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Monster Media 1993 #2
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FT470.2
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1991-10-03
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51 lines
Yaesu FT470 Dual-band HT (2m/70cm)
I have used my FT470 for about 10 months now. During this time, I've
observed the following things about the radio. First off, it performs
essentially as advertised, and then some. The 18 memories on each band are
far more than I can ever use, and since they each hold frequency, offset,
PL, and CTCSS squelch status, you don't have to remember this trivia. The
10 DTMF memories is also plenty. (I can remember what I have programmed in
perhaps 3 of them) The receiver sensitivity measured at -121 dBm (2m) and
-119 dBm for 12 dB SINAD right after I got it, which is quite good. I
don't know what the sensitivity is out of band, but I have no problem
monitoring the SP road frequency at 161.550 MHz in Auburn.
Annoyances include complexity. I carry the quick reference card with me
for programming, however it contains some mistakes and is fairly cryptic.
The keypad will not send tones when in the DTMF memory mode, so you have to
exit the mode after speed dialing a number to send the patch disconnect
codes. The receiver audio level seems a bit low, particularly in noisy
environments (like my truck). Finally, the synthesizer noise is apparent,
although not bad. While listening on 2m, I can detect a decrease in the
noise if I shut off the 70cm band. There are also a few weak birdies up
and down each band, but again, not severe.
Some of the features are of questionable value. The Auto Power Off (which
doesn't quite shut the radio all the way down) is of little use since I
listen for hours when I am working around the house. One can move the
contents of memories all over the radio, IF you can remember the keystrokes
to do it. I've never had the need to. The priority channel feature sounds
great, but is a real annoyance when running. The radio will scan in many
modes, most of which are of limited value. The battery saver, however, is
great. It extends the life of one charge on my FNB-17 (600 maH) battery
from about 12 hours of receive-only to at least 36-40.
Anyone contemplating a true dual-band radio such as this should know that
the full duplex features have limited usefulness. While you can listen
(and even scan) both bands simultaneously, you must shut the second band
down (one keystroke) to transmit. If you don't, and the second band
becomes active while you are talking on the primary band, the audio
feedover from the speaker to the mic is horrendous. It is also hard to
tell which band someone calls on.
All in all, I am very pleased with my FT-470. It is light and small, and
does everything I need it to do. I would recommend it to anyone looking
73,
Fred K6DGW @ KG6XX.#NOCAL.CA.USA.NA
Auburn (Placer Co.) Grid: CM98lw
Mom Bell @ (916) 885-8251
USPS @ 670 Old Airport Road
Auburn, CA 95603