Document text
Pascal Villeneuve, VA2PV, [email protected]
Product Review
Yaesu FTM-500DR C4FM/FM
144/430 MHz Transceiver
Reviewed by Steve Ford, WB8IMY
wb8imy @arrl.net
The Yaesu FTM-500DR is what | call a
“kitchen sink” transceiver, and that’s in-
tended as a compliment. It is just another
way of saying that this radio includes ev-
erything except, as the old saying goes,
the “kitchen sink.”
The FTM-500DR operates either analog
FM or C4FM digital on the 2-meter and
70-centimeter bands, but it also receives at
all frequencies from 108 to 999.995 MHz
(cellular frequencies blocked, of course;
see Table 1). The transceiver offers RF output levels of
5, 25, and 50 W with a single SO-239 antenna port.
Like a number of Yaesu transceivers available today,
the FTM-500DR is a System Fusion radio — that is, it
can sense the modulation scheme of a received signal
and adapt accordingly. When you have the Automatic
Mode Select (AMS) function enabled, you may be
called by someone on FM simplex, or through an ana-
log FM repeater, and the FTM-500DR will configure
itself for analog FM operation automatically. But if
someone calls you using digital C4FM, the radio will
instantly jump to C4FM mode without any input from
you. While operating in digital mode, you can select
between two modes: Voice Wide (VW) and Digital
Narrow (DN). The DN mode carries 6.25 kHz of audio
data and 6.25 kHz of other information, such as loca-
tion data — all this simultaneously. If you go into the
menu system, you can add the ability to operate in VW,
which transmits a broader digital signal using the full
12.5 kHz for audio that permits higher fidelity. | found
the DN mode to be sufficiently clear for my purposes,
but the fidelity improvement when | tried VW mode was
impressive.
The radio body has a slender profile, at about 5.5 x 1.7
x 5.2 inches. As you can see in the lead photo, the
detachable control head is significantly larger, at 6.1 x
2.5 x 2.3 inches. The size disparity is understandable
40 January 2024
when you realize that the control head includes a
2.4-inch touchscreen that is used to display signals
from two bands simultaneously, not to mention an
optional band scope. The FTM-500DR also offers a
sizable tuning knob, and other knobs and buttons that
are sized and positioned for maximum ergonomic
efficiency. The main and sub bands each have their
own dedicated volume controls on the left-hand side
of the head; you can adjust the squelch level with a
single press on the desired volume knob.
The control head also includes its own speaker, which
appears along the bottom of the unit. Another larger
speaker is available on the body as well (we'll discuss
the speakers in more detail later).
Of course, you have the option to relocate the body
elsewhere in your vehicle, such as under the seats, but
you'll need to purchase an optional extension cable to
Bottom Line
The FTM-500DR is a fully featured radio, but
Yaesu’s simplified approach makes it easy to
operate even for beginners. The innovative
Acoustic Enhanced Speaker System (AESS) is
astonishing, especially for mobile use, and is
something you really must hear for yourself.
Yaesu FTM-500DR
Key Measurements Summary
Receiver Sensitivity (12 dB SINAD, pV)
Receiver Third-Order Dynamic Range (dB)
(10 MHz offset)
Tk 60 90
Receiver Third-Order Dynamic Range (dB)
(20 kHz offset)
ln 40 70
Adjacent Channel Rejection (dB)
ChRej iF 90
Audio Output (W)
ee
Snd
1 4
KEY: QS2401-PR170
Measurements in FM mode.
* Noise limited at value shown.
do this, such as the 10-foot SCU-62
or the 20-foot CT-132. Note that a
common Ethernet cable is not rec-
ommended, as it will impact the
operation. The good news is that the
large multifunction microphone can
plug directly into the control head.
Unlike some transceivers, you won't
need to run a separate microphone
cable to the body of the unit.
The FTM-500DR is a sharp-looking
radio overall, and it is packed with
so much functionality; the details
can’t be contained within a single
operating manual (or within the con-
fines of a single QST review). That’s
why the manual included with the
radio highlights only the most used
Table 1
Yaesu FTM-500DR, serial number 3E020243
Firmware: Main — 1.02, Sub — 1.02, DSP — 7.20
Manufacturer's Specifications
Frequency coverage: receive, 108 — 137
Mz (air band), 137 — 174 MHz (144
MHz ham/ VHF band), 174 — 400 MHz,
400 — 480 MHz (430 MHz ham / UHF
band), 480 — 999.995 MHz (USA cellular
blocked); transmit, 144 — 148,
430 — 450 MHz (FM).
Modes: FM, digital voice, data.
Power requirements: receive, 500 mA;
transmit, 10 A on 144 and 430 MHz,
50 W at 13.8 V de.
Receiver
Sensitivity: FM (12 dB SINAD), 0.2 yV
(137 — 150 MHz), 0.25 pV (150 —
174 MHz), 0.3 wV (174 — 222 MHz),
0.25 wV (222 — 300, 336 — 420 MHz),
0.2 uV (420 - 520 MHz), 0.4 pV
(800 — 900 MHz), 0.8 pV (900 —
999.99 MHz); AM 10 dB SIN, 0.8 pV
(108 — 137, 300 — 336 MHz).
FM two-tone, third-order IMD dynamic
range: Not specified.
FM two-tone, second-order IMD dynamic
range: Not specified.
Adjacent-channel rejection: Not specified.
Spurious response: Not specified.
Squelch sensitivity: 0.16 pV (144/430
MHz).
S-meter sensitivity: Not specified.
Audio output: 3 W at 10% THD into 8.
Transmitter
Power output: 50, 20, 5 W (high, med, low).
At 13.8 V de nominal.
Minimum operating voltage: Not specified.
Spurious signal and harmonic
suppression: >60 dB.
Transmit-receive turnaround time
(PTT release to 50% of full audio
output): Not specified.
Receive-transmit turnaround time
(‘tx delay”): Not specified.
Measured in the ARRL Lab
As specified.
As specified.
Receive, 462 mA (max volume, max
lights, no signal, each receiver),
420 mA (max volume, min lights,
no signal); transmit, 146 MHz,
9.1/5.8/2.8 A (high/med/low),
440 MHz, 9.9/6.8/3.3 A
(high/med/low) at 13.8 V de.
Receiver Dynamic Testing*
FM (12 dB SINAD), 0.14 uV (144 MHz),
0.16 uV (440 MHz), 0.14 pV (WX),
0.48 uV (223 MHz), 0.44 uV (902 MHz);
AM (10 dB S+N/N), 0.72 LV.
20 kHz offset, 146 MHz, 84 dBt, 440
MHz, 85 dBt; 10 MHz offset, 146 MHz,
90 dBt, 440 MHz, 90 dBt.
146 MHz, 95 dB, 440 MHz, 115 cB.
20 kHz offset, 146 MHz, 71 dBt,
440 MHz, 65 aBt.
If rejection, 146 MHz, 103 dB; 440 MHz,
>136 dB; image rejection, 146 MHz,
>137 dB, 440 MHz, 73 dB.
At threshold, 146 MHz, 0.09 V, 0.30 nV (max),
440 MHz, 0.15 LV, 0.36 pV (max).
S-9, 3.7 uV (144 MHz), 4.8 nV (440 MHz).
2.9 W, 10% THD into 8Q. THD at 1 Vims,
1.6%.
Transmitter Dynamic Testing
As specified.
At 12 V de, 144 MHz, 47/24/5 W output.
260 dB, meets FCC requirements.
Squelch off, S-9 signal, 146 MHz, 356 ms;
440 MHz, 360 ms. With AMS on.
146 MHz, 74 ms; 440 MHz, 75 ms.
Size (width, height, depth): 6.1 x 2.5 x 2.3 inches (control panel without knobs);
5.5 x 1.7 x 5.2 inches (radio unit).
Weight: 3.1 pounds (control panel + radio unit + control cable).
*“Mlain” and “Sub” receivers measured identically, unless noted.
tMeasurement was noise limited at the value indicated.
January 2024 41
features. If you want information about more advanced
features, such as WIRES-X or the Automatic Packet
Reporting System (APRS), you will need to download
separate detailed manuals in PDF format from the
Yaesu website.
The FTM-500DR Operating System
In a radio as complex as the FTM-500DR, anything
that can be done to streamline operation for the user is
worthwhile. Yaesu’s solution is the Easy to Operate
(E2O)-IV operating system. The short summary of
E20-IV is that it consolidates several potentially com-
plicated functions, making the FTM-500DR much
easier to learn and operate, even for a beginner.
Consider the TOUCH & GO and SEARCH & GO functions
as examples. With the band scope running in the dis-
play, you can use TOUCH & GO to jump to a desired
frequency with a single touch on a signal bar. With
SEARCH & GO, a short press on the band scope will
start simultaneous reception of that frequency and the
main frequency. Another short press will return you to
the scope screen.
E20-IlV also streamlines your ability to monitor up to
five separate frequencies simultaneously. You “regis-
ter” your favorites in the Primary Memory Group (PMG)
with the touch of a button (See Figure 1). You can reg-
ister up to five. When you press and briefly hold the
PMG key, the radio begins scanning through the regis-
tered channels and displaying activity via vertical bars
in the lower half of the display. If you notice that a fre-
quency suddenly appears to be active, a single touch
on the bar will take you to that frequency, which re-
places the bars in the lower portion of the display.
Another E20-IV enhancement is the Customized
Function List (CFL). As with any feature-rich radio,
there are some functions you'll use frequently, but
others you'll rarely use at all. CFL allows you to create
ture.
42 January 2024
a quick-access list of only those functions you use
most often. You can add up to eight functions to the list
(such as SCAN, APRS ON/OFF, TX PWR, etc.) and then
access the list with just a single press of the FUNC
knob.
E20-IV makes it easy to group memories within the
same frequency bands for easier scanning and recall.
You can even choose to eliminate reception of a given
band if it doesn’t interest you. Not interested in listening
to aeronautical traffic? Use the VFO Band Skip func-
tion to temporarily remove it from available bands.
When you press the BAND button to toggle between
bands, the aviation band (108 to 137 MHz) will no lon-
ger appear.
AESS
The Acoustic Enhanced Speaker System (AESS) is a
feature unlike anything I’ve seen before in an amateur
radio transceiver. While it can be described in words,
AESS is something you really must hear for yourself.
Imagine that you have the FTM-500DR control head
mounted beneath the dashboard of your vehicle while
the transceiver body is resting beneath a back seat. As
| mentioned previously, both units have speakers, and
these speakers can be active simultaneously. But if
your vehicle is like mine, you know it has its own pecu-
liar acoustic environment. Some sounds you can hear
well, but others not so much.
With AESS, you can adjust high- and low-frequency
emphasis and total volume balance for each speaker
independently. You can also adjust the phase balance
between the two speakers, effectively introducing a
slight delay in either the front or the rear. The effect in
my SUV was astonishing. | found myself playing with
the AESS for quite a while, just listening to the various
effects. Your experience will vary depending on your
vehicle, but | found AESS to be innovative and useful.
Memories and MicroSD
The FTM-500DR has more memories than most of us
will ever use. The memory complement includes 1,104
channels with five “home” channels, 50 sets of memo-
ries for programmable memory scanning, and 999
“basic” memories.
Yaesu offers free software for managing memories
(ADMS), but you will need to purchase the SCU-56
cable, which is included in the SCU-58 kit for about
$40, in order to connect the radio to your computer. RT
Systems (www.rtsystems.com) offers a software and
cable package for $49.
The FTM-500DR can also accommodate a microSD
memory card, and | found that it was possible to write
the memory contents to the card, read the card into my
computer, and then edit the information there. That’s a
multi-step process, however, and editing memories
with a cable and software is much easier.
That said, | found it relatively straightforward to ma-
nipulate the memories via the transceiver’s touch-
screen. Yes, you have to go through a few steps, but |
programmed the FTM-500DR this way initially, and it
wasn’t overly difficult.
Bluetooth
The wireless Bluetooth feature in the FTM-500DR is
well designed. | have a Bluetooth microphone/headset
that | use for online conferencing, and | was able to
easily pair it with the transceiver. With the FTM-
500DR’s voice-operated switch (VOX) feature, all | had
to do was speak and the radio began transmitting
automatically. It pays to be careful if you use a wireless
headset with the FTM-500DR in this fashion; you
could transmit some utterances best kept to yourself!
Also, if you’re considering using a headset as a wire-
less option while driving, check with your state motor
vehicle department first. Some states prohibit head-
sets completely, while others allow them if they cover
only one ear.
APRS
The APRS is a digital communication system for track-
ing moving objects (such as vehicles), but it also sup-
ports other data exchanges such as text messaging,
weather information, and more (See Figure 2). In the
FTM-500DR, Yaesu has included full-featured APRS
functionality. There is a highly sensitive Global Posi-
tioning System (GPS) receiver on board that can deter-
, |
‘ft i) 4)) } 1
Figure 2 — The Yaesu FTM-500DR APRS
screen.
mine your location within a few meters. The informa-
tion can then be shared with the built-in terminal node
controller (TNC) for transmission to the APRS network.
The APRS modem/TNC defaults to “off” out of the
box, so you need to switch it on in the menu system.
You will also need to input your APRS call sign and
extension. Once you’ve completed these steps, and
set the radio to 144.39 MHz, the FTM-500DR will
begin displaying beacon data received from other
stations.
| set up the transmit beacon function and drove around
the area with the FTM-500DR blasting out my position
at regular intervals. | even managed to get a couple of
my beacon packets relayed by the digipeater aboard
the International Space Station. Not bad for just 25 W
to a magnetic mount antenna.
While the FTM-500DR can, of course, send and re-
ceive APRS text messages, entering a message for
transmission is not easy. A convenient addition to a
future transceiver would be the ability to interface a
wireless keyboard.
At the rear of the FTM-500DR you'll find a data port to
connect to a personal computer (see Figure 3). You
can send APRS data to software on your PC, and you
can even tap into the GPS data stream for use with
another device.
It is also worth noting that the transceiver allows you to
record your travel route to a microSD memory card for
later viewing on an application such as Google Earth.
Group Monitor
Yaesu has included the Group Monitor feature in the
FTM-500DR. While its use is limited to communicating
with other Yaesu C4FM transceivers, it has the poten-
tial to be quite handy.
Figure 3 — The Yaesu FTM-500DR rear panel.
January 2024 43
Group Monitor essentially creates a kind of ad hoc
network between compatible transceivers. Let’s say
you and several friends all own Yaesu C4FM transceiv-
ers with Group Monitor functionality. When the Group
Monitor function is enabled (it is just a single button
push on the top of the FTM-500DR control head), the
radio begins pinging and listening for others who are in
Group Monitor mode.
As responses are received, you can see a display of
call signs, locations, and distances from your position.
You can communicate with individuals in the group
and even exchange text messages.
Unfortunately, | didn’t have anyone nearby with a com-
patible transceiver, so | wasn’t able to try Group Moni-
tor myself. The Group Monitor feature is sufficiently
complex to require its own manual, which is download-
able from the Yaesu website (www.yaesu.com).
WIRES-X
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the FTM-
500DR’s digital functionality is its ability to interface
with the WIRES-X network. The network is composed
of nodes that act as portals to the network (see Figure
4). Most WIRES-X nodes are incorporated into System
Fusion repeaters, but that doesn’t mean that every
Fusion repeater is hooked up to WIRES-X. In my im-
mediate vicinity | found six Fusion repeaters, but only
two supported WIRES-X. The easiest way to check is
to go to the Yaesu WIRES-X Active Node ID List at
www.yaesu.com/jp/en/wires-x/id/active_node.php.
This list includes not only WIRES-X-capable repeaters,
but simplex nodes as well.
Through WIRES-X you can enjoy conversations with
amateurs all around the world, using the internet as a
bridge to pass audio data and other information back
and forth. Accessing the WIRES-X network is remark-
Figure 4 — The Yaesu FTM-500DR connected to
the WIRES-X network repeater node.
44 January 2024
ably easy. | just selected a nearby WIRES-X repeater (I
had programmed it into a memory slot) and then
pressed the DX button on the top of the control head.
The transceiver immediately attempted to establish a
digital connection. It announced its success on the
display, and | used the multifunction microphone to
punch in the code for one of my favorite WIRES-X
“rooms” (a room is like a reflector, or a group chat).
Once | was connected, | soon heard a CQ from a sta-
tion in the United Kingdom. At the same time, his call
sign appeared in the display. | answered and we
began carrying on a conversation while | zoomed
along the interstate. It was a bit surreal to be doing this
with a VHF/UHF transceiver.
Please note that with the optional SCU-58 cable you
can connect this radio directly to the WIRES-X network
using a computer in portable digital node (PDN) mode.
The PDN mode allows the FTM-500DR to act as a
digital C4FM hotspot or a digital internet radio. If you
opt for the optional HRI-200, all the necessary cables
are provided. These features are covered in more
detail in the Yaesu FTM-200DR review in the Septem-
ber 2023 issue of QST.
And That’s Not All
The FTM-500DR is so feature rich, | tend to focus on
the aspects that are new or novel. Of course, the FTM-
500DR offers all the other features you’ve come to
expect in a modern VHF/UHF transceiver. There are
multiple frequency scanning modes, weather broad-
cast reception, a microphone with DTMF buttons and
several multifunction programmable buttons, a power-
ful and quiet cooling fan, two speaker ports on the
main body that can be dedicated to main or sub-band
audio, and AM reception on the aeronautical band.
But there are also several other items that caught my
attention. The first was a new dual CTCSS paging
function. It combines two CTCSS tones as a reliable,
yet unobtrusive, way of sending and receiving paging
signals.
And thanks to its ability to accommodate a microSD
card, the FTM-500DR allows you to record any re-
ceived audio you wish. It will record your own trans-
missions as well. Install a card with sufficient capacity,
and it will record for quite a while. | found the audio
quality to be very good, and | can imagine using this
feature during public service operations as a means of
keeping a record of what transpired.
This may seem trivial, but | liked the fact that | could
rotate the control head about 20 degrees to face up-
ward. | haven’t seen that feature on other radios lately,
and it can do wonders for display readability in a mo-
bile environment. Yaesu also offers different mounting
options for the remote head, like the SJMK-500
(Swing-Head Kit) and the MMB-103 (Dash Mount
Bracket).
Finally, there is the “Super DX” function. This feature is
a bit of a head scratcher because the manual has little
to say about it, other than to note that pressing the
S-DX button on the top of the control head improves
sensitivity. That’s it. It seemed to work at the frequen-
cies | tried, but the effect was difficult to quantify in the
field. | noticed a definite improvement with weak FM
signals, roughly two S-units on 2 meters, for example.
Conclusion
If you are a fan of C4FM and System Fusion, it isn’t
hyperbole to say that the FTM-500DR is the ultimate
transceiver in its class. It offers performance and fea-
tures that are heads above any other FM/C4FM
combo radio.
Manufacturer: Yaesu Musen Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan.
Available from several US suppliers, www.yaesu.com.
Price: $649.95.
January 2024 45