Radio choices...

[SP Jon M3]

...What does that mean? There's a new version on HRO, FTM-350AR,...

The new Yaesu FTM-350AR radio [expected 12/27/10] features these enhancements:
*GPS Standard format NMEA ready. Way point data out.
*Newly designed MMB-98 vacuum cup-mounting bracket with angle control.
*APRS® will operate in the background, on single band.
*Additional voice alert function.
*Re-allocated often used keys to more conventient positions for easier operation.
*Ability to to program direct APRS® onto Programmable key on the DTMF microphone.
NOTE: Exisiting FTM-350R owners may add the above features (except bracket) by downloading the V1.2 software from the Yaesu website (data cable required).

[cruiserlarry]

Now the crossband, it will not ID itself as required and Yaesu will not release any firmware to make the radio ID as required, so I have a crossband I can not legally operate.

What does that mean?

As you might remember from your Tech test ( ), any station transmitting on the ham bands must ID itself at the end of a transmission, or every 10 minutes, whichever is first. Repeaters are passive transmitters, and they, too, must follow this regulation to operate legally and identify themselves every 10 minutes. When using your mobile as a cross-band repeater, it must transmit your call sign every 10 minutes when used to passively transmit - the Yaesu (according to that reviewer, who I cannot verify is correct) cannot be set up to do that.

I would defer to Yaesu FTM-350R owners (or call Yaesu) to verify this...

[smslavin]

As you might remember from your Tech test ( )

wait, i'm supposed to remember what was on the test?

i'm going to run over to HRO here in SD later today and i have a list of questions going with me.

[Chazz Layne]

The new Yaesu FTM-350AR radio [expected 12/27/10] features these enhancements:
*GPS Standard format NMEA ready. Way point data out.
*Newly designed MMB-98 vacuum cup-mounting bracket with angle control.
*APRS® will operate in the background, on single band.
*Additional voice alert function.
*Re-allocated often used keys to more conventient positions for easier operation.
*Ability to to program direct APRS® onto Programmable key on the DTMF microphone.
NOTE: Exisiting FTM-350R owners may add the above features (except bracket) by downloading the V1.2 software from the Yaesu website (data cable required).

That's another point I've really liked about our Yaesu experience so far - with the exception of hardware changes, the latest "version" of a radio is often just a download away.

I'm disappointed at the new option they decided to add to the P keys. It's a good one, but I'd much rather have V/M and memory bank as an option. The ones we have now (aside from SQL on/off and transmit power) are downright worthless IMO.

[cruiserlarry]

That's another point I've really liked about our Yaesu experience so far - with the exception of hardware changes, the latest "version" of a radio is often just a download away.

Most new radios are software upgradable (incl the Kenwood TM-D710A). However, as Chazz pointed out, the software upgrades are only as good as the programmer who wrote them, and that can still leave something to be desired...

[DaveK]

That's another point I've really liked about our Yaesu experience so far - with the exception of hardware changes, the latest "version" of a radio is often just a download away.

Most new radios are software upgradable (incl the Kenwood TM-D710A). However, as Chazz pointed out, the software upgrades are only as good as the programmer who wrote them, and that can still leave something to be desired...

Larry, this raises a very good point. For many current radios today, software upgrades are available and users should check to see what's available. The same is true as well for many GPS units, APRS software, Airmail programs, radio programming software (such as the RT Systems programs), mapping software, and even some HTs. For many of these programs, there is a convenient update button contained within the menu bar.

[Willie H]

As you might remember from your Tech test ( )

wait, i'm supposed to remember what was on the test?

i'm going to run over to HRO here in SD later today and i have a list of questions going with me.

I needed to stop by there today too...

[SP Jon M3]

What does that mean? There's a new version on HRO, FTM-350AR, however I can't find much info on it.

Looks like Yaesu just released the 1.2 firmware to make all the 350Rs into 350ARs. And by just released, I mean 12 days ago.
http://yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=Displa ... Archived=0