YAESU FTM-500DR / NOT WHAT I WANTED! 

I took a lightning strike that took out telephones, VCR, Televisions , and my homebrew 10 meter repeater ! And likely other things I am forgetting ! For fear of having the homeowners insurance increase, I ate it ! Never looked back !

When I had a lightening strike the insurance company told me to buy the most current equivalent equipment and paid 100% replacement cost. I was impressed

The best way to program a FTM-500 is the SD card. You can use RT systems and your computer to program the SD card. The FTM-500 is very good and the audio quality is much better.

I'm sorry to hear you are going through this. I took a strike about 25 years ago. I didn't have much for equipment at the time but it still did a lot of damage and it sucks. I'm curious to see what you think of the FTM-500DR. I ordered one and it should be here tomorrow. From what I've gathered it has a few complaints from users that could be fixed with firmware but overall it looks like a pretty nice radio. I'm excited. I hope you enjoy yours!

I’m subscribed because I like you!

I like the FTM-500 it is not the 400 by any means but i always felt that the FTM 400 was a good 440/2m Base station radio but it really wasnt a GREAT Mobile Radio. I like the fact that the ergonomics of the FTM 500 are similar to the HF Radios and I feel like the utilization in the car youre only a couple of key strokes away from everything in the menus the 400 had a lot more going on. just my .02

that really sucks haveing to play the insurance game!

Insurance is a necessary evil. You have no choice but to pay what they demand for premiums and when you file a claim they pay out whatever the adjuster feels like giving you. I like my ftm500. There’s a lot to learn. I’ve barely scratched the surface and am looking forward to seeing all of its capabilities.

Shit happens....you know? You're ahead of the game if you're still alive.

Some old typical unboxing video just like everyone else’s. Endless rambling and looking a box with hands moving around.

IMO the VHF market sucks. a bunch of over priced under developed obsolete stuff. where is the VHF all mode radios? SDR's panadapters/waterfalls digital modes etc. todays radios are 30 year old designs in new boxes for ever increasing prices.

Complains, complains, complains. You are lucky to get anything at all. If you don't like the new radio I will send you my FTM-400 for that radio. Say "Thank you very much" and move on.