Yaesu FT-450 User manual

HF/50 MH Z T RANSCEIVER
FT-450
O PERATION M ANUAL
VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.
4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan
VERTEX STANDARD
US Headquarters
10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
YAESU EUROPE B.V.
P.O. Box 75525, 1118 ZN Schiphol, The Netherlands
YAESU UK LTD.
Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.
VERTEX STANDARD HK LTD.
Unit 5, 20/F., Seaview Centre, 139-141 Hoi Bun Road,
Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
VERTEX STANDARD (AUSTRALIA)PTY., LTD.
Normanby Business Park, Unit 14/45 Normanby Road
Notting Hill 3168, Victoria, Australia

GENERAL FEATURE ........................................... 1
FRONT PANEL SWITCHES AND KNOBS ..........2
DISPLAY INDICATIONS ....................................... 6
REAR PANEL JACKS .......................................... 8
SUPPLIED MH-67A8J MICROPHONE ................. 9
ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS .............................10
INSTALLATION .................................................. 11
CONNESTION OF ANTENNA AND POWER SUPPLY .. 11
ABOUT COAXIAL CABLE ............................................... 11
GROUNDING ................................................................... 12
VL-1000 LINEAR AMPLIFIER INTERCONNECTIONS .. 13
INTERFACING TO OTHER LINEAR AMPLIFIER ........... 13
EASY OPERATION ............................................ 14
HOW TO USE THE [DSP/SEL]KNOB ............................ 15
MENU OPERATION ......................................................... 15
HOW TO USE THE [VOICE/C.S]SWITCH .................... 16
KEY DURATION SETTING .............................................. 17
RESETTING THE MICROPROCESSOR ........................ 18
RECEIVING ........................................................ 19
TUNING STEPS ............................................................... 19
CHANGE THE TUNING STEP
OF THE [MAIN DIAL]KNOB ..................... 19
CHANGE THE TUNING STEP
OF THE [DSP/SEL]KNOB ........................ 19
ABOUT THE [UP]/[DWN]BUTTONS
OF THE OPTIONAL MH-31A8J AND MD-100A8X ..... 20
CLARIFIER ....................................................................... 20
DIGITAL VOICE ANNOUNCEMENT ............................... 21
DIAL LOCK ....................................................................... 21
MY BANDS OPERATION ................................................ 22
MY MODES OPERATION ............................................... 23
DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER ......................................... 24
CONVENIENCE FEATURES ............................. 25
RECEIVER OPERATION
(FRONT END BLOCK DIAGRAM ) ......................................... 25
ATT/IPO
(ADJUST THE RECEIVING SENSITIVITY) .................................. 26
NOISE BLANKER
(INTERFERENCE REJECTION “SIGNALS WITHIN 3 kHz”) ........... 26
AGC
(TOOL FOR COMFORTABLE AND EFFECTIVE RECEPTION) ......... 27
CONTOUR
(INTERFERENCE REJECTION “SIGNALS WITHIN 3 kHz”) ........... 28
SHIFT
(INTERFERENCE REJECTION “SIGNALS WITHIN 3 kHz”) ........... 29
WIDTH
(INTERFERENCE REJECTION “SIGNALS WITHIN 3 kHz”) ........... 30
NOTCH
(INTERFERENCE REJECTION “SIGNALS WITHIN 3 kHz”) ........... 31
DNR
(INTERFERENCE REJECTION “SIGNALS WITHIN 3 kHz”) ........... 32
RF GAIN ........................................................................... 33
SSB/AM MODE TRANSMISSION .....................34
TX METER SELECTION ................................................. 35
TX POWER ADJUSTMENT ............................................ 35
TRANSMITTER TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT) ...................... 36
MICROPHONE GAIN LEVEL ADJUSTMENT ................ 37
DSP MICROPHONE EQUALIZER .................................. 38
AUTOMATIC TX/RX SWITCHING
USING VOICE CONTROL (VOX) ........................... 39
MONITOR ........................................................................ 40
SPLIT-FREQUENCY OPERATION ................................. 41
QUICK SPLIT OPERATION ............................................ 41
VOICE MEMORY (SSB/AM/FM MODES) ...................... 42
CW MODE OPERATION .................................... 44
SETUP FOR STRAIGHT KEY
(AND STRAIGHT KEY EMULATION) OPERATION ..... 44
USING THE BUILT-IN ELECTRONIC KEYER ................ 45
CW SPOTTING (ZERO-BEATING) ................................. 47
USING CW REVERSE .................................................... 47
CW DELAY TIME SETTING ............................................ 48
CW SIDETONE VOLUME LEVEL SETTING .................. 48
CW PITCH ADJUSTMENT .............................................. 49
CW TRAINING FEATURE ............................................... 49
BEACON FEATURE ........................................................ 50
FM MODE OPERATION ..................................... 52
BASIC OPERATION ........................................................ 52
REPEATER OPERATION ................................................ 53
TONE SQUELCH/DCS OPERATION .............................. 54
TONE SEARCH SCANNING ........................................... 55
MEMORY OPERATION ...................................... 54
CONVENIENT MEMORY FUNCTIONS .......................... 56
MEMORY GROUPS ......................................................... 57
REGULAR MEMORY OPERATION ................................ 58
MEMORY STORAGE ................................................ 58
MEMORY CHANNEL RECALL ................................. 58
ERASING MEMORY CHANNEL DATA ..................... 59
MEMORY TUNE OPERATION .................................. 59
LABELING MEMORIES ............................................ 60
HOME CHANNEL MEMORIES ....................................... 62
HOME CHANNEL RECALL ....................................... 62
HOME CHANNEL FREQUENCY CHANGE ............. 62
QMB (QUICK MEMORY BANK) ...................................... 63
STORAGE ................................................................. 63
RECALL ..................................................................... 63
SCANNING OPERATION ................................... 64
VFO AND MEMORY SCANNING .................................... 64
PREPARATION ......................................................... 64
VFO/MEMORY SCAN ............................................... 65
PROGRAMMABLE MEMORY SCANNING
(PMS) ........ 66
OPERATION ON ALASKA
EMERGENCY FREQUENCY: 5167.5 kHz
(U.S. VERSION ONLY) ....... 67
MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS .......................... 68
DISPLAY SETTING .......................................................... 68
BEEPER SETTING .......................................................... 69
BEEP VOLUME ......................................................... 69
BEEP TONE .............................................................. 70
AUTOMATIC POWER-OFF (APO) .................................. 71
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page 1FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
RTTY (RADIO TELETYPE) OPERATION .......... 72
SETTING UP FOR RTTY OPERATION .......................... 72
BASIC SETUP ................................................................. 72
PACKET OPERATION ....................................... 73
PACKET SETUP
(INCLUDING SUBCARRIER FREQUENCY) ........... 73
BASIC SETUP ................................................................. 73
MISCELLANEOUS AFSK-BASED
DATA MODES ................. 74
MENU MODE ..................................................... 76
USING THE MENU .......................................................... 76
MENU MODE RESET ...................................................... 76
CLONING ........................................................... 86
GENERAL FEATURE
Super Compact HF Transceiver with IF-DSP
ATU (automatic antenna tuner) can be installed in the radio (optional)
A perfect performance on HF radio with easy operation is realized only by the FT-450, very small HF
transceiver.
HF + 50 MHz with 100 Watts output all mode operation
Small, compact and light-weight HF radio, 9 (W) x 3.3 (H) x 8.5 (D) in, 7.9 lb
9-segment LCD frequency display with large characters provides more natural indication
Black-Nega type LCD
Built-in IF DSP unit which realize the following functions
Modulation and Demodulation
CONTOUR
MANUAL NOTCH
DNR
WIDTH (CW narrow 500 Hz operation available without any optional filters)
Microphone equalizer built in
Speech Processor
DSP VOX operation
Two Voice memory channels included
Frequency read out function
TCXO built-in
500 memory channels
IF SHIFT
IPO
20 dB ATT built-in
Clarifier
Electronic keyer built-in
Microphone and phone jacks on the front panel
FSK-RTTY TX operation
Long wire antenna can be used by the optional FC-40
INSTALLATION OF
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES .................... 87
AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER
ATU-450 OPERATION ............................... 87
AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TUNER
FC-30 OPERATION .................................. 90
AUTOMATIC-MATCHING 200-MEMORY
ANTENNA TUNER FC-40 OPERATION ....................... 92
ACTIVE-TUNING ANTENNA SYSTEM
(ATAS-100/-120/120A) OPERATION .................... 94
CARRYING HANDLE MHG-1 INSTALLATION ............... 96
MOUNTING BRACKET
MMB-90 INSTALLATION ............................ 97
SPECIFICATIONS .............................................. 98
Congratulations on the purchase of your Yaesu amateur transceiver! Whether this is
your first rig, or if Yaesu equipment is already the backbone of your station, rest assured
that your transceiver will provide many hours of operating pleasure for years to come.

Page 2 FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
MIC
ON/OFF
-SHIFT+
DSP ATT/IPO NB AGC BAND
DSP/SEL
FAST
A=B
MODE
MODE
CLARKEYER
PHONES
KEY
F RONT P ANEL S WITCHES AND K NOBS
PHONE Jack
A 1/4-inch, 3-contact jack accepts ei-
ther monaural or stereo headphones
with 2 or 3-contact plugs. When a plug
is inserted, the loudspeaker is dis-
abled.
NOTE:
When wearing headphones, we rec-
ommend that you turn the AF GAIN
levels down to their lowest settings
before turning power on, to minimize
the impact on your hearing caused by
audio “pops” during switch-on.
KEY Jack
This 1/4-inch, 3-contact
jack accepts a CW key or
keyer paddles (for the
built-in electronic keyer),
or output from an external
electronic keyer. Pinout is
shown below. Key up is 5
volts, and key down cur-
rent is 0.5 mA.
DSP Switch
This button selects the DSP functions.
Available selections are CONTOUR,
NOTCH, DNR, and WIDTH.
ATT/IPO Switch
This button selects the ATT or IPO feature. Available se-
lections are:
ATT:OFF/IPO:OFF  ATT:ON/IPO:OFF
 ATT:OFF/IPO:ON  ATT:ON/IPO:ON
 ATT:OFF/IPO:OFF
ATT: OFF, IPO: OFF
Attenuator is OFF, and the RF preamplifier amplifies
the incoming signal.
ATT: ON, IPO: OFF
The received signal is reduced by 20 dB, and the RF
preamplifier amplifies the incoming signal.
ATT: OFF, IPO: ON
Attenuator is OFF, and the received signal bypasses
the RF preamplifier, yielding a direct feed to the first
mixer.
ATT: ON, IPO: ON
The received signal is reduced by 20 dB, and the in-
coming signal bypasses the RF preamplifier, yielding a
direct feed to the first mixer.
The selection will be indicated in the Block Diagram on
the display.
ON/OFF Switch
Press and hold in this switch for one second
to turn the transceiver on or off.
NB Switch
This button turns the IF Noise Blanker
on and off. Press this button to re-
duce short-duration pulse noise.
AGC Switch
This button selects the AGC characteristics for the receiver.
Press and hold in this button for one second to disable the
AGC (for testing or weak-signal reception).

Page 3FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
AGC BAND BAND TUNE F
SQL/RF GAIN AF GAIN
A/B
LOCKFAST
A=B
M
ODE
C
LAR
SPLIT
STEP
SCAN
PMS
RCL
STO
VOX
C.S
V/M
F RONT P ANEL S WITCHES AND K NOBS
VOICE/C.S Switch
Press this button to activate one of the 52 functions, which
can be assigned via Menu Item “PNL-C.S.”
Press the [F]button followed by this button to announce the
current operating frequency (with resolution to the displayed
100 Hz digit) and operating mode.
TUNE Switch
Press this button momentarily to
toggle the ATU-450 Internal Automatic
Antenna Tuner on/off.
Press and hold in this button to begin
the automatic Tuning. F Switch
Press this button to activate the alternate key
functions of the six command buttons located
on the upper right corner of the front panel.
Press and hold this button for one second to
engage the “Menu” mode.
METER/DIM Switch
Press this button to change the meter
function in the transmit mode as fol-
lows.
PO  ALC  SWR  PO
PO: Indicates the average power
output level.
ALC: Indicates the relative ALC volt-
age.
SWR: Indicates the Standing Wave
Ratio (Forward/Reflected).
Press the [F]button followed by this
button to enable adjustment of the
display dimmer level by the [DSP/
SEL]knob. When the adjustment is
complete, press this key again.
HOME/RCL Switch
Press this button to recall the Quick Memory Bank
memory for operation. Press this button again to
return to the VFO or Memory mode.
Press the [F]button followed by this button to recall
the “Home” (favorite frequency) channel. The home
channel default settings are 29.30000 MHz for the
HF Band and 51.00000 MHz for the 6 m band.
STEP/SPLIT Switch
Press this button to activate split fre-
quency operation between VFO-A,
used for reception and VFO-B, used
for transmission (or vice versa).
Press the [F]button followed by this
button to enable setting of the fre-
quency step with the [DSP/SEL]knob.
When the selection is complete, press
this key again.
MW/V/M Switch
This button toggles frequency control between the
VFO and the memory system.
Press the [F]button followed by this button to copy
the current operating data from the VFO into the cur-
rently selected memory channel.
VOX/STO Switch
Press this button to copy the operating in-
formation (frequency, mode, bandwidth,
and also repeater direction/shift frequency
and CTCSS functions on the FM mode) into
the Quick Memory Bank.
Press the [F]button followed by this button
to activate the VOX (voice-actuated trans-
mitter switching) feature in the SSB, AM,
and FM modes.
PMS/SCAN Switch
Press this button to initiate the
upward scanning of VFO fre-
quencies or memory chan-
nels.
Press the [F]button followed
by this button to engage the
Programmable Memory Scan,
(PMS) which limits scanning
within a particular frequency
range.

Page 4 FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
MIC
ON/OFF
-SHIFT+
DSP ATT/IPO NB AGC BAND
DSP/SEL
FAST
A=B
MODE
MODE
CLARKEYER
PHONES
KEY
F RONT P ANEL S WITCHES AND K NOBS
CLAR Switch
Pressing this button activates the Clarifier,
to allow temporarily offsetting the receive
frequency. When the Clarifier is active, you
may offset the receive frequency by adjust-
ing the [MAIN DIAL]knob.
SHIFT Knob
This knob shifts the IF DSP passband
to reduce an interfering signal which
is inside the IF passband.
DSP/SEL Knob
This knob is used to select functions
depending on the situation.
GFrequency Tuning
GMemory Channel Selection
GDSP Setting
GMenu Mode Selection
MODE/MODESwitch
These buttons select the operating
mode.
KEYER Switch
This button toggles the in-
ternal CW keyer on and off.
MIC Jack
This 8-pin jack accepts input from
a supplied MH-67A8J Hand Micro-
phone.
(viewed from front panel)

Page 5FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
AGC BAND BAND TUNE F
SQL/RF GAIN AF GAIN
A/B
LOCKFAST
A=B
M
ODE
C
LAR
SPLIT
STEP
SCAN
PMS
RCL
STO
VOX
C.S
V/M
F RONT P ANEL S WITCHES AND K NOBS
A=B Switch
Press this button momentarily to transfer data from VFO-A fre-
quency (or a recalled memory channel) to VFO-B, overwriting
the previous contents in VFO-B. Use this key to set both VFO-A
and VFO-B to the same frequency and mode.
A/B Switch
This button toggles the frequency
control between VFO-A and VFO-B.
FAST Switch
Pressing this button will increase or decrease the tuning rate of
the [MAIN DIAL]knob by a factor of ten and also increase or
decrease the tuning rate of the [DSP/SEL]knob by a factor of
two.
LOCK Switch
This button toggles the locking of the [MAIN DIAL]knob and some
switches, to prevent accidental frequency changes.
Advice: You may select the locking schemes via the Menu Mode.
Term Explanation: The Menu Mode permits you to make small changes
in the parameters of many of the functions of the FT-450. You can cus-
tomize the operations to your personal preferences.
MAIN DIAL Knob
This knob adjusts the operating frequency in the SSB/CW/DATA modes.
You may change the knobs function to also adjust frequency in AM/FM
mode via the Menu Mode.
When the Clarifier is activated, this knob adjusts the receiver offset
frequency.
AF GAIN
This knob sets the receiver’s audio
volume level. Typically, you will op-
erate with this control set between
the 9 o’clock and 10 o’clock posi-
tions.
SQL/RF GAIN Knob
In the factory default, this knob ad-
justs the gain of the receiver’s RF
and IF stages. Using Menu Item
“SQL/RFG”, this knob may be
changed to function as a squelch
control, which may be used to si-
lence background noise when no sig-
nal is present.
BAND/BANDSwitch
These buttons select the operating band.

Page 6 FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
MIC
ON/OFF
-SHIFT+
DSP ATT/IPO NB AGC BAND BAND TUNE F
DSP/SEL SQL/RF GAIN AF GAIN
A/B
LOCKFAST
A=B
MODE
MODE
CLARKEYER
SPLIT
STEP
SCAN
PMS
RCL
STO
VOX
C.S
V/M
PHONES
KEY
D ISPLAY I NDICATIONS
DSP Graphic Display
: The peak position of the CONTOUR Filter is depicted graphically here when the CONTOUR
Filter is activated.
: The null position of the IF Notch Filter is depicted graphically here when the IF Notch Filter
is activated.
: Indicates the Noise Reduction level of the Digital Noise Reducer.
: Indicates the bandwidth of the DSP IF filter.
: Indicates the peak position of the DSP IF filter.
Meter
While receiving, the received signal strength is displayed.
While transmitting, the meter displays PO, ALC, or SWR (determined by the [METER/DIM]button).
Display

Page 7FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
D ISPLAY I NDICATIONS
Frequency Display
The operating frequency is displayed.
: This indicator appears during transmission.
: This indicator appears whenever the receiver squelch is open.
: This indicator appears when the optional ATU-450 Internal Automatic Antenna Tuner is
activated.
/////: Displays the currently selected operating mode.
/: Displays the current CTCSS operation while in FM mode.
/: Displays the Repeater Shift Direction while in FM mode.
: This indicator appears whenever the VOX (automatic voice-actuated transmitter switching)
circuit is activated.
: This indicator appears while the voice recorder is recording the receiver audio. This indicator
blinks while the voice recorder is playing back the recorded audio.
: This indicator appears whenever the internal CW keyer is activated.
: This indicator appears whenever the CW break-in operation is activated.
: This indicator appears when the [MAIN DIAL]knob’s tuning rate is set to fast.
: This indicator appears when the [MAIN DIAL]knob is locked.
: This indicator appears whenever the Menu Mode is engaged.
: This indicator appears whenever the Clarifier function is activated.
: This indicator appears whenever Split-frequency operation is activated.
: This indicator appears when the alternate key functions of the six command buttons located on
the upper right corner of the front panel is activated.
Block Diagram Display
: Indicates the antenna status. When the antenna system became abnormality, this indicator will blink.
: Indicates the RF attenuator status (“ON” or “OFF”) selected for operation by the [ATT/IPO]button.
: Indicates that the front-end RF pre-amplifier is removed from the receiver circuit. The incoming signal
is fed direct to the first mixer.
: Indicates the 10 kHz Roofing Filter status. This is always turned on.
: Indicates the Noise Blanker status (“ON” or “OFF”).
: Indicates the AGC decay time.

Page 8 FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
R EAR P ANEL J ACKS
INPUT
DC 13.8V
22 A
ANT
GND
EXT
SPKR
CATLINEARTUNERDATA
DC IN Jack
This is the DC power supply
connection for the transceiver.
Use the supplied DC cable to
connect directly to the car bat-
tery or to a DC power supply,
which must be capable of sup-
plying at least 22 A @13.8
VDC.
ANT Jack
Connect your antenna here, using a type-M (PL-259) co-
axial connector and 50 Ohm coaxial feedline.
Warning!: High Power RF voltage is present at the TX RF
section of the transceiver while transmitting. Absolutely!
Do not touch the TX RF section while transmitting.
DATA Jack
This 6-pin input/output jack provides receiver audio and squelch sig-
nals, and accepts transmit (AFSK) audio and PTT control, from an
external packet TNC.
LINEAR Jack
This 10-pin output jack pro-
vides band selection data,
which may be used for control
of the optional VL-1000 Solid-
State Linear Amplifier.
CAT Jack
This 9-pin serial DB-9 jack allows ex-
ternal computer control of the FT-
450. Connect a (straight) serial cable
here and to the RS-232C COM port
on your personal computer (no ex-
ternal interface is required).
EXT SPKR Jack
This 3.5-mm, 2-pin jack provides variable audio output for an external
speaker. The audio output impedance at this jack is 4 - 16 Ohms and
the level varies according to the setting of the front panel’s [AF GAIN]
knob. Inserting a plug into this jack disables the internal loudspeaker.
GND Terminal
For safety and optimum performance, use this termi-
nal to connect the transceiver to a good earth ground.
Use a large diameter, short braided cable for making
ground connections. Refer to page 12 for other notes
about proper grounding.
SQL OUT
 FSK IN
 GND DATA IN
 DATA PTT
DATA OUT
 TXD
 TX GND OUT +13.8V OUT
 GND
TUNER SENSE  TX INH IN
 RXD
 RESET OUT
BAND DATA-A (LSB)
TX GND OUT
+13.8V OUT
TXREG IN
GND
BAND DATA-B BAND DATA-C
BAND DATA-D (MSB)
TX INH IN
EXT ALC IN
CTS RTS
GND
SERIAL IN
SERIAL OUT
Connect to 
Connect to 
N/A
 Connect to 
TUNER Jack
This 8-pin jack is used for Connection to
the FC-30 or FC-40 External Automatic
Antenna Tuner.
COOLING FAN
Turns at low speed in receive mode.
Turns at high speed when the temperature begins to
rise or in transmit mode.
(viewed from rear panel)
(viewed from rear panel)
(viewed from rear panel)
(viewed from rear panel)
(viewed from rear panel)
+
-

Page 9FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
S UPPLIED MH-67A8J M ICROPHONE
PTT Switch
Press this switch to transmit,
and release it to receive after
your transmission is com-
pleted.
MIC
The microphone is located
here. Speak into the micro-
phone in a normal voice level.
The microphone should be po-
sitioned within 2 inches (5 cm)
from the mouth for optimum
performance.

Page 10 FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
A CCESSORIES & O PTIONS
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Hand Microphone (MH-67A8J) 1 pc P/N: M3090122A
DC Power Cord with Fuse 1 pc P/N: T9023725
Fuse 1 pc P/N: Q0000074
Operation Manual 1 pc
Warranty Card 1 pc
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
Internal Automatic Antenna Tuner ATU-450
External Automatic Antenna Tuner FC-30
External Automatic Antenna Tuner (for Wire Antenna) FC-40
Active-Tuning Antenna System ATAS-25
Active-Tuning Antenna System ATAS-120A
Solid-State Linear Amplifier/AC Power Supply VL-1000 / VP-1000
Band Data Cable (for VL-1000)CT-118
Desktop Microphone MD-100
DTMF Hand Microphone MH-36E8J
Hand Microphone MH-31A8J
Lightweight Stereo Headphone YH-77STA
Mobile Mounting Bracket MMB-90
Carrying Handle MHG-1

Page 11FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
I NSTALLATION
CONNECTION OF ANTENNA AND POWER SUPPLY
The FT-450 is designed for use with any antenna system providing a 50 Ohm resistive impedance at the desired
operating frequency. Every effort should be made to ensure the impedance of the antenna system is as close as
possible to the specified 50-Ohm value. Note that the “G5RV” type antenna does not provide 50-Ohm imped-
ance on all HF Amateur bands, and an external wide-range antenna coupler must be used with this antenna
type.
Any antenna to be used with the FT-450 must, ultimately, be fed with 50 Ohm coaxial cable. Therefore, when
using a “balanced” antenna such as a dipole, remember that a balun or other matching/balancing device must
be used to ensure proper antenna performance.
1/16''
3/4''
1 1/8''
3/4''
Adapter
1/8''
5/8''3/8''
TYPICAL PL-259 INSTALLATION
ABOUT COAXIAL CABLE
Use high-quality 50-Ohm coaxial cable for the lead-in to your FT-450 transceiver. All efforts at providing an
efficient antenna system will be wasted if poor quality, lossy coaxial cable is used. This transceiver utilizes
standard “M” (“PL-259”) type connector.
AC Power Supply
FT-450
CAUTION
Permanent damage can result if improper supply
voltage, or reverse-polarity voltage, is applied to
the FT-450. The Limited Warranty on this trans-
ceiver does not cover damage caused by applica-
tion of AC voltage, reversed polarity DC, or DC volt-
age outside the specified range of 13.8V ±10%.
When replacing fuses, be certain to use a fuse of
the proper rating. The FT-450 requires a 25A fast-
blow fuse.
INPUT
DC 13.8 V
22A
ANT
GND
EXT
SPKR
CATLINEARTUNERDATA
A
N
T
E
N
N
A
A
0 5 20 30 40
POWER
ON
OFF
RED BLACK
FUSE: 25A
V
0 5 10 15 20

Page 12 FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
I NSTALLATION
GROUNDING
The FT-450 transceiver, like any other HF communications apparatus, requires an effective ground system for
maximum electrical safety and best communications effectiveness. A good ground system can contribute to
station efficiency in a number of ways:
It can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the operator.
It can minimize RF currents flowing on the shield of the coaxial cable and the chassis of the transceiver.
Such currents may lead to radiation, which can cause interference to home entertainment devices or
laboratory test equipment.
It can minimize the possibility of erratic transceiver/accessory operation caused by RF feedback and/or
improper current flow through logic devices.
An effective earth ground system may take several forms. For a more complete discussion, see an appropriate
RF engineering text. The information below is intended only as a guideline.
Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more copper-clad steel rods, driven into the ground. If
multiple ground rods are used, they should be positioned in a “V” configuration, and bonded together at the apex
of the “V” which is nearest the station location. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from
type RG-213 coaxial cable) and strong cable clamps to secure the braided cable(s) to the ground rods. Be sure
to weatherproof the connections to ensure many years of reliable service. Use the same type of heavy, braided
cable for the connections to the station ground bus (described below).
Inside of the station, a common ground bus consisting of a copper pipe of at least 25 mm (1”) diameter should
be used. An alternative station ground bus may consist of a wide copper plate (single-sided circuit board material
is ideal) secured to the bottom of the operating desk. Grounding connections from individual devices such as
transceivers, power supplies, and data communications devices (TNCs, etc.) should be made directly to the
ground bus using a heavy, braided cable.
Do not make ground connections from one electrical device to another, and thence to the ground bus. This so-
called “Daisy-Chain” grounding technique may nullify any attempt at effective radio frequency grounding. See
the drawing below for examples of proper grounding techniques.
Inspect the ground system - inside the station as well as outside - on a regular basis so as to ensure maximum
performance and safety.
Besides following the above guidelines carefully, note that household or industrial gas lines must never be used
in an attempt to establish an electrical ground. Cold water pipes may, in some instances, help in the grounding
effort, but gas lines represent a significant explosion hazard, and must never be used.
Linear
Amplifier
TNC
Transceiver
Linear
Amplifier
TNC
Transceiver
"Daisy Chain"
PROPER GROUND CONNECTION
IMPROPER GROUND CONNECTION

Page 13FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
I NSTALLATION
VL-1000 LINEAR AMPLIFIER INTERCONNECTION
INPUT
DC 13.8V
22A
ANT
GND
EXT
SPKR
CATLINEARTUNERDATA
ANT 1
ANT 2
ANT 3
ANT 4
REMOTE
ON
OFF
BAND DATA 1
BAND DATA 2
GND
ALC 2
ALC 1
PTT 2
PTT 1
INPUT 1
INPUT 2
CONTROL
DC48V IN
A
N
T
I
N
P
U
T
D
C
1
3
.
8
V
A
N
T
1
H
F
V
e
r
t
i
c
a
l
A
n
t
e
n
n
a
H
F
D
i
p
o
l
e
A
n
t
e
n
n
a
H
F
B
e
a
m
A
n
t
e
n
n
a
A
N
T
2
A
N
T
3
I
N
P
U
T
1
L
I
N
E
A
R
B
A
N
D
-
D
A
T
A
2
G
N
D
G
N
D
D
C
4
8
V
I
N
C
O
N
T
R
O
L
A
L
C
2
CT-118 CONNECTION CABLE
(Option)
ANTENNA CABLE (Not Supplied)
V
P
-
1
0
0
0

V
P
-
1
0
0
0

EERYALC
ACFUSEGND
RF INRF OUT
ANT1
ANT1
HFAntenna
INPUT
1
GND
GND
INPUT
DC 13.8V
22A
ANT
GND
EXT
SPKR
CATLINEARTUNERDATA
IN
PUT
DC13.8V
EXT ALC IN
GND
TX GND OUT
INTERFACING TO OTHER LINEAR AMPLIFIER
Be sure that both the FT-450 and VL-1000 are turned off, then follow the installation recommendations con-
tained in the illustration.
Note:
ÌPlease refer to the VL-1000 Operating Manual for details regarding amplifier operation.
ÌPlease do not attempt to connect or disconnect coaxial cables when your hands are wet.
To link the FT-450 and VL-
1000 Power switches, set
the VL-1000 REMOTE
switch to the “ON” position.
The T/R control line is a transistor “open collector” circuit, capable of handling positive amplifier relay coil volt-
ages of up to +50V DC and current of up to 400 mA. If you plan on using multiple linear amplifiers for different
bands, you must provide external band-switching of the “Lin Tx” relay control line from the “TX GND OUT” line
at the LINEAR jack.
Important Note!
Do not exceed the maximum volt-
age or current ratings for the “TX
GND OUT” line at the LINEAR jack.
This line is not compatible with
negative DC voltages, nor AC volt-
ages of any magnitude.
Most amplifier control relay systems
require only low DC voltage/current
switching capability (typically, +12V
DC at 25 ~ 75 mA), and the switch-
ing transistor in the FT-450 will eas-
ily accommodate such amplifiers.

Page 14 FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
EASY OPERATION
RECEIVING
1. Connect your antenna to the ANT jack on the rear
panel.
2. Connect the after-market DC power supply (or car
battery) using the supplied DC power cable, and set
the POWER switch of the DC power supply to on.
3. Press and hold in the [POWER(ON/OFF)] switch
for one second to turn the transceiver on.
4. Rotate the [SQL/RF GAIN]knob to the fully clock-
wise position.
5. Rotate the [AF GAIN]knob to set a comfortable
audio level on incoming signals or noise. Clock-
wise rotation of the [AF GAIN]knob increases
the volume level.
6. Press the [BAND]/[BAND]button to select the
amateur band which you wish to begin operating.
7. Press the [MODE]/[MODE]button to select
the desired operating mode.
8. Rotate the [MAIN DIAL]knob to set the desired
frequency.
[SQL/RF GAIN]knob
[AF GAIN]knob [MAIN DIAL]knob
[BAND]/[BAND]button
[MODE]/[MODE]button
TRANSMIT
1. Connect the supplied MH-67A8J to the MIC jack
on the front panel.
2. To transmit, press the microphone’s PTT (Push
To Talk) switch, speak into the microphone in a
normal voice level.
3. Release the PTT switch to return to the receive
mode.
MIC
ON/OFF
-SHIFT+
DSP ATT/IPO NB AGC BAND BAND TUNE F
DSP/SEL SQL/RF GAIN AF GAIN
A/B
LOCKFAST
A=B
MODE
MODE
CLARKEYER
SPLIT
STEP
SCAN
PMS
RCL
STO
VOX
C.S
V/M
PHONES
KEY
[POWER(ON/OFF)] switch
NOTICE
Regarding of the [DSP/SEL]knob
The [DSP/SEL]knob is used for operating
various functions depending on the situation.
If you can not change the frequency/memory
channel by tuning the [DSP/SEL]knob, the
[DSP/SEL]knob is selected to operate of one
of the DSP functions.
In this case, press the [DSP]button several
times until the “>” icon disappears from the
DSP Graphic Display.

Page 15FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
[F]button [DSP/SEL]knob
HOW TO USE THE [DSP/SEL]KNOB
EASY OPERATION
When a DSP function is not selected and no “>” icon
is shown in the LCD Graphic Display, then turning
the [DSP/SEL]knob controls the frequency in VFO
mode, or selects the memory channel in memory
mode, or selects the menu item in memory mode. In
the VFO Mode, briefly depressing the [DSP/SEL]
knob will permit frequency adjustment in 100 kHz
steps (Default setting). (The 100 kHz operation may
be changed with the“SELDIAL” menu function.)
When a DSP function is selected, the “>” icon will
appear next to the function in the LCD Graphic Dis-
play. Then pressing the [DSP/SEL]knob will switch
the DSP function on or off. When the DSP function is
on, turning the [DSP/SEL]knob will change the func-
tion parameters.
ADVICE:
You may change the function of the [DSP/SEL]knob
via menu item “SELDIAL”.
MENU OPERATION
The Menu System allows you to customize a wide variety of transceiver performance aspects and operating
characteristics. After you have initially customized the various Menu procedures, you will find that you will not
have to resort to them frequently during everyday operation.
1. Press and hold the [F]button for one second to
enter the Menu Mode. The “ ” icon will ap-
pear on the display.
2. Rotate the [DSP/SEL]knob to select the Menu
Item to be adjusted.
3. Press the [DSP/SEL]knob to enable adjustment of
the selected Menu Item. The “ ” icon will blink.
4. Rotate the [DSP/SEL]knob to adjust or select
the parameter to be changed.
5. Press the [DSP/SEL]knob to save the selection.
The icon appears continuously.
6. Press and hold the [F]button for one second to
return to normal operation.
Menu Item or Menu Setting
[DSP/SEL]knob

Page 16 FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
HOW TO USE THE [VOICE/C.S]SWITCH
You may set the [VOICE/C.S]button function to one of 52 functions via Menu Item “PNL-C.S”.
To assign a function to the [VOICE/C.S] button:
1. Press and hold the [F]button for one second to enter the
Menu Mode. The “ ” icon will appear on the display.
2. Rotate the [DSP/SEL]knob to select Menu Item “PNL-C.S”.
3. Press the [DSP/SEL]knob to enable adjustment of
this Menu Item. The “ ” icon will be blinking.
4. Rotate the [DSP/SEL]knob to select the desired function.
5. Press the [DSP/SEL]knob. The “ ” icon returns
to appear continuously.
6. Press and hold the [F]button for one second to return
to normal operation.
[VOICE/C.S]button
[F]button [DSP/SEL]knob
EASY OPERATION
Item Function
MONI Activates the Monitor function.
N/A No Function.
P/B Activates the Digital Voice Recorder.
PLAY1 Send the CW message, which is memorized in BEACON TEXT 1.
PLAY2 Send the CW message, which is memorized in BEACON TEXT 2.
PLAY3 Send the CW message, which is memorized in BEACON TEXT 3.
QSPL Activates Quick Split Operation
SPOT Generates a CW Spot Tone while pressing the [VOICE/C.S]button when using CW mode.
SQLOFF Opens the noise squelch while pressing the [VOICE/C.S]button.
SWR Transmits a 10 watts carrier (CW mode) to measure the SWR ratio while pressing the [VOICE/C.S]button.
TXW Monitor the transmit frequency while pressing the [VOICE/C.S]button when Split Frequency operation is engaged.
VCC Display the DC supply voltage while pressing the [VOICE/C.S]button.
VOICE2 Announces the current S-meter reading, operating frequency (with resolution to the displayed 100 Hz digit), and
operating mode.
VM1MONI Play back the voice message, which is memorized in Voice Memory 1.
VM1REC Store the voice message into Voice Memory 1.
VM1TX Send the voice message, which is memorized in Voice Memory 1.
VM2MONI Play back the voice message, which is memorized in Voice Memory 2.
VM2REC Store the voice message into Voice Memory 2.
VM2TX Send the voice message, which is memorized in Voice Memory 2.
DOWN Decreases the VFO frequency by one step or moves the memory channel to the next-lowest channel while pressing
the [VOICE/C.S]button.
FAST Set to the same function as the front panel’s [FAST]button.
UP Increases the VFO frequency by one step or moves the memory channel to the next-highest channel while pressing
the [VOICE/C.S]button
DSP Set to the same function as the front panel’s [DSP]button.
ATT/IPO Set to the same function as the front panel’s [ATT/IPO]button.
NB Set to the same function as the front panel’s [NB]button.
AGC Set to the same function as the front panel’s [AGC]button.
MODEDN Set to the same function as the front panel’s [MODE]button.
MODEUP Set to the same function as the front panel’s [MODE]button.
DSP/SEL Set to the same function as the front panel’s [DSP/SEL]button.
KEYER Set to the same function as the front panel’s [KEYER]button.
CLAR Set to the same function as the front panel’s [CLAR]button.
BANDDN Set to the same function as the front panel’s [BAND]button.
BANDUP Set to the same function as the front panel’s [BAND]button.
A=B Set to the same function as the front panel’s [A=B]button.
A/B Set to the same function as the front panel’s [A/B]button.
LOCK Set to the same function as the front panel’s [LOCK]button.
TUNE Set to the same function as the front panel’s [TUNE]button.
VOICE Announce the current operating frequency (with resolution to the displayed 100 Hz digit)and operating mode.
MW Copies the current operating data from the VFO into the currently selected memory channel.
V/M Toggles frequency control between VFO and memory system.
HOME Recall the “Home” (favorite frequency)channel.
RCL Recall the QMB (Quick Memory Bank)memory.
VOX Activate the VOX (automatic voice-actuated transmitter switching)feature.
STO Copies operating data into QMB (Quick Memory Bank)Memory.
STEP Enables the setting of the frequency step of the [DSP/SEL]knob by the [DSP/SEL]knob.
SPLIT Activates split frequency operation between VFO-A and VFO-B.
PMS Engages Programmable Memory Scan (PMS).
SCAN Initiates the upward scanning of VFO frequencies or memory channels).
MENU Engage the “Menu” mode.
DIMMER Enables adjustment of the display dimmer level by the [DSP/SEL]knob.
MTR Change the meter function in the transmit mode.
USER This parameter is for future expansion of the transceiver’s capabilities. Do not select this parameter.

Page 17FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
KEY DURATION SETTING
The duration that buttons are held determines the function they activate. Factory default is one second. Pressing
a button for less than one second activates one function. Pressing and holding the button in for longer than one
second activates another function.
The default one second release time can be changed to a shorter or longer duration, if desired.
EASY OPERATION
To do this:
1. Press and hold the [F]button for one second to
enter the Menu Mode. The “ ” icon will ap-
pear on the display.
2. Rotate the [DSP/SEL]knob to select the Menu
Item “EXT MNU”.
3. Press the [DSP/SEL]knob to enable adjustment of
this menu item. The “ ” icon will be blinking.
4. Rotate the [DSP/SEL]knob to select “ON” to ex-
pand the menu item.
5. Press the [DSP/SEL]knob. The “ ” icon re-
turns to appear continuously.
6. Press and hold the [F]button for one second to save
the new setting and return to normal operation.
7. Press and hold the [F]button for one second to
enter the Menu mode again. The “ ” icon
will appear on the display.
8. Rotate the [DSP/SEL]knob to select menu item
“KEYHOLD”.
9. Press the [DSP/SEL]knob to enable adjustment of
this menu item. The “ ” icon will be blinking.
10. Rotate the [DSP/SEL]knob to set the desired du-
ration time. Available selections are 0.5/1.0/1.5/
2.0 sec. (default value: 1.0 sec).
You may Press the [HOME/RCL]button to reset
the duration time to the factory default.
11. Press the [DSP/SEL]knob. The “ ” icon re-
turns to appear continuously.
12. Press and hold the [F]button for one second to save
the new setting and return to normal operation.
[HOME/RCL]button
[F]button [DSP/SEL]knob

Page 18 FT-450 OPERATION MANUAL
RESETTING THE MICROPROCESSOR
The FT-450 has three reset methods.
EASY OPERATION
VFO/MEMORY RESET
Use this procedure to reset (clear out) the Memory
channels (Except the QMB channel) previously stored
and VFO data, without affecting any configuration
changes you may have made to the Menu settings.
1. Press and hold in the [POWER(ON/OFF)] switch
for one second to turn the transceiver off.
2. Press and hold the [MW/(V/M)] button. While
holding it in, press and hold in the [POWER(ON/
OFF)] switch for one second to turn the trans-
ceiver on. Once the transceiver comes on, you
may release the [MW/(V/M)] button.
[MW/(V/M)] button [ON/OFF]switch
[F]button [ON/OFF]switch
[HOME\RCL]button [ON/OFF]switch
MENU MODE RESET
Use this procedure to restore the Menu settings to
their factory defaults, without affecting the memories
you have programmed.
1. Press and hold in the [POWER(ON/OFF)] switch
for one second to turn the transceiver off.
2. Press and hold the [F]button. While holding it in,
press and hold in the [POWER(ON/OFF)] switch
for one second to turn the transceiver on. Once
the transceiver comes on, you may release the
[F]button.
FULL RESET
Use this procedure to restore all Menu and Memory
settings to their original factory defaults. All Memo-
ries will be cleared by this procedure.
1. Press and hold in the [POWER(ON/OFF)] switch
for one second to turn the transceiver off.
2. Press and hold the [HOME/RCL]button. While
holding it in, press and hold in the [POWER(ON/
OFF)] switch for one second to turn the trans-
ceiver on. Once the transceiver comes on, you
may release the [HOME/RCL]button.