Yaesu FT3D vs Kenwood D74
I’ve had a Kenwood TH-D74 for almost two years now, and was curious to get a sense of what the competition is like. Seems like everyone’s recommending the Yaesu FT3D. So I got one, and I think I’ve played around with it enough now to have an informed opinion.
Summarizing the feeling of them, while I have my complaints about the usability of the D74, the FT3D is like a time machine back to the 90s in how well the interface is though through.
I’m sneaking in some mentions of the AnyTone 878UV too. But I’ve not used it enough to have a solid opinion yet.
Programming
With the FT3D upgrading the firmware is a two step process, where you have to flip a little hidden switch first to “up”, to upgrade one firmware, then to “down”, to upgrade the other. And then flip it back to “middle” for normal mode.
The FT3D programming software costs $25 and comes with a special cable, but the software also seems downloadable from their website. The USB cable seems to require a special driver. I guess that’s what you’re paying for. At least you can download the software and put the data on Continue reading


