Yaesu FT-70D - Releasing June 2017

It looks as though Yaesu are trying to introduce their digital/Analogue Fusion mode to a wider audience. The new FT-70D is going to be priced at around £190 in the UK, and with the exception of the imported Chinese mono band DMR radios, has to be the cheapest digital radio (and dual band, at that!) to be released in the UK.

This radio will enable users to access Fusion Repeaters and Gateways, but apparently, doesn't have some of the data functionality of the more expensive hand held radios (FT-1D and FT-2D). This could be a real game changer. It will be interesting to see if it becomes a popular digital choice. 

Full details:

Yaesu FT-70DR

C4FM FDMA / FM 144/430 MHz DUAL BAND 5W Handheld Transceiver

The FT-70DR is a compact System Fusion transceiver providing both conventional analog FM operation and the advanced C4FM Digital mode.

The FT-70DR provides up to 5W of reliable RF power, and its large Front Speaker delivers 700mW of Loud Audio Output. Because C4FM has better BER (Bit Error Rate) characteristics than other digital modulations, the user can expect exceptional audio quality.

The digital FT-70DR includes Automatic Mode Select (AMS) function. AMS detects the operating mode of the received signal as C4FM Digital or analog FM, and then automatically and instantly switches the receiver to the appropriate mode. Users do not need to manually change between modes.

The multi-colored LED Mode-Indicator displayed on the front allows the operator to easily see what mode the FT-70DR is in at any given moment. LED Mode-Indicator clearly and visibly shows the transmit/ receive mode by changing its color so that the operating mode of the transceiver is easily recognized at a glance.

One of the other distinguishing features of the FT-70DR is Digital Group Monitor (GM) with DG-ID and DP-ID. DGID (Digital Group Identification) and DP-ID (Digital Personal Identification) are useful features now included in the FT-70DR, to simplify the GM operation. Simply put, the transceivers selecting the same DG-ID or DP-ID can communicate with each other. Between 00 and 99 DG-ID and DP-ID are selectable which provides loads of flexibility so that users can enjoy group communication with friends in GM mode in accordance to their individual operational needs.

Other included standard features and functions are; IP54 Rating (Dust/ Water Protection) construction, wide band receive coverage of 108 – 579.995MHz, Versatile Scanning Capabilities such as Programmable VFO Scan, Memory Scan, and Priority Channel Scan, External DC Jack for DC Supply Operation and to Charge the Battery, Mini USB port for convenient programming and software updates, CTCSS/ DCS Operation, Automatic Power Off (AFO) feature, RF Squelch, Transmitter Time Out Timer (TOT) and Busy Channel Lock-Out (BCLO).

• System Fusion Compatible
• FM Friendly Digital Operation with AMS (Automatic Mode Select)
• Sophisticated C4FM Digital Functions : Digital Group Monitor (GM) / DG-ID, DP-ID Operation *1 
  • *1 DG-ID: Digital Group Identification, DP-ID: Digital Personal Identification
• 5 Watts of Reliable RF Power inside a Compact body
• 700 mW Loud Audio Output and Clear Voice
• Large Multi-Color Mode Indicator
• Rugged Construction Meets IP54 (Dust / Water protection)
• Huge 1,105 Channel Memory
• Wide Band Receive Coverage 108 – 579.995 MHz
• Versatile Scanning Capabilities: Programmed VFO Scan, Memory Scan, Priority Channel Scan
• WX Channels with “Severe Weather” Alert (US version)
• 7.4 V 1,800 mAh Lithium Ion Battery pack (SBR-24LI) Included
• Equipped with External DC Jack for DC Supply and Battery Charge
• Equipped with Mini USB port for Convenient Memory Management and Software updates
• Transceiver-to-Transceiver Cloning with Optional Cloning Cable (CT-27)
• CTCSS/DCS Operation
• RF Squelch
• Automatic Power-Off (APO) Feature
• Transmitter Time-Out-Timer (TOT)
• Busy Channel Lock-Out (BCLO0
• Frequency Ranges:
  • RX 
    • 108 – 137 MHz (Air Band)
    • 137 – 174 MHz (144 MHz HAM)
    • 174 – 222 MHz (VHF1)
    • 222 – 420 MHz (VHF2)
    • 420 – 470 MHz (430 MHz HAM)
    • 470 – 579.995 MHz (UHF band)
  • TX
    • 144 – 148 MHz
    • 430 – 450 MHz
  Circuit Type: Double-Conversion Superheterodyne
  Modulation Type: F2D, F3E, F7W
  RF Power Output: 5 W/2 W/0.5 W (@7.4 V or EXT DC)
  AF Audio Output: 700 mW (@16 ohms 10 % THD: Internal speaker)
  Case Size (W x H x D): 2.36” x 3.86” x 1.3” (60 x 98 x 33 mm) w/o Knob and Antenna
  Weight (Approx.): 8.99 oz (255 g) with SBR-24LI and Antenna
  Warranty: 3 Years