Yaesu FT-70D and ICOM IC-F6022

My Experience with the Yaesu FT-70D and ICOM IC-F6022: Two Reliable Companions on the VHF/UHF Bands

Written by: Ayberk Korkmaz – Electrical and Electronics Engineer | Amateur Radio Operator TB7AEK | Broadcast Technologies Specialist

Amateur radio isn’t just about talking on the airwaves—it’s about understanding the equipment, testing it in real environments, and learning what each radio offers in practice.
Today, I’d like to share my hands-on experience with two radios I actively use: the Yaesu FT-70D handheld and the ICOM IC-F6022 mobile unit.

🔹 Yaesu FT-70D: Compact Power with Digital Clarity

The FT-70D is a compact handheld transceiver from Yaesu that supports C4FM (System Fusion) digital mode.
Its ability to operate in both analog and digital modes makes it a versatile tool for various communication scenarios—from simplex chats to repeater use.

What I Like About It:

• Crystal-clear C4FM audio: Digital clarity is impressive, with minimal noise and distortion.

• Rugged and portable: Easy to carry during hikes, field days, or mobile operations.

• Practical VFO/Memory mode switching, and while the menus may seem complex at first, they become intuitive with time.

• Simultaneous analog/digital monitoring is a great plus.

Where I Use It:

• Outdoor and mountain activities

• City-based repeater traffic (especially digital)

• APRS and local simplex comms

🔹 ICOM IC-F6022: Commercial-Grade Stability with Amateur Spirit

The ICOM IC-F6022 is primarily a commercial-grade mobile radio, but it can be easily reprogrammed for amateur VHF use.
I have it permanently mounted in my vehicle, and it has become an essential piece of my mobile communication setup.

Highlights:

• High power output (up to 50W)

• Strong audio performance—both speaker and mic quality are excellent

• Durable and built for tough environments

• Customizable channel setup for fast access to frequently used frequencies

How I Use It:

• Vehicle-based repeater access

• Mobile simplex communication

• Event and field operations as a fixed station

Side-by-Side Comparison

FeatureYaesu FT-70DICOM IC-F6022TypeHandheld (Portable)Mobile/Base UnitModes SupportedAnalog + Digital (C4FM)Analog (VHF)Audio QualityExcellent in digital modeDeep and clear in analogBuild & DurabilityCompact, IP54 ratedHeavy-duty commercial bodyProgrammingManual + SoftwareFully software programmable

Final Thoughts

As an amateur radio enthusiast, I’ve found that the Yaesu FT-70D opens the door to the digital world, while the ICOM IC-F6022 offers robust, stable analog communication in the field.
Both radios serve different purposes in my daily activities—whether I’m operating from the field or from my vehicle.
For newcomers, I’d recommend starting with something like the FT-70D, but for those seeking a mobile base setup, the IC-F6022 is a fantastic, dependable option.

📡 The airwaves are always open—see you on frequency!
🎙️ Ayberk Korkmaz – TB7AEK
www.ayberkkorkmaz.com