So, as part of the benefits of being a club member in a club that is recognized by the Costa Rican government is that I get to buy and use a 2m radio without having to pay taxes (keep in mind we are part of the official emergency response plan, so we are encouraged to take advantage of this so that we can communicate with the fire department and the police in case of emergency).
So, anyway, I got myself a brand new Yaesu FT-270R like this one:
SUMMARY
The FT-270R is a compact, high-performance FM hand-held providing up to five Watts of RF power, along with big audio output (800 mW) and unmatched protection against the elements!
Protected against water ingress to IPX7 specifications (submersion for up to 30 minutes at a depth of 3 feet), the FT-270R features long operating time, thanks to the supplied 1400 mAh NiMH Battery Pack.
The 16-key FT-270R includes direct keyboard frequency entry and direct DTMF input, along with quick one-touch access to YAESU’s exciting and fun WiRES-II™ VoIP Internet Linking system!
FEATURES
5 Watts Output
The FT-270R provides 5 Watts of solid power
Large Backlit LCD Display
Want a handheld with a display you can actually see?! The FT-270R is the handheld for you.
Submersible!
The FT-270R conforms to IPX7 specifications for submersibility (submersion for up to 30 minutes at a depth of one meter).
Outstanding Receiver Audio
The FT-270R's hefty 800 mW of audio provides plenty of volume when operating in a noisy environment.
1400 mAh Battery Pack Yields Long Operating Time
The FT-270R is supplied with a long-life 1400 mAh Ni-MH Battery Pack, for extended operating time during search-and-rescue or public service event operations.
Power Saving Circuit Design
The FT-270R design includes Yaesu's exclusive power saving circuit design to ensure longer operating time that most other handhelds with comparable batteries.
Expanded Receiver Coverage
The receiver's frequency range is 136-174 MHz, covering many public service, marine, and government channels.
User Password
To prevent an unauthorized person from using your FT-270R, you may engage a security password that must be keyed in prior to operation, if you like.
200 Memory Channels
The 200 memories may be partitioned into as many as 10 memory groups. Alpha-numeric labeling is available on all memories.
Keyboard Frequency Entry
Operating frequencies may be entered directly from the front panel keypad, which may also be used for quick recall of memory channels by number.
Weather Broadcast Channels
In the U.S. version, a dedicated special memory bank of ten NOAA Weather Channels is available, with a "Severe Weather" alert capability.
EAI (Emergency Automatic ID) Feature
Ideal for search-and-rescue work, the EAI feature can be commanded on so as to identify your FT-270R, and engage your PTT and microphone, remotely in an emergency situation. So if you don't check in during a search, help can be dispatched, with the automatic TX function allowing others to perform direction finding.
Split Tone Capability
Besides the usual CTCSS and DCS Encode/Decode features you've come to know and love on a Yaesu transceiver, the FT-270R includes a "Split Tone" capability that allows you to Encode a CTCSS tone, and Decode DCS, or vice-versa. You can also Encode (without decoding) either CTCSS or DCS.
Other Features:
- Enhanced Paging and Code Squelch
- Automatic Repeater Shift
- Memory-Only operating
- Scanning Mode: VFO / Memory / PMS / Dual Watch
- Nine DTMF Auto-dialer memories
- Two Front Panel programmable keys
- Keypad/Dial Lockout capability
- RF Squelch
- Battery Voltage Display
- TX Deviation Level (5 kHz or 2.5 kHz)
- Transmit Time-out Timer and Automatic Power-Off
- Busy Channel Lock-out
- ARTS (Auto-range Transponding System) that "beeps" the user when you move out of communications range
Anyway, I am just learning to use this thing, but so far, I LIKE IT! You can program it from the handheld itself (no need for a PC!). You just need to keep the manual handy, as it has SO MANY features, it is easy to get lost in the menus...
Felipe
