I don't know why you would buy a dual band/dual receive analog radio for $419 when you can get the FTM 300 that will also give you dual band/dual receive plus C4FM for the same price. To me, a new radio needs to fill an underserved niche to justify its existence. Where is the market for this product?
The 3165, what a joke. They discontinued the FTM-3200, reused the faceplate and body, removed Fusion mode and charge 2 times as much for it. I'll stick with the older FTM-3200 and 3207's that were half the price and do Fusion. Seriously Yaesu, what were you thinking.
I need a cross band repeat for those camping and hiking days. So nice when you’re in an area where the HT can’t do it and the cell phone is out of range.
Exactly, if you can't hear the other station, a radio that transmits 85 watts will do you very little good, especially in a mobile application. I agree it's nice to have the power you need to reach a repeater that you can hear. That being said, a good antenna in the best location on a vehicle is going to make a major difference.
Yaesu already has enough vhf/uhf radios out. I'd like to see a replacement for the FT-857D using modern technology with hf, 6 meters, 2 meters and 70cm., all mode with 100 watts output with built-in sound card for digital modes. I'd buy that.
The first two radios are a reboot of the FTM-2600 and FTM-2980. The last radio in my opinion is a new improved FT-8800/8900. These radios give out a price point for a updated analog only radios. Some Hams have complained they don't care about the cost of the C4FM radios. I can appreciate the wanting of the SSB, but sometimes I would rather have a radio that has a great receiver and transmitter that work very well all the time then cram everything into one box.
Interesting radios! I am a bit confused with the pricing though...$419 seems like a lot for FTM-150 when the FTM-500 goes on sale for ~$499 every few months. Knock that same % off and it starts sounding like a really good deal at $320
The FTM-150 seems pretty interesting to me, but overpriced. It should be priced comparably to the Icom IC-2730A (if not slightly undercutting it), so I’m not sure why it’s so much higher than the competition.
My spare 2 meter Mobil is a still "new in box" 80 watt yaesu radio. Though my years old 65 watt Icom might be krapping out on me, so bought the Yaesu. But haven't even had to unpack it!
I have and like the FTM-6000r. I was excited that the FTM-150 might be a dual-receive version of the 6000. I like the look, but I don't see any mention of the 10 pin data port. Also, no cross-band repeat mentioned. I hope I'm wrong but I'm guessing that it is not full duplex since it is not mentioned explicitly. If I'm correct, then I'm really not understanding the point. Gigaparts has the FTM-300 listed for the exact same price and it has true full duplex, cross-band repeat, data port, color screen, and digital modes. Aside from an extra 5 watts on VHF, what am I missing??
John Kruk said there’s supposed to be more details on the feature set released next week so we’ll see. I honestly don’t see why they wouldn’t put the data port on the ftm150. The other 2 I wouldn’t expect it would since the 2980 and the 3100 didn’t already have them. But I guess we’ll find out next week.
@@mattxoverbey it honestly wouldn't surprise me if none of them had it. We'll have to wait and see like you say but it will be very disappointing if they don't have data ports.
I've got three trucks and a couple cars and my favorite mobile setup is 80+watts out through a Comet SBB-25, so if the new monobander offers anything over the venerable George Foreman 2980 I might bite.......
So U don't get why in this day & age that a company like yeasu would (A) Release a mono band radio. (B) Release a radio that doesn't have digital (C) & in the case of these SFF ( Small Form Factor ) radios release radios that are not remote head ( I accept that 1 of the 3 are remote head ) my point us they should all be remote head as it makes the jib of setting them up & installing them as a mobile a lot easier. Thanks for your great videos & love your channel. Hope to hear you on the air one day. Wayne VK3ECS
Do SuperDX and ASP functions work on the receive side only or are these like Motorola HearClear where you need it turned on at both sides of the conversation?
These all seem to serve a purpose but I really want to see an all mode 2m/ 70cm transceiver. It’s tricky to find anything that’ll do side band that’s not overly expensive.
none, I am looking out for a dual-band mobile, dual watch with APRS+GPS with sms capabilities, Plus DMR that has a remote control head...using it for my Jeep Wranlger JL...plan on mounting the body in the mini trunk by making my own cross-beam
65-85 WATT RADIOS AT PEAK WATTAGE IS MEANT USAGE IB REPEATERS MY 2 NEW RADIOS MY GUESS WOULD MARINE VHF AND THE OTHER MEANT TO BE USED AS SHIP TO SHOURE
Zero innovation here, just more of the same. Basic Bluetooth that doesn't connect to car audio systems, 8 character channel names, single band 2M only! Why would you want a single band radio when a dual bander is only slightly more expensive? Doesn't the FTM-6000 already cover this?
These radio models are a nothing burger. Price point is horrible compared to the competition. For example the icom 2730 for $300 smokes the dual bander. The yaesu ft2980r was 80 watts for like $180ish. I don't know if they just were forced to upgrade because of parts availability or what, but the price points they are launching at make no sense for the "upgrade". Yaesu is on a roll with effectively downgrading their line. The ftm400dr comes to mind. Not sure what's going on over there.
My opinion? I don't see a need for ANY of these radios. I own a FTM-500dr, and the FT-2890r. The 2980 still works great, and gives me 80 watts output. I don't really see an appreciable difference in sound when I have the S-DX button pressed on my 500dr. So no, I won't be buying any of these.
@@HamRadio2 Because they still don't have "great" models IMO (and to be clear, same for competition products), so was hoping for something from "top line". I feel like ham radios are 10-15 years behind what's possible today in terms of hardware and especially software side.
@@arekxSadly I agree. I've owned Yaesu radios for 30 years and I have seen them progress over the years. But it does seem that in the last few years that everything has just been stagnated.
I'll have to disagree. The FTM300 and FTM500 offer some great features that no one else has right now. Although I would like to see some 220 in a mobile radio
@@HamRadio2 You are missing the point. It's not about competition but what's possible today. Look at phones - how good and capable software is. Look at API of various online services - CAT in ham radios is a joke compared to that. UI of radios is another joke. Computer software for such radios is even worse - 90 era. Receiving/transmitting hardware could indeed be top notch today but overall ham radio ecosystems are years behind of what's possible today.
I see Yaesu is sticking with there god-awful naming conventions lol. And bet they have terrible menus & navigation as well. Also why would I spend that much on a mobile when I could spend just a little bit more and get a FTM-300 or FTM-500? The ratio of features to price you pay is way off. The value simply isn’t there…
Feels like a step backward for Yaesu.
IT ALL STARTS WITH THE ANTENNA AND HEIGHT
35+ YEARS IN THE RADIOS 11M, SWL, SCANNER AND HAM CALL KB3MTU (SHOULD HAVE TESTED IN THE 90'S)
I don't know why you would buy a dual band/dual receive analog radio for $419 when you can get the FTM 300 that will also give you dual band/dual receive plus C4FM for the same price. To me, a new radio needs to fill an underserved niche to justify its existence. Where is the market for this product?
The 3165, what a joke. They discontinued the FTM-3200, reused the faceplate and body, removed Fusion mode and charge 2 times as much for it. I'll stick with the older FTM-3200 and 3207's that were half the price and do Fusion. Seriously Yaesu, what were you thinking.
Yep. Waay overpriced for analog radios. Should be priced south of $200.00
@HorrorG. I agree, seems like someone was shitting in a hole & claiming its a coal mine.
I need a cross band repeat for those camping and hiking days. So nice when you’re in an area where the HT can’t do it and the cell phone is out of range.
Yes
Exactly, if you can't hear the other station, a radio that transmits 85 watts will do you very little good, especially in a mobile application. I agree it's nice to have the power you need to reach a repeater that you can hear. That being said, a good antenna in the best location on a vehicle is going to make a major difference.
Yaesu already has enough vhf/uhf radios out. I'd like to see a replacement for the FT-857D using modern technology with hf, 6 meters, 2 meters and 70cm., all mode with 100 watts output with built-in sound card for digital modes. I'd buy that.
The first two radios are a reboot of the FTM-2600 and FTM-2980. The last radio in my opinion is a new improved FT-8800/8900. These radios give out a price point for a updated analog only radios. Some Hams have complained they don't care about the cost of the C4FM radios. I can appreciate the wanting of the SSB, but sometimes I would rather have a radio that has a great receiver and transmitter that work very well all the time then cram everything into one box.
Interesting radios! I am a bit confused with the pricing though...$419 seems like a lot for FTM-150 when the FTM-500 goes on sale for ~$499 every few months. Knock that same % off and it starts sounding like a really good deal at $320
The FTM-150 seems pretty interesting to me, but overpriced. It should be priced comparably to the Icom IC-2730A (if not slightly undercutting it), so I’m not sure why it’s so much higher than the competition.
My spare 2 meter Mobil is a still "new in box" 80 watt yaesu radio. Though my years old 65 watt Icom might be krapping out on me, so bought the Yaesu. But haven't even had to unpack it!
I have and like the FTM-6000r. I was excited that the FTM-150 might be a dual-receive version of the 6000. I like the look, but I don't see any mention of the 10 pin data port. Also, no cross-band repeat mentioned. I hope I'm wrong but I'm guessing that it is not full duplex since it is not mentioned explicitly. If I'm correct, then I'm really not understanding the point. Gigaparts has the FTM-300 listed for the exact same price and it has true full duplex, cross-band repeat, data port, color screen, and digital modes. Aside from an extra 5 watts on VHF, what am I missing??
Yeah if they don't have the data port you can't even use them as repeater radios. Looks like 1990's era spec with a 2024 price tag!
John Kruk said there’s supposed to be more details on the feature set released next week so we’ll see. I honestly don’t see why they wouldn’t put the data port on the ftm150. The other 2 I wouldn’t expect it would since the 2980 and the 3100 didn’t already have them. But I guess we’ll find out next week.
@@mattxoverbey it honestly wouldn't surprise me if none of them had it. We'll have to wait and see like you say but it will be very disappointing if they don't have data ports.
And the FT-2980R is already 80w at around half the price. Is the DSP on FT-3185RASP that much of an improvement?
IDK but I suspect we'll see the 2980 discontinued soon
I've got three trucks and a couple cars and my favorite mobile setup is 80+watts out through a Comet SBB-25, so if the new monobander offers anything over the venerable George Foreman 2980 I might bite.......
So U don't get why in this day & age that a company like yeasu would
(A) Release a mono band radio.
(B) Release a radio that doesn't have digital
(C) & in the case of these SFF ( Small Form Factor ) radios release radios that are not remote head ( I accept that 1 of the 3 are remote head ) my point us they should all be remote head as it makes the jib of setting them up & installing them as a mobile a lot easier.
Thanks for your great videos & love your channel.
Hope to hear you on the air one day.
Wayne
VK3ECS
Do SuperDX and ASP functions work on the receive side only or are these like Motorola HearClear where you need it turned on at both sides of the conversation?
I believe it’s just amp for the receive.
New radios that are the same old same old. 6 character channel names? Come on, man.
Is it 6 characters!?? I was disappointed when I thought it was 8 characters! Oh man, that sucks. What were Yaesu thinking? 🤦♂️
Yeasu should intergrate the SSB mode on 2mtrs.
Come on Yeasu, i can find commercial Kenwood radios from the early 2000's with the same layout, built better & 1/3rd the price with similar specs.
Do any of these have data ports and support 9600 baud?
These all seem to serve a purpose but I really want to see an all mode 2m/ 70cm transceiver. It’s tricky to find anything that’ll do side band that’s not overly expensive.
So basically, it’s got a digital preamp.
I'll stick with my FTM-100
I am a big fan of passive cooling. Ha. ha ha.
I feel like my 24$ quangsheng does it all 😂
none, I am looking out for a dual-band mobile, dual watch with APRS+GPS with sms capabilities, Plus DMR that has a remote control head...using it for my Jeep Wranlger JL...plan on mounting the body in the mini trunk by making my own cross-beam
Instead of VHF/UHF, how about coming out with a new radio that replaces and competes with the TS-2000, TS-2000X and TS-B2000 Kenwood radios?
65-85 WATT RADIOS AT PEAK WATTAGE IS MEANT USAGE IB REPEATERS
MY 2 NEW RADIOS MY GUESS WOULD MARINE VHF AND THE OTHER MEANT TO BE USED AS SHIP TO SHOURE
Anyone know what these radios weigh?
Zero innovation here, just more of the same. Basic Bluetooth that doesn't connect to car audio systems, 8 character channel names, single band 2M only! Why would you want a single band radio when a dual bander is only slightly more expensive? Doesn't the FTM-6000 already cover this?
These radio models are a nothing burger. Price point is horrible compared to the competition. For example the icom 2730 for $300 smokes the dual bander. The yaesu ft2980r was 80 watts for like $180ish. I don't know if they just were forced to upgrade because of parts availability or what, but the price points they are launching at make no sense for the "upgrade". Yaesu is on a roll with effectively downgrading their line. The ftm400dr comes to mind. Not sure what's going on over there.
My opinion? I don't see a need for ANY of these radios. I own a FTM-500dr, and the FT-2890r. The 2980 still works great, and gives me 80 watts output. I don't really see an appreciable difference in sound when I have the S-DX button pressed on my 500dr. So no, I won't be buying any of these.
Not one with System Fusion/Wires X/C4FM, Disappointing.
Very simple and limited models sadly (FT-3165, FT-3185, FTM-150).
Why is that sad? They already have several complex models
@@HamRadio2 Because they still don't have "great" models IMO (and to be clear, same for competition products), so was hoping for something from "top line". I feel like ham radios are 10-15 years behind what's possible today in terms of hardware and especially software side.
@@arekxSadly I agree. I've owned Yaesu radios for 30 years and I have seen them progress over the years. But it does seem that in the last few years that everything has just been stagnated.
I'll have to disagree. The FTM300 and FTM500 offer some great features that no one else has right now. Although I would like to see some 220 in a mobile radio
@@HamRadio2 You are missing the point. It's not about competition but what's possible today. Look at phones - how good and capable software is. Look at API of various online services - CAT in ham radios is a joke compared to that. UI of radios is another joke. Computer software for such radios is even worse - 90 era. Receiving/transmitting hardware could indeed be top notch today but overall ham radio ecosystems are years behind of what's possible today.
I see Yaesu is sticking with there god-awful naming conventions lol. And bet they have terrible menus & navigation as well. Also why would I spend that much on a mobile when I could spend just a little bit more and get a FTM-300 or FTM-500? The ratio of features to price you pay is way off. The value simply isn’t there…
I live in a very rural area and like the 85-watt radio, although it's only a single-band.
2m SSB, 6pin mini din jack for data at 85 watts would male a great field radio.
Yawn 🥱
FIRST!!!
HA!