Yaesu FT-51R User manual

FT-51R
Dual Band FM
Paging Transceiver

Contents
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
ARS (Automatic Repeater Shift) 28
Memory Storage 29
Recalling Memories 30
Call Channel Memory 31
Tuning & Masking Memories 32
Accessories & Options List , . . . . . . . 4
Controls & Connectors . . . . . . . . . . 5
Top & Front Panel 5
Side Panel 7
LCD Indications 8 Naming Memories 33
Scanning
34
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Batteries & Chargers 9
Battery Removal & Replacement 11
Key Functions 13 - 14
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Preliminary Steps 15
Volume & Squelch Setting 17
Frequency SelectionModes 18
User Help Messages 19
21
Frequency & Step Selection 20
Tuning
& Dual In - Band Receive
Spectrum Scope Operation 22
Transmitting 23
Duplex Operation 24
Sub
- channel Receiver Mute 26
Memory
Skip Scanning & PMS Scanning
Priority Channel Monitoring
CTCSS Operation
ATS (Auto Tone Search)Operation
CTCSS
" Bell " Operation
DTMF Paging & Code Squelch
Sending Messages
Customizing Ringer Settings
DTMF Autodial Memories
Naming Autodial Memories
Set Mode Customization Table
35
36 - 37
39
40
42
43
50
56
57
58
63
Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Extending Battery Life 65
Cross
- Band Repeater Settings 69
Transceiver Cloning 71
Repeater Splits
Setting Standard Repeater Offset
26 Packet Radio Connections
27
In Case of Problems
72
73

FT - 51R Dual - Band
FM Hand
- Held Paging Transceiver
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 operat
-
ing pleasure for years to come. Along with the
philosophy that each Yaesu transceiver should
serve you well into the future, Yaesu stands be
-
hind our products with a worldwide network of
dealers and service centers. Feel free to contact
us if you ever need technical advice or assis-
tance.The FT
- 51R is a deluxe compact FM hand -
held transceiver for both 2 - m and 70 - cm amateur
band operation. A few of the new features in this
dual
- band rig include the following:
SpectrumScope - allowsviewingstationactiv -
ity aboveand below a selected channel: simply
turn the dial to center a signalof intereston the
scope and press the PTT to operate!
Pre - programmedUser - Help messages - guide
you through most operational function selec -
tions and settings - even informingyou which
battery pack type is installed!
DTMF and Message Paging with Morse Code
Annunciator
- decodes incoming DTMF Pag -
ing codes and messages with CW play - back!
Improved cross - band and full - duplex opera -
tion with " Duplex " mode and auto sub-re-
ceiver muting. This along with cellular - style
body design allows enhanced telephone
- style
cross
- band full - duplex operation - great for
use with personal telephone autopatch units.
Five selectable tx power levels, with an econ -
omy - low level (20 mW) for maximum battery
life during short range communications.
A single knob and push - buttons for volume
and squelch control simplify handling and op
-
eration. The upper display shows operating fre -
quency and most programmable functions.
Relative signal strength, power output and pre
-
set volume & squelch level appear on the multi -
function bargraph meters. The lower display
scrolls User
- Help and DTMF paging messages,
and also double as a Spectrum Scope display for
viewing channel activity.The display and trans
-
lucent keypad have selectable lighting modes.

Twin VFOs and 40 programmable memories
(including an instant - recall Call channel) are
available on each band. Memories can be tagged
with an 8
- character alphanumeric name and this
name can be displayed instead of the frequency
(the naming feature can be turned off to expand
memory capacity to 60 per band, if desired).
Searching for station activity has never been
easier with VFO, memory and programmed-
limit (sub - band)scanning and the new spectrum
scope feature. Select all or only those memories
you want to be scanned. When activity is found,
scanning can be set to halt, resume after 5
- sec -
onds, or resume when the stationstops transmit -
ting. One memory on each band can also be
enabled for priority monitoring. The built - in
CTCSS (Continuous Tone
- Coded Squelch Sys -
tem) provides 39 subaudible tones which can be
stored in each memory independently. The
CTCSS Bell feature can be set to ring when the
tone squelch opens.
A wealth of selective DTMF calling and pri
-
vate paging features allows for quiet monitoring
until calls directed to you (or only stations in
groups you select) are received. In addition,
DTMF messages up to twelve characters long
can be sent to other stations. Received messages
are displayed and automatically stored for later
retrieval. A tri
- mode ringer alerts you to calls or
messages by sounding a preset or user-pro-
grammed melody, or else have the built - in CW
decoder announce the message in Morse code!
The FT
- 51R can even respond to or relay (for -
ward) paging calls when you are absent. For
autopatch operation, a 10 - memory, 15 - digit
DTMF autodialer stores frequently
- called num -
bers for playback.The DTMF autodial memories
can also be tagged with alpha
- numeric names.
Full power output is available with only a
9.6
- volt battery, and a wide range of features
ensure maximum operating time: The ABS
(Automatic Battery Saver) monitors operating
history and optimizes save duration accord
-
ingly; Tx Save automatically reduces transmit
power during periods of high receive signal
strength; selectable
- period APO (Automatic
Power Off) timer turns off the radio after a pe
-
riod of inactivity; and selectable continuous or
5
- second LCD and keypad illumination.
Although you are probably anxious to begin
operating the FT-51R, please take some time to
carefully review this manual thoroughly and fa
-
miliarize yourself with the FT - 51R.

Specifications
General
Frequency range: (Rx) 110 - 180 MHz 420 - 470 MHz
Channel steps: 5, 10,12.5,15,20,25 & 50 kHz
Repeater shift: +600 ldlz , k5 MHz (programmable)
Emission type: F3, F2
Supply voltage:
Current Consumption:
Auto Power
Off: 200 pA 200 pA
Stby (Saver on):
Stby (Saver off): 52 mA 49 mA (85 mA dual - rx)
Rx 195mA 195mA
Tx (5Wa9.6VDC): <1.6A <1.9A
Antenna (BNCjack): YHA - 55 rubber flexible
Case size (WHD): 57
x 123 x 26.5 mm w/FNB-31
Weight (approx.): 330 grams with FNB-31& antenna
(Tx)144
- 148 MHz 430 - 450 MHz
4.0 - 12 - V DC
VHFUHF
16.9mA 16.3mA (17.3mA dual
- rx)
Receiver
Circuit type: Double - conversion superheterodyne
IFs: 45.05 MHz & 455 kHz (VHF)
58.525 MHz & 455 kHz (UHF)
12
- dBSINAD Sensitivity: < 0.158 pV (VHF)
< 0.180 pV (UHF)
Adjacent channel selectivity:
> 65 dB VHF
> 60 dB UHF
Intermodulation:
AF output:
> 65 dB (VHF), > 60 dB (UHF)
0.2 W
@ 8Q for 10% THD
Transmitter
RF output: See the chart below, and on page 24.
Battery Type
I 2.0W I 1.5 W
11 FBA - 14 Dry Cell Case
(4 x “AA cells)
FNB-31(4.8V,
600 mAh)
FNB - 33 (4.8V, 1200 mAh)
FNB - 35 (7.2V, 900 mAh)
FNB - 38 (9.6V, 600 mAh) 5.0 W 5.0 W
4.0 W
Frequency stability:
Modulation system: Variable reactance
Maximum deviation:
f 5 kHz
FM Noise (@ 1 kHz): Better than 40 dB @ 1 kHz
Spurious emissions: > 60 dB below carrier
AF distortion
(@ 1 kHz): < 5%, w/3.5 kHz deviation
Microphonetype: 2-kQ condenser
Better than
f 5 ppm
Specifications subject to change without notice or obligation.

Accessories & Options List
Rechargeable Ni - Cd Batte y Packs OtherAccessories
FNB - 31 4.8 V, 600 mAh
FNB - 33 4.8 V, 1200mAh
FNB - 35 7.2 V, 900 mAh CSC - 67 Soft Case for FNB-31
FNB - 38 9.6 V, 600 mAh PA-1OA Mobile Power/Adapter (w/o fan)
FBA
- 14 Battery Case for 4 AA - size Dry - Cells
CSC
- 66 Soft Case for FBA - 14, FNB - 33, - 35, - 38
Dual - Slot Rapid Charger
NC - 50 for FNB-31, - 33, - 35 & - 38
CA
- 10 Charger Sleeve (used w/NC-50)
Compact 15-Hour Chargers
NC-55B/C* for FNB-31 (usew/CA-9)
NC-34B/C for FNB - 33/35 (usew/CA-9)
NC-38B/C for FNB - 38 (use w/CA-9)
* "B" suffix for use with 117VAC, or " C " for
use with 220 - 234 VAC.
CA
- 9 Base Charging Stand
(used w/NC-34B/C, -38B/C and -55B/C)
Mobile Rapid Charger
Hand Speaker/Microphone
Earpiece/In-Line Miniature Mic
Remote Control Microphone
MH-~~A~BSpeaker/Microphone
MH-~~A~BSpeaker/Microphone
vc - 22 VOX Headset
Availability ofaccessories may vary:some accessories are supplied
as standard per local requirements, others may be unavailable in
some regions. Check with your Yaesu dealer for changes to the
above list.

Controls & Connectors
Top G, Front Panel
1 4
23
(1) Antenna Jack
This
BNC jack accepts the supplied YHA - 55
flexible antenna, or another antenna designed
to provide 5042 impedanceon 2
- m & 70 - cm.
(2) EAR Jack
This 2-conductor, 3.5
- mm mini phone jack
provides audio output for an optional ear
-
phone or speaker/mic (impedanceis SSZ). The
internal loudspeaker is disabled when this
jack is used. Note:
the protective rubber cover
over the jacks must
be pulled up to access them.
Press it back over the jacks when they are not in
use, to protect the inside of the transceiverfrom
dust and water.
(3) MIC Jack
This 2-conductor, 2.5
- mm phone jack accepts
a optional microphone or speaker/mic (im
-
pedance is 2 kQ). The internal microphone is
disabled while this jack is used.
(4) DIAL Rotary Selector
Rotate this to tune,
or select memories and
other settings, according to the function se
-
lected by the keys. This knob can be set to
duplicate some functions of the
v@/v&L keys
for convenience (page
60).
(5) LOCK button
This button locks the front
- panel controls and
buttons. Four locking modes are selectable:
keypad,
PTT, DIAL and volume level, in vari -
ous combinations.
(6) '@/ VOLISQL @ buttons
These adjust the volume of the receiver
in 16
increments, indicated on the bargraph meter
for each band. Also, the squelchis adjusted in
the samemanner after first pressing
(OM). This

99
-1 0
- 11
- 1 2
\ -
sets the threshold at which received signals
(or noise) open the squelch. It should nor
-
mally be set just to the point where noise is
silenced
( V H F or U H F lamp is off) when the
~. .
channel is clear.
(7) Front Panel Keys
These keys generate DTMF tonegai-sduring
transmission (except
( CALL ), (BAND) , (REV) & 1,
and select operating features during recep -
tion. One or two beeps sound whenever a key
is pressed (unless the keypad beeper is dis -
DTMF BANQOFF)~
abled). The labels on the keyfaces indicate
their primary functions, while labels on the
panel indicate alternate functions, which are
activated by momentarily pressing
@@ first,
and then the desired key within five seconds.
There are also some
" Setting Mode " func -
tions, for customizing less - commonly used
features. This mode is activated by pressing
and holding
@@+& then using the DIAL
and i"i", /@ keys to select and change func -
tion settings. See pages 13, 14 and also the
FT-5ZR Operator's Quick Code Sheet for a list of
key functions (these are described in detail
later).
(8) Microphone
Speak across this opening in a normal tone of
voice while pressing the
PTT.
(9) VHF & UHF (Busy/Tx) Indicator Lamps
These LED indicators glow red when trans
-
mitting, and green when the noise squelch is
open (the channelbusy) during reception.
(10) Loudspeaker
Use the
"@/"gL buttons to adjust the speaker
audio level on an active station or on channel
noise (by first opening the squelch).

(11) LAMP Switch
Press to illuminate the display and keypad for
5 seconds when operating in the dark. Press
@I first if you want the lamp to stay on (until
you press the switch again).
(12) LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
See the graphic on the next page for descrip
-
tions of the display icons and indications.
Side Panel
(13) PTT Switch
The
two buttons under the rubber cover are
activated by pressing the ridges at the center
( PTT - Push - to - Talk) or bottom (Squelch
override/Monitor or Burst) of the cover.
The rubber cover over the switches is intended to
be permanent, and allows the switches under-
neath to
be operated without removal.
Press and hold the PTT switchwhile speaking
across the microphone opening to transmit
(the microphone element is at the panel bot
-
tom). While transmitting, the VHF or UHF
indicator glows red, and pressing the front
panel keys transmits a DTMF tone or tone
sequence.
13
14
15
16
(14) Monitor Switch
This opens the squelch momentarily without
disturbing the squelch settings.Pressing
(OM)
beforehand causes receiver audio to be muted
(:”&’ displayed) until the button is released.
In European versions, this button transmits a
1750 - Hz tone, for repeater access.
(15) Sub Operation Button
Press this to toggle operation from the main
channel to the sub channel.
(16) POWER switch
To turn the transceiver on, gently press this
orange switch momentarily.Press
and hold for
1/2 sec. to turn the power off.

LCD Indications
CTCSSEncode ;:JS CTCSSEncode
Memory CTCSS Rptr LowTX Memory CTCSS Rptr APO
Scan Skip Decode
S ift Power Scan Skip Decode Shift T I er
CTCSS \r i"
Bell-SdIP TSQ -+ LOW SKIP Sb -6 (3
DTMF Decoder Scan'Stop ste/ kHz/ 1 OnkTouch \!k
on for Paging Indicator Paging Enabled
One
- Touch Main DTMF Decoder scan Stop
Paging Enabled Channel on for Paging Indicator
\
PagingMessage DTMF Paging DTMF Code Rx DTMF Paging DTMF Code
Function I.D. Rel. Tx
Pwr Full Duplex Rel. Tx Pwr Autodialer
LefVRight Display Information Separator
for Memory Channel Display Format
Low Battery
Indicator
Volume Keypad
Lock Lock I \
""L
. ..
Lock Lock Spectrum Scope Mode: Center'Channeland Adjacent Channel Signal
Activity (single or " stacked " zeros indicate signal strength).
Message
Paging Mode: Scrolls DTMF Alphanumeric Messagefrom
Paging Station.
User Hetp Function: Scrolls User Help Messages to aid in Programming
and Operation.

Batteries & Chargers
Accessories
The FT-51R requires the FNB - 38 9.6 - volt re -
chargeableNi - Cd battery pack for the full 5 - watt
transmitter power output. However, where
slightly lower maximum power output is practi
-
cal, the 7.2 - volt FNB - 35 (providing 4 watts) and
the 4.8 - volt FNB - 31 and FNB - 33 Ni - Cd packs
(1.5 watts) offer smaller size, lighter weight or
extended battery charge life.
Also, when using the PA-1OA Mobile Power
Adapter, the Ni
- Cd packs may be recharged
whenever the radio is inserted into the adapter.
Any Ni
- Cd pack should be fully charged before
it is used with the transceiver for the first time.
Three types of battery chargers are available:
15 - hourCA - 9 Charging Stands,the NC - 50 Dual-
Slot Rapid Charger (used with CA-10 Charger
Sleeves) and the internal charging circuit pro
-
vided by the PA-1OAMobile Power Adapter and
an external DC voltage source.
Different 15 - hour compact chargers are re -
quired for different packs (see table):
FNB-311-33 600/1200 NC-55B/C
~ FNB - 35 ~ i; 1 900 1 NC-34B/C 1
FNB - 38 600 NC-38B/C
Ensure you use the correct charger for each
pack. Each compact charger is available with a
"B" suffix for operation from 117 - V ACTor with
a "C" suffix for operation from 220
- 234 - V AC.
NC - 50 Dual - Slot Rapid Charger
The NC - 50 is a universal AC mains battery
charger with rapid and trickle charging modes,
and comes wired for the mains voltage in the
area sold.Up to two CA-10 Charger Sleeve units
fit into the base of the NC - 50, allowing different
Yaesu Ni
- Cd pack series to be charged.
The rapid mode initially brings the battery
pack to full charge asfast as safelypossible using
a
A - V sensor. A red LED lights during quick
charging, and when the pack approaches full
charge, the charger reverts to trickle mode
(green LED), to prevent self
- discharge. The
rapid mode recharges a battery in about
1 hour.

PA-1OA Mobile PowerAdapter
The PA-1OA charger/power adapter provides
operating and battery charging voltage from an
automobileelectricalsystem or other DC source.
Designed for the car door or dashboard, it allows
convenientand safe mobile operation. Dual flex
-
ible latching arms facilitate easy insertion and
removal
of the FT-51R, while providing a secure
transceiver mount for battery charging and op
-
eration in a mobile environment. Use only with
12
- volt negative - ground electrical systems.
PA - 1OA Mobile Power Adapter
The PA-1OA provides regulated 11 - VDC out -
put for operating the transceiver and for trickle-
charging NiCd batteries when the transceiver is
not in use. When the transceiver is inserted into
the hanger, an LED turns on to indicate charging
is taking place, and the transceiver display auto
-
matically illuminates for easy night - time view -
ing (unless the feature is disabled).
FBA - 14 D y - Cell Butte y Case
The FBA - 14 dry - cellbattery case may be used
with four "AA"-size (UM - 3) batteries. Maxi -
mum power output is about 1.5 watts. Use alka -
line cells for best performance.
Caution! The FBA - 14 must not be used with re -
chargeable cells. It lacks the necessary thermal and
over
- current protection circuits provided in the
FNB series Ni
- Cd Packs.
One or more of the abovebattery packs/cases
may be supplied with the transceiver. If you
need a battery, contact your Yaesu dealer. We do
not recommend the use of any other type of
battery with the FT-51R, and using another type
may affect your warranty.

Battery Removal & Replacement
0 Make sure the power is switched off, and re -
move the protective soft case, if used. Grasp
the transceiver horizontally with your left
hand,
so your thumb is on the Battery Release
slide button.
0 Move the button in the directionshown by the
arrow, while using your right hand to slidethe
battery case up slightly and outward away
from the transceiver battery well. The battery
should slide smoothly out of its track.
To open the FBA - 14 battery case, place your
thumbs on the lugs on top of the case and gently
pry the case apart. Replace all four batteries,
noting the polarity indicated inside the case.
% Do not attempt to open any of the rechargeable
Ni
- Cd packs, and do not install rechargeable
cells
in the FBA - 14, as they could explode if
accidentally short - circuited.
To replace the battery case or Ni - Cd pack,
repeat the steps above, inserting the battery case
in the other directionafter aligningthe four lock
-
ing lugs of the battery case with the guide chan -
nels in the transceiver battery - well sides.

MH-I2A2B MH-32A2B& MH-35A2B
SpeakerfMicrophones
A Speaker/Mic can increase operating con -
venience and extend communications range.
Each is equipped with a dual plug connector
which mates with the
EAR and MIC jacks on the
top panel of the transceiver, disabling the inter -
nal speaker and microphone. The cable lets you
clip the transceiver
to your belt, or hold it above
obstructions for better performance. Also, using
a Speaker/Mic for mobile operation allows the
transceiver to be left in the PA-1OA Mobile
Power Adapter/Mount.
Hold the Speaker/Mic near your ear during
reception; or connect an earphone to the plug on
the Speaker/Mic, attenuating the audio from its
loudspeaker. To transmit just hold the
Speaker/Mic near your mouth and close the
PTT switch on the microphone.
kfH-29~2~Remote Control Micro -
phone
The MH-29~2~3is a scanning hand loud-
speaker/microphone with programmable func -
tion key and its own display. A lamp switch
turns on backlight illumination for easy viewing
in the dark. Transceiver volume level can also be
adjusted by holding the
CALL key on the MH-
29~2~then pressing the UP/DWN buttons.
VC - 22 VOXHeadset
withBoom Microphone
The VC - 22 connectsto the EAR and MIC jacks
in the same manner as the speaker/mics. It con
-
sists of a headband - supported earphone and at -
tached boom microphone, allowing hands - free
VOX operation with the transceiver.
Antenna Considerations
While the supplied rubber flex antenna is
convenient for short - range operation, the stand -
ard BNC jack allowsuse of a higher gain antenna
to extend range inbase or mobile operation. Any
antenna used with the FT - 51R should have an
impedance close to 50 ohms on the 2 - m & 70 - cm
amateur bands. If a feedline
is used, it should be
good quality 5042 coax. Obtaining a proper fit
with some BNC plugs may require removing:he
rubber gasket around the antenna jack on the
transceiver.

TSETABC
LOWDEF
c5)
SAVE GHI
(4)
%SCOPEJKI
(5)
STEP PRS
(7)
AMUTE TUV
GD
Normal
Function
-- -
Enter digit 1
Enter digit 2
Enter digit
3
Enter digit 4
Enter digit
5
Enter digit 6
Enter digit
7
Enter digit 8
Enter digit 9
Enter digit 0
FT - 51 R Key Functions
~- ~.
-
-
-~
..
Alt Function (after pressing 0) - 0 icon displayedfor 5 secs.
__
- .-
~-
..
Toggles CTCSS EncodeIDecode Mode: TI T SQ I off.
Toggle display of CTCSS tone frequency (use the
DIAL knob or the a/& keys to
select a desired tone).
YWZ A YWI
Toggle High or 4 - step selectable low Tx power. Select the Low Tx power level'set-
ting using the DIAL knob or a1 @I keys ( E:, L , :I? or 3 ).
Display and select the power saver interval (sleep ratio): use the DIAL knob or
ml@ keys to select the desired ratio, automatic or off.
Enableldisable receiver spectrum display scope.
Toggles repeater shift direction:
-1 +I off (simplex).
Displaylselect tuning steps size (use DIAL to select default steps of 5, 10, 12.5, 15,
20,25 & 50 kHz.
Toggle the sub - receiver audio mute feature on or off.
Selects the Duplex mode (for normal or reduced audio on transmit).
Activate
" set - function " mode: 0 displayectfor 5 secs., rotate the DIAL knob to select
any of 26 functions, and use the
ala keys to change default settings.
23

0
Key Functions (continued)
From VFO: recall last - used memory chan -
nel. From Memory: enable memory tuning -
T appears at display bottom.
Enable alternate function
of following key
pressedwithin
5 seconds (‘W displayed).
From VFO: select VFO
“A” or “B ’I.
From Memory: select last - usedVFO.
r ti
Jump to CALL channel, L RL L appears at
display bottom.
Toggle Main Channel display (leftlright).
Toggle repeater shift (reverse inputloutput
frequencies).
Enables DTMF Message programming.
Tune up/down a step or memory, press and
hold to start scanning (band or channel).
Display/select preset volume level.
Toggle Pagingnrigger PagindCode
Squelch and CTCSS Bell Functions.
-~ - __
~ -
Alternate Function (after pressing (OM)) - GI icon dis-
playedfor 5 secs.
- =., - - -
--. -_
-
From memory mode only: toggle scan skip of currently
selected memory channel.
Cancel alternate function (while
‘m’’ is still displayed.).
Activate Priority monitoring,
PPI appears at display bot -
tom.
Toggle DTMF autodial memory mode
(“EY displayed).
Turn off the Sub Channel display.
Display/change defavlt repeater shift (offset). Change
with DIAL or m/m buttons.
“1 A **z
Activates the Message receive system.
Tune up/down in 1 MHz steps.
Display/select preset squelch level.
Display/select DTMF Code memories.
Note: a description of Set - Mode Functions and their customization is provided on page 63,
1
fun
scri
Shel
Pn
Bef
0
0
0
0

Operation
This chapter describesthe various transceiver
functions tutorially. After studying these de
-
scriptions, keep the FT-51R Operator’s Quick Code
Sheet
handy to refresh your memory.
Prelimina y Steps
Before operating the FT - 51R the first time:
0 Charge the battery pack completely (if using
Ni - Cd batteries) as described on page 11. If
using an FBA
- 14 dry - cell battery case, install
the batteries (also described on page
11).
0 Connect the supplied antenna to the antenna
jack on the top of the transceiver.
Never operate
the transceiver without
an antenna connected.
D If you have a Speaker/Mic, we suggest you
not connect it until you are familiar with basic
operation.
0 Before proceeding, please read the Controls &
Connectors chapter, if you have not already, to
familiarize yourself with the functions of the
controls. Note especially the display on page
8, and key information on pages 13,14 & 63.
When you press the front panel keys during
reception, one or
two beeps sound to indicate
key contact. Don’t hold the
(OM) key down un -
less you are storing a memory, and try to avoid
pressing two keys at the same time. While trans -
mitting, the keys generate DTMF tones accord -
ing to their numeric label or the blue A, B, C, D,
*, # label (near the non - numeric keys).
You need not be too concerned about the fol
-
lowing descriptions of timers - they are much
easier to understand (by doing, which we will
get to shortly) than to describe.
Low Battey - Power Indicator
When the battery voltage is low, the indica -
tor appears, indicating the battery pack
should be recharged or batteries re laced.
If
the battery voltage drops further, ”f” blinks;
if you continue operating, the transceiver
eventually turns itself off.
We recommend immediately replacing the
pack at first indication of low voltage.

Keypad Beeper
You can turn the keypad beeper on and off
press
@@+a, then rotate the DIAL until
SET 3 JEEP appears.Useaor@ to
toggle the beeper on/off. If you lock the
keypad (as described on page
37) with the
beeper enabled, each key sounds a different
tone for as long as it is held. Press the
PTT or
to return to the display to normal.
A several - secondtimer starts when you press
@, and automatically restarts y-ep you turn
the
DIAL knob or press i""i", or m. Pressing
other keys may shut off the timer as the resulting
change in operation occurs, or restart the timer
so you can select various functions.
The beeper provides useful audible feedback
whenever a key is pressed. Each key has
a differ -
ent pitch, and many functions have unique beep
combinations.For example, you will hear a low-
pitched beep followed by a high - pitched beep
when you press
?&, or a high - pitched beep
tgllpwed by a low - pitched beep when you press
m. You can disable the beeper as described in
~
the box, but we recommend keeping it enabled
while getting to know the key functions.
With that said, if you experienceany difficul
-
ties getting the transceiver to work as described
in the manual, see the chapter
In Case of Prob -
lems, starting on page 73.
Important Terms
If the transceiver has not been used before,
the display will look something like this:
I Main Channel Sub Channel I
-\' 1 ',
:SF /q\\
-ID DUP
FT - 51 R Default Display
We call the frequencyto the right of the ) icon
the
main channel, and the other frequency (if
displayed), the sub channel (these can be on
either side of the display). You can select the
desired main channel by pressing
<BAND) to toggle
b back and forth. You can also turn the sub chan -
nel freluency display on and off by pressing
BAN0 OFY
@@+a.
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Dual receive is active only when a sub chan -
nel is displayed; the a button selects which
band or bands appear in the main and sub chan
-
nel displays. Transmission is only possible on
the main channel, but both receivers can be set to
frequenciesin the sameband in any combination
(V&V, V&U, U&U, U&V). Along with separate
preset volume and squelch levels and
VHF &
U H F tx/rx LEDs, each channelhas its own mem -
ory display, and bargraph meter for signal
strength and power output (S/PO) indication.
Normally, the
DIAL selector knob and keypad
functions only affect the main channel. How -
ever, by pressing @ first so that ) blinks next to
the sub channel, the controlsnow acts on the sub
channel instead. After making adjustments to
the sub channel, press @ again to return control
to the main channel.
Volume Setting
Pr$$sQL?& to select the desired band, then
press @or to adjust receiver volume for that
band. While setting the volume,
illik is dis -
played followed by a Zone segment on the LCD
bargraph to provide a visual reference of the
selected level.
ID DUP S
-7- i
Main - Channel (active) Sub - channel VOL level
VOL level
Each press of the button adjusts the volume
level one increment, and
two increments move
the bargraph segment one place. If there is no
signal,
you can temporarily override the squelch
by holding the center
MONl button (below the
PTT switch, while adjusting the volume on
background noise.
Squelch Setting
Squelch silences background noise when no
signal is present on the channel. You adjust the
receiver squelch for each bagcILina similar man
-
ner as the volume using the @/ " & buttons, after
first pressing @@ (within 3 seconds).
-ID DUP S
0 aiI%iU#klRI aim711 iR8
f. t
Main Channel (active) Sub - channel
SQL level SQL level

While setting the squelch, 551 appears fol -
lowed by a blanked segment (inverse of the vol -
ume setting display) on the S/PO bargraph
meter, indicating the present squelch level. Be -
low the third segment (approx.), the VHF or
UHF LED glows green, indicating the squelch is
open. To set the squelch:
0 After setting the volume to a comfortable
level, if a signalis present, turn the DIAL to an
empty channel (no signal, or
only noise).
0 Press (aM> and then "@or just to the point
where background noise is silenced and the
LED turns off. (If the squelch is set to a higher
level, sensitivity to weak signalsis reduced.)
Now, whenever a signal is received strong
enough to open the squelch, the
VHF or UHF
indicator for the appropriate band glows green.
Note that while receiving, one or more bar-
graph segments may appear along the bottom of
the display, indicating received signal strength.
This is not affected by the squelch,
so even
squelched signals can give some indication. If
several bargraph segments appear while the
squelch is closed, try reducing the squelch set
-
ting (if you want to hear weak signals).
In non
- European versions, the monitor
switch (the button below the
P T T ) opens the
squelch
so you can check for weak signals, and
adjust volume independently.
Frequency Selection Modes
VFO Mode
This mode is for tuning or scanning the band
when looking for a channel on which to operate,
when you don't have a specific frequency in
mind. In this mode, the
DIAL knob and arrow
keys each tune the band in the selected step size,
or in 1
- MHz steps, and the scanning function
tunes in the selected step size. The FT
- 51R has
two independent VFOs, A and B, for the main
channel, and two more for the sub channel.
These are toggled by pressing when receiv
-
ing on either VFO. An A or B to the upper - left of
the frequency shows which VFO is currently
selected.
Memory Mode
This mode is mainly for operating on specific
channels known in advance (and stored in the
memories). For example, after storing the fre
-
quencies of your local repeaters, you can confine
operation to those channels by selecting the