Power Draw:
Standby –
- .5 amp +/-
Transmit:
- 5 watt TX: 2.5 amp +/-
- 25 watt TX: 4.9 amp +/-
50 Watt TX: 8.3 amp +/-
Initial Setup
Upon unboxing and setting up my new FTM-500DR by first connecting it to an antenna and power supply, I was pleased to see a very simple initial setup screen and simply only had to enter my call sign, which the screen displayed step by step instructions on doing so. once the initial bootup was complete is was simple to go through and program in a local repeater with all the needed settings to talk to the repeater and others. I was also pleasantly surprised to see that the main menu was categorized into groups which could be skipped through using the up/down buttons on the radios mic.
Some of the basic functions of the radio include a short press on the “Function” knob that takes you to a customizable quick menu. This can be set up in ang configuration with the only exception being the top two (2) menu items can not be changed but the other eight (8) can be. I set mine up with the items needed to program a repeater frequency and the items needed to operate the APRS functions of the radio.
Pros:
- Single cable remote mounting
- Front firing speaker in the head unit
- Clear easy to read display
- Ease of use
- Intuitive layout and menu structure
- Main menu grouped into categories
- Can skip though the menu groups with the up/down buttons on the mic
- Customizable Quick Menu
- Easy to program and use Primary Memory Group (PMG)
- Low amp draw on standby and TX (see above)
- True Dual VFO and can be used for FM Satellite communications
Cons:
- GPS can take a little time to get lock
- No way to tell which is band B before turning on APRS modem
- Can not use PMG while using APRS
- Does not have TNC capabilities like the Kenwood TM D710GA
This will be a growing write up as I use and additionally test the FTM-500DR, so be sure to check back
Last updated: 05/12/2023