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Author Topic: First HT - NOT a FT-60R?  (Read 303 times)

K6LCS

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First HT - NOT a FT-60R?
« on: December 20, 2021, 04:10:21 PM »

Watched a "What's the Best "First" HT in 2021" YouTube video
last night. Although the Yaesu FT-65R and FT4XR were listed,
the FT-60R was "dismissed" ... My letter to the publisher -

- - - - - - - - -

Good day. Watched your “Best HTs of 2021” video last night.

I feel compelled to talk about Yaesu’s FT-60R. You mentioned it was “older,”
had outdated battery technology, and that accessories were becoming scarce.
And you dismissed the FT-60R in favor of the FT-65 and FT-4XR.

Older? Yes, the FT-60R was introduced in 2004. It is an old radio. Yet it boasts
the best feature set I can find of any 2m/440 analog FM HT available.

               ●      1,000 memories

               ●      receives (essentially) 108mHz to a gig (including AM aircraft)

               ●      large, legible display

               ●      easy to manually program (one-page cheat sheet at work-sat.com )

               ●       bulletproof case design***               

               ●      strongest belt clip of any ham HT chassis on the market

               ●       great receive audio

... as well as a unique battery setup: You can use the optional FBA-25 AA case
with either NiMH cells or alkalines, and have FULL TX power available (if you
really need it).
 
I cannot find another 2m/440 analog FM HT whose feature set matches or
surpasses the FT-60R.
 
Yes, it uses NiMH batteries as standard equipment. For the vast majority of users,
they will achieve 750-1000 complete discharge-charge cycles from properly maintained
NiMH packs. Lithium-ion packs are rated to last about HALF that many discharge-charge
cycles. (Even the FT-65 manual states its pack will last “300” discharge-charge cycles.)
So “longevity" is NOT in favor of Lithium-ion.
 
Li-Ion will perform better in extreme cold weather - that’s a plus for hams in Alaska and
Greenland.
 
Li-ion will, indeed, hold its charge longer: You can charge it, put it away for a
couple months, and have more power available than compared with a “stored” NiMH
pack. But I, personally, don't charge up a radio only to have it sit, un-used, for months.
 
And the other “advantage” of Li-ion is that it is lighter in weight than NiMH. Well, that’s
a rather silly reason to invest in a new intelligent charger and Li-Ion packs …
 
After learning about battery chemistries ( CADEX.com ), I have never understood
hams’ affection for Li-Ion …
 
FT-60R accessories? Yaesu has audio accessories - and none are in short supply. I use
Heil audio accessories on my FT-60R HTs. The FT-60R’s 3.5mm 4-conductor jack has
been around for many years, and genuine Yaesu accessories - as well as third-party
accessories - are readily available. Antennas, audio adapters, FBA-25 alkaline tray, 
RT Systems software - all are available for the FT-60R.
 
Side note: The FT-60R allows the programming of “split frequencies” - where one
can program 2M receive and 440 TX (or vice versa) in one memory location. NOT "true
duplex" - but it allows hams to easily work the “easy amateur FM satellites.” Neither the
FT-65 nor the FT-4XR can do that.
 
When I perform satellite demos and give presentations, I don’t take my $500 Kenwood
TH-D72a with me. It was the last great-performing true, full-duplex HT for working the
FM satellites (works well in BOTH v/u and u/v modes). I demo with the FT-60R -
because I want hams to know they don’t need to spend a lot to “work the birds.”
 
SO … That’s it. Thanks for listening. Great work on your growing catalog of YouTube
videos!
 
Clint Bradford K6LCS
work-sat.com
909-999-SATS (7287)
 
*** - OK, the FT-60R isn’t truly “bulletproof.” But several of my pre-pandemic audiences
have seen me toss one across the stage - literally - during my presentations to show
that they stand up to a little abuse ... Do not try that at home, though.
 
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Clint Bradford, K6LCS
AMSAT Ambassador, ARRL Affiliated Club Coordinator
http://www.work-sat.com
909-999-SATS

K9RJ

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Re: First HT - NOT a FT-60R?
« Reply #1 on: December 20, 2021, 06:43:01 PM »

I concur. I have used an FT-60R in my car since 2008. It is rugged. It is reliable. It is quality. I have been a ham since 1967.
Harris K9RJ
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SWMAN

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Re: First HT - NOT a FT-60R?
« Reply #2 on: December 20, 2021, 07:53:02 PM »

I have had a FT-60 for 15 years now. It is my only HT. I really like it a lot. Plan on keeping it forever.
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N5DUW

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Re: First HT - NOT a FT-60R?
« Reply #3 on: December 20, 2021, 08:10:56 PM »

Very well said, Clint.  The FT-60R is probably the best overall HT I have ever owned. I actually bought it on your suggestion quite some time back, and have been extremely pleased.  They can be found very reasonably and are most versatile for both normal communication as well as satellite work (as you well know!!!).  It is just an extremely well-designed HT and is a steal at the used prices. 
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