Spanning nearly 30 years in handheld technology. We look at a few of these fine Yaesu transceivers from the past in more detail.
At Fox Tango our goal is to entertain, educate, and explore both old and new technologies as they apply to the radio amateur. We won’t cover every VHF/UHF handheld Yaesu has manufactured — we start with Yaesu’s early introduction into what became a huge market for hand-held transceivers.
Many technologies we take for granted — radar, television, cellular telephones, two-way radio — weren’t always easy or reliable. The evolution of the handheld radio started during World War II with the SCR-536, the original walkie-talkie. Using a battery over 1 pound and weighing nearly 4 pounds without it, the SCR-536 used a 40-inch telescopic antenna and operated 3.5–6.0 MHz on any of 50 channels with plug-in crystals and coils.
After WWII, solid-state technology (bipolar transistor, 1948) made things smaller and lighter. Companies like Yaesu and Motorola applied it in handheld designs such as the HT-220.
Motorola HT-220
Motorola’s HT-220 (1969) was the envy of ham operators for compact size and performance. Up to 5 watts (4 on UHF), sensitive receiver, silver center band, weatherproof housing — easily converted for amateur use. Considered the standard in portable handheld transceivers for many years.
FT-202R “The Handie”
In 1979 Yaesu introduced its first truly portable handheld, the FT-202R. Most people said “It looks like a Motorola HT-220” — and it does bear a resemblance, but at an economical price for the amateur market. Crystal controlled on 144–148 MHz with six channels (three crystals supplied), 1 watt output, ABS body, about one pound — far less than the 4-pound radios of 1943.
The circuit board mounts on a metal mainframe with separate TX/RX sections. Excellent transmit audio and built for rough handling. NiCd or dry-cell batteries could be used.
FT-404R — 440 MHz version:
FT-207R
Bigger batteries! More power! Smaller size!
The “Breakthrough In Technology” — MSRP about $300. Introduced late 1979, in short supply by January 1980. CPU-controlled PLL: up to 800 channels in 5 kHz steps on 144–148 MHz, scan, four memories, DTMF, double-conversion superheterodyne. 3 W high / 300 mW low. Drew 800 mA on transmit — the “battery eater” or fondly, the brick. Modern batteries help greatly.
Occasionally the CPU locks up showing 500 or won’t accept frequency changes — power off and remove BU backup to reset. Options: YM-24 speaker/mic, NC-2 charger, FTS-32E tone encoder, PA-1/PA-2 DC adaptors.
The brains of the FT-207R reside on the control unit behind the speaker.
Mr. S. Fujiki JR1FPZ — Yaesu senior engineering team leader for VHF/UHF handheld products and designer of the FT-207R, Yaesu’s first fully synthesized 2-meter HT.
Commercial Vertex variants (FTC-XXX) included FTC-2003, FTC-703A, FTC-4703:
FT-208R & FT-709R
Next in line: FT-208R (144 MHz) and FT-709R (~440 MHz). Introduced 1981, sharing batteries and some FT-207R accessories. Four-bit microprocessor, LCD display, ~20 mA receive, lithium memory backup (5+ year life), 10 memories, 2.5 W output, full 4 MHz 2-meter band coverage.
Top panel: volume, squelch/tone, high/low, repeater shift. Internal layout similar to FT-207R — large discrete components, but the microprocessor was here to stay.
LCD Display Repair
Damaged LCD displays are common on eBay bargains. The display is fragile glass — Yaesu part # G6090021 is still available. A good technician can swap one in short order.
Mount the LCD carefully in its clear plastic housing — correct pressure on the contact pads matters. Partial or distorted display means re-seating the glass.
Consider a fixer-upper for hands-on learning — service manuals are on the club site and across the Internet. If you want an appliance, get a coffee pot!
More Models — Work in Progress
Additional coverage planned for:
- FT-203R (2 m) with tech tips
- FT-209 (2 m)
- FT-109RH (220 MHz)
- FT-709R (440 MHz) — expanded
- FT-23R
- FT-811
- FT-470 (2 m / 440) with tech tips