Yaesu FT-60R Review in 2022 – Features, Pros & Cons

Yaesu FT-60R has been discontinued. Yaesu Original FT-65 FT-65R 144/440 Dual-Band Rugged & Compact Handheld Transceiver, 5W is the latest and upgraded version of Yaesu FT-60R. You can check more details from the below link.

 

If you’re reading this Yaesu FT-60R review, then chances are you’re searching for a ham radio that will provide excellent value for your money. I’m also guessing you’ve heard a lot about the Yaesu FT-60R and how good it is.

Yaesu is known to make some of the best quality two-way radios in the market, and I have no doubt the FT-60R is one of them.

Though not professional-grade, the FT-60R comes with some interesting features that make it a great choice for both novice and advanced users. The device falls on the affordable tier and seems to be more intuitive than many similar ham radios.

For an amateur unit, I must say I was impressed with the clarity and range this provides. That said, it’s also important that you witness the features for yourself so you can decide whether or not it will suit your needs. Therefore, without wasting any more time, let’s delve straight into the reviews.

Yaesu FT60 Review

Here are some of the key features of Yaesu FT-60R two-way radio.

Cast Aluminum Body

One of the things I like about this unit is that it’s built to last.

The use of cast aluminum instead of plastic, as common with many ham radios, makes the unit better suited for outdoor use. And it’s able to withstand tough use.

However, the device is not waterproof, so you should be careful when using it in moist locations.

In addition, the radio is also lightweight and compact, which makes it easy to carry around.

Dual Band

Apart from being highly portable, another wonderful feature that makes the Yaesu FT60 a good unit to have is the fact that it’s a dual-band radio (UFH/VHF), offering over 1000 memory channels and up to 10 memory banks.

It has various programming options that allow you to scan through a lot of channels and store the ones you like in DTMF. This way, the DTMF auto dialer is able to remember and automatically dial them when the need arises. How simpler can it get?

Decent Audio Quality

Upon testing, we found the audio quality of the radio to be a little bit above average. In fact, it won’t be surprising if you find it excellent, like many users.

However, it’s important to know that audio quality is largely influenced by RF activity, which will vary depending on where you are.

Overall, the FT60 does really well in filtering out unwanted noise compared to many similar radios. Tweaking the squelch setting can make a lot of difference.

Enhanced Paging and Code Squelch (EPCS)

Another feature that helps the Yaesu FT60 cut down unimportant transmission is the EPCS.

The EPCS lets you page a specific station so you can only receive calls from that station. This way, the radio is able to filter out unwanted transmissions that might want to interfere with the signal you are receiving.

To up your protection, this transceiver is password-protected, so there’s no need to worry about anyone using the device without your permission.

Emergency Automatic ID

If we were asked to vote for the best feature in this device, this would probably be our favorite. The Emergency Automatic ID or EAI is a feature that makes it possible to automatically transmit your call ID or call sign just before you start broadcasting your message without you having to push the PTT button.

In other words, it works even in situations where you’re not able to press the PTT button for one reason or the other. The radio microphone is also activated in the process.

This feature can be really handy in emergency situations where pushing PTT might be the last thing on your mind.

Additional Features

Pros

Cons

 

FAQs About Yaesu FT-60R

Does this radio store frequency?

Yes, this radio has a feature that allows you to store your favorite frequencies so you can automatically dial them when you want.

Does the radio come with an antenna?

Yes, the FT60 is supplied with an antenna that works decently with both transmission and receiving functions. However, you can also opt to use an external antenna like a lot of people do (especially car owners).

How easy is it to operate the device?

Luckily, the operator manual that comes with the radio is quite easy to understand, so you should be able to get along well.

However, in a case where you need to program many channels with different settings, it would be more convenient to use a computer. Here you will need a working cable and the radio software (which is not free).

Can I use a two-way radio in a park?

Yes, you can. However, in a few cases, you will need a license to access some areas. But generally, walkie talkies are allowed in public places. That said, we recommend getting a license if you plan to use the device professionally, especially if you stay in the US.

Do you need a license to use a walkie talkie?

It depends on your location. However, generally speaking, anyone can listen to the amateur frequencies provided by their radios.

Alternative Product:

1. Yaesu FT-857D – Features, Pros & Cons
2. BaoFeng BF-F8HP – Features, Pros & Cons

Final Words

There you have it – our Yaesu FT-60R review. At this point, you should have enough information under your belt to decide whether the radio would suit your purpose or not. But as for us, we have no doubt it would make a great buy.

Given its price and what it brings to the table, this is a great amateur radio to have in your toolkit or arsenal. It is not expensive and offers everything you can expect from a standard walkie-talkie and more. We cannot recommend it enough!

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced ham operator, you can benefit from owning a device like this one.

Let us know if you have any more questions. Till then, happy shopping!

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