Yaesu FT-950 Technical manual

9/9/10
VERY IMPORTANT NOTICE:
This update procedure is for the FT-950 MAIN and EDSP software. The MAIN software is for all lot
numbers. The EDSP software is different. Please verify the version of the radio by the serial number.
The third and fourth digits indicate the lot number, example xx42xxxx. For lots 01 thru 42 proceed
with MAIN and EDSP software update. For lots xx43xxxx and above install the MAIN only, do not
install the EDSP software.
You may also verify the current EDSP level of your radio (The software versions can be displayed on
the radio, see the below instructions). If the first digit of the number is 2 (example 20.45 1.13) Do not
install this update EDSP software, It is not compatible with EDSP level 2 radios.
Radios with lot numbers 43 and above, cannot operate with EDSP Ver. 11.54 software. At this
time (7/12/2010) there are no updates for EDSP level 2 radios.
PEP950
This procedure is used to update Main CPU Ver. 0115 and EDSP Ver. 11.54 the
flash programming for the FT-950 Transceivers.
We recommend installing the Flash Programming Software on a PC computer with Windows 2000,
XP or Vista Operating System; and use the serial cable RS-232C, DB9F to DB9F straight cable.
NOTE: There are many USB adapters available; however some may not function with this software.
We recommend using the latest USB adapter driver software when available.
The software versions can be displayed on the radio
While holding the three buttons [GEN]＋[50]＋[ENT] turn the radio on. The software version will be
displayed in the VFO-A window for 5 seconds then the radio will start up in normal operation.
See below: Example EDSP V11.53 and MAIN V1.12 software version.
*If you already have EDSP V11.54 or V20.45, and MAIN V0115 software versions, it is not necessary to update
the FT-950 again.
The software updates will work with all versions (AF, AS, EU, NA, OC, SA or all Countries) of the FT-950.
Main CPU:
Software version 01XX
(This image & version is for
illustration only)
EDSP:
Software version 11.XX
(This image & version is for
illustration only)

Ver. 0115 MAIN CPU implements improvements (9/9/10)
(This update Ver. 0115 MAIN CPU is for the FT-950 ALL lot numbers 01 to XX)
•The “popping” sound audible during the FM mode CTCSS Tone Squelch setting procedure will no
longer be heard when pressing any buttons, after the procedure is exited.
Ver. 11.54 EDSP implements improvements (4/5/10)
(This update Ver. 11.54 EDSP is only for the FT-950 lot numbers 01 to 42)
•Corrected FM TX for a slight frequency offset.
NOTES:
*Rotate the [METER] switch to select “COM” (Compression). We recommend setting the PROC level within the 5dB
to 10dB range.
*When menu settings are saved on the DMU-2000 CF card and transferred to the new version, some previous versions
may not transfer correctly. Please check your menu, update the settings, and then save the new settings to the CF card.
Install the data file to PC
1. Down load the FT-950 data file [FT-950_PEP950_9-9-10.zip] from the following website:
http://www.yaesu.com/indexVS.cfm?cmd=DisplayProducts&ProdCatID=102&encProdID=292E
02F4E4D00EC99887A63E7B8ECD1B&DivisionID=65&isArchived=0
2. Save the FT-950 data file [FT-950_PEP950_9-9-10.zip] to the desktop on your computer.
3. Unzip and Extract the contents of [FT-950_PEP950_9-9-10.zip] to the desktop of your computer.
4. You will find the PEP950_EDSP lot numbers 01 to 42 and PEP950_MAIN folders on your
desktop.
The programmer and software are now stored on your computer on the desktop. The files designated
in the last step above are ready to update your FT-950 Transceiver.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
While using any update software, if you receive a “Communications Error !!!” message on your
computer screen, follow the below procedure.
When a Communication Error !!! occurs, the Main Power must be turned off or the power cable
removed, and the programming software closed to reset the procedure. If the reset is not done the
communication will never be successful. Make sure the cable is connected correctly, the COM port
selection is correct, and the Bits per second default is set to 9600, (it is not necessary to change to
another Bits rate) before trying again. If you continue to receive Communication Error !!!, you may
need to try another USB adapter cable or another computer.

MAIN Software Update
*Don't forget to write down (or save to a CF Card) any personal menu settings you have changed from the
default before you start. Please see the DMU-2000 Data Management Operation Manual for the procedure
to save your settings to a CF card.
1. Turn the FT-950 OFF and disconnect the DC power cable (or turn OFF the power supply for FT-
950 and wait a minute, until the capacitors discharge).
2. Locate the program switch thru the access hole on the back at the rear right corner of the radio.
Carefully move the PGM-SW to the RIGHT (program position).
3. Connect the serial straight through programming cable, DB9F to DB9F, connector to the serial
port COM1 in the back of your computer. Plug the DB9F connector to the CAT connector on the
FT-950. If you use a USB to serial adapter, you might need to change the COM Port number.
4. Leave the FT-950 turned OFF and connect the DC power cable (or turn ON the power supply for
FT-950).
5. Now go to the desktop open PEP950_MAIN folder and find the FSW005 icon as shown below.
Double-click the FSW005 icon, displayed on the Program Screen.
6. When the program opens, confirm that the file AH031_V0115.SFL is highlighted; if not, click on
it to highlight it.
7. Click "Configure" if necessary, to change the COM Port.
8. Click WRITE. The onscreen progress bar will indicate programming activity.
9. When programming has completed, “Confirm” will be displayed.
10. Disconnect the DC power cable (or turn OFF the power supply for FT-950 and wait a minute,
until the capacitors discharge) and then remove the DB9 serial programming cable.
11. Thru the access hole on the back of the radio, move the PGM-SW to the LEFT, (operate
position).
12. Reconnect the DC power cable (or turn ON the power supply for FT-950).
13. Press and hold in the [FAST] and [LOCK] keys while turning the radio back on. This resets the
radio and locks in the new software.
Carefully move the PGM-SW to
the RIGHT (program position).
NOTE: If you receive a
“communications error”
message on your screen, click
on the Configure box and
choose a different COM port
from the drop down menu.
Then click the WRITE button
again. Please refer to page 2
for additional details.

14. Turn the radio off. The main CPU updating process is now complete. Follow the
instructions below to update the EDSP.
EDSP Software Update
This update procedure is only for the FT-950 lot numbers 01 to 42. Radios lot numbers 43 and
above, cannot operate with this update EDSP software.
This procedure is used for uploading new EDSP Software into the FT-950 Amateur Transceivers,
from your personal computer, using the RS-232C, DB9F to DB9F straight cable.
1. Turn the FT-950 OFF and disconnect the DC power cable (or turn OFF the power supply for FT-
950 and wait a minute, until the capacitors discharge).
2. Connect a serial RS-232C, DB9F to DB9F straight cable to the COM1 connector of your
computer and the 9-pin CAT connector on the rear of the transceiver. If you use a USB to serial
adapter, you might need to change the COM Port number.
3. Reconnect the DC power cable (or turn ON the power supply for FT-950).
4. While holding the [SHIFT] + [WIDTH] + [CONT] buttons, press the front main power switch to
turn the radio on. You will see [DSP PRG]on the radio display.
5. On your computer desk top open PEP950_EDSP lot numbers 01 to 42 folder and find the
EDSP-V302 icon as shown below. Double-click the EDSP-V302 icon, displayed on the Program
Screen.
6. Click the Update button. You will see AH031H_V1154 out file displayed. If you do not see
AH031H_V1154 (as in the screen below), then open the “Look in:” window and go to the desktop
and find PEP950_EDSP lot numbers 01 to 42. Open the folder and AH031H_V1154 will be
displayed in the window. Click AH031H_V1154 out file to highlight it. Then click the Open

button and wait until the program is loaded, and 100% is indicated on the bar graph,
[Completion!!!] will be displayed.
7. Turn OFF the front Power Switch and disconnect the DC power cable (or turn OFF the power
supply for FT-950 and wait a minute, until the capacitors discharge). This resets the radio and
locks in the new software. Remove the DB9F to DB9F cable. The updating process is now
complete.
After the update, it is important to reset the FT-950. Plug the radio back in. Press and hold in
the [FAST] and [LOCK] keys; while holding them in, turn the radio back on (this resets the
radio and locks in the new software).
NOTE: We recommend trying the new factory default settings rather than transferring your old ones,
because of the changes in the EDSP and the Main CPU, you may wish to make new settings.
We hope this new software will increase your enjoyment of your FT-950. Thank you for
choosing Yaesu radios. If you have any problems or questions please contact Vertex
Standard, [email protected] Amateur Tech Support.
Best regards,
Mikio Maruya, WA6F
Executive Vice President
Engineering & Customer Service
Vertex Standard USA, Inc.
Vertex Standard USA, Inc. | 10900 Walker St. | Cypress, CA 90630 | 714.827-7600 | FAX: [phone]
www.vertexstandard.com
NOTE: If you receive a “Communications
Error” message on your screen you should
check the COM port number and speed under
Device Manager. The writing speed
38.4kbps is fixed in the download algorithm
of the EDSP board so you may need to set
the port speed close to 38.4kbps. Click on the
COM Select box arrow and choose a
different COM port from the drop down
menu in the EDSP-301 writer. Please refer to
page 2 for additional details.