Yaesu: Help with Programming a FT2DR

[waremaster]

FT2DR

Before you can use the SD card in either the ADMS software or the aftermarket software make a backup on the radio that will create a backup.dat file. Then you will be able to read that file in from the SD card and modify it. Then write the modified backup.dat file to the sdcard and put it back in the radio and read from the card. All of your programming will then be in the radio.

 

[ortusit]

Hello,

A few weeks ago I bought the FT2DR in th USA and I really like that radio.
But I live in Ukraine and will be using it there. So could anybody advise me how to change DST from USA/EXP version to EU version?
I tried to upload EU firmware a few times, but always had to see 'FIRM ERROR' message. For now it's works with US/EXP firmware well.

Thank you so much.

 

[AK9R]

I suspect that you will not be able to load the EU firmware in a radio configured for the North American market. I'm not familiar with the available modifications for the FT-2D, but there may be chip resistors that can be changed to make the radio think it's an EU radio.

 

[ortusit]

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah, I think so. And it would be great to know how to do that if anybody knows... So I will waiting for somebody to help me)

 

[kd2jqb]

Using ADMS-8 to program FT2DR works for me.

Here is what I do:

1. Download ADMS-8 package from Yaesu WebSite. Extract them to your PC, and use it directly, no need to install.
Welcome to Yaesu.com

2. Insert a 2GB micro SD card to FT2DR. You can use bigger one according to FT2DR manual.
3. On FT2DR, Backup memory info to SD card . Refer to Page 154 of FT2DR manual.
Memory settings is saved to BACKUP.dat file in BACKUP directory on SD card. . It is a best practice to copy it to your hard drive on your PC, and always make a copy before edit it, such as backup_july10_2016.dat
4. Run ft2dADMS8.exe from ADMS-8 package.
5. In "Communications" menu, use "Read data from SD Card", and open the BACKUP.dat file from your PC..
6. Edit the file as you want.
7. Once done your editing, use "Save Data to SD Card" in "Communications" menu.
8. Copy BACKUP.dat to BACKUP directory in SD Card.
9.,Mount SD Card back to FT2DR
10. On FT2DR, read from SD, Refer to Page 154 of FT2DR manual.

Things be careful.
1. It is a best practice always Turn off the radio when insert or remove SD card.
2. Copy and paste "Name" in BACKUP.dat may reset frequency when editing memory setting file, So try to read file back to confirm before load to radio. This happens to me couple times.

Other than copy and paste issue, ADMS-8 works for me, in term that it saves you lots of time, you are now typing on your PC, you don't need to jump thru menus to programming a memory for a Repeater..

From ADMS-8, I don't find a way to import data from reference source such as Repeater Book like CHIRP does. So you might need to consider RT system for Advance Configurtions, but it is $$$. I don't figure out a way to exchange data with CHIRP.

Jeff.

 

[cmdrwill]

Once I read the BACKUP.dat from the Lexar SD card into the ADMS software, I was able to SEND DATA TO SD CARD WITHOUT changing the XML file.

I had same problem with a friends FT2DR radio and the supplied USB cable. I could 'see' the radio but not able to get the CLONE data with that cable. Tried several so-called drivers, and 'cables' that would not work.
I was able to get Yaesu's Adms software to run on XP Home and was able to read the SD card. Did not even know the radio had a SD card. Fix all the programming errors and write that back to the SD card. Then put SD card back in radio and transfer the data from the card.

The best find was the information at G4HFQ Radio Programming Software site. And his trial software works read only.
I wish I had been able to try the RT syst cable, but no one around here had it.

 

[AD7UX]

SOLVED - Programming FT-2DR without cable

I am a fairly new owner of the FT-2DR, but I am loving this radio the more I use it. Please note that this thread is a couple years old, and the OP may have been using older firmware, but I have been able to program the FT-2DR directly with the SD card.

As another poster said, you first must format the card (2,4,8,16 or 32Gb) card in the radio. After formatting, write the backup to the card. This is the file which you will open with the FREE ADMS software downloaded from the Yaesu website.

I did not have to manipulate the .xml file as another poster suggested. After you’re sure the PC recognizes your SD card, choose the drop down in ADMS to import the data from the card...(this drop down is about the third option from the left in the top header).

Then export a .csv file (left drop down) which will write a backup.csv file to the program directory. This is the file which needs to be populated with data downloaded from RepeaterBook.com

The challenge that I found was that Excel would add and equals sign to the +/-RPT columns when closing and saving the file. I found that in Excel it’s necessary to click on Formulas tab, then show formulas - then find and replace the ‘=‘ signs. Once the spreadsheet has been filled in with the info from Repeater book, save the file as a comma delimited .csv file, and before closing, import this file into ADMS.

This who process requires careful attention to detail, but it can be done and data can be imported to the radio without expensive cable and software.

Couple of notes: I realized after rereading the manual after spending HOURS in frustration, that each memory bank only holds 100 entries. Also, the name tag is limited to 16 (or 17) characters. I kept getting erro message when trying to import the .csv file until these errors were fixed.

I hope this helps someone out there. Again, great job Yaesu! I absolutely love this dual band CF4M radio. Every day I am learning a bit more and realize that it really is a well designed, easy to use product.

Cheers,
DRG

 

[KB3ZID]

Cables and drivers and firmware -oh my!

I love the FT2D but learning to program this thing was an exercise in frustration.
I found the SCU-18 cable actually worked best for programming channels and memories from the software to the radio and vise-versa.
And you have to go in and make sure the sw is set on the right com port and sees the cable. Anyway that was not too bad.
The firmware updates were a nightmare that uses a dumb cable and the USB/serial converter is in the radio and requires a separate driver with conflicting instructions to get to install. And a switch you must change for the "main" "sub" and "dsp" firmwares all of which get put in individually IF you get the your computer --well no Yaesu's software to actually see the cable, For which you have to drop the battery run it on AC power turn it on unplug it from power, move the switch to main or sub, plug in the data cable,then plug the power cable back in. Or not.
If you buy the SCU-19 at HRO or GP its $80+ (Yikes!) at R&L its $60 (better but still..)
Some have had success with a USB/mini USB cable. I was not able to make this combo fly.
The radio works fantastic but Yaesu really needs to get up on thier SW game. I SHOULD be able to use the same "CPS" or ADMS as they call it to program the FT1D, FT2D and the FTM-400 in the truck --I have all three set up the same but i should have not had to build three individual files --one for each radio.
Each radio has its own interface --??? and some have two different cables depending upon what you are doing.
If they built an USB serial converter into the radio,for the firmware --why have a usb/serial cable with its own converter in the cable end for programming,through the same connector in the side of the radio ?? makes zero sense.
Again big fan of the radio, I use it analog, we have one of the first C4FM repeaters ever installed here, and I use it through my open spot for DMR.
But Yaesu made the programming/updates way way way more complex then it needed to be.

NOW I have to go do the FW update on the FTM-400...........this should be fun.