Yaesu Musen FT 1500M User Manual

FT-1500M Operating Manual

Front Panel Controls & Switches

VOL Knob

This control adjusts the volume level of the receiver’s audio. Clockwise rotation increases the volume
level.

DIAL

This 20-position detented rotary switch is used for tuning, memory selection and most function
settings. Note that the microphone’s UP/DOWN buttons duplicate the tuning functions of the Main
Dial.

Display

The display consists of segmented digits which indicate operating frequency, status of functions,
alpha/numeric memory labels, and MENU functions.

MHz

This button allows tuning in 1-MHz steps (the MHz digits will blink on the display).If receiving on a
memory, pressing this button the first time activates the Memory Tune (MT) mode, and pressing it
again enables 1-MHz steps.
Press and hold this key for one second to activate the Set Mode.

REV

During split-frequency operation, such as through a repeater, this button reverses the transmit and
receive frequencies.
Press and hold this key for one second to activate the Dual Watch feature, described in the Operation
chapter (“PRI” will be displayed on the LED, indicating “Priority Channel” monitoring).

LOW

Toggle this button while receiving to select high/low transmitter power (?/? watts).
Press and hold this key for one second to while receiving on a memory, pressing this button toggles the
display between indication of the frequency and the channel’s Alpha/Numeric label.

D/MR

This button selects the operation modes: VFO mode, Memory mode, and HOME channel.
Press and hold this key for one second to activate the Memory Storage mode.

PWR Switch

This is the main “ON/OFF” switch for the transceiver.

LCD

Memory Skip
DTMF Memory Mode
BELL
Frequency
Auto Power OFF Active
LOCK Feature Active
S- and TX Power Meter
LOW Power
Memory Mode
Repeater Shift
Priority Channel Scanning
Tone Encoder/Squelch Enabled
Smart Search
Programmable Memory Scan
Home Channel
VFO

Side Panel Connector

Microphone Jack

This 6-contact modular jack accepts transmit audio, tone call (burst) or Dial / Memory selection, and
Scanning control from the microphone.

Pin 1: Sw 2 (Multi-function switching)
Pin 2: Cloning
Pin 3: +9V
Pin 4: GND
Pin 5: Microphone Input
Pin 6: Sw 1 (Multi-function switching)

Rear Panel Connector

ANT Coaxial Socket

Connect a resonant 144-MHz antenna to this type-M (SO-239) socket using 50-W coaxial cable and a
type-M (PL-259) plug.

13.8V DC Cable Pigtail w/Fuse

This is the power supply connection for the transceiver. Use the supplied DC cable to connect this
pigtail to the car battery or other DC power supply capable of at least 10 Amperes (continuous duty).
Make certain that the red lead connects to the positive side of the supply. The fuse in the DC Cable is
rated at 15-A, fast-blow.

EXP SP Jack

This 2-contact 3.5-mm phone jack provides receiver audio output for an optional external speaker. The
audio impedance is 4 Ohms, and the level varies according to the setting of the front panel’s VOL
control. Inserting a plug into this jack disables audio from the transceiver’s internal speaker.

DATA Jack

This six-pin mini-DIN jack accepts AFSK or FSK input from a Terminal Node Controller (TNC) ; it
also provides fixed-level Receiver Audio Output, Push-To-Talk (PTT), and Ground lines.

Accessories & Options

Accessories Supplied with the FT-1500M

Operating Manual
Warranty Card

Available Options for your FT-1500M

???????????
Availability of accessories may vary: some accessories are supplied as standard per local regulations
and requirements, others may be unavailable in some regions. Check with your Yaesu dealer for
additions to the above list.

Installation

This chapter describes the installation procedure for integrating the FT-1500M into a typical amateur
radio station. It is presumed that you possess technical knowledge and conceptual understanding
consistent with your status as a licensed radio amateur. Please take some extra time to make certain
that the important safety and technical requirements detailed in this chapter are followed closely.

Preliminary Inspection

Inspect the transceiver visually immediately upon opening the packing carton. Confirm that all
controls and switches work freely, and inspect the cabinet for any damage. Gently shake the
transceiver to verify that no internal components have been shaken loose due to rough handling during
shipping.
If any evidence of damage is discovered, document it thoroughly and contact the shipping company (or
your local dealer, if the unit was purchased over-the-counter) so as to get instructions regarding the
prompt resolution of the damage situation. Be certain to save the shipping carton, especially if there
are any punctures or other evidence of damage incurred during shipping; if it is necessary to return the

unit for service or replacement, use the original packing materials but put the entire package inside
another packing carton, so as to preserve the evidence of shipping damage for insurance purposes.

Installation Tips

To ensure long life of the components, be certain to provide adequate ventilation around the cabinet of
the FT-1500M.
Do not install the transceiver on top of another heat-generating device (such as a power supply or
amplifier), and do not place equipment, books, or papers on top of the FT-1500M. Avoid heating vents
and window locations that could expose the transceiver to excessive direct sunlight, especially in hot
climates. The FT-1500M should not be used in an environment where the ambient temperature exceeds
+60° C (140° F).

Safety Information

The FT-1500M is an electrical apparatus, as well as a generator of RF (Radio Frequency) energy, and
you should exercise all safety precautions as are appropriate for this type of device. These safety tips
apply to any device installed in a well-designed amateur radio station.

ρ Do not allow unsupervised children to play in the vicinity of your transceiver or antenna installation.
ρ Be certain to wrap any wire or cable splices thoroughly with insulating electrical tape, to prevent

short circuits.
ρ Do not route cables or wires through door jambs or other locations where, through wear and tear,
they may become frayed and shorted to ground or to each other.
ρ Do not stand in front of a directional antenna while you are transmitting into that antenna. Do not
install a directional antenna in any location where humans or pets may be walking in the main
directional lobe of the antenna's radiation pattern.
ρ In mobile installations, it is preferable to mount your antenna on top of the roof of the vehicle, if
feasible, so as to utilize the car body as a counterpoise for the antenna and raise the radiation pattern
as far away from passengers as possible.
ρ During vehicular operation when stopped (in a parking lot, for example), make it a practice to switch
to Low power if there are people walking nearby.
ρ Never wear dual-earmuff headphones while driving a vehicle.

Antenna Considerations

The FT-1500M is designed for use with antennas presenting an impedance of near 50 W at all
operating frequencies. The antenna (or a 50 W dummy load) should be connected whenever the
transceiver is turned on, to avoid damage that could otherwise result if transmission occurs
accidentally without an antenna.
Ensure that your antenna is designed to handle 50 Watts of transmitter power. Some magnetic-mount
mobile antennas, designed for use with hand-held transceivers, may not be capable of this power level.
Consult the antenna manufacturer's specification sheet for details.
Most all FM work is performed using vertical polarization. When installing a directional antenna such
as a Yagi or Quad, be certain to orient it so as to produce vertical polarization, unless you are engaged
in a special operating situation where horizontal polarization is used.

Note that this transceiver is designed with wide frequency coverage in the VHF spectrum. For general
listening, you may wish to have a broadband antenna such as a discone available, as a directional
antenna such as a Yagi will have degraded performance outside the 2-meter Amateur band.
Excellent reference texts and computer software are available for the design and optimization of VHF
antennas. Your dealer should be able to assist you with all aspects of your antenna installation
requirements.
Use high-quality 50 ohm coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT-1500M transceiver. All efforts at
providing an efficient antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy coaxial cable is used.
Losses in coaxial lines increase as the frequency increases, so an 8-meter-long (25’) coaxial line with

0.75 dB of loss at 28 MHz may have a loss of 1.8 dB or more at 146 MHz; choose your coaxial cable
carefully based on the installation location (mobile vs. base) and the overall length of the cable

required (for very short runs of cable in a mobile installation, the smaller, more flexible cable types
may be acceptable).
For reference, the chart below shows approximate loss figures for typically-available coaxial cables
frequently used in VHF installations.

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

(Assumes 50-ohm Input/Output Terminations)

Cable Type Loss: 144 MHz

RG-58A 6.5

RG-58 Form 4.7

RG-8A, RG-213 3.0

RG-8 Form 2.0

Belden 9913 1.5
1/2” “Hardline” 1.0
7/8” “Hardline” 0.7

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

In outdoor installations, be certain to weatherproof all connectors thoroughly, as water entering a
coaxial cable will cause losses to escalate rapidly, thus diminishing your communications
effectiveness. The use of the shortest possible length of the highest quality coaxial cable that fits
within your budget will ensure the best performance from your FT-1500M.

Mobile Installation

The FT-1500M must only be installed in vehicles having a negative ground electrical system. Mount
the transceiver where the display, controls, and microphone are easily accessible, using the supplied
MMB-?? mounting bracket. The transceiver may be installed in any position, but should not be
positioned near a heating vent nor anywhere where it might interfere with driving (either visually or
mechanically). Make sure to provide plenty of space at the rear of the transceiver so that air can flow
freely through the heatsink. Refer to the diagrams showing proper installation procedures.

Transceiver Installation

ρ Choose a mounting location with sufficient clearance for the transceiver. Using the mounting
bracket as a template for the mounting holes, use a 4.8 mm (3/16”) bit to drill the mounting holes, and
secure the mounting bracket with the supplied screws, washers, and nuts (see diagram).
ρ Position the transceiver in the bracket so that the holes in the side are aligned with those in the
bracket, and bolt the transceiver into place using the supplied short screws and flat washers.

Mobile Power Connections

To minimize voltage drop and avoid blowing the vehicle's fuses, connect the supplied DC power cable
directly to the battery terminals. Do not attempt to defeat or bypass the DC cable's fuse-it is there to

protect you, your transceiver, and your vehicle’s electrical system.

Warning!

Never apply AC power to the power cable of the FT-1500M, nor DC voltage greater than 15.2 Volts.
When replacing the fuse, only use a 15-A fast-blow type. Failure to observe these safety precautions
will void the Limited Warranty on this product.

ρ Before connecting the transceiver, check the voltage at the battery terminals while revving the
engine. If the voltage exceeds 15 Volts, adjust the vehicle's voltage regulator before proceeding with
installation.
ρ Connect the RED power cable lead to the POSITIVE (+) battery terminal, and the BLACK power

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

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

Mobile Speakers

The optional SP-7 External Speaker includes its own swivel-type mounting bracket, and is available
from your Yaesu dealer.
Other external speakers may be used with the FT-1500M, if they present the specified 4-ohm
impedance and are capable of handling the 3.5 Watts of audio output supplied by the FT-1500M.

Base Station Installation

The FT-1500M is ideal for base station use as well as in mobile installations. The FT-1500M is
specifically designed to integrate into your station easily, using the information to follow as a
reference.

AC Power Supplies

Operation of the FT-1500M from an AC line requires a power source capable of providing at least 10
Amps continuously at 13.8 Volts DC. The FP-1023A, FP-1025A, and FP-1030A AC Power Supplies
are available from your Yaesu dealer to satisfy these requirements. Other well-regulated power
supplies may be used, as well, if they meet the above voltage and current specifications.
Use the DC power cable supplied with your transceiver for making power connections to the power
supply. Connect the RED power cable lead to the POSITIVE (+) power supply terminal, and connect
the BLACK power cable lead to the NEGATIVE (-) power supply terminal.

Packet Radio Terminal Node Controller (TNC)

The FT-1500M provides a convenient rear-panel DATA jack for easy connections to your TNC. This
connector is a standard mini-DIN connector.
The FT-1500M's DATA jack connections are optimized for the data transmission and reception speed
in use. In accordance with industry standards, the signal levels, impedances, and bandwidths are
significantly different on 9600 bps as opposed to 1200 bps. If your TNC does not provide multiple
lines to accommodate such optimization, you may still be able to utilize your TNC, if it is designed for
multiple-radio use, by connecting the TNC “Radio 1” port to the 1200 bps lines on the FT-1500M, and
the “Radio 2” port to the 9600 bps lines.
The pin connections of the Data connector are shown below.

Pin Label Notes

1 ? ?
2 ? ?
3 ? ?
4 ? ?
5 ? ?
6 ? ?

Note that 9600 bps packet transmit-deviation adjustment is very critical to successful operation, and
can only be accomplished using a calibrated deviation meter (such as that found on an FM Service
Monitor used in a communications service center). In most cases, the Packet Data Input level (set via a
potentiometer inside the TNC) must be adjusted to provide a deviation of ±2.75 kHz (±0.25 kHz).
Check with your packet node’s sysop if you have any questions about the appropriate deviation level
for your network.
The setting of the 1200 bps Packet Data Input level is much less critical, and satisfactory adjustment
to the optimum (±2.5 ~ ±3.5 kHz) deviation can usually be done “by ear” by adjusting the TNC’s
1200 bps TX Audio Level potentiometer so that the outgoing packets (as monitored on a separate
VHF or UHF receiver) are approximately the same level as (A) the DTMF tones or (B) the 1750 Hz

Burst tone produced by the MH-???? microphone.
Typical connections to a TNC are shown below.

1200 bps Packet Setup
9600 bps Packet Setup

Finally, note that Menu (“PCKT”) allows you to enable or disable the microphone during packet
operation. Normally, the default setting (“Microphone Disabled during Packet TX”) is appropriate;
when the microprocessor detects PTT input from the Data connector, the microphone will be disabled.

Basic Operation

Power On and Off

Press the PWR switch momentarily to turn the radio on.
To turn the radio off, press and hold in the PWR switch for one second.

Adjusting the Volume Level

Rotate the VOL control to adjust the receiver volume. Clockwise rotation increases the audio output
level.

Squelch Setup

The Squelch system is designed to keep the receiver quiet until a signal is received. The Squelch
should be adjusted to the point where the background noise is just silenced; any “higher” setting will
reduce the receiver’s sensitivity to weak signals.
To adjust the setting of the Squelch system:

1. Rotate the Main Dial to select a clear frequency (where no signals are present).

2. Press and hold in the [MHz] key for one second, then rotate the Main Dial knob to select “SQL.”

3. Press the [MHz] key momentarily, then rotate the Main Dial knob to select the squelch threshold

level (OFF, or 1 to 15). While you are making this adjustment, you will be able to hear the
background noise appear when the Squelch setting is too low. The best sensitivity will be realized
when the Squelch is set to one number past the point where noise is muted.

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

operation.

Transmitting

To transmit, simply close the PTT (Push To Talk) switch on the microphone when the frequency is
clear. Hold the microphone approximately 25 mm (1”) from your mouth, and speak into the
microphone in a normal voice level. When your transmission is complete, release the PTT switch; the
transceiver will revert to the receive mode.

Tuning: The “DIAL” (VFO) Mode

This mode is used for selecting a frequency utilizing the Main Dial knob and microphone [UP] and
[DWN] buttons allow the Variable Frequency Oscillator (VFO) to tune in the selected step size. When
scanning in the VFO mode, the same steps are used as in manual tuning.
Clockwise rotation of the Main Dial knob increases the operating frequency, while counter-clockwise
rotation tunes toward a lower frequency.
To move frequency rapidly (in 1 MHz steps), press the [MHz] key momentarily, then rotate the Main
Dial knob. The 1 MHz digit of the frequency display will blink while “1 MHz Tuning” is enabled.
When you have selected the desired “1 MHz” frequency digit, press the [MHz] key momentarily once
more, then resume normal tuning using the Main Dial knob.

Direct Keypad Frequency Entry

The keypad of the MH-?? DTMF Microphone may be used for direct entry of the operating frequency.
It also may be used for recall of memory channels.

To enter a frequency from the MH-?? keypad:

1. Press the [D/MR] key, if necessary, to set the transceiver into the VFO mode.

2. While receiving on any VFO frequency, enter the digits of the desired frequency.

For example, to enter 146.520 MHz, press [1]–[4]–[6]–[5]–[2]–[0].
A high-pitched “beep” will confirm each key closure as you enter the digits; the final “beep” will

be of longer duration, to confirm that the frequency entry is complete.

3. The [#] key may be used to abbreviate the entry procedure. Pressing the [#] key sets the current

digit and all following digits to “0” to complete the entry.
For example, to enter 146.500 MHz, press [1]–[4]–[6]–[5]–[#].
To enter 144.000 MHz, press [1]–[4]–[4]–[#].

Recalling memories is equally simple (see page ?? for details on memory operation). You can recall a
memory from the MH-?? from any operating mode: VFO, Home, or Memory.

1. Press the Channel Number you wish to recall, then press the [*] key. For example, to recall

Memory Channel 2, press [2]–[*]. To recall Channel number 135, press [1]–[3]–[5]–[*].

2. To return to the VFO mode, press the front panel’s [D/MR] key or the microphone's [D] key.

3. If you are in the Memory Recall mode, you can enter a new operating frequency directly, as

described above for VFO operation. However, you will observe that a “MR” indicator will be
blinking appear at the left side of the display; this indicates that you have switched to the “Memory
Tune” mode, which is described in detail on page ??.

Changing the Transmitter Power Level

Four power output levels are available on this transceiver: 5 watts (Low 3), 10 watts (Low 2), 25
watts (Low 1) and 50 watts (High).
To change the power level, press the [REV] key to select one of four power setting. These power
levels will be stored in memory registers, at the time of memory storage (see page ?? for details on
Memory operation).
During transmission, the Bar Graph will deflect in the display, according to the power output selected.

Transmitter Thermal Protection Sensor
Changing the Channel Steps

Tuning steps are factory preset to default increments which are appropriate for the country to which
this radio is exported.
To change to another step size, use the following procedure:

1. Press and hold the [MHz] key for one second, then rotate the Main Dial knob to select “STEP.”

2. Press the [MHz] key, then rotate the Main Dial knob to select the desired step size:

5.0/10.0/12.5/15.0/20.0/25.0/50.0 (kHz).

3. Press and hold in the [MHz] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal

operation.

Keyboard Locking

In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various aspects of the FT­1500M’s keys and switches may be locked out. The possible lockout combinations are:
KEY: Just the front panel keys are locked out
DIAL: Just the front panel DIAL is locked out
K + D (KEY + DIAL) : Both the DIAL and Keys are locked out
PTT: The PTT switch is locked (TX not possible)
K + P (KEY + PTT) : Both the keys and PTT switch are locked out
D + P (DIAL + PTT) : Both the DIAL and PTT switch are locked out
ALL: All of the above are locked out
To lock out some or all of the keys:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz] key for one second, then rotate the Main Dial knob to select

“LOCK.”