The YAESU FTA-450L is a competitively priced (COMM ONLY) version of the wildly successful FTA-550L and FTA-750L. Featuring the same Easy To Operate icon driven menu system, on a large 1.7" x 1.7" Full Dot Matrix Display. The same Loud 800mW internal audio speaker guarantees calls will not be missed. 8.33 kHz Narrow Band compatible, with a programmable 200 channel memory bank, means all favorite channels can be easily stored and retrieved with just a few button presses. |
Great little radio. Well built and works great. I use it as a backup and also as a receiver while in the hangar. Only minor complaints which mostly deal with software and menu setups.
Great radio in terms of reception and broadcast. I have this as my primary communication tool in My RANs S7 on floats. I operate from remote lakes in western Nova Scotia and routinely talk to pilots at distances of 100kms. Not a huge fan of the menu system but, although loaded up with Freqs I rarely use the stored info.. I would buy it again.
To be honest, I was on the fence about ordering the COM only 450L, or the NAV/COM capable 550L (and almost returned the 450L to do that) but ultimately decided to keep the 450L radio. Im glad I did! Out of the box it comes very nicely equipped, with an upgraded 2000mAh battery, headset adapter, drop in desk charger, alkaline battery tray, USB programming cable, cigarette lighter DC cord and belt clip. In a word, the display is fantastic...very easy to see in various lighting conditions, with adjustable backlighting and contrast. Programming is simple, as well, with free PC programming software and USB driver available right from the Yaesu product web site. The user can group channels (and name the group) in any way he or she chooses. Very handy if you have some favorite airports. The price was awesome, too...I was able to take advantage of the Yaesu Sun N Fun rebate, so a good price got even better! The radio user interface is well-designed, but if I had to nit-pick, the scanning function is a bit awkward to operate. Ive used Yaesu radios for almost 40-years in the amateur radio world, and Im surprised they didnt employ an easier-to-use scanning function, similar to what they use in amateur radio. However, I typically only scan while listening en route to the airport or at home, so this certainly isnt a game-stopper. In closing, I wanted to mention Pilot Shops customer service. I needed to contact them, and had an answer pronto. I highly recommend the radio, and Pilot Shop. And no, Im not an employee!
As of this writing Ive only had it a couple weeks, but so far, Pros - Nice interface, good comm, easy to use and program, bright display, love the data connection that allows the user to enter multiple frequencies and locations from an PC app or an .xml file. Cons - You have to use a screwdriver or a coin to remove the earphone cover plate, try doing that in flight! The data upload application was not to be found in the supplied users manual, I had to search the companies website. App is not Mac compatible.
Good pilot interface and lots of programmability. Only downside with this unit to date, mounted in my challenger, is the side tone function does not work with my DAve Clark headsets. When not used with an intercom modified to provide side tone (ie plug headset directly into radio) you cannot hear yourself when you transmit. Have tried adjusting all relative settings as per the manual. No luck. I plan to follow up with manufacturer.
Total garbage. I sent it back.
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The Yaesu FTA 450L is COM only. The Yaesu 550 and 550L are NAV / COMM units. The Yaesu 750L is NAV / COM / GPS. So the 550 adds NAV and the 750 adds NAV and GPS.
Yes, the lithium batteries are the same in both units.
The battery life level will always be displayed on the main screen of the FTA 450L.
A PTT can be used or the transmit button can be used. Either will work when using the headset adapter. Most customers prefer to add the PTT.
We have added the Push To Talk switched to the accessories carousel. Any of the generic PTTs will work once you have the Yaesu headset adapter. The most common PTT switches used are 11-12100, 13-05813, or 11-07712.
Per the installation manual there is a side tone control setup that will work when utilizing a headset.
Per the owner's manual, you can use the SBH-11 which is 11-12833.
Yes, the current inventory is the latest version with the visible black metal BNC connector at the antenna base.
Yes, the 110VAC and 220VAC adapters are in the box.
The package contains the new 2000mAh Li-Ion battery.