Silly FT-60R question

KJ6CFU · #1 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 03:57 PM

I know this is a stupid question.....

Just picked up first radio, a dual band Yaesu FT-60R. I put the battery in and it's been charging for about an hour, but there is no confirmation anywhere that it's charging. Every device I have has some kind of indication that it's charging - either a message or a colored light.

So the stupid question of the day is: Is this normal, or is there supposed to be some kind of message indicating that it's charging or some kind of light that comes on? The radio feels slightly warm, so it seems like it's charging ok, but since there was no light or message anywhere, I wasn't sure.

thanks!

hill · #2 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 06:15 PM

It's normal

HamOperator · #3 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 07:15 PM

I have a VX-150. Not sure if the menus are the same. But, I go into my menu by pressing F (function) and 0 (set) keys and then go to menu number 37 (battery). When the radio is plugged into the charger, the reading will go from around 7 volts to 12 volts. I always use this method to make sure that my radio is charging when I plug it in.
Hope this helps

i_galbreath · #4 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 09:14 PM

I have an FT-60R and if your charging it with the power cord plugged into the side of the radio then there is no indicator. If you are using the charger base then there is a red light for charging and a green light when its charged.

Any other questions feel feel free to message me.

Ian

eorange · #5 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 09:29 PM

I had one for a few years...nice solid HT, by the way. When the wall wart was cool to the touch, then it was done charging.

N6RDC · #6 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 10:29 PM

I had one too.....I bought the drop in charger for it (stupid thing was EXPENSIVE) but like others have
said, there isn't any indocator I rember....but I think you can set up a shortcut to display the voltage when it's on...I think it takes awhile to charge it without the drop in charger...Also set item 12 can be assigned to a shortcut

KJ6CFU · #7 (**permalink**) 09-24-2009, 11:08 PM

Thanks everyone! I was looking at the drop in charger, but yeah, it is a bit pricey. The cigarette lighter adapter might be worth it though.

N1BHH · #8 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 09:26 AM

Get the drop in charger, it's well worth it. When your battery goes dead you won't have the use of the radio for the charging cycle, so you need a fresh battery. Go get the drop in charger and rapid charge the battery and use the FBA-25 alkaline battery case or even another FNB-83 for that time you are charging it. I use the EDC-5B in the car if I need the battery charged up if it dies on me, this works very well. I have the drop in charger and the alkaline battery case and I don't have to wait for a full battery.

KJ6CFU · #9 (**permalink**) 10-03-2009, 04:38 PM

Clyde, good points. thanks for the feedback. I'll look into these items.

kb0nly · #10 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 03:07 PM

I have the FT-60R here as well, get the desktop charger, worth the investment!

But don't pay the high price they want for it, the VAC-370 is still $60. Get the ArrowMax version off eBay, that's where i got mine a year ago, and it hasn't had a problem.

VAC-800B Charger Vertex Standard VX-800 VX-400 FNB-V57 - eBay (item 310172013535 end time Oct-08-09 10:59:39 PDT)

KJ6CFU · #11 (**permalink**) 10-07-2009, 04:52 PM

Thanks, kb0nly. Great to know!

Steve-in-Kentucky-KJ4KKI · #12 (**permalink**) 10-27-2009, 03:24 AM

If you are charging the FT-60 with the supplied 10-hour charger, do not turn on the radio. The power drain is more than the charge and Yaesu said it would basically kill the radio. I don't have a drop-in charger. It's o.k. to keep in on with the 12-volt charger in your car. I can't say I've ever really looked to see if it lights up...

Secret_Squirrel · #13 (**permalink**) 11-15-2009, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve-in-Kentucky-KJ4KKI

If you are charging the FT-60 with the supplied 10-hour charger, do not turn on the radio. The power drain is more than the charge and Yaesu said it would basically kill the radio. I don't have a drop-in charger. It's o.k. to keep in on with the 12-volt charger in your car. I can't say I've ever really looked to see if it lights up...

That might be the case if the battery is completely discharged. Why in the world would you crater your battery in the first place?

I turn on the radio all of the time when it's plugged into the trickle charger just to check voltage and verify it's charging.