The Yaesu FT-8800R is a legendary classic dual-band dual-receive mobile radio. It is capable of truly receiving two signals simultaneously and was regarded as a high-end star mobile transceiver among HAM operators back in its day, with an extremely large user base.
As time goes by, amateur radio has entered the digital era, and radio equipment has kept pace with technological progress. This year, Yaesu released the new FTM-310DR mobile radio, which can be regarded as a modern digital upgraded successor to the classic FT-8800R after the iteration of the FTM-150R.
In short, the FTM-310DR is also a dual-band dual-receive transceiver. It inherits the design and operation logic of the FT-8800R, boosts transmit power, upgrades the display screen, integrates the popular C4FM digital modulation mode and APRS/GPS functions, and adds many new cutting-edge technologies developed by Yaesu in recent years. It is truly the ultimate upgraded version of the FT-8800R.
YAESU always complies with local laws and regulations, providing Chinese user manuals, extended long-term product warranty, and localized after-sales support for local amateur radio enthusiasts.The FTM-310DR has obtained the local Radio Transmission Equipment Type Approval Certificate.
Product Highlights
Yaesu FTM-310DR Series Advantages
- Supports C4FM digital mode, both channels can receive and demodulate C4FM signals.
- Dual-band, dual-channel and dual-receive design with independent control for left and right sections.
- Equipped with Super-DX ultra-high sensitivity and ASP noise reduction, Yaesu’s newly developed cutting-edge technology.
- PGM priority frequency monitoring with 5 memory channels, ideal for frequency monitoring enthusiasts.
- AESS dual-speaker audio phase combination, delivering high-quality audio performance.
- Long strip large-area dot-matrix LCD display.
- Built-in practical spectrum scope function.
- Wideband receiver coverage: 108MHz～550MHz.
- 66-channel GPS built into the front panel controller.
- Dual microphone jacks on both main unit and control head.
- Full APRS function support.
- MicroSD card support for voice recording, screenshot saving, configuration backup and firmware upgrade.
Appearance & Design
The YAESU FTM-310DR adopts a classic mobile radio appearance design. Its strip-shaped LCD screen is divided into two independent receiving channels on the left and right. In addition to displaying the signal strength meter of each receiving channel on the LCD, it is also equipped with eye-catching LED indicator lights on both sides to show the receiving status.
The left and right operation areas are equipped with identical knobs. Volume, squelch and step tuning are arranged in independent zones, following conventional operating logic for intuitive use. All knobs adopt stepping potentiometers, replacing traditional analog potentiometers. The knobs are oversized with prominent anti-slip patterns, making them easy to operate even with gloves on. The overall operating feel is greatly improved compared with the FT-8800R.
The FTM-310DR supports dual external speaker output for the left and right channels. Users can distinguish the receiving channels by the direction of the sound.
Dimension parameters of the FTM-310DR: the main body measures 139×42×133mm, and the control head is 148×56×56mm. The total weight is approximately 1.2kg. The main unit features a standard thickness for mobile radios. Built on Yaesu’s new-generation mobile transceiver hardware platform, it is equipped with an optimized heat dissipation system same as flagship models.
The control head adopts an extended design, enlarging the control panel area to match the larger LCD screen and knobs and buttons.
It makes full use of the top space of the control head, arranging the keys on the top to reserve the maximum front area for the display screen. All keys feature transmissive backlight design.
The main unit and control head can be installed as an integrated combination or separately, connected via an 8-pin crystal cable.
The FTM-310DR is equipped with a dual-speaker enhanced audio system. It combines the built-in speaker of the main unit with the downward sound-guiding speaker on the control head to deliver an excellent listening experience. In addition, when the control head is installed separately at a long distance, its own speaker can work independently without relying on the main unit’s speaker.
The FTM-310DR comes standard with the popular SSM-85D full-keypad microphone. Compared with older Yaesu microphones, the SSM-85D offers a feel closer to commercial large-size microphones, and the additional mute function is highly practical.
Product Interface
As a mobile radio, the YAESU FTM-310DR does not have an excessive number of ports, yet its interface configuration is richer than that of ordinary models.
On both sides of the control head are the microphone jack (6-pin crystal connector) and the MicroSD card slot. On the rear side is the data socket (8-pin crystal connector) for connecting to the main unit.
The front of the main unit is fitted with a microphone port (6-pin crystal connector) and a control head connection data socket (8-pin crystal connector). The use of different crystal connector types effectively prevents incorrect plugging and operation.
At the rear of the main unit are a standard SL16 RF connector, two 3.5mm external speaker jacks, and one 10-pin DATA port.For users engaged in data communication, the dedicated DATA port eliminates the need for messy wiring from the main unit or microphone.
Product Functions and Features
As a new-generation mid-range model from Yaesu, the YAESU FTM-310DR comes with native support for the C4FM digital modulation mode, and both the left and right channels are capable of receiving C4FM signals. C4FM opens up a wealth of operating possibilities, including access to local Yaesu digital repeaters, Wires-X network connection, MMDVM internet access, and direct call sign display as an ID.
The AMS Automatic Mode Select is also standard on the FTM-310DR. In this mode, the transceiver automatically detects and switches between digital and analog modes, ensuring no incoming analog or digital calls are missed.
The radio integrates Yaesu’s latest innovations: Super-DX ultra-high sensitivity and ASP noise reduction. Super-DX temporarily boosts receiving gain, greatly improving the ability to pick up extremely weak signals and enhance signal-to-noise ratio in challenging conditions. ASP is a digital noise reduction technology that suppresses background interference through digital processing for quieter, higher-quality audio.
The ASP function requires the hardware module SPU-1. Only the FTM-310DR ASP version is factory-equipped with this digital noise reduction unit; the standard FTM-310DR needs an additional SPU-1 installation to enable ASP. This allows users to purchase the standard model at a lower cost while leaving room for upgrading to advanced features later if needed.
The FTM-310DR is fitted with microphone jacks on both the main unit and the control head. This thoughtful design offers more flexible wiring options for remote split mounting and has been widely praised by HAM users.
The FTM-310DR supports modulation modes including FM, NFM, C4FM (YSF), and AM (reception only). It features a wideband receiver with a frequency coverage of 108MHz to 550MHz in AM mode, covering aviation, amateur radio, marine, commercial V/UHF, public security, fire rescue and other frequency bands. The available transmit frequencies vary according to regional sales versions.
Yaesu adopts the AESS dual-speaker audio system to deliver an enhanced listening experience through dual acoustic output. The FTM-310DR is equipped with high audio power; both speakers are driven by independent 3W power amplifier circuits, delivering sufficient volume even for convertible vehicles and outdoor fixed station operation.
Teardown & Internal Exploration
The main unit of the YAESU FTM-310DR adopts Yaesu’s new-generation RF platform, basically identical to the new flagship FTM-510DR. It features an integrated aluminum middle frame heat dissipation structure, paired with a thermostatically controlled exhaust fan for active cooling.
Component selection, PCB board quality and soldering craftsmanship are all at a premium level. Main relays are made in Japan by Panasonic and Omron. The main power filter electrolytic capacitors are high-temperature long-life 105°C models from the well-known Chinese brand Chang. The cooling fan is a SUNON 4cm 12V 0.43W brushless DC fan. All integrated circuits feature clear marking, confirming brand-new original components.
The SPU-1 audio digital signal processing unit is an independent module, installed on the mainboard interface. The ASP audio noise reduction function requires the support of this hardware unit to work.
It can be seen from the circuit board and electronic components that it adopts a genuine hardware dual-receive channel configuration.
User Experience Notes
The FTM-310DR features a large strip-type LCD display that delivers an impressive visual experience. Although it is not a color screen, it retains a classic traditional style. The on-screen digits and physical knobs are both oversized, making it ideal for users with poor eyesight.
The left and right sections of the long LCD operate almost independently, each equipped with dedicated control knobs and a signal strength meter. The overall operation follows the intuitive logic of dual-channel transceivers and is easy to get started with. The left and right channels support arbitrary simultaneous reception combinations: U+U, U+V, and V+V.
Besides Yaesu’s signature orange-red backlight, the FTM-310DR also offers white backlight as an alternative, catering to many users who prefer cool-toned illumination.
The core highlight of the FTM-310DR is built-in C4FM digital modulation support. Both the left and right sections can work in C4FM mode and even receive and demodulate digital signals simultaneously, allowing you to monitor two digital repeaters at the same time.
Yaesu’s two flagship new technologies, Super-DX ultra-high sensitivity and ASP noise reduction, are fully equipped on the FTM-310DR, greatly helping HAM operators extend communication range and improve audio quality. Super-DX can be activated with one touch and significantly enhances reception of weak signals in many scenarios.
The ASP noise reduction effect is remarkable, upgrading the listening experience of 2&3 level signals up to 2&8 level quality. For the standard version of FTM-310DR, ASP is an optional feature that requires additional hardware module installation for upgrade.
The PGM function is a favorite among frequency watchers. It visually monitors multiple favorite channels in real time, offering more practicality than conventional spectrum display with multiple manual and automatic modes. It is far more flexible and interesting than traditional channel scanning, though system limits restrict monitoring to a maximum of 5 channels.
The menu system of the FTM-310DR combines shortcut menus with list menus. The list menu contains as many as 127 adjustable items, bringing abundant customizable settings.
Users can customize their frequently used menus into the quick setting list, greatly improving operational efficiency and convenience.
The FTM-310DR supports MicroSD cards up to 32GB and features voice recording storage. Recordings are saved in WAV format. Audio files on the MicroSD card can be directly copied to a PC for playback.
As a mid-range amateur radio model from Yaesu, it comes with built-in APRS functionality by default. APRS has a large community of enthusiasts; though not mainstream, it remains popular over the years. Via APRS, users can occasionally receive station information from extremely distant locations, bringing constant pleasant surprises.
The FTM-310DR delivers excellent spectrum display via its long strip LCD screen. It can scan up to 47 consecutive frequency steps to form a basic spectrum graph for monitoring a segment of amateur radio frequencies.Calculated at the commonly used 25 kHz channel spacing, it can effectively cover a frequency bandwidth of more than 1 MHz. The spectrum display function does not interfere with reception on the main channel, and its actual spectrum scanning speed is impressively fast.
Performance Test
Performance Test
Basic performance tests were conducted on the FTM-310DR prototype:
Actual Transmit Frequency Range
144.000–148.000MHz / 430.000–440MHz
Strictly compliant with standard amateur radio frequency bands.
Actual Receive Frequency Range
108MHz–550MHz
Receive and Demodulation Modes
FM, AM, C4FM
Measured Transmit Power
VHF: 56.5W @ 145.100MHz, current 10.6A @ 13.8V
UHF: 52.2W @ 435.800MHz, current 10.4A @ 13.8V
The rated operating voltage of the FTM-310DR is 13.8V, and it can still transmit normally at a low voltage as low as 11V.
Voltage variation between 12.5V and 14.0V has a slight impact on maximum power output.
During full-power transmission, the hardware compensates by increasing current as voltage drops, though output power still decreases moderately.
The FTM-310DR delivers excellent RF performance, with well-controlled spurious emissions at 430MHz.
Receiver Sensitivity
The FTM-310DR achieves outstanding receiving sensitivity.
With Super-DX turned off:
144MHz better than -124dBm
430MHz better than -122dBm
With Super-DX activated:
144MHz better than -127dBm
430MHz better than -127dBm
Conclusion
The FTM-310DR supports nearly all core and signature functions of the flagship FTM-510DR, with almost identical maximum transmit power and receiver sensitivity.
From a practical perspective, the non-color-screen FTM-310DR offers better cost performance, and a lower-cost version without the ASP hardware module is also available.
In addition, Yaesu’s earlier model FTM-150DR can be regarded as a version without the C4FM digital mode.