Yaesu ft 680r – the Best Two-Way Radio for Communication Enthusiasts

The Yaesu FT-680R is a highly versatile and reliable amateur radio transceiver that has gained a strong reputation among radio enthusiasts. With its advanced features and impressive specifications, this radio offers a wide range of capabilities for both beginners and experienced operators.

One of the standout features of the Yaesu FT-680R is its exceptional frequency coverage. It operates on all amateur radio bands from 160 meters to 10 meters, providing users with access to a vast range of frequencies. Whether you’re interested in long-distance communication or local contacts, this radio has you covered.

Another notable feature of the FT-680R is its robust construction. Built to withstand harsh conditions and heavy use, this radio is designed to last. Its durable chassis and high-quality components ensure reliable performance even in challenging environments. Whether you’re operating in the field or in a fixed station, you can trust the FT-680R to deliver.

Reviews from users of the Yaesu FT-680R have been overwhelmingly positive. Many praise its excellent receiver sensitivity and selectivity, which allow for clear and crisp reception even in crowded band conditions. The intuitive user interface and ergonomic design also receive high marks, making this radio a pleasure to operate for extended periods of time.

Overview of the Yaesu FT-680R

The Yaesu FT-680R is a high-performance amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Designed for both experienced operators and beginners, this radio provides reliable communication in various conditions.

Key Features

The Yaesu FT-680R comes with a range of key features that make it a versatile and powerful radio. It supports multiple frequency bands, including HF, VHF, and UHF, allowing users to communicate over long distances. The radio also offers various operating modes, such as AM, FM, and SSB, providing flexibility in communication.

One of the standout features of the FT-680R is its power output and antenna capabilities. With a maximum power output of 100 watts, this radio can transmit signals over long distances with excellent clarity. The radio also supports various antenna types, including wire antennas, vertical antennas, and Yagi antennas, allowing users to choose the best option for their specific needs.

Another important aspect of the FT-680R is its receiver performance. The radio has a high sensitivity receiver that can pick up weak signals, ensuring clear and reliable communication even in challenging environments. The receiver also features a noise reduction function, which helps to minimize background noise and improve audio quality.

Specifications

The Yaesu FT-680R has a compact and durable design, making it suitable for both portable and fixed installations. It has a frequency range of 1.8 to 54 MHz for HF bands, 144 to 148 MHz for VHF bands, and 430 to 450 MHz for UHF bands. The radio operates on a 13.8V DC power supply and has a battery life of up to 8 hours, making it ideal for outdoor use.

In terms of connectivity options, the FT-680R offers a range of interfaces, including USB and RS-232, allowing users to connect the radio to a computer or other devices for data transfer and control. The radio also has a built-in speaker and microphone, as well as a headphone jack for private listening.

Overall, the Yaesu FT-680R is a reliable and feature-rich amateur radio transceiver that offers excellent performance and versatility. Whether you are a seasoned operator or a beginner, this radio is sure to meet your communication needs.

Key Features of the Yaesu FT-680R

The Yaesu FT-680R is a versatile and feature-rich amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of capabilities for both beginners and experienced operators. Here are some of its key features:

1. Compact and Portable Design

The Yaesu FT-680R is designed to be compact and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go. Its lightweight construction and ergonomic design ensure comfortable handling during extended use.

2. Wide Frequency Coverage

This transceiver offers a wide frequency coverage, allowing you to access various bands and modes. It supports frequencies ranging from 136 to 174 MHz in the VHF band and 400 to 480 MHz in the UHF band.

3. Dual Band Operation

The FT-680R supports dual band operation, meaning you can monitor and transmit on two different bands simultaneously. This feature is particularly useful for monitoring multiple frequencies or participating in cross-band repeater operations.

4. High Power Output

With a maximum power output of 50 watts, the FT-680R ensures strong and reliable communication over long distances. This high power output makes it suitable for various applications, including emergency communication and long-range communication.

5. Built-in CTCSS/DCS Encoder/Decoder

The FT-680R is equipped with a built-in CTCSS/DCS encoder/decoder, allowing you to access repeaters and communicate with other operators using tone-coded squelch systems. This feature helps reduce interference and improve overall communication quality.

6. Multiple Scan Functions

This transceiver offers multiple scan functions, including memory scan, VFO scan, and dual watch scan. These scan functions allow you to quickly and efficiently search for active frequencies and monitor multiple channels simultaneously.

7. Digital Signal Processing (DSP)

The FT-680R features digital signal processing (DSP) technology, which helps improve the clarity and quality of received signals. DSP filters out unwanted noise and interference, resulting in clearer audio and better overall reception.

8. Backlit Display and Keypad

The transceiver is equipped with a backlit display and keypad, making it easy to operate in low-light conditions. The backlight can be adjusted to suit your preferences, ensuring optimal visibility at all times.

Overall, the Yaesu FT-680R is a reliable and feature-packed amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of capabilities for both casual and professional use. Its compact design, wide frequency coverage, high power output, and advanced features make it a popular choice among amateur radio enthusiasts.

Specifications of the Yaesu FT-680R

The Yaesu FT-680R is a high-quality amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide range of features and specifications. Here are the key specifications of this impressive radio:

Frequency Range:

The Yaesu FT-680R covers a frequency range of 144-148 MHz for the VHF band and 430-450 MHz for the UHF band. This allows for versatile communication options across different frequency ranges.

Modes:

This transceiver supports various modes, including FM, AM, and SSB. This flexibility allows users to choose the most suitable mode for their specific communication needs.

Power Output:

The Yaesu FT-680R delivers a maximum power output of 50 watts, ensuring strong and reliable signal transmission. This high power output makes it suitable for long-range communication and ensures clear and crisp audio quality.

Antenna:

The radio is equipped with a detachable antenna, which allows for easy replacement or upgrading. The antenna is designed to provide optimal signal reception and transmission, ensuring excellent performance in various environments.

Receiver Performance:

The receiver of the Yaesu FT-680R offers excellent sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for clear reception of weak signals and minimizing interference from nearby stations. This ensures reliable communication even in challenging conditions.

Transmitter Performance:

The transmitter of this radio is highly efficient and provides clean and stable output. It offers low distortion and excellent modulation characteristics, resulting in high-quality audio transmission.

Display and Controls:

The Yaesu FT-680R features a clear and easy-to-read LCD display, which provides essential information such as frequency, mode, and signal strength. The radio also has user-friendly controls, allowing for convenient operation and adjustment of settings.

Connectivity Options:

This transceiver offers various connectivity options, including a built-in speaker, microphone input, and external speaker output. It also has a data port for connecting to a computer or other devices, enabling digital communication.

Power Supply and Battery Life:

The Yaesu FT-680R can be powered by either a 12V DC power source or a rechargeable battery pack. The radio has a built-in battery charger, ensuring convenient charging and extended battery life for portable use.

Frequency Range and Modes

The Yaesu FT-680R is a versatile amateur radio transceiver that offers a wide frequency range and multiple operating modes. It covers the HF (High Frequency) band from 1.8 MHz to 30 MHz, allowing you to communicate over long distances using the shortwave spectrum. Additionally, it supports the VHF (Very High Frequency) band from 144 MHz to 148 MHz and the UHF (Ultra High Frequency) band from 430 MHz to 450 MHz, enabling you to communicate on local repeaters and simplex frequencies.

With its broad frequency coverage, the FT-680R allows you to access various amateur radio bands, including the popular 80-meter, 40-meter, 20-meter, and 10-meter bands on HF. It also provides access to the 2-meter and 70-centimeter bands on VHF/UHF, which are commonly used for local communication and emergency services.

In terms of operating modes, the FT-680R supports both analog FM (Frequency Modulation) and SSB (Single Sideband) modes. FM mode is commonly used for local voice communication, while SSB mode is preferred for long-distance voice communication and digital modes such as PSK31 and RTTY. The transceiver also features AM (Amplitude Modulation) mode, which is primarily used for listening to broadcast stations.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced amateur radio operator, the Yaesu FT-680R’s wide frequency range and versatile operating modes make it a reliable choice for various communication needs.

Power Output and Antenna

The Yaesu FT-680R is equipped with a powerful transmitter that offers a maximum power output of 50 watts. This high power output allows for long-range communication and ensures that your signals are clear and strong, even in challenging conditions.

The FT-680R also features a built-in antenna tuner, which allows you to optimize the performance of your antenna system. The antenna tuner can match the impedance of your antenna to the transmitter, ensuring maximum power transfer and minimizing signal loss.

With the antenna tuner, you can easily adjust the antenna for the best possible signal strength and clarity. This feature is especially useful when operating in different frequency bands or when using different types of antennas.

In addition to the built-in antenna tuner, the FT-680R also supports external antennas. It has a standard SO-239 antenna connector, which allows you to connect a variety of external antennas for enhanced performance and flexibility.

Whether you choose to use the built-in antenna tuner or connect an external antenna, the Yaesu FT-680R provides you with the flexibility to optimize your antenna system for the best possible performance.

Power Output	50 watts
Antenna Tuner	Built-in
Antenna Connector	SO-239

Receiver Performance

The receiver performance of the Yaesu FT-680R is highly regarded by amateur radio enthusiasts. It offers excellent sensitivity and selectivity, allowing users to receive clear and strong signals even in crowded frequency bands. The receiver has a wide frequency range, covering the HF, VHF, and UHF bands, which makes it suitable for a variety of communication needs.

One of the standout features of the receiver is its advanced DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology. This technology helps to reduce noise and interference, resulting in improved audio quality. It also allows for advanced filtering options, giving users the ability to customize their listening experience.

The Yaesu FT-680R receiver has a built-in automatic noise limiter (ANL) and noise blanker, which further enhance its performance in noisy environments. These features help to minimize background noise and improve the clarity of received signals.

Another notable feature of the receiver is its dual-watch capability. This allows users to monitor two different frequencies simultaneously, making it easier to stay updated on multiple channels or frequencies.

The receiver also has a built-in spectrum scope, which provides a visual representation of the frequency spectrum. This can be useful for identifying signals and monitoring activity in a particular frequency range.

In terms of sensitivity, the Yaesu FT-680R has a high sensitivity receiver that can pick up weak signals with ease. This makes it suitable for long-range communication and weak signal reception.

Overall, the receiver performance of the Yaesu FT-680R is highly praised for its sensitivity, selectivity, and advanced DSP technology. It offers a range of features that enhance the listening experience and make it a reliable choice for amateur radio operators.

Transmitter Performance

The Yaesu FT-680R is known for its excellent transmitter performance, making it a popular choice among amateur radio enthusiasts. With a power output of up to 50 watts, this transceiver provides a strong and clear signal that can reach long distances.

One of the standout features of the FT-680R is its low distortion and high signal-to-noise ratio, which ensures that your transmissions are clean and easily understandable. This is especially important when communicating in noisy or crowded environments.

The transmitter also offers a wide range of modulation options, including AM, FM, and SSB. This allows you to choose the most suitable modulation type for your specific needs, whether it’s for voice communication or data transmission.

Additionally, the FT-680R has a built-in speech compressor, which enhances the clarity and intelligibility of your voice transmissions. This feature is particularly useful when operating in weak signal conditions or when competing with background noise.

Furthermore, the transmitter is equipped with a built-in automatic antenna tuner, which ensures that your antenna is properly matched to the transmitter’s output. This not only maximizes the efficiency of your transmissions but also protects the transmitter from potential damage caused by mismatched antennas.

Overall, the transmitter performance of the Yaesu FT-680R is top-notch, providing reliable and high-quality transmissions for amateur radio operators. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or a beginner, this transceiver will meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Display and Controls

The Yaesu FT-680R is equipped with a clear and easy-to-read display that provides essential information at a glance. The display features a backlight for improved visibility in low-light conditions, making it suitable for use in various environments.

The controls on the Yaesu FT-680R are well-designed and intuitive, allowing for easy operation and navigation through the radio’s functions. The front panel of the radio includes a power button, volume control, and channel selector, while the top panel features additional buttons for menu navigation and programming.

The radio also includes a built-in speaker, which provides clear and loud audio output. The speaker is located on the front panel, ensuring that the sound is directed towards the user for optimal listening experience.

Overall, the display and controls of the Yaesu FT-680R are user-friendly and well-designed, making it easy for both beginners and experienced radio operators to operate the radio efficiently.

Connectivity Options

The Yaesu FT-680R offers a range of connectivity options, making it a versatile and convenient radio for communication purposes. It comes equipped with various ports and connectors that allow for seamless integration with other devices and accessories.

1. USB Port

2. External Speaker Jack

The FT-680R includes an external speaker jack, which allows you to connect an external speaker for improved audio quality. This is particularly useful in noisy environments or when operating in a group setting.

3. Microphone Jack

The radio is equipped with a microphone jack, enabling you to connect an external microphone for hands-free operation. This is especially beneficial when using the radio in a vehicle or when you need to keep your hands free for other tasks.

4. Antenna Connector

The FT-680R features an antenna connector, which allows you to connect an external antenna for enhanced signal reception. This is particularly useful in areas with weak signal coverage or when operating in remote locations.

5. DC Power Jack

The radio includes a DC power jack, which enables you to connect an external power source, such as a car battery or a power supply. This ensures that you have a reliable power supply for extended periods of use, especially when operating in the field.

Overall, the Yaesu FT-680R offers a comprehensive range of connectivity options, allowing you to customize and optimize your communication experience. Whether you need to connect to a computer, external speaker, microphone, antenna, or power source, this radio has you covered.

Power Supply and Battery Life

The Yaesu FT-680R operates on a 13.8V DC power supply, which is the standard voltage for most amateur radio equipment. This makes it compatible with a wide range of power sources, including AC adapters and car batteries. The radio also has a built-in power supply unit, allowing you to use it without an external power source.

Many users have reported that the battery life of the FT-680R is impressive, especially when compared to other similar radios on the market. With proper power management and conservative use, you can expect the battery to last for several hours of continuous operation.

In addition to the built-in battery pack, the radio also has a battery saver feature. This feature automatically reduces power consumption when the radio is not in use, helping to extend the battery life even further. It is a useful feature for those who frequently use the radio in remote locations or during emergencies where access to power sources may be limited.

Overall, the power supply and battery life of the Yaesu FT-680R are highly regarded by users. The radio offers versatile power options and a long-lasting battery, making it suitable for various applications, including field operations, emergency communications, and everyday amateur radio use.

Reviews of the Yaesu FT-680R

The Yaesu FT-680R has received generally positive reviews from users and experts in the field of amateur radio. Many users have praised its performance and reliability, making it a popular choice among radio enthusiasts.

Performance and Durability

Users have reported that the Yaesu FT-680R offers excellent performance in terms of both transmitting and receiving signals. The radio provides clear and crisp audio, allowing for effective communication even in challenging conditions. Additionally, the FT-680R has proven to be durable and rugged, making it suitable for use in various environments.

Ease of Use

Furthermore, the FT-680R offers a wide range of connectivity options, including USB and Bluetooth, allowing for seamless integration with other devices and accessories. This enhances the overall user experience and expands the capabilities of the radio.

Portability and Battery Life

The Yaesu FT-680R is known for its compact and lightweight design, making it highly portable. Users have praised its ergonomic build, which allows for comfortable handling during extended periods of use. The radio also boasts an impressive battery life, ensuring that users can rely on it for long periods without the need for frequent recharging.

Overall, the Yaesu FT-680R has received positive reviews for its performance, durability, ease of use, and portability. It is considered a reliable and versatile radio that meets the needs of both amateur radio operators and professionals in the field. Whether used for recreational purposes or in emergency situations, the FT-680R has proven to be a dependable choice.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• The Yaesu FT-680R offers a wide frequency range, allowing for versatile communication options.
• It has a high power output, ensuring strong and clear transmissions.
• The receiver performance of the FT-680R is excellent, providing clear and accurate reception of signals.
• The transmitter performance is also impressive, delivering reliable and efficient transmission capabilities.
• The display and controls of the FT-680R are user-friendly and intuitive, making it easy to navigate and operate.
• It offers various connectivity options, including USB and Bluetooth, allowing for convenient data transfer and integration with other devices.
• The power supply of the FT-680R is reliable, ensuring continuous operation even in demanding conditions.
• It has a long battery life, allowing for extended usage without the need for frequent recharging.

Cons:

• The Yaesu FT-680R may be considered expensive compared to other similar models on the market.
• It may have a steep learning curve for beginners due to its advanced features and functions.
• The size and weight of the FT-680R may make it less portable and suitable for on-the-go use.
• Some users may find the display size and resolution to be inadequate for their preferences.
• It may lack certain advanced features that are available in other competing models.

Overall, the Yaesu FT-680R is a powerful and reliable transceiver with excellent performance and a wide range of features. While it may have some drawbacks, its pros outweigh the cons, making it a popular choice among amateur radio enthusiasts and professionals alike.