Showing posts with label Yaesu FT2DR Handheld. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Yaesu FT2DR Handheld. Show all posts

Wires-X FT2D Saving Favorite Rooms in Categorys

How to program your favorite room in your FT2D and and switch rooms using your FT2D



[FT2DR] Software

Noticed RT Systems updated their FT2D software last night while attempting to get the radio re-programmed using the RT software.

I was in the field, no available RT Programming Software, trying to find a setting that would mute the extraordinarily long squelch tail of a Fusion Repeater while in use as a conventional analog repeater. At the time I did not realize the repeater's extra long squelch tail was caused by the repeater, NOT my radio, but learned later that was the case. In my attempt to kill the long tail, I did something that caused the radio to lock up while in the menu mode. Nothing I did would allow the radio to back out of the menu. I couldn't even turn it off. After removing the battery for 10 seconds it would reset but again exhibit the same problem when back in the menu. Then I learned of the issue with the repeater and thought no worries, it's not my radio. I'll just reprogram the radio with the RT software once home. That's when I saw an update was available for the RT Software.

The radio however, is causing me some concern. Why it would lock up like that is something I need to research. Has anyone heard of or experienced this? The radio is stock with the exception of the MARS/CAP mod.

[FT2DR] Radio failure

I also experienced the radio locking up. Nothing I did would get it out of the menu-couldn't even turn it off-required the removal of the battery for 10 seconds. The radio was NOT connected to the computer at the time. However, mine will turn on and function after replacing the battery. Provided I do not access the menu again. If I do, I'm back to removing the battery. The radio is stock except for the MARS/CAP mod.

I figure there is a software glitch or some type of improper manual programming I used that got me in this mess. I tried reloading my known good file with RT Systems programming software to reset it. It was then I noticed the radio was not getting programmed the way the software program should be programming it (or wants to program it). Bank linking was being ignored when scanning, allowing everything I had programmed to be scanned. (I have a bank I call NOAA WEATHER with the 162MHz freqs. It's not included in the linking but the radio scans and stops on my local NOAA freq.). Checking the radio's settings manually (no connection to the computer) shows that bank SHOULD be locked out. But it's not. I am further researching this issue.

My next steps are to first see if I can reprogram with Yeasu software. and then RT software. I want to see if either will correct. If not, move on to my next step which is to again attempt the same with both software packages after I check for and install any Firmware/Software updates that may be available. The results of these steps are attempts at isolating either software programming packages as the cause. If all fails, a hard reset, returning the radio to factory default settings and then reloading my known good file will be attempted. I will post these results here, hopefully later today.

FT2DR APRS setup

So, I picked up an FT-2DR this week 2016. I noticed some issues right away:

FT2DR C4FM 144/430 MHz Dual Band Digital Handheld Transceiver with 1.7" Touch Screen Display

This exciting leading edge Transceiver is designed with ease of use in mind now packing an oversized back-lit touch panel display. At 1.7-inches the high resolution touch screen display provides loads of information through an easily navigable interface, providing stress-free operability and a high level of on-screen visibility for the FT2DR operator.

The advanced FT2DR is loaded with various new features including: 700 mW of clear loud audio, Built-in High Sensitivity 66 ch GPS with antenna, 1200 bps / 9600 bps APRS® function, Dual watch (V/V, U/U/, V/U), Dual Monitor (C4FM Digital/C4FM Digital), GPS Logging/Recording capabilities, Water resistant (IPX5 Rating), microSD Card Slot, 2200mAh high capacity Li-Ion battery and Battery charger included as a standard supplied accessory.

  • Contrary to what the manual states on Page 23, when the power is off, the battery charging graph never changes. It always displays a very small progress - about the width of the letter “N” in “Now Charging.” As a matter of fact, the graph remains as it appears on page 23 and never changes.
  • Contrary to what the manual states, the LED is off during charging, not on and glowing RED.
  • The Operating Manual contains essentially nothing on setting up and using APRS. The manual refers one to the APRS Manual, but none is included with the radio. The online version cannot be downloaded - I’ve tried several times to download it. 
  • The implementation of tags is frankly abysmal and very disappointing. Few people that I know can recall specific frequencies of repeaters and prefer to be able to dial-in a town name or callsign. This cannot be done on the FT2DR. Only the frequency is displayed, and there is a VERY cumbersome and  awkward procedure for displaying a tag for a particular frequency.
see FT2DR APRS manual download ::

Yaesu FT2D fusion review

Yaesu FT2D fusion review

Just received my new Yaesu FT2D system fusion handheld, purchased from www.gigaparts.com I have the FT1D handheld, but this one has a whole new design. Just a brief overview of what it looks like and the touchscreen functions. More in depth when i make part 2 and I will demonstrate it on air. But i wanted to give you an idea of what it looks like.



What Do You Think About The YAESU FT2DR

Finally received the radio last week. Still looking for a fusion repeater connection. Meanwhile, it has been FM all the way for me.
Prior to receiving the FT2DR, I purchased the WIRES-X interface so that I can easily get 5 watt LOS stations and repeater stations onto the Fusion net.
Well, the WIRES-X comes with two cables, a 10pin din to 10pin din, and a 10pin din to 6pin din. Neither works with the
FT2DR - yes, I'm trying to connect an HT to WIRES-X. I'm waiting on a few cables that I hope can be used to go from the
WIRES-X to the FT2DR. If you have any ideas, please let me know.

Meanwhile, I like the touch screen idea, but I hate the contrast. It is like the screen is faded, and there is nothing you can do to adjust the screen for improvements.
I also have the VX8DR - I really like the VX8DR, but again, the orange screen is hard to see. I wish Yaesu does something to make the screens better - sheesh!
Most of us can't see like a teenager :)

I like the FT2DR APRS management better than the VX8DR. When you get finished playing with the FT2DR, you will forget how to use the VX8DR :)
The one problem I can't identify is why I can't get my APRS movement to show on aprs.fi. Also, I can see several APRS beacons coming into the radio, but
I can't get a round robin to come back into the radio from my own call sign.

The FT2DR does not transmit on FRS and GMRS like the VX8DR. I can never remember my GMRS call sign :)

Right now, I'm still trying to learn how to connect the phone to a fusion repeater. I'll connect it to WIRES-X if I can get the HT connection figured out.
You can basically figure most of the phone out in a day if you just read the book straight through.

The FT2DR radio looks clean looking, while the VX8DR looks super complicated like it can probably connect to anything.

FT2DR and 400DR Questions

I have a few questions concerning using the FT2DR with the FTM-400DR/Wires-X setup, in the digital mode.

In the Wires-X software I assume the first thing I need to do is change the Settings -> Transceiver > Operation Mode to Digital.  I currently have Analog selected.  This section of the window (showing the 4 Operation Mode selections) are grayed out and I can't change them.  What am I missing here?

Assuming I get the software changed to digital is it correct to assume my next step would be to put the FT400DR and FT2DR both in the DN mode, and press the Dx button on both transceivers to create a digital link between them?  Or are there other parameters I need to change first?  (I already have my callsign programmed into the FT2DR.)

YAESU FT2DR

This exciting leading edge Transceiver is designed with ease of use in mind now packing an oversized back-lit touch panel display. At 1.7-inches the high resolution touch screen display provides loads of information through an easily navigable interface, providing stress-free operability and a high level of on-screen visibility for the FT2DR operator.

The FT2DR also is equipped with Yaesu’s versatile AMS (Automatic Mode Select) capability providing FM friendly digital communications that instantly recognizes either digital or FM analog communication and enables co-existance between the various modes. In addition, We have also included standard System Fusion features in the FT2DR to make it an ideal digital communication product for all Amateur Radio operators, such as (but not limited to):

Yaesu FT2DR Review

I thought I'd post an updated version of my FT2-DR/DE review:

The hardware feels very sturdy. The FT2D is slightly higher, but a bit slimmer than its predecessor. There's a new volume dial on the top which is very welcome. The second is of course the touchscreen, which sounds amazing at first glance. However you'll quickly come to realize that the screen is way too small to press anything but the biggest buttons when on the go, and worse, the display isn't too amazing. The contrast is even worse than that of the ID-5100, which is saying something. Seriously, when you get the device the first thing you'll try to do is to up the contrast, but no, that only makes everything go darker. The optimum viewing angle is about - 45 degrees, i.e. you have to look upwards from below to get the optimal contrast. The message LED is now on the top, which is actually sensible considering this thing usually clips on your belt. Reception is good, the speaker is definitely adequately loud if needed. The signal reports I got were very positive. The battery clip has been changed, it's more sturdy than on the FT1D.

If you're coming from the FT1D like I do, then I have some good news and some bad news for you. The good news is, this is very much like the FT1D. The bad news is, this is very much like the FT1D

Yaesu FT2DR Review

This exciting leading edge Transceiver is designed with ease of use in mind now packing an oversized back-lit touch panel display. At 1.7-inches the high resolution touch screen display provides loads of information through an easily navigable interface, providing stress-free operability and a high level of on-screen visibility for the FT2DR operator.

The FT2DR also is equipped with Yaesu’s versatile AMS (Automatic Mode Select) capability providing FM friendly digital communications that instantly recognizes either digital or FM analog communication and enables co-existance between the various modes. In addition, We have also included standard System Fusion features in the FT2DR to make it an ideal digital communication product for all Amateur Radio operators, such as (but not limited to): Snapshot with image data transmitting (requires MH-85A11U), Smart Navigation, Digital Group Monitor (GM) featuring position data and ID data transmitting during transmissions, and full support for the new and robust WiRES-X System.

The advanced FT2DR is loaded with various new features including: 700 mW of clear loud audio, Built-in High Sensitivity 66 ch GPS with antenna.