Here is the summary of a mod that I've put together from talking to people
on the phone, radio, and email for the Yaesu FT-530.  It is a very simple
mod and it allows extended rx & tx.
This mod only applies to the newer models of the 530.  I don't know what
serial number implies the newer model, but my 530's serial number begins
with 4J381xxx and was purchased in June 1995.

1. take off the battery pack from the bottom of the radio.
2. unscrew the four screws on the bottom to release the bottom plate.
3. after you open the plate, you'll see a green wire on the right side
   of the radio (if you hold it with the front panel on top).
4. simply cut this green wire and use some electrical tape to prevent it
   from touching other parts of the radio.
5. replace the bottom plate and screw it back in.
6. attach the battery
7. hold both the up & down Mhz arrow buttons and press the power button at
   the same time.  this will enable to the mod.  It is like a toggle, if you
   do it again, it will disable to the mod.  
8. Now you should have rx 110-180, 300-500, 800-950, and tx 130-180, 400-480.
Note: this mod will reset your radio and all memories will be erased.

Here is a second mod you can do to get more rx.
1. On the 70cm band, program your radio's lower (L) and upper (U) memory
   limits to 300 and 950.  
2. Turn to the Lower memory channel.  
3. Press MR once and you should see a four tiny little arrows right below
   the channel number.  
4. Once you see these little arrows, you can enter any frequency
   from 300-950 Mhz directly on the keypad. 
You can also store these new rx frequencies in memory if you like.  
Note: Although you can enter 800-950 Mhz into the radio, I have not heard
anything in this range.  It is rumored that the components to receive on
this band is no longer made in the FT530.

Disclaimer: Perform these mods at your own risk.  They are not guaranteed
to work on your radio.  And remember not to transmit out of band!!!

any questions or comments?  Send to hbcsc274@csun.edu
Jerry Wang
KE6UUX