Yaesu Musen 20393X50 AMATEUR RADIO WITH SCANNING RECEIVER User Manual
Yaesu Musen Co., Ltd. AMATEUR RADIO WITH SCANNING RECEIVER Users Manual
Users Manual
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IC: 511B-20393X50
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FT-2900R Operating Manual
Introduction
The Yaesu FT-2900R is a deluxe, rugged FM mobile transceiver providing high power
output and outstanding receiver performance for the 144 MHz Amateur band. Included
in the FT-2900R’s feature complement are:
75 Watts of power output, with selection of four power levels for every operating
situation.
Expanded receiver coverage: 136-174 MHz.
Keyboard entry of operating frequencies from the microphone.
Excellent protection from receiver intermodulation distortion, thanks to Yaesu’s
renowned Advanced Track Tuning front end.
221 memories which can store repeater shifts, odd repeater shifts, CTCSS/DCS
tones, and 6-character Alpha-Numeric labels for easy channel recognition.
10 NOAA Weather Broadcast Channels, with Weather Alert.
Built-in CTCSS and DCS Encoder/Decoder circuits.
The Smart SearchTM feature, which automatically sweeps a band and loads active
frequencies into dedicated memory banks, is ideal for identifying active repeaters
when visiting a city for the first time.
Extensive Menu system, which allows customization of a number of transceiver
performance characteristics.
The Yaesu-exclusive multi-function LCD display.
Additional features include a transmit Time-Out-Timer (TOT), Automatic Power-Off
(APO), Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), plus provision for reduction of the Tx deviation
in areas of high channel congestion. And an RF Squelch circuit allows the owner to set
the squelch to open at a programmable setting of the S-Meter, thus reducing guesswork
in setting the squelch threshold.
Congratulations on your purchase of the FT-2900R! Whether this is your first rig, or if
Yaesu equipment is already the backbone of your station, the Vertex Standard
organization is committed to ensuring your enjoyment of this high-performance
transceiver, which should provide you with many years of satisfying operation. Our
dealer network and technical support personnel stand behind every product we sell,
and we invite you to contact us should you require technical advice or assistance.
We recommend that you read this manual in its entirety prior to installing the FT-2900,
so that you fully understand the capabilities of your new transceiver.
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Specifications
General
Frequency Range: TX:144 - 148 MHz
RX:136 - 174 MHz
Channel Step: 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz
Standard Repeater Shift: ±600 kHz
Frequency Stability: Better than ±10 ppm
(–20 °C to +60 °C)
Modes of Emission: F2 / F3
Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohms, unbalanced
Supply voltage: 13.8 V DC ±15%, negative ground
Current Consumption (typical): Rx: less than 0.7 A, less than 0.3 A (squelched)
Tx: 16 A (75 W) /10 A (30 W) /6 A (10 W) /4.5 A (5 W)
Operating Temperature Range: –4 °F to +140 °F (–20 °C to +60 °C)
Case Size (WxHxD): (160 x 50 x 185 mm) (w/o knobs)
Weight (Approx.): 1.8 kg
Transmitter
Output Power: 75 W/30 W/10 W/5 W
Modulation Type: Variable Reactance
Maximum Deviation: ±5 kHz/±2.5 kHz
Spurious Radiation: Better than –60 dB
Microphone Impedance: 2000 Ohms
Receiver
Circuit Type: Double Conversion Superheterodyne
Ifs: 21.7 MHz & 450 kHz
Sensitivity (for 12dB SINAD): Better than 0.2 uV
Selectivity (–6/–60dB): 12 kHz/28 kHz
IF Rejection: Better than 70 dB
Image Rejection: Better than 70 dB
Maximum AF Output: 3 W into 4 Ohms @10 % THD
Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation. Specifications guaranteed
only within Amateur band.
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Accessory & Options
Supplied Accessories
Microphone MH-48A6J 1
Mobile Mounting Bracket MMB-36 1
DC Power Cord w/Fuse 1
Spare Fuse 20 A 2
Operating Manual 1
Warranty Card 1
Optional Accessories
High-Power External Speaker MLS-100
AC Power Supply FP-1023 (25 A: USA only)
AC Power Supply FP-1025A (25 A)
AC Power Supply FP-1030A (35 A)
Installation
This chapter describes the installation procedure for integrating the FT-2900R into a
typical amateur radio station. It is presumed that you possess technical knowledge and
conceptual understanding consistent with your status as a licensed radio amateur.
Please take some extra time to make certain that the important safety and technical
requirements detailed in this chapter are followed closely.
Preliminary Inspection
Inspect the transceiver visually immediately upon opening the packing carton. Confirm
that all controls and switches work freely, and inspect the cabinet for any damage.
Gently shake the transceiver to verify that no internal components have been shaken
loose due to rough handling during shipping.
If any evidence of damage is discovered, document it thoroughly and contact the
shipping company (or your local dealer, if the unit was purchased over-the-counter) so
as to get instructions regarding the prompt resolution of the damage situation. Be
certain to save the shipping carton, especially if there are any punctures or other
evidence of damage incurred during shipping; if it is necessary to return the unit for
service or replacement, use the original packing materials but put the entire package
inside another packing carton, so as to preserve the evidence of shipping damage for
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insurance purposes.
Installation Tips
To ensure long life of the components, be certain to provide adequate ventilation
around the cabinet of the FT-2900.
Do not install the transceiver on top of another heat-generating device (such as a power
supply or amplifier), and do not place equipment, books, or papers on top of the
FT-2900R. Avoid heating vents and window locations that could expose the transceiver
to excessive direct sunlight, especially in hot climates. The FT-2900R should not be
used in an environment where the ambient temperature exceeds +140 °F (+60 °C).
Safety Information
The FT-2900R is an electrical apparatus, as well as a generator of RF (Radio
Frequency) energy, and you should exercise all safety precautions as are appropriate
for this type of device. These safety tips apply to any device installed in a well-designed
amateur radio station.
Never allow unsupervised children to play in the vicinity of your transceiver or
antenna installation.
Be certain to wrap any wire or cable splices thoroughly with insulating electrical
tape, to prevent short circuits.
Do not route cables or wires through door jambs or other locations where, through
wear and tear, they may become frayed and shorted to ground or to each other.
Do not stand in front of a directional antenna while you are transmitting into that
antenna. Do not install a directional antenna in any location where humans or pets
may be walking in the main directional lobe of the antenna’s radiation pattern.
In mobile installations, it is preferable to mount your antenna on top of the roof of
the vehicle, if feasible, so as to utilize the car body as a counterpoise for the antenna
and raise the radiation pattern as far away from passengers as possible.
During vehicular operation when stopped (in a parking lot, for example), make it a
practice to switch to Low power if there are people walking nearby.
Never wear dual-earmuff headphones while driving a vehicle.
Do not attempt to drive your vehicle while making a telephone call on an autopatch
using the DTMF microphone. Pull over to the side of the road, whether dialing
manually or using the auto-dial feature.
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Antenna Consideration
The FT-2900R is designed for use with antennas presenting an impedance of near 50
Ohms at all operating frequencies. The antenna (or a 50 Ohm dummy load) should be
connected whenever the transceiver is turned on, to avoid damage that could otherwise
result if transmission occurs accidentally without an antenna.
Ensure that your antenna is designed to handle 75 Watts of transmitter power. Some
magnetic-mount mobile antennas, designed for use with hand-held transceivers, may
not be capable of withstanding this power level. Consult the antenna manufacturer’s
specification sheet for details.
Most all FM work is performed using vertical polarization. When installing a
directional antenna such as a Yagi or Cubical Quad, be certain to orient it so as to
produce vertical polarization, unless you are engaged in a special operating situation
where horizontal polarization is used. In the case of a Yagi antenna, orient the
elements vertically for vertical polarization; for a Cubical Quad, the feedpoint should
be at the center of one of the vertical sides of the driven element (or at a side corner, in
the case of a diamond-shaped Cubical Quad).
Excellent reference texts and computer software are available for the design and
optimization of VHF antennas. Your dealer should be able to assist you with all aspects
of your antenna installation requirements.
Use high-quality 50 Ohm coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT-2900R transceiver. All
efforts at providing an efficient antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy
coaxial cable is used. Losses in coaxial lines increase as the frequency increases, so an
8-meter-long (25’ coaxial line with 1/2 dB of loss at 29 MHz may have a loss of 1.8 dB or
more at 146 MHz; choose your coaxial cable carefully based on the installation location
(mobile vs. base) and the overall length of the cable required (for very short runs of
cable in a mobile installation, the smaller, more flexible cable types may be acceptable).
For reference, the chart at the right shows approximate loss figures for
typically-available coaxial cables frequently used in VHF installations.
In outdoor installations, be certain to weatherproof all connectors thoroughly, as water
entering a coaxial cable will cause losses to escalate rapidly, thus diminishing your
communications effectiveness. The use of the shortest possible length of the highest
quality coaxial cable that fits within your budget will ensure the best performance from
your FT-2900R.
Mobile Installation
The FT-2900R must only be installed in vehicles having a 13.8 Volt negative ground
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electrical system. Mount the transceiver where the display, controls, and microphone
are easily accessible, using the supplied MMB-83 mounting bracket.
The transceiver may be installed in almost any location, but should not be positioned
near a heating vent nor anywhere where it might interfere with driving (either visually
or mechanically). Make sure to provide plenty of space on all sides of the transceiver so
that air can flow freely around the radio’s case. Refer to the diagrams showing proper
installation procedures.
Mobile Power Connections
To minimize voltage drop and avoid blowing the vehicle’s fuses, connect the supplied
DC power cable directly to the battery terminals. Do not attempt to defeat or bypass
the DC cable’s fuse - it is there to protect you, your transceiver, and your vehicle’s
electrical system.
Warning!
Never apply AC power to the power cable of the FT-2900R, nor DC voltage greater than
15.8 Volts. When replacing the fuse, only use a 25-A fuse. Failure to observe these
safety precautions will void the Limited Warranty on this product.
Before connecting the transceiver, check the voltage at the battery terminals while
revving the engine. If the voltage exceeds 15 Volts, adjust the vehicle’s voltage
regulator before proceeding with installation.
Connect the RED power cable lead to the POSITIVE (+) battery terminal, and the
BLACK power cable lead to the NEGATIVE (–) terminal. If you need to extend the
power cable, use #12 AWG or larger insulated, stranded copper wire. Solder the
splice connections carefully, and wrap the connections thoroughly with insulating
electrical tape.
Before connecting the cable to the transceiver, verify the voltage and polarity of the
voltage at the transceiver end of the DC cable using a DC voltmeter. Now connect
the transceiver to the DC cable.
Mobile Speakers
The optional MSL-100 External Speaker includes its own swivel-type mounting
bracket, and is available from your Yaesu dealer.
Other external speakers may be used with the FT-2900R, if they present the specified
4-Ohm impedance and are capable of handling the 3 Watts of audio output supplied by
the FT-2900R.
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Base Station Installation
The FT-2900R is ideal for base station use as well as in mobile installations. The
FT-2900R is specifically designed to integrate into your station easily, using the
information to follow as a reference.
AC Power Supplies
Operation of the FT-2900R from an AC line requires a power source capable of
providing at least 15 Amps continuously at 13.8 Volts DC. The FP-1023 and FP-1030A
AC Power Supplies are available from your Yaesu dealer to satisfy these requirements.
Other well-regulated power supplies may be used, as well, if they meet the above
voltage and current specifications.
Use the DC power cable supplied with your transceiver for making power connections
to the power supply. Connect the RED power cable lead to the POSITIVE (+) power
supply terminal, and connect the BLACK power cable lead to the NEGATIVE (–) power
supply terminal.
Front Panel Controls & Switches
1. VOL Knob
This control adjusts the audio volume level. Clockwise rotation increases the
volume level.
2. SQL Knob
This control is used to silence background noise on the receiver. It should be
advanced clockwise just to the point where the noise is silenced (and the “BUSY”
indicator on the display turns off), so as to provide the best sensitivity to weak
signals.
3. Microphone Jack
Connect the supplied MH-48A6J Hand Microphone to this jack.
4. PWR Key
Press and hold this key for one second to toggle the transceiver’s power on and off.
5. [%] Key
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This key allows operation in conjunction with the Internet Connection feature.
6. [MHz(SET)] Key
This key allows tuning in 1-MHz steps (the MHz digits will blink on the display). If
receiving on a memory, pressing this key the first time activates the Memory
Tuning mode, and pressing it again enables 1-MHz steps.
Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the “Set” (Menu) mode.
7. [REV(DW)] Key
During split-frequency operation, such as through a repeater, this key reverses the
transmit and receive frequencies.*
Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the Dual Watch feature,
described in the Operation chapter (“PRI” will be displayed on the LCD, indicating
“Priority Channel” monitoring).
* Using the Menu, the “Reverse” feature may be disabled in favor of one-touch a
access to the “Home” Channel. See page 33 for details.
8. [LOW(A/N)] Key
Press this key momentarily to select the transmitter power output level.
The available power levels are:
HIGH (75W) Æ MID (30W) Æ LOW2 (10W) Æ LOW1 (5W)
To toggle the display between indication of the frequency and the channel’s
Alpha/Numeric label, press and hold in this key for one second while receiving on
that memory channel.
9. [D/MR(MW)] Key
Press this key momentarily to switch the frequency control among the VFO,
Memory System, and Home channel.
Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the Memory Storage mode.
10. DIAL Knob
This 24-position detented rotary switch is used for tuning, memory selection and
most function settings. The microphone [UP]/[DWN] buttons duplicate the
functions of this knob.
11. Display
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The main digits on the display may show operating frequency, memory name, or
any of many parameters during Menu setup.
Microphone Switches
1. PTT Switch
Press this switch to transmit, and release it to receive.
2. Keypad
These 16 keys generate DTMF tones during transmission.
In the receive mode, these 16 keys can be used for direct frequency entry and/or
direct numeric recall of the Memory channels.
The [A], [B], [C], and [D] keys, on receive, replicate the functions of the front panel
keys ([MHz(SET)], [REV(D/W)], [LOW(A/N)], and [D/MR(MW)]). See the previous
discussion.
3. [P1]/[P2]/[P3]/[P4] Buttons
These four keys are user programmable, allowing quick access to features used
often. The default functions are described below.
[P1] button (SQL OFF)
Press this button to disables the noise and tone squelch systems.
[P2] button (S SRCH)
Press this button to activate the Smart Search feature.
[P3] button (C SRCH)
Press this button to activate the Tone Search feature.
[P4] button (WX CH/T.CALL)
In the USA version, pressing this button recall the “Reather” broadcast channel
bank. In the EXP version, pressing this button activates T.CALL (1750 Hz) for
repeater access.
You can reprogram the [P1], [P2], [P3], and [P4] buttons for other functions, if
desired. See page ?? for details.
4. LAMP Switch
This switch illuminates the Microphone’s keypad.
5. LOCK Switch
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This switch locks out the Microphone’s buttons (except for the keypad and PTT
switch).
6. [UP]/[DWN] Button
Press (or hold in) either of these buttons to tune (or scan up or down) the operating
frequency or through the memory channels. In many ways, these buttons emulate
the function of the (rotary) DIAL knob.
Rear Panel Connectors
1. 13.8V DC Cable Pigtail w/Fuse
This is the power supply connection for the transceiver. Use the supplied DC cable
to connect this pigtail to the car battery or other DC power supply capable of at
least 10 Amperes (continuous duty). Make certain that the red lead connects to the
positive side of the supply. The fuse is 25-A.
2. ANT Coaxial Socket
Connect a 144-MHz antenna to this type-M (SO-239) socket using 50-ohm coaxial
cable and a type-M (pl-259) plug. Male sure the antenna is designed specifically for
use on the operating frequency.
3. EXT SP Jack
This 2-contact mini 3.5-mm mini phone jacks provide receiver audio output for an
optional external speaker. The audio impedance is 4 Ohms, and the level varies
according to the setting of the front panel’s VOL control. Inserting a plug into this
jack disables audio from the transceiver’s internal speaker.
Basic Operation
R.F. Says: Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I’ll be helping you along as you learn the many
features of the FT-2900R. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encourage you
to read “Basic Operation” section of this manual as thoroughly as possible, so you’ll get
the most out of this fantastic new transceiver. Now. . .let’s get operating!
Turning the Transceiver On and Off
1. To turn the transceiver on, press and hold in the PWR key for one second.
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When you turn on the FT-2900R, the current DC supply voltage is indicated on the
LCD for 2 seconds. After this interval, the display will switch its normal indication
of the operating frequency.
2. To turn the transceiver off, again press and hold in the PWR key for one second.
R.F. Says: You can change the Opening Message (DC supply voltage indication) to any
desired message (up to 6 characters) via Set Mode Item “31 OPN.MSG;” see page xx
for details.
Adjusting the Audio Volume Level
Rotate the VOL control to adjust the receiver volume. Clockwise rotation increases the
audio output level.
Adjusting the Squelch Setting
Rotate the SQL control just to the point where the noise is silenced and the “BUSY”
indicator on the display turns off. If the SQL control is set further clockwise, sensitivity
to weak signals is reduced.
A special “RF Squelch” feature is provided on this radio. This feature allows you to set
the squelch so that only signals exceeding a certain S-meter level will open the squelch.
See page 15 for details
Frequency Navigation
1) Tuning Dial
Rotating the DIAL knob allows tuning in the pre-programmed steps. Clockwise
rotation of the DIAL knob causes the FT-2900R to be tuned toward a higher frequency,
while counter-clockwise rotation will lower the operating frequency.
Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob, to change the
frequency steps to 1 MHz per step. This feature is extremely useful for making rapid
frequency excursions over the wide tuning range of the FT-2900R. Instead of pressing
the [MHz(SET)] button, you may also press the [A] key on the Microphone’s keypad to
engage tuning in 1 MHz steps.
2) Direct Keypad Frequency Entry
The keypad of the MH-48A6J DTMF Microphone may be used for direct entry of the
operating frequency.
To enter a frequency from the MH-48A6J keypad, just press the numbered digits in the
proper sequence. There is no “decimal point” key on the MH-48A6J keypad. However,
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there is a short-cut for frequencies ending in zero: press the [#] key after the last
non-zero digit.
Examples: To enter 146.520 MHz, press [1] Æ [4] Æ [6] Æ [5] Æ [2] Æ [0]
To enter 146.000 MHz, press [1] Æ [4] Æ [6] Æ [#]
R.F. Says: If you cannot get the radio to accept the frequency entry, it is possible that
the channel steps are set to an incompatible value (e.g. if you have 25 kHz steps set,
you cannot set a frequency of 146.520 MHz). See page 19 to learn how to change the
channel step size.
3) Scanning
From the VFO mode, press the microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] keys momentarily to initiate
scanning toward a higher- or lower frequency, respectively. The FT-2900R will stop
when it receives a signal strong enough to break through the squelch threshold. The
FT-2900 will then hold on that frequency according to the setting of the “Resume” mode
(Menu “41 SCAN)”; see page 34).
If you wish to reverse the direction of the scan (i.e. toward a lower frequency, instead of
a higher frequency), just rotate the DIAL knob one click in the counter-clockwise
direction while the FT-2900R is scanning. The scanning direction will be reversed. To
revert to scanning toward a higher frequency once more, rotate the DIAL knob one
click clockwise.
Press the [UP]/[DWN] keys again to cancel scanning. You may also press the PTT
button momentarily; scanning will stop, but you will not transmit until you release the
PTT button, and press it again.
R.F. Says: If you have enabled the “Severe Weather Alert” feature, you will occasionally
notice “WX” channels interspersed with the regular channels you are scanning. This is
normal, because your radio is constantly monitoring for weather alerts. See page 17.
Transmission
To transmit, simply close the PTT (Push To Talk) switch on the microphone when the
frequency is clear. Hold the microphone approximately 1” (25 mm) from your mouth,
and speak into the microphone in a normal voice level. When your transmission is
complete, release the PTT switch; the transceiver will revert to the receive mode.
During transmission, the “TX” indicator will appear at the upper left corner on the
display.
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Changing the Transmitter Power Level
You can select from among a total of four transmit power levels on your FT-2900R.
To change the power level, press the [LOW(A/N)] key (or the microphone’s [C] key to
select one of four power settings. These power levels will be stored, in memory registers,
at the time of memory storage (see page 30 for details on Memory operation).
During transmission, the Bar Graph will deflect in the display, according to the power
output selected.
Weather Broadcast Reception
The FT-2900 includes a unique feature which allows reception of weather broadcasts in
the 160-MHz frequency range. Ten standard Weather Broadcast channels are
pre-loaded into a special memory bank.
To listen to a Weather Broadcast Channel:
1. Press the Microphone’s [P4] button to recall the Weather Broadcast channels.
2. Turn the DIAL knob to select the desired Weather Broadcast channel.
3. If you wish to check the other channels for activity by scanning, just press the
Microphone’s PTT switch.
4. To exit to normal operation, press the [P4] button again. Operation will return to
the VFO or Memory channel you were operating on before you began Weather
Broadcast operation.
Severe Weather Alert Feature
In the event of extreme weather disturbances, such as storms and hurricanes, the
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sends a weather alert
accompanied by a 1050 Hz tone and subsequent weather report on one of the NOAA
weather channels.
Advanced Operation
LOCK Feature
To order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various
aspects of the FT-2900R’s keys and knob may be locked out. The possible lockout
combinations are:
KEY: Just the front panel keys are locked out
DIAL: Just the front panel DIAL knob is locked out
K+D: Both the keys and DIAL knob are locked out
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PTT: The PTT switch is locked (TX not possible)
K+P: Both keys and PTT switch are locked out
D+P: Both DIAL knob and PTT switch are locked out
ALL: All of the above are locked out
OFF: The Lock feature is disabled
To lock out some or all of the keys, use the “Set” (Menu) mode, described in detail
beginning on page 51:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “26 LOCK.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the display to one of
the selections shown above.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
When the Lock feature is activated, the “KEY” icon will appear on the LCD.
To disable the Lock feature, repeat the above process, selecting “OFF” in step 2 above.
Keypad Beeper
A key/button beeper provides useful audible feedback whenever a key/button is pressed.
If you want to turn the beeper off (or back on again):
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “6 BEEP.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the display to “OFF.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
Channel Step Selection
Tuning steps are factory preset to default increments which are appropriate for the
country to which this radio is exported. You may have a reason to use a different step
size, however, and here is the procedure for changing the channel steps:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “50 STEP.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired step
size (5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
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Display Brightness
The FT-2900R display illumination has been specially engineered to provide high
visibility with minimal disruption of your “night vision” while you are driving. The
brightness of the display is manually adjustable, using the following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “16 DIMMER.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select a comfortable
brightness level (0 - 10).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
RF Squelch
A special RF Squelch feature is provided on this radio. This feature allows you to set
the squelch so that only signals exceeding a certain S-meter level will open the squelch.
To set up the RF squelch circuit for operation, use the following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “42 RF SQL.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired signal
strength level for the squelch threshold (S1 - S9 or OFF).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: The receiver’s squelch will open based on the highest level set by the two
squelch system “Noise Squelch” and “RF Squelch.” For example:
1) If the
Noise Squelch
(SQL control) is set so that signals at a level of S-3 will open the
squelch, but the
RF Squelch
(Menu #42) is set to “S-9,” the squelch will only open on
signals which are S-9 or stronger on the S-meter.
2) If the
RF Squelch
is set to “S-3,” but the
Noise Squelch
is set to a high level which
will only pass signals which are Full Scale on the S-meter, the squelch will only open
on signals which are Full Scale on the S-meter. In this case, the Noise Squelch
overrides the action of the RF Squelch.
Repeater Operation
The FT-2900R includes a host of convenience features which makes operation on
amateur repeaters both efficient and enjoyable.
This transceiver offers three methods of setting up split-frequency operation on
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repeaters:
Manual selection of preset repeater shifts (Standard Repeater Shift);
Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), providing automatic activation of repeater shifts
during designated repeater frequency subbands; and
Independently stored transmit and receive frequencies (typically not corresponding
to established repeater frequency shifts).
Standard Repeater Shift
To activate the standard shift manually, you may use the Set (Menu) mode:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “43 RPT.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired shift
direction (–RPT, +RPT, or SIMP).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: You also may program one of the Microphone’s programmable keys ([P1] ~
[P4]) to allow quick access to the above procedure. See page 45 for details on the setup
of the programmable keys.
With repeater shift activated, you can temporarily reverse the transmit and receive
frequencies by pressing the [REV(DW)] key (or microphone’s [B] key). Use this feature
to display the transmit frequency without transmitting, and to check the strength of
signals on a repeater uplink frequency (so as to determine whether or not a particular
station is within “Simplex” range, for example).
The repeater offset is fixed to 600 kHz from the factory. You can change the offset by
the following procedure, if needed for vacation travel or other purposes:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “46 SHIFT.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired offset.
Note that the resolution of the “Standard” repeater shift is to the nearest 50 kHz
multiple.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: Do not use this procedure for programming of an “odd split” type repeater
pair! The process for programming odd splits is shown on page 23.
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Automatic Repeater Shift
The ARS (Automatic Repeater Shift) feature in this transceiver allows easy and
convenient repeater operation by automatically activating the repeater shift function
whenever you tune to a standard repeater subband. The ARS function is preset at the
factory to conform to the standards for the country to which it is exported.
The ARS function is enabled at the factory. To disable it:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “4 ARS.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to change the display to
“OFF.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
To enable the ARS function again, select to “ON” in step 2 above.
Separate Transmit Frequency Memories (“Odd Splits”)
All memory channels can store independent receive and transmit frequencies, to
accommodate occasional non-standard offsets with greater frequency resolution than is
available using the “standard” shift feature.
1. First store the receive (repeater output) frequency. In the VFO mode, tune the
transceiver to the desired receive frequency. Now press and hold in the
[D/MR(MW)] key on the front panel for one second.
2. Within five seconds of pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key, use the DIAL knob or
microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] buttons to select the desired memory channel into which
you wish to store this frequency pair.
3. Now press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily to store the receive frequency into
the selected memory.
4. Next store the transmit (repeater input) frequency. Since you are still in the VFO
mode, tune the transceiver to the desired transmit frequency.
5. Now press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second.
6. Press and hold in the PTT switch, and press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily
while holding in the PTT switch. This will not cause transmission, but rather it
will instruct the transceiver that you are programming a separate transmit
frequency into memory.
When you have finished the above procedure, press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily.
The channel number and repeater downlink frequency will appear on the display. If
you press the PTT switch, you will observe the display changing to indicate the
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repeater’s uplink frequency. Note also that the display shows “–+” in the upper
left-hand corner; this indicates that an “odd” (non-standard) shift has been stored on
this channel.
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Operation
CTCSS Operation
Many repeater systems require that a very-low-frequency audio tone be superimposed
on your FM carrier in order to activate the repeater. This helps prevent false activation
of the repeater by radar or spurious signals from other transmitters. This tone system,
called “CTCSS” (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System), is included in your
FT-2900M, and is very easy to activate.
CTCSS setup involves two actions: setting the Tone Mode and then setting of the Tone
Frequency. These actions are set up by using the Set (Menu) mode, selections #49 (SQL.
TYP) and #52 (TN FRQ).
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “49 SQL.TYP.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob so that “TONE” appears on
the display; this activates the CTCSS Encoder, which allows repeater access.
3. Rotating the DIAL knob one more click clockwise in the above step will cause
“TSQL” to appear. When “TSQL” appears, this means that the Tone Squelch
system is active, which mutes your FT-2900M’s receiver until it receives a call from
another radio sending out a matching CTCSS tone. This can help keep your radio
quiet until a specific call is received, which may be helpful while operating in
congested areas.
R.F. Says: 1) You may notice a “RV TN” indication on the display while you rotate
the DIAL knob in this step; this means that the Reverse Tone Squelch system is
active, which mutes your FT-2900R’s receiver (instead of opening the squelch)
when it receives a call from the radio sending a matched CTCSS tone. The “T SQ”
icon will blink on the display when the Reverse Tone Squelch system is activated.
2) You may notice a “DCS” indication on the display while you rotate the DIAL
knob still more. We’ll discuss the Digital Code Squelch system shortly.
4. When you have made your selection of the CTCSS tone mode, press the
[MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob one click
counter-clockwise to select Menu “52 TN FRQ.” This Menu selection allows setting
of the CTCSS tone frequency to be used.
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5. Press the [MHz(SET)] key to enable adjustment of the CTCSS frequency.
6. Rotate the DIAL knob until the display indicates the Tone Frequency you need to
be using.
7. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one
second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: Your repeater may or may not re-transmit a CTCSS tone - some systems just
use CTCSS to control access to the repeater, but don’t pass it along when transmitting.
If the S-Meter deflects, but the FT-2900R is not passing audio, repeat steps “1” through
“3” above, but rotate the DIAL knob so that “TONE” appears - this will allow you to
hear all traffic on the channel being received.
You may use the Menu to re-program one of the Microphone’s programmable keys for
quick access to Menu #52 (TN FRQ), from which you can perform the above setup
procedure. See page 45 for details on the setup of the programmable keys.
DCS Operation
Another form of tone access control is Digital Code Squelch, or DCS. It is a newer, more
advanced tone system which generally provides more immunity from false paging than
does CTCSS. The DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your FT-2900R, and operation is
very similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured
for DCS; if not, it is frequently quite useful in Simplex operation if your friend(s) use
transceivers equipped with this advanced feature.
Just as in CTCSS operation, DCS requires that you set the Tone Mode to DCS and that
you select a Tone Code.
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “49 SQL.TYP.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob until “DCS” appears on the
display; this activates the DCS Encoder/Decoder.
3. Now press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to select
Menu “14 DCS CD.”
4. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable the adjustment of the DCS code.
5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired DCS Code (a three-digit number).
6. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one
second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: Remember that the DCS is an Encode/Decode system, so your receiver will
remain muted until a matching DCS code is received on an incoming transmission.
Switch the DCS off when you’re just tuning around the band!
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Tone Search Scanning
In operating situations where you don’t know the CTCSS tone or DCS code being used
by another station or stations, you can command the radio to listen to the incoming
signal and scan in search of the tone being used. Two things must be remembered in
this regard:
You must be sure that your repeater uses the same tone type (CTCSS vs. DCS).
Some repeaters do not pass the CTCSS tone or DCS code; you may have to listen to
the station(s) transmitting on the repeater uplink (input) frequency in order to
allow Tone Search Scanning to work.
To scan for the tone in use:
1. Set the radio up for either CTCSS or DCS Decoder operation (see the previous
discussion). In the case of CTCSS, “T SQ” will appear on the display; in the case of
DCS, “DCS” will appear on the display.
2. Press the Microphone’s [P3] key momentarily to start scanning for the incoming
CTCSS or DCS tone/code.
3. When the radio detects the correct tone or code, it will halt on that tone/code, and
audio will be allowed to pass.
4. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to lock in that tone/code and
exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: If the Tone Scan feature does not detect a tone or code, it will continue to
scan indefinitely. When this happens, it may be that the other station is not sending
any tone. You can press the Microphone’s [P3] key to halt the scan at any time.
You may listen to the (muted) signal from the other station during Tone Scanning when
Set Mode Item “54 TS MUT” is set to “OFF.” See page ?? for details. You can also
change the Tone Search scanning speed, using Set Mode Item “55 TS SPD.” See page ??
for details.
Tone Scanning works either in the VFO or Memory modes.
EPCS (Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch) Operation
The FT-2900M includes an Enhanced CTCSS tone encoder/decoder and a dedicated
microprocessor providing paging and selective calling features. This allows you to place
a call to a specific station (Paging), and to receive calls of your choice directed only to
you (Code Squelch).
The paging and code squelch systems use two pairs of (alternately switched) CTCSS
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tones which are stored in the pager memories. Basically, your receiver remains silent
until it receives the CTCSS tone pair that matches those stored in the Receiving Pager
Memory. The squelch then opens so the caller is heard, and the paging ringer
immediately sounds, if activated. When you close the PTT switch to transmit, the
CTCSS tone pair which is stored in the Transmitting Pager Memory will be
transmitted automatically.
On the paged radio, the squelch will close automatically after the incoming page ends.
Storing the CTCSS Tone Pairs for EPCS Operation
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “34 PAG.CDR” for the Receiving CTCSS Tone Pair
or “35 PAG.CDT” for the Transmitting CTCSS Tone Pair.
3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode
Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the CTCSS Tone number which corresponds to the
first tone of the CTCSS Tone Pair.
5. Press the [REV(DW)] or [LOW(A/N)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the
CTCSS Tone number which corresponds to the second tone of the CTCSS Tone
Pair.
6. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to lock in that tone/code and
exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: The FT-2900R does not recognize the order of the 1st tone and the 2nd tone.
In other words, for example, the FT-2900 considers both CTCSS pairs “10, 35” and “35,
10” to be identical.
Activating the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch System
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “32 PAGER.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Menu item to
“ON.”
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
4. To disable the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch, just repeat the above procedure,
rotating the DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step 2 above.
When the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch feature is activated, the “P” notation will
appear at the 100 MHz digit of the frequency display.
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Paging Answer Back
When you press the PTT switch to respond to a page call, the FT-2900 transmits the
Transmitting CTCSS Tone pair. This tone pair will open the Code Squelch of the calling
station. If you prefer, you can have the FT-2900M respond to page calls automatically
(“transpond”).
To enable this feature:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “33 PAG.ABK.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Menu item to
“ON.”
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
4. To disable the Paging Answer Back feature, just repeat the above procedure,
rotating the DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step 2 above.
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell Operation
During CTCSS Decode, DCS, or EPCS operation, you may set up the FT-2900R such
that a ringing “bell” sound alerts you to the fact that a call is coming in. Here is the
procedure for activating the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell:
1. Set the transceiver up for CTCSS Decode (“Tone Squelch”), DCS, or EPCS
operation, as described previously.
2. Adjust the operating frequency to the desired channel.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “7 BELL.”
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired number of rings of the Bell. The available
choices are 1, 3, 5, or 8 rings, CNTNUE (continuous ringing), or OFF.
5. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
When you are called by a station whose transceiver is sending a CTCSS tone, DCS code,
or CTCSS code pair which matches that set into your Decoder, the Bell will ring in
accordance with this programming.
When the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell is activated, the “Bell” icon will appear on the
display.
Split Tone Operation
The FT-2900R can be operated in a “Split Tone” configuration, to enable operation on
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repeaters using a mix of both CTCSS and DCS control via the Set mode.
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “48 SPLIT.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Menu item to
“ON” (to enable the Split Tone feature).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
When the Split Tone feature is activated, you can see the following additional
parameters following the “RV TN” parameter (while selecting the tone mode by Set
mode item “49 SQL.TYP”):
T CODE: DCS Encode only (the “DCS” icon will blink during operation)
T DCS: Encodes a CTCSS Tone and Decodes a DCS code (the “T” icon will
blink and the “DCS” icon will appear during operation)
D TONE: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS Tone (the “T SQ” icon will
appear and “DCS” icons will blink during operation)
Select the desired operating mode from the selections shown above.
DTMF Autodialer Operation
Nine DTMF Autodialer memories are available on the FT-2900R. These DTMF
Autodialer memories can store up to 16 digits of a telephone number for repeater
autopatch or other use.
To load DTMF Autodialer memories, use the following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “19 DT SET.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the DTMF
Autodialer memory channel number into which you wish store a telephone number
(“C0” to “C9”).
3. Press the [REV(DW)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the
first digit of the telephone number you wish to store.
4. When you have selected the correct digit, press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily.
Now, rotate the DIAL knob to select the second of 16 available numbers in the
current DTMF Autodialer memory register.
5. Repeat this procedure for each digit in the telephone number. If you a mistake,
press the [REV(DW)] key to move back to the first digit, then re-enter the correct
number.
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6. When entry of all digits is complete, press the [MHz(SET)] key.
7. If you wish to store another DTMF string, repeat steps 2 through 6 above.
8. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
To transmit the memorized telephone number, use the following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “17 DT A/M.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item
to “AUTO.”
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
4. In the Autodialer mode, which you just engaged, first press the PTT switch, then
press the microphone’s numeric key ([0] through [9]) corresponding to the DTMF
memory string you wish to send. Once the string begins, you may release the PTT
switch, as the transmitter will be held “on the air” until the DTMF string is
completed.
To disable the Autodialer function mode, select “MANUAL” in step 2 above.
The speed at which the DTMF digits are sent can be changed. Two speed levels are
available: Low (10 digits per second) and High (20 digits per second: default). To toggle
between Low and High speed, use the following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “20 DT SPD.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired speed
(“50”: High speed or “100”: Low speed).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
You can also set a longer delay between the time your transmitter is keyed and the first
DTMF digit is sent. To set the delay time, use the following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “28 DT DLY.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired speed
(50/250/450/750/1000 ms).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
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exit to normal operation.
Memory Operation
Memory Storage
A wide array of memory resources are available on the FT-2900R. A total of 221
memories are available, and each may be appended with an alpha-numeric label of up
to six characters, for quick channel recognition.
The “basic” memory bank for the FT-2900R consists of 200 memories. Let’s learn the
simple procedure for storing and recalling a frequency, then we can move on to some of
the more advanced memory features.
To store a frequency into memory:
1. In the VFO mode, select the desired frequency, repeater shift, CTCSS/DCS tone,
and TX power level.
2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second. A memory number will
appear in the bottom right-hand corner of the display. If the channel number is
blinking, there currently is no data stored on that channel; if the channel number
is not blinking, that channel is currently “occupied” by other frequency data, and
you won’t want to use that channel unless the data is no longer of interest.
3. Within five seconds of pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key, use the DIAL knob to select
the desired memory into which you wish to store the frequency.
4. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key again, this time momentarily, to store the displayed
data into the selected memory channel slot. The memory label will disappear
(since you are still operating in the VFO mode).
5. To store other frequencies, repeat steps 1 through 4, remembering to set the
repeater shift, CTCSS/DCS tone, and TX power level, as appropriate.
R.F. Says: The above procedure will be used for virtually all memory storage
circumstances. If you need to program a frequency pair that uses a non-standard shift
(“odd split”), use the procedure described on page 23.
Memory Recall
Once you have stored the memory or memories desired, you must now switch from the
“VFO” mode to the “Memory Recall” mode, so you can operate on the just-stored
memory channels.
1. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key, repeatedly if necessary, until the “MR” icon and a
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memory channel number appear on the display; this indicates that the “Memory
Recall” mode is now engaged.
2. When more than one memory has been stored, use the DIAL knob to select any of
the programmed memories for operation. Alternatively, the microphone’s [UP] or
[DWN] button may be used to step or scan through the available memories. When
using the microphone’s buttons, press the button momentarily to move one step up
or down; press and hold in the [UP] or [DWN] button for one second to begin
memory scanning.
Memory Recall from the Microphone’s Keypad:
While operating in the Memory Recall mode, the keypad of the MH-48A6J Microphone
may be used for direct recall of memory channels.
To do this, press the Channel Number you wish to recall, then press the [#] key. For
example, to recall Memory Channel “5,” press [5] Æ[*]. To recall Memory Channel
“118,” press [1] Æ [1] Æ [8].
You may also recall Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) channels (“L0/U0” through
“L9/U9”) using the following numbers: Programmable Memory channels #L0 = “200,”
U0 = “201,” L9 = “218,” and U9 = “219.”
Labeling Memories
You may wish to append an alpha-numeric “Tag” (label) to a memory or memories, to
aid in recollection of the channel’s use (such as club name, etc.). This is easily
accomplished using the Set (Menu) mode.
1. Recall the memory channel on which you wish to append a label.
2. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “30 NM SET.”
3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key. You will notice the first character location blinking,
indicating that you are now in the Alpha-Numeric (“A/N”) entry mode. Within the
A/N entry mode, rotate the DIAL knob to select characters; pressing the
[LOW(A/N)] key will move the character’s entry location to the right.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired number, letter, or symbol, then press
the [LOW(A/N)] key to move the next character’s location. Move two slots if you
want to put in a space.
5. Repeat step 4, as necessary, to complete the name tag (up to six characters) for
your memory, then press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to save the A/N name
just entered.
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6. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to exit to normal operation.
7. While operating in the Memory Recall mode, press and hold in the [LOW(A/N)] key
for one second to toggle the display between indication of the frequency and the
channel’s Alpha/Numeric label.
Memory Tuning
Once you have recalled a particular memory channel, you may easily tune off that
channel, as though you were in the VFO mode.
1. With the FT-2900R in the Memory Recall mode, select the desired memory
channel.
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily. The “MR” indicator will blink and
disappear the Memory Channel Number; these indicates that the “Memory
Tuning” mode has been engaged.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob, or press the [UP] or [DWN] keys, to tune to a new frequency.
The synthesizer steps you have selected for “VFO” operation will be the steps used
during Memory Tuning.
4. If you wish to return to the original memory frequency, press the [D/MR(MW)] key
momentarily. The “MR” indicator will stop blinking and the Memory Channel
Number will be appears.
5. If you wish to store into memory a new frequency set during Memory Tuning, just
press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second, then complete the normal
memory storage procedure. Be sure to select an open memory channel when doing
so.
Masking Memories
There may be situations where you want to “Mask” memories so they are not visible
during memory selection or scanning. For example, several memories used only in a
city you visit infrequently may be stored, then “Masked” until you visit that city, at
which time you can “Unmask” them for normal use. (except the Memory Channel “1,”
Priority Channel, and Home Channel).
1. With the FT-2900R in the Memory Recall mode, press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)]
key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the memory channel you
wish to delete.
2. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily. The display will revert to memory channel
“1.” The previously-selected memory will be deleted.
3. To Unmask the hidden memory, repeat the above procedure: press and hold in the
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[D/MR(MW)] key for one second, rotate the DIAL to select the masked memory’s
number, then press the [LOW(A/N)] key to restore the memory channel’s data.
R.F. Says: Watch out! You can manually store data over a “Masked” memory, deleting
previous data, if you’re not careful. Use the “next available memory” technique (look for
the blinking memory channel number) storage technique to avoid over-writing a
masked memory.
Memory Bank Operation
The large number of memories available in the FT-2900R could be difficult to utilize
without some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the FT-2900R includes provision
for dividing the memories into as many as eight Memory Banks, so you can categorize
the memories in a manner convenient to you. You may enter and exit the “Memory
Bank” mode by a single press of the Microphone’s [#] key, as we shall see below.
Assigning Memories to a Memory Bank
1. Recall the memory channel to be assigned to a Memory Bank.
2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob
to select the Memory Bank number (“b1” ~ “b8”) you want as the Memory Bank for
this channel.
3. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily to copy the memory channel data into the
Memory Bank.
R.F. Says: 1) You may assign one memory channel into several Memory Banks.
2) The PMS memory channels (L0/U0 through L9/U9) may not be assigned to a
Memory Bank.
Memory Bank Recall
1. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key, if needed, to enter the Memory mode.
2. Press the Microphone’s [*] key to activate the “Memory Bank” mode. The Memory
Bank number will appear on the display.
3. Press the [#] key to increment the Memory Bank (“b1” through “b8”).
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select memories, you will observe that you can only select
memory channels in the current memory bank. The small memory bank number
will appear at the above of the frequency display while operating within a Memory
Bank.
5. To change to another Memory Bank, press the [#] key to increase the Memory
Bank to next-highest bank.
6. To exit from Memory Bank operation, just press the Microphone’s [*] key. The
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Memory Channel number will appear on the display, indicating that you are now
in the “standard” Memory Recall mode, without utilization of the Memory Banks.
The memories stored in the various Banks will remain in those banks, however;
you do not need to store them again.
Removing Memories from a Memory Bank
1. Recall the memory channel to be removed from a Memory Bank.
2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second, then press the [A/N(LOW)]
key to remove the memory channel data from the Memory Bank.
Changing a Memory Bank’s Name
You may change the default Memory Bank Name which is indicates on the display
while selecting the Memory Bank to your desired name.
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “9 BNK NM.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to recall the
memory bank on which you wish to change a label.
3. Press the [A/N(LOW)] key to enable changing of the name tag.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired label.
5. Press the [A/N(LOW)] key to move to the next character.
6. If you make a mistake, press the [REV(DW)] key to back-space the cursor, then
re-enter the correct letter, number, or symbol.
7. Repeat steps 5 through 7 to program the remaining letters, numbers, or symbols of
the desired label. A total of six characters may be used in the creation of a label.
8. When you have programmed a name which is under 6 characters, press and hold
in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to confirm the label and exit to normal
operation.
Home Channel Memory
A Convenient one-touch “Home” channel memory is available to simplify return to your
most-often-used frequency. This memory does not appear in the regular memory bank,
to simplify operation and speed recall of this important channel.
To recall the Home channel, just press the [D/MR(MW)] key, repeatedly if necessary,
until the “HM” icon appears on the display; this indicates that the Home Channel has
been recalled.
The factory default frequency for the Home channel is 146.520 MHz (USA version, EXP
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version: 144.000 MHz). You can re-program the Home channel in a manner identical to
that used for the regular memories:
1. From the VFO mode, tune in the frequency you wish to store, and set all repeater
shifts and other data just the way you do for “normal” memory channel storage.
2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second, then press the [REV(DW)]
key to store the displayed data into the Home channel. The memory label will
disappear (since you are still operating in the VFO mode).
You may also append an alpha-numeric “Tag” (label) to a Home channel, as described
previously. be sure to recall the Home channel first, then enter the Menu (selection “30
NM SET” to program the label’s contents.
R.F. Says: From the Home channel, you may tune off (as in the Memory Tune mode)
without doing anything more than rotating the main DIAL knob. This automatically
shifts control to the VFO, making it a good idea to program in your area’s “Calling
Frequency” as the Home channel. Once contact is established, you may then tune off
the Calling Frequency to an open simplex frequency to carry on your QSO.
Memory-Only Mode
Once memory channel programming has been completed, you may place the radio in a
“Memory Only” mode, whereby VFO and Home Channel operation are impossible. This
may be particularly useful during public-service events where a number of operators
may be using the radio for first time, and ultimate simplicity of channel selection is
desired.
To place the radio into the Memory Only mode, turn it off. Now press and hold in the
[D/MR(MW)] key while turning the radio on. The VFO and Home Channel will now be
disabled.
To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure.
Scanning
The FT-2900R’s scanning capability provides the operator with many convenient
methods of rapid frequency navigation.
Basic Scanner Operation
Before activating the scanner, make sure that the Squelch is set to silence the
background noise when no signal is present. Scanning is not possible while the Squelch
is open (if noise or signals are being heard).
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Scanning may be started or stopped using the microphone’s [UP] or [DWN] button. The
following techniques are used for scanning:
Pressing and holding in either the [UP] or [DWN] button for one second in the VFO
mode will cause upward or downward band scanning, respectively, to begin.
Pressing and holding in either the [UP] or [DWN] button for one second in the
Memory mode will cause memory channel scanning toward a higher- or
lower-numbered memory channel, respectively.
Scanning pauses when a signal opens the squelch, and the decimal point on the
display will blink. You can choose one of three scan-resume modes (described later).
To halt the scan manually, the easiest way is to push the PTT switch on the
microphone momentarily (no transmission will occur while you are scanning). The
scan may also be halted manually by pressing the microphone’s [UP] or [DWN]
button, or the [D/MR(MW)] key.
R.F. Says: In the factory default setting, the scanner sweep all frequencies while the
VFO mode and all memory channels while the Memory mode. You may change the
sweep range of the VFO mode to ±1 MHz, ±2 MHz, or ±5 MHz, and sweeps only those
Memory Channels with the same “first” digit of the alpha/numeric tag or same “first”
and “second” digits of the alpha/numeric tag as the first channel on which scanning
started.
Scan-Resume Options
Three scan-resume modes are available on the FT-2900R:
In the “BUSY” mode, the scanner will remain halted for as long as there is carrier
present on the channel; after the carrier drops at the end of the other station’s
transmission, scanning will resume.
In the “HOLD” mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters. It will not
restart automatically; you must manually re-initiate scanning if you wish to
resume.
In the “3SEC/5SEC/10SEC” mode, the scanner will halt for selected resume time,
after which scanning will resume (whether or not the other station is still
transmitting).
The default scan-stop mode is “BUSY.” To change the scan-resume mode, use the
following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “41 RESUME.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired
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scan-resume mode.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
Memory Skip Scanning
When you have some continuously-active channels in memories, you may wish to skip
them for scanning, but still have them available for manual selection.
To mask a memory to be skipped during scanning, use the following procedure:
1. Set the radio to Memory Recall mode by pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key repeatedly,
as necessary, until “MR” and a channel number appear on the right side of the
display.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Memory Channel to be skipped during
scanning.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “47 SKIP.”
4. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob so as to select “SKIP.” The
current Memory Channel will now be ignored during scanning. The “ONLY”
selection is used for “Preferential Memory Scan,” described in the next section.
5. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
A “SKIP” icon will appear when you recall the “skipped” memory channel manually.
To re-institute a channel into the scanning loop, select “OFF” in step 4 above, after first
recalling the currently-blocked channel (the “skipped” channel is accessible via manual
channel selection methods using the DIAL knob in the Memory mode, whether or not it
is locked out of the scanning loop).
Preferential Memory Scan
The FT-2900 also allows you to set up a “Preferential Scan List” of channels which you
can “flag” within the memory system. These channels are designated by a blinking
“SKIP” icon when you have selected them, one by one, for the Preferential Scan List.
When you initiate memory scanning, beginning on a channel with the Blinking “SKIP”
icon appended, only those channels bearing the Blinking “SKIP” icon will be scanned. If
you initiate scanning on a channel which does not have the Blinking “SKIP” icon
appended, you will scan all channels including those with the Blinking “SKIP” icon
appended.
Here is the procedure for setting up and using the Preferential Scan List:
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1. Set the radio to the Memory Recall mode by pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key
repeatedly, if necessary.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Memory Channel which you wish to add to the
Preferential Scan List.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “47 SKIP.”
4. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob so as to select “ONLY.”
5. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
To initiate Preferential Memory Scanning:
1. Set the radio to the Memory Recall mode by pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key
repeatedly, if necessary.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select any memory channel which has a Blinking “SKIP”
icon appended to the channel number.
3. Press and hold either the microphone’s [UP] or [DWN] button for one second to
initiate Preferential Memory Scanning. Only the channels which have a Blinking
“SKIP” icon appended to the channel number will be scanned.
Memory Bank Link Scan
When the Memory Bank feature is engaged, the scanner sweeps only memory channels
in the current Memory Bank. However, if the Memory Bank Link Scan feature is
enabled, you may sweep the memory channels in several Memory Banks which you
have selected.
To enable the Memory Bank Link Scan feature:
1. Set the radio to the Memory mode by pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key, if necessary.
2. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “8 BNK.LNK.”
3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the
first Memory Bank (“b1” ~ “b8”) you wish to sweep using Memory Bank Link Scan.
4. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily. A “SKIP” icon will appear at the above the
Memory Bank number, indicating this Memory Bank will now be swept during
Memory Bank Scan.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 above, to append the “SKIP” icon to any other Memory Banks
you wish to sweep.
6. Now, press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to initiate the Memory
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Bank Link Scan.
7. To remove a Memory Bank from the Memory Bank Link Scan, repeat steps 2 - 4
above, to delete the “SKIP” icon from the Memory Bank number indication.
Programmable Band-Scan Limits
Besides band and memory scanning, this transceiver can be set to tune or scan only the
frequencies between user-defined lower and upper limits. For example, you may wish
to limit tuning/scanning to 144.3 - 148.0 MHz, to avoid encroachment on the SSB/CW
sub-band between 144.0 and 144.3 MHz
These scanning limits are stored in special “Sub-Band Limit Memories,” labeled L0/U0
through L9/U9, with “L” and “U” designations representing the Lower and Upper
limits, respectively.
To utilize this feature, use the following steps:
1. Store the lower edge of the desired scanning/tuning range in memory “L0” and the
upper edge in memory “U0” (or, alternatively, in memories “L1/U1” through
“L9/U9”).
2. With any of these memories recalled, press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to
activate the Programmable Band-Scan Limits. The “PMS” icon will appear. Tuning
and scanning will now be limited within the just-programmed range.
To cancel the Sub-Band Limits and return to normal memory operation, press the
[D/MR(MW)] key momentarily.
Priority Channel Scanning (Dual Watch)
The FT-2900R’s scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which
allows you to operate on a VFO, Memory channel, or Home channel, while periodically
checking a user-defined Memory Channel for activity. If a station is received on the
Memory Channel which is strong enough to open the Squelch, the scanner will pause
on that station in accordance with the Scan-Resume mode set via Menu mode “41
RESUME.” See page 34.
Here is the procedure for activating Priority Channel Dual Watch operation:
1. Set the radio to the Memory Recall mode by pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key
repeatedly, if necessary.
2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second (the Memory Channel
number will blink), then select the memory channel you wish to be the “Priority”
channel.
3. Press the [%] key momentarily. The “PRI” icon will appear to the upper right
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corner on the display; indicating it is the Priority channel.
4. Now set the FT-2900 for operation on another memory channel, Home channel, or
on a VFO frequency.
5. Press and hold in the [REV(DW)] key for one second. The display will remain on
the VFO, selected memory channel, or Home channel, but every five seconds the
FT-2900 will check the Priority Channel for activity.
6. To cancel Dual Watch operation, press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily.
Priority Revert Mode
During Priority channel operation (Dual Watch), a special feature is available which
will allow you to move to the Priority Channel instantly, without waiting for activity to
appear on the Priority Channel.
When this feature is enabled, and priority monitoring is engaged, just press the
microphone’s PTT switch. Operation will instantly revert to the Priority Channel.
To enable Priority Revert operation:
1. Press and hold the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “44 RVRT.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “ON.”
3. Press and hold the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and exit
to normal operation.
To disable Priority Revert operation, select “OFF” in step 2 above.
Weather Alert Scan
This feature allows you to check the Weather Broadcast Memory Channels for the
presence of the NOAA Alert Tone while operating using VFO scan or Memory channel
scan.
When the Weather Alert Scan feature is engaged, the FT-2900R will check the Weather
Broadcast Memory Channels for activity every five seconds while scanning. If you
watch the display carefully, you’ll observe the scanner periodically shifting to the
Weather Broadcast bank, scanning the Weather channels quickly in search of the Alert
Tone, after which regular scanning will resume for another five seconds.
To enable the Weather Alert Scan feature:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “57 WX ALT.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Menu item to
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“ON.”
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
4. To disable the Weather Alert Scan feature, select “OFF” in step 2 above.
You can change the Weather Alert Tone volume level to maximum regardless the VOL
knob setting, using Set Mode Item “58 WX VOL.” See page 57 for details.
R.F. Says: 1) When the Weather Alert Scan feature is engaged, the Scan-Resume mode
is fixed to “HOLD.”
2) If you are just scanning the Weather Broadcast Channels, the FT-2900R’s receiver
will remain muted indefinitely unless the Alert Tone is received. This yields a long
period of monitoring time, as no power will be consumed via audio output while
scanning for the Alert Tone is in progress.
Band Edge Beeper
The FT-2900R will automatically “beep” when the receiver’s band edge is encountered
during scanning (either in standard VFO scanning or during PMS operation). You may
additionally enable this feature (band edge beeper) when the frequency reaches the
band edge while selecting the VFO frequency manually, using the DIAL knob.
The procedure for enabling the Band-Edge Beeper (during manual tuning) is:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “21 EDG.BEP.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Menu item to
ON.”
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
Smart Search Operation
The Smart Search feature allows you to load frequencies automatically according to
where activity is encountered by your radio. When Smart Search is engaged, the
transceiver will search above and below your current frequency, storing active
frequencies as it goes (without stopping on them even momentarily); these frequencies
are stored into a special Smart Search memory band, consisting of 31 memories (15
above the current frequency, 15 below the current frequency, plus the current frequency
itself).
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Two basic operating modes for Smart Search are available:
SINGLE: In this mode, the transceiver will sweep the current band once in each
direction starting on the current frequency. All channels where activity is present will
be loaded into the Smart Search memories; whether or not all 31 memories are filled,
the search will stop after one sweep in each direction.
CONT: In this mode, the transceiver will make one pass in each direction as with
One-Shot searching; if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, however, the
radio will continue sweeping until they are all filled.
Setting the Smart Search Mode
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “45 S SRCH.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Smart
Search mode (see above).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
Storing Smart Search Memories
1. Set the radio to the VFO mode. Be sure that you have the Squelch adjusted
properly (so that band noise is quieted).
2. Press the Microphone’s [P2] key to enter the Smart Search mode. The “S SRCH”
notation is appeared on the display. for 2 seconds.
3. Press the Microphone’s [A] key to begin Smart Search scanning.
4. As active channels are detected, they will automatically be stored into the Smart
Search memory bank without causing the sweep to halt.
5. Depending on the mode you set for Smart Search operation (“SINGLE” or “CONT”),
the Smart Search scan will eventually terminate, and the LCD will revert to
Smart Search Memory Channel “C.”
6. To recall the Smart Search memories, just rotate the DIAL knob to choose from
among the Smart Search memories.
7. To return to normal operation, press the [D/MR(MW)] key.
R.F. Says: Smart Search is a great tool when visiting a city for the first time. You don’t
need to spend hours looking up repeater frequencies from a reference guidebook: Just
ask your FT-2900R where the action is!
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Internet Connection Feature
The FT-2900R can be used to access a “node” (repeater or base station) which is tied
into the Vertex Standard WIRESTM (Wide-Coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement
System) network. Details may be found at the WIRES-II Web site:
http://www.vxstd.com/en/wiresinfo-en/. This feature may also be used to access other
systems, as described below.
SRG (“Sister Radio Group”) mode
1. Press the [%] key momentarily to activate the Internet Connection feature. The
“Int” notation will appear at the right of the frequency.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [%] key to select the access number
(DTMF “0” ~ “9,” “A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “E(*),” “F(#))” corresponding to the WIRES・
node to which you wish to establish an Internet link (ask the node or repeater
owner/operator if you don’t know the access number in the network). Now press
the PTT switch to exit from the selection mode.
3. With the Internet Connection feature activated (as in step 1 above), the FT-2900M
will generate a brief (0.1 second) DTMF tone according to your selection in step 2.
This DTMF tone is sent at the beginning of every transmission to establish or
maintain the link to the local WIRES・node operating in the SRG mode.
4. To disable the Internet Connection feature, press the [%] key momentarily (the
“Int” notation will disappear from the display).
R.F. Says: If other users report that you always have a DTMF “beep” at the beginning
of each transmission, and you are not operating in conjunction with Internet access,
disable this function via step (4) above.
FRG (“Friendly Radio Group”) mode
You may access other Internet Link Systems (including WIRESTM in the “FRG” mode)
that use a DTMF string for access.
Programming the FRG code
Load the DTMF tones which you wish to use for Internet-link access into a Internet
Memory register. For purposes of this example, we will use “#(F)1101D” as the access
code (the “#” key is denoted by the letter “F”).
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “25 INT.SET.”
2. Press the [0(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the Internet Memory
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register (F0 ~ F9) into which you wish to store the access code.
3. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily. The first digit will blink.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “F” (representing DTMF “#” the first digit of the
DTMF string).
5. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to accept the first digit and move to the
second digit of the DTMF string.
6. Repeat the previous steps until you have completed the access code (“#(F)1101D”).
7. If you attach an alpha/numeric name “Tag” to the Internet Memory, proceed to the
next step; otherwise press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save
the setting.
8. Press the [MHz(SET)] key twice to enable programming of the name tag (The
Internet Memory register number will blink).
9. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily. The first digit will blink.
10. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired label.
11. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key to move to the next character.
12. If you make a mistake, press the [REV(DW)] key to back-space the cursor, then
re-enter the correct letter, number, or symbol.
13. Repeat steps 10 and 11 to program the remaining letters, numbers, or symbols of
the desired label. A total of six characters may be used in the creation of a label.
14. When you have programmed a label which is under 6 characters, press and hold in
the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to confirm the label.
15. Repeat steps 1 through 14 to store other access codes, if so desired.
16. Press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation.
Operation (Accessing an FRG Node)
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “23 INT MD.”
2. Press the [0(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to
“FRG” (thus activating the “Other Internet Link System” mode).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new settings.
4. Press the [%] key momentarily to activate the Internet Connection feature. The
“Int” notation will appear in the upper right corner of the display.
5. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [%] key to select the Internet Memory
register number (F0 ~ F9) (or Name) corresponding to the Internet link repeater to
which you wish to establish an Internet link, then press the PTT switch
momentarily to lock in the selected access number.
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6. Once the Internet Connection feature is activated per step 4 above, you may now
press the [%] key, while you are transmitting, to send out the selected DTMF
string (to establish the link to the desired Internet-link mode).
7. To return to the WIRESTM mode, repeat steps 1 - 3 above, selecting “SRG” in step
4.
CW Training Feature
The FT-2900r provides a CW Training feature, which sends random Morse Code via the
sidetone (heard in the speaker), so you can improve your CW proficiency.
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “12 CWTRNG.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode
Item.
3. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key to select the Training mode (displayed in fine print at
the upper edge of the LCD):
1A: Sends five Alphabet characters only
A: Sends Alphabet characters only (Repeatedly)
1n: Sends five Numeric characters only
n: Sends Numeric characters only (Repeatedly)
1An: Sends five Alphabet, Numeric, “?,” and “/” characters (Mixed)
An: Send Alphabet, Numeric, “?,” and “/” characters (Mixed, Continuously in
group of five)
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Morse speed. You may select the units of the
code speed between “WPM (Words per minute)” and “CPM: characters per minute)”
by pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key.
5. Press the [REV(DW)] key to begin generation of the code characters (CW sidetone
only, the radio does not transmit); the transmitted characters will appear on the
display. If one of the “1” modes is selected in step 4 above, press the [F/W] key to
send another code group.
6. To disable the CW Training feature, press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily.
7. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: The “WPM” selection is based on the international “PARIS” standard, which
stipulates five characters per word.
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Packet Operation
The FT-2900R may be used for 1200 bps Packet operation, using most all
commonly-available Terminal Node Controllers (TNCs). Connections between the
transceiver and the TNC are accomplished via the front panel Microphone connector
and rear panel External Speaker jack, per the diagram below.
The audio level from the receiver to the TNC may be adjusted by using the VOL knob,
as with voice operation. The input level to the FT-2900 from the TNC may be adjusted
via Set Mode Item “27 MCGAIN;” see page ?? for details.
Be sure to turn the transceiver and TNC off before connecting the cables, so as to
prevent voltage spikes from possibly damaging your transceiver.
Remember to readjust the default microphone input level to “LVL 5” (Set Mode Item
“27 MCGAIN”) when Packet operation is finished.
Miscellaneous Settings
Password
The FT-2900R provides a password feature which can minimize the chance that your
transceiver could be used by an unauthorized party.
When the password feature is activated, the radio will ask for the four digit password
to be entered when the radio is first turned on. You must enter the four digit password
from the Microphone’s keypad. If the wrong password is entered, the microprocessor
will shut down the radio automatically.
To enter the password and activating this feature, use the following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “40 PSWD.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode
Item.
3. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to display any previously-stored password.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired number/letter (0-9, A, B,
C, D, E (substitute for “*”), and F (substitute for “#”).
5. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key to move to the next digit.
6. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to program the remaining numbers/letters of the desired
password.
7. If you make a mistake, press the [REV(DW)] key to move back to the previous digit,
then re-select the correct number/letter.
8. When you have finished entering the password, press and hold in the [MHz(SET)]
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key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
9. If you wish to disable the Password feature, repeat steps 1 - 3 above, now rotate
the DIAL knob to select “OFF,” then press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one
second.
R.F. Says: 1) We recommend that you to write down the password number, and keep it
in a safe place you can easily find if you forget your password.
2) If you forget the password number, you may turn on the transceiver by performing
the “Microprocessor Resetting” procedure (see page 85). However, the FT-2900 will
clear the password, as well as all memories, and will restore all other settings to
factory defaults.
Time-Out Timer (TOT)
The “Time-Out Timer” (TOT) feature is designed to force the transceiver into the
“Receive” mode after a preset time period of continuous transmission (the default is 6
minutes). This feature prevents your transceiver from transmitting a “dead carrier” for
a long period of time in the event that the microphone PTT switch is accidentally
locked in the “TX” condition.
The Time-Out Timer’s “switch-to-receive” time may be adjusted, in one minute
increments, for any period between 1 and 60 minutes.
To change the default (6 minutes) time setting:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “53 TOT.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired interval
(1/3/5/10 minutes), or OFF.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
Automatic Power-Off (APO)
The “Automatic Power-Off” (APO) feature will turn the radio completely off after a
user-defined period of PTT or key/button inactivity. If you do not press any front panel
keys or buttons, rotate the DIAL knob, use the microphone’s keys and buttons, or
transmit, and so long as the transceiver is not scanning or engaged in priority
monitoring, the radio will shut itself off after the specified time period. The available
selections for the time before power-off are 0.5/1/3/5/8 hours, as well as APO Off. This
feature is useful in minimizing battery drain in a mobile installation if you forget to
turn the transceiver off when you leave your vehicle.
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To activate the APO feature:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “1 APO.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired
“switch-off” time or OFF.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
Busy Channel Lock-Out (BCLO)
The BCLO feature prevents the radio’s transmitter from being activated if a signal
strong enough to break through the “noise” squelch is present. On a frequency where
stations using different CTCSS or DCS codes may be active, BCLO prevents you from
disrupting their communications accidentally (because your radio may be muted by its
own Tone Decoder). The default setting for the BCLO is OFF, and here is how to change
that setting:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “5 BCLO.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode
Item.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “ON” (thus activating the
BCLO feature).
4. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one
second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
Remember that BCLO is controlled by the Noise Squelch; if you have DCS or TSQ
engaged, BCLO will inhibit transmission if a station is on frequency but not
transmitting the proper tone; BCLO will thus prevent you from interfering with the
other station’s transmission.
Programming the Key Assignments
Default FT-2900R key functions have been assigned to the Microphone’s
[P1]/[P2]/[P3]/[P4] buttons at the factory. These may be changed by the user, if you
wish to assign quick access to another function.
To change the assignments for the programmable keys:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select the Menu Item to be configured (“36 PRG P1,” “37 PRG P2,” “38 PRG P3,” or
“39 PRG P4”).
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2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the function you
wish to assign to the button you selected in the previous step. The available
choices are:
ARTS: Engages the ARTS・operation.
SQLOFF: Opens the Squelch to allow un-muted reception.
WX CH: Switches operation to the Weather channels bank.
S SRCH: Engages the Smart Search operation.
C SRCH: Engages the Tone Search Scanning feature.
SCAN: Engages the Scan operation
T CALL: Activates 1750 Hz Tone Burst
3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to save the new setting, then rotate the
DIAL knob to select another programmable button to modify, if desired, and repeat
the above steps.
4. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to exit to normal operation.
You may assign the Set Mode item to the Microphone’s [P1]/[P2]/[P3]/[P4] buttons, as
well, to do this:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Set Mode Item which you wish to assign to the
key as a Menu short-cut.
3. Press and hold in the Microphone’s [P1], [P2], [P3], or [P4] button for one second
to assign the Set Mode Item to the [P1], [P2], [P3], or [P4] button.
4. Now you can recall this preferred Set Mode Item by simply pressing the
Microphone’s button momentarily.
FM Bandwidth & TX Deviation Level
You can reduce the receiver bandwidth and microphone deviation level when operating
on tightly-clustered frequencies (channel spacing of 12.5 or 15 kHz). This will reduce
the transmitter deviation, thus minimizing interference to other users.
To configure for the narrower bandwidth, use the following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “59 W/N DV.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to change the display to
“NARROW (±2.5 kHz Deviation, 6 kHz Bandwidth).”
3. Press and hold the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and exit
to normal operation.
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4. To return to wide deviation, repeat the above procedure, selecting “WIDE (±5 kHz
Deviation, 15 kHz Bandwidth)” in step 2 above.
DCS Code Inversion
The DCS system was first introduced in the commercial LMR (Land Mobile Radio)
service, where it is now in widespread use. DCS is sometime referred to by its different
proprietary names, such as DPL® (Digital Private Line®, a registered trademark of
Motorola, Inc.).
DCS uses a codeword consisting of a 23-bit frame, transmitted (subaudible) at a data
rate of 134.4 bps (bit/sec). Occasionally, signal inversion can result in the complement
of a code to be sent or received. This prevents the receiver’s squelch from opening with
DCS enabled, as the decoded bit sequence would not match that selected for operation.
Typical situations that might cause inversion to occur are:
Connection of an external receiver preamplifier.
Operating through a repeater.
Connection of an external linear amplifier.
Note that code inversion does not mean that any of the above listed equipment is
defective!
In certain amplifier configurations, the output signal (phase) is inverted from the input.
Small signal or power amplifiers having an odd number (1, 3, 5, etc.) of amplification
stages may result in inversion of a transmitted or received DCS code.
While under most circumstances this should not occur (amplifier designs and industry
standards take this into account), if you find that your receiver squelch does not open
when both you and the other station are using a common DCS code, you or the other
station (but not both) can try the following:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “15 DCS RV.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set
Mode Item to “ENABLE” (thus inverting the DCS Code).
3. When you have made your selection, press and hold the [MHz(SET)] key for one
second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
4. Remember to restore the default setting to “DISABLE” when done.
Reset Procedure
In some instances of erratic or unpredictable operation, the cause may be corruption of
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data in the microprocessor (due to static electricity, etc.). If this happens, resetting of
the microprocessor may restore normal operation. Note that all memories will be
erased if you do a complete microprocessor reset, as described below.
Microprocessor Resetting
To clear all memories and other settings to factory defaults:
1. Turn the radio off.
2. Press and hold in the [REV(DW)], [LOW(A/N)], and [D/MR(MW)] keys while
turning the radio on. The “ALL RESET PUSH D/MR KEY” notation will scroll on
the display.
3. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily to reset all settings to their factory
defaults (press any other key to cancel the Reset procedure).
Set Mode Resetting
To reset the Set (Menu) mode settings to their factory defaults, while leaving other
settings unchanged:
1. Turn the radio off.
2. Press and hold in the [LOW(A/N)] and [D/MR(MW)] keys while turning the radio
on. The “SET MODE RESET PUSH D/MR KEY” notation will scroll on the display.
3. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily to reset the Set (Menu) mode settings to
their factory defaults (press any other key to cancel the Reset procedure).
Cloning
The FT-2900R includes a convenient “Clone” feature, which allows the memory and
configuration data from one transceiver to be transferred to another FT-2900R. This
can be particularly useful when configuring a number of transceivers for a public
service operation. Here is the procedure for Cloning one radio’s data to another:
1. Turn both radios off.
2. Connect the user-constructed cloning cable between the MIC jacks of the two
radios.
3. Press and hold in the [LOW(A/N)] key while turning the radios on. Do this for both
radios (the order of switch-on does not matter). “CLONE” will appear on the
displays of both radios when the Clone mode is successfully activated in this step.
4. On the Destination radio, press the [D/MR(MW)] key (“--WAITE--”will appear on
the LCD).
5. Press the [MHz(SET)] key on the Source radio; “---TX----” will appear on the Source
radio, and the data from this radio will be transferred to the other radio.
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6. If there is a problem during the cloning process, “ERROR” will be displayed. Check
your cable connections and battery voltage, and try again.
7. If the data transfer is successful, “CLONE” will appear on both displays.
8. Press any key to exit to normal operation.
9. Turn both radios off and disconnect the cloning cable.
“Set” (Menu) Mode
The FT-2900R Set (Menu) mode, already described in parts of many previous chapters,
is easy to activate and set. It may be used for configuration of a wide variety of
transceiver parameters, some of which have not been detailed previously. Use the
following procedure to activate the Set (Menu) mode:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Menu Item to be adjusted.
3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable adjustment of the selected Menu
item, then rotate the DIAL knob to perform the actual adjustment.
4. After completing your selection and adjustment, press and hold in the [MHz(SET)]
key for one second to exit the Set mode and exit to normal operation.
Menu Selection Details
1 APO
Function: Enables/Disables the Automatic Power Off feature.
Available Values: 30MIN / 1HOUR / 3HOUR / 5HOUR / 8HOUR / OFF
Default: OFF
2 AR BEP
Function: Selects the Beep option during ARTS operation.
Available Values: IN RNG / ALWAYS / OFF
Default: IN RNG
IN RNG: Beeps sound only when the radio first detects that you are within range.
ALWAYS: Beeps sound every time a polling transmission is received from the other
station (every 15 or 25 seconds when in range).
OFF: No alert beeps sound.
3 AR INT
Function: Selects the Polling Interval during ARTS operation.
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Available Values: 25SEC / 15SEC
Default: 25SEC
4 ARS
Function: Activates/Deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: ON
5 BCLO
Function: Enables/Disables the Busy Channel Lock-Out feature.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: OFF
6 BEEP
Function: Enables/Disables the key beeper.
Available Values: KY+SCN / KEY / OFF
Default: KY+SCN
KY+SC: The beeper sounds when you press any key, or when the scanner stops.
KEY: The beeper sounds when you press any key.
OFF: Beeper is disabled.
7 BELL
Function: Selects the CTCSS/DCS Bell Ringer repetitions.
Available Values: 1 / 3 / 5 / 8 / CNTNUE (Continuous ringing) / OFF
Default: OFF
8 BNK.LNK
Function: Select the Memory Bank for the Memory Bank Link Scan.
See page ** for details.
9 BNK NM
Function: Programming an Alpha/Numeric label for a Memory Bank.
See page ** for details.
10 CLK.SFT
Function: Shifting of the CPU clock frequency.
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Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: OFF
This function is only used to move a spurious response “Birdie” should it fall on a
desired frequency.
11 CW ID
Function: Enables/Disables the CW identifier during ARTS Operation.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: OFF
12 CWTRNG
Function: Enables/Disables the CW Training feature and selects the sending speed of
the morse Code.
Available Values: 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 15 / 17 / 20 / 24 / 30 / 40 WPM /
OFF or 20 / 25 / 30 / 35 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 75 / 85 / 100 / 120 / 150 / 200 CPM
Default: OFF
Note: To switch units between “WPM” and “CPM,” just press the [MHz(SET)] key.
13 DC VLT
Function: Indicates the DC Supply Voltage.
14 DCS CD
Function: Setting of the DCS code.
Available Values: 104 standard DCS codes
Default: 023
15 DCS RV
Function: Enables/Disables “Inverted” DCS code decoding.
Available Values: ENABLE / DISABL
Default: DISABL
16 DIMMER
Function: Setting of the front panel display7s illumination level.
Available Values: 0 (OFF) - 10
Default: 5
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17 DT A/M
Function: Enables/Disables the DTMF Autodialer feature.
Available Values: MANUAL / AUTO
Default: MANUAL
18 DT DLY
Function: Setting of the DTMF Autodialer 痴 TX Delay Time.
Available Values: 50 / 250 / 450 / 750 / 1000 ms
Default: 450 ms
19 DT SET
Function: Loading of the DTMF Autodialer Memories.
See page ** for details.
20 DT SPD
Function: Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed.
Available Values: 50 (high speed) / 100 (low speed) ms
Default: 50 ms
21 EDG.BEP
Function: Enables/disable the Band-edge beeper while scanning.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: ON
22 INT CD
Function: Selects the Access Number (DTMF digit) for WIRES operation.
Available Values: DTMF 0 - DTMF 9 / DTMF A - DTMF F
Default: DTMF 1
23 INT MD
Function: Selects the Internet Link Connection mode.
Available Values: SRG / FRG
Default: SRG
24 INT.A/M
Function: Enables/Disables DTMF Autodialer feature while operating on the Internet
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Connection feature.
Available Values: MANUAL / AUTO
Default: MANUAL
25 INT.SET
Function: Selects the memory register for an Access Number (DTMF code) for
non-WIRES Internet Link System access.
Available Values: F0 - F9
Default: F1
26 LOCK
Function: Selects the Control Locking Lockout combination.
Available Values: KEY / DIAL / K+D / PTT / K+P / D+P / ALL / OFF
Default: OFF
Note: “K” = “Key;” “D” = “Dial;” and “P” = “PTT.”
27 MCGAIN
Function: Adjust the microphone gain level.
Available Values: 1 - 9
Default: 5
28 MEM.SCN
Function: Selects the Memory Scan mode.
Available Values: TAG1 / TAG2 / ALL CH
Default: ALL CH
ALL CH: The scanner sweeps all Memory channels.
TAG1: The scanner sweeps only those Memory channels with the same “First” digit of
the alpha/numeric tag as the first channel on which scanning started.
TAG2: The scanner sweeps only those Memory channels with the same “First” and
“Second” digits of the alpha/numeric tag as the first channel on which scanning started.
29 MW MD
Function: Selects the method of selection of channels for Memory Storage.
Available Values: NEXT / LOWER
Default: NEXT
NEXT: Stores the data into the memory channel which is next-highest from the
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last-stored memory channel.
LOWER: Stores the data into the lowest-available “Free” channel.
30 NM SET
Function: Programming an Alpha/Numeric label for a Memory Channel.
See page ** for details.
31 OPN.MSG
Function: Selects the Opening Message that appears when the radio is powered on.
Available Values: DC / MSG / OFF
Default: DC
DC: DC supply voltage
MSG: Set by user. See below.
OFF: No Opening Message
Here’s how to program the Opening Message:
1. Set this Set Mode Item to “MSG.”
2. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to enable programming of the opening
message. You will notice the first character entry’s location blinking.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of the message, then press
the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to save the first letter/number and move on to
the next character.
4. Repeat the previous step as necessary to complete the message (up to six
characters).
5. If you make a mistake, press the [DW(REV)] key to back-space the cursor; now
re-enter the correct letter/number.
6. When you have entered the desired opening message, press the [MHz(SET)] key
momentarily to confirm the message, then press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key
for one second to save the settings and exit to normal operation.
32 PAGER
Function: Enables/Disables the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch function.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: OFF
33 PAG.ABK
Function: Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the Enhanced CTCSS Paging
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& Code Squelch function.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: OFF
34 PAG.CDR
Function: Setting the Receiver Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code
Squelch function.
See page ** for details.
35 PAG.CDT
Function: Setting the Transmitting Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging &
Code Squelch function.
See page ** for details.
36 PRG P1
Function: Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P1] key.
Available Values: ARTS / SQL OFF / WX CH / S SRCH / C SRCH / SCAN / T CALL or
all Set mode items (except Set mode item #36 through 39).
Default: Set mode item #13 DC VLT
37 PRG P2
Function: Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P2] key.
Available Values: ARTS / SQL OFF / WX CH / S SRCH / C SRCH / SCAN / T CALL or
all Set mode items (except Set mode item #36 through 39).
Default: Set mode item #16 DIMMER
38 PRG P3
Function: Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P3] key.
Available Values: ARTS / SQL OFF / WX CH / S SRCH / C SRCH / SCAN / T CALL or
all Set mode items (except Set mode item #36 through 39).
Default: Set mode item #27 MCGAIN
39 PRG P4
Function: Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P4] key.
Available Values: ARTS / SQL OFF / WX CH / S SRCH / C SRCH / SCAN / T CALL or
all Set mode items (except Set mode item #36 through 39).
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Default: Set mode item #47 SKIP
40 PSWD
Function: Programs and activates the Password feature.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: OFF
41 RESUME
Function: Selects the Scan Resume mode.
Available Values: BUSY / HOLD / 3SEC / 5SEC / 10SEC
Default: BUSY
BUSY: The scanner will hold until the signal disappears, then will resume when the
carrier drops.
HOLD: The scanner will stop when a signal is received, and will not restart.
3SEC/5SEC/10SEC: The scanner will hold for the selected resume time, then resume
whether or not the other station is still transmitting.
42 RF SQL
Function: Adjusts the RF Squelch threshold level.
Available Values: S1 - S9 / OFF
Default: OFF
43 RPT
Function: Sets the Repeater Shift direction.
Available Values: –RPT / + RPT / SIMP
Default: SIMP
44 RVRT
Function: Enables/disables the “Priority Channel Revert” feature.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: OFF
45 S SRCH
Function: Selects the Smart Search Sweep mode.
Available Values: SINGLE / CNTNUE
Default: SINGLE
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SINGLE: The transceiver sweeps the current band once in each direction, starting on
the current frequency. All channels where activity is present (up to 15 in each
direction) are loaded into the Smart Search memories. Whether or not all 31 memories
are filled, the search stops after one sweep in each direction.
CNTNUE: The transceiver makes a sweep in each direction as with the “SINGLE”
mode, but if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, the radio continues
sweeping until they are all filled.
46 SHIFT
Function: Sets the magnitude of the Repeater Shift.
Available Values: 0.00 - 99.95 MHz
Default: 0.60 MHz
47 SKIP
Function: Selects the Memory Scan mode.
Available Values: SKIP / ONLY / OFF
Default: OFF
SKIP: The scanner will “Skip” the flagged channels during scanning.
ONLY: The scanner will only scan channels that are flagged (Preferential Scan List).
OFF: All memory channels will be scanned (the “Flag” will be ignored).
48 SPLIT
Function: Enables/Disables the split CTCSS/DCS coding.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: OFF
When this Set Mode Item is set to “ON,” you will see the following additional
parameters after the “RV TN” parameter while configuring Set Mode Item “49
SQL.TYP.”
D CODE: DCS Encode only.
T DCS: Encodes a CTCSS tone and Decodes a DCS code.
D TONE: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS tone.
49 SQL.TYP
Function: Selects the Tone Encoder and/or Decoder mode.
Available Values: TONE / TSQL / DCS / RV TN / OFF
Default: OFF
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TONE: CTCSS Encoder
TSQL: CTCSS Encoder/Decoder
DCS: Digital Coded Encoder/Decoder
RV TN: Reverse CTCSS Decoder (Mutes receiver when matching tone is received)
Note: See also Set Mode Item “48 SPLIT” regarding additional selections available
during “Split Tone” operation.
50 STEP
Function: Sets the Synthesizer steps.
Available Values: 5 / 10 / 12.5 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 50 / 100 kHz
Default: 5 kHz
51 TEMP
Function: Indicates the current temperature inside the transceiver’s case.
52 TN FRQ
Function: Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.
Available Values: 50 standard CTCSS tones
Default: 100.0 Hz
53 TOT
Function: Sets the Time-Out Timer.
Available Values: 1MIN / 3MIN / 5MIN / 10MIN / OFF
Default: 3MIN
The time-out timer shuts off the transmitter after continuous transmission of the
programmed time.
54 TS MUT
Function: Enables/Disables the receiver audio output during the Tone Search Scanner
is activated.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: ON
55 TS SPD
Function: Selects the Tone Search Scanner speed.
Available Values: FAST / SLOW
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Default: FAST
56 VFO.SCN
Function: Select the VFO Scanner Width.
Available Values: ±1MHz / ±2MHz / ±5MHz / ALL
Default: ALL
±1 MHz, ±2 MHz, ±5 MHz: The scanner will sweep frequencies within the selected
bandwidth.
ALL: The scanner will sweep all frequencies.
57 WX ALT
Function: Enables/disables the Weather Alert feature.
Available Values: ON / OFF
Default: OFF
58 WX VOL
Function: Selects the audio output level of the Weather Alert Tone.
Available Values: NOR.VOL / MAX.VOL
Default: NOR.VOL
59 W/N DV
Function: Reduction of the Microphone Gain/Deviation and receiver bandwidth.
Available Values: WIDE (±5 kHz Deviation, 15 kHz Bandwidth) / NARROW (±2.5 kHz
Deviation, 6 kHz Bandwidth)
Default: WIDE (±5 kHz Deviation, 15 kHz Bandwidth)
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