Yaesu FTM 6000 Why Are People Upset? VHF/UHF Amateur Radio

The Yaesu FTM-6000 was released at the end of October 2021. It is the spiritual successor to the FTM-2900 Its a listed as a basic mobile radio, but it has some features that I think you should think about. It's also drawing some angry comments online and I'd like to talk about that.

Support Ham Radio Crash Course Content
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Current Shack Config (includes affiliate links)

Connect with Ham Radio Crash Course
Physical Mail.............►Josh Nass P.O Box 5101 Cerritos, CA 90703-5101

Music by Sonic D:

#HRCC #hamradio #amateurradio

[HamRadio]

I'm honestly impressed with this radio and its features. For every 1 person who complains that it doesn't have digital, there are 10 others who don't want digital. Yaesu is doing right by not ignoring the analog-only Hams and releasing new radios in a time when other manufacturers have nothing but delays and increased pricing. I think this radio will be an excellent addition to their line-up.

[TheTechPrepper]

I actually love this radio and feel like it was meant 100% for my use case. I love that it is a simple (basic) 2m/440 radio with a data port. The data port is what sold it. If it had SSB this would be the perfect rig. I am going to be relying on the FTM-6000R as my go-to manpack for portable digital (packet) and voice operations. I'm in the process of finishing up the manpack build. It includes: a bag, protective frames, digital integration, external power and a field antenna all in a small package. I wish I had this rig at my most recent public service event. Great stuff, Josh!

[HamRadioCrashCourse]

NOTES: Not shown on video, the power output on 70cm meets all stated claims. AND yes, the ICOM 2730 is DUAL receive. Not merely dual watch. Thanks for keeping me honest all, it was an unintentional mistake.

[erichatfield]

I bought an FTM-6000 and love it! It's menu system and functions are super easy to use. It DOES have a dual watch function which can be programmed to one of the mic function buttons. Also you can program up to 5 favorite frequencies separate from the main channel memory and you can scan those faves separately. The radio performs very well. I've received good reports from contacts. I may make use of the data port in the future.

[fillmoreranger]

I wish Yaesu would bring us a tri-band mobile [phone]) with some serious 220 power (25w), like the AnyTone AT5888-UVIII. Adding APRS capability would be the icing on the cake. I never understood why their old (discontinued) tri-band mobile only had 1w for 220.

[johnkreno]

Someone has probably already mentioned, but it's worth mentioning, that the "data/packet" port is not the traditional din connector that is available on the older rigs, you need to buy an adapter, so while Yaesu isn't nickel and dime-ing on the head relocation kit or the mount for the RF package. They are doing so with this "data/packet" port with the adapter you will need to purchase to use it. The other issue that I have is that the FT-7800/FT-7900 that this radio essentially replaces had a cheaper street price than this rig at about 280 or less, although I have seen this rig going as low as that, it's a little disappointing that you have to wait and pray for old features to be re-added to a manufacturer's lineup. All that said, 90% of all the gear I have is Yaesu.

[Al_Dente]

I am still happy with my dual display, dual VFO 8800s (2X) which I have had for a decade. If I had to shop for a new radio, I might consider this radio but it still seems expensive for the dozen or so features that most hams use on a regular basis. And on the 8800, the mic plugs into the head so if separated, no need for a long mic cable to connect to the body.

[timlewis]

I recently got my Amateur Extra license and it all started with a video from HRCC and a Baofeng. I'm hooked now and I blame you. My biggest fear now is that someday I'll go sk and my wife will sell all of my gear for what I told her I paid for it.
Thank you for many great and informative videos and I hope to meet on the waterfall someday.
73,
KE8RXQ

[kxg]

In the 70's that mobile mount was called the Slide mount to keep 8-Tracks and CBs from being stolen you took them out and into the house or trunk if at a Mall. 8-Track and Cbs were mostly stolen at the mall parking lot

[MisterTwister]

To me this radio feels like a “let’s make a radio with parts we can get our hands on.” I’m glad they’re doing that but this radio is not worth 300 bucks. I think it’s a sign of the times more than anything.

[KSDAY]

That radio traffic at the end was certainly more compelling than the eye doctor and gout flare up conversations you hear up here in Tulare County.

[nrj]

The data port is good to find these days. It was a necessity for 9600 baud packet, IIRC. I have two of the Alinco DR-135T radios... and one of the 1.25m radios. The mobile bracket is quite nice! Reminds me of a motorola slide mount for car stereos. My dad had one.

[TonyYarusso]

If this was dual-receive like the IC-2730, then this would be a very interesting option. That's really the big thing making me think it's not a valid competitor at this price point - you're getting half the radio for the same price. It doesn't need fancier features, but dual-receive in a decent mobile radio is pretty basic at this point, so you can have both a simplex channel and a favorite repeater or similar.

[jeromemckenna]

I got my license last year and one thing that confused me was understanding what you needed to buy when you bought an icom uhf/vhf transceiver. I eventually settled on a Yaesu because they made it a lot easier for beginners to know what they are buying.

[trevorus]

This reminds me of my TYT TH-9800. The mic hooks to the face plate, so remote mounting is way better. DTMF, tons of memory slots, and wide band

[sidaytona]

Pause - This radio's microphone jack is NOT on the remote head? Only on the Body of the radio? That is an issue.

[agoraphobicadam]

If Yaesu wants to make me happy, Bring back the Yaesu 7250 for us guys that don't have a big budget. That radio was dual band with fusion for 219.00.

[richardwiehrdt]

I like your review. I think Yaesu made a huge mistake by discontinuing the FTM-100D. It does everything the FTM-6000 does and even more, like gps location, data port, and it is DIGITAL! I bought mine for $319. the same price as the FTM-6000. Yes, for the same price, I definitely would rather have the FTM-100D.

[FirstLast-vres]

That price though.. This is what bugs me about the major brands. I got an Icom id-4100 a couple of years ago, and was kinda surprised that they nickel and dime their customers the way they do. Neither bracket, the proprietary bluetooth adapter nor the proprietary data cable are included. Literally $10 worth of parts, but that'll be an additional $200+ if you want full functionality of the several hundred $$ radio you just bought. Didn't leave a good impression with me.

[mlstanley]

Nicely done Mr. Josh! This radio was recommended by my local Armature Radio Emergency Service group. Winlink Vara FM and Packet is a significant part of the work that we do for our local Fire Department. Your review really put some color behind what some of my other local Stations told me. Thank you! ~Matt (KK7MLS)