Re: Low Battery Indicator tx Only
For programming, try FT-60 Commander software found at KC8UNJ.com. Program is free. Use the alternate write method. ? Clint also has a very nice cheat sheet for manually programming the radio. The FT-60 is absolutely the easiest ham radio ht to manually program! Jardy Dawson WA7JRD
Message sent by....Oh look!! Pretty lights!!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Dec 21, 2022, at 09:58, dcx3420 via groups.io <dcx3420@...> wrote:
?
I finally got a Diamond (15") SRM77-CA. Noticeable difference, going to get a X-50 for the attic in the spring. Also going to get an extra battery pack. Ok on lowering the output. What I really need to do is figure out how to use the Adams-CD for programing.
On Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 10:15:11 PM EST, Clint Bradford via groups.io <clintbradford@...> wrote:
And if you are doing something important when it flashes upon TX, turn TX power
down to 2W …
Especially if you have improved your antenna with a 15-17” quality brand (Smiley,
Diamond).
If you are hot making it at 2W FM voice on 2m/440 line-of-sight, it is doubtful you
will at 4-5W.
Clint
--
Clint Bradford K6LCS
http//www.work-sat.com
-- Gary KY8M Macomb, MI.
|
Re: Low Battery Indicator tx Only
I finally got a Diamond (15") SRM77-CA. Noticeable difference, going to get a X-50 for the attic in the spring. Also going to get an extra battery pack. Ok on lowering the output. What I really need to do is figure out how to use the Adams-CD for programing.
On Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 10:15:11 PM EST, Clint Bradford via groups.io <clintbradford@...> wrote:
And if you are doing something important when it flashes upon TX, turn TX power
down to 2W …
Especially if you have improved your antenna with a 15-17” quality brand (Smiley,
Diamond).
If you are hot making it at 2W FM voice on 2m/440 line-of-sight, it is doubtful you
will at 4-5W.
Clint
--
Clint Bradford K6LCS
http//www.work-sat.com
-- Gary KY8M Macomb, MI.
|
Re: Low Battery Indicator tx Only
If you are getting a low battery indicator when keying up, then your battery is close to being discharged, or the battery doesn't have enough capacity to hold a charge. You may be looking at replacing it.
|
Re: Low Battery Indicator tx Only
And if you are doing something important when it flashes upon TX, turn TX power
down to 2W …
Especially if you have improved your antenna with a 15-17” quality brand (Smiley,
Diamond).
If you are hot making it at 2W FM voice on 2m/440 line-of-sight, it is doubtful you
will at 4-5W.
Clint
--
Clint Bradford K6LCS
http//www.work-sat.com
|
Re: Low Battery Indicator tx Only
Thank you Clint.
--
Gary
KY8M
Macomb, MI.
|
Re: Low Battery Indicator tx Only
Sure. Let it run overnight after you've seen it while transmitting.
--
Clint Bradford K6LCS
http//www.work-sat.com
|
Re: Low Battery Indicator tx Only
I understand that, asking if anyone has seen low battery icon on rx.
|
Re: Low Battery Indicator tx Only
Receive only uses a small fraction of the power that transmit does.?
Jardy Dawson WA7JRD
Message sent by....Oh look!! Pretty lights!!
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Dec 20, 2022, at 14:18, dcx3420 via groups.io <dcx3420@...> wrote:
?My 60r only shows a low battery icon on tx, is this normal, or should I be able to see it on rx also?
TNX
KY8M
|
Low Battery Indicator tx Only
My 60r only shows a low battery icon on tx, is this normal, or should I be able to see it on rx also?
TNX
KY8M
|
Thank you. As I was writing I realized I'd had in mind LiFeO, with 2000 plus cycles, but not found in radios.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message -------- From: "Clint Bradford via groups.io" <clintbradford@...> Date: 12/20/22 4:37 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Yaesu-FT-60@groups.io Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-60] My FT-60 problems
Li-ion provides about 300 to 350 complete discharge charge cycles. Nickel-metal hydride, when properly charged, three times that, about 1000, this is common industry knowledge, and if you read instruction manuals for modern lithium-ion-powered radios, they, too. use the 300-350 number. -- Clint Bradford K6LCS http//www.work-sat.com
|
Li-ion provides about 300 to 350 complete discharge charge cycles. Nickel-metal hydride, when properly charged, three times that, about 1000,
this is common industry knowledge, and if you read instruction manuals for modern lithium-ion-powered radios, they, too. use the 300-350 number.
--
Clint Bradford K6LCS
http//www.work-sat.com
|
"The stock Battery will provide about three times more discharge-charge cycles than lithium."
Where do you come by that? Never in my life have I heard that claim. Just asking.
-- Christian KD2LIN?
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
-------- Original message -------- From: "Clint Bradford via groups.io" <clintbradford@...> Date: 12/20/22 3:59 PM (GMT-05:00) To: Yaesu-FT-60@groups.io Subject: Re: [Yaesu-FT-60] My FT-60 problems
With stock antenna, I can hot About 60 local repeaters where I live. The FT-60 antenna is no better nor no worse than any other $100-$500 amateur radio handheld's antenna.
>> ...As I can physically see my local repeater antenna, not being able to hit it is frustrating.
Did you purchase your radio brand new? Because if you are line of sight, like you mentioned, it should work. So either the radio is defective, which, very very rare, or you have a setup problem. Or you bent your antenna.
>> ... Batteries need to be upgraded to LiFePo if possible.?
Pure nonsense. The stock Battery will provide about three times more discharge-charge cycles than lithium.
>>...?headset or earpiece, and the radio connection does not stay in place.
I have owned several of these since the moment they were released in 2004. I have never had a genuine Yaesu audio accessory, nor any of my Heil audio accessories, accidentally disconnect. Never. In 18 years, never.
The Yaesu FT-60 remains the finest complete feature set in any FM voice dual-band HT.
Clint Bradford K6LCS
|
>> ... It is sad that we need to spend even more money on aftermarket antennas to reach local repeaters or simplex.
With stock antenna, I can hot About 60 local repeaters where I live. The FT-60 antenna is no better nor no worse than any other $100-$500 amateur radio handheld's antenna.
>> ...As I can physically see my local repeater antenna, not being able to hit it is frustrating.
Did you purchase your radio brand new? Because if you are line of sight, like you mentioned, it should work. So either the radio is defective, which, very very rare, or you have a setup problem. Or you bent your antenna.
>> ... Batteries need to be upgraded to LiFePo if possible.?
Pure nonsense. The stock Battery will provide about three times more discharge-charge cycles than lithium.
>>...?headset or earpiece, and the radio connection does not stay in place.
I have owned several of these since the moment they were released in 2004. I have never had a genuine Yaesu audio accessory, nor any of my Heil audio accessories, accidentally disconnect. Never. In 18 years, never.
The Yaesu FT-60 remains the finest complete feature set in any FM voice dual-band HT.
Clint Bradford K6LCS -- Clint Bradford K6LCS http//www.work-sat.com
|
I use one of those large rubber bands from the produce department at the super market.? They use them to hold bunches of some veggies together.? Strong and work great!
de KU8Q. If you don't see one, ask the produce manager.? They are happy to reward you. I've never had any problems with my FT-60, other than the mic plug coming out. Simple fix for a wonderful radio.
de KU8Q
In a message dated 12/20/2022 1:49:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, philip.milazzo@... writes:
?
Allow me to make a small contribution to the rubber band part of this discussion?
?
Rather than the typical office supply rubber bands, I use a wristband that might be silicone. It is flexible, extremely durable and easy to find when I want it. Its size is just right to hold my speak mike plug in place without clamping down or flopping around.
--
|
W5TXP - Sorry you are not happy with your FT60.?? I can always find a use for another, I'd be happy to ship you a pair of new, in the box Baofeng UV-5R's in trade, if you would like to be rid of the FT60?
As much as those radios cost me, as well as the brand name headset this is very disappointing.?
Peter - W5TXP?
One's sense of honor is the only thing that does not grow old, and the last pleasure, when one is worn out with age, is not, as the poet said, making money, but having the respect of one's fellow men. -Thucydides When you receive an offense, look first at the intent, and try hard to learn more of the person and reason out just why they believe that way before you render judgment upon them. And if you find that they are motivated by malice and spite, then render that judgment which causes their doom.
W5TXP,
Sorry to hear about your frustrations with the FT-60R. I won't comment on most of your email bc I've not experienced those difficulties myself.
I have experienced a yaesu mic unplugging itself from the radio. This can lead to the radio staying in TX. A rubber band or strain relief part will keep the mic from unseating in the plug.?
?
73 de Tim N7KOM?
First of all, where do I direct these problems at Yaesu?
FT-60 frustrations: (I have two of them for NWS Skywarn use)
The furnished short antenna has what local Hams call "negative gain". It is sad that we need to spend even more money on aftermarket antennas to reach local repeaters or simplex. As I can physically see my local repeater antenna, not being able to hit it is frustrating.
Batteries need to be upgraded to LiFePo if possible. The charge levels are dying with the NiMH and the price is higher than other radio models and brands.
I have tried three different Yaesu brand headsets and the plugs do not stay in place or maintain connection.
Some of the events where I volunteer required some kind of headset or earpiece, and the radio connection does not stay in place.
I have seen several comments to that effect from other reviewers.
The channel selection shifts on its own.
A great case, a very heavy radio, and mediocre electronics.
|
Allow me to make a small contribution to the rubber band part of this discussion?
Rather than the typical office supply rubber bands, I use a wristband that might be silicone. It is flexible, extremely durable and easy to find when I want it. Its size is just right to hold my speak mike plug in place without clamping down or flopping around. --
|
Re: FT-60R and Headsets/microphones/speaker mikes etc
? Shortly after buying the first FT-60R, I purchased a headset with
integral boom mike.
Hi Chuck. ? Would that have been a Heil HTH-Y? I’ve had good luck with mine, using it with either my FT-60 or FT-70 HT’s. ? ?
|
FT-60R and Headsets/microphones/speaker mikes etc
Shortly after buying the first FT-60R, I purchased a headset with
integral boom mike.
A popular 3rd party headset/mike and optional hand switch was
selected using the manufacturer's guide for various handheld
products. The almost instant wart was the connection with the
handheld. While it seemed to insert ok, any mechanical force,
lateral or pulling resulted in the connector popping partially out.
This invariably resulted in continuous keying of the radio and
providing potential transmission of comments or other sounds
one rather not share.
Later I thought a speaker mike, might be a better solution as it
was less obvious to eager law enforcement officers on a rampage
to enforce the new cellular use bans. Again lower cost 3rd party
products were surveyed and this time note of the connector seating
was a hot item of focus. I did not find any 3rd party products that
did not suffer the same malady of the high dollar headset purchased
previously.
Later I examined a Yaesu OEM speaker mike combo and upon
inserting the connector the noticeable difference was the Yaesu
molded connector seemed to enter easier than earlier products
tried, and there was also a distinctive audible and tactile click. I
purchased the Yaesu brand speaker mike.
Three things where obvious when comparing the 3rd party products
to the Yaesu OEM item. First was that although the Yaesu speaker
mike could be pulled out, it was much more resistant to pullout due
to applied torque of the cable movement.? 3rd party products
alternatively seemed like they were a hair triggered devices waiting
to pop out.
Another simple item was Yaesu's included? plastic ring that fit
around the rubber duck antenna base with integral clip to hold the
speaker mike cable upright on the side of the handheld. That
blocked a lot of the forces of the cable movement from reaching
the speaker mike connector.
Lastly when comparing the connectors on the third party headset
and speaker mikes to the Yaesu OEM speaker mike connector,
the length of the metal portion of the connector on the Yaesu
product was noticeably longer. Not more than maybe a 1/32 to
1/16 of an inch or so but it allowed the connector to engage the
radio's connector and produce an audible and tactile feedback
from the type one finds with bigger brother 1/4 inch phone jacks
when they correctly mate.
It may be a nutinburger but I have been more satisfied using the
Yaesu OEM? accessories than 3rd party products.
Chuck
|
If it was me, I would start by first trying an external power supply using the jack on the side to make sure you have a good power source & measure your output if possible, to see if you get near 5 watts on high power. Next, take a length of dowel pin of about 19" and tape a lenght of wire of 19" to it, this will be your 1/4 antenna for 2 meters,.use wire thin enough wire to where the end fits down into the center of antenna connector, you will need to hold the dowel pin antenna in place with one of you hands, try transmitting with that to rule out a antenna problem. Also make sure you are not in auto battery save mode while in TX, Also double check you off set frequency.
If these steps fail I would do a factory re-set and repeat the steps above.
Good luck & keep us up-dated
Gary, KY8M
|
I own two FT-60R's, purchased about five years apart. Both in my
opinion have been second tier performers when compared to
my older Kenwood TR-2400 handheld when comparing the rf
characteristics.
The Kenwood opened repeaters consistently at distances that
were far beyond what my Yaesu's will. And the Kenwood reports
for many of the repeaters were, "Full Quieting", while the Yaesus
only trigger a few nearby (less than 15 miles) with full quieting
reports. That compares to the Yaesu 5 watt rated output and
the Kenwood 1.5 watt. To say it is disappointing is, well...................
I tried the Yaesu radios with a homebrew wire dipole, suspended
both horizontally and vertically. Just a 39 inch center fed dipole
using a 60 inch RG-316 coax feed. The difference was dramatic,
but still seems to be somewhat? off from the Kenwood with its
now crumbling coating on the rubber duckie.
While the Yaesu blows the doors off the Kenwood in memory
storage and digital capabilities, the Kenwood leaps over the
the RF performance of the two FT-60R's in the shack.
The performance difference is consistent between the Northern
Virginia QTH and the flatlands of eastern North Carolina.
One thing I noted about the Kenwood is, it has a full length cast
aluminum frame. The Yaesu has a metal frame totally enclosed
by the case, but no where near the length of the Kenwood. The
Kenwood frame also contacts the hand when in use. I have
wondered if the Kenwood's metal frame functions as a more
capable counterpoise for the antennas used.
Chuck
|
Clint Bradford
Chris Smart