Yaesu FTM 500 Review - Should I keep my FTM-400?

Now it's a good thing that our friends over at Yaesu are churning out new models of ham radio almost as fast as Samsung puts out new cell phones. I had a chance to try out a friend's new Yaesu FTM 500right after Field Day. Next to my FTM 400, is it worth the upgrade?
Show Notes:
Join Me every Monday at Noon Mountain Time (1800 UTC) for the 2 Alpha Ham Radio Podcast Live. I'll bring in short subjects that we can dive in and look at, you can bring up subjects to discuss. You can also join me as a guest on the show.
Wires X: Youtubers 40448
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[martin-ot]

I totally agree. I am disappointed that Yaesu have not released any FTM-400 mk2 on the market.

[billsmotrilla]

When is Yaesu going to join this century and include memory bank creation and scanning by memory bank in their mobile rigs?

[CarlKrasnor]

I bought an FTM-500 (new install, not an upgrade), after first considering an FTM-300, for one major reason - the complexity of the install into my Subaru Outback. My plan was to install the radio with the transceiver and control head separated placing the transceiver in the rear storage area of the vehicle and the control head in front. The FTM-300 has no microphone connector in the control head and no speaker in the head either. So, to install the 300, I would have to run three cables between the transceiver and head, the control cable, the microphone cable and a speaker wire. Also, I would have to purchase an external speaker and find a suitable spot for mounting in front where there is precious little space not already in use. The FTM-500, by comparison, has a powerful 6-watt speaker built into the control head and a microphone jack in the control head, so it needs only the one control cable to be routed through the vehicle between the units with no need for an external speaker.

Anyone planning an install with the control head separated from the transceiver body should consider this issue in their decision.

73,

Carl

[thomaspletcher]

I totally agree with you. Being at Hamvention, was able to see the 500 and was shocked how small the screen size was for offering their best mobile replacement. That size screen for my FT-3 and FT-5 is fine when I am holding them rather close to my eyes, but the mobile is much farther away mounted in my vehicles! The new features are nice but being able to see the screen is far more important. I am sure happy that I bought 5 of the FTM-400's when they were available. Even the rep admitted that I may want to hang onto my 400's. I use a couple for vehicles and rest for base stations with one staying on Packet on lower VFO.

[chipmcginnis]

I am happy I watched the video. I was going to buy a 500 tomorrow. Now I am keeping my 400s and buying a new antenna. Saved me a lot of money.

[TheTarussell]

I enjoyed your review. Long story very short, I had a brand new 400 when the radio first came out and had a ham blow the finals of it when we were doing a mobile antenna install. (Very sad day) They tried to fix it, but it just never worked out and I decided to take a break from ham radio. Now I have decided to get back into ham radio and I looked for the 400 everywhere. (I really liked the screen size.). The only radio I could find was the 500. It looks like there are not many 400s out there to be had. I bought the 500. I am getting use to it. It is a very good radio. I just miss the screen size. Your gripes that subject are not unwarranted. Thank you,

[kfire]

Great VIdeo, thank you. I would have never guessed that the screen size was the same.

[seanmlarue]

Bob, GREAT insight! Thank you! Was debating between picking up a used 400 or going new with the 500. Will def be going the 400 route.

[mikeblaszczak]

7:25 ... The FTM-200 and FTM-300 have a 2-inch display. The FTM-500 has a 2.4-inch display. The FTM-400 has a 3.5-inch display. Note that Yaesu (like almost anyone else) measures diagonally.

[commonsensenews]

My FTM 400 went to California 4 times. Each time difference issues. When I got it back the last time I sold it while it was in good condition. Yaesu says they're running out of parts for the 400. so I bought the 500. I am very happy with that purchase. It is an awesome radio. I really like it. I find nothing wrong with it. My opinion yours may differ.

[jimricker]

What ....an honest review Whiskey Tango Foxtrot Bob!! Thanks for always keeping it real. Have enjoyed your videos over the years. Thanks for taking the time and effort to do these.

[KCDWG]

This was enough to push me over the edge toward getting my FTM-400 repaired instead of buying the 500. Disappointed that I didn't notice the finals were blown until right after it got out of warranty. Thx for the video and info! -KC2DWG

[libertyroads]

I just got my first Yaesu yesterday, the FT5Dr. Just got it programed, but still figuring out the digital modes. I was thinking the FTM400 would be perfect for my truck and home. Glad I watched this video first. The screen is much more important to me than a knob.

[Aeroadjuster]

Saw you on Jason's live stream today. Now here I am!

[stevewarner]

I have 2 400’s and plan on keeping them. Love the big display

[TheHeff]

Thanks, I have the FTM-400 and you really helped me make an informed decision. Not upgrading. :)

[ckundred]

I was looking at the 500 and then kept staring at my 400--and came to the same conclusion as you...Would love a couple of the new features but at the end of the day the 400, and its bigger screen, is still a better radio for me.

[ChrisGillenwater]

i agree with you. i'll keep my 400 till it dies then i'll look into the 500. Thanks

[IgorDeCamps]

Enjoyed your review as always. Same old with Yaesu, they set the reference standard then go and release a Blah unit with an inflated price. How about some cutting edge shit Yaesu for those prices, like a better large display, higher pixel count. How about changing your OS to something more workable like Linux or Android giving us much more flexibility to customize and streamline the interface. When I see people gloating over the same garbage, then I understand why Yaesu is not motivated to change things. They inflated the price, reduced the screen and added a negligible whistle or two and bam, sliced bread. Such BS

[prephampaul]

I have 3 400's, won't get rid of them and will use until they die! It's an amazing radio and screen! Thanks for the breakdown Bob I love that mount system. The 500 is a beautiful radio as well but can't justify it until my 400s die, their screens put them above the rest.