Is anyone using the Yeasu FTA-750L? Thoughts?

[MarkH]

I recently had a radio failure in a rental (on the ground), so I am looking to buy a handheld to keep in my bag before I start instrument training. I am mostly looking for a com, but reading the features of what is available, I noticed the FTA-750L has a WAAS GPS. I am curious how that works and what it does. Does it have a database with RNAV approaches? Just Airports? Or do you need a latitude/longitude to get a course? I cannot find a video or review of anyone using the GPS function.

Basically, what does the GPS on the 750L actually do?

 

[Shepherd]

Me!
I like it.
I use the GPS and it works quite well
As does the VOR.
The "problem" with the GPS (and everything else) is that you have to enter all the info into the radio. GPS coordinates, radio frequencies, etc.
The PC app helps and gives you a backup if you screw the pooch.
After you have all your data for a location entered, You push the comm button and select your radio frequency.Then you step to "Nav", "Memory" and select your destination,hit "enter" a couple of times and there you are.
You get an aircraft icon inside a compass rose, and a little ball indicating your course. Just fly the ball.

 

[MarkH]

I finally found something that suggests how it works, but just to confirm.

Out of the box, there are no waypoint/airports/fixes programmed into the radio, to use the device you have to add the waypoints as GPS Coordinates to memory before you can get any sort of navigation.

How many waypoints can be programmed into memory? Is there some sort of user database/list/spreadsheet of waypoints that has been passed around to make it easier?

 

[Shepherd]

I think it's 200 entries.
More than you will use, that's for sure.