📡 3D-Printed Mount for the FTM-510 & FTM-500: why pay €60 or more for a commercial mount when your 3D printer can make a custom one for less than €3? This complete guide walks you through making a 3D-printed mount for the Yaesu FTM-510DE and FTM-500DE mobile transceivers: free STL files, choice of material, print settings and installation tips.
📻 Introducing the Yaesu FTM-510DE and FTM-500DE
The Yaesu FTM-510DE and FTM-500DE are dual-band (144/430 MHz) mobile transceivers designed for use in a vehicle or as a base station. These compact radios offer the C4FM (System Fusion) digital mode in addition to conventional analogue FM, giving superior audio quality and advanced features such as data transfer and GPS messaging.
Yaesu FTM-510DE ASP: 144/430 MHz C4FM/FM mobile transceiver with colour touchscreen and DTMF microphone. Photo: RigPix
The FTM-510DE is the most recent model (2024) and succeeds the FTM-500DE. It keeps the same compact form factor with a separable remote head, so the body of the radio can be mounted under a seat or in the boot, with only the control panel kept within reach. It is precisely this remote head that needs a suitable 3D-printed FTM-510 mount.
Yaesu FTM-500DE: the compact predecessor with a colour TFT display. Photo: RigPix
FTM-510DE vs FTM-500DE comparison
| Feature | FTM-510DE | FTM-500DE |
|---|---|---|
| Bands | 144/430 MHz | 144/430 MHz |
| TX power | 55W (VHF) / 50W (UHF) | 50W (VHF) / 40W (UHF) |
| Modes | C4FM, FM, AM (RX) | C4FM, FM, AM (RX) |
| Display | 2.4" colour TFT touchscreen | 2.0" colour TFT |
| Super-DX | ✔ Yes | ✘ No |
| ASP (Audio DSP) | ✔ Yes (ASP version) | ✘ No |
| Bluetooth | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Built-in GPS | ✔ Yes | ✔ Yes |
| Remote head | ✔ Separable | ✔ Separable |
| Dimensions (body) | 139 × 43 × 120 mm | 139 × 43 × 120 mm |
| Weight | ~1.2 kg | ~1.1 kg |
| Guide price (Switzerland) | ~CHF 550-650 | ~CHF 400-500 |
💡 Good to know: Both models share the same remote head dimensions and the same mounting system. A 3D-printed FTM-510 mount designed for one is therefore compatible with the other. The STL files are interchangeable.
🛠 Why a 3D-printed mount?
Yaesu offers official mounts such as the SJMK-500 (separation kit) and the MMB-103 (mobile bracket), but they have several drawbacks:
- High price: the SJMK-500 costs around CHF 60-80, the MMB-103 around CHF 30-40
- Limited availability: often out of stock at dealers
- No customisation: a single angle, only one possible configuration
- Basic materials: standard moulded plastic with no reinforcement option
3D printing offers an inexpensive, customisable alternative for creating a 3D-printed FTM-510 mount perfectly suited to your installation.
💰 Unbeatable price
Less than €3 of filament compared with CHF 60-80 for the official SJMK-500 mount. That's a saving of more than 95%!
✎ Fully customisable
Adjust the tilt angle, add cable passages, change the dimensions: the STL file is your starting point.
⚡ Immediately available
Download the STL and print it in 3 hours. No more waiting for a delivery or putting up with stock shortages.
🌐 Open-source community
Dozens of free models on Thingiverse and Printables, improved by the amateur radio community.
📄 Free STL files for the 3D-printed FTM-510 mount
Several STL models are available free of charge to print an FTM-510 or FTM-500 mount. Here are the best models tested by the community:
| Model | Type | Platform | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTM-500 Desktop Stand | Desk stand | Thingiverse | M5x10mm screws. Simple and effective. |
| FTM-500 Head Unit Mount | Vehicle mount | Thingiverse | ABS recommended. Tested for 1+ month in a car. |
| FTM-500 Car Mount (lighter socket) | Cigarette lighter mount | Printables | Non-invasive installation, no drilling. |
| FTM-500 Jeep JL Mount | Jeep-specific mount | Printables | Designed for the Jeep JL/Gladiator dashboard. |
3D-printed desk stand for the FTM-500/510 remote head. Model: Zamboni216 (Thingiverse, CC)
🔗 STL download links:
📦 FTM-500 Desktop Stand (Thingiverse): desk stand with M5 screws
📦 FTM-500 Head Unit Mount (Thingiverse): sturdy ABS vehicle mount
📦 FTM-500 Car Mount (lighter socket) (Printables): cigarette lighter mount
📦 FTM-500 Head Mount Jeep JL (Printables): Jeep-specific mount
📦 Yeggi search “FTM-500”: STL search engine to find other models
ABS vehicle mount for the FTM-500/510 remote head. Model: Arkanoid1000 (Thingiverse, CC)
🏭 Which material should you choose for the 3D-printed FTM-510 mount?
The choice of material is crucial, especially if the mount is intended for a vehicle. Temperatures inside a car in the sun can easily reach 60-80°C in summer, which exceeds the heat resistance of PLA.
| Material | Deformation temp. | Strength | Ease of printing | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | ~55-60°C | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Desk / indoors only |
| PETG | ~75-80°C | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Vehicle ✔ (recommended) |
| ABS | ~95-105°C | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | Vehicle / outdoors (the most resistant) |
| ASA | ~95-100°C | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | Vehicle / UV-resistant |
Comparison chart of deformation temperatures by 3D printing material
⚠️ Warning, PLA in vehicles: PLA starts to deform from 55°C. In Switzerland, the inside of a car in full summer sun can reach 60-80°C. Never use PLA for a 3D-printed FTM-510 mount intended for a vehicle. Choose PETG (a good compromise between ease of printing and strength) or ABS (maximum heat resistance).
⚙️ Recommended print settings
Here are the optimal settings for printing a strong, reliable 3D-printed FTM-510 mount:
| Parameter | Recommended value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Layer height | 0.2 mm | Good compromise between speed and quality |
| Infill | 15-20% | Sufficient for ~1.2 kg. 30% if portable/vehicle. |
| Supports | ON (depending on model) | Needed for overhangs >45° |
| Walls | 3-4 | Strengthens the outer structure |
| Top/bottom layers | 4-5 | Improves bending strength |
| Nozzle temp. (PETG) | 230-245°C | Depending on the filament brand |
| Bed temp. (PETG) | 70-80°C | Prevents warping |
| Speed | 40-60 mm/s | Reduce to improve layer adhesion |
💡 Tip: For maximum strength, orient the part so that the main forces are parallel to the layers (not perpendicular). Inter-layer strength is always the weak point of FDM printing.
🔧 Mounting and installing the bracket
Here is how to install your 3D-printed FTM-510 mount, step by step:
- Check the dimensions: before printing, make sure the STL model matches your control panel (FTM-510DE or FTM-500DE). Both have compatible dimensions.
- Print and deburr: after printing, carefully remove the supports and deburr the edges with sandpaper (200-400 grit) for a precise fit.
- Test the fit: place the remote head on the mount without fixing it to check the alignment and viewing angle.
- Secure the mount: depending on the model, M5 screws (desk), double-sided Velcro (dashboard) or self-tapping screws (permanent fixing).
- Route the cables: run the separation cable between the head and the body of the radio. Use cable clips or passages built into the 3D model.
- Final test: check stability under real conditions (vibration, acceleration) and adjust if necessary.
💡 Mounting tip: Combine industrial Velcro (3M Dual Lock) with screws for a fixing that is both strong and removable. Velcro alone holds around 2-3 kg per cm², but in a vehicle vibration eventually works it loose. Adding one or two safety screws eliminates this problem.
🛒 Commercial alternatives
If you don't have a 3D printer, here are the commercial mounts available for the FTM-510DE and FTM-500DE:
| Mount | Type | Guide price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yaesu SJMK-500 | Head separation kit | ~CHF 60-80 | Official Yaesu mount with bracket and cable |
| Yaesu MMB-103 | Mobile bracket | ~CHF 30-40 | Basic dashboard mount |
| Lido LM-500 | Suction cup mount | ~CHF 40-50 | Windscreen/window fixing, adjustable |
| RAM Mount | Universal mount | ~CHF 50-80 | Modular system with ball and arm |
| 3D printing | Custom mount | ~CHF 3-5 | Customisable, free STL |
🤝 Our partners
Phonicom.ch: amateur radio specialist in Switzerland
Phonicom is the Yaesu distributor in Switzerland: you will find the FTM-510DE and FTM-500DE mobiles there, along with mounting brackets, cables and accessories for your installation. Personal advice and fast delivery.
Visit phonicom.ch →💡 3D printing in Switzerland: If you don't have a 3D printer, there are several options:
• FabLabs: FabLab Lausanne, FabLab Fribourg, FabLab Geneva, machine access for a few francs an hour
• Online services: Sculpteo, 3D Hubs, or ask a member of the HB9V club!
📖 Also on HB9V:
🔗 WPSD: the Ultimate Amateur Radio Hotspot: set up your C4FM digital hotspot
🔗 YSF Reflector: the Complete Yaesu System Fusion Guide: connect your FTM-510 to the YSF network
🔗 XLX Reflector: the Radio Amateur's Multitool: C4FM, DMR, D-STAR gateway
🔗 OCF / Windom Dipole: the Complete Guide: a versatile HF antenna for your station
