Yaesu FT-2900R User Manual
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
FT-2900R Operating Manual
Introduction
The Yaesu FT-2900R is a deluxe, rugged FM mobile transceiver providing high power
output and outstanding receiver performance for the 144 MHz Amateur band. Included
in the FT-2900R’s feature complement are:
75 Watts of power output, with selection of four power levels for every operating
situation.
Expanded receiver coverage: 136-174 MHz.
Keyboard entry of operating frequencies from the microphone.
Excellent protection from receiver intermodulation distortion, thanks to Yaesu’s
renowned Advanced Track Tuning front end.
221 memories which can store repeater shifts, odd repeater shifts, CTCSS/DCS
tones, and 6-character Alpha-Numeric labels for easy channel recognition.
10 NOAA Weather Broadcast Channels, with Weather Alert.
Built-in CTCSS and DCS Encoder/Decoder circuits.
TM
The Smart Search
frequencies into dedicated memory banks, is ideal for identifying active repeaters
when visiting a city for the first time.
Extensive Menu system, which allows customization of a number of transceiver
performance characteristics.
The Yaesu-exclusive multi-function LCD display.
Additional features include a transmit Time-Out-Timer (TOT), Automatic Power-Off
(APO), Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), plus provision for reduction of the Tx deviation
in areas of high channel congestion. And an RF Squelch circuit allows the owner to set
the squelch to open at a programmable setting of the S-Meter, thus reducing guesswork
in setting the squelch threshold.
Congratulations on your purchase of the FT-2900R! Whether this is your first rig, or if
Yaesu equipment is already the backbone of your station, the Vertex Standard
organization is committed to ensuring your enjoyment of this high-performance
feature, which automatically sweeps a band and loads active
transceiver, which should provide you with many years of satisfying operation. Our
dealer network and technical support personnel stand behind every product we sell,
and we invite you to contact us should you require technical advice or assistance.
We recommend that you read this manual in its entirety prior to installing the FT-2900,
so that you fully understand the capabilities of your new transceiver.
1
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
Specifications
General
Frequency Range: TX:144 - 148 MHz
RX:136 - 174 MHz
Channel Step: 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz
Standard Repeater Shift: ±600 kHz
Frequency Stability: Better than ±10 ppm
(–20 °C to +60 °C)
Modes of Emission: F2 / F3
Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohms, unbalanced
Supply voltage: 13.8 V DC ±15%, negative ground
Current Consumption (typical): Rx: less than 0.7 A, less than 0.3 A (squelched)
Tx: 16 A (75 W) /10 A (30 W) /6 A (10 W) /4.5 A (5 W)
Operating Temperature Range: –4 °F to +140 °F (–20 °C to +60 °C)
Case Size (WxHxD): (160 x 50 x 185 mm) (w/o knobs)
Weight (Approx.): 1.8 kg
Transmitter
Output Power: 75 W/30 W/10 W/5 W
Modulation Type: Variable Reactance
Maximum Deviation: ±5 kHz/±2.5 kHz
Spurious Radiation: Better than –60 dB
Microphone Impedance: 2000 Ohms
Receiver
Circuit Type: Double Conversion Superheterodyne
Ifs: 21.7 MHz & 450 kHz
Sensitivity (for 12dB SINAD): Better than 0.2 uV
Selectivity (–6/–60dB): 12 kHz/28 kHz
IF Rejection: Better than 70 dB
Image Rejection: Better than 70 dB
Maximum AF Output: 3 W into 4 Ohms @10 % THD
Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation. Specifications guaranteed
only within Amateur band.
2
Accessory & Options
Supplied Accessories
Microphone MH-48A6J 1
Mobile Mounting Bracket MMB-36 1
DC Power Cord w/Fuse 1
Spare Fuse 20 A 2
Operating Manual 1
Warranty Card 1
Optional Accessories
High-Power External Speaker MLS-100
AC Power Supply FP-1023 (25 A: USA only)
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
AC Power Supply FP-1025A (25 A)
AC Power Supply FP-1030A (35 A)
Installation
This chapter describes the installation procedure for integrating the FT-2900R into a
typical amateur radio station. It is presumed that you possess technical knowledge and
conceptual understanding consistent with your status as a licensed radio amateur.
Please take some extra time to make certain that the important safety and technical
requirements detailed in this chapter are followed closely.
Preliminary Inspection
Inspect the transceiver visually immediately upon opening the packing carton. Confirm
that all controls and switches work freely, and inspect the cabinet for any damage.
Gently shake the transceiver to verify that no internal components have been shaken
loose due to rough handling during shipping.
If any evidence of damage is discovered, document it thoroughly and contact the
shipping company (or your local dealer, if the unit was purchased over-the-counter) so
as to get instructions regarding the prompt resolution of the damage situation. Be
certain to save the shipping carton, especially if there are any punctures or other
evidence of damage incurred during shipping; if it is necessary to return the unit for
service or replacement, use the original packing materials but put the entire package
inside another packing carton, so as to preserve the evidence of shipping damage for
3
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
insurance purposes.
Installation Tips
To ensure long life of the components, be certain to provide adequate ventilation
around the cabinet of the FT-2900.
Do not install the transceiver on top of another heat-generating device (such as a power
supply or amplifier), and do not place equipment, books, or papers on top of the
FT-2900R. Avoid heating vents and window locations that could expose the transceiver
to excessive direct sunlight, especially in hot climates. The FT-2900R should not be
used in an environment where the ambient temperature exceeds +140 °F (+60 °C).
Safety Information
The FT-2900R is an electrical apparatus, as well as a generator of RF (Radio
Frequency) energy, and you should exercise all safety precautions as are appropriate
for this type of device. These safety tips apply to any device installed in a well-designed
amateur radio station.
Never allow unsupervised children to play in the vicinity of your transceiver or
antenna installation.
Be certain to wrap any wire or cable splices thoroughly with insulating electrical
tape, to prevent short circuits.
Do not route cables or wires through door jambs or other locations where, through
wear and tear, they may become frayed and shorted to ground or to each other.
Do not stand in front of a directional antenna while you are transmitting into that
antenna. Do not install a directional antenna in any location where humans or pets
may be walking in the main directional lobe of the antenna’s radiation pattern.
In mobile installations, it is preferable to mount your antenna on top of the roof of
the vehicle, if feasible, so as to utilize the car body as a counterpoise for the antenna
and raise the radiation pattern as far away from passengers as possible.
During vehicular operation when stopped (in a parking lot, for example), make it a
practice to switch to Low power if there are people walking nearby.
Never wear dual-earmuff headphones while driving a vehicle.
Do not attempt to drive your vehicle while making a telephone call on an autopatch
using the DTMF microphone. Pull over to the side of the road, whether dialing
manually or using the auto-dial feature.
4
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
Antenna Consideration
The FT-2900R is designed for use with antennas presenting an impedance of near 50
Ohms at all operating frequencies. The antenna (or a 50 Ohm dummy load) should be
connected whenever the transceiver is turned on, to avoid damage that could otherwise
result if transmission occurs accidentally without an antenna.
Ensure that your antenna is designed to handle 75 Watts of transmitter power. Some
magnetic-mount mobile antennas, designed for use with hand-held transceivers, may
not be capable of withstanding this power level. Consult the antenna manufacturer’s
specification sheet for details.
Most all FM work is performed using vertical polarization. When installing a
directional antenna such as a Yagi or Cubical Quad, be certain to orient it so as to
produce vertical polarization, unless you are engaged in a special operating situation
where horizontal polarization is used. In the case of a Yagi antenna, orient the
elements vertically for vertical polarization; for a Cubical Quad, the feedpoint should
be at the center of one of the vertical sides of the driven element (or at a side corner, in
the case of a diamond-shaped Cubical Quad).
Excellent reference texts and computer software are available for the design and
optimization of VHF antennas. Your dealer should be able to assist you with all aspects
of your antenna installation requirements.
Use high-quality 50 Ohm coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT-2900R transceiver. All
efforts at providing an efficient antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy
coaxial cable is used. Losses in coaxial lines increase as the frequency increases, so an
8-meter-long (25’ coaxial line with 1/2 dB of loss at 29 MHz may have a loss of 1.8 dB or
more at 146 MHz; choose your coaxial cable carefully based on the installation location
(mobile vs. base) and the overall length of the cable required (for very short runs of
cable in a mobile installation, the smaller, more flexible cable types may be acceptable).
For reference, the chart at the right shows approximate loss figures for
typically-available coaxial cables frequently used in VHF installations.
In outdoor installations, be certain to weatherproof all connectors thoroughly, as water
entering a coaxial cable will cause losses to escalate rapidly, thus diminishing your
communications effectiveness. The use of the shortest possible length of the highest
quality coaxial cable that fits within your budget will ensure the best performance from
your FT-2900R.
Mobile Installation
The FT-2900R must only be installed in vehicles having a 13.8 Volt negative ground
5
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
electrical system. Mount the transceiver where the display, controls, and microphone
are easily accessible, using the supplied MMB-83 mounting bracket.
The transceiver may be installed in almost any location, but should not be positioned
near a heating vent nor anywhere where it might interfere with driving (either visually
or mechanically). Make sure to provide plenty of space on all sides of the transceiver so
that air can flow freely around the radio’s case. Refer to the diagrams showing proper
installation procedures.
Mobile Power Connections
To minimize voltage drop and avoid blowing the vehicle’s fuses, connect the supplied
DC power cable directly to the battery terminals. Do not attempt to defeat or bypass
the DC cable’s fuse - it is there to protect you, your transceiver, and your vehicle’s
electrical system.
Never apply AC power to the power cable of the FT-2900R, nor DC voltage greater than
15.8 Volts. When replacing the fuse, only use a 25-A fuse. Failure to observe these
safety precautions will void the Limited Warranty on this product.
Before connecting the transceiver, check the voltage at the battery terminals while
revving the engine. If the voltage exceeds 15 Volts, adjust the vehicle’s voltage
regulator before proceeding with installation.
Connect the RED power cable lead to the POSITIVE (+) battery terminal, and the
BLACK power cable lead to the NEGATIVE (–) terminal. If you need to extend the
power cable, use #12 AWG or larger insulated, stranded copper wire. Solder the
splice connections carefully, and wrap the connections thoroughly with insulating
Warning!
electrical tape.
Before connecting the cable to the transceiver, verify the voltage and polarity of the
voltage at the transceiver end of the DC cable using a DC voltmeter. Now connect
the transceiver to the DC cable.
Mobile Speakers
The optional MSL-100 External Speaker includes its own swivel-type mounting
bracket, and is available from your Yaesu dealer.
Other external speakers may be used with the FT-2900R, if they present the specified
4-Ohm impedance and are capable of handling the 3 Watts of audio output supplied by
the FT-2900R.
6
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
Base Station Installation
The FT-2900R is ideal for base station use as well as in mobile installations. The
FT-2900R is specifically designed to integrate into your station easily, using the
information to follow as a reference.
AC Power Supplies
Operation of the FT-2900R from an AC line requires a power source capable of
providing at least 15 Amps continuously at 13.8 Volts DC. The FP-1023 and FP-1030A
AC Power Supplies are available from your Yaesu dealer to satisfy these requirements.
Other well-regulated power supplies may be used, as well, if they meet the above
voltage and current specifications.
Use the DC power cable supplied with your transceiver for making power connections
to the power supply. Connect the RED power cable lead to the POSITIVE (+) power
supply terminal, and connect the BLACK power cable lead to the NEGATIVE (–) power
supply terminal.
Front Panel Controls & Switches
1. VOL Knob
This control adjusts the audio volume level. Clockwise rotation increases the
volume level.
2. SQL Knob
This control is used to silence background noise on the receiver. It should be
advanced clockwise just to the point where the noise is silenced (and the “BUSY”
indicator on the display turns off), so as to provide the best sensitivity to weak
signals.
3. Microphone Jack
Connect the supplied MH-48A6J Hand Microphone to this jack.
4. PWR Key
Press and hold this key for one second to toggle the transceiver’s power on and off.
5. [%] Key
7
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
This key allows operation in conjunction with the Internet Connection feature.
6. [MHz(SET)] Key
This key allows tuning in 1-MHz steps (the MHz digits will blink on the display). If
receiving on a memory, pressing this key the first time activates the Memory
Tuning mode, and pressing it again enables 1-MHz steps.
Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the “Set” (Menu) mode.
7. [REV(DW)] Key
During split-frequency operation, such as through a repeater, this key reverses the
transmit and receive frequencies.*
Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the Dual Watch feature,
described in the Operation chapter (“PRI” will be displayed on the LCD, indicating
“Priority Channel” monitoring).
* Using the Menu, the “Reverse” feature may be disabled in favor of one-touch a
access to the “Home” Channel. See page 33 for details.
8. [LOW(A/N)] Key
Press this key momentarily to select the transmitter power output level.
The available power levels are:
HIGH (75W) Æ MID (30W) Æ LOW2 (10W) Æ LOW1 (5W)
To toggle the display between indication of the frequency and the channel’s
Alpha/Numeric label, press and hold in this key for one second while receiving on
that memory channel.
9. [D/MR(MW)] Key
Press this key momentarily to switch the frequency control among the VFO,
Memory System, and Home channel.
Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the Memory Storage mode.
10. DIAL Knob
This 24-position detented rotary switch is used for tuning, memory selection and
most function settings. The microphone [UP]/[DWN] buttons duplicate the
functions of this knob.
11. Display
8
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
The main digits on the display may show operating frequency, memory name, or
any of many parameters during Menu setup.
Microphone Switches
1. PTT Switch
Press this switch to transmit, and release it to receive.
2. Keypad
These 16 keys generate DTMF tones during transmission.
In the receive mode, these 16 keys can be used for direct frequency entry and/or
direct numeric recall of the Memory channels.
The [A], [B], [C], and [D] keys, on receive, replicate the functions of the front panel
keys ([MHz(SET)], [REV(D/W)], [LOW(A/N)], and [D/MR(MW)]). See the previous
discussion.
3. [P1]/[P2]/[P3]/[P4] Buttons
These four keys are user programmable, allowing quick access to features used
often. The default functions are described below.
[P1] button (SQL OFF)
Press this button to disables the noise and tone squelch systems.
[P2] button (S SRCH)
Press this button to activate the Smart Search feature.
[P3] button (C SRCH)
Press this button to activate the Tone Search feature.
[P4] button (WX CH/T.CALL)
In the USA version, pressing this button recall the “Reather” broadcast channel
bank. In the EXP version, pressing this button activates T.CALL (1750 Hz) for
repeater access.
You can reprogram the [P1], [P2], [P3], and [P4] buttons for other functions, if
desired. See page ?? for details.
4. LAMP Switch
This switch illuminates the Microphone’s keypad.
5. LOCK Switch
9
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
This switch locks out the Microphone’s buttons (except for the keypad and PTT
switch).
6. [UP]/[DWN] Button
Press (or hold in) either of these buttons to tune (or scan up or down) the operating
frequency or through the memory channels. In many ways, these buttons emulate
the function of the (rotary) DIAL knob.
Rear Panel Connectors
1. 13.8V DC Cable Pigtail w/Fuse
This is the power supply connection for the transceiver. Use the supplied DC cable
to connect this pigtail to the car battery or other DC power supply capable of at
least 10 Amperes (continuous duty). Make certain that the red lead connects to the
positive side of the supply. The fuse is 25-A.
2. ANT Coaxial Socket
Connect a 144-MHz antenna to this type-M (SO-239) socket using 50-ohm coaxial
cable and a type-M (pl-259) plug. Male sure the antenna is designed specifically for
use on the operating frequency.
3. EXT SP Jack
This 2-contact mini 3.5-mm mini phone jacks provide receiver audio output for an
optional external speaker. The audio impedance is 4 Ohms, and the level varies
according to the setting of the front panel’s VOL control. Inserting a plug into this
jack disables audio from the transceiver’s internal speaker.
Basic Operation
R.F. Says: Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I’ll be helping you along as you learn the many
features of the FT-2900R. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encourage you
to read “Basic Operation” section of this manual as thoroughly as possible, so you’ll get
the most out of this fantastic new transceiver. Now. . .let’s get operating!
Turning the Transceiver On and Off
1. To turn the transceiver on, press and hold in the PWR key for one second.
10
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
When you turn on the FT-2900R, the current DC supply voltage is indicated on the
LCD for 2 seconds. After this interval, the display will switch its normal indication
of the operating frequency.
2. To turn the transceiver off, again press and hold in the PWR key for one second.
R.F. Says: You can change the Opening Message (DC supply voltage indication) to any
desired message (up to 6 characters) via Set Mode Item “31 OPN.MSG;” see page xx
for details.
Adjusting the Audio Volume Level
Rotate the VOL control to adjust the receiver volume. Clockwise rotation increases the
audio output level.
Adjusting the Squelch Setting
Rotate the SQL control just to the point where the noise is silenced and the “BUSY”
indicator on the display turns off. If the SQL control is set further clockwise, sensitivity
to weak signals is reduced.
A special “RF Squelch” feature is provided on this radio. This feature allows you to set
the squelch so that only signals exceeding a certain S-meter level will open the squelch.
See page 15 for details
Frequency Navigation
1) Tuning Dial
Rotating the DIAL knob allows tuning in the pre-programmed steps. Clockwise
rotation of the DIAL knob causes the FT-2900R to be tuned toward a higher frequency,
while counter-clockwise rotation will lower the operating frequency.
Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob, to change the
frequency steps to 1 MHz per step. This feature is extremely useful for making rapid
frequency excursions over the wide tuning range of the FT-2900R. Instead of pressing
the [MHz(SET)] button, you may also press the [A] key on the Microphone’s keypad to
engage tuning in 1 MHz steps.
2) Direct Keypad Frequency Entry
The keypad of the MH-48A6J DTMF Microphone may be used for direct entry of the
operating frequency.
To enter a frequency from the MH-48A6J keypad, just press the numbered digits in the
proper sequence. There is no “decimal point” key on the MH-48A6J keypad. However,
11
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
there is a short-cut for frequencies ending in zero: press the [#] key after the last
non-zero digit.
Examples: To enter 146.520 MHz, press [1] Æ [4] Æ [6] Æ [5] Æ [2] Æ [0]
To enter 146.000 MHz, press [1] Æ [4] Æ [6] Æ [#]
R.F. Says: If you cannot get the radio to accept the frequency entry, it is possible that
the channel steps are set to an incompatible value (e.g. if you have 25 kHz steps set,
you cannot set a frequency of 146.520 MHz). See page 19 to learn how to change the
channel step size.
3) Scanning
From the VFO mode, press the microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] keys momentarily to initiate
scanning toward a higher- or lower frequency, respectively. The FT-2900R will stop
when it receives a signal strong enough to break through the squelch threshold. The
FT-2900 will then hold on that frequency according to the setting of the “Resume” mode
(Menu “41 SCAN)”; see page 34).
If you wish to reverse the direction of the scan (i.e. toward a lower frequency, instead of
a higher frequency), just rotate the DIAL knob one click in the counter-clockwise
direction while the FT-2900R is scanning. The scanning direction will be reversed. To
revert to scanning toward a higher frequency once more, rotate the DIAL knob one
click clockwise.
Press the [UP]/[DWN] keys again to cancel scanning. You may also press the PTT
button momentarily; scanning will stop, but you will not transmit until you release the
PTT button, and press it again.
R.F. Says: If you have enabled the “Severe Weather Alert” feature, you will occasionally
notice “WX” channels interspersed with the regular channels you are scanning. This is
normal, because your radio is constantly monitoring for weather alerts. See page 17.
Transmission
To transmit, simply close the PTT (Push To Talk) switch on the microphone when the
frequency is clear. Hold the microphone approximately 1” (25 mm) from your mouth,
and speak into the microphone in a normal voice level. When your transmission is
complete, release the PTT switch; the transceiver will revert to the receive mode.
During transmission, the “TX” indicator will appear at the upper left corner on the
display.
12
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
Changing the Transmitter Power Level
You can select from among a total of four transmit power levels on your FT-2900R.
To change the power level, press the [LOW(A/N)] key (or the microphone’s [C] key to
select one of four power settings. These power levels will be stored, in memory registers,
at the time of memory storage (see page 30 for details on Memory operation).
During transmission, the Bar Graph will deflect in the display, according to the power
output selected.
Weather Broadcast Reception
The FT-2900 includes a unique feature which allows reception of weather broadcasts in
the 160-MHz frequency range. Ten standard Weather Broadcast channels are
pre-loaded into a special memory bank.
To listen to a Weather Broadcast Channel:
1. Press the Microphone’s [P4] button to recall the Weather Broadcast channels.
2. Turn the DIAL knob to select the desired Weather Broadcast channel.
3. If you wish to check the other channels for activity by scanning, just press the
Microphone’s PTT switch.
4. To exit to normal operation, press the [P4] button again. Operation will return to
the VFO or Memory channel you were operating on before you began Weather
Broadcast operation.
Severe Weather Alert Feature
In the event of extreme weather disturbances, such as storms and hurricanes, the
NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sends a weather alert
accompanied by a 1050 Hz tone and subsequent weather report on one of the NOAA
weather channels.
LOCK Feature
To order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various
aspects of the FT-2900R’s keys and knob may be locked out. The possible lockout
combinations are:
KEY: Just the front panel keys are locked out
Advanced Operation
DIAL: Just the front panel DIAL knob is locked out
K+D: Both the keys and DIAL knob are locked out
13
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
PTT: The PTT switch is locked (TX not possible)
K+P: Both keys and PTT switch are locked out
D+P: Both DIAL knob and PTT switch are locked out
ALL: All of the above are locked out
OFF: The Lock feature is disabled
To lock out some or all of the keys, use the “Set” (Menu) mode, described in detail
beginning on page 51:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “26 LOCK.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the display to one of
the selections shown above.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
When the Lock feature is activated, the “KEY” icon will appear on the LCD.
To disable the Lock feature, repeat the above process, selecting “OFF” in step 2 above.
Keypad Beeper
A key/button beeper provides useful audible feedback whenever a key/button is pressed.
If you want to turn the beeper off (or back on again):
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “6 BEEP.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the display to “OFF.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
Channel Step Selection
Tuning steps are factory preset to default increments which are appropriate for the
country to which this radio is exported. You may have a reason to use a different step
size, however, and here is the procedure for changing the channel steps:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “50 STEP.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired step
size (5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
14
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
Display Brightness
The FT-2900R display illumination has been specially engineered to provide high
visibility with minimal disruption of your “night vision” while you are driving. The
brightness of the display is manually adjustable, using the following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “16 DIMMER.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select a comfortable
brightness level (0 - 10).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
RF Squelch
A special RF Squelch feature is provided on this radio. This feature allows you to set
the squelch so that only signals exceeding a certain S-meter level will open the squelch.
To set up the RF squelch circuit for operation, use the following procedure:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “42 RF SQL.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired signal
strength level for the squelch threshold (S1 - S9 or OFF).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: The receiver’s squelch will open based on the highest level set by the two
squelch system “Noise Squelch” and “RF Squelch.” For example:
1) If the
squelch, but the
signals which are S-9 or stronger on the S-meter.
2) If the
will only pass signals which are Full Scale on the S-meter, the squelch will only open
on signals which are Full Scale on the S-meter. In this case, the Noise Squelch
overrides the action of the RF Squelch.
Noise Squelch
RF Squelch
(SQL control) is set so that signals at a level of S-3 will open the
RF Squelch
is set to “S-3,” but the
(Menu #42) is set to “S-9,” the squelch will only open on
Noise Squelch
is set to a high level which
Repeater Operation
The FT-2900R includes a host of convenience features which makes operation on
amateur repeaters both efficient and enjoyable.
This transceiver offers three methods of setting up split-frequency operation on
15
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
repeaters:
Manual selection of preset repeater shifts (Standard Repeater Shift);
Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), providing automatic activation of repeater shifts
during designated repeater frequency subbands; and
Independently stored transmit and receive frequencies (typically not corresponding
to established repeater frequency shifts).
Standard Repeater Shift
To activate the standard shift manually, you may use the Set (Menu) mode:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “43 RPT.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired shift
direction (–RPT, +RPT, or SIMP).
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: You also may program one of the Microphone’s programmable keys ([P1] ~
[P4]) to allow quick access to the above procedure. See page 45 for details on the setup
of the programmable keys.
With repeater shift activated, you can temporarily reverse the transmit and receive
frequencies by pressing the [REV(DW)] key (or microphone’s [B] key). Use this feature
to display the transmit frequency without transmitting, and to check the strength of
signals on a repeater uplink frequency (so as to determine whether or not a particular
station is within “Simplex” range, for example).
The repeater offset is fixed to 600 kHz from the factory. You can change the offset by
the following procedure, if needed for vacation travel or other purposes:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “46 SHIFT.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired offset.
Note that the resolution of the “Standard” repeater shift is to the nearest 50 kHz
multiple.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
R.F. Says: Do not use this procedure for programming of an “odd split” type repeater
pair! The process for programming odd splits is shown on page 23.
16
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
Automatic Repeater Shift
The ARS (Automatic Repeater Shift) feature in this transceiver allows easy and
convenient repeater operation by automatically activating the repeater shift function
whenever you tune to a standard repeater subband. The ARS function is preset at the
factory to conform to the standards for the country to which it is exported.
The ARS function is enabled at the factory. To disable it:
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “4 ARS.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to change the display to
“OFF.
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save your new setting and
exit to normal operation.
To enable the ARS function again, select to “ON” in step 2 above.
Separate Transmit Frequency Memories (“Odd Splits”)
All memory channels can store independent receive and transmit frequencies, to
accommodate occasional non-standard offsets with greater frequency resolution than is
available using the “standard” shift feature.
1. First store the receive (repeater output) frequency. In the VFO mode, tune the
transceiver to the desired receive frequency. Now press and hold in the
[D/MR(MW)] key on the front panel for one second.
2. Within five seconds of pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key, use the DIAL knob or
microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] buttons to select the desired memory channel into which
you wish to store this frequency pair.
3. Now press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily to store the receive frequency into
the selected memory.
4. Next store the transmit (repeater input) frequency. Since you are still in the VFO
mode, tune the transceiver to the desired transmit frequency.
5. Now press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second.
6. Press and hold in the PTT switch, and press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily
while holding in the PTT switch. This will not cause transmission, but rather it
will instruct the transceiver that you are programming a separate transmit
frequency into memory.
When you have finished the above procedure, press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily.
The channel number and repeater downlink frequency will appear on the display. If
you press the PTT switch, you will observe the display changing to indicate the
17
FCC ID:K6620393X50
IC: 511B-20393X50
Operating Manual
repeater’s uplink frequency. Note also that the display shows “–+” in the upper
left-hand corner; this indicates that an “odd” (non-standard) shift has been stored on
this channel.
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Operation
CTCSS Operation
Many repeater systems require that a very-low-frequency audio tone be superimposed
on your FM carrier in order to activate the repeater. This helps prevent false activation
of the repeater by radar or spurious signals from other transmitters. This tone system,
called “CTCSS” (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System), is included in your
FT-2900M, and is very easy to activate.
CTCSS setup involves two actions: setting the Tone Mode and then setting of the Tone
Frequency. These actions are set up by using the Set (Menu) mode, selections #49 (SQL.
TYP) and #52 (TN FRQ).
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select “49 SQL.TYP.”
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob so that “TONE” appears on
the display; this activates the CTCSS Encoder, which allows repeater access.
3. Rotating the DIAL knob one more click clockwise in the above step will cause
“TSQL” to appear. When “TSQL” appears, this means that the Tone Squelch
system is active, which mutes your FT-2900M’s receiver until it receives a call from
another radio sending out a matching CTCSS tone. This can help keep your radio
quiet until a specific call is received, which may be helpful while operating in
congested areas.
R.F. Says: 1) You may notice a “RV TN” indication on the display while you rotate
the DIAL knob in this step; this means that the Reverse Tone Squelch system is
active, which mutes your FT-2900R’s receiver (instead of opening the squelch)
when it receives a call from the radio sending a matched CTCSS tone. The “T SQ”
icon will blink on the display when the Reverse Tone Squelch system is activated.
2) You may notice a “DCS” indication on the display while you rotate the DIAL
knob still more. We’ll discuss the Digital Code Squelch system shortly.
4. When you have made your selection of the CTCSS tone mode, press the
[MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob one click
counter-clockwise to select Menu “52 TN FRQ.” This Menu selection allows setting
of the CTCSS tone frequency to be used.
18
Loading...