>> ... It is sad that we need to spend even more money on aftermarket antennas to reach local repeaters or simplex.
With stock antenna, I can hot About 60 local repeaters where I live. The FT-60 antenna is no better nor no worse than any other $100-$500 amateur radio handheld's antenna.
>> ...As I can physically see my local repeater antenna, not being able to hit it is frustrating.
Did you purchase your radio brand new? Because if you are line of sight, like you mentioned, it should work. So either the radio is defective, which, very very rare, or you have a setup problem. Or you bent your antenna.
>> ... Batteries need to be upgraded to LiFePo if possible.?
Pure nonsense. The stock Battery will provide about three times more discharge-charge cycles than lithium.
>>...?headset or earpiece, and the radio connection does not stay in place.
I have owned several of these since the moment they were released in 2004. I have never had a genuine Yaesu audio accessory, nor any of my Heil audio accessories, accidentally disconnect. Never. In 18 years, never.
The Yaesu FT-60 remains the finest complete feature set in any FM voice dual-band HT.
Clint Bradford K6LCS
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Clint Bradford K6LCS
http//www.work-sat.com