Help Corbet pick a new mobile HAM

[DaveInDenver]

Dave, looking at the Yaesu website under files for the FTM-510 there is a separate instruction manual for APRS. The general manual lists APRS in the contents, but defers to the stand alone manual for details. I know nothing about APRS so this may not be meaningful, but I did find those four letters listed in a row in two manuals for that new radio. As usual Yaesu hasn’t done a good job in the description of any of the four new radios. Vague at best.

It seems you are on target.

I was looking at the DX Engineering page. The FTM-500 used to mention 1200/9600 APRS but didn't see anything on the FTM-510 listing.

Yaesu FTM-510DRASP Yaesu FTM-510DRASP C4FM Digital/FM Dual Band Mobile Transceivers | DX Engineering

Free Shipping - Yaesu FTM-510DRASP C4FM Digital/FM Dual Band Mobile Transceivers with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Mobile Transceivers at DX Engineering.

www.dxengineering.com

But in the manual it is in fact mentioned. Looks basically the same set up (using the CT-163 or CT-164 interface cables) as the previous radio.

 

[RDub]

It seems you are on target.

I was looking at the DX Engineering page. The FTM-500 used to mention 1200/9600 APRS but didn't see anything on the FTM-510 listing.

Yaesu FTM-510DRASP Yaesu FTM-510DRASP C4FM Digital/FM Dual Band Mobile Transceivers | DX Engineering

Free Shipping - Yaesu FTM-510DRASP C4FM Digital/FM Dual Band Mobile Transceivers with qualifying orders of $99. Shop Mobile Transceivers at DX Engineering.

www.dxengineering.com

But in the manual it is in fact mentioned. Looks basically the same set up (using the CT-163 or CT-164 interface cables) as the previous radio.

I got fooled the same way, Dave. I was trying to compare the four new radios to their predecessors but the descriptions on sellers websites and even Yaesu’s site is just dismal. They sort of sneak in something like “same core feature set as” and leave it at that. Not very helpful.

The big question now is does the FTM-510 do APRS like Corbet wants it to? That’s where my confusion sets in.

 

[DaveInDenver]

The big question now is does the FTM-510 do APRS like Corbet wants it to? That’s where my confusion sets in.

This is a pretty open question. APRS encompasses a lot of information.

Basically, yes.

It looks like the radio works very similarly to the 400 and 500 radios. The FTM-350, too, to some extent but that radio lacked the immersive touch screen UI and was kind of a major PITA to use for APRS. There radios can run data in the background on the secondary channel while you operate normally on the primary side. They'll beacon positions automatically, receive messages, etc. To send a message you compose and send it using a mini keyboard that pops on the touchscreen.

There's a lot to APRS and how these radios fit in isn't simple all yes-or-no. They do the core APRS functions but you have to do things like Yaesu intended, there's not much flexibility from it. Suffice to say, there's a reason people are willing to pay for a TM-D710 even now. It's when you get into tinkering with maps and different interfaces (like APRSdroid) where you have to figure out work arounds to Yeasu's decisions.

 

[Corbet]

This was posted on the Facebook page for the radio. $999 Canadian. If that is the case I’m totally in. But the TH-D75AK handheld is more than that in US$ so I’m not holding my breath. I’m with Dave, fully expect over a grand. Buy once cry once I guess.

Kenwood TM-D750A 144/220/440 Triband Mobile Transceiver w D-Star - Radioworld

TM-D750A 144/220/440 Triband Mobile Transceiver w D-Star TM-D750A

www.radioworld.ca

Then I keep my eye out for a 710 faceplate I can upgrade my 71 with in the 80-series.

 

[Corbet]

And look what’s back on eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/1356191566...9FeO4nQBpLPd3+t6LYg76GPNc=|tkp:Bk9SR9z5w6eyZQ

 

[Corbet]

And it pulls $600 at the hammer

 

[Corbet]

Just saving this here as it’s clean install video. Aussie hardware so probably just for ideas.


View: https://youtu.be/_KNw3V_854U?si=52UYvx72S9fAx1HS

This is the radio.

GME XRS Connect 4WD Pack 370C4P

The GME XRS Connect 4WD Pack pairs the top-of-the-line XRS-370C Compact UHF CB Radio, with the Heavy Duty AE4704B radome antenna, the perfect solution for those users looking for the ultimate communications setup for their hardcore 4WD. Enabled by Bluetooth Smart technology, the XRS Connect...

accelerateoffgrid.com.au

I’m guessing the power supply might be a little short for a 50watt radio. Not sure I could shoehorn a HAM in the same spot but maybe. Guess I should open it up and look. I can order just the mounting bracket. Wonder if my TM-D71A from my 80 would fit in there and I could just upgrade the 80’s radio to the new Kenwood.

UHF Body Bracket - Prado LC250 Series - Behind Dash

250 Series Prado UHF Body Bracket The Ultimate UHF Body Bracket for Your Touring Setup Designed for 250 Series Prados | Built for Off-Road & Off-Grid Adventures Want a secure mounting point for your UHF Body Module? No cable ties and no jamming it in the dash. Accelerate has designed an easy...

accelerateoffgrid.com.au