[W5SFA] Yaesu FTM100 and FTM400: Q&A about New Firmware and Wires-X/PDN Capability

[Roger Klein]

Folks,

 

If you don't own an FTM-100 or FTM-400 you are invited to hit the <delete>
key now J

 

I got this set of Q&A off the Yaesu System Fusion Yahoo Group posted
yesterday.  It was posted by John Kruk, the Yaesu USA national sales
manager.  There is some good info here.

 

I think most people will use the PDN mode, since it means you can avoid
purchasing the $120 HRI-200 device.  PDN mode is simpler, and you only use
the SCU-20 cable that shipped with the radio (same cable you use to update
firmware, except now you can use the cable to talk over the internet through
your computer).

 

73,

 

Roger

 

 

FTM-400 Items -
1.) Yes, two firmware revisions exist: FTM-400D & FTM-400XD series make sure
that you know which radio model you have for the correct version. This can
be determined by looking at your control head or the box (if you still have
it).
2.) Yes, three different regions of firmware exist: USA, EXP, & AUS. USA is
for the USA version of radios; EXP is for the UK and Asia versions; and AUS
is for the Australian version.
3.) No, you will NOT brick or ruin the radio if you load the wrong firmware
into the radio! If FIRM ERR appears.do not panic! Simply download and
install the correct firmware for the region of your radio. 
4.) Yes, you must flip the switch to update the firmware. Why? Because it
protects you form "bricking" the radio. Also, if you run into an issue (see
# 3 above) you are protected.
5.) No, a PANEL update is not needed for the FTM-400 series and since none
exist, we did not "forget it in the ZIP file." You only have the FIRMWARE
and DSP updates.

FTM-100 Items -
1.) As with the FTM-400 three different regions of firmware exist: USA, EXP,
and AUS.
2.) The FTM-100 has a FIRMWARE, DSP, and PANEL that needs to be done. You
need to do them all otherwise the radio will NOT work correctly.
3.) The PANEL update has a certain procedure in how it must be done. This is
powering it up holding a certain button combo, then pressing another button,
taking the rubber cap off 
the BACK of the panel, flipping a firmware switch, and then pushing a
reset.. This is included in the PDF manual that is located in the zip file.

PDN vs HRI Modes -
PDN - Digital operation only and can connect ONLY to digital rooms or nodes.
(You need to push the WiRES-X button to 'sync' or handshake between the
radio and WiRES-X software.)
HRI - Analog or Digital operation and can connect to Analog or
Analog/Digital rooms or nodes.
Within each of these modes of operation you have two types of usage:
DIRECT - Only uses the microphone on the radios to talk into the WiRES-X
network, NO RF!
ACCESS POINT - (PDN) - Allows you to use another C4FM radio to access the
radio functioning as a PDN node (via RF). You also can use the microphone to
talk down the WiRES-X network AND via RF to the other stations.
ACCESS POINT - (HRI) - Allows you to use another C4FM radio to access the
radio functioning in this mode. The microphone does not work in this mode at
all.

You need to put the radio into PDN mode or HRI mode by a combination of
button press. Once you are in that mode you will need to take it out of that
mode before going into another mode (i.e. PDN to HRI or vice a versa.)

Cabling -
1.) SCU-20 cable is needed if you wish to use the PDN functionality as it
only carriers digital audio. 
2.) SCU-40 kit is needed if you wish to use the HRI functionality as it
carries analog and digital audio.
3.) You can use the SCU-20 cable in HRI mode but please be aware.if you are
in a room with analog and digital users and not using the SCU-40 kit only
digital stations will hear you. Analog stations will be keyed up with no
carrier and not hear anything at all.
4.) Yes, the SCU-40 kit does include a SCU-20 cable and this was done for a
purpose.this is because some no longer have a SCU-20 cable or wish to have
multiple ones for multiple computers.
5.) Dealers are taking stock of the SCU-40 kits soon.

Registration for Node / Room #'s -
1.) You need to register each device if you plan to use them at the same
time as the other ones. 
2.) If you have one device register you can swap it between the HRI-200,
FT-2D, FTM-400, and FTM-100. Once again only one device active at that time
you just need to determine how you are going to use.
3.) One of the biggest features of the PDN is to allow your HRI-200 to run
at home. Then while traveling connect back to it in order to talk locally.
4.) Registration is done by an actual person to validate the information
submitted. If it is wrong or cannot be verified it might take longer.
5.) Rooms can only be established by using an HRI-200 with a FTM-100 or
FTM-400
6.) HRI-200's will require ports to be open and PDN operation does not
require ports to be open.

 

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