Yaesu FT5DR Mars Modification

The Yaesu FT5DR Mars Modification is the same as the FT3D.  There is one difference. The recessed resistor is deeper then in the FT3D. and is a little harder to remove. The first thing to do is save your frequencies to a memory card.

Then remove the battery and look for a small black rubber plug shown in the image below. Wiggle your finger nail under the top lip, then push inward and lift it out carefully. Be sure not to tear or puncture it, or you will lose the waterproof rating. The metal surface scratches very easy, but does not effect performance. ft5dr back plug

There is one surface mount resistor that is visible, and its marked “000”. It is solid metal so do not try cutting it. This resistor sits inside a hole in RF insulation, try to avoid damaging the insulation. 

                                                              ft5dr mars resistor

  In the above image, my mod was already done so I set the removed resistor in place for the picture.

After the FT3DR mars mod, I bought a smaller set of heated tweezers, and they worked well on the FT5DR.  A small amount of Chipquick was used to assist in the removal, but I was careful not to use to much.  The pads had some solder left, but I did not want to risk damage by trying to remove it and over heating the board.

Reassembly

After removal of the resistor you can use contact cleaner and a small Foam Qtip to clean the Chipquick from area. You should see the two clean pads, do not worry about leaving a little solder as long as the pads are not connected.

When finished with the modification, just reinstall the plug. Make sure it sits flush before you reinstall the battery into the FT5DR. Then you want to do a full reset. Hold the F-menu, A/B, and Band buttons down while turning the radio on. I like to check if it works with a simplex frequency before loading all the sim frequencies from the sim card. Then just load the frequencies on each band.

The Yaesu FT5DR Mars Modification

This modification will successfully open the transmit frequencies outside of the ham bands. Make sure you are authorized to use these frequencies, and have it done at a shop to maintain the warranty.

By Vince