Yaesu FTM-10R

[Cruiserdrew]

Since I started this thread I purchased the VX-7R HT with a mag mount antenna and speaker mic. So far it has been working out pretty well. I only use it on the trail and it's range is fine for that. It's not like I can do a lot of chatting when I'm on the highway in the 40.

As it stands I think I need a tire rack for the 40 more than anything else. I'm lusting after the 4+ dual rack that MAF sells, cha ching $$$$$$.

So I may wind up getting a cheap radio for the "nice" truck.

I have that exact rack on the back of my 40, which I bought 4-5 years ago before the first Dusy-Ershim trip we did. It was the only non-custom rack that lets you carry 3 fuel cans. Highly recommended, but it really has gone up in price since I bought mine.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Dan,

The FT-2800 will go to the Taco, while the FT-8800 will go to La Cabra.
I'd think you'd do fine with a FT-2800 on your 40. Install it so it's easy to remove. That way if it's pouring, you can put it away on a bag.

Regards

Alvaro

If I'm with you I can use the HT on 440MHz and you can set your FT-8800 up as a cross band repeater. I'd just need to stay within HT range of your rig.

This sounds like fun.


















Am I a nerd or what.

 

[alvarorb]

If I'm with you I can use the HT on 440MHz and you can set your FT-8800 up as a cross band repeater. I'd just need to stay within HT range of your rig.

This sounds like fun.


Am I a nerd or what.

That we can do

Alvaro

 

[Phil H]

Alvaro,

Wow - quite a wait on that FT-7800! Surprised in that the local HRO had several of ea on their shelves thru Christmas.
I did get a chance to talk w the HRO salesguy again re his BT earsets for the FTM-10R. He showed me the long boom arm and how the ear pc hooks around your ear. It is essentially a very oversized BT earset akin to the Plantronics and Motorolla cell phone earsets w a boom mic: it has a long boom - thick in the beam - w/ a lg mic and windscreen; has the earpc on one side w the clip to reach around your ear. The PTT is on the ear pc and to depress it reliably, he said you have to pinch the PTT sw and your ear lobe. It is big and that long thk boom does make it easy for it to swing away if you turn your head qucikly. He is the typical ham that purchased the FTM-10R for it's dual band and BT capability and to use the BT so that he could walk around the house and his store and communicate w/o being next to the radio. IE - not to put it in his 4WD or ATV. So take his commetns w a grain of salt. He did say the VOX is useless in his opinion: any extraneous noise toggles the 'talk' function.
I looked at the Heil Traveler headset that MAY someday... be available for the FTM-10R as a wired unit - or - with the Talk Safe BT (UK) pkg. It is also big but it is a true single muff headset. Not necessarily my cup of tea but it may work ok.
Like you, I studied the 7800, the 8800 and the 8900 as well as the ones George purchased. My big draw to the FTM-10R is the hope that I can have the hands-free communication we get (to some extent) w cell phone BT earsets. And, that it was a dual band and has some very poistive feedback from users. The cross-repeat dual band certainly offers some cool remote options when using the HT, tho. I purchased the VX-7R tri-band for my handheld - now to decide on the mobile... Am interested in your opions as you use your 8800.
BTW - also noted that the FTM-10R will let you equip it w (2) BT radios to permit two people to use BT eearsets! It was meant for your passenger on an ATV or motorcycle. WHat I have not been able to figure out - and I have been reading the PDF manual - is whether the 2nd BT earset can activate and use the radio or is it just meant to provide a means to talk to your co-pilot. I do realize both users would have to have a ham license - just can't tell or find out from anyone how the 2nd BT would function. May be cool to have the wife on the other BT whenever needed! Able to jump out of the truck to inspect an obstacle and NOT have to hassle w all those wires!
Phil

 

[rusty_tlc]

... I do realize both users would have to have a ham license - just can't tell or find out from anyone how the 2nd BT would function. May be cool to have the wife on the other BT whenever needed! Able to jump out of the truck to inspect an obstacle and NOT have to hassle w all those wires!
Phil

I don't believe this is correct. Anyone can operate the radio as long as the control operator is present. It is the control operators responsibility to make sure the station is in compliance. So if your buddy has a potty mouth don't let him have the mic.

Section 97.115 (Third party communications) covers this.

Someone correct me if I'm wrong. It has happened.

 

[Renoron]

You are correct, Dan. In addition, I believe there are some protocols with call signs.

BTW, haven't seen yur truck around lately. I meet up with you and a buddy in parking lot. I was driving the white F250 with a utility box on the back.

Been meaning to get involved with the local group. Time....

 

[rusty_tlc]

You are correct, Dan. In addition, I believe there are some protocols with call signs.

BTW, haven't seen yur truck around lately. I meet up with you and a buddy in parking lot. I was driving the white F250 with a utility box on the back.

Been meaning to get involved with the local group. Time....

The call sign stuff relates to station ID with two licensed operators using the same equipment as well as frequency and power privileges when somebody with one class of license is a guest at a station with a different class of license.
I don't recall the exact protocol. It's something we should probably know when we ride with another Ham and need to ID the station.

The green FJ40? Once it gets the soft top on I don't drive it so much. It will be back on the road more often as the weather warms up and it can go topless. I drive the UZJ100 more lately. Other than spressomon's it's the only lifted 100 I've seen in town.

We have a club run to Steve's Loop on the 19th, your welcome to join us. Details will be posted on the BBCNN sub forum.

 

[K7NUT]

I like it and I bet it will fit in the ashtray slot of the 95-97 models. With the BT headset you may not need or want a handheld mic.
-B-

Funny you should mention that...?
Fit's in our '97 slot just fine, however, I included a shot when I'm going for 3rd or 5th!
It's close, but does not touch. We had an FT-90 in there, with the YSK-90 sep kit, but something was wrong with the VHF side, so a friend suggested this rig and so far, I like it. I have the sep kit for this too, I may use it, will see. It is really wierd pushing a button on top of the face and talking at the radio, just like your on "speaker phone"! There's a learning curve on how to program the rig, but I'll get it.
Let's hope we NEVER have to test the waterproof feature on this radio!

 

[cook]

The FTM-10R’s price has come down around $300 and they are packaging a hand-mic with it now. I’m thinking of picking one up, mainly because of how hot it gets in my car over the summer. What are the impressions for those of you who have had them for awhile?

 

[alvarorb]

What I don't like about this radio is that you can't program it from a computer. At least it was like this last time I looked at one.

 

[bj70_guy]

What I don't like about this radio is that you can't program it from a computer. At least it was like this last time I looked at one.

Geez, that seems like a pretty major oversight on yaesu's part. That would be a deal breaker for me.

 

[cook]

From the factory the lx-450 could get a mobile phone as an option. I don’t know how many people got the option, but I do know that the mounting bracket for the phone unit behind the rear inside panel is there on every lx-450 I’ve seen. However, this is a known spot for outside water leaks. Yes, I know many have mounted equipment in there and never had a leak. But, I’m not interested in putting an expensive piece of emergency equipment in there only to find it water logged when I need it. On one of the Ham boards, someone added a few grommets and was able to achieve water integrity for the FTM-10R even with the head remotely located. This is why I’m so doggedly persistent in trying to get feedback from some folks on how the FTM-10R has worked for them.

P.S., has anyone mounted their radio in the spot I’m talking about?
Thanks,
Cook.

 

[clarkrw3]

Yes....but you know that it is so high that I don't think it will ever be a problem I have two JL amps in the other side and have for 4 years without a single problem. But would very much like to here from others if they have had problems in this area.

 

[cook]

Yes....but you know that it is so high that I don't think it will ever be a problem I have two JL amps in the other side and have for 4 years without a single problem. But would very much like to here from others if they have had problems in this area.

My vehicle actually has a leak in the rear passenger window seal. The proof is the wet oem tool kit stored in that area. I’ve looked into replacing the seals, but as the area is designed to get wet and drain I was in no hurry.

I went ahead a pulled the trigger on this unit. I’ve just installed it to the underside of the driver’s seat, and I’m using the separation kit for the head unit. I will be water proofing the one opening left in the main body when using the separation kit. I will be learning how to program the unit this weekend - a couple of the local repeaters, and a few agreed upon channels with local friends.

First impression is very good.

• The unit is extremely well made. If this unit cannot stand up to off road use I’ll be very surprised.
• I’m not worried about not being able to program this unit with a computer as I’ll only be adding a few frequencies to the unit. Besides, I had someone program my VX-7R for me and learned nothing from the experience. Doing it by hand for a little while should teach me something. I hope.
• The head actually has a built in microphone and speaker. I didn’t think this was going to be that useful a feature now that Yasue is giving away a hand held microphone with the unit. BUT, much to my surprise, this is really a nice feature. The head unit can be fitted with a powerful magnet and that essentially allows you to ‘stick’ it wherever you want. I’m now deciding where I want to crazy clue a magnet to the inside of the dash for easy operations. I think this is going to be a neat feature.

Water proof and bomb proof is what I was looking for, and it looks like I’ve found them in this unit.

 

[cook]

I programmed a few local repeaters into memory. I rarely use more than a couple of the repeaters, and can program more as needed. I can see why someone would want to program a bass station via computer, but in the mobile I really don’t see the need for a spreadsheet full of memory channels.

So far so good, and would recommend to anyone looking for a rugged dual band transceiver.

 

[1911]

... in the mobile I really don’t see the need for a spreadsheet full of memory channels.

When I travel, I like to program in the repeaters all along my route. If you buy the ARRL Repeater Directory and the accompanying CD, you get map software that automatically dumps them in a spreadsheet for you that is then easily imported into my (Kenwood) radio.

 

[cook]

Neat! My problem is that there is so much help; I was not really learning how to use my radios myself. Someone was nice enough to program my ft-100 and VX-7R. The FTM-10R is a nice basic rig that fits nicely to the underside of the driver’s seat, is water proof, and will allow me to learn on my own.

I want to learn/earn my way and that is not something I’ve done in the Ham radio world up until now.