Yaesu FT-897 Operating Manual

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HF/VHF/UHF

ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER

FT-897

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.

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

Installation ............................................................................... 4

Power connections................................................................. 4

External DC power source operation ............................ 4

AC power source operation ........................................... 5

Internal battery operation .............................................. 6

Grounding ............................................................................. 7

Mobile Station Grounding ............................................. 7

Base Station Earth Grounding ....................................... 7

Antenna Considerations ........................................................ 8

Mobile Antenna Installations ......................................... 8

Base Station Antenna Installations ................................ 8

RF Field Exposure ................................................................. 9

Electromagnetic Compatibility .............................................. 9

Heat and Ventilation .............................................................. 9

Linear Amplifire Interfacing ................................................ 10

CW Key/Keyer Connections ............................................... 11

Receiver Accessories (Tape Recorder etc.) ......................... 11

Adjusting the Front Feet ...................................................... 11

Front Panel Control & Switches ......................................... 12

Rear panel Connectors ......................................................... 18

Top & Bottom Panel Connectors ......................................... 19

Operation............................................................................... 20

Turning the Transceiver On and Off.................................... 20

Operating Band Selection ................................................... 20

Mode Selection ................................................................... 21

Adjusting the Audio Volume Level ..................................... 21

Adjusting the RF Gain and Squelch .................................... 21

Setting the Operating Frequency ......................................... 22

Stacked VFO System ........................................................... 22

Changing the Dial Speed ..................................................... 22

Receiver Accessories ............................................................. 23

Locking Front Panel Controls ............................................. 23

Clarifier ............................................................................... 23

IF Shift ................................................................................ 24

AGC .................................................................................... 24

Noise Blanker ...................................................................... 25

IPO ...................................................................................... 25

ATT ..................................................................................... 25

DSP Bandpass Filter ............................................................ 25

DSP CW Peaking Filter ....................................................... 26

DSP Noise Reduction .......................................................... 26

DSP Notch Filter ................................................................. 26

AM/FM Tuning Dial Operation .......................................... 27

Automatic Power-Off Feature ............................................. 27

Transmitter Operation ......................................................... 28

SSB/AM Transmission ........................................................ 28

Basic Setup/Operation ................................................. 28

VOX Operation ........................................................... 28

AF Speech Processor Operation .................................. 29

DSP Microphone Equalizer ......................................... 29

CW Transmission ................................................................ 30

Operation using Straight Key/External Keying Device .....

Using the Built-in Electronic Keyer ............................ 31

FM Transmission ................................................................. 32

Basic Setup/Operation ................................................. 32

Repeater Operation ...................................................... 32

Tone Search Scanning ................................................. 33

DCS Operation ............................................................ 34

DCS Search Scanning ................................................. 34

Split Tone Operation ................................................... 34

ARTSTM Operation ...................................................... 35

CW Identifier Setup..................................................... 35

Digital Mode Operation ...................................................... 36

RTTY (Radio Tele Type) Operation ............................ 36

PSK31 Operation ........................................................ 37

Packet (1200/9600 bps FM) Operation ....................... 37

WeatherFax Monitoring ...................................................... 38

Time-Out Timer ................................................................... 38

Split Frequency Operation .................................................. 38

Active-Tuning Antenna System (ATAS-100/-120) Operation .....

Automatic Tuning ........................................................ 39

Manual Tuning ............................................................ 39

ATAS-100/-120 Operating Tips .................................. 40

Grounding .................................................................... 40

Tuning Procedure ........................................................ 40

External Wattmeters .................................................... 40

Operation on 30/17/12 Meters .................................... 40

FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner Operation ........................ 41

Antenna Tuner Memory System .................................. 41

Memory Operation ............................................................... 42

QMB (Quick Memory Bank) Channels .............................. 42

QMB Channel Storage ................................................ 42

QMB Channel Recall .................................................. 42

Memory Operation on “Regular” Memory Channel ........... 42

Normal Memory Storage ............................................. 42

Split-Frequency Memory Storage ............................... 42

Memory Channel Recall .............................................. 43

Masking (“Hiding”) a Memory ................................... 43

Memory Operation on “HOME” Channel Memories.......... 44

HOME Channel Storage .............................................. 44

HOME Channel Recall ................................................ 44

Labeling Memories ............................................................. 44

Spectrum Scope Monitor ..................................................... 45

Smart SearchTM..................................................................... 45

Scanning Operation .............................................................. 46

Scanning Features................................................................ 46

Scanning Operation ..................................................... 46

Scan-Resume Choices ................................................. 46

Scan Skip Programming (Memory Mode only) .......... 47

“Priority Channel” Scanning ............................................... 47

Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) Operation ................. 48

Dual Watch Operation ......................................................... 48

Miscellaneous Settings .......................................................... 49

Operation on Alaska Emergency Frequency:5167.5 kHz ... 49

CW Training Feature ........................................................... 49

Programming the Panel Key Functions ............................... 49

Beacon Feature .................................................................... 50

Beacon Text Storage .................................................... 50

Beacon Text Sending (On the Air) .............................. 50

Display Customization ........................................................ 51

Display Lamp Mode .................................................... 51

Display Contrast .......................................................... 51

Display Dimmer .......................................................... 51

Display Color .............................................................. 51

Menu Operation.................................................................... 52

CAT (Computer Aided Transceiver) Operation .............. 61

Power-On Microprocessor Reset Procedures .................... 63

Cloning ................................................................................... 63

Installation Optional Accessories ........................................ 64

Optional Filters:YF-122S and YF-122C ............................. 64

Optional High Stability Reference Oscillator TCXO-9 ...... 65

External Automatic Antenna Tuner “FC-30” ....................... 66

Appendix ................................................................................ 67

INTRODUCTION

The FT-897 is a rugged, innovative multiband, multi-

mode portable transceiver for the amateur radio MF/HF/ VHF/UHF bands. Providing coverage of the 160-10 meter bands plus the 6 m, 2 m, and 70 cm bands, the FT-897 includes operation on the SSB, CW, AM, FM, and Digital modes, yielding the most comprehensive performance package available for field operation.

Designed for use from (1) an external DC power source,

(2) internal battery (requires optional FNB-78 Ni-MH battery pack), or (3) AC power source (requires optional FP- 30 External AC Power Supply), the FT-897 provides 100 watts of power output from a 13.8-Volt external power supply or AC operation. When using the optional FNB-78 NiMH Battery Pack, the FT-897 automatically switches to 20 Watts (430 MHz:10W) of output power.

The multi-function Liquid-Crystal Display includes attractive backlighting, which may be disabled for battery conservation. The display includes bar-graph indication of power output, ALC voltage, SWR, and modulation level. Also include are a number of operating status icons, as well as the function displays for the three operating function keys (A, B, and C).

Among the advanced features of the FT-897 are many

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

We urge you to read this manual in its entirety, so as to

gain a full understanding of the amazing capability of the exciting new FT-897 Transceiver.

Page 1FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

SPECIFICATIONS

General

Frequency Range: Receive: 0.1-56 MHz, 76-108 MHz, 118-164 MHz, 420-470 MHz

Transmit: 160 - 6 Meters, 2 Meters, 70 Centimeters (Amateur bands only)

5.1675 MHz (Alaska Emergency Frequency: USA only)

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

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

Synthesizer Steps (Min.): 10 Hz (CW/SSB), 100 Hz (AM/FM/WFM) Antenna Impedance: 50 Ohms, Unbalanced (M) Operating Temp. Range: +14 °F to +140 °F (–10 °C to +60 °C) Frequency Stability: ±4 ppm from 1 min. to 60 min after power on. @25 °C: 1 ppm/hour

±0.5 ppm/1 hour @25 °C, after warmup (with optional TCXO-9)

Supply Voltage: Normal: 13.8 VDC ±15 %, Negative Ground

FNB-78 (Ni-MH Battery Pack): 13.2 V (Option)

Current Consumption: Squelched: 600 mA (Approx.)

Receive: 1 A Transmit: 22 A

Case Size (W x H x D): 7.87” x 3.15” x 10.3” (200 x 80 x 262 mm) Weight (Approx.): 8.6 lb (3.9 kg) (w/o Ni-MH battery, antenna, Microphone)

Transmitter

RF Power Output (@13.8 V DC): SSB/CW/FM AM Carrier

160- 6 Meter: 100 W 25 W 2 Meter: 50 W 12.5 W 70 Centimeter: 20 W 5 W

Modulation Types: SSB: Balanced Modulator, AM: Early Stage (Low Level), FM: Variable Reactance FM Maximum Deviation: ±5 kHz (FM-N: ±2.5 kHz) Spurious Radiation: –50 dB (1.8-29.7 MHz)

–60 dB (50/144/430 MHz)

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

Receiver

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

Superheterodyne (WFM)

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

2nd: 455 kHz

Sensitivity: SSB/CW AM FM

100 kHz-1.8 MHz – 32 µV –

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

Squelch Sensitivity: SSB/CW/AM FM

100 kHz-1.8 MHz ––

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

Image Rejection: HF/50 MHz: 70 dB, 144/430 MHz: 60 dB IF Rejection: 60 dB Selectivity (–6/–60 dB): SSB/CW: 2.2 kHz/4.5 kHz

AM: 6 kHz/20 kHz FM: 15 kHz/30 kHz FM-N: 9 kHz/25 kHz S

z/2.0 kHz

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

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

Page 2 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

Hand Microphone MH-31 DC Power Cord Operating Manual Warranty Card

A8J

AVAILABLE OPTIONS

FP-30 External AC Power Supply

FP-1030A External AC Power Supply (25A) FP-1023A Compact Power Supply (23A; U.S.A. only) FNB-78 Ni-MH Battery Pack (13.2 V, 4500 mAh) PA-26B/C/U Ni-MH Battery Charger CD-24 Ni-MH Battery Charger Adapter YF-122S Collins SSB Filter (2.3 kHz/4.7 kHz: -6 dB/-66 dB) YF-122C Collins CW Filter (500 Hz/2 kHz: -6 dB/-60 dB) TCXO-9 TCXO Unit (±0.5 ppm) FC-30 External Automatic Antenna Tuner ATAS-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System ATBK-100 VHF/UHF Antenna Base/Counterpoise Kit MMB-80 Mounting Braket VL-1000 Solid-State Linear Amplifier MD-200A8X Desktop Microphone MH-36E8J DTMF Microphone CT-62 CAT Interface Cable CT-39A Packet Cable CT-58 BAND DATA Cable

Page 3FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

INSTALLATION

POWER CONNECTIONS

The FT-897 is designed use from (1) an external DC power source, (2) internal battery (requires optional FNB-78 Ni-MH battery pack), or (3) AC power source (requires optional FP-30 Internal AC Power Supply).

External DC power source operation

The DC power connector for the FT-897 must only be connected to a DC source providing 13.8 Volts DC (±15%), and capable of at least 22 Amperes of current. Always observe proper polarity when making DC connections:

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

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

Tips for Successful Mobile Installations:

Before connecting the DC cable to the battery, measure

the voltage across the battery terminals with the engine running fast enough to show a charge. If the voltage is above 15 Volts, the vehicle’s voltage regulator should be adjusted to reduce the charging voltage to 14 Volts or lower. Route the DC cable as far away from the ignition cables

as possible. If the DC cable is not long enough, use #12 AWG (mini-

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

Check the battery terminal connections frequently to be

sure they are tight and not corroded. When operating with the vehicle turned off, or operating

from a stand-alone car battery (in a camp site, etc.), be mindful of the minimum operating voltage (11.73 Volts) for the FT-897. If the battery is not charged sufficiently to maintain at least 11¾ Volts at the radio, erratic operation or shut-down may occur.

Caution

Permanent damage can result if improper supply voltage, or reverse-polarity voltage, is applied to the FT-

897. The Limited Warranty on this transceiver does not cover damage caused by application of AC voltage, reversed polarity DC, or DC voltage outside the specified range of 13.8V ±15%. Never attempt to connect the FT- 897 to a 24 Volt battery system.

When replacing fuses, be certain to use a fuse of the proper rating. The FT-897 requires a 25A fast-blow fuse.

Page 4 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

INSTALLATION

POWER CONNECTIONS

AC power source operation (requires optional FP-30 AC power supply)

For base station installations, Yaesu recommends the use of the FP-30 AC power supply, which is designed to clamp onto the FT-897.

Installation

1. Turn the transceiver’s power off, and disconnect all

cables from the transceiver.

2. Remove the six screws (three screws on bottom side and

rear side), then lift off the bottom cover (Figure 1 and 2).

3. Attach the FP-30 to the bottom of the FT-897, then af-

fix it in place with the six screws removed in the above

steps (Figure 3).

4. Connect the 6-pin Molex plug from the FP-30 to the

INPUT jack on the rear panel of the FT-897 (Figure 4).

5. Make sure that your AC voltage is correct and that the

FP-30 POWER switch is set to Off; connect the AC

power cable between the INPUT jack on the rear panel

of the FP-30 and a nearby AC wall outlet.

Operation

1. To turn the transceiver on, turn on the POWER switch on the FP-30 before turning on the POWER switch on the FT-897.

2. To turn the transceiver off, turn off the POWER switch on the FT-897 before turning off the POWER switch on the FP-30.

When you do not use the FP-30 with the FT-897 for a long time, disconnect the AC plug from the AC

wall outlet.

Figure 1

Figure 2

AC Input Voltage Selection (U.S.A. Users only)

Ì Before moving the AC range switch, disconnect the FP-30’s AC Power

Cable from the AC line outlet, then wait 10 minutes to allow the power supply’s electrolytic capacitors to discharge (electrical shock hazard!).

Ì Peel off the label on the side of the FP-30. Ì Move the AC range switch to the “115” position for operation from

100-120 VAC, or to the “230” position for operation from 200-240 VAC.

Ì Always uses the 10 A Fuse in the fuse holder on the rear panel whether

operate on 100-120 VAC or 200-240 VAC. Do not use the improper fuse.

Figure 3

Figure 4

POWER Switch

Peel off the label

Warning: Our Warranty does not cover damage caused by improper supply voltage nor use of an improper fuse.

Page 5FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

INSTALLATION

POWER CONNECTIONS

Internal battery operation (requires optional FNB-78 Ni-MH battery pack)

The optional FNB-78 Ni-MH Battery Pack provides 13.2 Volts of DC power for your FT-897, with a maximum capacity of 4500 mAh (you may install the two FNB-78 into the FT-897, in this time, maximum capacity is 9 Ah!).

A fully charged set of FNB-78 Ni-MH Battery Pack should provide approximately 4 hours of reception under typical conditions.

Installation

1. Turn the transceiver’s power off, and disconnect all cables from the transceiver.

2. Remove the six screws (three screws on bottom side and rear side), then lift off the bottom cover (Figure 1 and 2).

3. Insert the FNB-78 into the battery compartment “A” or “B”on the bottom of the radio so that the battery’s mounting tab is aligned with the mounting hole on the radio’s chassis (Figure 3).

4. Connect the 3-pin connector from the FNB-78 to the battery jack on the radio’s chassis, corresponding to the label (“A” or “B”) of the battery compartment to which the FNB-78 is installed (Figure 3).

5. Remove the plastic cap, which is same label (“A” or “B”) of the battery compartment witch is the FNB-78 installed, from the to bottom cover, before turning the plastic cap so that the small project of the cap is aligned with the slot of the bottom cover (Figure 2).

6. Replace the bottom cover and its six screws.

Charging

Charging of the FNB-78 requires the use of the optional CD-24 Charge Adapter.

1. Turn the radio off.

2. Connect the cable plug from the DC Power supply into

the INPUT jack on the CD-24 Charge Adapter, then insert the cable plug from the CD-24 into the “CHG-A” or “CHG-B” jack on the rear of the radio.

3. The “BATT-A” or “BATT-B” indicator on the front panel of the FT-897 will glow red (Charging) while the battery is being charged. When charging is completed, the red LED indicator will turn to off (Fully Charged). A fully-discharged pack will be charged completely in about four hours.

4. Unplug the cable from the CHG terminal, then disconnect the CD-24 from the DC Power supply.

Operation

Before turning the radio on, select the battery (“A” or “B”) to be used by setting the top panel’s A-B switch as appropri- ate.

AC Power Supply

Figure 1

DC Power Cord

CD-24

Figure 2

Connector “A”

Connector “B”

Plastic Cap

CHG jack on the rear of the radio

Figure 3

Page 6 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

GROUNDING

INSTALLATION

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

It can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the

operator. It can minimize RF currents flowing on the shield of the

coaxial cable and the chassis of the transceiver which may cause interference to nearby home entertainment devices or laboratory test equipment. It can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver op-

eration caused by RF feedback or improper current flow through logic devices.

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

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

Mobile Station Grounding

Although satisfactory grounding in most installations will be achieved via the DC cable’s negative lead and the antenna system’s coaxial cable shield, it is often recommended that you provide a direct ground connection to the vehicle chassis at the mounting location of the transceiver (installation using the optional MMB-80 Mounting Bracket will accomplish this, if the MMB-80 itself is mounted to the vehicle’s chassis). Due to unexpected resonance which may naturally occur in any location, improper communication system performance may result from insufficient grounding. These symptoms may include:

Base Station Earth Grounding

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

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

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

Do not make ground connections from one electrical device to another, and thence to the ground bus. This so-called “Daisy Chain” grounding technique may nullify any attempt at effective radio frequency grounding. See the drawings below for examples of proper and improper ground connections. If your coaxial cable does not connect directly to the station ground bus, you may connect a ground cable to the Ground lug on the FT-897 rear panel.

GND Terminal

RF feedback (resulting in distortion on your transmitted

signal); Unintended frequency change;

Blinking or blanking of the frequency display;

Noise pickup; and/or

Ì Ì

ons may occur in any communica-

tions installation. The FT-897 includes extensive filtering designed to minimize the chance of such problems; however, random currents set up by insufficient RF grounding can nullify such filtering. Bonding the rear panel Ground lug of the FT-897 transceiver to the vehicle or vessel’s ground system should clear up any such difficulties.

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

Improper Ground Connection

Transceiver Linear

Amplifier

"Daisy Chain"

Proper Ground Connection

Transceiver

Linear

Amplifier

Power

Supply

Power

Supply

Page 7FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

INSTALLATION

ANTENNA CONSIDERATIONS

The antenna systems connected to your FT-897 transceiver are, of course, critically important in ensuring successful communications. The FT-897 is designed for use with any antenna system providing a 50 Ω resistive impedance at the desired operating frequency. While minor excursions from the 50 Ω specification are of no consequence, the power amplifier’s protection circuitry will begin to reduce the power output of there is more than a 50% divergence from the specified impedance (less than 33 Ω or greater than 75 Ω, corresponding to a Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) of 1.5:1).

Two antenna jacks are provided on the rear panel of the FT-

897. The “HF/50 MHz ANT” jack is used for HF and 50 MHz, while the “144/430 MHz ANT” jack is used for 144 MHz and 430 MHz.

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

Mobile Antenna Installations

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

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

Yaesu’s Active-Tuned Antenna System (ATAS-100/-120) is a unique HF/VHF/UHF mobile antenna system, which provides automatic tuning when used with the FT-897. See page 39 for full details on the ATAS-100/-120.

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

Base Station Antenna Installations

When installing a “balanced” antenna such as a Yagi or dipole, remember that the FT-897 is designed for use with an (unbalanced) coaxial feedline. Always use a balun or other balancing device so as to ensure proper antenna system performance.

Use high-quality 50 Ω coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT-897 transceiver. All efforts at providing an efficient antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy coaxial cable is used. Losses in coaxial lines increase as the frequency increases, so a coaxial line with 0.5 dB of loss at 7 MHz may have 6 dB of loss at 432 MHz (thereby consuming 75% of your transceiver’s power output!). As a general rule, smaller-diameter coaxial cables tend to have higher losses than larger-diameter cables, although the precise differences depend on the cable construction, materials, and the quality of the connectors used with the cable. See the cable manufacturers’ specifications for details.

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

Loss in dB per 30 m (100 feet)

for Selected 50-ohm Coaxial Cables

Loss Cable Type 1.8 MHz 28 MHz 432 MHz RG-58A 0.55 2.60 >10 RG-58 Form 0.54 2.00 8.0 RG-8X 0.39 1.85 7.0 RG-8A, RG-213 0.27 1.25 5.9 RG-8 Form 0.22 0.88 3.7 Belden 9913 0.18 0.69 2.9 7/8” “Hardline” <0.1 0.25 1.3

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

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

In the event of an approaching electrical storm, disconnect all antenna lead-in, rotator cables, and power cables com-

pletely from your station if the storm is not immediately in your area. Do not allow disconnected cables to touch the

case of your FT-897 transceiver or accessories, as lightning can easily jump from the cable to the circuitry of your transceiver via the case, causing irreparable damage. If a lightning storm is in progress in your immediate area, do not attempt to disconnect the cables, as you could be killed instantly if lightning should strike your antenna structure or a nearby power line.

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

Page 8 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

INSTALLATION

RF FIELD EXPOSURE

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

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

Although there is negligible radio frequency (RF) leakage from the FT-897 transceiver itself, its antenna system should be located as far away from humans and animals as practicable, so as to avoid the possibility of shock due to accidental contact with the antenna or excessive long-term exposure to RF energy. During mobile operation, do not transmit if someone is standing adjacent to your antenna, and use the lowest power possible.

ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY

If this transceiver is used with, or in the vicinity of, a computer or computer-driven accessories, you may need to experiment with grounding and/or Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) suppression devices (such as ferrite cores) to minimize interference to your communications caused by energy from the computer. Computer-generated RFI is usually a result of inadequate shielding of the computer’s cabinet or I/O and peripheral connections. While computer equipment may “comply” with RF emission standards, this does not ensure that sensitive Amateur Radio receivers like the FT-897 will not experience interference from the device!

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

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

Never stand in front of an antenna (during testing or operation) when RF power is applied, especially in the case of 430 MHz directional arrays. The 20 Watt power output supplied by the FT-897, combined with the directivity of a beam antenna, can cause immediate heating of human or animal tissues, and may cause other undesirable medical effects.

HEAT AND VENTILATION

To ensure long life of the components, be certain to provide adequate ventilation around the cabinet of the FT-897. The cooling system of the transceiver must be free to draw cool air in from the side of the transceiver and expel warm air from the rear of the transceiver.

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

Heat Dust VentilationWater & Moisture

Note

Save the packing materials in case you need to transport the set (on an airplane, etc.) and/or return the set for service.

Page 9FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

INSTALLATION

LINEAR AMPLIFIER INTERFACING

The FT-897 provides the switching and drive-control lines required for easy interfacing to most all commonly-available amplifiers sold today.

These include:

The Antenna Jacks (“HF/50MHz” and “144/430MHz”);

A T/R control line (open circuit on RX, closure to ground

on TX); and A negative-going ALC jack (control voltage range: 0V

to –4V DC). When interfacing to the VL-1000 Solid State 1 KW Lin-

ear Amplifier, the optional CT-58 Interface Cable provides for easy interconnection (requires that the Menu Mode No-020 [CAT/LIN/TUN] setting changes to “LIN- EAR”).

The rear-panel CAT/LINEAR jack is an 8-pin, miniature DIN type, with the “TX GND” pin providing a closure to ground on transmit, for T/R control of your linear amplifier. The ACC jack is a miniature stereo type, with external ALC input capability on the tip connection. The main shaft is the ground return. The ring connection of the ACC jack, when closed to ground, places the FT-897 into the transmit mode, and sends a steady CW carrier, for amplifier (or antenna tuner) adjustment purposes.

Typical amplifier interface circuits are shown below.

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

Be sure to configure your amplifier so that it switches via a closure to ground, as provided by your FT-897's CAT/LIN- EAR jack (“TX GND” pin). Alternatively, many of these amplifiers use “RF Sensing” to control their relays; if yours is in this category, you may then use the T/R control line from the “TX GND” pin of the CAT/LINEAR jack for control of your HF linear amplifier, and RF sensing for your VHF or UHF amplifier.

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

Important Note!

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

Most amplifier control relay systems require only low DC voltage/current switching capability (typically, +12V DC at 25 ~ 75 mA), and the switching transistor in the FT-897 will easily accommodate such amplifiers.

To HF Antenna

To 5 0 M Hz An te nna

CONTROL

DC48V IN

INPUT 1

DC 48V IN

CONTROL

ANT 1

ANT 2

ANT 3

VL-1000

ANT 1

To 144 / 430 M Hz Ante nna

/LINEAR

CAT

CT-58 BAND D ATA Cable

ANT 2

CT-58 ALC Cable

REMOTE

BAND DATA 1

BAND DATA 2

BAND-DATA 1

OFF

ALC 1

PTT 1

PTT 2

ALC 1

ALC 2

GND

INPUT 1

INPUT 2

GND

Page 10 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

INSTALLATION

CW KEY/KEYER CONNECTIONS

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

For straight-key operation, only the tip and shaft connections are used.

DASH

DOT

DASH

DOT

Note: Even when using a straight key, you must use a three-

When using an external electronic keyer, be absolutely certain that it is configured for “positive” keying, not “negative” or “grid block” keying. The “key-up” voltage of the FT-897 is +5V, and the “key-down” current is only about 1 mA.

COMMON

conductor (“stereo”) plug. If a two-conductor plug is used, the key line will be constantly shorted to ground.

COMMON

KEY

GND

GNDKEY

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

(

APE RECORDER ETC.

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

DATA OUT

GND

DATA

1200bps

)

ADJUSTING THE FRONT BAIL

The front bail of the transceiver allows the transceiver to be tilted upward for better viewing. Simply fold bail forward to raise the front of the transceiver, and fold bail back against the bottom case to lower the front of the FT-897.

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

Page 11FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

BATT-A

BATT-B

Liquid Crystal Display

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

FUNC Keys

These three keys select many of the most important operating features of the transceiver. When you press the

[F]

key, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, the cur-

rent function of that key will appear above each of the [A], [B]

, and [C] keys (along the bottom of the LCD). You may scroll the display through 17 rows of functions available for use via the [A], [B], and [C] keys. The available features are shown in page 14.

MIC Jack

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

DOWN

MICMIC GN

+5 V

PTT

GND

FAST

PHONES Jack

This 1/4-inch, 3-contact jack accepts either monaural or stereo headphones with 2- or 3-contact plugs. When a plug is inserted, the loudspeaker is disabled. The audio level varies according to the setting of the front panel’s AF knob.

POWER Switch

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

[F]

Key

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

LOCK Key

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

MAIN DIAL

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

AF Knob

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

SQL/RF Knob

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

CLAR/IF SHIFT Key

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

Page 12 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

CLAR Knob

This knob tunes the clarifier offset frequency up to ±9.99 kHz, when the Receiver Clarifier feature is activated by pressing the CLAR/IF SHIFT key.

BAND(DWN)/BAND(UP) Key

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

…1.8 MHz 3.5 MHz 7.0 MHz 10 MHz

14 MHz 15 MHz 18 MHz 24 MHz

28 MHz 50 MHz 88 MHz 108

MHz 144 MHz 430 MHz 1.8 MHz …

MEM/VFO CH Knob

This detented rotary switch is used for VFO frequency tuning, memory selection, and function selection for the

[A], [B], [C]

keys of the transceiver.

DSP Button

Pressing this button momentarily provides instant access to Multi Function Row “p” (MFp), which contains the command key for the receiver’s Digital Signal Processing system. The available functions will appear as the functions displayed above the [A], [B], and [C] keys, as described previously.

HOME Key

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

V/M Key

Pressing this key switches frequency control between the VFO and Memory Systems.

MODE()/MODE() Key

Pressing either of these keys momentarily will change the operating mode. The selections available are: … USB LSB CW CWR

AM DIG PKT USB …

DSP Indicator

This indicator glows green when the DSP feature is activated.

TRANSMIT/BUSY Indicator

This indicator glows green when the squelch opens, and turns red during transmit.

CW-T Indicator

This indicator is a visual tinning indicator for CW reception, which glows green in synchronization with a signal tuned to the center of the IF passband during CW reception.

BATT-A, BATT-B Indicator

These LEDs indicate the battery status for the optional FNB-78 Ni-MH battery pack while internal battery operation. The LED glows green when the battery pack is waiting (switch to off by the A-B switch on the top panel), and turns orange when the is the battery pack en the radio operate the corresponded battery pack by the A-B switch on the top panel. When the battery voltage is approaching the value which indicates depletion is near, the LED blinks orange, indicating it is time to replace the batteries.

CTCSS/DCS Status

: CTCSS ENC Active (Split Tone “ON”) : CTCSS ENC Active (Split Tone “OFF”) : CTCSS ENC/DCS DEC Active (Split Tone “ON”) : CTCSS ENC/DEC (Tone Squelch) Active (Split Tone “ON”) : DCS ENC Active (Split Tone “ON”) : DCS ENC Active (Split Tone “OFF”) : DCS ENC/DEC Active (Split Tone “ON”) : DCS ENC/CTCSS DEC Active (Split Tone “ON”) : CTCSS ENC/DEC (Tone Squelch) Active (Split Tone “OFF”) : DCS ENC/DEC Active (Split Tone “OFF”)

: Odd Split : Minus Shift : Plus Shift

VFO A/B or Memory CH Number

Transverter Mode

Operating Frequency

Meter Status

: S meter

: PO meter

: Modulation Meter

: SWR Meter

: ALC Meter

LCD Details

Multi Function Key Status

Operating Mode

APO Active

DCS Active

: IPO Active : ATT Active : VOX Active

: Priority Active : Dual Receive Active

Battery Operation

Supply Voltage

: ATAS-100/-120 or FC-30 Active : HI SWR (more the “3.0”) : HI Temperature

: IF SHIFT Active : Clarifier Active

: Key Lock “ON”

/ : Fast Tuning Step

Page 13FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES

The [A], [B], and [C] keys select many of the most important operating features of the transceiver. When you press the [F] key, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, the current function of that key will appear above each of the [A],

[B]

, and [C] keys (along the bottom of the LCD). You may scroll the display through 17 rows of functions available for use via the [A], [B], and [C] keys.

BATT-A

BATT-B



[A][B][C]



[A][B][C]



[A][B][C]

FDIAL

Multi Function Row “a” (MFa) [A/B, A=B, SPL

[A]

Key: A/B

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

]

MEM/VFO CH



Multi Function Row “b” (MFb) [MW, SKIP, TAG

[A]

Key: MW Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second to transfer the contents of the VFO into a Memory register.

[B]

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

[C]

Key: TAG Press the [C](TAG) key to select the display type (Frequency or Alpha-numeric Tag) during Memory operation.

]



[A][B][C]



[A][B][C]



Multi Function Row “c” (MFc) [STO, RCL, PROC

[A]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

]



Multi Function Row “d” (MFd) [RPT, REV, VOX

[A]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

]



Page 14 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES



[A][B][C]



[A][B][C]



[A][B][C]

Multi Function Row “e” (MFe) [TON, -------, TDCH

[A]

Key: TON/ENC Press the [A](TON) key to activate CTCSS or DCS operation on FM. When the Split Tone feature is activated via Menu Mode No-079 [SPLIT TONE], this key function changes to “ENC” for activation of the CTCSS Encoder or DCS Encoder. Press the [A](ENC) key to activate the encoder. Press and hold in the [A](TON/ENC) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-083 [TONE FREQ] (for selecting the CTCSS tone frequency).

[B] Normally, this key does nothing. When the Split Tone feature is activated via Menu Mode No-079 [SPLIT TONE], this key function changes to “DEC” to engage the DCS or CTCSS Decoder. Press the [B](DEC) key to activate the decoder. Press and hold in the [B](DEC) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-033 [DCS CODE] (for selecting the DCS code).

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

------

Key:

/DEC

Key: TDCH

] ([

ENC, DEC, TDCH

])



Multi Function Row “f” (MFf) [ARTS, SRCH, PMS

[A]

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

[B]

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

[C]

Key: PMS Press the [C](PMS) key to activate the Programmable Memory Scan feature.

]



[A][B][C]



[A][B][C]



Multi Function Row “g” (MFg) [SCN, PRI, DW

[A]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

]



Multi Function Row “h” (MFh) [SCOP, WID, STEP

[A]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

]



Page 15FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES



[A][B][C]



[A][B][C]

Multi Function Row “i” (MFi) [MTR, --------, DISP

[A]

Key: MTR

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

PWR « ALC « SWR « MOD « PWR

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

[B]

Key

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

PWR « MOD « SWR « ALC « PWR

[C]

Key: DISP

Press the [C](DISP) key to switch the display between the Large Character and Small Character modes.

……

]



Multi Function Row “j” (MFj) [SPOT, BK, KYR

[A]

Key: SPOT

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

[B]

Key: BK Press the [B](BK) key to disable the CW “Semi” break-in operation. Press and hold in the [B](BK) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-029 [CW SIDE TONE] (for setting the CW side tone volume level).

[C]

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

]



[A][B][C]



[A][B][C]



[A][B][C]



Multi Function Row “k” (MFk) [TUNE, DOWN, UP

[A]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

]



Multi Function Row “l” (MFl) [NB, AGC, --------

[A]

Key: NB Press the [A](NB) key to activate the receiver’s IF Noise Blanker. Press and hold in the [A](NB) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-63 [NB LEVEL] (for setting of the NB level).

[B]

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

[C]

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

Multi Function Row “m” (MFm) [IPO, ATT, NAR

[A]

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

[B]

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

[C]

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

]



Page 16 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

FRONT PANEL CONTROL & SWITCHES



[A][B][C]



[A][B][C]

Multi Function Row “n” (MFn) [CFIL,--------,--------

[A]

Key: CFIL

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

[B]

Key

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

[C]

Key

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

]



Multi Function Row “o” (MFo) [PLY1, PLY2, PLY3

[A]

Key: PLY1

Press the [A](PLY1) key to send the CW message which is memorized in BEACON TEXT 1.

[B]

Key: PLY2

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

[C]

Key: PLY3

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

]



Multi Function Row “p” (MFp) [DNR, DNF, DBF

[A]

Key: DNR Press the [A](DNR) key to activate the DSP Noise Reduction system. Press and hold in the [A](DNR) key for one second recall Menu Mode No-049 [DSP NR LEVEL] (for setting the degree of DSP Noise Reduction).

[B]

Key: DNF Press the [B](DNF) key to activate the DSP’s Auto Notch Filter.

[C]

Key: DBF Press the [C](DBF) key to activate the DSP’s receiver Bandpass Filter. In the SSB, AM, FM, and AFSK modes, press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No047 [DSP LPF CUTOFF] (for adjusting the high-frequency cutoff of the DSP Bandpass Filter). In the CW mode, press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second to recall Menu Item No-045 [DSP BPF WIDTH] (for setting the CW bandwidth).

]



[A][B][C]



Multi Function Row “q” (MFq) [MONI, QSPL, ATC

[A]

Key: MONI Press the [A](MONI) key to disable the Noise Squelch. You may program the configuration of this key by the Menu Mode No-065 [PG A].

[B]

Key: QSPL Press the [B](QSPL) key to change the Sub VFO frequency (Main VFO frequency + 5 kHz) and automatically engage the “Split” feature. You may program the configuration of this key by the Menu Mode No-066 [PG B].

[C]

Key: ATC Press the [C](ATC) key to activate a 1750-Hz burst tone for 2 seconds when pressing the PTT switch while the channel is clear. You may program the configuration of this key by the Menu Mode No-067 [PG C].

]

Page 17FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

REAR PANEL CONNECTORS

INPUT Jack

This is the DC power supply connection for the transceiver, used when operating the transceiver with an external power supply. Use the supplied DC cable to connect this jack to the car battery or DC power supply, which must be capable of supplying at least 22A @ 13.8 VDC. For base station operation, the optional FP-30 External AC power supply may be attached to the bottom of the transceiver and connect the output pigtail of the FP-30 to this jack.

GND Terminal

For best performance and safety, this Ground lug may be connected to a good earth ground using a short, heavy, braided cable.

CAT/LINEAR Jack

This 8-pin mini-DIN jack is used for connection to the

FC-30 External Automatic Antenna Tuner or ATAS-100/

-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System. It is also used for

interfacing to a personal computer for control of the transceiver using the CA T system, and for interconnection to the VL-1000 Linear Amplifier.

RESE

BAND D

ACC Jack

This 3.5-mm 3-pin jack accepts external ALC (Automatic Level Control) voltage from a linear amplifier on the tip connection, and accepts a “Transmit Request” command on the ring connection. The main shaft is the ground return. The “TX Request” connection, when shorted to ground, puts the FT-897 into the transmit mode, and sends out a steady CW carrier, for linear amplifier or manual antenna tuner adjustment.

EXT ALC GND

TX REQ

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

EXT SPKR Jack

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

/TUNER

DATA OUT

9600bps

BAND C

GND

+13.8V

SQL

GND

DATA

TX INH

BAND B

BAND A

TX GND

DATA OUT 1200bps

PTT

DATA IN

LINEAR

BAND C

GND

+13.8V

SIGNAL GND

144/430 MHz Antenna Jack

Connect your 144 and/or 430 MHz antenna’s 50 Ω coaxial cable to this M-type (“SO-239”) connector.

HF/50 MHz Antenna Jack

Connect your HF and/or 50 MHz antenna’s 50 Ω coaxial cable to this M-type (“SO-239”) connector.

TX INH

RX D

TX D

TX GND

CAT

DATA Jack

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

Page 18 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TOP & BOTTOM PANEL CONNECTORS

Top Panel Switch

Bottom Panel Connector

A-B Switch

Selects the battery pack to be used, when you have installed two optional FNB-78 Ni-MH battery packs into the FT-897.

METER Jack

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

SIGNAL GND

Page 19FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

OPERATION

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

your new FT-897. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encourage you to read the “Operation” section of this manual as thoroughly as possible, so you’ll get the most out of this fantastic new rig. Now. . .let’s get operating!

TURNING THE TRANSCEIVER ON AND OFF

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

switch for one second. To turn the transceiver off, again press and hold in the

POWER switch for one second.

BATT-A

BATT-B

POWER

When you are operating the FT-897 with the

optional FP-30 External power supply, always

turn on the MAIN switch on the FP-30 before turning on the POWER switch on the FT-897. When shutting down, please turn off the POWER switch on the FT897 before turning off the MAIN switch on the FP-30.

OPERATING BAND SELECTION

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

To change the frequency band, press either the

BAND(DWN) or BAND(UP) key to move to the next lower

or higher operating band, respectively.

BATT-A

BATT-B

BAND

5 MHz

7 MHz

3.5 MHz

1.8 MHz

10 MHz

BAND

14 MHz

15 MHz

18 MHz

21 MHz

LCD Contrast

If you experience difficulty in reading the main display, try adjusting the LCD’s contrast, using the Menu mode.

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-042 [DISP CONTRAST].

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the contrast. As you make the adjustment, you will be able to see the ef-

430 MHz

for details.

108 MHz

88 MHz

50 MHz

VFOa and VFOb are independent VFOs, so they may be set to different bands. See the “Stacked VFO System” discussion on page 22

24.5 MHz

28 MHz144 MHz

fects of you changes.

4. When you have completed the adjustment, press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.

Menu Quick Start

Many aspects of this transceiver’s configuration may be customized using the convenient “Menu” system, which allow you to configure many “set and forget” settings just the way you want to. A full discussion of the Menu system begins on page 52; for now, here is a brief discussion on how to change Menu settings:

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall the Menu Item to be changed (for example, Menu Mode No-001

[

EXT MENU], which Enables or Disables the “Extended

Menu” Mode).

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this feature (in this example, the default setting is “OFF (Disabled),” so rotate the DIAL knob to set this feature to “ON” (Enabled).

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

If you have momentarily pressed the [F] key to enable the changing of the function of the Multi Function keys ([A], [B], and [C]) by

the MEM/VFO CH knob.

BATT-A

BATT-B

FDIAL

MEM/VFO CH

Page 20 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

OPERATION

MODE SELECTION

Press either the MODE() or MODE() key to move among the eight settings for the operating modes, respectively.

BATT-A

BATT-B

MODE

LSB USB CW CWR

AMFMDIGPKT

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

You can set VFOa and VFOb to different modes in the same band, allowing you to have a “Phone” VFO and a “CW” VFO, for example.

MODE

ADJUSTING THE AUDIO VOLUME LEVEL

Rotate the AF knob to set a comfortable listening level.

BATT-A

BATT-B

ADJUSTING THE RF GAIN AND SQUELCH

The SQL/RF Gain control is configured differently, depending on the country to which the FT-897 has been exported. In the U.S. version, the default function of this control is “RF Gain.” The configuration of the SQL/RF Gain control is set via Menu Mode No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN]; see page 59 for details.

BATT-A

BATT-B

SQL/RF

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

GAIN] is “RF Gain.”

If this control is configured for “SQL” operation, the FT897’s RF Gain will be set for maximum sensitivity in all

modes, and the SQL/RF Gain control will function solely as a Squelch control. In this case, rotate the SQL/RF Gain control to the point where the background noise is just silenced; this will provide the best sensitivity to weak signals, while keeping the receiver quiet when no signal is received. The LED just above the Main Dial will glow Green when the squelch is opened by an incoming signal or noise.

When operating in the “DIG” or “PKT” modes, you may set the AF knob to any comfortable setting, or even all the way off, because the output from the DATA jack is a fixed- level audio signal.

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

Battery consumption is significantly reduced if the receiver is squelched, as the audio amplifier stage is shut off when the receiver is muted.

Page 21FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

OPERATION

SETTING THE OPERATING FREQUENCY

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

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

CH knob to set the frequency. Clockwise rotation of the MEM/VFO CH increases the operating frequency.

3. You may also use the MEM/VFO CH knob to adjust the operating frequency in the “SSB/CW/DIG” modes. The MEM/VFO CH knob provides faster tuning, ideal for making quick changes in frequency when you want to move across the band in a hurry. You can then use the DIAL knob to make fine frequency adjustments.

BATT-A

BATT-B

DIAL MEM/VFO CH

The synthesizer steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob may be adjusted independently by mode. Use Menu Mode No-006

[

AM STEP] for AM, No-052 [FM STEP] for FM, and No-

082 [SSB STEP] for SSB/CW/Digital. See pages 54, 57,

and 59 for details.

If you press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, you can now change the operating frequency in 1 MHz steps, allowing very quick frequency excursions. This can be particularly helpful on the VHF and UHF bands.

In step 2 above, it was mentioned that tuning in the “AM/ FM/PKT” modes is accomplished using the MEM/VFO CH knob. By default, the DIAL is disabled in these modes; if you wish to enable the DIAL in these modes, use Menu Mode

No-004 [AM&FM DIAL]; see page 54.

The main DIAL synthesizer’s tuning rate (the number of steps per rotation of the DIAL) can be adjusted using Menu Mode No-035 [DIAL

STEP]. See page 56 for details.

STACKED VFO SYSTEM

Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “a” [A/B,

A=B, SPL] appears on the display.

MODE

BAND

DSP

MEM/VFO CH

DWN UP

SQL

CLARAF

/RF

V/M

BATT-A

BATT-B

PHONE

MIC

LOCK

DSP

A F MEM/VFO CH

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

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

such as on FM satellites.

CHANGING THE DIAL SPEED

By default, the FT-897 begins operation in the “fine tuning” mode for the main tuning dial. However, a faster tuning rate may be selected, for quick navigation up and down the band.

BATT-A

BATT-B

POWER

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

Page 22 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

LOCKING FRONT PANEL CONTROLS

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

MODE

BAND

DSP

MEM/VFO CH

DWN UP

SQL

CLARAF

/RF

V/M

BATT-A

BATT-B

PHONE

MIC

LOCK

DSP

LOCK

In the transceiver’s default configuration, pressing the LOCK button disables just the DIAL, while the other keys and switches are unaffected.

To lock out the remainder of the controls and the MEM/ VFO CH knob, use Menu Mode No-054 [LOCK MODE];

1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the

Menu mode.

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob so as to recall No-054

[

LOCK MODE].

3. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired configuration:

DIAL: Locks DIAL knob only. FREQ: Locks front panel keys and knobs related to fre-

quency control (such as BAND(DWN) and BAND(UP) key, [A](A/B) key., etc.)

PANEL: Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except

POWER and LOCK keys)

ALL: Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except

POWER and LOCK keys) and microphone keys.

4. When you have made your selection, Press and hold in

the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

When the controls are locked out, press the LOCK button once more to release them to normal operation.

CLARIFIER

(

RECEIVER INCREMENTAL TUNING

)

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

MODE

BAND

DSP

MEM/VFO CH

DWN UP

SQL

CLARAF

/RF

V/M

BATT-A

BATT-B

PHONE

MIC

LOCK

DSP

CLARCLAR/IF SHIFT

1. Press the CLAR/IF SHIFT button momentarily to acti-

vate the Clarifier function.

2. Turn the CLAR knob, which allows the receiver fre-

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

3. When the receiving frequency is higher than transmit frequency, the “ (within 1 kHz)” or “ (exceed 1 kHz)” icon will appear at the right of the frequency display. Similarly, when the receiving frequency is lower than transmit frequency, the “ (within 1 kHz)” or “ (exceed 1 kHz)” icon will appear at the right of the frequency display. When the receiving frequency is equal to transmit frequency (Clarifier offset is zero) while the Clarifier is activated, the “–” icon will appear at the right of the frequency display.

4. To turn the Clarifier off, again press the CLAR/IF SHIFT button momentarily. When you turn the Clarifier back on, the offset previously stored will still be applied.

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

[

TX<RX (within 1 kHz

[

TX=RX (Simplex

[

TX>RX (within 1 kHz

[

TX>RX (exceed 1 kHz

)]

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

2) You may change the knob that controls the Clarifier offset from the DIAL to the MEM/VFO

CH knob via Menu Mode No-021 [CLAR DIAL SEL].

Page 23FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

IF SHIFT

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

MODE

BAND

DSP

MEM/VFO CH

DWN UP

SQL

CLARAF

/RF

CLARCLAR/IF SHIFT

V/M

BATT-A

BATT-B

PHONE

MIC

LOCK

DSP

1. Press and hold in the CLAR/IF SHIFT button for one

second to activate the IF SHIFT feature. An icon, such as “ ”, “ (slightly shifted to the upper side),” “ (more shifted to the upper side),” “ (slightly shifted to the lower side),” or “ (more shifted to the lower side)” icon will appear at the right of the frequency display to indicate the IF SHIFT’s current position.

2. Rotate the CLAR knob, as needed, to reduce or elimi-

nate the interference.

3. To turn the IF SHIFT feature off, again press and hold in

the CLAR/IF SHIFT button for one second. The last setting of the IF SHIFT control will be retained until you change it again.

AGC

(

AUTOMATIC GAIN CONTROL

)

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

MODE

BAND

DSP

MEM/VFO CH

DWN UP

SQL

CLARAF

/RF

V/M

BATT-A

BATT-B

PHONE

MIC

LOCK

B F MEM/VFO CH

DSP

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “l”

[

NB, AGC, AUTO] appears on the display.

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

AUTO « FAST « SLOW « AUTO

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

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

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

)

If you wish to make a more permanent shift in the receiver’s IF passband, use Menu Mode No-015 [CAR LSB R] (for LSB mode) or No-017 [CAR USB R] (for USB mode). This allows you to set up a higher or lower listening pitch, if you prefer such as compared to the default passband response. See page 55.

Page 24 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

NOISE BLANKER

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

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “l” [

NB, AGC, OFF] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](NB) key to activate the Noise Blanker. Parentheses will appear on both sides of the “NB” selection, indicating that the Noise Blanker is now on.

3. To adjust the blanking level, press and hold in the [A](NB)

Menu Mode No-063 [NB LEVEL], which allows adjustment of Noise Blanking Level. Rotate the DIAL knob to set a higher or lower blanking level (on a scale of 0 to

100). When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and return to normal operation.

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

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

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “m” [IPO, ATT, NAR] appears on the display.

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

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

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

key for one second. This instantly activates

IPO

(

INTERCEPT POINT OPTIMIZATION

On the bands below 14 MHz, the input preamplifier is rarely necessary, and activation of the IPO feature will provide substantial protection

)

ATT

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

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “m” [IPO, ATT, NAR] appears on the display.

2. Press the [B](ATT) key to activate the Attenuator. Parentheses will appear on both sides of the “ATT” selection, and the “ ” icon will appear on the display.

3. Press the [B](ATT) key once more to switch the Attenuator out of the receiver front end circuit. Signals will again be received at a level 10 dB louder than was the case when the Attenuator was engaged.

(

FRONT END ATTENUATOR

)

DSP BANDPASS FILTER

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

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

2. Press the [C](DBF) key to activate the DSP Bandpass Filter. Parentheses will appear on both sides of the “DBF” selection, and the “DSP” will appear at the center top on the display. You will notice a decrease in both background noise and interference, if any is present.

3. The bandwidth of the DSP filter may be modified, to customize the bandwidth to your operating needs. To adjust the Low-Cut and High-Cut characteristics of the DSP Bandpass Filter:

• Press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second.

This instantly activates Menu Mode No-047 [DSP

LPF CUTOFF], which allows adjustment of the High-

Cut (Low-Pass) filter.

• Turn the DIAL, as desired, to adjust the high-fre-

quency cutoff of the DSP Bandpass Filter.

• Now rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click

counter-clockwise to select Menu Mode No-047

[

DSP HPF CUTOFF], which allows adjustment of the

Low-Cut (High-Pass) filter.

• Turn the DIAL, as desired, to adjust the low-frequency

cutoff of the DSP Bandpass Filter.

• When done, press and hold the [F] key for one sec-

ond to save the new setting(s) and return to normal operation.

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

HPF

100 Hz~1000 Hz

LPF

1000 Hz~6000 Hz

Page 25FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

DSP CW PEAKING FILTER

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

The center frequency of the DSP CW Peaking Filter is automatically aligned to be centered on the response you have selected via the Menu Mode in item No-027 [CW PITCH]. See page 55 for details.

To change the bandwidth of the DSP CW Peaking Filter:

1. Press and hold in the [C](DBF) key for one second on the CW mode. This instantly activates Menu Mode No-

045 [DSP BPF WIDTH], which allows selection of the

bandwidth of the DSP CW Peaking Filter.

2. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired bandwidth. The available values are 60 Hz, 120 Hz, and 240 Hz (default value: 240 Hz).

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

DSP NOISE REDUCTION (NR

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

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

2. Press the [A](DNR) key to activate the DSP Noise Reduction feature. “Parentheses” will appear on the both sides of the “DNR” indication, and the “DSP” will appear at the center top on the display.

3. Now press and hold in the [A](DNR) key for one second. This instantly activates Menu Mode No-049 [DSP

NR LEVEL], which allows adjustment of the DSP Noise

Reduction level.

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

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

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

DNR) key again.

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

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

)

60 Hz

120 Hz

240 Hz

DSP NOTCH FILTER

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

1. Press the [DSP] key momentarily. This instantly acti-

vates Multi Function Row “p” [DNR, DNF, DBF].

2. Press the [B](DNF) key to activate the Notch Filter. “Pa-

rentheses” will appear on the both sides of the “DNF” indication, and the “DSP” will appear at the center top on the display. You will notice that the audio level of the carrier signal is now being reduced.

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

Filter off.

Do not activate this filter in the CW mode, as

incoming CW signals will be notched out of the

audio passband!

Page 26 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

RECEIVER ACCESSORIES

AM/FM TUNING DIAL OPERATION

In the AM and FM modes, the DIAL knob is locked out (via the setting of Menu Mode No-004 [AM&FM DIAL]) so as to allow “channelized” tuning on these modes. To adjust the operating frequency, simply rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob.

If you wish to enable the DIAL for tuning in the AM and FM modes, change the setting of Menu Mode No-004 [AM&FM

DIAL]. See page 54 for details.

The “channelized” mode of tuning on AM and FM automatically rounds off the frequency to the next “logical” step when you rotate the

MEM/VFO CH knob one “click” in either direction. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to preset the frequency to an “even” channel.

AUTOMATIC POWER-OFF FEATURE

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

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode

No-007 [APO TIME].

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired time period after which the radio will automatically shut down.

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

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

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

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

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

Page 27FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

SSB/AM TRANSMISSION

Basic Setup/Operation

1. Press the MODE() or MODE() key so as to select

either SSB (LSB/USB) or the AM mode. In the SSB mode, if you are operating on the 7 MHz or lower bands, select the LSB mode. If you are operating on the 14 MHz or higher bands, select the USB mode.

2. Press the [F] key momentarily,

then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “i” [MTR, PWR,

DISP] appears on the display.

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

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

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

• Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter

the Menu mode.

• Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode

No-081 [SSB MIC GAIN] (on SSB) or No-005 [AM MIC GAIN] (on AM).

• Close the PTT switch, and while speaking into the

microphone rotate the DIAL until the proper ALC indication is achieved on voice peaks.

• When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one

second to save the new setting for the Microphone Gain.

1) The AM carrier level is preset to 25 Watts during alignment at the factory, and should not

require further adjustment. It is important to remember that AM transmission requires that power must be distributed among the carrier and voice sidebands; therefore, if excessive carrier power is used, there will be insufficient power available for the information-carrying voice sidebands.

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

](MTR)

or [B] key to select the “ALC”

A8J

micro-

VOX Operation

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

1. Press the [F] key momentarily,

then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV,

VOX] appears on the display.

2. Press the [C](VOX) key to activate the VOX circuitry. “Parentheses” will appear on the both sides of the “VOX” indication, and the “ ” icon will appear on the display.

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

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

5. The VOX Gain may be adjusted, so as to prevent accidental transmitter activation in a noisy environment. To adjust the VOX Gain:

• While still in Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV,

VOX], press and hold in the [C](VOX) key for one

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

• While speaking into the microphone, rotate the DIAL

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

• When you have selected the optimum setting, press

and hold the [F] key for one second to save the new settings and return to normal operation.

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

• Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to acti-

vate the Menu mode.

• Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-087 [VOX DELAY].

• Rotate the DIAL while saying a brief syllable like

“Ah” and listening to the hang time, so as to set the desired delay.

• hen your adjustments are complete, press and hold

in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and return to normal operation.

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

next chapter).

Page 28 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

SSB/AM TRANSMISSION

AF Speech Processor Operation

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

1. Press the [F] key, as necessary, to recall Multi Function Row “c” [

STO, RCL, PROC].

2. Press the [C](PROC) key to activate the AF Speech Processor. “Parentheses” will appear on both sides of the “PROC” indication.

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

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

PROC) key.

5. The Compression Level may be adjusted via the Menu, as follows:

• While still in Operating Function “c” [STO, RCL,

PROC], press and hold in the [C](PROC) key for one second. This instantly recalls Menu Mode No-074

[

PROC LEVEL].

• Rotate the DIAL to set a new level of Compression

(the default value is “50”).

• When you have made your selection, press and hold

the [F] key for one second to save your new setting and return to normal operation.

• Make some on-the-air checks, or use a monitor re-

ceiver in your station, to ensure that good voice quality has been obtained via your adjustment.

DSP Microphone Equalizer

In the SSB, AM, and FM transmission modes, you may use the DSP system to change the frequency response of the audio stage. This will allow you to roll off excessive highand/or low-frequency components of your voice’s audio characteristics.

To set up the DSP Microphone Equalizer feature:

1. Press and hold in the [DSP] key for one second. This instantly activates Menu Mode No-048 [DSP MIC EQ].

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

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

phasized)

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

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

to find the one which is best for your voice.

Page 29FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

CW TRANSMISSION

Operation using Straight Key/External Keying Device

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

1. Insert your key’s (three-conductor) plug into the rear-

panel KEY jack.

GNDKEY

DOT

DASH

DOT

COMMON

DASH

COMMON

KEY

GND

2. Press the MODE() or MODE() key, as needed, to

select one of the CW modes (CW/CWR).

The “CW” mode utilizes USB-side carrier injection, while the CWR (Reverse) mode utilizes LSB-side injection.

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

4. The CW hang time can be adjusted using the Menu Mode. To adjust the CW hang time:

• Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter

the Menu mode.

• Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to Menu Mode No-

024 [CW DELAY].

• Rotate the DIAL to select a longer or shorter delay

time (default: 250 ms). If the delay selection is set to “FULL,” the transceiver will operate in the full breakin mode (allowing you to hear between the characters that are being sent).

• When you have set the desired delay, press and hold

in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

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

6. You can adjust the CW sidetone volume level via Menu Mode No-029 [CW SIDE TONE]. To adjust the CW sidetone volume level:

• While still in Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK,

], press and hold in the [B](BK)

KYR

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

• Rotate the DIAL to select a new level; on the arbi-

trary scale of “0” ~ “100,” the default value is “50.”

• When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one

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

7. You also can adjust the CW sidetone pitch using Menu Mode No-027 [CW PITCH]. This adjustment also controls the BFO offset (actual pitch of your transmitted signal relative to your current receive frequency). To adjust the CW sidetone pitch:

• Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter

the Menu mode.

• Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to Menu Mode No-

027 [CW PITCH].

• Rotate the DIAL to select a new pitch tone/BFO off-

set. The available offset range is 400 ~ 800 Hz (default value is “700 Hz”).

• When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one

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

8. The FT-897 also has a “CW SPOT” feature, utilizing the sidetone. Because the sidetone is a representation of the actual pitch of your transmitted signal, it may be used for zeroing in on another station. To activate the CW SPOT tone, just press and hold in the [HOME] key for one second while in the CW mode.

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

key for one sec-

]

Page 30 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

CW TRANSMISSION

Using the Built-in Electronic Keyer

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

1. Connect your keyer paddle’s cable to the KEY jack on

the rear panel of the transceiver.

2. Press the MODE() or MODE() key, as needed, to

select the desired CW mode (CW/CWR).

3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “j” [

SPOT, BK, KYR] appears on the display.

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

5. The keyer speed may be adjusted using the Menu Mode. To adjust the Keyer speed:

• While still in Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK,

KYR], press and hold in the [C](KYR) key for one

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

• Press the MEM/VFO CH knob if you wish to select

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

• Rotate the DIAL knob, while sending, to set the de-

sired sending speed.

• When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one

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

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

6. The Dot:Dash weighting ratio may be adjusted via Menu Mode. To adjust the Dot:Dash weighting ratio:

• Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter

the Menu mode.

• Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-032 [CW WEIGHT].

• Rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired weight.

• When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one

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

Dot : Dash = 1 3 (default) :

Dot : 1

Dash : 3

Dot : Dash = 1 : 4.4

Dot : 1

Dash : 4.4

7. You may select “normal” or “reverse” paddle polarity via Menu Mode No-025 [CW KEY REV]. The default setting for this feature is “NORMAL,” whereby the “Tip” connection on the Key Plug is “Dot” and the “Ring” connection is “Dash.” To change the paddle polarity:

• Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter

the Menu mode.

• Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-025 [CW KEY REV].

• Rotate the DIAL knob to select the new setting.

• When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one

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

Page 31FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FM TRANSMISSION

Basic Setup/Operation

1. Press the MODE() or MODE() key so as to select

the FM mode.

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

3. If you get reports that your modulation level is too high or too low, you may need to adjust the FM-mode microphone gain. The procedure is similar to that used on SSB:

• Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “i” [MTR, PWR, DISP] appears on the display, then press the [A](MTR) key to select the “Deviation” meter function (“MOD” will appear above the [B key).

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

5. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode

No-051 [FM MIC GAIN].

6. Rotate the DIAL to increase or decrease the setting of the FM Mic Gain, depending on the level correction required, then press and hold in the [F] key to save the new setting.

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

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

9. The VOX feature is operational during FM transmission. From Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX], press the [C](VOX) key to activate/deactivate VOX.

Repeater Operation

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row

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

2. Press the [A](RPT) key to activate repeater operation. One press of the [A](RPT) key will have set the transceiver for “Minus Shift” operation. In this situation, you will observe the “–” indicator on the display. The transmitter frequency will be shifted down by a default value so as to access the repeater input frequency. If your repeater uses a positive shift (instead of negative), press the [A](RPT) key again; the “+” indicator will replace the “–” indicator on the display. Set the transceiver’s

]

receiver to the repeater output (downlink) frequency. Close the PTT switch and speak into the microphone. You will observe that the transmitted frequency has shifted according to the setting of the [A](RPT) key in the Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX]. Release the PTT switch to return to the Receive mode.

3. If the default repeater shift is not appropriate for the majority of the repeaters your area, it may be set independently for each band. To change the default repeater shift:

• Press and hold in the [A](RPT) key for one second.

This instantly recalls Menu Mode No-076 [RPT

SHIFT].

• Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired shift fre-

quency.

• When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one

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

ARS-Repeater Subbands

2-m

145.1 145.5

Version A

146.0 146 .4 147.0 147.6 148.0

145.6 145.8

Version A

433.00 433.40

146.6 147 .4

European Version

70-cm

440.0 445.0 450 .0

439.45438.20

Euro Version 1

Euro Version 2

4. If your repeater uses controlled access (using either CTCSS or DCS), press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click clockwise to cause Multi Function Row “e” [TON, -----, TDCH] to appear on the display. Now select the appropriate tone access system:

• Press the [A](TON) key to activate the CTCSS tone

encoder, which provides a subaudible repeater access tone. One press of the [A](TON) key will activate the CTCSS tone encoder. In this situation, you will observe the “TEN” indicator on the display. If

Page 32 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FM TRANSMISSION

you press the [A](TON) key repeatedly, you will observe “TSQ” (CTCSS Encode/Decode), “DEN” (Digital Coded Squelch, Encode), followed by “DCS” (Digital Coded Squelch, Encode/Decode). One additional press will disable all repeater-access tone systems. See the next section for a discussion of DCS operation.

• If the default repeater access tone is not appropriate for the repeater on which you are operating, it may be set easily:

1. Press and hold the [A](TON) key for one second.

This instantly recall Menu Mode No-083 [TONE

FREQ].

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired CTCSS

frequency.

CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY (Hz)

67.0 69.3 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7 82.5 85.4

88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4 100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9

114.8 118.8 123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2

151.4 156.7 159.8 162.2 165.5 167.9 171.3 173.8

177.3 179.9 183.5 186.2 189.9 192.8 196.6 199.5

203.5 206.5 210.7 218.1 225.7 229.1 233.6 241.8

250.3 254.1

Tone Search Scanning

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

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “e” [TON, -----, TDCH] appears on the display.

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

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

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

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

3. When done, press and hold the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

5. With repeater shift activated, you can temporarily reverse the transmit and receive frequencies by pressing the [B](REV) key in the Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX]. The “–” icon will blink while “Reverse” shift is activated. Press the [B](REV) key again to revert to the “Normal” shift direction.

6. On many transceiver versions, the Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS) feature is enabled at the factory. This feature automatically activates the appropriate repeater shift when you are operating inside the designated 144 MHz or 430 MHz FM repeater sub-bands in your country. If you wish to change the On/Off settings for the ARS, use Menu Mode No-002 [144MHz ARS] or Menu Mode

No-003 [430MHz ARS] (see page 54).

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

mit the burst tone (FM mode only).

Page 33FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FM TRANSMISSION

DCS Operation

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

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “e” [TON, -----, TDCH] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](TON) key four times to activate the DCS Encoder/Decoder (the “DCS” icon will appear on the display). The receiver will remain muted until a matching DCS code is received on an incoming signal.

3. Press and hold in the [B] key for one second. This instantly recalls Menu Mode No-033 [DCS CODE].

4. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired DCS code, then press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save new setting and exit to normal operation.

DCS CODE

023 025 026 031 032 036 043 047 051 053

054 065 071 072 073 074 114 115 116 122

125 131 132 134 143 145 152 155 156 162

165 172 174 205 212 223 225 226 243 244

245 246 251 252 255 261 263 265 266 271

274 306 311 315 325 331 332 343 346 351

356 364 365 371 411 412 413 423 431 432

445 446 452 454 455 462 464 465 466 503

506 516 523 526 532 546 565 606 612 624

627 631 632 654 662 664 703 712 723 731

732 734 743 754

Split Tone Operation

The FT-897 can be configured in a “Split Tone” configuration via the Menu mode.

This allows you to encode a CTCSS Tone, decode a DCS code, encode (only) a DCS code, etc.

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-079 [SPLIT TONE].

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

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

When the Split Tone feature is activated, the Multi Function Row “e” selection changes to [ENC, DEC, TDCH]. So, you can set the desired encoder (by pressing [A](ENC) key, repeatedly, if necessary) and decoder (by pressing the [B](DEC key) separately.

When the Split Tone feature is activated, you can see the following additional parameters.

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

D :DCS Decode only T :CTCSS Tone Decode only

)

5. Press the [A](TON) key once to cancel DCS operation (the “DCS” icon will disappear).

DCS Search Scanning

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

To scan for the DCS code in use:

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “e” [TON, -----, TDCH] appears on the display.

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

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

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

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

Split Tone Frequency or DCS Code Setup

1. Press and hold in the [A](ENC [B](

stantly recalls Menu Mode No-083 [TONE FREQ] or No-

033 [DCS CODE].

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

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Decode CTCSS frequency (or DCS code).

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

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Encode CTCSS frequency (or DCS code).

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

)(if you use DCS)

DEC

)(if you use CTCSS)

key for one second. This in-

Page 34 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FM TRANSMISSION

ARTS™ Operation

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

ARTS™ is easy to use:

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “f” [

ARTS, SRCH, PMS] appears on the display.

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

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

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

CW Identifier Setup

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

Here’s how to program the CW Identifier:

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select the Menu Mode

No-010 [ARTS IDW].

3. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily to initiate callsign storage (the first character location of the callsign field will be underlined.).

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

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

6. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily to save your completed callsign and exit.

7. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click counter-clockwise to select the Menu Mode No-009 [ARTS ID].

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

9. Press and hold the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

ARTS ALERT BEEP OPTIONS

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

RANGE: The beeps are issued only when the radio first

confirms that you are within range, but does not re-confirm with beeps thereafter.

ALL: Every time a polling transmission is received

from the other station, the alert beeps will be heard.

OFF: No alert beeps will be heard; you must look at

the display to confirm current ARTS™ status.

To set the ARTS™ Beep mode:

1. While still in Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS, SRCH,

PMS], press and hold the [A](ARTS) key for one sec-

ond. This is a “hot key” which will instantly recall Menu Mode No-008 [ARTS BEEP].

2. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired ARTS™ Beep mode

(see above).

3. When you have made your selection, press and hold the [F]

key for one second to save the new setting and exit

to normal operation.

Page 35FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

DIGITAL MODE OPERATION (SSB-BASED AFSK

The FT-897 provides extensive capability for digital mode operation on the HF, VHF, and UHF bands. The use of AFSK (Audio Frequency-Shifted Keying) configurations allows a wide variety of different communication modes to be utilized. The Menu provides for specific digital mode selections, which include custom BFO offsets to optimize the receive and transmit passbands for the mode selected.

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

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-038 [DIG MODE].

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

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

Use this technique to set up any digital mode.

RTTY (Radio TeleType) Operation

The “RTTY” mode on the FT-897 is available in either LSB- side or USB-side BFO injection. Long-standing Amateur practice calls for the use of LSB-side injection, but some applications require that you use USB-side injection.

)

3. If the optional YF-122C 500 Hz filter has been installed,

it may be used for RTTY work. Recall Multi Function Row “n” [CFIL, -----, -----], then press the [B](-----) or [C](-

----) key to engage the narrow filter.

4. To set up the transmit side, be sure that the Meter is set to monitor ALC voltage. If not, press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select to select Multi Function Row “i” [MTR, -----, DISP], then press the [A](MTR) or [B] key so as to select metering of ALC (“ALC” icon will appear at the upper of the [B key).

5. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to enter the Menu mode, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-037 [DIG GAIN].

6. Following the instructions for your TNC’s software, activate the transmitter from the computer keyboard; this should cause the AFSK output from the TNC to be sent to the radio. While transmitting, view the ALC meter; a few “dots” of ALC indication should be observed. If not, rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the AFSK level within the FT-897 for seven to eight dots of indication on the ALC meter.

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

Because RTTY is a continuous-duty transmission mode, try to keep your transmission short when running on battery power, so as to mini-

mize current drain.

]

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

minal modem to the FT-897’s rear-panel DATA jack, per the illustration. Be sure to use the “TX AUDIO” line, not an “FSK” line, for the transmit data connection to the FT-897.

AFSK

OUT

AF IN PTT

DATA OUT

GND

PTT

DATA IN

2. Press the MODE() or MODE() key, as needed, to

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

Page 36 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

DIGITAL MODE OPERATION (SSB-BASED AFSK

PSK31 Operation

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

Connect the FT-897 to your computer’s sound card or interface, per thenillustration.

Setup for PSK31 operation is basically identical to that previously described for RTTY operation. As before, use the “DIG” mode. However, in Menu Mode No-038 [DIG

MODE], select “PSK31-L” (for LSB injection) or “PSK31U” (for USB injection). As with RTTY, Menu #38 may be

used to set the drive to the transmitter. And the YF-122C 500 Hz filter may also be utilized, as described previously.

“USER” DEFINED DIGITAL MODES

Also provided in the FT-897 are two convenient “USER” Digital modes, one each providing USB- and LSB-side injection, which may be used for SSTV, Fax, Pactor, and other digital operating modes.

)

Packet (1200/9600 bps FM) Operation

The FT-897 is designed for operation on either 1200 bps or 9600 bps packet, and setup is similar to that described previously for SSB-based modes. A separate Data input adjustment is provided, allowing you to optimize the deviation on the FM Packet modes separately from the levels set for SSBbased Digital modes. The RX-Data

level outputs, not affected by the setting of the AF Gain control.

1. Connect your TNC to the FT-897’s rear-panel DATA

jack, per the illustration. Note that different connections are used for 1200 bps and 9600 bps Packet.

DATA

DATA OUT (1200bps)

GND

DATA OUT

(9600bps)

output lines are fixed-

DATA

OUT

PTT

DATA IN

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

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

2. Press the MODE()/MODE() key, as needed, to select the DIG operating mode (the “DIG” icon will appear on the display).

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

VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-039 [DIG SHIFT], and rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired BFO

offset. (a center frequency for the receiver response). For WSJT use, a setting of about “+1500” will be a good starting point.

4. Finally, depending on how you wish the display to respond, you may program in a corresponding display shift, using Menu Mode No-036 [DIG DISP].

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

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

The USER-L and USER-U Digital modes should allow you to operate on any SSB-based

AFSK Digital mode. Note that the “PSK31” configurations will also work well for many Digital operating situations.

2. Use Menu Mode No-073 [PKT RATE] to select the desired Packet mode. Once you have entered the Menu and have selected Menu Mode No-073 [PKT RATE], rotate the DIAL knob to select either “1200” or “9600” (bps) as the Packet rate.

3. Press the MODE()/MODE() key, as needed, to select the PKT operating mode (the “PKT” icon will appear on the display).

You are now set up for reception on Packet. If you are operating on 1200 bps, try now to connect to another station or node; you may well find that the drive level needs no further adjustment. If, however, you are having trouble connecting due to insufficient or excessive drive from the TNC to the FT-897, use Menu Mode No-071 [PKT 1200] (for 1200 bps Packet) or No-072 [PKT 9600] (for 9600 bps Packet) to set the drive. Use your terminal software’s “test” protocol to send out test tones, and adjust the deviation by rotating the DIAL knob, which will vary the data input level to the FT-897’s modulator. Remember to press and hold in the [F]

key for one second when adjustments are completed, so

as to save the new setting for Menu Mode No-071 [PKT

1200] or No-072 [PKT 9600].

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

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

Page 37FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

WEATHERFAX MONITORING

Monitoring of HF WeatherFax broadcasts is easily accomplished using the FT-897.

Before proceeding, be certain that the WeatherFax demodulator is properly connected to Pins 5 and 2 of the rear panel DATA jack.

1. Set the transceiver to the VFO mode, and set the operating mode to “DIG,” setting Menu Mode No-038 [DIG

MODE] to “PSK31-U,” as described previously.

2. Now, select the operating frequency of the station transmitting the WeatherFax broadcast. Note that, in the USB mode, the frequency you should program onto the display is typically 1.90 kHz below the station’s “assigned” frequency. Thus for a WeatherFax station assigned to

8.682.0 MHz, tune to 8.680.1 MHz.

3. When the WeatherFax broadcast begins, no further operator intervention should be needed from the transceiver standpoint. The audio level from the DATA jack on the rear of the transceiver is fixed, and cannot be adjusted.

4. Fine adjustments in the gray-scale and the frame alignment are accomplished using the computer and software connected to your WeatherFax demodulator.

TIME-OUT TIMER

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

To activate the Time-Out Timer:

SPLIT FREQUENCY OPERATION

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

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

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

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

3. Press the [A](A/B) key momentarily to select VFO-B.

4. Tune the VFO-B frequency to 14.025.00 MHz (DX station’s transmitting frequency).

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

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

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

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode

No-084 [TOT TIME].

The default setting for this feature is “OFF.” Rotate the DIAL knob to set a new time-out setting (from 1 minute to 20 minutes).

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

Page 38 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

ACTIVE-TUNING ANTENNA SYSTEM (ATAS-100/-120) OPERATION

The optional ATAS-100/-120 Active-Tuning Antenna Sys- tem provides operation on a number of HF bands (7/14/21/ 28 MHz) plus 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz. The FT- 897 provides microprocessor control of the tuning mechanism in the ATAS-100/-120 for convenient automatic tuning.

Before operation can begin, you must instruct the FT-897’s microprocessor that the ATAS-100/-120 is being used. This is done using the Menu Mode:

1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to activate

the Menu mode.

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode

N0-085 [TUNER/ATAS]. The default setting for this

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

3. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the

new setting and exit to normal operation.

Automatic Tuning

1. Press the [F] key, as needed, to recall Multi Function

Row “k” [TUNE, DOWN, UP].

2. Press the [A](TUNE) key to turn the ATAS-100/-120 on

(this action only supplies voltage to the antenna at this point; re-tuning does not begin). “Parentheses” will appear on the both sides of the “TUNE” indication, and the “ATAS ” will appear on the LCD.

3. Now press and hold in the [A](TUNE) key for one sec-

ond to initiate ATAS-100/-120 tuning. The transmitter will automatically be activated, a carrier will be sent, and the antenna’s length will be adjusted for best SWR.

4. If the microprocessor determines that the antenna’s length

is radically incorrect from the optimum value, no carrier will be sent out. Instead, in the receive mode, the antenna will retract to its shortest position (this may take up to one minute). While this is happening, do not press the [A](TUNE) key again.

When the ATAS-100/-120 reaches its minimum length,

automatic tuning will be initiated, and the transmitter will automatically shut off when a satisfactory SWR is achieved.

5. On the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands, the ATAS-100/-

120 does not require a tuning process. SWR will be satisfactory when the antenna is fully retracted.

6. When you wish to conclude ATAS-100/-120 operation,

press the [A surrounding the “ATAS” indication.

](TUNE)

key; the “Parentheses” disappear

Manual Tuning

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

Before Manual Tuning, press the [F] key, as needed, to recall Multi Function Row “i” [MTR, -----, DISP], then press the [A](MTR) or [B] key to change the meter function to the SWR meter (“SWR” icon will appear at the upper of the [B]

key).

To tune the ATAS-100/-120 manually, recall Multi Func- tion Row “k” [TUNE, DOWN, UP], then press and hold in the microphone PTT switch. With the transceiver in the “transmit” mode, press and hold in the [C](UP) key (to raise the antenna) or the [B](DOWN) key (to lower the antenna). While you hold in one of these keys, the FT-897 will generate a carrier, and you may watch the top scale of the FT- 897’s meter, looking for the meter indication to reach its minimum value. When this is reached, release the [C](UP or [B](DOWN) key, then release the PTT key to return to the “receive” mode.

1) Once automatic matching has been successfully accomplished, you must change frequency

by at least 10 kHz before attempting automatic matching again. Within a window of ±10 kHz from a match point, the transceiver’s microprocessor will ignore any command to attempt automatic matching.

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

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

4) If you are able to achieve an SWR of less than 2:1 via manual tuning, the FT-897 will “accept” the manual setting, and you may then re-tune automatically when changing bands. If, however, you stop manual tuning at a non-optimum setting (SWR >2:1), the FT-897 will not permit further automatic tuning. To refresh the setting of the ATAS-100/-120, press the [B](DOWN) key until the ATAS-100/-120 fully retracts. You may then restart automatic tuning per the procedures described earlier.

5) The FT-897 may also be used with the model ATAS-100 antenna, although the tuning speed of the ATAS-100 will be slower than with the ATAS-120.

)

Page 39FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

ACTIVE-TUNING ANTENNA SYSTEM (ATAS-100/-120) OPERATION

ATAS-100/-120 Operating Tips

The information below will help you derive the best performance possible from the ATAS-100/-120 Active-Tuning An- tenna System.

Grounding

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

Tuning Procedure

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

To resolve this situation, the transceiver will then command the ATAS-100/-120 to retract fully to its minimum height, and thence restart the tuning process. In this instance, the “TUNE” icon will remain on the display after you press the [A](

TUNE) key. If this happens, do not press the [A](TUNE

key repeatedly. The transceiver will remain in the receive mode as it retracts (this may take up to one minute). Thereafter, the transmitter will be engaged, and the ATAS-100/- 120 will be automatically adjusted for best SWR. The “TUNE” icon will then disappear from the LCD, and you will be ready for operation.

External Wattmeters

If you wish to use an external wattmeter in conjunction with the transceiver and your ATAS-100/-120, please check the wattmeter with an Ohmmeter prior to installation. Be sure there is a direct connection between the “In” and “Out” jacks of the wattmeter (zero resistance), and also ensure that there is a completely open circuit between the center pin and shield of the wattmeter’s output jack. Some wattmeters use a coil or other device which shorts the center pin to ground at DC, and this type of internal wattmeter circuitry will not allow the tuning function of the ATAS-100/-120 to operate.

Operation on 30/17/12 Meters

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

)

Page 40 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

TRANSMITTER OPERATION

FC-30 AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER OPERATION

The optional FC-30 Automatic Antenna Tuner provides automatic tuning of a coaxial line so as to present a nominal 50 Ω impedance to the FT-897’s HF/50 MHz antenna port.

Before operation can begin, you must instruct the FT-897’s microprocessor that the FC-30 is being used. This is done using the Menu Mode:

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode

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

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

3. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode

No-020 [CAT/LIN/TUN]. The default setting for this

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

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

5. Set up the FC-30 and FT-897 per the illustration, then turn on the transceiver’s power again. Do not set up

the FC-30 and FT-897 before changing the Menu Mode, item No-020 [CAT/LIN/TUN].

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

7. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode No-

085 [TUNER/ATAS]. The default setting for this Menu is

“OFF.” Rotate the DIAL to change the setting to “TUNER.”

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

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

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

2. Press the [A](TUNE) key to turn the FC-30 on. “Parentheses” will appear on both sides of the “TUNE” indication, and the “TUNE” will appear on the LCD.

3. Press and hold in the [A](TUNE) key to initiate automatic tuning. The FT-897 transmitter will be activated, a carrier signal will be sent out, and the coils and capacitors in the FC-30 will be selected/adjusted for optimum SWR. When tuning is complete, the transmission will cease, and you will be ready for operation on this frequency.

Tuning data will be stored in the FC-30’s Memory system. See the discussion below for details on how this works.

To 144MHz/ Antenna430MHz

Control Cable

To HF/50MHz Antenna

Antenna Tuner Memory System

The FC-30, working in concert with the FT-897, can store impedance matching data in its micro-computer memory, so as to provide instant adjustment as you transmit in different areas of a particular band. A total of 100 memories are provided: 11 of these are “general” memories apportioned one per band, while the remaining 89 are allocated for specific frequency data within the various bands, with the capability to resolve new tuning data every 10 kHz. A few guidelines should be noted regarding the FC-30’s memory system:

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

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

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

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

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

/LINEAR

CAT

INPUT

GND

22A

144MHz/430MHz

ACC KEY

DATA

ANT

HF/50MHz

Supplied

Coaxial Cable

CTRL

ANT

TRX

Page 41FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MEMORY OPERATION

QMB (Q

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

UICK MEMORY BANK

)

HANNELS

QMB Channel Storage

1. Tune in the desired frequency and set the operating mode and bandwidth. If this is an FM channel, set up any required CTCSS/DCS and repeater shift configurations.

2. Press and hold in the V/M key until a double “beep” is heard. The second beep provides audible confirmation that the data has been stored into the QMB memory.

Pressing the [A](STO) key momentarily while in Multi Function Row “c” [STO, RCL, PROC] will also store a frequency into the QMB regis-

ter.

QMB Channel Recall

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row

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

2. Press the [B](RCL) key momentarily to recall the QMB memory. “QMB” will appear at the upper left corner on the display.

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

If you move the DIAL knob or MEM/VFO CH knob while in the QMB mode, you can change frequencies as if you were in a “VFO” mode.

You also can change operating mode by pressing the MODE( ) or MODE( ) key. When this is done, “MTQMB” will appear in the display, where “MT” represents “Memory Tuning.” Press the [B](RCL) key once more to return to the originally-stored QMB frequency.

MEMORY OPERATION ON

“REGULAR” MEMORY CHANNELS

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

Normal Memory Storage

1. Tune in the desired frequency, and set the operating mode and bandwidth. If this is an FM channel, set up any required CTCSS/DCS and repeater shift configurations.

Standard (default) repeater shifts do not require you to utilize the “split” frequency memory technique, described later.

2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW,

SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily to enter the “Memory Check” mode, which is used to find an unused memory channel. The frequency stored (if any) on the current memory channel will be shown in the display. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select the channel number on which you wish to store the current frequency data.

4. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second until you hear a double beep; the second beep confirms that the frequency information was successfully stored.

Split-Frequency Memory Storage

You can also store “Split” frequencies, such as when operating on a repeater system not utilizing a “standard” offset. This procedure may also be used for DX work on 7 MHz SSB, etc.

In the VFO mode, set the desired Receive frequency and mode.

2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row

“b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily to enter the “Memory Check” mode, which is used to find an unused memory channel. The frequency stored (if any) on the current memory channel will be shown in the display. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select the channel on which you wish to store the receive frequency data.

4. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second until you hear a double beep, which confirms that the Receive frequency data is now stored.

Now, set the desired Transmit frequency and mode on the VFO.

6. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily; do not rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob!

While the “memory channel number” is blinking, press

and hold in the PTT switch; while holding it in, press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second.

The double “beep” will confirm that independent Trans-

mit frequency data is now stored. You may now release the PTT switch.

In step 6 above, pressing the PTT switch does not activate the transmitter. It simply sends a

signal to the microprocessor that an independent Transmit frequency is being stored on the same channel as a previously-stored Receive frequency.

Page 42 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MEMORY OPERATION

MEMORY OPERATION ON “REGULAR” MEMORY CHANNELS

Memory Channel Recall

1. If you currently are in the VFO tuning mode, press the

V/M key once to enter the “Memory” mode (a memory channel number “M-nnn” will appear on the display in the space previously occupied by “VFOa” or “VFOb”).

2. To select another memory channel, turn the MEM/VFO CH knob.

3. When your memory channels are partitioned into Memory Groups via Menu Mode No-055 [MEM

GROUP], it is easy to change Memory Groups; press the

MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily (a Group Number (“Ma” ~ “Mj”) will blink), then turn the MEM/VFO CH knob to step through the channels until you enter another. You may now press the MEM/VFO CH knob once more to restrict memory channel access to the newlyselected Group.

4. Once you are operating on a memory channel, you may tune off of the originally-memorized frequency (as though you were in the VFO mode). Just rotate the DIAL knob; the “Memory Channel Number” will be replaced by one which indicates “MTUNE,” indicating that you have now shifted into the “Memory Tuning” mode. When operating the Memory Tuning mode, if you find another frequency you wish to store into another memory channel, just press the [A](MW) key momentarily, select a new memory channel via the MEM/VFO CH knob, then press and hold in the [A](MW) key until you hear the double beep.

5. To exit the Memory Tuning mode, press the V/M key as follows:

• One touch of the V/M key returns you to the original

memory frequency.

• A second touch of the V/M key will cause you to exit

the Memory mode and return to the VFO mode (the memory channel number will be replaced by “VFOa” or “VFOb”.

Masking (“Hiding”) a Memory

Frequency data stored on a memory channel can be deleted, if desired, from any memory channel except channel “1.” The deletion process is not a “hard” erasure, so if you erase a channel by mistake using this procedure, the memory channel contents can be recovered.

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

2. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then rotate the

MEM/VFO CH knob to select the memory channel to be deleted.

3. Press the [B](MCLR) key momentarily. The frequency display field on the LCD will go blank, and the memory channel number will blink.

4. Wait about five seconds; when the memory channel number stops blinking, the data will now be “masked” and will not be available for operation.

5. To restore the masked frequency data, repeat the above steps. However, if you store new frequency information on a channel containing masked data, the masked data will be over-written and lost.

6. Memory Channel 1 is used for Priority operation, and frequency information may only be over-written (not masked) on this channel.

When operating on a “Split” frequency memory, a special “–+“ indication will appear on the LCD.

MEMORY CHANNEL NUMBER

MEMORY GROUP “OFF”

M-001 ~ M-020 M-021 ~ M-040 M-041 ~ M-060 M-061 ~ M-080 M-081 ~ M-100 M-101 ~ M-120 M-121 ~ M-140 M-141 ~ M-160 M-161 ~ M-180 M-181 ~ M-200

M-P1L ~ M-P5U

MEMORY GROUP “ON”

Ma-01 ~ Ma-20 Mb-01 ~ Mb-20 Mc-01 ~ Mc-20 Md-01 ~ Md-20 Me-01 ~ Me-20

Mf-01 ~ Mf-20 Mg-01 ~ Mg-20 Mh-01 ~ Mh-20

Mi-01 ~ Mi-20

Mj-01 ~ Mj-20

Mk-1L ~ Mk-5U

Page 43FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MEMORY OPERATION

MEMORY OPERATION ON “HOME”

CHANNEL MEMORIES

Four Special one-touch “Home” channels are available, for special frequencies you use often. Either “simplex” or “split” frequency/mode data may be stored in the “Home” channel locations. Special “Home” channels are available for HF (any frequency between 1.8 and 29.7 MHz), 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz.

These memories may prove particularly useful for monitoring propagation beacons, providing one-touch recall of the beacon frequency for a quick check of band conditions.

HOME Channel Storage

1. Tune the desired frequency, and set the operating mode. If this is an FM channel, set up any required CTCSS/ DCS and repeater shift configurations.

2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily to enter the “Memory Check” mode.

4. Press and hold in the HOME key for one second. This stores the frequency data into the “Home” channel location. As usual, you will hear a double beep to confirm the successful storage of the frequency data.

5. If you wish to store a “Split” frequency pair into the “Home” channel, store the Receive frequency as in steps 1 ~ 4 above. Now set the desired Transmit frequency. Once more, press the [A](MW) key momentarily. Press and hold in the microphone’s PTT switch; while holding the PTT switch, again press and hold in the HOME key for one second. This stores the transmit frequency data into the “Home” channel location.

LABELING MEMORIES

You may wish to append an alpha-numeric “Tag” (label) to a memory or memories, to aid in recollection of the channel’s intended use (such as a club name, etc.). This is easily accomplished using the Menu mode.

1. Recall the memory channel onto which you wish to appended a label.

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

3. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode

No-056 [MEM TAG].

4. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to enable the programming of the label.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first character (as shown below) in the name you with to store, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob clockwise to move to the next character.

6. Again rotate the DIAL knob to select the next number, letter, or symbol, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob clockwise to move to the next character’s slot.

7. Repeat step 6 as many times as necessary to complete the name tag for the memory, then press and hold in the [F]

key for one second to save the A/N (Alpha-Numeric)

name entry and exit to normal operation.

8. During Memory operation, press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display. Press the [C](TAG) key momentarily to activate the alpha-numeric Tag. Repeatedly pressing this key will toggle operation between “Frequency” display and “Tag” display.

HOME Channel Recall

1. Press the HOME key momentarily to recall the Home

Channel on the band group where you currently are operating (HF, 50 MHz, 144 MHz, or 430 MHz). The “HOME” indication will appear on the display.

2. Press the HOME key once more to return to the previ-

ously-used frequency (either a VFO frequency or a memory channel).

“Frequency” Display “Tag” Display

You can recall Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG] instantly by pressing and holding in the [C](TAG) key for one second.

Page 44 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

SPECTRUM SCOPE MONITOR / SMART SEARCH

SPECTRUM SCOPE MONITOR

OPERATION

The Spectrum Scope Monitor allows viewing of operating activity on above and below your current frequency channel in the VFO mode, or viewing of memory channel activity on the current memory group when in the Memory mode. When the Spectrum Scope Monitor is activated, the display indicates the relative signal strength on channels immediately adjacent to the current operating frequency.

Using the Spectrum Scope

1. Set the transceiver to the VFO mode in the desired band or within the desired memory group.

2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “h” [SCOP, WID, STEP] appears on the display.

3. Press the [A](SCOP) key momentarily to engage the Spectrum Scope. When the Spectrum Scope is in operation, the relative signal strength of stations on channels immediately adjacent to the current frequency will be indicated on the display.

4. While the Spectrum Scope is activated in the VFO mode, press the [B](WID) key to change the visible bandwidth. Available selections are ±10 (default), ±15, and ±63 channels. Press the [C](STEP) key to change the channel step resolution. Available selections are shown bellow.

Mode Channel Steps (kHz) CW, SSB, DIG 1.0 / 2.5 / 5.0 AM 2.5 / 5.0 / 9.0 / 10.0 / 12.5 / 25.0

FM, PKT

Ì While the Spectrum Scope is activated, press and hold

in the [B] key for one second to change the Sweep mode. This allows you to switch between “Scanner sweeps just once” and “Scanner sweeps continuously (default).”

Ì When the Spectrum Scope mode is in the “Scanner

sweeps just once” mode press and hold in the [A] key for one second to restart the Sweep.

Ì While the Spectrum Scope is activated, press and hold

in the [C] key for one second to enable the “Meter peak hold” feature.

5.0 / 6.25 / 10.0 / 12.5 / 15.0 / 20.0 /

25.0 / 50.0

SMART SEARCH™ OPERATION

The Smart Search™ feature automatically stores frequencies where activity is encountered on the current band. When Smart Search™ is engaged, the transceiver quickly searches above your current frequency, storing active frequencies as it goes (without stopping on them even momentarily). These frequencies are stored in a special Smart Search™ memory bank, consisting of 50 memories. This feature is available on the FM and AM modes.

The Smart Search™ feature is especially helpful when traveling, as you can instantly store active FM repeater frequencies without having to look up the frequencies in a reference book.

1. Set the SQL knob to the point where background noise

is silenced. A typical setting, for effective Smart Search operation, will be at 12 o’clock or slightly clockwise from this position.

2. Set the VFO to the frequency on which you wish to begin the search (the Smart Search™ feature is available on the VFO mode only).

3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “f” [

ARTS, SRCH, PMS] appears on the display.

4. Now press the [B](SRCH) key momentarily; the blinking “SRCH” indicator will appear on the LCD, and the transceiver will sweep upward on the current band, loading channels on which it encounters a signal strong enough to open the squelch. All channels where activity is present (up to 50 channels) will be loaded into the Smart Search™ memories.

5. Now you can turn the MEM/VFO CH knob to select from the just-stored Smart Search™ memories. If you find frequencies you wish to store into a “regular” memory, just follow the procedures described previously; just don’t press the [B](SRCH) key while storing these memories, because this will disable Smart Search™ operation.

6. To disable Smart Search™ operation, press the [B](SRCH key momentarily.

The Smart Search™ memories are so-called “soft” memories; they will be lost if you initiate a new Smart Search™ sweep of the band.

™

)

5. To disable the Spectrum Scope, press the [A](SCOP) key once more.

The receiver’s audio output and S-meter are disabled when using the Spectrum Scope.

Page 45FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

SCANNING OPERATION

SCANNING FEATURES

This transceiver contains a wide variety of scanning capabilities. Whether you are in the VFO mode or one of the memory modes, scanning operation is fundamentally identical in all configurations, but with the following differences:

Ì In the VFO mode, scanning causes the transceiver to

sweep up or down the band, pausing or halting on any signal encountered;

Ì In the Memory mode, the scanner will scan the pro-

grammed memories, and can be instructed to skip certain memories during scanning;

Ì In the Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) mode, the

scanner will scan the band within user-programmed frequency limits.

Scanning Operation

In order for the FT-897 to scan automatically, the Squelch must be set so that the background noise is silenced, because the command to “Stop Scanning” driven by the same circuit that causes the green “Busy” LED to light up (when noise or a signal is received).

1. Set the SQL knob to the point where background noise

is silenced. A typical setting, for effective scanning operation, will be at 12 o’clock or slightly clockwise from this position.

2. Set the transceiver into the operating configuration in which you wish to scan (VFO or Memory; PMS will be described later).

3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “g” [SCN, PRI, DW] appears on the display.

4. Press the [A](SCN) key momentarily to start upward scan (toward higher frequencies or higher memory channel numbers).

5. Rotate the DIAL knob or MEM/VFO CH knob counterclockwise to toggle the scanning direction downward.

6. The scanner will now cause the transceiver to increment in the chosen direction until a signal is detected. When a signal is encountered which opens the Squelch, it will do different things, depending on the operating mode:

H In the FM/AM modes, the transceiver pauses on the

signal and stays locked on its frequency for five seconds. Thereafter, scanning will resume whether or not the other station’s transmission has ended. While the transceiver is in the “Pause” condition, the decimal points in the frequency display area will blink. See “Scan-Resume Choices” on next chapter for details of how to customize the resumption of scanning.

H In the SSB/CW modes, the scanner will slow down

(but wonn’t stop).

Press the PTT switch on the microphone to cancel scanning.

Scan-Resume Choices

Scanning operation requires that you have the FT-897’s audio squelched. The transceiver then “assumes” that the opening of the squelch corresponds to the discovery of a signal you may wish to listen to.

Once the scan has been halted, one of three things may happen:

TIME (default action): In this mode, the transceiver pauses

on the signal and stays locked on its frequency for five seconds. Thereafter, scanning will resume whether or not the other station’s transmission has ended. The pause time is adjustable from 1 to 10 seconds via Menu Mode No-078 [SCAN RESUME].

BUSY: In this mode, the scanner will halt until the other

station’s transmission ceases (at which point the squelch will close). One second after the squelch closes, scanning resumes automatically.

STOP: In this mode, the scanner will find a signal, and lock

on that frequency without resuming the scan.

To choose the Scan-Resume mode:

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-077 [SCAN MODE].

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Scan-Resume mode.

4. Press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.

You may also press and hold in either the [UP] or [DWN] key on the microphone for one sec-

ond to initiate upward or downward scanning, respectively, if Menu Mode No-058 [MIC SCAN] is set to “ON.”

Page 46 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

SCANNING OPERATION

SCANNING FEATURES

Scan Skip Programming (Memory Mode Only)

Among the memories you have programmed, there may be some stations which you do not wish to scan. For example, broadcast signals (which are transmitted continuously) will cause the scanner to stop, and such channels may be skipped so as to avoid this inconvenience.

To remove a channel from the scanning loop:

1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

2. Recall the memory channel to be skipped.

3. Press the [B](SKIP) key momentarily. The “hyphen” in the memory channel number will change to become a “dot;” this shows that this channel now is not included in the scanning loop.

Memory Skip “OFF” Memory Skip “ON”

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 as many times as necessary to skip all the channels you do not wish to scan.

5. Initiate memory scanning; you will observe that the channels you marked to be skipped are not included in the scanning loop.

6. Press the PTT switch to stop the scan; you may now use the MEM/VFO CH knob to step through the channels manually - one at a time - and you will observe that the “Skipped” channels are, nonetheless, available for recall by manual means.

7. You may restore a previously-skipped channel to the scanning loop by selecting the channel manually, then pressing the [B](SKIP) key momentarily so that the “dot” changes to become a “hyphen.”

The FT-897’s scanning features include a two-channel scan- ning capability which allows you to operate on a VFO or Memory channel, while periodically checking a Memory Channel “M-001” for activity. If a station is received on the Memory Channel “M-001” which is strong enough to open the Squelch, the scanner will pause on that station in accordance with the Scan-Resume mode set via Menu Mode No-

078 [SCAN RESUME]. See page 59.

Here is the procedure for activating Priority Channel Dual Watch operation:

1. Rotate the SQL control until the background noise is

2. Set the FT-897 for operation on another memory chan-

3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

4. Press the [B](PRI) key momentarily to start the “Prior-

5. When no signal appears on the Priority memory (i.e. the

6. If a station you wish to talk with appears on the Priority

7. To cancel Priority monitoring, press again the [B](PRI

“PRIORITY CHANNEL” SCANNING

just silenced, then store the frequency to be the “Priority” channel into the Memory Channel “M-001.”

nel, or on a VFO frequency.

VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “g” [SCN, PRI, DW] appears on the display.

ity” monitoring (the “ ” icon will appear at the upper of the frequency display). During Priority monitoring, the displayed frequency will shift to the Priority memory briefly about five seconds, while the receiver check for the presence of a signal.

squelch remains closed), you can tune, transmit and receive on the VFO, or select and operate on other memories.

channel, press the PTT switch momentarily while receiving their signal (no transmission will occur) to halt Priority scanning. Otherwise, when a signal appears on the Priority channel, Priority monitoring will just pause on the channel. Priority monitoring will resume.

)

key.

Page 47FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

SCANNING OPERATION

PROGRAMMABLE MEMORY SCAN

(

PMS) O

To limit scanning (and manual tuning) within a particular frequency range, you can use the Programmable Memory Scanning (PMS) feature, which utilizes 10 special-purpose memory pairs (“M-P1L/ M-P1U” through “M-P5L/ M- P5U”). The PMS feature is especially useful in helping you to observe any operating sub-band limits which apply to your Amateur license class.

PMS setup is simple to accomplish:

1. Store the upper and lower frequency limits of the desired range into the PMS memory pair (“M-PxL” and “M-PxU”)

2. Switch to the Memory mode by pressing the V/M key once, then rotate the DIAL to select the Memory channel “M-PxL” or “M-PxU”.

3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “f” [

ARTS, SRCH, PMS] appears on the display.

4. Press the [C](PMS) key. The “PMS-x” indication will appear at the upper left corner of the LCD, signifying that the PMS feature is engaged. Tuning and scanning (by pressing the [A](SCN) key on the Multi Function Row “g” [SCN, PRI, DW]) are now limited within the range between the selected PMS memory pair, keeping operation inside this programmed range.

Example: Limit tuning & scanning to the frequency range

144.30 - 148.00 MHz

1. Press the V/M key, as necessary, to recall the VFO mode. Tune the MEM/VFO CH or DIAL knob to 144.300 MHz.

2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display.

3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then turn the MEM/ VFO CH knob to select memory channel “M-P1L.”

4. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second to write the VFO frequency into “M-P1L.”

5. Now, tune the MEM/VFO CH or DIAL knob to 148.000 MHz. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then turn the MEM/ VFO CH knob to select memory channel “M-P1U.”

6. Press and hold the [A](MW) key for one second to write the VFO frequency into “M-P1U.”

7. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob one click clockwise to recall Multi Function Row “f” [ARTS, SRCH, PMS].

8. Press the [C](PMS) key momentarily. Tuning and scanning are now limited to the 144.30 - 148.00 MHz range until you press the V/M key to return to memory or VFO operation.

PERATION

DUAL WATCH OPERATION

Dual Watch is similar, in some respects, to scanning. In Dual Watch, however, the transceiver monitors (squelched) on the VFO-A frequency while periodically checking VFO-B for activity (or vice-versa). A typical example might be for you to set VFO-A to 50.110 MHz, watching for DX stations who might call CQ on that frequency, while periodically checking 28.885 MHz for stations reporting band openings on 6 meters.

To activate Dual Watch:

1. Set up transmit and receive operation on VFO-A, establishing your primary monitoring frequency. Set up the frequency to be checked periodically on VFO-B.

2. Recall VFO-A, then rotate the SQL control until the background noise is just silenced.

3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “g” [SCN, PRI, DW] appears on the display.

4. Press the [C](DW) key momentarily to activate Dual Watch operation (the “ ” icon will appear at the upper of the frequency display). The transceiver will continue to monitor (squelched) on the current (VFO-A) frequency, but every five seconds will switch briefly to VFO-B frequency, looking for activity.

5. If a station is detected on the VFO-B frequency, the transceiver will pause on the VFO-B frequency (the decimal point in the frequency will blink).

6. Press the [C](DW) key again to cancel Dual Watch operation (the “ ” icon will disappear).

Note that pressing the PTT switch on the microphone does not cancel Dual Watch operation.

Page 48 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

OPERATION ON ALASKA EMERGENCY

CW TRAINING FEATURE

FREQUENCY: 5167.5 kHz

(

U.S. V

Section 97.401(d) of the regulations governing amateur radio in the United States permit emergency amateur communications on the spot frequency of 5167.5 kHz by stations in (or within 92.6 km of) the state of Alaska. This frequency is only to be used when the immediate safety of human life and/or property are threatened, and is never to be used for routine communications.

The FT-897 includes the capability for transmission and reception on 5167.5 kHz under such emergency conditions via the Menu system. To activate this feature:

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-050 [EMERGENCY].

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “ON.”

4. Press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.

Emergency communication on this spot frequency is now possible:

5. Press the V/M key, as necessary, to enter the Memory mode, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select the emergency channel (M-EMG), which is found between channels M-P5U and M-001.

6. Note that the receive-mode CLARIFIER functions normally while using this frequency, but variation of the transmit frequency is not possible. Activation of Menu Mode No-050 [EMERGENCY] does not enable any other out-of-amateur-band capability on the transceiver. The full specifications of the FT-897 are not necessarily guaranteed on this frequency, but power output and receiver sensitivity should be fully satisfactory for the purpose of emergency communication.

7. If you wish to disable operation capability on the Alaska Emergency Frequency, repeat the procedure detailed above, but set Menu Mode No-050 [EMERGENCY] to “OFF” in step 3 of the procedure.

In an emergency, note that a half-wave dipole cut for this frequency should be approximately 45’3” on each leg (90’6” total length).Emergency operation on 5167.5 kHz is shared with the Alaska-Fixed Service. This transceiver is not authorized for operation, under the FCC’s Part 87, for aeronautical communications.

ERSION ONLY

)

The FT-897 provides a CW Training feature, which sends random Morse Code five-character groups via the sidetone (heard in the speaker), so you can improve your CW proficiency whether or not the bands are open.

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-031 [CW TRAINING].

3. Rotate the DIAL to select the Training mode:

N: Numeric characters only A: Alphabet characters only AN: Numeric and Alphabet characters (Mixed)

4. Press the [B](STRT) key to begin generation of the fivecharacter code groups (CW sidetone only, does not key the transmitter).

5. When the code group is completed, code, the “Answer” will appear on the display.

6. Press the [B](STRT) key to generate another code group, as above.

7. To disable the CW Training feature, press and holding the [F] key for one second to exit to normal operation.

You may adjust the Morse speed by the Menu Mode No-030 [CW SPEED].

PROGRAMMING THE PANEL KEY

FUNCTIONS

The Function ([A], [B], [C]) keys in Multi Function Row “q” [PG A, PG B, PG C], may each be assigned the function of a particular key. These may be used to create a custom set of “hot keys” to often-used functions from other Multi Function Rows.

To assign the key functions:

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode corresponding to the key to be assigned a function (No-

065: [PG A] key, No-066: [PG B] key, No-067: [PG C

key.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the feature or function you wish to assigned to the key.

4. When you have completed the set-up, press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.

]

Page 49FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS

BEACON FEATURE

The FT-897’s unique “Beacon” feature allow you to set up the transceiver to send a repetitive message. For example, on a DXpedition, the FT-897 beacon might be activated on a 50 MHz frequency, to alert DXers as to possible band openings.

Beacon Text Storage

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-011 [BEACON TEXT 1].

3. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to enable storage of the

Beacon Text (the first character location will be underlined).

4. Rotate the DIAL to select the first character (number or letter) in the Beacon Text you wish to store, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click clockwise to move to the next character.

5. Repeat step 4 as many times as necessary to complete the Beacon Text.

Ì If the Beacon Text is less than 40 characters long,

add the “ ” mark after the last character to terminate the text, then press the MEM/VFO CH knob.

Ì If the Beacon Text is more than 40 characters long,

but less than 79, set the last (40th) character to be “ ,” press the MEM/VFO CH knob, then rotate the

to select “BEACON TEXT 2.” Now repeat step 4.

Ì If the Beacon Text is more than 79 characters long,

up to 118 characters may be stored. In this case, set the final character slot in “BEACON TEXT 2” to be “ ,” press the MEM/VFO CH knob, then rotate the

to select “BEACON TEXT 3.” Now repeat step 4.

Ì Do not forget to install the “ ” mark after the last

character, to terminate the text.

6. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second until you hear a double beep; the second beep confirms that the Beacon text was successfully stored.

Beacon Transmission (On the Air)

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-012 [BEACON TIME].

3. Rotate the DIAL to select the interval time (between message and message) (1 ~ 255 seconds).

4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to exit to normal operation.

5. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “o” [PLY1, PLY2, PLY3] appears on the display.

6. Press the [A](PLY1) key to activate the Beacon Feature.

NOTE: When using the “beacon” feature, please disable the

“VOX” feature.

If you press [B](PLY2) or [C](PLY3), the message will be transmitted, after which the transmission will halt. Operationally, these two keys

function the same as a traditional CW message keyer.

7. To disable the transmission from the Beacon, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL to select “OFF” in step 3 above.

You may adjust the CW speed using Menu Mode No-030 [CW SPEED].

You may also send the Beacon Text manually. If this is done, all three “Beacon” messages may be used as a traditional CW message keyer. To do this:

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-012 [BEACON TIME].

3. Rotate the DIAL to select “OFF.”

4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to exit to normal operation.

5. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “o”[PLY1, PLY2, PLY3] appears on the display.

6. Press the [A](PLY1) key momentarily to send the “BEA- CON TEXT 1” message. Alternatively, pressing the [B](PLY2) or [C](PLY3) key will initiate the message at those respective break points.

Page 50 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS

DISPLAY CUSTOMIZATION

Display Lamp Mode

The FT-897 illumination lamp has four options for activation of the illumination.

To set up the Lamp mode:

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-044 [DISP MODE].

3. Rotate the DIAL knob select the desired mode. Available selections are:

OFF: Disables the LCD illumination. AUTO1: Illuminates the LCD for three seconds when

any button is pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob.

AUTO2: Illuminates the LCD continuously while the

FT-897 is operating on an external power sup- ply. When using the FNB-78 internal battery in the AUTO2 mode, the LCD will light up for three seconds when any button is pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob (identical to AUTO1 mode).

ON: Illuminates the LCD continuously.

4. When you have completed your selection, press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.

Display Contrast

The LCD’s contrast may be adjusted using the Menu Mode, as well.

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-042 [DISP CONTRAST].

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the contrast. As you make the adjustment, you will be able to see the effects of you changes.

4. When you have completed the adjustment, press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.

Display Dimmer

The LCD illumination may also be adjusted using the Menu Mode.

Display Color

The LCD color may be changed using the Menu Mode for different operating status conditions. For example, the display may be configured to show a different color accord-ing to ARTS status, by Band, by Memory Group, by VFO/ Memory/HOME/QMB status, or may be set to indicate different colors according to meter indication (i.e. signal strength, power output, etc.). Two banks (“1” and “2”) of color combination patterns are available for all selections except “FIX.”

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-041 [DISP COLOR].

3. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired operating status which you wish utilize. The default selections are:

ARTS: The color changes depending on the “In

Range” or “Out of Range” status.

BAND: The color changes according to the Band in

use.

FIX: This is a fixed color. MEMGRP: The color changes according to the selected

Memory Group.

MODE: The color changes according to the selected

Mode.

MTR: The color changes according to the S-meter,

PWR-meter, MOD-meter, SWR-meter, or ALC-meter reading.

VFO: The color changes according to the VFO/

Memory/HOME/QMB status.

4. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL to select the desired color bank to be utilized in conjunction with the selection made in step 3.

5. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily, then rotate the DIAL to select the desired color to be utilized for this function, in place of the default color.

6. When you have completed your selection(s), press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-043 [DISP INTENSITY].

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to adjust the display illumination for a comfortable brightness level. As you make the adjustment, you will be able to see the effects of you changes.

4. When you have completed the adjustment, press and hold in the [F] button for one second to exit the Menu mode.

Page 51FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MENU OPERATION

The Menu System allows you to customize a wide variety of transceiver performance aspects and operating characteristics. Once you have gone through the various Menu customization procedures initially, you will find that you will not have to resort to them frequently during everyday operation.

MENU OPERATION

1. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second. The Menu Item number and a title for the Menu Mode will appear in the display.

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select the Menu Item you wish to work on.

3. When you have chosen the desired Menu Item number, rotate the DIAL knob to change the value or condition for the Menu Item.

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

No Menu Item 001 EXT MENU

002 144MHz ARS

003 430MHz ARS

004 AM&FM DIAL 005 AM MIC GAIN 006 AM STEP 007 APO TIME 008 ARTS BEEP 009 ARTS ID 010 ARTS IDW 011 BEACON TEXT 1 012 BEACON TIME 013 BEEP TONE 014 BEEP VOL 015 CAR LSB R 016 CAR LSB T 017 CAR USB R 018 CAR USB T 019 CAT RATE

020 CAT/LIN/TUN

021 CLAR DIAL SEL

022 CW AUTO MODE

023 CW BFO

024 CW DELAY

025 CW KEY REV

026 CW PADDLE

027 CW PITCH

028 CW QSK

029 CW SIDE TONE

030 CW SPEED

031 CW TRAINING 032 CW WEIGHT 033 DCS CODE 034 DCS INV 035 DIAL STEP

036 DIG DISP

037 DIG GAIN

038 DIG MODE

039 DIG SHIFT

Function Enables/Disables the extended Menu Mode. Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature when operating on the 144 MHz band. Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature when operating on the 430 MHz band. Enabling/disabling the DIAL knob on the AM and FM modes. Adjusts the microphone gain level for the AM mode. Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob on the AM mode. Selects the Auto Power Off time (time before power goes off). Selects the ARTS beep mode. Enables/disables the CW identifier during ARTS operation. Stores your callsign into the CW identifier. Stores the message for the Beacon. Selects the interval time (between message and message). Selects the beep frequency. Selects the beep volume level. Sets the Rx Carrier Point for LSB. Sets the Tx Carrier Point for LSB Sets the Rx Carrier Point for USB Sets the Tx Carrier Point for USB Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the CAT baud rate to be used. Selects the device which is connected to the CAT/LINEAR jack on the rear panel. Defines the “control” knob to be used for setting of the clarifier offset frequency. Selects whether the KEY jack shall be “Enabled” or “Disabled” while using the SSB/FM modes. Sets the CW carrier oscillator injection side on the CW mode. Sets the receiver recovery time during pseudo-VOX CW semibreak-in operation. Sets the keyer paddle’s wiring configuration. Enables/disables CW keying by the microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] keys. Setting of the pitch of the CW sidetone, BFO offset, and CW filter center frequencies. Selects the time delay between when the PTT is keyed and the carrier is transmitted during QSK operation when using the internal keyer. Setting of the CW sidetone volume level.

Sets the sending speed for the built-in Electronic keyer.

Sends random Morse Code five-character groups via the sidetone. Sets the Dot:Dash ratio for the built-in electronic keyer. Setting of the DCS code. Selects “Normal” or “Inverted” DCS coding. Setting of the DIAL knob’s tuning speed. Defines the displayed frequency offset during DIG (USER-L or USER-U) mode operation. Adjusts the audio input level from terminal equipment during DIG (Digital) mode operation.

Selects the mode and sideband in the DIG (Digital) mode.

Defines the carrier frequency offset during DIG (USER-L or USERU) mode operation.

2) In step 4 above, if you press the [C] key momentarily, you will exit to normal operation without saving the new setting.

3) In step 2 above, press the [A] key momentarily, The “hyphen” in the Menu channel number will change to become a “dot”; this shows that this Menu now is not included in the recall the Menu Item loop.

1) In step 3 above, if you press the [HOME] key momentarily, it will reset the setting of that Menu Item to its factory-default value.

Available Values Default ON/OFF OFF

ON/OFF 1

ENABLE/DISABLE DISABLE 0 ~ 100 50

2.5/5/9/10/12.5/25kHz 1 OFF/1h ~ 6h OFF OFF/RANGE/ALL RANGE ON/OFF OFF – YAESU –– OFF/1 sec ~ 255 sec OFF 440/880/1760 Hz 880 Hz 0 ~ 100 50 –300 ~ +300 Hz 0 Hz –300 ~ +300 Hz 0 Hz –300 ~ +300 Hz 0 Hz –300 ~ +300 Hz 0 Hz 4800bps/9600bps/38400bps 4800bps

CAT/LINEAR/TUNER CAT

CLAR, M/V, MAIN CLAR

ON/OFF OFF

USB/LSB/AUTO USB

FULL/30 ~ 3000 msec 250 msec

NORMAL/REVERSE NORMAL

ELEKEY/MICKEY ELEKEY

400 ~ 800 Hz 700 Hz

10/15/20/25/30 ms 10 ms

0 ~ 100 50 4 ~ 60 wpm (1wpm/step)/ 12 wpm 20 ~ 300 cpm (5cpm/step) (60 cpm) N, A, AN N 1:2.5 ~ 1:4.5 1:3.0 104 Standard DCS codes 023 Tn-Rn/Tn-Riv/Tiv-Rn/Tiv-Riv Tn-Rn FINE/COARSE FINE

–3000 ~ +3000 Hz 0 Hz

0 ~ 100 50

RTTY-L/RTTY-U/PSK31-L/ RTTY-L PSK31-U/USER-L/USER-U

–3000 ~ +3000 Hz 0 Hz

Page 52 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MENU OPERATION

No Menu Item 040 DIG VOX 041 DISP COLOR 042 DISP CONTRAST 043 DISP INTENSITY 044 DISP MODE 045 DSP BPF WIDTH 046 DSP HPF CUTOFF 047 DSP LPF CUTOFF 048 DSP MIC EQ 049 DSP NR LEVEL

050 EMERGENCY

051 FM MIC GAIN

052 FM STEP

053 HOME-->VFO 054 LOCK MODE 055 MEM GROUP 056 MEM TAG

MEM/VFO DIAL MODE

057

058 MIC SCAN

059 MIC SEL

060 MTR ARX SEL

061 MTR ATX SEL

062 MTR PEAK HOLD 063 NB LEVEL 064 OP FILTER 1

065 PG A

066 PG B

067 PG C

068 PG ACC 069 PG P1 070 PG P2

071 PKT 1200

072 PKT 9600

073 PKT RATE

074 PROC LEVEL

075 RF POWER SET 076 RPT SHIFT 077 SCAN MODE 078 SCAN RESUME 079 SPLIT TONE 080 SQL/RF GAIN 081 SSB MIC GAIN

082 SSB STEP

083 TONE FREQ 084 TOT TIME

085 TUNER/ATAS

086 TX IF FILTER 087 VOX DELAY 088 VOX GAIN

089 XVTR A FREQ

090 XVTR B FREQ

091 XVTR SEL

Function Sets the gain of the VOX circuitry’s input level for the DIG mode. Selects the illumination color for each operating status. Setting of the display contrast level. Setting of the display brightness level. Sets up the LCD Lamp mode. Setting of the bandwidth for the DSP CW audio filter. Adjusts the low-cut characteristics of the DSP HPF filter. Adjusts the high-cut characteristics of the DSP LPF filter. Sets the DSP microphone equalization pattern. Setting of the degree of DSP Noise Reduction. Enables Tx/Rx operation on the Alaska Emergency Channel,

5167.5 kHz. Adjusts the microphone gain level for the FM mode. Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob in the FM mode. Enables/disables the moving of HOME channel data to the VFO. Selects the operation of the front panel’s LOCK key. Enables/disables the memory grouping feature. Stores Alpha-Numeric “Tags” for the memory channels.

Selects the function which is engaged when you press the MEM/ VFO CH knob.

Enables/disables scanning access via the microphone’s [UP]/ [

DWN] keys. The choice of the equipment which connects to the MIC jack. Select the meter display configuration while the transceiver is receiving. Selects the meter display configuration while the transceiver is transmitting. Enabling/disabling of the “peak hold” function of the meter. Setting of the blanking level for the IF Noise Blanker. Not available at this time. Programming the [A] key (in the Operating Function Row 17) function. Programming the [B] key (in the Operating Function Row 17) function. Programming the [C] key (in the Operating Function Row 17) function. Not available at this time. Not available at this time. Not available at this time. Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC during 1200 bps Packet operation. Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC during 9600 bps Packet operation. Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the Packet baud rate to be used. Sets the compression level for the AF speech processor in the SSB/AM modes. Setting of the maximum power level for the current band. Sets the magnitude of the repeater shift. Selects the desired Scan-Resume mode. Sets the delay time for scanning resumption. Enables/disables split CTCSS/DCS cording. Selects the configuration of the front panel’s SQL/RF knob. Adjusts the microphone gain level for the SSB mode. Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob on the SSB mode. Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency. Select the Automatic Power Off time. Selects the device (FC-30 or ATAS-100/-120) to be controlled via the front panel’s [A](TUNE) key. Selects the Transmit IF filter. Sets the “hang time” for the VOX circuitry. Sets the gain of the VOX circuitry’s input audio detector.

Allows an arbitrary frequency to be set on the display, to allow direct frequency readout during transverter operation.

Enables/disables/selects the antenna port to be used for Transverter operation.

1: Depends Mon transceiver version.

2: Depends on operating band and transceiver version.

Available Values Default 0 ~ 100 0 –– 0 ~ 13 5 0 (Dim) ~ 3 (Bright) 3 OFF/AUTO1/AUTO2/ON AUTO2 60/120/240 Hz 240 Hz 100 ~ 1000 Hz 100 Hz 1000 ~ 6000 Hz 6000 Hz OFF/LPF/HPF/BOTH OFF 1 ~ 16 8

ON/OFF OFF

0 ~ 100 50 5/6.25/10/12.5/15/20/25/ 50 kHz ON/OFF ON DIAL/FREQ/PANEL/ALL DIAL ON/OFF OFF –– CW SIDETONE, CW SPEED, MHz/MEM GRP, MIC GAIN, NB LEVEL, RF POWER, STEP

ON/OFF ON

NOR/RMT/CAT NOR

SIG, CTR, VLT, N/A, FS, OFF SIG

PWR, ALC, MOD, SWR, PWR VLT, N/A, OFF ON/OFF ON 0 ~ 100 50 ––

All Multi Function , all Menu Item, MONI, Q.SPL, TCALL, Q.SPL ATC and USER.

–– –– ––

0 ~ 100 50

1200/9600 (bps) 1200 bps

0 ~ 100 50

5 ~ 100 100

0.00 ~ 99.99 (MHz) 2 TIME/BUSY/STOP TIME 1 ~ 10 (sec) 5 sec ON/OFF OFF RF-GAIN/SQL 1 0 ~ 100 50

1kHz/2.5kHz/5kHz 2.5 kHz

50 Standard CTCSS tones 88.5 Hz OFF/1 ~ 20 (min) OFF OFF/ATAS(HF)/ATAS(HF&50) OFF /ATAS(ALL)/TUNER CFIL/FIL1/FIL2 CFIL 100 ~ 3000 (ms) 500 ms 1 ~ 100 50

00,000,00 ~ 99,999,99 (kHz) –

OFF/X VTR A/X VTR B OFF

2

MHz/MEM GRP

MONI

ATC

Page 53FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MENU OPERATION

MENU MODE No-001 [EXT MENU Function: Enables/Disables the extended Menu Mode. Available Values: ON/OFF Default: OFF

MENU MODE No•002 [144 MHz ARS Function: Activates/deactivates the Aut omatic Repeater

Shift feature when operating on the 144 MHz band.

Available Values: ON/OFF Default: ON (depending on transceiver version)

MENU MODE No•003 [430 MHz ARS Function: Activates/deactivates the Automatic Repeater

Shift feature when operating on the 430 MHz band.

Available Values: ON/OFF Default: ON (depending on transceiver version)

MENU MODE No•004 [AM&FM DIAL Function: Enabling/disabling of the DIAL knob on the AM

and FM modes.

Available Values: ENABLE/DISABLE Default: DISABLE

MENU MODE No-005 [AM MIC GAIN Function: Adjusts the microphone gain level for the AM

mode.

Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50

MENU MODE No-006 [AM STEP Function: Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH

knob on the AM mode.

Available Values: 2.5/5/9/10/12.5/25kHz Default: 5 kHz (depending on transceiver version)

MENU MODE No-007 [APO TIME Function: Selects the Auto Power Off time (time before

power goes off).

Available Values: OFF/1h ~ 6h Default: OFF

MENU MODE No•008 [ARTS BEEP Function: Selects the ARTS beep mode. Available Values: OFF/RANGE/ALL Default: RANGE

OFF: No alert beeps sound; you must look at the dis-

play to determine current ARTS status.

RANGE: A high tone beep will sound when the transceiver

first detects that you are within range, and a low beep will sound when the other station goes out of range.

ALL: A high tone beep will sound every time a polling

transmission is received from the other station, and a low beep will sound once when the other station goes out of range.

]

MENU MODE No•009 [ARTS ID Function: Enables/disables the CW identifier during ARTS

operation.

Available Values: ON/OFF Default: OFF

MENU MODE No•010 [ARTS IDW Function: Stores your callsign into the CW identifier. Up to

ten characters may be stored. The storage procedure is as follows:

1. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob momentarily to initiate

callsign storage (the first character location of the callsign will be underlined).

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

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

4. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to save your completed callsign and exit.

Default: YAESU

MENU MODE No•011 [BEACON TEXT 1 Function: Stores the message for the Beacon. Up to 40 char-

acters may be stored. The storage procedure is as follows:

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

2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode

No-011 [BEACON TEXT 1].

3. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to enable storage of the Beacon Text (the first character location will be underlined).

4. Rotate the DIAL to select the first character (number or letter) in the Beacon Text you wish to store, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click clockwise to move to the next character.

5. Repeat step 4 as many times as necessary to complete the Beacon Text.

If the Beacon Text is less than 40 characters or more

than 40 characters, see page 50 for details.

MENU MODE No•012 [BEACON TIME Function: Selects the interval time (between message and

message).

Available Values: OFF/1 sec ~ 255 sec Default: OFF

MENU MODE No•013 [BEEP TONE Function: Selects the beep frequency. Available Values: 440/880/1760 Hz Default: 880 Hz

MENU MODE No-014 [BEEP VOL Function: Selects the beep volume level. Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50

Press the [B] key to monitor the level during adjustment.

]

Page 54 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MENU OPERATION

MENU MODE No•015 [CAR LSB R Function: Sets the Rx Carrier Point for LSB. Available Values: –300 ~ +300 Hz Default: 0 Hz

MENU MODE No•016 [CAR LSB T Function: Sets the Tx Carrier Point for LSB Available Values: –300 ~ +300 Hz Default: 0 Hz

MENU MODE No•017 [CAR USB R Function: Sets the Rx Carrier Point for USB Available Values: –300 ~ +300 Hz Default: 0 Hz

MENU MODE No•018 [CAR USB T Function: Sets the Tx Carrier Point for USB Available Values: –300 ~ +300 Hz Default: 0 Hz

MENU MODE No•019 [CAT RATE Function: Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the CAT baud

rate to be used.

Available Values: 4800bps/9600bps/38400bps Default: 4800bps

MENU MODE No•020 [CAT/LIN/TUN Function: Selects the device which is connected to the

CAT/LINEAR jack on the rear panel.

Available Values: CAT/LINEAR/TUNER Default: CAT

MENU MODE No•021 [CLAR DIAL SEL Function: Defines the “control” knob to be used for setting

of the clarifier offset frequency. Available Values: CLAR, M/V, MAIN (Clarifier/Selector/ Main Dial Knobs)

Default: CLAR

MENU MODE No-022 [CW AUTO MODE Function: Selects whether the KEY jack shall be “Enabled”

or “Disabled” while using the SSB/FM modes.

Available Values: ON/OFF Default: OFF

OFF: The KEY jack is enabled on the CW mode only. ON: The KEY jack is enabled on all modes (SSB mode:

A1, FM mode: F2). Thus, on SSB, you can ask a station for a CW QSO without having to change your FT-897’s Mode selection, if Menu #022 is set to “On.”

]

MENU MODE No-024 [CW DELAY Function: Sets the receiver recovery time during pseudo-

VOX CW semi-break-in operation.

Available Values: FULL/30 ~ 3000 msec Default: 250 msec

The recovery time may be adjusted in steps of 10 msec. A longer delay may be preferable if you pause frequently while sending.

MENU MODE No•025 [CW KEY REV Function: Sets the keyer paddle’s wiring configuration. Available Values: NORMAL/REVERSE Default: NORMAL

NORMAL: Keyer paddle polarity is normal. The “tip” plug

connection produces dots, and the “ring” plug connection produces dashes.

REVERSE: Keyer paddle polarity is inverted. The “tip”

paddle produces dashes, and the “ring” paddle produces dots.

MENU MODE No•026 [CW PADDLE Function: Enables/disables CW keying by the microphone’s

[UP]/[DWN] keys.

Available Values: ELEKEY/MICKEY Default: ELEKEY

When this Menu Item is set to “MICKEY,” press the microphone’s [UP] key to send a “dot,” and press the microphone’s [DWN] key to send a “dash” (while the builtin electronic keyer is engaged).

MENU MODE No-027 [CW PITCH Function: Setting of the pitch of the CW sidetone, BFO

offset, and CW filter center frequencies.

Available Values: 400 ~ 800 Hz Default: 700 Hz

The CW pitch may be adjusted in steps of 100 Hz.

MENU MODE No•028 [CW QSK Function: Selects the time delay between when the PTT is

keyed and the carrier is transmitted during QSK operation when using the internal keyer.

Available Values: 10/15/20/25/30 ms Default: 10 ms

Note: If you select “25 (or 30) ms,” please do not attempt to set Menu [No-030 CW SPEED] to a speed faster than “50 (42) wpm,” as the delay will make it impossible to transmit.

]

MENU MODE No•023 [CW BFO Function: Sets the CW carrier oscillator injection side on

the CW mode.

Available Values: USB/LSB/AUTO Default: USB

USB: Injects the CW carrier oscillator on the USB side LSB: Injects the CW carrier oscillator on the LSB side AUTO:Injects the CW carrier oscillator on the LSB side

while operating on the 10 MHz band and below, USB side while operate on the 10 MHz band and up.

]

MENU MODE No-029 [CW SIDE TONE Function: Setting of the CW sidetone volume level. Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50

]

Page 55FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MENU OPERATION

MENU MODE No-030 [CW SPEED Function: Sets the sending speed for the built-in Electronic

keyer. Available Values: 4wpm ~ 60 wpm (1wpm/step)/20cpm ~ 300 cpm (5cpm/step) Default: 12 wpm (60 cpm) You can set the sending speed according to either of two units of speed (wpm: words per minute; cpm: characters per minute) To switch units between “wpm” and “cpm,” just press the MEM/VFO CH knob.

MENU MODE No•031 [CW TRAINING Function: Sends random Morse Code five-character groups

via the sidetone.

Available Values: N / A / AN Default: N

N: Numeric characters only A: Alphabet characters only AN: Numeric and Alphabet characters (Mixed)

MENU MODE No•032 [CW WEIGHT Function: Sets the Dot:Dash ratio for the built-in electronic

keyer.

Available Values: 1:2.5 ~ 1:4.5 Default: 1:3.0

MENU MODE No-033 [DCS CODE Function: Setting of the DCS code. Available Values: 104 Standard DCS codes Default: 023

You can set the DSC codes for Encode and Decode separately. To switch between “ENCODE” and “DECODE,” just press the MEM/VFO CH knob.

MENU MODE No•034 [DCS INV Function: Selects “Normal” or “Inverted” DCS coding. Available Values: Tn-Rn/Tn-Riv/Tiv-Rn/Tiv-Riv Default: Tn-Rn

“n” = “normal” “iv” = “inverted”

MENU MODE No-035 [DIAL STEP Function: Setting of the DIAL knob’s tuning speed.

Available Values: FINE/COARSE Default: FINE You may choose between two speeds for the DIAL knob. Selecting “COARSE” doubles the tuning rate compared to the default value. FINE: 10 Hz/step @SSB/CW mode, 100 Hz/step @AM/

COARSE: 20 Hz/step @SSB/CW mode, 200 Hz/step @AM/

MENU MODE No•036 [DIG DISP Function: Defines the displayed frequency offset during

DIG (USER-L or USER-U) mode operation.

Available Values: –3000 ~ +3000 Hz Default: 0 Hz

]

MENU MODE No•037 [DIG GAIN Function: Adjusts the audio input level from terminal equip-

ment (such as a TNC or PSK-31 sound card) during DIG (Digital) mode operation. Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50

MENU MODE No•038 [DIG MODE Function: Selects the mode and sideband (if applicable) in

the DIG (Digital) mode. Available Values: RTTY-L/RTTY-U/PSK31-L/PSK31-U/ USER-L/USER-U

Default: RTTY-L

RTTY-L: AFSK RTTY operation on the LSB mode RTTY-U: AFSK RTTY operation on the USB mode PSK31-L: PSK-31 operation on the LSB mode PSK31-U: PSK-31 operation on the USB mode USER-L: User-programmed costume operation based on

LSB mode

USER-U: User-programmed costume operation based on

USB mode

In the USER-L and USER-U modes, you can define the display frequency offset and carrier frequency offset by Menu Mode No-036 [DIG

DISP] and No-039 [DIG SHIFT].

MENU MODE No•039 [DIG SHIFT Function: Defines the carrier frequency offset during DIG

(USER-L or USER-U) mode operation.

Available Values: –3000 ~ +3000 Hz Default: 0 Hz

MENU MODE No•040 [DIG VOX Function: Sets the gain of the VOX circuitry’s input level

for the DIG mode.

Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 0

Note: When you wish to use “DIG VOX,” press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, until you reach Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX], then press the [C](VOX) key. The parentheses and “ ” icon will dis- appear, signifying that the (SSB/AM/FM voice) VOX system has been turned off. Despite these indicators having disappeared, the Digital Mode “VOX” system will still be active, allowing audio input from a TNC or sound card to engage the transmitter.

MENU MODE No-041 [DISP COLOR Function: Selects the illumination color for each operating

status. Available Values: ARTS/BAND/FIX/MEMGRP/MODE/ MTR/VFO

Default: FIX

MENU MODE No-042 [DISP CONTRAST Function: Setting of the display contrast level. Available Values: 1 ~ 13 Default: 5

]

Page 56 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MENU OPERATION

MENU MODE No-043 [DISP INTENSITY Function: Setting of the display brightness level. Available Values: 0 (Dim) ~ 3 (Bright) Default: 3

MENU MODE No•044 [DISP MODE Function: Sets up the LCD Lamp mode. Available Values: OFF/AUTO1/AUTO2/ON Default: AUTO2

OFF: Disables the LCD illumination. AUTO1: Illuminates the LCD for three seconds when any

button is pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob.

AUTO2: Illuminates the LCD continuously while the FT-

897 is operating on an external power supply. When

using the FNB-78 internal battery in the AUTO2 mode, the LCD will light up for three seconds when any button is pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob (identical to AUTO1 mode).

ON: Illuminates the LCD continuously.

MENU MODE No-045 [DSP BPF WIDTH Function: Setting of the bandwidth for the DSP CW audio

filter.

Available Values: 60/120/240 Hz Default: 240

MENU MODE No-046 [DSP HPF CUTOFF Function: Adjusts the low-cut characteristics of the DSP

HPF filter. Available Values: 100/160/220/280/340/400/460/520/580/ 640/700/760/820/880/940/1000 (Hz) Default: 100

This Menu Item determines the low-cut frequency of the DSP HPF filter in the SSB, AM,

and FM modes. Generally, acceptable voice fidelity will be obtained only if you do not set this parameter much above 400 Hz.

MENU MODE No-047 [DSP LPF CUTOFF Function: Adjusts the high-cut characteristics of the DSP

LPF filter. Available Values: 1000/1160/1320/1480/1650/1800/1970/ 2130/2290/2450/2610/2770/2940/3100/3260/3420/3580/ 3740/3900/4060/4230/4390/4550/4710/4870/5030/5190/ 5390/5520/5680/5840/6000 (Hz) Default: 6000

This Menu Item determines the high-cut fre-

quency of the DSP LPF filter in the SSB, AM,

and FM modes. Best voice-mode interference rejection will usually be obtained with a setting of between 2130 and 2770 Hz.

]

MENU MODE No-048 [DSP MIC EQ Function: Sets the DSP microphone equalization pattern. Available Values: OFF/LPF/HPF/BOTH Default: OFF

OFF: This function is disabled. LPF: Lower frequencies are emphasized. HPF: Higher frequencies are emphasized. BOTH:Mid-range frequencies are emphasized.

MENU MODE No-049 [DSP NR LEVEL Function: Setting of the degree of DSP Noise Reduction. Available Values: 1 ~ 16 Default: 8

MENU MODE No•050 [EMERGENCY]: USA Version only Function: Enables Tx/Rx operation on the Alaska Emer-

gency Channel, 5167.5 kHz.

Available Values: ON/OFF Default: OFF

When this Menu Item is set to “ON,” the spot frequency of

5167.5 kHz will be enabled. To get to this frequency, use the MEM/VFO CH knob to navigate; the Alaska Emergency Channel will be found between the Memory channel “MP20U” and “M-001.”

Use of this frequency is restricted to amateurs operating in (or within 92.6 km of) the U.S. State

of Alaska, and it is to be used for emergency communications only (involving the immediate protection of life or property).

MENU MODE No•051 [FM MIC GAIN Function: Adjusts the microphone gain level for the FM

mode.

Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50

MENU MODE No-052 [FM STEP Function: Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH

knob in the FM mode.

Available Values: 5/6.25/10/12.5/15/20/25/50 kHz Default: Depends on operating band and transceiver ver-

sion.

MENU MODE No•053 [HOMEVFO Function: Enables/disables the moving of HOME channel

data to the VFO.

Available Values: ON/OFF Default: ON

Recall the HOME channel, then rotate the “DIAL” or “MEM/ VFO CH” knob.

The data will now have been copied to the current VFO, although the original HOME contents will remain intact on the previously-stored HOME channel.

]

Page 57FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MENU OPERATION

MENU MODE No•054 [LOCK MODE

]

Function: Selects the operation of the front panel’s LOCK key.

Available Values: DIAL/FREQ/PANEL/ALL Default: DIAL

DIAL: Locks the DIAL knob only. FREQ: Locks the front panel keys and knobs related to

frequency control (such as BAND(UP) and BAND(DWN) key, [A](A/B) key., etc.)

PANEL: Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except

POWER and LOCK keys)

ALL: Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except

POWER and LOCK keys) and microphone keys.

MENU MODE No•055 [MEM GROUP

]

Function: Enables/disables the memory grouping feature. Available Values: OFF/ON Default: OFF

When this Menu Item is set to “ON,” the 200 “standard” memory channels are partitioned into ten Memory Groups, each holding up to 20 memory channels.

MEMORY CHANNEL NUMBER

MEMORY GROUP “OFF”

M-001 ~ M-020 M-021 ~ M-040 M-041 ~ M-060 M-061 ~ M-080 M-081 ~ M-100 M-101 ~ M-120 M-121 ~ M-140 M-141 ~ M-160 M-161 ~ M-180 M-181 ~ M-200

M-P1L ~ M-P5U

MENU MODE No•056 [MEM TAG

MEMORY GROUP “ON”

Ma-01 ~ Ma-20 Mb-01 ~ Mb-20 Mc-01 ~ Mc-20 Md-01 ~ Md-20 Me-01 ~ Me-20

Mf-01 ~ Mf-20 Mg-01 ~ Mg-20 Mh-01 ~ Mh-20

Mi-01 ~ Mi-20 Mj-01 ~ Mj-20

Mk-1L ~ Mk-5U

]

Function: Stores Alpha-Numeric “Tags” for the memory channels. Up to eight characters may be stored. The storage procedure is as follows:

1. Recall the memory channel onto which you wish to appended a label.

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

3. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode

No-056 [MEM TAG].

4. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to enable the programming of the label.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first character (number, letter, or symbol) in the name you with to store, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob clockwise to move to the next character.

6. Again rotate the DIAL knob to select the next number, letter, or symbol, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob clockwise to move to the next character’s slot.

7. Repeat step 6 as many times as necessary to complete the name tag for the memory, then press and hold in the [F]

key for one second to save the A/N (Alpha-Numeric)

name entry and exit to normal operation.

8. During Memory operation, press the [F] key momen-

tarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW, MCLR, TAG] appears on the display. Press the [C](TAG) key momentarily to activate the alpha-numeric Tag. Repeatedly pressing this key will toggle operation between “Frequency” display and “Tag” display.

You can recall Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG] instantly by pressing and holding in the [C](TAG) key for one second.

MENU MODE No•057 [MEM/VFO DIAL MODE

]

Function: Selects the function which is engaged when you press the MEM/VFO CH knob. Available Values: CW SIDETONE, CW SPEED, MHz/ MEM GRP, MIC GAIN, NB LEVEL, RF POWER/STEP

Default: MHz/MEM GRP

MENU MODE No•058 [MIC SCAN

]

Function: Enables/disables scanning access via the microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] keys.

Available Values: OFF/ON Default: ON

MENU MODE No •059 [MIC SEL

]

Function: The choice of the equipment which connects to the MIC jack.

RXD GNDTXD

Available Values: NOR/RMT/CAT Default: NOR

NOR: Normal Microphone. RMT: Not available at this time. CAT: CAT system: if you are using the optional FC-30 an-

tenna tuner, you can still use the CAT system by connecting the serial Data cable to the MIC jack.

MENU MODE No•060 [MTR ARX SEL

]

Function: Select the meter display configuration while the transceiver is receiving.

Available Values: SIG, CTR, VLT, N/A, FS, OFF Default: SIG

SIG: Indicates the incoming signal strength. CTR: Discriminator center meter. VLT: Indicates the battery voltage. N/A: Not available at this time. FS: Applies a calibration signal (1 mA for full scale) at

the METER Jack on the transceiver bottom, for adjustment of an external meter’s calibration. You may adjust the external potentiometer in your metering system so that the external meter reading is full scale.

OFF: Disables the meter.

Page 58 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MENU OPERATION

MENU MODE No•061 [MTR ATX SEL Function: Selects the meter display configuration while the

transceiver is transmitting.

Available Values: PWR, ALC, MOD, SWR, VLT, N/A, OFF Default: PWR

PWR: Indicates the relative transmit power. ALC: Indicates the relative Automatic Level Control voltage. MOD: Indicates the deviation level. SWR: Indicates the Standing Wave Ratio

(forward:reflected).

VLT: Indicates the battery voltage. N/A: Not available at this time. OFF: Disables the meter.

MENU MODE No-062 [MTR PEAK HOLD Function: Enabling/disabling of the “peak hold” function

of the meter.

Available Values: OFF/ON Default: ON

MENU MODE No-063 [NB LEVEL Function: Setting of the blanking level for the IF Noise

Blanker.

Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50

MENU MODE No•064 [OP FILTER 1

Not available at this time.

MENU MODE No•065 [PG A Function: Programming the [A] key (in the Operating Func-

tion Row 17) function. Available Values: All Multi Function , all Menu Item, MONI, Q.SPL, TCALL, ATC and USER.

Default: MONI

MENU MODE No •066 [PG B Function: Programming the [B] key (in the Operating Func-

tion Row 17) function. Available Values: All Multi Function , all Menu Item, MONI, Q.SPL, TCALL, ATC and USER.

Default: Q.SPL

MENU MODE No•067 [PG C Function: Programming the [C] key (in the Operating Func-

tion Row 17) function. Available Values: All Multi Function , all Menu Item, MONI, Q.SPL, TCALL, ATC and USER.

Default: ATC

MENU MODE No•068 [PG ACC

Not available at this time.

MENU MODE No •069 [PG P1

Not available at this time.

MENU MODE No•070 [PG P2

Not available at this time.

]

MENU MODE No•071 [PKT1200 Function: Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC dur-

ing 1200 bps Packet operation.

Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50

MENU MODE No•072 [PKT9600 Function: Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC dur-

ing 9600 bps Packet operation.

Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50

MENU MODE No•073 [PKT RATE Function: Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the Packet baud

rate to be used.

Available Values: 1200/9600 (bps) Default: 1200 (bps)

MENU MODE No-074 [PROC LEVEL Function: Sets the compression level for the AF speech pro-

cessor in the SSB/AM modes.

Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50

MENU MODE No-075 [RF POWER SET Function: Setting of the maximum power level for the cur-

rent band.

Available Values: 5 ~ 100 Default: 100

MENU MODE No-076 [RPT SHIFT Function: Sets the magnitude of the repeater shift. Available Values: 0.00 ~ 99.99 (MHz) Default: Depends on operating band and transceiver ver-

sion.

MENU MODE No•077 [SCAN MODE Function: Selects the desired Scan-Resume mode. Available Values: TIME/BUSY/STOP Default: TIME

This Menu Item allows you to select your favorite method of scan-restart after the scanner has stopped on an incoming signal (when the squelch opens). TIME: The scanner will hold for a fixed length of time, set

via MENU MODE No-078 [SCAN RESUME], then resume whether or not the other station is still transmitting.

BUSY: The scanner will hold until the signal disappears, then

will resume after one second.

STOP: The scanner will stop when a signal is received, and

will not restart.

MENU MODE No•078 [SCAN RESUME Function: Sets the delay time for scanning resumption. Available Values: 1 ~ 10 (sec) Default: 5

MENU MODE No•079 [SPLIT TONE Function: Enables/disables split CTCSS/DCS cording. Available Values: OFF/ON Default: OFF

]

Page 59FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

MENU OPERATION

MENU MODE No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN Function: Selects the configuration of the front panel’s SQL/

RF knob.

Available Values: RF-GAIN/SQL Default: Depends on transceiver version.

MENU MODE No-081 [SSB MIC GAIN Function: Adjusts the microphone gain level for the SSB

mode.

Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50

MENU MODE No-082 [SSB STEP Function: Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH

knob on the SSB mode.

Available Values: 1kHz/2.5kHz/5kHz Default: 2.5kHz

MENU MODE No-083 [TONE FREQ Function: Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency. Available Values: 50 Standard CTCSS tones Default: 88.5 Hz

MENU MODE No-084 [TOT TIME Function: Select the Automatic Power Off time. Available Values: OFF/1 ~ 20 (min) Default: OFF

MENU MODE No•085 [TUNER/ATAS Function: Selects the device (FC-30 or ATAS-100/-120)

to be controlled via the front panel’s [A](TUNE) key. Available Values: OFF/ATAS(HF)/ATAS(HF&50)/ ATAS(ALL)/TUNER Default: OFF

OFF: The [A](TUNE) key is disabled. ATAS(HF): The [A](TUNE) key will activate the op-

tional ATAS-100/-120 on the HF amateur bands.

ATAS(HF&50): The [A](TUNE) key will activate the op-

tional ATAS-100/-120 on the HF amateur bands and 50 MHz amateur band.

ATAS(ALL): The [A](TUNE) key will activate the op-

tional ATAS-100/-120 on the all amateur bands which enable to the FT-897 transceiver.

TUNER: The [A](TUNE) key will activate the op-

tional FC-30.

]

MENU MODE No•086 [TX IF FILTER Function: Selects the Transmit IF filter. Available Values: CFIL/FIL1/FIL2 Default: CFIL

MENU MODE No•087 [VOX DELAY Function: Sets the “hang time” for the VOX circuitry. Available Values: 100 ~ 3000 (ms) Default: 500 (ms)

MENU MODE No-088 [VOX GAIN Function: Sets the gain of the VOX circuitry’s input audio

detector.

Available Values: 1 ~ 100 Default: 50

MENU MODE No•089 [XVTR A FREQ Function: Allows an arbitrary frequency to be set on the

display, to allow direct frequency readout during transverter operation; can also be used to account for frequency conversion inaccuracies when a known reference frequency is known.

Available Values: 00,000,00 ~ 99,999,99 (kHz) Default: Current VFO frequency.

MENU MODE No•090 [XVTR B FREQ Function: Allows an arbitrary frequency to be set on the

display, to allow direct frequency readout during transverter operation; can also be used to account for frequency conversion inaccuracies when a known reference frequency is known.

Available Values: 00,000,00 ~ 99,999,99 (kHz) Default: Current VFO frequency.

MENU MODE No•091 [XVTR SEL Function: Enable/disable the Transverter function. Available Values: OFF/XVTR A/XVTR B Default: OFF

OFF: Disables the Transverter operation feature. X VTR A: Activates the transverter operation feature.

The display frequency may be set via MENU No089 [XVTR A FREQ].

X VTR B: Activates the second transverter operation display.

The display frequency may be set via MENU No090 [XVTR B FREQ].

]

Page 60 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

CAT (COMPUTER AIDED TRANSCEIVER

)

PERATION

The FT-897’s CAT System allows the transceiver to be controlled by a personal computer. This allows multiple control operations to be fully automated as a single mouse click, or it allows a third-party software package (such as contest logging software) to communicate with the FT-897 without (redundant) operator intervention.

The Optional CA T Interface Cable CT-62 is a connection cable for the FT-897 and your computer. The CT-62 has a built-in level converter, allowing direct connection from the rear panel CAT/LINEAR jack to the serial port of your com- puter, without the need for an external RS-232C level converter box.

Vertex Standard does not produce CAT System operating software, due to the wide variety of personal computers, operating systems, and applications in use today.

The information presented in this section will allow the programmer to understand the command structure and opcodes used in the FT-897’s CAT System.

CAT Data Protocol

All commands sent from the computer to the transceiver consist of five-byte blocks, with up to 200 ms between each byte. The last byte in each block is the instruction opcode, while the first four bytes of each block are arguments (either parameters for that instruction, or dummy values required to pad the block out to five bytes). Each byte consists of 1 start bit, 8 data bits, no parity bit, and two stop bits.

There are 17 instruction opcodes for the FT-897, listed in the chart on next page. Many of these opcodes are On/Off toggle commands for the same action (e.g. “PTT On” and “PTT Off”) Most of these commands require some parameter or parameters to be set. Irrespective of the number of parameters present, every Command Block sent must consist of five bytes.

Accordingly, any CAT control program must construct the five-byte block by selecting the appropriate instruction opcode, organizing the parameters as needed, and providing unused “dummy” argument bytes to pad the block to its required five-byte length (the dummy bytes can contain any value). The resulting five bytes are then sent, opcode last, from the computer to the FT-897 CPU via the computer’s serial port and the transceiver’s CAT/LINEAR jack.

CAT

/LINEAR

CT-62 (Option)

RS-232

All CAT data values are hexadecimal

Constructing and Sending CAT Commands

Example #1: Set the VFO frequency to 439.70 MHz

Ì Per the CAT command table, the opcode for “Set Fre-

quency” is 01. Placing the opcode into the 5th data bit position, we then enter the frequency into the first four data bit positions:

DATA 1 DATA 2 D ATA 3 D ATA 4 DATA 5

43 97 00 00 01

Parameter Command

Send these five bytes to the transceiver, in the order shown above.

Example #2: Turn the Split Mode “On”

Ì Per the CA T command table, the opcode for “Split On/

off” is 02. Placing the opcode into the 5th data bit position, we then enter dummy values into all other parameter locations:

DATA 1 DATA 2 D ATA 3 D ATA 4 DATA 5

00 00 00 00 02

Parameter Command

Page 61FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

CAT (COMPUTER AIDED TRANSCEIVER

)

PERATION

Opcode Command Chart

Command Title Parameter Opcode Notes

LOCK ON/OFF CMD

PTT ON/OFF CMD

Set Frequency P1 P2 P3 P4 01

Operating Mode P1  07 P1 = 03 : CWR, P1 = 04 : AM, P1 = 08 : FM,

CLAR ON/OFF CMD

CLAR Frequency P1  P3 P4 F5

VFO-A/B  81 Toggle

SPLIT ON/OFF CMD

Repeater Offset P1  09 P1 = 49 : “+” SHIFT

Repeater Offset Frequency P1 P2 P3 P4 F9

CTCSS/DCS Mode P1  0A P1 = 2A : CTCSS ON

CTCSS Tone P1 P2 P3 P4 0B

DCS Code P1 P2 P3 P4 0C

Read RX Status  E7 (Note 3) Read TX Status  F7 (Note 4) Read RX Status  03 (Note 5)

CMD = 00 : LOCK ON CMD = 80 : LOCK OFF CMD = 08 : PTT ON CMD = 88 : PTT OFF P1 ~ P4 : Frequency Digits 01, 42, 34, 56, [01] = 14.23456 MHz P1 = 00 : LSB, P1 = 01 : USB, P1 = 02 : CW,

P1 = 0A : DIG, P1 = 0C : PKT P1 = 88 : FMN, CMD = 05 : CLAR ON CMD = 85 : CLAR OFF P1 = 00 : “+” OFFSET P3, P4 : CLAR Frequency P1 = 00 : “-” OFFSET 12, 34 = 12.34 kHz

CMD = 02 : SPLIT ON CMD = 82 : SPLIT OFF P1 = 09 : “-” SHIFT

P1 = 89 : SIMPLEX P1 ~ P4 : Frequency Digits 05, 43, 21, 00, [F9] = 5.4321 MHz P1 = 0A : DCS ON P1 = 0B : DCS DECODER ON P1 = 0C : DCS ENCODER ON

P1 = 3A : CTCSS DECODER ON P1 = 4A : CTCSS ENCODER ON P1 = 8A : OFF P1 ~ P2 : CTCSS Tone Frequency for TX (Note 1) P3 ~ P4 : CTCSS Tone Frequency for RX (Note 1) P1 ~ P2 : DCS Code for TX (Note 2) P3 ~ P4 : DCS Code for RX (Note 2)

Note 1: CTCSS Tone

Example: Set the CTCSS Tone Frequncy to 88.5 Hz (TX)

and 100.0 Hz (RX)

P1 P2 P1 P2

08 85 10 00 = 88.5 Hz (TX), 100.0 Hz (RX)

Note 2: DCS Code

Example: Set the DCS Code to 023 (TX) and 371 (RX)

P1 P2 P1 P2

00 23 03 71 = 023 (TX), 371 (RX)

Note 3: Read RX Status

76543210

S Meter Data

Dummy Data

Discriminator Centering 0: Discriminator is Centered 1: Discriminator is Off-Center SSB/CW/AM mode:0

CTCSS/DCS Code 0: CTCSS/DCS Code is Matched 1: CTC SS/DCS Code is Un-Matched CTCSS/DCS OFF:0

Squelch Status 0: Squelch "OFF" (Signal present) 1: Squelch "ON" (No signal)

Note 4: Read TX Status

76543210

PO Meter DataPO Meter Data

Dummy Data

SPLIT Status 0: SPLIT "ON" 1: SPLIT "OFF”

HI SWR Status 0: HI SWR "OFF" 1: HI SWR "ON" PTT

Note 5: Read Frequency & Mode Status

DATA 1 DATA 2 DATA 3 D ATA 4 DATA 5

100/10 MHz

1MHz/100kHz 100/10Hz

43 97 00 00

10/1kHz

MODE

00=LSB, 01=USB 02=CW, 03=CWR 04=AM, 06=WFM, 0 8=FM 0A=DIG, 0C=PKT

Page 62 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

OWER-ON

ICROPROCESSOR

ESET

ROCEDURES

/ C

LONING

POWER-ON MICROPROCESSOR RESET

PROCEDURES

Some or all transceiver settings can be reset to their factorydefault states using one of the following power-on routines:

Ì [

V/M] + POWER on: Resets all memories and follow-

ing menu settings to their factory-default values:

Menu #06 (AM STEP), 33 (DCS CODE), 52 (FM STEP), 56 (MEM TAG), 76 (RPT SHIFT), 82 (SSB STEP), and 83 (TONE FREQ).

Ì [F]

+ POWER on: Resets all menu settings (except the

following menu items) to their factory-default values.

Menu #06 (AM STEP), 33 (DCS CODE), 52 (FM STEP), 56 (MEM TAG), 76 (RPT SHIFT), 82 (SSB STEP), and 83 (TONE FREQ).

Ì [

HOME] + POWER on: CPU master reset for all memo-

ries and menu settings.

CLONING

You can transfer all data stored in one transceiver to another set by utilizing the handy “Cloning” feature. This requires a user-constructed cloning cable which connects the CAT/ LINEAR jacks on the two transceivers, as shown below.

TX D

RX D

GND GND

To clone from one transceiver to another, use the following procedure:

1. Insert the Clone Cable into the CAT/LINEAR jack of

each transceiver.

2. Turn both transceivers off, then press and hold in the

MODE() and MODE() but-

tons on each radio while turning the power on again. The “CLONE MODE” notation will appear on the display.

3. On the “destination” radio, press the [A] key.

4. Now, on the “source” radio, press the [C] key. Data will now be transferred to the “Destination” radio from the “Source” radio.

5. If there is a problem during the cloning process, “Error” will be displayed. Check your cable connections and try again.

6. If cloning is successful, turn the “destination” radio off. Now turn the “source” radio off.

7. Remove the clone cable. Channel and operating data for both radios are now identical. They both may be turned on now for normal operation.

TX D

RX D

[

Distination radio

[

Sourcu radio

]

Page 63FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

INSTALLATION OF OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

OPTIONAL FILTERS:YF-122S AND YF-122C

1. Turn the transceiver’s power off by pressing and holding in the PWR switch for one second, then disconnect the DC cable from the INPUT jack on the rear panel of the transceiver, when operating the FT-897 with a DC power supply or optional FP-30 AC power supply.

2. Referring to Figure 1, remove the eight screws affixing the top cover of the transceiver then disconnect the speaker’s connector from the MAIN Unit.

3. Fold the top cover centering around the carrying hand side from the main chassis.

4. Refer to Figure 2 for the mounting locations for the optional filters. Position the filter so that its connectors are aligned with the mounting pins on the board, and push it into place (these slots does not distinction for the installed filter).

5. Replace the top cover and its eight screws (remember to replace the internal speaker’s plug), then connect the DC cable to the INPUT jack when operating the FT-897 with a DC power supply or optional FP-30 AC power supply.

8. Filter installation is now complete.

To use the optional filter, press the [B](2.3 or 500) key (in Multi Function Row “n” [CFIL, 2.3 or 500, 2.3 or 500]) to activate the optional filter which is installed in the “FIL-1” slot. Press the [C](2.3 or 500) key (in Multi Function Row “n” [CFIL, 2.3 or 500, 2.3 or 500]) to activate the optional filter which is installed in the “FIL-2” slot.

Note: If you wish to use the optional filter for the TX IF filter while operating in the SSB mode, change the setting of Menu Mode No-086 [TX IF FILTER] to “FIL1” or “FIL2” (the slot into which you installed the optional YF-122S filter).

FIL 2

Figure 1 Figure 2

Optional Filter



MAIN unit

FIL 1

Page 64 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

INSTALLATION OF OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

OPTIONAL HIGH STABILITY REFERENCE OSCILLATOR TCXO-9

The TCXO-9 provides high stability over a wide range of ambient temperatures, so as to enhance digital-mode operating.

1. Turn the transceiver’s power off by pressing and hold-

ing in the POWER switch for one second, then disconnect the DC cable from the INPUT jack on the rear panel of the transceiver, when operating the FT-897 with a DC power supply or optional FP-30 AC power supply.

2. Referring to Figure 1, remove the eight screws affixing

the top cover of the transceiver then disconnect the speaker’s connector from the MAIN Unit.

3. Fold the top cover centering around the carrying hand

side from the main chassis.

4. Referring to Figure 2, locate the factory-installed REF UNIT on the board. Remove the factory-installed REF UNIT from the board, then position the TCXO-9 so that its connectors are aligned with the mounting pins on the board, and push it into place.

5. Replace the top case (remember to replace the internal speaker’s plug).

6. TCXO-9 installation is now complete. Connect the DC cable to the INPUT jack when operating the FT-897 with a DC power supply or optional FP-30 AC power supply.

TCXO-9 Mounting Location

Figure 1 Figure 2

TCXO-9

MAIN unit

Page 65FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

INSTALLATION OF OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

EXTERNAL AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER “FC-30”

Parts List

Screws (M3 x 6B) ........................................................ 2

Screws (M3 x 6B)

Mounting Plate A ..............................................................1

Mounting Plate B .............................................................. 1

Mounting Plate C ..............................................................1

....................................................... 6

Installation

1. Turn the transceiver’s power off, and disconnect all cables from the transceiver.

2. Screw the mounting plate “A” to the FC-30 using the supplied screws (Figure 1).

3. Remove the four rubber lugs and their four screws (Fig- ure 2), then position mounting plates “B” and “C” so that their holes align with those on the FT-897, and secure using the supplied screws (Figure 3).

4. To install the FC-30, position the FC-30 so that the mounting plate “A” on the side fits into the mounting plate “B” on the FT-897 (Figure 3), then screw the mounting plate “C” (on the FT-897) to the FC-30 using the supplied screws (Figure 1).

See page 41 for connection of the FC-30/FT-897 and operating procedure.

Do not install the supplied FC-30 Mounting Screws

if you are not installing the FC-30! Also, do not use an improper screw for mounting the FC-30! An improper screw may cause a “short circuit” to the internal circuitry, causing serious damage!

Plate A Plate B Plate C

Plate A

Figure 1

Figure 2

Plate B

Plate C

Figure 3

Page 66 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

APPENDIX

SETUP OF MEMORIES FOR LOW EARTH ORBIT (LEO) FM SATELLITE OPERATION

Although the FT-897 is not capable of “full duplex” operation (simultaneous transmission and reception), its flexible memory system is ideal for configuring a set of memories for LEO satellite work.

The example below is designed around the popular satellite UO-14, but the same principles apply to operation using AO-27, SO-35, and other such satellites.

First, set up a table of the required operating frequencies. For UO-14, a typical setup table is shown below:

Channel # Rx Freq. Tx Freq. Notes

1 435.080 145.970.0 AOS 2 435.075 145.972.5 3 435.070 145.975.0 Mid Pass 4 435.065 145.977.5 5 435.060 145.980.0 LOS

AOS = Acquisition of Signal (Beginning of Pass) LOS = Loss of Signal (End of Pass)

The above frequencies are nominal, and the changing frequencies reflects the Doppler Shift which occurs on such satellites, which display rapid apparent motion relative to an earth-based observer. But if we can accommodate a set of several frequency pairs in our memory system, frequencies that reflect the frequency relationships encountered during a typical pass, we will have a good chance of having our frequencies properly aligned when it is time for making a QSO.

So we need to store the above frequency matrix into memories. Note that the receiving frequency and transmitting frequency are on different bands. Therefore, we will use the “Split Frequency Memory” storage technique described on page 42.

First, press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/

VFO CH knob to select Multi Function Row “a” [A/B, A=B, SPL]. Press the [A](A/B) key, if necessary, to select VFOa.

Now press the BAND(DWN) or BAND(UP) key to select the 70 cm band. Check the setting of Menu Mode No-004

[

AM&FM DIAL]. and set this to “ENABLE” to allow smaller

frequency increments to be accommodated.

Set the VFOa operating frequency to 435.0800.00 MHz. Now press the [A](A/B) key in Multi Function Row “a” to select VFOb, and set VFOb to 145.970.00 MHz. Again press the [A](A/B) key to return to VFOa. Be sure that both VFOs are set to the FM mode, as well.

Press the [F] key momentarily, and rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click clockwise to select Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG].

Press the [A](MW) key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob while the memory channel number is blinking; select memory channel M-001, then press and hold in the [A](MW) key until you hear the double beep. We have just stored the first downlink (earth station receiving) frequency into memory.

Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click counter-clockwise to re-select Multi Function Row “a” [A/B, A=B, SPL]. Press the [A](A/B) key to select VFOb (145.970 MHz).

Again press the [F] key momentarily, and rotate the MEM/ VFO CH knob one click clockwise to re-select Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG]. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily; the “M-001” indicator will flash; press and hold in the microphone’s PTT key, and while holding it in press the [A](MW) key until you hear the double beep. You have now stored the uplink (earth station transmitting) frequency into the same memory register as we did previously for the downlink frequency.

It’s now time to store the other frequencies in the matrix. Return to Multi Function Row “a” [A/B, A=B, SPL], and press the [A](A/B) key to return to VFOa on 435.080.00 MHz. Now rotate the DIAL knob to set the frequency to

435.075.00 MHz. Press the [A](A/B) key again to select VFOb (145.970 MHz), and rotate the DIAL knob to set the frequency to 145.972.50 MHz. Press the [A](A/B) key to return to VFOa on 435.075.00 MHz.

Return to Multi Function “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG], and repeat the Split Memory storage process, selecting memory channel M-002 this time when initially storing the 435.075 MHz receiving frequency.

Now repeat this entire process three more times, filling memory channels M-003, M-004, and M-005 with the frequencies shown in the chart above.

When it’s time to operate, press the [V/M] key, if necessary, to recall the Memory mode, and rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select channel M-001. This will be the first frequency pair to be utilized during the UO-14 window of workability when it rises above your local horizon. The Doppler effect will cause the nominal 435.070 MHz downlink frequency to appear higher to you, so utilize memory channel M-001 when the satellite first rises. A few minutes later, switch to M-002, and at mid-pass switch to M-003. As the satellite recedes, switch to M-004 and then M-005 toward the end of the pass.

The MEM/VFO CH knob recall of these five channels makes Doppler tracking simple; just choose the memory channel producing the best signal! You have already programmed an uplink frequency corresponding to the optimum downlink frequency, so you will not need to try to make difficult VFO adjustments during the brief satellite passes.

The FM passbands used on LEO satellites are sufficiently broad that more precise frequency adjustment is not needed.

To aid in channel identification, remember that you can use Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG] to label each satellite memory (for example, “UO-14a” ~ “UO-14e” for the above five channels).

A complete set of frequencies may be stored for each LEO satellite you wish to utilize, and once configured, the FT- 897 provides a flexible and easy-to-use earth station capability for these popular satellites.

Page 67FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

NOTES

Page 68 FT-897 OPERATING MANUAL

1. Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by VERTEX STANDARD could void the user’s authorization to operate this device.

2. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions; (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference including interference that may cause undesired operation.

3. The scanning receiver in this equipment is incapable of tuning, or readily being altered, by the User to operate within the frequency bands allocated to the Domestic public Cellular Telecommunications Service in Part 22.

This device complies with RSS-210 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the following two conditions; (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesirable operation of the device.

WARNING: MODIFICATION OF THIS DEVICE TO RECEIVE CELLULAR RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICE SIGNALS IS PROHIBITED UNDER FCC RULES AND FEDERAL LAW.

No portion of this manual may be reproduced without the permission of VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.

Printed in Japan.

Yaesu FT-897 Operating Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual