| KY4TS |
Rating:  |
2023-04-15 | |
| Pretty good so far |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
4/15/2023
This radio is now 13 years old and has been mounted in 3 different cars. It has spent all it's life in mobile use with a break for about a year when I mounted a Kenwood tri-band radio in it's place for better 1.25m performance. I switched back to the 350 because I was traveling a lot and programming repeaters manually for the destination was a pain.
About a year into it's life, it had to go back to Yaesu for repair due to an odd problem. 2 ceramic filters were replaced and I was only charged for the parts and shipping. Kudos to Vertex customer service!
I also added the GPS unit to the radio head and it has worked really well with APRS.
It is still in everyday use mounted in my car with a Lido gooseneck seat bolt mount. Even though this mounr is a bit "bouncy" the radio is still working like new.
I was quite disappointed when Yaesu replaced the 350 with the FTM400 and didn't include 222mhz capability. We have a very active 1.25m user base here and it's the main reason I haven't moved to one of the newer radios.
2/2/2010
I think Yaesu is off to a good start and heading in the right direction with this radio. The menu structure is much easier to navigate, the various features are easy to access and the offering of 222MHz is a good start. It would have been nice to have a dedicated final section for this band but I'll take what I can get. Here is what I like about this rig so far:
1- Alpha tag and frequency display available at the same time and the ability to choose which one to display large for each memory slot.
2- Large display. My eyes really appreciate this.
3- Bluetooth capability. With all the push for states to enact "Hands free" laws, this could come in REAL handy.
4- Built in GPS option. I like this much better than trying to configure an external GPS and TNC for APRS use. The unit offered is also costs much less.
5- APRS capability. Although I haven't acquired the GPS unit yet, I did set my rig up to receive data and transmit a fixed position beacon. It was relatively easy and has worked well so far.
6- 222MHz band. I like this under used band and there are several repeaters i can hit with my 1w if I'm in the right spot.
7- Stereo output jack, and the included mono breakout cable.
8- 50w on UHF
9- Cross-band repeat.
10- Stereo audio in jack.
Now, what I don't like:
1- The suction cup mounting. Are you serious? I could see this as an alternative mounting option, but as the ONLY mounting option? If you're going to use this, you MUST use the included clear mounting pad to ensure a good solid suction grip. Even then, in extremes of hot and cold (it's been in single digits here) the mount is unreliable. You can take the cup off the little "L" bracket and secure it to something else or, like I did, use a larger "L" bracket and secure it to the center console. Another option is the MMB-M10 bracket for the FTM-10. It has the same single point attachment as the 350.
2- No ability to copy memory entries from one bank to the other. You can copy from one slot to another in the same bank only. This function could probably be a software upgrade fix and should be made. Or, have one big bank of memory slots available to either side of the rig.
3- Built in speakers on the control head. Good idea, and if using in a fairly quiet location they work well. But, when in a car with a normal amount of road noise, the volume needs to be cranked up to be barely usable. That leads to...
4- Receive audio out. It seems a bit low compared to my previous rigs, even when using an external speaker. If you turn the volume controls up past 80%, the audio starts to distort. I repositioned the existing speaker I was using and bought another to mount on the corner of the dash and that has helped quite a bit. Also, I experimented connecting the stereo out of the radio to the stereo mini in on my car stereo and that worked great. But, it is a pain if you want to listen to the stereo and monitor the radio. some more experimenting with the receive and audio in capabilities of the 350 is in order.
5- 1w on 222. I'm glad that Yaesu recognized the need for this band to be included in our market, but they could have provided at minimum a 10-20w final section rather than stretching the limits of the 2m final.
6- A separate antenna connector for 222MHz would have been nice. There are many great dual band antennas, but only a few tri-band units. Plus, I really don't want to use an antenna switch. That turns the rig into a mono-band unit. An alternative would be a triplexer with an antenna for each band, but I have a small car and don't want more than 2 antennas.
7- If you are going to put a remote mounting head on a rig with a long extension cable, put a microphone extension cable in there too. There is a mic connector on the head, but it's on the wrong side and can pull on the head enough to pull the suction cup mount loose (see complaint #1). I fixed this by using a 6 pin extension cable from another rig, connecting it to the mic jack on the chassis and an RJ-45 extension connector.
8- That reminds me, why a 6 pin mic? why not an RJ-45 like the rest of your rigs? I could have kept the cable I already had in place for my FT-857 instead of removing that one and running a new one through the console.
Overall it's been a good rig. The intermod has been nearly non-existent compared to my 857, TM-733 and FT-60. I haven't had the lockup problems some others have and I have made a few attempts to do so. Once I add the bluetooth and full APRS capability I'll update my review. |
|
| W2PSK |
Rating: |
2020-10-02 | |
| A perfect mobile radio! |
Time Owned: 0 to 3 months. |
I purchased this radio from a fellow ham in my club and I LOVE it. The big display is fantastic. The brightness and color choice allows you to set up the screen to your preferences. Field programming is very easy with all of the options easily accessible in a very well laid out menu. The power output exceeds the rated power. Having the ability to independently adjust volume and memory channel/VFO on each side is great. I had to purchase a remote head cable, remote microphone cable and an adapter for my Lido mount. The microphone can be plugged into the head of the radio or the body of the radio. I put the body of the radio under my car's passenger seat and bought a 5' microphone extension cable. I haven't heard any intermod yet even though with my old TYT radio I would always pick it up as I drove to work. I haven't used it yet, but the built in TNC for APRS work seems to be amazing. I need to find an FGPS-1 GPS antenna so I can start using APRS.
What I don't like: To adjust squelch, you have to press a button and then use the tuner dial to adjust it, but it's FM so the need to adjust the squelch shouldn't come up too often. I also don't like that you can't set one of the 4 programmable buttons on the mic to switch the sides of the radio. You have to push the tuning dial, which brings me to the other thing I don't like. The tuning dial on both sides is loose, so when you press it to select a side, it often changes your memory channel. Lastly, the need to use a splitter so you can have two external speakers, or the need for a stereo speaker to combine both sides into one speaker. Yaesu placed speakers on the back of the head, but depending on your vehicle and driving conditions, they might not be loud enough to be used.
My final comment: I love this radio. I think Yaesu was foolish to stop production, but I suspect that was mostly because they built it with WIRES II which no longer works, so that feature is useless. I would buy this radio all day long! |
|
| N5ATM |
Rating: |
2016-09-22 | |
| Trashed it |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
The Good
I actually liked this radio...when it was working. I purchased it used and got a pretty good deal on it I thought. I like the way it worked and it was pretty easy to get around in the menus, unlike some of Yaesu's other gear. As mentioned before, the speakers in the head are just laughable and you will need an external speaker. Other than that, it worked great.
The Bad
After installing the radio in my car, I keyed up a couple of times and all seemed good. THEN it would not power on again. I checked everything, thinking I must have a loose connection but in the end, it was just a dead radio and not my install.
The Ugly
I sent the radio in for repair. This was NOT a good experience. They repair guy I ended up talking with was a real JERK and that's putting it politely. He had a REALLY bad attitude and it was obvious he didn't like dealing with the public. It really soured me on Yaesu as support is very important. They repaired the radio for around $140.00. I don't if it was something with the radio before I purchased it, or if I somehow manged to mess it up myself or if it was just bad luck but I chalked it up in the "oh well" category.
I used it for the better part of a year without any issues until once again one day, it just would not power on. Mind you, nothing had changed and I had used it the day before. So again to Yaesu repair. After the first time, I didn't expect much from the repair shop. I had to keep calling Yaesu to check on status.
For some reason they have a really hard time with customer service and contact. After about 4 weeks of calls, I received an email that the main board was fried and would need to be replaced...cost $509.00.
I told them to trash the thing as I was done with Yaesu. I've never had an issue with my 8800r and maybe it was just a lemmon of a radio but after the experience with Yaesu support/repair I will never again buy a Yaesu radio.
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|
| VA3IPB |
Rating: |
2015-04-04 | |
| Good for about a year |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
This radio worked great...for about a year. Since then it has developed a nasty habit of shutting off as soon as you press the transmit button. Brought it back to where I bought it from (Radioworld in Ontario, Canada). They have been unable, to find the problem. The issue with that is Radioworld is the authorized repair centre for Yaseu in Canada. If they cannot fix it, I question their competence in fixing anything. I have sent emails to Yaesu asking about sending the radio back to the factory at my expense, just to get it working again. To date; no response from Yaseu. Not very happy with them at the moment. I own several radios, all Yaseu. Starting to wonder if I made a mistake sticking with this manufacturer.
Every product will have problems, I'm okay with that. How it is dealt with however, is what I care about.
I would strongly recommend staying away from this radio, unless you have a full warranty from a reputable dealer. |
|
| FORMER_K2OOL |
Rating: |
2014-05-16 | |
| FTM-350AR |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I bought this radio on a whim and I do like Yaesu but the Menu driven system on these new radios is a big pain in the you know what.I liked the older Press F then 1 and press and hold F then 1 kind of system to do basic functions that yaesu used for years.Menu systems are too much WORK!
The receiver was very very sensitive and the transmit audio was LOUD and clear.I was not a fan of the cheesy little baby speakers they put in the control head and for $500 this should not have modules you have to buy,it should be built in!!! APRS GPS and Voice announce is optional.
Overall it works ok.Selectivity is poor,on 146.850 I can hear 146.880 spatter.It was connected to my TV for amplified speakers since I did not enjoy any of the built in speakers.So I had a Tv that did ham and when noone was talking I had full FM STEREO radio!Pretty cool,huh?
Power output was 50 watts like it advertised on both bands,220 was great as long as I was base.
1 watt is funny,isnt it?Come on Yaesu,give us 50 on 220mhz,TYT does.A better alternative to this is a Kenwood TM742A.
I had to replace the volume potentiometers on both sides,since they are cheap. |
|
| N4MJG |
Rating: |
2014-04-18 | |
| Great Rig ! |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
Great Rig for the big display ! easy to see for my eye.i never have any problem or any issue with this rig what so ever !
That something i keep it in my truck for long time ! :)
73
Jackie
N4MJG
----------------------
Earlier 5-star review posted by N4MJG on 2011-10-23
Updated:
I just called yeasu about using on either side now they tell me it don't matter ! it great little rig, you have to read it real good ! or you will get confused like i did first time ! do take time to read them ,so you can get better understanding this rig more !
As i said before the sucky thing don't stay put for so i had to come up with an idea only is with gooseneck with small rod down to goosse neck and tight it down ! it works for me :) it sits low and not up on dash either !! i love this rig so much !! :)
73
Jackie
N4MJG
BEEN HAMMING 10 YEARS ! |
|
| WD0FIA |
Rating: |
2013-03-24 | |
| Follow up review after 3 years. |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have often had questions on my initial review of the FTM-350R. After three years of ownership, my opinion has changed, and I would like to be fair.
The cons are:
The radio was released with some serious "bugs'. I never could get the supplied suction mount to be acceptable. The unit does not have all the features of my Kenwood V71 with the RC-710 control head. The unit will not digipeat.
The positive items that have changed my opinion:
Software updates corrected the lock up / freezing issue. A mount from Pro-Fit works great. The large display is easy to read at all times. For mobile use I do not see a need to digipeat. If Yaesu had ever responded to emails, I would probably give it a "5". |
|
| KD6G |
Rating: |
2012-09-12 | |
| Great for what it does |
Time Owned: 3 to 6 months. |
Well per all the shortcomings per previous eHam opinions on this radio, I would like to add a few comments.
This is a great radio with a BIG display and you don't need a manual or notes to operate most of the functions even mobile in traffic.
The display colors and contrast have more adjustments than any other radio on the market. I find marine blue, contrast 5, and brightness 3 looks great to me.
Sensitivity and noise rejection is also excellent if you hardwired it right per proper grounding base or mobile.
The stock mic puts out an excellent flat pattern for FM work. Just don't abuse the mic and you will be fine.
Still their suction cup mount sucks. Yaesu give us more options! I'm a hardwire guy for mobile so I have to goto both Pro-Fit and Lido to get a clean combination for a mobile install. As for a base go buy a cheap 5x7 picture frame. Throw away the frame and keep the glass. Buy some of that kitchen shelving no-slip drawer liners (in black) and put underneath the glass. Then mount the head/suction cup to the glass. Now it's a solid mount and looks great atop my Yaesu SP-2000 speaker.
Speakers. The remote head and main speakers are interesting but not very useful especially in mobile environment. On the rear speaker output a mono plug won't work as the output is for two separate speakers requiring a stereo plug. With one mono speaker you will hear great on the left but crappy on the right. Goto http://tim-yvonne.com/ham/ftm-350r/ to get both channels to work on one speaker. I know being an electronics engineer I'm still trying to figure out where the ground connection is, but it actually works and sounds great on my SP-2000.
Then again two speakers work great if you are going to use the broadcast FM stereo abilities of the unit. Why they added this ability to an Amateur radio I don't know. Every car I have driven for the last 30 years had FM stereo!
If you are seriously into APRS then go for the Kenwood TM-D710A and the AvMap G6. Yaesu's version is limited vrs Kenwood getting it right. Then again the Kenwood versions with display will set you back $1000.00 plus mounts.
Overall this is a great 2m/440 radio with a big display that you can easily control without having to lookup up something in the manual. Still the FTM-400D will be released soon so let's see if Yaesu got it right this time.
Regards,
George
KD6G |
|
| AB9XI |
Rating: |
2012-08-26 | |
| Low Audio Fix |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I use this radio mobile exclusively and so far it's proven to be quite bullet-proof. Like several others have noted, the right side audio is low when connecting a single external speaker. I came across the FTM-350R information pages Mike Mercury posted that document how to wire a 3.5mm stereo plug to the external speaker cord to correct this problem. You'll find this information as well as other FTM-350R tips at:
http://tim-yvonne.com/ham/ftm-350r/
(posted with Mike's permission)
I performed the external speaker fix on my external speaker and for a friend that has a FTM-350R in his truck. Both of us are much happier with the audio level on the right side and neither has experienced any issues with our radios. I highly recommend doing this if you use a single external speaker.
I saw a reviewer express concern with the knobs sticking out quite far. My head unit has fallen off the dash numerous times, almost always without any damage as a result. The right VFO know was bent on one occasion, prompting a call to Yaesu support. They were good to work with and offered to send me replacement parts if I was comfortable with a soldering iron, or I could send it in. I chose to send it in, but since there was nothing to lose, I tried straightening the knob myself. It bent back straight with no problem and has been working fine ever since. I didn't need to send the radio in but it's comforting to know support is good to work with if you need them.
I have the GPS module installed in the head unit and run APRS fairly often, especially on longer trips. I've had a number of enjoyable QSOs - both simplex and on nearby repeaters - as a direct result of APRS information popping up on the display.
I'm very happy with my decision to purchase the FTM-350R for mobile use!
73, Rick
|
|
| AB7CC |
Rating: |
2012-08-21 | |
| Over looked problems |
Time Owned: more than 12 months. |
I have had this rig in my car for a year and a half and as far as talking and listening on both 144 and 440 mhz I find that this radio aside from the low volume works as well as any rig I have
used. I purchased it because like so many of us older hams, my vision requires me to use reading glasses and that was the main reason this large display attracted me. I have since found that just because I can now see the frequency I am on, doesn't mean I can read the functions of the buttons below the screen. I remember trying to find the REV. button to talk to a friend monitoring a repeater that I could not hit from the mobile. I had to stop the car and put on reading glasses to find it.
This radio would be a great base unit except for all of the mobile functions that would be waited
such as GPS and APRS along with the waist of money dished out for the external GPS antenna and speaker.
I also hate all of the menus needed and the need to carry the owners manual because I operate the
radio much more often than change the settings and do not remember how to navigate to a desired
setting in the menu. After using the radio for 3 days, I was driving down the road and pressed a
button with out looking and found I had changed to the GPS mode and I had no idea how to get back
to the 2 meter display.
The reason I am writing this review today is because a friend put up a 220 MHz repeater last week nd I found that I had a heck of a time trying to figure out how to tune the rig to his frequency and that once I did get it programed in and saved to memory, I couldn't even bring up his repeater with the puny 1 watt. What a waist 1 watt is in a mobile radio. If Yeasu had at least put a separate SO-239 for the 220 band, I could put an amp in line to use the band. I have been in contact with one of the amplifier manufactures and was told that I would have to isolate the 220 MHz Transmission from the other two band transmissions or I would destroy the amplifier because of the amount of power that the radio puts out on the other bands.
The engineers at Yeasu are so smart that operators like myself can not use the radio as well as they designed it to be used. More than a couple of times I have grabbed the mike and checked into a local net and found that no one heard me because I was transmitting on the other frequency. If the folks at Yeasu were as smart as they think they are, they would have included an input scan. Unlike a band or memory scan, an input scan would lock onto which ever band had activity on it and with a press of the PTT button the radio would quit scanning the two inputs and remain on the active input until the input scan is started again.
I have since been looking for a tri-bander to use at the QTH like a TM-742A, TM-741A, or a TM-641A and wondering why all of the radio manufactures have given up making and selling tri-banders. Like I said, I have been trying to get a tri-bander and there are a number of them showing up on the internet, they don't stay listed for sale for very long. I would guess that unless they are over priced for used equipment, the average time they stay listed is less than one day. Let me restate that, tri-banders WITH 220 MHz. 10 meters, 6 meters, and 1.2 GHz models don't sell nearly as well and the 220 MHz modules are almost impossible to find. Yeasu has sure missed out with this radio when it comes to being an all around great radio because of a few silly things that they over looked or thought were
not important enough to make them usable. |
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