YAESU FT-2900E Operating Manual

FM TRANSCEIVER

FT-2900E

O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

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 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

VERTEX STANDARD (AUSTRALIA) PTY., LTD.

Normanby Business Park, Unit 14/45 Normanby Road

Notting Hill 3168, Victoria, Australia

Contents

FT-2900E Quick Reference Guide

Introduction ...................................................... 1

Specifications .................................................... 2

Accessories & Options ...................................... 3

Supplied Accessories ..................................... 3

Optional Accessories ...................................... 3

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

Preliminary Inspection ................................... 4

Installation Tips .............................................. 4

Safety Information .......................................... 5

Antenna Considerations ................................. 6

Mobile Installation ......................................... 7

Mobile Power Connections ........................ 8

Mobile Speakers ......................................... 8

Base Station Installation ................................. 9

AC Power Supplies .................................... 9

Front Panel Controls & Switches .................. 10

Microphone Switches ..................................... 12

Rear Panel Connectors ................................... 13

Basic Operation .............................................. 14

Turning the Transceiver On and Off ............ 14

Adjusting the Audio Volume Level ............. 14

Adjusting the Squelch Setting ...................... 14

Frequency Navigation .................................. 15

1) Tuning Dial .......................................... 15

2) Direct Keypad Frequency Entry .......... 15

3) Scanning .............................................. 15

Transmission ................................................ 16

Changing the Transmitter Power Level ... 16

Advanced Operation ...................................... 17

Weather Broadcast Reception ...................... 17

Lock Feature ................................................. 18

Keyboard Beeper .......................................... 18

Channel Step Selection ................................ 19

Display Brightness ....................................... 19

RF Squelch ................................................... 20

Repeater Operation ....................................... 21

Standard Repeater Shift ........................... 21

Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS) ............. 22

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Operation ..................... 23

CTCSS Operation .................................... 23

DCS Operation ......................................... 25

Tone Search Scanning .............................. 26

EPCS Operation ....................................... 27

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell Paging .............. 29

Split Tone Operation ................................ 30

DTMF Operation .......................................... 32

Manual DTMF Tone Generation ............. 32

DTMF Autodialer .................................... 32

Memory Operation ......................................... 34

Memory Storage ........................................... 34

Separate Transmit Frequency Memory

(“Odd Splits”) ...................................... 35

Memory Recall ............................................. 36

Labeling Memories ...................................... 37

Memory Tuning ............................................ 38

Masking Memories ....................................... 38

Memory Bank Operation .............................. 39

Assigning Memories to a Memory Bank . 39

Memory Bank Recall ............................... 39

Removing Memories from a Memory Bank ........................... 40

Changing a Memory Bank’s Name .......... 40

HOME Channel Memory ............................. 41

Memory Only Mode ..................................... 42

Scanning .......................................................... 44

Basic Scanner Operation .............................. 44

Scan-Resume Option .................................... 45

Memory Skip Scanning ................................ 46

Preferential Memory Scan ............................ 47

Memory Bank Link Scan ............................. 48

Programmable Band-Scan Limits ................. 49

Priority Channel Scanning (Dual Watch) ..... 50

Priority Revert Mode ............................... 50

Weather Alert Scan ...................................... 51

Band Edge Beeper ........................................ 51

Smart Search Operation ................................ 52

Internet Connection Feature ......................... 54

SRG Mode .................................................... 54

FRG Mode .................................................... 54

ARTS™ ........................................................... 57

Basic ARTS™ Setup and Operation ............ 57

ARTS™ Polling Time Options .................... 58

ARTS™ Alert Beep Options ........................ 58

CW Identifier Setup ..................................... 59

CW Training Feature ..................................... 60

Packet Operation ............................................ 61

Miscellaneous Settings .................................... 62

Password ...................................................... 62

Time-Out Timer ........................................... 63

Automatic Power-Off ................................... 63

Busy Channel Lock-Out ............................... 64

Programming the Key Assignments ............. 65

FM Bandwidth & TX Deviation Level ........ 66

MIC Gain Setting ......................................... 66

DCS Code Inversion .................................... 67

Reset Procedure .............................................. 68

Microprocessor Resetting ............................. 68

Set Mode Resetting ...................................... 68

Cloning ............................................................ 69

“Set” (Menu) Mode ........................................ 70

FT-2900E Q

UICK

R

EFERENCE

G

UIDE

VOL K

NOB

Adjusts the audio volume level.

SQL K

NOB

A d j u s t t o t h e p o i n t w h e r e t h e background noise is muted.

F

REQUENCY

DIAL K

NOB

Selects the operating Frequency.

P

OWER

S

WITCH

Press and hold for one second.

LOCK S

WITCH

Press and hold for one second to lock all key functions except the VOL, SQL knobs and PTT switch.

T

RANSMISSION

S

WITCH

Speak into the microphone in a normal voice level while pressing this switch.

M

ICROPHONE

FT-2900E Q

UICK

R

EFERENCE

G

UIDE

K

EY

O

VERVIEW

K

EY

P

RESS

K

EY

B

RIEFLY

Activates the Internet Connection Feature.

P

RESS AND

H

OLD

K

EY

Locks out the switches and knobs (except the VOL, SQL knobs and PTT switch).

Enters the Set (“Menu”) mode.

Allows tuning the VFO frequency in 1-MHz steps, or tuning channels in 10 channel steps.

Reverses transmit and receive frequencies in repeater operation.

Selects the transmitter power output level.

Switches the frequency control between the VFO, Memory System, and the Home channel.

Activates the Priority Channel

Scanning (Dual Watch feature).

Toggles the display indication between “frequency” and the channel’s “Alpha/Numeric

Tag”.

Transfers the VFO contents into a Memory register.

I

NTRODUCTION

The Yaesu FT-2900E is a deluxe, rugged FM mobile transceiver providing high power output and outstanding receiver performance for the 144 MHz Amateur band. Included in the FT-2900E’s feature complement are:

75 Watts of power output, with selection of four power levels for every operating situation.

Expanded receiver coverage: 136-174 MHz.

Keyboard entry of operating frequencies from the microphone.

Excellent protection from receiver intermodulation distortion, thanks to Yaesu’s renowned

Advanced Track Tuning front end.

221 memories (200 “basic” memory channels, 10 sets of band-edge memory channels, and one “Home” channel) which can store repeater shifts, odd repeater shifts, CTCSS/

DCS tones, and 6-character Alpha-Numeric labels for easy channel recognition.

10 NOAA Weather Broadcast Channels, with Weather Alert and a Volume Control for the Weather Alert tone.

Built-in CTCSS and DCS Encoder/Decoder circuits.

The Smart Search TM

feature, which automatically sweeps a band and loads active frequencies into dedicated memory banks, is ideal for identifying active repeaters when visiting a city for the first time.

Extensive Menu system, which allows customization of a number of transceiver performance characteristics.

The Yaesu-exclusive multi-function LCD display.

Additional features include a transmit Time-Out-Timer (TOT), Automatic Power-Off (APO),

Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), plus provision for reduction of the Tx deviation in areas of high channel congestion. And an RF Squelch circuit allows the owner to set the squelch to open at a programmable setting of the S-Meter, thus reducing guesswork in setting the squelch threshold.

Congratulations on your purchase of the FT-2900E! Whether this is your first rig, or if

Yaesu equipment is already the backbone of your station, the Vertex Standard organization is committed to ensuring your enjoyment of this high-performance transceiver, which should provide you with many years of satisfying operation. Our dealer network and technical support personnel stand behind every product we sell, and we invite you to contact us should you require technical advice or assistance.

We recommend that you read this manual in its entirety prior to installing the FT-2900E, so that you fully understand the capabilities of your new transceiver.

Attention in case of use

This transceiver works on frequencies which are not generally permitted.

As for the actual usage, the user has to possess an amateur radio licence.

Usage is allowed only in the frequency bands which are allocated for amateur radios.

List of the practicable area

AUT BEL BGR CYP CZE

DEU DNK ESP EST FIN

FRA GBR GRC HUN IRL

ITA LTU LUX LVA

NLD POL PRT ROM SVK

SVN SWE CHE ISL

MLT

LIE

NOR – – – –

FT-2900E O

PERATING

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ANUAL

1

2

S

PECIFICATIONS

General

Frequency Range: Tx 144 - 146 MHz

Channel Step:

Standard Repeater Shift:

Frequency Stability:

Modes of Emission:

Antenna Impedance:

Supply voltage:

Rx 144 - 146 MHz or 136 - 174 MHz

5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz

±600 kHz

Better than ±10 ppm (–20 °C to +60 °C)

F2D/F3E

50 Ohms, unbalanced

13.8 V DC ±15 %, negative ground

Current Consumption (typical): Rx: less than 0.7 A, less than 0.3 A (squelched)

Tx: 15 A (75 W) /9 A (30 W) /5 A (10 W) /4 A (5 W)

Operating Temperature Range: –20° C to +60° C

Case Size (WxHxD):

Weight (Approx.):

160 x 50 x 185 mm (w/o knobs)

1.9 kg

Transmitter

Output Power:

Modulation Type:

Maximum Deviation:

Spurious Radiation:

Microphone Impedance:

75 W/30 W/10 W/5 W

Variable Reactance

±5 kHz (Wide)

±2.5 kHz (Narrow)

Better than –60 dB

2 k-Ohms

Receiver

Circuit Type:

Ifs:

Double Conversion Superheterodyne

21.7 MHz & 450 kHz

Sensitivity (for 12dB SINAD): Better than 0.4 μV

Selectivity (–6/–60dB):

IF Rejection:

Image Rejection:

12 kHz/28 kHz (Wide)

9 kHz/22 kHz (Narrow)

Better than 70 dB

Better than 70 dB

Maximum AF Output: 3 W into 4 Ohms @10 % THD

Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation. Specifications guaranteed only within Amateur band.

Frequency ranges will vary according to transceiver version; check with your dealer.

FT-2900E O

PERATING

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ANUAL

A

CCESSORIES

& O

PTIONS

S

UPPLIED

A

CCESSORIES

Microphone MH-48

A6J

...................................................................................................... 1

Mobile Mounting Bracket MMB-83 .................................................................................. 1

DC Power Cord w/Fuse (T9026020) ................................................................................. 1

Spare Fuse (32V/20A) ........................................................................................................ 2

Standing Foot ..................................................................................................................... 2

Operating Manual ............................................................................................................... 1

Warranty Card .................................................................................................................... 1

O

PTIONAL

A

CCESSORIES

High-Power External Speaker MLS-100

AC Power Supply

FP-1030A

Availability of accessories may vary. Some accessories are supplied as standard per local requirements, while others may be unavailable in some regions. This product is designed to perform optimally when used with genuine Vertex Standard accessories. Vertex Standard shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or accidents such as fire, leakage or explosion of a battery pack, etc., caused by the malfunction of non- Vertex Standard accessories. Consult your Vertex Standard dealer for details regarding these and any newlyavailable options. Connection of any non-Vertex Standard-approved accessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this apparatus.

FT-2900E O

PERATING

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ANUAL

3

4

I

NSTALLATION

This chapter describes the installation procedure for integrating the FT-2900E 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.

P

RELIMINARY

I

NSPECTION

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.

I

NSTALLATION

T

IPS

To ensure long life of the components, be certain to provide adequate ventilation around the cabinet of the FT-2900E.

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-2900E.

Avoid heating vents and window locations that could expose the transceiver to excessive direct sunlight, especially in hot climates. The FT-2900E should not be used in an environment where the ambient temperature exceeds +60 °C.

FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

I

NSTALLATION

S

AFETY

I

NFORMATION

The FT-2900E is an electrical apparatus, as well as a generator of RF (Radio Frequency) energy, and you should exercise all safety precautions as are appropriate for this type of device. These safety tips apply to any device installed in a well-designed amateur radio station.

Never allow unsupervised children to play in the vicinity of your transceiver or antenna installation.

Be certain to wrap any wire or cable splices thoroughly with insulating electrical tape, to prevent short circuits.

Do not route cables or wires through door jambs or other locations where, through wear and tear, they may become frayed and shorted to ground or to each other.

Do not stand in front of a directional antenna while you are transmitting into that antenna. Do not install a directional antenna in any location where humans or pets may be walking in the main directional lobe of the antenna’s radiation pattern.

In mobile installations, it is preferable to mount your antenna on top of the roof of the vehicle, if feasible, so as to utilize the car body as a counterpoise for the antenna and raise the radiation pattern as far away from passengers as possible.

During vehicular operation when stopped (in a parking lot, for example), make it a practice to switch to Low power if there are people walking nearby.

Never wear dual-earmuff headphones while driving a vehicle.

Do not attempt to drive your vehicle while making a telephone call on an autopatch using the DTMF microphone. Pull over to the side of the road, whether dialing manually or using the auto-dial feature.

Warning!

The 70.7 V RF voltage (@75 W/50 Ω) is applied to the TX RF section of the transciver while transmitting.

Do not touch the TX RF section absolutely while transmitting.

FT-2900E O

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5

6

I

NSTALLATION

A

NTENNA

C

ONSIDERATION

The FT-2900E is designed for use with antennas presenting an impedance of near 50 Ohms at all operating frequencies. The antenna (or a 50 Ohm dummy load) should be connected whenever the transceiver is turned on, to avoid damage that could otherwise result if transmission occurs accidentally without an antenna.

Ensure that your antenna is designed to handle 75 Watts of transmitter power. Some magnetic-mount mobile antennas, designed for use with hand-held transceivers, may not be capable of withstanding this power level. Consult the antenna manufacturer’s specification sheet for details.

Most all FM work is performed using vertical polarization. When installing a directional antenna such as a Yagi or Cubical Quad, be certain to orient it so as to produce vertical polarization, unless you are engaged in a special operating situation where horizontal polarization is used. In the case of a Yagi antenna, orient the elements vertically for vertical polarization; for a Cubical Quad, the feedpoint should be at the center of one of the vertical sides of the driven element (or at a side corner, in the case of a diamond-shaped “Delta

Loop”).

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-2900E 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-meterlong coaxial line with 1/2 dB of loss at 29 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 at the right shows approximate loss figures for typically-available coaxial cables frequently used in VHF installations.

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

Loss in dB per 30 m (100 feet) for

Selected 50-Ohm Coaxial Cables

(Assumes 50-ohm Input/Output Terminations)

C

ABLE

T

YPE

RG-58A

RG-58 Foam

RG-213

RG-8 Foam

Belden 9913

Times Microwave LMR-400

7/8” “Hardline”

L

OSS

: 144 MH

6.5

4.7

3.0

2.0

1.5

1.5

0.7

Z

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

cable that fits within your budget will ensure the best performance from your FT-2900E.

FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

I

NSTALLATION

M

OBILE

I

NSTALLATION

The FT-2900E must only be installed in vehicles having a 13.8 Volt negative ground electrical system. Mount the transceiver where the display, controls, and microphone are easily accessible, using the supplied MMB-83 mounting bracket.

The transceiver may be installed in almost any location, but should not be positioned near a heating vent nor anywhere where it might interfere with driving (either visually or mechanically). Make sure to provide plenty of space on all sides of the transceiver so that air can flow freely around the radio’s case. Refer to the diagrams showing proper installation procedures.

MMB-83 Installation

FT-2900E O

PERATING

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I

NSTALLATION

M

OBILE

I

NSTALLATION

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-2900E, nor DC voltage greater than 15.8 Volts. When replacing the fuse, only use a Vertex Standard’s 32 V/20 A fuse. Failure to observe these safety precautions will void the Limited Warranty on this product.

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

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

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

• Never remove the FUSE Holders from the DC cable.

• Use only a Vertex Standard’s 32 V/20 A fuse.

FT-2900E

Fuse Holder

(Fuse: 20A)

Mobile Speakers

The optional MLS-100 External Speaker includes its own swivel-type mounting bracket, and is available from your Yaesu dealer.

Other external speakers may be used with the FT-2900E, if they present the specified 4-Ohm impedance and are capable of handling the 3 Watts of audio output supplied by the FT-2900E.

8 FT-2900E O

PERATING

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ANUAL

I

NSTALLATION

B

ASE

S

TATION

I

NSTALLATION

The FT-2900E is ideal for base station use as well as in mobile installations. The FT-

2900E is specifically designed to integrate into your station easily, using the information to follow as a reference.

AC Power Supplies

Operation of the FT-2900E from an AC line requires a power source capable of providing at least 11 Amps continuously at 13.8 Volts DC. The FP-1030A AC Power Supply is 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.

Base Station Feet

The supplied Base Station Feet allow the transceiver to be tilted upward for better viewing.

To install the Base Station Feet, remove the two screws affixing the front side of the bottom cover, then install the Base Station Feet using these screws.

FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

9

F

RONT

P

ANEL

C

ONTROLS

& S

WITCHES

10

VOL Knob

This control adjusts the audio volume level. Clockwise rotation increases the volume level.

SQL Knob

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

Microphone Jack

Connect the supplied MH-48

A6J

Hand Microphone to this jack.

PWR Key

Press and hold this key for one second to toggle the transceiver’s power on and off.

[ (L)] Key

This key allows operation in conjunction with the Internet Connection feature.

Press and hold in this key for one second to toggle the Lockout Feature “on” or “off”.

[MHz(SET)] Key

This key allows tuning in 1-MHz steps (the MHz digits will blink on the display). If receiving on a memory, pressing this key the first time activates the Memory Tuning mode, and pressing it again enables 1-MHz steps.

Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the “Set” (Menu) mode.

FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

F

RONT

P

ANEL

C

ONTROLS

& S

WITCHES

[REV(DW)] Key

During split-frequency operation, such as through a repeater, this key reverses the transmit and receive frequencies.

Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the Dual Watch feature, described in the Operation chapter (“PRI” will be displayed on the LCD, indicating “Priority

Channel” monitoring).

[LOW(A/N)] Key

Press this key momentarily to select the transmitter power output level.

The available power levels are:

LOW1 (5 W) Æ LOW2 (10 W) Æ LOW3 (30 W) Æ HIGH (75 W)

To toggle the display between indication of the frequency and the channel’s Alpha/

Numeric label, press and hold in this key for one second while receiving on that memory channel.

[D/MR(MW)] Key

Press this key momentarily to switch the frequency control among the VFO, Memory

System, and Home channel.

Press and hold in this key for one second to activate the Memory Storage mode.

DIAL Knob

This 24-position detented rotary switch is used for tuning, memory selection and most function settings. The microphone [UP]/[DWN] buttons duplicate the functions of this knob.

Display

The main digits on the display may show the operating frequency, memory name, or any of many parameters during Menu setup.

FT-2900E O

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11

M

ICROPHONE

S

WITCHES

PTT Switch

Press this switch to transmit, and release it to receive.

Keypad

These 16 keys generate DTMF tones during transmission.

In the receive mode, these 16 keys can be used for direct frequency entry and/or direct numeric recall of the Memory channels.

The [A], [B], [C], and [D] keys, on receive, replicate the functions of the front panel keys

([MHz(SET)], [REV(DW)], [LOW(A/N)], and [D/MR(MW)]). See the previous discussion.

[P1]/[P2]/[P3]/[P4] Buttons

These four keys are user programmable, allowing quick access to features used often.

The default functions are described below.

[P1] button (SQL OFF)

Press this button to disable the noise and tone squelch systems.

[P2] button (S SRCH)

Press this button to activate the Smart Search feature.

[P3] button (C SRCH)

Press this button to activate the Tone Search feature.

[P4] button (T.CALL)

Pressing this button activates T.CALL (1750 Hz) for repeater access.

You can reprogram the [P1], [P2], [P3], and [P4] buttons for other functions, if desired. See page 65 for details.

LAMP Switch

This switch illuminates the Microphone’s keypad.

LOCK Switch

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

[UP]/[DWN] Button

Press (or hold in) either of these buttons to tune (or scan up or down) the operating frequency or through the memory channels. In many ways, these buttons emulate the function of the (rotary) DIAL knob.

12 FT-2900E O

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EAR

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C

ONNECTORS

13.8V DC Cable Pigtail

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 15

Amperes (continuous duty). Make certain that the red lead connects to the positive side of the supply. The fuse is 20A.

ANT Coaxial Socket

Connect a 144-MHz antenna to this type-M (SO-239) socket using 50-Ohm coaxial cable and a type-M (PL-259) plug. Make sure the antenna is designed specifically for use on the operating frequency.

EXT SP Jack

This 2-contact 3.5-mm mini 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.

FT-2900E O

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13

B

ASIC

O

PERATION

Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I’ll be helping you along as you learn the many features of the FT-2900E. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encourage you to read the “Basic Operation” section of this manual as thoroughly as possible, so you’ll get the most out of this fantastic new transceiver. Now. . .let’s get operating!

T

URNING THE

T

RANSCEIVER

O

N AND

O

FF

1. To turn the transceiver on, press and hold in the PWR key for one second.

When you turn on the FT-2900E, the current DC supply voltage is indicated on the LCD for 2 seconds. After this interval, the display will switch its normal indication of the operating frequency.

2. To turn the transceiver off, again press and hold in the

PWR key for one second.

You can change the Opening Message (DC supply voltage indication) to any desired message (up to 6 characters) via Set Mode Item “31 OPN.MSG;” see page

76 for details.

A

DJUSTING THE

A

UDIO

V

OLUME

L

EVEL

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

A

DJUSTING THE

S

QUELCH

S

ETTING

Rotate the SQL control just to the point where the noise is silenced and the “ ” indicator on the display turns off.

If the SQL control is set further clockwise, sensitivity to weak signals is reduced.

A special “RF Squelch” feature is provided on this radio.

This feature allows you to set the squelch so that only signals exceeding a certain S-meter level will open the squelch. See page 20 for details

14 FT-2900E O

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M

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B

ASIC

O

PERATION

F

REQUENCY

N

AVIGATION

1) Tuning Dial

Rotating the DIAL knob allows tuning in the pre-programmed steps. Clockwise rotation of the

DIAL knob causes the FT-2900E to be tuned toward a higher frequency, while counter-clockwise rotation will lower the operating frequency.

Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob, to change the frequency steps to 1 MHz per step. This feature is extremely useful for making rapid frequency excursions over the wide tuning range of the FT-2900E. Instead of pressing the [MHz(SET)] button, you may also press the [A] key on the Microphone’s keypad to engage tuning in 1 MHz steps.

2) Direct Keypad Frequency Entry

The keypad of the MH-48

A6J

DTMF Microphone may be used for direct entry of the operating frequency.

To enter a frequency from the MH-48

A6J

keypad, just press the numbered digits in the proper sequence. There is no “decimal point” key on the MH-48

A6J

keypad. However, there is a short-cut for frequencies ending in zero: press the [#] key after the last non-zero digit.

Examples: To enter 145.525 MHz, press [1] Æ [4] Æ [5] Æ [5] Æ [2]

To enter 145.000 MHz, press [1] Æ [4] Æ [5] Æ [#]

If you cannot get the radio to accept the frequency entry, it is possible that the channel steps are set to an incompatible value (e.g. if you have 25 kHz steps set, you cannot set a frequency of 146.520 MHz). See page 19 to learn how to change the channel step size.

3) Scanning

From the VFO mode, press the microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] keys momentarily to initiate scanning toward a higher- or lower frequency, respectively. The FT-2900E will stop when it receives a signal strong enough to break through the squelch threshold. The FT-2900E

SCAN

)”; see page 45).

If you wish to reverse the direction of the scan (i.e. toward a lower frequency, instead of a higher frequency), just rotate the DIAL knob one click in the counter-clockwise direction while the FT-2900E is scanning. The scanning direction will be reversed. To revert to scanning toward a higher frequency once more, rotate the DIAL knob one click clockwise.

Press the [UP]/[DWN] keys again to cancel scanning. You may also press the PTT button momentarily; scanning will stop, but you will not transmit until you release the PTT button, and press it again.

If you have enabled the “Severe Weather Alert” feature, you will occasionally notice “WX” channels interspersed with the regular channels you are scanning. This is normal, because your radio is constantly monitoring for weather alerts. See page 17.

FT-2900E O

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15

B

ASIC

O

PERATION

T

RANSMISSION

To transmit, simply close the PTT (Push To Talk) switch on the microphone when the frequency is clear. Hold the microphone approximately 1” (25 mm) 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.

During transmission, the “ play.

” indicator will appear at the upper left corner on the dis-

Changing the Transmitter Power Level

You can select from among a total of four transmit power levels on your FT-2900E.

To change the power level, press the [LOW(A/N)] key (or the microphone’s [C] key to select one of four power settings. These power levels will be stored, in memory registers, at the time of memory storage (see page 34 for details on Memory operation).

During transmission, the Bar Graph will deflect in the display, according to the power output selected.

Low 1 (5 watts)

Low 2 (10 watts)

Low 3 (30 watts)

HIGH (75 watts)

16 FT-2900E O

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O

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LOCK F

EATURE

To activate the locking feature, press and hold in the [ (L)] key for one second. The “ ” icon will appear on the LCD.

To cancel locking, press and hold in the [ (L)] key again for one second.

In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various aspects of the FT-2900E’s keys and knob may be locked out.

To lock out some or all of the keys, use the “Set” (Menu) mode, described below:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “26 LOCK .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired lockout combination.

KEY

: Just the front panel keys are locked out.

DIAL

: Just the front panel DIAL knob is locked out.

K+D

: Both the keys and DIAL knob are locked out.

PTT

: The PTT switch is locked (TX not possible).

K+P

: Both keys and PTT switch are locked out.

D+P

: Both DIAL knob and PTT switch are locked out.

ALL

: All of the above are locked out.

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

K

EYBOARD

B

EEPER

A key/button beeper provides useful audible feedback whenever a key/button is pressed. If you want to turn the beeper off (or back on again):

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “6 BEEP .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the display to “OFF .”

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

4. To turn the beep back on again, select “

KEY

” or “ KY+SCN (factory default)” in step 4 above.

KEY : The beeper sounds when you press the keypad.

KY+SCN : The beeper sounds when you press the keypad, or when the scanner stops.

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A

DVANCED

O

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C

HANNEL

S

TEP

S

ELECTION

Tuning steps are factory preset to default increments which are appropriate for the country to which this radio is exported. You may have a reason to use a different step size, however, and here is the procedure for changing the channel steps:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “50 STEP .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired step size (5

/10 /12.5

/15 /20 /25

50

/100 kHz).


D

ISPLAY

B

RIGHTNESS

The FT-2900E display illumination has been specially engineered to provide high visibility with minimal disruption of your “night vision” while you are driving. The brightness of the display is manually adjustable, using the following procedure:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “16 DIMMER .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select a comfortable brightness level (LVL 0 - LVL10 ).


18 FT-2900E O

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RF S

QUELCH

A special RF Squelch feature is provided on this radio. This feature allows you to set the squelch so that only signals exceeding a certain S-meter level will open the squelch.

To set up the RF squelch circuit for operation, use the following procedure:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “42 RF SQL .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired signal strength level for the squelch threshold (S1 - S9

OFF

).


The receiver’s squelch will open based on the highest level set by the two squelch systems, “Noise Squelch” and “RF Squelch.” For example:

1) If the Noise Squelch (SQL control) is set so that signals at a level of S-3 will open the squelch, but the RF Squelch (Menu #42) is set to “S-9,” the squelch will only open on signals which are S-9 or stronger on the S-meter.

2) If the RF Squelch is set to “S-3,” but the Noise Squelch is set to a high level which will only pass signals which are Full Scale on the S-meter, the squelch will only open on signals which are Full Scale on the S-meter. In this case, the Noise Squelch overrides the action of the RF Squelch.

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19

R

EPEATER

O

PERATION

The FT-2900E includes a host of convenience features which makes operation on amateur repeaters both efficient and enjoyable.

This transceiver offers three methods of setting up split-frequency operation on repeaters:

Manual selection of preset repeater shifts (Standard Repeater Shift);

Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), providing automatic activation of repeater shifts while operating within designated repeater frequency subbands; and

Independently stored transmit and receive frequencies (typically not corresponding to established repeater frequency shifts).

S

TANDARD

R

EPEATER

S

HIFT

To activate the standard shift manually, you may use the Set (Menu) mode:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “43 RPT .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired shift direction (–RPT , +RPT

SIMP

).


You also may program one of the Microphone’s programmable keys ([P1] ~ [P4])

to allow quick access to the above procedure. See page 65 for details on the setup of the programmable keys.

With repeater shift activated, you can temporarily reverse the transmit and receive frequencies by pressing the [REV(DW)] key (or the microphone’s [B] key). Use this feature to display the transmit frequency without transmitting, and to check the strength of signals on a repeater uplink frequency (so as to determine whether or not a particular station is within

“Simplex” range, for example).

The repeater offset is fixed to 600 kHz from the factory. You can change the offset by the following procedure, if needed for vacation travel or other purposes:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “46 SHIFT .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired offset. Note that the resolution of the “standard” repeater shift is to the nearest 50 kHz multiple.


Do not use this procedure for programming of an “odd split” type repeater pair!

The process for programming odd splits is shown on page 35.

20 FT-2900E O

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EPEATER

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A

UTOMATIC

R

EPEATER

S

HIFT

The ARS (Automatic Repeater Shift) feature in this transceiver allows easy and convenient repeater operation by automatically activating the repeater shift function whenever you tune to a standard repeater subband. The ARS function is preset at the factory to conform to the standards for the country to which it is exported.

The ARS function is enabled at the factory. To disable it:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “4 ARS .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to change the display to “OFF .”


To enable the ARS function again, select “ON ” in step 2 above.

ARS-Repeater Subbands

145.1

145.5

Version A

146.0

146.4

147.0

146.6

145.6 145.8

European Version

147.4

147.6

148.0

C

HECKING THE

R

EPEATER

U

PLINK

(I

NPUT

) F

REQUENCY

It often is helpful to be able to check the uplink (input) frequency of a repeater, to see if the calling station is within direct (“Simplex”) range.

To do this, just press the [REV(DW)] key. You’ll notice that the display has shifted to the repeater uplink frequency. Press the [REV(DW)] key again to cause operation to revert to normal monitoring of the repeater downlink (output) frequency. While you are listening on the input frequency to the repeater using the [REV(DW)] key, the repeater offset icon will blink.

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CTCSS/DCS/EPCS O

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CTCSS O

PERATION

Many repeater systems require that a very-low-frequency audio tone be superimposed on your

FM carrier in order to activate the repeater. This helps prevent false activation of the repeater by radar or spurious signals from other transmitters. This tone system, called “CTCSS” (Continuous

Tone Coded Squelch System), is included in your FT-2900E, and is very easy to activate.

CTCSS setup involves two actions: setting the Tone Mode and then setting of the

Tone Frequency. These actions are set up by using the Set (Menu) mode, selections #49 (SQL.TYP) and #52 (TN FRQ).

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “49 SQL.TYP

.”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob so that “TONE ” appears on the display; this activates the

CTCSS Encoder, which allows repeater access.

3. Rotating the DIAL knob one more click clockwise in the above step will cause “TSQL ” to appear. When “TSQL ” appears, this means that the

Tone Squelch system is active, which mutes your FT-2900E’s receiver until it receives a call from another radio sending out a matching CTCSS tone. This can help keep your radio quiet until a specific call is received, which may be helpful while operating in congested areas.

1) You may notice a “

RV TN

” indication on the display while you rotate the

DIAL knob in this step; this means that the Reverse Tone Squelch system is active, which mutes your FT-2900E’s receiver (instead of opening the squelch) when

it receives a call from the radio sending a matched CTCSS tone. The “T SQ

” icon will blink on the display when the Reverse Tone Squelch system is activated.

2) You may notice a “

DCS

” indication on the display while you rotate the DIAL knob still more. We’ll discuss the Digital Code Squelch system shortly.

4. When you have made your selection of the CTCSS tone mode, press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob three clicks clockwise to select Menu

“52 TN FRQ .” This Menu selection allows

CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY (Hz) setting of the CTCSS tone frequency to be used.

67.0

69.3

71.9

74.4

77.0

79.7

82.5

85.4

88.5

91.5

94.8

97.4

5. Press the [MHz(SET)] key to enable adjustment of the CTCSS frequency.

6. Rotate the DIAL knob until the display indicates the Tone Frequency you need to be using.

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

– – – –

22 FT-2900E O

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CTCSS O

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7. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

1)Your repeater may or may not re-transmit a CTCSS tone - some systems just use

CTCSS to control access to the repeater, but don’t pass it along when transmitting. If the S-Meter deflects, but the FT-2900E is not passing audio, repeat steps “1” through “3” above, but rotate the DIAL knob so that “TONE” appears - this will allow you to hear all traffic on the channel being received.

2)You may use the Menu to re-program one of the Microphone’s programmable keys for quick access to Menu #52 (TN FRQ), from which you can perform the above setup procedure. See page 65 for details on the setup of the programmable keys.

3)Press the [REV(DW)] key as described in procedure “6”.

You can now set the transmit CTCSS frequency. Rotate the

DIAL knob until the desired CTCSS Tone Frequency is displayed. “tt” is displayed at the right of the CTCSS indication.

When the [REV(DW)] key is pushed again “rt” is displayed along with the receive CTCSS frequency.

4)When the encoder and decoder tone frequencies are different, a solid decoder icon and a blinking encoder icon will be displayed.

: Receive tone

: Transmit tone

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PERATION

DCS O

PERATION

Another form of tone access control is Digital Code Squelch, or DCS. It is a newer, more advanced tone system which generally provides more immunity from false paging than does CTCSS. The DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your FT-2900E, and operation is very similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured for

DCS; if not, it is frequently quite useful in Simplex operation if your friend(s) use transceivers equipped with this advanced feature.

Just as in CTCSS operation, DCS requires that you set the Tone Mode to DCS and that you select a Tone Code.

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “49 SQL.TYP

.”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob until “DCS ” appears on the display; this activates the DCS

Encoder/Decoder.

3. Now press the

[MHz(SET)]

DCS CODE

key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to select

Menu “14 DCS CD .”

4. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable the adjustment of the DCS code.

5. R o t a t e t h e

DIAL knob to

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 select the desired DCS Code (a three-digit number).

627 631 632 654 662 664 703 712 723 731

732 734 743 754 – – – – – –


1)Remember that the DCS is an Encode/Decode system, so your receiver will remain muted until a matching DCS code is received on an incoming transmission. Switch the DCS off when you’re just tuning around the band!

2)Press the [REV(DW)] key as described in procedure “6”.

: Receive DCS

: Transmit DCS

You can now set the transmit DCS code. Rotate the DIAL knob until the desired DCS code is displayed. “tt” is displayed at the right of the DCS code indication. When the [REV(DW)] key is pushed again “rt” is displayed along with the receive DCS code.

3)When the encoder and decoder DCS codes are different, a solid decoder icon and a blinking encoder icon will be displayed.

24 FT-2900E O

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T

ONE

S

EARCH

S

CANNING

In operating situations where you don’t know the CTCSS tone or DCS code being used by another station or stations, you can command the radio to listen to the incoming signal and scan in search of the tone being used. Two things must be remembered in this regard:

You must be sure that your repeater uses the same tone type (CTCSS vs. DCS).

Some repeaters do not pass the CTCSS tone or DCS code; you may have to listen to the station(s) transmitting on the repeater uplink (input) frequency in order to allow Tone

Search Scanning to work.

To scan for the tone in use:

1. Set the radio up for either CTCSS or DCS Decoder operation (see the previous discussion). In the case of CTCSS, “TSQ ” will appear on the display; in the case of DCS,

“DCS ” will appear on the display.

2. Press the Microphone’s [P3] key momentarily to start scanning for the incoming CTCSS or DCS tone/code.

3. When the radio detects the correct tone or code, it will halt on that tone/code, and audio will be allowed to pass.

4. Press the Microphone’s [P3] key momentarily to lock in that tone/code and exit to normal operation.

If the Tone Scan feature does not detect a tone or code, it will continue to scan indefinitely. When this happens, it may be that the other station is not sending any

tone. You can press the Microphone’s [P3] key to halt the scan at any time.

You may listen to the (muted) signals from the other stations during Tone Scanning when

Set Mode Item “54 TS MUT ” is set to “OFF .” See page 80 for details. You can also change the Tone Search scanning speed, using Set Mode Item “55 TS SPD .” See page 82 for details.

Tone Scanning works either in the VFO or Memory mode.

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PERATION

EPCS

(E

NHANCED

P

AGING

& C

ODE

S

QUELCH

)

O

PERATION

The FT-2900E includes an Enhanced CTCSS tone encoder/decoder and a dedicated microprocessor providing paging and selective calling features. This allows you to place a call to a specific station (Paging), and to receive calls of your choice directed only to you (Code Squelch).

The paging and code squelch systems use two pairs of (alternately switched) CTCSS tones which are stored in the pager memories. Basically, your receiver remains silent until it receives the CTCSS tone pair that matches those stored in the Receiving Pager Memory.

The squelch then opens so the caller is heard, and the paging ringer immediately sounds, if activated. When you close the PTT switch to transmit, the CTCSS tone pair which is stored in the Transmitting Pager Memory will be transmitted automatically.

On the paged radio, the squelch will close automatically after the incoming page ends.

Storing the CTCSS Tone Pairs for EPCS Operation

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to enter the Set mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “ 34 PAG.CDR

” for the

Receiving CTCSS Tone Pair or “ 35 PAG.CDT

” for the

Transmitting CTCSS Tone Pair.

3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the CTCSS Tone number which corresponds to the first tone of the CTCSS Tone Pair.

5. Press the [REV(DW)] or [LOW(A/N)] key, then rotate the

DIAL knob to set the CTCSS Tone number which corresponds to the second tone of the CTCSS Tone Pair.

6. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to lock in that tone/code and exit to normal operation.

The FT-2900E does not recognize the order of the 1st tone and the 2nd tone. In other words, for example, the FT-2900E considers both CTCSS pairs “10, 35” and “35, 10” to be identical.

26

04

05

06

07

No.

01

02

03

08

09

10

Hz

67.0

69.3

71.9

74.4

77.0

79.7

82.5

85.4

88.5

91.5

14

15

16

17

No.

11

12

13

18

19

20

CTCSS T

ONE

N

UMBER

Hz

94.8

97.4

100.0

103.5

107.2

110.9

114.8

118.8

123.0

127.3

No.

21

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

29

30

Hz

131.8

136.5

141.3

146.2

151.4

156.7

159.8

162.2

165.5

167.9

34

35

36

37

No.

31

32

33

38

39

40

Hz

171.3

173.8

177.3

179.9

183.5

186.2

189.9

192.8

196.6

199.5

44

45

46

47

No.

41

42

43

48

49

50

Hz

203.5

206.5

210.7

218.1

225.7

229.1

233.6

241.8

250.3

254.1

FT-2900E O

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EPCS

(E

NHANCED

P

AGING

& C

ODE

S

QUELCH

)

O

PERATION

Activating the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch System

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “32 PAGER .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Menu item to “ON .”


4. To disable the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “ OFF ” in step 2 above.

When the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch feature is activated, the “P ” notation will appear by the 100 MHz digit of the frequency display.

Paging Answer Back

When you press the PTT switch to respond to a page call, the FT-2900E transmits the

Transmitting CTCSS Tone pair. This tone pair will open the Code Squelch of the calling station. If you prefer, you can have the FT-2900E respond to page calls automatically

(“transpond”).

To enable this feature:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “33 PAG.ABK

.”



4. To disable the Paging Answer Back feature, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “ OFF ” in step 2 above.

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PERATION

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS B

ELL

O

PERATION

During CTCSS Decode, DCS, or EPCS operation, you may set up the FT-2900E such that a ringing “bell” sound alerts you to the fact that a call is coming in. Here is the procedure for activating the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell:

1. Set the transceiver up for CTCSS Decode (“Tone Squelch”), DCS, or EPCS operation, as described previously.

2. Adjust the operating frequency to the desired channel.

3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “7 BELL .”

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired number of rings of the Bell. The available choices are 1 , 3 , 5 , or 8 rings,

CNTNUE

(continuous ringing), or OFF .


When you are called by a station whose transceiver is sending a CTCSS tone, DCS code, or

CTCSS code pair which matches that set into your Decoder, the Bell will ring in accordance with this programming.

When the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell is activated, the “ ” icon will appear on the display.

28 FT-2900E O

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PERATION

S

PLIT

T

ONE

O

PERATION

The FT-2900E can be operated in a “Split Tone” configuration, to enable operation on repeaters using a mix of both CTCSS and DCS control via the Set mode.

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “48 SPLIT .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Menu item to “ON ” (to enable the Split Tone feature).


When the Split Tone feature is activated, you can see the following additional parameters following the “RV TN ” parameter (while selecting the tone mode by Set mode item “49

SQL.TYP

”):

D CODE

: DCS Encode only (the “DCS” icon will blink during operation)

T DCS

: Encodes a CTCSS Tone and Decodes a DCS code

(the “T” icon will blink and the “DCS” icon will appear during operation)

D TONE

: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS Tone

(the “T SQ” icon will appear and “DCS” icons will blink during operation)

Select the desired operating mode from the selections shown above.

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DTMF O

PERATION

The Microphone’s 16-button keypad allows easy DTMF dialing for Autopatch, repeater control, or Internet-link access purposes. Besides numerical digits [0] through [9], the keypad includes the [½] and [#] digits, plus the [A], [B], [C], and [D] tones often used for repeater control.

M

ANUAL

DTMF T

ONE

G

ENERATION

You can generate DTMF tones during transmission manually.

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “17 DT A /M .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “MANUAL ” (thus enabling the

Manual DTMF Tone Generation).


4. Press the PTT switch to begin transmission.

5. While transmitting, press the desired numbers on the keypad.

6. When you have sent all the digits desired, release the PTT switch.

DTMF A

UTODIALER

Nine DTMF Autodialer memories are available on the FT-2900E. These DTMF Autodialer memories can store up to 16 digits of a telephone number for repeater autopatch or other use.

To load DTMF Autodialer memories, use the following procedure:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “19 DT SET .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the DTMF Autodialer memory channel number into which you wish store a telephone number (“C0 ” to “C9 ”).

3. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily, then rotate the

DIAL knob to select the first digit of the telephone number you wish to store.

4. When you have selected the correct digit, press the

[LOW(A/N)] key momentarily. Now, rotate the DIAL knob to select the second of 16 available numbers in the current

DTMF Autodialer memory register.

5. Repeat this procedure for each digit in the telephone number. If you a mistake, press the

[REV(DW)] key to move back to the first digit, then re-enter the correct number.

6. Press and hold in the [LOW(A/N)] key for 2 seconds to delete all data after the cursor that may have been previously stored erroneously.

7. When entry of all digits is complete, press the [MHz(SET)] key.

30 FT-2900E O

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DTMF O

PERATION

DTMF A

UTODIALER

8. If you wish to store another DTMF string, repeat steps 2 through 6 above.


To transmit the memorized telephone number, use the following procedure:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “17 DT A /M .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “AUTO .”


4. In the Autodialer mode, which you just engaged, first press the PTT switch, then press the microphone’s numeric key ([0] through [9]) corresponding to the DTMF memory string you wish to send. Once the string begins, you may release the PTT switch, as the transmitter will be held “on the air” until the DTMF string is completed.

While the DTMF Autodialer is activated, the “ ” icon will appear on the LCD.

To disable the Autodialer function mode, select “MANUAL ” in step 2 above.

The speed at which the DTMF digits are sent can be changed. Two speed levels are available: Low (10 digits per second) and High (20 digits per second: default). To toggle between Low and High speed, use the following procedure:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “20 DT SPD .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired speed (“50 ”: High speed or “100 ”: Low speed).


You can also set a longer delay between the time your transmitter is keyed and the first

DTMF digit is sent. To set the delay time, use the following procedure:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “18 DT DLY .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired speed (50 /250 /450 /750

1000

ms).


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The FT-2900E provides a wide variety of memory system resources. These include:

200 “basic” memory channels, numbered “0” through “199.”

A “Home” channel, providing storage and quick recall of one prime frequency.

10 sets of band-edge memories, also known as “Programmable Memory Scan” channels, labeled “L0/U0” through “L9/U9.”

8 Memory Banks, labeled “BANK 1” through “BANK 8.” Each Memory Bank can be assigned up to 200 channels from the “basic” memory channels.

Each memory may be appended with an alpha-numeric label of up to six characters, for quick channel recognition.

M

EMORY

S

TORAGE

1. In the VFO mode, select the desired frequency, repeater shift, CTCSS/DCS tone, and

TX power level.

2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second. A memory number will appear in the bottom right-hand corner of the display. If the channel number is blinking, there currently is no data stored on that channel; if the channel number is not blinking, that channel is currently “occupied” by other frequency data, and you won’t want to use that channel unless the data is no longer of interest.

3. Within five seconds of pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key, use the DIAL knob to select the desired memory into which you wish to store the frequency.

4. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key again, this time momentarily, to store the displayed data into the selected memory channel slot. The memory label will disappear (since you are still operating in the VFO mode).

5. To store other frequencies, repeat steps 1 through 4, remembering to set the repeater shift, CTCSS/DCS tone, and TX power level, as appropriate.

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NDEPENDENT

T

RANSMIT

F

REQUENCIES (“O

DD

S

PLITS

”)

1. Store the receiving frequency using the method already described.

2. Tune to the desired transmit frequency, then press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second.

3. Within five seconds of pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key, use the DIAL knob or microphone [UP]/[DWN] buttons to select the same memory channel number used in step 1 above.

4. Press and hold in the PTT switch, and press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily while holding in the PTT switch. This will not cause transmission, but rather it will instruct the transceiver that you are programming a separate transmit frequency into memory.

Whenever you recall a memory which contains independentlystored transmit and receive frequencies, the “ ” indication will appear in the display.

The “Odd Splits” feature can store separate CTCSS/DCS functions for the receive and transmit frequencies.

When you recall a memory channel which contains independently stored CTCSS/DCS information, the decoder icon will appear solid, and the encoder icon will blink on the display.

To confirm the memorized frequency/code:


2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “14 DCS CD ” when the receiver CTCSS/DCS function is set to “DCS”, or select

“52 TN FRQ ” when the receiver CTCSS/DCS function is set to “TONE SQUELCH”.

3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to indicate the memorized frequency/code for the receiver.

4. Press the [REV(DW)] key to indicate the memorized frequency/code for the transmitter. You can confirm the Trans-

: Receive tone/DCS

: Transmit tone/DCS mit and Receive TONE/DCS by alternately pressing of the

[REV(DW)] key.

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EMORY

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ECALL

Once you have stored the memory or memories desired, you must now switch from the

“VFO” mode to the “Memory Recall” mode, so you can operate on the just-stored memory channels.

1. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key, repeatedly if necessary, until the “MR” icon and a memory channel number appear on the display; this indicates that the “Memory Recall” mode is now engaged.

2. When more than one memory has been stored, use the DIAL knob to select any of the programmed memories for operation. Alternatively, the microphone’s [UP] or [DWN] button may be used to step or scan through the available memories. When using the microphone’s buttons, press the button momentarily to move one step up or down; press and hold in the [UP] or [DWN] button for one second to begin memory scanning.

Memory Recall from the Microphone’s Keypad:

While operating in the Memory Recall mode, the keypad of the MH-48

A6J

Microphone may be used for direct recall of memory channels.

To do this, press the Channel Number you wish to recall, then press the [#] key. For example, to recall Memory Channel “5,” press [5] Æ [#]. To recall Memory Channel “118,” press [1] Æ [1] Æ [8].

You may also recall Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) channels (“ L0 / U0 ” through “ L9 /

U9 ”) using the following numbers: Programmable Memory channels # L0 = “200,” U0 =

“201,” L9 = “218,” and U9 = “219.”

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ABELING

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EMORIES

You may wish to append an alpha-numeric “Tag” (label) to a memory or memories, to aid in recollection of the channel’s use (such as club name, etc.). This is easily accomplished using the Set (Menu) mode.

1. Recall the memory channel on which you wish to append a label.

2. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “30 NM SET .”

3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key. You will notice the first character location blinking, indicating that you are now in the

Alpha-Numeric (“A/N”) entry mode. Within the A/N entry mode, rotate the DIAL knob to select characters; pressing the [LOW(A/N)] key will move the character’s entry loca-

tion to the right.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired number, letter, or symbol, then press the [LOW(A/N)] key to move the next character’s location. Move two slots if you want to put in a space. Press the [REV(DW)] key if you want to “backspace” one slot.

5. Repeat step 4, as necessary, to complete the name tag (up to six characters) for your memory, then press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to save the A/N name just entered.

6. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to exit to normal operation.

While operating in the Memory Recall mode, press and hold in the [LOW(A/N)] key for one second to toggle the display between indication of the frequency and the channel’s Alpha/Numeric label.

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UNING

Once you have recalled a particular memory channel, you may easily tune off that channel, as though you were in the VFO mode.

1. With the FT-2900E in the Memory Recall mode, select the desired memory channel.

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily. The “MR” indicator will blink and the Memory Channel Number will disappear; these indicates that the “Memory Tuning” mode has been engaged.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob, or press the [UP] or [DWN] keys, to tune to a new frequency. The synthesizer steps you have selected for “VFO” operation will be the steps used during

Memory Tuning.

4. If you wish to return to the original memory frequency, press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily. The “MR” indicator will stop blinking and the Memory Channel Number will reappear.

5. If you wish to store into memory a new frequency set during Memory Tuning, just press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second, then complete the normal memory storage procedure. Be sure to select an open memory channel when doing so.

M

ASKING

M

EMORIES

There may be situations where you want to “Mask” memories so they are not visible during memory selection or scanning. For example, several memories used only in a city you visit infrequently may be stored, then “Masked” until you visit that city, at which time you can

“Unmask” them for normal use. (except for Memory Channel “0,” the Priority Channel, and the Home Channel).

1. With the FT-2900E in the Memory Recall mode, press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the memory channel you wish to delete.

2. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily. The display will revert to memory channel

“0.” The previously-selected memory will be “masked.”

3. To Unmask a hidden memory, repeat the above procedure: press and hold in the [D/

MR(MW)] key for one second, rotate the DIAL to select the masked memory’s number, then press the [LOW(A/N)] key to restore the memory channel’s data.

Watch out! You can manually store data over a “Masked” memory, deleting previous data, if you’re not careful. Use the “next available memory” technique (look for the blinking memory channel number) storage technique to avoid over-writing a masked memory.

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The large number of memories available in the FT-2900E could be difficult to utilize without some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the FT-2900E includes provision for dividing the memories into as many as eight Memory Banks, so you can categorize the memories in a manner convenient to you. You may enter and exit the “Memory Bank” mode by a single press of the Microphone’s [½] key, as we shall see below.

Assigning Memories to a Memory Bank

1. Recall the memory channel to be assigned to a Memory

Bank.

2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the Memory Bank number (“ b1

” ~ “ b8 ”) you want as the

Memory Bank for this channel. The Memory Bank numbers are found by rotating the DIAL knob counter-clockwise past memory channel “0.”

3. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily to copy the memory channel data into the

Memory Bank.

1) You may assign one memory channel into several Memory Banks.

2) The PMS memory channels (L0/U0 through L9/U9) may not be assigned to a

Memory Bank.

Memory Bank Recall

1. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key, if needed, to enter the Memory mode.

2. Press the Microphone’s [½] key to activate the “Memory

Bank” mode. The Memory Bank number will appear on the display.

3. Press the [#] key to increment the Memory Bank (“ b1

” through “ b8 ”).

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the memories within the selected Bank; you will observe that you can only select memory channels in the current memory bank. The small memory bank number will appear, to the right of the frequency display, two seconds after you complete memory channel selection while operating within a Memory Bank.

5. To change to another Memory Bank, press the [#] key to step up to the next-highest bank.

6. To exit from Memory Bank operation, just press the

Microphone’s [½] key. The Memory Channel number will appear steadily on the right side of the display, indicating that you are now in the “standard” Memory Recall mode, without utilization of the Memory Banks. The memories stored in the various Banks will remain in those banks, however; you do not need to store them again.

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Removing Memories from a Memory Bank

1. While operating in the Memory Bank mode, recall the memory channel to be removed from a Memory Bank.

2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second, then press the [A/N(LOW)] key to remove the memory channel data from the Memory Bank.

You must first enter the Memory Bank mode, by pressing the microphone’s [

½

] key, before attempting to remove a channel from a

Bank. If you don’t, “MCHERR” will appear when you press the [A/N(LOW)] key in step (2) above.

Changing a Memory Bank’s Name

You may change the default Memory Bank Name, which is indicated on the display when you’ve selected a Memory Bank, to a different name, if desired.

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “9 BNK NM .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the

DIAL knob to recall the memory bank on which you wish to change a label.

3. Press the [A/N(LOW)] key to enable changing of the name tag.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired label.

5. Press the [A/N(LOW)] key to move to the next character.

6. If you make a mistake, press the [REV(DW)] key to back-space the cursor, then re-enter the correct letter, number, or symbol.

7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 to program the remaining letters, numbers, or symbols of the desired label. A total of six characters may be used in the creation of a label.

8. When you have programmed a name which is under 6 characters, press and hold in the

[MHz(SET)] key for one second to confirm the label and exit to normal operation.

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H

OME

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HANNEL

M

EMORY

A convenient one-touch “Home” channel memory is available to simplify return to your most-often-used frequency. This memory does not appear in the regular memory bank, to simplify operation and speed recall of this important channel.

To recall the Home channel, just press the [D/MR(MW)] key, repeatedly if necessary, until the “HM” icon appears on the display; this indicates that the Home Channel has been recalled.

The factory default frequency for the Home channel is 144.000 MHz. You can re-program the Home channel in a manner identical to that used for the regular memories:

1. From the VFO mode, tune in the frequency you wish to store, and set all repeater shifts and other data just the way you do for “normal” memory channel storage.

2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second, then press the [REV(DW)] key to store the displayed data into the Home channel. The memory label will disappear

(since you are still operating in the VFO mode).

You may also append an alpha-numeric “Tag” (label) to a Home channel, as described

SET

”) to program the label’s contents.

From the Home channel, you may tune off (as in the Memory Tune mode) without doing anything more than rotating the main DIAL knob. This automatically shifts control to the VFO, making it a good idea to program in your area’s “Calling Frequency” as the

Home channel. Once contact is established, you may then tune off the Calling Frequency to an open simplex frequency to carry on your QSO.

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NLY

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ODE

Once memory channel programming has been completed, you may place the radio in a

“Memory Only” mode, whereby VFO and Home Channel operation are impossible. This may be particularly useful during public-service events where a number of operators may be using the radio for first time, and ultimate simplicity of channel selection is desired.

To place the radio into the Memory Only mode, turn it off. Now press and hold in the

[D/MR(MW)] key while turning the radio on. The VFO and Home Channel will now be disabled.

To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure.

The FT-2900E’s scanning capability provides the operator with many convenient methods of rapid frequency navigation.

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OTE

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CANNING

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Before activating the scanner, make sure that the Squelch is set to silence the background noise when no signal is present. Scanning is not possible while the Squelch is open (if noise or signals are being heard).

Scanning may be started or stopped using the microphone’s [UP] or [DWN] button. The following techniques are used for scanning:

Pressing and holding in either the [UP] or [DWN] button for one second in the VFO

mode will cause upward or downward band scanning, respectively, to begin.

Pressing and holding in either the [UP] or [DWN] button for one second in the Memory

mode will cause memory channel scanning toward a higher- or lower-numbered memory

channel, respectively.

Scanning pauses when a signal opens the squelch, and the decimal point on the display will blink. You can choose one of three scan-resume modes (described later).

To halt the scan manually, the easiest way is to push the PTT switch on the microphone momentarily (no transmission will occur while you are scanning). The scan may also be halted manually by pressing the microphone’s [UP] or [DWN] button, or the

[D/MR(MW)] key.

In the factory default setting, the scanner sweeps all frequencies while the VFO mode and all memory channels while the Memory mode. You may change the sweep range of the VFO mode to ±1 MHz, ±2 MHz, or ±5 MHz, or sweep only those

Memory Channels with the same “first” or “first” and “second” digits of the alpha/ numeric tag as the first channel on which scanning started, using Set Mode items “28

MEM.SCN” and “56 VFO.SCN.” See pages 77 and 82 for details.

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ESUME

O

PTIONS

Three scan-resume modes are available on the FT-2900E:

In the “BUSY ” mode, the scanner will remain halted for as long as there is carrier present on the channel; after the carrier drops at the end of the other station’s transmission, scanning will resume.

In the “HOLD ” mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters. It will not restart automatically; you must manually re-initiate scanning if you wish to resume.

In the “3SEC

/5SEC

10SEC

” mode, the scanner will halt for the selected resume time, after which scanning will resume (whether or not the other station is still transmitting).

The default scan-stop mode is “BUSY .” To change the scan-resume mode, use the following procedure:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “41 RESUME .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired scan-resume mode.


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KIP

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CANNING

When you have some continuously-active channels in memories, you may wish to skip them for scanning, but still have them available for manual selection.

To mask a memory to be skipped (only) during scanning, use the following procedure:

1. Set the radio to the Memory Recall mode by pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key repeatedly, as necessary, until “MR” and a channel number appear on the right side of the display.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Memory Channel to be skipped during scanning.

3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “47 SKIP .”

4. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob so as to select “SKIP ”. The current Memory Channel will now be ignored during scanning. The “ONLY ” selection is used for “Preferential Memory Scan,” described in the next section.


A “SKIP” icon will appear when you recall the “skipped” memory channel manually.

To re-institute a channel into the scanning loop, select “OFF ” in step 4 above, after first recalling the currently-blocked channel (the “Skipped” channel is accessible via manual channel selection methods using the DIAL knob in the Memory mode, whether or not it is locked out of the scanning loop).

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CAN

The FT-2900E also allows you to set up a “Preferential Scan List” of channels which you can “flag” within the memory system. These channels are designated by a blinking “SKIP” icon when you have selected them, one by one, for the Preferential Scan List.

When you initiate memory scanning, beginning on a channel with the Blinking “SKIP”

icon appended, only those channels bearing the Blinking “SKIP” icon will be scanned. If you initiate scanning on a channel which does not have the Blinking “SKIP” icon appended, you will scan all channels including those with the Blinking “SKIP” icon appended.

Here is the procedure for setting up and using the Preferential Scan List:

1. Set the radio to the Memory Recall mode by pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key repeatedly, if necessary.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Memory Channel which you wish to add to the

Preferential Scan List.

3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “47 SKIP .”

4. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob so as to select “ONLY .”


To initiate Preferential Memory Scanning:


2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select any memory channel which has a blinking “SKIP” icon appended to the channel number.

3. Press and hold in either the microphone’s [UP] or [DWN] button for one second to initiate Preferential Memory Scanning. Only the channels which have a blinking “SKIP” icon appended to the channel number will be scanned.

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ANK

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INK

S

CAN

When the Memory Bank feature is engaged, the scanner sweeps only memory channels in the current Memory Bank. However, if the Memory Bank Link Scan feature is enabled, you may sweep the memory channels in several Memory Banks which you have selected.

To enable the Memory Bank Link Scan feature:

1. Set the radio to the Memory mode by pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key, if necessary.

2. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “8 BNK.LNK

.”


DIAL knob to select the first Memory Bank (“b1 ” ~ “b8 ”) you wish to sweep using Memory Bank Link Scan.

4. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily. A “SKIP” icon will blink above the Memory Bank number, indicating this

Memory Bank will now be swept during Memory Bank

Scan.

5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 above, to append the blinking “SKIP” icon to any other Memory Banks you wish to sweep.

6. Now, press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to initiate the Memory Bank Link Scan.

7. To remove a Memory Bank from the Memory Bank Link Scan, repeat steps 2 - 4 above, to delete the blinking “SKIP” icon from the Memory Bank number indication.

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L

IMITS

Besides band and memory scanning, this transceiver can be set to tune or scan only the frequencies between user-defined lower and upper limits. For example, you may wish to limit tuning/scanning to 144.3 - 148.0 MHz, to avoid encroachment on the SSB/CW subband between 144.0 and 144.3 MHz

These scanning limits are stored in special “Sub-Band Limit Memories,” labeled L0 /U0 through L9 /U9

U

” designations representing the Lower and Upper limits, respectively.

To utilize this feature, use the following steps:

1. Store the lower edge of the desired scanning/tuning range in memory “L0 ”, and the upper edge in memory “U0 ” (or, alternatively, in memories “L1 /U1 ” through “L9

U9

”).

2. With any of these memories recalled, press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to activate the Programmable Band-Scan Limits. The “PMS” icon will appear. Tuning and scanning will now be limited within the just-programmed range.

To cancel the Sub-Band Limits and return to normal memory operation, press the [D/

MR(MW)] key momentarily.

Do not attempt to initiate “normal” scanning on any of the PMS memory channels. If you do, an error message will result; the “U/L” memories are dedicated for the establishment of band scanning limits.

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RIORITY

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S

CANNING

(D

UAL

W

ATCH

)

The FT-2900E’s scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which allows you to operate on a VFO, Memory channel, or Home channel, while periodically checking a user-defined Memory Channel for activity. If a station is received on the Memory

Channel 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 item “41 RESUME .” See page 45.

Here is the procedure for activating Priority Channel Dual Watch operation:


2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second (the Memory Channel number will blink), then select the memory channel you wish to be the “Priority” channel.

3. Press the [ ] key momentarily.

The “PRI” icon will appear to the upper right corner on the display; indicating it is the Priority channel.

4. Now set the FT-2900E for operation on another memory channel, Home channel, or on a VFO frequency.

5. Press and hold in the [REV(DW)] key for one second. The display will remain on the

VFO, the selected memory channel, or the Home channel, but every five seconds the

FT-2900E will check the Priority Channel for activity.

6. To cancel Dual Watch operation, press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily.

Priority Revert Mode

During Priority channel operation (Dual Watch), a special feature is available which will allow you to move to the Priority Channel instantly, without waiting for activity to appear on the Priority Channel.

When this feature is enabled, and priority monitoring is engaged, just press the microphone’s

PTT switch. Operation will instantly revert to the Priority Channel.

To enable Priority Revert operation:

1. Press and hold the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “44 RVRT .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “ON .”

3. Press and hold the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

To disable Priority Revert operation, select “OFF ” in step 2 above.

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EATHER

A

LERT

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CAN

This feature allows you to check the Weather Broadcast Memory Channels for the presence of the NOAA Alert Tone while operating using VFO scan or Memory channel scan.

When the Weather Alert Scan feature is engaged, the FT-2900E will check the Weather

Broadcast Memory Channels for activity every five seconds while scanning. If you watch the display carefully, you’ll observe the scanner periodically shifting to the Weather Broadcast bank, scanning the Weather channels quickly in search of the Alert Tone, after which regular scanning will resume for another five seconds.

To enable the Weather Alert Scan feature:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “57 WX ALT .”



4. To disable the Weather Alert Scan feature, select “ OFF ” in step 2 above.

You can change the Weather Alert Tone volume level to maximum regardless the VOL knob setting, using Menu item “58 WX VOL .” See page 82 for details.

1) When the Weather Alert Scan feature is engaged, the Scan-Resume mode will be fixed on “HOLD.”

2) If you are just scanning the Weather Broadcast Channels, the FT-2900E’s receiver will remain muted indefinitely unless the Alert Tone is received. This yields a long period of monitoring time, as no power will be consumed via audio output while scanning (for the Alert Tone) is in progress.

B

AND

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DGE

B

EEPER

The FT-2900E will automatically “beep” when the receiver’s band edge is encountered during scanning (either in standard VFO scanning or during PMS operation). You may additionally enable this feature (band edge beeper) when the frequency reaches the band edge while selecting the VFO frequency manually, using the DIAL knob.

The procedure for enabling the Band-Edge Beeper (during manual tuning) is:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “21 EDG.BEP

.”



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The Smart Search feature allows you to load frequencies automatically according to where activity is encountered by your radio. When Smart Search is engaged, the transceiver will search above and below your current frequency, storing active frequencies as it goes (without stopping on them even momentarily); these frequencies are stored into a special Smart

Search memory band, consisting of 31 memories (15 above the current frequency, 15 below the current frequency, plus the current frequency itself).

Two basic operating modes for Smart Search are available:

SINGLE

: In this mode, the transceiver will sweep the current band once in each direction, starting on the current frequency. All channels where activity is present will be loaded into the Smart Search memories; whether or not all 31 memories are filled, the search will stop after one sweep in each direction.

CNTNUE

(Continue): In this mode, the transceiver will make one pass in each direction, as with “SINGLE” searching; if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, however, the radio will continue sweeping until they are all filled.

Setting the Smart Search Mode

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “45 S SRCH .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Smart Search mode (see above).


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Storing Smart Search Memories

1. Set the radio to the VFO mode. Be sure that you have the Squelch adjusted properly (so that band noise is quieted).

2. Press the Microphone’s [P2] key to enter the Smart Search mode. The “S SRCH ” notation will appear on the display for two seconds.

3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key (or Microphone’s [A] key) to begin Smart Search scanning.

4. As active channels are detected, they will automatically be stored into the Smart Search memory bank without causing the sweep to halt.

5. Depending on the mode you set for Smart Search operation (“SINGLE ” or “CNTNUE ”), the Smart Search scan will eventually terminate, and the LCD will revert to Smart Search

Memory Channel “C .”

6. To recall the Smart Search memories, just rotate the DIAL knob to choose from among the Smart Search memories.

7. To return to normal operation, press the [D/MR(MW)] key.

Smart Search is a great tool when visiting a city for the first time. You don’t need to spend hours looking up repeater frequencies from a reference guidebook; just ask your FT-2900E where the action is!

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I

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F

EATURE

The FT-2900E can be used to access a “node” (repeater or base station) which is tied into the Vertex Standard WIRES™ (Wide-Coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System) network. Details may be found at the WiRES-II Web site: http://www.vxstd.com/en/ wiresinfo-en/. This feature may also be used to access other systems, as described below.

SRG (“S

ISTER

R

ADIO

G

ROUP

”) M

ODE

1. Press the [ ] key momentarily to activate the Internet Connection feature. The “Int” notation will appear at the right of the frequency.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [ ] key to select the access number ( DTMF

“ 0 ” ~ “ 9 ,” “ A ,” “ B ,” “ C ,” “ D ,” “ EE (¼),” “ FF (#)”) corresponding to the WIRES™ node to which you wish to establish an Internet link (ask the node or repeater owner/ operator if you don’t know the access number in the network). Now press the PTT switch to exit from the selection mode.

3. With the Internet Connection feature activated (as in step 1 above), the FT-2900E will generate a brief (0.1 second) DTMF tone according to your selection in step 2. This

DTMF tone is sent at the beginning of every transmission to establish or maintain the link to the local WiRES™ node operating in the SRG mode.

4. To disable the Internet Connection feature, press the [ ] key momentarily (the “Int” notation will disappear from the display).

If other users report that you always have a DTMF “beep” at the beginning of each transmission, and you are not operating in conjunction with Internet access, disable this function via step (4) above.

FRG (“F

RIENDS

’ R

ADIO

G

ROUP

”) M

ODE

You may access other Internet Link Systems (including WiRES™ in the “FRG” mode) that use a DTMF string for access.

Programming the FRG code

Load the DTMF tones which you wish to use for Internet-link access into a Internet Memory register. For purposes of this example, we will use “#(F)1101D” as the access code (the “#” key is denoted by the letter “F”).

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “25 INT.SET

.”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the Internet Memory register (

F0

~ F9 ) into which you wish to store the access code.

3. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily. The first digit will blink.

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FRG (“F

RIENDS

’ R

ADIO

G

ROUP

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4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

F

” (representing DTMF

“#”: the first digit of the DTMF string).

5. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to accept the first digit and move to the second digit of the DTMF string.

6. Repeat the previous steps until you have completed the access code (“#(F)1101D”).

7. If you wish to attach an alpha/numeric name “Tag” to the

Internet Memory, proceed to the next step; otherwise press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the setting.

8. Press the [MHz(SET)] key twice to enable programming of the name tag (the Internet

Memory register number will blink).

ALPH A -

” notation will appear on the display for 2 seconds, then the

Memory register number will blink again.

10. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily. The first digit will blink.

11. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired label.

12. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key to move to the next character.

13. If you make a mistake, press the [REV(DW)] key to back-space the cursor, then re-enter the correct letter, number, or symbol.

14. Repeat steps 11 and 12 to program the remaining letters, numbers, or symbols of the desired label. A total of six characters may be used in the creation of a label.

15. When you have finished programming the label (6 characters or less), press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to confirm the label.

16. Repeat steps 1 through 15 to store other access codes, if so desired.

17. Press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation.

Operation (Accessing an FRG Node)

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “23 INT MD .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “ FRG ” (thus activating the “Other

Internet Link System” mode).

3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting.

4. Press the [ ] key momentarily to activate the Internet Connection feature. The “Int” notation will appear at the right of the frequency.

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FRG (“F

RIENDS

’ R

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G

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”) M

ODE

5. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [ ] key to select the Internet Memory register number (

F0

~

F9

) (or Name) corresponding to the Internet link repeater to which you wish to establish an Internet link, then press the PTT switch momentarily to lock in the selected access number.

6. Once the Internet Connection feature is activated per step 4 above, you may now press the [ ] key, while you are transmitting, to send out the selected DTMF string (to establish the link to the desired Internet-link mode).

7. To return to the WiRES™ mode, repeat steps 1 - 3 above, selecting “

SRG

” in step 2.

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ARTS™

(A

UTOMATIC

R

ANGE

T

RANSPONDER

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YSTEM

)

The ARTS™ feature uses DCS signaling to inform both parties when you and another

ARTS™-equipped station are within communications range. This may be particularly useful during Search-and Rescue situations, where is important to stay in contact with other members of your group.

Both stations must set up their DCS codes to the same code number, then activate their

ARTS™ feature using the command appropriate for their radio. Alert ringers may be activated, if desired.

Whenever you push the PTT switch, or every 25 (or 15) seconds after ARTS™ is activated, your radio will transmit a signal which includes a (subaudible)

DCS signal for about 1 second. If the other radio is in range, the beeper will sound (if enabled) and the display will show

“ IN RNG ” as opposed to the out of range display “ OUTRNG ” in which ARTS™ operation begins.

Whether you talk or not, the polling every 15 or 25 seconds will continue until you deactivate ARTS™. Every 10 minutes, moreover, you can have your radio transmit your callsign via CW, so as to comply with identification requirements. When ARTS™ is de-activated,

DCS will also be deactivated (if you were not using it previously in non-ARTS™ operation).

If you move out of range for more than one minute (four pollings), your radio will sense that no signal has been received, three beeps will sound, and the display will revert to

“

OUTRNG

.” If you move back into range, your radio will again beep, and the display will change back to the “

IN RNG

” indication.

During ARTS ™ operation, your operating frequency will continue to be displayed, but no changes may be made to it or other settings; you must terminate ARTS ™ in order to resume normal operation. This is a safety feature designed to prevent accidental loss of contact due to channel change, etc.

Basic ARTS

™

Setup and Operation

1. Assign the ARTS™ feature to the microphone’s programmable button ([P1], [P2], [P3], or [P4]), per the discussion on page 65.

2. Set your radio and the other radio(s) to the same DCS code number, per the discussion on page 25.

3. Press the assigned microphone’s programmable button momentarily. You will observe the “

OUTRNG

” display on the LCD. ARTS™ operation has now commenced.

4. Every 25 seconds, your radio will transmit a “polling” call to the other station. When that station responds with its own

ARTS™ polling signal, the display will change to

“ IN RNG ” to confirm that the other station’s polling code was received in response to yours.

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ARTS™

(A

UTOMATIC

R

ANGE

T

RANSPONDER

S

YSTEM

)

5. Press the assigned microphone’s programmable button momentarily to exit ARTS™ operation and resume normal functioning of the transceiver.

ARTS™ Polling Time Options

The ARTS™ feature may be programmed to poll every 25 seconds (default value) or 15 seconds. The default value provides maximum battery conservation, because the polling signal is sent out less frequently. To change the polling interval:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then

AR INT

.”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired polling interval ( 15 or 25 seconds).

3. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the

[MHz(SET)] 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:

IN RNG

: The beeps are issued only when the radio first confirms that you are within range, but does not re-confirm with beeps thereafter.

ALWAYS

: Every time a polling transmission is received from the other station, the alert

OFF : beeps will be heard.

No alert beeps will be heard; you must look at the display to confirm current

ARTS™ status.

To set the ARTS

™

Beep mode, use the following procedure:


AR BEP .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired ARTS™ Beep mode (see above).



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ARTS™

(A

UTOMATIC

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ANGE

T

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S

YSTEM

)

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 16 characters.

Here’s how to program the CW Identifier:


CW ID .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, followed by the [LOW(A/N)] key, to display any previously-stored callsign.

3. Press and hold in the [LOW(A/N)] key for one second to

Clear any previous callsign.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of your callsign, then press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to save the first letter/number and move on to the next character.

5. Repeat the previous step, as many times as necessary, to complete your callsign. Note that the “slant bar” (

––––– • • ––––– •) is among the available characters, should you be a “portable” station.

6. If you make a mistake, press the [REV(DW)] key to move back to the previous letter/ number’s slot, then re-select the correct letter/number.

7. When you have finished entering your entire callsign and it contains less than 16 characters, press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to confirm the callsign. (if you callsign has exactly 16 characters, you do not need to press the [MHz(SET)] key in this step, and step ).

8. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily again, then rotate the DIAL knob to set this Item to “ ON ” (to enable the CW

ID function).


To disable the CW Identifier:


CW ID .”


DIAL knob to set this Item to “ OFF ” (to disable the CW ID function).


You may check your work by monitoring the entered callsign. To do this, recall

Set Mode Item “11 CW ID” and press the [MHz(SET)] key, then press the [D/

MR(MW)] key.

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CW T

RAINING

F

EATURE

The FT-2900E provides a CW Training feature, which sends random Morse Code via the sidetone (heard in the speaker), so you can improve your CW proficiency.

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “12 CWTRNG .”


3. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key to select the Training mode (displayed in fine print at the upper edge of the LCD):

1A

: Sends five Alphabet characters only

A

: Sends Alphabet characters only (Repeatedly)

1n

: Sends five Numeric characters only n : Sends Numeric characters only (Repeatedly)

1An :Sends five Alphabet, Numeric, “?,” and “/” characters (Mixed)

An : Send Alphabet, Numeric, “?,” and “/” characters (Mixed, Continuously in group of five)

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Morse speed. You may select the units of the code speed between “WPM (Words per minute)” and “CPM: characters per minute)” by pressing the [D/MR(MW)] key.

5. Press the [REV(DW)] key to begin generation of the code characters (CW sidetone only, the radio does not transmit); the transmitted characters will appear on the display. If one of the “ 1 ” modes is selected in step 3 above, press the [REV(DW)] key to send another code group.

6. To disable the CW Training feature, press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily.


The “CPM” selection is based on the international “PARIS” standard, which stipulates five characters per word.

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The FT-2900E may be used for 1200 bps Packet operation, using most all commonlyavailable Terminal Node Controllers (TNCs). Connections between the transceiver and the

TNC are accomplished via the front panel Microphone connector and rear panel External

Speaker jack, per the diagram below.

The audio level from the receiver to the TNC may be adjusted by using the VOL knob, as with voice operation. The input level to the FT-2900E from the TNC may be adjusted via

Set Mode Item “27 MCGAIN ;” see page 64 for details.

Be sure to turn the transceiver and TNC off before connecting the cables, so as to prevent voltage spikes from possibly damaging your transceiver.

MCGAIN

”) when Packet operation is finished.

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P

ASSWORD

The FT-2900E provides a password feature which can minimize the chance that your transceiver could be used by an unauthorized party.

When the password feature is activated, the radio will ask for the four digit password to be entered when the radio is first turned on. You must enter the four digit password from the

Microphone’s keypad. If the wrong password is entered, the microprocessor will shut down the radio automatically.

To enter the password and activating this feature, use the following procedure:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “40 PSWD .”


3. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to display any previously-stored password.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired number/letter (0 -9 , A , B

C

, D , EEEEE (substitute for “¼”), and FFFFF

(substitute for “#”).

5. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key to move to the next digit.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 to program the remaining numbers/ letters of the desired password.

7. If you make a mistake, press the [REV(DW)] key to move back to the previous digit, then re-select the correct number/letter.

8. When you have finished entering the password, press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

9. If you wish to disable the Password feature, repeat steps 1 and 2 above, now rotate the

DIAL knob to select “ OFF ,” then press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second.

1) We recommend that you to write down the password number, and keep it in a safe place you can easily find if you forget your password.

2) If you forget the password number, you may turn on the transceiver by performing the

“Microprocessor Resetting” procedure (see page 68). However, the FT-2900E will clear the password, as well as all memories, and will restore all other settings to factory defaults.

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T

IME

-O

UT

T

IMER

(TOT)

The “Time-Out Timer” (TOT) feature is designed to force the transceiver into the “receive” mode after a preset time period of continuous transmission (the default is 3 minutes). This feature prevents your transceiver from transmitting a “dead carrier” for a long period of time in the event that the microphone PTT switch is accidentally locked in the “TX” condition.

The Time-Out Timer’s “switch-to-receive” time may be adjusted to 1/3/5/10 minutes, or

Off.

To change the default (3 minutes) time setting:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “53 TOT .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired interval (1

/3 /5 /10

OFF

.


When your transmission time is within 10 seconds of the Time-Out Timer expiration, an Alert bell will provide an audible warning from the speaker.

A

UTOMATIC

P

OWER

-O

FF

(APO)

The “Automatic Power-Off” (APO) feature will turn the radio completely off after a userdefined period of PTT or key/button inactivity. If you do not press any front panel keys or buttons, rotate the DIAL knob, use the microphone’s keys and buttons, or transmit, and so long as the transceiver is not scanning or engaged in priority monitoring, the radio will shut itself off after the specified time period. The available selections for the time before poweroff are 0.5/1/3/5/8 hours, as well as APO Off. This feature is useful in minimizing battery drain in a mobile installation if you forget to turn the transceiver off when you leave your vehicle.

To activate the APO feature:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “1 APO .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired “switch-off” time or OFF .


If there is no action by you within the time interval programmed, an Alert bell will provide an audible warning from the speaker within 1 minute of the APO Timer expiration, then the microprocessor will shut down the radio automatically.

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B

USY

C

HANNEL

L

OCK

-O

UT

(BCLO)

The BCLO feature prevents the radio’s transmitter from being activated if a signal strong enough to break through the “noise” squelch is present. On a frequency where stations using different CTCSS or DCS codes may be active, BCLO prevents you from disrupting their communications accidentally (because your radio may be muted by its own Tone

Decoder). The default setting for the BCLO is OFF, and here is how to change that setting:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “5 BCLO .”


3. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “ ON ”

(thus activating the BCLO feature).



Remember that BCLO is controlled by the Noise Squelch; if you have DCS or

TSQ engaged, BCLO will inhibit transmission if a station is on frequency but not transmitting the proper tone; BCLO will thus prevent you from interfering with the other station’s transmission.

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P

ROGRAMMING THE

K

EY

A

SSIGNMENTS

Default FT-2900E key functions have been assigned to the Microphone’s [P1]/[P2]/[P3]/

[P4] buttons at the factory. These may be changed by the user, if you wish to assign quick access to another function.

To change the assignments for the programmable keys:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the Menu Item to be configured (“36 PRG P1 ,” “37 PRG P2

38 PRG P3

,” or “39

PRG P4

”).

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the function you wish to assign to the button you selected in the previous step. The available choices are vary slightly among the four keys you may program, and they include:

ARTS

: Engages the ARTS™ operation.

SQLOFF

: Opens the Squelch to allow un-muted reception.

Button

[P1]

[P2]

Default

SQLOFF

S SRCH

WX CH

: Switches operation to the Weather channels bank.

S SRCH

: Engages the Smart Search operation.

[P3]

[P4]

C SRCH

T.CALL

C SRCH

: Engages the Tone Search Scanning feature.

SCAN

: Engages the Scan operation

T CALL

: Activates 1750 Hz Tone Burst or one of the Set Menu items.

3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to save the new setting, then rotate the DIAL knob to select another programmable button to modify, if desired, and repeat the above steps.


You may assign Set Mode items to the Microphone’s [P1]/[P2]/[P3]/[P4] buttons, as well, to do this:


2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Set Mode Item which you wish to assign to the key as a Menu short-cut.

3. Press and hold in the Microphone’s [P1], [P2], [P3], or [P4] button for one second to assign the Set Mode Item to that button.

4. Now you can recall this preferred Set Mode Item by simply pressing the Microphone’s button momentarily.

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FM B

ANDWIDTH

& TX D

EVIATION

L

EVEL

You can reduce the receiver bandwidth and microphone deviation level when operating on tightly-clustered frequencies (channel spacing of 12.5 or 15 kHz). This will reduce the transmitter deviation, thus minimizing interference to other users.

To configure for the narrower bandwidth, use the following procedure:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “59 W /N DV .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to change the display to “NARROW (±2.5 kHz Deviation, 6 kHz Bandwidth)”.


(±5 kHz Deviation, 15 kHz Bandwidth)” in step 2 above.

MIC G

AIN

S

ETTING

At the factory, a microphone gain has been programmed that should be satisfactory for the supplied MH-48

A6J

Microphone. If you use an after-market microphone or connect a TNC, you may wish to set a different Mic Gain level, using Set Mode item “27 MCGAIN .”

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “27 MCGAIN .”

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired level (Default: LVL 5 ).


Remember to readjust the default microphone input level to “LVL 5 ” when using the supplied MH-48

A6J

Microphone.

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DCS C

ODE

I

NVERSION

The DCS system was first introduced in the commercial LMR (Land Mobile Radio) service, where it is now in widespread use. DCS is sometime referred to by its different proprietary names, such as DPL ® (Digital Private Line ® , a registered trademark of Motorola, Inc.).

DCS uses a codeword consisting of a 23-bit frame, transmitted (subaudible) at a data rate of

134.4 bps (bit/sec). Occasionally, signal inversion can result in the complement of a code to be sent or received. This prevents the receiver’s squelch from opening with DCS enabled, as the decoded bit sequence would not match that selected for operation.

Typical situations that might cause inversion to occur are:

Connection of an external receiver preamplifier.

Operating through a repeater.

Connection of an external linear amplifier.

Note that code inversion does not mean that any of the above listed equipment is defective!

In certain amplifier configurations, the output signal (phase) is inverted from the input.

Small signal or power amplifiers having an odd number (1, 3, 5, etc.) of amplification stages may result in inversion of a transmitted or received DCS code.

While under most circumstances this should not occur (amplifier designs and industry standards take this into account), if you find that your receiver squelch does not open when both you and the other station are using a common DCS code, you or the other station (but not both) can try the following:

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “15 DCS RV .”


DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “ ENABLE ” (thus inverting the DCS Code).

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

4. Remember to restore the default setting to “

DISABLE

” when done.

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R

ESET

P

ROCEDURE

In some instances of erratic or unpredictable operation, the cause may be corruption of data in the microprocessor (due to static electricity, etc.). If this happens, resetting of the microprocessor may restore normal operation. Note that all memories will be erased if you do a complete microprocessor reset, as described below.

M

ICROPROCESSOR

R

ESETTING

To clear all memories and other settings to factory defaults:

1. Turn the radio off.

2. Press and hold in the [REV(DW)], [LOW(A/N)], and [D/MR(MW)] keys while turning the radio on. The “ALL RESET PUSH D /MR KEY ” notation will scroll on the display.

3. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily to reset all settings to their factory defaults

(press any other key to cancel the Reset procedure).

S

ET

M

ODE

R

ESETTING

To reset the Set (Menu) mode settings to their factory defaults, while leaving other settings unchanged:

1. Turn the radio off.

2. Press and hold in the [LOW(A/N)] and [D/MR(MW)] keys while turning the radio on.

The “SET MODE RESET PUSH D

/MR KEY

” notation will scroll on the display.

3. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily to reset the Set (Menu) mode settings to their factory defaults (press any other key to cancel the Reset procedure).

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LONING

The FT-2900E includes a convenient “Clone” feature, which allows the memory and configuration data from one transceiver to be transferred to another FT-2900E. This can be particularly useful when configuring a number of transceivers for a public service operation. Here is the procedure for Cloning one radio’s data to another:

1. Turn both radios off.

2. Connect the user-constructed cloning cable between the MIC jacks of the two radios.

3. Press and hold in the [LOW(A/N)] key while turning the radios on. Do this for both radios (the order of switch-on does not matter). “CLONE ” will appear on the displays of both radios when the Clone mode is successfully activated in this step.

4. On the Destination radio, press the [D/MR(MW)] key

(“------WAIT ” will appear on the LCD).

-TX - - -

-----

” will appear on the Source radio, and the data from this radio will be transferred to the other radio.

6. If there is a problem during the cloning process, “ERROR ” will be displayed. Check your cable connections and battery voltage, and try again.

7. If the data transfer is successful, “CLONE ” will appear on both displays.

8. Press any key to exit to normal operation.

9. Turn both radios off and disconnect the cloning cable.

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ANUAL

67

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

The FT-2900E Set (Menu) mode, already described in parts of many previous chapters, is easy to activate and set. It may be used for configuration of a wide variety of transceiver parameters, some of which have not been detailed previously. Use the following procedure to activate the Set (Menu) mode:


2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Menu Item to be adjusted.

3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable adjustment of the selected Menu item, then rotate the DIAL knob to perform the actual adjustment.

4. After completing your selection and adjustment, press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to exit the Set mode and resume normal operation.

D

EFAULT

OFF

M

ENU

I

1 APO

4 ARS

7 BELL

TEM

2 AR BEP

3 AR INT

5 BCLO

6 BEEP

8 BNK.LNK

9 BNK NM

10 CLK.SFT

11 CW ID

12 CWTRNG

13 DC VLT

14 DCS CD

15 DCS RV

16 DIMMER

17 DT A/M

18 DT DLY

19 DT SET

20 DT SPD

21 EDG.BEP

22 INT CD

23 INT MD

24 INT.A/M

25 INT.SET

26 LOCK

27 MCGAIN

28 MEM.SCN

F

UNCTION

Enables/Disables the Automatic Power Off feature.

Selects the Beep option during ARTS™ operation.

Selects the Polling Interval during ARTS™ operation.

Activates/Deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature.

Enables/Disables the Busy Channel Lock-Out feature.

Enables/Disables the key beeper.

Selects the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell Ringer repetitions.

Select the Memory Bank for the Memory Bank Link Scan.

Programming an Alpha/Numeric label for a Memory Bank.

Shifting of the CPU clock frequency.

Enables/Disables the CW identifier during ARTS™ Operation.

Enables/Disables the CW Training feature and selects the sending speed of the morse Code.

Indicates the DC Supply Voltage.

Setting of the DCS code.

Enables/Disables “Inverted” DCS code decoding.

Setting of the front panel display’s illumination level.

Enables/Disables the DTMF Autodialer feature.

Setting of the DTMF Autodialer’s TX Delay Time.

Loading of the DTMF Autodialer Memories.

Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed.

Enables/Disable the Band-edge beeper while scanning.

Selects the Access Number (DTMF digit) for WiRES™ operation.

Selects the Internet Link Connection mode.

Enables/Disables DTMF Autodialer feature while operating on the

Internet Connection feature.

Selects the memory register for an Access Number (DTMF code) for non-WiRES™ Internet Link System access.

Selects the Control Locking Lockout combination.

Adjust the microphone gain level.

Selects the Memory Scan mode.

A

VAILABLE

V

ALUES

30MIN / 1HOUR / 3HOUR /

5HOUR / 8HOUR / OFF

IN RNG / ALWAYS / OFF

25SEC / 15SEC

ON / OFF

ON / OFF

KY+SCN / KEY / OFF

1 / 3 / 5 / 8 / CNTNUE / OFF

---

---

ON / OFF

ON / OFF

4WPM - 13WPM / 15WPM /

17WPM / 20WPM / 24WPM /

30WPM / 40WPM / OFF

(20CPM - 65CPM (5CPM multiples)

/ 75CPM / 85CPM / 100CPM /

120CPM / 150CPM / 200CPM)

---

104 standard DCS codes

ENABLE / DISABL

LVL 0 (OFF) - LVL 10

MANUAL / AUTO

50 / 250 / 450 / 750 / 1000 (ms)

---

50 / 100 (ms)

ON / OFF

DTMF 0 - DTMF 9 /

DTMF A -DTMF F

SRG / FRG

MANUAL / AUTO

---

KEY / DIAL / K+D / PTT /

K+P / D+P / ALL

LVL 1 -LVL 9

TAG1 / TAG2 / ALL CH

SRG

MANUAL

---

K+D

LVL 5

ALL CH

IN RNG

25SEC

ON

OFF

KY+SCN

OFF

---

---

OFF

OFF

OFF

---

023

DISABL

LVL 5

MANUAL

450 (ms)

---

50 (ms)

OFF

DTMF 1

68 FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

M

ENU

I

TEM

29 MW MD

30 NM SET

31 OPN.MSG

32 PAGER

33 PAG.ABK

34 PAG.CDR

35 PAG.CDT

36 PRG P1

37 PRG P2

38 PRG P3

39 PRG P4

40 PSWD

41 RESUME

42 RF SQL

43 RPT

44 RVRT

45 S SRCH

46 SHIFT

47 SKIP

48 SPLIT

49 SQL.TYP

50 STEP

51 TEMP

52 TN FRQ

53 TOT

54 TS MUT

55 TS SPD

56 VFO.SCN

57 WX ALT

58 WX VOL

59 W/N DV

F

UNCTION

Selects the method of selection of channels for Memory Storage.

Programming an Alpha/Numeric label for a Memory Channel.

Selects the Opening Message that appears when the radio is powered on.

Enables/Disables the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch function.

Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the Enhanced CTCSS

Paging & Code Squelch function.

Setting the Receiver Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging

& Code Squelch function.

Setting the Transmitting Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch function.

Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P1] key.




Programs and activates the Password feature.

Selects the Scan Resume mode.

Adjusts the RF Squelch threshold level.

Sets the Repeater Shift direction.

Enables/Disables the “Priority Channel Revert” feature.

Selects the Smart Search Sweep mode.

Sets the magnitude of the Repeater Shift.


Enables/Disables the split CTCSS/DCS coding.

Selects the Tone Encoder and/or Decoder mode.

Sets the Synthesizer steps.

Indicats the current temperature inside the transceiver’s case.

Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.

Sets the Time-Out Timer.

Enables/Disables the receiver audio output during the Tone Search

Scanner is activated.

Selects the Tone Search Scanner speed.

Select the VFO Scanner Width.

Enables/Disables the Weather Alert feature.

Selects the audio output level of the Weather Alert.

Reduction of the Microphone Gain/Deviation and receiver bandwidth.

A

VAILABLE

V

ALUES

NEXT / LOWER

---

DC / MSG / OFF

ON / OFF

ON / OFF

---

---

ARTS / DC VLT / DIMMER /

MCGAIN / SKIP / SQL OFF /

WX CH / S SRCH /

C SRCH / SCAN / T CALL / one of the Set Menu items

-

BUSY / HOLD / 3SEC / 5SEC /

10SEC

S1 - S9 or OFF

-RPT / +RPT / SIMP

ON / OFF

SINGLE / CNTNUE

0.00-99.95 (MHz)

SKIP / ONLY / OFF

ON / OFF

TONE / TSQL / DCS / RV TN / OFF

5k / 10k / 12.5k / 15k / 20k /

25k / 50k / 100k (Hz)

---

50 standard CTCSS tones

1MIN / 3MIN / 5MIN / 10MIN / OFF

ON / OFF

FAST / SLOW

±1MHz / ±2MHz / ±5MHz / ALL

ON / OFF

NOR.VOL / MAX.VOL

WIDE / NARROW

D

EFAULT

NEXT

---

DC

OFF

OFF

05_47

05_47

SQL OFF

S SRCH

C SRCH

T CALL

OFF

BUSY

FAST

ALL

OFF

NOR.VOL

WIDE

OFF

SIMP

OFF

SINGLE

0.60 (MHz)

OFF

OFF

OFF

12.5 kHz

---

100.0 (Hz)

3MIN

ON

FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

69

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

R

EPEATER

S

ETTING

Activates/Deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature.

Sets the Repeater Shift direction.

Sets the magnitude of the Repeater Shift.

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS S

ETTING

Selects the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell Ringer repetitions.

Setting of the DCS code.

S

ET

M

ODE

I

TEM

4 ARS

43 RPT

46 SHIFT

S

ET

M

ODE

I

TEM

7 BELL

14 DCS CD

A

VAILABLE

ON / OFF

V

ALUES

(D

EFAULT

–RPT / +RPT / SIMP

0.00-99.95 (MHz) (0.60MHz)

A

VAILABLE

V

ALUES

(D

EFAULT

)

1 / 3 / 5 / 8 / CNTNUE / OFF

)

Enables/Disables “Inverted” DCS code decoding.

Enables/Disables the Enhanced CTCSS Paging &

Code Squelch function.

Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the

Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch function.

Setting the Receiver Pager Code for the Enhanced

CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch function.

Setting the Transmitting Pager Code for the Enhanced

CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch function.

Enables/Disables the split CTCSS/DCS coding.

Selects the Tone Encoder and/or Decoder mode.

15 DCS RV

32PAGER

33 PAG.ABK

34 PAG.CDR

35 PAG.CDT

48 SPLIT

49 SQ TYP

104 standard DCS codes

(023)

ENABLE / DISABL

ON / OFF

ON / OFF

--- (05_47)

--- (05_47)

Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.


Select the VFO Scanner Width.

DTMF S

ETTING

Enables/Disables the DTMF Autodialer feature.

Setting of the DTMF Autodialer’s TX Delay Time.

Loading of the DTMF Autodialer Memories.

Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed.

52 TN FRQ

Enables/Disables the receiver audio output during the

Tone Search Scanner is activated.

Selects the Tone Search Scanner speed.

ARTS™ S

ETTING

Selects the Beep option during ARTS™ operation.

Selects the Polling Interval during ARTS™ operation.

Enables/Disables the CW identifier during ARTS™

Operation.

M

EMORY

S

ETTING

Select the Memory Bank for the Memory Bank Link

Scan.

Programming an Alpha/Numeric label for a Memory

Bank.

Selects the method of selection of channels for

Memory Storage.

Programming an Alpha/Numeric label for a Memory

Channel.

Enables/Disable the Band-edge beeper while scanning.


SCAN S

ETTING

Selects the Scan Resume mode.

54 TS MUT

55 TS SPD

S

ET

M

ODE

I

TEM

2 AR BEP

3 AR INT

11 CW ID

S

ET

M

ODE

I

TEM

8 BNK.LNK

9 BNK NM

29 MW MD

30 NM SET

21 EDG.BEP

28 MEM.SCN

S

ET

M

ODE

I

TEM

41 RESUME

ON / OFF

TONE / TSQL / DCS / RV TN /

OFF

50 standard CTCSS tones

(100 Hz)

ON / OFF

FAST / SLOW

A

VAILABLE

V

ALUES

(D

EFAULT

)

IN RNG / ALWAYS / OFF

25SEC / 15SEC

ON / OFF

A

---

---

---

VAILABLE

ON / OFF

V

ALUES

NEXT / LOWER

(D

EFAULT

)

47 SKIP

56 VFO.SCN

S

ET

M

ODE

I

TEM

17 DT A/M

18 DT DLY

19 DT SET

20 DT SPD

TAG1 / TAG2 / ALL CH

A

VAILABLE

V

ALUES

(D

EFAULT

)

BUSY / HOLD / 3SEC / 5SEC /

10SEC

SKIP /ONLY / OFF

±1MHz / ±2MHz / ±5MHz / ALL

A

VAILABLE

V

ALUES

(D

EFAULT

)

MANUAL / AUTO

50 / 250 / 450 / 750 / 1000 (ms)

---

50 / 100 (ms)

70 FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

W

I

RES™ S

ETTING

Selects the Access Number (DTMF digit) for WiRES™ operation.

Selects the Internet Link Connection mode.

Enables/Disables DTMF Autodialer feature while operating on the Internet Connection feature.

Selects the memory register for an Access Number

(DTMF code) for non-WiRES™ Internet Link System access.

S

WITCH

/K

NOB

S

ETTING

Enables/Disables the key beeper.

Selects the Control Locking Lockout combination.

Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s

[P1] key.


[P2] key.


[P3] key.


[P4] key.

Sets the Synthesizer steps.

S

ET

M

ODE

I

TEM

22 INT CD

23 INT MD

24 INT.A/M

25 INT.SET

S

ET

M

ODE

I

TEM

6 BEEP

26 LOCK

36 PRG P1

37 PRG P2

38 PRG P3

39 PRG P4

A

VAILABLE

V

ALUES

(D

EFAULT

)

DTMF 0 - DTMF 9 /

DTMF A - DTMF F (DTMF 1)

SRG / FRG

MANUAL / AUTO

---

A

VAILABLE

V

ALUES

(D

EFAULT

)

KY+SCN / KEY / OFF

KEY / DIAL / K+D / PTT / K+P /

D+P / ALL

Ú

(SQLOFF)

Ú (S SRCH)

Ú

(C SRCH)

Ú (

T.CALL)

D

ISPLAY

S

ETTING

Indicates the DC Supply Voltage.

Setting of the front panel display’s illumination level.

Selects the Opening Message that appears when the radio is powered on.

Indicats the current temperature inside the transceiver’s case.

M

ISCELLANEOUS

S

ETTING

Enables/Disables the Automatic Power Off feature.

50 STEP

S

ET

M

ODE

I

TEM

13 DC VLT

16 DIMMER

31 OPN.MSG

51 TEMP

S

ET

M

ODE

I

TEM

1 APO

-

5k /10k / 12.5k / 15k / 20k / 25k

/ 50k / 100k (Hz)

A

VAILABLE

V

ALUES

(D

EFAULT

)

---

LVL 0 (OFF) - LVL 10 (LVL 5)

DC / MSG / OFF

Enables/Disables the Busy Channel Lock-Out feature.

Shifting of the CPU clock frequency.

Enables/Disables the CW Training feature and selects the sending speed of the morse Code.

Adjust the microphone gain level.

Programs and activates the Password feature.

Adjusts the RF Squelch threshold level.

Enables/Disables the “Priority Channel Revert” feature.

Selects the Smart Search Sweep mode.

Sets the Time-Out Timer.

Enables/Disables the Weather Alert feature.

Selects the audio output level of the Weather Alert.

Selects Wide (5 kHz) or Narrow (2.5 kHz) TX Deviation.

5 BCLO

10 CLK.SFT

12 CWTRNG

27 MCGAIN

40 PSWD

42 RF SQL

44 RVRT

45 S SRCH

53 TOT

57 WX ALT

58 WX VOL

59 W/N DV

A

VAILABLE

V

ALUES

(D

EFAULT

)

30MIN / 1HOUR / 3HOUR /

5 HOUR / 8HOUR / OFF

ON / OFF

ON / OFF

4WPM - 13WPM / 15WPM /

17WPM / 20WPM / 24WPM /

30WPM / 40WPM / OFF

(20CPM - 65CPM (5CPM multiples) / 75CPM / 85CPM /

100CPM / 120CPM /

150CPM / 200CPM)

LVL 1 - LVL 9 (LVL 5)

-

S1 - S9 or OFF

ON / OFF

SINGLE / CNTNUE

1MIN / 3MIN / 5MIN / 10MIN /

OFF

ON / OFF

NOR.VOL / MAX.VOL

WIDE / NARROW

Ú

: ARTS / DC VLT / DIMMER / MCGAIN / SKIP / SQL OFF / WX CH / S SRCH / C SRCH / SCAN /

T CALL / one of the Set Menu items

FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

71

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

M

ENU

S

ELECTION

D

ETAILS

1 APO

Function: Enables/Disables the Automatic Power Off feature.

Available Values: 30MIN / 1HOUR / 3HOUR / 5HOUR / 8HOUR / OFF

Default: OFF

2 AR BEP

Function: Selects the Beep option during ARTS operation.

Available Values: IN RNG / ALWAYS / OFF

Default:IN RNG

IN RNG: Beeps sound only when the radio first detects that you are within range.

ALWAYS: Beeps sound every time a polling transmission is received from the other station

OFF:

(every 15 or 25 seconds when in range).

No alert beeps sound.

3 AR INT

Function: Selects the Polling Interval during ARTS operation.

Available Values: 25SEC / 15SEC

Default: 25SEC

4 ARS

Function: Activates/Deactivates the Automatic Repeater Shift feature.

Available Values: ON / OFF

Default: ON

5 BCLO

Function: Enables/Disables the Busy Channel Lock-Out feature.


Default: OFF

6 BEEP

Function: Enables/Disables the key beeper.

Available Values: KY+SCN / KEY / OFF

Default: KY+SCN

KY+SC: The beeper sounds when you press any key, or when the scanner stops.

KEY: The beeper sounds when you press any key.

OFF: Beeper is disabled.

7 BELL

Function: Selects the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell Ringer repetitions.

Available Values: 1 / 3 / 5 / 8 / CNTNUE (Continuous ringing) / OFF

Default: OFF

72 FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

M

ENU

S

ELECTION

D

ETAILS

8 BNK.LNK

Function: Selects the Memory Bank(s) for the Memory Bank Link Scan.

See page 46 for details.

9 BNK NM

Function: Programming an Alpha/Numeric label for a Memory Bank.


10 CLK.SFT

Function: Shifting of the CPU clock frequency.


Default: OFF

This function is only used to move a spurious response “birdie,” should it fall on a desired frequency.

11 CW ID

Function: Enables/Disables the CW identifier during ARTS Operation.


Default: OFF

12 CWTRNG

Function: Enables/Disables the CW Training feature and selects the sending speed of the

Morse Code groups.

Available Values: 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 15 / 17 / 20 / 24 / 30 / 40 WPM / OFF or 20 / 25 / 30 / 35 / 40 / 45 / 50 / 55 / 60 / 65 / 75 / 85 / 100 / 120 / 150 / 200 CPM

Default: OFF

Note: To switch units between “WPM” and “CPM,” just press the [MHz(SET)] key.

13 DC VLT

Function: Indicates the DC Supply Voltage.

14 DCS CD

Function: Setting of the DCS code.

Available Values: 104 standard DCS codes

Default: 023

15 DCS RV

Function: Enables/Disables “Inverted” DCS code decoding.

Available Values: ENABLE / DISABL

Default: DISABL

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 – – – – – –

FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

73

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

M

ENU

S

ELECTION

D

ETAILS

16 DIMMER

Function: Setting of the front panel display’s illumination level.

Available Values: 0 (OFF) - 10

Default: 5

17 DT A/M

Function: Enables/Disables the DTMF Autodialer feature.

Available Values: MANUAL / AUTO

Default: MANUAL

18 DT DLY

Function: Setting of the DTMF Autodialer’s TX Delay Time.

Available Values: 50 / 250 / 450 / 750 / 1000 ms

Default: 450 ms

19 DT SET

Function: Loading of the DTMF Autodialer Memories.


20 DT SPD

Function: Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed.

Available Values: 50 (high speed) / 100 (low speed) ms

Default: 50 ms

21 EDG.BEP

Function: Enables/Disable the Band-edge beeper while scanning.


Default: OFF

22 INT CD

Function: Selects the Access Numbers (DTMF digits) for WIRES™ Internet linking.

Available Values: DTMF 0 - DTMF 9 / DTMF A - DTMF F

Default: DTMF 1

23 INT MD

Function: Selects the Internet Link Connection mode.

Available Values: SRG / FRG

Default: SRG

74 FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

M

ENU

S

ELECTION

D

ETAILS

24 INT.A/M

Function: Enables/Disables DTMF Autodialer feature while using the Internet Connection feature.

Available Values: MANUAL / AUTO

Default: MANUAL

25 INT.SET

Function: Selects the memory register for an Access Number (DTMF code) for non-WiRES

Internet Link System access.

Available Values: F0 - F9

Default: F1

26 LOCK

Function: Selects the Control Locking Lockout combination.

Available Values: KEY / DIAL / K+D / PTT / K+P / D+P / ALL

Default: OFF

Note: “K” = “Key;” “D” = “Dial;” and “P” = “PTT.”

27 MCGAIN

Function: Adjust the microphone gain level.

Available Values: 1 - 9

Default: 5

28 MEM.SCN

Function: Selects the Memory Scan mode.

Available Values: TAG1 / TAG2 / ALL CH

Default: ALL CH

ALL CH: The scanner sweeps all Memory channels.

TAG1: The scanner sweeps only those Memory channels with the same “first” digit of the alpha/numeric tag as the first channel on which scanning started.

TAG2: The scanner sweeps only those Memory channels with the same “first” and “second” digits of the alpha/numeric tag as the first channel on which scanning started.

29 MW MD

Function: Selects the method of selection of channels for Memory Storage.

Available Values: NEXT / LOWER

Default: NEXT

NEXT: Stores the data into the memory channel which is next-highest from the last-

stored memory channel.

LOWER: Stores the data into the lowest-available “free” channel.

FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

75

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

M

ENU

S

ELECTION

D

ETAILS

30 NM SET

Function: Programming an Alpha/Numeric label for a Memory Channel.


31 OPN.MSG

Function: Selects the Opening Message that appears when the radio is powered on.

Available Values: DC / MSG / OFF

Default: DC

DC: DC supply voltage

MSG: Set by user. See below.

OFF: No Opening Message

Here’s how to program the Opening Message:

1. Set this Set Mode Item to “MSG .”

2. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to enable programming of the opening message. You will notice the first character entry’s location blinking.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of the message, then press the

[LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to save the first letter/number and move on to the next character.

4. Repeat the previous step as necessary to complete the message (up to six characters).

5. If you make a mistake, press the [DW(REV)] key to back-space the cursor; now reenter the correct letter/number.

6. When you have entered the desired opening message, press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to confirm the message, then press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the settings and exit to normal operation.

32 PAGER

Function: Enables/Disables the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch function.


Default: OFF

33 PAG.ABK

Function: Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the Enhanced CTCSS Paging &

Code Squelch function.


Default: OFF

34 PAG.CDR

Function: Setting the Receiver Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch function.


76 FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

M

ENU

S

ELECTION

D

ETAILS

35 PAG.CDT

Function: Setting the Transmitting Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code

Squelch function.


36 PRG P1

Function: Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P1] key.

Available Values: ARTS / SQL OFF / WX CH / S SRCH / C SRCH / SCAN / T CALL or one of the all Set mode items (except Set mode item #36 through 39; initial setting is “Set mode item #13 DC VLT”).

Default: SQL OFF

37 PRG P2


Available Values: ARTS / SQL OFF / WX CH / S SRCH / C SRCH / SCAN / T CALL or one of the all Set mode items (except Set mode item #36 through 39; initial setting is “Set mode item #16 DIMMER”).

Default: S SRCH

38 PRG P3


Available Values: ARTS / SQL OFF / WX CH / S SRCH / C SRCH / SCAN / T CALL or one of the all Set mode items (except Set mode item #36 through 39; initial setting is “Set mode item #27 MCGAIN”).

Default: C SRCH

39 PRG P4


Available Values: ARTS / SQL OFF / WX CH / S SRCH / C SRCH / SCAN / T CALL or one of the all Set mode items (except Set mode item #36 through 39; initial setting is “Set mode item #47 SKIP”).

Default: T CALL

40 PSWD

Function: Programs and activates the Password feature.


Default: OFF

FT-2900E O

PERATING

M

ANUAL

77

“S

ET

” (M

ENU

) M

ODE

M

ENU

S

ELECTION

D

ETAILS

41 RESUME

Function: Selects the Scan Resume mode.

Available Values: BUSY / HOLD / 3SEC / 5SEC / 10SEC

Default: BUSY

BUSY: The scanner will hold until the signal disappears, then will resume when the carrier drops.

HOLD: The scanner will stop when a signal is received, and will not restart.

3SEC/5SEC/10SEC: The scanner will hold for the selected resume time, then resume whether or not the other station is still transmitting.

42 RF SQL

Function: Adjusts the RF Squelch threshold level.

Available Values: S1 - S9 / OFF

Default: OFF

43 RPT

Function: Sets the Repeater Shift direction.

Available Values: –RPT / + RPT / SIMP

Default: SIMP

44 RVRT

Function: Enables/disables the “Priority Channel Revert” feature.


Default: OFF

45 S SRCH

Function: Selects the Smart Search Sweep mode.

Available Values: SINGLE / CNTNUE

Default: SINGLE

SINGLE: The transceiver sweeps the current band once in each direction, starting on the current frequency. All channels where activity is present (up to 15 in each direction) are loaded into the Smart Search memories. Whether or not all 31 memories are filled, the search stops after one sweep in each direction.

CNTNUE: The transceiver makes a sweep in each direction as with the “SINGLE” mode, but if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, the radio continues sweeping until they are all filled.

46 SHIFT

Function: Sets the magnitude of the Repeater Shift.

Available Values: 0.00 - 99.95 MHz

Default: 0.60 MHz

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47 SKIP

Function: Selects the Memory Scan mode.

Available Values: SKIP / ONLY / OFF

Default: OFF

SKIP: The scanner will “skip” the flagged channels during scanning.

ONLY: The scanner will only scan channels that are flagged (Preferential Scan List).

OFF: All memory channels will be scanned (the “flag” will be ignored).

48 SPLIT

Function: Enables/Disables split CTCSS/DCS coding.


Default: OFF

When this Set Mode Item is set to “ON,” you will see the following additional parameters after the “RV TN” parameter while configuring Set Mode Item “49 SQL.TYP.”

D CODE: DCS Encode only.

T DCS: Encodes a CTCSS tone and Decodes a DCS code.

D TONE: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS tone.

49 SQL.TYP

Function: Selects the Tone Encoder and/or Decoder mode.

Available Values: TONE / TSQL / DCS / RV TN / OFF

Default: OFF

TONE: CTCSS Encoder

TSQL: CTCSS Encoder/Decoder

DCS: Digital Coded Encoder/Decoder

RV TN: Reverse CTCSS Decoder (Mutes receiver when matching tone is received)

Note: See also Set Mode Item “48 SPLIT” regarding additional selections available during

“Split Tone” operation.

50 STEP

Function: Sets the Synthesizer steps.

Available Values: 5 / 10 / 12.5 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 50 / 100 kHz

Default: 12.5 kHz

51 TEMP

Function: Indicates the current temperature inside the transceiver’s case.

Note: Press the [D/MR(MW)] key repeatedly to toggle between Fahrenheit (°F) and Celsius (°C) display of the temperature.

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52 TN FRQ

Function: Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.

Available Values: 50 standard CTCSS tones

Default: 100.0 Hz

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

53 TOT

Function: Sets the Time-Out Timer.

151.4

156.7

159.8

162.2

165.5

167.9

171.3

173.8

177.3

179.9

183.5

186.2

Available Values: 1MIN / 3MIN / 5MIN /

10MIN / OFF

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

– – – –

Default: 3MIN

The time-out timer shuts off the transmitter after continuous transmission of the programmed time.

54 TS MUT

Function: Enables/Disables the receiver audio output while the Tone Search Scanner is activated.


Default: ON

55 TS SPD

Function: Selects the Tone Search Scanner speed.

Available Values: FAST / SLOW

Default: FAST

56 VFO.SCN

Function: Selects the VFO Scanner Width.

Available Values: ±1MHz / ±2MHz / ±5MHz / ALL

Default: ALL

±1 MHz, ±2 MHz, ±5 MHz: The scanner will sweep frequencies within the selected bandwidth.

ALL: The scanner will sweep all frequencies.

57 WX ALT

Function: Enables/Disables the Weather Alert feature.


Default: OFF

58 WX VOL

Function: Selects the audio output level of the Weather Alert Tone.

Available Values: NOR.VOL / MAX.VOL

Default: NOR.VOL

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59 W/N DV

Function: Reduction of the Microphone Gain/Deviation and receiver bandwidth.

Available Values: WIDE (±5 kHz Deviation, 15 kHz Bandwidth) / NARROW (±2.5 kHz

Deviation, 6 kHz Bandwidth)

Default: WIDE (±5 kHz Deviation, 15 kHz Bandwidth)

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Declaration of Conformity

We, Yaesu UK Ltd. declare under our sole responsibility that the following equipment complies with the essential requirements of the Directive 1999/5/EC and 2004/104/EC.

Type of Equipment:

Brand Name:

Model Number:

Manufacturer:

FM Transceiver

YAESU

FT-2900E

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

Address of Manufacturer: 4-8-8 Nakameguro Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan

Applicable Standards:

This equipment is tested and conforms to the essential requirements of directive, as included in following standards.

EN 301 783-2 V1.1.1

Radio Standard:

EMC Standard:

EN 301 489-1 V1.6.1

EN 301 489-15 V1.2.1

EN 60065 (2002)

Safety Standard:

The technical documentation as required by the Conformity Assessment procedures is kept at the following address:

Company:

Address:

Yaesu UK Ltd.

Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close, Winchester

Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.

Disposal of your Electronic and Electric Equipment

Products with the symbol (crossed-out wheeled bin) cannot be disposed as household waste.

Electronic and Electric Equipment should be recycled at a facility capable of handling these items and their waste byproducts.

In EU countries, please contact your local equipment supplier representative or service center for information about the waste collection system in your country.

Copyright 2009

VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.

All rights reserved

No portion of this manual may be reproduced without the permission of

VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.

Printed in Japan.

0905m-0E

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YAESU FT-2900E Operating Manual

FM TRANSCEIVER

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Contents

UICK

EFERENCE

UIDE

VOL K

SQL K

F

DIAL K

P

S

LOCK S

T

S

M

UICK

EFERENCE

UIDE

K

EY

O

VERVIEW

K

P

K

B

Activates the Internet Connection Feature.

P

H

K

Locks out the switches and knobs (except the VOL, SQL knobs and PTT switch).

Enters the Set (“Menu”) mode.

Allows tuning the VFO frequency in 1-MHz steps, or tuning channels in 10 channel steps.

Reverses transmit and receive frequencies in repeater operation.

Selects the transmitter power output level.

Switches the frequency control between the VFO, Memory System, and the Home channel.

Activates the Priority Channel

Scanning (Dual Watch feature).

Toggles the display indication between “frequency” and the channel’s “Alpha/Numeric

Tag”.

Transfers the VFO contents into a Memory register.

Attention in case of use

General

Transmitter

Receiver

UPPLIED

CCESSORIES

PTIONAL

CCESSORIES

RELIMINARY

NSPECTION

NSTALLATION

IPS

AFETY

NFORMATION

Warning!

NTENNA

ONSIDERATION

OBILE

NSTALLATION

OBILE

NSTALLATION

Mobile Power Connections

Mobile Speakers

ASE

TATION

NSTALLATION

AC Power Supplies

Base Station Feet

VOL Knob

SQL Knob

PWR Key

DIAL Knob

PTT Switch

LAMP Switch

LOCK Switch

13.8V DC Cable Pigtail