Vertex Standard FT-857 Operating Manual

Hf/vhf/uhf all mode transceiver

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The FT-857 is a rugged, innovative multiband, multimode portable transceiver for the amateur radio MF/HF/VHF/UHF

bands. Providing coverage of the 160-10 meter bands plus the 6 m, 2 m, and 70 cm bands, the FT-857 includes operation

on the SSB, CW, AM, FM, and Digital modes, yielding the most comprehensive performance package available for field

operation.

Designed for use from (1) an external DC power source, (2) internal battery (requires optional FNB-78 Ni-MH battery

pack), the FT-857 provides 100 watts of power output from a 13.8-Volt external power supply or AC operation. When

using the optional FNB-78 Ni-MH Battery Pack, the FT-857 automatically switches to 20 Watts (430 MHz:10W) of

output power.

The multi-function Liquid-Crystal Display includes attractive backlighting, which may be disabled for battery

conservation. The display includes bar-graph indication of power output, ALC voltage, SWR, and modulation level. Also

include are a number of operating status icons, as well as the function displays for the three operating function keys (A, B,

and C).

Among the advanced features of the FT-857 are many incorporated only in large base-station transceivers. These include

Dual VFOs; Split-Frequency operation; Digital Signal Processing (Bandpass Filtering, Noise Reduction, Notch, and

Microphone Equalizer); IF Shift; Clarifier ("R.I.T."); IF Noise Blanker; AGC Fast/Slow/Auto/Off selection; RF Gain and

Squelch control; IPO (Intercept Point Optimization) and a receiver front-end Attenuator; AM Aircraft reception; AM and

FM Broadcast reception; U.S. Weather Band reception; VOX; Built-in Electronic Keyer; Adjustable CW Pitch;

Automatic FM Repeater Shift (ARS); Built-in CTCSS Encoder/Decoders; ARTS™ (Auto-Range Transponder System);

Smart Search™ Automatic Memory Loading System; Spectrum Scope; 200 Memories plus Home Channels and Band-

limiting Memories; Alpha-Numeric Labeling of Memories; Automatic Power-Off (APO) and Time-Out Timer (TOT)

functions; Computer Interface capability; and Cloning capability.

We urge you to read this manual in its entirety, so as to gain a full understanding of the amazing capability of the exciting

new FT-857 Transceiver.

General

Frequency Range:

HF/VHF/UHF ALL MODE TRANSCEIVER

FT-857 Operating Manual

Introduction

Specifications

Receive:

0.1-56 MHz, 76-108 MHz, 118-164 MHz,

420-470 MHz

FCC ID: K66FT-857

Operating Manual

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

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Summary of Contents for Vertex Standard FT-857

Page 1: Specifications
The FT-857 is a rugged, innovative multiband, multimode portable transceiver for the amateur radio MF/HF/VHF/UHF bands. Providing coverage of the 160-10 meter bands plus the 6 m, 2 m, and 70 cm bands, the FT-857 includes operation on the SSB, CW, AM, FM, and Digital modes, yielding the most comprehensive performance package available for field operation.
Page 2 –50 dB (1.8-29.7 MHz) –60 dB (50/144/430 MHz) Carrier Suppression: >40 dB Opp. Sideband Suppression: >50 dB SSB Frequency Response: 400 Hz-2600 Hz (–6 dB) Microphone Impedance: 200-10k Ohms (Nominal: 600 Ohms) Receiver Circuit Type: Double-Conversion Superheterodyne (SSB/CW/AM/FM) Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 3: Accessories And Options
2.5 W (@4 Ohms, 10% THD or less) AF Output Impedance: 4-16 Ohms Specifications are subject to change without notice, and are guaranteed within the amateur bands only. Accessories & Options Supplied Accessories Hand Microphone MH-31A8J DC Power Cord Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 4: Available Options
External Automatic Antenna Tuner ATAS-100 Active-Tuning Antenna System ATAS-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System ATBK-100 VHF/UHF Antenna Base/Counterpoise Kit VL-1000 Solid-State Linear Amplifier MD-200A8X Desktop Microphone MH-36E8J DTMF Microphone CT-62 CAT Interface Cable CT-39A Packet Cable CT-58 BAND DATA Cable Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 5: Installation
External DC power source operation The DC power connector for the FT-857 must only be connected to a DC source providing 13.8 Volts DC (±15%), and capable of at least 22 Amperes of current. Always observe proper polarity when making DC connections: The Red DC power lead connects to the Positive (+) DC terminal;...
Page 6: Mobile Station Grounding
RF grounding can nullify such filtering. Bonding the rear panel Ground lug of the FT-857 transceiver to the vehicle or vessel’s ground system should clear up any such difficulties.
Page 7: Base Station Earth Grounding
(less than 33 Ω or greater than 75 Ω, corresponding to a Standing Wave Ratio (SWR) of 1.5:1). Two antenna jacks are provided on the rear panel of the FT-857. The “HF/50 MHz ANT” jack is used for HF and 50 MHz, while the “144/430 MHz ANT”...
Page 8: Base Station Antenna Installations
Base Station Antenna Installations When installing a “balanced” antenna such as a Yagi or dipole, remember that the FT-857 is designed for use with an (unbalanced) coaxial feedline. Always use a balun or other balancing device so as to ensure proper antenna system performance.
Page 9: Rf Field Exposure
Do not allow disconnected cables to touch the case of your FT-857 transceiver or accessories, as lightning can easily jump from the cable to the circuitry of your transceiver via the case, causing irreparable damage.
Page 10: Heat And Ventilation
Heat and Ventilation To ensure long life of the components, be certain to provide adequate ventilation around the cabinet of the FT-857. The cooling system of the transceiver must be free to draw cool air in from the side of the transceiver and expel warm air from the rear of the transceiver.
Page 11: Important Note
The two front feet of the transceiver allow the transceiver to be tilted upward for better viewing. Simply fold both feet forward to raise the front of the transceiver, and fold them back against the bottom case to lower the front of the FT-857.
Page 12 ±9.99 kHz. The transmitter’s frequency is not affected by the setting of the Clarifier. Press and hold this key for one second to activate the IF Shift feature, which allows you to use the MEM/VFO CH Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 13 When the battery voltage is approaching the value which indicates depletion is near, the LED blinks orange, indicating it is time to replace the batteries. The [A], [B], and [C] keys select many of the most important operating features of the transceiver. When you press the [F] Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 14 AF Speech Processor). Multi Function Row “d” (MFd) [RPT, REV, VOX] [A] Key: RPT Press the [A](RPT) key to select the direction of the uplink frequency shift (+, – or simplex) during FM repeater operation. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 15 Press and hold in the [A](ARTS) key for one second to recall Menu Mode No-008 [ARTS BEEP] (for selecting the ARTS “Beep” option). [B] Key: SRCH Press the [B](SRCH) key to activate the Smart Search feature. Press the [B](SRCH) key to initiate Smart Search scanning. [C] Key: PMS Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 16 Pressing the [B] key repeatedly allows selection of the display function of the meter in the transmit mode. PWR ∏ MOD ∏ SWR ∏ ALC ∏ PWR ∏ [C] Key: DISP Press the [C](DISP) key to switch the display between the Large Character and Small Character modes. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 17 Press the [B](AGC) key to disable the receiver’s AGC system. Normally, the AGC should be left On. [C] Key Press the [C] key to select the recovery time (Slow, Fast, or Auto) for the receiver’s AGC system. Multi Function Row “m” (MFm) [IPO, ATT, NAR] [A] Key: IPO Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 18 Press the [A](DNR) key to activate the DSP Noise Reduction system. Press and hold in the [A](DNR) key for one second recall Menu Mode No-049 [DSP NR LEVEL] (for setting the degree of DSP Noise Reduction). [B] Key: DNF Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 19: Rear Panel Connectors
This 8-pin mini-DIN jack is used for connection to the FC-30 External Automatic Antenna Tuner or ATAS-100/-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System. It is also used for interfacing to a personal computer for control of the transceiver using the CAT system, and for interconnection to the VL-1000 Linear Amplifier. 4. DATA Jack Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 20: Top & Bottom Panel Connectors
Operation Hi! I’m R.F. Radio, and I’m here to guide you through the fine points of the setup and use of your new FT-857. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encourage you to read the “Operation” section of this manual as thoroughly as possible, so you’ll get the most out of this fantastic new rig.
Page 21: Operating Band Selection
You can set VFOa and VFOb to different modes in the same band, allowing you to have a “Phone” VFO and a “CW” VFO, for example. Adjusting the Audio Volume Level Rotate the AF knob to set a comfortable listening level. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 22: Setting The Operating Frequency
“Squelch,” even though the setting of Menu Mode No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN] is “RF Gain.” If this control is configured for “SQL” operation, the FT-857’s RF Gain will be set for maximum sensitivity in all modes, and the SQL/RF Gain control will function solely as a Squelch control.
Page 23 Locks DIAL knob only. FREQ: Locks front panel keys and knobs related to frequency control (such as BAND(DWN) and BAND(UP) key, [A](A/B) key., etc.) PANEL: Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except POWER and LOCK keys) Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 24: Noise Blanker
AGC voltage) will cease to function. Depending on the setting of the RF Gain control, incoming signals will probably be distorted if the AGC is turned off. Noise Blanker The IF Noise Blanker may be useful in reducing or eliminating some types of impulse noise, especially noise generated Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 25 3. Press the [B](ATT) key once more to switch the Attenuator out of the receiver front end circuit. Signals will again be received at a level 10 dB louder than was the case when the Attenuator was engaged. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 26: Dsp Bandpass Filter
DSP Noise Reduction (NR) The Noise Reduction feature of the DSP system may be used to enhance signal-to-noise ratio on weak signals. 1. Press the [DSP] key momentarily. This instantly activates Multi Function Row “p” [DNR, DNF, DBF]. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 27: Dsp Notch Filter
The “channelized” mode of tuning on AM and FM automatically rounds off the frequency to the next “logical” step when you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one “click” in either direction. This eliminates the inconvenience of having to preset the frequency to an “even” channel. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 28: Automatic Power-Off Feature
・ Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to recall Menu Mode No-081 [SSB MIC GAIN] (on SSB) or No-005 [AM MIC GAIN] (on AM). ・ Close the PTT switch, and while speaking into the microphone rotate the DIAL until the proper ALC indication is achieved on voice peaks. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 29: Vox Operation
6. The “Hang-Time” of the VOX system (the transmit-receive delay after the cessation of speech) may also be adjusted via the Menu. The default delay is one second. To set a different delay time: ・Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to activate the Menu mode. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 30: Dsp Microphone Equalizer
In the SSB, AM, and FM transmission modes, you may use the DSP system to change the frequency response of the audio stage. This will allow you to roll off excessive high- and/or low-frequency components of your voice’s audio characteristics. To set up the DSP Microphone Equalizer feature: Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 31: Operation Using Straight Key/External Keying Device
6. You can adjust the CW sidetone volume level via Menu Mode No-029 [CW SIDE TONE]. To adjust the CW sidetone volume level: ・ While still in Multi Function Row “j” [SPOT, BK, KYR], press and hold in the [B](BK) key for one second. This is Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 32: Using The Built-In Electronic Keyer
・ When done, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 8. The FT-857 also has a “CW SPOT” feature, utilizing the sidetone. Because the sidetone is a representation of the actual pitch of your transmitted signal, it may be used for zeroing in on another station.
Page 33: Repeater Operation
9. The VOX feature is operational during FM transmission. From Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX], press the [C](VOX) key to activate/deactivate VOX. Repeater Operation 1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “d” [RPT, REV, VOX] appears on the display. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 34 144 MHz or 430 MHz FM repeater sub-bands in your country. If you wish to change the On/Off settings for the ARS, use Menu Mode Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 35: Dcs Operation
To scan for the DCS code in use: 1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “e” [TON, - Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 36: Split Tone Operation
Split Tone Operation The FT-857 can be configured in a “Split Tone” configuration via the Menu mode. This allows you to encode a CTCSS Tone, decode a DCS code, encode (only) a DCS code, etc.
Page 37: Arts™ Operation
2. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired ARTS™ Beep mode (see above). 3. When you have made your selection, press and hold the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 38: Cw Identifier Setup
Digital Mode Operation (SSB-Based AFSK) The FT-857 provides extensive capability for digital mode operation on the HF, VHF, and UHF bands. The use of AFSK (Audio Frequency-Shifted Keying) configurations allows a wide variety of different communication modes to be utilized.
Page 39: Psk31 Operation
1. Connect your TNC (Terminal Node Controller) or terminal modem to the FT-857’s rear-panel DATA jack, per the illustration. Be sure to use the “TX AUDIO” line, not an “FSK” line, for the transmit data connection to the FT-857. 2. Press the MODE(<) or MODE(>) key, as needed, to select the DIG mode (the “DIG” icon will appear on the display).
Page 40 Packet) or No-072 [PKT 9600] (for 9600 bps Packet) to set the drive. Use your terminal software’s “test” protocol to send out test tones, and adjust the deviation by rotating the DIAL knob, which will vary the data input level to the FT-857’s...
Page 41: Weatherfax Monitoring
±2.5 kHz and ±3.5 kHz. WeatherFax Monitoring Monitoring of HF WeatherFax broadcasts is easily accomplished using the FT-857. Before proceeding, be certain that the WeatherFax demodulator is properly connected to Pins 5 and 2 of the rear panel DATA jack.
Page 42: Split Frequency Operation
The optional ATAS-100/-120 Active-Tuning Antenna System provides operation on a number of HF bands (7/14/21/28 MHz) plus 50 MHz, 144 MHz, and 430 MHz. The FT-857 provides microprocessor control of the tuning mechanism in the ATAS-100/-120 for convenient automatic tuning.
Page 43: Automatic Tuning
PTT switch. With the transceiver in the “transmit” mode, press and hold in the [C](UP) key (to raise the antenna) or the [B](DOWN) key (to lower the antenna). While you hold in one of these keys, the FT-857 will generate a carrier, and you may watch the top scale of the FT-857’s meter, looking for the meter indication to reach its minimum...
Page 44: Tuning Procedure
“transformer action” in the 50 Ω cable during the tuning process). 4) If you are able to achieve an SWR of less than 2:1 via manual tuning, the FT-857 will “accept” the manual setting, and you may then re-tune automatically when changing bands. If, however, you stop manual tuning at a non-optimum setting (SWR >2:1), the FT-857 will not permit further automatic tuning.
Page 45: External Wattmeters
“TUNE” will appear on the LCD. 3. Press and hold in the [A](TUNE) key to initiate automatic tuning. The FT-857 transmitter will be activated, a carrier signal will be sent out, and the coils and capacitors in the FC-30 will be selected/adjusted for optimum SWR. When tuning is complete, the transmission will cease, and you will be ready for operation on this frequency.
Page 46: Antenna Tuner Memory System
Antenna Tuner Memory System The FC-30, working in concert with the FT-857, can store impedance matching data in its micro-computer memory, so as to provide instant adjustment as you transmit in different areas of a particular band. A total of 100 memories are provided: 11 of these are “general”...
Page 47: Qmb Channel Recall
4. Press and hold in the [A](MW) key for one second until you hear a double beep; the second beep confirms that the frequency information was successfully stored. Split-Frequency Memory Storage You can also store “Split” frequencies, such as when operating on a repeater system not utilizing a “standard” offset. This Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 48: Memory Channel Recall
[A](MW) key momentarily, select a new memory channel via the MEM/VFO CH knob, then press and hold in the [A](MW) key until you hear the double beep. 5. To exit the Memory Tuning mode, press the V/M key as follows: Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 49: Masking ("Hiding") A Memory
2. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display. 3. Press the [A](MW) key momentarily to enter the “Memory Check” mode. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 50: Home Channel Recall
Function Row “b” [MW, SKIP, TAG] appears on the display. Press the [C](TAG) key momentarily to activate the alpha-numeric Tag. Repeatedly pressing this key will toggle operation between “Frequency” display and “Tag” display. You can recall Menu Mode No-056 [MEM TAG] instantly by pressing and holding in the [C](TAG) key for one second. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 51: Spectrum Scope Monitor Operation
Smart Search ™ Operation The Smart Search™ feature automatically stores frequencies where activity is encountered on the current band. When Smart Search™ is engaged, the transceiver quickly searches above your current frequency, storing active frequencies as it Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 52: Scanning Operation
In the Memory mode, the scanner will scan the programmed memories, and can be instructed to skip certain memories during scanning; ρ In the Programmable Memory Scan (PMS) mode, the scanner will scan the band within user-programmed frequency limits. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 53 Scanning Operation In order for the FT-857 to scan automatically, the Squelch must be set so that the background noise is silenced, because the command to “Stop Scanning” driven by the same circuit that causes the green “Busy” LED to light up (when noise or a signal is received).
Page 54: Scan Skip Programming (Memory Mode Only)
[B](SKIP) key momentarily so that the “dot” changes to become a “hyphen.” “Priority Channel” Scanning The FT-857’s scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which allows you to operate on a VFO or Memory channel, while periodically checking a Memory Channel “M-001” for activity. If a station is received on the Memory Channel “M-001”...
Page 55: Programmable Memory Scan (Pms) Operation
FCC ID: K66FT-857 Operating Manual 2. Set the FT-857 for operation on another memory channel, or on a VFO frequency. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob, as needed, until Multi Function Row “g” [SCN, PRI, DW] appears on the display.
Page 56: Dual Watch Operation
Miscellaneous Settings CW Training Feature The FT-857 provides a CW Training feature, which sends random Morse Code five-character groups via the sidetone (heard in the speaker), so you can improve your CW proficiency whether or not the bands are open.
Page 57: Programming The Panel Key Functions
Beacon Feature The FT-857’s unique “Beacon” feature allow you to set up the transceiver to send a repetitive message. For example, on a DX-pedition, the FT-857 beacon might be activated on a 50 MHz frequency, to alert DXers as to possible band openings.
Page 58 2. Rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to select Menu Mode No-012 [BEACON TIME]. 3. Rotate the DIAL to select “OFF.” 4. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to exit to normal operation. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 59: Display Customization
AUTO2: Illuminates the LCD continuously while the FT-857 is operating on an external power supply. When using the FNB-78 internal battery in the AUTO2 mode, the LCD will light up for three seconds when any button is pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob (identical to AUTO1 mode).
Page 60: Display Color
3. When you have chosen the desired Menu Item number, rotate the DIAL knob to change the value or condition for the Menu Item. 4. When you have made your selection, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the new setting and exit to Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 61 –300 ~ +300 Hz 0 Hz CAR USB T Sets the Tx Carrier Point for USB –300 ~ +300 Hz 0 Hz CAT RATE Sets the transceiver’s circuitry for the CAT baud rate to be 4800bps/9600bps/ 4800bps used. 38400bps Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 62 Selects “Normal” or “Inverted” DCS coding. Tn-Rn/Tn-Riv/ Tn-Rn Tiv-Rn/Tiv-Riv DIAL STEP Setting of the DIAL knob’s tuning speed. FINE/COARSE FINE DIG DISP Defines the displayed frequency offset during DIG (USER-L –3000 ~ +3000 Hz 0 Hz or USER-U) mode operation. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 63 Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob in the 5/6.25/10/12.5/ FM mode. 15/20/25/50 kHz HOME-->VFO Enables/disables the moving of HOME channel data to the ON/OFF VFO. LOCK MODE Selects the operation of the front panel’s LOCK key. DIAL/FREQ/ DIAL PANEL/ALL Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 64 PKT 1200 Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC during 1200 bps 0 ~ 100 Packet operation. PKT 9600 Adjusts the audio input level from the TNC during 9600 bps 0 ~ 100 Packet operation. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 65 XVTR B FREQ – XVTR SEL Enables/disables/selects the antenna port to be used for OFF/X VTR A/ Transverter operation. X VTR B *1: Depends Mon transceiver version. * 2: Depends on operating band and transceiver version. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 66 Function: Selects the tuning steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob on the AM mode. Available Values: 2.5/5/9/10/12.5/25kHz Default: 5 kHz (depending on transceiver version) MENU MODE No-007 [APO TIME] Function: Selects the Auto Power Off time (time before power goes off). Available Values: OFF/1h ~ 6h Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 67 3. Press the MEM/VFO CH knob to enable storage of the Beacon Text (the first character location will be underlined). 4. Rotate the DIAL to select the first character (number or letter) in the Beacon Text you wish to store, then rotate the Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 68 Function: Sets the Tx Carrier Point for LSB Available Values: –300 ~ +300 Hz Default: 0 Hz MENU MODE No 017 [CAR USB R] Function: Sets the Rx Carrier Point for USB Available Values: –300 ~ +300 Hz Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 69 The KEY jack is enabled on all modes (SSB mode: A1, FM mode: F2). Thus, on SSB, you can ask a station for a CW QSO without having to change your FT-857’s Mode selection, if Menu #022 is set to “On.”...
Page 70 Function: Setting of the pitch of the CW sidetone, BFO offset, and CW filter center frequencies. Available Values: 400 ~ 800 Hz Default: 700 Hz The CW pitch may be adjusted in steps of 100 Hz. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 71 Available Values: N / A / AN Default: N Numeric characters only Alphabet characters only Numeric and Alphabet characters (Mixed) MENU MODE No 032 [CW WEIGHT] Function: Sets the Dot:Dash ratio for the built-in electronic keyer. Available Values: 1:2.5 ~ 1:4.5 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 72 Available Values: –3000 ~ +3000 Hz Default: 0 Hz MENU MODE No 037 [DIG GAIN] Function: Adjusts the audio input level from terminal equipment (such as a TNC or PSK-31 sound card) during DIG (Digital) mode operation. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 73 Digital Mode “VOX” system will still be active, allowing audio input from a TNC or sound card to engage the transmitter. MENU MODE No-041 [DISP COLOR] Function: Selects the illumination color for each operating status. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 74 Illuminates the LCD for three seconds when any button is pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob. AUTO2: Illuminates the LCD continuously while the FT-857 is operating on an external power supply. When using the FNB-78 internal battery in the AUTO2 mode, the LCD will light up for three seconds when any button is pressed, or if you rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob (identical to AUTO1 mode).
Page 75 MEM/VFO CH knob to navigate; the Alaska Emergency Channel will be found between the Memory channel “M-P20U” and “M-001.” Use of this frequency is restricted to amateurs operating in (or within 92.6 km of) the U.S. State of Alaska, and it is to be Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 76 Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except POWER and LOCK keys) ALL: Locks all front panel keys and knobs (except POWER and LOCK keys) and microphone keys. MENU MODE No 055 [MEM GROUP] Function: Enables/disables the memory grouping feature. Available Values: OFF/ON Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 77 Available Values: CW SIDETONE, CW SPEED, MHz/MEM GRP, MIC GAIN, NB LEVEL, RF POWER/STEP Default: MHz/MEM GRP MENU MODE No 058 [MIC SCAN] Function: Enables/disables scanning access via the microphone’s [UP]/[DWN] keys. Available Values: OFF/ON Default: ON MENU MODE No 059 [MIC SEL] Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 78 Indicates the relative transmit power. ALC: Indicates the relative Automatic Level Control voltage. MOD: Indicates the deviation level. SWR: Indicates the Standing Wave Ratio (forward:reflected). VLT: Indicates the battery voltage. N/A: Not available at this time. OFF: Disables the meter. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 79 Available Values: All Multi Function , all Menu Item, MONI, Q.SPL, TCALL, ATC and USER. Default: ATC MENU MODE No 068 [PG ACC] Not available at this time. MENU MODE No 069 [PG P1] Not available at this time. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 80 Function: Setting of the maximum power level for the current band. Available Values: 5 ~ 100 Default: 100 MENU MODE No-076 [RPT SHIFT] Function: Sets the magnitude of the repeater shift. Available Values: 0.00 ~ 99.99 (MHz) Default: Depends on operating band and transceiver version. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 81 Available Values: RF-GAIN/SQL Default: Depends on transceiver version. MENU MODE No-081 [SSB MIC GAIN] Function: Adjusts the microphone gain level for the SSB mode. Available Values: 0 ~ 100 Default: 50 MENU MODE No-082 [SSB STEP] Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 82 MHz amateur band. ATAS (ALL): The [A](TUNE) key will activate the optional ATAS-100/-120 on the all amateur bands which enable to the FT-857 transceiver. TUNER: The [A](TUNE) key will activate the optional FC-30. MENU MODE No 086 [TX IF FILTER] Function: Selects the Transmit IF filter.
Page 83 Activates the transverter operation feature. The display frequency may be set via MENU No-089 [XVTR A FREQ]. X VTR B: Activates the second transverter operation display. The display frequency may be set via MENU No-090 [XVTR B FREQ]. Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 84: Cat (Computer Aided Transceiver) Operation
8 data bits, no parity bit, and two stop bits. There are 17 instruction opcodes for the FT-857, listed in the chart on next page. Many of these opcodes are On/Off toggle commands for the same action (e.g. “PTT On” and “PTT Off”) Most of these commands require some parameter or parameters to be set.
Page 85 P1 = 00 : “–” OFFSET 12, 34 = 12.34 kHz VFO-A/B Toggle SPLIT ON/OFF CMD = 02 : SPLIT ON CMD = 82 : SPLIT OFF Repeater Offset P1 = 09 : “–” SHIFT P1 = 49 : “+” SHIFT Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 86 = 88.5 Hz (TX), 100.0 Hz (RX) Note 2: DCS Code Example: Set the DCS Code to 023 (TX) and 371 (RX) = 023 (TX), 371 (RX) Note 3: Read RX Status Note 4: Read TX Status Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 87: Power-On Microprocessor Reset Procedures
1. Turn the transceiver’s power off by pressing and holding in the PWR switch for one second, then disconnect the DC cable from the INPUT jack on the rear panel of the transceiver, when operating the FT-857 with a DC power supply or optional FP-30 AC power supply.
Page 88 1. Turn the transceiver’s power off by pressing and holding in the POWER switch for one second, then disconnect the DC cable from the INPUT jack on the rear panel of the transceiver, when operating the FT-857 with a DC power supply or optional FP-30 AC power supply.
Page 89 M-001, then press and hold in the [A](MW) key until you hear the double beep. We have just stored the first downlink (earth station receiving) frequency into memory. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob one click counter-clockwise to re-select Multi Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Page 90 (for example, “UO-14a” ~ “UO-14e” for the above five channels). A complete set of frequencies may be stored for each LEO satellite you wish to utilize, and once configured, the FT-857 provides a flexible and easy-to-use earth station capability for these popular satellites.

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