FT-65R ARS Auto Repeater Shift
Auto picks up/down shift so you never mis-set repeater direction.
What ARS (Auto Repeater Shift) is
The FT-65R’s ARS (Auto Repeater Shift) is a convenience feature: when you set a frequency in a band segment used by repeaters, it automatically applies the correct transmit offset direction (+ or −), so you do not have to remember whether local repeaters use an up or down shift. It only affects the transmit frequency; you still listen on the original frequency — exactly how a repeater works (receive one frequency, transmit another).
How ARS works
ARS only decides the offset direction; the offset step is taken automatically by band: typically 600 kHz on 2 m and 5 MHz on 70 cm. The rule follows the band plan built into the radio’s firmware: when your tuned frequency falls inside a repeater segment, ARS applies that segment’s preset +/− direction; on a simplex segment it applies no offset.
One diagram: repeater shift
Top: an “up-shift” repeater (you TX low, RX high); the same logic reversed gives a down-shift. ARS auto-applies the direction by band — just tune into the repeater segment.
How to turn it on / off
- In the SET menu, find the ARS item and set it ON or OFF.
- Day to day, the SHIFT function key (or its menu item) toggles + / − / OFF (simplex) temporarily; with ARS ON, your manual +/− is overridden by the automatic direction — to fix a direction manually, turn ARS OFF first.
The exact menu number varies; follow what your radio’s screen shows.
ARS vs manual SHIFT
- ARS = ON: direction is set automatically by the band segment; your manual +/− may be “corrected” back to the preset.
- ARS = OFF: the radio follows your SHIFT setting (+ / − / off) exactly — useful when the local repeater direction disagrees with the general rule, or for ad-hoc cross-band tests.
Regional differences (North America example)
Offset-direction conventions differ by country/region. Below is the common North American (US/Canada) 2 m convention for illustration only — always follow your local repeater directory:
- 2 m around 146–147 MHz: +600 kHz (TX 0.6 MHz above RX); around 147–148 MHz: −600 kHz.
- 70 cm around 442–445 MHz: +5 MHz; around 447–450 MHz: −5 MHz.
Common mistakes
- “ARS is on but I still can’t open the repeater”: ARS only sets the offset direction; a dead repeater is usually a wrong CTCSS/DCS tone or a mismatch in offset step — check tones on the CTCSS/DCS page.
- “I set a down shift but it became up”: with ARS ON the manual direction is auto-overridden; turn ARS OFF to lock your direction.
- “No offset on the same band”: you are on a simplex segment; ARS does not add an offset to simplex, which is correct.