Yaesu FTM-100DR
SKU:
ZYS-FTM-100DR
Availability:
Out of stock
This item has been discontinued by the manufacturer. Consider the FTM-300DR or FTM-400XD.
Description
Features
Specifications
Includes
Related Products
Out of stock
Customers who bought this item also bought
Customer Reviews
Overall
4
Great budget radio for Fusion, dual-band and APRS
Review by
Buck
My FTM-100DR is about 2 years old now. I ran it mobile for a while and now it is my base.
It gets 4 stars because of its price, otherwise it would only get 3 stars.
It operates as a single radio with two bands you can transmit on, but it can receive a large spectrum of frequencies from the Air band to 900+MHz.
I knew when I bought the radio that it was not a true dual-band where you can simultaneously listen to one band while talking on another. This is partly why the radio is so inexpensive.
In January of this year (2020) I discovered the firmware update that allows the radio to operate as a node or as a direct connection to Wires-X no longer needing the HRI-200 device. I have set mine up as a node to access when I am mobile with my FTM-3200 2 Meter radio or in direct mode when in the house.
I really love the radio and most of the features, but I deducted one star for the difficulties in using some of the features.
To properly use APRS, it takes a bit of a learning curve and it interferes with normal operations.
It would be great if they can update the firmware to allow the user to program in what mode to use for each memory. Switching back and forth from digital to FM is not easy to do in a car.
I just ordered my second FTM-100DR this week. I plan to update the firmware and us it for the base radio and wires-x node. I will be putting the one in the house into the car so I have 70cm in the car.
I considered buying the FTM-7250 for the car, but when you consider that I would also have bought the software for it, it would be the same price as the FTM-100 that I have the software for already.
I am thinking about installing a 2-meter only rig in my car in addition to the FTM-100 only to be able to monitor the node while operating FM or for running APRS and still having voice FM for local communication.
I originally purchased the 100 because it was about the same price or cheaper than other dual band radios. If you are looking for a dual band on a budget and do not need to have full-duplex between the bands, either the FTM-100DR or the FTM-7250 will make a good radio. I hear from one of the 7250 users that the user can program whichever mode is desired for each memory so a digital only frequency can be programmed to switch to DN mode and FM frequencies or repeaters can be fixed on FM mode.
WARNING: I originally planned to use CHIRP to program the 100 or the 3200 radios, but in a conversation online with a Yaesu representative, I learned CHIRP sometimes overwrites the unique ID code embedded in each Fusion radio. As a result, the software destroys any use of the digital mode in the radio rendering it an FM only transceiver. CHIRP did mess up settings in my Kenwood radio, but the Kenwood software was able to restore it. According to the representative, it is the exception, not the rule, that Yaesu can repair the damage done by using CHIRP on their digital radios.
The FTM-100DR has dropped nearly $100 since I bought my first one and even before the price drop, it was a great radio for the price. Now, it is a better deal.
It gets 4 stars because of its price, otherwise it would only get 3 stars.
It operates as a single radio with two bands you can transmit on, but it can receive a large spectrum of frequencies from the Air band to 900+MHz.
I knew when I bought the radio that it was not a true dual-band where you can simultaneously listen to one band while talking on another. This is partly why the radio is so inexpensive.
In January of this year (2020) I discovered the firmware update that allows the radio to operate as a node or as a direct connection to Wires-X no longer needing the HRI-200 device. I have set mine up as a node to access when I am mobile with my FTM-3200 2 Meter radio or in direct mode when in the house.
I really love the radio and most of the features, but I deducted one star for the difficulties in using some of the features.
To properly use APRS, it takes a bit of a learning curve and it interferes with normal operations.
It would be great if they can update the firmware to allow the user to program in what mode to use for each memory. Switching back and forth from digital to FM is not easy to do in a car.
I just ordered my second FTM-100DR this week. I plan to update the firmware and us it for the base radio and wires-x node. I will be putting the one in the house into the car so I have 70cm in the car.
I considered buying the FTM-7250 for the car, but when you consider that I would also have bought the software for it, it would be the same price as the FTM-100 that I have the software for already.
I am thinking about installing a 2-meter only rig in my car in addition to the FTM-100 only to be able to monitor the node while operating FM or for running APRS and still having voice FM for local communication.
I originally purchased the 100 because it was about the same price or cheaper than other dual band radios. If you are looking for a dual band on a budget and do not need to have full-duplex between the bands, either the FTM-100DR or the FTM-7250 will make a good radio. I hear from one of the 7250 users that the user can program whichever mode is desired for each memory so a digital only frequency can be programmed to switch to DN mode and FM frequencies or repeaters can be fixed on FM mode.
WARNING: I originally planned to use CHIRP to program the 100 or the 3200 radios, but in a conversation online with a Yaesu representative, I learned CHIRP sometimes overwrites the unique ID code embedded in each Fusion radio. As a result, the software destroys any use of the digital mode in the radio rendering it an FM only transceiver. CHIRP did mess up settings in my Kenwood radio, but the Kenwood software was able to restore it. According to the representative, it is the exception, not the rule, that Yaesu can repair the damage done by using CHIRP on their digital radios.
The FTM-100DR has dropped nearly $100 since I bought my first one and even before the price drop, it was a great radio for the price. Now, it is a better deal.
Overall
5
Fantastic Fun
Review by
Hunker
I returned to active hamming after a long semi-retirement (a little 2 meters was about all) now that I am retired from my profession. One of the changes that I discovered was digital radio. System Fusion really seems to have it all. This transceiver, FTM-100DR not only gets me up and running on that mode, but also is a great all-around performer. Love the detachable faceplate. Programming functions is very simple with the interactive menu. I have this one installed in my truck, replacing an old ICOM, and will be setting one up in the QTH when it arrives in a week or so. This a the radio to buy.
Overall
5
Great Radio!
Review by
Chris
I use it primarily as my VHF/UHF base station. In that role, it has performed flawlessly. Other amateurs say they hear me perfectly. Display is great, audio is loud and clear. Many functions and features that I don’t use. Easy to use and program, but I use the RT Systems software for expediency. Highly recommended. I’m going to buy another one for vehicle.
Overall
4
Nice radio
Review by
stephen
Great build quality. Unfortunately, I bricked the radio when I attempted to update the firmware. Switches are small and fragile. The process the update the firmware is not well documented and is more difficult then it should be.
Overall
5
Love this radio!!!
Review by
Alan
DSP/DNR is fantastic. I'm no longer drowning in noise. Reports on my audio and signal have been very good. Pop it in the truck, and I have mobile HF. Bring it in the house, it's a base station.
Overall
1
Ok but disappointed
Review by
Kirk
I bought the FTM 100DR expecting to be able to run APRS and talk at the same time but this radio won't do that! I read many reviews and never seen it mentioned anywhere. So if you wan't both features you will need to run 2 radio's . Other wise this radio was a dream to program manually . I will be selling the radio soon.
Overall
5
Solid radio
Review by
L
In my region the digital functionality is not too useful but other than that this radio earns 5-stars. Easy to program, APRS is a nice addition for the price and the dual watch is useful in ARES situations.
Overall
5
Yaesu FTM-100DR
Review by
Randy
Purchased new in February 2017 so I've had about 10 months to evaluate it. I haven't had any of the issues Brian (previous reviewer) had so maybe he just got a bad one. Don't know. I've had zero problems with mine. I previously used it as my primary base radio but have since bought the FTM-400 so the 100 get used solely as my WIRES-X node radio. I really like both the 100 and 400. My only real complaint with both radios is the lack of memory banks. It's great that you can program 1000 memory channels in both radios but for organization the inclusion of banks would help a lot. My little Yaesu FT1DR HT has banks but the mobile rigs don't. Makes no sense to me. Other than that I find the menu systems easy to navigate. The 100 and 400 menus are different and between the two I prefer the 400 (touch screen). Both radios get great audio compliments both in analog and digital modes. The GPS function is a nice touch too when using WIRES-X. Haven't used either radio for APRS so I can't comment there. Overall I'm pleased with the 100 (and 400) and would recommend and buy again.
Overall
1
Failed display after 5 Months of light use
Review by
Brian
This radio has failed after 5 months of very light use. The display has failed. Very disappointed to find out that I have to pay to return to Yaesu for warranty after such a short period of time. A warranty where the customer has to pay a portion of is not really in my opinion a warranty. Most companies I deal with send a shipping label for warranty defect returns. Also disappointed they can not simply ship me a new control head with me returning the bad control head to get me on the air quicker.
Also:
This radio is very noisy. The best way to describe is a weird electronic squawking noise when not receiving a signal that comes out of the speaker. Maybe this is also a defect??? I have used commercial digital radios (Motorola) and none I have used have made this strange noise.
Also:
This radio is very noisy. The best way to describe is a weird electronic squawking noise when not receiving a signal that comes out of the speaker. Maybe this is also a defect??? I have used commercial digital radios (Motorola) and none I have used have made this strange noise.
Write Your Own Review
Only registered users can write reviews. Please Sign in or create an account