During a recent webinar about the new Yaesu FTM-300DR C4FM/FM Dual-Band Mobile Transceiver, presenter John Kruk, N9UPC, wanted to make one point clear about the new System Fusion rig which boasts two independent receivers and a ton of Ham Radio bells and whistles. This is not a direct replacement for any radio.
While the rig includes many popular features and benefits you will find on the FTM-100DR and FTM-400DR/XDR series radios, that’s only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to this versatile unit. Right off the bat you’ll notice the 300DR’s smaller profile than the FTM-400DR, which makes it a good choice for mounting in your vehicle or packing in an emergency Go-Kit.
The two-inch, high-resolution QVGA full-color TFT display is designed for superb visibility and easy reading. Its high brightness and wide viewing angle clearly highlights the frequency, operation bands, and the high-speed, high-resolution band scope function, allowing users to monitor more than 60 channels centered on the current VFO frequency in real time.
For a deep dive into the rig’s “too-many-to-mention” functions, find the operator’s manual here.
Here is a condensed version of what makes the FTM-300DR stand out from its worthy Yaesu predecessors:
- Built-in Bluetooth® unit which enables hands-free operation, even when driving, with the SSM-BT10 or a commercially available Bluetooth headset. A PTT button on the headset lets operators switch between sending and receiving. What do Hams think about the SSM-BT10? This works very well. Has fairly good distance and is nice to use with VOX.
- Dual band operation (V+V, U+U, V+U, U+V) and dual/simultaneous C4FM monitoring for both A and B bands
- Full duplex—a huge perk for contacting Amateur Radio satellites. Why is full duplex a major deal? Read this blog from OnAllBands’ satellite expert, Sean, KX9X.
- Crossband repeater operation with abilities of AMS-In (Fixed FM out only)
- E20-11 (Easy to Use Operation) function: This upgrade makes it simpler to access commonly used functions such as changing signaling. A menu of frequently-used functions can be called up with a single touch.
- MAG (Memory Auto Group) function
- MCS (Multi-Channel Standby) function: One-touch operation allows operators to put multiple memory channels in a standby state.
- Dual functions for recording both transmitted and received audio
- New SSM-85D Microphone with DTMF (Dual Tone Multi-Frequency)
The rig’s Memory Channel Band Auto Grouping function automatically categorizes memory channels in each band. These channels can be quickly recalled by four band groups—Airband (M-AIR), VHF (M-VHF), UHF (M-UHF), and 174-400MHz/480-999.99MHz (M-GEN).
Other advanced features include DG-ID (Digital ID), which lets you communicate with friends by setting the same ID number from 00 to 99; Group Monitor for checking to see if friends with the same ID number are in communication range; positional awareness and real-time navigation from the built-in 66-channel high-sensitivity GPS receiver; 1200/9600 APRS data modem for APRS mode; the ability to save and load data, including configuration and memory channel information, to a micro SD card (up to 32 GB); and Snapshot function, which lets you take a snapshot and display it on a full-color display using the optional MH-85A11U camera/microphone.
But wait…there’s more!
- 50W stable high-power output
- Clear, crisp audio provided by the 3W audio power speaker (two individual terminals for external speakers are included)
- Heavy-duty heat sink with Funnel Air-Convection Conductor, which gathers cool air through wide-open front and side-air intakes and concentrates the airflow to the critical final amplifier area drawn by a rear cooling fan
- WiRES-X portable digital node/fixed node with HRI-200
- AMS (Automatic Mode Select) automatically selects the communication mode by detecting the communication mode of the receiving signal
- Large-capacity 1104 channel memory, with 16-character kanji-compatible memory tags
- DTMF encode/memory
Supplied Accessories:
- DTMF microphone SSM-85D
- Mounting bracket for radio body
- Control cable for operation with front panel attached to radio body
- 10 ft. control cable for operation with separated front panel
- USB cable
- DC power cable
- Operating manual
Visit DX Engineering for more information and to order the Yaesu FTM-300DR C4FM/FM Dual-Band Mobile Transceiver. Also, find FTM-300DR interface cables, separation cables, adapter cables, plug-in modules, headsets, and speaker mics here.
