It’s been a week or so since I got my new radio. As pictured it’s the Yaesu FT-60R. And I am loving it.
There are a few minor things that the Icom IC-E90 I had the edge on, but nothing to do with the radios performance. The Icom had a seperate power switch meaning the volume remained where you left it. Also it could receive FM broadcast bands.
Right now I have that out the way, how am I finding the rig. I have had only a few QSOs so far, but the reports have been good.
It’s also built solidly which is why I went for this radio. I have heard it’s so strong, some shops where you can buy it they have one they throw across the shop to prove it’s strength to customers (but I am not going to try that yet with mine).
Over the Christmas period I shall give it a good use. On Christmas eve it will travel with me to my nans, and will keep it on Christmas Day.
I have also ordered a cable as the radio has 1000 memories, so I don’t intend to program them manually.
| Type | Amateur VHF/UHF transceiver |
| Frequency range | 144-146 / 430-440 MHz (Europe) 144-148 / 430-450 MHz (USA) RX 108-520 / 700-999 MHz (cellular blocked in the US) |
| Mode | TX: FM RX: AM/FM |
| RF Power output | Hi: 5/5 W Mid: 2/2 W Lo: 0.5/0.5 W |
| Sensitivity | 0.16 uV (12 dB SINAD – 140-150 MHz) 0.2 uV (12 dB SINAD – 420-470 MHz) |
| Selectivity | 12 KHz (-6 dB), 35 KHz (-60 dB) |
| Voltage | Nominal: 7.2 VDC (battery pack), 6-16 VDC (external) |
| Current drain | RX: 45-125 mA TX: Max 1.5 A |
| Impedance | 50 ohms, SMA |
| Dimensions (W*H*D) | 58*109*30 mm |
| Weight | 370 gr |
| Other | 1000 memories with alpha-tags. CTCSS & DCS. WIRES II. ARTS. Emergency Automatic ID (EAI). |
I have had my FT-60R since October of 2007, which was when I got my license. It was my first radio, and I use it all of the time. I have magnet mount antennas on the roofs of both of my cars, and use the FT-60 as my mobile. It was also my first base station, using an Arrow Antennas J-Pole on the roof of the house, and then running RG213 coax down to my radio room and attaching it to the FT-60 with an adaptor. Although I’ve since installed a more permanent base station, the FT-60 combned with the roof mounted antenna worked very well. I like the FT-60. It’s solid, vesatile, easy to use, and dependable.
Dave
KC9MIB
All of my transceivers was made of Yaesu! I see Ft-60R when I was on a meeting. It’s optimal for travelers.