Hi, I've been looking to upgrade my very trusty Icom A3-e and considering the Yaesu FTA 550 handheld to meet with the 8.33 khz requirements. The Yaesu has more facilities than the equivalent Icom A6 sport, with dual channel monitoring, VOR, PC programmable with USB cable and only £195, its £100 cheaper than the Icom!
I've been using Icom handhelds for 25 years, do I stay loyal to them or is the Yaesu a better buy?? Does anyone have any experience of Yaesu radios?
Many thanks
Vic Leggott
Yaesu FTA 550 VHF Handheld
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jabirupilot
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Yaesu FTA 550 VHF Handheld
Victor Leggott
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mikehallam
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Re: Yaesu FTA 550 VHF Handheld
Yes !
I have used the 550 predecessor for many years and in November last purchased the Yaesu 550 basic model for ~£195.
Works as well as the previous model, no hesitation in recommending.
Only hang up is it no longer feeds on raw a/c 12/14 volt DC supply, but uses a supplied adapter to produce the needed lower voltage. I consider that a regressive step and originally was why years ago I bought the Vertex/Yaesu instead of the ICOM, which even then had abandoned 12 VDC for a widget supply.
Apart from that Shoreham report good strength and lit screen helps shows all your programmed stations by scrolling. Easy to set up atbhome and can readily be set to 25 or 8.33 spacing.
mike hallam
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I have used the 550 predecessor for many years and in November last purchased the Yaesu 550 basic model for ~£195.
Works as well as the previous model, no hesitation in recommending.
Only hang up is it no longer feeds on raw a/c 12/14 volt DC supply, but uses a supplied adapter to produce the needed lower voltage. I consider that a regressive step and originally was why years ago I bought the Vertex/Yaesu instead of the ICOM, which even then had abandoned 12 VDC for a widget supply.
Apart from that Shoreham report good strength and lit screen helps shows all your programmed stations by scrolling. Easy to set up atbhome and can readily be set to 25 or 8.33 spacing.
mike hallam
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Gerry Holland
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Re: Yaesu FTA 550 VHF Handheld
Vic
I have a 550 too. Mainly for airborne back up or RT on Airstrip.
Works well and had good range of accessories included purchase. I did purchase the separate PTT Lead. That works very well and provides a good back up radio if required. Good price, good performance.
I purchased from a Radio Ham shop instead of Aviation retail. Better price.
http://www.radioworld.co.uk/airband-tra ... navigation
Regards
G
I have a 550 too. Mainly for airborne back up or RT on Airstrip.
Works well and had good range of accessories included purchase. I did purchase the separate PTT Lead. That works very well and provides a good back up radio if required. Good price, good performance.
I purchased from a Radio Ham shop instead of Aviation retail. Better price.
http://www.radioworld.co.uk/airband-tra ... navigation
Regards
G
028138
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jabirupilot
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- Joined: Fri Jan 01, 2010 8:01 am
Re: Yaesu FTA 550 VHF Handheld
Many thanks, Mike and Gerry.
I noticed the need for a cigar lighter plug rather than running off the aircraft 12 ish volts but I can live with that if all else is well
I noticed the need for a cigar lighter plug rather than running off the aircraft 12 ish volts but I can live with that if all else is well
Victor Leggott
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Re: Yaesu FTA 550 VHF Handheld
What interface are you using with the Yaesu? I use a pilot 200 interface for my Icom, I presume it won't work with the yaesu unit. any thoughts?
Trev
Trev
Trevor Bailey
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Re: Yaesu FTA 550 VHF Handheld
I have the 750 and very pleased with it
Cannot see any reason why the the PA200 intercom wouldn't work with the Yaesu, but have not tried it.
Cannot see any reason why the the PA200 intercom wouldn't work with the Yaesu, but have not tried it.
Sean Donno
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