As a new HAM (Saturday 1 August 2020), I am now doing equipment research for handhelds, for automobile, and for my homes. I found that Bob helped me out with his opinion on the Kenwood brand radio. Thank you, sir!!! :-)

I love how honest and up front you are on the subject. I have avoided buying any digital radios because of the confusion from everyone else.

My first exposure to the new digital models and you did just a great job. Very clear, very helpful.

Was looking for a comparision vid like this for a long time before I switch to digital. Thank you!

I'm a new tech and have been diving into SOTA, APRS and just familiarizing myself with connecting to repeaters and making contacts. As a new HAM, I find the information/option overload is the biggest initial hurdle. These types of videos are awesome to help prioritize! I have a Yaesu FT3D, but haven't even tried Fusion yet. I feel less FOMO after watching this. I already have plenty of chat groups. I think my time is best spent exploring different antennas with what I have. Thanks!!!

I truly enjoyed the presentation - I have the IC 51 A and still trying to understand it fully ... Your direct and well crafted presentation on the subject was a pleasure to watch ... Thanks 73

Bob, extremely helpful for an OM trying to figure out which way to go. Thanks for the straight talk. 73's.

Hey Bob. I had a blast talking with you last night. So glad to meet you. I was itching to see this. Great job!!

I am radio shopping and Bob's video answered everything for me. Thank you Bob for the info and content.

Bob, great video and answered a lot of my questions on going digital. Thanks for the great comparison!!

This has been very helpful for me. Very unbiased and answers my questions. I live in Northern Ca and there are little to none of any of these type repeaters. I will stick to Echo link and IRLP.

For someone like me who is just starting, this is a great, down to earth presentation. Big help.

Thank you for the detailed video, like you said everyone has their opinions about each. It was nice to hear the good and bad about each mode and their respective radios.

Best video on digital voice I've seen. Thank you Bob for a fair assessment of them all. Here in Iowa DMR is prevalent, but for me being in a rural setting, I have all three and use a hotspot for them. It's a hoot to listen to folks all over the world on any of these modes. Thank you for this video... enjoyed the quip about other languages... LOL.

Great summary!! I've not heard it said that clearly anywhere else! Definitely helped me, along with a search for local digital repeaters, choose the best option for me.

Appreciate the open and honest format! Thanks

Out of all the videos out there on the subject, this one actually got to the point best. Since I had already invested in some yaesu's that were not fusion radios, I went ahead and went all out and went fusion when I decided to dip my toe into the water. So far so good and you're right, fusion is the "cheapest" to get into out of the big manufacturers.

Thank you country cousin for doing a great intro to these digital / analogue radio developments. Very helpful. Stay safe.

Really great job of covering the three digital modes available to hams.. well thought out info on all the aspects of each type, the radios, you covered so much in the 16 min video. I’ve listened to all 3 a lot also and I thought it was just me thinking they sounded so much alike in the quality of the audio.

One of the best videos in the Internet that brings immense clarity on different radios in the digital platform. I guess now have to first survey the repeaters in my country and then take a final call whether to go for a DMR, DSTAR or a Fusion handy. Really appreciate all your efforts in creating these videos and making it simple to understand. Greetings from Bangalore, India. 73s VU3TQT

This is a great video, i had to watch it twice a second time after i did a bunch of research on the differences to DMR/dstar/fusion/wiresx even is.

love the videos, trying to get an understanding of all this HAM stuff... very helpful! Thank You

Thank you very much for making this video. I keep learning toward Kenwood... :) Thanks again!

Nicely done Bob. Very informative. Keep the conversation going. Knowledge is the key.

Thanks Bob! i am a new ham and have been investigating which way to go with my first radio-your video certainly cleared that up for me. KI5FRK 73.

Thanks for another great video and thanks for the QSO yesterday. I started with D-Star and then bought a DMR radio. Of the two I enjoy D-Star the most. After watching your video. Now I’m tempting to try Fusion. Thanks again. Billy N5DEA

very clear and concise... I would only add that among those radios shown, only the Kendwood D74 has APRS built in! Thanks, and have fun

Another great video Bob. Since there are no Digital repeaters near me I will wait until your open spot video to show me what all that involves. There is a guy that has his Fusion open that I have gone thru to get to the groups on Wires X. Keep them videos coming

Nice job on the video Bob and very informative. I've been dabbling in D-Star for a short time and this gives me a great overview of the different digital modes Thanks. Jerry N4oze

Thank you, for this chat. I am totally new to digital. I am mostly working from home, and am in a motorized wheelchair whether home or not. We have multiple repeaters locally, of all flavors. I think I will grab that Yaesu 70, and maybe the Kenwood too.

Much of the choice comes down to what system is favourable in your area. Personally, I like D-Star best, but all of the local repeaters are Wires-x. Makes the point of which I prefer a bit mute. I found DMR to be frustrating, it's great if you stay home, and a disaster for travel. So many of the repeaters don't have their information listed properly, or only partially listed. Not user friendly at all.

Thanks Bob, great video. I started out with DMR and wrote my own code plug which was a experience. I then found a used Icom ID 51a and began getting acquainted with D-Star. Then at club last month we had a presentation System Fusion C4FM. So... I bought a Yaesu FT5 dr. Still working on the setup for Fusion but it is exactly as you said they all can do about the same thing at the end point. Glad to hear you explain it is very easy terms for all of us. 73 Jeff KE0KRO.

Thanks for this thorough discussion. Truly excellent and very helpful!

Just bought the 70Dr fusion ,going to try it out,was messing with frm, n had a Estar, couldn't stand the thing ,to hard to operate! For me! Thanks for what you do Bob!😎

Great job Bob.Thanks for all the info.I got a Ft2D and it is up and working.Also have a FDT 400 and need to get it up and working on digital.Using a hot spot no fusion repeater in my area.

Thanks Bob. Very informative. I went with the Yaesu FT70DR

Excellent. Just getting started. It's a great hobby and looking forward to diving in a bit deeper

Great video. Thanks for the explanation. Locally, I have a Fusion repeater. No D-star. The local ham shop said there's lots of DMR usage in the area. I'm leaning towards the FT-70dr at the point as I want to go analog with it as well. Since you don't like the analog capabilities of the DMR offerings so far, that kind of seals it for me.

I first got my license in 1967 but let it lapse in the late 90s. I just got it back and digital amateur radio is new to me. This is the best, cut to the chase video about the subject I have seen. Thank you.; W1RNY

Informative video. In the market for a mobile rig. Looking into all three digital modes and this video helped with that. Thank you.

Excellent video, one of the best about this topic.

K6UDA, this the best explanation of the price, quality and usage of the 3 digital radio systems. Thanks for building an excellent video that helps radio users to make their decision.

Thanks for taking the time to share your knowledge. I have been a ham since the early 1990's but took a bit of a break from amateur radio in part due to my job. I worked as an EMS Lieutenant and a lot of my time was spent in the communications center...surrounded by radios. Anyway...I have since retired (Jan 2017) and I am getting back into ham radio. I dug through the closet and set up my shack and car with some older equipment. As I started plugging in local repeaters...I was noticing comments/notations in the ARRL repeater directory that I did not recognize. Apparently we have gone digital in a number of places :-) Deciding upon which mode to follow....kinda reminds me of the Beta VS VHS decision a while back and the BluRay Vs...I don't remember...Vs another format.... Anyway...time for me to re-educate myself about amateur radio and your video gave me a great start. Thanks again! Scott N1KMX

I recently picked up a Yaesu FT-70D at a Ham flea market for a hundred bucks. It's my first foray into digital amateur radio of any kind, and I have been pleasantly surprised by System Fusion's ease of use, especially after having attended a DMR presentation at a ham club meeting. Getting on a local WiresX repeater was easier than getting on the local analog repeaters and I was pleased to be able to participate without having to buy a Hotspot. This video seems very well considered - thank you.

Very good rundown/comparison, thanks.

Thanks this is the information I was looking for thanks again

Thanks Bob, Great video and answered all my questions. Very informative!

A great video comparison at 10k foot level, Bob ... It should certainly help people on the decision fence on mode or $ to make a good decision. Thumbs up!

I went out and bought both the Yaesu FT-70D and the Kenwood TH-D74. I have to say after using them both for a year, I love them both. Most of my repeaters around me are YSF/WIRESX or DMR but when I travel to a new area, it is so easy to get on D-Star if they have a repeater. And I use APRS on my Kenwood daily. I just need to get me a hotspot at home for home D-Star use. Anyways, great video and content.

I just got a zumspot and a yaesu ft-70d. Love both of them already. Was wanting to start to get into the digital side of ham radio. With buying the ht it didnt break the bank and was able to get into digital pretty cheap I think. I'm starting to like it and looking into getting the dmr and d-star side of it as well. Great video Bob 73s

Another good explanation video. Will share with club as this topic always comes up

Bob, I enjoyed the relaxed-style video (all of 'em) Just gotta say - You are the sorta guy that makes me just want to sit out there on your Patio and rag-chew ham-radio with you for hours! - but your videos are next best thing - Thanks!

Great video, Cleared up some of the confusion. NB4T.

The best explanation I’ve heard on KZfaq for a newer ham not familiar with the digital world side of ham radio liked and subbed sir. KG5AUB 73

Thanks for the info. Very helpful. Grew up in Auburn to boot.

I agree on sound quality there the same. My poison is DSTAR. I use DMR but it's not my go to and fusion is great but limited to the hotspot do to the lack of repeaters. Great video

As a new Ham operator to the Digital world . this was a great presentation.. Thank you...!

I know this video is a couple years old now, but the info is spot on. I switched careers several years ago and went into communications. Having gotten a first hand look at LTR, NXDN and DMR in a commercial venue it was natural to want to play with DMR as a ham. Your summary of DMR being designed around enterprise application is spot on. It's not like as hams we don't have a habit of using commercial equipment, but for hams that can be limiting,. It doesn't allow agility and adaptation to operating(especially travel, as you noted). The commercial setups are designed to be setup and then given to folks who only need to use the device on only one or just a handful of channels. The other thing that kept me from getting seriously into DMR is the local DMR group. Yes, they've got a whole huge network of repeaters, but their onerous rule set, operating limits and apparent attitude regarding their system, means you might as well not use it, and I know more guys that've stopped DMR use because of it. I heard such bad reports about the group I stayed away from D-Star and Fusion thinking it had something to do with digital modes all together. I've finally started playing with D-Star and I'm finding that mode to be much more ham friendly, especially with a new ID4100 in the truck making it so easy! I haven't tried Fusion, but if Yaesu has made it that easy it might be worth a look too. I think If I had it to do over, I would've left my DMR experience at work and concentrated solely on D-Star or Fusion for my hobby and/or Emcomm use. Yes, the initial cost of some DMR radios is cheap but I think the other modes will have a more longevity for me in the hobby. Thanks for the vids! 73 KX3A

Thanks Bob. Great video. I just received my D74A this past week and am learning all about it. Since I do not have a D-STAR repeater in the area, I will have to depend on a hotspot. I can't wait to see your review of the new OpenSpot2. I hope it will have access to the X Reflectors. 73 de Bob, AJ5C

Great video. Thx for a good overview

Thank you!!!! This cleared things up very well

Bob, I have to say this is one of the most honest reviews I have seen on multi brand ham radios! Great review I have a digital mode yaesu mobile really haven't played with it much yet and not sure it is Fusion capable I got it for a offroad vehicle so not the top model. Keep the videos coming great info.

Great video, I know there's been some changes since this video was made, but everything is still very relevant. I will say that I haven't had audio issues on analog with my BTech (Basically an Anytone) DMR radio. It's my go to travel radio. Its not the simplest and most easy to program from the keypad, but I can do it. And it works great on analog as well. The only thing is it dosnt have my beloved 220 MHz band.

great video and very informative I always wondered the differences and you cleared it up also judging by the tattoo if you were in the service thank you for that

I'm learning more and more! Dstar is big in my area. I'm leaning icom id-52 unless I can find a good used radio. I have a id4100 as my mobile

Great vid, very informative and good pointers

Really insightful ... Lots of good info. Thanks!

We each got the FT-70. Haven't been on Fusion yet, but this radio is versatile. Glad we got them. Thank you for the thorough explanation. 73 de KD9NGU

Best evaluation I’ve seen yet. Great job, informative and fact filled. My conclusion is that I’ve got to pick one of the major manufacturers, Yeasu, Kenwood or Icom, and then I must purchase a cheap DMR so that I can talk to anyone. DMR is open source, any manufacturer can add it without paying for a patent license. It would be great if the major 3 would add DMR into their radios as a universal solution. Until one of these gets smart and adds DMR I will just have to carry 2 radios.

Great information! I'm looking at getting an AnyTone 878 due to the fact that I can get almost full state coverage with DMR. Video wise: I loved the switching scenes. However, I would recommend making sure you level the audio when doing so. I had to constantly mess with my volume levels to ensure I could hear you without waking up my wife. Please keep them coming!

Thanks for the honest feedback very insightful

Very informative, thank you!

Tks very well and clear explanation. Good job

I consider getting the ID-4100 for my truck. It does all I need and it will find repeaters near me. On top the 4100 is small enough for install and the price is great. This video is a great help to definitely skip the DMR stuff. Thanks

Thanks! Best video on the subject I seen. Going to get the FT70 DR.

Excellent Video !!! You ROCK!!

A really good overview ... well done.

Thanks for the video, suggestion for future videos: run your video through a free program called MP4 Gain for PC, it will equalize your audio volume levels from all of your clips to the same level once you run your finished video through the program. I have noticed when your video clips goes from inside to outside, place to place the volume differs. Thanks again for your effort to make these very helpful videos. ✌️🙂

I have a Fusion radio, and I love it. You can operate on Fusion or DMR if you use a Pi-star hot spot. It seems the most versatile that you can use it on two of the digital modes.

I have the MD380 and a SharkRF Openspot and use my phone and a TP Nano for WiFi, battery pack for portable use.I can do DMR, FCS, and WiresX. The analog part of the MD 380 is great no complaints. Cheap way to go

So true the choice is a matter of personal preference. I have all three and here is what i have managed to derive. DMR is popular now but even the high end HT are either super expensive Motorolas or made in China. Yeasu System Fusion is really easy and the FT 70 is alot of bang for you buck. D-Star is my personal favorite because of the ability to locate near by repeaters by your GPS location. Also D-Star is the most popular in my area. The Icom 51plus two is my current EDC.

Thanks for a great Info video, very well done.

Excellent video, Thanks Bob

I got a way to get on DMR in October 2018. Nice one way to get communicated across the world. You're right about: all 3 modes are simply the same , and user can take him/her choice which way to get connected. 73

Fantastic video, thank you!

Good stuff Bob! I look forward to using my FT2DR on my next SOTA and seeing how it works. I totally agree on the DMR and lack of ease to program on the fly as a huge downside. Stay safe, but then again I think you might have already retired? Fellow LEO here.

Excellent discussion and explanation. If I were in a populated area with adequate infrastructure, I would probably try digital. (I run a Yaesu 400XDR in my pickup and an FT-991A as one of my base units). Problem is, here in the Northern Rockies there isn’t a Fusion repeater within 300 miles of me, (closest DSTAR 150 miles) and probably never will be. My internet is slow DSL, topping out on a good day at 4.5 Mbps, and we’re lucky to have that. On the other hand, we’re at 5,700 feet above sea level and the sky is always blue except when it isn’t. Anyway... I enjoyed the video. Always interesting to see how the other half live. 🍻

I started out with a ID-51 primarily for analog. I just loved the versatility. Got me a 5100 and decided to start with DSTAR. Waiting on a hotspot so I don't have to tie up 30c (which my local repeater is always connected to) if I just want to have some QSOs. I love how easy DSTAR is once you know what you're doing. I'm looking into DMR just to play with (still seems very daunting). I plan on eventually getting into fusion, at some point. But for that I might spring for the ft-3dr.

Get the same digital modes as your friends! Someone to talk to. Someone to help with configuration. Well done, Randy

I am new to all of this but I am interested in digital radio. There is one DMR repeater in my area but I live in a small town and I would like to explore the possibilities of DMR on the web. Yes, I am on a budget so I am leaning on the DMR radios for that reason. I appreciate how you spelled all of the options out. Now, if I can find a source of information that takes me through setting up a DMR radio and a hotspot, I will start this journey.

Thanks a lot for this very informative video. Now I know which system to buy

Great review. Lots of usefull info and thoughts. Thanks. :-)

Another great video, Bob. Thanks for that. I bought an Anytone 868 and a ZUMspot initially to get my DMR feet wet. But I especially like the Kenwood's ability to seek out D-Star repeaters. Thanks for the recommendation. Will be looking for one of those for my next HT - Alan, W6LAN

Fusion works well...and the AMS mode is great on fusion. It will let analog or digital contact you

I've seen Dstar audio quality differ from radio to radio. I did an on air simplex test. FM, P25 and Dtsar on IC7100. Performance was in the order listed. However P25 out performs analogue when you have weak signals. When we had weak signals we couldn't hear the P25 when tuned to FM but P25 radios were able to demodulate the audio.

Best honest review on the planet. :)

Excellent for newbies Excellent for comparisons (Helicopter noteithstanding)

After looking at the video i am going with fusion my club has a fusion repeater. We were one of the first clubs to get one when fusion started. I am new the digital stuff. Starting fresh with new equipment. Been off the air for years getting my feet wet like a new ham again.

Your wrap up - if you have a lot of Fusion Dstar or DMR in your area you want to go that route! Right on. Enjoyed your informative video - except for the change in volume between you filming indoors then outdoors. Thanks for the info!

Love your stuff I would like to get into D-Star but it is way out of my $$$ range so I'll just stick with my second-hand VHF.