Yaesu FT-8900R User manual

ACTUAL SIZE
FT-8900R
29/50/144/430 MHz FM QUAD BAND TRANSCEIVER

SPECIFICATIONS
General
Frequency Range: RX: 28.000 - 29.700 MHz, 50.000 - 54.000 MHz,
108.000 - 180.000 MHz, 320.000 - 480.000 MHz,
700 - 985 MHz (Cellular Blocked)
TX: 28.000 - 29.700 MHz, 50.000 - 54.000 MHz,
144.000 - 146.000 MHz (or 144.000 - 148.000 MHz),
430.000 - 440.000 MHz (or 430.00 - 450.000 MHz)
Frequency Steps: 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50 kHz
Operating Modes: F3, F2
Antenna Impedance : 50 Ohms, unbalanced (Antenna Duplexer built-in)
Frequency Stability: ±5 ppm @ 14°F ~ +140°F (–10 °C ~ +60 °C)
Operating Temperature Range: –4°F ~ +140°F (–20 °C ~ +60 °C)
Supply Voltage: 13.8 VDC (±15%), negative ground
Current Consumption (Approx.) : RX: 0.5 A (Squelched)
TX: 8.0 A (50/430 MHz), 8.5 A (29/144 MHz)
Case Size (W x H x D) : 5.5" x 1.6" x 6.6" (140 x 41.5 x 168 mm)
(w/o knobs & connectors)
Weight (Approx.): 2.2 lb (1 kg)
Transmitter
Power Output: 50/20/10/5 W (29/50/144 MHz),
35/20/10/5 W (430 MHz)
Modulation Type: Variable Reactance
Maximum Deviation : ±5 kHz
Spurious Radiation : Better than –60 dB
(29 MHz: Better than –50 dB)
Modulation Distortion : Less than 3%
Microphone Impedance : 2 kΩ
DATA Jack Impedance : 10 kΩ
Receiver
Circuit Type: Double-conversion superheterodyne
Intermediate Frequencies : 45.05 MHz/450 kHz (Left band),
47.25 MHz/450 kHz (Right band)
Sensitivity (for 12dB SINAD) : Better than 0.2 µV
Squelch Sensitivity: Better than 0.16 µV
Selectivity (–6dB/–60dB) : 12 kHz/30 kHz
Maximum AF Output: 2 W @ 8 Ωfor 5% THD
AF Output Impedance : 4-16 Ω
About this brochure: we have made this brochure as comprehensive and factual as possible. We reserve the right, however, to make changes at any time in equipment, optional accessories,
specifications, model numbers, and availability. Precise frequency range may be different in some countries. Some accessories shown herein may not be available in some countries. Some
information may have been updated since the time of printing; please check with your Authorized Yaesu Dealer for complete details.
MH-48A6J
DTMF Microphone
(supplied in U.S.A.
version)
MH-42B6JS
Hand Microphone
(supplied w/European and
Asian versions)
OPTIONS
YSK-8900
Separation Kit
MEK-2
Microphone Extension Kit
(for use with Yaesu 8-pin
Microphones)
CT-39A
Packet Interface Cable
MLS-100
High-Power
External Speaker
2002.0730NS(U/E) Printed in Japan
B9200396
VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.
For the latest Yaesu news,visit us on the Internet:
4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan
VERTEX STANDARD
US Headquarters
10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
International Division
8350 N.W. 52nd Terrace, Suite 201, Miami, FL 33166, 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
http://www.vxstdusa.com http://www.yaesu.co.uk
Phone [phone]; Fax [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]
Specifications are subject to change without notice, and are
guaranteed within the 29, 50,144, and 430 MHz amateur bands
only. Frequency ranges will vary according to transceiver version;
check with your dealer.
Available functions of
Programmable Microphone Keys:
SQL Off Opens squelch to allow
reception of weak signals.
RPTR Allows setting of
repeater shift.
PRI Activates Priority
Channel operation.
LOW Sets transmitter
output power level.
MHz
Configures Main Dial for
tuning in 1 MHz steps.
SCAN
REV
Allows reversal of uplink/
downlink frequencies.
HOME Activates Home
Channel operation.
BAND Toggles Main and
Sub bands on display.
VFO/MR Toggles operation
between VFO and
Memory modes.
P1 Programmable Key
Default function:
same as BAND Key.
P2 Programmable Key
Default function:
same as V/M Key
P3
Programmable Key
Default function: same
as TONE key.
P4
Programmable Key:
Default function: same
as LOW key.
UP/DOWN Keys:
Provide VFO channel stepping
or Memory Channel selection.
PTT Switch:
Press to Transmit.
FP-1030A
AC Power Supply (30 A)
FP-1023 (U.S.A. only)
AC Power Supply (25 A)
DIAL Knob (Left Band)
Frequency Selection
Main/Sub Band Selection
Hyper Memory
Selection Keys
Squelch Knob
(Left Band)
Volume Knob
(Left Band)
Left Band Command Keys
Left Band
Display Field
Right Band
Display Field
Right Band Command Keys
Volume Knob
(Right Band)
Squelch Knob
(Right Band)
DIAL Knob (Right Band)
Frequency Selection
Main/Sub Band Selection
Set Mode Key
WIRES Internet Key
DTMF/Direct Freq. Input
MMB-62
Remote Front Panel
Mounting Bracket
When the "Main" band is
set to the Memory mode,
press and hold in this
button for 1/2 second to
set up the Scan Skip List
or Preferential Scan List.

29/50/144/430 MHz FM QUAD BAND TRANSCEIVER
FT-8900R
Leading the Way in FM Mobile Design…From the Engineers at Yaesu!
You'll never think about mobile radios the same way. Instead of a dual-bander,
enjoy the versatility and performance of the FT-8900R Quad Bander!
Crafting the "perfect" dual-band FM transceiver is a difficult task, requiring engineering expertise in the latest areas of high-tech
design. Adding other bands is an even greater challenge, calling for a delicate touch so as not to upset the original performance of the
dual-bander. The FT-8900R is the crowning achievement in our proud FM mobile design history, bringing together the best features of
Yaesu electrical, ergonomic, and mechanical design know-how in a compact, versatile Quad Bander with leading-edge features like
VHF/UHF full duplex, cross-band repeat, independent operation on two bands, and six "Hyper Memory" keys that store complete
transceiver configuration settings. Quite simply, the FT-8900R has no peer among mobile transceivers.
HIGH MID1 MID2 LOW
50W
/ 35W(430MHz) 20W 10W 5W
QUAD BAND OPERATION
The FT-8900R combines the "traditional" 144/430 MHz local-communications
concept with the exciting capability for Sporadic-E or F2 DX on the 29 MHz and 50
MHz bands, for nationwide or worldwide FM communications from your car! The
first Amateur Radio FM mobile transceiver providing this capability, the FT-8900R
will make you wonder how you got by with a two-band transceiver up to now.
WIDE FREQUENCY COVERAGE
The FT-8900R provides extended receiver coverage beyond the Amateur
bands, so you can keep informed of communication activities in the public
safety, commercial, aircraft, and government communications ranges. Included
is coverage of 28-29.7 MHz, 50-54 MHz,108-180 MHz, 320-480 MHz, and
700-985 MHz (cellular frequencies are blocked and non-restorable).
INDEPENDENT TWO-CHANNEL, DUAL RECEIVE AND FULL DUPLEX OPERATION
Basically operating as two radios in one, the FT-8900R may be configured in a
number of ways. For example, you can set up the "left" side of the rig for
operation on 29, 50, 144, or 430 MHz operation, while setting the "right" side to
430 MHz. Or set up the left side on 29/50/144/430 MHz, and the right side on
144 MHz. And, if you like, you can configure your FT-8900R for 144-144 MHz
or 430-430 MHz dual receive operation—so you never miss out on the action!
The left and right sides
have their own Volume and
Squelch controls, as well as
S- meters, so your operating
preferences are never
compromised.
HIGH POWER OUTPUT
To get your message through when it counts, the FT-8900R puts out a full 50
Watts of power on the 29/50/144 MHz bands, and 35 Watts on 430 MHz. To
ensure thermal stability during long transmissions, a thermal sensor monitors
heat sink temperature, engaging the rear panel's cooling fan when needed.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
29 MHz+144 MHz 29 MHz+430 MHz
50 MHz+144 MHz 50 MHz+430 MHz
144 MHz+144 MHz 144 MHz+430 MHz
430 MHz+144 MHz 430 MHz+430 MHz

When six and ten meters are dead, you can still
talk around the world with the FT-8900R! The front
panel provides easy access to any WIRES™
(Wide-coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement
System) repeater, automatically sending the
required single DTMF access code at the
beginning of each transmission. And if you're
using another Internet linking system, one that
requires a DTMF string to being up the link, you
can easily configure the FT-8900R to store and
send the required tone sequence, as well.
OVER 800 MEMORY CHANNELS
The FT-8900R provides a wide variety of memory
resources, including 799 "regular" memories, six
"Home" channels for favorite frequencies, five sets
of band-edge memories, and six "Hyper
Memory" memories, which store complete
transceiver operating status, for maximum
operating efficiency and convenience. Six-
character Alpha-Numeric "Tags" (labels) may be
appended to memory channels, affording instant
channel identification. No transceiver can
compare
with the
memory
capability of
BUILT-IN DUPLEXER
Utilizing a single antenna jack, the FT-8900R's
leading-edge design includes a high-performance
duplexing system, with extensive filtering to allow
cross-band full duplex operation.
LARGE, EASY-TO-READ LIQUID
CRYSTAL DISPLAY (LCD)
Affording easy viewing from a wide range of
viewing angles, the LCD of the FT-8900R features
Yaesu's renowned Omni-Glow™display
illumination, with four illumination levels available
for different environments. You'll marvel at the
crystal-clear frequency display and status
indicators, whether you’re operating night or day.
CROSS-BAND REPEAT CAPABILITY
For emergency work, or to extend the range of a
hand-held unit, the FT-8900R includes Cross-
Band Repeat capability, similar to that pioneered
on our popular FT-8100R Dual Band FM Mobile.
ONE-TOUCH BAND-PATTERN "HYPER
MEMORY" FEATURE
To save valuable time while operating a transceiver
with the versatility of the FT-8900R, the "Hyper
Memory" feature allows you to store a complete
set of configuration data for the two bands on
which you're operating. Besides the usual storage
of frequency and tone data, Hyper Memory will store
such setup parameters as Automatic Repeater
Shift status, Packet parameters, Scanning mode,
and VFO tracking, avoiding the need to change
each of these functions manually on a regular basis.
VERSATILE SCANNING CAPABILITY
The FT-8900R lets you scan the memories, the
entire operating band, or a portion of the band.
The transceiver will stop on signals encountered
during the scan, allowing you to talk to the
station(s) on that frequency, if you like. During
band scanning, you may even configure the FT-
8900R to remain within the current band, or to
hop to the next-highest or next-lowest band, once
the band edge is reached. Dual-frequency
"Priority Channel" operation is also provided. And
the Programmable Memory Scan feature allows
you to set up sub-band limits, so you won't waste
time scanning or tuning in the SSB/CW portions
of the bands, especially ten meters.
50-TONE CTCSS/104-TONE DCS
(DIGITAL CODE SQUELCH) TONE SYSTEMS
Providing excellent performance even under
difficult link conditions, Yaesu's 50-tone sub-
audible CTCSS and 104-tone DCS signaling
systems ensure that you have full access to
repeater and remote-base inputs, and the built-in
CTCSS/DCS decoders allow silent listening on
busy channels. Plus you get Tone Search
Scanning, which will scan for the tone being
received on an incoming signal, allowing you to
match tones quickly when operating on a new
repeater system.
ARTS™
(AUTO-RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM)
Included in the FT-8900R is Yaesu's exclusive
ARTS™ feature, which can be critically important
in search-and-rescue applications. ARTS™provides
a "hand-shake" with other ARTS™-equipped
transceivers, and the display indicates if an "Out
of Range" conditions exists. The base station
(typically a mobile unit like the FT-8900R) can
then alert the field unit to move to a better
location. A 6-character CW ID memory also is
provided, for Morse Code identification of your
station every ten minutes during ARTS™operation.
USER-PROGRAMMABLE MICROPHONE KEYS
Four programmable keys on the microphone
allow you one-touch access to your favorite
command functions. The commands available
from the microphone replicate the corresponding
front panel key functions, and include Band
Change, VFO/Memory switching, Home Channel
access, 1 MHz frequency steps, Power Output
selection, Repeater Reverse, and CTCSS/DCS
setup. Customize your microphone for your
personal operating style.
Default settings for programmable keys:
ACC: BAND Key (band selection; press and hold
in for 1/2 second to enter Menu mode).
P: V/M Key (VFO/Memory switching).
P1: TONE Key (repeater access tone setup).
P2:
LOW Key (transmitter output power selection).
CONVENIENT REMOTE-HEAD
MOUNTING CAPABILITY!
Having trouble mounting your mobile radio in your
compact car? With the FT-8900R and its optional
YSK-8900 Separation Kit, mounting is a breeze
even in the tightest locations. The YSK-8900
includes a 20 ft (6 m) remote cable and a mounting
bracket for the front panel, and the microphone jack
is located on the side of the front panel, eliminating
the need to run a separate cable.
SMART SEARCH™AUTOMATIC MEMORY
LOADING SYSTEM
The Smart Search™feature may be used to load-
automatically with no operator intervention-a special
memory bank of up to 25 memory channels (per
band) on which activity is detected. Smart Search™
will sweep the band, looking for channels on
which activity may be found, and it's ideal when
visiting a city for the first time, where you may be
unfamiliar with local repeater frequencies.
EASY SETUP FOR FM SATELLITE
OPERATION
For operating on FM satellites like UO-14, the
versatile memory system of the FT-8900R allows
you to store a set of uplink and downlink frequencies
that account for Doppler shift over the entire
horizon-to-horizon pass, allowing you to select the
optimum uplink/downlink combination effortlessly.
•Automatic Repeater Shift: Automatically sets
the repeater shift within the designated repeater sub-
bands.
•RF Squelch:
Opens the squelch at a
user-defined S-Meter
level.
•Automatic Power-Off (APO): Turns radio off
after long periods of inactivity.
•Time-Out Timer (TOT): Prevents "Stuck
Microphone" from causing lengthy QRM to others.
•Battery Voltage Meter: Lets you know if your
battery is getting low.
•DTMF Auto-Dial Memory: 16 Memories of up to
16 tones each.
•
Lock Feature for Front Panel Keys & PTT Switch:
Prevents accidental transmission or frequency change.
CONVENIENT ACCESS TO WIRES™AND
OTHER INTERNET-LINKING SYSTEMS
S3 S9
RX Squelch Level
S-Meter Level
S5 Signal below S5
does not open
squelch.
Signal above
S5 opens
squelch.
AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
WIRES
™IN ACTION
FT-8900R PC
TRX
PC
Digital
Internet
Line
TRX
MODEM MODEM
VERSATILITY
FT-8900R
Hyper Memory No. Left Band Right Band
Hyper Memory 1 2 m 70 cm
Hyper Memory 2 6 m 70 cm
Hyper Memory 3 10 m 70 cm
Hyper Memory 4 2 m 2 m
Hyper Memory 5 6 m 2 m
Hyper Memory 6 10 m 2 m
"INRNG"
"INRNG"
ARTS™
"OUTRNG"
"OUTRNG"
Inside
Communications
Range
Outside
Communications
Range
In Contact
In Contact
Out of Contact
Out of Contact
Display Shows:
Display Shows:
Display Shows:
•
1200/9600 BPS Packet
Capability: Connect your TNC
using the optional CT-39A
Packet Cable.
Ext. Sp.
MLS-100
Main Xcvr Body (e.g. under seat)
MEK-2
Sub-MIC
MIC
FT-8900R
Remote Head
ANT DC Input
DTMF 1 01
DTMF 0
234 9
* When using the MH-48A6J or MH-42B6JS microphone in conjunction with the MEK-2,
in some cases, the [P1] through [P4] functions may operate erratically.