Yaesu FTA-720 Operating Manual
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Important Notice!........................................................... 1
Introduction.................................................................... 2
Control & Connectors................................................... 3
Top Panel............................................................................ 3
Front Panel.......................................................................... 4
Side Panel........................................................................... 5
Keypad................................................................................ 6
Before You Begin........................................................... 8
Precautions.......................................................................... 8
How to Install the Quick Draw Clip................................... 8
Installation of FNB-80LI Battery Pack.............................. 9
Battery Charging................................................................. 9
Installation of FBA-23 Alkaline Battery Case.................. 10
Low Battery Indication..................................................... 11
Basic Operation........................................................... 12
Preliminary Steps.............................................................. 12
Operation Quick Start....................................................... 12
Squelch Adjustment.......................................................... 13
Accessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency............ 14
Tuning Methods................................................................ 14
Transmission..................................................................... 15
Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts....................... 16
Monitor Key..................................................................... 17
ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Feature......................... 17
LOCK Function................................................................ 18
Beep On/Off...................................................................... 18
Receive Battery Saver Setup............................................ 19
Memory Operation....................................................... 20
Memory System Operation............................................... 20
Memory Storage............................................................... 20
Recalling the Memories.................................................... 21
Memory Offset Tuning..................................................... 21
Deleting Memories........................................................... 22
Home Channel Memory................................................... 22
Scanning Operation.................................................... 23
Basic Scan......................................................................... 23
Channel-Skip Scanning.................................................... 24
Programmable (Band Limit) Memory Scan (PMS)......... 24
Dual Watch Operation................................................. 25
Priority Dual Watch Operation................................... 26
Spectrum Scope Monitor............................................ 27
VOR Navigation (AIR Band)........................................ 28
To Select the VOR Mode.................................................. 29
Flying to a VOR Station................................................... 30
Entering a Desired Course................................................ 32
Position Cross-checking................................................... 33
Split Operation.................................................................. 34
BRS (Business Radio service) Channel Operation...... 35
Recalling the BRS channels............................................. 35
CTCSS Operation............................................................. 35
DCS Operation................................................................. 37
CTCSS/DCS Bell Operation............................................ 38
Miscellaneous Setting................................................. 39
Automatic Power-Off (APO) Feature............................... 39
Transmitter Time-Out Timer (TOT)................................. 39
Programming the Key Assignments................................. 40
Display Customization..................................................... 41
TX/BUSY Indicator Customization................................. 42
Changing the Channel Step.............................................. 43
Field Programming Mode........................................... 44
CPU Resetting.............................................................. 45
Timer Mode.................................................................. 46
Menu (“Set”) Mode...................................................... 46
Specifications.............................................................. 56
Accessories & Options............................................... 58
Troubleshooting.......................................................... 60
Book Memory Channel List........................................ 61
FTA-720 Operating Manual
1
Important Notice!
FCC RF Exposure Compliance Requirements for Occupational Use Only:
The FTA-720 has been tested and complies with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF exposure lim-
its for Occupational Use/Controlled exposure environment. In addition, it complies with the following Standards and
Guidelines:
FCC 96-326, Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radio-Frequency Radiation.
FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 (1997) Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Hu-
man Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.
ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
ANSI/IEEE C95.3-1992, IEEE Recommended Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromag-
netic Fields - RF and Microwave.
This radio is NOT approved for use by the general population in an uncontrolled environment. This radio is
restricted to occupational use, work related operations only where the radio operator must have the knowl-
edge to control its RF exposure conditions.
When transmitting, hold the radio in a vertical position with its microphone 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) away
from your mouth and keep the antenna at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from your head and body.
The radio must be used with a maximum operating duty cycle not exceeding 50%, in typical Push-to-Talk
configurations. DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time (50% duty cycle). Transmitting
more than 50% of the time can cause FCC RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded.
The radio is transmitting when the red LED on the top of the radio is illuminated. You can cause the radio to
transmit by pressing the P-T-T button.
Always use Yaesu authorized accessories.
NOTICE
There are no user-serviceable points inside this transceiver. All service jobs must be referred to your Autho-
rized Service Center.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
2
Introduction
The Yaesu FTA-720 is a compact, stylish, solid hand-held transceiver providing communication (transmit and receive)
capability on the International Aircraft Communication Band (“COM” band: 118 ~ 136.975 MHz), and it additionally
provides VOR and CDI navigation features on the “NAV” band (108 ~ 117.975 MHz). The FTA-720 is also is also
capable of receiving the FM BC Band, Weather Channel Broadcast (USA version only), and BRS (Business Radio Ser-
vice) band.
The FTA-720 includes Temperature display with our exclusive Omni-Glow
™ display back-light for minimal degrada-
tion of your night vision, NOAA weather band monitoring, 8-character Alpha/Numeric Display, 70 Memory Channels,
and 90 “Book Memory” Channels.
We recommend that you read this manual in its entirety, so as to understand the many features of the FTA-720 com-
pletely. Keep this manual handy, so you may use it for reference.
NOTE: The FTA-720’s VOR and CDI Navigation features are supplemental aids to navigation only, and are not
intended to be a substitute for accurate (primary) VOR/CDI or landing service equipment.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
3
Controls & Connectors (Top Panel)
Antenna Jack
The BNC connector accepts the supplied flexible
antenna, or another antenna designed to provide 50
Ohm impedance on the Aircraft Communication
Band and BRS Band.
MIC/SP Jack
You may connect the supplied CT-96 Headset
Cable, or the optional MH-44B4B Speaker/Micro-
phone, to this jack.
VOL Knob
This control adjusts the audio volume level. Clock-
wise rotation increases the volume level.
DIAL Selector Knob
This 20-position detented rotary switch tunes the
operating frequency or selects the memory chan-
nels.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
4
Controls & Connectors (Front Panel)
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The display shows the current operating conditions,
including frequency, etc.
PWR (Power) Switch
Press and hold this switch for 3 seconds to toggle
the transceiver’s power on and off.
Keypad
Several keys have triple functions.
The primary functions are labeled on the key top
(activated by simply pressing the key momentarily).
The secondary functions are labeled in yellow above
the top edge of the key (activated by pressing the
key first, then the indicated key).
The third functions are labeled in black above the
top edge of the key, and are activated by pressing
and holding in the selected key for 2 seconds.
These functions are summarized on the pages 6 and 7.
BUSY/TX Indicator Lamp
This lamp glows green when a signal is being re-
ceived and red when transmitting.
You may customize the color setup via the Menu mode.
Loudspeaker
The internal speaker is located in this position.
Microphone
Speak across this opening in a normal voice level,
while pressing the PTT switch, to transmit.
Battery Pack Latch
Open this latch for battery removal.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
5
Controls & Connectors (Side Panel)
PTT (Push To Talk) Switch
Press this button to transmit when you are operat-
ing in the COM band (118.000 - 136.975 MHz).
Release this button to return to the “Receive” mode.
See page 15.
MONITOR Switch
This button may be pressed to “Open” the squelch
manually, allowing you to listen for very weak
signals. Press and hold this button for 2 seconds to
“Open” the squelch continuously. Press this but-
ton again to resume normal (quiet) monitoring. See
page 17.
EXT DC Jack
When an external 12-Volt DC power source is avail-
able, you may connect the (optional) E-DC-5B DC
Cable w/Noise Filter or E-DC-6 DC Cable here.
Do not connect any wire to this jack if that
wire is connected directly to a 28-Volt DC
source. Connecting the FTA-720 directly to a
source which exceeds 15.0 Volts DC will result in
damage to the unit.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
6
Control & Connectors (Keypad)
Secondary Function
(Press +
)
Primary Function
(Press Key)
Third Function
(Press and hold key)
Secondary Function
(Press +
)
Primary Function
(Press Key)
Third Function
(Press and hold key)
Secondary Function
(Press +
)
Primary Function
(Press Key)
Third Function
(Press and hold key)
Frequency entry digit “1.”
Frequency entry digit “2.”
Frequency entry digit “5.”
Frequency entry digit “7.”
None
Activates the “Secondary” key
mode.
None
None
Selects the Emergency Channel
(121.5 MHz).
None
Switches operation to the “Home”
(favorite frequency) channel.
Split-Memory “Write” Command
Memory “Write” Command
Activates VOR mode.
Recalls Menu Item “SQL Type”
(for activating CTCSS or DCS decoder on
a BRS Memory Channel).
Selects “TO” VOR mode.
Recalls Menu Item “TONE Set” (for
selecting the CTCSS tone frequency on a
BRS Memory Channel).
Activates the Course Deviation
Indicator mode.
None
Recalls Menu Item “APO”
(for setting of the Automatic
Power-Off time).
Activates Split (Duplex) mode.
Recalls Menu Item “Step”
(for setting of the synthesizer
steps).
None
Recalls Menu Item “Beep” (for set-
ting of the keypad beeper).
Frequency entry digit “4.”
Frequency entry digit “8.”
None
FTA-720 Operating Manual
7
Control & Connectors (Keypad)
Secondary Function
(Press +
)
Primary Function
(Press Key)
Third Function
(Press and hold key)
Secondary Function
(Press +
)
Primary Function
(Press Key)
Third Function
(Press and hold key)
Secondary Function
(Press +
)
Primary Function
(Press Key)
Third Function
(Press and hold key)
Frequency entry digit “3.”
Toggles the operating band be-
tween the AIR band and FM BC
band in the VFO mode.
Frequency entry digit “6.”
Frequency entry digit “0.”
Frequency entry digit “9.”
Activates the Scanner.
Selects “FROM” VOR mode.
Selects the tuning methods
among the VFO, MR, BMR, WX,
and BRS1.
Activates the “Set” (Menu) mode.
None
Activates the Automatic Noise
Limiter during AM reception.
Locks the Keypad.
Switches the frequency display
between the “Large Character”
and “Small Character” mode.
Enables/Disables the Alpha-nu-
meric Tag display during Memory
operation.
Sets the Memory Skip (Omit)
feature to the current memory
channel.
None
None
Recalls Menu Item “SQL”
(for setting the squelch threshold
level).
Activates Dual Watch.
Activates the “Memory Tune”
mode while in the Memory Recall
mode.
None
1: VFO: Variable Frequency Oscillator
MR: Memory Recall
BMR: Pre-Programmed Memories
WX: Weather Channel Memories
BRS: Business Radio Service
2: The Primary and Third functions of
the
key may be customized by
user via the Menu mode. See page
40.
2
None
None
None
FTA-720 Operating Manual
8
Before You Begin
Precautions
The FTA-720 is capable of two-way communica-
tion on channels used for critical aviation safety
communications. Therefore, it is important that this
radio be kept away from children or other unauthor-
ized users at all times.
When making DC connections via the (optional) E-
DC-5B DC cable, be absolutely certain to observe
the proper voltage level and polarity guidelines. Do
not connect this radio directly to any 24 ~ 28 Volt
DC source, nor to AC power of any kind. Connect-
ing the FTA-720 directly to a source which exceeds
15.0 Volts DC will result in damage to the unit.
Do not dispose of the Li-Ion Battery Pack in a fire.
Do not carry a Li-Ion Battery Pack in your pocket,
where keys or coins could short the terminals. This
could create a serious fire/burn danger, and possibly
cause damage to the Li-Ion pack.
How to Install the Quick Draw Belt Clip
Connect the hanger to the rear of the FTA-720, with
the notch pointing directly up, using the supplied
screw (Fig 1). Use only the screw included with the
clip to mount the clip to the back of the FTA-720!
Clip the Quick-Draw Belt Clip onto your belt (Fig 2).
To install the FTA-720 into the Quick-Draw Belt
Clip, align the hanger with the Quick-Draw Belt
Clip, and slide the FTA-720 into its slot until a click
is heard (Fig 3).
To remove the FTA-720 from the Quick-Draw Belt
Clip, rotate the FTA-720 180 degrees, then slide the
FTA-720 out from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip (Fig 4).
Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
FTA-720 Operating Manual
9
Installation of FNB-80LI Battery Pack
The FNB-80LI is a high-performance Lithium-Ion bat-
tery providing high capacity in a very compact package.
Under normal use, the FNB-80LI may be used for ap-
proximately 300 charge cycles, after which operating
time may be expected to decrease. If you have an old
battery pack which is displaying capacity which has
become diminished, you should replace the pack with a
new one.
Install the FNB-80LI as shown in the illustration.
Close the Battery Pack Latch on the bottom of the
radio.
Before You Begin
Do not attempt to open any of the recharge-
able Li-Ion packs, as personal injury or dam-
age to the Li-Ion pack could occur if a cell or cells
become accidentally short-circuited.
Battery Charging
If the battery has never been used, or its charge is de-
pleted, it may be charged by connecting the PA-48B/C
Battery Charger, as shown in
the illustration, to the EXT DC
jack. If only 12 ~ 15 Volt DC
power is available, the optional
E-DC-5B DC Cable (w/ciga-
rette lighter plug) or E-DC-6
DC Cable may also be used for
charging the battery, as shown in the illustration. “Now
Charging . . .” will blink in the display while the battery
is being charged. When charging is finished (approxi-
mately five hours), the display will change to indicate
“Complete” and the BUSY/TX indicator will blink blue.
Important Notes:
Do not leave the charger connected to the trans-
ceiver for continuous periods in excess of 24 hours.
Long term overcharging can degrade the Li-Ion bat-
tery pack and significantly shorten its useful life.
If using a charger other than the PA-48B/C, or if
using a battery pack other than the FNB-80LI, fol-
low the appropriate instructions provided with the
charger/battery. Contact your Dealer if you have any
doubts about the appropriateness of the particular
charger or battery pack you intend to use.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
10
Installation of
FBA-23 Alkaline Battery Case (Option)
The optional FBA-23 Battery Case allows receive mon-
itoring using two “AA” size Alkaline batteries.
To Install Alkaline Batteries into the FBA-23
Slide the batteries into the FBA-
23 as shown in the illustration,
with the Negative [–] side of the
batteries touching the spring con-
nections inside the FBA-23.
Open the Battery Pack Latch on
the bottom of the radio.
. Install the FBA-23 into the battery compartment on
the back of the transceiver, then close the Battery
Pack Latch on the bottom of the radio.
Before You Begin
The FBA-23 does not provide connections for charging,
since Alkaline cells cannot be re-charged. Therefore,
the PA-48B/C, E-DC-5B, or E-DC-6 may safely be
connected to the EXT DC jack when the FBA-23 is in-
stalled.
Notes:
The FBA-23 is designed for use only with AA-type
Alkaline cells.
If you do not use the FTA-720 for a long time, re-
move the Alkaline batteries from the FBA-23, as
battery leakage could cause damage to the FBA-23
and/or the transceiver.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
11
Low Battery Indication
As you battery discharges during use, the volt-
age will gradually become lower. When the “
” begins blinking on the
LCD display, the battery
pack must be recharged
before further use.
Avoid recharging Li-Ion batteries before the “Low
Battery” indicator is observed, as this can degrade
the charge capacity of your Li-Ion battery pack.
Yaesu recommends that you carry an extra, fully-
charged pack with you so you will not lose commu-
nications capability due to a depleted Li-Ion battery.
This “deep cycling” practice will help to maintain
longer overall battery life after many recharging
cycles.
Before You Begin
FTA-720 Operating Manual
12
Basic Operation
Preliminary Steps
Install a charged battery pack onto the transceiver,
as described previously.
To attach the supplied antenna to the FTA-720,
grasp the base of the antenna firmly, and exert a
moderate “pinching” pressure on the base as you
press the antenna onto the radio’s antenna connec-
tor. While exerting this pressure, rotate the antenna
clockwise 1/4 turnto lock the antenna in place.
Operation Quick Start
To turn the radio on,
press and hold in the
(PWR) Switch for
3 seconds.
The opening message
will appear on the dis-
play, then frequency
display will appear.
Press the
key to
switch the operating
band between the AIR
band and FM BC band.
D i r e c t l y e n t e r i n g
frequencies from the
keypad is the easiest
method if you know the frequency on which you
wish to operate. Just enter the five digits of the fre-
quency to move to that frequency. However, there is
a short-cut for frequencies ending in zero - press the
key after the last non-zero digit.
For example, to set 134.35 MHz,
press
.
To set 118.000 MHz:
.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
13
To set 118.275 MHz, you do not need to press the
final “5” in the frequency:
.
Note: When the entered frequency is outside of the
current operating band, the entry is ignored (i.e.
FTA-720 does not permit entry of an FM BC band
frequency while operating in the AIR band).
You may also turn the
top panel’s DIAL se-
lector knob to choose
the desired operating
frequency. The channel
frequency will appear
on the LCD.
To change frequency in 1 MHz steps, press the
key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL selector
knob to select the MHz digit desired. Press the
key once more to resume normal channel step.
Rotate the VOL knob
to set the volume level.
If no signal is present,
press and hold in the
MONITOR button for
2 seconds; background
noise will now be
Basic Operation
heard, and you may use this noise to set the VOL
knob for the desired audio level. Press the MONI-
TOR button momentarily to silence the noise and
resume normal (quiet) monitoring.
To turn the radio off, press and hold in the
(PWR)
switch for 3 seconds.
Squelch Adjustment
Press and hold in the
key for 3 seconds. This
instantly recalls Menu Item “SQL” on the Air Band,
Weather Channel, or
BRS Band or “FM Radio
SQL” on the FM BC
band.
Press the
key to enable adjustment of this Menu
Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to set the squelch
threshold (0 - 8) so that the receiver is just silenced.
A higher number indicates that a higher signal level
is required in order to open the squelch.
When you have made your setting, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
14
Basic Operation
Accessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency
Frequency
The FTA-720 can quickly access the 121.500 MHz
Emergency Frequency. This function can be activated
even when the keypad lock function is in use.
To access the Emergen-
cy Frequency, press the
key momentarily.
To exit the Emergency
Frequency, press the
key momentarily.
Tuning Methods
Throughout this manual, you will see references to sev-
eral different frequency setting methods. Each will be
particularly useful in a particular operating situation,
and they are described below:
VFO (Variable Frequency Oscillator)
The VFO is a “tuning
dial” system which al-
lows you to tune through
the AIR band and FM
BC band using the DIAL selector, the Keypad, or
the scanner. To select these bands, press the
key
momentarily.
MR (Memory Recall)
The MR (Memory Re-
call) mode of the FTA-
720 provides the user
with the ability to store
and recall as many as 68 channels in the radio’s
main memory bank. These memory channels may
also be labeled by you with an alpha/numeric name
of up to 8 characters in length, to aid in quick iden-
tification of the channel. See page 20 for details on
creating alpha/numeric labels.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
15
Basic Operation
BOOK (Pre-Programmed) Memories
The Book memories are
pre-programmed, ei-
ther at the factory or by
your Dealer (depending
on your country’s requirements), typically includ-
ing the major AIR band station frequencies used in
your area (See page 59 for channel list). The Book
memories can be changed by the user. See page 44
for details.
WX (Weather Channel) Memories (USA version only)
Ten Weather Channels
are pre-programmed at
the factory. The FTA-
720 will automatically
scan this special bank when it is selected by the
user.
BRS (Business Radio Service) Memories
22 BRS Channels are
pre-programmed at the
factory. See page 35 for
details of BRS Memory
Channel Operation (USA version only).
Transmission
To transmit, press and
hold in the PTT switch.
Speak into the micro-
phone area of the front
panel grille in a normal
voice level.
To return to the receive
mode, release the PTT switch.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
16
Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts
(USA version only)
The FTA-720 can receive VHF Weather Channel broad-
casts, which may assist your flight planning. The FTA-
720 includes a ten-channel auto-search feature, which
simplifies access to Weather Channels when you are in
an unfamiliar location.
To receive Weather
Channels, press the
key (repeatedly,
if necessary) to select
the Weather Channel
mode. In the Weather
Channel mode, “WX”
will appear upper left
corner of the display.
The FTA-720 will now
scan quickly though the
ten standard Weather Channels, and will stop on the
first active station found.
If there are two or more weather channels audible in
your area, you may select the alternate channel(s) by
pressing the PTT switch. Pressing the PTT switch
re-initiates the scanning process.
Basic Operation
If there are no Weather
Channels in your area,
the scanner will not stop.
Press the MONITOR
button to stop the scan-
ner.
You can also select
Weather Channels manu-
ally by rotating the DIAL
selector knob.
To exit the Weather Channel mode, press the
key momentarily to return to the VFO mode.
Note 1: In the event of extreme weather disturbances,
such as storms and hurricanes, the NOAA (National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sends a
weather alert accompanied by a 1050 Hz tone and sub-
sequent weather report on one of the NOAA weather
channels. You may setup the Alert function when receiv-
ing the Weather Alert signal via Menu Item (6. Misc
Setup, 3. WX Alert), if desired.
Note 2: The Weather Channel mode memorizes the last
Weather Channel you have used, and will retain this in-
formation until the radio is turned off.
Channel
WX 1
WX 2
WX 3
WX 4
WX 5
WX 6
WX 7
WX 8
WX 9
WX 10
Frequency
162.5500 MHz
162.4000 MHz
162.4750 MHz
162.4250 MHz
162.4500 MHz
162.5000 MHz
162.5250 MHz
161.6500 MHz
161.7750 MHz
163.2750 MHz
FTA-720 Operating Manual
17
Basic Operation
Monitor Key
When listening to a very weak signal from an aircraft or
ground station, you may observe the signal disappearing
periodically as the incoming signal strength becomes too
weak to override the squelch threshold setting.
To disable the squelch tem-
porarily, press and hold the
MONITOR key for 2 sec-
onds on the left side of the
radio, just below the PTT
button. The “
” icon will
appear on the display, and
the squelch will remain open
and you should have a better
chance of hearing weak sig-
nals.
To return to normal operation, press the MONITOR key
momentarily; the “
” icon will disappear from the
display.
ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Feature
For reduction of impulse noise, such as that produced by
an engine’s ignition system, the ANL feature may prove
helpful.
To activate the ANL
feature, press the
key momentarily. The
“ANL” icon will appear
on the display, and you
should observe a re-
duction in the ignition
noise.
To turn the ANL feature
off, press the
key
again; the “ANL” icon
will disappear from the display.
Note: The ANL feature is only activated on the Air
Band.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
18
LOCK Function
The lock function prevents accidental changes to the
frequency setting and the keypad controls.
To activate the lock
feature, press the
key followed by the
key.
In the LOCK mode, the
“
” icon will appear
on the display.
To turn the lock feature
off, press press the
key followed by the
key again; the “
” icon
will disappear from the display.
You can still access the 121.500 MHz Emergency
Frequency when the LOCK function is on. Sim-
ply press the
key momentarily (this key never
locks). Pressing this key also unlocks the radio.
Beep On/Off
The FTA-720’s key/button beeper provides convenient
audible feedback whenever a button is pressed. Each
key and button has a different beep pitch, and each func-
tion has a unique beep combination.
When you are scanning, the beeper will be heard each
time the scanner halts on a busy channel. This may be
distracting in some environments; if you want to turn the
beeper off (or back on again):
Press and hold the
key for 2 seconds. This
instantly recalls Menu
Item “Beeper.”
Press the
key to enable adjustment of this Menu
Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired
selection.
On:
Sounds a keypad beeper corresponding to a
musical note.
DTMF: Sounds a keypad beeper corresponding to a
DTMF tone.
Off:
Keypad beeper is “off.”
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
Basic Operation
FTA-720 Operating Manual
19
Receive Battery Saver Setup
An important feature of the FTA-720 is its Receive Bat-
tery Saver, which “puts the radio to sleep” for a time
interval, periodically “waking it up” to check for activ-
ity. If somebody is talking on the channel, the FTA-720
will remain in the “active” mode, then resume its “sleep”
cycles. This feature significantly reduces quiescent bat-
tery drain, and you may change the amount of “sleep”
time between activity checks using the Menu System:
Press the
key, then press the
key to acti-
vate the Menu (“SET”) mode.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item
“3. Receive,” then press the
key.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Sub Menu
Item “5. RX Save,” then press the
key.
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired
“duty cycle” (receive:sleep). The selections avail-
able are 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, and ABS* or oFF.
The default value is ABS.
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
*ABS: Automatic Battery Saver, based on activity on
the receiver.
The setting of 1:5 will promote the greatest conserva-
tion of battery capacity, but the receiver’s response time
to incoming calls will be slowed somewhat.
Note: The Receive Battery Saver feature does not oper-
ate during Scan, Dual Watch, or Spectrum Scop Moni-
toring.
Basic Operation
FTA-720 Operating Manual
20
Memory Operation
The FTA-720 provides 70 user-programmable Main
memories, labeled “MR1” through “MR68”, “MRLch,”
and “MRUch,” up to 90 pre-programmed memories,
designated “Book” Memories, labeled “BMR1” through
“BMR90,” and one Home channel, allowing storage and
quick recall of favorite operating frequency.
The Main memories and “Book” Memories can be as-
signed alpha-numeric names of up to eight characters.
Memory System Operation
The FTA-720’s Main Memory system allows the user
to store, label, and recall channel frequencies which you
may want to use frequently. You may store VFO fre-
quencies, “Book” Memory frequencies, and/or Weather
Channel frequencies (USA version only) into the Main
Memory system.
Memory Storage
Select the desired frequency in the VFO mode,
or recall the “Book” Memory channel or Weather
channel to be stored in the Main Memory.
Press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds. The
display will indicate “MW” and a channel number
will blink on the LCD.
Within five seconds of pressing the
key, rotate
the DIAL selector knob to select the desired mem-
ory channel number for storage. In order to prevent
writing over memory channels, an “
” icon will
appear at the right of the channel number to indicate
if the memory channel is vacant.
Now press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds;
you will now see the blinking “A” character on the
LCD. To attach an alpha/numeric name (label) to
the memory, proceed to the next step; otherwise
press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds to save
the entry and exit.
To label a memory with an alpha/numeric name, the
next step is to use the DIAL selector knob to select
any of the 125 available characters (including let-
ters, numbers, and special symbols). Press the
key repeatedly to recall the desired letter, number,
and symbol in the first charactor slot (a . 0
A a ...). When the desired first character appears,
press the
key momentarily to select it and move
on to the next character.
Select succeeding characters in the same manner,
pressing the
key momentarily after each selec-
tion.
After entering the entire name (eight characters
maximum), press the
key for 2 seconds to save
all data for the channel and exit.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
21
Memory Operation
Recalling the Memories
Press the
key, repeatedly if necessary, until
“MR” (Memory Recall) appears on the display. In
the MR mode, you will see the previously-selected
channel number appearing at the bottom of the “MR”
icon on the LCD.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired
memory channel.
You may change the readout structure of the Mem-
ory display between “Frequency Indication” and
“Frequency Indication plus Alpha-numeric Label”
by pressing the
key followed by the
key.
To exit the Memory mode, press the
key four
times to return to the VFO mode.
Note 1: In either the Memory mode or the “Book”
Memory mode, an easy way to recall memories is to key
in the memory channel number (except memory channel
“Lch” and “Uch”). For example, to recall memory chan-
nel #06, press
.
Note 2: In either the Memory mode or the “Book” Mem-
ory mode, you can change memory channels in 10-chan-
nel steps: press the
key momentarily, then rotate the
DIAL selector knob. The “
” icon will show at the left
bottom of the display when the 10-channel-step tuning
mode is active. Press the
key once more to resume
normal channel selection in one-channel steps.
Memory Offset Tuning
Once you have recalled a particular memory channel,
you may easily tune off that channel, as though you
were in the “VFO” mode.
With the FTA-720 in the Memory Recall mode, se-
lect the desired memory channel.
Now press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds.
The “MR” indicator will be replaced by one which
says “MT” (Memory Tuning).
Rotate the DIAL selector knob, as desired, to tune to
a new frequency. The synthesizer steps selected for
VFO operation on the current band will be the steps
used during Memory Tuning.
If you wish to return to the original memory fre-
quency, press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds.
The “MT” indicator will be replaced by “MR”.
If you wish to store a new frequency set during
Memory Tuning, just press and hold in the
key
for 2 seconds, per normal memory storage proce-
dure.
Note: The Memory Offset Tuning feature will not en-
gage on any memories on which BRS channels are
stored.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
22
Deleting Memories
With the FTA-720 in the Memory mode, rotate the
DIAL selector knob to select the memory channel
you wish to delete.
Press the
key, then press and hold the
key
for 2 seconds. The previously-selected memory will
be deleted.
Note: Once deleted, channel data cannot be recovered!
Home Channel Memory
A special “HOME” channel is available, to allow quick
recall of a favorite operating frequency. Memory storage
is simple to accomplish:
Select the desired frequency in the VFO mode,
or recall the “Book” Memory channel or Weather
channel to be stored in the “HOME” channel.
Press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds. The
display will indicate “MW” and a channel number
will blink on the LCD.
Within five seconds of pressing the
key, press
and hold in the
key for 2 seconds. The frequen-
cy and other data (if any) will now be stored in the
special “HOME” channel register.
To recall the “HOME” channel, press the
key
followed by the
key.
You may also attach an alpha/numeric name (label) to
the “HOME” channel.
Recall the “HOME” channel, by pressing the
key followed by the
key.
Now press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds;
you will now see the blinking “A” character on the
LCD. Use the DIAL selector knob to select any
of the 125 available characters (including letters,
numbers, and special symbols). Press the
key
repeatedly to recall the desired letter, number, and
symbol in the first charactor slot (a . 0 A
a ...). When the desired first character appears, press
the
key momentarily to select it and move on to
the next character.
Select succeeding characters in the same manner,
pressing the
key momentarily after each selec-
tion.
After entering the entire name (eight characters
maximum), press the
key for 2 seconds to save
all data for the channel and exit.
Press the
key followed by the
key to
change the readout structure of the Memory display
between “Frequency Indication” and “Frequency
Indication plus Alpha-numeric Label.”
Memory Operation
FTA-720 Operating Manual
23
Scanning Operation
Basic Scan
The FTA-720 allows you to scan automatically in
the VFO*
1, Main Memory, “Book” Memory, Weather
Channel*
2 or BRS Memory modes. It pauses on signals
encountered, so you can talk to the station(s) on that fre-
quency, if you like.
*1: In the VFO mode, the automatic scanner is only avail-
able in the current operating band (AIR band or FM
BC band). Furthermore, on the AIR band, the automat-
ic scanner is only available in the COM band (118.000
- 136.975 MHz); when the scanner reaches the upper-
most frequency in the COM band, it will revert to the
bottom end of the COM band and repeat the scanning
process until you cancel the scanning process.
*2: USA version only.
If you wish to scan in the NAV band (108.000 - 117.975
MHz), you can do so manually, as described below.
Scanning operation is basically the same in each of the
above modes.
Press the
key momentarily to start the automatic
scanner upward (toward a higher frequency or a
higher channel number).
When the scanner encounters a signal, scanning
pauses and the radio remains on that channel until
one second after the signal disappears, after which
scanning will resume.
While the scanner remains paused on a frequency,
the decimal point of the frequency display blinks.
The display will be illuminated unless the Scan
Lamp Feature is turned off.
To change the scan direction, turn the DIAL selector
knob one click in the opposite direction.
To stop the automatic scanner, press the PTT switch
or the
key momentarily.
The FTA-720’s automatic scanner is not operational in the
NAV band (108.000 - 117.975 MHz), because the NAV
stations (ILS, etc.) transmit constantly (thereby causing
the scanner to stop repeatedly). However, you can scan
manually in the NAV band, per the following procedure:
Press and hold the
key to start the manual scan-
ner. Scanning will continue as long as the key is
depressed.
Release the
key to stop the manual scanner im-
mediately.
Note: When scanning upward in frequency, when the
frequency reaches the COM Band (118.000 - 136.975
MHz) via manual scanning, the FTA-720 will switch to
the automatic scanner mode.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
24
Channel-Skip Scanning
Continuous-carrier stations like ATIS (Automatic Termi-
nal Information Service) or Weather Broadcast stations
inhibit scanner operation. Since these stations are always
active, the scanner will be halted repeatedly on their
channels. Such channels can be set to be “Skipped” dur-
ing Memory scanning (MR, Book, WX, or BRS modes),
if you like, so as not to interfere with automatic channel
scanning:
Recall the Memory Channel to be skipped during
scanning.
Press and hold the
key for 2 seconds. The “”
icon will appear at the
left of the frequency dis-
play, indicating that the
channel is to be ignored
during scanning.
Later, to re-enable the memory channel for scan-
ning, repeat the first two steps. The “” icon will
disappear by the channel you have just re-enabled.
Note: A memory set to be “Skipped” is still accessible
for manual memory selection using the DIAL selector
knob.
Programmable (Band Limit) Memory
Scan (PMS)
This feature allows you to set sub-band limits for either
scanning or manual VFO operation. For example, you
might with to set up a limit of COM band (118.000 MHz
to 136.975 MHz. Here’s how to do this:
Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the
key and set the radio to the AIR band by pressing
the
key, if necessary.
Using the techniques learned earlier, store 118.000
MHz into Memory Channel “Lch” (the “Lch” desig-
nates the Lower sub-band limit).
Likewise, store 136.975 MHz into Memory Channel
“Uch” (the “Uch” designates the Upper sub-band
limit).
Switch to the Memory mode by pressing the
key once, then rotate the DIAL to select Memory
Channel “Lch.”
Press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds to start
PMS operation; the “MR” label will be replaced by
“PMS” in the upper left-hand corner of the display.
Tuning and scanning (pressing the
key) will
now be limited within the just-programmed range.
Note: The PMS feature will not engage if a BRS chan-
nel is stored in either the “Lch” or “Uch” memory slot.
Scanning Operation
FTA-720 Operating Manual
25
Dual Watch Operation
The Dual Watch feature automatically checks for activ-
ity on a “Priority” channel* while you are operating on
another channel. During Dual Watch operation, the cur-
rent channel and the Priority channel will each be polled
for a 500 ms interval, as the FTA-720 looks for activity
on each channel.
To start Dual Watch, press the
key followed by
the
key.
The “DW” icon will ap-
pear on the display.
While receiving on the
“current” channel (not
the Priority channel), you may push the PTT switch
at any time to transmit on that channel.
When a signal is received on the Priority channel,
operation immediately shifts to the Priority channel;
the “DW” icon will blink, and the display will be-
come illuminated.
While receiving on the priority channel, if you mo-
mentarily press the PTT switch, Dual Watch will
be disabled. You may then transmit on the Priority
Channel.
To stop Dual Watch, press the
key followed by
the
key.
If you wish, you may use both the Dual Watch and
Scan features simultaneously. To do this, start the
Dual Watch first, then start the Scanner.
*
The “Priority” channel is defined as the last-used
Memory Channel (when using the VFO, “Book”
memory, and “BRS” modes) or Memory Channel “1”
(when using the Main Memory mode).
FTA-720 Operating Manual
26
Priority Dual Watch Operation
Similar to Dual Watch operation (described on previous
page), Priority Dual Watch is an enhanced version which
includes the following additional features:
The receiving time interval (ratio) between the cur-
rent channel and the Priority channel may be cus-
tomized via the Menu Item “PRI Time.” See page 51
for details.
Irrespective of which channel is currently being re-
ceived, when the PTT button is pushed transmission
will always occur on the Priority channel.
Before initiating Priority Dual Watch, Menu Item “DW/
PRI” must be set to the “PRI” mode (instead of “DW”).
See page 50 for details.
To start Priority Dual
Watch, press the
key followed by the
key. The “DW” icon will
appear on the display.
While receiving on the “current” (non-Priority)
channel, pressing the PTT button once causes the
radio to switch to the Priority channel and cancels
Dual Watch. Press the PTT button again to transmit
on the Priority channel.
When a signal is received on the Priority channel,
reception immediately shifts to the Priority channel;
the “DW” icon will blink, and the display will be-
come illuminated unless the Scan Lamp Feature is
turned off.
While receiving on the Priority channel, if you
momentarily press the PTT switch, Priority Dual
Watch will be disabled. You may then transmit on
the Priority Channel.
To stop Priority Dual Watch, press the
key fol-
lowed by the
key.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
27
Spectrum Scope Monitor
If you assign the Spectrum Scope Monitor feature to the
key (see page 40), you may view operating activ-
ity on channels above and below the current operating
channel while operating in the VFO, Memory Tune, and
PMS modes.
The display indicates the relative signal strength on
channels immediately adjacent to the current operating
frequency.
Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the
key, if necessary.
Press (or press and hold
in) the
key to acti-
vate the Spectrum Scope
Monitor.
Once the Spectrum Scope Monitor is activated,
press the
key to change the visible bandwidth
between ±15 channels and ±30 channels (default:
±30 channels). The visible bandwidth, however,
depends on the selected channel step size, so match
the channel step to those typically used in your area.
To turn the Spectrum Scope Monitor off and oper-
ate on the centered (and displayed) channel, simply
press the PTT switch.
Note 1: Audio output will be interrupted during Spec-
trum Analyzer operation. This is normal.
Note 2: The Spectrum Scope Monitor may not be acti-
vated on the BRS Memories.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
28
VOR Navigation (Air Band)
General VOR Equipment
NAV BAND (108.0000 - 117.9750 MHz)
VOR MODE
CDI MODE
OVERFLOW Indicator “TO” - “FROM” Flag Indicator
COURSE Indicator
COURSE Deviation Needle
“TO” - “FROM” Flag Indicator
COURSE Indicator
COM BAND
(118.0000 - 136.9750 MHz)
FTA-720 Operating Manual
29
VOR Navigation (Air Band)
“TO” - “FROM” Flag Indicator
COURSE Indicator
(Assigned the “XFER” feature)
To Select the VOR Mode
When entering the NAV band (108.000 - 117.975
MHz), the FTA-720 selects the VOR mode automat-
ically. The “Course Indicator” will appear on the dis-
play, and the “TO” or “FROM” indicator will appear
at the right of the “Course Indicator” on the display.
Note: The “Course Indicator” indicates “---°”
when either your aircraft is too far away from the
VOR station or if the frequency is not correctly set
to that of the VOR station. Conversely, the “Course
Indicator” will indicate “Loc” when receiving a
localizer channel. The FTA-720 cannot decode a
localizer signal.
The “TO” or “FROM” flag indicators indicate wheth-
er the VOR navigation information is based on a
course leading to the VOR station or leading away
from the VOR station.
To change the flag from “TO” to “FROM” or vice
versa, press the
key followed by the
key or
key, respectively.
The (small) frequency indication may be toggled to
display using larger characters (but “Course Indi-
cator” and “TO”/“FROM” flag are reduced in size),
if you assign the “XFER” feature to the
key. See
page 40 for details.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
30
Flying to a VOR Station
The FTA-720 can indicate the deviation from the direct
course to a VOR station.
Select a VOR station on your aeronautical chart and
turn the DIAL selector knob (or enter the frequency
directly with the keypad) to the frequency of the
VOR station.
To indicate the deviation between your current flight
path and the desired course, press the
key fol-
lowed by the
key to change to the CDI (Course
Deviation Indicator) mode. The “Course Deviation
Arrow” will appear on the display when your air-
craft is off the direct course to the VOR station.
When your aircraft is off course to the right, the
Course Deviation Arrow display will show bars to
the left side of the diamond (“|||”). When your
aircraft is off course to the left, the Course Devia-
tion Arrow display will show bars to the right side
of the diamond (“|||”). Correct your course until
no bars appear on either side of the CDI “diamond”
(only (“”) will be visible when the heading is cor-
rect).
To return to the DVOR mode, press the
key
followed by the
key.
VOR Navigation (Air Band)
The Aircraft is “ON COURSE”
OFF COURSE to the “right” 6 degrees
OFF COURSE to the “left” 6 degrees
FTA-720 Operating Manual
31
VOR Navigation (Air Band)
The Aircraft is “ON COURSE”
The Aircraft is “OFF COURSE”
FTA-720 Operating Manual
32
Entering a Desired Course
The FTA-720 can also be configured to indicate the de-
viation from the desired course, not only the deviation
from the path to the VOR station.
Set the frequency to the desired VOR station.
Change the “TO” or “FROM” indication to “TO,” if
it is not in that mode already.
Press the
key followed by the
key to
change to the CDI mode.
Set the desired course to the VOR station using the
DIAL selector knob or keypad (three-digit input; e.g.
for 47°, press
).
Note 1: The (“|||”) or (“|||”) indication will
appear on the display when your aircraft is off the
desired course.
Note 2: When your heading is correct, the ABCS
function (see below) may be more useful than the
course input option.
The Course Deviation Arrow points to the right
when your aircraft is off course to the left, and it
points to the left when your aircraft is off course to
the right.
Note 1: To get back on course, fly right more than
the number of degrees indicated by the Course De-
viation Arrow.
Note 2: If the overflow indicator “” appears on
the right side, select a heading plus 10 degrees to
the desired course; if the overflow indicator “”
appears on the left side, select a heading minus 10
degrees.
Auto Bearing Center System (ABCS) Mode
In the CDI mode, the Auto Bearing Center System
(ABCS) adds or subtracts the number of degrees in-
dicated by the CDI from the Omni Bearing Selector
(OBS).
VOR Navigation (Air Band)
FTA-720 Operating Manual
33
VOR Navigation (Air Band)
Cross-checking Position
Position Cross-checking
Select two VOR stations on your aeronautical chart.
Set the frequency of one of the VOR stations in
the VOR mode. The course indicator will show the
course deviation from the VOR radial. Note the ra-
dial you currently are on.
Now set the frequency of the other VOR station in
the VOR mode. Note the radial from the station you
are on.
Extend the radials from each VOR station on the
chart. Your aircraft is located at the point where the
lines intersect.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
34
Split Operation
The split operation feature allows you to transmit a call
to a Flight Service Station using the COM band frequen-
cies, while receiving a VOR station (in the NAV band).
VOR stations equipped with this capability typically are
shown, on navigation charts, with the voice calling fre-
quency in parenthesis above the navigation frequency.
Press the
key, repeatedly if necessary, to select
the VFO mode.
Set the desired VOR station’s frequencies in the
NAV band (108.000 - 117.975 MHz) using the
DIAL selector knob or keypad.
Press the
key followed by the
key. The “
” icon will blink, and the transmit frequency will
appear on the display.
Now set your radio’s transmit frequency, where the
Flight Service Station will be listening for calls, us-
ing the DIAL selector knob or keypad.
Press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds to save
the transmit frequency and return to the NAV band
frequency.
Press and hold in the PTT switch to transmit on the
split transmit frequency.
Release the PTT switch to return to the receive
mode.
To disable the “Split” function, set the receiving fre-
quency to any frequency outside of the NAV band
(the “
” icon will disappear).
Note: A split frequency can be programmed into each
memory channel independently. Set a transmit frequen-
cy before programming the memory channel, if desired.
The split function on/off setting can also be programmed
into a memory channel.
VOR Navigation (Air Band)
FTA-720 Operating Manual
35
BRS (Business Radio Service) Channel Operation (USA version only)
Recalling the BRS Channels
Press the
key, re-
peatedly if necessary,
until “BRS” (Business
Radio Service) appears
on the display. In the
BRS mode, you will see
the previously-selected
channel number appear-
ing at the bottom of the
“BRS” icon on the LCD.
Rotate the DIAL selec-
tor knob to select the desired BRS channel.
You may engage a CTCSS/DCS “Decoder” tem-
porarily during BRS operation. Refer to the next
chapters for information on how this may enhance
operation.
To exit the BRS mode, press the
key momen-
tarily to return to the VFO mode.
CTCSS Operation
The FTA-720 can be used to silently monitor for calls
on busy channels of the BRS band. The CTCSS decoder
monitors receiver audio through a narrow filter at the
same subaudible frequency, keeping the squelch closed
until a matching tone is received.
The CTCSS setup involves two actions: setting the Tone
Mode and then setting of the Tone Frequency. These ac-
tions are set up by using the
and
keys, or Menu
Items (SQL Type) and (TONE Set).
Press and hold the
key for 3 seconds. This in-
stantly recalls Menu Item (SQL Type).
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob so that “TSQ” to
appears; this means that the CTCSS Decoder is ac-
tive, which mutes your FTA-720’s receiver until
it receives a call from another radio sending out a
matching CTCSS tone. This can help keep your ra-
dio quiet until a specific call is received, which may
Channel
BRS 1
BRS 2
BRS 3
BRS 4
BRS 5
BRS 6
BRS 7
BRS 8
BRS 9
BRS 10
BRS 11
Frequency
151.6250 MHz
151.9550 MHz
154.5700 MHz
154.6000 MHz
151.7000 MHz
151.7600 MHz
151.5125 MHz
151.6550 MHz
151.6850 MHz
151.7150 MHz
151.7450 MHz
Channel
BRS 12
BRS 13
BRS 14
BRS 15
BRS 16
BRS 17
BRS 18
BRS 19
BRS 20
BRS 21
BRS 22
Frequency
151.7750 MHz
151.8650 MHz
151.8950 MHz
151.9250 MHz
152.7000 MHz
154.4900 MHz
154.5150 MHz
154.5400 MHz
154.6000 MHz
154.6550 MHz
158.4000 MHz
BRS Band Frequency Chart
FTA-720 Operating Manual
36
The “
” icon will appear
at the bottom of the display
when the CTCSS Decoder is
activated.
Note: The FTA-720 will not “remember” the CTCSS
Tone Mode and Tone Frequency. If you would like to
maintain the CTCSS information permanently, we rec-
ommend you store the channel information, including
the CTCSS data, into a Memory Channel. See page 20
for details regarding Memory storage.
be helpful while operating in congested areas.
Note: You may notice an additional “DCS” icon ap-
pearing while you rotate the DIAL selector knob in
this step. We’ll discuss the Digital Code Squelch
system shortly.
When you have made your selection of the CTCSS
Tone Mode, press the
key momentarily, then
rotate the DIAL selector knob one click clockwise
to select Menu Item (TONE Set). This Menu selec-
tion allows setting of the CCTCSS Tone Frequency
to be used.
Press the
key to enable the adjustment of the
CTCSS Tone Frequency.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob until the display in-
dicates the CTCSS Tone Frequency you need to be
using.
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
BRS (Business Radio Service) Channel Operation (USA version only)
CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY (Hz)
67.0 69.3
71.9
74.4
77.0
79.7
82.5
85.4
88.5
91.5
94.8
97.4 100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9
114.8
118.8 123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2
151.4 156.7 162.2 167.9 173.8 179.9 186.2 192.8
203.5 210.7 218.1 225.7 233.6 241.8 250.3
–
FTA-720 Operating Manual
37
BRS (Business Radio Service) Channel Operation
DCS Operation
Another form of tone access control is Digital Code
Squelch, or DCS. It is a newer, more advanced tone sys-
tem which generally provides more immunity from false
paging than does CTCSS Decoder. The DCS Decoder is
built into your FTA-720, and operation is very similar
to that just described for CTCSS Decoder.
Note: Just as in CTCSS Decoder, DCS Decoder requires
that you set the Tone Mode to DCS and that you select a
“Tone” Code.
Press and hold the
key for 2 seconds. This in-
stantly recalls Menu Item (SQL Type).
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob until “DCS” appears
on the display; this activates the DCS Decoder.
Press the
key momentarily, then rotate the
DIAL selector knob two clicks clockwise to select
Menu Item (DCS Set).
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the DCS
code (a 3-digit number).
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
The “
” icon will appear at the bottom of the display
when the DCS Decoder is activated.
Note: The FTA-720 will not
“remember” the DCS on/off
status and DCS Code. If you
would like to maintain the
DCS information permanently, we recommend you store
the channel information, including the DCS data, into
a Memory Channel. See page 20 for details regarding
Memory storage.
DCS CODES
023
025
026
031
032
036
043
047
051
053
054
065
071
072
073
074
114
115
116
122
125
131
132
134
143
145
152
155
156
162
165
172
174
205
212
223
225
226
243
244
245
246
250
251
252
255
261
263
265
266
271
274
306
311
315
325
331
332
343
346
351
356
364
365
371
411
412
413
423
431
432
435
445
446
452
454
455
462
464
465
466
503
506
516
523
526
532
546
565
606
612
624
627
631
632
654
662
664
703
712
723
731
732
734
743
754
–
–
–
–
FTA-720 Operating Manual
38
CTCSS/DCS Bell Operation
During CTCSS Decoder or DCS Decoder operation,
you may set the FTA-720 up such that a ringing “bell”
sound alerts you to the fact that a call is coming in. Here
is the procedure for activating the CTCSS/DCS Bell:
Set the transceiver up for CTCSS Decoder or DCS
Decoder operation, as described previously.
Press the
key, then press the
key to acti-
vate the Menu (“SET”) mode.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item
“2. Sound,” then press the
key.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Sub Menu
Item “2. Bell,” then press the
key.
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select “ON” (to
enable the CTCSS/DCS Bell).
Press the
key to save the new setting, then
press the PTT key repetitively until the radio exits
to normal operation.
When the CTCSS/DCS Bell
feature is enabled, the “
” icon appears at the bottom
center of the display. When a
station calls you whose transceiver is sending a CTCSS
tone or DCS code which matches that set into your de-
coder, the “
” icon will blink, the BUSY/TX indicator
will flash in sequential colors, and a ringer will sound to
get your attention.
BRS (Business Radio Service) Channel Operation
FTA-720 Operating Manual
39
Miscellaneous Settings
Automatic Power-Off (APO) Feature
The APO feature helps conserve battery life by automat-
ically turning the radio off after a user-defined period of
time within which there has been no dial or key activity.
The available selections for the time before power-off
are 0.5/1/8 hours, as well as APO Off.
The default condition for the APO is OFF, and here is
the procedure for activating it:
Press the
key, then press the
key to acti-
vate the Menu (“SET”) mode.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item
“6. Misc Setup,” then press the
key.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Sub Menu
Item “1. APO,” then press the
key.
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired
time period after which the radio will automatically
shut down.
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
When the APO is activated, the “
” icon will appear
at the center bottom on the LCD. If there is no action by
you within the time interval
programmed, the micropro-
cessor will shut down the
radio automatically.
Just press and hold in the
(PWR) switch for 3 sec-
onds to turn the transceiver back on after an APO shut-
down, as usual.
Transmitter Time-Out Timer (TOT)
The TOT feature provides a safety switch which limits
transmission to a pre-programmed value. This will pro-
mote battery conservation by not allowing you to make
excessively-long transmissions, and in the event of a
stuck PTT switch (perhaps if the radio or a Speaker/Mic
is wedged between aircraft’s seats) it can prevent inter-
ference to other users as well as battery depletion. As
configured at the factory the TOT feature is set to OFF,
and here is the procedure for activating it:
Press the
key, then press the
key to acti-
vate the Menu (“SET”) mode.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item
“4. Transmit,” then press the
key.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Sub Menu
Item “1. T.O.T.” then press the
key.
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
FTA-720 Operating Manual
40
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to set the Time-Out
Timer to the desired “Maximum TX” time (1 min-
ute, 3 minutes or 5 minutes).
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exit to normal operation.
Note: Because battery life is significantly enhanced by
making only brief transmissions from your radio, try
setting your FTA-720’s TOT function to time out at one
minute.
Programming the Key Assignments
The
key is a user-programmable key that may be set
up for a pair of functions you use particularly frequently.
The default
key functions, as set up at the factory,
have been assigned to the ANL feature (press key) and
to the “Large Font” feature (press and hold key) at the
factory. These may be changed by the user, if you wish
to utilize another function or functions.
To program the function assigned to a key:
Press the
key, then press the
key to acti-
vate the Menu (“SET”) mode.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item
“5. Key Set,” then press the
key.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Sub Menu
Item “3. USER 1” (for the “press key” function) or
“4. USER 2” (for the “press and hold key” func-
tion), then press the
key.
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the function
you wish to assign to the button you selected in the
previous step. The available choices are:
ANL:
Activates the Automatic Noise Limiter
in the AM mode.
XFER:
Exchanges the display locations be-
tween the “frequency” and “Alpha-
numeric Tag” modes while operate
on the “Memory,” “Book Memory,”
and “WX” modes. This also may be
used to exchange the display location
between the “frequency” and “Course
Indicator and TO/FROM flag” options
while operating on the “NAV” band.
SPEC Start: Activates the Spectrum Scope Monitor
feature.
Large Font: Switches the frequency display be-
tween the “Large Character” and
“Small Character” modes.
None
Miscellaneous Settings
FTA-720 Operating Manual
41
Miscellaneous Settings
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
Display Customization
Display Contrast
The LCD’s contrast may be adjusted using the Menu.
Press the
key, then press the
key to acti-
vate the Menu (“SET”) mode.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item
“1. Display,” then press the
key.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Sub Menu
Item “4. Contrast,” then press the
key.
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to adjust the contrast.
As you make the adjustment, you will be able to see
the effects of your changes.
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
Display Dimmer
The LCD illumination may be adjusted using the Menu,
as well.
Press the
key, then press the
key to acti-
vate the Menu (“SET”) mode.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item
“1. Display,” then press the
key.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Sub Menu
Item “5. Dimmer,” then press the
key.
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to adjust the display
illumination for a comfortable brightness level. As
you make the adjustment, you will be able to see the
effects of your changes.
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
42
TX/BUSY Indicator Customization
Default TX/BUSY illumination colors have been as-
signed at the factory. These may be changed by the user,
if you wish to utilize another custom-designed color
hue. The Red, Green, and Blue elements of each color’s
composition may be adjusted individually!
Press the
key, then press the
key to acti-
vate the Menu (“SET”) mode.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item
“1. Display,” then press the
key.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Sub Menu
Item “8. RX LED” when you wish to change the
BUSY indicator’s color, or Sub Menu Item “9. TX
LED” when you wish to change the TX indicator’s
color, then press the
key.
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of the
selected Menu item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to adjust the “R”
(red) element of the color; you will be able to see
the effects of your changes. The degree of color hue
is designated in a numerical scale of “000” through
“255,” and you may adjust the display’s red com-
ponent until it is just the way you want it. As you
make the adjustment, you will be able to see the ef-
fects of your changes.
Press the
key again, then rotate the DIAL se-
lector knob to adjust the “G” (green) element of the
color.
Repeat the process described above to adjust the “B”
(blue) element of the color.
Press the
key to save the new setting, then
press the PTT key repetitively until the radio exits
to normal operation.
Note: You may also change the indicator’s color of the
Emergency lamp, Weather Alert lamp, and Over-Heating
lamp by the Menu Items. See page 49 for details.
Miscellaneous Settings
FTA-720 Operating Manual
43
Miscellaneous Settings
Changing the Channel Steps
The FTA-720 allows you to choose channel steps in the
FM broadcast band: 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz per
step. The FTA-720 is set up at the factory to 100 kHz
which probably is satisfactory for most operation. How-
ever, if you need to change the channel step increments,
the procedure to do so is very easy.
Press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds. This in-
stantly recalls Menu Item (Step).
Press the
key again to enable adjustment of this
Menu Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob select the new chan-
nel step size.
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exit to normal operation.
Note: The FTA-720 does not allow you to change the
channel steps in the Air band. On the Air band, the steps
are fixed at 25 kHz/step.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
44
Field Programming Mode
The FTA-720’s “Book” Memories also allow the user
to store, label, and recall channel frequencies which you
may want to use frequently by placing the FTA-720 into
the “Field Programming mode.”
Memory Storage
Press and hold in both the PTT switch and
key,
while turning the radio on, to activate the Field Pro-
gramming Mode. “FD” will appear at the upper left
corner on the display.
Select the desired frequency to be stored in the
Book Memory.
Press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds. The
display will indicate a “Book” memory channel
number will blink on the LCD.
Within five seconds of releasing the
key, rotate
the DIAL selector knob to select the desired mem-
ory channel number for storage. In order to prevent
writing over memory channels, a “
” icon will
appear at the right of the channel number to indicate
if the memory channel is vacant.
Now press and hold in the
key for 3 seconds;
you will now see the blinking “A” character on the
LCD. To attach an alpha/numeric name (label) to
the memory, proceed to the next step; otherwise
press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds to save
the entry and exit.
To label a memory with an alpha/numeric name, the
next step is to use the DIAL selector knob to select
any of the 125 available characters (including let-
ters, numbers, and special symbols). Press the
key repeatedly to recall the desired letter, number,
and symbol in the first charactor slot (a . 0
A a ...). When the desired first character appears,
press the
key momentarily to select it and move
on to the next character.
Select succeeding characters in the same manner,
pressing the
key momentarily after each selec-
tion.
After entering the entire name (eight characters
maximum), press the
key for 2 seconds to save
all data for the channel.
Turn the radio off, then turn the radio back on again
to begin normal operation.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
45
Field Programming Mode
Deleting Memories
Press and hold in both the PTT switch and
key,
while turning the radio on, to activate the Field Pro-
gramming Mode. “FD” will appear at the upper left
corner on the display.
Press and hold in the
key for 2 seconds. The
display will indicate a “Book” memory channel
number will blink on the LCD.
Within five seconds of releasing the
key, rotate
the DIAL selector knob to select the memory chan-
nel number you wish to delete.
Press the
key momentarily. The previously-
selected memory will be deleted.
Turn the radio off, then turn the radio back on again
to begin normal operation.
CPU Resetting
In some instances of erratic or unpredictable operation,
the cause may be corruption of data in the microproces-
sor (due to static electricity, etc.). If this happens, reset-
ting of the microprocessor may restore normal opera-
tion. Note that all memories will be erased if you do a
complete microprocessor reset, as described below.
To clear all memories and other settings to factory de-
faults:
1. Turn the radio off.
2. Press and hold in the
key, and the MONITOR
button, while turning the radio on.
Notice
Should you perform a microprocessor reset, the
default setting of the LCD Contrast may be too
dark for easy viewing. If so, the LCD Contrast
may beeasily adjusted; please follow the in-
structions for Set Mode Item “Display Setup 4:
Contrast” as described onpages 46 and 48.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
46
Timer Mode
The FTA-720 provides both “STOP WATCH” and
“COUNT DOWN” timers. These may be used for a va-
riety of time-keeping purposes.
1. Press and hold in the
key while tuning the
radio on, to activate the
Timer Mode.
2. Press the MONITOR key to toggle the Timer be-
tween “STOP WATCH” timer and “COUNT DOWN”
timer. If you select the “COUNT DOWN” timer, ro-
tate the DIAL knob to set the values for the timers (1
minutes –59 minutes).
3. Press the PTT switch to start/stop the timer.
4. Turning the radio off, then on again, will return the
FTA-720 to normal operation.
Menu (“Set”) Mode
The Menu system allows certain aspects of your radio’s
configuration to be customized for your personal operat-
ing convenience. We do not recommend that any of the
default settings be changed, however, until you are thor-
oughly familiar with the operation of the FTA-720.
Here is the procedure for initiating Menu configuration
changes:
Press the
key, then press the
key, to acti-
vate the Menu (“SET”) mode.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the “Main”
Menu, then press the
key.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the “Sub”
Menu item you wish to view and/or modify, then
press the
key.
Once you have selected the desired Menu Item,
press the
key once to view the current setting
for the item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to change the setting
of the item (ON to OFF, etc.).
Press the
key again to save your new setting.
Press the PTT key repetitively until the radio exits
to normal operation.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
47
Menu (“Set”) Mode
MENU Listing
A listing of the Menu items available via the SET mode may be found below.
Available Values (Default: Bold Itaric)
On / Off
Key / Off / On
Off / On
00 - 15 (06)
LV 1 – LV 4 (LV 3)
Four patterns
Off / Temp / Volt
R: 000 - 255, G: 000 - 255, B: 000 - 255 (R: 000, G: 065, B: 000)
R: 000 - 255, G: 000 - 255, B: 000 - 255 (R: 111, G: 000, B: 000)
R: 000 - 255, G: 000 - 255, B: 000 - 255 (R: 127, G: 127, B: 127)
R: 000 - 255, G: 000 - 255, B: 000 - 255 (R: 000, G: 127, B: 000)
R: 000 - 255, G: 000 - 255, B: 000 - 255 (R: 127, G: 000, B: 127)
On / DTMF / Off
On / Off
Off / 1 / 2 / 3
0 - 8 (6)
0 - 8 (3)
5secs / Busy
DW / PRI
ABS/1:1/1:2/1:3/1:4/1:5/Off
5k / 10k / 12.5k / 15k /20k / 25k / 50k / 100k
500ms / 1s / 1.5s / 2s / 2.5s / 3s
±30ch / ±15ch
Off / TSQ / DCS
39 standard CTCSS tones (67.0 Hz)
106 standard DCS codes (023)
Off / 1min / 3min / 5min
DIAL / KEY / KEY+DIAL /PTT / DIAL+PTT /KEY+PTT / ALL
121.5 / HOME
ANL / XFER / SPEC Start / Large Font / None
ANL / XFER / SPEC Start / Large Font / None
Off / 0.5h / 1h / 8h
121.5 / LED+121.5 / LED
Alrt Off / Beep / LED /Beep+LED
°F / °C
Off / On
[32.0 °F (0 °C)] – [230.0 °F (110 °C)] ([122.0 °F (50 °C)])
Wide/Narrow
Off / On
[–22.8 °F (–12.7 °C)] – [+22.8 °F (+12.7 °C)] ([0 °F (50 °C)])
Off / On
Function
Enables/Disables the Scan lamp while paused during scanning.
Selects the Display illumination Mode.
Selects the frequency display between the “Large Character” and “Small Character” modes.
Setting of the display contrast.
Setting of the display brightness level.
Selects the S- & TX PO meter symbol.
Selects the display of the sensor units’ information.
Edits the BUSY indicator color.
Edits the TX indicator color.
Edits the Emergency lamp color.
Edits the Weather Alert lamp color.
Edits the Over Heating lamp color.
Select the Keypad beeper tone.
Enables/disables the Bell Ringer function.
Selects the Power-on beep.
Sets the Squelch threshold level for the AM and FM modes.
Sets the Squelch threshold level for the FM BC Band.
Selects the Scan Resume mode.
Selects the Dual Watch/Priority Function.
Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver “sleep” ratio.
Setting of the synthesizer steps.
Selects the Priority Checking Time.
Selects the visible bandwidth of the Spectrum Analyzer.
Selects the Tone Decoder mode.
Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.
Setting of the DCS Code.
Setting of the Time-Out Timer Countdown Time.
Selects the Control Locking lockout combination.
Selects the primary [121.5(HOME)] key function
Programming the [USER] key assignment (momentary-press mode).
Programming the [USER] key (press and holding) assignment.
Selects the Auto Power Off time (time before power goes off).
Selects the Emergency feature.
Selects the Alert functions when receiving the Weather Alert Signal on the WX Channel.
Selects the measurement units for the Temperature sensor.
Enables/Disables the Over-Heating Alarm.
Program the threshold temperature for the “High-Temperature” indicator.
Selects the receiving bandwidth on the BRS Band.
Internal Microphone On/Off.
Correcting the Thermometer setting.
CPU Clock Shift.
1. Scan Lamp
2. Backlight
3. Large Font
4. Contrast
5. Dimmer
6. Meter Symbol
7. Display Mode
8. RX LED
9. TX LED
10. EMG LED
11. Alert LED
12. TEMP LED
1. Beeper
2. Bell
3. PowerOn Beep
1. SQL
2. FM Radio SQL
3.Resume
4. DW/PRI
5. RX Save
6. Step
7. PRI Time
8. SPECT Width
9. SQL Type
10. TONE Set
11. DCS Set
1. T.O.T
1. Lock Mode
2. [121.5]
3. USER 1
4. USER 2
1. APO
2. Emergency
3. WX Alert
4. TEMP Unit
5. TEMP Check
6. TEMP Set
7. Bandwidth
1. Internal MIC
2. TEMP Offset
3. Clock Shift
Set Mode Item
1. Display
2. Sound
3. Receive
4. Transmit
5. Key Set
6. Misc. Setup
7. Option
FTA-720 Operating Manual
48
1. Display
1. Scan Lamp
Function: Enables/Disables the Scan lamp while paused
during scanning.
Available Values: On/Off
Default Setting: On
2. Backlight
Function: Selects the Display illumination Mode.
Available Values: Key/Off/On
Default Setting: Key
Key: Illuminates the Display Lamp for 5 seconds when
any front panel key is pressed.
Off: Disables the Display lamp.
On: Illuminates the Display lamp continuously.
3. Large Font
Function: Selects the frequency display between the
“Large Character” and “Small Character” modes.
Available Values: Off/On
Default Setting: On
4. Contrast
Function: Setting of the display contrast.
Available Values: 00 - 15
Default Setting: 06
5. Dimmer
Function: Setting of the display brightness level.
Available Values: LV 1 - LV 4
Default Setting: LV 3
6. Meter Symbol
Function: Selects the S- & TX PO meter symbol.
Available Values: Four patterns
,
,
,
Default Setting:
7. Display Mode
Function: Selects the display of the sensor units’ infor-
mation.
Available Values: Off/Temp/Volt
Default Setting: Off
Off:
Disables the sensor information.
Temp: Indicates the current temperature inside the trans-
ceiver’s case.
Volt: Indicates the battery voltage and battery type.
Menu (“Set”) Mode
FTA-720 Operating Manual
49
Menu (“Set”) Mode
8. RX LED
Function: Edits the BUSY indicator color.
Available Values: Individual adjustments of the Red,
Green, and Blue color hue may be performed, on a nu-
merical scale of “000” to “255.” See page 42 for details.
Default Setting: Green (R000, G065, B000)
9. TX LED
Function: Edits the TX indicator color.
Available Values: Individual adjustments of the Red,
Green, and Blue color hue may be performed, on a nu-
merical scale of “000” to “255.” See page 42 for details.
Default Setting: Red (R111, G000, B000)
10. EMG LED
Function: Edits the Emergency lamp color.
Available Values: Individual adjustments of the Red,
Green, and Blue color hue may be performed, on a nu-
merical scale of “000” to “255.” See page 42 for details.
Default Setting: White (R127, G127, B127)
11. Alert LED
Function: Edits the Weather Alert lamp color.
Available Values: Individual adjustments of the Red,
Green, and Blue color hue may be performed, on a nu-
merical scale of “000” to “255.” See page 42 for details.
Default Setting: Green (R000, G127, B000)
12. TEMP LED
Function: Edits the Over Heating lamp color. This is a
display seen when the temperature exceeds the threshold
set via the “TEMP Set” setting (see page 53).
Available Values: Individual adjustments of the Red,
Green, and Blue color hue may be performed, on a nu-
merical scale of “000” to “255.” See page 42 for details.
Default Setting: Light Blue (R127, G000, B127)
2. Sound
1. Beeper
Function: Select the Keypad beeper tone.
Available Values: On/DTMF/Off
Default Setting: On
On:
Enables the keypad beeper.
DTMF: Enables the keypad beeper with DTMF tones.
Off:
Disables the keypad beeper.
2. Bell
Function: Enables/disables the Bell Ringer function.
Available Values: On/Off
Default Setting: Off
FTA-720 Operating Manual
50
3. Power On Beep
Function: Selects the Power-on beep.
Available Values: Off/Mode 1/Mode 2/Mode 3
Default Setting: Mode 1
3. Receive
1. SQL
Function: Sets the Squelch threshold level for the AM
and FM Narrow modes.
Available Values: 0 - 8
Default Setting: 6
2. FM Radio SQL
Function: Sets the Squelch threshold level for the FM
BC Band.
Available Values: 0 - 8
Default Setting: 3
3. Resume
Function: Selects the Scan Resume mode.
Available Values: 5secs/Busy
Default Setting: 5secs
5secs: The scanner will hold for 5 seconds, then resume
whether or not the other station is still transmitting.
Busy: The scanner will hold until the signal disappears,
then will resume when the carrier drops.
4. DW/PRI
Function: Selects the Dual Watch/Priority Function.
Available Values: DW/PRI
Default Setting: DW
5. RX Save
Function: Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver
“sleep” ratio.
Available Values: ABS/1:1/1:2/1:3/1:4/1:5/Off
Default Setting: ABS
The setting of “1:5” will promote the greatest conserva-
tion of battery capacity, but the receiver’s response time
to incoming calls will be slowed somewhat.
ABS: Automatic Battery Saver, based on activity on the
receiver.
Note: This feature cannot be activated during Scan or
Dual Watch/Priority operation.
6. Step
Function: Setting of the synthesizer steps.
Available Values: 5k/10k/12.5k/15k/20k/25k/50k/100k
Default Setting: Depends on the operating band.
Menu (“Set”) Mode
FTA-720 Operating Manual
51
Menu (“Set”) Mode
7. PRI Time
Function: Selects the Priority Checking Time.
Available Values: 500ms/1s/1.5s/2s/2.5s/3s
Default Setting: 2s
This Menu Item allows you to define how often the Pri-
ority Channel will be checked for activity.
Note: The Dual Watch Polling time is 500ms (fixed).
8. SPECT Width
Function: Selects the visible bandwidth of the Spectrum
Analyzer.
Available Values: ±30ch/±15ch
Default Setting: ±30ch
9. SQL Type
Function: Selects the Tone Decoder mode.
Available Values: Off/TSQ/DCS
Default Setting: Off
TSQ:
CTCSS Decoder
DCS:
Digital Coded Squelch Decoder
Note: This Menu Item may only be used on BRS Memory
channels (it will not engage on other bands or channels).
10. TONE Set
Function: Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.
Available Values: 39 standard CTCSS tones.
Default Setting: 67.0Hz
11. DCS Set
Function: Setting of the DCS Code.
Available Values: 106 standard DCS codes.
Default Setting: 023
CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY (Hz)
67.0 69.3
71.9
74.4
77.0
79.7
82.5
85.4
88.5
91.5
94.8
97.4 100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9
114.8
118.8 123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2
151.4 156.7 162.2 167.9 173.8 179.9 186.2 192.8
203.5 210.7 218.1 225.7 233.6 241.8 250.3
–
DCS CODES
023
025
026
031
032
036
043
047
051
053
054
065
071
072
073
074
114
115
116
122
125
131
132
134
143
145
152
155
156
162
165
172
174
205
212
223
225
226
243
244
245
246
250
251
252
255
261
263
265
266
271
274
306
311
315
325
331
332
343
346
351
356
364
365
371
411
412
413
423
431
432
435
445
446
452
454
455
462
464
465
466
503
506
516
523
526
532
546
565
606
612
624
627
631
632
654
662
664
703
712
723
731
732
734
743
754
–
–
–
–
FTA-720 Operating Manual
52
4. Transmit
1. T.O.T
Function: Setting of the Time-Out Timer Countdown
Time.
Available Values: Off/1min/3min/5min
Default Setting: Off
The Time-Out Timer shuts off the transceiver after con-
tinuous transmission exceeds the programmed time.
5. Key Set
1. Lock Mode
Function: Selects the Control Locking lockout combi-
nation.
Available Values: DIAL/KEY/KEY+DIAL/PTT/
DIAL+PTT/KEY+PTT/ALL
Default Setting: KEY
2. [121.5]
Function: Selects the
key function.
Available Values: 121.5/HOME
Default Setting: 121.5
121.5: Pressing this key instantly recall a 121.5 MHz
“Emergency” channel.
HOME: Pressing this key instantly recalls a favorite
“Home” channel.
3. USER 1
Function: Programming the
key assignment (mo-
mentary-press mode).
Available Values: ANL/XFER/SPEC Start/Large Font/
None
Default Setting: ANL
See page 40 for details.
4. USER 2
Function: Programming the
key (press and hold-
ing) assignment.
Available Values: ANL/XFER/SPEC Start/Large Font/
None
Default Setting: Large Font
See page 40 for details.
6. Misc Setup
1. APO
Function: Selects the Auto Power Off time (time before
power goes off).
Available Values: Off/0.5h/1h/8h
Default Setting: Off
Menu (“Set”) Mode
FTA-720 Operating Manual
53
Menu (“Set”) Mode
2. Emergency
Function: Selects the Emergency feature.
Available Values: 121.5/LED+121.5/LED
Default Setting: LED+121.5
121.5:
Pressing the
key momentarily access-
es the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency.
LED+121.5: Pressing the
key momentarily access-
es the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency
and flashes the BUSY/TX lamp.
LED:
Pressing the
key momentarily flashes
the BUSY/TX lamp.
3. WX Alert
Function: Selects the Alert functions when receiving the
Weather Alert Signal on the WX Channel.
Available Values: Alrt Off/Beep/LED/Beep+LED
Default Setting: Alrt Off
Alrt Off:
Disables the Alert function
Beep:
Sounds a loud beep when receiving the
Weather Alert Signal.
LED:
Illuminate the BUSY/TX lamp when re-
ceiving the Weather Alert Signal
Beep+LED: Sounds a loud beep and illuminates the
BUSY/TX lamp when receiving the Weath-
er Alert Signal.
4. TEMP Unit
Function: Selects the measurement units for the Tem-
perature sensor.
Available Values: °F/°C
Default Setting: °F
5. TEMP Check
Function: Enables/Disables the Over-Heating Alarm
Available Values: Off/On
Default Setting: Off
6. TEMP Set
Function: When the “TEMP Check” Menu item is set to
“On,” and the temperature passes through the threshold
set in this step, the BUSY/TX indicator will change col-
ors, to alert you to the high temperature condition. The
color of the “High Temperature” indication is set via the
“TEMP LED” Menu setting (page 49).
Available Values: [32.0 °F (0 °C)] - [230.0 °F (110 °C)]
Default Setting: [122.0 °F (50 °C)]
NOTE: When the temperature reaches approximately
220 °F (105 °C), the radio will disable transmission, to
allow the radio to cool off.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
54
Menu (“Set”) Mode
7. Bandwidth
Function: Selects the receiving bandwidth of the BRS
Memory Channel.
Available Values: Wide (±25 kHz)/Narrow (±12.5 kHz)
Default Setting: Wide (±25 kHz)
7. Option
1. Internal MIC
Function: Internal Microphone On/Off
Available Values: Off/On
Default Setting: Off
This controls the status of the radio’s internal micro-
phone when an external microphone (such as the MH-
44A4B Speaker Microphone or an aviation headset con-
nected via the CT-96 Headset Cable) is in use. In most
applications, set this Menu Item to “Off” for proper
operation (this disables the internal microphone). The
internal microphone will still function normally when
the external microphone is disconnected.
2. TEMP Offset
Function: Correcting the Thermometer setting
Available Values: [–22.8 °F (–12.7 °C)] - [+22.8 °F
(+12.7 °C)]
Default Setting: 0.0 °F (0.0 °C)
This allows you to calibrate the internal thermometer
with a known-to be-accurate source.
3. Clock Shift
Function: CPU Clock Shift
Available Values: Off/On
Default Setting: Off
This function is only used to move a spurious response
“birdie” should it fall on a desired frequency. Consult
your Yaesu dealer for details regarding this function.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
56
Specifications
General
Frequency Range:
TX
118.000 - 136.975 MHz (COM Band)
RX
88.000 - 108.000MHz (FM BC Band),
108.000 - 117.975 MHz (NAV Band),
118.000 - 136.975 MHz (COM Band),
151.5125 - 158.400MHz (BRS Memory Channels),
Weather Channel (WX-01 - WX-10)
Channel Spacing:
25 kHz (AIR Band),
5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz (FM BC Band)
Emission Type:
TX: AM,
RX: AM & FM
Supply Voltage:
4.5 - 15.0 VDC
Current Consumption (approx.): 250 µA (Power off), 35 mA (Battery saver on, save ratio 1:5),
60 mA (Squelch on), 180 mA (Receive),
800 mA (Transmit AM: 1.5W Carrier @ 7.4V),
400 mA (Transmit AM: 0.3W Carrier @ 4.5V)
Temperature Range:
–22 °F to +140 °F (–30 °C to +60 °C)
Case Size (WxHxD):
2.36” x 3.78” x 1.12” (60 x 96 x 28.5 mm) w/FNB-80LI
Weight (approx.):
9.9 oz. (280 grams) with FNB-80LI, antenna
Specification are subject to change without notice.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
57
Specifications
Receiver
Circuit Type:
Double-conversion Superheterodyne
IFs:
35.4 MHz & 450 kHz ( AM / NFM ),
45.65 MHz & 10.7MHz ( WFM )
Sensitivity:
88-108 MHz: better than 2 µV (for 12 dB SINAD with 1 kHz tone @ 22.5 kHz deviation)
108 MHz-137 MHz:
better than 1 µV (for 6 dB S/N with 1 kHz tone @ 30 % modulation)
BRS-01 - BRS-21: better than 0.32 µV (for 12 dB S/N with 1 kHz tone @ 3.5 kHz deviation)
WX-01 - WX-10: better than 0.4 µV (for 12 dB S/N with 1 kHz tone @ 3.5 kHz deviation)
Selectivity:
AM/FM: more than 8 kHz/–6 dB,
WFM: more than 200 kHz/–6 dB
Adjacent Ch. Selectivity: AM/FM: less than 25 kHz/–60 dB,
WFM: less than 300 kHz/–20 dB
AF Output:
0.2 W @ 8 Ohms, 10 % THD @ 7.4V
0.4 W @ 8 Ohms, 10 % THD @ 13.8V
Transmitter
Power Output:
118 MHz-137 MHz: AM: 5.0 W (PEP), 1.5 W (Carrier Power) @ 7.4 V
Frequency Stability:
Better than ±2.5 ppm (–22 °F to 140 °F/–30 °C to +60 °C)
Modulation System:
AM: Low Level Modulation
Spurious Emission:
Better than 60 dB below carrier
Int. Microphone Type:
Condenser
Ext. Mic. Impedance:
150 Ohms
FTA-720 Operating Manual
58
Accessories & Options
Supplied Accessories
Li-Ion Battery Pack (7.4 V) FNB-80LI ......................... 1
Battery Charger PA-48B or PA-48C ............................ 1
Helical Antenna YHA-74 .............................................. 1
Headset Cable CT-96 .................................................... 1
Operating Manual........................................................... 1
Warranty Card................................................................. 1
Available Options
MH-44B4B
Speaker Microphone
PA-48B/C
Battery Charger
FBA-23
Alkaline Battery Case
CD-15A
Desktop Rapid Charger
E-DC-5B
DC Cable w/Noise Filter
E-DC-6
DC Cable; plug and wire only
“B” suffix is for use with 100-240 VAC, Type-A
plug or “C” suffix is for use with 100-240 VAC,
Type-C plug.
Availability of accessories may vary.
Some accessories are supplied as standard per local
requirements, while others may be unavailable in
some regions.
Consult your Yaesu Dealer for details regarding
these and any newly-available options.
Connection of any non-Yaesu-approved accessory,
should it cause damage, may void the Limited War-
ranty on this apparatus.
This product is designed to perform optimally when
used with genuine Yaesu accessories. Yaesu shall
not be liable for any damage to this product and/
or accidents such as fire, leakage or explosion of a
battery pack, etc., caused by the malfunction of non-
Yaesu accessories.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
59
CT-96
Headset Cable
PTT Switch (not supplied)
An external PTT switch is
required for use with an
aviation headset.
Headset
(not supplied)
E-DC-5B
External Power Cable (Option)
Accessories & Options
FTA-720 Operating Manual
60
Troubleshooting
Question
When connecting the CT-96 headset cable be-
tween the radio and a headset, the red transmit
LED on the radio turns on and the radio cannot be
operated.
Can I purchase the optional PTT Switch from
Yaesu?
Will my headset work with this radio?
Answer
This happens when the connector on the CT-96 headset cable is simply
pushed into the MIC/EAR jack.
The jack must be screwed into the MIC/EAR jack to make proper con-
tacts within the radio.
Contact your Aviation dealer for details on purchasing an aftermarket
Push-To-Talk switch.
The CT-96 headset cable is made to operate with most headsets; however
to be concretely sure check with the headset manufacturer providing the
wiring shown below. Please confirm the connections and connector sizes
are correct.
Headset Note:
Earphone (speaker) Impedance: 8 or above
MIC Impedance: 150 ±20%
PTT pressed: Ground
PTT not pressed: Open
FTA-720 Operating Manual
61
Book Memory Channel List (USA Version: Factory Default)
CH No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Alpha Tag
AIR-AIR
AIR-AIR
ARINC 01
ARINC 02
ARINC 03
ARINC 04
ARINC 05
ARINC 06
ARINC 07
ARINC 08
ARINC 09
ARINC 10
ARINC 11
ARINC 12
ARINC 13
ARINC 14
ARINC 15
ARINC 16
ARINC 17
ARINC 18
ARINC 19
ARINC 20
ARINC 21
ARINC 22
ARTCC 01
ARTCC 02
ARTCC 03
ARTCC 04
ARTCC 05
ARTCC 06
Frequency (MHz)
123.450
131.800
136.500
136.525
136.550
136.575
136.600
136.625
136.650
136.675
136.700
136.725
136.750
136.775
136.800
136.825
136.850
136.875
136.900
136.925
136.950
136.925
136.950
136.975
136.000
136.025
136.050
136.075
136.125
136.150
Note
Unofficial Air-Air
Air to Air
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Aeronautical Enroute Channel
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
CH No.
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
-
Alpha Tag
ARTCC 07
ARTCC 08
ARTCC 09
ARTCC 10
ARTCC 11
ARTCC 12
ARTCC 13
ARTCC 14
ARTCC 15
FAS
FOREST
FSS
HLC AIR
INTL G/C
INTL NY
INTL SF
MIL TWR
RESCUE
RESCUE T
SCHOOL 1
SCHOOL 2
UNICOM 1
UNICOM 2
UNICOM 3
UNICOM 4
UNICOM 5
UNICOM 6
UNICOM 7
UNICOM 8
---
Frequency (MHz)
136.175
136.225
136.250
136.300
136.325
136.350
136.400
136.425
136.450
122.000
122.925
123.600
123.025
130.700
129.900
131.950
126.200
123.100
122.900
123.300
123.500
122.700
122.725
122.750
122.800
122.950
123.000
123.050
123.075
---
Note
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Air Traffic Control General Use
Enroute Flight Advisory Service
Forest Management
Flight Service Station
Helicopter Air to Air
International Gulf/Caribbean
International New York
International San Francisco
Military Tower
Search and Rescue
Training Search and Rescue
Flight Schools
Flight Schools
Unicom-Airports without towers
Unicom-Private Airports
Unicom-Air to Air
Unicom-Airports without towers
Unicom-Airports with towers
Unicom-Airports without towers
Unicom-Heliports
Unicom-Heliports
- - -
FTA-720 Operating Manual
62
Book Memory Channel List (EXP Version: Factory Default)
CH No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
Alpha Tag
AMS VMT
ANK VMT
ATH VMT
BCN VMT
BEG VMT
BER VMT
BOO VMT
BOD1 VMT
BOD2 VMT
BRU VMT
BUH VMT
BUD VMT
CPH VMT
DUB VMT
FRA1 VMT
FRA2 VMT
GVA VMT
HEL VMT
INN VMT
IST VMT
LPA VMT
LIS VMT
LON1 VMT
LON2 VMT
LON3 VMT
MAD VMT
MRS1 VMT
MRS2 VMT
MIL VMT
MOW VMT
OSL VMT
PAR1 VMT
PAR2 VMT
PRG VMT
ROM VMT
LED VMT
SOF VMT
STO VMT
SDL VMT
TLV VMT
VIE VMT
Frequency (MHz)
126.200
127.000
127.800
127.600
126.400
128.400
124.250
126.400
127.000
127.800
126.800
127.400
127.000
127.000
127.600
135.775
126.800
128.400
130.475
127.400
126.200
126.400
135.375
128.600
126.600
126.200
127.400
128.600
126.600
127.875
128.600
126.000
125.150
128.600
126.000
125.875
126.600
127.600
127.800
126.800
126.000
Note
AMSTERDAM MET BROADCAST
ANKARA (ESENBOGA MET BROADCAST)
ATHENS(ATHINAI VOLMET)
BARCELONA
BELGRADE VOLMET
BERLIN VOLMET
BODO VOLMET
BORDEAUX RADIO
BORDEAUX RADIO
BRUSSELS
BUCHAREST VOLMET
BUDAPEST VOLMET
COPENHAGEN VOLMET
DUBLIN VOLMET
FRANKFURT 1 VOLMET
FRANKFURT 2 VOLMET
GENEVA MET BROADCAST
HELSINKI VOLMET
INNSBRUCK (NATIONAL VOLMET INNSBRUCK AUSTRIA)
ISTANBUL(ATATURK MET BROADCAST)
LAS PALMAS VOLMET
LISBON(LISBOA VOLMET)
LONDON VOLMET(MAIN)
LONDON VOLMET(SOUTH)
LONDON VOLMET(NORTH)
MADRID VOLMET
MARSEILLE RADIO
MARSEILLE RADIO
MILAN(MILANO VOLMET)
MOSCOW VOLMET
OSLO VOLMET
PARIS RADIO
PARIS RADIO
PRAGUE VOLMET
ROME VOLMET
ST. PETERSBURG VOLMET
SOFIA VOLMET
STOCKHOLM VOLMET
SUNDSVALL VOLMET
TEL AVIV(BEN GURION RADIO)
VIENNA(VOLMET WIEN AUSTRIA)
CH No.
42
43
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86
87
88
Frequency (MHz)
127.600
127.200
132.975
122.200
123.600
123.400
118.650
119.500
125.900
123.900
131.150
132.475
118.500
124.650
118.025
135.575
122.750
122.850
124.525
136.525
123.900
135.075
126.025
128.200
126.125
128.000
126.500
122.150
121.700
118.250
125.350
126.375
125.875
127.400
124.050
119.000
121.625
132.500
122.950
120.450
128.525
Note
WARSAW VOLMET
ZURICH MET
AMSTERDAM(Schiphol)
AMSTERDAM(Schiphol)
ANKARA(Esenboga)
ATHENS
BARCELONA
BELGRADE
BERLIN(Tegel)
BODO
BORDEAUX(Merignac)
BRUSSELS(National)
BUCHAREST(Otopeni)
BUDAPEST(Ferihegy)
FRANKFURT(Main)
GENEVA(Cointrin)
COPENHAGEN(Kastrup)
COPENHAGEN(Kastrup)
DUBLIN
LONDON(Gatwick)
LONDON(Heathrow)
HELSINKI(Vantaa)
INNSBRUCK
ISTANBUL(Ataturk)
OSLO(Fornebu)
PARIS(Charles de Gaulle)
PARIS(Orly)
PRAGUE(Ruzyne)
ROME(Fiumicino)
MADRID(Barajas)
MARSEILLE(Provence)
MOSCOW(Sheremetievo)
MOSCOW(Vnukovo)
ST. PETERBURG(Pulkovo)
SOFIA
STOCKHOLM(Arlanda)
STOCKHOLM(Arlanda)
TEL AVIV(Ben Gurion Intl)
VIENNA(Schwechat)
WARSAW(Okecie)
ZURICH
Alpha Tag
WAW VMT
ZRH VMT
AMS ATIS
AMS ATIS
ESB ATIS
ATH ATIS
BCN ATIS
BEG ATIS
TXL ATIS
BOO ATIS
BOD ATIS
BRU ATIS
OTP ATIS
BUD ATIS
FRA ATIS
GVA ATIS
CPH ATIS
CPH ATIS
DUB ATIS
LGW ATIS
LHR ATIS
HEL ATIS
INN ATIS
IST ATIS
FBU ATIS
CDG ATIS
ORY ATIS
PRG ATIS
FCO ATIS
MAD ATIS
MRS ATIS
SVO ATIS
VKO ATIS
LED ATIS
SOF ATIS
ARN ATIS
ARN ATIS
TLV ATIS
VIE ATIS
WAW ATIS
ZRH ATIS
FTA-720 Operating Manual
63
Quick Reference
(Cut Here)
Quick Reference Card
Memory Programming
Select the desired frequency in the
VFO mode, or recall the “Book”
Memory channel or Weather channel
to be stored in the Main Memory.
1. Press and hold in the
key.
2. Rotate the DIAL selector knob
to select the desired memory
channel number for storage.
3. Press and hold in the
key.
4. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to
select the first digit of the desired
character.
5. Press the
key momentarily to
select it and move on to the next
character.
To change the desired letter,
number, and symbol, press the
key.
6. After entering the entire name
(eight characters maximum),
press the
key for 2 seconds to
save all data for the channel and
exit.
Tag Channels (Memory Display)
1. Press the
key several times to
select -MR- mode.
2. Press the
key, then press
the
key to change Memory
display.
Band Selection
Press the
key to switch the
operating band between the AIR
band and FM BC band.
Mode Selection
Press the
key to switch the
operating mode between the VFO
mode, Memory mode, Book mode
and WX mode.
Lock Function
Press the
key, Then press the
key.
VOR Navigation
1. Select the VOR station frequency.
2. Press
key, then press
or
key to change flag.
3. Press
key, course indicator
display to toggle between the
small display and the larger
display area.
4. Press
key, then press
key
to select CDI mode.
YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD.
FTA-720 Operating Manual
64
Fly to a VOR station
1. Select a VOR station on your
aeronautical chart and turn the
DIAL selector knob (or enter
the frequency directly with the
keypad) to the frequency of the
VOR station.
2. Select the “TO” flag when flying
to the VOR station or select the
“FROM” flag when flying away
from the VOR station.
3. Press
key, then press
key
to select CDI mode.
The couse indicator shows “OFF”
when the VOR signal can not
received.
4. Press
key to change the
“FROM”/“TO” icon size and The
“COURSE INDICATOR” display
size.
Field Programming Mode
1. Press and hold in both the PTT
switch and
key, while turning
the radio on.
2. Select the desired frequency to
be stored in the Book Memory.
3. Press and hold in the
key for
2 seconds.
4. Rotate the DIAL selector knob
to select the desired memory
channel number for storage.
5. Press and hold in the
key for
3 seconds.
To attach an alpha/numeric name
(label) to the memory, proceed
to the next step; otherwise press
and hold in the
key for 2
seconds to save the entry and
exit.
6. To label a memory with an alpha/
numeric name, the next step is
to use the DIAL selector knob to
select any of the 125 available
characters.
Press the
key repeatedly to
recall the desired letter, number,
and symbol in the first charactor
slot (a à . à 0 à A à a ...).
7. Press the
key momentarily to
select it and move on to the next
character.
8. After entering the entire name
(eight characters maximum),
press the
key for 2 seconds to
save all data for the channel.
9. Turn the radio off, then turn the
radio back on again to begin
normal operation.
Part 15.21: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved
by YAESU MUSEN could void the user’s authorization to operate this device.
YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD.
All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual may be
reproduced without the permission of
YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD.
Printed in Japan
1211N-AY
YAESU MUSEN CO., LTD.
Tennozu Parkside Building
2-5-8 Higashi-Shinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0002 Japan
YAESU USA
6125 Phyllis Drive, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
YAESU UK
Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.
YAESU HK
Unit 2002, 20/F, 9 Chong Yip Street,
Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
EC062N151