Yaesu FT-70DR 5W C4FM/144/430MHz Dual Band Digital Handheld Transceiver
SKU:
ZYS-FT-70DR
Availability:
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$149.95
$149.95
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Regular Price: $169.95
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Customer Reviews
Overall
4
Solid basic analog/digital HT
Review by
John
I really like this radio. I've actually purchased five of them and gifted three, and they are being enjoyed by the recipients. It is rather straightforward to program (I purchased and use RT Systems software), the receive audio is very nice. It is very well built - not entirely waterproof, but it copes well with weather and handles dropping rather well. I also like the heft and fit in my hand. I get good audio reports on transmit (I use a Signal Stick antenna). The clip works very nicely. Overall, it's a nifty carry-around HT. I have two minor gripes. First, like everyone else, I wish the battery lasted longer. That is inconvenient, but I have extra batteries, so that is not a big issue for me. No battery lasts as long as I would like it to. Second, having to hold down a button on the side of the radio while rotating the knob on top to adjust the volume is unwieldy and a pain when you are trying to do so quickly. But for this price point, it is really an excellent radio that will last a long time, even with my little disgruntlements.
Overall
5
Great Radio
Review by
K1AML
The Yaesu FT-70DR is a fantastic HT. It sits in the sweet spot between basic radios, and the much more expensive radios that have more features than you’ll ever need/use. The price is really good for what you get. Clear Tx/Rx, easy to use interface, solid construction that feels good in your hand. The C4FM menus take some getting used to, but even those make sense after a little practice. Some people complain about the batteries not having the best life, and that they drain when not in use. That’s a known Yaesu issue. I’m sure other big name radio companies have similar issues. Buy the rapid charger, a spare battery, and get over it, lol. You’ll want those accessories anyways. Also, this easily pairs quite well with Mobilinkd (and probably other TNCs) to give you APRS and other packet radio type features. Probably for less money overall than the FT-5DR (unless you can pick it up during a sale). Personally, I also have the FT-5DR and love it, but the FT-70DR is what I always have with me in my backpack going to and from work.
Overall
5
Great radio and a battery "hack"
Review by
Lyn
This radio offers a lot in a good size package and a lot of options for the price point. Adding the digital option allows me to use the WiresX repeater also. As for the battery; these and many other radios when turned off still have minimal battery drain. The "hack" to make the battery last is to remove it when the radio isn't in use for extended periods of time.
Overall
5
One of the best
Review by
BIG fan!
Great radio! Receiver far better than equivalent radios. Good clear sound. Have not had the battery issue - mine goes almost 2 days before recharge. Maybe some were bad and Yaesu should fix that. Also found aftermarket with actual 2500mAh, and a 3D printed one with replaceable rechargeable batteries. There are car plug in versions, and I sometimes use it while plugged in with no battery. Very versatile that way. Got it working with Chirp form programing and really enjoying this radio. The antenna is pretty good, but a signalstick made it even better.
Overall
1
Terrible battery
Review by
Dan
This HT has great features, but the battery is awful. Is drains very quickly when not in use. Now after a year or two the battery won't charge at all, and reaching out to Yaesu has yet to yield any results.
Overall
4
I really like it
Review by
Kevin
This is a easy to hand program radio. I did buy the RT programming software also. Great on wires X and easy to connect
Overall
5
great radio
Review by
Rodney
have 4 other handheld radios this is the easiest to hand program
Overall
4
Audio issues
Review by
Bob
Great little radio however, it has one bothersome issue. The reports on the audio are not complementary. Everybody says the audio level is low to terrible. Another ham just got one of these and he's getting the same reports. After studying it, I found if the battery voltage is 8.0 or above, the audio is good. Below 8.0 but above 7.5V, the audio is about half of full audio. Below 7.5 volts, the audio quality is terrible. This radio would be a solid 5 stars if it were not for this issue.
Overall
2
Bad
Review by
Barry
Direct interface isn't terrible. Radio is OK. The battery slowly drains itself when the radio is turned off. The computer interface is beyond disgusting.
Overall
5
Favorite
Review by
KN1B
I purchased a FT-3D as my C4FM radio. I'm older and don't have the sharp hearing and eye sight I used to have. The FT-3D audio was very hard for me to hear and took all I had to operate it out in the sun. I opted to add the FT-70 to my collection. Best move I've made. If you're into satellites, the FT-3D is probably your better choice, but for day to day use on C4FM, the FT-70 is great. Audio is sufficient and radio is easy to use, especially if you're a Yaesu HT user. Great radio.
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