Yaesu FT-60R User Manual

4.3 (7)

A Beginner's Guide to the Yaesu FT-60R/E Handy-Talkie, version 2.2.2

By R. G. Sparber KG7MQL

Copyleft protect this document1.

This is a work in pr ogress. Please send me your comments, corrections, and que stion.

Background

I am a proud owner of a Yaesu FT-60R VHF/UHF Dual Band Transceiver. To say this radio does a lot is an understatem ent. The unit comes with an Operating Manual that is about ¼" thick. I thought I had seen such manuals before. You get 5 pages in English and the rest in other languages. Well, in this case, it was all in English a nd all important. That is a lot to absorb.

The best way I know of learning a subject is to explain it to others. This guide will help me learn. And who knows,, maybe some beginner out there will find value in it too.

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 not inform you of the fact. Nothing is simple or easy if you don't know what to do!

Appendix 2 contains an alternate Table of C ontents for the Yaesu FT-60R/E Operating Manual. This might be the m ost useful part of the Beginner's Guide.

1 You are free to distribute this docu ment but not to change it.

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

Yaesu FT-60R User Manual

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]

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

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 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.

Selecting the Operating Band: VFO- BAND repetitively

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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