I just made my first trip to that store last week. Great group of guys in there very helpful and friendly. I know this video is old but that FT-70D seems like a good solid radio.
Just got my ticket and bought a FT-70DR for my first radio. I’m still learning all the features, but so far it’s a great radio. I put a 14” MFJ whip antenna on mine, and I’m picking up repeaters 20-25 miles away. I want to start exploring the WIRES-X and digital features. Also, one thing to mention is that the FT70-DR can save hundreds of frequencies, and they can be arranged in different memory banks.
Nice video! I just purchased FT-70D 4 days ago soon after I passed HAM licence exam. I'm looking forward to using this. (waiting for licence.) 73 from Japan.
Excellent and helpful video. In 2010 I got my technician ticket, went to HRO and asked what to buy for an ht. They recommended the FT60 and that is what I got. A wonderful radio that I have used ever since. Very happy with it. Now it is 2018 and I am looking for an upgrade radio. Perhaps the FT70 is the way to go. Smaller, lighter and does digital as well as analog. And for less than what my ft60 cost me in 2010.Thanks again for the video. Great advice, well done. Gotta go to HRO now.
Good radio, owned mine for a little over a year by now. If you're disappointed with the battery life (I thought it was) go into the settings and turn the RX.SAVE to .4 or .5 (default setting is .2) this is basically the duty cycle for the receiver in standby mode, and a higher number means that it's off for a longer time. I run on .4, and I know several others that run it higher than that. Can get nearly a day out of it in standby.
Went there today to get the 2018-2022 tech class book to get ready for my class/test in December. Aaaaaaaaand picked up this radio. The FT- 70Dr is on sale right now for $160.
I'm actually bummed that the covid prevents me from going into the store. It's not anyone's fault, just this dumb pandemic. I plan on going back up there when I'm ready to purchase. But I'm really a hands on kind of evaluator of stuff, so not being able to put my hands on a thing is a bit vexing. If I've learned anything about life in my 47 years, it's that while reviews are a good tool, many glowing reviews listed by others sometimes falls way short of my experience with things once I'm holding a thing, or using it. Hopefully they will allow people inside, at some point soon. Otherwise I'll just be stuck risking a new tool, and trial it not being what I'm looking for. That's just my $.02. The people I talked to there, in the phone, standing in front of the store, were very kind. Just drive me nuts to see the things I was interested in looking at, but not being able to have that tactile feel, or even a look at the varying models.
Agreed. My girlfriend and I got interested in ham for emergency situations. We went to the Denver HRO and spent about an hour in there asking all sorts of n00b questions, and they were nothing but helpful. I purchased the ARRL technician study guide to support the store. And to get started. Once I get my ticket punched, I will definitely get my first HT there.
@@dh7109 I like to handle things as well but its rarely an option. My first HT was the Yaesu FT60, then acquired the Anytone 878 and Boafeng UV-5R. The UV-5R was considerable smaller than I anticipated (its a tiny lil radio!). After having these few radio's though, when I see vid's of other transceivers compared to ones I already have, I'm prepared for what they will be. I just got the Yaesu FT-4x which is the same size as the UV-5R and am ordering the FT70 tonight. Once you get a radio or 2, you may find that being able to handle them before hand isn't really an issue. That was the case for me anyway.
@@kyoshivp Very cool! Have you been able to take the test yet? Repeaters out in the Denver area have been pretty active in the past couple of months. I've been to Denver with work several times recently and have really enjoyed Skyhub Colorado andd Colorado Connection. You can talk all over Colorado and a couple of the surrounding states! It's a total blast and there's ALWAYS someone to talk to. I hope you keep up with the studying and you both get your license, you'll really enjoy it!
@@applejacks971 Yup, passes at the end of October. I then picked up an FT60 from the Denver HRO and have been playing with that on and off since. Need to be on more though. The girlie now has the tech book. Next stop for me is General. And to figure out a condo HOA friendly HF setup. 🤣
Thanks! This put me over the edge after a few days of on and off research using HRCC and a couple other channels; I am ordering an FT-70DR today. My first HT.
Had my FT-70D for 5 months now. Use it every day. It is also a great scanner radio because it’s a all band receiver with wicked fast scanning. My HRO in Burbank though is not as helpful as others. They never have more than 2 people working at a time and one of them is usually busy in the back. Usually have long wait to ask questions cause the cash register has priority.
Good over view video. I just got my FT-70D used from a friend after an older Yaesu HT died. Have done DSTAR for years but our local system is having internet reliability issues. We also have a Fusion repeater so will try it out. I've been receiving about 4 hours/day for 4 days with about 15 minutes (3 QSOs) full power transmit and my battery is still 7.1V. Have followed a bunch of tips searcing online; I think putting battery save at 1-2 seconds may be helping. Good receive audio on this unit. I do plan to add a backup battery (can't believe none with AA or AAA alkalines are out?!), rapid charger base and speaker mic to get at level my old HT was at for ARES. 73 K0VH
Thanks for the great information @HRCC just passed my Tech Exam a few days ago and just bought the FT-70 today at HRO in Phoenix; can't wait to give it go.....thanks again 73... KJ7YDP
Outstanding video! Even though I already have an FT-1 and an FT-2, after seeing this video I might just have to get an FT-70 especially since, at the time of this comment, they are $139.95. It was great talking with you at HRO. Keep up the great work!!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Went in and Billy Bob was not working. They weren't very impressed I saw him on RUclips. I bought the FT-70D. Wish he was there. Didn't get much help setting up my new radio. Disappointed .
@@donpettinger8079 Don, I'm new also, I purchased a FT-70DR and it's easy to program through the front panel. I bet you've got it down by now. Check out mmlanger55 on youtube, he's got a good Wires X programming vid for the FT-70.
Hey Josh Merry Christmas I'm getting a chance to catch up on all your videos with covid-19 very nice radio fusion works great awesome I may get one of those radios thanks again my friend and Merry Christmas to you and yours and to Billy Bob
Great video guys. Asked Santa for an FT-70D and got one. Can't wait to play but celebrating Xmas down in Mission Viejo today. I hope that there are digital servers in my area. Otherwise, I'll have to spring for a hotspot.
My first radio ft-2900 my first ht ft70dr I love mine works great just wish there was more wires-x repeaters. Btw the difference in versions dr US de Europe. Great video again.
A little late to this party. Oh well. I've had my Anytone 878uv+ DMR up and running a few times in the last 3 years. And in all instances have set it aside frustrated. I concluded that DMR has far to many moving parts *for me*. Here's my problem. I am still fascinated with digital mode. And actually enjoy working with my Pi-Star enabled hotspot. DMR ? Codeplugs ? Nope. Is the FT-70DR capable of scratching this digital itch I have? Comments or suggestions are appreciated. I'll go away now.
Really good video , little confused about the radio that was connected too the laptop and how the FT70 connected too that. Wonder if you could explain or point to one of your videos that explains it . I just got my technician license thanks again from KJ7ZTI
The computer (along with the HRI 200 that was shown in the video...the black box just below the radio with the white screen, which is the FTM-100) is what allows one to create their own WiRES-X room. In order to interface with the FT-70 over RF, another radio (the FTM-100) had to be hooked up to the computer/HRI 200.
Ham Radio Crash Course good video and like it but can you advise me bcouse im still new on this line of harm radio, let say now i got a baofeng, cn i connect with this ft 70dr if i wanna upgrade into this
Hey Josh, my little operating manual was information overload but it gave me enough background knowledge to keep up with Billy Bob and try both analog and digital frequencies. I'm not sure if I have DMS repeaters in my area - California City, CA. You flashed that server list kind of quick in the video. Do I just use the WIN system web page to locate them? I need to download the more extensive manual from the Yaesu website and check to see if my radio requires a software update. I imagine I can program everything local with CHIRP and the provided USB cable? Gonna finish out this video and see if Billy Bob covers that. I saw him program your Yaesu mobile with a tablet - that was cool!
Just getting into Ham Radio again after a long hiatus (20 years or so). Will my old 2m/220/440 handhelds still work on repeaters? I'd like to fire up my older radios before I get into this digital stuff.
Can you do a comparison video of this radio with a baofeng? I was told on a repeater if I'm considering an upgrade I should go for this radio but I still don't feel convinced.
I have Baofeng’s AND I got this radio. There’s no information in the manual about how the heck to program the damn thing but if you search RUclips enough you can find guys that aren’t going through it at breakneck speed. There’s not a lot of patience for newbies...
Holy crap! Is there any way to program the FT-70D with CHIRP? I keep getting error messages with ADMS-10 and want to throw my PC out the window! I am not going to spend all month manually programming the almost 1000 channels I want to load, in by hand!
The Yaesu first thing asks for your call number. I'm currently studying for my license. How can I buypass this first step so I can use it for listening. Thanks. (Sorry for the basic question ... I is a newbie)
Just got my Yaesu ft 70, I'm working on my technician license so I don't have my call sign yet, can I skip entering and still program my radio to monitor?
Hi: I have the Yaesu FT70D. I want to program thus radio using the specific software, but avery time that I connect the data cable I have this message "" INVALID COM SETTING"" How can I solve this issue? Thanks
The ft60 has many display color faults. I wished that the ft70 had a 3000 mAh battery and the * # on the keypad for echolink, normal ptt button that not sticks out, 1 Watt audio speaker.
Couple questions.... I own the FT-70 and was wondering... 1.). What are the red letters A,B,C,D, *, # along the left and right hand side of the keyboard for? Can’t locate their use. 2.). Once you add a call sign to the frequency saved to memory... is there a way to see the original actual frequency? Thanks everyone!!!
New HAM here, just got my Yaesu 70D... Instructions: right when you turn it on key in your call sign; page 12 or so. Well I guess I turned it on, I didn't do it right away so now what? Even on the page it doesn't explain how to key in my call sign. I'm a true Noob, I'm totally out of my element. Any help would be great. Thanks!
I pulled up the manual to try and figure this out and I couldn't find what to do. Have you tried disconnecting it from the battery and letting it sit a bit, then power it back on and try again?
V. Z. - factory reset is easiest if you use your thumb to press and hold mode, hm/rv, AMS at the same while the radio is off. Then turn it back on. As for the navigation of call sign entry... mode=LEFT band= RIGHT GM= CLEAR The rotary dial will scroll through letters and numbers. You can also enter the call sign by pressing the corresponding key multiple times until the proper letter or number shows. Kinda like texting from the early 2000’s. 😂👍. It explains it further back in the book. Annoying how it doesn’t tell ya right up front.
Can someone let me know if FT-70 does support the cross-band mode operation please? I mean the listening on UHF while transmitting on VHF by just pressing PTT? Simply is it possible to use it comfortably for FM satellites operation please?
Hoshnasi, good day! I would like to ask for an advise. Have you encountered a defective Baofeng radio before because I recently bought one overseas: Baofeng BF-F8+ (the one with the inverted display) and it has many defects like the Voice Prompt/Command that guides the users in navigating the Menu options or the "China Girl" voice is cutting out. For example the "Backlight Selection" option is read by the Voice partly. Like it only reads it "Backlight Select-----" and it gets complicated when you reached the unfamiliar categories, you'll need to guess what it is since it is abbreviated on the display. Is this something that can be fixed via firmware update using CHIRP or is it really a programming issue in the factory? Another problem is the LED background display color, there are suppose to be three colors to choose from: BLUE, PURPLE and ORANGE but I cannot change it to the other color, it stays on DEFAULT BLUE COLOR, even after saving and confirming the changes. I have also done a factory reset but no go still. I would like to ask your opinion regarding this matter since you are a radio expert. I am very worried and I don't have any idea if this is a RADIO programming glitch or simply a factory defective unit. I would appreciate any advice you can give me. By the way, I have watched most of your videos.I love it! Keep up the good work!
Hi there, I have not had any issues like that with any of the BaoFengs I have worked on. I suggest you return it immediately and buy off Amazon. Much less likely to have issues going through Amazon.
I need to upgrade my Yaesu vx-5 that is getting long in the tooth. Does anybody know if I will be able to reuse the batteries and charger from a VX 5 on ft70dr? thank you.
Not sure if you’ve found your answer yet since it’s been a month since you asked... The VX-5 uses the same batteries as the VX-6 and VX-7. I love my VX-5 and have purchased a new battery for it, but that series of radios have all been discontinued except for the VX-6.
It seems weird to me that there are several RUclips videos like this that show manual hand to hand combat programming and a couple that show the proprietary software but none that show how to program the FT-70 using CHIRP. I have all of the repeaters within 100 miles imported into CHIRP, so naturally I want to program with the software that I already use.
I persevered with CHIRP and the software side really isn't that difficult. The instructions appear in a CHIRP popup when you upload or download. That's probably why nobody bothered to make a How To video. Using a USB charging cable with no data lines doesn't work. Derp. I labeled that cable CHARGING ONLY so I don't waste time on that again. Strangely, using a generic USB data cable didn't work either, but the cable that Yaesu supplies with the radio works. On Linux, the FT-70DR appears as ttyACM0, at the top of the long list along with 32 other USB devices. I programmed 150 or so frequencies I had already stored in CHIRP and it seemed to go well, other than the very goofy "push POWER and AMS buttons while reinserting the battery" nonsense. Yaesu software engineers are sadists. I did learn that I can sometimes insert the battery and then quickly press the two buttons to enter ADMS mode for programming. Then I added some more frequencies (196 was the highest, nowhere near the 900 limit) and tried to reprogram and the FT-70 locked up with "--RX--" displayed. I waited almost 15 minutes with no apparent activity and CHIRP showing no progress on the upload status bar. I restarted CHIRP and again tried to upload but there was no change. I was forced to remove the battery to power down the locked-up FT-70DR. After that, the FT-70DR seemed to function but wouldn't communicate via USB. No uploads or downloads. CHIRP popped up an error message. [Errno 2] could not open port /dev/ttyACM0: [Errno 2] No such file or directory: '/dev/ttyACM0' I tried a few RESET ALL resets. No luck. I opened a ticket with Yaesu tech support using their online form. Hopefully, there's some trick they can email to me that does a super dooper version of RESET ALL that fixes the USB. I own three Yaesu transceivers and this is my first problem with any of them. Then again, I own three cheap Baofeng radios that I've actually used and programmed more and I'm yet to have a problem with any of them, other than the bad RF harmonics that wouldn't pass FCC testing.
FOLLOW-UP: I kept playing with it and finally figured out the problems. CHIRP is not as easy with the FT-70DR as it is with the Baofeng or the Yaesu 857D. I think my trick of pushing in the battery and then quickly pressing AMS and POWER results in a false ADMS mode that causes errors . I was able to hold the two buttons while pushing the radio down onto the desktop to insert the battery. It's also important to download from the radio better uploading, every time CHIRP is run. If the Vendor and Model fields are grayed out in the upload menu, it probably won't work. After downloading, the radio is still in ADMS mode and despite the CHIRP upload instructions, it's not necessary to pop the battery out and back in. Follow the rest of the instructions to upload to the radio. Don't use any lower case letters in the CHIRP Name field because they display as spaces on the FT-70DR. And CHIRP doesn't support Yaesu System Fusion - only FM and AM.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse awesome! Everyone seems to either like dstar or fusion.. But ile go fusion probably better in the event we get nuked which most likely will occur
Doesn't look like the 70DR has dual receive? Instead, it has Dual Watch, in similar fashion to many cheaper radios, with only one receiver. Is that right?
"The easiest radio to program, in my opinion..." Wanna lose new hams in a hurry? Begin your video about "programming" with a bunch of tech talk and tangents. I can turn my new FT-70DR on, I can turn it off, and that's all! (Doing so, BTW, prevented me from inputting my new call sign.) If someone's made a video for someone like me, a new ham with this radio who knows NOTHING, could you please post a link? Thanks!
damn , you guys speak a language I don't understand. I just got my tech. and I have this radio. you are wrong it is not easy to use. My walkie talkie is easy to use. the ft 70 takes about 4 years of training. I don't have time for that. you guys just sell shit. This is not for normal people , just geeks.
I just made my first trip to that store last week. Great group of guys in there very helpful and friendly. I know this video is old but that FT-70D seems like a good solid radio.
The staff at HRO Anaheim are amazing. Really appreciate all your help Ted and Ron. 😀
Just got my ticket and bought a FT-70DR for my first radio. I’m still learning all the features, but so far it’s a great radio. I put a 14” MFJ whip antenna on mine, and I’m picking up repeaters 20-25 miles away. I want to start exploring the WIRES-X and digital features.
Also, one thing to mention is that the FT70-DR can save hundreds of frequencies, and they can be arranged in different memory banks.
Nice video! I just purchased FT-70D 4 days ago soon after I passed HAM licence exam. I'm looking forward to using this. (waiting for licence.) 73 from Japan.
$170 paperweight. No help from HRO!
I bought my first radio in ‘17 from HRO Plano. Great group. I’ve been there a few times since my first radio.
Excellent and helpful video. In 2010 I got my technician ticket, went to HRO and asked what to buy for an ht. They recommended the FT60 and that is what I got. A wonderful radio that I have used ever since. Very happy with it. Now it is 2018 and I am looking for an upgrade radio. Perhaps the FT70 is the way to go. Smaller, lighter and does digital as well as analog. And for less than what my ft60 cost me in 2010.Thanks again for the video. Great advice, well done. Gotta go to HRO now.
Good radio, owned mine for a little over a year by now. If you're disappointed with the battery life (I thought it was) go into the settings and turn the RX.SAVE to .4 or .5 (default setting is .2) this is basically the duty cycle for the receiver in standby mode, and a higher number means that it's off for a longer time. I run on .4, and I know several others that run it higher than that. Can get nearly a day out of it in standby.
Thanks for this comment. I did not know about that feature.
How do you key in your call sign, even if you've already turned it on?
Thanks!
Because of this video, I just ordered an FT-70DR from HRO and picking it up tomorrow in Plano :)
I've just got this device! 👍
Went there today to get the 2018-2022 tech class book to get ready for my class/test in December. Aaaaaaaaand picked up this radio. The FT- 70Dr is on sale right now for $160.
M.C. Landstander I did the exact same thing. Haha.
What is the title of the tech class book so I can order it.
Great video Josh and Billy Bob. Brand new FT-70D sitting here and this is a great resource. Thanks guys!
I got my ticket in '14 and all of my rigs and trinkets have come from HRO Denver. Good people!
I'm actually bummed that the covid prevents me from going into the store. It's not anyone's fault, just this dumb pandemic.
I plan on going back up there when I'm ready to purchase. But I'm really a hands on kind of evaluator of stuff, so not being able to put my hands on a thing is a bit vexing.
If I've learned anything about life in my 47 years, it's that while reviews are a good tool, many glowing reviews listed by others sometimes falls way short of my experience with things once I'm holding a thing, or using it.
Hopefully they will allow people inside, at some point soon. Otherwise I'll just be stuck risking a new tool, and trial it not being what I'm looking for.
That's just my $.02. The people I talked to there, in the phone, standing in front of the store, were very kind. Just drive me nuts to see the things I was interested in looking at, but not being able to have that tactile feel, or even a look at the varying models.
Agreed. My girlfriend and I got interested in ham for emergency situations. We went to the Denver HRO and spent about an hour in there asking all sorts of n00b questions, and they were nothing but helpful. I purchased the ARRL technician study guide to support the store. And to get started. Once I get my ticket punched, I will definitely get my first HT there.
@@dh7109 I like to handle things as well but its rarely an option. My first HT was the Yaesu FT60, then acquired the Anytone 878 and Boafeng UV-5R.
The UV-5R was considerable smaller than I anticipated (its a tiny lil radio!).
After having these few radio's though, when I see vid's of other transceivers compared to ones I already have, I'm prepared for what they will be.
I just got the Yaesu FT-4x which is the same size as the UV-5R and am ordering the FT70 tonight.
Once you get a radio or 2, you may find that being able to handle them before hand isn't really an issue. That was the case for me anyway.
@@kyoshivp Very cool! Have you been able to take the test yet? Repeaters out in the Denver area have been pretty active in the past couple of months. I've been to Denver with work several times recently and have really enjoyed Skyhub Colorado andd Colorado Connection. You can talk all over Colorado and a couple of the surrounding states! It's a total blast and there's ALWAYS someone to talk to.
I hope you keep up with the studying and you both get your license, you'll really enjoy it!
@@applejacks971 Yup, passes at the end of October. I then picked up an FT60 from the Denver HRO and have been playing with that on and off since. Need to be on more though.
The girlie now has the tech book. Next stop for me is General. And to figure out a condo HOA friendly HF setup. 🤣
Thanks! This put me over the edge after a few days of on and off research using HRCC and a couple other channels; I am ordering an FT-70DR today. My first HT.
I'll bet you hate that decision don't you?
@@Rusted_Link Why?
@@echofoxtrotwhiskey1595 Yaesu's worst HT in my opinion.
@@Rusted_Link Why is it their worst?
Had my FT-70D for 5 months now. Use it every day. It is also a great scanner radio because it’s a all band receiver with wicked fast scanning. My HRO in Burbank though is not as helpful as others. They never have more than 2 people working at a time and one of them is usually busy in the back. Usually have long wait to ask questions cause the cash register has priority.
I got mine in march and really like the radio and enjoying system fusion digital.
I chose this for my first HT ! Love your channel !
Thank you!
Good over view video. I just got my FT-70D used from a friend after an older Yaesu HT died. Have done DSTAR for years but our local system is having internet reliability issues. We also have a Fusion repeater so will try it out. I've been receiving about 4 hours/day for 4 days with about 15 minutes (3 QSOs) full power transmit and my battery is still 7.1V. Have followed a bunch of tips searcing online; I think putting battery save at 1-2 seconds may be helping. Good receive audio on this unit. I do plan to add a backup battery (can't believe none with AA or AAA alkalines are out?!), rapid charger base and speaker mic to get at level my old HT was at for ARES. 73 K0VH
Thanks for the great information @HRCC just passed my Tech Exam a few days ago and just bought the FT-70 today at HRO in Phoenix; can't wait to give it go.....thanks again 73... KJ7YDP
Outstanding video! Even though I already have an FT-1 and an FT-2, after seeing this video I might just have to get an FT-70 especially since, at the time of this comment, they are $139.95. It was great talking with you at HRO. Keep up the great work!!
Thanks! Great meeting you the other day!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Well I ended up getting the FT-70. Couldn't pass up the $139.95 price tag.
Great interview. I will be in there tomorrow Thursday 11/7/2019 hope to see Billy Bob and buy my first radio. Hoping he will get me up and running.
Say hi to Bob for me!
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Went in and Billy Bob was not working. They weren't very impressed I saw him on RUclips. I bought the FT-70D. Wish he was there. Didn't get much help setting up my new radio. Disappointed .
Which new radio?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse The FT-70.
@@donpettinger8079 Don, I'm new also, I purchased a FT-70DR and it's easy to program through the front panel. I bet you've got it down by now. Check out mmlanger55 on youtube, he's got a good Wires X programming vid for the FT-70.
Hey Josh Merry Christmas I'm getting a chance to catch up on all your videos with covid-19 very nice radio fusion works great awesome I may get one of those radios thanks again my friend and Merry Christmas to you and yours and to Billy Bob
Happy holidays! Thanks for watching! HRO is closed to only curb side now. Bums me out. I love getting out there!
Best radio to get started w/fusion.
I think I have to agree with that statement.
Great radio i might buy my first digital radio.
Great video guys. Asked Santa for an FT-70D and got one. Can't wait to play but celebrating Xmas down in Mission Viejo today. I hope that there are digital servers in my area. Otherwise, I'll have to spring for a hotspot.
I just bought a ft70d and am looking forward to using it..should be in the mail his week.....thanks for this intro
Ordered mine today!
.........and, I just ordered one of these! Should be home when I get back next week
Nice!
My first radio ft-2900 my first ht ft70dr I love mine works great just wish there was more wires-x repeaters. Btw the difference in versions dr US de Europe. Great video again.
This is a great radio. The owners manual and the advanced menu can be downloaded from Yaesu's website.
Holy crap! Thanks for this video, I was just looking at this radio today!
I’m in your MIND! 🤣👍
So funny too cause I’m looking at getting one
Cool demo guys, I want that FT-70.
Thanks!
Good explanation.Could you please confirm how to swap between repeater frequency and names of repeater on FT 70 DR
Yaesu FT-70D is a geek/hacker paradise, programming it with Chirp, just to get connected is not easy
Thanks - Really helpful and good video.
great vid. very helpful. Thank you!! (Newly licensed. Woot!! )
Bought my FT-70dr at Anaheim HRO, still trying to program radio, maybe it’s just me, need to read manual some more, I’ll get it
Love the FT-70, yep yep yep yep yep.
Ёпт, ёпт, ёпт, ёпт
It reminds me of my beloved VX-6 but with YSF.
Thanks for the Video ! 👍 I now know which one to buy , Great Stuff 👍
Thank you!
You helped me decide which one I’m going to order this Friday ! I’m going with the 70 . And I’m loving your Channel and content . 👍
Just purchased a FT70D can it be programmed with an iPad?
Thanks for very good video, well done 73s bruno w6usc
Special thanks to billy bob, real nice guy
He is a great dude!
I'm a newbie, KJ7BHU, should I get this radio? I'm not sure where to start. My instincts tell me "yes".
If your getting your tech license yes.
A little late to this party. Oh well. I've had my Anytone 878uv+ DMR up and running a few times in the last 3 years. And in all instances have set it aside frustrated. I concluded that DMR has far to many moving parts *for me*. Here's my problem. I am still fascinated with digital mode. And actually enjoy working with my Pi-Star enabled hotspot. DMR ? Codeplugs ? Nope. Is the FT-70DR capable of scratching this digital itch I have? Comments or suggestions are appreciated. I'll go away now.
The FT-70 is probably the way to go.
I'm really impressed with the FT-70. Thank you Sir & 73!
Thanks for watching!
Really good video , little confused about the radio that was connected too the laptop and how the FT70 connected too that. Wonder if you could explain or point to one of your videos that explains it . I just got my technician license thanks again from KJ7ZTI
The computer (along with the HRI 200 that was shown in the video...the black box just below the radio with the white screen, which is the FTM-100) is what allows one to create their own WiRES-X room. In order to interface with the FT-70 over RF, another radio (the FTM-100) had to be hooked up to the computer/HRI 200.
Just got my FT-70 and wondered if there are any Actual Ham Radio stores near Redondo Beach, just to go look at all the goodies. john R
I like my FT-70DR a lot.
B Butler how has the battery life been? People are complaining about the battery dying out quickly.
wdsracer when I owned it I didn’t have a battery life problem. I have since upgraded to the Fr2d
Ham Radio Crash Course good video and like it but can you advise me bcouse im still new on this line of harm radio, let say now i got a baofeng, cn i connect with this ft 70dr if i wanna upgrade into this
This was a great video...any recommendations on a good 2 meter nly Mobile unit ?????? At a good price
Yaesu makes a 2m only mobile, go check it out.
Damnit, now you got me shopping
I smashed the hell out of that like button 😆
Thanks!
Still a good radio in 2020 or is there something better for the price ?
Hey Josh, my little operating manual was information overload but it gave me enough background knowledge to keep up with Billy Bob and try both analog and digital frequencies. I'm not sure if I have DMS repeaters in my area - California City, CA. You flashed that server list kind of quick in the video. Do I just use the WIN system web page to locate them? I need to download the more extensive manual from the Yaesu website and check to see if my radio requires a software update. I imagine I can program everything local with CHIRP and the provided USB cable? Gonna finish out this video and see if Billy Bob covers that. I saw him program your Yaesu mobile with a tablet - that was cool!
Nah, you'll want to search locally for a Yaesu System Fusion repeaters in your area. www.repeaterbook.com/repeaters/niche/index.php?mode=YSF
Thought you would show how to program with the cable!
What's the approx. battery life on this?
What software can be used on Mac to program the Yaesu FT-70D?
Pindal Mapu did you ever find one ?
RT-systems makes a version for the Mac now. I used it to program this radio.
Just getting into Ham Radio again after a long hiatus (20 years or so). Will my old 2m/220/440 handhelds still work on repeaters? I'd like to fire up my older radios before I get into this digital stuff.
If they can send a pl tone, then yes they will work.
I saw this HT radio on sale, so guess who is going to HRO to see Billy Bob!
Can you do a comparison video of this radio with a baofeng? I was told on a repeater if I'm considering an upgrade I should go for this radio but I still don't feel convinced.
What isn't convincing you?
I have Baofeng’s AND I got this radio. There’s no information in the manual about how the heck to program the damn thing but if you search RUclips enough you can find guys that aren’t going through it at breakneck speed. There’s not a lot of patience for newbies...
Is it a durable handheld?
Holy crap! Is there any way to program the FT-70D with CHIRP? I keep getting error messages with ADMS-10 and want to throw my PC out the window! I am not going to spend all month manually programming the almost 1000 channels I want to load, in by hand!
IDK if CHIRP can program the FT70. It might.
RT Systems - Makes life easy!
Yes; it's the only software I use to program the FT-70. You just have to follow the instructions inside chirp to a T
The Yaesu first thing asks for your call number. I'm currently studying for my license. How can I buypass this first step so I can use it for listening. Thanks. (Sorry for the basic question ... I is a newbie)
Great one Josh !
This is a great radio! Thank you!
Just got my Yaesu ft 70, I'm working on my technician license so I don't have my call sign yet, can I skip entering and still program my radio to monitor?
Yes. You can enter your call sign when you have it. I just entered "NONE"
trying get this program for dcs code the repeater has dcs code for rx and tx but it has different codes for tx n rx
Hi: I have the Yaesu FT70D. I want to program thus radio using the
specific software, but avery time that I connect the data cable I have
this message "" INVALID COM SETTING"" How can I solve this issue?
Thanks
Wish you just talked about the subject on topic not everything but hahaha Yaesu FT-70DR :P
The ft60 has many display color faults. I wished that the ft70 had a 3000 mAh battery and the * # on the keypad for echolink, normal ptt button that not sticks out, 1 Watt audio speaker.
Color faults?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse Dark clouds , spots in the display. I replaced the FT60 for a Icom T70 €125,- .
Couple questions.... I own the FT-70 and was wondering...
1.). What are the red letters A,B,C,D, *, # along the left and right hand side of the keyboard for? Can’t locate their use.
2.). Once you add a call sign to the frequency saved to memory... is there a way to see the original actual frequency?
Thanks everyone!!!
GOP forcing c
New HAM here, just got my Yaesu 70D... Instructions: right when you turn it on key in your call sign; page 12 or so. Well I guess I turned it on, I didn't do it right away so now what? Even on the page it doesn't explain how to key in my call sign. I'm a true Noob, I'm totally out of my element. Any help would be great. Thanks!
I pulled up the manual to try and figure this out and I couldn't find what to do. Have you tried disconnecting it from the battery and letting it sit a bit, then power it back on and try again?
Yes I did. No luck.
Factory reset it and start over.
Seems like a trivial task, the manual doesn't even discuss it, and it's not on the receiver. Seems to be a bad design.
V. Z. - factory reset is easiest if you use your thumb to press and hold mode, hm/rv, AMS at the same while the radio is off. Then turn it back on.
As for the navigation of call sign entry... mode=LEFT band= RIGHT GM= CLEAR
The rotary dial will scroll through letters and numbers. You can also enter the call sign by pressing the corresponding key multiple times until the proper letter or number shows. Kinda like texting from the early 2000’s. 😂👍. It explains it further back in the book. Annoying how it doesn’t tell ya right up front.
how many thumbs up for the red shirt!
Can you do a yaesu antenna reveiw video?
Like a review of antenna on the Yaesu ft-70?
@@HamRadioCrashCourse what antenna works best on the ft70d review
Can you do anymore CERT videos I just finished the training
What city? I've taken classes in La Habra 7 years ago and then in Brea 2 months ago. (Posted 4/21/2019)
Not enough information on how to program this radio
Can someone let me know if FT-70 does support the cross-band mode operation please?
I mean the listening on UHF while transmitting on VHF by just pressing PTT?
Simply is it possible to use it comfortably for FM satellites operation please?
michaelscoofield following
In short, yes, you should be able to have a "cross band offset" for satellite work.
You've had both for a while now ... FT-70DR vs FT-2DR ... Go... To clarify, for every day common use...
I've never owned a 70D. Just handled it a few times. I love my FT2DR though.
Hoshnasi, good day! I would like to ask for an advise. Have you encountered a defective Baofeng radio before because I recently bought one overseas: Baofeng BF-F8+ (the one with the inverted display) and it has many defects like the Voice Prompt/Command that guides the users in navigating the Menu options or the "China Girl" voice is cutting out. For example the "Backlight Selection" option is read by the Voice partly. Like it only reads it "Backlight Select-----" and it gets complicated when you reached the unfamiliar categories, you'll need to guess what it is since it is abbreviated on the display. Is this something that can be fixed via firmware update using CHIRP or is it really a programming issue in the factory? Another problem is the LED background display color, there are suppose to be three colors to choose from: BLUE, PURPLE and ORANGE but I cannot change it to the other color, it stays on DEFAULT BLUE COLOR, even after saving and confirming the changes. I have also done a factory reset but no go still. I would like to ask your opinion regarding this matter since you are a radio expert. I am very worried and I don't have any idea if this is a RADIO programming glitch or simply a factory defective unit. I would appreciate any advice you can give me. By the way, I have watched most of your videos.I love it! Keep up the good work!
Hi there,
I have not had any issues like that with any of the BaoFengs I have worked on. I suggest you return it immediately and buy off Amazon. Much less likely to have issues going through Amazon.
Thanks for the advice. More power to your channel. Hope you do more Baofeng radio reviews for the latest models.
I need to upgrade my Yaesu vx-5 that is getting long in the tooth. Does anybody know if I will be able to reuse the batteries and charger from a VX 5 on ft70dr? thank you.
Not sure if you’ve found your answer yet since it’s been a month since you asked... The VX-5 uses the same batteries as the VX-6 and VX-7. I love my VX-5 and have purchased a new battery for it, but that series of radios have all been discontinued except for the VX-6.
FT70 is the perfect DMR Radio. Using YSF2DMR.
It seems weird to me that there are several RUclips videos like this that show manual hand to hand combat programming and a couple that show the proprietary software but none that show how to program the FT-70 using CHIRP. I have all of the repeaters within 100 miles imported into CHIRP, so naturally I want to program with the software that I already use.
I persevered with CHIRP and the software side really isn't that difficult. The instructions appear in a CHIRP popup when you upload or download. That's probably why nobody bothered to make a How To video. Using a USB charging cable with no data lines doesn't work. Derp. I labeled that cable CHARGING ONLY so I don't waste time on that again. Strangely, using a generic USB data cable didn't work either, but the cable that Yaesu supplies with the radio works. On Linux, the FT-70DR appears as ttyACM0, at the top of the long list along with 32 other USB devices. I programmed 150 or so frequencies I had already stored in CHIRP and it seemed to go well, other than the very goofy "push POWER and AMS buttons while reinserting the battery" nonsense. Yaesu software engineers are sadists. I did learn that I can sometimes insert the battery and then quickly press the two buttons to enter ADMS mode for programming. Then I added some more frequencies (196 was the highest, nowhere near the 900 limit) and tried to reprogram and the FT-70 locked up with "--RX--" displayed. I waited almost 15 minutes with no apparent activity and CHIRP showing no progress on the upload status bar. I restarted CHIRP and again tried to upload but there was no change. I was forced to remove the battery to power down the locked-up FT-70DR. After that, the FT-70DR seemed to function but wouldn't communicate via USB. No uploads or downloads. CHIRP popped up an error message.
[Errno 2] could not open port /dev/ttyACM0:
[Errno 2] No such file or directory: '/dev/ttyACM0'
I tried a few RESET ALL resets. No luck. I opened a ticket with Yaesu tech support using their online form. Hopefully, there's some trick they can email to me that does a super dooper version of RESET ALL that fixes the USB. I own three Yaesu transceivers and this is my first problem with any of them. Then again, I own three cheap Baofeng radios that I've actually used and programmed more and I'm yet to have a problem with any of them, other than the bad RF harmonics that wouldn't pass FCC testing.
FOLLOW-UP: I kept playing with it and finally figured out the problems. CHIRP is not as easy with the FT-70DR as it is with the Baofeng or the Yaesu 857D. I think my trick of pushing in the battery and then quickly pressing AMS and POWER results in a false ADMS mode that causes errors . I was able to hold the two buttons while pushing the radio down onto the desktop to insert the battery. It's also important to download from the radio better uploading, every time CHIRP is run. If the Vendor and Model fields are grayed out in the upload menu, it probably won't work. After downloading, the radio is still in ADMS mode and despite the CHIRP upload instructions, it's not necessary to pop the battery out and back in. Follow the rest of the instructions to upload to the radio. Don't use any lower case letters in the CHIRP Name field because they display as spaces on the FT-70DR. And CHIRP doesn't support Yaesu System Fusion - only FM and AM.
Where did you get the blue yeasu hat?
Its a swag hat. Giveaway
now then billy bob , your now famous , m film star will get your autograph in september .. lol
So it's like dstar but better?
It’s c4fm based like DMR. I like Yaesu system fusion personally.
@@HamRadioCrashCourse awesome! Everyone seems to either like dstar or fusion.. But ile go fusion probably better in the event we get nuked which most likely will occur
which store it is? Contact details please. Thanks. 73.
HRO in Anaheim ca.
Doesn't look like the 70DR has dual receive? Instead, it has Dual Watch, in similar fashion to many cheaper radios, with only one receiver. Is that right?
Yep dual-watch.
Deniz MUSTAFA Kemal
too fast and not easily understood.
"The easiest radio to program, in my opinion..." Wanna lose new hams in a hurry? Begin your video about "programming" with a bunch of tech talk and tangents. I can turn my new FT-70DR on, I can turn it off, and that's all! (Doing so, BTW, prevented me from inputting my new call sign.) If someone's made a video for someone like me, a new ham with this radio who knows NOTHING, could you please post a link? Thanks!
Not being sarcastic...did you read the manual? It's a pretty straightforward radio to operate if you've read the manual.
😂
Read the manual, Einstein.
I saw no programming...
damn , you guys speak a language I don't understand. I just got my tech. and I have this radio. you are wrong it is not easy to use. My walkie talkie is easy to use. the ft 70 takes about 4 years of training. I don't have time for that. you guys just sell shit. This is not for normal people , just geeks.
Yikes man. What’s your questions. I can answer them and help you out.
Maybe it's you.
I don't have any license or training and I had this running in a day and mastered in a week.
THATS THE WAY YOU SET UP A HAMSHOP. Pete VK3TQ. ex Icom Au