The FT450 has a voice read-out option which gives, I think, frequency,
signal strength and mode.  Not all the menus.  I think you would need some
sighted help to get started.  CW bandwidth doesn't go below 500 Hz.  And I
don't think you have keypad frequency entry.  

But Mike Ryan, VO1RYN, who checked into the 40-meter net last Saturday, can
tell us more about the 450.  He is running his FT450 remotely over the
internet.

73,
Lloyd Rasmussen, W3IUU, Kensington, Maryland
Home:  http://lras.home.sprynet.com
Work:  http://www.loc.gov/nls
 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: For blind ham radio operators [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> On Behalf Of Mike Duke, K5XU
> Sent: Friday, January 28, 2011 9:22 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Anyone Using the Yaesu FT450?
> 
> I know this subject has been discussed before, but at the time, I
> wasn't too interested in that rig, so I didn't pay much attention.
> 
> At our ham fest today, a blind friend who thinks I know a lot, asked
> me about the FT450.
> 
> I know it is good at what a rig should be good at, but I don't know
> how useable it is for a total.
> 
> If you have experience with the FT450, what should I tell my friend?
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Mike Duke, K5XU
> American Council of Blind Radio Amateurs