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Yaesu Vertex FTA 550L VHF Handheld Radio - Li Ion Battery
MFR Model# FTA-550L 110V
Overview
| The YAESU FTA-550 is packed with features, yet very affordable. Boasting an oversize full dot matrix LCD display, the FTA-550 Airband Transceiver provides full communication on the Aircraft communications Band and additionally provides VOR and LOC navigation features on the "NAV" band. The FTA-550 includes NOAA weather band monitoring and the capability of programming up to 200 memory channels with a quick and easy channel recall feature. The brand new easy to operate menu system is icon driven making it simple to navigate through all of the powerful features this transceiver has to offer. Additionally the FTA-550 can easily be reprogrammed in minutes using the optional PC Programming software and the supplied USB programming cable. |
Features
Now Meets MIL-STD-810F- The FTA-550 has now been tested and complies with the Military Standard MIL-STD-810F. Similar to commercial Land Mobile radios, all current Yaesu Airband Transceivers have been tested for durability against Low temperatures, High temperatures, Shock, Vibration, Dust and Rain, ensuring many years of rugged use.
- The FTA-550 comes configured with an easy to operate icon driven menu system. The displays and menu settings are logically configured for a more intuitive user interface.
- The FTA-550 features a huge 1.7" x 1.7" full dot matrix LCD display with full backlight and dimmer. The high resolution display makes it easier to view all the great features the FTA-550 has to offer.
- When the FTA-550 receives a VOR signal, the display will automatically switch to the NAV band screen which shows a CDI based on the received signal.
- The FTA-550 can store up to 200 Memory channels for quick and easy retrieval. With the capability of using up to 15 Alphanumeric characters per name the FTA-550 allows for a better channel description.
Specifications
- 25kHz & 8.33 kHz spacing
- 5 Watts TX Output Power (Airband: AM 5W P.E.P. type, 1.5W carrier)
- Huge 1.7" x 1.7" Full Dot Matrix display (160 x 160 Dots)
- ILS Navigation Display
- NOAA Weather Channel receive*
- NOAA Weather Alert*
- 200 Memory Channels with 15 alphanumeric characters
- Back-lit Keypad and display with dimmer
- Water Protection -IPX5 Rating
- Loud Audio (800 mW)
- 3-Year Limited Warranty
Documents
- Owner''s Manual (PDF)
- Product Brochure (PDF)
In The Box
- Lithium-ion Battery Pack
- AC Charger
- Charger Cradle
- Cigarette Lighter DC Converter
- Helical Antenna
- Belt Clip
- Headset Adapter Cable
- Alkaline Battery Tray
- USB Cable
- Ferrite Core
Reviews
So far, so good. Its big and bulky compared to more-modern electronics, but also seems sturdy and reliable. Comes with all the accessories most people will want (unlike iCom, which sells the headphone adapter separately).
Got the chance to use this radio from a pilot friend. He used it like it was part of his hand. So it got used by the numbers, and never failed. I’m getting one for myself.
Great product and fast shipping from A/C Spruce. Spruce was very helpful in determining which portable COM I should consider. Highly recommended.
Fit and finish is good but the range isn’t as good as I had hoped for on the ground however, most VHF radios don’t have the best range while on the ground.
If 550L had an earphone jack and under the cradle had a rubber, the rating will be 5. Others are good thank you very much for shipping.
The screen scratches easily. I returned it to Aircraft Spruce for refund and they will not give me credit until they send it back to Yaesu and Yaesu determines whether or not Im entitled to a full refund. Its been 3 weeks and Spruce says that they are still awaiting word from Yaesu. Meanwhile, my credit card has been charged. I returned the FTA-550L because, despite Flying Magazines claim that this model receives ILS signal, in fact the 550 only receives Localizer signals (no Glide Slope). I purchased the Yaesu FTA-750L from Spruce and it does, in fact receive Localizer and Glide Slope signals. Before I put the 750 into service, I took it down to my local shopping mall and paid $15 for one of cell phone case venders custom-install a screen protector (like they do on cell phones). I love my FTA-750L!
I bought 4 of these for the team. ground to ground they dont work to well and ground to air I was only getting about 2 mile transmit range unobstructed view
Verified Purchase
YAESU VERTEX FTA 550L VHF HANDHELD LI ION BATTERY
It only seems to work when Im talking to the plane flying right beside me. Lots of background noise and static. If I use squelch to stop it then I get nothing. Cant bring in Atis at all. All in All I would say it is a waste of money.
Q&A
Please note, Aircraft Spruce's personnel are not certified aircraft mechanics and can only provide general support and ideas, which should not be relied upon or implemented in lieu of consulting an A&P or other qualified technician. Aircraft Spruce assumes no responsibility or liability for any issue or problem which may arise from any repair, modification or other work done from this knowledge base. Any product eligibility information provided here is based on general application guides and we recommend always referring to your specific aircraft parts manual, the parts manufacturer or consulting with a qualified mechanic.
Width 2.4" / Height 5.2" / Depth 1.3". The antenna is approximately 6" long for a total length of 11.2".
You would need the radio which includes the headset adapter, two dual GA PTT Switches (for example part # 11-07712) and a dual GA headset splitter, our Part # 11-06518.
The only difference between the 110v and 220v models is the wall charger that the units come with. The 110v unit comes with a 110v charger which is standard in North America. The 220v version comes with the 220v charger which is standard in Europe. We recommend verifying your countries voltage standard before ordering.
You will need to order part # 11-12836 separately as it is not included.
No unfortunately the knobs are not sold separately.
Six AA batteries using the battery case.
