Just to prove I don’t just buy BaoFeng, I was going to do a review on the FTM-3200DR that I purchased. In this months issue of QST, I found they already reviewed it. Here it is.

Of course they cover just the basics. I purchased my radio used through a local Ham operator for a few dollars less than the going price about six-months ago. You can find them as low as $150 at GigaParts.

The unit is VHF only, but it is solid. It’s audio quality is so much better than my BTech UV-2501. The microphone is much better quality than the BaoFeng UV-2501 microphone. The keypad works much better. That is, of course, to be expected.

I did test the digital mode with my friend and was able to talk over 20-miles away on SIMPLEX. If memory serves, we had to use the high power mode of 65-watts.

The problem is that it is VHF and most of the people setting up Fusion repeaters establish them in UHF. It does not transmit digital pictures as do some of the higher end Yaesu models. It does not have APRS built-in. I do not know enough about the digital mode to comment much more on that feature.

The analog side, however, works great. It is relatively easy to program. It cannot be programmed with CHIRP. You can order a programming package from RT Systems for about $50.

I accidentally transmitted briefly without the antenna connected, once. I do not recommend you try it. You note that I said I did it accidentally and briefly. Amazingly it still worked without any noticeable degradation.

I use it mainly in analog mode, though with my current antenna I receive a lot of static receiving long-distance signals. When used with my local repeater it sounds great.

I really recommend new amateur radio operators look into this unit as a first mobile. I use mine on a power supply obtained through the same Ham friend. It is around the same price as the BTech UV-2501. Most of the repeaters I use are VHF, so this is not a problem for me. The FTM-3200DR, however, is more solidly built. I believe any amateur radio operator will find it is a good value.