My first amateur radio the Yaesu FT-60! While I still like it today. Link to FT-60r amzn.to/2H9OpLr As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
I just replaced my Baofeng BF-F9V2+ with an FT-60R and the same Diamond antenna. I can receive five repeaters sitting in my living room. It is so much more solid than the Baofeng. I also got the RT Systems programming software and cable with it as well as the hand mic. I am getting my Tech license next week and I am looking forward to using this radio. Thanks for this review even though it is seven years old.
kc2uqb here. Literally how I got my license is exactly how he described. I bought a book, and started studying. Took that book and carried it EVERYWHERE with me. Though I didnt 1000% understand ALL of the theory, I just started studying and did pass the technician exam (I mean, really - the questions to the test were/are listed right there). I have thoroughly enjoyed the hobby and there's always new things to learn. I am so opened to learning! 73's.......kc2uqb p.s. this was m y 1st HT. i still have it, still mess around with it!
Has it been 11 years on this crazy ride? I can't believe how much Josh has changed yet stayed the same. From this video to the absolute biggest ham radio RU-vidr in history. Dare I say one of the true best radio content creators ever. Even the home of Ham Nation now. Just impressive!
I recommend buying the emergency aa pack and a diamond x50 or x30 base antenna as well as the sma to so239 adapter. You will be full quieting in all the local repeaters then. Get on Keller at night and I will listen for you.
Just ordered this unit, based on this video and some other reviews on different sites. Was less than $200. Seems versatile enough for a newly licensed amateur.
Like many others, I just stumbled on this video. I started watch HRCC in 2022 and since subscribed to your Patreon channel. Keep up the great vids man, I enjoy them all!
Just wanted to say thanks, man. I got my license last fall, figured Why Not on the FT-60R thanks to your vids, and have keyed a couple repeaters just recently, while up in a remote fire lookout in N. Idaho! It was fun to listen in and actually make some contact from middle of nowhere, man. Now I'm hooked. Peace, and 73 - KI7QBQ
Bit of a camera trick. I of course did when I recorded the video, but I edited it out as that information is freely available online. Not sure I want all of that info out there.
WOW, I ran across this vid a couple weeks ago solely because of the FT-60. About 3 days I ran across HRCC's channel and have watched SEVERAL of the hour+ vid's and streams. I had no idea until just now seeing this vid in my recommendations that its J's vid too! Holy cow! He and the channel have really come a long way! Well done! 73's!!
OH my gosh! I am thinking about making this my first radio after taking my test next week thanks to YOUR videos!!! Was researching it and found THIS video. This is very much "old school" HRCC video =) Gosh you have been posting videos for a while now!!! =)
I came across your videos a few months ago and they got me interested in ham radio and I have my technician test in a couple weeks. I also just purchased a Yaesu FT-60R as my first radio. After a lot of research, this video being part of it, I decided to get that instead of a boefang. But there’s not too many videos about programming them with chrip or just other good videos about them like there are for boefangs. So, I was wondering if you could maybe do a throwback video about your Yaesu FT-60R or programming it our a general chirp programming video that can be used with any radio or even a comment back with any tips or insight about it. Thanks for turning me on to the hobby and for all your videos!
Im new to ham. As in today. so I found your video entertainibg and useful. Im studing for my Technician license and bought the FT 60R/E earlier this morning. Im always looking to learn new stuff and HAM looks very interesting. My primary interest is in the prepper / radio area. thanks again. going to check out your updated vid.
Seriously considering one of these. There's barely cell service in the backcountry and this could save someone. Some 911 centers monitor ham radio too.
Going back watching old videos is always fun when you can’t sleep! I guess I’m kinda lucky I can hit about 8-10 repeaters from inside my house on my hts. I can actually see I think 5 of them lol.
Wow, 7 years have passed and you are now teaching General class. It was interesting to see you when you where $10,000 richer lol. Amazing the difference between you having a studio/shack and doing a video on your web cam. Keep up the good work.
Been using Baofengs for the past few years, but wanted to get a solid quality HT. Your video made me pull the trigger on the ft-60r. Looking forward to getting on the air with it. 73's KF5ZRO
Do you still recommend the ft - 60 R over all of the baofeng? Thank you so much for what you do! I am starting on your ham radio crash course. Really looking forward to catching up on all your videos! Cheers
I checked this out because I was concerned your dork-impulses were maybe getting worse....but I actually really dig the idea now that you explained it. When I was in my early teens one phase involved getting interested in CB radio... and we had a 'fort' with a large antennae and a rig ripped out of a '70s police car (friends dad was ex cop). We mostly scanned and listened, and occasionally fucked with people. We stopped that quickly = scary truckers.
Looking into a rugged HT that has good battery life, easy to operate and has good accessories available for it. I know this has been around a while and just wanted opinions. I have three other Yaesu radios, the FTM 100, 400 and the 7250. I am very pleased with the brand and the System Fusion. My thinking about this radio is it’s basic, and from the video seems like a dependable HT.
"One of the best upgrades I did was [this Diamond antenna]"..."I'm going to put this on here - this is sight unseen". Way to instill confidence in your opinion of the antenna, lol. Otherwise, thanks for the video. I found it informative.
Follow the manual, yaesu makes them really straight forward, but even i, and most people like to look for other help before going to the manual. Good luck.
I am new to HAM. (Taking my Tech test Tuesday.) I'm thinking a used FT60R for a first radio. I'm thinking simple. Good. Works. I am seeing FT60R/E for sale. What is the difference?? Is there a difference? I usually watch your newer stuff, but this vid was specifically FT60. Thanks!!
i am not clear on what bands the radio has. of course it has the 144-148 2 meter--but does it have the 440 or other bands? is it locked onto certain bands or can it scroll endlessly like a radio analog knob to any requency?
"Is it cool? No, its not cool." Lmao. That is the funniest comment I've heard on RU-vid. Thanks for the vid. I got the same radio and love it so far. Does that antenna make a noticeable difference?
Ignore the negative commentators... I have the same radio as my first rig too. It's a nice radio and easy to set up for repeater use. 73s to you. KF5YOF
Are you aware of any other good HTs that can also receive airband (108-135)? Taking my tech exam soon, have a UV-5R that I bought months ago, but was intrigued by the FT-60s ability to monitor air frequencies since I'm also a student pilot. Would be nice to have a radio that I could tx on 2m and 70cm, but still be able to use around the airport to pick up the ATIS and monitor tower.
Yeah and only 100 bucks for an x50. They are worth every penny and mine is only 4 feet off the ground. You should check in to the redeye at 11 on Keller with Ann n6bop in Pomona. I'm in the ontario/rancho area. There is also a scrapper repeater on sunset that you can hit. 449.500
Whatever you do, dont buy it off of amazon! Thats a complete rip off for the FT-60. HRO short for Ham Radio Outlet, is the best price around. Also, for more information on the radio, dont go to yaeus's page, they seem to not have the best description ironically, Universal radio had the best descriptions around, and Eham for reviews. I have an FT-50, and looking to upgrade, may go the VX-6r route instead though. FT-50 and the 60 are mostly the same. Good vid!
Bro buy a diamond x30 or x50 base antenna they are tiny only 4 or 5 feet tall then that ht will be a stroking station. You will be able to put the hammer down on all the local repeaters. Jump on Keller at 11 pm for the redeye net
Man. That is a tough question. The ft3dr does a lot more than the ft60. With that said. Getting on hf is huge. You’ll need a good antenna though and power supply.
do you have a license? I do not but I am studying for my Technician class and I thought anytime you transmit on a ham frequency you have to identify yourself with your call sign and I never heard you do that. As a matter fact the guy on the other end mentioned something about your call-sign. I'm not doubting that you have it I'm asking if you do?
+Jim U Yes, I am indeed licensed. I just did not include it in the video. From inside the house I wasn't making it onto the net full-quiet and they were having trouble hearing me.
Lots going on down here in SoCal for amateur radio. Get your tech license and get on the 2meter repeaters. Lots of clubs and meet-ups you can get involved with.
I have bought the cheap Baofeng HTs. The problem with them is that when I connect them to an external antenna or my next door neighbor is transmitting with a high power, the receiver becomes deaf and only strong signals can be monitored throughout the different frequencies. I'm looking to upgrade my HT with the Japanese HT. Did you ever use an external antenna on Yaesu FT-60R? Does it have the same problem?
When you connect a larger antenna to just about any radio and another radio close by keys up you'll often overload the front end of your radio. Because you operating on similar frequencies even more so. I'd recommend keeping the baofeng on an HT antenna to receive, then use another radio to transmit.
Thanks for the reply. So are you saying that even the expensive Japanese HTs such as FT-60 with superheterodyne receiver design suffer the same problems? That is a great idea. However there are several issues using two radios like that: 1. It solves the external antenna problem. However when using two radios sometimes it causes feedback when I transmit, so I have to use an earphone to monitor. 2. It still doesn't solve the problem of my next door neighbor transmitting because even if I use the HT antenna, the receiver is still overloaded because the signal is very strong.
I really do not think the battery will last for "months." maybe if the radio is off. it will not last a "month" on receive and definitely not with a normal amount of transmitting using 5 watts.
Hello. Great video. I am also very new to this. I need a radio for my BOB. SOMETHING FOR EMERGENCIES. And to mess around I guess to get familiar. I was looking at the baofeng radios. Seems very complicated. Please help.
People have done that and lives were saved, then the person who transmitted got fined I believe. Its a big grey area. Better be sure there are NO OTHER COMS available.
It Depends. If you are within 3-6 kilometers you can talk on simplex, but for longer range Communications you are going to be using a repeater.....just use a cellphone.
Well my friend thanks for answering my questions last night , 2 things tonight ?? i found a free download from repeater frequency. com it covers repeaters in north an south america i dwn loadex it to my ph lastnight , 2nd) how many repeaters can you have ?? I've found 12 in tampa florida area , 10 in Vermont where im from , an 8 in Fairbanks ak ie 2m - 70cm i dought i could talk to vermont from florida ?? an in closeing the more repeaters u have the more hams you might be able to talk to is this true
No, a repeater is just a big radio on a mountain top. They can be cross linked via the internet, but most are not. You should only program repeaters to your radio that you can hit from your radio, assume about 50 miles away tops.
I've had much better experience and performance with my Baofeng. Where Tx/Rx's, the Yaesu is silent. Programming the Baofeng is straight-forward. Doing so on the Yaesu is not.
by the way your video was quite boring and very non informative. I understand many videos do not need to be informative but I would guess something about correlating comms with prepping is a serious issue and if you make a video about it I would think it would be to inform people or to show them how to do something or your opinion about it
+Jim U Sorry you didn't like the video. It is pretty old. I have an updated series you might enjoy more. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-975GvFhzxx8.html
