Modifications for the Yaesu FT-50
The Yaesu FT-50R is manufactured to rigid commercial grade standards, and is the first dual band handheld amateur radio to achieve the prestigious MIL-STD-810 rating. Use Dual Watch to select any frequency combination and the FT-50R automatically switches channels for instant operation. I found my Yaesu FT-50 R Dual Band ham radio in my garage today that I thought I had sold at a hamfest 2 years ago. Please visit my Amazon Store at http://as. On the Yaesu FT-50R, here is the right way, with any programming software. For example, I will use CHIRP. I want to take what is on the radio now and save it to a backup file of the original factory settings and firmware. So I need to download from radio to CHIRP. Here are the 50R steps. Open CHIRP On 50R hold PTT + top Knob down while powering.
FT-50R TX Mods
- remove the battery pack
- remove the two screws contained under the Battery safety sticker on the back of the radio.
- remove the key board (instuctions on how to remove the keyboard are in the owners manual)
- by removing the keyboard, it will reveal three jumper pads 1,2,&3
- Only jumper pad #1 will be bridged by soldier.
- remove the soldier from jumper #1
- now, put the radio back together
- reset the master cpu.. instruction in owners manual.
- reset the extended receive,. see the owners manual.
- you now have a modified radio.
any questions e-mail me
For those of you who would like to receive the 869-894 MHz range with yourYaesu FT-50, try tuning it to the corresponding image frequency range,778.8-803.8 MHz. The sensitivity is the same as when tuned to an 860 MHzsignal.
FT-50R Features - Specifications Link
Yaesu announces the latest in dual-band handheld technology with therelease of the new FT-50R Dual-band handheld transceiver. This engineeringachievement offers features never before found in this small palm sizedhandheld radio, rugged weather resistant construction with a full 5 wattsof power output.
Exclusive INDUSTRY-FIRSTS found only in the FT-50R dual-band will enhanceyour operating pleasure. Wide-band Receive coverage to 999* MHz with3-Selectable Filters (AM, FM-N, FM-S), Keyboard or PC programmable, RuggedMIL-STD 810 Rated, CTCSS and DCS (Digital Coded Squelch), distinguish Yaesuas the world leader in amateur radio products.
FT-50R FEATURES
SPECIFICATIONS LINK
Wide Multi-band Receive for the scanning enthusiasts 76-200,300-540, 800-999* MHz (*Cellular blocked)
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3-Selectable Rx modes (AM, FM-Narrow, FM-Standard)
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Rugged MIL-STD 810 Rated for Shock and Vibration
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Auto Range Transpond SystemTM (ARTS) uses DCS to automaticallypoll other stations, indicating if they are within simplex range.
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Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) is used in the commercial industry,DCS provides 113 unique codes in addition to the standard CTCSS tones.
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112 Memory Channels each stores offset, CTCSS/DCS & power level.
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Alpha-Numeric Display up to 4 characters may be used to nameeach memory channel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Digital DC Voltage Display monitors current battery voltage.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Full 5 Watts of Power Output with 4 selectable power levels(Available in 2 and 5 watt versions).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automatic Tone Search (ATS) scans for DCS and CTCSS tones. (w/FTT-12 installed)
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Receive and Transmit Battery Savers built-in.
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keyboard and Menu Programming allows for simple FT-50Roperation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARS/CAP Modifiable with proof of permits.
FT-50 Game Mode
The FT-50R includes an interesting 'game' thats programmed into it. Heres how it works:
Ft 50r Manual
- Power up the radio while holding down the MR key. (PWR + MR).
- The display will show GAME on the left side, and Spd 1 on the right. Youre in game mode!
- By rotating the knob, you can change the speed of the game. Higher numbers are faster.
- Press PTT to start the game.
- Numbers will start to scroll across the screen from left-to-right. As they come, you are supposed to push the number on the keypad that makes a sum of ten, followed by F.
Example: 6 appears, press 4, F. If 0 appears, enter 10 followed by F. - The game is over when the screen fills up with numbers.
- To exit the game, simply cycle the power.
FT-50R Expanded Transmit 120-230, 315-505 MHz
- Remove battery
- Remove the Ni-Cd sticker
- Slowly lift off the keypad and carefully locate the jumper pads
- Locate and unsolder jumper number '1' (see picture below) it is a solder blob between 2 pads.
- Locate and unsolder surface mount resistor 'A' (see picture below) be carefull!
It is the first resistor on the from left - Reinstall the keypad with the two screws
- Turn radio off
- Press down and hold the tuning knob and lamp button while turning on the radio.
VIEW: looking down with keypad removed - The vfo should display 144.000 Press FW. (this step may not be needed but it worked for me) Power off.
- Powerup with lamp/ptt/knob held down. It should now be in tune mode with something new(BAND= A 1) change it pressing the knob for 1/2 second and then turn the knob to FREE. (BAND=FREE)
- Power off and back on NOW RADIO DISPLAYS 50~540 590~1000 no gaps!!!
(Dont change any other function or you could screw up alot of adjustments here) IT will tx where ever it locks. One radio 122~231 and 309~502 and another radio was 120-232mhz and 315-509mhz. This varies radio by radio.
Tx is only miliwatts near the edges (DONT TX OUT OF BAND!!!).
Rx locks after about 74mhz. it is very def in the 220 band tx is miliwatts. no tx above 502but varies radio by radio. - If you have the ADMS 1 software you should have a copy of what was in your radio.before you started.
- Copy from the radio. Save and name this file FREEBAND. This is to be saved as a clean copy for future use.
- Copy from the radio again (or just copy the file) name this file MERGE.
- Merge the old file to this file and send to radio.
- With your palms facing forward put your thumbs in your ears, wiggle your fingers and stick out your tongue at your Users manual while it is open to page 10.
- Then update page 10.
Software mods for FT-50r. Mod any thing
This is a method to do any MOD to your FT50R. The procedure is very simple and fast done:
- You make a template from your FT50R
- Change 3 Bytes in the template
- Upload the template to your FT50R
So you can switch to any BAND, you dont have do hardware interventions or similar staff like pull the adapter cable out, ..
If you want do return the FT50R to its original state, just upload the old (unmodified) .TPL to the Unit.
Information and explanations:
All MOD's can be made by software only. To do the MOD's you need the ADMS 1C Software (I am using the 1.05 Version) and a HEX editor to manipulate the .TPL file (I am working with .TPL file's only) I am using HIEW 5.24 (Hacker's View) but any HEX editor will do the job (PCT, Norton, Multiedit, .. )
Yaesu Ft 50r Radio
Everyone has noticed the problem after making same MOD's to the Unit that the old .TPL files can not be uploaded to the Unit any more.There is a simple protection scheme (2 bytes) that prevents uploading a .TPL file from a different hardware configuration to the Unit.
This is a description how to bypass this protection. By uploading a .TPL file with different hardware configuration, ( from a other Unit or just to change the 2 bytes) the Unit will be assigned to this new configuration.
First a description of Terms and Positions:
1. Current_Byte
This is the Byte that tells the current Status (Hardware configuration) of the Rig, you can get this Byte as follows:
- Make a .TPL file from the Rig.(Menu: )
- Edit the .TPL File with e HEX Editor.
- The Current_byte can be in the Range from 00 to 06.
- *the first byte is usually 07, by experimenting with nonstandard Numbers you can change this byte also. (03 or same other value, but very rare)
2. Key_Byte (Security Key)
The Key_Byte is at the same place as the Current_Byte, but in the .TPL file you intend to upload.
If you want to upload a .TPL File to the Rig, the Key_Byte must match the Current_Byte (that means that the Hardware configuration of the Unit and the .TPL file you intend to upload must be the same). Just change with the HEX Editor the Key_Byte of the .TPL file you intend to upload to be the Current_Byte and you can upload anything (any .TPL file) to the Rig.
!!! No more CERR Messages !!!
(As mentioned in 1. if you change the first byte, you have to change this)
(byte also (in the .TPL File you intend to upload) to be the same Byte as)
(in the Template you have just made to read the Current_Byte.)
3. Band-Set_Byte
- Edit the .TPL file you intend to upload with e HEX Editor
After Uploading the Modified .TPL File to the Rig, it switches to the desired Band and the Current_Byte becomes the Band-Set_Byte. That means if you want to upload later something else to the Rig, you have to change in the .TPL File you intend to upload the Key_Byte to the new Current_Byte (with the HEX Editor).
The Sub_Band-Set_Byte tells the Rig in with Sub Band to switch (see Table) *The byte (0CE6) is usually 07, rare 03 or same other number.
Example
Now, to do a band change do as follows:
- let's assume you have BAND_A1 (USA) and want to switch to BAND_F3
- make a .TPL file from your unit (let's assume original.tpl)
- copy the original.tpl to mod1.tpl (this file we are going to upload)
- read the Current_Byte from original.tpl (as described in 1) (for the BAND_A1 we assumed you have it will be 01))
- set the Key_Byte in mod1.tpl to be the Current_Byte (01) (as described in 2). It is logical that the Key_Byte will already be 01, you've just made the copy, but it is a matter of principle, keep reading.
- set the Band-Set_Byte in the mod1.tpl to 00 (for the BAND_F)
- set the Sub_Band-Set_Byte in the mod1.tpl to 03 (for the Sub BAND F3)
- upload the mod1.tpl to the unit.
- power off, power on, now you have BAND_F3, DONE.
- let's assume you want to switch now to BAND_B2a
- make a .TPL file from you unit (let's assume temp.tpl)
- read the Current_Byte from temp.tpl, it will be 00. (BAND_F)
- copy the original.tpl to mod2.tpl
- set the Key_Byte in the mod2.tpl to be the Current_Byte (00)
- set the Band-Set_Byte in the mod2.tpl to 02 (BAND_B)
- set the Sub_Band-Set_Byte in the mod2.tpl to 01 (Sub BAND B2a)
- upload the mod2.tpl to the unit.?
- power off, power on, now you have BAND_B2a, DONE.
Here are the MOD's (Band's) available:
When you set the Rig in a band (with the Band-Set_Byte) then you can switch from Sub Band X1 to X3 (if solder jumper 1 removed) with the key sequence:
- Hold Lamp and Knob by powering_on to switch to X3 Subband
- Hold Lamp and Knob by powering_on (you will see ALRST prS5) and then press the function key to switch to X1 Subband
The TX for the X3 Bands is:
* It will TX from aprox. 118-233 and 312-508 RX from aprox.71-540 and 600-999 depending from the Unit.
The Sub Bands 1,2a and 2b are with restriction variations in TX and RX and I am to tiered to examine them closely and write them down. I guess that they are not very interesting.
ARS lost - effect
The FT50R has e BAND_PLAN like database and depending for witch country your unit is configured (A,B,C,D & H) it is using the repeater database? from his Memory for that country.
It is understandable that for the BAND_FrEE and BAND_F (TX:120-221&320-499) there is no data in the database because those band's are not for any specific country. That is why the ARS does not work any more, and not? same mess up (magic) in the memory of the unit.
That does not mean that it is not possible to enter additional data to the ARS memory database (I am working on it).
If you want to use the ARS again you just have to switch it into any ordinary country BAND_X and it will work again.
Original .TPL file
Ft-50r Programming Software
If you don't have a original .TPL file, you can make (improvise) one:Yaesu Ft 50r Specifications
Yaesu Ft 50r
- Start the ADMS 1C software
- Goto the File Menu and save a .RDF file as original.rdf (don't download anything from the Unit, don't use a template)
- Change with a HEX editor the first 3 bytes from RDF to TPL
- Set the Key_Byte in this file to be the Current_Byte of your Unit
- Rename the original.rdf to original.tpl
- Start the ADMS 1C and upload the original.tpl to the Unit.
This will switch your unit to BAND A1 (USA), ARS will work again !
Disclaimer:
Don't TX and RX at frequencies that you are not allowed to! I do not guarantee the validity of this information, as Yaesu may change programming or hardware so that some of the techniques in this document may cease to function. I am not responsible if these instructions damage your rig in some way. All I can say is that I have performed the following procedures to myunit, and I am quite pleased with the results. Your mileage may vary, etc.
Some newsgrups messages.
This mod info was sent to me by a visitor, no name was included in the email, thank you anyway.
I bought a Yaesu FT50 in Akihabara (THE electronics district in Tokyo) when passing through Japan in July 1998. (Serial No. 8F290253), on the recommendation of a colleague who had one and had made the 'mother of all mods' open band modification (opening solder bridge, and then using the ADMS software,pulling the plug etc).
Well my FT50 wouldn't work with the mod. I opened it up, and found that the solder bridge and resistor mentioned in the various mod web pages WERE NOT EVEN THERE! The various knob-PTT-LAMP etc button start-up sequences only served to switch the unit between ONLY R/T in 144-6 and 430-440 MHz (NO extended receive!) and R/T in the above bands, and almost open band receive.
In order to give the unit compatibility with Australian UHF CB and European PMR frequencies, I needed to be able to transmit above 440MHZ. (I think Aussie UHF is about 467MHz, and I think European PMR is 466 or so, can't remember off the top of my head, but anyway, my FT50 was currently useless for the job!
I finally got hold of the ADMS-1E software and cable, and found this website, with the mention of the mod being possible with SOFTWARE ONLY. This got me listening, since my radio limitation seemed to be purely softare (since the solder bridge and resistor are not installed, never were, even when it was new.) related.
Yaesu Ft 50r Manual Download
I tried the software mod described, using a HEX editor to modify the Band-Set and Sub-Band-Set bytes to 06 (at location 0ce7h of the template file obtained from the radio) and 00 (at location 0ce8h) and tried to upload to the radio. The ADMS-1E software refused to do this with the message 'radio data image file corrupted'. I also tried the same with uploading a .rdf file aub this time the message was 'radio data file checksum error'. Aha!
So now I looked at two different .rdf files (created by the ADMS-1E software upon uploading the template from radio to computer and saving to disk) in the Hex editor to see if I could see any obvious looking changes. Without making any changes to the radio or the configuration on ADMS-1E, I noticed that the byte value of location 050h of the template file changed, as did that of locations 0b6h through 0bcH. And that was all that changed. Hmm, I think one of these bytes (or all) is the checksum, so I tested, and the only one which seems to have an effect is 050H. Changing it gives the 'checksum error' on the ADMS software when trying to upload. Changeing the others does not. Perhaps the longer byte series is the time or date of the upload (although the radio doesn't have a clock, so I guess this must be generated by the computer.)
Yaesu Ft 50r Programming Software Download
SO, I used the sledgehammer approach, changing the value of 050H by trial and error on my freeband-mod template file, until the ADMS software accepted it. It took a while! (there were 256 possibilities, and the successful checksum value was D1 in Hex (209 in decimal).
Note, that the checksum will be different for different files, and as long as it's just this checksum byte, it remains possible for mortals to do the trial and error method. I guess some smart cookie could work out the checksum algorithm, but that would require a lot of analysis of different tpl or rdf files. Recall an email in office 365.
The freeband transmit works at the following frequencies:
120-233MHz
312-511MHz
Receive is at all the normal open band frequencies that this radio is capable of, documented elsewhere on this website.
Thanks again for the help. Hopefully this info will be useful for anyone who (like me) was disappointed after they bought a FT50 on recommendation of its multi-band capabilities (very useful when travelling, considering that the 'citizen band' frequencies eg Australian UHF, Euro 446MHz PMR (0.5WMax), EURO 433MHz LPD (10mW max), etc are almost always different in different countries!) and then found that the web-documented hardware mods didn't work.
This counter shows the number of hits since the9th February 2000
Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) is used in the commercial industry,DCS provides 113 unique codes in addition to the standard CTCSS tones.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
112 Memory Channels each stores offset, CTCSS/DCS & power level.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alpha-Numeric Display up to 4 characters may be used to nameeach memory channel.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Digital DC Voltage Display monitors current battery voltage.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Full 5 Watts of Power Output with 4 selectable power levels(Available in 2 and 5 watt versions).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automatic Tone Search (ATS) scans for DCS and CTCSS tones. (w/FTT-12 installed)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Receive and Transmit Battery Savers built-in.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADMS-1C‚ Windows‚ PC Programmable (available May 1996)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Keyboard and Menu Programming allows for simple FT-50Roperation.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
MARS/CAP Modifiable with proof of permits.
FT-50 Game Mode
The FT-50R includes an interesting 'game' thats programmed into it. Heres how it works:
Ft 50r Manual
- Power up the radio while holding down the MR key. (PWR + MR).
- The display will show GAME on the left side, and Spd 1 on the right. Youre in game mode!
- By rotating the knob, you can change the speed of the game. Higher numbers are faster.
- Press PTT to start the game.
- Numbers will start to scroll across the screen from left-to-right. As they come, you are supposed to push the number on the keypad that makes a sum of ten, followed by F.
Example: 6 appears, press 4, F. If 0 appears, enter 10 followed by F. - The game is over when the screen fills up with numbers.
- To exit the game, simply cycle the power.
FT-50R Expanded Transmit 120-230, 315-505 MHz
- Remove battery
- Remove the Ni-Cd sticker
- Slowly lift off the keypad and carefully locate the jumper pads
- Locate and unsolder jumper number '1' (see picture below) it is a solder blob between 2 pads.
- Locate and unsolder surface mount resistor 'A' (see picture below) be carefull!
It is the first resistor on the from left - Reinstall the keypad with the two screws
- Turn radio off
- Press down and hold the tuning knob and lamp button while turning on the radio.
VIEW: looking down with keypad removed - The vfo should display 144.000 Press FW. (this step may not be needed but it worked for me) Power off.
- Powerup with lamp/ptt/knob held down. It should now be in tune mode with something new(BAND= A 1) change it pressing the knob for 1/2 second and then turn the knob to FREE. (BAND=FREE)
- Power off and back on NOW RADIO DISPLAYS 50~540 590~1000 no gaps!!!
(Dont change any other function or you could screw up alot of adjustments here) IT will tx where ever it locks. One radio 122~231 and 309~502 and another radio was 120-232mhz and 315-509mhz. This varies radio by radio.
Tx is only miliwatts near the edges (DONT TX OUT OF BAND!!!).
Rx locks after about 74mhz. it is very def in the 220 band tx is miliwatts. no tx above 502but varies radio by radio. - If you have the ADMS 1 software you should have a copy of what was in your radio.before you started.
- Copy from the radio. Save and name this file FREEBAND. This is to be saved as a clean copy for future use.
- Copy from the radio again (or just copy the file) name this file MERGE.
- Merge the old file to this file and send to radio.
- With your palms facing forward put your thumbs in your ears, wiggle your fingers and stick out your tongue at your Users manual while it is open to page 10.
- Then update page 10.
Software mods for FT-50r. Mod any thing
This is a method to do any MOD to your FT50R. The procedure is very simple and fast done:
- You make a template from your FT50R
- Change 3 Bytes in the template
- Upload the template to your FT50R
So you can switch to any BAND, you dont have do hardware interventions or similar staff like pull the adapter cable out, ..
If you want do return the FT50R to its original state, just upload the old (unmodified) .TPL to the Unit.
Information and explanations:
All MOD's can be made by software only. To do the MOD's you need the ADMS 1C Software (I am using the 1.05 Version) and a HEX editor to manipulate the .TPL file (I am working with .TPL file's only) I am using HIEW 5.24 (Hacker's View) but any HEX editor will do the job (PCT, Norton, Multiedit, .. )
Yaesu Ft 50r Radio
Everyone has noticed the problem after making same MOD's to the Unit that the old .TPL files can not be uploaded to the Unit any more.There is a simple protection scheme (2 bytes) that prevents uploading a .TPL file from a different hardware configuration to the Unit.
This is a description how to bypass this protection. By uploading a .TPL file with different hardware configuration, ( from a other Unit or just to change the 2 bytes) the Unit will be assigned to this new configuration.
First a description of Terms and Positions:
1. Current_Byte
This is the Byte that tells the current Status (Hardware configuration) of the Rig, you can get this Byte as follows:
- Make a .TPL file from the Rig.(Menu: )
- Edit the .TPL File with e HEX Editor.
- The Current_byte can be in the Range from 00 to 06.
- *the first byte is usually 07, by experimenting with nonstandard Numbers you can change this byte also. (03 or same other value, but very rare)
2. Key_Byte (Security Key)
The Key_Byte is at the same place as the Current_Byte, but in the .TPL file you intend to upload.
If you want to upload a .TPL File to the Rig, the Key_Byte must match the Current_Byte (that means that the Hardware configuration of the Unit and the .TPL file you intend to upload must be the same). Just change with the HEX Editor the Key_Byte of the .TPL file you intend to upload to be the Current_Byte and you can upload anything (any .TPL file) to the Rig.
!!! No more CERR Messages !!!
(As mentioned in 1. if you change the first byte, you have to change this)
(byte also (in the .TPL File you intend to upload) to be the same Byte as)
(in the Template you have just made to read the Current_Byte.)
3. Band-Set_Byte
- Edit the .TPL file you intend to upload with e HEX Editor
After Uploading the Modified .TPL File to the Rig, it switches to the desired Band and the Current_Byte becomes the Band-Set_Byte. That means if you want to upload later something else to the Rig, you have to change in the .TPL File you intend to upload the Key_Byte to the new Current_Byte (with the HEX Editor).
The Sub_Band-Set_Byte tells the Rig in with Sub Band to switch (see Table) *The byte (0CE6) is usually 07, rare 03 or same other number.
Example
Now, to do a band change do as follows:
- let's assume you have BAND_A1 (USA) and want to switch to BAND_F3
- make a .TPL file from your unit (let's assume original.tpl)
- copy the original.tpl to mod1.tpl (this file we are going to upload)
- read the Current_Byte from original.tpl (as described in 1) (for the BAND_A1 we assumed you have it will be 01))
- set the Key_Byte in mod1.tpl to be the Current_Byte (01) (as described in 2). It is logical that the Key_Byte will already be 01, you've just made the copy, but it is a matter of principle, keep reading.
- set the Band-Set_Byte in the mod1.tpl to 00 (for the BAND_F)
- set the Sub_Band-Set_Byte in the mod1.tpl to 03 (for the Sub BAND F3)
- upload the mod1.tpl to the unit.
- power off, power on, now you have BAND_F3, DONE.
- let's assume you want to switch now to BAND_B2a
- make a .TPL file from you unit (let's assume temp.tpl)
- read the Current_Byte from temp.tpl, it will be 00. (BAND_F)
- copy the original.tpl to mod2.tpl
- set the Key_Byte in the mod2.tpl to be the Current_Byte (00)
- set the Band-Set_Byte in the mod2.tpl to 02 (BAND_B)
- set the Sub_Band-Set_Byte in the mod2.tpl to 01 (Sub BAND B2a)
- upload the mod2.tpl to the unit.?
- power off, power on, now you have BAND_B2a, DONE.
Here are the MOD's (Band's) available:
When you set the Rig in a band (with the Band-Set_Byte) then you can switch from Sub Band X1 to X3 (if solder jumper 1 removed) with the key sequence:
- Hold Lamp and Knob by powering_on to switch to X3 Subband
- Hold Lamp and Knob by powering_on (you will see ALRST prS5) and then press the function key to switch to X1 Subband
The TX for the X3 Bands is:
* It will TX from aprox. 118-233 and 312-508 RX from aprox.71-540 and 600-999 depending from the Unit.
The Sub Bands 1,2a and 2b are with restriction variations in TX and RX and I am to tiered to examine them closely and write them down. I guess that they are not very interesting.
ARS lost - effect
The FT50R has e BAND_PLAN like database and depending for witch country your unit is configured (A,B,C,D & H) it is using the repeater database? from his Memory for that country.
It is understandable that for the BAND_FrEE and BAND_F (TX:120-221&320-499) there is no data in the database because those band's are not for any specific country. That is why the ARS does not work any more, and not? same mess up (magic) in the memory of the unit.
That does not mean that it is not possible to enter additional data to the ARS memory database (I am working on it).
If you want to use the ARS again you just have to switch it into any ordinary country BAND_X and it will work again.
Original .TPL file
Ft-50r Programming Software
If you don't have a original .TPL file, you can make (improvise) one:Yaesu Ft 50r Specifications
Yaesu Ft 50r
- Start the ADMS 1C software
- Goto the File Menu and save a .RDF file as original.rdf (don't download anything from the Unit, don't use a template)
- Change with a HEX editor the first 3 bytes from RDF to TPL
- Set the Key_Byte in this file to be the Current_Byte of your Unit
- Rename the original.rdf to original.tpl
- Start the ADMS 1C and upload the original.tpl to the Unit.
This will switch your unit to BAND A1 (USA), ARS will work again !
Disclaimer:
Don't TX and RX at frequencies that you are not allowed to! I do not guarantee the validity of this information, as Yaesu may change programming or hardware so that some of the techniques in this document may cease to function. I am not responsible if these instructions damage your rig in some way. All I can say is that I have performed the following procedures to myunit, and I am quite pleased with the results. Your mileage may vary, etc.
Some newsgrups messages.
This mod info was sent to me by a visitor, no name was included in the email, thank you anyway.
I bought a Yaesu FT50 in Akihabara (THE electronics district in Tokyo) when passing through Japan in July 1998. (Serial No. 8F290253), on the recommendation of a colleague who had one and had made the 'mother of all mods' open band modification (opening solder bridge, and then using the ADMS software,pulling the plug etc).
Well my FT50 wouldn't work with the mod. I opened it up, and found that the solder bridge and resistor mentioned in the various mod web pages WERE NOT EVEN THERE! The various knob-PTT-LAMP etc button start-up sequences only served to switch the unit between ONLY R/T in 144-6 and 430-440 MHz (NO extended receive!) and R/T in the above bands, and almost open band receive.
In order to give the unit compatibility with Australian UHF CB and European PMR frequencies, I needed to be able to transmit above 440MHZ. (I think Aussie UHF is about 467MHz, and I think European PMR is 466 or so, can't remember off the top of my head, but anyway, my FT50 was currently useless for the job!
I finally got hold of the ADMS-1E software and cable, and found this website, with the mention of the mod being possible with SOFTWARE ONLY. This got me listening, since my radio limitation seemed to be purely softare (since the solder bridge and resistor are not installed, never were, even when it was new.) related.
Yaesu Ft 50r Manual Download
I tried the software mod described, using a HEX editor to modify the Band-Set and Sub-Band-Set bytes to 06 (at location 0ce7h of the template file obtained from the radio) and 00 (at location 0ce8h) and tried to upload to the radio. The ADMS-1E software refused to do this with the message 'radio data image file corrupted'. I also tried the same with uploading a .rdf file aub this time the message was 'radio data file checksum error'. Aha!
So now I looked at two different .rdf files (created by the ADMS-1E software upon uploading the template from radio to computer and saving to disk) in the Hex editor to see if I could see any obvious looking changes. Without making any changes to the radio or the configuration on ADMS-1E, I noticed that the byte value of location 050h of the template file changed, as did that of locations 0b6h through 0bcH. And that was all that changed. Hmm, I think one of these bytes (or all) is the checksum, so I tested, and the only one which seems to have an effect is 050H. Changing it gives the 'checksum error' on the ADMS software when trying to upload. Changeing the others does not. Perhaps the longer byte series is the time or date of the upload (although the radio doesn't have a clock, so I guess this must be generated by the computer.)
Yaesu Ft 50r Programming Software Download
SO, I used the sledgehammer approach, changing the value of 050H by trial and error on my freeband-mod template file, until the ADMS software accepted it. It took a while! (there were 256 possibilities, and the successful checksum value was D1 in Hex (209 in decimal).
Note, that the checksum will be different for different files, and as long as it's just this checksum byte, it remains possible for mortals to do the trial and error method. I guess some smart cookie could work out the checksum algorithm, but that would require a lot of analysis of different tpl or rdf files. Recall an email in office 365.
The freeband transmit works at the following frequencies:
120-233MHz
312-511MHz
Receive is at all the normal open band frequencies that this radio is capable of, documented elsewhere on this website.
Thanks again for the help. Hopefully this info will be useful for anyone who (like me) was disappointed after they bought a FT50 on recommendation of its multi-band capabilities (very useful when travelling, considering that the 'citizen band' frequencies eg Australian UHF, Euro 446MHz PMR (0.5WMax), EURO 433MHz LPD (10mW max), etc are almost always different in different countries!) and then found that the web-documented hardware mods didn't work.
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