NEW Yaesu FTM-350 2m/70cm with APRS

[OLLIE]

I'll stick with my Kenwood. The Kenwood has more to offer outside of the Bluetooth and the optional speaker one can carry around with them. From the looks of it you have to buy a bunch of add-ons for this new Yaesu to even hook up to a GPS.

[cruiserlarry]

Just some information regarding 220 ability of recent handheld radios:

Yaesu VX-8R and VX-6R have 1.5w 220 capability
Yaesu VX-7R has 300mw 220 capacity
Kenwood FH-6A has full 5w 220 capability

[DaveK]

I was told they are trying to have it available before Christmas.

Did they mention what year?

[charlie56]

Its on their website
$599.95

[cruiserlarry]

Its on their website
$599.95

That's more expensive than I would have expected, given the idea that Yaesu was trying to create a less costly alternative to the Kenwood TM-D710A, which sells for $519.95-569.95 currently...I guess we'll have to see what the retailers sell it for, but most amateur equipment doesn't vary far from MSRP....

[Fetus]

That is pretty pricey with the included accessories. I may hold off a bit. I'd like to use it with other Yaesu radios with the ARTS feature.

[Chazz Layne]

Oh now I'm really tempted, only $40 more than the Kenwood which I still haven't bought yet...

[DaveK]

Oh now I'm really tempted, only $40 more than the Kenwood which I still haven't bought yet...

Chazz:

Don't deny your desires. Go for it and don't forget a full write-up.

[OLLIE]

Oh now I'm really tempted, only $40 more than the Kenwood which I still haven't bought yet...

..but to get the full capability that the Kenwood has out of the box you still need to buy about $200.00+ worth of additional accessories for the FTM-350. Additionally, some of those accessories aren't even available yet...

[Chazz Layne]

..but to get the full capability that the Kenwood has out of the box you still need to buy about $200.00+ worth of additional accessories for the FTM-350. Additionally, some of those accessories aren't even available yet...

I've come to expect this with Yaesu, same sort of thing happened when I picked up our FT-270s and my VX-8R. That reminds me, I need to post the FT-270s for sale...

I'm hoping by April everything will be available (and perhaps a little less expensive). The biggest sale point for me is not having to mount yet another external GPS (in addition to one for the carputer), though I also like the idea of having all Yaesu gear. I'm going to focus on mechanical and lift on the Disco first so I'll have time to work out any bugs before Indian Tour.