The FT-3185R is the same as the FT-3185RASP but without the ASP (Audio Digital Signal Processing Unit) installed. The ASP module is sold separately and can be installed at a later date updating the radio to the full ASP version.

The FT-3185R  delivers dependable, high-performing 85W of transmit power. The Massive Heatsink with no cooling fan ensures reliable solid 85W RF power (selectable 85W / 50W/ 25W / 5W).

The remarkable and convenient features of the new FT-3185R  are:

- PMG (Primary Memory Group)

Up to 5 VFO or Memory Channel frequencies may be assigned to the PMG (Primary Memory Group).The reception status of the PMG channels is displayed in real time with a bar graph in the PMG screen. The AUTO or MANUAL mode is switchable by pressing and holding the Main VFO knob during PMG operation. The AUTO mode shows the received channel. Transmit is automatically moved to the received channel. In the MANUAL mode, transmit and receive stay on the manually selected channel. When there is no signal on the manually selected channel, the bar graph will display the activity of the other PMG channels.

- CFL (Customized Function List)

Up to 9 frequently used functions from the 44 Menus can be registered and be easily called.

Some other convenient features of the FT-3185R are: Large-capacity of 221 Memory channels with Alpha-numeric 6-character labels, Keypad entry of operating frequencies from the supplied DTMF microphone, Versatile Scan features such as Preferential Memory Scan, VFO Scan, Priority Channel Scan (Dual Watch), CTCSS / DCS Encode/Decode, Separate Transmit offset Frequency Memories, RF squelch, EPCS (Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch) operation, Display Illumination Adjustment, Automatic Power-Off (APO), Time-Out Timer (TOT), Busy Channel Lock-out (BCLO), and 10 NOAA Weather Broadcast Channels with Weather Alert (USA version only)