Yaesu FTM-350R

[korisu56]

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.

[SunTzuNephew]

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.

GPS doesn't require a transmitter on the ground - just on orbit. According to the manual if you install the optional GPS unit, it will display the current lat/long in the lower right of the display (operating manual page 35).

The radio costs $600, the GPS unit an additional $100 (HRO prices). If you want a dual band radio you can get a fine one and a pretty nice GPS for less than just this radio costs...say a Yaesu FT-7900R ($250 at HRO) and a Garmin Nuvi 765 with maps ($250 at Amazon)...

[AKRover]

The built in TNC that radio offers is great if your planning on setting up am APRS system. I was a little disappointed at the price of that radio though, way too expensive in my opinion.

For another one or two hundred bucks you can get an 857d and have all the HF bands plus VHF/UHF. To me the HF capability is more important.

[korisu56]

Thank you for the responses. I figured the price was kind of high, but if it allowed me to forgo purchasing a lot more equipment it'd be nice. It seems it does not

[mmccurdy]

Very detailed reviews on the World Wide Radio board:

Review of the new Yaesu FTM-350

and one specific to the APRS stuff here:

Yaesu FTM-350 APRS Review

I'm really liking the looks of this radio... the price is tough to swallow, but it seems to offer a combination of functionality with the APRS TNC that is very appealing to me.

[korisu56]

While it IS appealing, I am still mulling over a netbook setup allowing me to run my navi-software.

[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.

[xtatik]

The built in TNC that radio offers is great if your planning on setting up am APRS system. I was a little disappointed at the price of that radio though, way too expensive in my opinion.

For another one or two hundred bucks you can get an 857d and have all the HF bands plus VHF/UHF. To me the HF capability is more important.

Same sentiments.....Assuming most who visit this site are interested in remote travel, I think anyone would be better served by spending their time, energy and money on getting both FM and HF capabilities into their trucks, alongside a GPS unit and maps, maps maps. Or, get a satphone and GPS unit and maps, maps, maps. If this were just a simple offroading forum I'd say go for it. Ultimately, it depends on your needs.

[targa88]

Another review - some comments were not stellar...

[xtatik]

Another review - some comments were not stellar...

After reading these reviews.....I'd have to give the reviewers 1/5...at best!!