The FT5DR builds on previous Yaesu handheld models with improved usability, better display responsiveness, and expanded digital features. It is designed for both everyday operation and more advanced use, including APRS and C4FM digital communication. In practice, it feels like a more refined version of the FT3D with some noticeable upgrades.
In this review, I share real-world experience using the Yaesu FT5DR, including performance, sound quality, usability, and whether it’s worth buying for amateur radio operators.
The Yaesu FT5DR delivers up to 5W of RF output, with multiple selectable power levels to suit different operating conditions and conserve battery life. It also features a strong 1W audio output, making it easier to hear in noisy environments.
While packed into its small frame are two independent receivers for real dual band receive, the FT5DR supports the C4FM digital mode and a large individual LED indicator lamp for bands A and B, to show which one is receiving. It also offers indicators for C4FM, or on analog for instant mode identification.
Touch & Go Feature
A new TOUCH & GO operation is convenient when initiating communications on a busy frequency. Press and hold the “PMG” key to register the frequency into the Primary Memory Group. After this registration, pressing the “PMG” key will display the registered frequencies as bars on a graph. Simply touching one of the the displayed bars will recall a frequency.
My Yaesu FT5DR C4FM handheld Transceiver Review
After using the Yaesu FT5DR in real-world conditions, here is my experience:
My biggest issue was the sound quality on the FT3D, and while the FT5DR is improved, it still doesn’t match the clarity of the lower-priced FT70D. The audio boost settings help, but they can feel a bit too aggressive depending on the environment.
During real-world use, the radio performed reliably throughout the day. I used it during extended operation at an event, and the 2200mAh battery easily lasted a full day without needing a recharge. That was a noticeable improvement in usability.
Programming repeaters directly from the radio was also easier than expected. I was able to enter around 20 repeaters in roughly 12 minutes without software, which is better than previous models. The menu system still feels familiar, but navigation is smoother and more intuitive.
The high-resolution touch display can highlight the frequency in three colors from white, blue or red. The touch panel and seven buttons below the display offer quick and intuitive changes.
Overall, while the audio quality still leaves room for improvement, the feature set, battery life, and usability make the FT5DR a solid upgrade and a radio I would continue to use.
Yaesu FT5DR HandHeld Transceiver
The band scope function can monitor up to 79 displayed channels adjacent to the selected VFO frequency. This VFO frequency can be changed by the dial knob or touching one of the displayed channel bars.
It boasts a built-in high-sensitivity 66 channel GPS receiver and 1200/9600bps APRS Data modem. The 2,200mAh High-Capacity Li-ion Battery Pack (SBR-14LI) is standard, and provides all day fun. There is a voice recording function and simultaneous AM/FM broadcast reception while monitoring two frequency channels.
Specifications
A Band RX:
- 0.5MHz–999.99MHz minus cell service frequencies
B Band RX:
- 108MHz–580MHz
TX:
- 144 – 148MHz
- 430 – 450MHz
- Double-Conversion Super heterodyne receiver
- Direct-Conversion Modulation F1D, F2D, F3E, F7WRF Power
- 5W / 2.5W / 1W / 0.3W power levels
- 2.44″ x 3.94″ x 1.34″ body / no knobs / antenna
Included Items
- FT-5DR Transceiver
- Antenna
- 7.2V 2,200mAh Li-ion Battery Pack
- Battery Charger (SAD-25)
- Belt Clip / Quick Release Holster
- USB Cable
- Operating Manual