picked up an H3 for $30 which is right there is cheap Chinese radio land. Is that where you see these radios, only in the higher end of CCR land or are these knocking on the door as being competitors to the FT-65R as a good first radio.
I would recommend the Wouxun KG-UVD1P. Much better receiver (superhet at that)! More intuitive programming. Chirp-compatible. Universal K1 plug and cable. The FT65 goes for more than $100 these days. The UVD1P goes for $100 from BTWR. I don't work for them. Just a suggestion. I will hang on to my 65 just to be able to clam that I own a "yaesu". My 65 is will be collecting dust somewhere.
@@KS6DAY thanks!! I really like it. It’s heavy rugged and the sound quality is truly amazing. Especially for the price. And you can get the “special” Cps if you email the company so you can use all features of the radio!
I am in Milwaukee. My "standard candle" is a repeater in Racine, about 20 miles south from here. My test is not whether I can hit that repeater. My test is whether I can hear it back. Well, the ft-65 sucks at that. Just barely something, almost like a Baofeng. People, really, don't listen to fairy tales about the ft-65. Get an Wouxun superhet for the same amount of money, or even less.
Storing repeater channels is a royal pain in the butt. Once you change the channel, the stored repeater offset gets deleted. You have to turn the radio off and on. What a piece of cr...p this ft-65 is. Folks, get a Wouxun - those are sweet machines with great receivers.
So, you save a repeater to a memory channel but your radio deletes the stored offset whenever you change the channel? Mine doesn't do that. Nor does any other functional FT-65. You have a broken radio.
@@KS6DAY Thank you for letting me know (and I really like your videos). I did suspect something was off with my particular radio. Yes, exactly, I program an offset, save the channel. Then I go to another channel. When I go back to the repeater, the + disappears. When I push the PTT button, the frequency doesn't change. If I turn the radio off and then back on, the + reappears and the frequency starts shifting normally. It shouldn't be like that. This one is going back to Amazon.
@@SK-rj1ti Is this on a Ham frequency or one that is out of band? I have encountered similar difficulties retaining programmed information when I program GMRS repeaters from the front panel. Specifically, the offset disappearing. But only with out of band frequencies. I ended up needing to use CHIRP to get them properly programmed and retained. But since this is activity that the radio was not designed to do, I don't really hold the radio accountable. And after programming them with CHIRP they work just fine. I suspect this has to do with Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS). Since Yaesu never intended this radio to be used in that band, I think ARS automatically cancels out the offset. But, again, if programmed with CHIRP it will properly retain it.
@@KS6DAY Ah, I didn't think of that. Thank you! Yes, I was trying to program in my GMRS repeater. Otherwise, I do own a truckload of GMRS radios. Wouxuns are my favorite. Got the ft-65 just out of curiosity.
One thing I will certainly give this radio credit for. Direct conversion radios have a hard time receiving on 442.000. There is some sort of universal QRM there. The ft-65 shines in that regard.
As usual an excellent video. Glad to see that you’re still giving relevant information
Hope you’re well, my friend.
Excellent recommendation ! I started off about 13 years ago with a Yaesu FT-60. It's a fantastic radio and has a lot of room to grow. That said, the menu system took me quite a while to get really comfortable with. Had to carry a cheat card with me. The FT-65 is a quality radio, yet user friendly. I try to steer new hams away from the Chi-com radios whenever I can. Yes, they work, but the quality and scanning speed of watching a lawn grow is more than frustrating to me. The FT-65 makes a great second radio when the experience level warrants upgrading. Also, you don't always want to take your high dollar radio out to some places where it might get damaged.
Hi Scott! Thanks again for donating a ft65r to our club raffle. That now has been my go to hand held. I have it in my truck all the time. I like the fact you can buy a RT System software for making it a snap at programming. Thanks again! I'll see you at the new club meeting soon. Larry
Great advice, Scott. I have had my cheap Baofeng UV-82's for about 10 years now, and they still work great. I have purchased a couple of TD-H3's , UV-17R, and two UV-21R's recently...mostly because they are fun and cheap. I do plan on upgrading to the Yaesu 65R but keep putting it off because my Chinese HT's work so well for what I use them for. That, and the accessories cost of the Yaesu is plain stupid. 😂 That 109 dollar HT quickly becomes a 200+ dollar one once you add an extra battery, mic, etc. That being said, if I combined the cost of all the toys I have bought, I could have had the Yaesu with accessories!
Fun video, and thanks for sharing your insightful advice and thoughts.
73,
Brett K5WXP
The real benefit of these cheap radios is you can hand them out to friends when needed.
So true! Yesterday I commanded my first quality HT (Yaesu FT-65), thinking 100 € is not too much... But after adding a second battery, a speaker-mic, a programming cable and a case... Yes, 200 € 😟
Thanks for the information. I appreciate the way you do your presentations.
Thanks Scott! I really appreciate the information and your expertise. See you at the club.
Great video, Scott. My choice would be the VX-6R. Based primarily on the build strength, it will likely last a new ham a lifetime. Small, rugged and relatively simple to operate, although a budget limitation would be a challenge.
I bought my FT-65($89)two years ago, and it's still my daily driver in my work vehicle. I have 3 hi cap batteries, Diamond whip antenna, Comet short antenna, and a Specter Gear radio pouch. FPP is easy to navigate and tx/rx audio is very good. Your Op series on the 65 is well done. Thanks for sharing. 73. KC3UEE
Solid recommendation. I only wish this radio was out when I got my ticket, just a few years ago. After going through a bunch of "cheap" transceivers, that now live in the landfill, I did end up saving a bit and buying the FT-65 and although I've since "upgraded" to a VX-6R as my daily driver, I still do find myself using my FT-65 often and expect it to continue to serve me for the decades that follow.
I started just over a year ago. In search of the “best” radio I have acquired quite a few HTs, a base, and a few mobiles. Love the FT-65. Also fond of Wouxun. The KG-1000+ is my go to GMRS radio. Up to about 45 radios so far.
Excellent presentation, have a collection about half the size of yours, mostly Baofeng I will admit. I do also own a Wouxun KD-UVD1P and a KG-UV8D+, which is ideal for satellite work. Recently purchased an FT-65 and I am very impressed with this HT… for all the reasons you mentioned in this video. I like you, highly recommend the FT-65, not only as a starter radio but as a constant companion . I also use the 701 and when needed 771, they seem to be a perfect match to a great radio and the SSM-17B microphone is a welcome add on. Thanks, KD2FOH
I love the FT-65! I use to carry a Yeasu FT 5DR as my daily but even as a seasoned general it was too complicated for my daily needs. The FT 65 has replaced the 5DR as my daily radio and it has served me very well.
Always great advice that's well thought out.👍
Thank you for a great video and a well reasoned recommendation. I had asked several Hams for a recommendation on a first HT radio and 99% of them were either Baofang or TIDRadio -- all $20 - $30 Chinese units. I knew a bit about Ham radios from friends -- and knew that Yaesu was a solid name in that market. I'm glad I kept researching and I bought a FT-65 today. One thing that I'm curious about -- I've seen videos and some owners commenting that some of the FT-65 radios have "made in China" on them. I'm curious if you know about that ?
The first generation units right after they first came out were made in China. However, they are all made in Japan now and have been for at least the past 3 years. This is my clubs unofficial HT and I program most of them up for the new guys and all of the ones I have handled recently have definitely been made in Japan. However, many of the accessory components such as batteries and speaker mics are made in China.
@@KS6DAY Well, I don't think they are *all* made in Japan now. I just got a new one yesterday from Ham Radio Outlet. Opened the box and looked at the label on the end of the radio box and what do i see ? -- "MADE IN CHINA". I had hoped it would have said Japan, but maybe Yaesu is still using the China operation.
@@jefffritsche9974 That is disappointing to hear. I will look into this and see if I can get any details on why they switched back. Thanks for the info.
@@KS6DAY Thanks for the reply. I really enjoy your videos and will follow them for programming it now. I'd be very interested to hear what you find out about the manufacture location of the FT-65R.
@@jefffritsche9974 If it's any consolation, the FT-65R that I use, and have been using for years now, is an early Made in China unit and it's been flawless.
Scott, many thanks.
With the way the country is atm, I need to ramp up for SHTF.
A couple of decades back, when HAM had five classes, I had a license and let it lapse. I'm sure I can will a little bit of brushing up to pass the Tech exam and get back into it. So being out of the loop for a couple of decades, this video is spot on.
I figure that perhaps a GMRS radio would probably be a need also, and prior to this video I watched your video on the WouXun KG-935G. Not sure if that would be your recommendation to a new GMRS person, but was a great video.
One more thing before I go, when looking for the KG-935G I ran across the WouXun KF-UV8H and wondering if you know of it, and what your opinion may be? Where does if fit if at all?
The Wouxun KG-935G is my #1 recommendation in GMRS. It is very user friendly and a perfect choice for someone new to GMRS. While the KG-UV8H is visually similar to the KG-935G it actually lacks a number of key features that the KG-935G has. So, I would recommend just staying with the KG-935G.
Would you recommend a simple (limited) HT when the repeaters the new ham would use are so quiet today? I would suggest a radio that the ham could have additional opportunities to experiment with as they move into the hobby. Maybe one that they could access a digital repeater along with the standard 2M / 70cm rigs. Pushing them to a cheep limited rig could bring boredom and the ham loosing interest in the hobby.
This is a bit of a tough one. For me, the VX-6R or FT-60 and corresponding RT Systems programming software were probably ideal. I have no issue with learning curves unless they're designed poorly. Cheers.
Think ya got enough HT's there Scott?😂😂 That's quite the collection!
always good reviews from Scott. KY4TRK🙂
I love Yaesu quality. I have a Yaesu handheld receiver that's 20 years old and works like new. I recently bought a vx-6 and it's cake to program with pc software. I agree about uv5r. I've owned two. One still works fine. The other bricked itself after a year.
The best radio for Survival use is the YAESU FT-60R because it can function on AA alkaline batteries with the optional alkaline battery tray. ✅
I know I have expressed quite some skepticism about this radio. But I am beginning to warm up to it. Scott has clarified some programming issues for me - thank you again! I have also experimented with more antennas. Today I was able to talk to a repeater about 120 miles away. Granted, UHF propagation was excellent. I think I am going to hold on to this baby. It's not going back to Amazon. It's a bit sad that it can't scan for PL tones (correct me if I am wrong), but it's okay.
My second recommendation would be the Retevis RA-89. Well Under $100. Direct conversion, but an excellent receiver. Great battery.
Great video maybe do another video about 2 more alternatives. I would really much appreciate something that offers dual watch.
You can keep your HTs in empty wine cartons from Trader Joe's or beer cartons from Kroger (or whatever it's called in CA). They are free. Helps keep things organized:)
I have watched this video and your video on the FT-60, and I am still up in the air? Help me make the final decision between the two. Thanks!
You’ve spent a lot of time recently with the TD-H3 and H8 and appear to really like them. I recently picked up an H3 for $30 which is right there is cheap Chinese radio land. Is that where you see these radios, only in the higher end of CCR land or are these knocking on the door as being competitors to the FT-65R as a good first radio.
Might you do a similar video for a mobile rig as well?
That the radio I have been recommending for a while now.
I would recommend the Wouxun KG-UVD1P. Much better receiver (superhet at that)! More intuitive programming. Chirp-compatible. Universal K1 plug and cable. The FT65 goes for more than $100 these days. The UVD1P goes for $100 from BTWR. I don't work for them. Just a suggestion. I will hang on to my 65 just to be able to clam that I own a "yaesu". My 65 is will be collecting dust somewhere.
I don't own any Yaesu products. Wouxuns serve me well enough. But I will probably get this one just for the heck of it, to see what it's all about.
Well you opened a can of worms with this one. Let the comments flow! :) Thx for posting .
Please do the Ailunce HA1G
I will be covering that one very soon.
@@KS6DAY thanks!! I really like it. It’s heavy rugged and the sound quality is truly amazing. Especially for the price. And you can get the “special” Cps if you email the company so you can use all features of the radio!
I am in Milwaukee. My "standard candle" is a repeater in Racine, about 20 miles south from here. My test is not whether I can hit that repeater. My test is whether I can hear it back. Well, the ft-65 sucks at that. Just barely something, almost like a Baofeng. People, really, don't listen to fairy tales about the ft-65. Get an Wouxun superhet for the same amount of money, or even less.
Storing repeater channels is a royal pain in the butt. Once you change the channel, the stored repeater offset gets deleted. You have to turn the radio off and on. What a piece of cr...p this ft-65 is. Folks, get a Wouxun - those are sweet machines with great receivers.
So, you save a repeater to a memory channel but your radio deletes the stored offset whenever you change the channel? Mine doesn't do that. Nor does any other functional FT-65. You have a broken radio.
@@KS6DAY Thank you for letting me know (and I really like your videos). I did suspect something was off with my particular radio. Yes, exactly, I program an offset, save the channel. Then I go to another channel. When I go back to the repeater, the + disappears. When I push the PTT button, the frequency doesn't change. If I turn the radio off and then back on, the + reappears and the frequency starts shifting normally. It shouldn't be like that. This one is going back to Amazon.
@@SK-rj1ti Is this on a Ham frequency or one that is out of band? I have encountered similar difficulties retaining programmed information when I program GMRS repeaters from the front panel. Specifically, the offset disappearing. But only with out of band frequencies. I ended up needing to use CHIRP to get them properly programmed and retained. But since this is activity that the radio was not designed to do, I don't really hold the radio accountable. And after programming them with CHIRP they work just fine. I suspect this has to do with Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS). Since Yaesu never intended this radio to be used in that band, I think ARS automatically cancels out the offset. But, again, if programmed with CHIRP it will properly retain it.
@@KS6DAY Ah, I didn't think of that. Thank you! Yes, I was trying to program in my GMRS repeater. Otherwise, I do own a truckload of GMRS radios. Wouxuns are my favorite. Got the ft-65 just out of curiosity.
One thing I will certainly give this radio credit for. Direct conversion radios have a hard time receiving on 442.000. There is some sort of universal QRM there. The ft-65 shines in that regard.
Don't bother unless you just want to say five/nine..qsl..all day...
TL;DR Yaesu FT-65