2M FM TRANSCEIVER FT-2500M_‘Table of Contents Specifications . Controls & Connectors Display Indications Installation ......++ ‘Antenna Considerations ‘Mobile Installation Base Station Installation External Speakers & Microphones Operation... 00.0 eee eee eee Hl Preliminary Setup un Squelch Setup 2 Frequency Selection Modes 2 Frequency & Step Selection B Transmitting u ‘Transmit Time-Out Timer 15 Repeater Operation 6 ‘Automatic Repeater Shift ” Storing Memories v7 Recalling Memories 18 Odd Split Memories 9 Naming Memories 9 CALL Channel Memory 20 Separate Tx Frequency Memor a Memory Tuning 2 Masking Memories 2 Scanning 2 Memory Skip Scanning 2B Penorammed Limit Scanning 3B Priority Channel Monitoring CTCSS Operation CTCSS "Belt" Paging, Customizing Ringer Melody Attributes DIME Paging System DIME Code Squelch System Storing & Enabling Code Memories Naming Paging Code Memories DTME Code Squelch Operation DTMF Paging Operation ‘Trigger Pager Special Paging Functions Ringer Melody Settings Composing the User-Melody Ringer APO (Automatic Power-Off) Adjusting Panel Backlighting In Case of Problems .......+ ++ Memory Backup Memory Cloning... +0000 Packet Radio Interconnections .. . Squelch Status Modification ‘Modification for 9600-Baud Packet Internal Adjustments . . Installation of Options ..... - FT-2500M Operators Quick Reference Chart. ......00. . 49 . 5tFT-2500M Features The FT-2500M is Yaesu’s new successor to the famous FT-2400H, the industry's first amateur transceiver designed to meet rugged U.S. mili- tary specifications for shock and vibration (MIL- SPEC 810-C), The FT-2500M is upgraded with a new front panel and control knob layout, and additional operator features. Selectable power output of 5, 25 or 50 watts without the need of forced air cooling is possible due to the large heatsink surface area of the compartmentalized one-piece diecast chassis. Backlighting for the large LCD (display) and knobs is manually adjustable, or automatically controlled by a photosensor, and the less-used buttons have a flip-down protective cover. ‘The thirty-one tunable memories can each be programmed with a 4-character channel name, which can then be displayed in place of fre- quency, as desired. Each memory offers com- plete programmability and scanning functions, such as independent tx/rx frequencies, inde- pendent repeater offset and CTCSS tone, pro- grammable scan limits, selectable scan resume modes and memory skip, priority monitoring ee Ht CALL channel. Channel steps are user-selectable from 5 to 50 kHz, and Automatic Repeater Shift can set standard repeater shifts when you tune to a re- peater subband. A 1750-Hz tone generator is in- cluded in European versions. A 39-tone programmable CTCSS encoder is built in as standard, and the FTS-17A CTCSS unit can be installed to provide tone squelched private channels and a CTCSS paging bell fea- ture to sound a paging alert tone when the tone squelch opens. DIMF (Dual-Tone, Multi-Frequency) -based selective calling and private paging capabilities can be easily added with the optional FRC-6, controlled entirely from the front panel. You can select any of 999 3-digit ID codes for your trans- ceiver, and then have your receiver stay quiet until your code is received (from any standard DTME-equipped transceiver). When a call is re- ceived, the FT-2500M displays the caller’s code, and a paging beeper can be set to sound and even to respond to the call automatically. Seven DIMF code memories store your ID plus those of six other frequently-called stations or groups you wish to monitor. IntroductionSpecifications Specifications General Frequency Range: (Tx) L44 ~ 146 or 148 MHz, (Rx) 144~ 146 MHz or 140 ~ 174 MHz. Channel Steps: 5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25 & 50 kHz Frequency Stability: < £10 ppm (-20 to +60 °C) Mode of Emission: F3 (G3E) Antenna Impedance: 50 ohms, unbalanced Supply voltage: 13.8V DC + 10%, negative ground Current Consumption (typical): Rx: 600 mA, Tx hi/mid /low: 12/9/54 Operating Temperature Range: -20 to +60 °C Case Size (WHD): 160 x 50 x 180 mm (w/o knobs) Weight: 15 kg (3.3 Ib.) Transmitter Output Power (hi/mid /low): 50/25/5W Modulation Type: Variable Reactance Maximum Deviation: +5 kHz Spurious Radiation: less than -60 4B Microphone Impedance: 2kQ Receiver Circuit Type: Double Conversion Superheterodyne IFs: 21.4 MHz & 455 kIIz Sensitivity (for 12dB SINAD) better than 0.2 V Selectivity (-6/-60 dB): 12/30 kHz IF Rejection: better than 70 dB Image Rejection: better than 70 dB Maximum AF Output: .5 W into 4 ohms @10% THD Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation Accessories FTS-17A CTCSS Unit FRC-6 DTMF Pager Unit MH-26csj Hand Mic w/Burst MH-27,8j DTMF Keypad Mic SP-7 External Loudspeaker FP-800 AC Power SupplyControls & Connectors (1) Gove Button Press this button to turn on the transceiver Press and hold it for Ys-second to turn it off (2) Microphone Jack This 8-contact modular jack accepts transmit audio, tone call (burst) or dial /memory selec tion and scanning control from the micro- phone, and provides receiver audio for a speaker/mic. Memories can be copied to and from another FT-2500M through this jack, and a Packet TNC can be connected (3) SaL Control This control sets the threshold level at which a received signal (or noise) opens the squelch and can be heard. For maximum squelch sen- sitivity set this control from counterclockwise just until noise is silenced (and the GUSH indi- cator on the display is off) when the channel is clear. Control & ConnectorsFunction Buttons (behind flip-down door) To open the flip-down door, pry the right edge (next to the selector knob) out gently with a fingertip. To close the door, press upwards on the bottom edge of the door at its center. Do not try to close the door by pushing from the front. The five buttons behind the door control most of the programmable features. If the beeper is enabled, one or more beeps will sound when a button is pressed, if the resulting command is accepted. The white label shows the primary function of each button. However, if you press the Gw)button first, these buttons will perform altemate functions. On three of these, the alternate function is indicated by the orange label on or beneath the button. These are described in the Operation chapter. Also, see the functional Quick Reference Chart at the end of the manual for a short explanation of most button functions. For descriptions in this manual, we refer to alternate bution functions by preceding the button name with “f™]—+” to remind you to press the [) button first. For example, the expression f»}--0§28) indicates that you should press the (rw) button followed immediately (within five seconds) by the (83) button, g 2 3 g = = 5 9 o a 3 5 = 5 ° memory (by holding it down for %4-second, releasing and pressing again), and to toggle several programmable features. (6) &) Button This toggles repeater shift: + (up), — (down) or off. The alternate function displays shift offset and ARS status. (4) VoL Control This control adjusts the volume of the receiver audio and of the button beeper. (5) Button This activates the alternate functions (orange labels) of most of the other buttons. It is also used to store current operating data into a(7) fo") Button This toggles the CTCSS (subaudible tone) fea- tures: encode (on transmission only), en- code/decode (on both transmission and reception), and off. If the optional FTS-17A, CICSS Unit is not installed, only encode and off modes are available. The alternate function displays the CTCSS tone frequency and but- ton beeper status. (8) G8) Button This activates DTMF paging (or code squelch) if the FRC-6 DIMF Paging Unit option is in- stalled. The alternate function displays DTMF Code Memories. (9) $4) Button Press this to jump to and from your CALL vy. The alternate function tog- paging bell, described later. (10) (88) Button Press this button while receiving to toggle high/medium and low transmitter power (50/25 and 5 watts, respectively). The display shows “Low ” (above the S-meter) when either low or mid-level power is selected. The alter- nate function of this button disables the selec- tor knob and most of the front panel buttons (except itself, fw) and fore’) and the micro- phone buttons). Press and this button again to unlock the panel. (11) Selector Knob This 24-position detented rotary switch is used for tuning, memory selection and most function settings. The microphone UP/OWN buttons duplicate the functions of this knob. (12) &&4) Button During split-frequency operation, such as through a repeater, this button reverses transmit and receive frequencies. During memory operation, the alternate function sets the current memory to be skipped dur- ing scanning. (13) (847) Button This button allows tuning in 1-MHz steps (the kHz digits blank on the display). If receiving on a memory, pressing this button the first time activates the Memory Tune (MT) mode, and pressing it again enables 1-MHz steps. The alternate function of this button activates priority monitoring, described in the Opera- Controls & ConnectorsDisplay Indications tion chapter ("” displayed instead of the mem- ory number to the upper left of the frequency). (14) @) Button While receiving on a memory, pressing this button toggles the display between frequency and alphanumeric name. The alternate func- tion displays (and allows changing) the tun- ing step size, and the scan-resume mode, as described later. (15) (@a) Button This button switches operation between the two main tuning modes: dial and memory. ‘The alternate function cancels alternate func- tions of other keys, [nis button 15 Guplicatect by a button on the microphone in non-Euro- pean versions. (16) Display The display segments are as shown below, The main digits on the display may show op- erating frequency, memory name, or any of many parameters during setting, such as tun- ing step size, CTCSS tone frequency, or DTME Code Memory contents if the FRC-6 Paging Option is installed. Panol Lock Memory Tuning Alt. Key Funcs. CTCSS Decode mit \ | Mem ter shit OTMF Paging DTMF Code Transmit \\ {Memory Box | CTOSS Encode (Repeater Shit” / Enabled Saweich cence eee > “1 p> Squelch Open / Low (or Mid- wr 3g ewe DEC —+ PAGE CODE Crxo.ow OG « ee cell aia. & iis Px S-Units) TMF Decoder I Relative Tx Enabled for Power, Paging Mem Scan Skip CTCSS Bell(17) 13.8VC Cable Pigtail w/Fuse This is the power supply connection for the transceiver. Use the supplied DC cable to con- nect this pigtail to the car battery or other DC power supply capable of at least 12 Amperes (continuous duty). Make certain that the red lead connects to the positive side of the sup- ply. The fuse is 15-A, fast-blow. (18) EXT SP Jack This 2-contact mini phone jack accepts a 4- to 16-ohm external speaker such as the Yaesu SP-7. Inserting a plug disables the internal speaker. (19) ANT Coaxial Socket Connect a 144-MHz antenna to this type-M (60-239) 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 Rear Panel Connections= 2 3 3 3 g g Installation This chapter describes installation of the FT- 2500M with typical supplied accessories. Instal- lation of internal options (the FRC-6 DTMF Pager Unit and the FTS-17 CTCSS Unit) are de- scribed at the back of this manual. If you have any of these options, turn to Installation of Op- tions at the back before installing the transceiver as described below. Antenna Considerations The FT-2500M is designed for use only with an antenna having an impedance near 50 ohms on the 2-meter band. For optimum performance use a high quality, carefully designed antenna. The antenna should always be connected when operating the transceiver, to avoid damage that could otherwise result if transmission occurs ac- cidentally without an antenna, Make sure your antenna is designed to han- die 50 watts continuous transmitter power. For best performance and safety in mobile installations, mount the antenna in the center of a flat surface, out of reach of human hands: 50 watts can cause an RF burn to anyone touching the antenna during transmission! Also for best performance use the shortest possible length of thick, top-quality coaxial cable for your feedline, Be sure to use a matching type-M plug for the jack on the transceiver. Mobile Installation ‘The FT-2500M must only be installed in cars having a negative ground electrical system Mount the transceiver where the display, con: trols and microphone are easily accessible, using the supplied MMB-48 mobile mounting bracket ‘The transceiver may be installed in any position but should not be near a heater vent or where it could interfere with driving. Make sure to pro- vide plenty of space at the top and rear so that air can flow freely through the heatsink. Refer to the diagrams on the next page for installation C1 Decide the mounting location with sufficien clearance for the transceiver, plus space for ventilation above and behind the set. Use the mounting bracket as a template to mark the locations of the mounting holes. Use a 4.8 mm (%6") bit to drill the holes, and secure the bracket with the four supplied long screws washers and nuts (see diagram)J Position the transceiver in the bracket so that the holes in the sides are aligned with those in the sides of the bracket, and bolt the trans- ceiver into place with the supplied short screws and flat washers. J The microphone hanger may be installed wherever convenient. Mobile Power Connections To minimize voltage drop and avoid blowing the car fuses, connect the supplied DC cable di- rectly to the battery terminals. Do not attempt to Q star ashen —— nur FLAT WASHER —— > woun Tins : SURFACE ae coop wOUNNG rat wasnee—@3) Beatae? semen defeat or bypass the fuse — it is there to protect you and the equipment. 1 Before connecting the transceiver, check the voltage at the battery terminals while revving the engine. If it exceeds 15 volts, adjust the car regulator before proceeding. 1 Connect the RED power cable lead to the POS- ITIVE (+) battery terminal, and the BLACK lead to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal. If you need to extend the power cable use #14 AWG or larger insulated, stranded copper wire. Connect the cable to the transceiver pigtail only after connecting to the battery. Mobile Power Connection:Base Station Installation 10 Warning! Never apply AC power to the power cable of the transceiver, nor more than 15 volts DC. When replacing the fuse, use only a 15-A fast-blow type. Damage resulting from failure to adhere to these precautions may void your warranty. Base Station Installation Operation from the AC line requires a power supply capable of providing at least 12 A con- tinuously at 13.8-V DC. We recommend using an external speaker, since the internal speaker is mounted on the bottom of the transceiver. The FP-800 AC power supply /loudspeaker is avail- able from your Yaesu dealer to meet these needs. Use the DC power cable supplied with the trans- ceiver for making power connections, and con- Note! The P button at the top right comer of the MH-27,g] has no function when used with the FT-2500M. nect the external speaker cable to the speaker jack on the rear panel. External Speakers Using an external speaker with the FT-2500M lets you position the source of audio where it i most convenient to overcome background noise inand around the car. The optional SP-7 External Speaker includes its own swivel-type mounting bracket, and is available from your Yaesu dealer Of course the older SP-3, SP-4 or SP-55 External Speakers may also be used. Plugging in an exter. nal speaker disables the speaker in the trans ceiver. Microphones The MH-26cj microphone for the European (version B) FT-2500M includes a button on the front for transmitting a 1750-Hz burst tone, tc access repeaters that require it. The MH-27,g DIMF keypad microphone also includes a but ton on the front, which, when used with the version-A FT-2500M, duplicates the (Ba) button on the front panel of the transceiver. Both micro- phone models include a PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch to activate the transmitter, and UP/DWN buttons for tuning and memory selection.Operation This chapter describes the transceiver func- tions in detail. After studying these descriptions, refer to the FT-2500M Operator's Quick Reference Chart at the end of the manual in case you need to refresh your memory. Preliminary Setup Before operating the transceiver, recheck power supply and antenna connections, and connect your microphone to the front panel jack, Never operate the transceiver without a proper antenna for the operating band. Also, please read the earlier Controls & Connectors section, if you have not already, to familiarize yourself with the controls. As mentioned before, references to alternate button functions have “f+” in front of the button name to remind you to press the fw) button first momentarily, and then the other but- ton within five seconds (while fal appears above the leftmost frequency digit on the display). Don't hold the fw) button down longer than Vesecond unless fold to do so, as that will give you a different result, and don’t press two buttons as the same time (except the PTT switch, when stor- ing a separate transmit frequency). When a but- Turning Power Off To turn the transceiver off, you must press and hold the 28) button for '4-second. ton should be held down (as opposed to just pressed momentarily) the instructions will say 50. ‘A five-second timer starts when you press fw), and clears when you press a button to make. @ new selection. If you don’t make a selection in five seconds, the button functions return to nor- mal (white labels). A beeper provides useful audible feedback when buttons are pressed, at a level determined by the volume control. Each button has a differ- ent beep pitch, and each function has a unique beep combination. For example, when you press the {9 button, you will hear a pair of low. medium- or high-pitched beeps corresponding with the RF power level selected. You can dis- able the beeper as described in the box on the next page, but we recommend you keep it en- abled while getting to know the controls. Preliminary Setup 7