Yaesu FT-60R HT Review 

Replying to this (WAY after the fact) for people to read and get my thoughts. I own two D74s and I love them. I have used them for learning, tests, data transfer in a variety of ways, I'm working on programming projects with them, and I think it's hard to find a radio that compares to what the D74 can do. HOWEVER, I have been interested in a radio I can leave in my truck that does 2m and 70cm well as a way to match most of the comms for my d-710 I have installed. I frequently go out and use the truck to x-band repeat from my HT to a local repeater or simplex net. The d74 works as an HT but it's delicate and I don't like taking it out places I could damage it or destroy it when I don't need all the capability it offers. Baofeng TX is so dirty, I have basically given up on trying to use them for anything serious. So I wanted a 2m/70cm HT that's higher quality and DURABLE. I got the FT-60R, car charger, and AA battery adapter for just that. Works perfect, and I am less worried about damaging it if I'm out and just using simplex. -KE0SBF

Nice radio and a big upgrade compared to FT60R. I have been looking at the FT-2DR and ICOM ID-51A . I can't make my mind up as to which I want!

Thanks for the suggestion! I've been looking at that one and it's definitely on my list. I've seen varied reviews on it, though. That said, the price does seem good!

I think you'll have that with any radio though, I've seen mixed reviews on everything, the major issue I have with it now is getting used to the touch screen. It has no buttons at the bottom, but that's just a learning curve and the more and more I use it the more I get used to it :)

The upgraded FT-1X might also be something to look at, as it is a little smaller both physically and it's $-resistance;) I enjoy that radio a lot, especially the APRS Features, BUT make sure to get the new X Version, the GPS on the old one was crap. To of "my elmers" have the FT-2 and are very happy about it :)

Did you ever get an answer to this question? I read the same thing.

I thought the FT-70DR was the newer mode version, it can do digital. The only con I see about it is that the battery life isnt very good. Might need to buy an extra battery or two.

Axe and Timber for communication without a license you need either a CB or FRS. You have to have a license to talk on any other bands. The GMRS doesn’t require a test however you would still have to register for a license with the FCC.

So to answer the question, yes you would need to use a repeater. Simplex, which is radio to radio is line of sight based. With 2 of these you might get 7 to 10 miles without a repeater depending on conditions and these radios require at least a tech license for transmitting

I recently picked up a used FT-60R. For a little while I did have to refer to the manual, until I had "memorized" a few most-often used (by me) functions. If you bump a button, simply turning the rig off and back on resets back to where you were, though yes I do wish there was a "back" or "undo" "oops" key. First thing I did was to buy a programming cable and used CHIRP to quickly set up few hundred mem channels and bank layouts. Since the op manual is available as a PDF at Yaesu's site, I have a copy of it (and a Quick Reference card I made up) on my iPhone and iPad if I need it. True for all my tech manuals for ham and professional video gear.

@@crvideo2409 I am 100% positive it is fully operator error. But having said that......Na. I'm done with it. Happened again this weekend. As soon as I turned it on it was in some stupid mode that I did not recognize so I had to stop driving, grab the radio and use two hands to look at it and figure it out just to get it to the simplex channel I needed. I do have Chirp and a cable for it but almost never use them. I have no problems programing memories in this radio. Might have been a little wonky when I first got it but I actually like programing by hand. I never take it anywhere without the manual. Conversely, I pulled my 8 year old FT1900 mobile out of a drawer after three + years, programed it up with local repeaters and have been chatting on it for months without ever needing to look at the manual and without it ever getting into a mode or function that had me scratching my head. So I am done with the FT-60. I won't throw it away and probably wont sell it. I will keep it as a last resort tool. The first thing I did when I got back from this weekend's wheeling trip was to order a FT-70. I've had it for a couple of days now and it's not perfect but at no time have I been left thinking, "WTF just happened and how do I get out of this mode?" With the FT-70 there are really only three things I would like, a dedicated on/off/volume knob, a dedicated sql knob and a dedicated lamp button. However, having said that, so far I have learned that once I set the sql I have not needed to adjust it. Same for the volume, it's a tow button exercise to adjust the volume but that too has been more or less set and forget. This might change once I am using it in a mobile environment. Time will tell and finally, I believe I can program p1 or p2 to do the lamp function. If nothing else, the FT60 has been a learning experience for me. Take care and stay healthy. :-)