Just heard back from Yeasu, the radio is for the Japanese market, not the US
Here is their reply to my issue:
Hello Dave.
Thank you for contacting Yaesu regarding your FT-818.
The Japanese model of this radio does not cover the full range of the amateur bands that we have here in the US.
Unfortunately, there is no simple fix to get this radio to cover the US amateur radio bands as there are differences in both the hardware and firmware.
It possibly could be rebuilt with US circuit boards, but this would cost more than the radio is worth, and as the manufacturer we are not permitted by FCC regulations to modify radios originally destined for a foreign market to get them to work in the US. I am sorry but there is no simple solution to this problem, and unfortunately there are many of these radios being imported into the US and finding their way into the marketplace.
If there is anything else I can help you with, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Rodger Kerr
Amateur Radio Technical Support
Standard Horizon Marine Support
Yaesu USA
6125 Phyllis Dr
Cypress, CA 90630
r.kerr@yaesu.com
714-827-7600 Ext.1223