A YAESU FT-2600M for the Repeater Project

I acquired a YAESU FT-2600M, a 144 MHz FM mobile transceiver, to use with the repeater controller I am building. This time, I traded one of my antenna analyzers for the radio.

In addition to testing the controller on its own, I would like to connect an actual radio and check the received audio level, transmit/receive switching, and other aspects of operation.

How the Equipment Trade Came About

Previously, I obtained an ALINCO DR-130 from Roy, DV9JRD in exchange for my Kuranishi BR-120 antenna analyzer. However, the DR-130 turned out to be faulty, so I returned it.

This time, I traded my MFJ-259B for a YAESU FT-2600M instead. I now have a radio available for testing with the repeater controller.

The radio at the top of the photo is the ALINCO DR-120 I previously bought through Yahoo! Auctions; below it is the YAESU FT-2600M I have just acquired.

YAESU FT-2600M Key Specifications

The FT-2600M is an FM-only transceiver for the 144 MHz band. It has a front-facing speaker and a die-cast aluminum chassis that also serves as a heat sink.

Frequency coverage	Transmit: 144–146 MHz or 144–148 MHz Receive: 144–146 MHz or 134–174 MHz (depending on the market version)
Mode and RF output	FM; four selectable power levels: 60 W, 25 W, 10 W, and 5 W
Supply voltage	13.8 V DC ±10%, negative ground
Current consumption (typical)	Transmit: 10 A at 60 W, 6 A at 25 W, 4 A at 10 W, and 3 A at 5 W Receive: less than 1 A; less than 0.4 A with squelch closed
Antenna impedance	50 Ω, unbalanced
Receiver and sensitivity	Double-conversion superheterodyne 0.2 μV or better for 12 dB SINAD at 15 kHz bandwidth
Audio output	Maximum 3.5 W into 4 Ω at 10% THD
Memories and tone functions	175 memories, alphanumeric labels of up to eight characters, and built-in CTCSS/DCS encoders and decoders
External connections	Rear-panel 9-pin D-sub data connector and external speaker jack Supports 1200/9600 bps packet operation
Dimensions and weight	160 W × 40 H × 160 D mm (excluding knobs and connectors); approximately 1.3 kg

These specifications are taken from the manufacturer's English operating manual. They may vary by region and version, and are not measurements of the particular radio I acquired. Sources: YAESU FT-2600M product information / Manufacturer's English operating manual (PDF)

What I Plan to Check When Connecting the Controller

The rear-panel 9-pin D-sub data connector provides transmit audio input, PTT, a squelch signal, and received audio output. I would like to explore using these connections with the repeater controller. The external speaker output level follows the front-panel VOL control, so I will also check how the choice of audio output affects the connection.

As I adjust the controller, I will check transmit/receive switching, audio levels, and heat buildup during transmission with the actual radio connected.

The MFJ-259B I Traded

This is the MFJ-259B antenna analyzer I traded for the FT-2600M. One piece of equipment for antenna adjustment has made way for a radio to use with the repeater controller.

MFJ ended manufacturing at its US factory on May 17, 2024. My attempts to contact the company have since been unsuccessful, and repairs are no longer being accepted, so I consider it effectively out of business. It is sad to see this happen to such a familiar name in amateur radio.

I also use other MFJ products at home, including an RCS-10 antenna switch and a dummy load. Although I have parted with the MFJ-259B, those pieces of equipment will remain in service.