Other than these things I've mentioned, It's a really nice rig. There doesn't seem to be a happy medium for the overall sound level. On the police/fire band the sound is low, on the 2m/440 band it's normal, on the air band it's loud. Also, the sound level on different bands is erratic. THEY ARE VERY TINY! You need a good set of fingernails to work them. Another issue is the front panel buttons and the mike buttons. You just barely touch anything and it's activated. The volume is sensitive, the squelch is sensitive, the ptt is sensitive. It's easy to program and the audio reports were superb! However, if I were to describe it in one word, I'd say it's 'sensitive'. The only accessory you will need for this radio is an external speaker (And a separation kit, if it doesn't come with it already)ДЇirst off, I gave this radio 5 stars because it is without a doubt a very nice dual band radio. I would suggest this radio purely off its capability to dual monitor frequencies. Just those 4 ergonomic issues are my only issue I have with it. Overall, I am happy with the radio and it's performance. With my other radio (ft1900r) that I used to have in my truck, I had it set on the number 4 out of 10 setting and never had to touch it. 4- The dimming feature only has 4 options (off, low, medium, high) Okay, the high setting is great for the day even when I have my sunglasses on, but if the radio is in your field of vision while driving at night, it is insanely bright, so you have to back it down to the lowest setting. They are very small buttons and recessed into the unit well enough to the point where it is hard to feel for them in the dark. 3- The buttons have no back-light, which at night, you can't see what buttons you are pushing. You can only lock individual sides of the radio.

2- No 1 push button locking feature for the unit. Just for reference, I'm 20yrs old and my hearing is fine. 1- The stock speaker is absolute crap if you plan on monitoring while driving, which 99.9% of us do. There are 4 things about this radio that I don't like. I love the performance of the radio and the ability to dual scan and monitor is what makes this radio awesome. Super recomended.Get one before they get discontinued ! For me at least.The best dual bander Yaesu has made in analog. YEs!, i wish they iluminate the front buttons, oh well.Nothing is perfect. The new packing for the new edition is extended and Yaesu includes the separation kit inside!!! Mounting the radio with faceplate separated from body is simple and Yaesu gives you all the easy tools to make it happen without trouble. Robust, durable, strong construction will stand the vibrations of your car. If you have a chance buy the Programming software, it is very usefull when programing many frequencies and names on both bands. Specs on both are the same and they work as cloned radios.

Rear fan was louder in the past, seems that my newer unit is more silent than the one i have from 2010, they might improved the fan somehow. Power when you need it, this radio pulls out 50W without hesitation. The internal is no good at all and the audio sounds muffed and poor. Radio is sensitive, has independent squelch both both bands, great display ( I wish Alpha and numeric would be together without having to choose individually ), great audio ( when you connected to the MLS-100 External speaker. I tried kenwood, Icom ( by the way this one was the worse ) and Alinco.Nothing works better than my beloved FT-8800R. This radio handles Intermod 'The right way' No noises, nothing but the intented frequency. I live in a very congested RF area, specially on the UHF band. I liked it so much that i bought a second one. you will regret it.Д®arlier 5-star review posted by KF6VTA on Uy one while you can because if you wonвЂ™t. but the intermod rejection and the reliability of the radio are superior. Who cares much about backlite buttons or muffed sound from speaker.

Yaesu 8800 ftb8800