Yaesu FT-60R User Manual
A Beginner's
Handy
Copyleft protect this document
This is a work in progress.
corrections, and question.
am a proud owner of a
Transceiver. To say
comes with an Operating Manual that is about
manuals
s. Well, in this case, it was all in English and all
important. That is a lot to absorb.
The best way I know of learning a subject is to
explain it to others. This
And who knows, maybe some beginner out there
will find value in i
You have my permission to take a black marker and blot out
words like "simple" and "easy" from the Operating Manual.
Using these words is like going to a restaurant that has a
sign telling you the food tastes "good". I guess eating their
food would
easy if you don't know what to do!
Appendix 2 contains an alternate Table of Contents for
the Yaesu FT
the most useful part of the Beginner's Guide.
You are free to distribute this document but not to change it.
2.
Please send me your comments,
VHF/UHF Dual Band
does a lot is an understatement. The
I thought I had
5 pages in English and the rest in
not inform you of the fact. Nothing is simple or
60R/E Operating Manual. This might be
Guide to the Yaesu
FT-60R/E
By R. G. Sparber
Background
I
seen such
other language
-Talkie, version
KG7MQL
1
.
Yaesu FT-60R
this radio
before. You get
2.2
unit
¼" thick.
1
guide will help me learn.
t too.
-
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL
February 22, 2015
Page 1 of 52
Contents
Background .............................................................................................................. 1
You Will Need ......................................................................................................... 5
Battery Charging [9] ................................................................................................ 7
Overview ................................................................................................................. 9
Operation: Switching Power On and Off [12] ......................................................10
Operation: Adjusting the Audio Volume Level and Squelch Settings [12] ..........10
Operation: Selecting the Operating Band [13] ......................................................11
Operation: Frequency Navigation [13] .................................................................12
Operation: Transmission [15] ................................................................................15
Advanced Operation: Keyboard Locking [16] ......................................................16
Advanced Operation: Keypad/LCD Illumination [17] .........................................16
Advanced Operation: Disabling the Keypad Beeper [17] .....................................16
Advanced Operation: RF Squelch [18] .................................................................16
Advanced Operation: Checking the Battery Voltage [18] ....................................16
Repeater Operation ................................................................................................17
Manual Repeater Shift Activation: Checking the Repeater Uplink (Input)
Frequency [21] .......................................................................................................19
Repeater Operation: Repeater Shifts [19] .............................................................20
Repeater Operation: Automatic Repeater Shifts (ARS) [19] ................................20
Repeater Operation: Manual Repeater Shift Activation [20] ................................21
Manual Repeater Shift Activation: Checking the Repeater Uplink (Input)
Frequency [21] .......................................................................................................21
CTCSS/DCS Operation: CTCSS Operation [22] ..................................................21
CTCSS/DCS Operation: DCS Operation [23] ......................................................22
CTCSS/DCS Operation: Tone Search Scanning [24] ...........................................22
CTCSS/DCS Operation: Split Tone Operation [25] .............................................22
CTCSS/DCS Operation: Tone Calling (1750 Hz) [26] .........................................22
Memory Mode [27] ...............................................................................................23
Memory Mode: Memory Storage [28] ..................................................................25
Memory Mode: Storing Independent Transmit Frequencies ("Odd Splits") [28] 25
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 2 of 52
Memory Mode: Memory Recall [29] ....................................................................26
Memory Mode: HOME Channel Memory [29] ....................................................28
Memory Mode: Labeling Memories [30] ..............................................................29
Memory Mode: To Display the alpha-numeric "Tag" (label): [30] ......................32
Memory Mode: Memory Offset Tuning [31] ........................................................33
Memory Mode: Deleting Memories [32] ..............................................................34
Memory Mode: Moving Memory Data to the VFO [32] ......................................34
Memory Mode: Memory Bank Operation [33] .....................................................35
Memory Mode: Assigning Memories to a Memory Bank [33] ............................36
Memory Mode: Memory Bank Recall [33]...........................................................37
Memory Mode: Removing Memories from a Memory Bank [34] .......................38
Memory Mode: Memory Only Mode [34] ............................................................38
Weather Broadcast Channels [34] .........................................................................39
Scanning [35] .........................................................................................................40
Scanning: VFO Scanning [35] ..............................................................................40
Scanning: Memory Scanning [37] .........................................................................42
Scanning: How to Skip (Omit) a Channel during Memory Scan Operation [37] .42
Scanning: Preferential Memory Scan [38] ............................................................42
Scanning: Memory Bank Scan [39] ......................................................................43
Scanning: Weather Alert Scan [39] .......................................................................43
Scanning: Programmable (Band Limit) Memory Scan (PMS) [40] .....................43
Scanning: "Priority Channel" Scanning (Dual Watch) [41] .................................44
Scanning: Priority Revert Mode [42] ....................................................................45
Scanning: Automatic Lamp Illumination on Scan Stop [43] ................................45
Scanning: Band Edge Beeper [43] ........................................................................45
EPCS (Enhanced Paging and Code Squelch) [44] ................................................45
Emergency Features: Emergency Channel Operation [46] ...................................45
Smart Search Operation [48] .................................................................................45
Internet Connection Feature [49] ..........................................................................46
ARTS™ (Automatic Range Transponder System) [51] .......................................46
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 3 of 52
Reset Procedure [64] .............................................................................................46
Acknowledgments .................................................................................................47
Appendix 1: Operation Reminders ........................................................................48
Appendix 2: Alternate Table of Contents for the FT-60 R/E Operating Manual .48
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 4 of 52
You Will Need
The guide is intended to supplement the FT-60 R/E
Operating Manual. This booklet should be marked on
the back cover with a copyright of 2013. This is
important because I am linking to specific pages.
As you read, look for square brackets with one or
more page numbers. For example, [6,7] points you to
pages 6 and 7 of the Operating Manual.
Along with a copy of the Operating Manual, you need to
have your FT-60R or FT-60E in hand. It is pointless to
read about a function and not try it out at the same time.
If you have an older version of the Operating Manual,
the Beginner's Guide may still be of help but the page
number may not match. You can locate older versions
of the Operating Manual by searching the internet for
"FT-60 Operating Manual" followed by the desired
copyright date.
All procedures in this book were tested on my FT-60R which I bought in the
USA. The FT-60E is for use within the European Union. They differ by the
permanent data related to frequencies and signaling for each jurisdiction.
If you find that something does not work as specified, you may need to partially
or fully reset the radio. See page 46 for details.
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 5 of 52
At the bottom of some sections is a reminder of the key and knob sequence. If the
reminder starts with "VFO-" it means you must be in VFO mode. "MEM-" means
you must be in Memory mode. If neither is present, then the sequence works in
both VFO and memory modes. All of these reminders have been collected and
are presented in Appendix 1.
Each action is followed by a "/" except the last one.
"Dial" means you turn the Dial knob to select some parameter or state.
If only a key is shown, then you press it briefly. If the key is followed by " 1s" it
means you press the key for about 1 second.
Appendix 2 holds an alternative Table of Contents for the FT-60 R/E Operating
Manual. The topics have been organized in a different sequence so the page
numbers are not always in order.
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 6 of 52
Battery Charging [9]
The text and figures above the gray background box on page 9 in the Operating
Manual no longer applies for USA Models. Cross it out. Also cross out the
sentence just below the gray background box that deals with using only the PA48 Battery Charger.
Charging now involves both the PA-48 and a charging cradle.
To charge the battery2 while it is in the FT-60R, first install the
PA-48 Battery Charger into a wall socket.
Then plug the DC jack into the back of
the charger cradle.
2
The original document for the charger can be found at http://k6lcs.com/k6lcs/Docs_files/SBH-13.pdf
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 7 of 52
At this point, the light on the front should be
dark.
When the radio is inserted correctly, the
light might flicker yellow3 for about a
second but then should turn red.
If the light continuously flashes red,
remove the radio and try inserting it again.
If flashing persists, the battery may be
defective4.
While the battery is charging, the light will
be red. When charging is done in about 3.5
to 4 hours, the light will go out.
Unfortunately, if AC power is lost, this
light will also go out.
If the light stays yellow, I assume that
means there is a problem with either the
charger or battery. The docs do not mention
it.
When charging is complete, unplug the PA-48 Battery Charger from the wall.
3
The yellow light is not mentioned in the official document but I did see it flash.
4
Before you give up, clean all contacts on the radio back and in the cradle with a dry, lint free cloth.
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 8 of 52
Overview
There are a huge number of
functions available on the
FT-60 and a limited
number of keys and knobs.
The solution chosen by the
developers was to give
almost every key three
meanings [6,7]. Some
meanings are selected by
context while others depend
on how long you hold down
the key.
This time aspect was very confusing to me. You think you are pushing the right
key but linger a little too long. Suddenly you are accessing a function you never
saw before and have no idea how to escape. I will attempt to cover these
unintended side trips as we move through the manual.
One critical thing to remember: no combination of key pushes can
damage your radio with one exception.
Never press the
Push To Talk key with the antenna disconnected.
This can cause the transmitter part of the FT-60
to be damaged.
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 9 of 52
Operation: Switching Power On and Off [12]
If you have big fingers, it can be hard to turn
the volume and power knob
counterclockwise in order to turn the radio
off. Listen for the click and don't be afraid
to turn hard.
Operation: Adjusting the Audio Volume Level and
Squelch Settings [12]
The left knob adjust audio volume.
The right Dial knob has a
ring under it which controls squelch. This Dial knob is
used for many functions and it is easy to let your
fingers slip and turn the ring. If you find the radio is
blasting noise or not picking up any conversation,
check that the squelch knob setting is right.
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 10 of 52
Operation: Selecting the Operating Band [13]
If you see a number in the upper left hand corner,
you are in Memory Mode so must change to
Variable Frequency Oscillator mode.
Press the V/M key (Variable frequency
oscillator mode/Memory mode) briefly and
the number should go away. If V/M is held
down too long, the radio will start scanning.
No harm done, just let go of the V/M key
and press it again briefly. You may need to
press it briefly a second time.
With no number displayed in the upper left
corner, you are in VFO (Variable
Frequency Oscillator) Mode. The radio can
monitor any frequency from 108.000 MHz
to 520.000 MHz and from 700.000 MHz to
999.9875 MHz. These two ranges are
broken up into 5 bands. Note that the table
shown here is slightly different from the
book. All numbers are in MHz.
Knowing the correct top and bottom of
Band Frequency Range
144 108.000 - 200.000
250 200.050 - 299.9875
350 300.000 - 399.9875
430 400.000 - 520.000
850 700.000 - 999.9875
Selecting the Operating Band: VFO- BAND repetitively
each band is necessary if you plan to set up
to scan an entire band [14]. For example,
if you start your scan at 200.000 MHz, you
will be scanning the 144 MHz band. But if
you start at 200.050 MHz, you will be
scanning the 250 MHz band. An alternate
way to scan an entire band is presented on
page 41.
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 11 of 52
Operation: Frequency Navigation [13]
It is essential that you are in the VFO mode before
following these instruction. See page 11 for how to
get to VFO mode.
1) Tuning Dial knob
As you turn the Dial knob clockwise,
each click of the Dial knob moves you up
in frequency. How much you move up is
determined by the STEP parameter [77].
Counterclockwise moves you down in
frequency by the same step size.
When the FW (Function or memory Write)
key is active,
a small F appears in the lower left corner
of the display in reverse video.
If you briefly press the FW key and then
turn the Dial knob within 3 seconds, each
click of the dial moves you 1.0000 MHz.
As long as you move the dial again within 3 seconds, you will continue to move
in steps of 1.0000 MHz. If you press FW and within 3 seconds press it again, you
will
have turned off the effect of the FW key.
Frequency Navigation: VFO- FW/Dial
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 12 of 52
If you hold down the FW key too long,
a number will start flashing in the upper
left corner of the display and a series of
dashes will appear where the frequency
was displayed. Briefly press the Push To
Talk key to abort5. You will not
transmit.
2) Direct Keypad Frequency Entry [14]
You do not enter the decimal point as you enter the
frequency.
If you start to enter a frequency and then change your
mind, press the Push To Talk key to abort6. You will not transmit.
If you enter a frequency that is not a multiple of the step size [77], the radio will
round it to the nearest valid value. For example, given a step size of 12.5 KHz, if
you try to enter 145.5630 it will display as 145.5625 before you get a chance to
enter the zero.
If you were using the VFO scanning function (see page 14), and the display
stopped at an active frequency, you
cannot enter a new frequency. You must
first briefly press the
Up or
Down key before you can directly enter a
frequency.
If you try to enter a frequency outside of the specified bands, the display will
show ERROR for about 1 second and then revert back to the last valid
frequency.
5
This is an "Easter Egg" sent to me by Steve Balch. It is a function not found in the Operating Manual.
6
This is another "Easter Egg" sent to me by Steve Balch.
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 13 of 52
3)Scanning[14]
You must be in VFO mode to scan a range of frequencies (see page 11). If you
are in Memory mode, you will scan a set of stored frequencies [37].
The scanning will begin at the current
VFO frequency. If you push the
Up key for about 1 second, the frequency
will increment until it detects an active
frequency or reaches the top of the band
(see page 11). Then it will wrap around
to the lowest frequency in that band.
Similarly, if you press the Down key, the
frequency will decrement until it reaches
and active frequency or the bottom of the
band and then wrap around to the top.
If you press the up (or down) keys for less than 1 second, the displayed frequency
will increase (or decrease) by the step size [77]. If you press the up or down keys
for more than 1 second, scanning begins as if you let up on the key after 1
second.
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 14 of 52
Operation: Transmission [15]
While you can listen to all of these bands:
Band Frequency Range
144 108.000 - 200.000
250 200.050 - 299.9875
350 300.000 - 399.9875
430 400.000 - 520.000
850 700.000 - 999.9875
you can only transmit on the 144 MHz and 430 MHz
bands. The 144 MHz band is also called the 2 meter band
and the 430 MHz band is also called the 70 centimeter
band.
The FCC expects you to use the least amount of power
necessary to communicate. This goal also extends the
operating time of your battery.
If you press the FW key and then the TX PO (Transmit
Power) keys and nothing happens, you might have
selected a frequency outside of the valid transmit bands.
One thing that confused me was
that if you select LOW or MID
(medium) power levels, the display
will show
LOW.
Transmitting at full power for long
periods of time can make the radio
too hot to hold. If there is also a poor match between radio and antenna, the
reflected energy can further add to the heat. In the worst case, the radio will
indicate thermal overload and shut down.
Transmission Power: FW/TXPO/DIAL/FW
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 15 of 52
Advanced Operation: Keyboard Locking [16]
Advanced Operation: Keypad/LCD Illumination [17]
Advanced Operation: Disabling the Keypad Beeper [17]
Advanced Operation: RF Squelch [18]
Advanced Operation: Checking the Battery Voltage [18]
R. G. Sparber KG7MQL February 22, 2015 Page 16 of 52
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