The Yaesu FT-5D is a popular dual-band DMR handheld radio. It is well-built, feature-rich, and relatively affordable. But is it the right DMR radio for you? In this blog post, we will compare the FT-5D to other popular dual-band DMR radios and help you decide which one is right for your needs.
Features
All of the radios in this comparison have a similar set of core features, including:
- Dual-band DMR operation (UHF and VHF)
- Digital voice and data modes
- Analog voice and data modes
- GPS
- Bluetooth
- MicroSD card slot
However, there are some key differences between the radios in terms of additional features. Here is a brief overview of some of the key features of each radio:
Yaesu FT-5D
- 2.3-inch full-colour touchscreen display
- 10W transmit power
- 1200mW audio output
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Built-in APRS support
- C4FM digital voice mode
ICOM ID-52A
- 2.3-inch full-colour touchscreen display
- 5W transmit power
- 1000mW audio output
- IP57 water and dust resistance
- Built-in APRS support
- D-Star digital voice mode
Kenwood TH-D74A
- 2.4-inch full-colour touchscreen display
- 5W transmit power
- 1000mW audio output
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- Built-in APRS support
- NXDN digital voice mode
Hytera PD785G
- 2.4-inch full-colour touchscreen display
- 5W transmit power
- 1000mW audio output
- IP67 water and dust resistance
- DMR Tier III support
- Built-in Bluetooth GPS
Performance
All of the radios in this comparison perform well in terms of audio quality, range, and battery life. However, there are some minor differences between the radios.
The FT-5D has the loudest audio output of the four radios, at 1200mW. The ID-52A and TH-D74A both have 1000mW audio output, and the PD785G has 800mW audio output.
In terms of range, all of the radios perform similarly. However, the FT-5D and PD785G have a slight edge over the ID-52A and TH-D74A. This is likely due to the FT-5D's 10W transmit power and the PD785G's DMR Tier III support.
Battery life is similar on all of the radios. However, the FT-5D has a slightly larger battery than the other radios, at 2200mAh. This gives the FT-5D a slight edge in terms of battery life.
Ease of Use
All of the radios in this comparison are relatively easy to use. However, the FT-5D has the most user-friendly interface. The FT-5D's touchscreen display is large and easy to read. The menus are also well-organised and easy to navigate.
The ID-52A and TH-D74A also have touchscreen displays, but they are not as large as the FT-5D's display. The menus on the ID-52A and TH-D74A are also not as well-organised as the menus on the FT-5D.
The PD785G has a traditional button-based interface. The button-based interface is not as easy to use as the touchscreen interfaces on the other radios. However, it is still relatively easy to use.
Price
The FT-5D is the most expensive radio in this comparison. The ID-52A and TH-D74A are both slightly less expensive than the FT-5D. The PD785G is the least expensive radio in this comparison.
Which Radio is Right for You?
The best DMR radio for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the best possible audio quality, range, and battery life, then the FT-5D is the best option. However, it is also the most expensive option.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, then the ID-52A or TH-D74A are good choices. Both radios offer good audio quality, range, and battery life. However, they do not have the same level of features as the FT-5D.
If you are looking for a DMR radio that is compatible with business and commercial DMR systems, then the PD785G is a good choice. The PD785G supports DMR Tier III, which is used by many business and commercial DMR systems. However, the PD785G does not have the same level of features as the other radios in this comparison, such as a touchscreen display and APRS support.
Additional Considerations
In addition to the factors we have already discussed, there are a few other things to consider when choosing a DMR radio:
- Digital voice mode: DMR radios support different digital voice modes, such as DMR, D-Star, and NXDN. Make sure to choose a radio that supports the digital voice mode that you want to use.
- APRS support: APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) is a digital mode that allows you to track your location and send messages to other APRS users. If you want to use APRS, make sure to choose a radio that supports APRS.
- Accessories: There are a variety of accessories available for DMR radios, such as external antennas, microphones, and speakers. Consider which accessories you need and make sure that the radio you choose is compatible with those accessories.
Which Radio Should You Buy?
Ultimately, the best way to decide which DMR radio to buy is to consider your individual needs and budget. If you are looking for the best possible audio quality, range, battery life, and features, then the Yaesu FT-5D is the best option. However, it is also the most expensive radio in this comparison.
If you are looking for a more affordable option, then the ICOM ID-52A or Kenwood TH-D74A are good choices. Both radios offer good audio quality, range, and battery life. However, they do not have the same level of features as the FT-5D.
If you are looking for a DMR radio that is compatible with business and commercial DMR systems, then the Hytera PD785G is a good choice. The PD785G supports DMR Tier III, which is used by many business and commercial DMR systems. However, the PD785G does not have the same level of features as the other radios in this comparison, such as a touchscreen display and APRS support.
Nano Glass Screen Protectors with Oleophobic Coating: The Best Screen Protection for the Yaesu FT-5D
The Yaesu FT-5D is a popular dual-band DMR handheld radio. It has a large, 2.3-inch touchscreen display that is essential for using the radio's many features. However, the display is also vulnerable to scratches, cracks, and other damage.
A good screen protector can help to protect your FT-5D's display from damage. There are many different types of screen protectors available, but nano glass screen protectors with oleophobic coating are the best option for the FT-5D.
What are Nano Glass Screen Protectors?
Nano glass screen protectors are made from a thin layer of tempered glass. Tempered glass is a type of glass that has been treated to make it stronger and more resistant to scratches and cracks.
Nano glass screen protectors are very thin and lightweight, but they offer excellent protection for your device's display. They are also very clear, so they do not affect the look or feel of your device.
What is Oleophobic Coating?
Oleophobic coating is a special coating that is applied to some screen protectors. This coating helps to repel fingerprints and smudges, making it easier to keep your device's screen clean.
Oleophobic coating is especially important for touchscreen devices like the FT-5D. Fingerprints and smudges can make it difficult to use the touchscreen, so it is important to have a screen protector with oleophobic coating.
Why are Nano Glass Screen Protectors with Oleophobic Coating the Best for the FT-5D?
There are several reasons why nano glass screen protectors with oleophobic coating are the best option for the FT-5D:
- Excellent protection: Nano glass screen protectors offer excellent protection for your FT-5D's display from scratches, cracks, and other damage.
- Clear and responsive: Nano glass screen protectors are very clear and responsive, so they do not affect the look or feel of your FT-5D.
- Oleophobic coating: The oleophobic coating on nano glass screen protectors helps to repel fingerprints and smudges, making it easier to keep your FT-5D's screen clean.
Basically, nano glass screen protectors with oleophobic coating are the best way to protect your FT-5D's display from damage and keep it looking and performing its best. Order your own screen protectors from the best in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Check out ScreenShield today!
Image courtesy: electroferro.com