Yaesu FT-8800R
The Yaesu FT-8800R is a great dual-band mobile radio. It was first put in production in 2003 and sold strong until they discontinued it in 2016. It has standard 2 meter and 70 cm transmit and extended receive, provides 50 watts on 2m and 35 watts on 70 cm. I have had this rig since 2005 and I love it. I had it in my car for many years, and then moved it into my shack when I installed a Yaesu FT-857D in my car. I still use the FT-8800R regularly.
Some people complain about the fan noise, but I cannot hear it. Every time you transmit, a small fan comes on in the back and runs until you unkey. Mine has never run longer than I transmit. I use this rig for APRS during some of the local hamfests and regularly to join in on nets and it never even gets close to getting hot. I even use it to run a local net and again, it runs very cool.
Like my other Yaesu equipment, the audio out is one of my favorite features. It is very loud and very clear. I am hard of hearing, so the crisp audio makes it easy to understand what I am listening to.
Below are some of the downloads and settings I use on this rig. I am not using any accessories on this rig. These settings might be a good starting point for someone new to this rig.
Downloads:
Tutorials:
- Front Panel Control and Switches
- Yaesu FT-8800R LCD Display
- How to set up Cross-Band repeat
- Yaesu FT-8800R Alignment Mode
