BREAKING NEWS: New C4FM radio coming soon - Yaesu FT-5DR

 

It has been a little while since a new main stream vendor introduced product to market, so lets focus on the new and upcoming latest amateur radio to offer Yaesu's proprietary C4FM based digital voice radio, model number FT-5DR.

As of August 16th, 2021 the Federal Communications Commission has awarded the FCC ID of K6620825X21 to this dual band (2m &70cm) small handheld radio.

Feature wise, nothing overly different compared to the FT-3D radio beyond a smaller size and more overlapping capability with the FTM-300DR  mobile radio. 

A listing of features is below and a suspected retail price in the Unites States upon a potential October 2021 availability should be about $449.99 USD.  

High Level HVDN Focused Overview

• This radio will support dual independent receivers, but will not be duplex which will not appeal to satellite enthusiasts. 

• Reception is just AM/FM/DV modes and not AM/SSB/CW even though it has a wideband 0.5 to 999 MHz tuning range.

• Access point mode via a USB cable can be made to create a hotspot when connected to a computer.

• Bluetooth headset for voice/PTT but not for wireless programming. 

• SD card for recording audio and side loading memory updates as needed.

• Will no function as a KISS TNC like the Kenwood TH-D74 when used for APRS

Less Important Details

• Compact Design and Reliable 5W RF Power Output (Selectable 5W / 2.5W / 1W / 0.3W)

• High Visibility Full-Color TFT Touch panel Display (*The color of the operating frequency may be selected from White, Blue or Red.)

• Dual band Simultaneous Receive (V+V / U+U / V+U / U+V) & C4FM/C4FM Standby - Advanced C4FM Digital Mode with AMS (Automatic Mode Select), DG-ID feature and Smart Navigation

• 1W (1000mW) of loud audio power with C4FM clear and crisp audio quality - Rugged Construction: Robust Rubber Protection / IPX7 Rating Water Protection

• TOUCH & GO Operation with Activity Monitor

• PMG (Primary Memory Group Activity Monitor)

• CAM (CH Activity Monitor)

• VFO Band Skip Function

• Memory Auto Grouping (MAG) Function

• High Speed Band Scope Function enables monitoring up to 79ch centered on the current VFO frequency (Selectable 79 / 39 / 19ch)

• Full-Flat back body provides excellent grasp / Quick Release Holster(SHB-26BK) Included

• Built-in 66ch High-Sensitivity GPS Receiver

• Built-in Bluetooth® unit and the VOX function support wireless and easy Hands-free operation

• WIRES-X Portable Digital Node compatible

• Dual Simultaneous AM/FM Broadcast Reception and 2-channel Monitoring

• 1200/9600bps APRS® Data Communication

• Recording Function

• Micro SD Card Slot (up to 32GB)