FCC ID: K66FT-857
Operating Manual
Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
22
When operating in the “DIG” or “PKT” modes, you may set the AF knob to any comfortable setting, or even all the way
off, because the output from the DATA jack is a fixed-level audio signal.
Start with the AF knob set fully counter-clockwise, especially when using FM (the background noise on FM can be
surprisingly loud)!
Adjusting the RF Gain and Squelch
The SQL/RF Gain control is configured differently, depending on the country to which the FT-857 has been exported. In
the U.S. version, the default function of this control is “RF Gain.” The configuration of the SQL/RF Gain control is set via
Menu Mode No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN]; see page 59 for details.
If your transceiver is configured for “RF Gain” use, rotating this control fully clockwise in the SSB/CW/Digital modes
will provide best sensitivity. To reduce the receiver’s RF Gain somewhat, rotate this control counter-clockwise slightly.
You will observe an increasing number of bars on the S-meter as you rotate the RF Gain control counter-clockwise; this
indicates increasing AGC voltage, which is causing the front-end gain to be reduced. In the FM and Packet modes, this
control will automatically be set to “Squelch,” even though the setting of Menu Mode No-080 [SQL/RF GAIN] is “RF
Gain.” If this control is configured for “SQL” operation, the FT-857’s RF Gain will be set for maximum sensitivity in all
modes, and the SQL/RF Gain control will function solely as a Squelch control. In this case, rotate the SQL/RF Gain
control to the point where the background noise is just silenced; this will provide the best sensitivity to weak signals,
while keeping the receiver quiet when no signal is received. The LED just above the Main Dial will glow Green when the
squelch is opened by an incoming signal or noise.
Battery consumption is significantly reduced if the receiver is squelched, as the audio amplifier stage is shut off when the
receiver is muted.
Setting the Operating Frequency
1. In the “SSB/CW/DIG” modes, rotate the DIAL knob to set the frequency. Clockwise rotation of the DIAL increases
the operating frequency.
2. In the “AM/FM/PKT” modes, rotate the MEM/VFO CH knob to set the frequency. Clockwise rotation of the
MEM/VFO CH increases the operating frequency.
3. You may also use the MEM/VFO CH knob to adjust the operating frequency in the “SSB/CW/DIG” modes. The
MEM/VFO CH knob provides faster tuning, ideal for making quick changes in frequency when you want to move
across the band in a hurry. You can then use the DIAL knob to make fine frequency adjustments.
The synthesizer steps for the MEM/VFO CH knob may be adjusted independently by mode. Use Menu Mode No-006
