Yaesu FTA-550L Handheld Airband Transceiver w/ILS (Localizer) & VOR Navigation

Yaesu FTA-550L NAV-COM Aviation Transceiver Overview:

The Yaesu FTA-550L is a VHF Airband Transceiver packed with features, yet very affordable. Boasting an oversized full dot matrix LCD display, the FTA-550L Airband Transceiver provides full communication on the Aircraft communications Band (“COM” band: 118 ~ 136.975 MHz) and additionally provides VOR and ILS navigation features on the “NAV” band (108 ~ 117.975 MHz). The Yaesu FTA-550L includes NOAA weather band monitoring and the capability of programming up to 200 memory channels with a quick and easy channel recall feature. The brand new, easy to operate, menu system is icon driven making it simple to navigate through all of the powerful features this transceiver has to offer. Additionally the Yaesu FTA-550L can easily be reprogrammed in minutes using the optional PC Programming software and the supplied USB programming cable.

Features of the Yaesu FTA-550L Airband Transceiver:

• 5 Watts TX Output Power (Airband: AM 5W P.E.P. type, 1.5W carrier)
• Huge 1.7″ x 1.7″ Full Dot Matrix display (160 x 160 Dots)
• ILS Navigation Display (Localizer)
• VOR Navigation Display
• NOAA Weather Channel and Weather Alert (USA only)
• 200 Memory Channels with 15 alphanumeric characters
• Back-lit Keypad and display with dimmer
• Water Protection -IPX5 Rating
• Loud Audio (800 mW speaker)
• High capacity Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Battery (2000 mAh)
• 25 kHz and 8.33 kHz channel spacing
• Alkaline Battery Tray (AA x 6) also included
• Headset Adapter included
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter included

Easy to operate!  The FTA-550L comes configured with an easy to operate icon driven menu system. The displays and menu settings are logically configured for a more intuitive user interface.

Great display!  The FTA-550L features a huge 1.7″ x 1.7″ full dot matrix LCD display with full backlight and dimmer. The high resolution display makes it easier to view all the great features the FTA-550L has to offer.

Navigation! When the FTA-550L receives a VOR signal, the display will automatically switch to the NAV band screen which shows a CDI based on the received signal.

Well accessorized!  Includes rechargeable Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) Battery, AC wall charger, DC Cigarette Lighter Adapter, headset adapter cable, alkaline battery case, belt clip, and USB programming cable.  Everything needed, right out of the box.

The Yaesu FTA-550L features a IPX5 waterproof design protects it against rain and water jets. Great for flight line personnel, airshow use, and anyone using a transceiver outdoors where it may rain. In addition it’s 800 mw audio amplifier makes the FTA-550L louder than any other handheld transceiver available today (for example, it’s about 35% louder than the Icom IC-A23). The Yaesu FTA-550L is powered by a high capacity 2000 Mah Lithium Ion battery that will last over 13.5 hours between charges.

200 memory channels can be easily programmed into the FTA-550L allowing quick easy access to frequently used channels on the aviation band.  Each “book memory” channel can be programmed into the unit using the optional PC programming software and cable. All memory channels can be labeled with either a channel number assignment, operating frequency display, or an alpha-numeric channel name display.

Breaking the squelch threshold has never been easier. Press the Squelch button for two seconds and the FTA-550L’s squelch remains opened for monitoring weak and distant signals. Pressing Squelch again restores squelch settings. This is TRUE one handed operation. No need to fumble with tightly spaced concentric knobs!

Receiver Battery Saver feature is designed to maximize the life of the transceiver’s battery. When the FTA-550L is in the standby mode the battery saver de-energizes the transceivers circuitry, waking up at user selected intervals to sample for radio activity. If no activity is detected the FTA-550L goes back into its sleep mode. Current consumption is minimized, thereby maximizing battery life. This feature is only found on Yaesu’s air band transceivers!

The FTA-550L can receive all 10 NOAA weather broadcast frequencies. The Automatic Active Weather Channel Locator automatically scans for active NOAA weather stations in your area when the Weather band is selected.

Your Yaesu FTA-550L includes:

• Lithium Ion battery (2000 mAh)
• AC Charger
• Charger Cradle
• Cigarette Lighter Adapter
• BNC Helical Antenna
• Headset adapter
• Alkaline battery tray
• Quick Draw Belt Clip
• USB Cable
• Ferrite Core
• User Guide / Operating Manual
• Warranty Card

Frequency Range
TX 118.000 – 136.975 MHz (COM Band), RX 108.000 – 117.975 MHz (NAV Band), RX 118.000 – 136.975 MHz (COM Band), WX channels WX-01 – WX-10 8.33 Khz channel spacing.

Channel Spacing
User selectable 25 kHz or 8.33 kHz

Power Output
5.0 W (PEP), 1.5 W (Carrier Power) @ 7.2 V DC 700mw audio amplifier.

Case Size (WxHxD): 2.4 x 5.2 x 1.3 inches (62 x 133 x 34 mm) without knob or antenna
Weight (approx.): 14.5 ounces / 410 grams with battery and antenna