Connected Programmer Cable impairs CTCSS Tone Encode Feature
There have been a few threads on this issue, some inconclusive and some resolved. I am creating this thread to provide all the information in one place for the problem and resolution as I experienced it.
PROBLEM: Radio is properly configured for CTCSS tone encoding while transmitting but the radio can not raise even strong nearby repeaters that require tone encoding. Transmissions not requiring PL tone encoding are fine.
BACKGROUND: I had an FT-857D sitting in a box after being removed from a vehicle prior to sale 10 years ago. I recently installed the radio in the center console of a Jeep TJ where the factory subwoofer and amp used to be, with the control/display mounted above the rearview mirror. (The vent for the speaker leaves a large opening for cooling and I drilled some holes low on the opposite side for flow-thru ventilation.) I installed an original ATAS-100 antenna for HF/6M, and a Diamond SG-7500 for 2M and 70cm. Both of these antennas were also on the prior vehicle and stored for 10 years before this reinstall. After the install, SWR and transmit capability were good on all bands but I could not access any FM repeaters requiring CTCSS tone encoding on any band (6M, 2M, 70cm).
TROUBLESHOOTING: I used my Uniden SDS-100 scanner’s “Close Call” and CTCSS tone decoding capability to observe what the FT-857D was actually transmitting. The transmitter radio frequency was correct but the encoded PL audio tone was not. While configured for a PL tone of 100.0, 94.8 Hz was actually encoded. I tried a few other tones and, oddly, they did not encode at all or maybe were at a non-standard tone the scanner could not identify. So clearly there is an issue with CTCSS tone encoding on my radio that I did not have 10 years ago when it was last installed and used.
RESOLUTION: Google searching revealed (from this site and others) that increasing the CAT Rate setting (Menu #19) might solve this problem and that this issue might be related to having a programmer cable installed. This is the ”Ah Ha!” moment. Because the radio is mounted inside the center console and not easily accessed, I permanently installed an RT Systems USB programming cable attached to the CAT DIN interface, with the USB and excess cable in the storage box atop the Jeep center console for easy programming updates. (As an aside, I also wired the brown “low power” wire to a grounded push button switch in the storage compartment for convenient all-band low-power enablement.) I did not want to pull the center console out again to verify the programmer cable is causing the problem. But simply changing Menu 19 CAT Rate to 38400 fully restored proper CTCSS encoding!
I find it very perplexing that attachment of the RT Systems Programmer cable, even with the USB end disconnected from any device (and power), renders CTCSS tone encoding unusable. But I am happy that I can now access my favorite repeaters in my Jeep.
Peter
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Thanks for the tip Arman, if the RF problem comes back should I choose to use that MH36 mic?again I will give your fix a shot
Mick SA4MDN
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Hello Mick,
I was having the problem with RF getting into microphone. Currently using microphone MH31 with installed BX-184 kit into it with Heil HC-5 microphone element.?So the issue with the RF making distortions in microphone was really annoying. But I could fix this issue. Just solder 220-270pF?caps from microphone terminals to the ground and unwanted RF will be filtered to ground allowing AF to pass to the radio. For now I do not have any unwanted RF in my microphone. You can modify in this way all AF or switching lines in microphone cord to remove all possible RF in the wires.?
But the issue I am having is like delayed and step by step coming back receive sensitivity. It is more looks like the AGC restoring RF gain? to initial after a strong signal on the input, but takes longer. And this happen only on 20m band.?
Arman, EK1ET
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On Apr 5, 2020, at 12:55 PM, mick smith <michael.newbury@...> wrote:
? [Edited Message Follows]
my 817 and 100watt amp does something similar when I had the mic gain a little too high, it hangs for 20 seconds or so, turned the mic gain down and return to receive was almost instant, that was using the mh36 mic known for rf problems, with the std mh32 mic, the gain could be turned up no problem, so in my case it was rf getting into the mh36?mic holding it back from returning to receive even thou there was no tx light showing. mick, sa4mdn
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my 817 and 100watt amp does something similar when I had the mic gain a little too high, it hangs for 20 seconds or so, turned the mic gain down and return to receive was almost instant, that was using the mh36 mic known for rf problems, with the std mh32 mic, the gain could be turned up no problem, so in my case it was rf getting into the mh36?mic holding it back from returning to receive even thou there was no tx light showing.
mick, sa4mdn
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Hello,
I also own FT-857D and having the same described issue only on 20m band. All other bans are working fine, just a some delay on 20m after TX or band changing.?
Any thoughts what is causing the problem? Have you solved this and fixed the issue?
Thanks in advance,
Arman, EK1ET
?
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
I like the idea of an HDMI port on the radio, drooling over the FTDX101MP.? I had my FT857 and FT8800 in my 2003 Silverado with the head mounted in front of the little pooka above the front window with the bodies under the back seat.? Moved the FT857 to a backpack and put the FT891 in the truck. Never did use the FT857 for VHF/UHF.? 73,? Buzz KD4CXI
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
I like the idea of an FT-857E -just use the FT-857D form factor and currently tested technology, but program-in the current 160 meter frequencies, install a more durable LCD display, AND add a HMDI port for off-the-shelf monitors/TV sets/projectors. /s/ Richard KI6MYJ.
On Fri, Apr 3, 2020 at 9:56 AM VE9AA - Mike < ve9aa@...> wrote: What John said !
I still have my 857D in my car (see ) ?but had bought an 891 to replace it.? When I found settings were not saved between bands (CW filter width for example) I sold it.? It's not a 857D replacement
Maybe they'll come out with a 857E ? ;-)? One can dream.
Mike VE9AA
On Thu, Apr 2, 2020 at 03:41 PM, John Geiger W5TD wrote:
I would love to see a FT891 with 2m and 70cm added.? Not sure it is going to happen, though.? The 891 is an excellent HF/6m radio. Wish Yaesu would fix the software bug where the noise reduction turns off and the bandwidth resets to default with you change bands or VFOs.? You can get around the noise reduction turning off by using the tunable memories and using the MULTI knob like a band switch, but the bandwidth still resets to default.
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73 John W5TD
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Hello,
I have been using the KD2C PAT V RF tap mods for a while and it works very well. Seems to fit your needs. Requires some fine soldering but if I did it anybody can :-)
On Fri, Apr 3, 2020 at 2:23 PM -0400, "jbstephe123 via groups.io" <jbstephe123@...> wrote:
Hello, thank you for taking time to read this!?
?
I'm looking for advice in accomplishing a shack modification.
I use the following hardware:
?
Yaesu FT-857D
HF Dipole
VHF/UHF J-pole
ATU
?
Now, I want to utilize a panadapter (either the SDRplay RSP1A or RSPdx).
(I understand the necessity for a Tx/Rx switch, (MFJ-1708B-SDR ?), to isolate the SDR.
?
?
The confussing issue for me is this:
?
What new hardware will I need to have in place, so that I can:
?
Tx AND Rx (on either antenna) while simultaneously being able to view the panadapter for the chosen antenna?
?
I've heard I'll need a combination of one (or two) MFJ-1708B-SDR's as well as one (or two) antenna switches (like an Alpha Delta ALP-DELTA2N) and even a second identical SDR!
?
I'm not adverse to getting what I need - just wanting to simplify connections!
?
ANY suggestions, generalizations or specifics, will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your time here!
?
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
Neither have I Les, and have owned a 7100 for years.? I set the control head on SUV console.? It hasn't fallen off so far.? Also, run an FT-991 mobile in 2000 GMC SLE where there is plenty of hump space.? Think that truck may run forever, just hope the radio does as well.? HIHI,? Phil / K4PO
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Hello, thank you for taking time to read this!?
?
I'm looking for advice in accomplishing a shack modification.
I use the following hardware:
?
Yaesu FT-857D
HF Dipole
VHF/UHF J-pole
ATU
?
Now, I want to utilize a panadapter (either the SDRplay RSP1A or RSPdx).
(I understand the necessity for a Tx/Rx switch, (MFJ-1708B-SDR ?), to isolate the SDR.
?
?
The confussing issue for me is this:
?
What new hardware will I need to have in place, so that I can:
?
Tx AND Rx (on either antenna) while simultaneously being able to view the panadapter for the chosen antenna?
?
I've heard I'll need a combination of one (or two) MFJ-1708B-SDR's as well as one (or two) antenna switches (like an Alpha Delta ALP-DELTA2N) and even a second identical SDR!
?
I'm not adverse to getting what I need - just wanting to simplify connections!
?
ANY suggestions, generalizations or specifics, will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you for your time here!
?
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
The ARRL in their review of the FT-891 didn't seem to be impressed, and Sherwood's testing shows the RMDR to be 70.? Maybe the "HEAD BANGERS" prefer VHF/UHF and a radio that isn't in the lower range of performance.
Larry
K0LEJ
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
Lee, bang your head against this,,? "Does not have 2m/440"... Hihi 7Bob wa7dxz
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
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-------- Original message -------- From: "Leland L. Bahr" <w5drc@...> Date: 4/3/20 10:21 AM (GMT-07:00) Subject: Re: [FT-857] FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
You guys are a bunch of HEAD BANGERS!? Can't you read?? Look at the FT-891.? Its small, got a better receiver, has a better way of entering menus, has a larger display, but is for 160-6 meters for transmit.? It does not have VHF/UHF. Lee, w0vt
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
You guys are a bunch of HEAD BANGERS!? Can't you read?? Look at the FT-891.? Its small, got a better receiver, has a better way of entering menus, has a larger display, but is for 160-6 meters for transmit.? It does not have VHF/UHF.
Lee, w0vt
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
What John said !
I still have my 857D in my car (see qrz.com) ?but had bought an 891 to replace it.? When I found settings were not saved between bands (CW filter width for example) I sold it.? It's not a 857D replacement
Maybe they'll come out with a 857E ? ;-)? One can dream.
Mike VE9AA
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On Thu, Apr 2, 2020 at 03:41 PM, John Geiger W5TD wrote:
I would love to see a FT891 with 2m and 70cm added.? Not sure it is going to happen, though.? The 891 is an excellent HF/6m radio. Wish Yaesu would fix the software bug where the noise reduction turns off and the bandwidth resets to default with you change bands or VFOs.? You can get around the noise reduction turning off by using the tunable memories and using the MULTI knob like a band switch, but the bandwidth still resets to default.
?
73 John W5TD
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
For the US at least if you go to any site that you usually buy from like Universal or Giggaparts?you will see that they are discontinued.? The Yaesu website often shows discontinued items so that you can still download?manuals etc.? Hopefully they will launch a replacement soon but haven't heard anything?yet.
-- Thanks
KG6VDW
-- KG6VDW
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
? I am going to list my FT-857, not the D model but does have the DSP module in it. Widebanded so 60 meters is accessible. The only issue is low RF output. It is not the 20 watt “brown” wire condition. Otherwise the rest is in good working order. ? I am open to reasonable offers plus shipping cost from Kitimat BC, Canada ? ? --------------- Regards, ? Tony VA7TF? VE7ACF ?
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From: Hank LambertSent: April 3, 2020 9:28 AM To: [email protected]Subject: Re: [FT-857] FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run ? As soon as I saw it, I ordered a control head from HRO. Mine is failing and I would like to try and squeeze another 10 years out of this rig. I find it an amazing rig. In addition to the Yaesu ruggedness added to the ICOM 705, I would like to also add the Yaesu audio quality. I never have any problem hearing my 857D in the truck, loud and crisp. 73, --Hank KB4MTO / TA5ZC ? ? On 2020-04-02 10:57, Mark Stephens wrote: I??saw that also. Luckily, I was able to pickup one of the last FT-857D radios at HRO this past month. Enjoying it.? Really like this radio.
Wish they would come out with a similarly compact unit to replace it. Something along the lines of the upcoming ICOM 705, but with Yaesu ruggedness.
73
? -- +++++++++++++++ Tony VA7TF? VE7ACF
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
As soon as I saw it, I ordered a control head from HRO. Mine is failing and I would like to try and squeeze another 10 years out of this rig. I find it an amazing rig.
In addition to the Yaesu ruggedness added to the ICOM 705, I would like to also add the Yaesu audio quality. I never have any problem hearing my 857D in the truck, loud and crisp.
73,
--Hank
KB4MTO / TA5ZC
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On 2020-04-02 10:57, Mark Stephens wrote:
I??saw that also. Luckily, I was able to pickup one of the last FT-857D radios at HRO this past month. Enjoying it.? Really like this radio.
Wish they would come out with a similarly compact unit to replace it. Something along the lines of the upcoming ICOM 705, but with Yaesu ruggedness. 73
_._
_._,_._,_
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
I think it's because dealers have few, if any, in stock.
73, Leon G1HSM
On Fri, 3 Apr 2020 at 11:07, Vic WA4THR via groups.io <vhklein@...> wrote: The FT-857D still shows up on Yaesu.com. What site shows it missing?
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Re: FT-857D Discontinued By Yaesu - Was a Great Run
The FT-991 is too big, and there’s no remote control head. The -891 is a nice package for mobile, but then you need a separate VHF/UHF radio. The Icom 7100 is HF-UHF with a separate control head, but I’ve never figured out how you’re supposed to mount that stupid design in most vehicles.?
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On Apr 2, 2020, at 6:48 PM, Tom Chesek via groups.io <tchesek@...> wrote:
? I have an FT-857D and an FT-450D. The FT-450D is the same footprint as the FT-991A. I cannot see anyone using the FT-991A in their car…too big. Having said that there might be no new choices coming and we make due or look to ICOM if the need arises. I have no reason to discard my FT-857D just because it is discontinued. ? Tom K3TVC ? ? ? ? My bet is that the FT-991 is the expected replacement. On Thursday, April 2, 2020, 1:41:43 PM CDT, John Geiger W5TD <af5cc2@...> wrote: I would love to see a FT891 with 2m and 70cm added.? Not sure it is going to happen, though.? The 891 is an excellent HF/6m radio. Wish Yaesu would fix the software bug where the noise reduction turns off and the bandwidth resets to default with you change bands or VFOs.? You can get around the noise reduction turning off by using the tunable memories and using the MULTI knob like a band switch, but the bandwidth still resets to default. ? On Thu, Apr 2, 2020 at 1:27 PM Philip Salley <pcsalley@...> wrote: Looks as if the FT-991A will be the surviving all band, all mode Yaesu xceiver though not nearly as compact as the FT-857D.? Phil / K4PO
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Michael Newbury SA4MDN
Richard Niederberg
Tony VA7TF, VE7ACF
