Yaesu FTM-350R

[code4beer]

I purchased the FTM-350R a few weeks ago. I wanted more power and to use the APRS functionality when I am out in the boonies (Anza Borrego mostly).

Overall, the radio is very easy to use. However, it does have a few shortcomings:

1. No CTCSS or DCS scanning. For instance, this is useful when you are scanning the band and pickup a repeater output you haven't programmed into your radio.
2. GPS takes awhile to lock on. This is probably related to where I mounted the control head. However, sometimes the GPS locks on within seconds of turning on the radio, and other times I can finish my 30+ minute commute and it still hasn't received a fix.

[CanuckMariner]

Apparently a lot of the glitches mention in reviews here and elsewhere have been address with software upgrades found on Yaesu's site of this unit under the files tab.

Features:

• 50W 2m/70cm; 220 MHz 1W (USA Version)
• flexible HUGE Dual Band Display - set your own individual preference for Dual Receive and Full-Duplex operation. 5.2"x1.6" (130x40 mm) Large dot matrix (264x64 dots) LCD display for comfortable viewing - night or day - Numerous useful displays are available with the optional FGPS-1 GPS Receiver and Antenna. (Optional FGPS-2 External GPS Receiver and Antenna + CT-133 (cable) + CT-136 (adapter) are also available.) Choose your favorite LCD display color - 8 vibrant Color Options!
• Complete with TNC and compatible with various APRS® information and functions - Receive WX info from other APRS® weather stations, to/from emails/texting (max 67 characters using the APRS® function, etc.
• Built-in Dual Speakers on the rear of the Control Head with Independent Volume Controls for maximum flexibility
• The Display Control Head is designed for easy separation from the main RF Power Unit - 10 foot control cable included. Optional 20 foot control cable available.
• High-speed Band Scope included for rapidly checking band activity.
• Optional Bluetooth Unit (BU-1) provides hands-free radio operation with Optional Bluetooth headset BH-1A (stereo) or BH-2A (monaural).
• line output jack for external speaker and stereo input jack
• SmartBeaconing™ from HamHUD Nichetronix is able to modify its own beacon rate in response to the motion of the vehicle. Since the APRS network has limited bandwidth, SmartBeaconing™ transmits an optimal amount of position information with a minimal amount of QRM to other network users - making FTM-350R users some of the most "efficient" on the network.
• For emergency work, or to extend the range of a hand-held unit, the FTM-350R includes Cross-Band Repeat capability.
• 500 Independent memory channels with memory name tag function (up to 8 characters) for each L and R band (1000 channels total), + 9 PMS (Programmable Band Limit Memory Scan) channels for each L and R band (18 channels in total), + a rewritable preferred channel for each L and R band, + 31 channels specifically allocated for the Smart Search function
• Able to display your friends APRS® stations (FTM-350R and VX-8R / DR) directions, distances, speed, elevation, barometric pressure, humidity, and other information in relation to your location.
• 1200 / 9600 bps packet port (8-pin mini DIN)
• Wideband Receive: L-band: 0.5 MHz – 1.7 MHz (AM radio); 76 MHz – 108 MHz (Built-in stereo decoder to listen to FM radio in stereo); 108 MHz–250 MHz / 300–1000MHz
• R-band: 108–250 MHz, 300 MHz–1000 MHz (USA : Cellular Blocked), can be modified for GMRS/FRS TX/RX
• Optional FPR-1 Monitor Unit receives your transmission out to about 1,000 ft (300 m) depending on transmit power and other conditions. Give to others to hear your transmissions during emergencies, special events, and so many other operations so that they can follow the situation.
• The front panel Built-in Microphone activates PTT transmission. A MH-48A6JA / conventional hand microphone with DTMF is also included with the radio.
• DTMF Autodial (Memory) with 16 digits/9 memories
• "Line In" input permits playing your favorite stereo music from other devices - iPod ready
• Built-in Barometric Pressure Sensor - The radio can monitor and display your altitude and pressure.
• displays long/lat and other data with optional GPS unit
• includes suction cup mounting system
• and more....

If you already have a dual band Ham, then your existing antenna, cable can be used.

My major pop for this unit is the emailing/texting (even get a ring tone when a message is received and can read it right on the display and control how long it is displayed before going back to your mode) to/from while out in the boonies which is a serious advantage over the SPOT; cross band repeat and FULL dual band capabilities (vs. my current FT7800R) and the totally integrated ARPS RS/IS functions. Also, the tracking feature of other APRS users, can monitor where everyone is and if they are going in your direction or not.

I was wondering how many of you might be interested in a group buy? Probably need to commit to 5 units or more, and pehaps with some options like the Bluetooth, GPS, etc. I do not have a vendor as yet, but figure we need to know how many units/options before we contact any vendors. I have seen it as low as $550 or so plus options, S&H, etc.

Please post up if you are interested and once I get at least 5 people, I will vet out some vendors for pricing. I am sure we can do way better than $550 plus S&H and whatever options people want.

[Chazz Layne]

It seems it does not

Kerrect, assuming you're not interested in APRS. I love mine, but if I didn't do APRS there is no way I would have bought it.

The GPS can be used through the radio on a computer, but it will do EITHER GPS OR data... not both at the same time. The radio does have a built-in navigation system, but it reminds me of early attempts to do such things (clunky, text and bad graphics for the readout, etc). From a navigation point of view it isn't a great setup.

Now from a HAMgeek perspective it has many features and interface improvements over the other Yaesu models, including that big beautiful display with crisp, easy to read text/icons. It also has a built-in mic and stereo speakers, which is nice if you don't feel like picking up the mic or have more than one person in the conversation in your vehicle... audio performance is good. Memories are easier as well IMO, since the added screen space allows you to see both your memory name and the frequency at the same time on both sides of the radio. The menuing is easy to navigate and intuitive... I've had no trouble quickly getting to the setting I need even on the road.

The APRS features are very easy to use thanks to all the screen real-estate available. It is also arguably cheaper to go this route versus Kenwood + external GPS or another radio + GPS + TNC (I paid $650 out the door). I have a hard time picturing a cleaner install than an all-in-one unit like the 350, which might be important depending on your options for installation.

I'm somewhat new to the world of amateur radio, but if you have any questions about the 350 feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer them.

[Chazz Layne]

GPS takes awhile to lock on. This is probably related to where I mounted the control head. However, sometimes the GPS locks on within seconds of turning on the radio, and other times I can finish my 30+ minute commute and it still hasn't received a fix.

It could be. Mine has been mere seconds consistently, but I have mine mounted on top of the dash with the GPS sticking out towards the windshield.

[Hill, Bill E.]

Anyone use it? Product located here.

I'm curious as to how the GPS aspect works. Can I use it as the sole GPS receiver/transmitter in the vehicle?

New to ham, looking to take my test next month.

Hey Chris, you do this yet? Or go with something else?

Doing some research myself, finding what may work best for my needs.

[dzzz]

Wouldn't 30m APRS be a better choice for remote travel?

[ObGobOobaleeney]

One super great feature that gets overlooked is the cross band repeater function.

This comes in very handy if you hike from your rig and want access to a distant repeater or other frequency using your HT (ham walkie talkie) while in a mine or canyon.

But the less expensive FT-8800R does this cross banding nicely without the costly fluff of this model.

[CanuckMariner]

This 350 is only about $150 more than the high end Yaesu and you get so much more with the 350. Integrated GPS, APRS, Bluetooth, navigation, texting, etc. I think with a group buy the price will be somewhat lower for the 350 and then there is the optional gear.

[dzzz]

without the costly fluff of this model.

I believe, sir, by "costly fluff" you mean super cool extras.

I struggle with an expo rig without HF, but this unit does seem to include a great many super cool extras. If memory values can easily be managed from a computer the dual radio aspect should work well.

[dzzz]

Here's a review of 350R APRS functionality