Yaesu FT-60R User manual

FT-60R Quick Guide
Summary of Controls, Modes, and Programming
Compiled by
Richard Barr Hibbs, PE
(KI6AQW)
Contents:
Keypad Controls..........................................................................................1
Radio Functions...........................................................................................2
Set Mode (by Mode Item Number)............................................................... 2
Set Mode (by Function) ................................................................................ 5
Radio Operation ..........................................................................................7
Definitions ....................................................................................................7
Switching between VFO and Memory Modes.............................................. 7
Determining Receive Frequency when in Alpha Channel Mode.................. 7
Locking the Radio.........................................................................................7
Changing the Transmitter Power Level ........................................................7
Memory Operations...................................................................................... 7
Scanning .......................................................................................................8
Weather Channels......................................................................................... 9
Resetting the Radio..................................................................................... 10
Operating Procedures ................................................................................10
Programming and Operating Data.............................................................12
Repeater Data ............................................................................................. 12
Simplex Channel Data ................................................................................ 14
Emergency Staging Areas........................................................................... 15
Critical and Mass Care Facilities ................................................................17
Operator Call Signs.....................................................................................18
Notes...........................................................................................................19
Summary:
This Quick Guide was created to present the most common settings of the
Yaesu FT-60R handheld dual-band transceiver in an organized way for rapid
reference during field operations. My goal was to include all the features
and functions for use in a public emergency such as an earthquake by both
search and rescue teams and emergency services coordinators presented in a
clear and straightforward way. I have intentionally limited coverage of
features and functionality not likely to be used in emergency service, and
welcome comments and suggestions for improving the guide.

ii
Disclaimer:
This guide is based on the Yaesu FT-60R Operating Manual, Copyright ©
2004, Vertex Standard CO., LTD., Tokyo, Japan, plus hands-on experience
testing each of the settings described in this guide. As I believe that there
may be small operating differences among different versions of the FT-60R,
I strongly suggest that you try every setting that you believe may be useful
during emergency operations with this guide in hand to be certain that your
radio works exactly as does mine. Do this, hopefully with a friend having
another transceiver to verify correct operation, before an actual emergency
occurs. No matter how much we drill and prepare for an emergency, the
only thing for certain is that you will encounter a situation you did not
expect, so stay calm and be prepared for the unexpected.
Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. (KI6AQW)
San Francisco, California,
[e-mail]
Revision 3, May 2008.
Copyright and License for Re-use
Copyright © 2008, Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. All rights reserved.
The information in this Quick Guide may be used and with certain
limitations, freely re-used according to the terms of this License Agreement:
If you do not agree to these terms and conditions, cease use of this guide
immediately and destroy all copies.
1. The editor presents the information as is, with no warranty, expressed or
implied, for the results or consequences of the use of this information,
including actual or compensatory damages resulting from incorrect data
or procedures resulting in property damage, injury, or death.
2. The editor specifically grants permission for Amateur Radio operators
(‘hams”) and others in Emergency Services (including volunteers and
uniformed personnel) to print, copy, re-distribute, or re-use this
information, provided that the entire text of this Copyright and License
for Re-use is included, unaltered, in its entirety without fee, notification,
or additional restrictions when provided freely to other hams or
Emergency Services personnel.
3. Other non-commercial users are similarly granted permission for use.
4. For commercial use, please contact the author for License terms and
fees.

Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. (KI6AQW) FT-60R Quick Guide
July 10, 2011 Page 1
KEYPAD CONTROLS
Key Press Key Press [F/W] + Press & Hold
1
[SQTYP] Frequency Entry
Digit "1" Activates CTCSS or DCS Operation Recalls NOAA Weather
Channels Bank
2
[CODE] Frequency Entry
Digit "2"
Selects CTCSS Tone
or DCS Code Number
Activates the
ARTS Feature
3
[TXPO] Frequency Entry
Digit "3" Selects Transmitter Power Level Activates Smart Search
4
[RPT] Frequency Entry
Digit "4" Selects Frequency Shift Direction Activates EMERGENCY
5
[BELL] Frequency Entry
Digit "5"
Selects CTCSS/DCS
Bell Repetition
none
6
[LOCK] Frequency Entry
Digit "6" Activates Key Lockout Activates Key Lockout
7 Frequency Entry
Digit "7"
Activates EPCS none
8 Frequency Entry
Digit "8"
Selects Memory Scan
Skip
none
9
[DTMF] Frequency Entry
Digit "9"
Selects DTMF Mode none
0
[SET] Frequency Entry
Digit "0"; Activates
Internet Connection
Engages Set Menu Enables Internet
Access Code
Selection
*
[V/M] Switches between
VFO and Memories Activates Priority Function Starts Upward Programmed
Scan
#
[BAND] Moves to Next-
Highest Band in
VFO Mode
Moves to Next Lowest
Band in VFO Mode;
Activates Memory
Tune in Recall Mode
Selects
Bandwidth of
Programmed
Scan
A
[▲MHz] Increases VFO by 1
Step or Next
Channel Up
Tune VFO upward in
1Mhz Steps Start Scanner upward
B
[▼MHz] Decreases VFO by 1
Step or Next
Channel Down
Tune VFO downward
in 1 MHz Steps Start Scanner downward
C
[HM/RV] Reverses Transmit
and Receive Freqs
Switches to Home
Channel
none
D
[F/W] Activates Secondary
Functions
Disables Secondary
Functions
Activates
Memory Write

FT-60R Quick Guide (KI6AQW) Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E.
Page 2 July 10, 2011
RADIO FUNCTIONS
SET MODE (BY MODE ITEM NUMBER)
Set Mode Item Function Available Values
(Default)
1 [APO] Setting of the Automatic Power-Off
feature.
OFF / 0.5H - 12.0H
2 [AR BEP] Selects the Beep option during ARTS
operation.
INRANG /
ALWAYS / OFF
3 [AR INT] Selects the Polling Interval during
ARTS operation.
25 SEC / 15 SEC
4 [ARS] Enables/Disables the Automatic
Repeater Shift function.
ARS.ON / ARS.OFF
5 [BCLO] Enables/Disables the Busy Channel
Lock-Out feature.
BCL.ON /
BCL.OFF
6 [BEEP] Enables/Disables beeper. KEY+SC / KEY /
OFF
7 [BELL] Selects the number of CTCSS/DCS
Bell ringer repetitions.
OFF / 1T / 3T / 5T /
8T / CONT
8 [BSY.LED] Enables/Disables the BUSY LED
while the squelch is open.
LED.ON /
LED.OFF
9 [CLK.SFT] Shifting of the CPU clock frequency. SFT.OFF / SFT.ON
10 [CWID] Enables/disables the CW identifier
during ARTS operation.
TX OFF / TX ON
11 [CW WRT] Programs and activates the CW
Identifier.
---
12 [DC VLT] Indicates the DC Supply Voltage ---
13 [DCS.COD] Setting of the DCS code. 104 DCS codes,
(023)
14 [DCS.N/R] Enables/Disables “Inverted” DCS
code decoding.
T/RX N, RX R, TX
R, T/RX R
15 [DT DLY] Setting of the DTMF Autodialer
Delay Time.
50MS / 100MS /
250MS / 450MS /
750MS / 1000MS
16 [DT SPD] Setting of the DTMF Autodialer
Sending Speed.
50MS / 100MS
17 [DT WRT] Programming of the DTMF
Autodialer.
---
18 [EAI] Enables/disables the Emergency
Automatic ID (EAID) feature.
INT.1M-INT.50M /
CON.1M-CON.50M
/ OFF
19 [EDG.BEP] Enables/Disables the Band-edge
beeper while selecting the frequency
via the DIAL knob.
BEP.OFF /
BEP.ON

Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. (KI6AQW) FT-60R Quick Guide
July 10, 2011 Page 3
Set Mode Item Function Available Values
(Default)
20 [EMG S] Selects the alarm(s) utilized when the
Emergency function is engaged.
EMG.BEP /
EMG.LMP /
EMG.B+L /
EMG.CWT /
EMG.C+B /
EMG.C+L /
EMG.ALL OFF
21 [I NET] Selects Connection to the Internet
Link mode.
INT.OFF /
INT.COD /
INT.MEM
22 [INT CD] Selects the Access Number (DTMF
digit) for WIRES™ operation CODE 0 - CODE 9,
(CODE 1)
23 [INT MR] Selects the memory register for an
Access Number (DTMF code) for
non-WIRES™
d1 - d9, (d1)
24 [LAMP] Selects the LCD/Keypad Lamp mode. KEY / 5SEC /
TOGGLE
25 [LOCK] Selects the Control Locking lockout
combination.
LK KEY / LK DIAL
/ LK K+D / LK PTT
/ LK P+K / LK P+D
/ LK ALL
26 [M/T-CL] Selects the MONI key (just below the
PTT switch) function.
MONI / T-CALL
27 [NAME] Toggles the display indication
between frequency and the channel’s
Alpha/Numeric Tag.
FREQ / ALPHA
28 [NM WRT] Stores Alpha/Numeric Tags for the
Memory channels.
---
29 [PAGER] Enables/disables the Enhanced
CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch
function.
OFF / ON
30 [PAG.ABK] Enables/disables the Answer Back
function of the Enhanced CTCSS
Paging & Code Squelch.
ABK.OFF /
ABK.ON
31 [PAG.CDR] Setting the Receiver Pager Code for
the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code
Squelch.
(05_47)
32 [PAG.CDT] Setting the Transmitting Pager Code
for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging &
Code Squelch.
(05_47)
33 [PSWD] Enables/disables the Password
feature.
PWD.OFF / PWD
ON
34 [PSWD W] Stores the password. ---

FT-60R Quick Guide (KI6AQW) Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E.
Page 4 July 10, 2011
Set Mode Item Function Available Values
(Default)
35 [RESUME] Selects the Scan Resume mode. BUSY / HOLD /
TIME
36 [REV/HM] Selects the function of the [HM/RV]
key.
<REV> / <HOME>
37 [RF SQL] Adjusts the RF Squelch threshold
level.
S-1 / S-2 / S-3 / S-4 /
S-5 / S-6 / S-8 / S-
FULL / OFF
38 [RPT.MOD] Sets the Repeater Shift Direction.
(Default depends on radio version.)
RPT.OFF / RPT.– /
RPT. +
39 [PRI.RVT] Enables/disables the Priority Revert
feature.
RVT.OFF /
RVT.ON
40 [RX MOD] Selects the receiving mode. AUTO / FM / AM
41 [RXSAVE] Selects the Receive-mode Battery
Saver interval (“sleep” ratio).
200 MS / 300 MS /
500 MS / 1 S / 2 S /
OFF
42 [S SRCH] Selects the Smart Search Sweep
mode.
SINGLE / CONT
43 [SCN MD] Selects Memory Scan or the channel-
selection mode.
ONLY / MEM
44 [SCN.LMP] Enables/Disables the Scan lamp while
paused.
ON / OFF
45 [SHIFT] Sets the size of the repeaters shift.
(Default depends on radio version.)
0.00-99.95 MHz
46 [SKIP] Selects the Memory Scan “Skip”
channel-selection mode.
OFF / SKIP /
ONLY
47 [SPLIT] Enables/Disables split CTCSS/DCS
coding.
SPL.OFF / SPL.ON
48 [SQL.TYP] Selects the Tone Encoder and/or
Decoder mode.
OFF / TONE /
TSQL / REV TN /
DCS
49 [STEP] Setting of the synthesizer steps. 5 / 10 / 12.5 / 15 / 20
/ 25 / 50 / 100 kHz,
or AUTO
50 [TN FRQ] Setting of the CTCSS Tone
Frequency.
50 CTCSS tones
(100 Hz)
51 [TOT] Setting of the Time-Out Transmitter
timer.
1MIN - 30MIN of
OFF
52 [TX.LED] Enables/Disables the TX LED while
the radio is transmitting.
LED ON /
LED.OFF
53 [TXSAVE] Enables/Disables the Transmitter
Battery Saver.
SAV.OFF /
SAV.ON
54 [VFO.BND] Enables or disables the VFO band
edge limiting for the current band.
BAND / ALL

Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. (KI6AQW) FT-60R Quick Guide
July 10, 2011 Page 5
Set Mode Item Function Available Values
(Default)
55 [WID.NAR] Select Wide (±5 kHz) or Narrow
(±2.5 kHz) TX Deviation.
WIDE / NARROW
56 [WX ALT] Enables/Disables the Weather Alert
Scan feature.
ALT.OFF / ALT.
ON
SET MODE (BY FUNCTION)
CATEGORY/Function Set Mode Item
Number
Available Values
(Default)
REPEATER SETTINGS
Enables/Disables the Automatic
Repeater Shift function.
4 [ARS] ARS.ON /
ARS.OFF
Sets the Repeater Shift Direction.
(Default depends on radio version.)
38 [RPT.MOD] RPT.OFF / RPT.–
/ RPT.+
Sets the magnitude of the repeater Shift.
(Default depends on radio version.)
45 [SHIFT] 0.00 - 99.95 MHz
CTCSS SETTINGS
Selects the number of CTCSS/DCS Bell
ringer repetitions.
7 [BELL] OFF / 1T / 3T /
5T / 8T / CONT
Selects the DCS code. 13 [DCS.COD] 104 standard DCS
codes (023)
Enables/Disables “Inverted” DCS code
decoding.
14 [DCS.N/R] T/RX N, RX R,
TX R, T/RX R
Sets the DTMF Autodialer Delay Time. 15 [DT DLY] 50MS / 100MS /
250MS / 450MS /
750MS / 1000MS
Sets the DTMF Autodialer Sending
Speed.
16 [DT SPD] 50MS / 100MS
Programs the DTMF Autodialer. 17 [DT WRT] ---
Enables/Disables split CTCSS/DCS
coding.
47 [SPLIT] SPL.OFF / SPL.
ON
Selects the Tone Encoder and/or
Decoder mode.
48 [SQL.TYP] OFF / TONE /
TSQL / REV TN /
DCS
Selects the CTCSS Tone Frequency. 50 [TN FRQ] 50 standard
CTCSS tones (100
Hz)
ARTS SETTINGS
Selects the Beep option during ARTS
operation.
2 [AR BEP] INRANG /
ALWAYS / OFF

FT-60R Quick Guide (KI6AQW) Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E.
Page 6 July 10, 2011
CATEGORY/Function Set Mode Item
Number
Available Values
(Default)
Selects the Polling Interval during ARTS
operation.
3 [AR INT] 25 SEC / 15 SEC
Enables/disables the CW identifier
during ARTS operation.
10 [CWID] TX OFF / TX ON
Programs and activates the CW
Identifier (used during ARTS operation).
11 [CW WRT] ---
MEMORY SETTINGS
Toggles the display between
“frequency” and the channel’s
“Alpha/Numeric Tag.”
27 [NAME] FREQ / ALPHA
Stores Alpha/Numeric “Tags” for the
Memory channels.
29 [NM WRT] ---
SCAN SETTINGS
Selects the Scan Resume mode. 35 [RESUME] BUSY / HOLD /
TIME
Enables/disables the Priority Revert
feature.
39 [PRI.RVT] RVT.OFF /
RVT.ON
Selects the Memory Scan channel-
selection mode.
43 [SCN MD] ONLY / MEM
Enables/Disables the Scan lamp while
paused.
44 [SCN.LMP] ON / OFF
Selects the Memory Scan “Skip”
channel-selection mode.
46 [SKIP] OFF / SKIP /
ONLY
Enables/Disables the Weather Alert Scan
feature.
56 [WX ALT] ALT.OFF / ALT.
ON
POWER SAVER SETTINGS
Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver
interval (“sleep” ratio).
41 [RXSAVE] 200 MS / 300 MS
/ 500 MS / 1 S / 2
S / OFF
Enables/Disables the Transmitter Battery
Saver.
53 [TXSAVE] SAV.OFF / SAV
ON
SWITCH/KNOB SETTINGS
Enables/Disables the beeper. 6 [BEEP] KEY + SC / KEY
/ OFF
Selects the LCD/Keypad Lamp mode. 24[LAMP] KEY / 5 SEC /
TOGGLE
Selects the Control Locking lockout
combination.
25 [LOCK] LK KEY /
LKDIAL / LK
K+D / LK PTT /
LK P+K / LK
ALL

Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. (KI6AQW) FT-60R Quick Guide
July 10, 2011 Page 7
RADIO OPERATION
DEFINITIONS
Frequency navigation keys: the [BAND], [▲MHz], and [▼MHz] keys
plus the DIAL knob.
MONI: Monitor.
PTT: Push To Talk.
VFO: Variable Frequency Operation.
SWITCHING BETWEEN VFO AND MEMORY MODES
•PRESS the [V/M] key.
DETERMINING RECEIVE FREQUENCY WHEN IN ALPHA CHANNEL MODE
•PRESS the [BAND] key. (PRESS again to revert to alphanumeric
channel name.)
LOCKING THE RADIO
1. To lock the radio
PRESS [F/W] then 6[LOCK]
2. To unlock the radio
PRESS [F/W] then 6[LOCK]
CHANGING THE TRANSMITTER POWER LEVEL
1. PRESS the [F/W] key, then the 3[TXPO] key. The LCD shows the
current power output level.
2. ROTATE the DIAL knob to select the desired power output level.
Available selections are “HIGH” (5 W), “MID” (2 W), and “LOW”
(0.5 W).
3. PRESS the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal
operation.
MEMORY OPERATIONS
1. Managing Channel Memory.
a. Entering a Channel in Memory.
i. PRESS the [V/M] key as needed to enter VFO mode.
ii. Use the frequency navigation keys or direct entry to select
the operating frequency. Be sure to set repeater offset and
CTCSS tone if appropriate.
iii. PRESS and HOLD the [F/W] key for one second.
iv. Within five seconds, ROTATE the DIAL knob or PRESS
the [BAND] key to select the desired memory channel.
v. PRESS the [F/W] key again to store the frequency.

FT-60R Quick Guide (KI6AQW) Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E.
Page 8 July 10, 2011
b. Deleting a Channel from Memory.
i. PRESS the [V/M] key as needed to enter Memory mode.
ii. PRESS and HOLD the [F/W] key for one second.
iii. ROTATE the DIAL knob to select the memory channel.
iv. PRESS the [FM/RV] key to delete the frequency.
c. Creating an Alphanumeric Name for a Memory Entry.
i. Recall the memory channel you wish to name.
ii. PRESS the [F/W] key, then PRESS the 0[SET] key to
enter Set mode.
iii. ROTATE the DIAL knob to Item 28: NM WRT.
iv. PRESS the [F/W] key to display any previous name.
v. If you wish to delete any previous name, PRESS the [F/W]
key again.
vi. ROTATE the DIAL knob to select the first character of the
desired name.
vii. Press the [F/W] key to move to the next character.
viii. Repeat steps vi and vii as necessary – names are limited to
6 characters each (sufficient for a call sign or mnemonic
label.)
2. Memory Banks
Memory banks simplify organizing memory channels for scanning.
a. Assigning memory channels to a memory bank.
i. Recall the memory channel to be assigned to a memory
bank.
ii. PRESS and HOLD the [BAND] key for one second, then
ROTATE the DIAL knob to select the desired memory
bank.
iii. PRESS and HOLD the [F/W] key for one second to copy
the memory channel into the memory bank.
b. Recalling a memory bank.
i. PRESS the [V/M] key as needed to enter Memory mode.
ii. PRESS and HOLD the [BAND] key for one second, then
ROTATE the DIAL knob to select the desired memory
bank.
iii. PRESS the [V/M] key to select the memory bank for use.
SCANNING
The full capabilities of the FT-60R are described in ten pages of the
Operating Manual. Here I describe only two of the possibilities.
1. Memory Scanning.
a. Enabling Memory Scanning.
To scan ALL of the frequencies entered into the radio’s channel
memory:
i. PRESS the [V/M] key as necessary to enter Memory mode.

Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. (KI6AQW) FT-60R Quick Guide
July 10, 2011 Page 9
ii. PRESS and HOLD either the [▲MHz] or [▼MHz] key
for one second to initiate scanning.
b. Disabling Memory Scanning.
•PRESS the PTT switch.
2. Memory Bank Scanning.
To scan ONLY the channels stored in a specific memory bank:
a. Enabling Memory Bank Scanning.
i. PRESS the [V/M] key as necessary to enter Memory mode.
ii. PRESS and HOLD the [BANK] key for one second, then
ROTATE the DIAL knob to select the desired memory
bank.
iii. PRESS the [F/W] key to select the bank for scanning.
iv. Repeat steps ii and iii to include any other desired memory
banks in the scan list.
v. PRESS and HOLD the [V/M] key for one second to start
scanning the selected memory banks.
b. Disabling Memory Bank Scanning.
•PRESS the PTT switch.
PROGRAMMING THE CW IDENTIFIER
This feature has several uses for identifying your radio in an emergency.
1. PRESS the [F/W] key, then PRESS the 0[SET] key to enter set
mode.
2. ROTATE the DIAL knob to select Item 11: CW WRT.
3. PRESS the [F/W] key momentarily to display any prior call sign.
4. PRESS the [F/W] key AGAIN to clear any previous call sign.
5. ROTATE the DIAL knob to select the first character of your call
sign, then PRESS the [F/W] key momentarily to save the first
character and move on to the next.
6. Repeat Step 5 as needed to enter your entire call sign. If you make
an error, press the [▼MHz] key to move back to the prior character.
7. If your call sign is 5 characters or less, PRESS and HOLD the
[F/W] key for one second to store the call sign.
8. PRESS the PTT switch to save the call sign and exit to normal
mode.
9. PRESS the [F/W] key, then PRESS the 0[SET] key to enter set
mode.
10. ROTATE the DIAL knob to select Item 10: CWID, then PRESS the
[F/W] key to enable setting this item.
11. ROTATE the DIAL knob to set item to “TX ON.”
12. PRESS the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal mode.

FT-60R Quick Guide (KI6AQW) Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E.
Page 10 July 10, 2011
EMERGENCY OPERATIONS
(This section is intentionally blank for future text concerning
radio settings for search and rescue operations.)
Here in San Francisco, the Fire Department has organized Neighborhood
Emergency Response Teams trained in light urban search and rescue. We
never have enough radio operators for each member of the search and rescue
teams to have individual radios, so the radio operators NEVER go into a
structure, but remain outside so as to be able to communicate with Incident
Command if the searchers get into trouble. As a result, I’ve no experience
using the FT-60R’s EAI and other Emergency Features and Functions, and
solicit suggestions and procedures from the readers.
WEATHER CHANNELS
US Versions of the FT-60R have a separate bank of NOAA weather
information stations.
1. Selecting the weather channels bank.
a. PRESS and HOLD the 1[SQ TYP] key for one second to recall
the weather broadcast memory bank.
b. ROTATE the DIAL knob to select a channel. (PRESS the
PTT switch to scan the bank for additional stations.)
2. De-selecting the weather channels bank.
•PRESS and HOLD the 1[SQ TYP] key for one second.
RESETTING THE RADIO
Hopefully you will never need to do this, but if your radio is acting
erratically the microprocessor memory may have been corrupted. To reset
the radio:
1. Turn the radio off.
2. PRESS and HOLD the MONI switch while turning the radio on.
3. ROTATE the DIAL knob to select:
•F1 SETRST: Resets the Set Mode values to factory defaults.
•F2 MEMRST: Clears all Memories.
•F3 MB RST: Clears all Memory Bank assignments.
•F4 ALLRST: Clears all Memories and all other settings to
factory defaults.
4. PRESS the [F/W] key momentarily.
OPERATING PROCEDURES
1. Use of plain language is strongly recommended for emergency
communications. Avoid “Q” signs, “10” codes, and other jargon.

Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. (KI6AQW) FT-60R Quick Guide
July 10, 2011 Page 11
2. Before transmitting on a channel, listen first so as not to interrupt
operators already using the channel. If no traffic is heard, you may
ask “Is this frequency in use?” said twice, followed by your call
sign.
3. Local procedures normally determine which operator assumes the
duty of Net Control during an emergency. Whether using a simplex
channel or a repeater, if Net Control is active, address ALL
transmissions to Net Control and wait for acknowledgement.
4. During an emergency locally-assigned tactical call signs (e.g.,
“Incident Command 1” or “First Aid 3”) are used to begin a
transmission: your FCC call sign ends the transmission.
5. Be respectful of traffic priorities: IMMEDIATELY stop
transmitting if someone with a higher-priority message wishes to
transmit. While the protocol varies somewhat by location, the
message priorities from highest to lowest are:
•EMERGENCY or CRITICAL – announced by saying either
“EMERGENCY” or “BREAK” TWICE for messages that
cannot wait. Examples are any message concerning life safety
or extreme danger to people.
•PRIORITY or URGENT – announced by saying “PRIORITY”
or “BREAK” ONCE for important messages that require
prompt attention. An example might be a water line break.
•Normal traffic – is not announced by a priority code word. All
normal message traffic should defer to higher-priority traffic.
6. Keep transmission short and to the point. Break longer messages by
saying “DROP” then releasing the PTT switch. Wait 3-5 seconds,
then resume unless a higher-priority message request is transmitted
during the interval.
7. Speak slowly and distinctly, and be aware of background noise. If
you are not understood, “spell” important words (such as location)
using the phonetic “alphabet” given here:
Alpha Juliet Romeo
Bravo Kilo Sierra
Charlie Lima Tango
Delta Mike Uniform
Echo November Victor
Foxtrot Oscar Whiskey
Golf Papa X-ray
Hotel Quebec Yankee
India Zulu

FT-60R Quick Guide (KI6AQW) Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E.
Page 12 July 10, 2011
PROGRAMMING AND OPERATING DATA
REPEATER DATA
This section is provided so you can record information on the repeaters you
use frequently in case you must re-program your radio for any reason.
These are by no means all of the parameters controlling repeater operation,
but only rarely are non-standard splits used for repeaters intended to provide
support for emergency communication.
Channel Call Sign Bank Location
Receive
Frequency +/- Tone

Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. (KI6AQW) FT-60R Quick Guide
July 10, 2011 Page 13
Channel Call Sign Bank Location
Receive
Frequency +/- Tone
Notes:

FT-60R Quick Guide (KI6AQW) Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E.
Page 14 July 10, 2011
SIMPLEX CHANNEL DATA
We can’t always rely on repeaters to be active during an emergency, so this
section is provided so that you can record information about simplex channel
assignments that you program into the radio, or merely consult when needed.
Channel Bank Frequency Usage

Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. (KI6AQW) FT-60R Quick Guide
July 10, 2011 Page 15
EMERGENCY STAGING AREAS
Those of us who live in active fault zones know that there are far too many
emergency staging areas (typically where the first-tier Incident Command
Center is located) to remember, especially when there is widespread damage
and the one closest to our home or job is not usable. This section allows you
to record useful information about all staging areas you might use in an
emergency.
Channel Bank
Simplex
Frequency Location

FT-60R Quick Guide (KI6AQW) Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E.
Page 16 July 10, 2011
Channel Bank
Simplex
Frequency Location
Notes:

Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E. (KI6AQW) FT-60R Quick Guide
July 10, 2011 Page 17
CRITICAL AND MASS CARE FACILITIES
During an emergency, local, county, and state agencies use both pre-
assigned and ad hoc shelter and care facilities. This section is provided for
you to record information for use in an emergency.
Channel Bank
Simplex
Frequency Location
Notes:

FT-60R Quick Guide (KI6AQW) Richard Barr Hibbs, P.E.
Page 18 July 10, 2011
OPERATOR CALL SIGNS
Sometimes it is important to know an individual’s call sign if you are trying
to locate them on the radio, so here’s a page where you can record this
information.
Name Location Call Sign