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Reviews For: Yaesu FT-1500M

Category: Transceivers: VHF/UHF+ Amateur Base/Mobile (non hand-held)

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Review Summary For : Yaesu FT-1500M
Reviews: 185MSRP: 229
Description:
This is the new Yaesu FT-1500M Mono-band 2 Meter mobile radio. 50 watts out, MH-48 mic, CTCSS encode + decode, DTMF encode + decode, 130 memories, 1200-9300 Packet ready (connector on back), Backlit display, and most other bells and whistles you would come to expect from Yaesu (including SmartSearch, Clock Shift, ect.).
Product is not in production
More Info: http://www.yaesu.com/ft1500m.html
# last 180 days Avg. Rating last 180 days Total reviews Avg. overall rating
001854.6
KA7ZPW Rating: 2003-12-16
Better than expected. Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
I reviewed this radio after a month, and I gave it a 5/5. This radio hasn't let me down, and has done nothing that would change my mind. I have experienced the heating issue, and for those who think it's a problem, how would you get 50 watts out of such a tiny package, without heat?

A little intermod, but a very sensitive receiver, solid audio, and just enough features to let you tinker a little, without becoming tedious. I'm sorry that Yaesu would think of discontinuing it so quickly. I'd buy one or two more.
KD2DBM Rating: 2003-12-16
GREAT RADIO GREAT PRICE Time Owned: more than 12 months.
This is by far the best radio for a beginner. Ease of use and features is by far OUTSTANDING. I have NOTHING but GOOD Things to say about this little GEM. BUY, BUY, BUY, Is my advice you won't be disappointed. Then Manual is easy to understand, programming 100 channels is easy, power is easy to adjust, direct entry from the mic is a GREAT feature and you can even change the color of the backlit mirophone if you want just by doing a simple mod to the mic. For the price you can't go wrong.
VA2PHL Rating: 2003-12-04
not in production anymore Time Owned: more than 12 months.
Hi,

I had mine for nearly two years now and use it mobile for ragchew, aprs and packet. really tought radio and small size. The rear input really make hooking it permanent for APRS really fun. you just switch to your voice channel and close the tnc.

But i did see on the Yaesu web site that it is not in production anymore rplace by the 2800 (no data jack on this one)

I feel bad about that
KD7VDB Rating: 2003-12-02
AWESOME Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is one of the great radios of our time! Its ruggedness is awesome it is as solid as the steel its made of. I like it soooo much im using it as a back-pack radio attached to the outside of a 7ah battery in a case its highly efficient transistor makes this so easy with low current draw it can last for 2 hours at full power 50% duty and 3-1/2hours at 25 watts its great for ARES/RACES.

The only drawback: Its connnector is on a pigtail out the back it should be a case mounted connector so it sould litterally be all sealed up this can be fixed with a little handy-work.

THIS IS THE BEST VHF RIG EVER FROM THE GREAT MAKERS OF YAESU
N4SRT Rating: 2003-11-29
Great value rig Time Owned: 6 to 12 months.
The Yaesu FT-1500M is an extremely good value in 2-meter FM transceivers. After using it for many months, I've wondered why anyone would buy a higher priced single band rig.

It's compact and built like a tank. The built-in speaker works fine in the car, though others have complained it sounds tinny. I never noticed that, just as long as I can hear it over the kids is all the audio it needs to produce.

I don't particularly love the microphone, but it's adequate. I run this rig mobile, using velcro to stick it to the top of my dashboard in my mini-SUV. The menus aren't that complicated, but they do take time to figure out. I had a devil of a time once trying to figure out how to disable the automatic repeater split while I was driving, but that was an isolated incident. I wouldn't recommend trying to access the menus while driving in busy traffic.

My advice is to shop around; these rigs regularly sell on eBay for more than the discounted retail price. But even if you pay too much, you'll still get a truly bulletproof workhorse of a rig.
KC8YKQ Rating: 2003-11-29
Nice basic rig Time Owned: 0 to 3 months.
This is my first 2-meter mobile, though I have been using it as a base. So far it has been excellent. Nice features, very compact and very cheap to boot! It has recently been discontinued according to several dealer web sites - I hope I can pick one up for the car on clearance somewhere or at a hamfest. A great value!
N6AJR Rating: 2003-11-18
One of the Best Time Owned: more than 12 months.
It is better than advertised, easy to use, tough and looks good. The best, right down to a nice "clicky" mike. ( I hate rat shack mikes with their squishy rubber button PTT).

In a word. GREAT
KG4VDP Rating: 2003-11-18
it likes it hot Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
i bought a 1500 to run in my work truck,i will get in the truck after the windows has been up and its 90 degrees,and talk on this rig 30 to 45 minutes until i get home.it is cold now and i did experience a loss of a tone memory one morning,cant figure that one out.if you want a solid bullit proof rig buy this one
W0NKA Rating: 2003-10-27
Simply Wonderful Time Owned: more than 12 months.
I have 2 now. The first one I bought from a guy on eBay. I bought an FT-2600M to match my brother, but it was too big and clunky in comparison. It did have more features, but I never used them. (ARTS, Having you call display on power up is cool) So I sold the 2600 at the last ham fest walked over to the local vender and bought a new 1500. I am much happier. It does get hot on long QSO at 50 watts. THAT IS WHAT IT IS DESIGNED TO DO! I put an external speaker for more volume and richer sound.

Being able to control all functions, except for power and volume, from the mic is great. The 2600 failed to do that. There is a mod to change the red mic LED's to blue. Just buy blue surface mount LED's and 5 min of soldering your done.

Great rig for the price!
Shane
LU5DDX Rating: 2003-09-29
maquina Time Owned: 3 to 6 months.
este es el mejor transeptor movil que use en mi vida su recepcion y transmicion son inigualables
la regulacion del scuelch en rf es un golazo y el microfono de palma super completo ,como transeptor movil en 144 mhz lejos el mejor
lu5ddx jorge roig