Yaesu FT-270 Handheld Transceiver operation

One of the limitations of the Yaesu FT-270 is that it is a single-band radio.

The second limitation is that too many features were crammed in too few buttons. As a result, I found myself entering undocumented modes, which can frustrate a user by changing radio operation.

 

Here are some pointers for a novice. I assume that the reader has already done some research and study on repeater concepts, customs, and operation. In case you haven't, and to test your knowledge, I will quickly list some fundamentals:

  • Most of the communication on 2 meters is done thru repeaters.
  • Repeater frequencies are found from repeater directories.
  • Before traveling to a new geographical area, plan ahead to program in all of the repeater frequencies.
  • Repeaters often require access tones to allow their use (mostly to limit interference, not to keep people out)
  • After you release the PTT button, many repeaters transmit an unmodulated carrier for a second or so. This notifies you that the repeater has forwarded your signal, your access tone was correct, and your signal was received.
  • Many repeaters transmit a courtesy "over" tone (beep) when people release their PTT button. However, it is a good idea to say "over" on all non-duplex communications.

 

On to the FT-270.

  • There is no indication that the battery finished charging. Red LED will always stay ON when charging.
  • Fully discharge Ni-MH before recharging. That's what the manual says, but as far as I know Ni-MH cells have little or no memory effect, unlike Ni-Cd cells. Therefore, I do not see why this statement is necessary in the manual.
  • To cancel VFO scan – press PTT or VFO
  • To cancel memory scan – press PTT or MR (Skip)
  • Frequency of displayed memory (how to see the frequency of a memory location I am listening to) – no quick method I expected. Press F/L + 6 (A/N). Rotate knob for FREQ, press PTT button.
  • F/L + PTT for initial full-power contact.
  • Press Rev (Home) to see if you can hear other person directly w/o repeater (simplex on the repeater input frequency).
  • RF squelch pg 18. what is the difference between the two types squelches – RF squelch is based on S-meter, while regular squelch is controlled audibly.
  • T icon means the CTCSS Encoder mode for a repeater (pg 23)
  • Button 1 hold enters/exits the WX-only memory bank navigation.
  • Skip a memory location during scan: Recall frequency. Press F/L + MR/MW(Skip). Select SKIP.
  • ERRATA: Pg 39. Paragraph 2 – Substitute the black triangle for the "u" icon in text.
  • If the BANK icon is displayed, and you want to get rid of it to return to NOBANK list of memory channels, do the following. Enter the Memory Scan mode (pressing MR/MW if necessary). Press and hold VFO/PRI for 1 second. When SEL blinks, rotate the selection knob to select NOBANK. Press MR/MW briefly.
  • SAVE icon – Battery Saver active - pg 60 on battery savers
  • MOSCAN - "Memory Only Scan"
  • Errata: on pg. 14, the last sentence should refer to page 36, not 38.
  • If the memory scan stops working (symptom: if you press and hold arrow up or down keys, the radio scans, but stops scanning as soon as you let go and release the arrow up/down scan button), then you are in the Preferential Memory Scan mode. To exist this mode, press F/L, then [0/(SET)]. Navigate to selection number 39:SCN MD. Press F/L briefly. Rotate the dial knob to set MEM. Press PTT briefly to enter the setting.
  • T icon stands for tone
  • 3 hold smart search pg 47
  • Programmed scan-voice TX – pg 41.
  • pg 35 WX alert – pg 45.
  • 6 +F/L Toggle between alpha and frequency display with the rotary encoder.

 

If you cannot figure out Programmable band limit Memory Scan (PMS) on pg.41 – instructions are incorrect. ERRATA:

Pg 41, Step 5 should say "Now, press and hold the [6(A/N)] key for one second to initiate Programmable (Band Limit) Memory Scan (PMS) (also called programmable scanner in this manual). The manual specified an incorrect button [MR/MW(SKIP)].

 

Print out the following 2m band plan, which only lists voice frequencies on which you can respond with the FT-270 (this radio can scan frequencies outside of the 2m amateur band, such as WX Weather Radio, commercial frequencies, etc).

2 Meters (144-148 MHz):

144.600-144.900

FM repeater inputs

145.200-145.500

FM repeater outputs

146.010-146.370

Repeater inputs

146.400-146.580

Simplex. 146.40 MHz is used in some areas as a repeater input.

146.520

National Simplex Calling Frequency

146.610-146.970

Repeater outputs

147.000-147.390

Repeater outputs

147.420-147.570

Simplex

147.600-147.990

Repeater inputs

 

Recommended settings to enable for your radio:

Enable TX Battery Saver, Busy Channel Lock-Out, 30 minute APO, RX Battery Saver.



˅˅˅ Additional valuable information is available at one of the links below: ˅˅˅

 

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Page last modified 06-Jan-13 20:30:35 EST
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