Yaesu FT-8800R User Manual

DUAL BAND FM TRANSCEIVER

FT-8800R

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 .....................................	3
Supplied Accessories .....................................	3
Optional Accessories ......................................	3
Installation ........................................................	4
Preliminary Inspection ...................................	4
Installation Tips..............................................	4
Safety Information .........................................	5
Antenna Considerations .................................	6
Mobile Installation .........................................	8
Transceiver Installation ..............................	8
Mobile Power Connections........................	9
Mobile Speakers ........................................	9
Base Station Installation ..............................	10
AC Power Supplies ..................................	10
Packet Radio Terminal Node Controller . 10
Front Panel Controls & Switches .................	12
LCD..................................................................	16
Rear Panel Connections ................................	17
MH-48A6J Microphone ...................................	18
MH-42B6JS Microphone ..................................	19
Basic Operation ..............................................	20
Turning the Transceiver On and Off ...........	20
Adjusting the Squelch Setting .....................	20
Selecting the Operating Band ......................	20
Selecting the Frequency Band .....................	21
Frequency Navigation ..................................	22
Tuning Dial ..............................................	22
Direct Keypad Frequency Entry ..............	22
Scanning ..................................................	22
Transmission ................................................	23
Changing the Transmitter Power Level ...	23
Advanced Operation ......................................	24
Lock Feature .................................................	24
Keyboard Beeper ..........................................	24
Channel Step Selection ................................	24
Display Brightness .......................................	25
Band Linking ...............................................	25
Audio Muting ...............................................	26
RF Squelch ...................................................	26
Repeater Operation........................................	27
Repeater Shifts .............................................	27
Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS) .................	27
Manual Repeater Shift Activation ...............	28
Changing the Default Repeater Shift ......	28

CTCSS/DCS Operation .................................	29
CTCSS Operation ........................................	29
DCS Operation .............................................	30
Tone Search Scanning .................................	31
Memory Operation ........................................	32
Regular Memory Channel Operation ...........	32
Memory Storage .......................................	32
To Append an Alpha-numeric
“Tag” to a Memory ...............................	33
Storing Independent
Transmit Frequencies (“Odd Splits”) ...	33
Memory Recall .........................................	34
Memory Offset Tuning ............................	34
Deleting Memories ..................................	34
HOME Channel Memory ........................	35
Memory Bank Operation .........................	36
Memory Only Mode ................................	36
Hyper Memory Mode ...................................	37
Hyper Memory Storage ............................	37
Hyper Memory Recall ..............................	37
Scanning ..........................................................	38
Setting the Scan-Resume Technique ...........	38
VFO Scanning ..............................................	39
Memory Scanning ........................................	40
How to Skip (Omit) a Channel
During Memory Scan Operation ....	40
Preferential Memory Scan .......................	41
Programmable (Band Limit) Memory Scan ..	42
“Priority Channel” Scanning (Dual Watch) ..	43
Smart Search ..................................................	44
ARTSTM: Auto Range Transponder System ....	46
Basic ARTS Setup and Operation ...............	46
CW Identifier Setup .....................................	47
DTMF Autodialer Operation ........................	48
Internet Connection Feature .........................	50
Miscellaneous Settings ...................................	52
Time-Out Timer ...........................................	52
Automatic Power Off ...................................	52
Programming the Key Assignment ..............	53
FM Bandwidth & MIC Gain Control ..........	54
DCS Code Inversion ....................................	55
Cross Band Repeater Operation ..................	56
Reset Procedure ..............................................	57
Cloning ............................................................	58
Menu (“Set”) Mode ........................................	59

INTRODUCTION

1	4
2	5

VOL	SQL

PWR

SQL

VOL

3				KEY2			6
LOW	V/M	HM	SCN	LOW	V/M	HM	SCN

The FT-8800R is a ruggedly-built, high quality Dual Band FM transceiver providing 50 Watts of power output on the 144 MHz Amateur band and 35 Watts on the 430 MHz band.

The high power output of the FT-8800R is produced by its RD70HVF1 Power MOS FET amplifier, with a direct-flow heat sink and thermostatically-controlled cooling fan maintaining a safe temperature for the transceiver’s circuitry.

Featuring 1054 memory channels (527 channels each for “Main” and “Sub” band), full duplex operation with independent Volume and Squelch controls, and built-in CTCSS and DCS encoder/decoder circuits, the FT-8800R includes provision for remote-head mounting, utilizing the optional YSK-8900 Separation Kit, which allows installation evening the most compact of cars.

We recommend that you read this manual in its entirety, so as to understand fully the many features of your new FT-8800R transceiver.

FT-8800R Operating Manual

1

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL
Frequency Range:				RX:	108.000 - 520.000 MHz,
					700.000 - 999.995 MHz (Cellular Blocked)
				TX:	144.000 - 146.000 MHz (or 144.000 - 148.000 MHz),
					430.000 - 440.000 MHz (or 430.00 - 450.000 MHz)
Channel Steps:				5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50 kHz
Modes of Emission:				F3, F2
Antenna Impedance:				50 Ohms, unbalanced (Antenna Duplexer built-in)
Frequency Stability:				±5 ppm @ 14° F ~ +140° F (–10 °C ~ +60 °C)
Operating Temperature Range: –4° F ~ +140° F (–20 °C ~ +60 °C)
Supply Voltage:				13.8 VDC (±15%), negative ground
Current Consumption (Approx.): RX: 0.5 A (Squelched)
				TX: 8.5 A (144 MHz), 8.0 A (430 MHz)
Case Size (W x H x D):				5.5” x 1.6” x 6.6” (140 x 41.5 x 168 mm)
				(w/o knobs & connectors)
Weight (Approx.):				2.2 lb (1 kg)
TRANSMITTER
Output Power:				50/20/10/5 W (144 MHz),
				35/20/10/5 W (430 MHz)
Modulation Type:				Variable Reactance
Maximum Deviation:				±5 kHz
Spurious Radiation:				Better than –60 dB
Microphone Impedance:				2 kΩ
DATA Jack Impedance:				10 kΩ
RECEIVER
Circuit Type:				Double-conversion superheterodyne
Intermediate Frequencies:				45.05 MHz/450 kHz (Left band),
				47.25 MHz/450 kHz (Right band)
Sensitivity (for 12dB SINAD):				Better than 0.2 µV
Squelch Sensitivity:				Better than 0.16 µV
Selectivity (–6dB/–60dB):				8 kHz/30 kHz
Maximum AF Output:				2 W @ 8 Ω for 5% THD
AF Output Impedance:				4-16 Ω

Specifications are subject to change without notice, and are guaranteed within the 144 and 430 MHz amateur bands only. Frequency ranges will vary according to transceiver version; check with your dealer.

2	FT-8800R Operating Manual

	ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS
	SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Microphone MH-48A6J or MH-42B6JS (depending on transceiver version) ......................		1
Mobile Mounting Bracket MMB-36 ..................................................................................		1
DC Power Cord w/Fuse (T9021715) ..................................................................................		1
Spare Fuse 15 A (Q0000081) .............................................................................................		2
Operating Manual ...............................................................................................................		1
Warranty Card.....................................................................................................................		1
	OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
MH-48A6J	DTMF Microphone 1
MH-42B6JS	Hand Microphone 1
YSK-8900	Separation Kit
MEK-2	Microphone Extension Kit 2
MLS-100	High-Power External Speaker
FP-1023	AC Power Supply (25A: USA only)
FP-1030A	AC Power Supply (30A)
CT-39A	Packet Interface Cable

Availability of accessories may vary. Some accessories are supplied as standard per local requirements, while others may be unavailable in some regions. Consult your Yaesu dealer for details regarding these and any newly-available options Connection of any non-Yaesu- approved accessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this apparatus.

1: If you replace the microphone from the MH-48A6J to MH-42B6JS or vice versa, change the setting of Menu #23 (MIC). See page 64 for details.

2: When using the MH-48A6J or MH-42B6JS microphone in conjunction with the MEK-2, in some cases, the [P1] through [P4] functions may operate erratically.

FT-8800R Operating Manual

3

INSTALLATION

This chapter describes the installation procedure for integrating the FT-8800R 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-8800R.

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-8800R. Avoid heating vents and window locations that could expose the transceiver to excessive direct sunlight, especially in hot climates. The FT-8800R should not be used in an environment where the ambient temperature exceeds +140° F (+60° C).

4	FT-8800R Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

SAFETY INFORMATION

The FT-8800R 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 an- tenna 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 or using the auto-dial feature.

FT-8800R Operating Manual

5

INSTALLATION

ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS

The FT-8800R 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 50 Watts of transmitter power. Some mag- netic-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).

Note that this transceiver is designed with wide frequency coverage in the VHF/UHF spectrum. For general listening, you may wish to have a broadband antenna such as a discone available, as a directional antenna such as a Yagi will have degraded performance outside the Amateur band for which it is designed.

Excellent reference texts and computer software are available for the design and optimization of VHF and UHF 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-8800R 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 6 dB or more at 446 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).

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INSTALLATION

ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS

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

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

(Assumes 50-ohm Input/Output Terminations)

CABLE TYPE	LOSS: 144 MHZ	LOSS: 430 MHZ
RG-58A	6.5	> 10
RG-58 Foam	4.7	8
RG-213	3.0	5.9
RG-8 Foam	2.0	3.7
Belden 9913	1.5	2.9
Times Microwave LMR-400	1.5	2.6
7/8” “Hardline”	0.7	1.3

Loss figures are approximate; consult cable manufacturers’ catalogs for

complete specifications.

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-8800R.

FT-8800R Operating Manual

7

INSTALLATION

MOBILE INSTALLATION

The FT-8800R must only be installed in vehicles having a 13.8 Volt negative ground electrical system. Mount the transceiver where the display, controls, and microphone are easily accessible, using the supplied MMB-36 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.

8			FT-8800R Operating Manual

INSTALLATION

MOBILE INSTALLATION

Mobile Power Connections

To minimize voltage drop and avoid blowing the vehicle’s fuses, connect the supplied DC power cable directly to the battery terminals. Do not attempt to defeat or bypass the DC cable’s fuse – it is there to protect you, your transceiver, and your vehicle’s electrical system.

Warning!

Never apply AC power to the power cable of the FT-8800R, nor DC voltage greater than 15.8 Volts. When replacing the fuse, only use a 15-A fast-blow type. Failure to observe these safety precautions will void the Limited Warranty on this product.

Before connecting the transceiver, check the voltage at the battery terminals while revving the engine. If the voltage exceeds 15 Volts, adjust the vehicle’s voltage regulator before proceeding with installation.

Connect the RED power cable lead to the POSITIVE (+) battery terminal, and the BLACK power cable lead to the NEGATIVE (–) terminal. If you need to extend the power cable, use #12 AWG or larger insulated, stranded copper wire. Solder the splice connections carefully, and wrap the connections thoroughly with insulating electrical tape.

Before connecting the cable to the transceiver, verify the voltage and polarity of the voltage at the transceiver end of the DC cable using a DC voltmeter. Now connect the transceiver to the DC cable.

FTFT-8800R- 9 0R	Cabin	Engine Room

Battery

RED: Positive (+)

BLACK: Negative (–)

Mobile Speakers

The optional MLS-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-8800R, if they present the specified 8- Ohm impedance and are capable of handling the 2 Watts of audio output supplied by the FT-

8800R.

FT-8800R Operating Manual

9

INSTALLATION

BASE STATION INSTALLATION

The FT-8800R is ideal for base station use as well as in mobile installations. The FT8800R is specifically designed to integrate into your station easily, using the information to follow as a reference.

AC Power Supplies

Operation of the FT-8800R 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 wellregulated 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.

Packet Radio Terminal Node Controller (TNC)

The FT-8800R provides a convenient rear-panel DATA jack for easy connections to your TNC. This connector is a standard mini-DIN connector. A pre-wired connector and cable assembly option, model CT-39A, is available from your local Yaesu dealer.

The FT-8800R’s DATA jack connections are optimized for the data transmission and reception speed in use. In accordance with industry standards, the signal levels, impedances, and bandwidths are significantly different on 9600 bps as opposed to 1200 bps. If your TNC does not provide multiple lines to accommodate such optimization, you may still be able to utilize your TNC, if it is designed for multiple-radio use, by connecting the TNC “Radio 1” port to the 1200 bps lines on the FT-8800R, and the “Radio 2” port to the 9600 bps lines.

The pin connections of the Data connector are shown below.

			DATA Jack Pin Out
	Pin	Label	Note	CT-39A Wire Color
			Packet Data Input
	1	PKD	Impedance: 10 kΩ,	Brown
		(DATA IN)	Maximum Input Level: 40 mV p-p for 1200 bps
			2.0 Vp-p for 9600 bps
	2	GND	Signal Ground	Red
	3	PTT	Gound to Transmit	Orange
	4	RX9600	9600 bps Packet Data Output	Yellow
			Impedance: 10 kΩ, Maximum Output: 500 mV p-p
	5	RX1200	1200 bps Packet Data Output	Green
			Impedance: 10 kΩ, Maximum Output: 300 mV p-p
	6	PKS	Squelch Control	Blue
		(SQL)	Squelch Open: +5 V, Squelch Close: 0 V

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INSTALLATION

BASE STATION INSTALLATION

Note that 9600 bps packet transmit-deviation adjustment is very critical to successful operation, and can only be accomplished using a calibrated deviation meter (such as that found on an FM Service Monitor used in a communications service center). In most cases, the Packet Data Input level (set via a potentiometer inside the TNC) must be adjusted to provide a deviation of ±2.75 kHz (±0.25 kHz). Check with your packet node’s sysop if you have any questions about the appropriate deviation level for your network. Note also that high throughput on 9600 bps frequently requires strong signals, so you may wish to consider the use of a directional antenna such as a Yagi for communication with high-speed packet nodes.

The setting of the 1200 bps Packet Data Input level is much less critical than it is at 9600 bps, and satisfactory adjustment to the optimum (±2.5 ~ ±3.5 kHz) deviation can usually be done “by ear” by adjusting the TNC’s 1200 bps TX Audio Level potentiometer so that the outgoing packets (as monitored on a separate VHF or UHF receiver) are approximately the same level as (A) the DTMF tones or (B) the 1750 Hz Burst tone produced using the microphone.

Finally, note that the Menu (“Set”) mode allows you to set the Packet data rate (1200 or 9600 bps) independently for each band, and set the Packet Receiving Band (Main band, Right band, or Left band: Transmit band is fixed on Main band). If you have trouble getting your FT-8800R to respond correctly during packet operation, check to be certain that you do not have Menu #26 (PKT.SPD) set to the wrong data rate, and/or Menu #27 (PKT.RXB) set to the wrong operating band.

ANT

13.8VDC

EXT SP

DATA

DATA IN

GND

DATA OUT (9600bps)

PKS

9600bps Packet Setup

ANT

13.8VDC

EXT SP

DATA

DATA IN

GND

DATA OUT (1200bps)

PKS

1200bps Packet Setup

					DATA		DATA
					OUT		IN		PTT

				DATA		DATA
				OUT		IN		PTT

FT-8800R Operating Manual

11

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS & SWITCHES

						3
1		1							4		8
		2							5		PWR
	VOL	SQL								SQL	VOL
		3				KEY2			6
2											7
		LOW	V/M	HM	SCN	LOW	V/M	HM	SCN

4 5 6

1 “Left” DIAL knob

This 20-position detented rotary switch is the tuning dial for the “left” band. Press this knob momentarily to switch the “Main band” to be the “left” band.

When the “left” band is set to be the “Main band” in the VFO mode, press this knob to enable rapid tuning (in 1 MHz steps) using this knob.

Press and hold in this knob for 1/2 second to toggle the operating band on the “left” side

as follows:

144 MHz 250 MHz 350 MHz 430 MHz 850 MHz 144 MHz ......

2 “Left” VOLSQL Knob

The inner VOL (Volume) control adjusts the speaker audio level form the “left” receiver. Clockwise rotation increases the audio level.

Press this knob momentarily to switch the Internet Connection feature “on” and “off.”

The outer SQL (Squelch) control is used to silence background noise on the “left” receiver. It should be advanced clockwise just to the point where the noise is silenced (and the “ ” indicator on the display turns off), so as to provide the best sensitivity to weak signals.

3 Hyper Memory Buttons ([1] ~ [6])

Press and hold in one of these buttons for 2 seconds to store the current total configuration of the radio into a special “Hyper” memory bank.

Press the appropriate button momentarily to recall the desired “Hyper” memory.

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS & SWITCHES

4 “Left” Side Keys

[LOW] Key

Press this key momentarily to select the transmitter power output level of the “left” band (“LOW,” “MID2,” “MID1,” or “HIGH”).

When the “left” band is set to the Memory mode or Home Channel, press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to switch the memory channel display between the “Frequency” format and “Alpha-numeric Tag” format.

[V/M] Key

Press this key momentarily to switch the frequency control for the “left” band between the VFO and Memory Systems.

When the “left” band is set to the VFO mode, press and hold in this for 1/2 second to activate the Smart Search Feature.

When the “left” band is set to the Memory mode, press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to activates the “Memory Bank” feature.

[HM] Key

Press this key momentarily to recall a favorite “Home” frequency memory. Press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to activate Priority Channel Scanning.

[SCN] Key

Press this key momentarily to activate the Scanner on the “left” band.

When the “left” band is set to the Memory mode, press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to shift to the “Memory Tuning” feature.

5 [SET] Key

Press this key momentarily to enter the Set (“Menu”) mode.

Press and hold in this for 1/2 second to transfer the contents of the “Main band” VFO into a Memory register.

FT-8800R Operating Manual

13

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS & SWITCHES

6 “Right” Side Keys

The “right” side ([LOW], [V/M], [HM], and [SCN]) keys may be set to either of two function sets via Menu #20 (KEY.MOD). See page 63 for the setup proce-

dure.

[LOW] Key ([MHz] Key)

Key Mode “1” ([LOW] Key: Default)

Press this key momentarily to select the transmitter power output level of the “right” band (“LOW,” “MID2,” “MID1,” or “HIGH”).

When the “right” band is set to the Memory mode or Home Channel, press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to switch the memory channel display between the “Frequency” format and the “Alpha-numeric Tag” format.

Key Mode “2” ([MHz] Key)

Press this key momentarily to allow tuning in 1-MHz steps on the “Main” band VFO. Press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to allow tuning in 10-MHz steps on the “Main” band VFO.

[V/M] Key ([REV] Key)

Key Mode “1” ([V/M] Key: Default)

Press this key momentarily to switch the frequency control for the “right” band between the VFO and Memory Systems.

When the “right” band is set to the VFO mode, press and hold in this for 1/2 second to activate the Smart Search Feature.

When the “right” band is set to the Memory mode, press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to activates the “Memory Bank” feature.

Key Mode “2” ([REV] Key)

Press this key momentarily to reverse the transmit and receive frequencies on the “Main” band during split-frequency (i.e. “Repeater”) operation.

Press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to change the frequency shift direction: RPT – (minus shift), RPT + (plus shift), or RPT OFF (simplex).

[HM] Key ([TONE] Key)

Key Mode “1” ([HM] Key: Default)

Press this key momentarily to recall a favorite “Home” frequency memory. Press and hold in this for 1/2 second to activate Priority Channel Scanning.

Key Mode “2” ([TONE] Key)

Press this key momentarily to change the Tone Squelch mode: ENC (CTCSS Encoder), ENC.DEC (CTCSS Tone Squelch), or DCS (DCS) operation.

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS & SWITCHES

[SCN] Key ([SUB] Key)

Key Mode “1” ([SCN] Key: Default)

Press this key momentarily to activate the Scanner on the “Right” band.

When the “right” band is set to the Memory mode, press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to shift to the “Memory Tuning” feature.

Key Mode “2” ([SCN] Key)

Press this key momentarily to make the next key you press act on the “Sub” band (the

“” icon will blink on the “Sub” band).

7 VOLSQL Knob (Right)

The inner VOL (Volume) control adjusts the speaker audio level from the “right” receiver. Clockwise rotation increases the audio level.

Press and hond in this knob for 2 seconds to turn the radio “on” and “off.”

The outer SQL (Squelch) control is used to silence background noise on the “right” receiver. It should be advanced clockwise just to the point where the noise is silenced (and the “ ” indicator on the display turns off), so as to provide the best sensitivity to weak signals.

8 DIAL knob (Right)

This 20-position detented rotary switch is the tuning dial for the “right” band. Press this knob momentarily to switch the “Main band” to be the “right” band.

When the “right” band is set to be the “Main” band in the VFO mode, press this knob to enable rapid tuning (in 1 MHz steps) using this knob.

Press and hold in this knob for 1/2 second to toggle the operating band on the “right”

side as follows:

430 MHz 850 MHz 144 MHz 250 MHz 350 MHz 430 MHz ......

FT-8800R Operating Manual

15

LCD

“Left” Band Memory Channel	“Right” Band Memory Channel
“Left” Band Frequency		“Right” Band Frequency

“Left” Band S- & PO Meter

“Right” Band S- & PO Meter

Icons

: Preferential Memory Channel

: Skip Memory Channel

: Minus Shift

: Plus Shift

: Odd Split

:Tone Encoder

:Tone Decoder

:Transmission in Progress : “Main” Band

:Busy Channel (or Squelch Off)

:Memory Tune Mode

:Audio Mute Active

:Digital Code Squelch (DCS)

:9600 bps Packet Mode

:Low TX Power Selected

:Middle TX Power Selected (No Icon indicates High TX Power)

: Automatic Power-Off Active

:Keypad/DIAL Lock Active

:Menu (“Set”) Mode

:Key Function Mode is set to “KEY-2”

16	FT-8800R Operating Manual

REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS

4

ANT

1

3

13.8VDC

EXT SP

DATA

2

1 Antenna Jack

Connect your antenna here, using a type-M (PL-259) plug and coaxial cable.

2 DATA Jack

This 6-pin mini-DIN connector provides simple interfacing to a packet Terminal Node Controller (TNC) for 1200 bps or 9600 bps operation. The pin connections are shown on page 10.

3 EXT SP Jack

This 2-conductor, 3.5-mm mini phone jack provides audio output for an optional speaker. The optimum load impedance is 8 Ohms. Inserting a plug into this jack disables the audio path to the transceiver’s internal speaker.

4 13.8V DC Cable Pigtails w/Fuse

This is the DC power supply connection for the transceiver. Use the supplied DC cable to connect this pigtail to the car battery or base station DC power supply capable of at least 9 Amperes (continuous duty). 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.

FT-8800R Operating Manual

17

6

MH-48A6J MICROPHONE

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	1	5
	direct frequency entry and/or direct numeric recall
	of the Memory channels.	2	4
	3 [P1]/[P2]/[P3]/[P4] Buttons
	[P1] button: Press this button to switch the “Main”		3
	band between the “Left” and “Right” displays on the LCD
	screen. This is the best and easiest way to set the “Main” band		DTMF MICROPHONE
	to the side you prefer.		MH-48
	Pressing and holding in this button for 1/2 second moves op-
	eration to the next-highest frequency band on the “Main” band.
	[P2] button: Press this button momentarily to switch the frequency
	control for the “Main” band between the VFO and Memory Systems.
	When the “Main” band is set to the VFO mode, press and hold in this button for 1/2 second
	to activate the Smart Search Feature.

When the “Main” band is set to the Memory mode, press and hold in this button for 1/2 second to activates the “Memory Bank” feature.

[P3] button: Pressing this button repeatedly allows selection of the CTCSS or DCS mode

on the “Main” band. The selections available are:

ENC ENC.DEC (Tone Squelch) DCS OFF ENC ......

[P4] button: Press this button momentarily to select the transmitter power output level on the “Main” band (“LOW,” “MID2,” “MID1,” or “HIGH”).

When the “Main” band is set to the Memory mode or Home Channel, press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to switch the memory channel display between the “Frequency” format and “Alpha-numeric Tag” format.

You can reprogram the [P1], [P2], [P3], and [P4] buttons for other functions, if desired. See page 53 for details.

4 LAMP Switch

This switch illuminates the Microphone keypad.

5 LOCK Switch

This switch locks out the Microphone 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 on the “Main” band. In many ways, these buttons emulate the function of the (rotary) “Main” band DIAL knob.

18	FT-8800R Operating Manual

MH-42B6JS MICROPHONE

The MH-42B6JS is similar to the MH-48A6J, but the MH-42B6JS does not include a DTMF keypad and its illumination switch.

1 PTT Switch		4
Press this switch to transmit, and release it to receive.
2 [ACC]/[P]/[P1]/[P2] Buttons
[ACC] button: Press this button to switch the “Main”			3
band between the “Left” and “Right” displays on the	1
LCD screen. This is the best and easiest way to set
the “Main” band to the side you prefer.
Pressing and holding in this button for 1/2 second moves
operation to the next-highest frequency band on the “Main”			2
band.
[P] button: Press this button momentarily to switch the fre-
	CONDENSER MIC
quency control for the “Main” band between the VFO and		MH-42B
Memory Systems.
When the “Main” band is set to the VFO mode, press and hold in this
button for 1/2 second to activate the Smart Search Feature.
When the “Main” band is set to the Memory mode, press and hold
in this button for 1/2 second to activates the “Memory Bank” feature.
[P1] button: Pressing this button repeatedly allows selection of the CTCSS or DCS mode

on the “Main” band. The selections available are:

ENC ENC.DEC (Tone Squelch) DCS OFF ENC ......

[P2] button: Press this button momentarily to select the transmitter power output level on the “Main” band (“LOW,” “MID2,” “MID1,” or “HIGH”).

When the “Main” band is set to the Memory mode or Home Channel, press and hold in this key for 1/2 second to switch the memory channel display between the “Frequency” format and “Alpha-numeric Tag” format.

You can reprogram the [ACC], [P], [P1], and [P2] buttons for other functions, if desired. See page 53 for details.

3 LOCK Switch

This switch locks out the Microphone buttons (except for the keypad and PTT switch).

4 [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 on the “Main” band. In many ways, these buttons emulate the function of the (rotary) “Main” band DIAL knob.

Notice: If you change the microphone from the MH-48A6J to the MH-42B6JS or vice versa, change the setting of Menu #23 (MIC). See page 64 for details.

FT-8800R Operating Manual

19

BASIC OPERATION

Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I’ll be helping you along as you learn the many features of the FT-8800R. 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 transceiver. Now. . .let’s get operating!

TURNING THE TRANSCEIVER ON AND OFF

1. To turn the transceiver on, press and hold in the “right”

VOL knob for 2 seconds.			4
When you turn on the FT-8800R, the current DC sup-			5	PWR
				SQL VOL
ply voltage is indicated on the LCD for 2 seconds. KEY2			6
After this interval, the display will switch its normal	LOW V/M	HM	SCN

indication of the operating frequency.

2. To turn the transceiver off, again press and hold in the “right” VOL knob for 2 seconds.

ADJUSTING THE AUDIO VOLUME LEVEL

The audio volume level is set independently for the “left” and “right” sides of the transceiver. The “left” VOL knob provides adjustment for the “left” side of the FT-8800R, while the “right” VOL knob provides adjustment for the “right” side of the FT-8800R.

ADJUSTING THE SQUELCH SETTING

The squelch is also set independently for the “left” and “right” sides of the transceiver. The “left” SQL knob provides adjustment for the “left” side of the FT-8800R, while the “right” SQL knob provides adjustment for the “right” side of the FT-8800R.

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 26 for details

SELECTING THE OPERATING BAND

In the factory default configuration, The FT-8800R operates in the “Dual Receive” mode.

During Dual Receive operation, the “Main” band frequency ( on which transmission is possible) will be indicated by the “” icon.

To establish the “Main” band, simply press the microphone’s [P1] key (MH-48A6J, [ACC] key: MH-42B6JS), or press the DIAL knob for the “left” or “right” side momentarily, as appropriate. You will observe the “” icon lighting up alternate sides of the display as you switch “Main” bands from the “left” side to the “right” side, and vice-versa.

20	FT-8800R Operating Manual