Advocate I
If you want one at a reasonable price then get them while you still can. :(
Yaesu discontinuing FTM-400 and FT-818
- Thread starter Hogan
- Start date
Influencer III
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Not surprised. Kenwood and Icom are dropping models too. Way to many buyers going for the the cheap POS radios made in china land.
Enthusiast III
If you were/are considering a FTM-400, I would definitely suggest looking at the FTM-300 instead. The only feature removal is the touch-screen (thus a smaller display), however it adds more features than what is available on the FTM-400.
Yaesu FTM-300DR
Yaesu FTM-300DR
Enthusiast III
Thanks for the heads up. I lost out on the Kenwood I was wanting due to failure to commit and then they discontinued the line. I’ve had a Yaesu in my cart for months now… if I hadn’t have read this I’d probably have lost out on that one too. This gave me a reason to pull the trigger.
AdamFineFJ
Rank I
Off-Road Ranger I
Been eyeing one for years but put it off because I didn't have my license.
Went down to my local HRO and ordered one this afternoon after seeing it was being discontinued. Now I REALLY have to take my exams since I'll be getting a shiny new radio.
Went down to my local HRO and ordered one this afternoon after seeing it was being discontinued. Now I REALLY have to take my exams since I'll be getting a shiny new radio.
Advocate III
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Trail Blazer III
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Except for the goofy memory management I love my FTM-400, display is far better than my Icoms and radio works awesome
Influencer II
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I couldn't agree more. The FTM-400 XDR was the pinnacle of 2m/440 FM mobile technology. Nothing will ever beat it, despite not being able to store a mode in memory. The APRS functionality is just top notch and the giant touch screen makes operating it mobile just so easy for us older folks with less-than-stellar eyesight.
Enthusiast III
Snagged my fourth 400 with this news and the $100 off at DX. Disappointed but intrigued to see what they come up with next.
Pioneer II
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Ham Radio Outlet had some but now they are not sure if they will get any more. I am sure you can find one for a good deal before they are all gone.
Enthusiast III
Mine arrived so I guess I need to nut it up and take my test lol
Influencer II
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Yes, that would be an excellent idea. I wonder if there are VE exams at Overland Expos and similar meets? If I can ever get to one I'd gladly volunteer as an Extra Class VE.
Influencer I
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I am bummed that they discontinued the 818 but not surprised. The superhet construction of it is dated and with SDRs dominating its performance lacks for sure. The 818 is also technically a Vertex Standard radio, NOT a Yaesu, and well during the whole Motorola merger malarkey Yaesu lost its connection to Vertex.
I am very glad I bought one instead of the IC705. In my opinion the 818 feels like a durable field radio, similar the Elecraft KXs or Lab599. I would have a very hard time taking an IC705 into the field...
Also looks like the 818 is out of stock at the big online outfits. Out of curiosity I searched EBay and the insanity has already started, saw one listed for $1300, lol.
I am very glad I bought one instead of the IC705. In my opinion the 818 feels like a durable field radio, similar the Elecraft KXs or Lab599. I would have a very hard time taking an IC705 into the field...
Also looks like the 818 is out of stock at the big online outfits. Out of curiosity I searched EBay and the insanity has already started, saw one listed for $1300, lol.
Influencer II
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The new FTM-500XDR was just announced today. Not sure what the specs will be on this, but it's disappointing that the screen size is this small and they've gotten rid of the discreet controls in favor of a menu-driven hierarchy. It will be available in March. I won't even consider it.
Influencer III
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Influencer II
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Protector III
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Enthusiast III
Yaesu got rid of discrete controls on their mobile/handheld radios a long time ago. Fortunately it looks like the FTM-500 will have all the options the FTM-300 has with a nicer form factor and the front-firing speaker. I was in the market for a new mobile radio and had wanted the FTM-400, but was thinking I would have to settle for the FTM-300 as I didn't expect the new model to be announced until the Tokyo Ham Fair this Fall. Fortunately the FTM-500 is coming in March and I was able to get my preorder in with HRO!
Enthusiast III
Got my latest catalog in from DX. They have in the description of the FTM-500 that it is NOT a replacement of the 400. With that said I wonder when there will be a replacement?
Advocate III
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From Yasue USA marketing director, there won’t ever be a replacement for the FTM-400 XDR.
