Yaesu FT-8800 User Manual

Instructions to set the Yaesu FT-8800 radio into Cross Band Repeat Mode
Typically in Cross Band Repeat mode you will be using the mobile radio to repeat a desired frequency
to your HT so that you will have coverage from inside a building. This mode is also perfect to add a
poor RF location to a repeaters coverage for an emergency net. It is frowned upon to leave any cross
band repeater up and operating without permission of the repeater owner. It is also considered illegal
to leave it unattended without a control operator.
When IDing it is good to say “This is KA8SPW using a cross band repeater”. This tells the other
people on the net to key up and wait a second before talking or their first word may be missed. A good
Net Control Station will remind the net now and then that “Cross band repeat mode is in use, please
delay your first word a moment before speaking. When using a cross band repeater, it takes a moment
for each radio to open squelch before audio is passed. It is always good operating practice to key and
wait a moment before speaking anyway!
Normally the rig and antenna is setup in your vehicle. You may also elect to set the mobile rig up with
a base power supply in a tall building or on top of a hill. Maybe inside a rooftop equipment room with
a magnetic mount antenna stuck to a metal air duct. Pick a good vantage point that produces the
coverage you need using your HT.
As always, when using this or any other mobile radio in cross band repeat operation, BOTH bands on
the mobile radio MUST BE SET TO LOW POWER or it will burn up!!
Set up the rig sometime when the repeater is not in use and test the operation. Please do not do so the
first time during a net. If it goes bad it will kill the net. Not a way to make friends and influence
people.... Ask another ham to get on the repeater and help you test. Note how the audio is changed a
little. Note the delays.
Major note: You must to wait for the repeater to drop before replying.
Also, did I forget to say, BOTH bands on the mobile radio MUST BE SET TO LOW POWER or
it will burn up!!
Good Luck!
Shanon, KA8SPW
Shanon KA8SPW 2-11-2011
Instructions to set the Yaesu FT-8800 radio into Cross Band Repeat Mode

Yaesu FT-8800 Specifications

General

Supply Voltage	13.8V DC ±15%
Channel Steps	5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz
Antenna Impedance	50 Ohms, unbalanced
Frequency Range	144-148 MHz, 430-450 MHz
Modes	FM
Dimensions	140 x 40 x 168 mm
Memory Channels	1000 channels
Current Consumption	RX: 500 mA; TX: 8.5 A (50 W)

Summary

Cross Band Repeat Mode Operation

Purpose and Usage of Cross Band Repeat

Explains Cross Band Repeat mode for extending HT coverage and emergency nets.

Operating Etiquette and Signal Delays

Covers proper IDing, keying delays, and waiting for squelch for clear audio transmission.

Critical Power Settings and Safety

Stresses setting both bands to LOW POWER to prevent radio overheating and damage.

Testing and Verification Procedures

Advises testing the mode off-net, noting audio changes and delays for proper operation.

Major Note: Wait for Repeater Drop

Crucial instruction to wait for the repeater to unkey before responding.

Yaesu FT-8800 Setup for Cross Band Repeat

Frequency and Band Configuration

Guides setting desired frequencies on both bands, recommending memory mode and PL Decode.

Setting Low Power Output on Both Bands

Instructs to set both bands to their lowest power settings using the "LOW" button for safety.

Accessing Radio Menu Settings

Explains how to enter the radio's menu mode by pressing the center SET KEY button.

Activating Cross-Band Repeat (X-RPT)

Details navigating to menu option "X-RPT" and activating the cross-band repeat function.

Exiting Cross-Band Repeat Mode

Provides the procedure to disable or exit the cross-band repeat operation.