Widespread defective equipment, or run of bad luck

[n2bss]

Several years ago several hams in my local area bought dual-band mobile radios from the Yaesu 8000 series- FT-8000, FT-8100, and FT-8500. It seems that everyone of them has failed. Are we victims of just plain bad luck or is there a more wide-spread problem with this equipment, and should Yaesu offer us something for putting up with this?

Currently I can think of at least 4 hams with 3 diffenent radios- two FT-8100's, one FT-8000, and an FT-8500 -- that have suffered problems, often multiple problems. Each time the radios were repaired by an authorized service center, they were often experieincing similar problems some time shortly post-repair. Often it was a similar problem.

My own experiences are with the Mr. Potato-head radio, the FT-8500. Shortly after the warranty expired I started getting reports of alternator whine on my 2 meter signal, esp. at high power. On 70cm, all was fine. What made this unusual was that this was my base-station rig, powered by a 35 amp power supply.

I made sure all connections were tight and made sure the remote head was securely connected. I checked out the antenna system to make sure it wasn't a problem and even used a backup power supply. The whine grew worse over time and eventually I could hear noise in the speaker upon transmit. I sent e-mail to Yaesu tech support asking if there were any reports of this type of problem. They said no.

Shortly after that the rig stopped outputting any power on 2 meters (despite front panel meter indications of otherwise). 70cm output power was normal.

I contcted Yaesu via e-mail once again. They were very helpful in a remote diagnosis of the problem -- a failed final amplifier module. I ordered the replacement part from Yaesu. The price with shipping ws appx. $100. I figured the cost was worth it for a 2 year old radio with only a few hours on the clock. A local shop installed the new module for me and rig worked flawlessly -- no whine, no noise in the local speaker. Until about a year later.

This radio spent a lot of time disconnected from both the antenna and power supply for lightning protection-- I only hooked it up when I was using it, which unfortunately was not very often after the repair. Once again it is exhibiting the same symptoms: whine on 2 meters, noise in local speaker upon xmit. This is an unacceptable condition for a radio with maybe 20 hours of use after the repair.

At least three other local hams with this series of radio have had multiple and repeated problems with the final amplifier chip. Apparently this is not a case of a few bad chips installed at the factory. There must be some design flaw either in the radio or chip itself that casues it to go into self-oscialltion and eventually failure.

I'm facing the prospect of another $100 in parts on a repair that likely won't last very long. I could understand this failure if I used the radio quite a bit. However it seems these things just fail out of the blue. Mine has failed once as is failing again, as did the others in the local area -- multiple, repeated failures with the final amp.

So Yaesu FT8xxx owners out there-- are we in this area all alone, or have all yours failed/are failing as well?

Folks in this area paid a lot of good, hard-earned money for this equipment, and to have them all in the scrap heap after just a few short years is terrible. We added up our combined repair costs and realized we could have purchased some nice Kenwood or Icom gear instead of repairing what we thought were good but unlucky radios.

[K0LQB]

You can add the FT-100 radio to that list. Every person who has bought on in this area has had it in the shop mor than at home
TNX K0LQB http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[KR6ER]

Well I must say I am surprised to hear about the Yaesu Radio's. I have an FT-2200 & FT-5100 and they have worked great. The only logical idea is like you said it must be a design problem with the series. I live in Southern California and know a Yaesu tech, so I'll ask him what he thinks.

[N8JE]

Add the FT 7100 to the list also. I bought on in September and had to send it back to them for repairs two weeks later. They told me they knew of some problems with the radio before they put it on the market and did not fix them till someone complained about them, than they would repair them under warrantee. I will not have another Yaesu radio in my shack again.

[N4INU]

Well, i am glad to see this post. Count me in!! I have had ENORMOUS problems with my Yaesu FT-8000. Not only is there a problem in the output chip, there is also the inexplicable alternator whine even after extensive shielding measures have been taken. Also when operating mobile, the noise is so severe that it is not worth the trouble to operate the radio at all. In fact the noise problem with that radio is so severe that i actually traded in a perfectly good car in disgust-- it was a Chrysler product known among 2-way radio techs to be an RF noise generator (V-6 3.0 L engine). As for the post immediately before this one, i also have a Yaesu 5100. This FT-5100 radio is nothing short of excellent and i am transferring it to my new Toyota Tundra. So the problem certainly does appear to lie in the FT-8000 series. Another problem with the FT-8000: it is extremely difficult to program. If one should inadvertently strike one of the buttons on the face plate, it will be necessary to go to the manual to find out (A) how to extricate oneself from the problem and (B) how to put it back on the desired frequency!! I personally have never encountered anything other than grief with that radio. Moreover i have heard several other such complaints. #These problems are assuredly NOT encountered in the FT-5100 however. The FT-5100 is a real pleasure to operate. Perhaps Yaesu should read that chapter in the book entitled "If It Ain't Broke, Don't Fix It!" --73 de N4INU--

[wb0iip]

Your post hit home here. #I too had a bad experience with Yaesu's FT-8100R. #It was a great rig (WHEN IT WORKED) but it was returned to Yaesu three times before I finally put it up for sale immediately after the third repair by Yaesu. #I personally know of at least three other of these rigs with similar history of failures (two are still "on the shelf" because of failure). #Additionally I have heard of numerous additional problems with these rigs from Hams in the New Orleans area where I am currently residing. #Yaesu steadfastly denies any problems with the radio but the obvious history from owners tells a different story. #

I personally will not entertain the purchase of Yaesu equipment in the future (unless they are willing to fess up to the problem and make good on it). #Mistakes happen, only the truly reputable and reliable entities acknowledge their errors. #Yaesu may have numerous products that are dependable and well designed, but I will never feel that I can trust their products again because of this one experience.

[k6ldo]

I also purchased an FT 8100 and had the final go out on it.
I use the radio very conservatively from home, and only with
an Astron Power supply. I believe that Yaesu should fix the flaw
or pick up the cost of the bad IC chips when they fail. Now I only
run the radio with 5 watts out as to protect the chip. This is not
acceptable.

[kk0g]

I don't have personal experience with Yaesu equipment having never owned any. The reason for that is the product reviews on E-Ham. I've read a very high percentage of posts from Yaesu owners who had problems with the FT8000 series, FT7100, FT90, FT100 and numerous others. Most of them said they got little if any help from Yaesu. My advise is to do your homework very well before purchasing equipment from ANY manufacturer. Until I see they have cleaned up their act I would'nt buy an HT antenna from Yaesu!

Chris KCØIEE

[KF6CUE]

I have two FT8100R units.
The first was bought in June of 1999, installed in a '94 F-150 using a separation kit connected to a roof mount antenna.
The second FT-8100 was purchased in April of 2001 via E-Bay, used but NOT abused. It is use as a base unit in the ham shack.
Both units have always performed flawlessly.
What up with that?

[WV4I]

Thanks for the warning. While I do not own any of the Yaesu FT-8xxx series radios, I was, until recently, in the market for a new dual band FM mobile rig. After reading what you, and others have posted about this series, as well as the FT-90R, I decided to go for older, used, and still working rigs. Read, if they have not broke by now, they probably won't.
I already own a 2000 build VX-5R, which has been with Yaesu now since 2/11/02 for a dead receiver.
I also own a 1999 build FT-100D, per the serial number, yes I said 'D', which elicits many negative transmit audio quality reports no matter how many settings are changed to any configuration. It's the reason I was looking for another FM mobile rig, because of the consistently poor transmit audio quality reports on FM from the FT-100D. The radio seems very RFI sensitive in the mobile environment, where my DX-70T performs flawlessly. I wish I'd read the reports on this forum BEFORE I purchased the FT-100D.
The clincher is that it apparently takes an unreasonable amount of time to get your Yaesu radio repaired under warranty. Not sure if I'll send the FT-100D back as well, because I know hams that have, for the audio problem, and found no improvement upon getting their FT-100D back. And, they were without their $1000+ (when I bought mine) radio for several weeks to boot.

[k7mh]

I had a problem with the Ft-8100. The band switching stoped working when you push the volume buttons. 2 1/2 months at Yaesu to get it fixed. I do like the radio.
also have a Ft-5100 for a few years that has worked fine and taken some abuse in a truck. Mike K7MH.

Uh-Oh! Spoke too soon, some few days after the above post I find that the left hand vol. control when pushed will not change bands for me to that side same as when I sent it in. Right side is still ok and the button on the mic. still changes bands for me. Now the question is whether to send it in for another 3 months or live with it.
No more Yaesu stuff here! ICOM (just down the street) is all I will buy! http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[N7MK]

The problems are obviously not limited to a specific model series. #I bought a VX5 right after they came out at Dayton, and when I got it home, was disappointed to find that it several problems.

Even more disappointing (more like disgusting) was my experiences dealing with their customer service (oxymoron) trying to get it resolved. #

I know several others who also bought VX5s about the same time and also had problems. #I also know a couple of guys who bought them and did not have problems.


Mark
N7MK

[AB7RG]

Wow, I guess that it is a good thing that I decided to sell my Yaesu FT-8100R before it had a problem. It worked great all the time that I owned it however. But after hearing nothing but bad things on the air and at the eHam.net product reviews section I decided it was time to sell the 8100R and buy a new Kenwood TMV7A dualband mobile. Sure glad I did!



In the past I've never had any problems with my Yaesu radios. My Yaesu FT-2500M has seen a lot of use and only the spring in the mic is a bit light after seven years and I've had to replace the bulbs twice. For my Yaesu FT-2200, well it's been running packet radio since late 1996 24/7 without a single problem. My Yaesu FT-840, FT-847, and FT-920 all seem like outstanding radios too. Guess there is a design flaw with the 8000 series. I've also heard all sorts of problems with the FT-100's too. Thankfully I have an Icom IC-706MKIIG for the mobile.



I think that Yaesu needs to work on quality control for their mobiles now, or they'll lose out to Kenwood and Icom big time. My next 2 meter mobile (whenever I need another one), will be an Icom or a Kenwood.



73 Clinton AB7RG

[n8avx]

No wonder I like Icom... http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif


Had a Yaesu FT-726 once. Worked nice. Had a 2m module go out during warranty, got replaced promptly. Added 6m, worked flawlessly. Worked Japan on 6 with 10w into a Cushcraft A-3. The only reason I got rid of it was I needed money. Haven't bought a Yaesu since... Not because I don't like them, just haven't bought one is all...

[NB3O]

The broken FT-8100's and 8000's that have passed over the workbench here have always suffered from the same problems; delamination of the printed circuit board. #
In the power amp sections, this was noticed around the harmonic filter air-wound inductors. #When the operator transmited at high duty cycles, the inductors got hot enough to reflow the solder and eventually cause the copper foil to peel away from the inductor leg. #This would create either an intermittent or a high VSWR condition and in some cases, blow out the power amp module. #I have seen this in some Alinco mobiles as well. #If the module survives, the fix requires scraping some of the solder mask off the trace in question up to the inductor leg and either reflowing additional solder over it or installing another piece of copper tape with the same original dimensions. #Since the impedances in these areas are critical, regular hookup wire should be avoided.
The second most common problem was the poor copper plating through the printed circuit board (called "vias") that connect top and bottom traces. #When the rigs are heated and cooled during normal operation, these improperly plated vias would separate from the foil traces and create intermittents. #These tended to pop up in a lot of areas, including the synthesizer section and the varactor tuned filter areas. #This occured more in the rigs that were subject to temperature extremes as those found in the car. #
The fix for intermittent vias requires knowing which via is intermittent (difficult unless you have the shop manual) and feeding a very small wire (#30 to #34 AWG ) through the holes and soldering both sides to the top and bottom foil traces. #Unfortunately, some of the bad vias wind up directly under other surface mount ICs, so the job becomes even more labor intensive.
I would recommend that owners of these rigs do not exceed three minute transmissions followed by at least five minutes receive or install a fan blowing directly on the rig (the small fan on the heatsink cools only the power amp modules and does very little for the other components). #It might also pay to remove the covers and inspect the areas in and around the output sections and inductors for both power amp modules under a magnifier to identify and touch up reflowed solder joints.
When these rigs work, they work great, but I would rather have a more reliable rig in the XYL's car even if it sacrifices performance (don't even ask about the FT-7100). #It is a real shame that a small reduction in production cost yields such a large amount of dissatisfied customers. #And all of the manufacturers have been guilty at one time or another. #73

[RPC]

Add one more to the pile! I have a Yaesu FT 840 that keeps breaking down on me. The problem is with the oscillator board. I am on my third one in about 5 years. I had just replaced the board and now something else is wrong. When I turn the power on, I get no audio and the display blinks. Does anyone have any ideas as to what the problem may be. Maybe the answer is to buy a different brand radio. I wonder if Yaesu reads these posts??? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[kb8uap]

Oh OH.. Sorry to hear about all the bad woes on the 8XXX series. I have a 8100 that wont transmit at full power on 2m, and am getting comments of whine also. Also a good friend has had his in the shop as well. Wish I still had my 2200 back It worked great.... Lou KB8UAP

[k2pat]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

My FT-8000 did not last long either. It still sits on the bench and I'm glad I didn't keep throwing good money after bad. They said it was an output module, is Yaesu still in the repair business? I asked on Sept 13 if they could fix it fast or give me a loaner so I could go to support the NYC disaster effort with the requisite dual band mobile. Their answer was as bad as their product.

I bought several Yaesu products, based on their claimed features, but they usually come with an errata sheet that says at least one of the features was only marketing hype and you are out of luck.

I won't buy Yaesoo any more!!!!!

[W7TDC]

Ive had a big problem with my FT-8100. It has been in the shop twice for two different reasons. Has worked fine since.
1. The screen would flicker on and off and all the digits and icons would light up. The backlight would flash. Yaesu replaced the main chip.

2. I had a shwoosh shwoosh sound on my signal . Found it to appear when I swung the microphone cord. Yaesu replaced the cord twice.

Has worked flawlessly for the past year or so.

W7TDC

[w8ob]

I have noticed this trend in yaesu radios. I think if you check at eham.com in the review
section you will see this model listed with quite a few comments on it. The only yaesu
radio I now own is a ft1500 so far as worked great with a few exceptions.
1. when starting the vehicle with the radio left on a lot of the menu settings default
back to the factory settings but I have not lost memories as others have.
2.the deviation of the radio seems to be very hot even in the low position and can
cause some audio clipping on some repeaters.

[ac7ha]

I also had a FT-8100 with many problems and various
repairs. I finally got feed up with it and tossed it in the
trash. It was never reliable, and felt that the repairs
fixed one problem and caused another. Too bad, since
the radio had many nice features. It is interesting to
hear that others also had problems...
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif

[wa8nnx]

My FT-90 has had a very troubled history. They finally gave up trying to repair it and gave me a new one. Now it has the same problem. They always tell you that no one else has ever had a problem with the radio in question. Mike

[n3wjl]

Count N3WJL in with a problem with a FT-8100! I have a bad "motorboat" sound on it when the unit is receiving for more than a few seconds. It has been like this since day 1. The !@#$ shop I bought it from (located near ARRL HQ) not to memtion any names http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif was NOt helpful at all. They would not take back the unit nor do anything to help me other than to blame my install. never mind I had the problem in the shack, in the house and on the test bench.

Now my FT-990 is another story it is a pure joy ! Then again it was made 10 years ago. Has the quaility slipped in the last few years ?

[kb0hnr]

Sound like their newest generation has major problems.

My FT-90 had alternator whine from day one. UHF TX frequency would be WAY off when the radio got cold. 2m Squelch stopped working. Those were the defects; TX sounded pinched to me, and RX audio was always poor. (my ht is louder). But that was considered 'normal'

Once I got it back from their service department, I got rid of it.

I had two friend with 8100s that had cronic problems, but I will let them chime in on their own if they want.

Good luck with the problems...

-Kurt
KB0HNR

[Chris]

I have owned an 8100r for a couple of years now and have never had a problem with it. It's been mobile and in the shack employed for crossband repeat. Perhaps I am lucky based on some of the other posts I've read here. I WILL say that I personally know two other operators in my area who have had issues with theirs. It is appearing as though getting a good unit is somewhat of a crap shoot. I've also got an FT-1500 in my truck which has been a great performer so far. Just chiming in on my experiences. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif

W8CWE

[N6TGK]

Hmmm... where should I start? The first Yaesu product I owned was an FT-23R that I bought new in 1987. I never had a problem with it. I didn't own another Yaesu product until May 1999 when I bought a Yaesu FT-100. Nice radio, good NB... receive audio sounded like crap on AM but it was a pretty good radio otherwise. So I bought the 6KHz AM filter and that made it a LOT better. Then, just before the warranty expired, AM reception quit just before I was to take my first road trip since getting the radio. I was really looking forward to using it. Even though I only used AM to listen to shortwave and everything else seemed okay with the radio, I sent it off to Yaesu and I had it back within two weeks with a new AM filter and several ECOs performed. Even though I didn't get to use it on my vacation, everything seemed fine when it returned. I wasn't having any of the other more difficult problems that other people were having. After a while I wanted to be able to use VHF or UHF and still be able to use HF at the same time so I bought an FT-8100 after a friend had one for over a year with no problems. It worked great and I really liked both radios. Then my problems with Yaesu "Customer Service" began. In November 2001, just before my second road trip with the FT-100, the TX suddenly died while talking to a gentleman on a local 6M repeater. Reception was fine but there was no TX power on ANY mode on HF or 6M. So again I had to send it off to Yaesu to be repaired and take another trip without the use of my mobile. This time the repairs would take longer... much longer... ten weeks!! The radio was shipped from HRO San Diego the Tuesday before Thanksgiving and was logged into their system on Monday after the holidays. I didn't see the radio again until the beginning of February. At one point I contacted Yaesu via e-mail to inquire about the status of the radio and someone usually responded within two or three days. I was told the delay was caused by a shortage of technicians and an unusual high amount of repairs. When I finally got the radio back, while I was unhappy with the amount of time it took, the technician did a good job on the repair. The problem was two burned and toasty HF finals. Don't know why they burned out, I didn't put a heavy load on them with long periods of operation and I didn't have a high SWR. But they were definetely burned. The only thing I could think of was that the radio couldn't handle 100 watts on FM so I turned the 6M power output down to 50 watts. Everything seemed fine... for two weeks. Naturally, since the warranty was now expired on the FT-8100 it decided to have problems. It started out with intermittent TX power. Sometimes it would be distorted audio or some kind of hum or squeal. These problems got worse and more frequent so I had to send that radio off in mid-February. I was told when I shipped it that it would probably be six to eight weeks, which is really more like eight to ten so I won't even begin to expect the radio until sometime in late April or the first week of May. We'll see how it goes then but apparently the quality of Yaesu products has gone down the toilet since I owned that FT-23R.

In the meantime, I have to wonder why two Yaesu radios that I've owned (one for almost three years and the other for just over a year) have had problems and yet the Icom radios that I own (a 746 for just over a year, a 2100 since November 1998 and a W-32A for two years) have never given me any problems. Yaesu "Customer Service" is almost non-existent. While they do reply to e-mail most of the time, they're slow to do so and when I call them it takes forever to get through to someone. One time when I called their entire phone system was out (I wonder if it was a Yaesu PBX?). I can understand a shortage of technicians but I don't see how that would delay repairs THAT long. The real reason for the long delay is in the "unusally high rate of returns for repairs." No one should have to wait eight to ten weeks for something they paid a lot of money on to be repaired. And here's another thing about long waits, and Yaesu if you're reading these posts - pay attention here, if there's going to be a long wait on a repair, don't make the customer wonder what's going on and have to wade through a dozen menu options to talk to someone. Hire someone to go through all the repairs and check the dates as to when they were received and then call the owner and give them an update. I think most people would be willing to wait or at least be more understanding if they were kept informed. The other thing that annoys me is the "We've never heard of this problem before" response I get when I ask about a problem that several other operators have had repaired and discussed/posted on the Internet. I think people would be more understanding as well if you admitted there was a problem, accepted responsibility for it and then did everything you could to make it right. Case in point, the FT-8100 has a design flaw with the volume/squelch controls. When the nut that holds these controls becomes loose it causes the solder joints on the control and PCB to fail and you end up having problems with your volume or squelch. This is a problem that I've heard discussed before and Yaesu did admit that it was a design flaw. I applaud them for that... but what I don't like is the fact that when anyone sends a radio in for this problem, instead of just fixing it they charge the customer. That's right... they charge the customer to fix something that was Yaesu's fault in the first place.

As was mentioned, and is obvious by my post, the problem isn't just with the FT-8000 series. The FT-7100 is a pile of manure (why do you think Yaesu dropped the price so much?) as is the FT-90, FT-100 and 100D. And don't forget the original "Mr. Potato Head." These were all nice radios but with some major problems that the company that made them should've admitted had problems and repaired them. Better yet, should've done some simple QA on them a little longer instead of pushing them out on the market and then pissing off they're customer base.

But in Yaesu's defense, this problem isn't just with them. I have a JVC DVD player that died six months after I bought it (and was out of warranty). It took four months and several phone calls to get the thing fixed because JVC couldn't get the part. It would've been nice if they had called me and told me that instead of me having to waste my time trying to contact them. At least they fixed the unit at no charge because of the long wait and the fact that it was only out of warranty for about a month or so.

[N5TIF]

Sorry to hear so many problems with the FT 81000s and others. All my radios are ICOMs and had very few problems with them. I even have a ICOM org 706 that just keeps going, glad that i did not put any of my money into the FT 100 or 100D. But i can see now that ICOM & KENWOOD has a new buyers for there products.
GOOD LUCK TO ALL.


PS: I also have a ICOM 706M2G as well does a great job. Lee

[w5wjp]

Here is another FT8100r user who is having problems. Radio indicates it is transmitting but doesn't. Forgets tones, strange distortion in the audio. Oh, and of course this is all intermittant and out of warranty. I would dump it but there doesn't seem to be anything much better. Decent dual band mobiles are in very short supply.

I think it is a manufacturing problem, the bean counters trying to get the most bang for the buck (or yen) and the DC - Daylight receive. Personally, I don't want my rig to be able to receive any thing other than the ham bands except for the WX band. If I want to listen to commerical AM/FM, that is what the car radio is for. I don't fly so I could care less about the aircraft bands.

[ky7f]

Interesting topic! I've owned an FT-8100 for about 3 yrs now, and it's quit on me twice. The first time, the display would 'blank-out' and it eventually quit altogether. I sent it back to Yaesu. They promptly repaired the rig and got it back to me in short order, under warranty. The repair lasted for just over a year. Now, it's doing the same thing again...and not under warranty. In frustration, I boxed it back up, and I haven't decided if I'm going to keep it or not. My FT-847 and FT-817 have been superb rigs, with no problems of any kind. However, I am very disappointed in my FT-8100.

[kb7uxe]

Sorry to hear of your Yeasu problems... I had a problem with one of my icoms(2100h), or at least I thought it did, when i took it to icom, they fixed it free of charge in about 10 minets. that was the only problem i have ever had with an Icom. I currently own 11 icom rigs, hf, v/u hf, mobile, ht and base. bullet proof is all i can say. just a shame they no longer make the 2,3,4 GAT ht's... My icom 736's ( i have 2) always work, my 737, 718, 207h's 2100h's, two 2gat, one 4gat, icom power suplies, at-100 tuner and ic-725. never a problem.. I'm not easy on the equipment either. they get thrashed around from mobile to mobile, up to tha cabin, up to the mountain, out to the garage, bang clag boom, they always work.
also when the finals are rated at 100% duty cycle no matter what mode ( that should say something) sould be an indication as to duribility.. If you'd of bought ICOM, steel cases, durrable and reliable, you'd still be on the air. best of luck with your yeasu..
Dan. kb7uxe@yelmtel.com

P.S. hope you try ICOM next time.

[KR6ER]

Since so many of you are down on the FT-100, what do you think of the Icom 706 series? I've heard people talk about those, but if you run HF mobile what do you prefer, Yeasu or Icom (Small HF rigs only), since Kenwood doesn't have a small mobile HF radio, or at least I can't think of what the model would be. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[N7DIC]

Check with your local HRO type vendor and you will see
that the workmanship by Yeasu has gone downhill over
the past couple years.

I have an HT by Yeasu (Ft-530) that has not given me a
lick of trouble and only the batteries have had to be
replaced, everything else is wonderful.

However, I have been advised to avoid Yeasu moblles
until quality returns.

'73's,

N7DIC http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

[kc7mrq]

Count me in on the group of faulty Yaesu radios. I have a FT-8500 and it won't work with a pk-96. It will only stay keyed for 400mS when transmitting data.

[KC0LFR]

This has been an eye opener for me. #I am in the market for a new rig and have been doing quite a bit of research by reading product reviews on the different makes and models that I am interested in. #I think I will stay away from Yaesu until they get a handle on the quality and workmanship of their products. #Icom, Kenwood and Ten-Tec have my vote.

73's
Chuck Pitts
KCØLFR

I have owned many Yaesu rigs over the past 34 Years starting with the FTDX-401B through the FT-101 Series and many different VHFand UHF Handhled and Mobile rigs. I don't think I have ever owned one that did not have some problem. I have many times said "never again" but a couple of years later try again. So far they have had a perfect track record with me, all bad!

73,
Bob - K2OK

[n1ztb]

After the terrible customer support I got for my 757gxII, I never bought another Yeasu product again, and have been quite happy with my Icom equipment. Now, after reading a bunch of posts such as these, I'm ESPECIALLY happy I switched.

73 all,
Erik N1ZTB
erik@netree.org

[wd0acd]

We have an FT90, a VX1R, and an FT817. #I've had good luck with the 817... #The FT90 emits significant synth. rumble on transmit that is very voltage sensitive. #The VX1R has been replaced once (Forcibly under warranty after much negotiations) because the programming software killed the microcontroller. #Frankly, we're afraid to send the FT90 in for repair because we know of 5 others that have the same problems and none have been properly repaired. #One local ham was allegedly asked by the Yaseu tech. if he had purchased the radio with a credit card that had breakage/loss coverage so he could possibly get a 'new' one somewhere else.

No more "Y" radios for me for a while.
ACD

[kd7ath]

I thought I'm the only one having problem with Yaesu particularly with my FT-8000 and VX-1R.
#I already spent $300 to repair my radio.And right now I experience the same problem I have before.It cannot transmit and you will hear a rattling noise.I'm really upset with that radio.I should get the Icom instead.Not only my Ft-8000 but also my VX-1R.The programming software killed the microcontroller and I spent $200 on that too.
#My thought is, we cannot always pay to fix our radio,coz we already pay for that radio,and we buy that not to spend more to fix for one radio, but to enjoy and have fun.
I also have Icom and since I bought that radio I don't have any problem at all. 5 years old already but still working good and in perfect condition.
#I think we have to do something like the cars.If there's a problem they recall that.I think the radio have something like that too,Co'z we don't get that radio for free.We pay for that and we work hard to buy that equipment.

#73,
Ricky (kd7ath)

[w8kir]

I to have had problems with the Ft-8000. No output on VHF and blown 1st RF amp in VHF receiver. Also several bad chip caps in the VHF output filter network. Yeasu claims they never have had any problems like this. This problem has reoccured several times. I also had an Ft-2600 that went back to Yeasu 11 times in one year. It had software problems that they never got right. When you call Yeasu service their people treat you like dirt on the phone. I will never own anouther piece of Yeasu equipment. I will also advise anyone I can not to either. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[kg4kkn]

Using an FT8500 here, bought it used from a guy who had just gotten it back from service. #May not have been a wise move in retrospect! #

But the radio has mostly worked fine for me. #There is a problem now and then with receive audio on the 2m band (as in, there ain't none) but it can be solved by turning the unit off and on a few times.

I am really frustrated by how hard it is to find the mobile mounting kit for this thing, so I have never used it much in the car and thus never used it much at all either from the house or mobile. #And almost never at full power TX. #Based on what others have said, maybe that's a good thing. #

In my opinion, the radio is hard to program and hard to use, what with so many functions stuffed on that Potato mic. #Better be careful how hard you squeeze that PTT or who knows what you might trigger. # I have given up trying to operate it mobile while moving because it requires multiple glances at the display to make sure the radio is set where it is supposed to be. That may be more my failing rather than the rig's, so be it.

Definitely considering other brands for the next rig.

[Aerobat9]

Identical problems with a FT-8500. 10 days past the warranty period, the 2mtr xmit became inop. #Yaesu advised (standard phraseology) "Send it our repair center and we will effect repairs. #Our hourly rate is $75.00 per hour. #As was previously stated, I feel that Yaesu is very much aware of the problems in this series of equipment. "The hinge on the door that Squeaks the loudest, is the only one that gets oiled" ! #Happy for this posting - - get these "DEFECTS" exposed to the Ham Community, and when the manufacturers go "down the tube", they will say: "What Happened" !!

[KD2SJ]

After reading the posts ,I started wondering if anyone has had a failure with the vx5r. Mine died two weeks ago after about two years of use. It probably isn't worth fixing but I do miss it. Icom has yet to build a similar unit , but I think I will wait until they do before I replace the Yaesu.
It seems there are alot of complaints about recent vintage Yaesu equipment, too bad ...they used to be so good.
73
KD2SJ

[AE2B]

Hello to all. #In retrospect to the 8000 and 8100 problem. I have been a avid yaesu runner since my start 7 years ago. Starting with a ft-990 a ft11 ht and 3 2500 2 mtr mobils. Sold all and got 3 8000's and 1 8100 1 ft-51/R ht a 1000-D and a G-1000DXA rotor by yaesu. #I have a Chevy Tahoe and a ford F-350 crewcab 4x4 turbo diesel doolie. I get no interfearance I.E. alternator noise ect. in either of the radios in either of the vehicles. I had sold 1 of my 8000's to my friend John KB2WFS. Now this leads up to the problem. #The only problems both John and I have had and the radios are 4-5 years old is as follows. #Both him and I have at times accendintly hit the volume knob on either the uhf or vhf side and by force of the hand hitting the volume knob it had tore it free from the circut board behind the L.C.D. display # which caused both him and I to loose volume on the side of the knob that was hit. THERE WAS NO VISIBLE DAMMAGE TO SEE IT WAS ALL INTERNAL. I had sent them back to yaesu and a new volume pot was installed. Outside of that both him and I have not had any problems with the radios its self. #Yaesu definitly did the right thing. To present day 3-26-02 im very happy with all of my Yaesu equpt. hope to see you all on the airwaves. Eddie Barra AE2B

[n2nz]

Interesting... I have a 3-year-old FT-8100R that has performed flawlessly for me under heavy daily use in my auto (I have a 2+ hour commute each day). I have never had a bad report. Certainly no alternator whine, but then the radio's body is mounted under the passenger seat in my sports car and the power wires are routed directly to the battery in the trunk, so they don't come near the engine compartment.

My 2-year-old VX-5R has also never shown a problem (except for the fact that output is a half-watt under-spec). In addition to daily use on the local repeaters, I use both radios extensively for public service and emergency events including using the FT-8100R as a cross-band repeater for hours at a time. I know several other hams that have FT-8xxx radios (a couple due to my recommendations) and a slew who have VX-5Rs and have never heard of any problems - knock wood.

73 de N2NZ

[WA4SLC]

I have 2 of the Yaesu FT8000 series radios. I have an 8000 that has never given me any problems. I liked it so much that I bought an FT8100 at the VA Beach hamfest shortly after they came out. I had a problem with the UHF band switch/volume/squelch control. My rig was not in warranty when that happened. Being an electronics technician, I took the front pannel apart and discovered bad solder joints on the control. I soldered them back with a 15 watt iron. It worked fine for 2 months, then it broke loose again. This time when I took it apart I was at home and did not have my 15 watt iron, so I made a big mistake. I was sure I could fix it with my 40 watt iron ( wrong ). When I got the iron close to the joint part of the conductor on the circuit board jumpted off of the board onto my iron. The more I tried to fix it the worse it got. Now I need a controll head to make my 8100 work again. I never had any other problem with the other part of the radio. If any of you want to donate your dead 8100 s to me so I can fix mine I would be very greatful.
I now have an FT90 that I bought to use im my Saturn. after about 8 months it stoped transmitting on UHF. Yeasu fixed it under waranty. I have not put it back in the car, but have used in in the house and it works fine so far.
Bill
WA4SLC

[CLESKIE]

I just purchased a Yaesu rig last week. The FT-817. So far I like it, but it's still brand new. I must admit however, that if another manufacturer had a competitive product to the 817, I would probably would have bought from the competition. I have owned Yaesu rigs in the past and had very bad luck with them. One was the FT-840. The other was the FT-50. So far I really like the 817. I just keep hoping that it don't fall apart on me.

Chuck

[KC5KQ]

Hello to all, #I just sent an email to YAESU Customer Service informing them of all the comments about problems with FT8000 series mobiles and their Service Department. Time will tell if the VIPs see fit to respond to all these allegations. I am the owner of a Yaesu VX-5R that has been proforming as advertised so far. I have been a long time ICOM buyer and hope that YAESU can clean up their act before future sales force them out of the ham market. They were great in the past and can once again regain their respect from the ham community only by quickly addressing these problems. 73, #Mark #KC5KQ

[KG4PYX]

I have a FT-8100R that was given to me by a friend that was disgusted with it, becuase it had quit working. He had performed the mod on it, and cut the power pigtail off to splice in the power wires. He tries to claim he knows what he is doing. I sent it to a reputable shop here in Atlanta, had the pigtail replaced, and asked him to reverse the mod. (I have no desire to use the radio outside of ham bands, and use my commercial gear when I need to use other bands.) The repair shop found that the VCO would not lock up. He replaced the VCO, and decided the mike cord needed replacement too. I agreed. After all that, it still would not lock up. He shipped it to Yeasu, and they sent it #back witrh even more problems, and an estimate for repairs of over $200.00. Well, I paid my man the $40.00 he had in it, which is all he wanted. It is now serving as a paper weight until warm weather hits, then perhaps as an anchor for my boat. The only positive out of this deal is I have found a private shop with integrity.

Chris Wilkie, KG4PYX
Jonesboro, Ga

P.S. The repair guy told me the only reason he recommended trying to fix it was because it came from the factory with the fix already installed for the knob problem. Otherwise, he said he would have recommended spending my money on a new radio.

[KD5NCO]

I know way too many folks with good experiance with Yaesu products to suggest that there is a major problem with a specific manufacturer. For the last twenty years I have had many different brands but the best of the best in my opinion is Yaesu. I like my Icom's and think that they are a top of the line manufacturer also. My FT-100 early SN is working flawlessly, the FT-920 I just got is all I hoped for and more. Chalk me up as a happy customer.

BTW I learned a long time ago that most all brands of mobile radio do not last long if mounted on top of the dash and subjected to EXTREEMS of hot and cold and humidity. They also like to be fed good high amp clean DC with a low resistance electrical and RF ground. I would bet that most of the dissatisfaction mobile owners experiance can be traced to equipment abuse or misuse. My personal experiances with helping fix "buddies" rigs lead me to this conclusion.

And all of you out there that know what you are doing, and have installed the rig correctly and then had it die and unexpected death, please don't waste your time flaming my comments. Not every ham is ignorant or lazy, but I sure have met a bunch that are.

73

[KD5NCO]

Dang it! I just got a call from one of those "buddies".... he is giving me grief for the previous post.

SO... I take it back..... every body every where is perfect customer and user. the equipment is
really crap and you folks with defective or working Yaesu radios should put them up for swap or
sale emmediatly so my "buddy" John can scarf up a good Yaesu rig for cheap..


Happy John?

73

[kg0fr]

Seems there are a few of you out there with a bone to pick with Yaesu.

I will agree that there have been problems with the 8000 series mobiles, (Yaesu discontinued them) but not any more that any other rig, and I have owned a lot of them. I wore out one FT-8500, 3 years on the road in a semi truck, and I used to talk too much! and I currently still own 2 8500's that I bought for $379 when they closed out the model. One of them now needs the VHF power module, after about 2 years of service. I am using the other while I decide if I am going to fix it. I am leaning towards repairing it, as I am dissapointed with the replacement model, the FT-7100 they have that is not even a true dual bander.

Most of the problems described here are in my opinion (and everyone has one) the result of improper installation. Alternator whine can be resolved in nearly every case by running power directly from the battery, and with sufficient guage wire. 14 or 16 is not going to cut it on a 10 foot run guys. I have an FT-8500 in a 1988 Dodge Caravan, 3.0 L V-6.... 0 noise!

If you are frying power modules on a regular basis, why not check your antenna installation (SWR). So many people run 5/8 wave antennas (waste of money) and they are very difficult to tune to be resonant across the band. I have always used a simple 1/4 wave VHF antenna, on both 146 (and 440 by the way) The radio stays cool, and I get normal life from power modules!

As far as programming the rigs goes, once you learn to program the rig, they are as easy as any other on the market. You need to read the manual folks, and then play with it so you learn it and are not frustrated when someone asks you to go to a weird freq. with a PL tone of 146.2! If you can't even program your own rig, you should not even pick up the microphone!

Time to get off my soapbox!

Mark... KG0FR

[kc5aee]

Ive had a VX-5R for a few years. Nice radio, but last year the finals went out on the 2 meter, 440 amp. $200 and 1 month later I got the radio back. Ive heard of others with the same problem. Anyone here had similar problems? I also heard they have come out with a commercial version of the VX-5. Sounds like Yaesu needs to work on some quality control engineering problems.
Fowler
KC5AEE

[Chris]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (kr6er @ Mar. 25 2002,14:29)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Since so many of you are down on the FT-100, what do you think of the Icom 706 series? #I've heard people talk about those, but if you run HF mobile what do you prefer, Yeasu or Icom (Small HF rigs only), since Kenwood doesn't have a small mobile HF radio, or at least I can't think of what the model would be. # http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
I've owned the 706MKII for a couple of years now. Once you spend a little time getting used to the menus, the rig is virtually bulletproof! I've had mine in all sorts of configurations (base, mobile, field day, camping, etc.) and it has never failed to perform. My two cents worth, anyway.

W8CWE

[k4qcp]

I too have had my share of troubles with my Yaesu rigs. I have the following rigs with troubles as listed PLEASE READ:

Ft-8000R:

1. First Radio: The left side VFO switch (Volume knob) failed to work after a period of time which I thought was a bad control pod. Turned out to be melted traces on the control board. Cannot be resoldered either. Requires replacement of controler board $124. (4 years old)

2. #Second Radio: The transmit went out so it appears to be a Final circuit. Who Knows. Died after 4 years.


VX5R:

Also my VX5R HT will not transmit on 440 using full output power. When you transmit on full power it will drop out. If I scale the output power back to 3/4 power it will work fine all day.


FT-100:

The final circuit died and the "S" meter died. I sent it off to Yaesu and they repaired it. Then soonafter guess what happened again? THATS RIGHT the "S" meter went out again. So now I use it with no "S" meter. Kind-of stuck with it.

In a nut shell let me say that I have been a dedicated Yaesu user however after reading this post and considering all of my problems I can honestly say that YAESU HAS BIG PROBLEMS and I will go to their competition for my next rigs. Not sure what I will get, maybe an Icom possibly a Kenwood.

[n2nz]

I checked out www.mods.dk for the FT-8100R and they offer a couple of power track mods. The posting is for anyone experiencing any of the following symptoms:

1. Loss of receive audio - even though the 's' meter still shows the radio is receiving OK. There is NO audio at all from the speaker on either band.

2. When you transmit the transmitter runs virtually no power as the Power Amplifier has no 13.8v feed. You cannot access even very close by repeaters etc.

3. The transmit fan on the back does not operate when you transmit

4. The radio may work for a short time when cold. When it heats up there is a 'click' from the speaker and it dies in the way described above quite quickly.

Go to www.mods.dk.
Select Yaesu on the top menu.
Select FT-8100R on the lefthand menu.

Select the mod labelled "FT8100R frequent thermal failure - repair suggestion."

Also look at the mod labelled "TX fix for FT-8100R." This is a fix for arcing caused by a bad connection on the board through a plate-through hole. Apparently Yaesu has acknowledged that this is a common problem with the radio.

Hope these help.

73 de N2NZ

[n9yrx]

FT 8100 illegal transmissions. I have (2) FT 8100. One is set up on the base and from the time it was out of the box it has been powered on 24/7. The base setup is with a 12V car battery and a charger to keep the battery topped off. Works great for ARES when the AC lines are down. I have never had a problem with this rig. It just sits there chugging for the past 3 years never been turned off except to switch to cross band repeat and its had several hundred hours on it in X-band repeat mode.
The FT8100 in the car is a different story. One day some said I dropped out of the repeater mid transmission. Turned out to be an intermittent problem. I get the SWR meter out and find an SWR of about 2.5:1. Turned out moisture had intruded into the coax. Replacement of the coax fixed that but the intermittent drop out mid transmission persisted. I put a cheap SWR/power meter in line and set it up so I could watch the meter periodically. The power always stayed up even when I had reports of dropping out of the repeater. However the SWR would creep up when I was dropping out of the repeater and had normal power output. The SWR must have been changing due to the radio. I get my freq counter out and found the radio on 2 meters would intermittently transmit clear up to 300MHZ. Some key ups were at 150Mhz and others were 200MHZ range. I promptly sent the rig to Yaesu for analysis and have not heard what the problem is yet.
This rig not only has a problem but also could cause me to have a problem with the FCC. I wonder how many “no outputs” are transmitting out of band. The front panel power shows OK but no apparent output. Well it is, just not where you expect it.
I have often wondered why Yaesu pulled this model off production after such a short life. Hmmmm I am wondering if this is a common failure mode if there is a class action that should not take place? I’m sure Yaesu does not want to admit it if it was. If life or limb were to be lost because someone were interfering on a public service freq. with a FT 8100, Katy bar the door.
I have found the FT 5100 when the PA fails its output goes to about 25 watts and most people won’t notice if they don’t have a power meter in line. The driver transistor is a healthy device and really doesn’t need a PA for most communications. Wonder how many FT 5100 are out there with blown PA and no one complains? BTW the front panel meter on the radio is reading driver current, not PA output. It’s a cheap way designers do things to keep cost down.
</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>[b]Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>[U]

[kb3ehk]

I have two Yaesu 8100r's as well. You would think they would share the same characteristics but they act like two totally different types of radios. One has the characteristic whine others speak of. The other one shuts down when you first key up when the unit is cold. I have found the radio does not shut down completely, it goes into a low power mode where the screen goes blank and the unit still transmits at 20 watts. Does anyone else have a unit that has a similar problem? As with most of these intermitent problems it won't shut down on the servicemans bench.
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[KC5CPO]

Add me to the list of dissatisfied Yaehoo owners! I have owned the 8100R since June of last year and it is already in the shop! They have informed me that they have done "Upgrades" to the sick radio and that I should have it back in the next couple of weeks. When I told my friend (another Yaehoo owner) about these upgrades, he informed me that he has had 3 such "upgrades" on his radio. I find that the best thing to do when you have problems with your Yaehoo is turn off the power. take it to your nearest scrap metal recycling facility and take whatever money they will give you for it. Then purchase an Icom or Kenwoood or something more reliable. I wonder, since the folks at Yaehoo know about these problems, if a class action law-suit be something that would get their attention! I would be interrested to see a Yaehoo representitive post here.

[w6arq]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif I bought a 8100 in November of 2000 and by the third month it was sent back to Yaesu. While I would be transmitting on 2meters it would switch to 440 . The other problem was with the squelch that would open when the radio was cold and as it warmed up I would have to back off of the squelch or it would be almost fully on. After a couple of months of use hams said that my signal wasn't as strong as it should be and after checking the power out I found that it was only about 25 on 2. I sent it back to Yaesu and after it came back it wasn't any better than when I sent it in. I have sworn off of Yaesu and purchased a 706MkIIG.

[kf4lne]

Anybody want to get rid of one of those yaesu rigs? I need something to tinker with and am happy operating 5w or less. If anybody has one they are going to toss, sell or hit with a hammer let me know.

[N6TGK]

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (KC5CPO @ Mar. 26 2002,18:34)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I wonder, since the folks at Yaehoo know about these problems, if a class action law-suit be something that would get their attention! I would be interrested to see a Yaehoo representitive post here.[/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>
KC5CPO... I'd say that would be something to explore except that Yaesu DOESN'T know about these problems. #And what I mean by that is they probably do know the problem exists and even though I've read several posts about problems with the FT-100 or even the FT-8100, when I ask Yahoo about it they act totally surprised and exclaim, "Wow! #We've never heard of or encountered a problem like that! #Our radios are subjected to high quality assurance standards before being sent to retailers." #Shortly after getting my FT-100 and finding that the NB, while better than the Icom 706 series, didn't get rid of the fuel pump noise from my truck while my Uniden HR-2510 had no problem whatsoever, I wrote to Yahoo Tech Support and asked why a $200 radio could get rid of noise better and with less distortion than a $1300 radio. #The reply I got didn't even give me an answer. #I won't say who replied but the reply I got was "The FT-100 has an excellent NB." #Yeah, okay but that doesn't answer my question.

For those people out here that have had no problems with Yaesu equipment and are "shocked" to see so many negative comments, all I can say is it's a matter of time. #I've found that with Yaesu products you either get a good one, or you get a bad one. #This has been confirmed by several retailers I've talked to. #And generally if you get a bad one just get rid of it because it will always have problems. #It seems strange since the radios are all made the same, and probably on the same SMT line... but then maybe not.

Don't get me wrong though... while I've had problems with my Yaesu radios, as discussed in an earlier posting, I'm not saying that Icom and Kenwood are any better... although my Icoms are still trouble free. #As for what their (Icom and Kenwood) Customer Service is like... I can't really say, although Icom doesn't respond to e-mail requests. #At least with Yaesu someone has always gotten back to me within a few days.
It would be nice to know if anyone at Yaesu is following this. #Someone mentioned he e-mailed Tech Support and informed them of these postings. #I hope they don't get too defensive. #Most of these posts are meant as a way for irritated owners to vent and to discuss their opinions and hopefully, if Yaesu is following this, Yaesu will see these postings as constructive criticism and a wake up call that something needs to be done if they don't want to lose a customer base.

73
N6TGK

[k4iii]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif I guess everyone has had +/- experiences with radios. I've had vhf & uhf HTs & mobiles from Alinco, Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu, Radio Shack, ADI, & Midland. Throughout all my experiences, I've learned a few things. First, it suprises me that an item with such a ticket price can have problems such as the kenwood tm-241 display, icom dual band compact mobile shorting problems, and distortion & overdeviation coming from the factory. It also suprises me that many radio dilemmas, (not human err) aren't "unsupported" by the company or dealers. Also the quality of the workmanship shocks me. (It angers me when I see similar radios on GMRS with GPS and other features not available yet for amateur equipment with $50 price tags.) I understand supply/demand, but thought companies would be "willing to work with customers interested in the communications field" to perhaps test out new equipment, thus willing to aid and support those individuals such as hams.

I've had both Yaesu ht's and mobiles and am so far impressed. the 1500 is a winner and the 5100 mobile seems to still work fine. However, many negs of the Yaesu 8100 & newer equip seem to be prevalent on prior posts. My Kenwood 79A CAUGHT FIRE in the Kendoo Quick charger and my Alinco DJv5 had bad sensitivity that rendered it useless where I reside.

Alinco wasn't much better. If you have the opportunity for purchasing commercial gear, GO FOR IT. It seems to be worth every penny. However, for most hams, the costs involved may be beyond our reach.

It would be nice to have a company warrant equipment "non-rf - related" problems for the year as well as "take back" or "replace/repair" problems that come up rather than "shrug" the buyers off which seems that some dealers are doing.

Perhaps it will change, perhaps not... I sure hope it does!

[K7EAJ]

I too have had problems with the Yaesu 8XXX radios similar to what is described in the other listings but specifically failure of the function key.. With two of mine, after repair with no improvement, I loosened the face assembly.. Then the function key worked so I was able to reprogram the radio.. As soon as the face was reattached, the function key no longer worked!! I have a 8100 (just repaired) and it suffers moderate crosstalk between VHF and UHF sides on most all frequencies.. I also have a new 7100 and sofar it works OK but is very difficult to use mobile.. the buttons work very easy and I find it difficult to adjust the squelch without going somewhere you don't want to be because you have touched a key.. Also the volume control pots are much too sensitive.. # K7EAJ

[N7XB]

Well, I must now count myself as one of the fortunate few, because I own and use daily my VX-5R, FT-8100 and FT-100D with virtually no problems...ever.

I use the ADMS 1E programming software with the VX-5R and it works flawlessly. The FT-8100 has been rock solid from day one. I use the ADMS 2D software with it.

The FT-100D was giving me the "intermittent high SWR" problem, but I made the grounding mod myself, and thought that cured the problem, but it didn't.

Turned out the high SWR was due to rain getting into the deteriorated trap caps of a 20 year old Hustler 5BTV vertical. Replaced that with a new 6BTV and the FT-100D purrs along without a hitch. It also it CAT controlled.

Like another post earlier, if any of you dissatisfied, "I'll never buy Yaesu again" hams need a place to donate your Yaesu collection(s), please contact me.

73 de N7XB

[kc2dep]

Count me in on this as well, I have 2 ft-8100 and one has been back 5 times and each time i got it back, it was worse then when it went in. and my other one has been back 3 times and still acting funny but i have wasted enough time, money and talking to the IDIOTS at yeasu. they cant even ship a radio back to the propper STATE. well enough about them.... i know how all you feel who had bad luck with yeasu.

[wd0gsy]

I am on my second 8100. First on is still in a box. Heard a loud pop, then VHF quit. UHF works fine. Turn radio off, wait 10-or more minutes, turn back on VHF works for about 5 minutes then indicates the frequency but you transmit 30 megs or more away from your selected frequency. Went to a second one, it works fine. Separation kit, no problems. have friends that have two 8100's, alternator whine in a gm product, and a ford product. I have a chysler, and I have a high pitch sound, but not objectionable. Some people thought it was a tone on, but its just a high pitch sound. Havenot operated this radio from a base power supply. Perhaps I am having alternator whine too but the noise is not engine speed related. The 8100 is definately better than the radio that replaced it, the 7100. Seems Yaseu went backwards on that radio.

How about the FT-847? Any problems with these? It seems like the problems are isolated to the HT and mobiles. Hopefully the HF base stations are still good radios.

73,

Southpaw

[N1PMK]

No good luck with Yeasu gear. FT8100, no control over the volume. Radio was used mobile. First, alternator whine, Ford truck. Alternator checked, grounds checked, filter installed, no go. Bought Icom 2800, no problems.
Installed the 8100 base and it developed problem with the VHF volume. Seems that, due to vibration, the volume control board, where it attaches to the control head board, seperates, sometimes lifting the land areas.
One Tech at Tech Support told me it was a known problem and I could send it to them for $35 fee or he could fax me the fix which is what I chose to do. The only fix is to attach wires from the main board to the volume control board. Not that easy of a task. Be careful not to lift any lands or PTH's.
FT900, used mobile. After year and a half would not turn on. Power switch would not make contact. Yeasu sent me 2 switches (free thank you). Rig comes on but now will not shut off. Still searching. Not too happy with Yeasu gear.

N1PMK

[n4ncs]

Add me to the Yaesu reject list. I have a
Yaesu 8000.. bought it new..I've experienced
problems with the UHF volume control not
working and UHF and VHF intermittantly working
and not working. Of course this all started
right after the warranty went out. Called
Yaesu and of course they were more than
willing to fix it for a $85.00 /hr bench price.
What a way to make money...
make crappie equipment and charge
to repair it. To all new hams, if I can save
one of you from buying junk this letter is
well worth it. PS... I have heard that Yaesu
is planning to change there name.... could
this be because their sales are down or perhaps
they want to cover up there bad name.

[flyslow]

Add me to the frustrated "first impressions go along way" crowd. Got my tech ticket in February and went to Ham Radio Outlet in Woodbridge VA with a friend who also passed at the same time. I went with an open mind but favoured the ICOM IC-T81A but due to conversation in the store etc was persuaided to get the Yaesu VX-5. Well I got it home and noticed that the backlighting was intermittent in the lower left of the keyboard. I took it back to HRO and they were very courtious about it and let me exchange it for te ICOM. Boy am I glad I did that. Took it with me to St Johns Newfoundland 3 days later. First Contact (with help from IRLP) was a gentleman in England! And to top that off I made that at Signal Hill where Marconi received teh first transoceanic transmission. That sealed it for ICOM in my opinion.

73s KG4RNB

[va3mvw]

Me too.. sigh. One after another: all my Yaesus have quirks or faults. Seems to be really bad QC. I know, sample of three, but it is beginning to look like a pattern:

VX-5: unusable AM receive, unusable Wide FM receive. Display sometimes dies; I have to hit the radio to get it working again.

8100-R: When I TX on VHF, UHF emits a loud hiss, and vice versa. Repaired, but after 3 months the problem recurred. When I TX on VHF in the car, when using the remote head, the radio resets. Also, bad alternator whine even when connected direct to battery in the trunk.(though a LARGE toroid in the power leads solved this whine).

FT-90: when the radio is cold (freezing or below), squelch oscillates and radio is unusable. I need to wait until the radio warms up before I can use it.


No problems at all with my other radios (Icom, etc).

Michael VA3MVW
http://www.mvw.net/radio/

[k0bca]

Me Too...

When I first got my tech license back in 1997 or so, The 8100 series was pretty new and I really liked the looks of them and the removeable face. I was SO excited when my first radio showed up from HRO, I couldn't wait to use it. I got it all set up and called my father on the local repeater for my first QSO. I raised him, but he couldn't understand a thing I said. The transmit audio was all garbled. No matter what we did, we couldn't get the radio to transmit a clean signal. I called up HRO and told them about the problem. They said that they sold those radios "by the bucketful" (whatever that meant). They were, however, very professional, and granted not only my request for a return, but also to trade for a TM-V7A...I have purchased only Kenwood radios ever since.

[Greentruck]

Anyone had quality problems with the FT-1000 series?

[KC5KQ]

To N6TGK and all others who are interested:
I was the person who sent an email to YAESU customer service several days ago. Still NO REPLY #http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif to it. Maybe they are so busy that they can't reply to it right away. I will post their reply as soon as I receive one.

73, #Mark #KC5KQ

[w9wy]

Hey, lets see if I have the record. I have an 8100 that has been back to the repair depot 4 times and is now exhibiting signs of going out again. What happens is during a transmission the radio will ceasea to transmit. This only happens on the 2 meter side. 450 has never failed.

If anyone is a lawyer can we consider a class action suit? The last time I sent the radio in I requested a replacement or my money back and was told that they just cannot do that.

BTW, I had an ICOM radio that was not as advertised. When I bought the radio ICOM advertised they would have a windows software program coming out really soon -- never happened. I wrote the factory (about a 8 months after getting the radio) and they reimbursed me 100%

I would get in on a class action suit if someone is a lawyer or who knows one interested in taking the case.

[KE4MCL]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif i have a vx1r and it works ok. the battery contact inside lost tension and the radio became intermittent. simple fix. i was going to wait for the vx7 but after reading all these posts, i think i'll pass on that one. the kenwood th6 looks good and i think i'll be buying that one.

one of my buds bought the 8000 series dual bander and it came from the factory with defective mic. another buddy has one and its an rf vacuum cleaner. sucks up all the intermod.

makes me think back to those lousy ads they had..
"looks like yaesu did it again!"

ke4mcl

[WB9TOB]

Well, the two Yaesus that I currently have (FT-1500) are working well, so here's hoping. I like the radio (although I dislike not having a squelch knob and the controls take a little effort to learn). I had a chance to buy an FT-8100 for $150 and now I'm glad I didn't. I can't believe all of the squawks on this series of units. We have AES Superfest coming up this week and I intend to catch up with the Yaesu rep and ask him what gives.

I had an FT-100 for awhile that I basically liked, but noticed that the general coverage receive function did not work very well (selectivity and synthesizer issues). Since Yaesu does not guarantee specs outside of the ham bands, I kind of wrote it off to "oh well, you get what you get". It worked wonderfully in the ham bands. Still... geez.. my IC-735 receives flawlessly in the ham bands and out, and wouldn't you think that a general coverage receive function would work reasonably well in a $1000+ radio?

We subsequently sold it because we needed the dollars, but if I ever need another similar unit, I might be looking at a 706.

Jim K.

[K2CEC]

[CODE] http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif ..hello fellow yaesu owners,I too have a bad tale to tell about ythe 8100r series of rigs..
# # # # #after buying used "mint " equipment I finally deceided tto buy a new yaesu 8100r-dual bander,with all the features I needed for dual mobile use. after using the rig for a few months mobile the 2-meter audio and then the 70-cm audio started to go bad,ist on high power then 20-,then finally the 5-watt rangfe quit entirely.sent it in for repair...long wait...2months of ok
svc,then it quit again..they said they replaced the two-meters final and returned it..again about 4-5 months ,again .one trip back for bad band switch....can we get a class action suit going or something..they've had the rig in the shop longer than me to use.???have to send it back for 5th time soon,,,bet they' will want ME to pay for new final..... # # # # #waiting in wny..... # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # # #...

[KG8XG]

I have an FT-8100 that I bought about two years ago. I'm using it for a base here at home on a 13.5V regulated power supply with a home brew copper cactus J-pole.

The radio has been on almost constantly since it was bought. I have had very few problems with it since it was bought and has never been in for repair. The only problems that I have had were with the display backlight and some occasional noise in the receiver when listening to the local 146.94Mhz repeater.

The display backlight works occasionally then fails for a period then works again for no apparent reason. It is currently working only on the left side of the display.

The receiver noise is hard to explain. It is kind of a slow low pitched vibrating noise that does not sound like AC hum. It is only present on 146.94Mhz and only when the repeater breaks the squelch. It is only prevalent when the rig is cold and usually goes away once the rig has been on for a while.

I also have two VX-5R's over two years old and a FT-100D with ATAS antenna that is over a year old. One of the VX-5R rigs had to go in for warranty service once. The service was prompt and effective. I had the radio back in service in about 4 weeks. The other rigs have worked perfectly. The FT-100D with ATAS antenna was attached to a vehicle that was totaled in a wreck. The radio had to be turned off and back on before it worked correctly after the wreck but it has been used daily ever since with no trouble.

I can't say I've really had unusual problems with these four Yeasu products. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from Yeasu in the future.

[KA2BQJ]

My FT-90 works pretty well, except for two weird things.

One is heat-related. On a blazing hot day during an extended transmission I got reports of sounding like I was drifting off freqency. The radio does get very hot despite the cooling fan.

I haven't had the cold-failure problem reported here by VA3MVW, but don't feel bad; my FT-227R 2-meter rig, purchased in 1978, did the same thing! Yaesu's fix for that was to change the value of a resistor and it seemed to work as I recall.

The other FT-90 quirk has to do with the automatic repeater offset feature. I entered a 447 MHz frequency from the mike keypad. Instead of automatically selecting the proper offset, the radio would not transmit and gave me an "err" message in the display. When I try to alter the offset manually via the menu I can't do it; the "shift" menu has no options listed. The last time this happened I had to reset the radio and re-program it with the software.

I haven't discussed this with Yaesu yet...and after reading these messages, I'm wondering what will happen when I do.

Anyone got any Motorola equipment for sale?

[ka7cwu]

I have a FT-747 when it quite I sent it to Yaesu for repair $160.00 and twice to the Service center it still does not work properly. It had some cold solder joints if they were soldered properly when it was built that should not be a problem. Also their customer service sucks I was on hold for 30 minutes and finaly give up as the call is not toll free

[ND5Y]

I bought a TS-570SG almost 3 years ago. It was bad and it took Kenwood 2 attempts to fix it. They never did fix it, and refused to replace it. #All they did was swap one of the PC boards.

Last December I bought a FT-7100M wich was bad and the dealer exchanged it with another which was worse than the first one. #I sent the second one to Yaseu for repair which only took about a month. They appeard to fix everything but I won't hold my breath.

Yaesu has very poor customer service. I emailed them several times and it took them a week to respond. #I asked them to call or email me when the radio was repaired and give me the UPS tracking number, which they did not do.

I agree with the previous posts suggesting a class action lawsuit. #Numerous complaints to the California Attorney General, Federal Trade Commission, and Better Business Bureau might get Yaesu's attention too.

These posts look VERY bad for Yaesu. The worst part of it is that they are not even admitting that there is a problem. On the contrary, they appear to be flat-out lying about it. I think Yaesu owes us "suckers" a resolution to the problems that have resulted from their blatently obvious and utterly inexcusable incompetence. If such resolution does not forthcome-- and very quickly-- i, for one, would actively support a class-action lawsuit. BTW, don't be fooled by all this "VERTEX" nonsense!! "VERTEX" is just another name for Yaesu. This is unfortunate because up until "VERTEX" became popular, Yaesu made the best radios in the business. No longer so. #So let us give tham a chance to resolve these problems "their" way. But if that does not work, then let's go about gaining resolution "our" way: viz. a class action lawsuit. Corporate liars deserve nothing better!! -73-

I had been forwarned by one ham not to buy an FT-8000, and I didn't. I have owned my FT-90 for only three months, and other than the poor RX audio, it is a pleasure to operate. This rig does get hot, although not terribly. Even at that, you have to be running full power for half an hour or so before it gets that hot. It may quit working today, but so far, so good.
73.
Kenny Lewis, Jr.

[wb4dx]

I also do not buy Yaesu rigs anymore. 95% of them have been deaf or defective. Mostly deaf.
My latest purchase was a VX5R. It was great. I traded it for another radio, but later still wanted another VX5. Second VX5R was deaf, I took it back for another. Third one was deaf, sent back to Yaesu, they did not find anything wrong, so what do you do? Looks like this industry needs a lemon law.
My Ft 5100 and 5200 were deaf the 5200 was replaced once. http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif

[w8bki]

Not too many good replies about YAESU, when i first licensed, i purchased a ft-2600, what a nice radio it was (feature's wise) #DCS, ENC/DEC ALPHA NUMERICAL, the works. #I installed it into a 1997 Ford Ranger, via the fuse box. That's where the problems began. #The radio began to "spike" and loose all of the stored memory channels and then i would have to start over from the beginning. #Then a fellow ham adviced me that i should connect the lead wires from the radio directly to the battery, so that is what i did...Instantly i had a radio that preformed just like i wanted it to. #Next i purchased a ft-1500, though not as many features as the ft-2600; the radio once again had to be direct wired to the battery in order to work properly... i guess my only suggestion to everyone would be to make sure you are providing enough power to supply these radio's and not starving them from the "get go" #Other amateur's in my area own alot of YAESU equipment and i have not heard of one negative comment from any of them...so my stance on the YAESU issue is i will continue to purchase products from them...and make sure i have enough current to satisfy the radio(s) i wish to transmit on. #Most YAESU equipment have a built in "DC current" indicator on them...check that and see how many volts of power you are putting into that particular radio. #YAESU's owner's manuals specifcally state how much voltage is required for each radio that is made. #I will continue to watch this posting, because i am now considering either picking up a used ft-8100 or ft-7100 in the very near future...but what is posted here and in the future may help me make my decision a little easier...thank you and 73 from w8bki...joe

[kc0euj]

i have owned a lot of radios and 98% of them
were yaesu #i curantly have a ft-2600m ,and
a ft-221,and a vx-150,
-i have had #ft-1500m , 4x.ft-2500m's,
and other then the ft-221.
i have never had a problem #that wasn't user
error..i will admit i am not the origanal
owner of the ,ft2600m.and the previos
owner did #have a lot of problems with it.
but since i have owned it i have absolutly no
complaint.exclent rig............................................... ...
.. i will say i will never buy a kenwood
================================
please no e-mails #it is only my opinion
================================
of any kind ..

[N1UUN]

As regards Yeasu products;When I received my tech ticket I bought a Yeasu FT-51R-HP as my first set. As I was employed as an electronics technician for a local company, I had at my disposal all of the equipment to check out such a radio. I found that the power output of the set on "high power" was not 5 watts as advertised. The RMS power was 3.2 , the peak power was 5. I sent the unit to Yeasu and was told the radio was not out of specifications in a very curt and "in your face"reply.My supervisor also bought an identical system and his unit gave identical results to mine. #I am now in the camp of those who feel Yeasu is less then appreciative of us as customers. They should be aware that there are other manufactures of radio systems who do appreciate their customers and deal with them with courtesy and honesty.

[ka2ddx]

Ok, I'll jump in with my two cents. I own a Yaesu FT-920, FT-1500m and FT-7100m. The 920 is two years old and has been back to Yaesu once. Otherwise, I am extremely happy with the 920. What a dynamite hf rig! The 1500 is also very nice. I did find some non descript feature buried inside of a menu that did not work, but since I don't need that feature, I've done nothing about it. It works perfect otherwise. Lastly, is the 7100 I got for Christmas 2001. Only thing wrong with it is the external speaker jack quit working. However, I've not used the 7100 very much. Prior to these I had an Icom IC725 which is an inexpensive hf rig. Had the 725 for four years and only had a light bulb go out. Before that it was all Heathkit stuff which I ran for years. Even if my
920 would go bad again, I'd still keep it. It's great for what I like to do on hf. I've been thinking about getting a vx-5r. What do you all think of the vx-5r? Please qualify my above comments a little. The Yaesu vhf rigs I own have been used mostly in the house. The ft1500 has been in the car where it works well.

I'm thinking about the new Mark V Field. Comments?http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/confused.gif?

[wd0ct]

Seeing as how we are talking about junk er.. dud radios, how about Kenwood's infamous TM-241A!! Everyone I know that has had one of these turkeys has had display problems. I have owned troublesome radios from Yaecomwood, Ten Tec and others.

[MMI]

I am very sorry to hear all these complaints about Yaesu, because I am a big fan of their products. #I do admit, however, that Yaesu has made some stupid mistakes in their design especially with the 8000 8100 series radios. #One flaw is the vol/sql/select control knobs on the front panel. #These are connected to the rest of the radio thru SMT connectors. #Each time you press on the button it puts a lot of stress on a SM solder joint which will eventually break, in turn, not allowing band switches or killing audio output.

The next problem is the fact that Yaesu is running a 40 watt PA module (M67781L) at 50 watts. #I'm no expert but if you ask me, this seems to be asking for trouble. #Actually, this module is also used in the FT-90R for the 2M amplifier. #I have had my 90R for almost 3 years without ANY PA related problems...so it's hard to say if running it at 50 watts is the problem in the 8000 radio. #If the PA fails on you, get a service manual for the radio and see if reducing power output (thru alignment mode) will prevent the problem with the new module. #You even might replace it with another similar but higher power module, like the M67746 60 watt module used in the FT-2600M. #Anyway, this is my $0.02 worth...

-Benjamin
MMI-Comm (http://mmi-comm.tripod.com)

[n2bss]

I started this discussion and had no idea the flurry of responses it would generate.

I sent a note to Yaesu tech support and basically recevied the answer I expected:

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I don't have any record of the FT 8500 having a melt down problem. [/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

The tech did go on to say:

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">The FT -8500 is rated for 50% duty time and you should not be having this problem with a good SWR and at or below 50% cycle. [/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

Once again I feel like I'm being accused of deliberately causing the problem. Once again, the VSWR onthe antenna system is less than 1.5:1 across the band, and I actually believe in the Part 97 rule about running minimum power necessary. Even further, I've hardly used the radio over the course of the last year. So not only did I not use the 8500 much, when it was used it was run at low or medium power.

But the real clincer for me was:

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">Unfortunately there is no truth filter on the internet. [/QUOTE]<span id='postcolor'>

So how about that! Not only is there no record of the problem, we're all a tad bit untruthful as well?

[KE4MCL]

they dont acknowledge the issue and then they claim we're all lying. well, sometimes the best way to get through to someone is via their wallet. i have been advising hams all over town about this thread. we have 5,000 hams in dade county alone.

robert cruz
ke4mcl
miami fl

[ky7f]

I find that Yaesu's responses to N2BSS's questions are quite appalling, to say the least. In the company I work for, I deal with warranties, some of the being quite 'high dollar'. If a supplier sent our company responses like that, then the 'battle' would start. I've found the key to dealing with situations like that is to become relentless with them until you get a proper, equitable solution. Accept no 'spin' answers from them. Don't bluff, and be prepared to back-up what you say. Usually, you'll get resolution, but not always. If you don't get an equitable solution, then tell all your ham friends, etc. about the bad service you've received from Yaesu. If you cost them the sale of 1 radio, then you've won. Yaesu's response falls in the catagory of what I call, "The Standard Responses". The dude that gave you 'the standard responses' is just in the front line. You need to go higher at this point because he is being told what to say, and probably has no real authority. Yaseu apparently knows of these problems, and I suspect that the exchanges made in these postings are just the tip of the iceberg. They're going to 'deny...deny...deny' as much as possible. Pretty sad, huh? In a previous posting, I mentioned the problems I've had with my FT-8100. It's dead right now,and needs to be shipped back for repairs AGAIN. After reading the responses that Yaesu gave to N2BSS, I've pitched the FT-8100 in the dumpster and ordered a new Kenwood Dual-Bander. Enough is enough!

[kd7ath]

I'm not satisfied with their responsed.I agree that we have to address that problem to the higher authority or the president of Yaesu.
They should say, we will try our best to solve the problem not blaming or accusing somebody for not using or operating properly.And the problem is not only for one model but for other model too.
If they'll not reply or response good.I think we have to do some action.They should know that they have competitors like Icom , Kenwood and many more.......

73's
Ricky

[ka2ddx]

Re: the responses you got from Yaesu t/s. Remember, you were just talking to a front line support person just doing their job. Don't blame them for anything at all. When it comes to doing your job and supporting your family, you're going to do your job and support your family. I'd be interested to hear what the higher ups say.

Also, even though there are a lot of responses in this thread, the numbers are really skewed because the happy customers, for the most part, are not taking part in this discussion. Basically, you've all documented some good issues, but a trend has NOT been proven.

The real issue is whether or not Yaesu management is willing to address themselves to your/our legitimate concerns. My experience with them is that their "face" to the world in the form of customer service needs some real work. I work for a computer service company. If we blew people off the way Yaesu does, I'd be looking for a job.

I like their gear, but they need to listen to all of us a whole lot better. They have quality issues they need to address and take responsibility for. If these issues are known, then we should not be charged. Fair enough???

[privateer]

The responses quoted coming from Yaesu/VERTEX are nothing but pre-formed and die-cut B.S. I like what Enviroweenie suggested: "first let's try it their way and then let's try it our way." Well, it certainly looks like Yeasu/VERTEX has had a darn good run doing it "their way" for quite a while now. Are there any lawyers out there interested in a class action lawsuit against Yaesu? VERTEX? As for me I have a 8000 series Yaesu/VERTEX that is not worth the effort of throwing it into the trash!! And now that i have seen so many of their B.S. reports, I am ready for just such a lawsuit. These big corporations have gotton away with enough already!!

[KD5NCO]

Learned long time ago to believe nothing of what I "hear" and only half of what I "see". You folks are getting mighty stirred up over a bunch of hearsay. What can not be conveyed effeciently on these forums is the "context" "tone" of "facts" of a two way communication between other folks as reported by yet another group of folks.

I can relate for a fact that I have bought YAESU products for many years and have personally delt with their sales and service staff to my complete satisfaction. Then again I am a reasonable and moral and ethical person who does not shout at the "help" nor do I present for repair, under warrenty, any product that I broke by misuse.

I have no reason to believe N2bss any more that Yaesu in "their" e-mail argument. I also have no reason to not believe it either.

BTW the only folks who ever win in "class action" litigation are the lawyers.

If you have a real (not perceived) problem with Yaesu then you have a responsibility to deal with them up through their "chain of command". If you are too lazy to follow up your complaint to the top of their corporation but rather attempt to "go public" here as a childish method to "punish" them then you will have missed a chance to make a company better for all of us.

Really sad story...you each have one of these that you know. Joe, an aquaintance, is an idiot. He must have the best of anything anyone else has, you know, the faster car, bigger refrigerator, hottest ham rig, whatever. He is also a snob, and loud. Yea we tolerate him but not many will buy into his BS. He is also the guy that has to "mod" his rig and he also don't know squat about using it. Funny thing is his car and radio are always smoked and broken. When Ford or Yaesu won't fix it for FREE, he is LOUD to tell all of us what a sorry bunch of so and so's they are and how he will never buy from them again so There!

Well Joe isn't happy unless he can convince all of us that we too should be mad at Ford or whomever. Boy will he get into a snit if anyone enjoying a beer should dare point out that Ford should not have fixed his tranny for free, because he was the dumass that drove it three weeks knowing the oil had leaked out because the el cheapo fast lube place forgot to torque the drain plug.

Come on admit it you know Joe. Or are you he?

Modern Army Retired, got Kevlar and Nomex blast away!

73

[KB2YEE]

well here are a few people with the 8500
myself (2) 8500 were repaired more then once
kb2wqu (1) 8500 repaired more then once
wa2fof (1) 8500 repaired
wb2tk (1) 8500 repaired
so here are 5 radios within a 15 mile radius we thought that we had a bad lot from all the responce on this sugject it seems yaesu just doesn't care about quality
any more.
i have the ft736r great radio,2400 great,ft890 great
but alas these are older radios
oh i still have a 8500 but here i will grin and bear it how can i sell it to anyone?

john kb2yee

[MAB2003]

i have a FT-8000 and its in the shop at this moment i am kinda upset but i got it for free from a friend well anyways i am just going to get a a brand new one http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[w6mac]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mad.gif U can add my8100 to the list. very sour radio. I was a yaesu fan, but the repair ser has realy turnered me off. have had it in 2 time and come back the same.. w6mac

[kr4wm]

RE: All the problems with Yaesu radios.

I just got done repairing an 8100 for a buddy. Something
went south (as yet unidentified) that blew the polarity
protection diode. He claims not to have moved any wires,
and the set had been operating in the same position with
the same power supply, same antenna, etc. for over a
year. I informed him that any decent technician would
blame him for the damage because of where the damage
was.

In repairing the damage, another problem that I was not
informed of also cleared up- the radio now operated at
full power, where before it would only generate 25~30
watts. Must have had a poor connection that was repaired
when I removed and replaced the circuit board!

My own experience with Yaesu was that the manufacturer
was quite interested in clearing up a problem with my FT-100
(which by the way, they only partially repaired, the CWID
still sends KR4UM instead of KR4WM when properly programmed).
The majority of my problems were traced to the dealer who
misled me into thinking that they were doing the repair, when
in fact they shipped it back to Yaesu. Then they held it for
over two weeks without sending it back! (Communications
Headquarters in Wilmington, NC) They also told me that
they were holding a remote-head kit, then sold it to another
customer and didn't have one when I retrieved my FT-100
six weeks later! It took an e-mail and a few phone calls to
Yaesu to fix my problem.

One other problem I had with Yaesu- a "surge observer"
took a hit on an FT-740 I was working on for another
friend. The Yaesu parts department informed me that the
part was so cheap (if I remember, about 85 cents), he'd
just send me two of them N/C. Then I got a bill in the mail
about a month later. I phoned them to straighten out the
problem, and was told to ignore the letter. Then I got a
"nasty gram" about two weeks later urging me to send
payment or suffer the consequences of never being able
to order Yaesu parts again! Is this the right hand not
communicating with the left hand or what!?!?!?

Other than this, I have had good success with Yaesu
equipment. The FT-100 that was sent to Yaesu for
repairs still works (although the CWID problem was
not repaired). I've owned an FT-101EE, FT-101ZD, FT-740,
FT-530 (too complicated, sold quickly) FT-208R, FT-847,
FT-100, and FT-100D. The "early" Yaesu's were all
purchased broken/needing repairs, and all repairs
on them were done by me and worked until I sold
them. Sure was fun learning how!

One last thing- all you newbies: don't be scared! Pick
up the schematic and look around a bit before sending
your radio off for repairs! You might find out that the
repair may be as easy as unplugging and plugging back
in a jack! Get yourself a VOM with a diode tester- you'll
use it a lot more than you think! (shorted PL-259's, bad
protection diodes, bad fuses). You did get your ham
license to learn about electronics, right? http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif

73 all, -Web Williams in Myrtle Beach, SC

[KC0AHD]

I, as well have had difficulty with the 8000. Had to send for repairs 4 times in first two years. All failures related to "left side" VFO. They tried to blame SWR one time. And when I told them I checked whole antenna system with much more than a simple SWR meter, they still insisted that "finals" were damaged by shorted output. They wanted to charge me to repair, although still under basic warrantee. After some tought, I called their repair center, thas has no "800" number. And asked how is it possible to check antenna pigtail from chassis? After no reply, and couple of weeks, I recieved the unie UPS, at no charge, with new pigtail! Funny how that works.

I believe that those of you that have condemed that series of transceivers because of poor quality parts/assembly are right.

Unfortunatly, again, my "left side" is having problems again. The prob this time is that display is erratic/garbled. I guess it's off to San Ceretos again!

The idea was great, design was poor. I own several other of their models. 51r, 2500, vx150 All those seem to be ok. Maybe they'll see these messages, and offer a repair campain to fix what they started. These were sold as "state of the art" units several years ago. And just from this forum, I can see that they are not holding-up............

Just a thought,
KCØAHD
http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[kf6vam]

I've read all these post's and I'm amazed! I was planning to buy an Icom 706MIIG until a friend showed me his FT100D and an ATAS100 antenna that he has installed in his car...Slickest thing I've every seen...The antenna automatically tuning to the freq. you on...(no SWR problems there right?) if so it must be the maufactures problem!? The reason I'm writing however is to change the tiopic if I may...Many of the complaints (and I've read them all) is customer service....Well, I'd like to compliment another company on their customer service....TEAC/TASCAM which manufactures pro-audio recording products. I purchased a DA-302 Dual DAT recorder. Within 4 months it begain to manfunction. I sent it back and it was repaired...Several months later the same problem...again repaired under warrenty....several months later..same thing, this time out of warrenty but they fixed it for free....Several months latter...Guess what, same problem...This time I spoke with the service manager who assured me he never heard of a problem with these units of this nature...I said California has a "Lemon Law" with cars, what about electronics? (TASCAM is in CAlif.) He said he would take a look at it and if he needed to send me a new one he would....Yeah sure! Two weeks later sure enough, a "BRAND NEW" in the box unit came to my doorstep....That was two years ago and it has worked flawlessly week-in, week-out http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif # #So there our companies out there that do stand behind their products and I hope you all don't mind me sharing one with you!

73's # Terry

P.S. My friend with the FT110D bought it used over a year ago and has not had a problem with it...The antenna froze and Yaesu fixed it and has worked excellently ever since!

[WB9TOB]

KA2DDX's comments were quite relevant regarding not jumping down the throat of the frontline technical support people at Yaesu or any other manufacturer when they can't solve your problem because the problem resolution needs to come from a higher level. The trick so often is to figure out how to GET to that higher level. I deal with this on a routine basis both in my work and in my avocations when I have to contact a tech support line, and it's usually not an experience I enjoy.

Think about it.. you're a company that has to support your product. You have a pool of talent with which you not only have to provide support, but also have to perform in-house maintenance and repair. A substantial number of majority of complaints and technical problems tend to be user induced (in computer lingo it's known as PIBCAC... Problem Is Between Computer And Chair). You don't want to bother your top gun techies with a person who is either a) too lazy to read and understand the manual or b) who overlooked some fairly obvious and simple thing that is easily correctable. It will drive a high level technician insane to have to deal with those kind of problems on a daily basis.

So.. you staff your help desk with your basic entry level rump-swab newbie types and hand them a flow chart. The support person then utilizes that procedure to help customers solve the simple problems, and for the most part it works. If the problem appears to be beyond level one, then it is supposed to be escalated to level two with someone a little more knowledgeable and experienced. If they can't solve it, it goes to the next level. My constant frustration is that I usually have already gone through all of the steps that level one will give me to do and by the time I'm ready to call for help, I need to talk to someone a few steps up the pole. Many level one types can't troubleshoot their way out of a paper bag, so I need to talk to someone who speaks "tech". Unfortunately, company policy often precludes jumping ahead to the more knowledgeable tech support people, so all the rats have to go through the same maze.

It would appear that in Yaesu's case (and I don't know, frankly, if they are big enough to have multiple levels of tech support), enough owners seem to be having issues with the 8000 series that it merits at lest some investigation on Yaesu's part. If their techies are convinced that you did something wrong, and you know you didn't, you have a job convincing them that the problem was in the box to begin with. Unfortunately, they've probably seen too many units come back that were damaged by user error, and you're suffering for someone else's carelessness. On the other hand, keeping a customer happy who had a legitimate complaint is often well worth bending the warranty or going above and beyond expectations, and if the radio does have design flaws, the company would do well to admit that fact and correct the errors if they value their reputation.

Jim K.

[kl0aa]

http://www.qrz.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif Over the past several years I've owned several Yaesu products to include the FT-50 (failed out of the box), the 8100R (TNC interface problems - Yaesu says they found no problem and did a "tune-up" anyway) and the VX-5 (so far, so good). I'm not a heavy user by any means and I try to keep my transmissions below 5 minutes to keep the finals from overheating. I will be selling my mint 8100R in lieu of something along the ICOM or Kenwood product line primarily because of the overwhelming amount of complaints that I have read regarding Yaesu mobiles. Just checking websites such as this one, eham or even just a websearch under "Yaesu problems" has led me to one distinct conclusion; Don't buy Yaesu mobiles. I have forwarded my concerns to EVERY Yaesu email address (Japan, China, UK, CA, parts dept, etc) listed in their website and will be interested in their reply.... Maybe if we all did the same and flooded their email with our problems they would be more likely to address this issue.

[KE4MCL]

i can see there being fools out there that cant figure out which end is up on their radio but to as far as saying that this whole group is wrong in their complaints is nuts. if there was a 50/50 ratio of complaints to happy customers then i could agree, but clearly theres plenty of horror stories out there.

i think we have some yaesu employees in here.

robert ke4mcl

[KD5NCO]

A check on the repeater, here in my local area, reveals 23 folks who have the Yaesu 8100 and seems like the death toll on that rig is quite high and every one of the broke rig owners(15) was fairly angry at the whole "send it off to calif" experiance.

My informal chat on Yaesu rigs counted for 58 contacts with 23 8100 owners, 15 vx5, 11 FT-100 owners, and 9 others. No Ft-100 or Vx5 problems. But once the discussion got to the 8100 several guys called their friends and we had a big Yaesu bash for about an hour. Man some of those guys were really hot.

An interesting note: most of the 8100's were replaced by Icom's IC2800H dual bander. Also almost every one of the broke 8100 owners were NOT aware that they were part of a fairly large group.

OK time for my soap box some more:

I do NOT work for Yaesu.... just a very happy owner and glad I don't have an 8100.

I do work for the U.S. Army as an Operational Test Officer. We test every thing from shoe laces to advanced attack helicopters.

So what do we have here on this forum? On first glance it looks like there is a design flaw in the 8100. I find many more folks with the FT-100 over a year old and working properly and the same appears to be true of the vx5 HT though there are scatered reports of DOA and high swr/ low power problems, mostly resolved by Yaesu.

If I had invested $449 in the 8100 (instead I went with the sexy IC2800H for $399) I probably would be tracking down the leadership of Yaesu/Vertex Standard and getting loaded for BEAR. I would get a list of users who had lost usage of their radio and had the repair bills to PROVE it. I would get a Lawyer friend to draft a legal sounding letter on behalf of the 25-50 users and see what the Vice president of USA Marketing had to say. First rule: emotional name calling don't work. Second rule: money (sales) talks. Third rule: Don't set unreasonable expectations (they only OWE you a WORKING $449 radio).

Like KR4WM, I do a fair amount of "fixing" radios for my "friends". I will tell you my EXPERIANCE tells me that MOST of the mobile problems I see can be PREVENTED. Do NOT mount on the dash(hot,cold,hot,cold....).
Feed the rig HIGH AMP DC power, this means short as possible 10 or 8 guage wire direct to the battery(speaker wire or ciggerette lighter outlet are no no's). 21 feet of thin coax coiled and crushed under the seat WILL cause problems. Same with bare end twisted to the antenna and not waterprofed. Moisture will WICK down the outer braid shield and cause grief. MOdern automobiles are not grounded worth a frig. The entire body is painted and I promise you the electrical ground between the trunk lid and body is very high resistance. You must add grounding straps to get a LOW resistance (ohm) path back to the battery and radio (DC and RF grounds). There are many components inside your minitureized transciever that do NOT like moisture and will short or corrode and die. If you frequently get in the car or truck and have to use the DEFROSTER to get all the moisture off your windshield that should let you know that the insides of your $$$$$ miniture radio are wet also.

Yaesu and ICOM make many fine products, I am also a Ford and Nissan fan, I prefer Sony home electronics, and Dale Jarret is the Only Real NASCAR driver! So there!
73

[k6trr]

Just came upon this post, and I've had no problems from any of the Yeasu radios I purchased. I have a FT2500, FT 90, FT8500 (reg. mic), and the FT100, FT530, and FT50R H/T's. The FT530 is my very first ham radio, and the FT2500 was the first mobil rig I purchased. All of my radios are working like new. (except for the H/T batteries)
I am dissapointed in Yeasu for discontinuing accessoires for the FT8500, as I recently found out trying to get a relocation kit for the faceplate.
I guess I've been lucky so far(everything crossed not just fingers) However, a friend of mine just sent his new FT7100 back! He bought it a few months back, and recently opened the box to use the radio as a base unit in his shack. Something wasn't right with it right out of the box. He sent it in for warranty.
I am sorry