Yaesu FT-270 Handheld Radio User Manual

FT-270R/RH
OPERATING MANUAL
YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD.
C.P.O. BOX 1500 TOKYO, JAPAN

FT-270 Handheld Radio

YAESU FT-27011/RH COMPACT SYNTHESIZED 2m FM MOBILE TRANSCEIVER
The FT-270R is a compact synthesized FM transceiver for the 2m amateur band. A die-cast aluminum “duct-flow” heatsink serves as the chassis of the transceiver, allowing the tiny FT-270R to provide 25 watts RF output with ease, or 45 watts from the FT-270RH, which includes a miniature cooling fan. The die-cast chassis also provides optimum circuit shielding for clean performance. Low power is switch selectable from the front panel, providing 3 watts or 5 watts (“H” version) output.
Two 4-bit CPUs provide simple and convenient control of 10 memory channels (8 with independent transmit and receive frequencies), and dual VFOs with lithium cell backup. Con-venient tuning and scanning features include Yaesu’s “PMS” (programmable memory scan) system, which permits scanning (or skip-scanning) between two memory channels, a MHz step-ping button, and priority channel checking while operating on another frequency. A choice of two scan resume modes is provided, for timed scan halt, or auto-resume on carrier drop.
The independently programmable transmit and receive frequen-cies (as well as automatically programmable standard shifts) plus one-touch reverse allow the operator total freedom in all kinds of repeater operation. A burst tone generator is built-in, and when the optional FTS-8 Tone Squelch Unit is installed, any of 37 standard CTCSS (subaudible) tone freq-uencies can be displayed, selected and programmed into the memories channels for either silent monitoring or encode-only operation.
The comfortable green-lit LCD display is especially easy on the eyes, and shows the complete operating status of the transceiver, including memory and call channel selection and the CTCSS mode and tone frequency (if FTS-8 installed). A ten step two-color LED bar PO/S-meter indicates relative power output or received signal strength.
A deluxe scanning microphone is supplied with the FT-270R (US version includes DTMF pad). A “speak” button is pro-vided on the microphone to activate Yaesu’s own (optional) Voice Synthesizer Unit, which gives you the operating fre- quency, selected VFO and CTCSS frequency (if FTS-8 installed), so you can keep your eyes on the road.

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL

FT-270RH: 9A @45W TX, 3.5A @5W TX both types 0.6A RX (stby)
Oper. temp range| -10 to +60 degrees Centigrade
Case Size| 140(W) x 40(H) x 162(D) mm
Weight| Approx. 1.2 kg

RECEIVER

TRANSMITTER

RF output| FT-270R: 25W/3W selectable
FT-270RH: 45W/5W
---|---
Modulation| Variable reactance
Deviation| ±5 kHz
Maximum bandwidth| 16 kHz
Spurious emissions| -60 dB or better
Stability| ±10ppm (-5-+50 C)
Microphone imped.| 600 ohms

Specifications subject to change without notice.

FT-270R/RH Model Chart

Type| Freq. Coverage (MHz)| Channel Steps (kHz)| Rptr Shift (MHz)| Tone Burst (Hz)
---|---|---|---|---
A| 144-148| 5/10| ±0.6| 1800
B| 144-146| 12/5/25| ±0.6| 1750
C| 144-148| 12/5/25| ±0.6| 1750
D| 144-146| 5/10| ±0.6| 1750
E| 144-148 I| 5/10| ±0.6| 1750

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

Fused DC Power Cord
Spare fuse (10A)

OPTIONS

Note: certain options may be included as standard accessories according to local needs or popularity.

CONTROLS, SWITCHF-S AND CONNECTORS

1. T CALL
   Pressing this button transmits the 1750 or 1800 Hz Burst Tone, for accessing repeaters requiring such a tone. The tone is transmitted for as long as the button is depressed.

2. VFO
   When in the memory mode, pressing this button selects VFO operation (on the last selected VFO, A or B). When this button is pressed while already in the VFO mode, the alter-nate VFO is selected. The A, B or M indications on the display show the current state of the transceiver so the action of this button can be determined in advance.

3. MR
   Pressing this button (Memory Recall) selects the memory mode, in which operation is on the memories. However, this button is also used for erasing memory data, so the proce-dures in the “Operation” section should be read carefully. As with the VFO button, the A, B or M indications on the display allow the action of this button to be determined before you press it.

4. PMS
   This momentary switch activates the PMS (Programmable Memory Scan) function, described in detail in the “Operation” section.

5. M (Memorize)
   This button is used for writing the displayed VFO frequency into the selected memory channel, and also for masking and unmasking selected channels from memory scanning. It has up to three sequential levels of operation which are des-cribed in the “Operation” section.

6. LEDIndicator Lamps
   ON AIR
   This (red) lamp is lit whenever the transmitter is active.
   BUSY
   This (green) lamp is lit whenever the main receiver squelch is open. When the optional FTS-8 Tone Squelch Unit is used in the encode/decode mode, this lamp indicates whether the frequency is occupied, even though the receiver audio may be quieted by the tone squelch.

7. LCD (Display) and LED Bar Meter
   The LCD indicates the operating frequency and functions as shown in the diagram below. Just below the LCD is the PINS LED bar meter, which gives a relative indication of actual power output during transmission, and relative incoming signal strength during reception.

8. Main Dial
   This detented knob selects the operating frequency of (lu. selected VFO. If the transceiver is in the memory mode on a stored channel, turning this knob will cause the operating (memory) frequency to be transferred into the last selected VFO as the transceiver automatically shifts to the VFO mode. Also, when the optional FTS-8 Tone Squelch Unit is instal-led, the main dial can be used to select the CTCSS tone frequency.

9. – S + (Shift)
   This 3-position slide switch selects either simplex (center position) or plus or minus 600kHz repeater shifts when operating on a VFO or single-frequency memory. It is dis-abled when operating from a memory having both transmit and receive frequencies preprogrammed.

10. REV (Reverse TX/RX)
    During repeater operation on a VFO or single-frequency memory using standard shifts, pressing this button exchanges the transmit and receive frequencies. When reversed from normal, REV appears on the display.

11. LOW Switch (Low Power)
    This 2-position pushbutton switch selects LOW transmitter power output (3W, or 5W in “H” version) when in the depres-sed position, and high power otherwise (25W, or 45W in “H” version).

12. STEP
    This momentary pushbutton selects the synthesizer step size for tuning and scanning, toggling between half and full channel steps, according to model type. See the “Specifica-tions” section for specific details, since the step sizes used depend on local standards. When changing from half to full steps, the operating frequency will change to the next-higher full step if originally on a half step.

13. TONE
    This momentary pushbutton selects the operating state of the optional FTS-8 Tone Squelch Unit, when installed. The pos-sible states are CTCSS Encode only (ENC displayed), Encode/Decode (ENC DEC displayed), or CTCSS off.

14. T SET (Tone set)
    Pressing this button allows you to set the CTCSS tone when the FTS-8 option is installed, without activating the CTCSS system for operation. The selected CTCSS tone frequency (in Hz) will appear on the display.

15. PR/ (Priority Function)
    When in the VFO or memory mode, pressing this button causes the transceiver to check the current (or last selected) memory channel briefly for activity every six seconds, while operating on the current (or last selected) VFO. If a signal is found, operation shifts to the memory channel. Note that the main squelch level must be set properly for the priority function to work.

16. MHz/NCH
    This double button allows upward (press the right side) and downward (left side) change of the selected VFO frequency in 1 MHz steps when in the VFO mode, or of the memory channel (number) in the memory mode, or of the CTCSS tone frequency when in the T SET mode (with FTS-8 option installed). Step-ping will repeat automatically as long as this button is held down.

17. VOL SQL
    The inner VOL control is the power on/off switch for the transceiver, as well as the audio gain control. The fully counterclockwise (click-stop) position is OFF. Turn the control clockwise out of the click-stop to increase the volume.
    The outer SQL control sets the threshold level at which received signals will open the squelch and be passed to the audio (and automatic scan stop) stages during normal recep-tion. Whenever the squelch is open, the green BUSY LED on the front panel will be illuminated. When the optional FTS-8 Tone Squelch Unit is installed and activated as a decoder, this control sets the threshold at which the BUSY LED will light and the scanner stop, if activated.

18. MIC (Microphone) Jack
    This 8-pin jack accepts microphone input, scanning control and voice synthesizer keying (when FVS-1 installed), from the microphone.

19. Bottom Cover Slide Switches BACKUP
    This is the on/off switch for the memory backup lithium battery. It is set to off at the factory, and should be turned on and left on except when the transceiver is to be. stored without use for a long period of time.
    BURST
    This switch enables and disables the automatic tone burst function (different from the manual tone burst function activated by T CALL on the front panel). The automatic function, when enabled (ON position), causes a 1/2-second burst tone (1750 or 1800Hz) to be sent auto-matically whenever the PTT switch is closed to start transmission. Unless this access tone is required for the repeaters in your area, this switch should be set to OFF.
    SCAN
    The setting of this switch determines the resume func-tion of the automatic scanner. “A” selects automatic resume scanning after six seconds, while “B” selects automatic resume after carrier drop.
    VOICE
    This switch allows selection of the method of instruc-ting the optional FVS-1 Voice Synthesizer to “speak”, when installed. When set to the OFF position, the radio will only speak when the SPEAK button on the microphone is pressed. When ON, the radio will speak whenever one of the (announced) operating modes or parameters is changed.

20. Rear Panel Connectors 13.8 VDC
    This is the 13.8 volt DC power cable. Make certain that this cable is always connected with the RED lead positive, and that the supply voltage never exceeds 15V DC. Mobile installations require that the vehicle have a negative ground electrical system. AC voltage must never be connected here.
    EXT SP (External Speaker Jack)
    If desired, an external 4- to 16-ohm speaker may be connected to this 1/8-inch 2-conductor mini phone jack. The internal speaker is disabled when this jack is used.
    ANT
    Your 2m antenna cable should be connected to this in-line jack, using a type “M” (so-called “UHF”) coaxial plug.

INSTALLATION

Antenna Considerations The FT-270R is designed for use with an antenna having an impedance near 50 ohms at the operating frequency. For optimum performance it is good practice to use only a high-quality, carefully designed antenna. We recommend that the antenna be connected at all times when power is on, to avoid damage that can otherwise result if transmission occurs accidentally when no antenna is connected. Mother important consideration in installing the antenna for the FT-270R is the feedline. For optimum performance use the shortest possible length of the best quality coaxial cable available, and be sure to use a properly matching fitting for the cable connector on the transceiver.
Mobile Installation
The FT-270R must only be installed in cars having a negative ground electrical system. The transceiver should be located where the display, controls and microphone are easily acces-sible, and should be securely affixed using the supplied MMB-26 mobile mounting bracket. The transceiver may be installed in any position without adversely affecting its performance, but it should not be mounted near a heater vent or where it could interfere with safe operation of the vehicle. Also, if installing the FT-270RH for high power operation, make sure that plenty of space is provided at the left side and rear of the transceiver so that the forced-air cooling system can operate freely. Refer to the diagrams on the’facing page for installation of the MMB-26.

1. Use the mounting bracket as a template for positioning the mounting holes, after determining the proper loca-tion with sufficient clearance for the transceiver. Use a 3/16″ bit for drilling the holes. Secure the bracket with the screws, washers and nuts supplied, as shown in Figure 1.
2. Screw the mounting rings to the transceiver using the supplied spacers and flat washers as shown in Figure 2. Be sure that the rings are oriented as shown.
3. Referring to Figure 3, align the mounting rings with the notches in the bracket, and slide the transceiver backward and upward into the bracket until it snaps into place.

To remove the transceiver from the bracket, pull it straight forward, with slight upward pressure at the rear, if necessary.![Yaesu FT 270 Handheld Radio

• 7](https://manuals.plus/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Yaesu-FT-270-Handheld- Radio-7.png)

Before connecting the power cable the maximum battery charging voltage should be checked to ensure that it remains below 15V when the engine is run fast. If more than 15V, the voltage regulator of the car should be adjusted before connecting the transceiver.
Power connections should be made directly to the automobile battery, using the supplied cable with 5A (FT-270R) or 10A (-RH) inline fuses. Connection to the cigarette lighter or other accessory circuit may cause the fuse to blow in that circuit. Connecting the supplied DC power cable to the battery independently of the rest of the automobile elec-trical system will minimize possible ignition noise pickup and excessive supply voltage drop during transmission.
Do not connect any power to the transceiver except via the supplied fused cable, and do not attempt to defeat or bypass the fuses – they are their to protect you and the equipment. Connect the RED lead of the power cable to the POSITIVE (+) battery terminal, and the BLACK lead to the NEGATIVE (-) terminal. If it is necessary to extend the power cable, use #16 AWG or larger insulated, stranded copper wire, and in all cases use the minimum power cable length practicable to keep voltage drop minimal.

WARNING
NEVER APPLY AC POWER TO THE REAR PANEL POWER JACK OF THE TRANSCEIVER. NEVER CONNECT DC VOLTAGE OF MORE THAN 15 VOLTS TO THE POWER JACK. ALWAYS REPLACE FUSES WITH THE PROPER RATING (SA for FT-270R, or 10A for FT-270RH). FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE PRECAUTIONS WILL VOID THE WARRANTY.
Connect the power cable to the short pigtails on the back of the transceiver; red-to-red and black-to-black.
The SP-55 External Speaker is an optional accessory for the FT-270R, allowing the source of audio from the transceiver to be repositioned for optimum hearing. Especially prac-tical for the noisy mobile environment, the SP-55 includes its own swivel-type mounting bracket, and is available from your Yaesu dealer. Also available to enhance safety and mobile operating convenience are the YH-1 Headset with mini-ature boom microphone, and the full size MF-1A3B boom microphone with flexible arm (both of which use the SB-10 PTT switch).
Base Station Installation
A base station mounting stand is supplied with your trans-ceiver, to provide easy viewing of the display, and clearance for the internal speaker. A power supply capable of providing at least 9A continuously at 13.8VDC is required for operation from the AC line. The FP-700 AC power supply is available from your Yaesu dealer for this purpose. Use the fused DC power cable supplied with the transceiver for making power connections.

FTS-8 TONE SQUELCH UNIT INSTALLATION
The FTS-8 provides either encode-only or encode/decode oper-ation with 37 front panel selectable subaudible CTCSS tones, and is available for all versions FT-270R, from your local Yaesu dealer. See the “Operation” section for functional details.

1. Disconnect the power cable at the rear of the transcei-ver, and remove the rear panel screw affixing the top cover. Remove the cover by lifting the back slightly before sliding it back and then lifting it away.
2. Locate the two white connectors on the Main Board just behind the tuning knob, and remove the 1/4W, 47K resistor and jumper wire from the rear-most connector.
3. Position the FTS-8 so that the connecting pins are aligned with their mating connectors as shown in the photo on the facing page, and gently press the FTS-8 into place.
4. If the FVS-1 Speech Synthesizer Unit is also to be installed now, proceed to step 2 on page 16, otherwise, replace the top cover in the reverse manner from which it was removed. The output tone level (VR1 on the FTS-8) is adjusted at the factory for the proper deviation, so no adjustment should be necessary.

FVS-1 VOICE SYNTHESIZER INSTALLATION
The FVS-1 provides automatic and/or manually actuated syn-thesized voice readout of VFO or memory frequency, or tone squelch frequency if the FTS-8 is installed. See the “Oper-ation” section for details.

1. Disconnect the power cable at the rear of the transcei-ver, and remove the rear panel screw affixing the top cover. Remove the cover by lifting the rear slightly and sliding it back before lifting it away.
2. Remove the screw on the rear panel affixing the bottom cover. Lift the cover away slowly, using care not to pull on the speaker wires.
3. Remove the four screws affixing the front panel at the top and bottom of the set, and then pull the front panel away slightly so as to permit access to the cpu circuit board on the inside of the front panel.
4. Locate the (unconnected) miniature 10-pin connector in the space between the front panel subchassis and the main chassis, and carefully mate this connector to its counterpart on the FVS-1. Use the supplied double-sided adhesive tape to affix the flat surface of the IC on the FVS-1 to the flat surface of the cpu in the transceiver, as shown on the facing page.
5. Replace front panel screws, and the top cover in the reverse manner from which it was removed. Then replace the bottom cover and its screw, using care to ensure that the speaker leads are secure on the speaker, and that no wires are pinched between the covers. The output level (VR1 on the FVS-1) is aligned at the fac-tory, so no further adjustment is necessary.

OPERATION

Please read this section carefully to gain an understanding of the functions of each control and switch. Your enjoyment and efficient operation of this transceiver depend on a clear understanding of how the various controls and switches work together for optimum performance.
Before proceeding, be certain than a proper antenna for the 2m band is connected to the antenna connector, and that a DC supply of the proper voltage (13.8V DC, negative ground) is connected to the power cable, RED positive.

Preset these controls and switches as follows:
VOL . . . . fully counterclockwise into the click-stop (off)
SQL • • . . fully counterclockwise
LOW . . . . depressed position
– S + . . . center “S” position
BACKUP . . (bottom cover) OFF

Initializing and Basic Checkout

1. Rotate the VOL control clockwise out of the click-stop. The panel lamps should come on and the BUSY and ON AIR lamps will blink before frequency data appears on the display. Advance the VOL control for a comfortable level of noise or signal from the speaker.

2. Now set the BACKUP switch on the bottom cover to the ON position. Switching on the power when the BACKUP switch is off resets the cpu, and switching on the backup allows all operating data to be retained in memory until the backup switch is again turned off.

3. Rotate the dial to an unoccupied channel, if necessary, and then rotate the SQL control clockwise until the noise just disappears and the BUSY lamp turns off. This is the point of maximum squelch sensitivity, where the SQL control should be kept for all except special situa-tions where reduced sensitivity is required (such as when awaiting a call from a strong local station). The BUSY lamp will be lit whenever the main squelch is open.

4. Press either side of the MHz/MCH button to change frequency in 1 MHz steps. When the end of the band is reached, the kHz digits will be cancelled, and then the VFO frequency will automatically jump to the far end of the band.

5. Rotate the dial to observe channel selection. Now press the STEP button and turn the dial again to observe the
   half-step tuning function. Note that the UP and DWN scanning buttons on the microphone, if pressed only momentarily, can also be used to single-step the fre-quency by the selected step size. Set the transceiver to a (simplex) frequency on which you wish to transmit.

6. Press the PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch on the microphone to transmit. The ON AIR lamp will light, and you can then speak into the microphone (using a normal voice). Never transmit without having a proper antenna or dummy load connected to the antenna connector. Be certain to always follow this precaution to avoid damage to the transceiver.

7. If high power operation is necessary for communication, set the LOW switch to the undepressed position. How-ever, it is best to use low power whenever possible, to minimize current drain, heating and potential interfer-ence to others. This is easy to do if you just develop the habit of always keeping the LOW switch depressed, and just release it for the rare situations where full power is really needed.

General Operating Features

1. VFO Selection The two VFOs in the FT-270R are labelled “A” and “B”, one of which is indicated just to the lower left of the frequency on the display whenever the transceiver is in the VFO mode. The frequency of the displayed VFO can be selected and changed by the MHz/MCH button and the main knob or scanning buttons on the microphone. The displayed VFO frequency can also be stored in a memory, as described later.
   Each VFO is independent of the other; that is, changing the frequency of one will not affect the frequency of the other.
   When the transceiver is in the memory mode, press the VFO button to change to the VFO mode. Operation will be on whichever VFO (A or B) was last selected, but if the same button is pressed again, operation will shift to the other VFO.

2. Frequency Selection Frequency selection can only be performed in the VFO mode (either A or B). If moving to a frequency far (>500kHz) from that presently selected, use the MHz/NCH button to select the 1 MHz digit nearest to the desired frequency. If moving more than 1 or 2 MHz, just hold this button for repeated stepping.
   Now rotate the dial knob or press and hold the UP or DWN button on the microphone to select the desired frequency (if the microphone buttons are used, press the button again to stop). Depending on the model version of your transceiver and the setting of the STEP switch, tuning steps will be either S or 10kHz, or 12.5 or 25kHz. When using the micro-phone scanning buttons for tuning, a momentary press of the UP or DWN button will tune up or down a single step (the same as one click of the dial knob). Scan tuning can be stopped by one press of the PTT switch; transmission will not occur unless the switch is released and pressed again.

3. Single-Frequency Memory Storage
   The FT-270R has ten memory channels, numbered 1 through 9 and 0, all of which can be used for storing frequencies directly from the VFOs. However, memories 1 through 8 can also be used to store transmit and receive frequencies independently for split-frequency operation, such as for repeaters, while memories 9 and 0 have a special application in the PMS system described later.
   Before storing a frequency in memory, it must be selected on VFO A or B as described in the preceeding section.
   First, press the N button once. This activates the memory status checking mode for six seconds, which does nothing more than show you (on the display) the status of all of the memories (reception on the selected VFO is not affected, although transmission, tuning and some other buttons are disabled during this time). The status indicators are a blinking M at the left just below the frequency display, indicating the memory status mode; followed by one or more channel numbers in small black squares, one of which will also be blinking. The blinking channel is the one that is the currently “selected” one, ie., the channel that was last selected and which will be the one to be stored by the following steps. The presence (or absence) of other channel numbers simply indicates whether they are currently holding data, or not.
   Initially, before any memories have been stored, only a blinking 1 will appear, signifying that memory 1 is selected (by default) for storing, and that all other memories are vacant. The selected “blinking” memory may be changed (at any time) while in the memory status mode, using the MHz/MCH button. If no other buttons are pressed within the six-second memory status check, that mode will cancel and everything will return to its previous state (in the VFO mode).
   If the M button is pressed again while still in the status mode, the displayed frequency will be memorized in the
   (blinking) channel and the status info will disappear from the display. At this point operation is still in the ori-ginal VFO mode. To recall the memory, just press the MR button.
   When only the receiving frequency is stored in a memory, as just described, repeater operation is possible for repeaters with standard shifts (as with each of the VFOs), by setting the – S + switch to the appropriate – or + position. This method of operation has the advantage of the REVerse capa- bility; allowing exchange of the receive and transmit frequencies with the REV button. Memories 9 and 0 are limited to this type of repeater operation, or simplex. To store additional memories, press the N button to enter the memory status mode (from the VFO mode), and then press the MHz/NCR button to select the next memory for storing (the new channel number will blink).

4. Storage of Transmit
   Frequencies As mentioned earlier, memories 1 through 8 have the capabil-ity of storing a transmit frequency in addition to the receive frequency. These memories thus allow the required data for all kinds of repeaters to be recalled instantly, without the need to select shift direction or any particular split. However, remember that the – S + switch and REV button will be disabled during operation on a memory that has both receive and transmit frequencies stored. To store an independent transmit frequency, press the VFO button to return to the VFO mode, and retune the VFO to the desired transmit frequency. Now make sure that the – S + switch is set to the center. Press the N button once, and then press and hold the PTT switch while pressing the M button again. Of course, if you want to store standard repeater shifts, it is not necessary to retune the VFO after the receive frequency has been stored: instead, just set the – S+ switch as required before storing the transmit frequency. While it is possible to store either the receive or transmit frequency first, it is best to store the receive frequency first, since it is not possible to recall, display or use a memory that has only the transmit frequency stored.

5. Memory Erasure
   If you make a mistake in programming a memory channel, or no longer need that channel data, you can simply overwrite it with new data. However, in cases where a separate re-ceive/transmit memory is to be replaced with simplex data, it is too easy to forget to change the transmit frequency, which can result in unexpected transmission on the wrong frequency. Thus the following memory erasing procedure is recommended for use whenever a memory is to be changed.
   To erase the selected memory (from the VFO mode), press M to enter the memory status mode, and then press the MR button. The selected memory will be cleared, but remain selected for immediate reprogramming, if desired. It is a good idea to keep unneeded memories clear so that memory checking and channel scanning are simplified.

6. Memory Selection and Recall
   To recall a memory channel when operating in the VFO mode, press the MR button. An M should be displayed at the left and just below the channel frequency, with the channel number under the frequency. If the channel number is blink-ing and no frequency is displayed, the memory is vacant. To select a different memory channel (that has already been stored) for operation, press the MHz/MCH button (and hold it for multi-stepping). The memory channel (M CH) function of this button is automatically selected when in the memory mode. The UP and DWN buttons on the microphone can also be used for memory channel selection, but with an additional feature described in part (8) below.
   Be careful to note the setting of the – S + switch if you transmit after moving from one memory to another, since it will shift the transmit frequency of memories that do not have both receive and transmit frequencies already stored.

7. Frequency Scanning with a VFO
   If either the UP or DWN button on the microphone is pressed and held for 1/2-second while the transceiver is in the VFO mode, scanning will commence. Once started, scanning will continue automatically, if no other buttons are pressed, for as long as the main squelch (as set by the SQL control) does not open, looping around at the band edges to remain in the same band. Scanning steps are the same as the tuning steps set by the STEP button, and can be reset while scanning. Pressing any front panel button except LOW, MR, VFO or TCALL will temporarily halt the scanner while it is pressed. The LOW button will not affect the scanner, and the other three buttons will cancel scanning and initiate their respective functions.
   Whenever the main squelch is opened by a signal (assuming the SQL control has been set properly), the scanner will halt temporarily. If the SCAN switch on the bottom cover is set to the “A” position, scanning will resume automatically after about six seconds (regardless of activity on the frequency). If the SCAN switch is set to the “B” position, scanning will not resume until about two seconds after the received carrier drops, unless another signal appears in that time. While the scanner is halted temporarily the MHz decimal in the frequency display will blink.
   Of course the scanner can be manually stopped at any time by pressing either the UP or DWN button momentarily, or the PTT switch. If the PTT switch is used to stop the scanner the transceiver will not transmit until the switch is released and pressed again. When the scanner is stopped manually it is necessary to press and hold the UP or DWN button for 1/2-second to restart the scanner.
   NOTE
   THE TRANSCEIVER MUST BE SWITCHED OFF WHEN CHANGING SCAN RESUME MODES WITH THE SCAN A/B SWITCH ON THE BOTTOM COVER.

8. Memory Scanning
   When in the memory mode, the scanning functions just described will act on the programmed memory channels only, instead of the whole band. If you have some frequencies stored in memory that you do not want to include in memory scanning (for example, if they are too busy, or stored for use only in special situations), they can be masked from the scanner without erasing.
   To mask a memory from scanning, just recall the memory, and press IC The channel number beneath the displayed frequency should now start to blink, and any time this channel is recalled for operation the channel number will be blinking, as a reminder that it is masked from memory scanning. Whenever memory scanning is activated, masked channel(s) will be skipped over just as though they were not there. Note that masked memories can only be selected for operation by the MHz/NCH button, while the microphone UP and DWN buttons can be used to select only unmasked (and non-vacant) memories. This can be used to advantage for easily checking which channels are included in memory scanning.
   To unmask a previously masked channel recall the memory and press M once again while on the memory channel. The channel number should stop blinking.

9. Programmable Memory Scan (PMS)
   The frequencies stored in memories 9 and 0 serve as the scanning limits for limited band scanning when the PMS function is activated. This function is useful for limiting scanning to only the FM portion of the band, for example. It is generally best to store the lower frequency in memory 9, for reasons that will become obvious. After storing the desired limits in the memory channels, press the PNS button to activate the function. PMS will appear at the left of the display, and the displayed frequency will be that stored in memory 9 (or 0). Press the UP button on the microphone to scan to the frequency stored in memory 0, at which time the scanner will jump to memory 9 and continue (until halted in the usual manner described in part (8) above). Notice that if the frequency in memory 0 is lower than that in memory 9, the scanner will loop from the top of the band to the bottom and continue scanning outside of the range be-tween memories 9 and 0 (unless, of course, the DWN button is used to start the scan).
   Press the MR or VFO button, as desired, to cancel the PMS function.

10. Priority Channel Monitoring
    During operation on a VFO it is possible to monitor the (previously selected) memory channel for activity. For example, if you are waiting for a call on a simplex frequen-cy while operating elsewhere on the band (or even on the alternate band), the priority feature lets the expected call break in immediately when you are receiving on the other frequency. To set up priority channel operation, first select the desired priority channel from among the stored memories, using the MR and MHz/MCH buttons. Then press the PRI button. PRI will appear at the lower center of the display, and the (last selected) VFO frequency will be displayed. You may now go ahead and operate with that VFO in any way you like: every six seconds the display (and receiver) will shift to the memory frequency briefly (about 300ms) to check for activity, and then return if no activity (to open the main squelch) is.found.
    If a signal strong enough to open the squelch appears on the priority (memory) frequency when it is being checked, operation will jump to the priority frequency and priority operation cease. At that time you can respond to the calling station, and if necessary, have him wait while you press the VFO button to return to the VFO frequency, to announce that you have QSYed. Then press MR to return to the memory.
    Note that if the – S + button is set for plus or minus repeater shift on any of the frequencies used for the above operation, it may be necessary to change its position when changing frequencies (unless both receive and transmit frequencies are stored in the memory used for priority checking, even if simplex).
    It is possible to combine manual band- or PMS scanning with priority monitoring, though the auto-scan features are then dedicated to the priority function. For band scanning, just activate the PRI button first, and then use the microphone UP and DWN buttons, holding the button down to scan, and releasing to halt. For PMS/priority scanning, the PMS button must be pressed first, followed by the PRI button and then the microphone UP/DWN buttons.

11. Tone Squelch (CTCSS) Functions (FTS-8 Option req’d)
    When the optional FTS-8 Tone Squelch Unit is installed (see page 00), either CTCSS encode only or full encode/decode operation can be selected as required. CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) is a subaudible tone system that uses a continuous tone below the lowest audio frequency used for speech communications, superimposed on the transmitted signal. In the encode-only mode, the subaudible tone can be used for selective access to special repeaters only by users informed of the particular CTCSS tone frequency or code required by the particular repeater. The encode/decode mode allows silent monitoring of busy channels, since the receiver remains squelched unless a signal with the correct preset tone is detected. Some repeaters retransmit incoming CTCSS signals (allowing silent monitoring of the repeater frequency for CTCSS calls), while others do not; so contact the repeater group for details of a particular repeater.
    Before selecting the CTCSS frequency and function, set the transceiver to the VFO mode (A or B) if you plan to save the CTCSS data in a memory channel later.
    To select a CTCSS tone frequency, first press T SET. This will cause the ENC and DEC indicators at the upper right side of the display to appear and blink, and the selected tone frequency (default = 67.0 Hz) to appear in place of the operating frequency. The tone setting function will automat-ically cancel after six seconds unless you press a button, but while it is active you can use the microphone UP and DWN buttons, MHz/MCH button or main dial to select from the 42 different tone possibilities. Refer to the FTS-8 Tone Chart on the next page for the actual tone frequencies. Once the desired tone is selected, before the tone setting mode times out, press T SET once again to set the selected tone frequency for operation.
    Note that the five of the tones, including the 67.0Hz de-fault, are provided twice, once with a leading 0 and once without. Those five tone selections (between 67.0 and 88.5Hz) that do not have a leading zero have special low-Q decoder filters with Q = 40, providing half the tone selec-tivity to allow proper reception of CTCSS signals from older or less stable tone generators. All other tone selections have standard high-selectivity (Q = 80) decoder filters.
    Now select the CTCSS operation mode, using the front panel TONE button. One press of the button selects encode-only, with just ENC displayed. In this mode the subaudible tone just selected will be superimposed on your voice signal, for repeater access or selective outgoing calls. The receiver will not be affected.
    Press the TONE button again (when ENC is displayed) to select encode/decode operation, displayed as ENC and DEC. In this mode the receiver will remain quiet to all but those signals bearing a CTCSS tone identical to the one you selec-ted. Note that the main receiver squelch can still be opened (the BUSY lamp lit) by other stations, but the receiver will remain quiet. This feature allows you to make sure that the channel is clear (BUSY off) before trans- mitting in the encode/decode mode.
    Pressing the TONE button once more (when ENC and DEC are displayed) will deactivate the tone squelch system.
    To store the tone squelch frequency and mode in a (selected) memory, first set a VFO for the desired tone squelch data to be stored, and also make sure that the VFO frequency is that which you wish to store. Then press the M button twice, in the same way as described in part (3) above.
    Note that tone squelch data can be set or reset at any time using the T SET and TONE buttons. However, if this is done in the memory mode, the new data will be lost when changing channels or to the VFO mode, and when returning to the original memory the original data will be present. The VFOs must be used to permanently restore data in the memories.
    FTS -8 C1CSS Tone Chart Frequency in Hertz (as displayed)

    67.0| 119.| 174.| 067.0
    71.9| 123.0| 178.| 071.9
    77.0| 127.| 186.| 074.4
    82.5| 132.| 193.| 077.0
    88.5*| 137.| 204.| 079.7
    95.| 141.| 211.| 082.5
    100.0| 146.| 218.| 085.4
    104.| 151.| 226.| 088.5
    107.| 157.| 234.| 091.5
    111.| 162.| 242.|
    115.| 168.| 250.|

• Decoder Q=40, other codes have decoder Q=80

  12. Voice Synthesizer FVS-1 (Option)
      When the optional FVS-1 Unit is installed, operating frequency, VFO or memory indication and CTCSS tone frequency (if used) are indicated by a female voice in English, each time one of these is changed (or the SPEAK button on the microphone pressed). This feature allows easy and safe operation without looking at the transceiver, such as while driving, or for visually handicapped operators.
      The voice synthesizer is activated all the time when it is installed. However, when the VOICE switch on the bottom cover is set to OFF, the it will only speak when the SPEAK button on the microphone is pressed. When the VOICE switch is ON, the radio will let you know whenever the VFO, memory or tone modes are reselected, or frequency changed. Press the SPEAK button on the microphone and adjust the VOL control for a comfortable volume level of the synthesized voice. In the VFO mode, the first word will be “VFO”, followed by “A” or “B”, and then frequency. The format for frequency announcements is “V” (for VHF) followed by the 1MHz digit, “point” (decimal), and the kHz digits. For example, “V five point seven seven zero” indicates (14)5.770 MHz. In the memory mode, the first word will be “memory”, followed by the frequency in the same manner as above. In the T SET mode, the first word is “tone”, followed by the selected CTCSS tone frequency in Hz.

MEMORY BACKUP INFORMATION
If the FT-270R is exposed to high voltage “static” dis-charge the microprocessor circuitry in the transceiver may shut itself down. If this happens it may be impos-sible to change frequency or perform normal operation. Before seeking repairs, you can use the built-in reset system for the microprocessor, provided for such cir-cumstances. First turn the VOL control OFF, and set the bottom cover BACKUP switch to OFF. Then turn on the VOL control, and set the BACKUP switch back to ON. Normal operation should now return, although all pre-viously stored memory data will have been erased. If this does not cure the problem contact the dealer from whom you purchased your transceiver for service assis-tance.

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