New HT on the way

One of the perks of working for a company that sells Standard Horizon marine VHF radios is a thing called Pro Deals. I can buy any Vertex Standard product for 50% off the MSRP. That includes Yaesu amateur radio gear. So, when my old HT died the other day, I decided I wanted something better than my crappy Baofeng. I went whole hog and and ordered a FT-5DR.

It hasn’t arrived yet but I downloaded a copy of the manual and, to be perfectly honest, the thing is a little intimidating. I mean, I didn’t even use half the the features on the VX-2, which hardly had any. The FT-5 does just about everything but wash the dishes and make the bed. I think it’s gonna take a while to figure it all out.

I looked at their marine and aviation offerings once upon a time. They used the same accessories as my VX-6/VX-7R.

If I owned a boat and/or a plane I'd jump on them. Very well built.

Honestly, I love my vx-7 ... I have an ft-2, and it's ok, but one of the knobs is busted, and Yaesu won't answer their email or phone, so I can get a replacement. After belonging to their FB group and having their sales droid piss me off with a shitty attitude, I'm unsure I'll buy Yaesu anytime soon.

There are people printing knobs now. Do you know anyone who's heavy into that?

Heh heh heh, you guys said knobs.

there's a 3d printer at the library a few blocks away but I don't really know. how to use it.

There's a guy in the repeater club who. is a 3d printing dude but his wife has been I'll lately (in and out of the hospital) so I've felt like asking about this now is probably not the best move. I found a few different files that could be printed...

I’ve had the thing for a week now and have been able to get it on the local repeaters. Even got C4FM working, I think. Still wouldn’t claim to understand it, though, even after downloading like a TB of extra manuals that should have come in the box with it.

Henry,

There's a couple FT-2 knobs on the auction site as I type this.

Carl,

Let me know how it works out long-term. I might spring for something hand-held that can do digital modes. There's an IP base station setup which all the gang in the area is using, but I'd want something I can take along.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by N8YX

Let me know how it works out long-term. I might spring for something hand-held that can do digital modes. There's an IP base station setup which all the gang in the area is using, but I'd want something I can take along.

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Roger, wilco.

Will say that the radio gives the impression of being quite well-built and I love the large, easy to read color LCD display. Touch screen, no less.

*knobs ... for sale ... advertising young knobs for sale!*

that's not a horrible option. mostly, I'm just disappointed that yaesu couldn't manage to come through. it was a pricy bit of kit when i bought it and it hasn't been treated roughly ...