Yaesu FM Transceiver FT-2900R Operating Manual

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YAESU 


The radio | 


FM TRANSCEIVER 


FT-2900R 


OPERATING MANUAL 


YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD. 


Tennozu Parkside Building 
2-5-8 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002 Japan 


YAESU USA 
6125 Phyllis Drive, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A. 


YAESU UK 


Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close 
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 OLB, U.K. 


Contents 


FT-2900R Quick Reference Guide 


TintrOW ations 6: ccsicsvicccsvcesenssrassanastuantasmsacsteniedarteasne 1 
SpechfiCatiOms ..i.ccocccacssasceossessnvssagunansuarstavavasesbaeel 2 
Accessories & Options .............ccccccosssercssecssssesses 3 
Supplied Accessoriesen. oo sccaee eee 3 
Optional ACCéssOrics ....-2.00..0.--seee ee ees 3 
Ting tea lb a thon son cseseccscoversaccesvasacaversussaversonsvisbeaterteerar = 
Preliminary Inspection, 2.27... cee eee 4 
Installation Tips .c....2..cccscsses-asceceasereteeeneeenee tees + 
Safety Information <.2-..0.-:.searetteccr eee 5 
Antenna Considerations au. .0en:aesnse eeeee 6 
Mobile Installation: 2cisncstoiseeesseeee eter eee 7 
Mobile Power Connections ...............ssceeee 8 
Mobile Speakers. 45, 5...2c5-aee ee eee 8 
Base Station Installations... ..c cater ee 9 
ACG Power Supplies .....u\: ue 9 
Front Panel Controls & Switches ..............000 10 
Microphone Switches.............scccscsssscsssscessees 12 
Rear Panel Conmmectors .....cccocosesersssonenscnseesseisny 13 
Basic Operation .cccc...cceccccssansssvancasvasedcccusossasane 14 
Turning the Transceiver On and Off.............. 14 
Adjusting the Audio Volume Level ............... 14 
Adjusting the Squelch Setting «0.0.0... eee 14 
Frequency: Navigation ii./.-saeccncee oe cae 15 

1) Tuning Dials Seevciasncceeran ee 15 

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

3) Santini gyn costae eee 15 
"TYaMSINSSIOU Ase onesies ks teree eee eee 16 
Changing the Transmitter Power Level.....16 
Advanced Operation s.......stscsccosanescasarsencecnssnrsas 17 
Weather Broadcast Reception...............::c000 Ly 
Lock Feature tre cicrcecce. acetone 18 
Keyboard Betperme cine re 18 
Channel Step Selections... 1.2. ee 19 
Display Brightness.) cose ace 19 
RE SOUGICt Err cee cen ote ee eee 20 
Repeater Operation x).c:..acev.cnteente ee eee | 
Standard Repeater Shift?......nueetee Zl 
Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS)............... 22 

CT CSS/DCS/EPCS Operation: 5..04eeee 23 
CT CSS. Operations -c+.sncevui coer 23 
DGS Operation eo. cente eee 25 
Tone Search Scanning .ic2..-..0-2 eee 26 
EPCS Operation :22.i2.0./ne eee ete fat 
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell Paging ............... 29 
aplit-Toné Operation:...u...sasatanerase oe 30 
DIME Opersiion <27.-.0:.:000csien ee 32 
Manual DTMF Tone Generation............... a2 
DIMF Autodtaler?: caisson nee ay 
Memory Operation occcccc.cccscomcscosresesnscaterenstes 34 


Memory Storage 2. oc. cease eee 34 


Separate Transmit Frequency Memory 


(“Odd Splits”).........:«sevssersssess een 35 
Memory Recall ......:....+.s.:ssseeess sone 36 
Labeling Memories........,.......00 eee 37 
Memory Tuning ........:0.s.<00ssa0se0sh nn 38 
Masking Memories ........:....:000s ae 38 
Memory Bank Operation ............::csccsseereeeeee 39 

Assigning Memories to a Memory Bank...39 
Memory Bank Recall........:.....0eaee 39 
Removing Memories 

from a Memory Bank... 2 40 

Changing a Memory Bank’s Name............ 40 
HOME. Channel Memory ccc: 41 
Memory. Only Mode :i..;...:.::::2ce0e nee 42 
SCATMING..........ccsnssesenconsosessenseensssanieenennn 44 
Basic Scanner Operation............2eee 44 
Scan-Resume Option ........c:-0.-201--see 45 
Memory Skip Scanning ...........:-:5eenee 46 
Preferential Memory Scat <...c.::ccss-ses eee 47 
Memory Bank Link Scati..:....:..c:2..:ssemeeneees 48 
Programmable Band-Scan Limits.................. 49 
Priority Channel Scanning (Dual Watch) .....50 
Priority Revert Mode......:::.ceeecteeee 50 
Weather Alert Scant) .:..:ccctdeee 51 
Band Edge Beeper’...............-.1.ss1sss eee 51 
Smart Search Oper ation..............sccsscsscsssssesees 52 
Internet Connection Feature.............cssseseees 54 
SRG Mode 5...cc:ccscesdsansasuseanntee bape ae 54 
FRG Mode ....,2c.<aiceiscreevesescestosun geese 54 
ARTS™, ....ccsostssseupssaitexansdaseessepatentntersan siti 57 
Basic ARTS™ Setup and Operation.............. 57 
ARTS™ Polling Time Options*......0:.5neee 58 
ARTS™ Alert Beep Options.......... ee 58 
CW Identifier Setup ...::..<s...s0.<..00nenenen 39 
CW Training Feature...........csssscsssssenssssssisunaeal 60 
Packet Operation ......s.-ccccccscssasosessesesssussssnsssine 61 
Miscellaneous Settings .............sssscssesssssseesees 62 
PaSSWOIG \...seseccessecnssseuyeneasacayenedaeeneen naan 62 
Time-Out Time .........5:+..0ssssessasoueneetraeene 63 
Automatic Power-Off .......:..ces<tsesssgnneeen 63 
Busy Channel Lock-Out .........:sscsssssssssann 64 
Programming the Key Assignments .............. 65 
FM Bandwidth & TX Deviation Level.......... 66 
MIC Gain Setting....:.scsss+<+.+s0<<asenesele 66 
DCS Code Inversion ......-.....:<.s0<0s1s eae 67 
Reset Procedure.......ccccccoccsescoscscssscsoscssssnsssaueess 68 
Microprocessor Resetting ...........s::sseseseeeeees 68 
Set Mode Resetting .......:..<0+.+<s:-a.ccnenenenee 68 
CTO MIG 2. cscesaconconsssassessesnessspecsensaentanaae aan 69 
“Set” (Menu) Mod e.........cccccscccccesscscsccsseceeseees 70 


FT-2900R Quick REFERENCE GUIDE 


(2) [VOL Knos) 
Adjusts the audio 
volume level. 


(3) [SQL Knos]) 
Adjust to the point where the 
background noise is muted. 


(4) (Frequency DIAL Knos) 
| Selects the operating Frequency. | 


- 6) (LOCK Switcu] 
Press and hold for one second to lock 
all key functions except the VOL, SQL 
knobs and PTT switch. 


(1) (Power Switcn) 
Press and hold for 
one second. 


© [Transmission Switcn] F 
Speak into the microphone | | 
in anormal voice level |_| 
while pressing this switch. 


~ [MicROPHONE]} 


CHCKOOR 
@@®®©, 
@®®®©: 


OTMF MICROPHONE 


YAESU 


F'T-2900R Quick REFERENCE GUIDE 


Key OVERVIEW 


| Key | Press Key BRIEFLY PREss AND HoLb KEY 


Activates the Internet Con- 
nection Feature. 


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

Reverses transmit and re- 
ceive frequencies in repeater 
operation. 

Selects the transmitter power 
output level. 


Switches the frequency con- 
trol between the VFO, Mem- 
ory System, and the Home 
channel. 


Locks out the switches and 
knobs (except the VOL, SQL 
knobs and PTT switch). 
Enters the Set (“Menu”) 
mode. 


Activates the Priority Channel 


Scanning (Dual Watch fea- 
ture). 

Toggles the display indication 
between “frequency” and the 
channel's “Alpha/Numeric 
Tag”. 

Transfers the VFO contents 
into a Memory register. 


YAESU 


INTRODUCTION 


The Yaesu FT-2900R 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-2900R’s feature complement are: 


O 75 Watts of power output, with selection of four power levels for every operating situ- 

ation. 

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. 

1 221 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. 

1 10 NOAA Weather Broadcast Channels, with Weather Alert and a Volume Control for 
the Weather Alert tone. 

OO Built-in CTCSS and DCS Encoder/Decoder circuits. 

0 The Smart Search™ feature, which automatically sweeps a band and loads active fre- 
quencies into dedicated memory banks, is ideal for identifying active repeaters when 


OOO 


visiting a city for the first time. 

O Extensive Menu system, which allows customization of a number of transceiver perfor- 
mance characteristics. 

0 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-2900R! Whether this is your first rig, or if 
Yaesu equipment is already the backbone of your station, the Yaesu organization is commit- 
ted 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-2900R, 
so that you fully understand the capabilities of your new transceiver. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL y | 


SPECIFICATIONS 


General 
Frequency Range: 


Channel Step: 
Standard Repeater Shift: 
Frequency Stability: 


Modes of Emission: 

Antenna Impedance: 

Supply voltage: 

Current Consumption (typical): 


Operating Temperature Range: 
Case Size (WxHxD): 
Weight (Approx. ): 


Transmitter 
Output Power: 
Modulation Type: 
Maximum Deviation: 


Spurious Radiation: 
Microphone Impedance: 


Receiver 

Circuit Type: 

Ifs: 

Sensitivity (for 12dB SINAD): 
Selectivity (-6/—60dB): 


IF Rejection: 
Image Rejection: 
Maximum AF Output: 


Tx 144 - 146 MHz or 144 - 148 MHz 

Rx 144 - 148 MHz or 136 - 174 MHz 
5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz 

+600 kHz 

Better than +10 ppm 

[4 °F to +140 °F (-20 °C to +60 °C)] 

F2D/F3E 

50 Ohms, unbalanced 

13.8 V DC 15 %, negative ground 

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) /4A (5 W) 
—4° F to +140° F (-20° C to +60° C) 

6.3” x 2” x 7.3” (160 x 50 x 185 mm) (w/o knobs) 
4 .2 lb (1.9 kg) 


75 W/30 W/10 W/5 W 
Variable Reactance 

+5 kHz (Wide) 

+2.5 kHz (Narrow) 
Better than —60 dB 

2 k-Ohms 


Double Conversion Superheterodyne 
21.7 MHz & 450 kHz 

Better than 0.4 nV 

12 kHz/28 kHz (Wide) 

9 kHz/22 kHz (Narrow) 

Better than 70 dB 

Better than 70 dB 

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-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS 
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES 


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OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES 
High-Power External Speaker MLS-100 
AC Power Supply FP-1023 (25 A: USA market only) 
AC Power Supply FP-1030A (25 A: USA/EXP market only) 


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 Yaesu accessories. Yaesu 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- Yaesu accessories. Consult your Yaesu dealer 
for details regarding these and any newly-available options. Connection of any non- Yaesu- 
approved accessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this appa- 
ratus. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 3 


INSTALLATION 


This chapter describes the installation procedure for integrating the FT-2900R into a typi- 
cal amateur radio station. It is presumed that you possess technical knowledge and concep- 
tual understanding consistent with your status as a licensed radio amateur. Please take some 
extra time to make certain that the important safety and technical requirements detailed in 
this chapter are followed closely. 


PRELIMINARY INSPECTION 


Inspect the transceiver visually immediately upon opening the packing carton. Confirm 
that all controls and switches work freely, and inspect the cabinet for any damage. Gently 
shake the transceiver to verify that no internal components have been shaken loose due to 
rough handling during shipping. 


If any evidence of damage is discovered, document it thoroughly and contact the shipping 
company (or your local dealer, if the unit was purchased over-the-counter) so as to get 
instructions regarding the prompt resolution of the damage situation. Be certain to save the 
shipping carton, especially if there are any punctures or other evidence of damage incurred 
during shipping; if it is necessary to return the unit for service or replacement, use the 
original packing materials but put the entire package inside another packing carton, so as to 
preserve the evidence of shipping damage for insurance purposes. 


INSTALLATION TIPS 


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


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-2900R. 
Avoid heating vents and window locations that could expose the transceiver to excessive 
direct sunlight, especially in hot climates. The FT-2900R should not be used in an environ- 
ment where the ambient temperature exceeds +140 °F (+60 °C). 


4 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


INSTALLATION 


SAFETY INFORMATION 


The FT-2900R 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 


> eee 


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. 


A 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. 


A\ Never wear dual-earmuff headphones while driving a vehicle. 


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


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 5 


INSTALLATION 


ANTENNA CONSIDERATION 


The FT-2900R 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 trans- 
mission occurs accidentally without an antenna. 


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


Most all FM work is performed using vertical polarization. When installing a directional 
antenna such as a Yagi or Cubical Quad, be certain to orient it so as to produce vertical 
polarization, unless you are engaged in a special operating situation where horizontal polar- 
ization 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 optimiza- 
tion 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-2900R transceiver. All 
efforts at providing an efficient antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy coaxial 
cable is used. Losses in coaxial lines increase as the frequency increases, so an 8-meter- 
long (25’ coaxial line with 1/2 dB of loss at 29 MHz may have a loss of 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 ap- Loss in dB per 30 m (100 feet) for 
proximate loss figures for typically-available Selected 50-Ohm Coaxial Cables 
coaxial cables frequently used in VHF instal- (Assumes 50-ohm Input/Output Terminations) 
lations. : 3 

In outdoor installations, be certain to weather- 


RG-213 
proof all connectors thoroughly, as water en- RG-8 Foam 
tering a coaxial cable will cause losses to esca- Belden 9913 


: ys Seg . Times Microwave LMR-400 
late rapidly, thus diminishing your communi- 773” “Hardline 


cations effectiveness. The use of the shortest o<s figures are approximate; consult cable manufac- 
possible length of the highest quality coaxial ‘rers’ catalogs for complete specifications. 
cable that fits within your budget will ensure the best performance from your FT-2900R. 


1 -OS3 
= ” 


6 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


INSTALLATION 


MoBILe INSTALLATION 
The FT-2900R must only be installed in vehicles having a 13.8 Volt negative ground elec- 
trical 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 me- 
chanically). 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-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 7 


INSTALLATION 


MoBILE INSTALLATION 


Mobile Power Connections 

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


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

0 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. 

0 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. 
WARNING! 
NEVER remove the FUSE 
holders from the DC cable. 


Cabin ee bas Engine Room 


FH Serie 
— RED: Positive (+ 

Fuse 25A A 

use BLACK: a eee a ) 


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-2900R, if they present the specified 4-Ohm 
impedance and are capable of handling the 3 Watts of audio output supplied by the FT-2900R. 


8 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


INSTALLATION 


BASE STATION INSTALLATION 
The FT-2900R is ideal for base station use as well as in mobile installations. The FT- 
2900R is specifically designed to integrate into your station easily, using the information to 
follow as a reference. 


AC Power Supplies 

Operation of the FT-2900R from an AC line requires a power source capable of providing 
at least 11 Amps continuously at 13.8 Volts DC. The FP-1023 and FP-1030A AC Power 
Supplies are available from your Yaesu dealer to satisfy these requirements. Other 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 trans- 
ceiver 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-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 9 


Front PANEL CONTROLS & SWITCHES 
Ouse 


@) VOL Knob 


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


(2) 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 “4{UY” indicator on 
the display turns off), so as to provide the best sensitivity to weak signals. 


(3) Microphone Jack 
Connect the supplied MH-48a6s Hand Microphone to this jack. 


@ PWR Key 


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


© [&3(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. 


10 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


FRONT PANEL CONTROLS & SWITCHES 
@ [REV(DW)] Key 


During split-frequency operation, such as through a repeater, this key reverses the trans- 
mit 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) > LOW2 (10 W) > LOW3 (30 W) > 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. 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell Paging DTMF Memory Mode 


cTcss DCS (Digital Code Squelch) Lock Feature Active 
(Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) Programmable Memory Scan 
Repeater Shift Direction \ / SKIP/Preferential Scan Channel 
ie ee ae ee ee OY Gana 
TX Indicator —l gay 4 + SQ DCS # & B= PMS/PRI ‘ia 
—, —~, —~, —w, aw, «aw, SKIP MR —— Memory Mode 


Narrow Deviation —- NAR IWA0 UWA LWd Gust bd Wut nO 
Low TX Power Selected —| Low gait Wand FAN WANG fad wan Ne ‘og 7 Memory Channel Number 


S- and TX Power Meter Home Channel 


BUSY Indicator 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 11 


MICROPHONE SWITCHES 
@) PTT Switch 


Press this switch to transmit, and release it 


to receive. 

(2) Keypad 
These 16 keys generate DTMF tones during . 
transmission. - 


In the receive mode, these 16 keys can be 
used for direct frequency entry and/or di- 
rect 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 discus- 


sion. 


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


These four keys are user programmable, al- 
lowing quick access to features used often. 


DTMF MICROPHONE 
MH-48 


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 (WX CH/T.CALL) 

In the USA version, pressing this button recalls the “Weather” broadcast channel bank. 
In the EXP version, 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 de- 
sired. See page 65 for details. 


(4) LAMP Switch 
This switch illuminates the Microphone’s keypad. 


(6) 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. 


ib FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


REAR PANEL CONNECTORS 


UUUUUUUUEESS 


[ f~»\ 
~— 
a 


@) 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 25A. 


@) 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. 


(3) 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-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 13 


Basic OPERATION 


& + Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I'll be helping you along as you learn the many features 
uP of the FT-2900R. 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! 


TURNING THE TRANSCEIVER ON AND OFF 


1. To turn the transceiver on, press and hold in the PWR key 
for one second. 
When you turn on the FT-2900R, 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. 


\,2 2 


You can change the Opening Message (DC supply voltage indication) to any de- 
ue =o sired message (up to 6 characters) via Set Mode Item “31 OPN.MSG;” see page 
76 for details. 


ADJUSTING THE AubIo VOLUME LEVEL 


Rotate the VOL control to adjust the receiver volume. Clock- 
wise rotation increases the audio output level. 


ADJUSTING THE SQUELCH SETTING 
Rotate the SQL control just to the point where the noise is 
silenced and the “4{U4Y” 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-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


Basic OPERATION 
FREQUENCY NAVIGATION 


1) Tuning Dial 

Rotating the DIAL knob allows tuning in the pre-programmed steps. Clockwise rotation of the 
DIAL knob causes the FT-2900R to be tuned toward a higher frequency, while counter-clock- 
wise rotation will lower the operating frequency. 


Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob, to change the frequency 
steps to | MHz per step. This feature 1s extremely useful for making rapid frequency excursions 
over the wide tuning range of the FT-2900R. 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-48a6s DTMF Microphone may be used for direct entry of the oper- 
ating frequency. 


To enter a frequency from the MH-48a6J keypad, just press the numbered digits in the proper 
sequence. There is no “decimal point” key on the MH-48a6J keypad. However, there is a 
short-cut for frequencies ending in zero: press the [#] key after the last non-zero digit. 


Examples: To enter 146.520 MHz, press [1] > [4] > [6] > [5] > [2] > [0] 
To enter 146.000 MHz, press [1] > [4] > [6] > [#] 


If you cannot get the radio to accept the frequency entry, it is possible that the 
<5 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-2900R will stop when 
it receives a signal strong enough to break through the squelch threshold. The FT-2900R 
will then hold on that frequency according to the setting of the “Resume” mode (Menu “41 
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-2900R 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. 


x If you have enabled the “Severe Weather Alert” feature, you will occasionally no- 
6 tice “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-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 15 


as 


Basic OPERATION 


TRANSMISSION 


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 “@XQ” indicator will appear at the upper left corner on the dis- 
play. 

Changing the Transmitter Power Level 

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


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. 


HIGH (75 watts) 


16 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


ADVANCED OPERATION 
WEATHER Broapcast REcEpTION (USA VERSION 


The FT-2900R includes a unique feature which allows reception of weather broadcasts in 
the 160-MHz frequency range. Ten standard Weather Broadcast channels are pre-loaded 
into a special memory bank. 


To listen to a Weather Broadcast Channel: 
1. Press the Microphone’s [P4] button to recall the Weather 
Broadcast channels. Tm ee pe 1A f 
2. Turn the DIAL knob to select the desired Weather Broad- |@=-=/.-sasaaaa 
cast channel. 
3. If you wish to check the other channels for activity 


4. To exit to normal operation, press the [P4] button 
again. Operation will return to the VFO or Memory 


channel you were operating on before you began Weather Broadcast operation. 


by scanning, just press the Microphone’s PTT 


switch. 


us 


oe The [P4] key, one of the programmable keys, is assigned (default setting) as the 
= “WX Broadcast” one-touch access key. Please note that if you change/assign an- 
other function to the [P4] key, one-touch access to the WX channel will be unavailable. 


Severe Weather Alert Feature 

In the event of extreme weather disturbances, such as storms and hurricanes, NOAA (the 
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sends a weather alert accompanied by 
a 1050 Hz tone and subsequent weather report on one of the NOAA weather channels. You 
may enable this feature via Menu Item “57 WX ALT,” if desired. See page 49 for details. 


When scanning the band or the “regular” memories, with the Severe Weather Alert feature 
engaged, you will notice that the FT-2900R will break over to the Weather Channel bank 
every five seconds, performing a quick scan of those channels in search for the 1050 Hz 
alert tone. If the alert tone is received, operation will lock on the weather broadcast station 
issuing the alert; otherwise, the radio will revert to the VFO or memory scan session in 
progress without interruption. 


When the alert tone is received, press the PTT button momentarily to disable the alarm, and 
the Severe Weather message will now be audible from the speaker. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 17 


ADVANCED OPERATION 
LOCK FEATURE 


To activate the locking feature, press and hold in the [@3(L)] 
key for one second. The “@” icon will appear on the LCD. 
To cancel locking, press and hold in the [63(L)] key again for |» 

one second. 

In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various as- 
pects of the FT-2900R’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 ay 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “26 LOCK.” L Li i | 
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. 


KEYBOARD BEEPER 


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.” i i: f: pe 5 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

set the display to “OFF.” me 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to tla ceed 


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. 


18 F'T-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


ADVANCED OPERATION 


CHANNEL STEP SELECTION 


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: 


J. 


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). 


to normal operation. 


DisPLAY BRIGHTNESS 


CAT Ca 

Piateiat $a 
wintnly 
Can SE 


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


The FT-2900R display illumination has been specially engineered to provide high visibil- 
ity 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 O - LVL10). 


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


save your new setting and exit to normal operation. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


19 


ADVANCED OPERATION 
RF SQuELCH 


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 tit? we 

rotate the DIAL knob to select “42 RF SQL.” re [ae hy am Ue 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

select the desired signal strength level for the squelch thresh- i uy Ce 


old (S1 - SY or OFF). 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)|] key for one second to save your new setting and exit 
to normal operation. 


ore The receiver’s squelch will open based on the highest level set by the two squelch 


Ber 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. 


20 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


REPEATER OPERATION 


The FT-2900R 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: 
1 Manual selection of preset repeater shifts (Standard Repeater Shift); 
1 Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), providing automatic activation of repeater shifts 
while operating within designated repeater frequency subbands; and 
1) Independently stored transmit and receive frequencies (typically not corresponding 
to established repeater frequency shifts). 


STANDARD REPEATER SHIFT 


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 as 

rotate the DIAL knob to select “43 RPT.” bere i U4 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

select the desired shift direction (-RPT, +RPT, or SIMP). ACO Pe 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to ee oe 


save your new setting and exit to normal operation. 


\. 7% 


4=¢- You also may program one of the Microphone’s programmable keys ({P1]| ~ |P4]) 


\ 


Noe : . 
alee. 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 frequen- 
cies 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 Spsge 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “46 SHIFT.” L tH fl Goo 465 

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

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


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. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 21 


REPEATER OPERATION 
Automatic REPEATER SHIFT 


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 i Ee aan 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “4 ARS.” i res “ 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 
change the display to “OFF.” cre 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to wien? Se 


save your new setting and exit to normal operation. 


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


ARS-Repeater Subbands 


Version A 


145.1 145.5 146.0) Li 146.AM 3 a8 470 SAT $81490 


146.6 
145.6 145.8 
European Version 


CHECKING THE REPEATER UPLINK (INPUT) FREQUENCY 


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. 


22 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION 
CTCSS OPERATION 


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-2900R, and is very easy to activate. 


tions #49 (SOL. 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.” Hy a TYP ug 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob so 

that “TONE” appears on the display; this activates the se ee 

CTCSS Encoder, which allows repeater access. i iH ' Hi i: St 


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-2900R’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 


<9 DIAL knob in this step; this means that the Reverse Tone Squelch system is 

active, which mutes your FT-2900R’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 ro- 
tate the DIAL knob three clicks clockwise to select Menu 
“32 TN FRO.” This Menu selection allows 
setting of the CTCSS tone frequency to be 
used. 

5. Press the [MHz(SET)| key to enable adjust- 
ment of the CTCSS frequency. 

6. Rotate the DIAL knob until the display in- 
dicates the Tone Frequency you need to be 
using. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 23 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION 
CTCSS OPERATION 


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. 


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


ps 
7360 CTCSS to control access to the repeater, but don’t pass it along when transmit- 


ting. If the S-Meter deflects, but the FT-2900R 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 pro- 
cedure. See the box on page 65 for setup details 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 dis- 
played. “tt” is displayed at the right of the CTCSS indication. 
When the [REV(DW)] key ts pushed again “rt” is displayed 
along with the receive CTCSS frequency. 

4)When the encoder and decoder tone frequencies are differ- : 
ent, a Solid decoder icon and a blinking encoder icon will be H 


~ &: Receive tone 
t &: Transmit tone 


displayed. 


24 F'T-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION 
DCS OPERATION 


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-2900R, 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 trans- 
ceivers equipped with this advanced feature. 


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


1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then a ae el 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “49 SQL.TYP.” sf hy IL | Lip? ug 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob un- = 
til “DCS” appears on the display; this activates the DCS Wwe rh 
Encoder/Decoder. AL. ac 
3. Now press the 
[MHz(SET)| ahs hag Y 047] 051] 053 
key momen- 


— —_ 

oi | = ; 

ND] o 
= 


—_ 


—_ | 
ou) — 
aD| OD 
i 
NO 


tarily, 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. 

Be puta ce’ Ane 
DIAL knob to 


452 | 454 | 455 | 462] 464] 465} 466] 503 


506] 516| 523] 525 52] sa] 05] e06| 612] ene 
select the de- 
sired DCS Code (a three-digit number). 1732 |734|743| 754] - | - | -| -| -| -| 


6. 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. 


W 1h 
oo ep) 
NO | ©& 

NO 


ioe) 


WN 

1D 
AA 

N 


Ww 
i 


AEE 


Switch the DCS off when you’re just tuning around the band! 
2)Press the [REV(DW)] key as described in procedure “6”. - : Transmit DCS 


7 &: Receive 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, Pr pes. 
he 


a solid decoder icon and a blinking encoder icon will be dis- 


played. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 25 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION 


TONE SEARCH SCANNING 
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: 


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

O 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 discus- 
sion). 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 scan- 
ning for the incoming CTCSS or DCS tone/code. ime My fe of Ch 

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

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


Se z If the Tone Scan feature does not detect a tone or code, it will continue to scan 
Wooly 

up indefinitely. When this happens, it may be that the other station is not sending any 
aa 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. 


26 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION 


EPCS (ENHANCED Pacinc & Cope SquELcn) OPERATION 


The FT-2900R includes an Enhanced CTCSS tone encoder/decoder and a dedicated micro- 
processor 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 “G4 PAG.CDR” for the Sad) savy was 
Receiving CTCSS Tone Pair or “35 PAG.CDT” for the PHL lire 34 
Transmitting CTCSS Tone Pair. 

3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable adjust- OO f tidwes 
ment of this Set Mode Item. ee 5 

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the CTCSS Tone number which cf ah. -s 
corresponds to the first tone of the CTCSS Tone Pair. it Hi i Lf i St 

5. Press the [REV(DW)] or [LOW(A/N)] key, then rotate the 
DIAL knob to set the CTCSS Tone number which corre- My yy ” Lf CY Sr 
sponds to the second tone of the CTCSS Tone Pair. = 2 at 


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


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


CTCSS Tone NumBer 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 22 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION 


EPCS (Ennancep Pacinc & Cone SaueccH) OPERATION 
Activating the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch System 


1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then 
66 99 es, wt] i C I 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “G2 PAGER. re noe re 32 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 
set this Menu item to “ON.” Tone 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to LjiM St 


save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 
4. To disable the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch, just repeat the above procedure, rotat- 
ing 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-2900R 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-2900R 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.” PHI Kf AK jj 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

set this Menu item to “ON.” Tine 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to | Ltr St 


save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 
4. To disable the Paging Answer Back feature, just repeat the above procedure, rotating 
the DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step 2 above. 


28 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS BELL OPERATION 


During CTCSS Decode, DCS, or EPCS operation, you may set up the FT-2900R 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: 


l. 


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


Set the transceiver up for CTCSS Decode (“Tone Squelch’’?), DCS, or EPCS operation, 
as described previously. 
Adjust the operating frequency to the desired channel. 


Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)| key for one second, then mrs 

rotate the DIAL knob to select “7 BELL.” i i: I I 7 
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. i Se 


save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 


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 DC 
will appear on the display. Hae by ty hy Hi} 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 29 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION 


SpLit TONE OPERATION 


The FT-2900R 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 pa 

rotate the DIAL knob to select “48 SPLIT.” t pe T A 44 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

set this Menu item to “ON” (to enable the Split Tone fea- Pine 

ture). Ls St 


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


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 
Soba ealay ee) 


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. 


30 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION 


NoTeE 


ap te ela ape Ate ea 
FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 31 


DTMEF OPERATION 


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 key- 
pad includes the [>] and [#] digits, plus the [A], [B], [C], and [D] tones often used for 
repeater control. 


ManuAL DTMF Tone GENERATION 


You can generate DTMF tones during transmission manually. 
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then hee 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “17 DT A/M.” u i rt Ps Hy 7 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 
set this Set Mode Item to “MANUAL” (thus enabling the nal “7 
Manual DTMF Tone Generation). miru 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to 
save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 


4. Press the PTT switch to begin transmission. 


Nn 


While transmitting, press the desired numbers on the keypad. 
6. When you have sent all the digits desired, release the PTT switch. 


DTMF AuTODIALER 


Nine DTMF Autodialer memories are available on the FT-2900R. These DIMF 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 = pit 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “19 DT SET.” H} He C ft: i {Q 

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 
select the DIMF Autodialer memory channel number into [| ———<;73;3}¥ Ci<CS*é‘iéi@Y 
which you wish store a telephone number (“CQ” to “CQ9”’). HG} 

3. Press the [LOW(AIN)] key momentarily, then rotate the — 
DIAL knob to select the first digit of the telephone number IF 
you wish to store. Kl 

4. When you have selected the correct digit, press the 
[LOW(A/N)] key momentarily. Now, rotate the DIAL knob JC Ce 
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(AIN)] 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. 


S2 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


DIME OPERATION 
DTMF AuToDIALER 


8. If you wish to store another DTMF string, repeat steps 2 through 6 above. 
9. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save the new setting and exit 
to normal operation. 


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 AJM.” 

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


set this Set Mode Item to “AUTO.” meer ry ; 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to Pubs 4 oy at 


save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 

4. Inthe Autodialer mode, which you just engaged, first press the PTT switch, then press 
the microphone’s numeric key ((0] through [9]) corresponding to the DITIMF 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. 


VFO 


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 avail- 
able: Low (10 digits per second) and High (20 digits per second: default). To toggle be- 
tween 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.” i H j I re di i eu 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

select the desired speed (““50”: High speed or “100”: Low Anat 

speed) uty St 


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


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 cee. 

rotate the DIAL knob to select “18 DT DLY.” i i i i i ‘i uy HY 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

select the desired speed (50/250/450/750/1000 ms). | Wind Y) es 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to TIM. 5t 


save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 33 


MEMORY OPERATION 


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


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

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

© 10 sets of band-edge memories, also known as “Programmable Memory Scan” chan- 
nels, labeled “LO/U0” through “L9/U9.” 

1 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. 


Memory STORAGE 


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


TX power level. 


. 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. 

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. 

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). 

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


34 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


MeEmory OPERATION 


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 micro- 
phone [UP]/[DWN] buttons to select the same memory channel number used in step | 
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 independently- S) 
stored transmit and receive frequencies, the “— +” indication { Lf 
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 indepen- 
dently 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: 

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

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “14 DCS CD” when the 
receiver CTCSS/DCS function is set to “DCS”, or select UL. n L if fu 
“52 TN FRQ” when the receiver CTCSS/DCS function is 
set to “TONE SQUELCH”. Th 

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

4. Press the [REV(DW)] key to indicate the memorized fre- b 
quency/code for the transmitter. You can confirm the Trans- 
mit and Receive TONE/DCS by alternately pressing of the 
[REV(DW)] key. 


t : Receive tone/DCS 
& : Transmit tone/DCS 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 35 


Memory OPERATION 
Memory RECALL 


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-48a6s 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 ex- 
ample, to recall Memory Channel “5,” press [5] > [#]. To recall Memory Channel “118,” 
press: [11> il ean Bh 


You may also recall Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) channels (“LO/UQ” through “L9/ 
U9”) using the following numbers: Programmable Memory channels #LO = “200,” UO = 
201,” LO = “218,” and US = “219.” 


36 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


Memory OPERATION 


LABELING Memories 


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


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


. Press the [MHz(SET)] key. You will notice the first char- 


using the Set (Menu) mode. 
¥ 


Recall the memory channel on which you wish to append a 


(LS OLS IIH 

label. (Taw 23 
Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then 

rotate the DIAL knob to select “GO NM SET.” hii COT rn 

met ace 3G 


acter location blinking, indicating that you are now in the 
Alpha-Numeric (“A/N”’) entry mode. Within the A/N entry Lj 
mode, rotate the DIAL knob to select characters; pressing 
the [LOW(A/N)] key will move the character’s entry loca- LJ 
tion to the right. 

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

To enter a space, press the [|LOW(AIN)| key to move one space to the right, and then 
rotate the DIAL knob to select the Blank (space). 

Now press the [|LOW(AIN)] key to enter the Blank (space). Press the |LOW(AIN)| 
key a second time to move to the next character location. 

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. 

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


=<_ 


~=—_ 


a | 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 37 


MEMORY OPERATION 
MeEmorY TUNING 


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-2900R in the Memory Recall mode, select a 
; hs eat od oy ae 
the desired memory channel. ee ae oe) tH WI i 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)| key momentarily. The “MR” indi- 
cator will blink and the Memory Channel Number will dis- mI7COM * 
appear; these indicates that the “Memory Tuning” mode ( CII 


has been engaged. 
3. Rotate the DIAL knob, or press the [UP] or [DWN] keys, 


mI AA OM 
to tune to a new frequency. The synthesizer steps you have (1 (ca 
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” indi- Hea 7 G i Hh : 


cator 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. 


MASKING Memories 


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-2900R 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. 


rhe 
Wer. Watch out! You can manually store data over a “Masked” memory, deleting pre- 


‘© vious 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. 


© 


38 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


Memory OPERATION 


Memory BANK OPERATION 


The large number of memories available in the FT-2900R could be difficult to utilize 
without some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the FT-2900R 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 [>] key, as we shall see below. 


Assigning Memories to a Memory Bank 

1. Recall the memory channel to be assigned to a Memory 
Ee (LI TULICITA 5 

2. Press and hold in the [D/MR(MW)] key for one second, then 
rotate the DIAL knob to select the Memory Bank number f 
(“b1” ~ “b8”) you want as the Memory Bank for this chan- 
nel. 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. 


s=°- 1) You may assign one memory channel into several Memory Banks. 


“ie 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. JO 3g). F. 
2. Press the Microphone’s [>] key to activate the “Memory H Lf i uf i “i 
Bank” mode. The Memory Bank number will appear on 
the display. Winey { a 
3. Press the [#] key to increment the Memory Bank (“b1” ANNUM ( ot 
through “b8”). , agin tome i 
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the memories within the Hea tis bi 
selected Bank; you will observe that you can only select 
memory channels in the current memory bank. The small TD ew oe 1 el MR 
memory bank number will appear, to the right of the fre- (1 (OO be 


quency 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 [>] 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. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 39 


Memory OPERATION 


Memory BANK OPERATION 


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 [ *] 
/\@ key, before attempting to remove a channel from a = 

pak? Tf you don’t, “MCHERR’” will appear when you press AH f fi fe 

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.” i NH NM 9 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the 

DIAL knob to recall the memory bank on which you wish WlINGL i ' 

to change a label. ANN 1 ot 


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 WOAL 

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 char- oM MH df iH Hi 5 
acters may be used in the creation of a label. a 


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. 


40 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


MEMORY OPERATION 
Home CHANNEL Memory 


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 dis- iS Pies yi tant 33 

play; this indicates that the Home H Lf fH, tL. rad Hi H Lf ] HA Vi “1 

Channel has been recalled. USA ) 
version EXP version 


The factory default frequency for the Home channel is 146.520 MHz (USA version, EXP 
version: 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 
previously. be sure to recall the Home channel first, then enter the Menu (selection “SO NM 
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. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 4] 


Memory OPERATION 
Memory-Onty Mopbe 


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


42 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


Memory OPERATION 
NoTeE 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 43 


SCANNING 
Basic SCANNER OPERATION 


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. 

1 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). 

Oj 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. 


\. 7 


<ge-- In the factory default setting, the scanner sweeps all frequencies while the VFO 
ReSP- 

Ziq 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. 


44 F'T-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


SCANNING 


ScAN-RESUME OPTIONS 


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


Oj 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. 

Oj 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 “SSEC/5SEC/1OSEC” 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.” hep oe uff 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

select the desired scan-resume mode. Teel us ri 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to AL A ol ae 


save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 45 


SCANNING 


Memory Skip SCANNING 


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. Hea f Lf Ff Hh iC 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then 23 oe 

rotate the DIAL knob to select “47 SKIP.” Cura - 
4. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knobso | —t/! 4! Yi 

as to select “SKIP”. The current Memory Channel will now ryTo Se 

be ignored during scanning. The “ONLY” selection is used 2n a7 St 

for “Preferential Memory Scan,” described in the next sec- ~~ 

tion. 


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


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). 


46 F'T-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


SCANNING 


PREFERENTIAL Memory SCAN 


The FT-2900R 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 ap- 
pended, you will scan all channels including those with the Blinking “SKIP” icon ap- 
pended. 


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 ave de’ 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “47 SKIP.” Ag Mf YO 47 
4. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob so —————————— 
as to select “ONLY.” Monee ue 
5. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to | LIL J 5k 


save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 


To initiate Preferential Memory Scanning: 
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 any memory channel which WILLA oor 
has a blinking “SKIP” icon appended to the channel num- (Miche rIiNie cc J 


ber. 

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. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 47 


SCANNING 


Memory Bank LINK SCAN 


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 7 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “8 BNK.LNK.” Hite 

3. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the 
DIAL knob to select the first Memory Bank (““b1” ~ “b8”) wi 
you wish to sweep using Memory Bank Link Scan. A 

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


48 F'T-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


SCANNING 
PROGRAMMABLE BAND-SCAN LIMITS 


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 sub- 
band between 144.0 and 144.3 MHz 


These scanning limits are stored in special “Sub-Band Limit Memories,” labeled LO/UO 
through L9/UY, with “L” and “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 “LO”, and the 
upper edge in memory “UO” (or, alternatively, in memories “L1/U1” through “L9/U9”). 

2. With any of these memories recalled, press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to acti- 
vate 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 chan- 


~~ 
pico é ; - 
Ber. nels. If you do, an error message will result; the “U/L” memories are dedicated 


for the establishment of band scanning limits. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 49 


SCANNING 


PRIORITY CHANNEL SCANNING (Duat Watch) WATCH 


The FT-2900R’s scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which al- 
lows 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 “411 RESUME.” See page 45. 


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

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

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 [8%] 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-2900R for operation on another memory channel, Home channel, or on 
a VEO 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-2900R 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.” bey hi r yu 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

select “ON.” one 
3. Press and hold the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to save si St 


the new setting and exit to normal operation. 


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


50 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


SCANNING 


WEATHER ALERT SCAN 


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-2900R 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 Broad- 
cast 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.” mn ft i 


2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 
set this Menu item to “ON.” one 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to Livy 5t 


save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 
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. 

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

2) If you are just scanning the Weather Broadcast Channels, the FT-2900R’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. 


Banpb Epce BEEPER 
The FT-2900R 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) 1s: 


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

rotate the DIAL knob to select “21 EDG.BEP.” eiider 2 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

set this Menu item to “ON.” mine 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to LjiN St : 


save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 51 


SMART SEARCH OPERATION 


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 (with- 
out 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 activ- 
ity 1s 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). AN 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to | 
save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 


52 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


SMART SEARCH OPERATION 


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 BET SUN tA! 
mode. The “S SRCH” notation will appear on the display t iF nan tH 
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. 

5 a 8 


a Smart Search is a great tool when visiting a city for the first time. You don’t need 
ney to spend hours looking up repeater frequencies from a reference guidebook; just 


ask your FT-2900R where the action is! 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 63 


INTERNET CONNECTION FEATURE 


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


SRG MobeE 


1. Press the [$%] key momentarily to activate the Internet Con- 
nection feature. The “Int” notation will appear at the right 
of the frequency. 

2. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [$3] key to select the access number (DTMF 
OP a SO A Bye (Oe Ree (oll cena (i Lome. 
sponding to the WIRES™ node to which you wish to es- yi 1A Hy} fe H tab 
tablish 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 | above), the FT-2900R 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 [$8] 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 


“6 each transmission, and you are not operating in conjunction with Internet ac- 


cess, disable this function via step (4) above. 


FRG MobeE 


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 TTC C 7 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “25 INT.SET.” AML | c'5 

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 
select the Internet Memory register (FO ~ FQ) into which Ff 


you wish to store the access code. 
3. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily. The first digit will 
blink. 


54 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


INTERNET CONNECTION FEATURE 
FRG Mobe 


4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “F” (representing DTMF 


“#?: the first digit of the DTMF string). fF i 
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 ac- rE ne Bap 

cess code (“#(F)1101D”). f? H i (it 5 


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). 

9. Press the [D/MR(MW)] key momentarily. The “--ALPHA--” 
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. W 

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 char- 
acters 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 | 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 reese PA 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “23 INT MD.” L ;' , i i ( Hf ej 

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). pe he uy «Skt 

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

4. Press the [8%] key momentarily to activate the Internet Con- ity) al 
nection feature. The “Int” notation will appear at the right H Lf i ty Lf Wi Gab) 
of the frequency. : 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 55 


INTERNET CONNECTION FEATURE 


FRG Mobe 


. Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing the [8%] key to select 


the Internet Memory register number (FO ~ FQ) (or Name) yw a] 
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. 

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 estab- 
lish the link to the desired Internet-link mode). 

To return to the WiRES™ mode, repeat steps 1 - 3 above, selecting “SRG” in step 2. 


56 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


ARTS™ (Automatic RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM) 


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 use- 
ful 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 acti- 
vated, 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) Dc 
DCS signal for about 1 second. If the other radio is in range, im Li i 
the beeper will sound (if enabled) and the display will show 
“IN RNG” as opposed to the out of range display “OUTRNG” Th cn 7 
in which ARTS™ operation begins. AIM FIM EY 


CET os aoe oon EY SE OD EE ED VFO 


Whether you talk or not, the polling every 15 or 25 seconds will continue until you de- 
activate 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 Dc 
has now commenced. | | Li fs ' ie rei 1 

4. Every 25 seconds, your radio will transmit a “polling” call VFO 
to the other station. When that station responds with its own pcs 
ARTS™ polling signal, the display will change to TN reel 
“IN RNG” to confirm that the other station’s polling code |_@=—.«<saaaaay vro 


was received in response to yours. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL a2 


ART, St M (Automatic RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM) 


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 “S50 ae 

rotate the DIAL knob to select “3 AR INT.” rire yi } H P j 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

select the desired polling interval (15 or 25 seconds). {fe o f ib CE 
3. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the mab 


[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 
beeps will be heard. 

OFF: No alert beeps will be heard; you must look at the display to confirm current 
ARTS™* status. 


To set the ARTS™ Beep mode, use the following procedure: 
1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then 


rotate the DIAL knob to select “2 AR BEP.” pare AE fa Pm 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 

select the desired ARTS™ Beep mode (see above). Ove 
3. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the ML St 


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


58 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


ARTS™ (Automatic RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM) 
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: 

1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then at ii 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “11 CW ID.” “as yw i i ff 

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. it i 
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of === 
your callsign, then press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to M4 ' 


save the first letter/number and move on to the next character. 


5. Repeat the previous step, as many times as necessary, to 


rm 
in 


complete your callsign. Note that the “slant bar” (— « » — «) yu j 
is among the available characters, should you be a “por- 


table” 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 charac- 
ters, 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 H i N Sr 
ID function). a: a 


9. 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. 


To disable the CW Identifier: 


1. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second, then = 7 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “11 CW ID.” I ye at Hf Wa 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the 
DIAL knob to set this Item to “OFF” (to disable the CW ID fy fr cr Ch 
function). “ 


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. 


Noe 


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


‘5 Mode Item “11 CWID” and press the [MHz(SET)] key, then press the [D/MR(MW)] 


“ 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 59 


CW TRAINING FEATURE 


The FT-2900R 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.” iB 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable adjust- 
ment of this Set Mode Item. (TM, 
3. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key to select the Training mode (dis- (rent An 
played 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) 
1 An: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 1G iE fs M 1D 


per minute)” and “CPM: characters per minute)” by press- 
ing 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); 7: 2 id fe tH 10. 
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. 

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


? 


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


60 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


PACKET OPERATION 


The FT-2900R may be used for 1200 bps Packet operation, using most all commonly- 
available 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-2900R 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. 


Remember to readjust the default microphone input level to “LVL 5” (Set Mode Item “27 
MCGAIN”) when Packet operation is finished. 


DATA 
IN 


DATA 
OUT 
© 


EXT SP (REAR PANEL) 


RJ12/6 
6 Position 6 Contact 
Modular Plug 


2-contact 3.5-mm 
Mini Phone Plug 


PACKET RX OUT 


Pin 4: GND 
Pin 5: PACKET TX IN 
Pin 6: PTT 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 61 


MIUSCELLANEOUS SETTINGS 
PASSWORD 


The FT-2900R provides a password feature which can minimize the chance that your trans- 
ceiver 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.” fs C He ? yn 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily to enable adjust- 

ment of this Set Mode Item. rit te 
3. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key momentarily to display any pre- Lic lan alate 


viously-stored password. - 
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired fon + # My 


number/letter (0-9, A, B, C, D, E (substitute for “>k”’), and F 
(substitute for “#”). Ce "1 , 
5. Press the [LOW(A/N)] key to move to the next digit. Ls a a a _! ‘ 


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


Ore 1) We recommend that you to write down the password number, and keep it ina 


ein 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-2900R will clear 
the password, as well as all memories, and will restore all other settings to factory de- 
faults. 


62 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS 


Time-Out Timer (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” condi- 
tion. 


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.” ae i 

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 
select the desired interval (1/3/5/10 minutes), or OFF. 

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


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


Automatic Power-Orr (APO) 


The “Automatic Power-Off”’ (APO) feature will turn the radio completely off after a user- 
defined 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 power- 
off 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 te FSS 

rotate the DIAL knob to select “1 APQ.” i rh ' { 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 3 

select the desired “switch-off” time or OFF. SLTANMI TNE Fg, 
3. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)] key for one second to SINGIN 3 


save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 


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


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 63 


MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS 


Busy CHANNEL Lock-Out (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 m 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “5 BCLO.” AL i Hi g 
2. Press the [MHz(SET)]| key momentarily to enable adjust- 
ment of this Set Mode Item. 
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “ON” - 
(thus activating the BCLO feature). Li i H Se 
4. 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. 


\ 7 


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


64 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS 


PROGRAMMING THE Key ASSIGNMENTS 


Default FT-2900R 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 config- 
ured (“36 PRG P1,” “37 PRG Pe,” “38 PRG P3,” or “39 

PRG P4’’). 

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 Wai Slats 

available choices are vary slightly among the four keys you i re’ i *) Se 
may program, and they include: 

ARTS: Engages the ARTS™ operation. 

SQLOFF: Opens the Squelch to allow un-muted reception. 

WX CH: Switches operation to the Weather channels bank. 

3 SRCH: Engages the Smart Search operation. 

C SRCH: Engages the Tone Search Scanning feature. 


Ce 
| (p2] | = SSRCH 
SCAN: Engages the Scan operation 


USA Version: WX CH 
EXP Version: T.CALL 
T CALL: Activates 1750 Hz Tone Burst 


or one of the Set Menu items that has been already assigned before. 


If you want to assign your desired Set Mode item on the programmable key, see the 
description in the box shown below. 

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. 

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


You may assign Set Mode items to the Microphone’s [P1]/[P2]/[P3]/[P4] buttons, 
as well, to do this: 
. Press and hold in the [MHz(SET)|] key for one second to enter the Set mode. 
. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Set Mode Item which you wish to assign to 
the key as a Menu short-cut. 


. 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. 

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


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 65 


MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS 
FM BanowiptH & TX DEVIATION LEVEL 


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.” yw / 

2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to 
change the display to “NARROW (+#2.5 kHz Deviation, 6 |nar A 
Remitaneneny 

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

4. To return to wide bandwidth and deviation, repeat the above procedure, selecting “WIDE 
(+5 kHz Deviation, 15 kHz Bandwidth)” in step 2 above. 


MIC Gain SETTING 


At the factory, a microphone gain has been programmed that should be satisfactory for the 
supplied MH-48a6s 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). ! ies 

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


Remember to readjust the default microphone input level to “LVL 5” when using the sup- 
plied MH-48a6s Microphone. 


66 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS 


DCS Cope INVERSION 
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: 
O Connection of an external receiver preamplifier. 

O Operating through a repeater. 

O 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 stan- 
dards 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 Trin 
rotate the DIAL knob to select “15 DCS RV.” if 


2. Press the [MHz(SET)] key momentarily, then rotate the 
DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “ENABLE” (thus f ;' J H q i f Ch 
inverting the DCS Code). =. seeohia a 

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

4. Remember to restore the default setting to “DISABLE” when done. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 67 


RESET PROCEDURE 


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 micro- 
processor may restore normal operation. Note that all memories will be erased if you do a 


complete microprocessor reset, as described below. 


MICROPROCESSOR RESETTING 


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). 


Set Mopbe RESETTING 


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). 


68 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


CLONING 


The FT-2900R includes a convenient “Clone” feature, which allows the memory and con- 
figuration data from one transceiver to be transferred to another FT-2900R. This can be 
particularly useful when configuring a number of transceivers for a public service opera- 
tion. 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 ) 


rod iat © hal ma 
(‘--WAIT--” will appear on the LCD). WT Lf 
5. Press the [MHz(SET)] key on the Source radio, “----TX---- 
” will appear on the Source radio, and the data from this Ao PRN Ay ate 


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 bat- io 
tery voltage, and try again. 

7. Ifthe 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. 


TH RJ12/6 mim, RJ12/6 
— 6 Position 6 Contact — 6 Position 6 Contact 
bmw Modular Plug Law Modular Plug 

Pin 4: GND Pin 6: PTT/CLONE ; 

a a 


Pin 6: PTT/CLONE 


Pin 4: GND 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


69 


“SET” (MENU) MovE 


The FT-2900R 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: 


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


ars 


1 APO Enables/Disables the Automatic Power Off feature. 30MIN / 1HOUR / NOues 
5HOUR / 8HOUR / OFF 


2 | 2 ARBEP | BEP | Selects the Siva option during ARTS™ operation. SS _IN RNG / ALWAYS / ( 


Actvales/Deacivates the Automatic steel Series 1 OFF 
a 
Enables/Disables the key beeper. = ae : 


8 BNK.LNK | Select the Memory Bank for the Memory Bank Link cane : _ = 
9 BNK NM _ | Programming an Alpha/Numeric label for a oe Bank. SE 
10 CLK.SFT | Shifting of the CPU clock frequency. _ 


11 CWID Enables/Disables the CW identifier during 'ARTS™ Operators “ON / OFF c o20hH 8 
12 ao Enables/Disables the CW Tran 
speed of the morse Code. 


13 DC VLT _ | indicates the DC Supply voltage ee 
14 DCSCD | SettingoftheDCScode. coe ti 
15 DCS RV__| Enables/Disables ‘ ‘nverted” DCS code Rezeing, _ENABLE OSA DISABL 


16 DIMMER | Setting of the front panel display’s illumination level. 


17 DT A/M Enables/Disables the DTMF Autodialer feature. ‘MANUAL [AUTO MANUAL 


18 DTDLY | Setting of the DTMF Autodialer’ s TX Delay Time. 


19 DT SET Loading of the DTMF Autodialer Memories. 


20 DT SPD | Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed. : 


24 INTAIM | ialer feature whi the} = MANU | 
of “Internet Connection feature.” . 
Selects the memory register for an Access Number (DTMF code) for 
non-WiRES™ Internet Link System access. 
26 LOCK Selects the Control Locking Lockout combination. = sds 


27 MCGAIN Adjust the microphone gain level. 7 ieee “LVL 1 LVL 9 a LVL5 ay" 


28 MEM.SCN | Selects the Memory Scan mode. 


70 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


“SET” (MENU) MoDE 


Menu Item | Functio 


29 MW MD Selects the method of selection of channels for Memory Storage. NEXT / es as 


rogramming an Alpha/Numeric label for a Memory Channel. 


31 OPN.MSG | Selects the Opening Message that appears when the radio is pow- DC / MSG / OFF BIE no 
oa on. 


oe) Enhanced CTCSS 3 ae & Code ee ON / OFF 


Bees Disables the cae Back function of the ae CTCSS ON / OFF OFF 
Paging & Code Squelch function. 
n x, Receiver ta Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging 05_47 
uelch function. — ip 
ay Prensmting Panet Code for the Prrenced CTCSS Pag- 05_47 
ing & Code Squelch function. 


ramming the function assigned to Microphone's [P14] key. ARTS / DC VLT / DIMMER / SQL OFF 


of PRG P2 Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P2] key. MCGAIN / SKIP / SQL OFF / S SRCH 


WX CH/ S SRCH / 
ogramming ‘the function assigned to Microphone’ s [P3] key. 


C SRCH/ SCAN / T CALL / 
39 PRG P4 Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P4] key. 


one Sa EnE aT ey the Set Menu items 
'rograms and activates the Password feature. 


ists the RF Squelch threshold level. $1 - S9 or OFF be Ore 
43 RPT Sets the Repeater Shift direction. -RPT / +RPT / SIMP SIMP 


nables/Disables the “Priority Channel Revert’ feature. a : 


45 SSRCH | Selects the Smart Search Sweep mode. SINGLE / CNTNUE SINGLE 
the magnitude of the Repeater Shift. - 0.00-99.95 (MHz) 0.60 (MHz) 
47 ‘SKIP E lects the Memory Scan mode. SKIP / ONLY / OFF | OFF 


‘Enables/Disables the split CTCSS/DCS coding. : | ON / OFF Pee OPE 
49 SQL. TYP 1 gaietts the Tone Encoder and/or Devore! mode. TONE / TSQL/ DCS / RV TN / OFF heideceedd 


i the Syrifisizer oie : : Bk / 10k / 12.5k / 15k / 20k / 


e . ee oo 25k | 50k / 100k (Hz) 
51 a indicts the carer iemperature inside the are per case. 


USA: 5 kHz 
EXP: 12.5 kHz 


50 standard CTCSS tones 100.0 (Hz) 


/FO Scanner Width. oo | MHz / £2MHz / 5MHz / ALL 


57 WXALT _| EnablesiDisables the Weather Alert really ON / OFF PTs tore 


cts th : al 3 dio output level ofthe Weather Alert. ~ NOR.VOL / MAX.VOL NOR.VOL 
59 WIN DV ieeauiciion of the Microphone Gain/Deviation and receiver bandwidth. WIDE / NARROW WIDE 
* USA: WX CH 
EXP: T CALL 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 71 


“SET” (, MENU) Move 


REPEATER SETTING 


Activates/Deactivates the papers Raneciae Shift 


feature. 
Sets the Repeater Shift direction. 
Sets the magnitude of the Repeater Shift. 


CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Settine 
Selects the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell inten rein 
tions. 

Setting of the DCS code. 


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. 


Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency. 


Enables/Disables the receiver audio output during the 
Tone Search Scanner is activated. 
Selects the Tone Search Scanner speed. 


ARTS™ Settine’~ om 

Selects the Beep Sntch AAA ARTS™ eateratcas 
Selects the Polling Interval during ARTS™ operation. 
Enables/Disables the CW identifier during ARTS™ 
Operation. 


Memory SETTING » : 

Select the Marion Bank for | hes ar MeiNGHII 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 scan- 
ning. 

Selects the Memory Scan mode. 


SCAN Settinc — re 
Selects the Scan Resume ete. 


Selects the Memory Scan mode. 
Select the VFO Scanner Width. 


DTMF Settinc - RUA 
Enables/Disables the DTMF Autodialer eatin 
Setting of the DTMF Autodialer’s TX Delay Time. 
Loading of the DTMF Autodialer Memories. 

Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed. 


Set Mopbe Item” AvaivasBee V. 


ON/OFF 


43 RPT —RPT /+RPT / SIMP 
46 SHIFT 0.00-99.95 (MHz) (0.60MHz) 


1/3/5/8/CNTNUE/ OFF 


7 BELL 
14 DCS CD 104 standard DCS codes 
(023) 
15 DCS RV ENABLE / DISABL 
32PAGER ON / OFF 
33 PAG.ABK ON / OFF 
34 PAG.CDR _ --- (05_47) 
35 PAGCDT _ --- (05_47) 
48 SPLIT ON / OFF 
49 SQ TYP TONE / TSQL/ DCS / RV TN / 
OFF 
52 TN FRQ 50 standard CTCSS tones 
(100 Hz) 
54 TS MUT ON / OFF 
55 TS SPD FAST / SLOW 
- Set Mopbe Item AvaitaBete Vatues (Derautt): 
2 AR BEP IN RNG / ALWAYS / OFF 
3 AR INT 25SEC / 15SEC 
11 CWID ON / OFF 


» Set Mooe Item AvairaBee VAct 
8 BNK.LNK --- 
9 BNK NM --- 
29 MW MD NEXT / LOWER 
30 NM SET --- 
21. EDGBEP ON / OFF 


28 MEM.SCN TAG1/TAG2/ ALL CH 


~ Set Mope Item Avaltase VALUES: 


BUSY / HOLD / 3SEC / 5SEC / 


41 RESUME 
10SEC 

47 SKIP SKIP /ONLY / OFF 

56 VFO.SCN +1MHz / +2MHz/+5MHz/ ALL 
~ Set Mope Item AvaicaBce Vatues (DeEFaucT): 

17 DT A/M MANUAL / AUTO 

18 DT DLY 50 / 250 / 450 / 750 / 1000 (ms) 

19 DESET --- 

20 DT SPD 50 / 100 (ms) 


“2 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


_“Ser” (MENU) Move 


WiRES™ Settinc © 

Selects the Access Number (DTME digit) : WiRES™ 
operation. 

Selects the Internet Link Connection mode. 
Enables/Disables DTMF Autodialer feature while op- 
erating on the Internet Connection feature. 

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


SwitcH/Knos SETTING 
Enables/Disables the key beeper. 
Selects the Control Locking Lockout combination. 


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

Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s 
[P2] key. 

Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s 
[P3] key. 

Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s 
[P4] key. 

Sets the Synthesizer steps. 


Disptay SETTING © 
Indicates the DC Stanly Waede, 

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. 


MisceetaNeous SETTING ~~ = 
Enables/Disables the Automatic Sawer Off isatire 


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” fea- 
ture. 

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 Devia- 
tion. 


Set Mopbe Item 
22 INT CD 


23 INT MD 
24 INT.A/M 


25 INT.SET 


~ Set Mope Item 


3 it = ol a 
26 LOCK 


36 PRG P1 
37,PRG P2 
38 PRG P3 
39 PRG P4 


50 STEP 


Set Mobe Item 
ToView 

16 DIMMER 

31 OPN.MSG 


51 TEMP 


Set Move Item 
1 APO 


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 


AvaiLaBLe Vatues (DEFAULT) 
DTMF 0 - DTMF 9/ 

DTMF A - DTMF F (DTMF 1) 
SRG / FRG 

MANUAL / AUTO 


AvaitaBLe Vatues (DEFAULT) 
KY+SCN / KEY / OFF 

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

x (SQLOFF) 


* (S SRCH) 
* (C SRCH) 


* (USA Version: WX CH) 
(EXP Version: T.CALL) 

5k (USA) /10k / 12.5k (EXP)/ 

15k / 20k / 25k / 50k / 100k (Hz) 


AVAILABLE Vatues (DEFAULT) 
LVL 0 (OFF) - LVL 10 (LVL 5) 
DC / MSG / OFF 


-AvaitaB_e Vatues (DEFAULT) 


30MIN / 1HOUR / 3HOUR / 
5 HOUR / 8HOUR / OFF 

ON / OFF 

ON / OFF 

4WPM - 13WPM / 15WPM / 
17WPM / 20WPM / 24WPM / 
30WPM / 40WPM / OFF 
(20CPM - 65CPM (5CPM mul- 
tiples) / 75CPM / 85CPM / 
100CPM / 120CPM / 
150CPM / 200CPM) 

LVL 1-LVL9 (LVL 5) 


S1 - S9 or OFF 
ON / OFF 
SINGLE / CNTNUE 


1MIN / 3MIN / SMIN / 10MIN / 
OFF 

ON / OFF 

NOR.VOL / MAX.VOL 

WIDE / NARROW 


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


T CALL / one of the Set Menu items 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


v3 


“SET” (MENU) MoDE 


MeNU SELECTION DETAILS 


1 APO 

Function: Enables/Disables the Automatic Power Off feature. 

Available Values: 30MIN / 1HOUR / 3HOUR / 5HOUR / 8SHOUR / 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 
(every 15 or 25 seconds when in range). 

We No alert beeps sound. 


3 AR INT 

Function: Selects the Polling Interval during ARTS operation. 
Available Values: 25SEC / 1ISSEC 

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. 
Available Values: ON / OFF 

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. 

OEP: Beeper is disabled. 


7 BELL 

Function: Selects the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell Ringer repetitions. 
Available Values: | / 3 / 5/8 / CNTNUE (Continuous ringing) / OFF 
Default: OFF 


74 F'T-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


“SET” (MENU) Move 


Menu SELEcTION DETAILS 
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. 
See page 39 for details. 


10 CLK.SFT 

Function: Shifting of the CPU clock frequency. 

Available Values: ON / OFF 

Default: OFF 

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


11 CWID 

Function: Enables/Disables the CW identifier during ARTS Operation. 
Available Values: ON / OFF 

Default: OFF 


12 CWIRNG 

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 


rs) 
oO 

oO 
rel 
(e) 


025 | 026] 031 | 032] 036] 043] 047] 051] 053 


054] 065 071072] o7s| ora|rta] 115] 116] 122 
Function” 
15 DCS RV 174 | 205 


245 


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

Available Values: ENABLE / DISABL 
Default: DISABL 


PIWININ]-/oO 
—|WIO|INIARIN 
Nf] jAe lors 


&} ow 
=} 0 
Wh 
&]w 
NO] 
W | w 
lw 
wot 
— | 


BRILWININM |] —|]oO 
|= INO ;Qa]|-|RIN 
—~1O1 aim] wo] ow 
& | 
wl) 
Np | — 


a; }o}]rd 
oO;fl/OInN 
Aina; n|+ 
Oo}; |] o}]o 
]-//D/oO 
(o> o> me?) 
Dia; l|wlswl]h 
WOINIAID)!=|n 
NMOloO;rmBlas;—=|— 
HOjyas;HPl/wl]w]hd 
AINIaAaIny] | an 
LO}; }]-1|O}]NM 
Oya; 
Diwan 
NN] 
BS 
fo?) 
Nh 
aS 
(op) 
& 
& 
(ep) 
a 
BSN 
D 
(o>) 
a 
=) 
wo 


631 


732 | 734|743| 754 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL G5 


alan 
O|e 
BRIO 
lon 
O/m 
On 
ba | 
—_ 
NO 
S| oO 
NR | — 
w |r 
N | OD 
= eS 


“SET” (MENU) MovE 


Menu SELEcTION DETAILS 


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 DTIMF 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 DIMF Autodialer Memories. 
See page 32 for details. 


20 DT SPD 

Function: Setting of the DIMF Autodialer Sending Speed. 
Available Values: 50 (high speed) / 100 (low speed) ms 
Default: 50 ms 


21 EDGBEP 

Function: Enables/Disable the Band-edge beeper while scanning. 
Available Values: ON / OFF 

Default: OFF 


22 INT CD 

Function: Selects the Access Numbers (DTMF digits) for WIRES™ Internet linking. 
Available Values: DIMF 0 - DIMF 9/ DTMEF A - DTMF F 

Default: DTMF 1 | 


23 INT MD 

Function: Selects the Internet Link Connection mode. 
Available Values: SRG / FRG 

Default: SRG 


76 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


“SET” (MENU) MobE 


Menu SELEcTION DETAILS 


24 INT.A/M 

Function: Enables/Disables DTIMF 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: FO - 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: | - 9 

Default: 5 


28 MEM.SCN 

Function: Selects the Memory Scan mode. 

Available Values: TAG]! / TAG2 / ALL CH 

Default: ALL CH 

ALL CH: The scanner sweeps all Memory channels. 

TAGI: 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 “sec- 
ond” 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 Jast- 
stored memory channel. 

LOWER: Stores the data into the lowest-available “free” channel. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 7 


“SET” (MENU) MovE 


Menu SELEcTION DETAILS 


30 NM SET 
Function: Programming an Alpha/Numeric label for a Memory Channel. 
See page 37 for details. 


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 mes- 
sage. 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 re- 
enter the correct letter/number. 

6. When you have entered the desired opening message, press the [MHz(SET)] key mo- 
mentarily 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. 
Available Values: ON / OFF 

Default: OFF 


33 PAGABK 

Function: Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & 
Code Squelch function. 

Available Values: ON / OFF 

Default: OFF 


34 PAGCDR 

Function: Setting the Receiver Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch 
function. 

See page 27 for details. 


78 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


“SET” (MENU) MovE 


Menu SELEcTION DETAILS 
35 PAGCDT 
Function: Setting the Transmitting Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code 
Squelch function. 
See page 27 for details. 


36 PRG PI 

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 

Function: Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P2] 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 #16 DIMMER”). 

Default: S SRCH 


38 PRG P3 

Function: Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P3] 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 #27 MCGAIN’’). 

Default: C SRCH 


39 PRG P4 

Function: Programming the function assigned to Microphone’s [P4] 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 #47 SKIP”’). 

Default: WX CH 


40 PSWD 

Function: Programs and activates the Password feature. 
Available Values: ON / OFF 

Default: OFF 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 79 


“SET” (MENU) MovE 


Menu SELECTION DETAILS 


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/SSEC/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. 
Available Values: ON / OFF 

Default: OFF 


45 SSRCH 

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 direc- 
tion) are loaded into the Smart Search memories. Whether or not all 31 memo- 
ries 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 


80 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


“SET” (MENU) MoDE 


Menu SELEcTION DETAILS 


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. 

Available Values: ON / OFF 

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; CTICSS Encoder 

TSOL: 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: USA: 5 kHz, EXP: 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 Cel- 
sius (°C) display of the temperature. 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 81 


“SET” (MENU) MovDE 


Menu SELEcTION DETAILS 


52 TN FRQ 
Function: Setting of the CTCSS Tone Fre- } sss. JENCY (H . 
quency. | 79.7 
Available Values: 50 standard CTCSS tones 97.4 
Default: 100.0 Hz ae 
146.2 
53 TOT 167.9 
Function: Sets the Time-Out Timer. 186.2 


206. 
Available Values: 1!MIN / 3MIN / 5MIN / 7418 


1OMIN / OFF 254.4 | eS Se 
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. 

Available Values: ON / OFF 

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: +1 MHz / +2MHz / +5MHz / ALL 

Default: ALL 

+] MHz, +2 MHz, +5 MHz: The scanner will sweep frequencies within the selected band- 
width. 

ALL: The scanner will sweep all frequencies. 


57 WX ALT 

Function: Enables/Disables the Weather Alert feature. 
Available Values: ON / OFF 

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 


82 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


“SET” (MENU) Move 


Menu SELECTION DETAILS 


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) 


a a 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 83 


NOTE 


84 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


NOTE 


FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 85 


NOTE 


86 FT-2900R OPERATING MANUAL 


1. Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by YAESU 
could void the user’s authorization to operate this device. 


| 
2. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject | 
to the following two conditions; (1) this device may not cause harmful | 
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference including | 
interference that may cause undesired operation. | 

| 


3. The scanning receiver in this equipment is incapable of tuning, or readily 
being altered, by the User to operate within the frequency bands allocated 
to the Domestic public Cellular Telecommunications Service in Part 22. 


Part 15.21: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved 
| by YAESU MUSEN could void the user’s authorization to operate this device. | 


( DECLARATION BY MANUFACTURER ) 
| The Scanner receiver is not a digital scanner and is incapable of being — | 
| converted or modified to a digital scanner receiver by any user. ] 


( WARNING: MODIFICATION OF THIS DEVICE TO RECEIVE CELLULAR _ ) 
| RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICE SIGNALS IS PROHIBITED UNDER FCC RULES | 
| AND FEDERAL LAW. 


YAESU 


The radio 


Copyright 2015 
YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD. 
All rights reserved 


No portion of this manual 
may be reproduced without 
the permission of 1510b-KM 


YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD. 
errata TE ULL