So far, no issues with reliability. Coming from Kenwood’s TM-V7a (Blue Face), TM-D700a, and 710a, I had to get used to a Yaesu’s differences in terminology and functions. I’ve been able to use digital thru another local fusion repeater as well as playing a little on simplex and the audio is clear, albeit a little robotic sounding in the DN mode. In VW, it’s less robotic but still detectable. Also have played a little on Wires-X via a local node. That feature, once one get’s the hang of it, is quite nice to have.
Positive Issues include the display’s ability to list all the info right there: frequency, channel number, and channel name. Like the layout of the controls. There was a comment about digging into menu re: squelch adjustment. I just assigned one of the lower touch buttons for squelch adjust. The ability with a push/hold of the Dial to reverse the size of the name vs. frequency is nice. Very bright display except if sunlight is shining directly on it. APRS beaconing is easy to turn on/off, especially if one dedicates one of the programmable touch buttons on the display. Very versatile to assign front panel functions keys as well as on the mic (except some functions are allowed on one but not the other) Touch screen for me works just fine even though some commented it didn’t match current smart phones touch screens. Just a different touch feel, but easy for me to get used to. The supplied programming cable (if firmware version 2.0) supposedly works with Yaesu or RT systems software for programming however I have not tried it. I like and prefer the ability to program using microSD card (Yaesu has approved some cards for use, others may or may not work, I put one in, turned on radio and it seemed to freeze, but if waited long enough, radio recognized card.) FM analog signal reports have been good. Have not experienced any inter-mod or other anomalies.
Observations: BE AWARE OF THE EXTERNAL SPEAKER SETUP! Unless one uses the Yaesu speaker, use the supplied adapter or if one puts a standard mono 3.5mm speaker in, could blow the audio amp in one band. The jack is a stereo TRS type and the speaker + & - are on the tip and ring. Takes awhile to understand where the settings are in the menu, Finding offset and tone under the “Signaling” was new. Guess they had to name it something based on their menu system, but once understood, very easy to configure. Separate memory banks: 500 each side.
