Yaesu FT-3D HT radio

February 8, 2021, I purchased a Yaesu FT-3D HT (hand held) portable radio.

It’s a full featured radio in a sub compact size.

I have had it for a month now and have had some great experiences with it.

My first contact with it was with a Diamond 77 (sma connection) antenna through the John C. Lincoln repeater run by the Thunderbird radio club.

But first, a little story how I got there.

I began programming the radio and got to the point where it was time to see if I was doing it right. I keyed the mic but no one was answering. 

Yaesu FT-3D

Diamond RH77CA HT/Scanner 2m/70cm + receive up to 900HZ Antenna

This is the BNC connector version of this popular hand held 2m radio antenna. I've choose this one quite a bit for general use for 2m, FM radio and I will try it sometime for APRS and APRS through the ISS.

Diamond RH77CA

Diamond RH519 HT Antenna

I purchased the Diamond RH519 HT as a replacement to the standard antenna that comes with the FT-3D. Again, it is the BNC version to facilitate the ease of connection and disconnect. It's an all around antenna due to the short length. It's also lightweight and petite. It seems to work well and it is the antenna that is usually found on my little Yaesu.

Diamond RH519 HT

Diamond RH3 Mini Antenna

I often will monitor a FRS channel at work and my FT-3D sits on my desk. I don't need to receive outside transmissions, just within a couple of hundred feet so I choose the RH3 as a compact alternative to the original antenna and is the BNC connector version to facilitate ease of connect and disconnect.

Diamond RH3 Mini Antenna