Yeasu ftm 500dr duplex repeater build

[Guest Parker]

Is it possible to connect 2 of the Yeasu ftm 500dr to a duplexer to make a reapeater?  I know this is done with other brands of radios, just want to know if this is possible with the 2 afore mentioned radios.

[SteveShannon]

10 minutes ago, Guest Parker said:

Is it possible to connect 2 of the Yeasu ftm 500dr to a duplexer to make a reapeater?  I know this is done with other brands of radios, just want to know if this is possible with the 2 afore mentioned radios.

Technically it’s possible but it’s not really very smart. The FTM-500 is the top end price wise of the Yaesu mobile radios. You’re paying twice for features that simply aren’t needed. You would be much better with a purpose built repeater like the yaesu dr-2. 

[marcspaz]

I agree with Steve. Especially since the FTM-500 is a crossband repeater already.

 

I was using two FTM-300DRs as a repeater for EmComm purposes, but I had two radios in two different vehicles and only set them up as a same-band repeater for emergencies and training. Even then, it's not practical and I ended up getting another DR-1X repeater. 

[gortex2]

The FTM500 is not a GMRS radio anyway. I assume you want a ham repeater ? If so many better options out there but to stay Fusion the DR2 is all ou can use. 

[WRYZ926]

6 hours ago, gortex2 said:

The FTM500 is not a GMRS radio anyway. I assume you want a ham repeater ? If so many better options out there but to stay Fusion the DR2 is all ou can use. 

I was wondering how long it was going to take before someone mentioned that the FTM500 is a amateur 2m/70cm radio.

Yes the FTM500 can be MARS modded. But they would still make a poor repeater. Plenty of people have used two mobile radios as repeaters, but they never work as well as a dedicated purpose built repeater. Mobile radios just can't handle the higher duty cycle like a repeater can.