User manual YAESU VX-120

VHF FM TRANSCEIVER VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. 4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan VERTEX STANDARD US Headquarters 10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A. YAESU EUROPE B.V. P.O. Box 75525, 1118 ZN Schiphol, The Netherlands YAESU UK LTD. Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K. VERTEX STANDARD HK LTD. Unit 5, 20/F., Seaview Centre, 139-141 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Contents General Description ......................................... 1 Accessories & Options ..................................... 2 Controls & Connections .................................. 3 Top & Front Panel .......................................... 3 LCD ................................................................ 4 Side Panel ....................................................... 5 Keypad Functions .......................................... 6 Installation of Accessories ............................... 8 Antenna Installation ....................................... 8 Installation of FNB-83 Battery Pack ............. 8 Battery Charging ............................................ 9 Low Battery Indication .................................. 9 Belt Clip Installation .................................... 10 Installation of FBA-25A Battery Case ......... 10 Interface of Packet TNCs .............................. 11 Operation ........................................................ 12 Switching Power On and Off ....................... 12 Adjusting the Audio Volume Level ............. 12 Squelch Adjustment ..................................... 13 Frequency Navigation .................................. 13 Transmission ................................................ 15 Advanced Operation ...................................... 16 Keyboard Locking ........................................ 16 Keypad/LCD Illumination ........................... 17 Disabling the Keypad Beeper ...................... 17 RF Squelch ................................................... 18 Checking the Battery Voltage ...................... 18 Repeater Operation ........................................ 19 Repeater Shifts ............................................. 19 Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS) ................. 19 Manual Repeater Shift Activation ............... 20 VFO Split Mode ........................................... 21 CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Operation ...................... 23 CTCSS Operation ........................................ 23 DCS Operation ............................................. 24 Tone Search Scanning ................................. 25 EPCS (Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch) ....... 26 CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell Operation ............. 27 Split Tone Operation .................................... 28 Tone Calling (1750 Hz) ............................... 28 Memory Mode ................................................ 29 Memory Storage ........................................... 29 Storing Independent Transmit Frequencies ("Odd Split") ........ 29 Memory Recall ............................................. 30 HOME Channel Memory ............................. 30 Labeling Memories ...................................... 31 Memory Offset Tuning ................................ 32 Deleting Memories ....................................... 32 Memory Bank Operation ............................. 33 Moving Memory Data to the VFO ............... 34 Memory Only Mode ..................................... 34 Weather Broadcast Channels ....................... 35 Scanning .......................................................... 36 VFO Scanning .............................................. 37 Manual VFO Scan ................................... 37 Programmed VFO Scan ........................... 37 Memory Scanning ........................................ 38 How to Skip (Omit) a Channel during Memory Scan Operation .............. 38 Preferential Memory Scan ....................... 39 Memory Bank Scan ................................. 40 Programmable (Band Limit) Memory Scan (PMS) ........................................................... 41 "Priority Channel" Scanning (Dual Watch) ................................................ 42 Automatic Lamp Illumination on Scan Stop ................................................ 44 Band Edge Beeper ........................................ 44 Weather Alert Scan ...................................... 45 Emergency Channel Operation .................... 46 Smart Search Operation ................................ 47 Internet Connection Feature ......................... 48 ARTS (Automatic Range Transponder System) ....... 50 DTMF Operation ........................................... 53 DTMF Pager Operation ................................ 55 Miscellaneous Settings ................................... 58 Password ...................................................... 58 Changing the Channel Steps ........................ 59 Receive Battery Saver Setup ........................ 60 TX Battery Saver .......................................... 60 Disabling the TX/BUSY Indicator .............. 61 Automatic Power-Off (APO) Feature .......... 61 Transmitter Time-Out Timer (TOT) ............ 62 Busy Channel Lock-Out (BCLO) ................ 62 DCS Code Inversion .................................... 63 Changing the TX Deviation Level ............... 64 Reset Procedures ............................................ 65 Cloning ............................................................ 66 Set Mode .......................................................... 68 Specifications .................................................. 81 Installation of the FTD-7 DTMF Pager Unit ...... 80 GENERAL DESCRIPTION The VX-120 is a compact, high-performance subnersible FM hand-held providing up to five watts of RF power and wealth of convenient features for the 2-meter amateur band. New and exciting features of the VX-120 are Enhanced Paging and Code Squelch (EPCS), that allows you to page a particular station and only receive calls from that station, if desired; and a security Password feature, that will allow you to turn on and operate your transceiver only after you enter your Password. Additional features include a convenient access key for Vertex Standard's WIRESTM (Widecoverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System), a transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT), Automatic Power-Off (APO), Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), Vertex Standard's exclusive ARTSTM (Auto-Range Transponder System) which "beeps" the user when you move out of communications range with another ARTSTM equipped station, plus provision for reduction of the TX deviation in areas of high channel congestion. And an RF squelch circuit allows the owner to set the squelch to open at a programmable setting of the SMeter, thus reducing guesswork in setting the squelch threshold. We appreciate your purchase of the VX-120, and encourage you to read this manual thoroughly, so as to learn about the many exciting features of your exciting new Vertex Standard hand-held transceiver! : IPX-7 Specification for submersibility: 3 ft. for 30 minutes VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 1 ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES FNB-83 7.2 V, 1,400 mAh Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Pack NC-88B Overnight Battery Charger (10-Hour) YHA-68 Antenna Quick Draw Belt Clip Operating Manual Warranty Card AVAILABLE OPTIONS FNB-83 NC-88B/C/U VAC-370 CD-26 FBA-25A CN-3 CT-91 E-DC-5B E-DC-6 MH-57A4B CMP460A VC-27 VC-24 FTD-7 7.2 V, 1,400 mAh Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Pack Overnight Battery Charger (10-Hour) Desktop Rapid Charger Charger Cradle Dry Cell Battery Case for 6 "AA" Alkaline Cells (not supplied) BNC-to-SMA Adapter Microphone Adapter DC Cable with Cigarette-Lighter Adapter DC Cable; plug and wire only Speaker/Microphone Waterproof Speaker/Microphone Earpiece/Microphone VOX Headset DTMF Paging Unit : "B" suffix is for use with 100-120 VAC, "C" suffix is for use with 230-240 VAC, and "U" suffix is for use with 230 VAC. Availability of accessories may vary. Some accessories are supplied as standard per local requirements, while others may be unavailable in some regions. This product is designed to perform optimally when used with genuine Vertex Standard accessories. Vertex Standard shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or accidents such as fire, leakage or explosion of a battery pack, etc., caused by the malfunction of non- Vertex Standard accessories. Consult your Vertex Standard dealer for details regarding these and any newly-available options. Connection of any non-Vertex Standard-approved accessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this apparatus. 2 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (TOP & FRONT PANELS) Antenna Jack Connect the supplied rubber flex antenna (or another antenna presenting a 50-Ohm impedance) here. MIC/SP Jack This four-conductor miniature jack provides connection points for microphone audio, earphone audio, PTT, and ground. Do not allow the VX-120 to become submerged in water while the plastic cover over the MIC/SP jack is removed. VOL/PWR Knob Turn this control clockwise to turn the radio on and to increase the volume. Counterclockwise rotation into the click-stop will turn the radio off. DIAL Knob This (inner) 20-position detented rotary switch is used for setting the operating frequency, and also is used for menu selections and other adjustments. Speaker The internal speaker is located here. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) The display shows the current operating conditions, as described on the next page. Keypad These 8 keys select many of most important operating features on the VX-120. The functions of the keys are described in detail on the pages to follow. TX/BUSY Indicator Lamp This indicator glows green when the squelch opens, and turns red during transmit. MIC The internal microphone is located here. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 3 CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (LCD) Memory Channel Number Skip Memory Channel or Preferential Memory Channel Repeater Shift Direction CTCSS/DSC Operation Internet Connection Feature Active Bell Alerm Active Operating Frequency Battery Indicator S- & PO Meter Key Lock Active Automatic Power-Off Active Battery Saver Active Priority Channel Memory Bank Active Secondary Keypad Active Low TX Power Selected DTMF Autodiale Active Dual Watch Active 4 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (SIDE PANEL) PTT (Push To Talk) Switch Press this switch to transmit, and release it (to receive) after your transmission is completed. MONI Switch Pressing this switch disables the noise squelching action, allowing you to hear very weak signals near the background noise level temporarily. Press the [F] key on the keypad first, then press this switch to enable to adjustment of the squelch threshold level. EXT DC Jack This coaxial DC jack allows connection to an external DC power source (6-16V DC). The center pin of this jack is the Positive (+) connection. Do not allow the VX-120 to become submerged in water while the rubber cap over the EXT DC jack is removed. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 5 CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD FUNCTIONS) Primary Function (PRESS KEY) Secondary Function (PRESS [F] + KEY) Third Function (PRESS & HOLD KEY) Toggles the "Weather" broadcast channel memory bank on/off. Activates the Internet Connection feature. Selects the desired transmit power output level. Engages the Set (Menu) Mode. Activates the EMERGENCY feature. Activates the Key Lockout feature. Primary Function (PRESS KEY) Secondary Function (PRESS [F] + KEY) Third Function (PRESS & HOLD KEY) Activates the "Alternate" key function. Disables the "Alternate" key function. Activates the "Memory Write" mode (for memory channel storage). Sets the frequency control to the Memory Recall mode. Activates the "Memory "Tune" mode while in the Memory Recall mode. Selects the Memory Scan "Skip" channel-selection mode. Starts the programmable scanner upward (toward a higher frequency or a higher channel number) 6 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD FUNCTIONS) Primary Function (PRESS KEY) Reverses the transmit and receive Increases the VFO frequency by one step or moves the memory frequencies while working through a repeater. channel to the next-highest channel. Switches to the "Home" (favorite frequency) Channel. Tunes the VFO frequency upward in 1 MHz steps. Starts the scanner upward (toward a higher frequency or a higher channel number). Secondary Function (PRESS [F] + KEY) Third Function (PRESS & HOLD KEY) None Primary Function (PRESS KEY) Secondary Function (PRESS [F/W] + KEY) Third Function (PRESS & HOLD KEY) Sets frequency control to the VFO mode. Toggles the VFO between "VFO A" and "VFO B" while in the VFO mode. Activates the Priority (Dual Watch) function. Starts the programmed VFO scanner upward while in the VFO mode. Selects the Memory Bank while in the Memory Recall mode. Decreases the VFO frequency by one step or moves the memory channel to the next-lowest channel. Tunes the VFO frequency downward in 1 MHz steps. Starts the scanner downward (toward a lower frequency or a lower channel number). : You can exchange the function between the primary (press key) function and secondary (press [F] key +) function, if desired. See page 77 for details. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 7 INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES ANTENNA INSTALLATION The supplied antenna provides good results over the entire frequency range of the transceiver. However, for enhanced reception on certain non-Amateur frequencies, you may wish to connect an antenna designed specifically for that frequency range, as the supplied antenna is necessarily a compromise outside the Amateur band, and cannot be expected to provide high performance at all frequencies. To install the supplied antenna, hold the bottom end of the antenna, then screw it onto the mating connector on the transceiver until it is snug. Do not over-tighten by use of extreme force. Notes: Never transmit without having an antenna connected. When installing the supplied antenna, never hold the upper part of the antenna while screwing it onto the mating connector on the transceiver. If using an external antenna for transmission, ensure that the SWR presented to the transceiver is 1.5:1 or lower, to avoid excessive feedline loss. INSTALLATION OF FNB-83 BATTERY PACK The FNB-83 is a high-performance Ni-MH battery providing high capacity in a compact package. Under normal use, the FNB-83 may be used for approximately 300 charge cycles, after which operating time may be expected to decrease. If you have an old battery pack which is displaying capacity which has become diminished, you should replace the pack with a new one. Installation of the battery is easy and quick: Insert the battery pack into the battery compartment on the back of the radio while tilting the Belt Clip outward, then close the Battery Pack Latch until it locks in place with a "Click." To remove the battery, turn the radio off and remove any protective cases. Open the Battery Pack Latch on the bottom of the radio, then slide the battery downward and out from the radio while tilting the Belt Clip out of the way. 8 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES BATTERY CHARGING If the battery has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged by connecting the NC-88 Overnight Battery Charger, as shown in the illustration, to the EXT DC jack. If only 12 ~ 16 Volt DC power is available, the optional E-DC-5B DC Cable (with its cigarette lighter plug) or E-DC-6 DC Cable (plug and wire only) may also be used for charging the battery. A fully-discharged pack will be charged completely in 10 hours. Disconnect the NC-88 from the EXT DC jack and the AC line outlet. NC-88 E-DC-5B E-DC-6 Important Note The NC-88 is not designed to power the transceiver for operation (reception or transmission). Do not leave the NC-88 connected to the transceiver for continuous periods in excess of 24 hours. Long term overcharging can degrade the Ni-MH battery pack and significantly shorten its useful life. Please be advised that the NC-88 may contribute noise to TV and radio reception in the immediate vicinity, so we do not recommend its use adjacent to such devices. LOW BATTERY INDICATION As your battery discharges during use, the voltage will gradually become lower. When the battery voltage is becoming too low for reliable operation, the " " icon will blink on the LCD display, indicating that the battery pack must be recharged before further use. Avoid recharging Ni-MH batteries before the " "indicator is observed, as this can degrade the charge capacity of your Ni-MH battery pack. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 9 INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES BELT CLIP INSTALLATION Connect the hanger to the rear of the VX-120, with the notch pointing directly up, using the supplied screw (Figure 1). Use only the screw included with the clip to mount the clip to the back of the VX-120. Clip the Quick-Draw Belt Clip onto your belt (Figure 2). To install the VX-120 into the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, align the hanger with the QuickDraw Belt Clip, and slide the VX-120 into its slot until a click is heard (Figure 3). To remove the VX-120 from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, rotate the VX-120 180 degrees, then slide the VX-120 out from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip (Figure 4). Figure 3 Figure 2 Figure 4 INSTALLATION OF FBA-25A ALKALINE BATTERY CASE (OPTION) The optional FBA-25A Battery Case allows operation of the VX-120 using six "AA" size Alkaline batteries. When installing batteries, insert the (­) end first, then press in the (+) end so the battery snaps into place. Always replace all six batteries at the same time, paying attention to the polarity indicated inside the case. The FBA-25A must not be used with rechargeable cells. The FBA-25A does not contain the thermal and over-current protection circuits (provided in the "FNB" series of Ni-MH Battery Packs) required when utilizing Ni-Cd and Ni-MH cells. Note that the power output and battery life will be much shorter when using Alkaline AA cells. They should be considered an emergency backup power source only, for this reason. 10 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL INTERFACE OF PACKET TNCS The VX-120 may be used for Packet operation, using the optional CT-91 Microphone Adapter (available from your Yaesu dealer) for easy interconnection to commonly-available connectors wired to your TNC. You may also build your own cable, using a fourconductor miniature phone plug, per the diagram below. The audio level from the receiver to the TNC may be adjusted by using the VOL knob, as with voice operation. The input level to the VX-120 from the TNC should be adjusted at the TNC side; the optimum input voltage is approximately 5 mV at 2000 Ohms. Be sure to turn the transceiver and TNC off before connecting the cables, so as to prevent voltage spikes from possibly damaging your transceiver. When you are operating on Packet, switch the Receive Battery Saver OFF, as the "sleep" cycle may "collide" with the beginning of an incoming Packet transmission, causing your TNC not to receive the full data burst. See page 60 for details regarding Battery Saver setup. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 11 OPERATION Hi! I'm R. F. Radio, and I'll be helping you along as you learn the many features of the VX-120. I know you're anxious to get on the air, but I encourage you to read the "Operation" section of this manual as thoroughly as possible, so you'll get the most out of this fantastic new transceiver. Now. . .let's get operating! SWITCHING POWER ON AND OFF Be sure the Battery Pack is installed, and that the battery is fully charged. Connect the antenna to the top panel ANTENNA jack. Rotate the top panel's VOL/PWR knob (inner knob) out of the click-stop to turn on the radio. The current DC supply voltage will be indicated on the display for 2 seconds. After this 2 second interval, the display will resume its normal indication of the operating frequency. To turn the radio off, turn the VOL/PWR knob fully counter-clockwise into the click stop position. ADJUSTING THE AUDIO VOLUME LEVEL Rotate the VOL/PWR knob (inner knob) to adjust the receiver level for a comfortable listing level, using the background noise as a reference. Clockwise rotation increases the volume level. 12 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL OPERATION SQUELCH ADJUSTMENT To set the squelch, press the [F] key, followed by the MONI switch just below the PTT switch on the left side of the transceiver. Now rotate the DIAL (outer knob) to find the lowest setting ("LVL 1" through "LVL 15") that will just silence the background noise. Do not use a higher setting than necessary, or sensitivity to weak incoming signals will be degraded. Press the PTT switch momentarily when you've made the new setting; this will return you to normal operation (without having transmitted). 1) A special "RF Squelch" feature is provided on this radio. This feature allows you to set the squelch so that only signals exceeding a certain S-meter level will open the squelch. See page 18 for details. 2) If you're operating in an area of high RF pollution, you may need to consider "Tone Squelch" operation using the built-in CTCSS Decoder. This feature will keep your radio quiet until a call is received from a station sending a carrier which contains a matching (subaudible) CTCSS tone. Or, if your friends have radios equipped with DCS (Digital Coded Squelch) like your VX-120 has, try using that mode for silent monitoring of busy channels. FREQUENCY NAVIGATION The VX-120 will initially be operating in the "VFO" mode, a channelized system which allows free tuning throughout the currently-selected operating band. Three basic frequency navigation methods are available on the VX-120: 1) Tuning Dial Rotation of the DIAL (outer knob) allows tuning in the pre-programmed steps established for the current operating band. Clockwise rotation of the DIAL causes the VX-120 to be tuned toward a higher frequency, while counter-clockwise rotation will lower the operating frequency. If you press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL, frequency steps of 1 MHz will be selected. This feature is extremely useful for making rapid frequency excursions over the wide tuning range of the VX-120. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 13 OPERATION FREQUENCY NAVIGATION 2) Scanning Press and hold in either the [ (MHz)] or [ (MHz)] key for one second to initiate upward or downward scanning, respectively (Manual VFO Scan). For scanning within a limited sub-band range, from the VFO mode, press and hold in the [MR(SKIP)] key for one second to begin scanning toward a higher frequency within the previously-defined sub-band (Programmed VFO Scan). Details regarding sub-band setup may be found on page 37. If you wish to reverse the direction of the scan (i.e. toward a lower frequency, instead of a higher frequency), just rotate the DIAL one click in the counter-clockwise direction while the VX-120 is scanning. The scanning direction will be reversed. To revert to scanning toward a higher frequency once more, rotate the DIAL one click clockwise. (MANUAL VFO SCAN) (PROGRAMMED VFO SCAN) The scanner will stop when it receives a signal strong enough to break through the Squelch threshold. The VX-120 will then hold on that frequency according to the setting of the "RESUME" mode (Set Mode Item 32: RESUME). Press the PTT switch momentarily to cancel the scanning. This only stops the scan; it does not cause transmission to occur. See page 36 for details regarding Scan Operation. 14 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL OPERATION TRANSMISSION Once you have set up an appropriate frequency inside the 144 MHz Amateur band on which the VX-120 can transmit, you're ready to go on the air! These are the most basic steps; more advanced aspects of transmitter operation will be discussed later. To transmit, press the PTT switch, and speak into the front panel microphone (located in the lower left-hand corner of the speaker grille) in a normal voice level. The TX/BUSY indicator will glow red during transmission. To return to the receive mode, release the PTT switch. During transmission, the relative power level will be indicated on the bar graph at the bottom of the LCD; full scale deflection confirms "High Power" operation, while deflection of two bars indicates "Low Power" operation. Five bars indicate "Medium Power" operation. Additionally, the "LOW" icon will appear at the bottom of the display while operating on the "Low Power" and "Medium Power" settings. 1) If you're just talking to friends in the immediate area, you'll get much longer battery life by switching to Low Power operation, described in the next chapter. And don't forget: always have an antenna connected when you transmit. 2) Transmission is possible only on the 144 MHz amateur band. "LOW" POWER "MID" POWER Changing the Transmitter Power Level To change the power level: Press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key. The LCD shows the current power output level. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired power output level. Available selections are "HIGH" (5 W), "MID" (2 W), and "LOW" (0.5 W). When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. "HIGH" POWER 1) The VX-120 is smart! When you store memories, you can store the power output settings separately in each memory, so you don't waste battery power when using very close-in repeaters! 2) When you are operating on the "Low" or "Medium" power setting, you can press the [F] key, then press the PTT switch, to cause the VX-120 to transmit (temporarily) on High power. After one transmission, the power level will revert to the previously-selected ("Low" or "Medium" power) setting. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 15 ADVANCED OPERATION Now that you're mastered the basics of VX-120 operation, let's learn more about some of the really neat features. KEYBOARD LOCKING In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various aspects of the VX-120's DIAL and keypad may be locked out. The possible lockout combinations are: LK KEY: Just the front panel keypad is locked out LKDIAL: Just the top panel DIAL is locked out LK K+D:Both the keypad and DIAL are locked out (factory default) LK PTT: The PTT switch is locked out (TX not possible) LK P+K: Both the PTT switch and keypad are locked out LK P+D:Both the PTT switch and DIAL are locked out LK ALL: All of the above are locked out To lock out some or all of the keys: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 26: LOCK. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to choose between one of the locking schemes as outlined above. 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. To activate the locking feature, (1) press and hold in the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key for one second. The " " icon will appear on the LCD. To cancel locking, repeat this process. 16 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL ADVANCED OPERATION KEYPAD/LCD ILLUMINATION Your VX-120 includes a reddish illumination lamp which aids in nighttime operation. The reddish illumination yields clear viewing of the display in a dark environment, with minimal degradation of your night vision. Three options for activating the lamp are provided: KEY Mode: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD lamp for five seconds when you rotate the DIAL knob or press the keypad or any switch (except PTT switch). This is the factory-programmed default setting. CONT Mode: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD lamp continuously. OFF Mode: Disables the Keypad/LCD lamp. Here is the procedure for setting up the Lamp operating mode: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 25: LAMP. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select one of the three modes described above. 5. When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. DISABLING THE KEYPAD BEEPER A keypad beeper provides useful audible feedback whenever a keypad is pressed. If you want to turn the beep off: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 6: BEEP. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to change the setting to "OFF." 5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. 6. To turn the beep back on again, select "KEY" or "KEY+SC (factory default)" in step 4 above. KEY: The beeper sounds when you press the keypad. KEY+SC: The beeper sounds when you press the keypad, or when the scanner stops. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 17 ADVANCED OPERATION RF SQUELCH A special RF Squelch feature is provided on this radio. This feature allows you to set the squelch so that only signals exceeding a certain S-meter level will open the squelch. To set up the RF squelch circuit for operation, use the following procedure: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 34: RF SQL. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired signal strength level for the squelch threshold (S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, S-5, S-6, S-8, S-FULL, or OFF). 5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. CHECKING THE BATTERY VOLTAGE The VX-120's microprocessor includes programming which will measure the current battery voltage. 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 12: DC VLT. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to display the current DC voltage being supplied. 4. Press the [F] key, followed by the PTT switch to return to normal operation. 18 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL REPEATER OPERATION Repeater stations, usually located on mountaintops or other high locations, provide a dramatic extension of the communication range for low-powered hand-held or mobile transceivers. The VX-120 includes a number of features which make repeater operation simple and enjoyable. REPEATER SHIFTS The VX-120 has been configured, at the factory, with the repeater shift set to 600 kHz. Depending on the part of the band in which you are operating, the repeater shift may be either downward (­) or upward (+), and one of these icons will appear at the top of the LCD when repeater shifts have been enabled. AUTOMATIC REPEATER SHIFT (ARS) The VX-120 provides a convenient Automatic Repeater Shift feature, which causes the appropriate repeater shift to be applied automatically whenever you tune into the designated repeater sub-bands in your country. These sub-bands are shown below. If the ARS feature does not appear to be working, you may have accidentally disabled it. To re-enable ARS: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 4: ARS. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select "ARS. ON." 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. ARS-Repeater Subbands 145.1 145.5 146.0 USA Version 146.4 146.6 147.0 147.6 147.4 148.0 145.6 145.8 EXP Version VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 19 REPEATER OPERATION MANUAL REPEATER SHIFT ACTIVATION If the ARS feature has been disabled, or if you need to set a repeater shift direction other than that established by the ARS, you may set the direction of the repeater shift manually. To do this: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 35: RPT.MOD. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired shift among "RPT.­," "RPT.+," and "RPT.OFF." 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. If you make a change in the shift direction, but still have Automatic Repeater Shift still engaged (see previous section), when you change frequency (by rotating the DIAL knob, for example) the ARS will over-ride your manual setting of the shift direction. Turn ARS off if you do not wish this to happen. If you make a change in the repeater shift on a memory channel that you already stored, the radio will consider this a "temporary" change unless you store the memory once more, this time with the desired repeater shift engaged. Changing the Default Repeater Shifts If you travel to a different region, you may need to change the default repeater shift so as to ensure compatibility with local operating requirements. To do this, follow the procedure below: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 41: SHIFT. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the new repeater shift magnitude. 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. If you just have one "odd" split that you need to program, don't change the "default" repeated shifts using this Set Mode Item. Enter the transmit and receive frequencies separately, as shown on page 29. 20 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL REPEATER OPERATION MANUAL REPEATER SHIFT ACTIVATION Checking the Repeater Uplink (Input) Frequency It often is helpful to be able to check the uplink (input) frequency of a repeater, to see if the calling station is within direct ("Simplex") range. To do this, just press the [REV(HOME)] key. You'll notice that the display has shifted to the repeater uplink frequency. Press the [REV(HOME)] key again to cause operation to revert to normal monitoring of the repeater downlink (output) frequency. While you are listening on the input frequency to the repeater using the [REV(HOME)] key, the repeater offset icon will blink. The configuration of this key may be set either to "RV" (for checking the input frequency of a repeater), or "HM" (for instant switching to the "Home" channel for the band you are operating on). To change the configuration of this key, use Set Mode Item 33: REV/HM. See page 77. VFO SPLIT MODE For working on repeaters with odd splits, or communicating with astronauts on orbiting space vehicles, it may be necessary to use non-standard splits between the receive and transmit frequency. If the application is infrequent enough not to warrant the dedication of a memory channel for this purpose, the "VFO Split" mode may be used. Here is the procedure for going Split: 1. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key, as needed, to select VFO-A. Set VFO-A for the desired receiving (downlink) frequency (e.g.145.800 MHz). 2. Now press the [VFO(PRI)] key, and set VFO-B for the desired transmit (uplink) frequency (e.g. 144.490 MHz). 3. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key once more to re-establish VFO-A as the "Main" (receive) VFO. 4. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 5. Rotate the DIAL to select Set Mode Item 50: VFO.SPL. 6. Press the [F] key, then rotate the DIAL to set this function "VSP. ON." 7. Press the PTT switch once to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 8. You will now be operating in the Split mode. When you press the PTT switch to transmit, you will observe that VFO-A and VFO-B will reverse positions. The VFO selection indicator "-b-" will blink while the transceiver is transmitting, this means that the VFO Split feature is now activated. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 21 REPEATER OPERATION VFO SPLIT MODE 9. If you need to modify the VFO-B (transmit) frequency (for Doppler Shift correction, etc.), just press the [VFO(PRI)] key, then make the necessary change, then press [VFO(PRI)] key once more to restore VFO-A to the "receive VFO" position. 10. When you have finished with Split operation, re-enter the Set mode, and change Set Mode Item 50: VFO.SPL to "VSP.OFF." A split frequency pair set up via the VFO Split feature cannot be stored directly into memory. You can, however, store odd frequency pairs using a different (slightly simpler) procedure. See page 29. 22 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION CTCSS OPERATION Many repeater systems require that a very-low-frequency audio tone be superimposed on your FM carrier in order to activate the repeater. This helps prevent false activation of the repeater by radar or spurious signals from other transmitters. This tone system, called "CTCSS" (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System), is included in your VX-120, and is very easy to activate. CTCSS setup involves two actions: setting the Tone Mode and then setting of the Tone Frequency. These actions are set up by Set mode. 1. 2. 3. 4. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 44: SQL.TYP. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. Rotate the DIAL knob so that "TONE" indication appears on the display; this activates the CTCSS Encoder, for access to repeaters requiring a CTCSS tone. Rotation of the DIAL knob one more "click" in step "2" above will cause the "TSQL" notation to appear. When "TSQL" is displayed, this means that the Tone SQueLch system is active, which mutes your VX-120's receiver until it receives a call from another radio sending out a matching CTCSS tone. This can help keep your radio quiet until a specific call is received, which may be helpful while operating in congested areas of the band. 1) You may notice a "REV TN" indication on the display while you rotate the DIAL knob in this step; this means that the Reverse Tone Squelch system is active, which mutes your VX-120's receiver (instead of opening the squelch) when it receives a call from the radio sending a matched CTCSS tone. " icon will blink on the display when the Reverse Tone Squelch system is The " activated. 2) You may notice the "DCS" and "ECS" indications on the display while you rotate the DIAL knob still more. We'll discuss the Digital Code Squelch system (for "DCS") and Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch (for "ECS") later. When you have made your selection of the CTCSS tone mode, press the [F] key to save the new setting. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 46: TN FRQ. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of the CTCSS frequency. Rotate the DIAL knob until the display indicates the Tone Frequency you need to be using (ask the repeater owner/operator if you don't know the tone frequency). 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 23 CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION CTCSS OPERATION 7. When you have made your selection, press the [F] key momentarily, then press the PTT switch to save the new settings and exit to normal operation. This is different than the usual method of restoring normal operation, and it applies only to the configuration of the CTCSS/DCS frequencies. 67.0 82.5 100.0 123.0 151.4 171.3 189.9 210.7 250.3 CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY (Hz) 69.3 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7 85.4 88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4 103.5 107.2 110.9 114.8 118.8 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2 156.7 159.8 162.2 165.5 167.9 173.8 177.3 179.9 183.5 186.2 192.8 196.6 199.5 203.5 206.5 218.1 225.7 229.1 233.6 241.8 254.1 ­ ­ ­ ­ Your repeater may or may not re-transmit a CTCSS tone - some systems just use CTCSS to control access to the repeater, but don't pass it along when transmitting. If the S-Meter deflects, but the VX-120 is not passing audio, repeat steps "1" through "4" above, but rotate the DIAL so that "TSQ" disappears - this will allow you to hear all traffic on the channel being utilized. DCS OPERATION Another form of tone access control is Digital Code Squelch, or DCS. It is a newer, more advanced tone system which generally provides more immunity from false paging than does CTCSS. The DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your VX-120, and operation is very similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured for DCS; if not, DCS is frequently quite useful in Simplex operation if your friend(s) use transceivers equipped with this advanced feature. Just as in CTCSS operation, DCS requires that you set the Tone Mode to DCS and that you select a tone code. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 44: SQL.TYP. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. Rotate the DIAL knob until the "DCS" indication appears on the display; this activates the DCS Encoder/Decoder. Press the [F] key to save the new setting. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 13: DCS.COD. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of the DCS code. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired DCS Code (a threedigit number). Ask the repeater owner/operator if you don't know DCS Code; if you are working simplex, just set up the DCS Code to be the same as that used by your friend(s). When you have made your selection, press the [F] key momen- 9. 24 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION DCS OPERATION tarily, then press the PTT switch to save the new settings and exit to normal operation. Remember that the DCS is an Encode/Decode system, so your receiver will remain muted until a matching DCS code is received on an incoming transmission. Switch the DCS off when you're just tuning around the band! 023 054 125 165 245 274 356 445 506 627 732 025 065 131 172 246 306 364 446 516 631 734 026 071 132 174 251 311 365 452 523 632 743 DCS CODE 031 032 036 043 072 073 074 114 134 143 145 152 205 212 223 225 252 255 261 263 315 325 331 332 371 411 412 413 454 455 462 464 526 532 546 565 654 662 664 703 754 ­ ­ ­ 047 115 155 226 265 343 423 465 606 712 ­ 051 116 156 243 266 346 431 466 612 723 ­ 053 122 162 244 271 351 432 503 624 731 ­ TONE SEARCH SCANNING In operating situations where you don't know the CTCSS or DCS tone being used by another station or stations, you can command the radio to listen to the incoming signal and scan in search of the tone being used. Two things must be remembered in this regard: You must be sure that your repeater uses the same tone type (CTCSS vs. DCS). Some repeaters do not pass the CTCSS tone; you may have to listen to the station(s) transmitting on the repeater uplink (input) frequency in order to allow Tone Search Scanning to work. To scan for the tone in use: 1. Set the radio up for either CTCSS or DCS Decoder operation (see the previous discus" will appear on the display; in the case of DCS, sions). In the case of CTCSS, " " " will appear on the display. 2. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 44: SQL.TYP when TONE SQL is selected, or select Set Mode Item 13: DCS.COD when DCS is selected 4. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of the selected Set Mode Item. 5. Press and hold in the [ (MHz)] or [ (MHz)] key for one second to start scanning for the incoming CTCSS or DCS tone/ code. 6. When the radio detects the correct tone or code, it will halt on that tone/code, and audio will be allowed to pass. Press the [F] key to lock in that tone/code, then press the [F] key followed by the PTT switch to exit to normal operation. If the Tone Scan feature does not detect a tone or code, it will continue to scan indefinitely. When this happens, it may be that the other station is not sending any tone. You can press the PTT switch to halt the scan at any time. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 25 CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION TONE SEARCH SCANNING You also can press the MONI key during Tone Scanning to listen to the (muted) signal from the other station. When you release the MONI key, Tone Scanning will resume after about a second. Tone Scanning works either in the VFO or Memory modes. EPCS (ENHANCED PAGING & CODE SQUELCH) The VX-120 includes an Enhanced CTCSS tone encoder/decoder and a dedicated microprocessor providing paging and selective calling features. This allows you to place a call to a specific station (Paging), and to receive calls of your choice directed only to you (Code Squelch). The paging and code squelch systems use two pairs of (alternately switched) CTCSS tones which are stored in the pager memories. Basically, your receiver remains silent until it receives the CTCSS tone pair that matches those stored in the Receiving Pager Memory. The squelch then opens so the caller is heard, and the paging ringer immediately sounds, if activated. When you close the PTT switch to transmit, the CTCSS tone pair which is stored in the Transmitting Pager Memory will be transmitted automatically. On the paged radio, the squelch will close automatically after the incoming page ends. Storing the CTCSS Tone Pairs for EPCS Operation 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 18: ECS.CDR for the Receiving CTCSS Tone Pair or Set Mode Item 19: ECS.CDT for the Transmitting CTCSS Tone Pair. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the CTCSS Tone number which corresponds to the first tone of the CTCSS Tone Pair. 5. Press the [ (MHz)] or [ (MHz)] key, then rotate the DIAL CTCSS TONE NUMBER knob to set the CTCSS No. Hz No. Hz No. Hz No. Tone number which 01 67.0 11 94.8 21 131.8 31 02 69.3 12 97.4 22 136.5 32 corresponds to the sec- 03 71.9 13 100.0 23 141.3 33 ond tone of the CTCSS 04 74.4 14 103.5 24 146.2 34 05 77.0 15 107.2 25 151.4 35 Tone Pair. 06 79.7 16 110.9 26 156.7 36 6. Press the PTT switch to 07 82.5 17 114.8 27 159.8 37 save the new setting 08 85.4 18 118.8 28 162.2 38 and exit to normal op- 09 88.5 19 123.0 29 165.5 39 10 91.5 20 127.3 30 167.9 40 eration. Hz No. Hz 171.3 41 203.5 173.8 42 206.5 177.3 43 210.7 179.9 44 218.1 183.5 45 225.7 186.2 46 229.1 189.9 47 233.6 192.8 48 241.8 196.6 49 250.3 199.5 50 254.1 26 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION EPCS (ENHANCED PAGING & CODE SQUELCH) The VX-120 does not recognize the order of the 1st tone and the 2nd tone. In other words, for example, the VX-120 considers both CTCSS pairs "10, 35" and "35, 10" to be identical. Activating the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch System 1. 2. 3. 4. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 44: SQL.TYP. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. Rotate the DIAL knob until the "ECS" indication appears on the display; this activates the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch System. 5. Press the [F] key momentarily, then press the PTT switch to save the new setting. 6. To disable the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select "OFF" in step 4 above. When the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch feature is activated, the " " icon will blink on the display. CTCSS/DCS/EPCS BELL OPERATION During CTCSS Decode, DCS, or EPCS operation, you may set up the VX-170 such that a ringing "bell" sound alerts you to the fact that a call is coming in. Here is the procedure for activating the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell: 1. Set the transceiver up for CTCSS Decode ("Tone Squelch"), DCS, or EPCS operation, as described previously. 2. Adjust the operating frequency to the desired channel. 3. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 7: BELL. 5. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item. 6. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired number of rings of the Bell. The available choices are "1 T," "3 T," "5 T," or "8 T" rings, CONT (continuous ringing), or OFF. 7. Press the PTT switch momentarily to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. When you are called by a station whose transceiver is sending a CTCSS tone, DCS code, or CTCSS code pair which matches that set into your Decoder, the Bell will ring in accordance with this programming. When the CTCSS/ DCS/EPCS Bell is activated, the " " icon will appear at the upper right corner on the LCD. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 27 CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION SPLIT TONE OPERATION The VX-120 can be operated in a Split Tone configuration via the Set mode. 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 43: SPLIT. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select ON (to enable the Split Tone feature). 5. Press the PTT switch momentarily to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. When the Split Tone feature is activated, you can see the following additional parameters following the "DCS" parameter (while selecting the Set Mode Item 44: SQL.TYP): D: DCS Encode only (the " " icon will blink during operation) T DCS: Encodes a CTCSS Tone and Decodes a DCS code (the " " icon will blink and the " (the " " icon will appear and the " " icon will appear during operation) " icon will blink during operation) D TSQL: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS Tone Select the desired operating mode from the selections shown above. TONE CALLING (1750 HZ) If the repeaters in your country require a 1750-Hz burst tone for access (typically in Europe), you can set the MONI key to serve as a "Tone Call" switch instead. To change the configuration of this switch, we again use the Set Mode to help us. 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 27: M/T-CL. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select "T-CALL" on the display. 5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. To access a repeater, press and hold in the MONI key for the amount of time specified by the repeater owner/operator. The transmitter will automatically be activated, and a 1750-Hz audio tone will be superimposed on the carrier. Once access to the repeater has been gained, you may release the MONI key, and use the PTT switch for activating the transmitter thereafter. 28 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL MEMORY MODE The VX-120 provides a wide variety of memory system resources. These include: 200 "Standard" memory channels, numbered "1" through "200." A "Home" channel, providing storage and quick recall of one prime frequency. 10 sets of band-edge memories, also known as "Programmable Memory Scan" channels, labeled "L1/U1" through "L10/U10." 10 Memory Banks, labeled "BANK 1" through "BANK10." Each Memory Bank can be assigned up to 200 channels from the "standard" memory channels. 10 "Weather Broadcast" Channels. MEMORY STORAGE 1. Select the desired frequency, while operating in the VFO mode. Be sure to set up any desired CTCSS or DCS tones, as well as any desired repeater offset, now. The power level may also be set at this time, if you wish to store it. 2. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second. 3. Within ten seconds of releasing the [F] key, you need to make a decision regarding channel storage. The microprocessor will automatically select the next-available "free" channel (a memory register on which no data has been stored), so you may not wish to make any change; if this is the case, proceed to step 4. If you wish to select a different channel number into which to store the data, rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired memory channel. You may jump 10 memory channels, if you're in a hurry (11 21 31 ...) by pressing the [VFO(PRI)] key (multiple times, if necessary). 4. Press the [F] key once more to store the frequency into memory. 5. You still will be operating in the "VFO" mode, so you may now enter other frequencies, and store them into additional memory locations, by repeating the above process. Storing Independent Transmit Frequencies ("Odd Splits") All memories can store an independent transmit frequency, for operation on repeaters with non-standard shift. To do this: 1. Store the receive frequency using the method already described under MEMORY STORAGE (it doesn't matter if a repeater offset is active). 2. Tune to the desired transmit frequency, then press and hold in the [F] key for one second. 3. Within ten seconds of releasing the [F] key, rotate the DIAL knob to select the same memory channel number as used in step "1" above. 4. Press and hold in the PTT switch, then press the [F] key once more momentarily while holding the PTT switch in (this does not key the transmitter). Whenever you recall a memory which contains independently-stored transmit and receive frequencies, the " " indication will appear in the display. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 29 MEMORY MODE MEMORY RECALL 1. While operating in the VFO mode, press the [MR(SKIP)] key to enter the Memory mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired channel. 3. To return to the VFO mode, press the [VFO(PRI)] key. HOME CHANNEL MEMORY A special one-touch "HOME" channel is available, to allow quick recall of a favorite operating frequency. Home Channel storage is simple to accomplish: 1. Change the setting of Set Mode Item 33: REV/HM from "REV" to "HOME," if it is not already set to this option (see page 77). 2. Select the desired frequency, while operating in the VFO mode. Be sure to set up any desired CTCSS or DCS tones, as well as any desired repeater offset. The power level may also be set at this time, if you wish to store it. 3. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second. 4. While the memory channel number is blinking, just press the [REV(HOME)] key. The frequency and other data (if any) will now be stored in the special HOME channel register. 5. To recall the HOME channel, press the [REV(HOME)] key momentarily while operating either in the VFO or MR mode. 30 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL MEMORY MODE LABELING MEMORIES You may wish to append an alpha-numeric "Tag" (label) to a memory or memories, to aid in recollection of the channel's use (such as a club name, etc.). This is easily accomplished using the Set Mode. 1. Recall the memory channel on which you wish to append a label. 2. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 29: NM WRT. 4. Press the [F] key momentarily to display the previously stored label (if any). 5. Press the [F] key again to clear any previous label. 6. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired label. 7. Press the [F] key to move to the next character. 8. If you make a mistake, press the [ (MHz)] key to backspace the cursor, then re-enter the correct letter, number, or symbol. 9. Repeat steps 5 through 7 to program the remaining letters, numbers, or symbols of the desired label. A total of six characters may be used in the creation of a label. 10. When you have programmed a label which is under 6 characters, press and hold in the [F] key for one second to confirm the label (if the label is exactly 6 characters in length, you do not need to press and hold in [F] key). 11. When you have completed the creation of the label, press the PTT switch to save the label and return to the memory recall mode with labeled (alpha-numeric "Tag") display. To disable the alpha-numeric Tag (enabling the frequency display): 1. Set the VX-120 to the "MR" (Memory Recall) mode, and recall the memory channel on which you wish to disable the alpha-numeric Tag. 2. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Set Mode Item 28: NAME. 4. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item's setting. 5. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to "FREQ" (enabling the frequency display). 6. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and activate the alpha-numeric Tag. To display the alpha-numeric Tag again, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select "ALPHA" in step 5 above. Set Mode Item 28:NAME is not applied to all memory channels at once (just the channel on which you currently are operating). VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 31 MEMORY MODE MEMORY OFFSET TUNING Once you have recalled a particular memory channel, you may easily tune off that channel, as though you were in the "VFO" mode. 1. With the VX-120 in the "MR" (Memory Recall) mode, select the desired memory channel. 2. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily to activate the "Memory Tuning" feature. The Memory Channel number will be replaced by "tun." And if you have an alpha-numeric Tag displayed on the memory channel, the display will automatically revert to display of the operating frequency, so you can navigate without having to enter the Menu to change the display configuration. 3. Rotate the DIAL knob, as desired, to tune to a new frequency. The synthesizer steps selected for VFO operation on the current band will be the steps used during Memory Tuning. 4. If you wish to return to the original memory frequency, just press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily. The display will revert to display of the alpha-numeric Tag (if any) that may have originally appeared on the LCD. 5. If you wish to store a new frequency set during Memory Tuning, just press and hold in the [F] key for one second, per normal memory storage procedure. The microprocessor will automatically set itself to the next-available clear memory location, and you then press [F] again to lock in the new frequency. 1) If you want to replace the original memory contents with those of the new frequency, be sure to rotate the DIAL knob to the original memory channel number! 2) Any required CTCSS/DCS changes, or repeater offset modifications, must be done before storing the data into the new (or original) memory channel location. DELETING MEMORIES You may delete any of the memories (except for Memory Channel "1" and the Home Channel). The procedure for deleting a channel is quite simple. 1. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key, if needed, to enter the MR mode. 2. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the memory channel to be deleted. 3. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily. The display will revert to memory channel #1. The previously-selected memory will be deleted. Important Notice! Once deleted, the channel data cannot be recovered! 32 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL MEMORY MODE MEMORY BANK OPERATION The large number of memories available in the VX-120 could be difficult to utilize without some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the VX-120 includes provision for dividing the memories into as many as ten Memory Groups, so you can categorize the memories in a manner convenient to you. Assigning Memories to a Memory Bank 1. Recall the memory channel to be assigned to a Memory Bank. 2. Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the Memory Bank number you want as the Memory Bank for this channel ("BANK 1" ~ "BANK10"). 3. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to copy the memory channel data into the Memory Bank. 1) You may assign one memory channel into multiple Memory Banks. 2) The PMS memory channels (L1/U1 through L10/U10) may not be assigned to a Memory Bank. Memory Bank Recall 1. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key, if needed, to enter the Memory Recall mode. 2. Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Memory Bank ("BANK 1" through "BANK10"). 3. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily; now, as you rotate the DIAL knob to select memories, you will observe that you can only select memory channels in the current memory bank. The " " indication will appear at the left side of the frequency display while operating within a Memory Bank. 4. To change to another Memory Bank, press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key, rotate the DIAL knob to select the new Memory Bank, then press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily. 5. To exit from Memory Bank operation, select "NOBANK" in step 4 above. You are now in the "standard" Memory Recall mode, without utilization of the Memory Banks. The memories stored in the various Banks will remain in those banks, however; you do not need to store them again. Removing Memories from a Memory Bank 1. Recall the memory channel to be removed from a Memory Bank. 2. Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second, then press and hold in the [F] key to remove the memory channel data from the Memory Bank. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 33 MEMORY MODE MOVING MEMORY DATA TO THE VFO Data stored on memory channels can easily be moved to the last selected VFO, if you like. 1. Select the memory channel containing the frequency data to be moved to the VFO. 2. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily to activate the "Memory Tune" feature temporarily, then press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second. The data will now have been copied to the last selected VFO, although the original memory contents will remain intact on the previously-stored channel. If a Split Frequency Memory channel was transferred, the TX frequency will be ignored (you will be set up for Simplex operation on the Receive frequency). MEMORY ONLY MODE Once memory channel programming has been completed, you may place the radio in a "Memory Only" mode, whereby VFO operation is impossible. This may be particularly useful during public-service events, where a number of operators may be using the radio for first time, and ultimate simplicity of channel selection is desired. To place the radio into the Memory Only mode: 1. Turn the radio off. 2. Press and hold in the MONI switch (just below the PTT switch) while turning the radio on. 3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the "F5 M-ONLY" option, then press the [F] key. To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure. 34 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL MEMORY MODE WEATHER BROADCAST CHANNELS The VHF Weather Broadcast Station Memory Channel Bank has been pre-programmed at the factory, for quick selection of NOAA weather information stations. 1. Press the [WX(EMG) ] key mamentarily to recall the Weather Broadcast Memory Bank. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Weather Broadcast channel. 3. If you wish to scan this bank to search for louder CH FREQUENCY 01 162.550 MHz stations, just press the PTT switch. When the 02 165.400 MHz scanner pauses on a station, press the PTT switch 03 162.475 MHz once to halt the scan, or press it twice to restart 04 162.425 MHz 05 162.450 MHz the scan. 4. To exit to normal operation, press the [WX(EMG) ] key again. CH 06 07 08 09 10 FREQUENCY 162.500 MHz 165.525 MHz 161.650 MHz 161.775 MHz 163.275 MHz Severe Weather Alert In the event of extreme weather disturbances, such as severe thunderstorms and hurricanes, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sends a weather alert accompanied by a 1050 Hz tone and subsequent weather report on one of the NOAA weather channels. See page 45 for details regarding activation of this mode. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 35 SCANNING The VX-120 allows you to scan just the memory channels, the entire operating band, or a portion of that band. It will halt on signals encountered, so you can talk to the station(s) on that frequency, if you like. Scanning operation is basically the same in each of the above modes. Before you begin, take a moment to select the way in which you would like the scanner to resume scanning after it halts on a signal. Setting the Scan-Resume Technique Three options for the Scan-Resume mode are available: BUSY: In this mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters. Two seconds after the carrier has dropped because the other station(s) ceased transmission, the scanner will resume. In the case of constant-carrier signals like Weather Station broadcasts, the scanner will likely remain on this frequency indefinitely. HOLD: In this mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters. It will not restart automatically; you must manually re-initiate scanning if you wish to resume. TIME: In this mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters, and will hold there for five seconds. If you do not take action to disable the scanner within that time period, the scanner will resume even if the stations are still active. To set the Scan-Resume mode: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 32: RESUME. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired scan-resume mode. 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. The default condition for this Set Mode Item is "BUSY." SETTING THE SQUELCH LEVEL DURING ACTIVE SCANNING OPERATION The VX-120 allows adjustment of the Squelch level "on the fly" while you are scanning. 1. While the scanner is engaged, press the [F] key, then press the MONI switch (the current squelch level (e.g. "S 1") will appear in fine print above the frequency display). 2. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired Squelch level. 3. Press the PTT switch momentarily to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. In this case, pressing the PTT switch this one time will not causing scanning to stop. 36 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL SCANNING VFO SCANNING The VX-120 provides two VFO scanning functions: "Manual VFO Scanning" and "Programmed VFO Scanning." Manual VFO Scan 1. Select the VFO mode by pressing the [VFO(PRI)] key, if necessary. 2. Press and hold in either the [ (MHz)] or [ (MHz)] key for one second to initiate upward or downward scanning, respectively. 3. If and when the scanner encounters a signal strong enough to open the squelch, the scanner will halt temporarily; the decimal point of the frequency display will blink during this "Pause" condition. 4. The scanner will then resume according to the Scan-Resume mode selected in the previous section. 5. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or [VFO(PRI)] key. Programmed VFO Scan 1. Select the VFO mode by pressing the [VFO(PRI)] key, if necessary. 2. Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the bandwidth for the Programmed VFO scanner. Available selections are ±1 MHz, ±2 MHz, ±5 MHz, PMS-x, and ALL. PMS-x: The scanner will sweep frequencies within the currentlyselected PMS frequency pair. See page 41 for details. ALL: The scanner will sweep all frequencies. 3. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key momentarily to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 4. Press and hold in the [MR(SKIP)] key for one second to start scanning. 5. If and when the scanner encounters a signal strong enough to open the squelch, the scanner will halt temporarily; the decimal point of the frequency display will blink during this "Pause" condition. 6. The scanner will then resume according to the Scan-Resume mode selected in the previous section. 7. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or the [VFO(PRI)] key. When you start the Programmed VFO Scanner, the VX-120 will be changing frequency in the upward direction. If you want to change direction of the scan while it is underway, rotate the DIAL knob one click in the opposite direction (in this case, one click counter-clockwise). You'll see the scanner turn around and change frequency downward! VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 37 SCANNING MEMORY SCANNING Memory scanning is similarly easy to initiate: 1. Select the Memory mode by pressing the [MR(SKIP)] key, if necessary. 2. Press and hold in either the [ (MHz)] or [ (MHz)] key for one second to initiate upward or downward scanning, respectively. 3. If and when the scanner encounters a signal strong enough to open the squelch, the scanner will halt temporarily; the decimal point of the frequency display will blink during this "Pause" condition. 4. The scanner will then resume according to the Scan-Resume mode selected in the previous section. 5. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or [MR(SKIP)] key. How to Skip (Omit) a Channel during Memory Scan Operation As mentioned previously, some continuous-carrier stations like a Weather Broadcast station will seriously impede scanner operation if you are using the "Carrier Drop" ScanResume mode, as the incoming signal will not pause long enough for the transceiver to resume scanning. Such channels may be "Skipped" during scanning, if you like: 1. Recall the Memory Channel to be skipped during scanning. 2. Press the [F] key, then press the [MR(SKIP)] key to enter the "Skip" channel-selection mode. 3. Rotate the DIAL knob so as to select "SKIP." The current Memory Channel will now be ignored during scanning. The "ONLY" selection is used for "Preferential Memory Scan," described in the next section. 4. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation. When you recall the "skipped" memory channel manually, a small " " icon will appear at the left of the memory channel number, indicating it is to be ignored during scanning. To re-institute a channel into the scanning loop, select "OFF" in step 3 above (the "Skipped" channel will, of course, still be accessible via manual channel selection methods using the DIAL knob in the MR mode, whether or not it is locked out of the scanning loop). 38 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL SCANNING MEMORY SCANNING Preferential Memory Scan The VX-120 also allows you to set up a "Preferential Scan List" of channels which you can "flag" within the memory system. These channels are designated by a blinking " " icon when you have selected them, one by one, for the Preferential Scan List. When you initiate memory scanning, beginning on a channel with the blinking " " icon appended, only those channels bearing the blinking " " icon will be scanned. If you initiate scanning on a channel which does not have the blinking " " icon appended, you will scan all channels including those with the blinking " " icon appended. Here is the procedure for setting up and using the Preferential Scan List: 1. Recall the Memory Channel which you wish to add to the Preferential Scan List. 2. Press the [F] key, then press the [MR(SKIP)] key to enter the "Skip" channel-selection mode. 3. Rotate the DIAL knob so as to select "ONLY." 4. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation. 5. To remove a channel from the Preferential Scan List, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select "OFF" in step 3 above. To initiate Preferential Memory Scan: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 39: SCN MD. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob so as to select "ONLY." 5. Press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation. 6. Now, press and hold in either the [ (MHz)] or [ (MHz)] key for one second to initiate the Preferential Memory Scan. Only the channels which have the blinking " " icon appended to the channel number will be scanned. 7. To cancel the Preferential Memory Scan, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select "MEM" in step 4 above VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 39 SCANNING MEMORY SCANNING Memory Bank Scan When the Memory Bank feature is engaged, the scanner sweeps only memory channels in the current Memory Bank. However, if the Memory Bank Link Scan feature is enabled, you may sweep the memory channels in several Memory Banks which you have selected. To enable the Memory Bank Link Scan feature: 1. Set the radio to the Memory mode by pressing the [MR(SKIP)] key, if necessary. 2. Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the first Memory Bank ("BANK 1" ~ "BANK10") you wish to sweep using Memory Bank Link Scan. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily. The current Memory Bank will now be swept during Memory Bank Scan. A "decimal point" will be appended between the "N" and "K" of the Memory Bank number indication (such as BAN.K 2). 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 above, to append the "decimal point" to any other Memory Banks you wish to sweep. 5. Now, press and hold in the [MR(SKIP)] key for one second to initiate the Memory Bank Link Scan. 6. To remove a Memory Bank from the Memory Bank Link Scan, repeat steps 2 and 3 above, to delete the "decimal point" from the Memory Bank number indication. 40 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL SCANNING PROGRAMMABLE (BAND LIMIT) MEMORY SCAN (PMS) This feature allows you to set sub-band limits for either scanning or manual VFO operation. For example, you might wish to set up a limit (in North America) of 144.300 MHz to 148.000 MHz so as to prevent encroachment into the SSB/CW "Weak Signal" portion of the band below 144.300 MHz. Here's how to do this: 1. Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [VFO(PRI)] key, if necessary. 2. Using the techniques learned earlier, store (per the above concept) 144.300 MHz into Memory Channel #L1 (the "L" designates the Lower sub-band limit). 3. Likewise, store 148.000 MHz into Memory Channel #U1 (the "U" designates the Upper sub-band limit). 4. Confirm the radio is in the VFO mode, press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second, and rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired PMS frequency pair (PMSxx), then press the [VFO(PRI)] key. 5. Now, press and hold in the [MR(SKIP)] key for one second to initiate Programmable (Band Limit) Memory Scan. Scanning will now be limited within the just-programmed range. 6. 10 pairs of Band Limit memories, labeled L1/U1 through L10/U10 are available. You therefore can set upper and lower operation limits in multiple segments on the band, if you like. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 41 SCANNING "PRIORITY CHANNEL" SCANNING (DUAL WATCH) The VX-120's scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which allows you to operate on a VFO or Memory channel, while periodically checking a user-defined Memory Channel for activity. If a station is received on the Memory Channel which is strong enough to open the Squelch, the scanner will pause on that station in accordance with the Scan-Resume mode set via Set Mode Item 32: RESUME. See page 36. Here is the procedure for activating Priority Channel Dual Watch operation: VFO Priority 1. Recall the memory channel you wish to use as the "Priority" frequency. 2. Now, set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [VFO(PRI)] key. 3. Press the [F] key, then press the [VFO(PRI)] key to activate the VFO Priority mode. The display will remain on the VFO frequency, but every five seconds the radio will check the Priority Channel (memory channel) for activity. 4. Press [F] [VFO(PRI)] again to disable the VFO Priority mode. Memory Channel Priority 1. Store the frequency you wish to be the "Priority" Channel into memory channel "1." 2. Now, set the radio for operation on another memory channel. 3. Press the [F] key, then press the [VFO(PRI)] key to activate the Memory Priority mode. The display will remain on the current memory channel frequency, but every five seconds the radio will check the Priority Channel (memory channel "1") for activity. 4. Press [F] [VFO(PRI)] again to disable the Memory Priority mode. When the Memory Bank feature is activated, the VX-120 will check the lowest numbered memory channel in the current Memory Bank as the Priority Channel. HOME Channel Priority 1. Recall the memory channel you wish to use as the "Priority" frequency. 2. Now set the radio for operation on the HOME channel by pressing the [F] key followed by [REV(HOME)]. 3. Press the [F] key, then press the [VFO(PRI)] key to activate the HOME Priority mode. The display will remain on the HOME channel frequency, but every five seconds the radio will check the Priority Channel (memory channel) for activity. 4. Press [F] [VFO(PRI)] again to disable the HOME Priority mode. 42 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL SCANNING "PRIORITY CHANNEL" SCANNING (DUAL WATCH) WX Channel Priority 1. Recall the memory channel you wish to use as the "Priority" frequency. 2. Now, set the radio for operation on a WX channel by pressing the [WX(EMG) for one second. 3. Press the [F] key, then press the [VFO(PRI)] key to activate the WX Priority mode. The display will remain on the WX channel frequency, but every five seconds the radio will check the Priority Channel (memory channel) for activity. 4. Press [F] [VFO(PRI)] again to disable the WX Priority mode. ] key VFO-VFO Dual Watch 1. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key to switch the VFO mode, if needed. 2. Press the [F] key, then press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second. The VX120 will now periodically change from VFO-A frequency to the VFO-B frequency, checking for activity on each VFO for 0.2 second interval. 3. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key to disable the VFO-VFO Dual Watch. Priority Revert Mode During Priority channel operation (Dual Watch), a special feature is available which will allow you to move to the Priority channel instantly, without waiting for activity to appear on the Priority channel. When this feature is enabled, and Priority monitoring is engaged, just press the PTT switch; operation will instantly revert to the Priority channel. To enable the Priority Revert operation: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 36: PRI.RVT. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to "RVT. ON." 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation. 6. To disable the Priority Revert operation, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select "RVT.OFF" in step 4 above. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 43 SCANNING AUTOMATIC LAMP ILLUMINATION ON SCAN STOP The VX-120 will automatically illuminate the LCD/Keypad Lamp whenever the scanner stops on a signal; this allows you to see the frequency of the incoming signal better at night. Note that this will, of course, increase the battery consumption, so be sure to switch it off during the day (the default condition for this feature is "ON"). The procedure for disabling the Scan Lamp is: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 40: SCN.LMP. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to "OFF." 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation. BAND EDGE BEEPER The VX-120 will automatically "beep" when a band edge is encountered during scanning (either in standard VFO scanning or during PMS operation). You may also enable this feature (band edge beeper) to operate when the frequency reaches the band edge while tuning using the DIAL knob. The procedure for enabling the Band-Edge Beeper is: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 20: EDG.BEP. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to "BEP. ON." 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation. 44 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL SCANNING WEATHER ALERT SCAN This feature allows you to check the Weather Broadcast Memory Channels for the presence of the NOAA Alert Tone while operating using VFO scan or Memory channel scan. When the Weather Alert Scan feature is engaged, the VX-120 will check the Weather Broadcast Memory Channels for activity every five seconds while scanning. If you watch the display carefully, you'll observe the scanner periodically shifting to the Weather Broadcast bank, scanning the Weather channels quickly in search of the Alert Tone, after which regular scanning will resume for another five seconds. To enable the Weather Alert Scan feature: 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 52: WX ALT. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob so as to select "ALT. ON." 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation. 6. To disable the Weather Alert Scan feature, select "ALT.OFF" in step 4 above. 1) When the Weather Alert Scan feature is engaged, the Scan-Resume mode is fixed to "TIME." 2) If you are just scanning the Weather Broadcast Channels, the VX-120's receiver will remain muted indefinitely unless the Alert Tone is received. This yields a long period of monitoring time, as no power will be consumed via audio output while scanning for the Alert Tone is in progress. VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 45 EMERGENCY CHANNEL OPERATION The VX-120 includes an "Emergency" feature which may be useful if you have someone monitoring on the same frequency as your transceiver's "Home" channel. See page 30 for details on setting up the Home channel. The "Emergency" feature is activated by pressing and holding in the [WX(EMG) ] key for one second. When this is done, (A) the radio is placed on the Home channel, (B) it emits a loud "Alarm" sound (the volume is controlled by the VOL/PWR knob), (C) it flashes the LCD/keypad lamp, (D) if you press the PTT switch, you will disable the Emergency feature temporarily; you can then transmit on the Home channel, and (E) two seconds after the PTT switch release, the Emergency feature will resume. To disable the "Emergency" feature, press the [F] key momentarily or turn the radio off by rotating the VOL/PWR knob fully counter-clockwise into the click-stop position. Use this feature if you are out for a walk and want a quick way of alerting a family member as to a dangerous situation. The alarm sound may discourage an attacker and allow you to escape. 1) Be sure to arrange with a friend or family member to be monitoring on the same frequency, as there will be no identification sent via the Emergency alarm sound. And do not transmit the alarm tone except in a true emergency! 2) The "Emergency" feature may be changed to another function via Set Mode Item 21: EMG S; see page 74 for details. 46 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL SMART SEARCH OPERATION The Smart Search feature allows you to load frequencies automatically according to where activity is encountered by your radio. When Smart Search is engaged, the transceiver will search above and below your current frequency, storing active frequencies as it goes (without stopping on them even momentarily); these frequencies are stored into a special Smart Search memory bank, consisting of 31 memories (15 above the current frequency, 15 below the current frequency, plus the current frequency itself). Two basic operating modes for Smart Search are available: SINGLE: In this mode, the transceiver will sweep the current band once in each direction starting on the current frequency. All channels where activity is present will be loaded into the Smart Search memories; whether or not all 31 memories are filled, the search will stop after one sweep in each direction. CONT: In this mode, the transceiver will make one pass in each direction as with OneShot searching; if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, however, the radio will continue sweeping until they are all filled. Starting the Smart Search Mode 1. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 38: S SRCH. 3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Smart Search mode (see above). 5. Press the [F] key momentarily to begin the Smart Search scanning. 6. As active channels are detected, you will observe the number of "loaded" channels increasing in the regular memory channel window. 7. Depending on the mode you set for Smart Search operation ("SINGLE" or "CONT"), the Smart Search scan will eventually terminate, and the LCD will revert to Smart Search Memory Channel "C." 8. To recall the Smart Search memories, rotate the DIAL knob to choose from among the frequencies stored by Smart Search. 9. To return to normal operation, press the [VFO(PRI)] key. Smart Search is a great tool when visiting a city for the first time. You don't need to spend hours looking up repeater frequencies from a reference guidebook. . .just ask your VX-120 where the action is! VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL 47 INTERNET CONNECTION FEATURE The VX-120 can be used to access a "node" (repeater or base station) which is tied into the Vertex Standard WIRESTM (Wide-Coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System) network, operating in the "SRG" (Sister Radio Group) mode. Details may be found at the WIRES-II Web site: http://www.vxstd.com/en/wiresinfo-en/. This feature may also be used to access other systems, as described below. 1. 2. 3. 4. Press the [F] key, then press the [LOW(LOCK)SET] key to enter the Set mode. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 23: INT CD. Press the [F] key to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the access number (CODE "0" ~ "9," "A," "B," "C," "D," "E ( )," "F (#),") corresponding to the WIRESTM node to which you wish to establish an Internet link (ask the node or repeater owner/operator if you don't know the access number in the network). Press the [F] key momentarily to save the new setting. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 22: I NET. Press the [F] key to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to "INT.COD" (thus activating the "WIRESTM" mode). Press the PTT switch momentarily to save the new settings and exit to normal operation. The " " icon will appear in the upper right corner of the display (thus activate the Internet Connection feature). With the Internet Connection feature activated (as in step 8 above), the VX-120 will generate a brief (0.1 second) DTMF tone according to your selection in step 4. This DTMF tone is sent at the beginning of every transmission to establish or maintain the link to the local WIRESTM node operating in the SRG mode. To disable the Internet Connection feature, press the [ F ] key, then press the [WX(EMG) ] key (the " " icon will disappear from the display). If other users report that you always have a DTMF "beep" at the beginning of each transmission, and you are not operating in conjunction with Internet access, disable this function via step (12) above. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 48 VX-120 OPERATING MANUAL