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Yaesu FTM-350AR

KC5NOI

Member
Sep 27, 2010
7
1
13
Looks like they are finally releasing an improved version of the 350.

"The new Yaesu FTM-350AR radio [expected 12/27/10] features these enhancements:

GPS Standard format NMEA ready. Way point data out.
Newly designed MMB-98 vacuum cup-mounting bracket with angle control.
APRS® will operate in the background, on single band.
Additional voice alert function.
Re-allocated often used keys to more convenient positions for easier operation.
Ability to program direct APRS® onto Programmable key on the DTMF microphone."

This is also VERY nice to know for us existing 350R owners.

"NOTE: Existing FTM-350R owners may add the above features (except bracket) by downloading the V1.2 software from the Yaesu website (data cable required)."

73's KC5NOI
 
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Well, I successfully updated the rig. Now I have to figure out what all changed. There isn't any documentation that makes it obvious, LOL.
 
ftm350 firmware

I've just recieved my 350 and love it so far. I have one question though, how can I know what firmware version I have? The radio does not show this information at power up.:confused:

Thanks!
N9VQ
 
Turn the radio on by holding the Power and the button just to the left to go to the "special" menu. You'll see the VERSION right in the center of the screen.
 
firmware

Thanks Mole! I've been following your posts on the 350 and it has swayed me into buying one. I'm not sorry I did. Seems like a great radio. Thanks again.

(y)
Rick - N9VQ
 
I found the list of changes buried in the upgrade software help. Some of these changes are significant, including the ability for the rig to now use an external GPS and also output GPS data using standard NMEA format! Here are the changes pasted from the help file:

Vertex Standard/YAESU Firmware Update Program online help * Version 1.2 (2010-Nov)

(1)Expansion of the mono-band operation display
It enables operation of a sub-band in the background at the same time as the mono-band is displayed.


(2)Expansion of the navigation function
It enables designation of an APRS BEACON station as a destination.
Even if the APRS BEACON station moves, the position of the destination beacon is followed from the newest BEACON information.


(3)An improved method of text input for operating APRS functions
The key assignments of the various text inputs from the panel, or a DTMF microphone, are improved, for convenience and operability.
The changes are as follows:

(( CLR key operation change on the "M.EDIT" screen ))
Brief press = 1-character DELETE.
Long press = Clear the character after the cursor position.

(( Smart function key arrangement changed on the "M.EDIT" screen ))
The [<-] and [->] keys associated with "E-1" are deleted, and [MTxT] and [CLRALL] associated with "E-2" were moved to "E-1".

(( MIC key assignment is changed in the edit display of the APRS function ))
[A]key : Is changed to 1-character DELETE operation.
key : Is changed to 1-character INSERT operation.
[C]key : Is changed to clear the character after the cursor position.
[D]key : Edit decision operation (restricted to the "M.EDIT" screen )
[DWN]key : Is changed to left cursor key [<-] operation.
[UP]key : Is changed to right cursor key [->] operation.

(( MIC key assignment is changed in the "M.EDIT" screen ))
[D]key : Message Transmit [M-Tx] operation.
[#]key : "%" input (the text of only the 1st character) (for voice announcement message creation)
[P1]key : [MTxT] screen display ([SET MODE G06 MIC P KEY] setup is disregarded.)
[P2]key : [VOICE] function (Voice announcement message reading function.) ([SET MODE G06 MIC P KEY] setup is disregarded.)

(( MIC key assignment is changed in the [MTxT] screen ))
[1]-[8] : Pasting of the registered fixed form sentence of APRS MESSAGE TXT.
[DWN][UP]: Fixed form sentence selection
[P1]key : End operation of a MTXT screen.([SET MODE G06 MIC P KEY] setup is disregarded.)

(( Change of operation after [M-Tx] operation ))
After MESSAGE transmission, the operation is changed to display the frequency screen.
(In ver before ver1.1, the MESSAGE LIST screen was displayed.)

(( VOICE key ))
In the MESSAGE LIST, MESSAGE, and M.EDIT screens, when the Right dial is pressed, the message may be read out. (VOICE key (message reading) function) (It functions only when the FVS-2 option is installed.)


(4)Extension of the "MIC P KEY" functions
The following was added / changed for the function of each [P1]-[P4] key of an attached DTMF microphone (MH-48).
(Setting item extension of "SET MODE G06 MIC P KEY")

[OFF]:A setup which cancels the key operation itself
[S.LIST]:Opens the "Station List" window.(APRS)
[MSG]:Opens the "Message List" window.(APRS)
[REPLY]:Jump to the "TX MESSAGE EDIT" window.(Reply operation)(APRS)
[M.EDIT]:Jump to the "TX MESSAGE EDIT" window.(APRS)
[VOICE]:Voice key (message reading) function.(On the frequency screen, it activates the read-aloud of frequency information.)


(5)APRS POPUP COLOR function addition
A POPUP display can be shown with a different back light color specified according to the kind of APRS packet which is received.


(6)Expansion of the Data terminal input function (external GPS unit)
Enables input of the GPS data from a commercial GPS unit.
Inputting ($GPRMC,$GPGGA,and $GPGSV(NMEA-0183)) data from an aftermarket GPS receiver is possible.


(7)Expansion of the Data terminal output function (WAYPOINT)
Enables output of the position information of an APRS BEACON in $GPWPL(NMEA-0183) form, from the Data terminal.


(8)Expansion of the SORT FILTER function
(( Preservation of a setting value ))
In earlier versions, when the power was turned off, the preset value of SORT FILTER was initialized. In ver 1.2, operation is changed so that the preset value may be saved. It is possible after a power supply reconnection to rearrange the sort according to the setup saved by pressing the [SORT] key once.

(( The display of LIST disagreement ))
When the contents of LIST does not agree with the conditions of SORT FILTER, the operation is changed so that "*" will appear in the upper part of the LIST screen.

(( Communication speed FILTER ))
The receiver Data Speed (APRS) setup (1200bps / 9600bps) can extract a list display now.


(9)Expansion of the BEACON STATUS TEXT setup
An operation extending the TX RATE setup is added; which always transmits frequency information, and in which an additional comment portion is carried out on menu assigned transmissions. (TX RATE = 1/2(FREQ), 1/4(FREQ), etc.)


(10)Initial value of the Data Band Select setting is changed
When the operating band is changed, the initial value of the DATA BAND SELECT setup is changed so that the designated band of an APRS function or the DATA terminal does not change.


(11)Change of the initial BEACON display screen
When an APRS BEACON including a comment is received; the operation is changed so that the comment information may be listed by priority.


(12)Change of the APRS POPUP screen
Enables accessing a direct REPLY message creation screen from the BEACON POPUP screen.
Moreover, when PTT is pressed during a POPUP display, transmission is permitted after changes to the frequency screen.


(13)Added a reception setup for MY BEACON (own transmitted packets)
A setup operation when receiving your own transmitted packets (digipeated "my beacon".) was added (APRS POPUP / APRS RINGER)
(Please read the APRS MANUAL for details.)


(14)Voice Alert function
The Voice Alert function was added.
(Please read the APRS MANUAL for details.)


(15)ALTNET filter function
A setup for "Alternate Nets" packet was added to the APRS FILTER function.
(Please read the APRS MANUAL for details.)


(16)Name changes in the SET MENU
The following SET MENU items and the names of the parameters are changed.
(Please read the APRS MANUAL for details.)
E12 APRS UNITS / E15 BEACON TX / E28 MESSAGE REPLY


(17)Correction of the QSY function
Corrected the fault when characters other than a space preceded the "MHz" in the frequency information, which prevented QSY operation.


(18)Correction of the Symbol display
Removed clutter and corrected the Symbol icon display area.
 
Hi if anyone has a diagram of the cable where you can upload new software into the FTM-350?

The cable diagram is in the manual. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll take a print screen and post it.
 
The diagram for the cable is in the back of the FTM-350 APRS manual. You can download it from the Yaesu site.
 
Firmware update

I updated the firmware in my ftm-350. The process of updating is fairly easy, but just a few heads up tips before you remove the radio top. Be careful of the speaker wire. It's somewhat short, so come off easy with the top or you could damage the connection. You'll see the plug and you'll be able to unplug the speaker to remove the top completly. Also be mindful that there are lock washers down inside the bolt holes. So be sure to remove them as well as the bolts, otherwise you may turn the top over and they all fall out on the floor! Reverse the process when you put the top back on. (y)
 
Getting close

Updated to 1.2 with no problem. Now I am trying to get it to talk to UI-View. Got it to communicate, but they seem to be speaking different languages.

Any ideas on what settings I should try both at the FTM side and the UI-view side.

Thanks
 
Got it!

I have the -350 talking to UI-View. Yea! I need to check the settings since I am still getting a error message when I connect UI-View. Once I get things right, or before if I can't figure it out, I'll post the settings.

This now make this the radio I wanted.

Ray
 

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