Vertex Standard FT-857 User Manual

OPERATING MANUAL

VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.

4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan

VERTEX STANDARD

US Headquarters

10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.

International Division

8350 N.W. 52nd Terrace, Suite 201, Miami, FL 33166, U.S.A.

YAESU EUROPE B.V.

P.O. Box 75525, 1118 ZN Schiphol, The Netherlands

YAESU UK LTD.

Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.

VERTEX STANDARD HK LTD.

Unit 5, 20/F., Seaview Centre, 139-141 Hoi Bun Road,
Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Contents

Introduction ..................................................................... 1

Specifications................................................................... 2

Accessories & Options ................................................... 4

Installation ....................................................................... 5

Preliminary Inspection ................................................. 5

Installation Tips ........................................................... 5

Safety Information ....................................................... 6

Installing the Microphone and Front Panel ................ 7

Power connections ....................................................... 8

Grounding .................................................................. 10

Mobile Station Grounding.................................... 10

Base Station Earth Grounding.............................. 11

Antenna Considerations ............................................ 12

Mobile Antenna Installations ............................... 12

Base Station Antenna Installations ...................... 13

RF Field Exposure ..................................................... 14

Electromagnetic Compatibility.................................. 15

Heat and Ventilation .................................................. 15

Linear Amplifier Interfacing...................................... 16

CW Key/Keyer Connections ..................................... 17

Receiver Accessories (Tape Recorder etc.) ............. 18

Adjusting the Front Feet ............................................ 18

Front Panel Control & Switches................................. 20

Multi Function Key Detail......................................... 24

Rear panel Connectors ................................................ 32

Operation ....................................................................... 34

Turning the Transceiver On and Off ......................... 34

Operating Band Selection.......................................... 34

Mode Selection .......................................................... 34

Adjusting the Audio Volume Level .......................... 35

Menu Quick Start ...................................................... 35

Adjusting the RF Gain and Squelch.......................... 36

Setting the Operating Frequency............................... 36

Changing the Dial Speed ........................................... 37

Stacked VFO System ................................................ 37

Receiver Accessories .................................................... 38

Locking Front Panel Controls ................................... 38

Clarifier ...................................................................... 39

IF Shift ....................................................................... 40

AGC ........................................................................... 41

Noise Blanker ............................................................ 41

IPO ............................................................................. 42

ATT (Front End Attenuator) ..................................... 42

DSP Bandpass Filter (DBP) ...................................... 43

DSP CW Peaking Filter (DBF) ................................. 44

DSP Noise Reduction (DNR) ................................... 44

DSP Notch Filter (DNF) ........................................... 45

AM/FM Tuning Dial Operation ................................ 45

Automatic Power-Off Feature ................................... 46

Transmitter Operation ................................................ 48

SSB/AM Transmission .............................................. 48

Basic Setup/Operation.......................................... 48

VOX Operation .................................................... 49

AF Speech Processor Operation .......................... 50

DSP Microphone Equalizer ................................. 51

CW Transmission ...................................................... 52

Operation using Straight Key/External Keying Device

Using the Built-in Electronic Keyer..................... 54

FM Transmission ....................................................... 56

Basic Setup/Operation.......................................... 56

Repeater Operation .............................................. 57

Tone Search Scanning .......................................... 58

.. 52

DCS Operation ..................................................... 59

DCS Search Scanning .......................................... 59

Split Tone Operation ............................................ 60

ARTSTM Operation ............................................... 61

CW Identifier Setup ........................................ 62

Digital Mode Operation (SSB-Based AFSK) .......... 63

RTTY (Radio Tele Type) Operation ................... 63

PSK31 Operation.................................................. 64

“User” Defined Digital Modes ............................ 64

Packet (1200/9600 bps FM) Operation .................... 65

WeatherFax Monitoring ............................................ 66

Time-Out Timer ......................................................... 67

Split Frequency Operation ........................................ 67

ATAS-100/-120 Operation ....................................... 68

Automatic Tuning ................................................. 68

Manual Tuning...................................................... 69

ATAS-100/-120 Operating Tips .......................... 70

FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner Operation ............ 71

Antenna Tuner Memory System .......................... 72

Memory Operation....................................................... 73

QMB (Quick Memory Bank) Channels ................... 73

Memory Operation on “Regular” Memory Channel

Normal Memory Storage ..................................... 74

Split-Frequency Memory Storage ........................ 75

Memory Channel Recall ...................................... 76

Masking (“Hiding”) a Memory............................ 77

Memory Operation on “HOME” Channel Memories
Labeling Memories after Programming Channel Data

Spectrum Scope Monitor ............................................. 80

Smart SearchTM............................................................ 81

Scanning Operation ...................................................... 82

Scanning Features ...................................................... 82

Scanning Operation ................................................... 82

Scan-Resume Choices .......................................... 83

Scan Skip Programming (Memory Mode only) .. 83

“Priority Channel” Scanning ..................................... 85

Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) Operation ...... 86

Dual Watch Operation............................................... 87

Miscellaneous Settings ................................................. 88

Operation on Alaska Emergency Frequency: 5167.5 kHz

CW Training Feature ................................................. 89

Programming the Panel Key Functions..................... 89

Beacon Feature .......................................................... 90

Beacon Text Storage ............................................ 90

Beacon Text Sending (On the Air) ...................... 91

Display Customization .............................................. 92

Display Lamp Mode ............................................. 92

Display Contrast ................................................... 92

Display Dimmer ................................................... 92

Display Color ....................................................... 93

Menu Operation ........................................................... 94

CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) Operation . 113

Power-On Microprocessor Reset Procedures ........ 117

Cloning ......................................................................... 118

Installation Optional Accessories ............................. 119

Optional Digital Signal Processing Unit DSP-2
Optional Filters:YF-122S, YF-122C, and YF-122CN
Optional High Stability Reference Oscillator TCXO-9

Appendix ...................................................................... 122

Setup of Memories
for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) FM Satellite Operation

MH-59A8J Remote Microphone .............................. 125

........ 74

....... 78

..... 79

... 88

............ 119

.... 120

.. 121

....... 122

INTRODUCTION

HOME

CLAR

L

Q

A

S

F

F

R

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E

C

L

E

T

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FUNC

The FT-857 is a rugged, innovative multiband, multimode mobile/portable transceiver for
the amateur radio MF/HF/VHF/UHF bands. Providing coverage of the 160-10 meter bands
plus the 6 m, 2 m, and 70 cm bands, the FT-857 includes operation on the SSB, CW, AM,
FM, and Digital modes, yielding the most comprehensive performance package available
for mobile and field operation.

Engineered for high performance, the FT-857 provides 100 watts power output on the 160
through 6 meter bands, 50 watts power output on 2 meters, and 20 watts output on 70 centi­meters.

The multi-function Liquid-Crystal Display includes attractive backlighting (32 colors avail­able!). The display includes bar-graph indication of power output, ALC voltage, SWR, modu­lation level, and/or signal strength. Also included are a number of operating status icons, as
well as the function displays for the three operating function keys ([A], [B], and [C]).

Among the advanced features of the FT-857 are many incorporated only in large base­station transceivers. These include Dual VFOs; Split-Frequency operation; Digital Signal
Processing (Bandpass Filtering, Noise Reduction, Auto-Notch, and Microphone Equalizer);
IF Shift; Clarifier (“R.I.T.”); IF Noise Blanker; AGC Fast/Slow/Auto/Off selection; RF Gain
and Squelch control; IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) and a receiver front-end Attenua­tor; AM Aircraft reception; AM and FM Broadcast reception; U.S. Weather Band reception;
VOX; Built-in Electronic Keyer with Memories and a Beacon mode; Adjustable CW Pitch;
Automatic FM Repeater Shift (ARS); Built-in CTCSS Encoder/Decoders; ARTS™ (Auto­Range Transponder System); Smart Search™ Automatic Memory Loading System; Spec­trum Scope; 200 Memories plus Home Channels and Band-limiting Memories; Alpha-Nu­meric Labeling of Memories; Automatic Power-Off (APO) and Time-Out Timer (TOT) func­tions; Computer Interface capability; and Cloning capability.

We urge you to read this manual in its entirety, so as to gain a full understanding of the
amazing capability of the exciting new FT-857 Transceiver.

1FT-857 Operating Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

General

Frequency Range: Receive: 0.1-56 MHz, 76-108 MHz, 118-164 MHz,

420-470 MHz

Transmit: 160 - 6 Meters, 2 Meters,

70 Centimeters (Amateur bands only)

Emission Modes: A1 (CW), A3 (AM), A3J (LSB/USB), F3 (FM),

F1 (9600 bps packet), F2 (1200 bps packet)

Synthesizer Steps (Min.): 10 Hz (CW/SSB), 100 Hz (AM/FM/WFM)
Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohms, Unbalanced
Operating Temp. Range: 14 ºF to 140 ºF (–10 °C to +60 °C)
Frequency Stability: ±4 ppm from 1 min. to 60 min after power on.

@25 °C: 1 ppm/hour

±0.5 ppm/1 hour @25 °C, after warmup

(with optional TCXO-9)

Supply Voltage: Normal: 13.8 VDC ±15 %, Negative Ground
Current Consumption: Squelched: 550 mA (Approx.)

Receive: 1 A
Transmit: 22 A

Case Size (W x H x D): 6.1” x 2.0” x 9.2” (155 x 52 x 233 mm)
Weight (Approx.): 4.6 lb. (2.1 kg)

Transmitter

RF Power Output: SSB/CW/FM AM Carrier
(@13.8 V DC) 160- 6 M: 100 W 25 W

2 M: 50 W 12.5 W
70 CM: 20 W 5 W

Modulation Types: SSB: Balanced Modulator,

AM: Early Stage (Low Level),
FM: Variable Reactance

FM Maximum Deviation: ±5 kHz (FM-N: ±2.5 kHz)
Spurious Radiation: –50 dB (1.8-29.7 MHz)

–60 dB (50/144/430 MHz)

Carrier Suppression: >40 dB
Opp. Sideband Suppression: >50 dB
SSB Frequency Response: 400 Hz-2600 Hz (–6 dB)
Microphone Impedance: 200-10k Ohms (Nominal: 600 Ohms)

2 FT-857 Operating Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

Receiver

Circuit Type: Double-Conversion Superheterodyne (SSB/CW/AM/FM)

Superheterodyne (WFM)

Intermediate Frequencies: 1st: 68.33 MHz (SSB/CW/AM/FM); 10.7 MHz (WFM)

2nd: 455 kHz

Sensitivity: SSB/CW AM FM

100 kHz-1.8 MHz – 32 µV –

1.8 MHz-28 MHz 0.2 µV 2 µV –
28 MHz-30 MHz 0.2 µV 2 µV 0.5 µV
50 MHz-54 MHz 0.125 µV 1 µV 0.2 µV
144/430 MHz 0.125 µV – 0.2 µV
(SSB/CW/AM = 10 dB S/N, FM = 12 dB SINAD)

Squelch Sensitivity: SSB/CW/AM FM

100 kHz-1.8 MHz – –

1.8 MHz-28 MHz 2.5 µV –
28 MHz-30 MHz 2.5 µV 0.32 µV
50 MHz-54 MHz 1 µV 0.16 µV
144/430 MHz 0.5 µV 0.16 µV

Image Rejection: HF/50 MHz: 70 dB,

144/430 MHz: 60 dB

IF Rejection: 60 dB
Selectivity (–6/–60 dB): SSB/CW: 2.2 kHz/4.5 kHz

AM: 6 kHz/20 kHz
FM: 15 kHz/30 kHz
FM-N: 9 kHz/25 kHz
SSB (optional YF-122S installed): 2.3 kHz/4.7 kHz (–66 dB)
CW (option YF-122C installed): 500 Hz/2.0 kHz
CW (option YF-122CN installed): 300 Hz/1.0 kHz

AF Output: 2.5 W (@4 Ohms, 10% THD or less)
AF Output Impedance: 4-16 Ohms

Specifications are subject to change without notice, and are guaranteed within the amateur
bands only.

3FT-857 Operating Manual

ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

Hand Microphone MH-31A8J ............................................................................................... 1

Mobile Mounting Bracket MMB-82.................................................................................... 1

DC Power Cord..................................................................................................................... 1

Operating Manual ................................................................................................................. 1

Warranty Card ....................................................................................................................... 1

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

FP-1030A External AC Power Supply (25A)
DSP-2 Digital Signal Processing Unit
YF-122S Collins SSB Filter (2.3 kHz/4.7 kHz: –6 dB/–66 dB)
YF-122C Collins CW Filter (500 Hz/2 kHz: –6 dB/–60 dB)
YF-122CN Collins CW Filter (300 Hz/1 kHz: –6 dB/–60 dB)
TCXO-9 TCXO Unit (±0.5 ppm)
MD-200A8X Desktop Microphone
MH-36E8J DTMF Microphone
MH-59A8J Remote Control Microphone
YSK-857 Separation Kit
FC-30 External Automatic Antenna Tuner
ATAS-100 Active-Tuning Antenna System
ATAS-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System
ATBK-100 VHF/UHF Antenna Base/Counterpoise Kit
VL-1000 Solid-State Linear Amplifier
CT-62 CAT Interface Cable
CT-39A Packet Cable
CT-58 BAND DATA Cable

4 FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

This chapter describes the installation procedure for integrating the FT-857 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 insurance purposes.

INSTALLATION TIPS

To ensure long life of the components, be certain to provide adequate ventilation around the
cabinet of the FT-857.

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-857.
Avoid heating vents and window locations that could expose the transceiver to excessive
direct sunlight, especially in hot climates. The FT-857 should not be used in an environment
where the ambient temperature exceeds 140º F (+60 °C).

5FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

SAFETY INFORMATION

The FT-857 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 manu-

ally.

6 FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

BAND

INSTALLING THE MICROPHONE AND FRONT PANEL

1. Insert the microphone’s plug into the recessed jack on the transceiver, as shown in the
illustration.

2. You may position the microphone cable so as to cause it to exit from the side or the
bottom of the transceiver. Just route the cable into the appropriate channel provided, as
shown in the illustration.

3. Connect the Control cable between the Front Panel and Transceiver Body.

4. Install the Front Panel by sliding it into the position shown; you will hear a “click” when
the panel locks into place.

5. To remove the Front Panel, use your left thumb to push rearward (slightly) the latch on
the left-hand of the panel, then slide the Front Panel to the right and away from the
transceiver.

MODE

DSP

TX/BUSY

DWN UP

7FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

12V Battery

Cigarette Lighter Plug

FUSE: 25A

T

o

HF

/

5

0

MHz

An

t

e

n

n

aTo

144

MHz

/

430 MHz

Ante

nna

T

o HF/

5

0

MHz

A

nte

n

n

aTo 1

44

MHz

/

430 MHz

Ante

nna

VA005

5102015302040

CONTINUOUS CURRENT 25A

OVERLOAD

FP-1030A

RED

BLACK

FUSE: 25A

POWER CONNECTIONS

The DC power connector for the FT-857 must only be connected to a DC source providing

13.8 Volts DC (±15%), and capable of at least 22 Amperes of current. Always observe
proper polarity when making DC connections:

The Red DC power lead connects to the Positive (+) DC terminal; and the Black DC power
lead connects to the Negative (–) DC terminal.

In mobile installations, noise pickup may be minimized by connecting the DC cable directly
to your vehicle’s battery, rather than to the ignition switch or “accessory” circuitry. Direct
connection to the battery also provides the best voltage stability.

Fuse Box

8 FT-857 Operating Manual

Supplied DC Cable

Supplied DC Cable

POWER

ON

OFF

RED BLACK

INSTALLATION

POWER CONNECTIONS

Tips for Successful Mobile Installations:
r Before connecting the DC cable to the battery, measure the voltage across the battery

terminals with the engine running fast enough to show a charge. If the voltage is above
15 Volts, the vehicle’s voltage regulator should be adjusted to reduce the charging volt­age to 14 Volts or lower.

r Route the DC cable as far away from the ignition cables as possible.
r If the DC cable is not long enough, use #12 AWG (minimum) stranded, insulated wire to

extend it. Be certain to solder the connections at the splice securely, and provide ample
insulation for the soldered splice (heat shrink tubing plus black electrical tape work
well).

r Check the battery terminal connections frequently to be sure they are tight and not cor-

roded.

r When operating with the vehicle turned off, or operating from a stand-alone car battery

(in a camp site, etc.), be mindful of the minimum operating voltage (11.73 Volts) for the
FT-857. If the battery is not charged sufficiently to maintain at least 11¾ Volts at the
radio, erratic operation or shut-down may occur.

Caution

Permanent damage can result if improper supply voltage, or reverse-polarity voltage,
is applied to the FT-857. The Limited Warranty on this transceiver does not cover
damage caused by application of AC voltage, reversed polarity DC, or DC voltage
outside the specified range of 13.8V ±15%. Never attempt to connect the FT-857 to
a 24-Volt battery system.

When replacing fuses, be certain to use a fuse of the proper rating. The FT-857
requires a 25A fast-blow fuse.

MMB-82 Installation

9FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

GROUNDING

The provision of an effective ground system is important in any successful communications
station. A good ground system can contribute to station efficiency in a number of ways:

r It can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the operator.
r It can minimize RF currents flowing on the shield of the coaxial cable and the chassis of

the transceiver which may cause interference to nearby home entertainment devices or
laboratory test equipment.

r It can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver operation caused by RF feedback or

improper current flow through logic devices.

An effective earth ground system may take several forms; for a more complete discussion,
see an appropriate RF engineering text. The information presented below is intended only as
a guideline.

Inspect the ground system – inside the station as well as outside – on a regular basis so as to
ensure maximum performance and safety.

Mobile Station Grounding

Although satisfactory grounding in most installations will be achieved via the DC cable’s
negative lead and the antenna system’s coaxial cable shield, it is often recommended that
you provide a direct ground connection to the vehicle chassis at the mounting location of the
transceiver (installation using the MMB-82 Mounting Bracket will accomplish this, if the
MMB-82 itself is mounted to the vehicle’s chassis). Due to unexpected resonances which
may naturally occur in any location, improper communication system performance may
result from insufficient grounding. These symptoms may include:

r RF feedback (resulting in distortion on your transmitted signal);
r Unintended frequency change;
r Blinking or blanking of the frequency display;
r Noise pickup; and/or
r Loss of memory.

Note that these conditions may occur in any communications installation. The FT-857 in­cludes extensive filtering designed to minimize the chance of such problems; however, ran­dom currents set up by insufficient RF grounding can nullify such filtering. Bonding the rear
panel Ground lug of the FT-857 transceiver to the vehicle or vessel’s ground system should
clear up any such difficulties.

Vertex Standard does not recommend the use of “on glass” mobile antennas unless the shield
of the coaxial cable is securely grounded near the feedpoint of the antenna. Such antennas
frequently are responsible for the ground-related difficulties described above.

10 FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

Proper Ground Connection

Amplifier

Power

Supply

Transceiver

Improper Ground Connection

GROUNDING

Base Station Earth Grounding

Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more copper-clad steel rods, driven into
the ground. If multiple ground rods are used, they should be configured in a “V” configura­tion, and bonded together at the apex of the “V” which is nearest the station location. Use a
heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from type RG-213 coaxial cable) and
strong cable clamps to secure the braided cables to the ground rods. Be sure to weatherproof
the connections to ensure many years of reliable service. Use the same type of heavy, braided
cable for the connections to the station ground bus (described below).

Do not use gas line pipes in an attempt to provide a ground connection! To do so creates a
serious risk of explosion!!

Inside the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 1” (25 mm)
diameter should be used. An alternative station ground bus may consist of a wide copper
plate (single-sided circuit board material is ideal) secured to the bottom of the operating
desk. Grounding connections from individual devices such as transceivers, power supplies,
and data communications devices should be made directly to the ground bus using a heavy,
braided cable.

Do not make ground connections from one electrical device to another, and thence to the
ground bus. This so-called “Daisy Chain” grounding technique may nullify any attempt at
effective radio frequency grounding. See the drawings below for examples of proper and
improper ground connections.

Transceiver Linear

Amplifier

"Daisy Chain"

Power

Supply

Linear

11FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS

The antenna systems connected to your FT-857 transceiver are, of course, critically impor­tant in ensuring successful communications. The FT-857 is designed for use with any an­tenna system providing a 50 W resistive impedance at the desired operating frequency. While
minor excursions from the 50 W specification are of no consequence, the power amplifier’s
protection circuitry will begin to reduce the power output of there is more than a 50% diver­gence from the specified impedance (less than 33 W or greater than 75 W, corresponding to
a Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) of 1.5:1).

Two antenna jacks are provided on the rear panel of the FT-857. The “HF/50 MHz ANT”
jack is used for HF and 50 MHz, while the “144/430 MHz ANT” jack is used for 144 MHz
and 430 MHz.

Guidelines for successful base and mobile station installations are shown below.

Mobile Antenna Installations

Mobile antennas for the HF bands, with the possible exception of those designed for 28
MHz, display very high “Q” due to the fact that they must be physically shortened, then
resonated using a loading coil. Additional system bandwidth may be realized using the Yaesu
FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner, which will present a 50 W impedance to your transceiver
on the 1.8 ~ 50 MHz bands so long as the SWR on the coaxial line connected to the FC-30
is below 3:1.

On the VHF and UHF bands, coaxial line losses increase so rapidly in the presence of SWR
that we recommend that all impedance matching to 50 W be performed at the antenna
feedpoint.

Yaesu’s Active-Tuned Antenna System (ATAS-100/-120) is a unique HF/VHF/UHF mo­bile antenna system, which provides automatic tuning when used with the FT-857. See page
68 for full details on the ATAS-100/-120.

For VHF/UHF weak-signal (CW/SSB) operation, remember that the antenna polarization
standard for these modes is horizontal, not vertical, so you must use a loop or otherwise
horizontally-polarized antenna so as to avoid cross-polarization loss of signal strength (which
can be 20 dB or more!). On HF, signals propagated via the ionosphere develop mixed polar­izations, so antenna selection may be made strictly on mechanical considerations; vertical
antennas are almost always utilized on HF for this reason.

In mobile (and portable) installations, when vertical antennas are used, remember that the
grounding of the base area of the antenna is critically important to proper operation. Since
most HF vertical antennas emulate a quarter-wavelength “monopole” antenna, the “missing
half” of the dipole antenna consists of a counterpoise of radial ground system. In a vehicle,
if mounting the antenna to a door or hatch, it is recommended that you bond the door to the

12 FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS

rest of the vehicle’s body, using a heavy braid bonded securely at both ends, to ensure that as
much counterpoise as possible is secured. In portable operation, be sure to lay out radials (or
otherwise construct a n image plane for the vertical monopole); it is not adequate simply to
connect a vertical radiating element to the rear panel Antenna jack of this transceiver, with­out providing a suitable counterpoise.

Base Station Antenna Installations

When installing a “balanced” antenna such as a Yagi or dipole, remember that the FT-857 is
designed for use with an (unbalanced) coaxial feedline. Always use a balun or other balanc­ing device so as to ensure proper antenna system performance.

Use high-quality 50 W coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT-857 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 a coaxial line with 0.5
dB of loss at 7 MHz may have 6 dB of loss at 432 MHz (thereby consuming 75% of your
transceiver’s power output!). As a general rule, smaller-diameter coaxial cables tend to have
higher losses than larger-diameter cables, although the precise differences depend on the
cable construction, materials, and the quality of the connectors used with the cable. See the
cable manufacturer’s specifications for details.

For reference, the chart below shows approximate loss figures for typically- available co­axial cables frequently used in HF installations.

Loss in dB per 30 m (100 feet) for Selected 50-ohm Coaxial Cables

CABLE TYPE

RG-58A

RG-58 Foam

RG-8X

RG-8A, RG-213

RG-8 Foam

Belden 9913

7/8” “Hardline”

Loss figures are approximate; consult cable manufacturer’s cata­logs for complete specifications.

1.8 MHZ

0.55

0.54

0.39

0.27

0.22

0.18

< 0.1

LOSS

28 MHZ

2.60

2.00

1.85

1.25

0.88

0.69

0.25

432 MHZ

>10

8.0

7.0

5.9

3.7

2.9

1.3

Always locate antennas such that they can never come in contact with outdoor power lines in
the event of a catastrophic support or power-pole structural failure. Ground your antennas’
support structure(s) adequately, so as to dissipate energy absorbed during a lightning strike.
Install appropriate lightning arrestors in the antenna coaxial cables (and rotator cables, if
rotary antennas are used).

In the event of an approaching electrical storm, disconnect all antenna lead-in, rotator cables,
and power cables completely from your station if the storm is not immediately in your area.

13FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS

Do not allow disconnected cables to touch the case of your FT-857 transceiver or accesso­ries, as lightning can easily jump from the cable to the circuitry of your transceiver via the
case, causing irreparable damage. If a lightning storm is in progress in your immediate area,
do not attempt to disconnect the cables, as you could be killed instantly if lightning should
strike your antenna structure or a nearby power line.

If a vertical antenna is utilized, be certain that humans and/or pets and farm animals are kept
away both from the radiating element (to prevent electrical shock and RF exposure danger)
and the ground system (in the event of an electrical storm). The buried radials of a ground­mounted vertical antenna can carry lethal voltages outward from the center of the antenna in
the event of a direct lightning strike.

RF FIELD EXPOSURE

This transceiver is capable of power output in excess of 50 Watts, so customers in the United
States may be required to demonstrate compliance with Federal Communications Commis­sion (FCC) regulations concerning maximum permissible exposure to radio frequency en­ergy. Compliance is based on the actual power output used, feedline loss, antenna type and
height, and other factors which can only be evaluated as a system.

Information regarding these regulations may be available from your Dealer, your local radio
club, from the FCC directly (press releases and other information can be found on the FCC’s
site on the World Wide Web at <http://www.fcc.gov>), or from the American Radio Relay
League, Inc. (225 Main St., Newington CT 06111 or <http://www.arrl.org>).

Although there is negligible radio frequency (RF) leakage from the FT-857 transceiver
itself, its antenna system should be located as far away from humans and animals as practi­cable, so as to avoid the possibility of shock due to accidental contact with the antenna or
excessive long-term exposure to RF energy. During mobile operation, do not transmit if
someone is standing adjacent to your antenna, and use the lowest power possible.

Never stand in front of an antenna (during testing or operation) when RF power is applied,
especially in the case of 430 MHz directional arrays. The 20 Watt power output supplied by
the FT-857, combined with the directivity of a beam antenna, can cause immediate heating
of human or animal tissues, and may cause other undesirable medical effects.

14 FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY

If this transceiver is used with, or in the vicinity of, a computer or computer-driven accesso­ries, you may need to experiment with grounding and/or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI)
suppression devices (such as ferrite cores) to minimize interference to your communications
caused by energy from the computer. Computer-generated RFI is usually a result of inad­equate shielding of the computer’s cabinet or I/O and peripheral connections. While com­puter equipment may “comply” with RF emission standards, this does not ensure that sensi­tive Amateur Radio receivers like the FT-857 will not experience interference from the
device!

Be certain to use only shielded cables for TNC-to-Transceiver connections. You may need
to install AC line filters on the power cord(s) of the suspected equipment, and decoupling
ferrite toroidal chokes may be required on interconnecting patch/data cables. As a last re­sort, you can try installing additional shielding within the computer’s case, using appropri­ate conductive mesh or conductive shielding tape. Especially check “RF holes” where plas­tic is used for cabinet front panels.

For further information, consult amateur radio reference guides and publications relating to
RFI suppression techniques.

HEAT AND VENTILATION

To ensure long life of the components, be certain to provide adequate ventilation around the
cabinet of the FT-857. The cooling system of the transceiver must be free to draw cool air in
from the side of the transceiver and expel warm air from the rear of the transceiver.

Do not install the transceiver on top of another heat-generating device (such as a linear
amplifier), and do not place equipment, books, or papers on top of the transceiver. Place the
transceiver on a hard, flat, stable surface. Avoid heating vents and window locations that
could expose the transceiver to excessive direct sunlight, especially in hot climates.

Heat Water & Moisture Dust Ventilation

15FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

REMOTE

ON

OFF

BAND DATA 1

BAND DATA 2

GND

ALC 2

ALC 1

PTT 2

PTT 1

INPUT 1

INPUT 2

CONTROL

DC48V IN

To HF AntennaTo HF AntennaTo 50 MHz AntennaINPUT 1

VL-1000

BAND-DATA 1CAT/LINEAR

nnaALC

1

CT-58 ALC Cable

GNDDC 48V INCONTROL

LINEAR AMPLIFIER INTERFACING

The FT-857 provides the switching and drive-control lines required for easy interfacing to
most all commonly-available amplifiers sold today.

These include:

r The Antenna Jacks (“HF/50MHz” and “144/430MHz”);
r A T/R control line (open circuit on RX, closure to ground on TX); and
r A negative-going ALC jack (control voltage range: 0V to –4V DC).
r When interfacing to the VL-1000 Solid State 1 KW Linear Amplifier, the optional CT-

58 Interface Cable provides for easy interconnection (requires that the Menu Mode No­020 [CAT/LIN/TUN] setting changes to “LINEAR”).

The rear-panel CAT/LINEAR jack is an 8-pin, miniature DIN type, with the “TX GND” pin
providing a closure to ground on transmit, for T/R control of your linear amplifier. The ACC
jack is a miniature stereo type, with external ALC input capability on the tip connection. The
main shaft is the ground return. The ring connection of the ACC jack, when closed to ground,
places the FT-857 into the transmit mode, and sends a steady CW carrier, for amplifier (or
antenna tuner) adjustment purposes.

Note that some amplifiers, particularly VHF or UHF “brick” amplifiers, offer two methods
of T/R switching: application of +13V or a closure to ground.

Be sure to configure your amplifier so that it switches via a closure to ground, as provided
by your FT-857’s CAT/LINEAR jack (“TX GND” pin). Alternatively, many of these am­plifiers use “RF Sensing” to control their relays; if yours is in this category, you may then use
the T/R control line from the “TX GND” pin
of the CAT/LINEAR jack for control of your
HF linear amplifier, and RF sensing for your
VHF or UHF amplifier.

ANT 1

ANT 2

ANT 3

ANT 1

To 144 / 430 MHz Ante

ANT 2

CT-58 BAND DATA Cable

16 FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

COMMON

COMMON

DOT

GND

KEY

LINEAR AMPLIFIER INTERFACING

The “TX GND” T/R control line is a transistor “open collector” circuit, capable of handling
positive amplifier relay coil voltages of up to +50V DC and current of up to 400 mA. If you
plan on using multiple linear amplifiers for different bands, you must provide external band­switching of the “TX GND” relay control line from the CAT/LINEAR jack.

Important Note!

Do not exceed the maximum voltage or current ratings for the “TX GND” line at the
CAT/LINEAR jack. This line is not compatible with negative DC voltages, nor AC
voltages of any magnitude.

Most amplifier control relay systems require only low DC voltage/current switching
capability (typically, +12V DC at 25 ~ 75 mA), and the switching transistor in the

FT-897 will easily accommodate such amplifiers.

CW KEY/KEYER CONNECTIONS

All commonly-available keyer paddles should work perfectly with the built-in Electronic
Keyer. The wiring configuration for the paddle is shown below.

DASH

DOT

KEY

GND

DASH

For straight-key operation, only the tip and shaft connections are used.
Note: Even when using a straight key, you must use a three-conductor (“stereo”) plug. If a

two-conductor plug is used, the key line will be constantly shorted to ground.
When using an external electronic keyer, be absolutely certain that it is configured for “posi-

tive” keying, not “negative” or “grid block” keying. The “key-up” voltage of the FT-857 is
+5V, and the “key-down” current is only about 1 mA.

For CW automated keying using a personal computer, with an external memory keyer pro­viding for manual sending, it usually is possible to connect the keyed lines together via a
“Y” connector. Check with the documentation accompanying your keyer and your contest/
DX software for any cautions which need to be observed.

17FT-857 Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

DATA

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES (TAPE RECORDER ETC.

Connection of a tape recorder or other such receiver accessory is
easily accomplished by using the DATA jack’s Data Out (1200 bps)
terminal (Pin 5) and Ground (Pin 2). The audio output is fixed at
100 mV, with an impedance of 600 W.

GND

)

DATA OUT
1200bps

ADJUSTING THE FRONT FEET

The two front feet of the transceiver allow the transceiver to be tilted upward for better
viewing. Simply fold both feet forward to raise the front of the transceiver, and fold them
back against the bottom case to lower the front of the FT-857.

18 FT-857 Operating Manual

NOTE

INSTALLATION

19FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

HOME

CLAR

L

Q

A

S

F

F

R

/

E

C

L

E

T

S

FUNC

AF Knob

The (inner) VOL knob adjusts the receiver audio volume level presented to the internal
or external speaker. Clockwise rotation increases the volume level.

SQL/RF Knob

In the USA version, this (outer) SQL/RF knob adjusts the gain of the receiver’s RF and
IF stages. Using Menu Mode No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN], this control may be changed to
function as a Squelch control, which may be used to silence background noise when no
signal is present. In the other versions, its default setting is set to “Squelch.”

SELECT knob

This detented rotary switch is used for VFO frequency tuning, memory selection, and
function selection for the [A], [B], [C] keys of the transceiver.

HOME Key

Pressing this key momentarily recalls a favorite “Home” frequency memory.

CLAR Key

Pressing this key activates the Receiver Clarifier feature. When this feature is activated,
the SELECT knob is used to set a tuning offset of up to ±9.99 kHz. The transmitter’s
frequency is not affected by the setting of the Clarifier.
Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the IF Shift feature, which allows
you to use the SELECT knob to adjust the center frequency of the IF filter’s passband
response.

20 FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

FUNC Key

Press this key momentarily to enable the changing of the function of the Multi Function
keys ([A], [B], and [C]) by rotating the SELECT knob.
Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the “Menu” mode.

Multi Function Keys

These three keys select many of the most important operating features of the trans­ceiver. When you press the [FUNC] key, then rotate the SELECT knob, the current
function of that key will appear above each of the [A], [B], and [C] keys (along the
bottom of the LCD). You may scroll the display through 17 rows of functions available
for use via the [A], [B], and [C] keys. The available features are shown in page 24.

MODE(t)/MODE(u) Key

Pressing either of these keys momentarily will change the operating mode. The selec­tions available are:

.....

LSB ó USB ó CW ó CWR ó AM ó FM ó DIG ó PKT ó LSB

DSP Button

Pressing this button momentarily provides instant access to Multi Function Row “p”
(MFp), which contains the command key for the optional receiver’s Digital Signal Pro­cessing system. The available functions will appear as the functions displayed above the
[A], [B]
operation to the last-used Multi-Function Row (the one in use before the DSP row was
engaged).
Press and hold in this switch for one second to activate Menu Item No-048, for adjust­ment of the DSP Microphone Equalizer (see page 51 for details).

, and [C] keys, as described previously. Pressing this key once more will return

.....

POWER Switch

Press and hold in the POWER switch for one second to turn to the transceiver on or off.
While the transceiver is turned on, pressing this switch momentarily will engage the
“Fast Tuning” mode, to allow more rapid frequency navigation (a small “running man”
icon will be observed in the bottom right-hand corner of the LCD).

TX/BUSY Indicator

This indicator glows green when the squelch opens, and turns red during transmit. Dur­ing CW operation, this indicator will glow blue when an incoming signal is tuned to the
center of the passband (with IF Shift off). And during FM reception, this indicator will
glow blue when a signal is received with a CTCSS/DCS tone matching that to which
your transceiver is set.

21FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

HOME

CLAR

L

Q

A

S

F

F

R

/

E

C

L

E

T

S

FUNC

BAND(DWN)/BAND(UP) Key

Pressing either of these keys momentarily will cause the frequency to be moved up or
down by one frequency band. The selections available are:

.....

1.8 MHz ó 3.5 MHz ó 5.0 MHz ó 7.0 MHz ó 10 MHz ó 14 MHz ó

15 MHz ó 18 MHz ó 21 MHzó 24 MHz ó 28 MHz ó 50 MHz ó
88 MHz ó 108 MHz ó 144 MHz ó 430 MHz ó 1.8 MHz

.....

V/M Key

Pressing this key switches frequency control between the VFO and Memory Systems.
Press and hold in this key to store the contents of the VFO into the QMB (Quick Memory
Bank) register.

LOCK Key

Pressing this key locks the front panel keys so as to prevent accidental frequency change.
The LOCK key itself, though, will never be disabled.

MAIN DIAL

This is the main tuning dial for the transceiver. It is used both for frequency tuning as
well as “Menu” setting in the transceiver.

Liquid Crystal Display

The Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) provides indication of the operating frequency and
other aspects of transceiver status.

22 FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

SIGNAL

GND

SIGNAL

GND

MIC Jack

Connect the supplied MH-31A8J Hand Microphone to this jack.

SP-PH Switch

If you use earphones with this transceiver, move this switch to the “PH” position before
inserting the earphone plug into the SP/PH Jack, to prevent injury your ears.

METER Jack

This 3.5-mm 2-pin jack is used for connection to an analog meter (not
produced by Vertex Standard). Please refer to the MENU, No-060 and
No-061.

SP/PH Jack

This 3.5-mm, 2-pin jack provides variable audio output for an external
speaker (4 W ~ 16 W impedance) or earphones. The audio level varies
according to the setting of the front panel’s AF knob.
Important Note: When you insert an earphone plug into this jack, the SP-PH slide
switch (located on the back side of front panel) MUST BE set to the “PH” position, to
prevent the possibility of injury to your ears.

CONTROL Jack

MAIN BODY (FRONT

PH SP

FRONT PANEL (BACK

)

CONTROL Jack

)

23FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

A

][]

[

FUNC

DIAL

SELECT

B][C

MULTI FUNCTION KEY DETAIL

The [A], [B], and [C] keys select many of the most
important operating features of the transceiver. When
you press the [FUNC] key, then rotate the SELECT
knob, the current function of that key will appear
above each of the [A], [B], and [C] keys (along the
bottom of the LCD). You may scroll the display
through 17 rows of functions available for use via the
[A], [B]

, and [C] keys.

][

Multi Function Row “a” (MFa

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Multi Function Row “b” (MFb

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

) [

A/B, A=B, SPL

[A]

Key: A/B

Press the [A](A/B) key to switch between VFO-A and VFO-B on the
display.
[B]

Key: A=B

Press the [B](A=B) key to copy the contents of Main VFO to be cop­ied into the Sub VFO, so that the two VFOs’ contents will be identi­cal.

[C]

Key: SPL

Press the [C](SPL) key to activate Split frequency operation between
VFO-A and VFO-B.

]

ô

) [

MW, SKIP, TAG

[A]

Key: MW

Press this key momentarily to enable the “Memory Check” mode, to
allow selection of an empty memory channel prior to frequency stor­age. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second to transfer the
contents of the VFO into the selected Memory register.
[B]

Key: SKIP

Press the [B](SKIP) key to designate the current Memory channel to
be “skipped” during scanning.
[C]

Key: TAG

Press the [C](TAG) key to select the display type (Frequency or Al­pha-numeric Tag) during Memory operation. Press and hold in this
key for one second, while on a recalled channel, to open Menu No.­056, for quick programming of an Alphanumeric Tag.

]

ô

24 FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

MULTI FUNCTION KEY DETAIL

Multi Function Row “c” (MFc

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Multi Function Row “d” (MFd

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

) [

STO, RCL, PROC

[A]

Key: STO

Press the [A](STO) key to store the contents of the VFO into the QMB
(Quick Memory Bank) register.
[B]

Key: RCL

Press the [B](RCL) key to recall the QMB Memory.
[C]

Key: PROC

Press the [C](PROC) key to activate the speech processor for SSB and
AM transmission.
Press and hold in the [C](PROC) key for one second to recall Menu
Mode No-074 [PROC LEVEL] (for setting the compression level of
the AF Speech Processor).

]

ô

) [

RPT, REV, VOX

[A]

Key: RPT

Press the [A](RPT) key to select the direction of the uplink frequency
shift (+, – or simplex) during FM repeater operation.
Press and hold in the [A](RPT) key for one second to recall Menu
Mode No-076 [RPT SHIFT] (for setting the shift frequency offset).
[B]

Key: REV

Press the [B](REV) key to reverse the transmit and receive frequen­cies while working through a repeater.
[C]

Key: VOX

Press the [C](VOX) key enable the VOX (voice-operated transmitter
switching system) in the SSB, AM, and FM modes.
Press and hold in the [C](VOX) key for one second to recall Menu
Mode No-088 [VOX GAIN] (for setting the VOX gain level).

]

ô

25FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

MULTI FUNCTION KEY DETAIL

Multi Function Row “e” (MFe

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Multi Function Row “f” (MFf

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Multi Function Row “g” (MFg

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

) [

TON, –––, TDCH] ([ENC, DEC, TDCH

[A]

Key: TON/ENC

Press the [A](TON) key to activate CTCSS or DCS operation on FM.
When the Split Tone feature is activated via Menu Mode No-079

[

SPLIT TONE], this key function changes to “ENC” for activation of

the CTCSS Encoder or DCS Encoder. Press the [A](ENC) key to acti­vate the encoder.
Press and hold in the [A](TON/ENC) key for one second to recall Menu
Mode No-083 [TONE FREQ] (for selecting the CTCSS tone frequency).
[B]

Key: –––/DEC

Normally, this key does nothing.
When the Split Tone feature is activated via Menu Mode No-079

[

SPLIT TONE], this key function changes to “DEC” to engage the DCS

or CTCSS Decoder. Press the [B](DEC) key to activate the decoder.
Press and hold in the [B](DEC) key for one second to recall Menu
Mode No-033 [DCS CODE] (for selecting the DCS code).
[C]

Key: TDCH

Press the [C](TDCH) key to initiate CTCSS Tone or DCS Search.

])

ô

) [

ARTS, SRCH, PMS

[A]

Key: ARTS

Press the [A](ARTS) key to initiate the Auto-Range Transponder mode.
Press and hold in the [A](ARTS) key for one second to recall Menu
Mode No-008 [ARTS BEEP] (for selecting the ARTS “Beep” option).
[B]

Key: SRCH

Press the [B](SRCH) key to activate the Smart Search feature.
Press the [B](SRCH) key to initiate Smart Search scanning.
[C]

Key: PMS

Press the [C](PMS) key to activate the Programmable Memory Scan
feature (programmable sub-band limits for tuning or scanning).

]

ô

) [

SCN, PRI, DW

[A]

Key: SCN

Press the [A](SCN) key to initiate Scanning (in the direction of higher
frequencies).
[B]

Key: PRI

Press the [B](PRI) key to activate the Priority Scan feature.
[C]

Key: DW

Press the [C](DW) key to activate the Dual Watch feature.

]

ô

26 FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

MULTI FUNCTION KEY DETAIL

Multi Function Row “h” (MFh

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Multi Function Row “i” (MFi

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

) [

SCOP, WID, STEP

[A]

Key: SCOP

Press the [A](SCOP) key to activate the Spectrum Scope Monitor fea­ture.
Press and hold in the [A](SCOP) key for one second to initiate the
Spectrum Scope.
[B]

Key: WID

Press the [B](WID) key to select the visible bandwidth for the Spec­trum Scope Monitor.
Press and hold in the [B](WID) key for one second to select the oper­ating mode for the Spectrum Scope Monitor.
[C]

Key: STEP

Press the [C](STEP) key to select the channel steps for Spectrum Scope
Monitor.
Press and hold in the [C](STEP) key for one second to activate the
MAX HOLD feature, which will display and hold the peak signal
strength level for each channel.

]

ô

) [

MTR, –––, DISP

[A]

Key: MTR

Pressing the [A](MTR) key repeatedly allows selection of the display
function of the meter in the transmit mode.

PWR à ALC à SWR à MOD à PWR

The selected function will appear above the [B] key.
Press and hold in the [A](MTR) key for one second to recall Menu
Mode No-062 [MTR PEAK HOLD] (for setting the “peak-Hold” func­tion of the meter).
[B]

Key
Pressing the [B] key repeatedly allows selection of the display func­tion of the meter in the transmit mode.

PWR à MOD à SWR à ALC à PWR

[C]

Key: DISP
Press the [C](DISP) key to switch the display between the Large Char­acter and Small Character modes. In the “Large Character” mode, the
VFO/Memory label and the Mode indication will disappear, as the
frequency display field is doubled in size.
Press and hold in the [C](DISP) key for one second to recall Menu
Mode No-043 [DISP INTENSITY] (for setting of the display bright­ness level).

]

......

......

ô

27FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

MULTI FUNCTION KEY DETAIL

Multi Function Row “j” (MFj

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Multi Function Row “k” (MFk

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Multi Function Row “l” (MFl

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

) [

SPOT, BK, KYR

[A]

Key: SPOT

Press the [A](SPOT) key to activate the CW spotting heterodyne os­cillator.
[B]

Key: BK

Press the [B](BK) key to enable CW “Semi-break-in” operation.
Press and hold in the [B](BK) key for one second to recall Menu Mode

No-029 [CW SIDE TONE] (for setting the CW side tone volume level).

[C]

Key: KYR

Press the [C](KYR) key to activate the built-in Electronic Keyer.
Press and hold in the [C](KYR) key for one second to recall Menu
Mode No-030 [CW SPEED] (for setting the Keyer speed).

]

ô

) [

TUNE, DOWN, UP

[A]

Key: TUNE

Press the [A](TUNE) key to activate the optional FC-30 Automatic
Antenna Tuner or ATAS-100/-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System.
Press and hold in the [A](TUNE) key for one second to initiate tuner
or antenna retuning.
[B]

Key: DOWN

Press and hold in the [B](DOWN) key to lower the ATAS-100/-120
antenna manually.
[C]

Key: UP

Press and hold in the [C](UP) key to raise the ATAS-100/-120 an­tenna manually.

]

ô

) [

NB, AGC, –––

[A]

Key: NB

Press the [A](NB) key to activate the receiver’s IF Noise Blanker.
Press and hold in the [A](NB) key for one second to recall Menu Mode

No-063 [NB LEVEL] (for setting of the NB level).

[B]

Key: AGC

Press the [B](AGC) key to disable the receiver’s AGC system. Nor­mally, the AGC should be left On.
[C]

Key
Press the [C] key to select the recovery time (Slow, Fast, or Auto) for
the receiver’s AGC system.

]

ô

28 FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

MULTI FUNCTION KEY DETAIL

Multi Function Row “m” (MFm

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Multi Function Row “n” (MFn

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Multi Function Row “o” (MFo

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

) [

IPO, ATT, NAR

[A]

Key: IPO

Press the [A](IPO) key to bypass the receiver preamplifier, thereby
activating Intercept Point Optimization for improved overload char­acteristics while operating on the HF and 50 MHz bands.
The IPO feature does not function on 144/430 MHz.
[B]

Key: ATT

Press the [B](ATT) key to engage the receiver front-end attenuator,
which will reduce all signals and noise by approximately 10 dB.
The ATT feature does not function on 144/430 MHz.
[C]

Key: NAR

Press the [C](NAR) key to select the low-deviation mode for HF FM
operation on 29 MHz.

]

ô

) [

CFIL,–––,–––

[A]

Key: CFIL

Press the [A](CFIL) key to select the 2.4 kHz ceramic IF filter.
[B]

Key
Press the [B] key to select the optional IF filter which is located on the
“FIL-1” (Optional Filter 1) slot on the Main Unit.
When an optional filter is not installed on the “FIL-1” slot, this key
function is disabled, and its label is “N/A.”
[C]

Key
Press the [C] key to select the optional IF filter which is located on the
“FIL-2” (Optional Filter 2) slot on the Main Unit.
When an optional filter is not installed on the “FIL-2” slot, this key
function is disabled, and its label is “N/A.”

]

ô

) [

PLY1, PLY2, PLY3

[A]

Key: PLY1
Press the [A](PLY1) key to send the CW message which is memo­rized in Keyer BEACON TEXT 1.
Press and hold in the [A](PLY1) key for one second to recall Menu
Mode No-011 [BEACON TEXT 1] (for stores the message for the Bea­con).
[B]

Key: PLY2
Press the [B](PLY2) key to send the CW message which is memo­rized in Keyer BEACON TEXT 2.
[C]

Key: PLY3
Press the [C](PLY3) key to send the CW message which is memo­rized in Keyer BEACON TEXT 3.

]

ô

29FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

MULTI FUNCTION KEY DETAIL

Multi Function Row “p” (MFp

[A]
Press the [A](DNR) key to activate the DSP Noise Reduction system
(requires the optional DSP-2 Unit).
Press and hold in the [A](DNR) key for one second to recall Menu

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

Mode No-049 [DSP NR LEVEL] (for setting the degree of DSP Noise
Reduction).
[B]
Press the [B](DNF) key to activate the DSP’s Auto Notch Filter (re­quires the optional DSP-2 Unit).
[C]
Press the [C](DBF) key to activate the DSP’s receiver Bandpass Filter
(requires the optional DSP-2 Unit).
In the SSB, AM, FM, and AFSK modes, press and hold in the [C](DBF
key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-047 [DSP LPF CUTOFF
(for adjusting the high-frequency cutoff of the DSP Bandpass Filter).
Once there, rotating the SELECT knob one click counter-clockwise
will select Menu Mode No-046, for adjustment of the low-frequency
cutoff frequency.
In the CW mode, press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second
to recall Menu Item No-045 [DSP BPF WIDTH] (for setting the CW
bandwidth).

Multi Function Row “q” (MFq

[A]
Press the [A](MONI) key to disable the Noise Squelch.
You may program the configuration of this key via Menu Item No-

065 [PG A].

Ó Ó Ó

[A] [B] [C]

[B]
Press the [B](QSPL) key to activate the “Quick Split” feature, whereby
you will change the Sub VFO frequency to be the Main VFO fre­quency + 5 kHz; you will also automatically engage the “Split VFO”
feature.
You may program the configuration of this key via Menu Item No-

066 [PG B].

[C]
Press the [C](ATC) key to activate a 1750-Hz burst tone for 2 seconds
when pressing the PTT switch while the channel is clear.
You may program the configuration of this key via Menu Item No-

067 [PG C].

Key: DNR

Key: DNF

Key: DBF

) [

DNR, DNF, DBF

]

ô

) [

MONI, QSPL, ATC] (Programmable Keys

Key: MONI

Key: QSPL

Key: ATC

ô

)

]

)

30 FT-857 Operating Manual

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

NOTE

31FT-857 Operating Manual

REAR PANEL CONNECTORS

CAT

/TUNER

RESET

LINEAR

+13.8V

BAND C

BAND D

INPUT Jack

This is the DC power supply connection for the transceiver. Use the supplied DC cable
to connect this jack to the car battery or DC power supply,
which must be capable of supplying at least 22 Amps @

13.8 VDC. Make certain that the Red lead connects to the
Positive (+) side of the power source, and that the Black
lead connects to the Negative (–) side of the power source.
This Jack also provides an Transmit Power Control terminal. If you connect pin-3 (BATT
SENS) of the DC power jack to the ground, the FT-857 automatically switches to 20
Watts (430 MHz: 10 Watts) of output power.

BATT SENS

CAT /LINEAR Jack

This 8-pin mini-DIN jack is used for connection to the FC-30 External Automatic An­tenna Tuner. It is also used for inter­facing to a personal computer for
control of the transceiver using the
CAT system, and for interconnec­tion to the VL-1000 Linear Ampli-

TX INH

RX D

TX D

TX GND

BAND DATA
GND

+13.8V

TX INH
BAND B
BAND A
TX GND

GND

fier.

32 FT-857 Operating Manual

REAR PANEL CONNECTORS

DATA

DATA OUT

TX REQ

SIGNAL

GND

COMMON

COMMON

DOT

GND

KEY

DATA Jack

This 6-pin, mini-DIN jack accepts AFSK input from a Ter­minal Node Controller (TNC); it also provides fixed-level
Receiver Audio Output, Push-To-Talk (PTT), Squelch Sta­tus, and ground lines.

ACC Jack

This 3.5-mm 3-pin jack accepts external ALC (Automatic Level Control) voltage from
a linear amplifier on the tip connection, and accepts a “Transmit Request” command on
the ring connection. The main shaft is the ground return.
The “TX Request” connection, when shorted to ground, puts the FT-
857 into the transmit mode, and sends out a steady CW carrier, for
linear amplifier or manual antenna tuner adjustment.

KEY Jack

This 3.5-mm, 3-pin jack is used for connection to a CW keyer paddle or a straight key.

EXT SPKR Jack

This 3.5-mm, 2-pin jack provides variable audio output for an external speaker. The
audio output impedance at this jack is 4 W ~ 16 W and the level varies
according to the setting of the front panel’s AF control.

144/430 MHz Antenna Jack

Connect your 144 and/or 430 MHz antenna’s 50 W coaxial cable to this M-type (“SO­239”) connector.

SQL

DATA OUT

9600bps

GND

1200bps
PTT

DATA IN

EXT ALC GND

HF/50 MHz Antenna Jack

Connect your HF and/or 50 MHz antenna’s 50 W coaxial cable to this M-type (“SO­239”) connector.

DASH

DOT

KEY

GND

DASH

33FT-857 Operating Manual

OPERATION

POWER

)

[(

)]](

[

)]

(

BAND

[

Hi! I’m R.F. Radio, and I’m here to guide you through the fine points of the setup

and use of your new FT-857. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encour­age you to read the “Operation” section of this manual as thoroughly as possible, so
you’ll get the most out of this fantastic new rig. Now. . .let’s get operating!

TURNING THE TRANSCEIVER ON AND OFF

r To turn the transceiver on, press and hold in the

POWER switch for one second.

r To turn the transceiver off, again press and hold in

the POWER switch for one second.

OPERATING BAND SELECTION

This transceiver covers an incredibly wide frequency range, over which a number of differ­ent operating modes are used. Therefore, this transceiver’s frequency coverage has been
divided into different operating bands, each of with has its own pre-set frequency steps and
operating modes. You can change the channel steps and operating mode once you get started,
of course, per the next section.

To change the frequency band, press either the
[

BAND(DWN

next lower or higher operating band, respectively.

)

]

or [BAND(UP

)

]

key to move to the

[

BAND DWN

UP

)](

VFOa and VFOb are independent VFOs, so

they may be set to different bands. See the
“Stacked VFO System” discussion on page 37 for details.

MODE SELECTION

)

Press either the [MODE(t
operating modes, respectively.

.....

LSB ó USB ó CW ó CWR ó AM ó FM ó DIG ó PKT ó LSB

where “CWR” is “CW-Reverse,” using the opposite
sideband from the “default” BFO injection sideband
(in most cases, the default injection sideband is on the
“USB” side); “DIG” is an AFSK-based Digital mode,
set up per Menu Mode No-038 [DIG MODE]; and
“PKT” represents either 1200 or 9600 bps FM packet.

You can set VFOa and VFOb to different modes in the same band, allowing you to

have a “Phone” VFO and a “CW” VFO, for example.

]

or [MODE(u

34 FT-857 Operating Manual

)

]

key to move among the eight settings for the

.....

MODE

MODE

OPERATION

AF

]

[

FUNC

DIAL

SELECT

ADJUSTING THE AUDIO VOLUME LEVEL

Rotate the AF knob to set a comfortable listening level.
When operating in the “DIG” or “PKT” modes, you

may set the AF knob to any comfortable setting, or
even all the way off, because the output from the DATA
jack is a fixed-level audio signal.

Start with the AF knob set fully counter-clockwise, especially when using FM (the
background noise on FM can be surprisingly loud)!

MENU QUICK START

Many aspects of this transceiver’s configuration may be customized using the convenient
“Menu” system, which allow you to configure many “set and forget” settings just the way
you want to. A full discussion of the Menu system begins on page 94; for now, here is a brief
discussion on how to change Menu settings:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second
to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall the Menu Item
to be changed (for example, Menu Mode No-005

[

AM MIC GAIN], which allows setting of the Mic

Gain for the AM mode).

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this feature (in this
example, the default setting is “50,” so rotate the DIAL knob if you want to raise or
lower the Mic Gain level.

4. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.

If you had previously pressed the [FUNC] key to enable the changing of the func-

(

tion of the Multi Function keys

need to press it again after exiting the Menu mode.

[A], [B]

, and [C

)

]

by the SELECT knob, you’ll

35FT-857 Operating Manual

OPERATION

SQL/RF

DIAL

SELECT

ADJUSTING THE RF GAIN AND SQUELCH

The SQL/RF Gain control is configured differently,
depending on the country to which the FT-857 has been
exported. In the U.S. version, the default function of
this control is “RF Gain.” The configuration of the
SQL/RF Gain control is set via Menu Mode No-080

[

SQL/RF GAIN]; see page 110 for details.

If your transceiver is configured for “RF Gain” use, rotating this control fully clockwise in
the SSB/CW/Digital modes will provide best sensitivity. To reduce the receiver’s RF Gain
somewhat, rotate this control counter-clockwise slightly. You will observe an increasing
number of bars on the S-meter as you rotate the RF Gain control counter-clockwise; this
indicates increasing AGC voltage, which is causing the front-end gain to be reduced. In the
FM and Packet modes, this control will automatically be set to “Squelch,” even though the
setting of Menu Mode No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN] is “RF Gain.”

If this control is configured for “SQL” operation, the FT-857’s RF Gain will be set for
maximum sensitivity in all modes, and the SQL/RF Gain control will function solely as a
Squelch control. In this case, rotate the SQL/RF Gain control to the point where the back­ground noise is just silenced; this will provide the best sensitivity to weak signals, while
keeping the receiver quiet when no signal is received. The LED just above the Main DIAL
will glow Green when the squelch is opened by an incoming signal or noise.

SETTING THE OPERATING FREQUENCY

1. In the “SSB/CW/DIG” modes, rotate the DIAL knob to set the frequency. Clockwise

rotation of the DIAL increases the operating fre­quency.

2. In the “AM/FM/PKT” modes, rotate the SELECT

knob to set the frequency. Clockwise rotation of
the SELECT knob increases the operating fre­quency.

3. You may also use the SELECT knob to adjust the operating frequency in the “SSB/CW/

DIG” modes. The SELECT knob provides faster tuning, ideal for making quick changes
in frequency when you want to move across the band in a hurry. You can then use the
DIAL knob to make fine frequency adjustments.

The synthesizer steps for the SELECT knob may be adjusted independently by mode. Use
Menu Mode No-006 [AM STEP] for AM, No-052 [FM STEP] for FM, and No-082 [SSB
STEP] for SSB/CW/DIG. See pages 97, 105, and 110 for details.

If you press the SELECT knob momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, you can now

36 FT-857 Operating Manual

OPERATION

POWER

change the operating frequency in 1 MHz steps, allowing very quick frequency excursions.
This can be particularly helpful on the VHF and UHF bands.

In step 2 above, it was mentioned that tuning in the “AM/FM/PKT” modes is accomplished
using the SELECT knob. By default, the DIAL is disabled in these modes; if you wish to
enable the DIAL in these modes, use Menu Mode No-004 [AM&FM DIAL]; see page 97.

The main DIAL synthesizer’s tuning rate (the number of steps per rotation of the
DIAL) can be adjusted using Menu Mode No-035 [DIAL STEP]. See page 102 for

details.

CHANGING THE DIAL SPEED

By default, the FT-857 begins operation in the “fine tuning” mode for the main tuning dial.
However, a faster tuning rate may be selected, for quick navigation up and down the band.

To engage the “Fast Tuning” mode, just press the POWER switch momentarily while the
transceiver is on. You will observe a small “ ” icon in
the bottom right-hand corner of the LCD, and as you
rotate the main tuning dial you will notice that the tun­ing rate has increased significantly. Press the POWER
switch momentarily once more to return to the “Slow
Tuning” mode (the small “ ” will disappear).

STACKED VFO SYSTEM

Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until Multi
Function Row “a” [A/B, A=B, SPL] appears on the display.

Now press the [A](A/B) key to toggle between the “A” and “B” VFOs. There are two such
VFOs provided on each Amateur band, so you may set VFO-A to the CW sub-band, and
VFO-B to the SSB sub-band, if you like. The operating mode will be preserved, along with
the frequency information, on each VFO.

When changing bands on either the “A” or “B” VFO, the two VFOs do not change
bands together. This facilitates split-band operation, such as on FM satellites.

37FT-857 Operating Manual

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

LOCK

]

LOCKING FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

The front panel LOCK button allows you to
disable the DIAL and/or the front panel con­trols.

In the transceiver’s default configuration,
pressing the [LOCK] button disables just the DIAL, while the other keys and switches are
unaffected. To lock out the remainder of the controls and the SELECT knob, use Menu
Mode No-054 [LOCK MODE]:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the
DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob so as to recall No-054 [LOCK MODE].

4. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired configuration:

DIAL: Locks DIAL knob only.
FREQ: Locks front panel keys and knobs related to frequency control (such as

BAND(DWN) and BAND(UP) key, [A](A/B) key., etc.).

PANEL: Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except POWER and [LOCK] keys).
ALL: Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except POWER and [LOCK] keys) and

locks the microphone keys.

5. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second
to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

[

When the controls are locked out (small “ ” icon will appear at the bottom right-hand
corner of the LCD), press the LOCK button once more to release them to normal operation.

38 FT-857 Operating Manual

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

]

[

CLAR

SELECT

CLARIFIER (RECEIVER INCREMENT AL TUNING

)

The Clarifier (RIT) allows you to set an offset of up to ±9.99 kHz of the receive frequency
relative to your transmit frequency. To achieve a wider offset than this, you may use the
“Split” operating mode, described later.

1. Press the [CLAR] button momentarily to activate

the Clarifier function.

2. Turn the SELECT knob, which allows the receiver

frequency to be varied over a range of ±9.99 kHz.

3. When the receiving frequency is higher than trans-

mit frequency, the “ (within 1 kHz)” or “ (be­yond 1 kHz)” icon will appear to the right of the
frequency display. Similarly, when the receiving frequency
is lower than transmit frequency, the “ (within 1 kHz)”
or “ (beyond 1 kHz)” icon will appear to the right of the
frequency display. When the receiving frequency is equal

[

TX<RX (exceed 1 KHz

)]

to transmit frequency (Clarifier offset is zero) while the
Clarifier is activated, the “ ” icon will appear to the right
of the frequency display.

[

TX<RX (within 1 KHz

)]

4. To turn the Clarifier off, again press the [CLAR] button

momentarily. When you turn the Clarifier back on, the
offset previously stored will still be applied.

[

TX=RX (simplex

)]

5. To reset the Clarifier offset to zero, turn the Clarifier off,

then turn the DIAL by any amount. The Clarifier will reset
to zero after the first “step” of the DIAL.

[

TX>RX (within 1 KHz

)]

1) If you leave the Clarifier on, moving the DIAL
will not cause the offset to be cancelled.

2) You may change the knob that controls the Clarifier off-

[

TX>RX (exceed 1 KHz

)]

set from the DIAL to the SELECT knob via Menu Mode
No-021 [CLAR DIAL SEL].

39FT-857 Operating Manual

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

]

[

CLAR

SELECT

IF SHIFT

The receiver’s IF SHIFT feature is an effective interference-reduction tool, which allows
you to shift the passband response higher or lower without changing the pitch of the incom­ing signal.

1. Press and hold in the [CLAR] button for one sec­ond to activate the IF SHIFT feature. An icon, such
as “ ”, “ ” (slightly shifted to the upper side),
“ ” (more shifted to the upper side), “ ”(slightly
shifted to the lower side),” or “ ” (more shifted to
the lower side)” icon will appear at the right of the
frequency display to indicate the IF SHIFT’s cur­rent position.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, to reduce or elimi­nate the interference.

3. To turn the IF SHIFT feature off, again press and hold in
the [CLAR] button for one second. The last setting of the
IF SHIFT control will be retained until you change it again.

If you wish to make a more permanent shift in the receiver’s
IF passband, use Menu Mode No-015 [CAR LSB R] (for LSB
mode) or No-017 [CAR USB R] (for USB mode). This al­lows you to set up a higher or lower listening pitch, if you
prefer such as compared to the default passband response.
See page 99.

(more shifted to the upper side)

(slightly shifted to the upper side)

(slightly shifted to the lower side)

(more shifted to the lower side)

40 FT-857 Operating Manual

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

AGC (AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL

The receiver recovery time constant of the AGC system may be modified to match your
operating needs.

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “l” [NB, AGC, AUTO] appears on the display.

2. Press the [C] key to toggle the AGC recovery time constant among the following selec-

tions:

AUTO ð FAST ð SLOW ð AUTO >

where “AUTO” represents “FAST” on CW and DIG (AFSK), and “SLOW” on the voice
modes.

If you disable the AGC by pressing the [B](AGC) key (to make the parentheses

disappear), the S-meter (which monitors AGC voltage) will cease to function.
Depending on the setting of the RF Gain control, incoming signals will probably be dis­torted if the AGC is turned off.

.....

)

NOISE BLANKER

The IF Noise Blanker may be useful in reducing or eliminating some types of impulse noise,
especially noise generated by automotive ignition systems.

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “l” [NB, AGC, OFF] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](NB) key to activate the Noise Blanker. The “u” icon will appear at the left

side of the “NB” selection, indicating that the Noise Blanker is now on.

3. To adjust the blanking level, press and hold in the [A](NB) key for one second. This

instantly activates Menu Mode No-063 [NB LEVEL], which allows adjustment of Noise
Blanking Level. Rotate the DIAL knob to set a higher or lower blanking level (on a scale
of 0 to 100). When done, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the
new setting and return to normal operation.

4. Press the [A](NB) key again to turn the Noise Blanker off.

During very crowded band conditions, you may wish to turn the Noise Blanker

off, as its use will degrade the strong-signal-handling capability of the receiver
somewhat.

41FT-857 Operating Manual

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

IPO (INTERCEPT POINT OPTIMIZATION

The IPO feature bypasses the receiver RF preamplifier, thereby eliminating the preamp’s
gain. This feature is not available on the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands.

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “m” [IPO, ATT, NAR] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](IPO) key to bypass the receiver input preamplifier. The “u” icon will
appear at the left side of the “IPO” selection, and the “ ” icon will appear on the display. .
indicating that the preamp is now disengaged from the receiver circuit.

3. Press the [A](IPO) key once more to re-activate the preamp.

On the bands below 14 MHz, the input preamplifier is rarely necessary, and acti-

vation of the IPO feature will provide substantial protection against intermodulation
and other problems associated with strong signal input to the receiver. Rule of thumb: so
long as the S-meter is moving on background noise, additional front-end gain is not
necessary.

ATT (FRONT END ATTENUATOR

The Attenuator will reduce all signals (and noise) by 10 dB, and it may be used to make
reception more pleasant under extremely noisy conditions. This feature is not available on
the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands.

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “m” [IPO, ATT, NAR] appears on the display.

2. Press the [B](ATT) key to activate the Attenuator. The “u” icon will appear at the left

side of the “ATT” selection, and the “ ” icon will appear on the display. .

3. Press the [B](ATT) key once more to switch the Attenuator out of the receiver front end

circuit. Signals will again be received at a level 10 dB louder than was the case when the
Attenuator was engaged.

)

)

42 FT-857 Operating Manual

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

DSP BANDP ASS FIL TER (DBF)

In the SSB mode, the receiver’s selectivity may be enhanced via the DSP Bandpass Filter.

1. Press the [DSP] key momentarily. This instantly activates Multi Function Row “p” [DNR,

DNF, DBF].

2. Press the [C](DBF) key to activate the DSP Bandpass Filter. The “u” icon will appear at

the left side of the “DBF” selection, and the “ ” notation will appear at the top of the
display, to the right of the center. You will notice a decrease in both background noise
and interference, if any is present.

3. The bandwidth of the DSP filter may be modified, to customize the bandwidth to your
operating needs. To adjust the Low-Cut and High-Cut characteristics of the DSP Bandpass
Filter:
Ÿ Press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second. This instantly activates Menu

Mode No-047 [DSP LPF CUTOFF], which allows adjustment of the High-Cut (Low­Pass) filter.

Ÿ Turn the DIAL, as desired, to adjust the high-frequency cutoff of the DSP Bandpass

Filter.

Ÿ Now rotate the SELECT knob one click counter-clockwise to select Menu Mode

No-046 [DSP HPF CUTOFF], which allows adjustment of the Low-Cut (High-Pass)

filter.

Ÿ Turn the DIAL, as desired, to adjust the low-frequency cutoff of the DSP Bandpass

Filter.

Ÿ When done, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting(s)

and return to normal operation.

4. Press the [C](DBF) key once more to disable the DSP Bandpass Filter.

(

REQUIRES OPTIONAL DSP-2 UNIT

)

43FT-857 Operating Manual

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

DSP CW PEAKING FILTER (DBF)

In the CW mode, pressing the [C](DBF) key in Multi Function Row “p” [DNR, DNF, DBF
activates a narrow-bandwidth peaking filter, which may be ideal for use under very crowded
conditions. The DSP CW Peaking Filter also is especially helpful under VHF/UHF weak­signal situations.

The center frequency of the DSP CW Peaking Filter is automatically aligned to be centered
on the response you have selected via the Menu Mode in item No-027 [CW PITCH]. See
page 101 for details.

1. To change the bandwidth of the DSP CW Peaking Filter:

2. Press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second on the CW mode. This instantly

activates Menu Mode No-045 [DSP BPF WIDTH], which allows selection of the band­width of the DSP CW Peaking Filter.

3. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired bandwidth. The available values are 60 Hz, 120

Hz, and 240 Hz (default value: 240 Hz).

4. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second
to save the new setting and return to normal operation.

DSP NOISE REDUCTION (DNR)

The Noise Reduction feature of the DSP system may be used to enhance signal-to-noise
ratio on weak signals.

1. Press the [DSP] key momentarily. This instantly activates Multi Function Row “p” [DNR,

DNF, DBF].

2. Press the [A](DNR) key to activate the DSP Noise Reduction feature. The “u” icon will
appear at the left side of the “DNR” indication, and the “ ” notation will appear at
the top on the display.

3. Now press and hold in the [A](DNR) key for one second. This instantly activates Menu
Mode No-049 [DSP NR LEVEL], which allows adjustment of the DSP Noise Reduction
level.

4. Rotate the DIAL to find the point where best signal-to-noise ratio is obtained under the
current noise conditions.

5. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.

6. To turn off the DSP Noise Reduction feature, press the [A](DNR) key again.

(

REQUIRES OPTIONAL DSP-2 UNIT

(

REQUIRES OPTIONAL DSP-2 UNIT

)

)

]

If noise is present at a level which causes indication on the S-meter, the perfor-

mance of the Noise Reduction filter may be enhanced by rotating the SQL/RF
(RF Gain) control in a counter-clockwise direction so as to set the (fixed) S-meter read­ing at the same level as the noise peaks. This adjustment raises the AGC threshold of the
receiver.

44 FT-857 Operating Manual

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

DSP NOTCH FILTER (DNF)

The DSP system’s Notch Filter may be helpful in removing one or more offending carrier or
heterodyne signals from the audio passband.

1. Press the [DSP] key momentarily. This instantly activates Multi Function Row “p” [DNR,

DNF, DBF].

2. Press the [B](DNF) key to activate the Notch Filter. The “u” icon will appear at the left

side of the “DNF” indication, and the “ ” notation will appear at the top on the
display. You will notice that the audio level of the carrier signal is now being reduced.

3. Press the [B](DNF) key once more to turn the Notch Filter off.

Do not activate this filter in the CW mode, as incoming CW signals will be notched
out of the audio passband!

(

REQUIRES OPTIONAL DSP-2 UNIT

)

AM/FM TUNING DIAL OPERATION

In the AM and FM modes, the DIAL knob is locked out (via the setting of Menu Mode No­004 [AM&FM DIAL]) so as to allow “channelized” tuning on these modes. To adjust the

operating frequency, simply rotate the SELECT knob.
If you wish to enable the DIAL for tuning in the AM and FM modes, change the setting of

Menu Mode No-004 [AM&FM DIAL]. See page 97 for details.

The “channelized” mode of tuning on AM and FM automatically rounds off the

frequency to the next “logical” step when you rotate the SELECT knob one “click”
in either direction. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to preset the frequency to
an “even” channel.

45FT-857 Operating Manual

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

AUTOMATIC POWER-OFF FEATURE

The APO feature helps conserve battery life by automatically turning the transceiver off
after a user-defined period of time within which there has been no dial or key activity. The
available selections for the time before power-off are 1 ~ 6 hours, as well as “APO Off.” The
default condition for the APO is OFF, and here is the procedure for activating it:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-007 [APO TIME].

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired time period after which the radio will auto-

matically shut down.

4. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.

Once you have programmed a time interval, the APO countdown timer will start whenever
some front panel action (tuning, transmission, etc.) is completed.

When the APO is activated, the “ ” icon will appear at the center top on the LCD. If there
is no action by you within the time interval programmed, the microprocessor will shut down
the radio automatically.

Just press and hold in the POWER switch for one second to turn the transceiver back on
after an APO shutdown, as usual.

The APO feature will be disabled while using the Beacon or ARTS features, even
if the APO feature is set to “ON.”

46 FT-857 Operating Manual

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

NOTE

47FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

SSB/AM TRANSMISSION

Basic Setup/Operation

)

1. Press the [MODE(t
AM mode. In the SSB mode, if you are operating on the 7 MHz or lower bands, select
the LSB mode. If you are operating on the 14 MHz or higher bands, select the USB
mode.

2. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “i” [MTR, PWR, DISP] appears on the display.

3. Now press the [A](MTR) or [B] key to select the “ALC” meter function (“ALC” will
appear above the [B] key). You may need to press the [A] or [B] key multiple times, as
you will be toggling through several selections.

4. Press the microphone’s PTT switch, and speak into the microphone in a normal voice
level while watching the meter. The ideal audio input level to the transmitter from the
microphone will cause a few “segments” of indication on the ALC meter. Release the
PTT switch to return to receive mode.

5. If the ALC meter is too high, or too low, you may need to reset the Microphone Gain:

Ÿ Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
Ÿ Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-081 [SSB MIC GAIN] (on SSB)

or No-005 [AM MIC GAIN] (on AM).

Ÿ Close the PTT switch, and while speaking into the microphone rotate the DIAL until

the proper ALC indication is achieved on voice peaks.

Ÿ When done, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting

for the Microphone Gain.

]

or [MODE(u

)

]

key so as to select either SSB (LSB/USB) or the

1) The AM carrier level is preset to 25 Watts during alignment at the factory, and

should not require further adjustment. It is important to remember that AM trans­mission requires that power must be distributed among the carrier and voice sidebands;
therefore, if excessive carrier power is used, there will be insufficient power available for
the information-carrying voice sidebands.

2) The [TONE] switch on the back of the MH-31A8J microphone provides adjustment of
the microphone’s frequency response. Setting this switch to the “2” position will roll off
some of the bass response, resulting in improved “talk power” in many instances. The
“1” position is primarily used in countries like Japan, where vowel sounds are of critical
importance in conveying information; in Western languages, consonant sounds (which
are rich in high-frequency components) are frequently more important.

48 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

SSB/AM TRANSMISSION

VOX Operation

The VOX system provides automatic transmit/receive switching based on voice input to the
microphone. With the VOX system enabled, you do not need to press the PTT switch in
order to transmit.

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX] appears on the display.

2. Press the [C](VOX) key to activate the VOX circuitry. The “u” icon will appear at the
left side of the “VOX” notation, and the “ ” icon will appear on the display. .

3. Without pressing the PTT switch, speak into the microphone in a normal voice level.
When you start speaking, the transmitter should be activated automatically. When you
finish speaking, the transceiver should return to the receive mode (after a short delay).

4. To cancel VOX and return to PTT operation, again press the [C](VOX) key. The “u”
icon and “ ” icon will disappear, signifying that the VOX system has been turned off.

5. The VOX Gain may be adjusted, so as to prevent accidental transmitter activation in a
noisy environment. To adjust the VOX Gain:
Ÿ While still in Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX], press and hold in the [C](VOX

key for one second. This is a “hot key” feature which will instantly recall Menu
Mode No-088 [VOX GAIN].

Ÿ While speaking into the microphone, rotate the DIAL to the point where the transmit-

ter is quickly activated by your voice, without causing background noise to activate
the transmitter.

Ÿ When you have selected the optimum setting, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for

one second to save the new settings and return to normal operation.

6. The “Hang-Time” of the VOX system (the transmit-receive delay after the cessation of
speech) may also be adjusted via the Menu. The default delay is 500 ms. To set a differ­ent delay time:

Ÿ Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.
Ÿ Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate

the DIAL to change the setting to “ON ” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

Ÿ Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-087 [VOX DELAY].
Ÿ Rotate the DIAL while saying a brief syllable like “Ah” and listening to the hang

time, so as to set the desired delay.

Ÿ When your adjustments are complete, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one

second to save the new setting and return to normal operation.

)

The delay time for return to the receive mode is set independently on CW and
voice modes; for CW, use Menu Mode No-024 [CW DELAY] (see next chapter).

49FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

SSB/AM TRANSMISSION

AF Speech Processor Operation

The AF Speech Processor increases your average power output while operating on SSB and
AM modes.

1. Press the [FUNC] key, then rotate the SELECT knob, as necessary, to recall Multi
Function Row “c” [STO, RCL, PROC].

2. Press the [C](PROC) key to activate the AF Speech Processor. The “u” icon will appear
at the left side of the “PROC” notation.

3. Now press the PTT key (unless you have VOX enabled), and speak into the microphone
in a normal voice level, as usual.

4. To deactivate the AF Speech Processor, again press the [C](PROC) key.

5. The Compression Level may be adjusted via the Menu, as follows:
Ÿ While still in Multi Function Row “c” [STO, RCL, PROC], press and hold in the

[C](

PROC) key for one second. This instantly recalls Menu Mode No-074 [PROC

LEVEL].

Ÿ Rotate the DIAL to set a new level of Compression (the default value is “50”).
Ÿ When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one

second to save your new setting and return to normal operation.

Ÿ Make some on-the-air checks, or use a monitor receiver in your station, to ensure that

good voice quality has been obtained via your adjustment.

Excessive advancement of the Compression Level may lead to distortion. Each
operator’s voice pattern is different, so try several settings to find the one which is

best for your voice.

50 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

SSB/AM TRANSMISSION

DSP Microphone Equalizer

In the SSB, AM, and FM transmission modes, you may use the DSP system to change the
frequency response of the audio stage, if you have installed the optional DSP-2 Digital
Signal Processing Unit. This will allow you to roll off excessive high- and/or low-frequency
components of your voice’s audio characteristics.

To set up the DSP Microphone Equalizer feature:

1. Press and hold in the [DSP] key for one second. This instantly activates Menu Mode No-

048 [DSP MIC EQ].

2. Rotate the DIAL to select one of the following equalization choices:

OFF: Microphone Equalization Off
LPF: High Cut (lower frequencies are emphasized)
HPF: Low Cut (higher frequencies are emphasized)
BOTH:High/Low Cut (mid-range frequencies are emphasized)

3. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second

to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

(

REQUIRES OPTIONAL DSP-2 UNIT

)

51FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

GND

GND

KEY

CW TRANSMISSION

Operation using Straight Key/External Keying Device

When using a straight key, an external electronic keyer, or a computer-generated keying
device, please follow the instructions in this section.

1. Insert your key’s plug into the rear-panel KEY jack.

)

2. Press the [MODE(t
one of the CW modes (CW/CWR).
The “CW” mode utilizes USB-side carrier injection, while the
CWR (Reverse) mode utilizes LSB-side injection.

3. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT
knob to select Multi-Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK, KYR]; press
the [B](BK) key to engage the “break-in” system; the “u” icon
will appear at the left side of the “BK” notation.

4. When you close the key (or activate your computer-generated keying interface by what­ever means), the transmitter will automatically be engaged. When you have finished
sending, the receiver will return, after a brief delay (see next section).

5. The CW “hang time” (the delay after the last character is sent, until the transceiver
switches to the receive mode) can be adjusted using the Menu Mode. To adjust the CW
hang time:

Ÿ Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
Ÿ Rotate the SELECT knob to Menu Mode No-024 [CW DELAY].
Ÿ Rotate the DIAL to select a longer or shorter delay time (default: 250 ms). If the

delay selection is set to “FULL,” the transceiver will operate in the full break-in mode
(allowing you to hear between the characters that are being sent).

Ÿ When you have set the desired delay, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one

second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

6. To practice your CW sending (without transmitting), press the [B](BK) key to make the
“u” icon disappear. Now, pressing the key will cause the CW sidetone to be heard, but
your radio will not be transmitting a signal on the air.

7. You can adjust the CW sidetone volume level via Menu Mode No-029 [CW SIDE TONE].
To adjust the CW sidetone volume level:
Ÿ While still in Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK, KYR], press and hold in the [B](BK

key for one second. This is a “hot key” feature which will instantly recall Menu
Mode No-029 [CW SIDE TONE].

Ÿ Rotate the DIAL to select a new level; on the arbitrary scale of “0” ~ “100,” the

default value is “50.”

Ÿ When done, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting

and exit to normal operation.

8. You also can adjust the CW sidetone pitch using Menu Mode No-027 [CW PITCH].

]

or [MODE(u

)

]

key, as needed, to select

KEY

)

52 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

CW TRANSMISSION

This adjustment also controls the BFO offset (actual pitch of your transmitted signal
relative to your current receive frequency). To adjust the CW sidetone pitch:

Ÿ Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
Ÿ Rotate the SELECT knob to Menu Mode No-027 [CW PITCH].
Ÿ Rotate the DIAL to select a new pitch tone/BFO offset. The available offset range is

400 ~ 800 Hz (default value is “700 Hz”).

Ÿ When done, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting

and exit to normal operation.

9. The FT-857 also has a “CW SPOT” feature, utilizing the sidetone. Because the sidetone

is a representation of the actual pitch of your transmitted signal, it may be used for
zeroing in on another station. To activate the CW SPOT tone, just press and hold in the
[

HOME] key for one second while in the CW mode.

Pressing the [A](SPOT) key while in Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK, KYR]
will also activate the CW SPOT tone.

53FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

COMMON

DOT

CW TRANSMISSION

Using the Built-in Electronic Keyer

The built-in Electronic Keyer provides a convenient method of generating CW. The Elec­tronic Keyer includes weight and speed adjustments.

1. Connect your keyer paddle’s cable to the KEY jack on the rear
panel of the transceiver.

2. Press the [MODE(t

)

]

or [MODE(u

)

]

key, as needed, to se-

lect the desired CW mode (CW/CWR).

DASH

DOT

COMMON

DASH

3. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT
knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK, KYR

]

appears on the display.

4. Press the [C](KYR) key to activate the Electronic Keyer. The
“u” icon will appear at the left side of the “KYR” indication.
Closing the contacts on your keyer paddle will now cause CW dots and/or dashes to be
generated.

5. The keyer speed may be adjusted using the Menu Mode. To adjust the Keyer speed:
Ÿ While still in Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK, KYR], press and hold in the [C](KYR

key for one second. This is a “hot key” feature which will instantly recall Menu
Mode No-030 [CW SPEED].

Ÿ Press the SELECT knob if you wish to select display of “cpm” (characters per minute)

instead of “wpm” (words per minute). The “cpm” selection is based on the interna­tional “PARIS” standard, which stipulates five characters per word.

Ÿ Rotate the DIAL knob, while sending, to set the desired sending speed.
Ÿ When done, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting

and exit to normal operation.

6. The Dot:Dash weighting ratio may be adjusted via Menu Mode. To adjust the Dot:Dash
weighting ratio:
Ÿ Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one sec-

ond to enter the Menu mode.

Ÿ Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode

No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the DIAL to

change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended
Menu Mode.

Ÿ Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode

No-032 [CW WEIGHT].

Dot : Dash = 1 : 3 (Default)

C

Dot : 1

Dash : 3

Dot : Dash = 1 : 4.4

C

Dot : 1

Q

Dash : 4.4

Q

Ÿ Rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired weight.
Ÿ When done, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting

and exit to normal operation.

7. You may select “normal” or “reverse” paddle polarity via Menu Mode No-025 [CW

)

54 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

CW TRANSMISSION

KEY REV]. The default setting for this feature is “NORMAL,” whereby the “Tip” con-

nection on the Key Plug is “Dot” and the “Ring” connection is “Dash.” To change the
paddle polarity:

Ÿ Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.
Ÿ Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate

the DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode, if needed.

Ÿ Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-025 [CW KEY REV].
Ÿ Rotate the DIAL knob to select the new setting.
Ÿ When done, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting

and exit to normal operation.

Menu Mode No-025 [CW KEY REV] is most frequently utilized five minutes be­fore a contest, when you realize your keyer paddle is wired backwards!

55FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FM TRANSMISSION

Basic Setup/Operation

)

1. Press the [MODE(t

2. Press the microphone’s PTT switch, and speak into the microphone in a normal voice.
Release the PTT switch to return to the receive mode.

3. If you get reports that your modulation level is too high or too low, you may need to
adjust the FM-mode microphone gain. The procedure is similar to that used on SSB:
Ÿ Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “i” [MTR, PWR, DISP] appears on the display, then press the
[A](

MTR) key to select the “Deviation” meter function (“MOD” will appear above

the [B] key).

4. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

5. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the
DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

6. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-051 [FM MIC GAIN].

7. Rotate the DIAL to increase or decrease the setting of the FM Mic Gain, depending on
the level correction required.

8. Close the PTT switch, and while speaking into the microphone observe the
meter indication; the proper setting of the FM Mic Gain will produce 16
“bars” of indication on voice peaks, slightly less on lower levels of speech
input.

9. When done, press and hold in the [FUNC] key to save the new setting for the FM-mode
microphone gain.

10. The VOX feature is operational during FM transmission. From Multi Function Row “d”
[

RPT, REV, VOX], press the [C](VOX) key to activate/deactivate VOX.

]

or [MODE(u

)

]

key so as to select the FM mode.

56 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

440.0

445.0

450.0

439.45

FM TRANSMISSION

Repeater Operation

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](RPT) key to activate repeater operation. One press of the [A](RPT) key

will have set the transceiver for “Minus Shift” operation. In this situation, you will ob­serve the “–” indicator on the display. The transmitter frequency will be shifted down by
a default value so as to access the repeater input frequency. If your repeater uses a posi­tive shift (instead of negative), press the [A](RPT) key again; the “+” indicator will
replace the “–” indicator on the display. Set the transceiver’s receiver to the repeater
output (downlink) frequency. Close the PTT switch and speak into the microphone. You
will observe that the transmitted frequency has shifted according to the setting of the
[A](

RPT) key in the Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX]. Release the PTT switch

to return to the Receive mode.

3. If the default repeater shift is not appropriate for the majority of the repeaters your area,

it may be set independently for each band. To
change the default repeater shift:
Ÿ Press and hold in the [A](RPT) key for one

second. This instantly recalls Menu Mode No-

076 [RPT SHIFT].

Ÿ Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired shift

frequency.

Ÿ When done, press and hold in the [FUNC] key

for one second to save the new setting and exit
to normal operation.

4. If your repeater uses controlled access (using either CTCSS or DCS), press the [FUNC

key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob one click clockwise to cause Multi
Function Row “e” [TON, –––, TDCH] to appear on the display. Now select the appropri­ate tone access system:
Ÿ Press the [A](TON) key to activate the CTCSS tone encoder, which provides a

subaudible repeater access tone. One press of the [A](TON) key will activate the
CTCSS tone encoder. In this situation, you will observe the “TEN” indicator on the
display. If you press the [A](TON) key repeatedly, you will observe “TSQ” (CTCSS
Encode/Decode), “DEN” (Digital Coded Squelch, Encode), followed by “DCS” (Digi­tal Coded Squelch, Encode/Decode). One additional press will disable all repeater­access tone systems. See the next section for a discussion of DCS operation.

Ÿ If the default repeater access tone is not appropriate for the repeater on which you are

operating, it may be set easily:
(1) Press and hold in the [A](TON) key for one second. This instantly recalls Menu

ARS-Repeater Subbands

145.1 145.5

Version A

146.0 146.4 147.0 147.6 148.0

145.6 145.8

European Version

438.20

433.00 433.40

Euro Version 2

2-m

Version A

146.6 147.4

70-cm

Euro Version 1

]

57FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FM TRANSMISSION

Mode No-083 [TONE FREQ].

(2) Rotate the DIAL knob to select the

desired CTCSS frequency.

(3) When done, press and hold in the

[

FUNC] key for one second to save

the new setting and exit to normal
operation.

5. With repeater shift activated, you can tem­porarily reverse the transmit and receive fre-

CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY (Hz

67.0 69.3 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7

82.5 85.4 88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4

100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9 114.8 118.8

123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2

151.4 156.7 159.8 162.2 165.5 167.9

171.3 173.8 177.3 179.9 183.5 186.2

189.9 192.8 196.6 199.5 203.5 206.5

210.7 218.1 225.7 229.1 233.6 241.8

250.3 254.1 – – – –

quencies by pressing the [B](REV) key in the Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX].
The “–” icon will blink while “Reverse” shift is activated. Press the [B](REV) key again
to revert to the “Normal” shift direction.

6. On many transceiver versions, the Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS) feature is enabled at
the factory. This feature automatically activates the appropriate repeater shift when you
are operating inside the designated 144 MHz or 430 MHz FM repeater sub-bands in
your country. If you wish to change the On/Off settings for the ARS, use Menu Mode No-

002 [144MHz ARS] or Menu Mode No-003 [430MHz ARS] (see page 97).

If your local repeaters need a 1750-Hz burst tone for access (typically in Europe),
press and hold in the front panel’s [HOME] key to transmit the burst tone (FM

mode only).

)

Tone Search Scanning

In operating situations where you don’t know the CTCSS tone being used by another station,
you can command the radio to listen to the incoming signal and scan in search of the tone
being used. To scan for the CTCSS tone in use:

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “e” [TON, –––, TDCH] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](TON) key to activate CTCSS Encoder/Decoder; (the “TSQ” icon will ap­pear on the display).

3. Press the [C](TDCH) key to start scanning for the incoming CTCSS tone.

4. When the radio detects the correct tone, it will halt on that tone, and audio will be al­lowed to pass.

5. The CTCSS tone detected will be stored as the “current” tone, so it may be used for
memory storage purposes, and you may now exit to normal operation.

58 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FM TRANSMISSION

DCS Operation

Another form of tone access control is Digital Code Squelch, or DCS. It is a newer, more
advanced tone system that is less susceptible to false triggering than CTCSS. A DCS En­coder/Decoder is built into your transceiver, and operation is very similar to that described
above for CTCSS.

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “e” [TON, –––, TDCH] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](TON) key four times to activate the DCS Encoder/Decoder (the “DCS”

icon will appear on the display). The receiver will remain muted until a matching DCS
code is received on an incoming signal.

3. Press and hold in the [B] key for one sec-

ond. This instantly recalls Menu Mode No-

033 [DCS CODE].

4. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired DCS

code, then press and hold in the [FUNC
key for one second to save new setting and
exit to normal operation.

5. Press the [A](TON) key once to cancel DCS

operation (the “DCS” icon will disappear).

023 025 026 031 032 036 043 047 051 053
054 065 071 072 073 074 114 115 116 122
125 131 132 134 143 145 152 155 156 162
165 172 174 205 212 223 225 226 243 244
245 246 251 252 255 261 263 265 266 271

]

274 306 311 315 325 331 332 343 346 351
356 364 365 371 411 412 413 423 431 432
445 446 452 454 455 462 464 465 466 503
506 516 523 526 532 546 565 606 612 624
627 631 632 654 662 664 703 712 723 731
732 734 743 754 – – – – – –

DCS Search Scanning

In operating situations where you don’t know the DCS code being used by another station,
you can command the radio to listen to the incoming signal and scan in search of the code
being used.

DCS CODE

To scan for the DCS code in use:

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “e” [TON, –––, TDCH] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](TON) key to activate DCS (the “DCS” icon will appear on the display).

3. Press the [C](TDCH) key to start scanning for the incoming DCS code.

4. When the radio detects the correct DCS code, it will halt on that code, and audio will be

allowed to pass.

5. The DCS code detected will be stored as the “current” code, so it may be used for

memory storage purposes, and you may now exit to normal operation.

59FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FM TRANSMISSION

Split Tone Operation

The FT-857 can be configured in a “Split Tone” configuration via the Menu mode.
This allows you to encode a CTCSS Tone but decode a DCS code, encode and decode

different CTCSS Tones, encode (only) a DCS code, etc.

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the
DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-079 [SPLIT TONE].

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “ON ” (to enable the Split Tone feature).

5. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.

When the Split Tone feature is activated, the Multi Function Row “e” selection changes to
[

ENC, DEC, TDCH]. So, you can set the desired encoder (by pressing [A](ENC) key, repeat-

edly, if necessary) and decoder (by pressing the [B](DEC) key) separately.
When the Split Tone feature is activated, you can see the following additional parameters.

T-T: Encodes a CTCSS Tone and Decodes a CTCSS Tone
T-D: Encodes a CTCSS Tone and Decodes a DCS Code
T: CTCSS Tone Encode only
D: DCS Encode only
D-T: Encodes a DCS Code and Decodes a CTCSS Tone
D-D:Encodes a DCS Code and Decodes a DCS Code

D-D:DCS Decode only
D-T: CTCSS Tone Decode only

Split Tone Frequency or DCS Code Setup

1. Press and hold in the [A](ENC) (if you use CTCSS) or [B](DEC) (if you use DCS) key
for one second. This instantly recalls Menu Mode No-083 [TONE FREQ] or No-033

[

DCS CODE].

2. Press the SELECT knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the “R” op­tion. This is the tone you Receive, i.e. the “Decode” tone.

3. Press the SELECT knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired
Decode CTCSS frequency (or DCS code).

4. Press the SELECT knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the “T” op­tion. This is the tone you Transmit, i.e. the “Encode” tone.

5. Press the SELECT knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired
Encode CTCSS frequency (or DCS code).

6. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.

60 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FM TRANSMISSION

ARTS™ Operation

The ARTS™ system uses DCS signaling to inform you when you and another ARTS™
equipped station are within communications range. This can be especially valuable during
search-and-rescue operations, as a base station can quickly use ARTS™ to alert a field unit
that it is out of range; the field unit can then move to a better location to re-establish commu­nications.

ARTS™ is easy to use:

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS, SRCH, PMS] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](ARTS) key to activate ARTS™ operation.

3. Your display will change to “out range” to indicate the

beginning of ARTS™ operation. Every 30 seconds, your
radio will transmit a “polling” call to the other station.
When that station responds with its return ARTS™ poll­ing signal, your display will change to “in range” to con­firm reception of the response.

4. To cancel ARTS™ operation, press the [A](ARTS) key again (the “out range” or “in

range” indication will disappear from the LCD).

ARTS™ Alert Beep Options

The ARTS™ feature allows two kinds of alert beeps (with the additional option of turning
them off), so as to alert you to the current status of ARTS™ operation. Depending on your
location and the potential annoyance associated with frequent beeps, you may choose the
Beep mode which best suits your needs. The choices are:

RANGE: The beeps are issued only when the radio first confirms that you are within range,

but does not re-confirm with beeps thereafter.

ALL: Every time a polling transmission is received from the other station, the alert beeps

will be heard.

OFF: No alert beeps will be heard; you must look at the display to confirm current ARTS™

status.

To set the ARTS™ Beep mode:

1. While still in Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS, SRCH, PMS], press and hold in the

[A](

ARTS) key for one second. This is a “hot key” which will instantly recall Menu

Mode No-008 [ARTS BEEP].

2. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired ARTS™ Beep mode (see above).

3. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second

to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

61FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FM TRANSMISSION

CW Identifier Setup

The ARTS™ feature includes a CW identifier, as discussed previously. Every ten minutes
during ARTS™ operation, the radio can be instructed to send “DE (your callsign) K ” if this
feature is enabled. The callsign field may contain up to 10 characters.

Here’s how to program the CW Identifier:

1. Press and hold the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the
DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to select the Menu Mode No-010 [ARTS IDW].

4. Press the SELECT knob momentarily to initiate callsign storage (the first character
location of the callsign field will be underlined.).

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of your callsign, then rotate the
SELECT knob one click clockwise to save the first letter/number and move to the next
entry position.

6. Repeat the previous step as many times as necessary to complete your callsign.

7. Press the SELECT knob momentarily to save your completed callsign and exit.

8. Rotate the SELECT knob one click counter-clockwise to select the Menu Mode No-

009 [ARTS ID].

9. Rotate the DIAL to set the CW ID function to “ON .”

10. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.

62 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

I

NGN

D

AFSK

AF IN

DATA OUT

DIGITAL MODE OPERATION (SSB-BASED AFSK

)

The FT-857 provides extensive capability for digital mode operation on the HF, VHF, and
UHF bands. The use of AFSK (Audio Frequency-Shifted Keying) configurations allows a
wide variety of different communication modes to be utilized. The Menu provides for spe­cific digital mode selections, which include custom BFO offsets to optimize the receive and
transmit passbands for the mode selected.

Before beginning Digital operation, you need to define which Digital mode will be utilized.
To do this, use Menu #38 as follows (in this example, we will set up RTTY as the Digital
mode):

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the

DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-038 [DIG MODE].

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “RTTY-L” or “RTTY-U” (see discussion below).

5. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting and exit.

Use this basic technique to set up any digital mode.

RTTY (Radio TeleType) Operation

The “RTTY” mode on the FT-857 is available in either LSB-side or USB-side BFO injec­tion. Long-standing Amateur practice calls for the use of LSB-side injection, but some ap­plications require that you use USB-side injection.

1. Connect your TNC (Terminal Node Controller) or termi-

nal modem to the FT-857’s rear-panel DATA jack, per
the illustration. Be sure to use the “TX AUDIO” line, not
an “FSK” line, for the transmit data connection to the
FT-857.

2. Press the [MODE(t

)

]

or [MODE(u

)

]

key, as needed,

to select the DIG mode (the “DIG” icon will appear on the
display). You should now be able to tune around the band,
and any RTTY signals heard should be capable of being
decoded.

3. If the optional YF-122C 500 Hz filter or YF-122CN

300 Hz filter has been installed, it may be used for RTTY
work. Recall Multi Function Row “n” [CFIL, –––, –––],
then press the [B

](–)

or [C

](–)

key to engage the narrow

filter.

4. To set up the transmit side, be sure that the Meter is set to

OUT

PTT

T
T

A

P

T
A
D

63FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

DIGITAL MODE OPERATION (SSB-BASED AFSK

monitor ALC voltage. If not, press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SE­LECT knob to select to select Multi Function Row “i” [MTR, –––, DISP], then press the

[A](

MTR) or [B] key so as to select metering of ALC (“ALC” icon will appear at the

upper of the[B]] key).

5. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

6. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the
DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

7. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-037 [DIG GAIN].

8. Following the instructions for your TNC’s software, activate the transmitter from the
computer keyboard; this should cause the AFSK output from the TNC to be sent to the
radio. While transmitting, view the ALC meter; a few “dots” of ALC indica­tion should be observed. If not, rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the AFSK
level within the FT-857 for 16 dots of indication on the ALC meter.

9. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new AFSK level setting and
return to normal operation. You are now ready for full RTTY operation.

Because RTTY is a continuous-duty transmission mode, try to keep your trans­missions short when running on battery power, so as to minimize current drain.

)

PSK31 Operation

Two dedicated PSK31 modes are available, one each for USB-side and LSB-side injection.
For BPSK work, the injection does not matter, but for QPSK the two working stations must
use the same sideband.

1. Connect the FT-857 to your computer’s sound card or interface.

2. Setup for PSK31 operation is basically identical to that previously described for RTTY
operation. As before, use the “DIG” mode. However, in Menu Mode No-038 [DIG MODE],
select “PSK31-L” (for LSB injection) or “PSK31-U” (for USB injection). As with RTTY,
Menu #38 may be used to set the drive to the transmitter. And the YF-122C 500 Hz filter
or YF-122CN 300 Hz filter may also be utilized, as described previously.

“USER” Defined Digital Modes

Also provided in the FT-857 are two convenient “USER” Digital modes, one each provid­ing USB- and LSB-side injection, which may be used for SSTV, Fax, Pactor, and other
digital operating modes.

Here is an example involving the configuration of the USER mode for JT44 (WSJT) opera­tion with USB-side injection (as opposed to LSB injection, used in the default “RTTY”
mode):

1. Use Menu Mode No-038 [DIG MODE] to set the Digital mode to “USER-U.”

64 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

INGND

DATA

DATA

DATA OUT

DIGITAL MODE OPERATION (SSB-BASED AFSK

2. Press the [MODE(t

)

]

or [MODE(u

)

]

key, as needed, to select the DIG operating mode

)

(the “DIG” icon will appear on the display).

3. Now use Menu mode to configure the transceiver’s passband response. Once in the

Menu mode, rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-039 [DIG SHIFT], and
rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired BFO offset. (a center frequency for the receiver
response). For WSJT use, a setting of about “+1500” will be a good starting point.

4. Finally, depending on how you wish the display to respond, you may program in a corre-

sponding display shift, using Menu Mode No-036 [DIG DISP].

5. Remember to press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second when exiting the Menu

mode.

The setup of the AFSK drive level is identical to that described previously for RTTY opera­tion.

The USER-L and USER-U Digital modes should allow you to operate on any
SSB-based AFSK Digital mode. Note that the “PSK31” configurations will also

work well for many Digital operating situations.

PACKET (1200/9600 BPS FM) OPERATION

The FT-857 is designed for operation on either 1200 bps or 9600 bps packet, and setup is
similar to that described previously for SSB-based modes. A separate Data input adjustment
is provided, allowing you to optimize the deviation on the FM Packet modes separately
from the levels set for SSB-based Digital modes. The RX-Data output lines are fixed-level
outputs, not affected by the setting of the AF Gain control.

1. Connect your TNC to the FT-857’s rear-panel DATA jack,

per the illustration.

2. Note that different connections are used for 1200 bps and

9600 bps Packet.

3. Use Menu Mode No-073 [PKT RATE] to select the de-

sired Packet mode.

4. Once you have entered the Menu and have selected Menu

Mode No-073 [PKT RATE], rotate the DIAL knob to se­lect either “1200bps” or “9600bps” as the Packet rate.
Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save
your setting and exit.

5. Press the [MODE(t

)

]

or [MODE(u

)

]

key, as needed,

to select the PKT operating mode (the “PKT” icon will
appear on the display).

You are now set up for reception on Packet. If you are oper-

OUT

IN PTT

(1200bps)

DATA OUT

(9600bps)

PTT

DATA

65FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

DATA

DATA OUT

PACKET (1200/9600 BPS FM) OPERATION

ating on 1200 bps, try now to connect to another station or node; you may well find that the
drive level needs no further adjustment. If, however, you are having trouble connecting due
to insufficient or excessive drive from the TNC to the FT-857, use Menu Mode No-071

[

PKT 1200] (for 1200 bps Packet) or No-072 [PKT 9600] (for 9600 bps Packet) to set the

drive. Use your terminal software’s “test” protocol to send out test tones, and adjust the
deviation by rotating the DIAL knob, which will vary the data input level to the FT-857’s
modulator. Remember to press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second when adjust­ments are completed, so as to save the new setting for Menu Mode No-071 [PKT 1200] or

No-072 [PKT 9600].

The 9600 bps Packet deviation setting is very critical to successful operation, and

it can only be accomplished using a calibrated deviation meter; the optimum set­ting is usually ±2.75 kHz (±0.25 kHz). For 1200 bps, the optimum level is much less
critical, with the optimum deviation being between ±2.5 kHz and ±3.5 kHz.

WEATHERFAX MONITORING

Monitoring of HF WeatherFax broadcasts is easily accomplished using the FT-857.
Before proceeding, be certain that the WeatherFax demodulator is

properly connected to Pins 5 and 2 of the rear panel DATA jack.

1. Set the transceiver to the VFO mode, and set the operating mode

to “DIG,” setting Menu Mode No-038 [DIG MODE] to “PSK31-U,” as described previ­ously.

2. Now, select the operating frequency of the station transmitting the WeatherFax broad-

cast. Note that, in the USB mode, the frequency you should program onto the display is
typically 1.90 kHz below the station’s “assigned” frequency. Thus for a WeatherFax
station assigned to 8.682.0 MHz, tune to 8.680.1 MHz.

3. When the WeatherFax broadcast begins, no further operator intervention should be needed

from the transceiver standpoint. The audio level from the DATA jack on the rear of the
transceiver is fixed, and cannot be adjusted.

4. Fine adjustments in the gray-scale and the frame alignment are accomplished using the

computer and software connected to your WeatherFax demodulator.

GND

66 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

TIME-OUT TIMER

Most often used on FM, the transmitter’s Time-Out Timer (TOT) feature disables the trans­mitter after a user-defined period of transmission. This feature may be useful in preventing
a “stuck microphone” (accidental closure of the PTT switch) from causing interference to
other users, and it will also force you to keep your transmissions short, thereby conserving
battery power.

To activate the Time-Out Timer:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-084 [TOT TIME].

3. The default setting for this feature is “OFF.” Rotate the DIAL knob to set a new time-out

setting (from 1 minute to 20 minutes).

4. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second
to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

SPLIT FREQUENCY OPERATION

This transceiver provides convenient split-frequency operation, using VFO-A and VFO-B,
for DX working and other operating situations requiring unique split frequency pairs.

The example below will describe a typical split-frequency DX situation on the 20-meter
band, with a DX station transmitting on 14.025 MHz, listening 10 kHz higher in the band.

1. Set VFO-A to 14.035.00 MHz CW (DX station’s listening frequency).

2. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “a” [A/B, A=B, SPL] appears on the display.

3. Press the [B](A=B) key momentarily (to set VFOs A and B to 14.035.00 MHz).

4. Press the [A](A/B) key momentarily to select VFO-B, then tune the VFO-B frequency to

14.025.00 MHz (DX station’s transmitting frequency).

5. Press the [C](SPL) key momentarily. The transceiver will now transmit using the VFO­A frequency, and will receive using the VFO-B frequency.
The “u” icon will appear at the left side of the “SPL” indication, and the “SPL” icon will
appear at the upper left corner of the display.

6. To listen to the pile-up calling the DX station (so as to align your frequency more closely
to that of the station being worked by the DX), press the [A](A/B) key to reverse the
VFOs. You will now be tuning in the vicinity of 14.035 MHz, and you can zero in on the
DX station’s listening frequency by tuning in on the station in QSO with the DX. Press
the [A](A/B) key again to return to reception on the DX station’s frequency.

7. Press the [C](SPL) key once more to cancel split operation; the “u” icon and “SPL”
icon will disappear from the display.

67FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

A

CTIVE-TUNING ANTENNA SYSTEM

The optional ATAS-100/-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System provides operation on a number
of HF bands (7/14/21/28 MHz) plus 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz. The FT-857 pro­vides microprocessor control of the tuning mechanism in the ATAS-100/-120 for conve­nient automatic tuning.

Before operation can begin, you must instruct theFT-857’s microprocessor that the ATAS-
100/-120 is being used. This is done using the Menu Mode:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the
DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode N0-085 [TUNER/ATAS]. The default
setting for this Menu is “OFF.” Rotate the DIAL to change the setting to “ATAS (ALL),”
if you are using the ATAS-100/-120 for all bands (you must connect an external diplexer
to combine the two antenna ports so as to use the ATAS-100/-120 on all bands). Or
make the setting “ATAS (HF&50),” if you are using the ATAS-100/-120 on 7 ~ 50
MHz, with a dual-band VHF/UHF antenna connected separately to the 144/430 MHz
antenna port. If you are just using the ATAS-100/-120 on the HF bands only, with a
dual-band VHF/UHF antenna connected separately to the 144/430 MHz antenna port
(no 50 MHz operation) make the setting “ATAS (HF).”

4. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.

(ATAS-100/-120) O

PERATION

Automatic Tuning

1. Press the [FUNC] key, then rotate the SELECT knob as needed, to recall Multi Func­tion Row “k” [TUNE, DOWN, UP].

2. Press the [A](TUNE) key to turn the ATAS-100/-120 on (this action only supplies volt­age to the antenna at this point; re-tuning does not begin). The “ATAS” will appear on the
LCD.

3. Now press and hold in the [A](TUNE) key for one second to initiate ATAS-100/-120
tuning. The transmitter will automatically be activated, a carrier will be sent, and the
antenna’s length will be adjusted for best SWR.

4. If the microprocessor determines that the antenna’s length is radically incorrect from the
optimum value, no carrier will be sent out. Instead, in the receive mode, the antenna will
retract to its longest or shortest position (this may take up to one minute). While this is
happening, do not press the [A](TUNE) key again.
When the ATAS-100/-120 reaches its minimum length, automatic tuning will be initi­ated, and the transmitter will automatically shut off when a satisfactory SWR is achieved.

5. On the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands, the ATAS-100/-120 does not require a tuning
process. SWR will be satisfactory when the antenna is fully retracted.

68 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

A

CTIVE-TUNING ANTENNA SYSTEM

6. When you wish to conclude ATAS-100/-120 operation, press the [A](TUNE) key; the

“u” icon disappear surrounding the “ATAS” indication.

If the ATAS-100/120 retracts to its minimum length, it will not automatically shut

off instantly; it may continue to have its motor engaged for as long as 30 seconds
thereafter, until a timer expires. A clutch mechanism prevents damage to the antenna
while this is happening, and this condition is completely normal.

Manual Tuning

In some instances, the SWR may be slightly improved by manual adjustment of the antenna
position. This may be needed for operation on bands like 40 meters, where the “Q” of the
ATAS-100/-120 is high, causing a narrow resonance range.

To tune the ATAS-100/-120 manually, recall Multi Function Row “k” [TUNE, DOWN, UP],
then press and hold in the microphone PTT switch. With the transceiver in the “transmit”
mode, press and hold in the [C](UP) key (to raise the antenna) or the [B](DOWN) key (to
lower the antenna). While you hold in one of these keys, the FT-857 will generate a carrier,
and you may watch the top scale of the FT-857’s meter, looking for the meter indication to
reach its minimum value. When this is reached, release the [C](UP) or [B](DOWN) key,
then release the PTT key to return to the “receive” mode.

R.F. Says: 1) Once automatic matching has been successfully accomplished, you must
change frequency by at least 10 kHz before attempting automatic matching again. Within

a window of ±10 kHz from a match point, the transceiver’s microprocessor will

ignore any command to attempt automatic matching.

2) Antenna tuning is accomplished using a “CW” carrier, although the mode indication
will not change to “CW” (if you are operating on another mode) during antenna tuning.

3) If you see a “HSWR” on the LCD, it may mean that there is a problem in your coaxial
cable (bad connection, etc.) which is preventing successful tuning. Replace the cable, or
try adding a few feet/meters of cable (to eliminate the possibility of adverse “transformer
action” in the 50 W cable during the tuning process).

4) If you are able to achieve an SWR of less than 2:1 via manual tuning, the FT-857 will
“accept” the manual setting, and you may then re-tune automatically when changing
bands. If, however, you stop manual tuning at a non-optimum setting (SWR >2:1), the
FT-857 will not permit further automatic tuning. To refresh the setting of the ATAS-100/

-120, press the [B](DOWN) key until the ATAS-100/-120 fully retracts. You may then
restart automatic tuning per the procedures described earlier.

5) The FT-857 may also be used with the model ATAS-100 antenna, although the tuning
speed of the ATAS-100 will be about 20% slower than with the ATAS-120.

(ATAS-100/-120) O

PERATION

69FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

A

CTIVE-TUNING ANTENNA SYSTEM

ATAS-100/-120 Operating Tips

The information below will help you derive the best performance possible from the ATAS­100/-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System.

Grounding

It is critically important that you establish a good mechanical and RF ground connection for
your ATAS-100/-120 (as with all vertical antennas). Mobile mounts which are bolted through
the vehicle’s roof, or otherwise mechanically affixed, will usually be satisfactory. However,
magnetic mounts do not provide the RF grounding necessary for good performance, and are
not recommended for use with this antenna.

Tuning Procedure

The feedpoint impedance of the ATAS-100/-120 (resistance and reactance) will necessarily
vary over a wide range when you change bands. Occasionally, the transceiver’s micropro­cessor will not initially be able to determine the proper direction for the ATAS-100/-120 to
travel (inward or outward) for best SWR.

To resolve this situation, the transceiver will then command the ATAS-100/-120 to retract
fully to its minimum or maxmum height, and thence restart the tuning process. In this in­stance, the “WAIT” icon will remain on the display after you press the [A](TUNE) key. If this
happens, do not press the [A](TUNE) key repeatedly. The transceiver will remain in the
receive mode as it retracts (this may take up to one minute). Thereafter, the transmitter will
be engaged, and the ATAS-100/-120 will be automatically adjusted for best SWR. The
“TUNE” icon will then disappear from the LCD, and you will be ready for operation.

(ATAS-100/-120) O

PERATION

External Wattmeters

If you wish to use an external wattmeter in conjunction with the transceiver and your ATAS­100/-120, please check the wattmeter with an Ohmmeter prior to installation. Be sure there

is a direct connection between the “In” and “Out” jacks of the wattmeter (zero resistance),
and also ensure that there is a completely open circuit between the center pin and shield of
the wattmeter’s output jack. Some wattmeters use a coil or other device which shorts the
center pin to ground at DC, and this type of internal wattmeter circuitry will not allow the
tuning function of the ATAS-100/-120 to operate.

Operation on 30/17/12 Meters

Although the ATAS-100/-120 is not specified for operation on the above bands, and opti­mum operation is therefore not guaranteed, the ATAS-100/-120 generally can be tuned
successfully on these bands (some manual adjustment may be required). Operation of the
ATAS-100/-120 on these bands will not damage the antenna’s components; please feel free
to experiment on these bands, if you like.

70 FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

CAT/LINEARCTRL144MHz/430MHz

Coaxial Cable

(Supplied with FC-30)

(Supplied with FC-30)

FC-30 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER OPERATION

The optional FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner provides automatic tuning of a coaxial line
so as to present a nominal 50 W impedance to the FT-857’s HF/50 MHz antenna port.

Before operation can begin, you must instruct the FT-857’s microprocessor that the FC-30
is being used. This is done using the Menu Mode:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the

DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-020 [CAT/LIN/TUN]. The default

setting for this Menu is “CAT.” Rotate the DIAL to change the setting to “TUNER.”

4. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting and exit, then

turn the transceiver off.

5. Set up the FC-30 and FT-857 per the illustration,

then turn on the transceiver’s power again. Do not
set up the FC-30 and FT-857 before changing
the Menu Mode, item No-020 [CAT/LIN/ TUN].

6. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one sec-

ond to activate the Menu mode.

7. Rotate the SELECT knob to re-

call Menu Mode No-085

[

TUNER/ATAS]. The default set-

ting for this Menu is “OFF.” Ro­tate the DIAL to change the set­ting to “TUNER.”

8. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key

for one second to save the new
setting and exit.

Contral Cable

TRX

HF/50MHz

ANT

Operation is similar to the procedure for the ATAS-100/-120:

1. Press the [FUNC] key, as needed, to recall Multi Function Row “k” [TUNE, DOWN, UP].

2. Press the [A](TUNE) key to turn the FC-30 on. The “TUNE” will appear on the LCD.

3. Press and hold in the [A](TUNE) key to initiate automatic tuning. The FT-857 transmit-

ter will be activated, a carrier signal will be sent out, and the coils and capacitors in the
FC-30 will be selected/adjusted for optimum SWR. When tuning is complete, the trans­mission will cease, and you will be ready for operation on this frequency.

Tuning data will be stored in the FC-30’s Memory system. See the discussion at

the nect page for details on how this works.

71FT-857 Operating Manual

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FC-30 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER OPERATION

Antenna Tuner Memory System

The FC-30, working in concert with the FT-857, can store impedance matching data in its
micro-computer memory, so as to provide instant adjustment as you transmit in different
areas of a particular band. A total of 100 memories are provided: 11 of these are “general”
memories apportioned one per band, while the remaining 89 are allocated for specific fre­quency data within the various bands, with the capability to resolve new tuning data every
10 kHz.

A few guidelines should be noted regarding the FC-30’s memory system:
Tuning data is stored when you make an active effort to store it by pressing and holding in

the [A](TUNE) key for one second. Although the tuner will automatically activate itself if it
encounters more than 1.5:1 SWR, this memory will not be stored unless you have pressed
the [A](TUNE) key for one second. This allows you to store your favorite operating fre­quency areas into tuner memory without tying up memory space with matching data on
seldom-used frequencies.

If the FC-30 cannot resolve a satisfactory match because the SWR is above 3:1 (2:1 on the
50 MHz band), the tuning process will stop, and no memory data will be stored. However,
you may wish to move frequency a few kHz, then press the [A](TUNE) key again for one
second, as slight changes in the reactance may allow a match to be obtained. Then go back
to the original frequency and try again.

Another technique which may allow matching in some situations is to add a few feet or
meters of coaxial cable on the “antenna side” of the FC-30. This will change the impedance
transformation taking place in the coaxial cable, possibly moving the impedance presented
to the FC-30 into an acceptable range. Note that this is not changing the actual antenna
SWR, but only the impedance “seen” by the FC-30’s matching circuits.

If your antenna system presents an SWR of less than 1.5:1, you may wish to turn off the
antenna tuner, as full transmitter power will be delivered to the antenna system without
intervention by the FC-30.

If the impedance encountered by the FC-30 exceeds 3:1, and the “HSWR” icon is illumi­nated, the microprocessor will not retain the tuning data for that frequency, as the FC-30
presumes that you will want to adjust or repair your antenna system so as to correct the high
SWR condition.

72 FT-857 Operating Manual

MEMORY OPERATION

QMB (QUICK MEMORY BANK) CHANNELS

The “Quick Memory” Bank provides one-touch access to frequencies you want to store and
recall in a hurry. You may store a “QMB” channel into a “regular” memory later, if you like;
use of the “regular” memories will be described later.

QMB Channel Storage

1. Tune in the desired frequency and set the operating mode and bandwidth. If this is an FM

channel, set up any required CTCSS/DCS and repeater shift configurations.

2. Press and hold in the [V/M] key (along the right side of the DIAL knob, the upper key)

until two “beeps” are heard. The second beep (heard one second after the initial beep)
provides audible confirmation that the data has been stored into the QMB memory.

Pressing the [A](STO) key momentarily while in Multi Function Row “c” [STO,

RCL, PROC] will also store a frequency into the QMB register.

QMB Channel Recall

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “c” [STO, RCL, PROC] appears on the display.

2. Press the [B](RCL) key momentarily to recall the QMB memory. “QMB” will appear in

the upper left corner of the display.

3. Press the [B](RCL) key once more to return to the previous frequency (either a VFO

frequency or a Memory channel).

If you move the DIAL knob or SELECT knob while in the QMB mode, you can

change frequencies as if you were in a “VFO” mode. You also can change the
operating mode by pressing the [MODE(t)] or [MODE(u)] key. When either change is
performed, “MTQMB” will appear in the display, where “MT” represents “Memory Tun­ing.” Press the [B](RCL) key once more to return to the originally-stored QMB frequency.

73FT-857 Operating Manual

MEMORY OPERATION

MEMORY OPERATION ON “REGULAR” MEMORY CHANNELS

Most Memory operation will be conducted in the “regular” memory registers. There are 200
memory channels available for storage and recall of important frequencies.

Normal Memory Storage

1. Tune in the desired frequency, and set the operating mode and bandwidth. If this is an
FM channel, set up any required CTCSS/DCS and repeater shift configurations. Stan­dard (default) repeater shifts do not require you to utilize the “split” frequency memory
technique, described later.

2. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily to enter the “Memory Check” mode, which is used
to find an unused memory channel. The Memory Channel Number notation at the upper
left corner of the LCD will blink, and the frequency stored (if any) on the current memory
channel will be shown in the display. Rotate the SELECT knob to select the channel
number on which you wish to store the current frequency data.

4. If you just want to program in the frequency data, press and hold in the [A](MW) key for
one second until you hear two beeps, a second apart; the second beep confirms that the
frequency information was successfully stored. If you want to assign an Alpha-Numeric
Tag (label) to this Memory location, see the next step.

5. If you wish to assign an Alpha-Numeric Tag to this memory location, do not press and
hold in the [A](MW) key in step 4; instead, press it momentarily; the display will now
show the default Tag for the Memory Channel (“CH-nnn”), and a cursor will be blinking
below the “C.” Now follow this procedure;

• The blinking cursor indicates that the first character is awaiting assignment of a let-

ter, number, or symbol. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired first letter in the
proposed Tag. Note that both upper and lower case letters are available.

• Rotate the SELECT knob one click clockwise to move to the next character posi-

tion.

• Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired 2nd character, then rotate the SELECT

knob one click clockwise to move on to the next position.

• Continue this process until the Tag is complete. Now move quickly to the next step.

• When the Tag is complete, press the [A](MW) key momentarily. This will complete

the storage of the frequency and Alpha-Numeric label.

74 FT-857 Operating Manual

MEMORY OPERATION

MEMORY OPERATION ON “REGULAR” MEMORY CHANNELS

Split-Frequency Memory Storage

You can also store “Split” frequencies, such as when operating on a repeater system not utiliz­ing a “standard” offset. This procedure may also be used for DX work on 7 MHz SSB, etc.

1. In the VFO mode, set the desired Receive frequency and mode.

2. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily to enter the “Memory Check” mode, which is used

to find an unused memory channel. The Memory Channel Number notation at the upper
left corner of the LCD will blink, and the frequency stored (if any) on the selected memory
channel will be shown in the display. Rotate the SELECT knob to select the channel on
which you wish to store the receive frequency data.

4. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second until you hear two beeps (a second

apart), which confirms that the Receive frequency data is now stored.

5. Now, set the desired Transmit frequency and mode on the VFO.

6. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily; do not rotate the SELECT knob!

7. While the Memory Channel Number is blinking, press and hold in the PTT switch; while

holding it in, press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second.

8. The two beeps will confirm that independent Transmit frequency data is now stored. You

may now release the PTT switch.

In step 7 above, pressing the PTT switch does not activate the transmitter. It sim­ply sends a signal to the microprocessor that an independent Transmit frequency

is being stored on the same channel as a previously-stored Receive frequency.

75FT-857 Operating Manual

MEMORY OPERATION

MEMORY OPERATION ON “REGULAR” MEMORY CHANNELS

Memory Channel Recall

1. If you currently are in the VFO tuning mode, press the [M/V] key once to enter the
“Memory” mode (a memory channel number “M-nnn” will appear on the display in the
space previously occupied by “VFOa” or “VFOb”).

2. To select another memory channel, turn the SELECT knob.

3. When your memory channels are partitioned into Memory Groups via Menu Mode No-

055 [MEM GROUP], it is easy to change Memory Groups; press the SELECT knob

momentarily (a Group Number (“Ma” ~ “Mj” will blink), then turn the SELECT knob
to step through the channels until you enter another. You may now press the SELECT
knob once more to restrict memory channel access to the newly-selected Group.

Menu No-057 must be set to “MHz/MEM GRP” in order to select Memory
Groups!

4. Once you are operating on a memory channel, you may tune off of the originally-memo­rized frequency (as though you were in the VFO mode). Just rotate the DIAL knob; the
“Memory Channel Number” will be replaced by one which indicates “MTUNE,” indicat­ing that you have now shifted into the “Memory Tuning” mode. When operating the
Memory Tuning mode, if you find another frequency you wish to store into another
memory channel, just press the [A](MW) key momentarily, select a new memory chan­nel via the SELECT knob, then press and hold in the [A](MW) key until you hear the
double beep.

5. To exit the Memory Tuning mode, press the [M/V] key as follows:

• One touch of the [M/V] key returns you to the original memory frequency.

• A second touch of the [M/V] key will cause you to exit the Memory mode and return

to the VFO mode (the memory channel number will be replaced by “VFOa” or
“VFOb.”

1) When operating on a “Split” frequency memory, a special “–+” indication will
appear on the LCD.

2) If some memory channels appear to be “missing,” be sure you are not operating in the

“Memory Group” mode, and in the wrong Memory Group.

76 FT-857 Operating Manual

MEMORY OPERATION

MEMORY OPERATION ON “REGULAR” MEMORY CHANNELS

Masking (“Hiding”) a Memory

Frequency data stored on a memory channel can be deleted, if desired, from any memory
channel except channel “1.” The deletion process is not a “hard” erasure, so if you erase a
channel by mistake using this procedure, the memory channel contents can be recovered.

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob to select the memory

channel to be deleted.

3. Press the [B](MCLR) key momentarily. The frequency display field on the LCD will go

blank, and the memory channel number will blink.

4. Wait about five seconds; when the memory channel number stops blinking, the data will

now be “masked” and will not be available for operation.

5. To restore the masked frequency data, repeat the above steps. However, if you store new

frequency information on a channel containing masked data, the masked data will be
over-written and lost.

6. Memory Channel 1 is used for Priority operation, and frequency information may only

be over-written (not masked) on this channel.

77FT-857 Operating Manual

MEMORY OPERATION

MEMORY OPERATION ON “HOME” CHANNEL MEMORIES

Four Special one-touch “Home” channels are available, for special frequencies you use
often. Either “simplex” or “split” frequency/mode data may be stored in the “Home” chan­nel locations. Special “Home” channels are available for HF (any frequency between 1.8
and 29.7 MHz), 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz.

These memories may prove particularly useful for monitoring propagation beacons, provid­ing one-touch recall of the beacon frequency for a quick check of band conditions.

HOME Channel Storage

1. Tune the desired frequency, and set the operating mode. If this is an FM channel, set up
any required CTCSS/DCS and repeater shift configurations.

2. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily to enter the “Memory Check” mode.

4. Press and hold in the [HOME] key for one second. This stores the frequency data into
the “Home” channel location. As usual, you will hear a double beep to confirm the suc­cessful storage of the frequency data.

5. If you wish to store a “Split” frequency pair into the “Home” channel, store the Receive
frequency as in steps 1 ~ 4 above. Now set the desired Transmit frequency. Once more,
press the [A](MW) key momentarily. Press and hold in the microphone’s PTT switch;
while holding the PTT switch, again press and hold in the [HOME] key for one second.
This stores the transmit frequency data into the “Home” channel location.

In step (4) above, pressing and holding in the [HOME] key stores the frequency

data, and leaves the Alpha-Numeric tag for this channel as “HOME.” If you wish
to re-label the Home channel with a different name, press the [HOME] key momentarily
in step (4), then follow the instructions on the next page for the programming of an
Alpha-Numeric Tag.

HOME Channel Recall

1. Press the [HOME] key momentarily to recall the Home Channel on the band group

where you currently are operating (HF, 50 MHz, 144 MHz, or 430 MHz). The “HOME”
indication will appear on the display.

2. Press the [HOME] key once more to return to the previously-used frequency (either a

VFO frequency or a memory channel).

78 FT-857 Operating Manual

MEMORY OPERATION

LABELING MEMORIES AFTER PROGRAMMING CHANNEL DATA

You may wish to append an alpha-numeric “Tag” (label) to a memory or memories, to aid in
recollection of the channel’s intended use (such as a club name, etc.), some time after you
have performed the initial memory programming. This is easily accomplished using the
Menu mode.

1. Recall the memory channel onto which you wish to append a label.

2. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the
DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

4. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG].

5. Press the SELECT knob to enable the programming of the label.

6. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first character in the name you wish to store, then
rotate the SELECT knob clockwise to move to the next character. Note that both upper
and lower case letters are available.

7. Again rotate the DIAL knob to select the next number, letter, or symbol, then rotate the
SELECT knob clockwise to move to the next character’s slot.

8. Repeat step 7 as many times as necessary to complete the name tag for the memory, then
press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the A/N (Alpha-Numeric)
name entry and exit to normal operation.

9. During Memory operation, press the [FUNC] key momen­tarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until Multi
Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG]appears on the dis­play. Press the [C](TAG) key momentarily to activate the
Alpha-Numeric Tag. Repeatedly pressing this key will
toggle operation between “Frequency” display and “Tag”
display.

[

“Frequency” Display

[

“Tag” Display

]

]

You can recall Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG] instantly by pressing and hold­ing in the [C](TAG) key for one second.

79FT-857 Operating Manual

SPECTRUM SCOPE MONITOR

The Spectrum Scope Monitor allows viewing of operating activity on frequencies above
and below your current operating frequency in the VFO mode, or viewing of memory chan­nel activity on the current memory group when in the Memory mode. When the Spectrum
Scope Monitor is activated, the display indicates the relative signal strength on channels
immediately adjacent to the current operating frequency.

Using the Spectrum Scope

1. Set the transceiver to the VFO mode in the desired band, or within the desired memory
group.

2. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “h” [SCOP, WID, STEP] appears on the display.

3. Press the [A](SCOP) key momentarily to engage the Spec­trum Scope.

4. When the Spectrum Scope is in operation, the relative sig­nal strength of stations on channels immediately adjacent
to the current frequency will be indicated on the display.

5. While the Spectrum Scope is activated in the VFO mode,
press the [B](WID) key to change the visible bandwidth. Available selections are ±10
(default), ±15, and ±63 channels. Press the [C](STEP) key to change the channel step
resolution. Available selections are shown bellow.

Mode Channel Steps (kHz

CW, SSB, DIG 1.0 / 2.5 / 5.0
AM 2.5 / 5.0 / 9.0 / 10.0 / 12.5 / 25.0
FM, PKT 5.0 / 6.25 / 10.0 / 12.5 / 15.0 / 20.0 / 25.0 / 50.0

• While the Spectrum Scope is activated, press and hold in the [B] key for one second

to change the Sweep mode. This allows you to switch between “Single Sweep” and
“Continuous Sweep (default)” scanning modes.

• When the Spectrum Scope mode is in the “Single Sweep” mode, press and hold in

the [A] key for one second to restart the Sweep.

• While the Spectrum Scope is activated, press and hold in the [C] key for one second

to enable the “Meter Peak Hold” feature. This will show you the maximum signal
level recorded on a particular channel.

6. To disable the Spectrum Scope, press the [A](SCOP) key once more.

)

The receiver’s audio output and S-meter are disabled when using the Continuous
Sweep.

80 FT-857 Operating Manual

SMART SEARCHTM OPERATION

The Smart Search™ feature automatically stores frequencies where activity is encountered
on the current band. When Smart Search™ is engaged, the transceiver quickly searches
above your current frequency, storing active frequencies as it goes (without stopping on
them even momentarily). These frequencies are stored in a special Smart Search™ memory
bank, consisting of 50 memories. This feature is available on the FM and AM modes.

The Smart Search™ feature is especially helpful when traveling, as you can instantly store
active FM repeater frequencies without having to look up the frequencies in a reference
book.

1. Set the SQL knob to the point where background noise is silenced. A typical setting, for

effective Smart Search™ operation, will be at 12 o’clock or slightly clockwise from this
position.

2. Set the VFO to the frequency on which you wish to begin the search (the Smart Search

feature is available on the VFO mode only).

3. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS, SRCH, PMS] appears on the display.

4. Now press the [B](SRCH) key momentarily; the blinking “SRCH” indicator will appear

on the LCD, and the transceiver will sweep upward on the current band, loading chan­nels on which it encounters a signal strong enough to open the squelch. All channels
where activity is present (up to 50 channels) will be loaded into the Smart Search
memories.

5. Now you can turn the SELECT knob to select from the just-stored Smart Search™ memo-

ries. If you find frequencies you wish to store into a “regular” memory, just follow the
procedures described previously; just don’t press the [B](SRCH) key while storing these
memories, because this will disable Smart Search™ operation.

6. To disable Smart Search™ operation, press the [B](SRCH) key momentarily.

™

™

The Smart SearchTM memories are so-called “soft” memories; they will be lost if
you initiate a new Smart SearchTM sweep of the band, or if you switch to the VFO

or Memory system..

81FT-857 Operating Manual

SCANNING OPERATION

SCANNING FEATURES

This transceiver contains a wide variety of scanning capabilities. Whether you are in the
VFO mode or one of the memory modes, scanning operation is fundamentally identical in
all configurations, but with the following differences:
r In the VFO mode, scanning causes the transceiver to sweep up or down the band, paus-

ing or halting on any signal encountered;

r In the Memory mode, the scanner will scan the programmed memories, and can be in-

structed to skip certain memories during scanning;

r In the Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) mode, the scanner will scan the band within

user-programmed frequency limits.

SCANNING OPERATION

In order for the FT-857 to scan automatically, the Squelch must be set so that the back­ground noise is silenced, because the command to “Stop Scanning” driven by the same
circuit that causes the green “Busy” LED to light up (when noise or a signal is received).

1. Set the SQL knob to the point where background noise is silenced. A typical setting, for
effective scanning operation, will be at 12 o’clock or slightly clockwise from this position.

2. Set the transceiver into the operating configuration in which you wish to scan (VFO or
Memory; PMS will be described later).

3. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “g” [SCN, PRI, DW] appears on the display.

4. Wait at least five seconds, until the “MFg” notation disappears, then press the [A](SCN
key momentarily to start upward scan (toward higher frequencies or higher memory
channel numbers).

5. Rotate the DIAL knob or SELECT knob counterclockwise to toggle the scanning direc­tion downward.

6. The scanner will now cause the transceiver to increment in the chosen direction until a
signal is detected. When a signal is encountered which opens the Squelch, it will do
different things, depending on the operating mode:
¦ In the FM/AM modes, the transceiver pauses on the signal and stays locked on its

frequency for five seconds. Thereafter, scanning will resume whether or not the other
station’s transmission has ended. While the transceiver is in the “Pause” condition,
the decimal points in the frequency display area will blink. See “Scan-Resume Choices”
in the next chapter for details of how to customize the resumption of scanning.

¦ In the SSB/CW modes, the scanner will slow down (but won’t stop).

7. Press the PTT switch on the microphone to cancel scanning.

You may also press and hold in either the [UP] or [DWN] key on the microphone
for one second to initiate upward or downward scanning, respectively, if Menu

Mode No-058 [MIC SCAN] is set to “ON.”

)

82 FT-857 Operating Manual

SCANNING OPERATION

SCANNING OPERATION

Scan-Resume Choices

Scanning operation requires that you have the FT-857’s audio squelched. The transceiver
then “assumes” that the opening of the squelch corresponds to the discovery of a signal you
may wish to listen to. Once the scan has been halted, one of three things may happen:

TIME (default action): In this mode, the transceiver pauses on the signal and stays locked on

its frequency for five seconds. Thereafter, scanning will resume
whether or not the other station’s transmission has ended. The pause
time is adjustable from 1 to 10 seconds via Menu Mode No-078

[

SCAN RESUME].

BUSY: In this mode, the scanner will halt until the other station’s transmis-

sion ceases (at which point the squelch will close). One second after
the squelch closes, scanning resumes automatically.

STOP: In this mode, the scanner will find a signal, and lock on that fre-

quency without resuming the scan.

To choose the Scan-Resume mode:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] button for one second to activate the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the

DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-077 [SCAN MODE].

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Scan-Resume mode.

5. Press and hold in the [FUNC] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.

Scan Skip Programming (Memory Mode Only)

Among the memories you have programmed, there may be some stations which you do not
wish to scan. For example, broadcast signals (which are transmitted continuously) will cause
the scanner to stop, and such channels may be skipped so as to avoid this inconvenience.

To remove a channel from the scanning loop:

1. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

2. Recall the memory channel to be skipped.

3. Press the [B](SKIP) key momentarily. The “hyphen” in

the memory channel number will change to become a “dot;”
this shows that this channel now is not included in the
scanning loop.

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as many times as necessary to skip

all the channels you do not wish to scan.

[

Memory Skip “OFF”

[

Memory Skip “ON”

]

]

83FT-857 Operating Manual

SCANNING OPERATION

SCANNING OPERATION

5. Initiate memory scanning; you will observe that the channels you marked to be skipped
are not included in the scanning loop.

6. Press the PTT switch to stop the scan; you may now use the SELECT knob to step
through the channels manually - one at a time - and you will observe that the “Skipped”
channels are, nonetheless, available for recall by manual means.

7. You may restore a previously-skipped channel to the scanning loop by selecting the
channel manually, then pressing the [B](SKIP) key momentarily so that the “dot” changes
to become a “hyphen.”

It is not possible to Skip Memory Channel M-001 (the Priority Channel). See the
next chapter for details on Priority operation.

84 FT-857 Operating Manual

SCANNING OPERATION

“PRIORITY CHANNEL” SCANNING

The FT-857’s scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which allows
you to operate on a VFO or Memory channel, while periodically checking Memory Channel
“M-001” for activity. If a station is received on Memory Channel “M-001” 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 No-077 [SCAN MODE]. See page 110.

Here is the procedure for activating Priority Channel Dual Watch operation:

1. Rotate the SQL control until the background noise is just silenced, then store the fre-

quency to be the “Priority” channel into Memory Channel “M-001.”

2. Set the FT-857 for operation on another memory channel, or on a VFO frequency.

3. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “g” [SCN, PRI, DW] appears on the display.

4. Press the [B](PRI) key momentarily to start the “Priority” monitoring feature (the “ ”

icon will appear at the upper of the frequency display). During Priority monitoring, the
displayed frequency will shift to the Priority memory briefly every five seconds, while
the receiver checks for the presence of a signal.

5. When no signal appears on the Priority memory (i.e. the squelch remains closed), you

can tune, transmit and receive on the VFO, or select and operate on other memories.

6. If a station you wish to talk with appears on the Priority channel, press the PTT switch

momentarily while receiving their signal (no transmission will occur) to halt Priority
scanning. Otherwise, when a signal appears on the Priority channel, Priority monitoring
will just pause on the channel. Priority monitoring will resume in accordance with the
SCAN MODE Menu setting, as mentioned previously.

7. To cancel Priority monitoring, again press the [B](PRI) key.

85FT-857 Operating Manual

SCANNING OPERATION

PROGRAMMABLE MEMORY SCAN (PMS) OPERATION

To limit scanning (and manual tuning) within a particular frequency range, you can use the
Programmable Memory Scanning (PMS) feature, which utilizes five special-purpose memory
pairs (“M-P1L/M-P1U” through “M-P5L/M-P5U”). The PMS feature is especially useful in
helping you to observe any operating sub-band limits which apply to your Amateur license
class.

PMS setup is simple to accomplish:

1. Store the upper and lower frequency limits of the desired range into the PMS memory
pair (“M-PxL” and “M-PxU”), where the “U” channel represents the Upper frequency
limit, and the “L” channel represents the Lower frequency limit.

2. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS, SRCH, PMS] appears on the display.

3. Press the [C](PMS) key. The “PMS-x” indication will appear at the upper left corner of
the LCD, signifying that the PMS feature is engaged. Tuning and scanning (by pressing
the [A](SCN) key on the Multi Function Row “g” [SCN, PRI, DW]) are now limited
within the range between the selected PMS memory pair, keeping operation inside this
programmed range.

Example: Limit tuning and scanning to the frequency range 144.30 - 148.00 MHz, to pre­vent encroachment into the “Weak Signal” (SSB/CW) portion of the 2-meter band:

1. Press the [V/M] key, as necessary, to recall the VFO mode. Tune the SELECT or DIAL
knob to 144.300 MHz.

2. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then turn the SELECT knob to select memory
channel “M-P1L.”

4. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second to write the VFO frequency into “M-
P1L.”

5. Now, tune the SELECT or DIAL knob to 148.000 MHz.
Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then turn the SELECT knob to select memory
channel “M-P1U.”

6. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second to write the VFO frequency into “M-
P1U.”

7. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob one click clockwise
to recall Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS, SRCH, PMS].

8. Press the [C](PMS) key momentarily. Tuning and scanning are now limited to the 144.30

- 148.00 MHz range until you press the [V/M] key to return to memory or VFO operation.

86 FT-857 Operating Manual

SCANNING OPERATION

DUAL WATCH OPERATION

Dual Watch is similar, in some respects, to scanning. In Dual Watch, however, the trans­ceiver monitors (squelched) on the VFO-A frequency while periodically checking VFO-B
for activity (or vice-versa). A typical example might be for you to set VFO-A to 50.110
MHz, watching for DX stations who might call CQ on that frequency, while periodically
checking 28.885 MHz for stations reporting band openings on 6 meters.

To activate Dual Watch:

1. Set up transmit and receive operation on VFO-A, establishing your primary monitoring

frequency. Set up the frequency to be checked periodically on VFO-B.

2. Recall VFO-A, then rotate the SQL control until the background noise is just silenced.

3. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “g” [SCN, PRI, DW] appears on the display.

4. Press the [C](DW) key momentarily to activate Dual Watch operation (the “ ” icon

will appear at the upper of the frequency display). The transceiver will continue to moni­tor (squelched) on the current (VFO-A) frequency, but every five seconds will switch
briefly to VFO-B frequency, looking for activity.

5. If a station is detected on the VFO-B frequency, the transceiver will pause on the VFO-

B frequency (the decimal point in the frequency will blink).

6. Press the [C](DW) key again to cancel Dual Watch operation (the “ ” icon will disap-

pear).

Pressing the PTT switch on the microphone does not cancel Dual Watch opera­tion.

87FT-857 Operating Manual

MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS

OPERATION ON ALASKA EMERGENCY FREQUENCY:

5167.5 KHZ (U.S. VERSION ONLY) SECTION

97.401(d) of the regulations governing amateur radio in the United States permit emergency

amateur communications on the spot frequency of 5167.5 kHz by stations in (or within 92.6
km of) the state of Alaska. This frequency is only to be used when the immediate safety of
human life and/or property are threatened, and is never to be used for routine communica­tions.

The FT-857 includes the capability for transmission and reception on 5167.5 kHz under
such emergency conditions via the Menu system. To activate this feature:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the
DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-050 [EMERGENCY].

4. Rtate the DIAL knob to select “ON .”

5. Pess and hold in the [FUNC] key to exit the Menu mode.

Emergency communication on this spot frequency is now possible:

6. Press the [V/M] keys, as necessary, to enter the Memory mode, then rotate the SELECT
knob to select the emergency channel “M-EMG,” which is
found between channels “M-P5U” and “M-001.”
Note that the receive-mode CLARIFIER functions nor­mally while using this frequency, but variation of the transmit frequency is not possible.
Activation of Menu Mode No-050 [EMERGENCY] does not enable any other out-of­amateur-band capability on the transceiver. The full specifications of the FT-857 are not
necessarily guaranteed on this frequency, but power output and receiver sensitivity should
be fully satisfactory for the purpose of emergency communication.

7. If you wish to disable operation on the Alaska Emergency Frequency, repeat the proce­dure detailed above, but set Menu Mode No-050 [EMERGENCY] to “OFF” in step 3 of
the procedure.

In an emergency, note that a half-wave dipole cut for this frequency should be approxi­mately 45’3” on each leg (90’6” total length).Emergency operation on 5167.5 kHz is shared
with the Alaska-Fixed Service. This transceiver is not authorized for operation, under the
FCC’s Part 87, for aeronautical communications.

88 FT-857 Operating Manual

MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS

CW TRAINING FEATURE

The FT-857 provides a CW Training feature, which sends random Morse Code five-charac­ter groups via the sidetone (heard in the speaker), so you can improve your CW proficiency
whether or not the bands are open.

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the

DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-031 [CW TRAINING].

4. Rotate the DIAL to select the Training mode:

N: Numeric characters only
A: Alphabet characters only
AN: Numeric and Alphabet characters (Mixed)

5. Press the [B](STRT) key to begin generation of the five-character code groups (CW

sidetone only, does not key the transmitter).

6. When the code group is completed, code, the “Answer” will appear on the display.

7. Press the [B](STRT) key to generate another code group, as above.

8. To disable the CW Training feature, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to

exit to normal operation.

You may adjust the Morse speed using Menu Mode No-030 [CW SPEED].

PROGRAMMING THE FRONT PANEL KEY FUNCTIONS

The Function ([A], [B], [C]) keys in Multi Function Row “q” [PG A, PG B, PG C], may each
be assigned the function of a particular key. These may be used to create a custom set of “hot
keys” to often-used functions from other Multi Function Rows.

To assign the key functions:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the

DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to select the Menu Item corresponding to the key to be as-

signed a function (No-065: [PG A] key, No-066: [PG B] key, No-067: [PG C] key).

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the feature or function you wish to be assigned to the key.

5. When you have completed the set-up, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second

to exit the Menu mode.

89FT-857 Operating Manual

MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS

BEACON FEATURE

The FT-857’s unique “Beacon” feature allows you to set up the transceiver to send a repeti­tive message. For example, on a DX-pedition, the FT-857 beacon might be activated on a
50 MHz frequency, to alert DXers as to possible band openings.

Beacon Text Storage

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the
DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-011 [BEACON TEXT 1].

4. Press the SELECT knob to enable storage of the Beacon Text (the first character loca­tion will be underlined).

5. Rotate the DIAL to select the first character (number or letter) in the Beacon Text you
wish to store, then rotate the SELECT knob one click clockwise to move to the next
character.

6. Repeat step 5 as many times as necessary to complete the Beacon Text.

• If the Beacon Text is less than 40 characters long, add the “ ” mark after the last

character to terminate the text, then press the SELECT knob.

• If the Beacon Text is more than 40 characters long, but less than 79, set the last (40th)

character to be “ ,” press the SELECT knob, then rotate the DIAL to select “BEA-
CON TEXT 2.” Now repeat step 5.

• If the Beacon Text is more than 79 characters long, up to 118 characters may be

stored. In this case, set the final character slot in “BEACON TEXT 2” to be “ ,”
press the SELECT knob, then rotate the DIAL to select “BEACON TEXT 3.” Now
repeat step 5.

• Do not forget to install the “ ” mark after the last character, to terminate the text.

7. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second until you hear a double beep; the
second beep confirms that the Beacon text was successfully stored.

90 FT-857 Operating Manual

MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS

BEACON FEATURE

Beacon Transmission (On the Air)

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-012 [BEACON TIME].

3. Rotate the DIAL to select the interval time (between repeats of the message) (1 ~ 255

seconds).

4. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to exit to normal operation.

5. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until

Multi Function Row “o” [PLY1, PLY2, PLY3] appears on the display.

6. Press the [A](PLY1) key to activate the Beacon Feature.

1) When using the “beacon” feature, please disable the “VOX” feature.

2) If you press [B](PLY2) or [C](PLY1), the message will be transmitted, after
which the transmission will halt. Operationally, these two keys function the same as a
traditional CW message keyer, while the [A](PLY1) key is used as the repetitive “bea­con” text.

7. To stop a repeating beacon message, just press the [A](PLY1) key momentarily.

8. To disable transmission from the Beacon, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the

DIAL to select “OFF” in step 3 above.

You may adjust the CW speed using Menu Mode No-030 [CW SPEED].

You may also send the Beacon Text manually. If this is done, all three “Beacon” messages
may be used as a traditional CW message keyer. To do this:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-012 [BEACON TIME].

3. Rotate the DIAL to select “OFF.”

4. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to exit to normal operation.

5. Press the [FUNC] key momentarily, then rotate the SELECT knob, as needed, until
Multi Function Row “o” [PLY1, PLY2, PLY3] appears on the display.

6. Press the [A](PLY1) key momentarily to send the “BEACON TEXT 1” message. Alterna­tively, pressing the [B](PLY2) or [C](PLY3) key will initiate the message at those re­spective break points.

91FT-857 Operating Manual

MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS

DISPLAY CUSTOMIZATION

Display Lamp Mode

The FT-857 illumination lamp has four options for activation of the illumination.
To set up the Lamp mode:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to recall Menu Mode No-001 [EXT MENU], then rotate the
DIAL to change the setting to “ON” to enable the extended Menu Mode.

3. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-044 [DISP MODE].

4. Rotate the DIAL knob select the desired mode. Available selections are:

OFF: Disables the LCD illumination.
AUTO1: Illuminates the LCD for three seconds when any button is pressed, or if you

rotate the SELECT knob.

AUTO2: Illuminates the LCD continuously while the FT-857 is operating on an exter-

nal power supply.

ON: Illuminates the LCD continuously.

5. When you have completed your selection, press and hold in the [FUNC] keyn for one
second to exit the Menu mode.

Display Contrast

The LCD’s contrast may be adjusted using the Menu Mode, as well.

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-042 [DISP CONTRAST].

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the contrast. As you make the adjustment, you will be
able to see the effects of your changes.

4. When you have completed the adjustment, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one
second to exit the Menu mode.

Display Dimmer

The LCD illumination level may also be adjusted using the Menu Mode.

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-043 [DISP INTENSITY].

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the display illumination for a comfortable brightness
level. As you make the adjustment, you will be able to see the effects of your changes.

4. When you have completed the adjustment, press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one
second to exit the Menu mode.

92 FT-857 Operating Manual

MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS

DISPLAY CUSTOMIZATION

Display Color

The LCD color may be changed using the Menu Mode for different operating status condi­tions. For example, the display may be configured to show a different color according to
ARTS status, by Band, by Memory Group, by VFO/Memory/HOME/QMB status, or may
be set to indicate different colors according to meter indication (i.e. signal strength, power
output, etc.). Two banks (“1” and “2”) of color combination patterns are available for all
selections except “FIX.”

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to activate the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-041 [DISP COLOR].

3. Press the SELECT knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL to select the desired operat-

ing status which you wish utilize. The default selections are:

ARTS: The color changes depending on the “In Range” or “Out of Range” status.
BAND: The color changes according to the Band in use.
FIX: This is a fixed display color, with 32 selections available.
MEMGRP: The color changes according to the selected Memory Group.
MODE: The color changes according to the selected Mode.
MTR: The color changes according to the S-meter, PWR-meter, MOD-meter, SWR-

meter, or ALC-meter reading.

VFO: The color changes according to the VFO/Memory/HOME/QMB status.

4. Press the SELECT knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL to select the desired color

bank to be utilized in conjunction with the selection made in step 3.

5. When you have completed your selection(s), press and hold in the [FUNC] key button

for one second to exit the Menu mode.

93FT-857 Operating Manual

MENU OPERATION

]

[

FUNC

DIAL

SELECT

The Menu System allows you to customize a wide variety of transceiver performance as­pects and operating characteristics. Once you have gone through the various Menu
customization procedures initially, you will find that you will not have to resort to them
frequently during everyday operation.

MENU OPERATION

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second. The Menu Item number and a title for
the Menu Mode will appear in the display.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to select the Menu Item
you wish to work on.

3. When you have chosen the desired Menu Item num­ber, rotate the DIAL knob to change the value or
condition for the Menu Item.

4. When you have made your selection, press and hold
in the [FUNC] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to the normal operation.

1) In step 3 above, if you press the [HOME] key momentarily, it will reset the
setting of that Menu Item to its factory-default value.

2) In step 4 above, if you press and hold the [C] key for one second, you will exit to normal

operation without saving the new setting.

3) In step 2 above, press the [A] key momentarily, The “hyphen” in the Menu channel

number will change to become a “dot;” this indicates that this Menu item will be masked
from the viewable Menu list when Menu No-001 (EXT MENU) is set to “Off.”

No Menu Item

001 EXT MENU
002 144MHz ARS

003 430MHz ARS
004 AM&FM DIAL
005 AM MIC GAIN
006 AM STEP
007 APO TIME
008 ARTS BEEP

009 ARTS ID
010 ARTS IDW

011 BEACON TEXT 1
012 BEACON TIME

013 BEEP TONE
014 BEEP VOL
015 CAR LSB R
016 CAR LSB T
017 CAR USB R
018 CAR USB T
019 CAT RATE

Function

Enables/Disables the extended Menu Mode.
Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift
feature when operating on the 144 MHz band.
Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift
feature when operating on the 430 MHz band.
Enabling/disabling the DIAL knob on the AM and
FM modes.
Adjusts the microphone gain level for the AM
mode.
Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH
knob on the AM mode.
Selects the Auto Power Off time (time before power
goes off).
Selects the ARTS beep mode.
Enables/disables the CW identifier during ARTS
operation.
Stores your callsign into the CW identifier.
Stores the message for the Beacon.
Selects the interval time (between message and
message).
Selects the beep frequency.
Selects the beep volume level.
Sets the Rx Carrier Point for LSB.
Sets the Tx Carrier Point for LSB
Sets the Rx Carrier Point for USB
Sets the Tx Carrier Point for USB
Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the CAT baud
rate to be used.

Available Values

ON/OFF
ON/OFF

ON/OFF
ENABLE/DISABLE
0 ~ 100

2.5/5/9/10/12.5/25kHz
OFF/1h ~ 6h
OFF/RANGE/ALL

ON/OFF
–

–
OFF/
1 sec ~ 255sec
440/880/1760 Hz
0 ~ 100
–300 ~ +300 Hz
–300 ~ +300 Hz
–300 ~ +300 Hz
–300 ~ +300 Hz
4800 bps/9600 bps/
38400 bps

Default

OFF

ø1
ø1

DISABLE

50

ø1

OFF

RANGE

OFF

YAESU

–

OFF

880Hz

50
0 Hz
0 Hz
0 Hz
0 Hz

4800bps

94 FT-857 Operating Manual

MENU OPERATION

No Menu Item

020 CAT/LIN/TUN
021 CLAR DIAL SEL
022 CW AUTO MODE
023 CW BFO
024 CW DELAY
025 CW KEY REV

026 CW PADDLE
027 CW PITCH
028 CW QSK

029 CW SIDE TONE
030 CW SPEED

031 CW TRAINING
032 CW WEIGHT
033 DCS CODE

034 DCS INV
035 DIAL STEP

036 DIG DISP
037 DIG GAIN
038 DIG MODE

039 DIG SHIFT
040 DIG VOX
041 DISP COLOR
042 DISP CONTRAST

043 DISP INTENSITY
044 DISP MODE

045 DSP BPF WIDTH
046 DSP HPF CUTOFF
047 DSP LPF CUTOFF
048 DSP MIC EQ

049 DSP NR LEVEL
050 EMERGENCY

051 FM MIC GAIN
052 FM STEP
053 HOME-->VFO
054 LOCK MODE
055 MEM GROUP

056 MEM TAG

057 MEM/VFO DIAL MODE

058 MIC SCAN

Function

Selects the device which is connected to the CAT/
LINEAR jack on the rear panel.
Defines the “control” knob to be used for setting of
the clarifier offset frequency.
Selects whether the KEY jack shall be “Enabled” or
“Disabled” while using the SSB/FM modes.
Sets the CW carrier oscillator injection side on the
CW mode.
Sets the receiver recovery time during pseudo­VOX CW semi-break-in operation.
Sets the keyer paddle’s wiring configuration.
Enables/disables CW keying by the microphone’s
[UP]/[DWN] keys.
Setting of the pitch of the CW sidetone, BFO offset,
and CW filter center frequencies.
Selects the time delay between when the PTT is
keyed and the carrier is transmitted during QSK
operation when using the internal keyer.
Setting of the CW sidetone volume level.
Sets the sending speed for the built-in Electronic
keyer.
Sends random Morse Code five-character groups
via the sidetone.
Sets the Dot:Dash ratio for the built-in electronic
keyer.
Setting of the DCS code.
Selects “Normal” or “Inverted” DCS coding.

Setting of the DIAL knob’s tuning speed.
Defines the displayed frequency offset during DIG
(USER-L or USER-U) mode operation.
Adjusts the audio input level from terminal
equipment during DIG (Digital) mode operation.
Selects the mode and sideband in the DIG (Digital)
mode.

Defines the carrier frequency offset during DIG
(USER-L or USER-U) mode operation.
Sets the gain of the VOX circuitry’s input level for
the DIG mode.
Selects the illumination color for each operating
status.
Setting of the display contrast level.
Setting of the display brightness level.
Sets up the LCD Lamp mode.
Setting of the bandwidth for the DSP CW audio
filter.
Adjusts the low-cut characteristics of the DSP HPF
filter.
Adjusts the high-cut characteristics of the DSP LPF
filter.
Sets the DSP microphone equalization pattern.
Setting of the degree of DSP Noise Reduction.
Enables Tx/Rx operation on the Alaska Emergency
Channel, 5167.5 kHz.
Adjusts the microphone gain level for the FM
mode.
Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH
knob in the FM mode.
Enables/disables the moving of HOME channel
data to the VFO.
Selects the operation of the front panel’s LOCK
key.
Enables/disables the memory grouping feature.
Stores Alpha-Numeric “Tags” for the memory
channels.
Selects the function which is engaged when you
press the MEM/VFO CH knob.

Enables/disables scanning access via the
microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] keys.

Available Values

CAT/LINEAR/TUNER
SEL, MAIN
ON/OFF
USB/LSB/AUTO
FULL/

30 ~ 3000 msec
NORMAL/REVERSE
ELEKEY/MICKEY

400 ~ 800 Hz
10/15/20/25/30 ms

0 ~ 100
4 ~ 60 wpm (1wpm/step)/
20 ~ 300 cpm (5cpm/step)
N, A, AN

1:2.5 ~ 1:4.5
104 Standard DCS codes

Tn-Rn/Tn-Riv/Tiv-Rn/
Tiv-Riv
FINE/COARSE
–3000 ~ +3000 Hz

0 ~ 100
RTTY-L/RTTY-U/PSK31-L/

RTTY-L/PSK31-U/
USER-L/USER-U
–3000 ~ +3000 Hz

0 ~ 100
–
1 ~ 13

1 (Dim) ~ 3 (Bright)
OFF/AUTO1/AUTO2/ON
60/120/240 Hz

100 ~ 1000 Hz
1000 ~ 6000 Hz
OFF/LPF/HPF/BOTH

1 ~ 16
ON/OFF

0 ~ 100
5/6.25/10/12.5/15/20/25/

50 kHz
ON/OFF

DIAL/FREQ/PANEL/ALL
ON/OFF

–
CW SIDETONE,

CW SPEED,
MHz/MEM GRP,
MIC GAIN, NB LEVEL,
RF POWER, STEP
ON/OFF

Default

CAT
SEL
OFF

USB
250 msec
NORMAL

ELEKEY

700 Hz

10 ms

50

12 wpm

(60 cpm)

N

1:3.0

023

Tn-Rn

FINE

0 Hz

50

RTTY-L

0 Hz

0

FIX: 26

5

3
AUTO2
240 Hz

100 Hz

6000 Hz

OFF

8

OFF

50
ø2

ON

DIAL

OFF

–

MHz/
MEM

GRP

ON

95FT-857 Operating Manual

MENU OPERATION

No Menu Item

059 MIC SEL
060 MTR ARX SEL
061 MTR ATX SEL
062 MTR PEAK HOLD
063 NB LEVEL
064 OP FILTER 1

065 PG A
066 PG B
067 PG C
068 PG ACC
069 PG P1
070 PG P2
071 PKT 1200
072 PKT 9600
073 PKT RATE
074 PROC LEVEL
075 RF POWER SET
076 RPT SHIFT

077 SCAN MODE
078 SCAN RESUME
079 SPLIT TONE
080 SQL/RF GAIN

081 SSB MIC GAIN
082 SSB STEP
083 TONE FREQ

084 TOT TIME
085 TUNER/ATAS

086 TX IF FILTER
087 VOX DELAY
088 VOX GAIN

089 XVTR A FREQ
090 XVTR B FREQ
091 XVTR SEL

ø1: Depends on transceiver version.
ø2: Depends on operating band and transceiver version.

Function

The choice of the equipment which connects to the
MIC jack.
Select the analog meter display configuration while
the transceiver is receiving.
Selects the analog meter display configuration
while the transceiver is transmitting.
Enabling/disabling of the “peak hold” function of the
meter.
Setting of the blanking level for the IF Noise
Blanker.
Not available at this time.
Programming the [A] key (in the Operating
Function Row “q” (MFq)) function.
Programming the [B] key (in the Operating
Function Row “q” (MFq)) function.
Programming the [C] key (in the Operating
Function Row “q” (MFq)) function.
Programming the optional MH-59A8J microphone’s
[ACC] button assignment.
Programming the optional MH-59A8J microphone’s
[P1] button assignment.
Programming the optional MH-59A8J microphone’s
[P2] button assignment.
Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC during
1200 bps Packet operation.
Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC during
9600 bps Packet operation.
Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the Packet baud
rate to be used.
Sets the compression level for the AF speech
processor in the SSB/AM modes.
Setting of the maximum power level for the current
band.
Sets the magnitude of the repeater shift.
Selects the desired Scan-Resume mode.
Sets the delay time for scanning resumption.
Enables/disables split CTCSS/DCS cording.
Selects the configuration of the front panel’s SQL/
RF knob.
Adjusts the microphone gain level for the SSB
mode.
Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH
knob on the SSB mode.
Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.
Select the Time-Out Timer time.
Selects the device (FC-30 or ATAS-100/-120) to be
controlled via the front panel’s [A](TUNE) key.

Selects the Transmit IF filter.
Sets the “hang time” for the VOX circuitry.
Sets the gain of the VOX circuitry’s input audio
detector.
Allows an arbitrary frequency to be set on the
display, to allow direct frequency readout during
transverter operation.

Enables/disables/selects the antenna port to be
used for Transverter operation.

Available Values

NOR/RMT/CAT
SIG, CTR, VLT, N/A, FS,

OFF
PWR, ALC, MOD, SWR,
VLT, N/A, OFF
ON/OFF

0 ~ 100
–

All Multi Function,
All Menu Item, MONI,
Q.SPL, TCALL, ATC and
USER.

0 ~ 100
0 ~ 100
1200/9600 (bps)
0 ~ 100
5 ~ 100

2 ~ 100 (UHF)

0.00 ~ 99.99 (MHz)
TIME/BUSY/STOP
1 ~ 10 (sec)
ON/OFF
RF-GAIN/SQL

0 ~ 100
1kHz/2.5kHz/5kHz
50 Standard CTCSS tones

OFF/1 ~ 20 (min)
OFF/ATAS(HF)/
ATAS(HF&50)/ATAS(ALL)/
TUNER
CFIL/FIL1/FIL2
100 ~ 3000 (ms)
1 ~ 100

0,000,00 ~ 9999,999,00
(kHz)

OFF/X VTR A/X VTR B

Default

NOR

SIG

PWR

ON

50

–

MONI

Q. SPL

ATC

MONI

Q. SPL

TCALL

50
50

1200 bps

50

ø2
ø2

TIME
5 sec

OFF

ø1

50

2.5kHz

88.5 Hz
OFF
OFF

CFIL

500 ms

50

–
–

OFF

96 FT-857 Operating Manual

MENU OPERATION

MENU MODE No-001 [EXT MENU
Function: Enables/Disables the extended Menu Mode.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: OFF

MENU MODE No•002 [144 MHz ARS
Function: Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature when operating on the

144 MHz band.

Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: ON (depending on transceiver version)

MENU MODE No•003 [430 MHz ARS
Function: Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature when operating on the

430 MHz band.

Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: ON (depending on transceiver version)

MENU MODE No•004 [AM&FM DIAL
Function: Enabling/disabling of the DIAL knob on the AM and FM modes.
Available Values: ENABLE/DISABLE
Default: DISABLE

MENU MODE No-005 [AM MIC GAIN
Function: Adjusts the microphone gain level for the AM mode.
Available Values: 0 ~ 100
Default: 50

]

]

]

]

]

MENU MODE No-006 [AM STEP
Function: Selects the tuning steps for the SELECT knob on the AM mode.
Available Values: 2.5/5/9/10/12.5/25kHz
Default: 5 kHz (depending on transceiver version)

MENU MODE No-007 [APO TIME
Function: Selects the Auto Power Off time (time before power goes off).
Available Values: OFF/1h ~ 6h
Default: OFF

]

]

97FT-857 Operating Manual

MENU OPERATION

MENU MODE No•008 [ARTS BEEP
Function: Selects the ARTS beep mode.
Available Values: OFF/RANGE/ALL
Default: RANGE

OFF: No alert beeps sound; you must look at the display to determine current ARTS

status.

RANGE: A high tone beep will sound when the transceiver first detects that you are within

range, and a low beep will sound when the other station goes out of range.

ALL: A high tone beep will sound every time a polling transmission is received from

the other station, and a low beep will sound once when the other station goes out
of range.

MENU MODE No•009 [ARTS ID
Function: Enables/disables the CW identifier during ARTS operation.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: OFF

MENU MODE No•010 [ARTS IDW
Function: Stores your callsign into the CW identifier. Up to ten characters may be stored.

The storage procedure is as follows:

1. Press the SELECT knob momentarily to initiate callsign storage (the first character

location of the callsign will be underlined).

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of your callsign, then rotate the
SELECT knob one click clockwise to save the first letter/number and move to the next
entry position.

3. Repeat the previous step as many times as necessary to complete your callsign.

4. Press the SELECT knob to save your completed callsign and exit.

Default: YAESU

]

]

]

MENU MODE No•011 [BEACON TEXT 1
Function: Stores the message for the Beacon. Up to 40 characters may be stored. The stor-

age procedure is as follows:

1. Press and hold in the [FUNC] key for one second to enter the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the SELECT knob to select Menu Mode No-011 [BEACON TEXT 1].

3. Press the SELECT knob to enable storage of the Beacon Text (the first character loca­tion will be underlined).

4. Rotate the DIAL to select the first character (number or letter) in the Beacon Text you
wish to store, then rotate the SELECT knob one click clockwise to move to the next
character.

5. Repeat step 4 as many times as necessary to complete the Beacon Text.

6. If the Beacon Text is less than 40 characters or more than 40 characters, see page 90 for
details.

]

98 FT-857 Operating Manual