As usual for Yaesu C4FM transceivers, the FT-5 is equipped with a GPS receiver with up to 66 reception channels. This allows for the popular APRS, as well as the exchange of position data via digital voice function C4FM.
The color touch screen is used for convenient operation, making the display and configuration of all parameters much easier. Its robust housing is protected with IPX7 and with its rubber corners, it can withstand even small drops. Like its predecessor, it has a built-in Bluetooth unit, which allows operation with headsets also via VOX. A microSD memory card slot is available for the many memories and as a backup for the settings.
The wide reception range of the FT-5DE is very practical: Medium wave, short wave, and FM broadcast. Receiver from 500 kHz to 999 MHz, all capabilities in AM, FM, WFM, and C4FM are available. So you can listen to the latest news even when you are on the move. The transmitter offers full power output of 5 Watts, but you can also reduce the transmission power to save electrical energy. Speaking of power, the rechargeable SBR-14LI battery is provided with a capacity of 2200 mAh, which is enough for a whole day of hiking.
Operation is greatly simplified by the touch screen, so menu settings can also be made quickly. A new feature from Yaesu is the so-called Touch & Go. Here, several frequencies are stored in a primary memory group (PMG), which you can access very quickly with a special key. When this key is pressed, the activity on all these frequencies is displayed in a bar graph, with one tap on the bar and you have set this frequency. Very practical.
The built-in satellite receiver uses navigation satellite systems such as GPS (Navstar), Beidou, Glonass, and Galileo. So you are always well informed about your own position. This information can then be transmitted via APRS or C4FM. The Bluetooth function connects to an optional headset or hands-free kit for maximum convenience on the go. The bandscope shows activity on up to 79 channels around the currently set frequency, so you can quickly orient yourself and find contact even in an unfamiliar area.
With C4FM, position data is transmitted in parallel with the voice signal and used by the remote station to indicate direction and distance.