Yaesu FTM 500D – The First Digital Mobile Radio With AMS

The Yaesu FTM 500D is our first digital mobile radio equipped with the new Automatic Mode Select (AMS) function. This feature instantly detects the received signal mode and switches the radio between digital C4FM and FM operation without manual switching.

This new system fusion radio offers excellent performance and convenience of both analogue FM and digital C4FM operation. The colour 2.4 inch touch display is easy to use and displays both bands simultaneously.

C4FM Digital Technology

The FTM 500D shares the Yaesu core features of System Fusion, C4FM Digital, and FM Analog – all with the latest technologies and improvements. It is a 50W VHF/UHF, dual-band (V/D Mode) transceiver featuring a 2.4 inch touch screen that can be tilted to provide the most convenient viewing angle.

Unlike other systems, Yaesu’s System Fusion technology uses a narrower radio bandwidth to enable digital operation on analogue FM radio. This helps reduce the number of digital modes required for a single unit and also reduces the complexity of migrating an existing repeater from analog to digital.

The FTM-500D features a 12.5 kHz C4FM FDMA Digital Mode that allows high quality voice communication. This mode utilizes half of the full 12.5 kHz band width to transmit data while the other half is used for error correction, providing an ideal balance between sound quality and power efficiency.

This mode allows a user to communicate even with weak signal strength or poor reception. The FDMA technology utilizes established Yaesu low power circuit designs to produce efficient digital operation, giving users better performance in harsh environments and lower operating costs.

As a result, the FTM-500D is perfect for communications between amateur radio operators that are transitioning from analog to digital technology. It can be operated in either mode without any loss of functionality, ensuring that the transition to digital is as smooth as possible.

A high-speed Data FR mode is also available for transmitting snapshot pictures. This mode automatically switches to Data FR when the transmission begins, allowing for more efficient and faster data transfer at a higher data rate.

In addition, the FTM-500D is designed for easy installation. It features a compact 160 x 40 pixel graphical dot-matrix display that can be detached from the body of the transceiver to allow for mounting in many locations.

Another popular feature of the FTM-500D is its GPS capabilities. It includes a built-in GPS receiver with 66 channels that supports all the usual navigation functions and location data. It can even be connected to an external GPS unit as an option.

MAG (Memory Auto Grouping) Function

The new Yaesu FTM 500D radio is packed with smart features, including a 5-cm color touch display. With a full set of C4FM digital technologies, the radio delivers 50 Watts of transmit power and a full set of AMS (Automatic Modes Switching) functions.

The most impressive feature of the FTM 500D is the MAG (Memory Auto Grouping) function. This function automatically sorts memory channels in the all-important ALL, AIR, VHF and UHF bands. It also allows you to recall these groups by pressing a button on the front of the unit.

In addition to the aforementioned MAG function, there is also the FT-1000D's High speed Band scope, which lets you see up to 61 channels centered on the current VFO frequency or up to 21 channels in Memory Mode. It can be viewed from either a high vantage point or by tilting the unit. The other notable function of the FT-500D is the built-in Bluetooth interface, which enables "hands-free" operation. Using this technology you can make radio calls without annoying microphone cables, as well as take advantage of other Bluetooth features.

Dual-Receive

The new Yaesu FTM 500D radio offers true dual-receive, allowing two active receivers to operate simultaneously. This is a very important feature for emergency situations and in other mobile applications!

The transceiver is equipped with a large color 2.4 inch touch display for operation in both analogue and digital mode. The touch screen can be tilted to provide optimal viewing angles.

In addition, the FT-500D features Bluetooth for hands-free operation and has a front speaker for high quality audio. The unit also features a built in high sensitivity GPS receiver and antenna which provides location, time and direction information as well as APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) functionality.

A programmable memory scan function with a range of settings, including VFO and Preferential Memory Scan modes makes it easy to find your preferred frequencies. Moreover, the new MAG (Memory Auto Grouping) function automatically categorizes your memory channels into ALL, AIR band, VHF band, UHF band and OTHER.

Besides all the practical functions that are commonly expected from an efficient mobile transceiver, the FTM-500D includes an integrated voice guide unit. This announces your operating frequency, current band change and APRS messages. It also includes a timer function to keep track of events or other activities.

The FTM-500D is equipped with a built in microphone for PTT and DTMF communications, making it easy to make voice or text calls without the use of a microphone cable. It also has a loudspeaker which is driven out of phase to ensure clear and consistent audio – even in noisy environments.

The Yaesu FTM 500D is our first digital mobile radio equipped with the new Automatic Mode Select (AMS) function. This feature instantly detects the received signal mode and switches the radio between digital C4FM and FM operation without manual switching. This new system fusion radio offers excellent performance and convenience of both analogue FM and…