Hi All,

I evaluated a Yaesu FT-450 a few months ago, but haven't had chance to write
it up for www.active-elements.org, but I personally don't consider it to be
suitable for a totally blind op.

My fear that by adding a voice chip, the FT-450 might appear to be
accessible, was confirmed.  There is no keypad, and on the model I
evaluated, the voice stopped short of reading the full frequency down to the
10Hz figure.  Without checking my notes and working from memory, I found it
was almost impossible to make all the usual adjustments such as filtering.
Finally, the 450 was not supported by the QSYER keypad, although John hopes
to add support sometime.

It might be a good low cost option for someone with low vision, but I would
personally take it off the list for the totally blind.  There are far better
accessibility options, in my opinion.

BTW, I did not look at the D model, so things may have inproved. 

Best wishes, Kelvin Marsh - M0AID

Working to improve accessibility for radio amateurs with disabilities

www.active-elements.org

For accessibility evaluations of amateur equipment and MP3 manuals


-----Original Message-----
From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Howard Kaufman
Sent: 24 May 2013 07:21
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Inquiry: ham station set-up for easier, more independent
operation

Dave welcome to the list.
So far, their have been two accessible watt meters made.  Right now, neither

is on the market, but occasionally one shows up on the list.
The TW1 from LDG talks, is usable, unless accuracy is a major issue.  It 
does seem to be consistently in accurate however and is with in 10 per cent 
of the real reading.  Their also is a 2000 watt CW meter.  I think it is the

p-2000.  I will be corrected if I am wrong.
Many hams still use a voltage controlled oscillator with  the voltage taken 
from across a watt meter.  This is very accurate in giving you feedback as 
you tune for forward or reflected power.  Highest pitch highest output.

The modern radios are light years ahead of those wonderful old radios that 
you are using.  Kenwood and eilcraft lead the pack, and you can pay from 
$8000 to $1100 for new radios that do not need tuning, have talking menus 
for just about everything, and internal antenna tuners.  I don't know 
anything about the yaesu amp, but it sounds like a big one.
Some icom radios like the 7200 have usable speech, and the ft-450 will talk 
the frequency.  Maybe a yeasu radio can do unique things with that amp, 
don't know.  Tentec has stopped respecting us, and yaesu never did.  So yes,

you can do anything you want concerning station operation.  Yes you can 
spend what ever you want to do it.  I have handled the eilcraft radios, but 
not one that was set up for speech.  If you do competitive stuff, great.  If

you rag chew with the boys, not necessary at all.  You don't need a race car

to go to the grocery store.
Others will have input and comments.  Their was a used 590 here a week or 
so.  I have a 480, which I really enjoy.  Its a mobile sized 100 watt radio 
with a removable control head.  I am unwilling to put my hands on a 590, 
because I might not like my 480 as much after doing that.  I know "thal 
shalt not cuvvit another ham's radio" so by not knowing I don't cuvviteth.

Enjoy and you will find their is very little you can't do with out eyesight.

you have to do many things differently, but they still can be done. 



-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2013.0.3343 / Virus Database: 3184/6351 - Release Date: 05/23/13