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50/144/430 MHz
TRIPLE-BAND HEAVY DUTY
SUBMERSIBLE TRANSCEIVER
VX-8R
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, Ko
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Contents Introduction ................................................................................. 1 Programmable (Band Limit) Memory Scan (PMS) ............... 68 Controls &Connections ............................................................... 2 “Priority Channel” Scanning (Dual Watch) ........................... 69 Display Icons & Indicators ......................................................... 3 Priority Revert Mode ....................................................... 70 Keyp
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INTRODUCTION The Ultra Compact VX-8R (2.4”W x 3.7”H x 0.9”D) is thinner than the previous advanced model - It is packed with advanced technology and features, designed for outdoor operation. It is submersible and shockproof! The compact case combines a rugged die-cast chassis with the clean, tough polycarbonate resin front panel. Its shockproof versatility will allow you to oper- ate the radio in the toughest environments. The large High-resolution Dot Matrix LCD display provides clear, easy-to-
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CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS LED Light This white LED will DIAL Knob glow (or flash) dur- MIC/SP Jack The main tuning ing “Emergency ANTENNA Jack This 7-pin minia- Dial is used to set Channel” opera- ture jack connects the operating fre- Connect the sup- tion. It can also be plied rubber flex an- an optional MH- quency, and is also useful as a flash 74A7A Speaker Mi- used for audio vol- tenna (or another light in a dark envi- antenna presenting crophone or CT- ume level, menu ronment via the Set 136 G
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DISPLAY ICONS & INDICATORS “A” Band Display “B” Band Display Icon FREQUENCY CONTROL VOLUME LEVEL VFO: VFO Mode TX POWER LEVEL MR: Memory Mode HI: High Power (5 W) MT: Memory Tune Mode L3: LOW3 Power (2.5 W) HOM: Home Channel Memory L2: LOW2 Power (1 W) PMS: Programmable Memory Scan Mode L1: LOW1 Power (0.5 W) VDW: Dual Watch Active (VFO-Memory Channel) OPERATING FREQUENCY MDW:Dual Watch Active (Memory Channel-Memory Channel) S&PO METER SQUELCH TYPE & RADIO MODE TN: Tone Encoder A
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KEYPAD FUNCTIONS Increases the VFO Switches the “Upper” Switches the “Lower” PRIMARY FUNCTION frequency by one step or frequency to be the frequency to be the moves the memory channel ( ) PRESS KEY “Operating” (TX) Band. “Operating” (TX) Band. to the next-highest channel. Tunes the VFO frequency SECONDARY FUNCTION No Action No Action upward in 1 MHz steps. ( ) PRESS + Activates the Scanner THIRD FUNCTION Activates the Activates the Upward (toward a higher Dual Receive Feature. Dual Receive Feat
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KEYPAD FUNCTIONS Decreases the VFO USA Version: Disables the Noise Activate the APRS (Automatic frequency by one step or PRIMARY FUNCTION and Tone Squelch System. Position Reporting System) moves the memory channel ( ) EXP Version: Activates the T.CALL PRESS KEY function. to the next-lowest channel. (1750 Hz) for repeater access. Tunes the VFO frequency Adjusts the Squelch SECONDARY FUNCTION No Action downward in 1 MHz steps. threshold level. ( ) PRESS + USA Version: Disables the Noise Activate
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ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED WITH THE VX-8R Antenna 1 pc YHA-65 (for USA version: Q3000185) or YHA-64 (for EXP version: Q3000183) Li-ion Battery Pack 1 pc FNB-101LI (7.4V/1,100mAh: AAG10X001) Battery Charger 1 pc NC-86B (for USA version: Q9500149) or NC-86C (for EXP version: Q9500150) Connector Unit 1 pc (CB4392001) Belt Clip 1 pc (RA1053600) Screws 2 pcs (M3x10SUS: U24310020) Plastic Cap 1 pc (RA1054200) Sheet 2 pcs (RA1066900) Operating Manual 1 pc Warranty Card 1 pc 6
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ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS AVAILABLE OPTIONS FOR YOUR VX-8R FGPS-2 GPS Antenna Unit CT-136 GPS Antenna Adapter MH-74A7A Waterproof Speaker/Microphone CT-131 Microphone Adapter CT-134 Clone Cable CN-3 BNC-to-SMA Adapter CSC-93 Soft Case ® BU-1 Bluetooth Unit FBA-39 3 x “AA” Cell Battery Case (batteries not supplied) FNB-101LI Li-ion Battery Pack (7.4V/1,100 mAh) FNB-102LI Li-ion Battery Pack (7.4V/1,800 mAh) CD-41 Rapid Charger (requires NC-86B/C/U) NC-86B/C/U Battery Charger for the CD-41 E-DC-5B DC
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INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES ANTENNA INSTALLATION The supplied antenna provides good results over the entire frequency range of the trans- ceiver. However, for enhanced base station medium-wave and shortwave reception, you may wish to connect an external (outside) antenna. The supplied antenna consists of two sections: the “Base Antenna” (used for operation above 50 MHz), and the “Extender Ele- ment” (used for monitoring of frequencies below 50 MHz). TO INSTALL THE SUPPLIED ANTENNA Hold the botto
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INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES INSTALLATION OF FNB-101LI BATTERY PACK The FNB-101LI is a high-performance Lithium-Ion battery providing high capacity in a very compact package. Under normal use, the FNB-101LI may be used for approxi- mately 300 charge cycles, after which operating time may be expected to decrease. An old battery pack, which is displaying diminished capacity should be replaced with a new one. To install the FNB-101LI Battery Pack, carefully mate the battery’s three alignment tabs w
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INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES BATTERY LIFE INFORMATION When the battery charge is almost depleted, a “Low Voltage” indicator will appear on the display. When this icon appears, it is recommended that you charge the battery soon. BATTERY LIFE (APPROX.) OPERATING BAND BATTERY INDICATOR FNB-101LI FNB-102LI FBA-39 (1) 50 MHz 5.5 hours 9.0 hours 20 hours : Full battery power (1) 144 MHz 5.0 hours 8.5 hours 17 hours : Enough battery power (1) 222 MHz 6.0 hours 11 hours 20 hours : Low battery power (
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INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES ( ) INSTALLATION OF FBA-39 ALKALINE BATTERY CASE OPTION The optional FBA-39 Battery Case allows receive monitoring using three “AA” size Al- kaline batteries. Alkaline batteries can also be used for low power transmission in an emergency. The power output will only be selectable 1 W/50 mW (for 50/144/430 MHz FM) or 500 mW/50 mW (for 222 MHz FM), or 1 W fixed (for 50 MHz AM). TO INSTALL ALKALINE BATTERIES INTO THE FBA-39 1. Lift up the lower right corner of the rubber
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INTERFACE OF PACKET TNCS The VX-8R may be used for Packet operation, using the optional CT-44 and CT-131 microphone adapter (available from your Yaesu dealer) for easy interconnection to com- monly-available connectors wired to your TNC. You may also build your own cable using a four-conductor miniature phone plug. The audio level from the receiver to the TNC may be adjusted by rotating the DIAL knob while pressing and holding the key, as with voice operation. The input level to the VX-8R from
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OPERATION Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I’ll be helping you along as you learn the many features of the VX-8R. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encour- age 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 1. Be sure the battery pack is installed, and that it is fully charged. Connect the antenna to the top panel ANTENNA jack. ( ) 2. Press and
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OPERATION SQUELCH ADJUSTMENT The VX-8R’s Squelch system allows you to mute the background noise when no signal is being received. Not only does the Squelch system make “standby” operation more pleas- ant, it also significantly reduces battery current consumption. The Squelch system may be adjusted independently for the FM and Wide-FM (FM Broad- cast) modes. 1. Press the key, then press the key on the left side of the radio. This provides a “Short-cut” to Set Mode Item 92: SQL LEVEL 92: SQL LEV
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OPERATION SELECTING THE OPERATING BAND In the factory default configuration, the VX-8R operates in the “Dual Receive” mode. During Dual Receive operation, the “A-Band” frequency will be displayed on the upper part of the LCD, and the “B-Band” frequency will be displayed on the lower part. The “Operating” band (the band on which transmission and band/frequency changes are pos- sible) is shown in large characters, and “Receive only” band is shown in small characters. Press the key briefly to enga
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OPERATION SELECTING THE FREQUENCY BAND The VX-8R covers an incredibly OPERATING BAND FREQUENCY RANGE [ ] wide frequency range, over BAND NUMBER “VFO-A” “VFO-B” [ ] SW Band 1 1.8-30 MHz – which a number of different op- [ ] 50 MHz Band 2 30-76 MHz 30-76 MHz erating modes are used. There- [ ] AIR Band 3 108-137 MHz 108-137 MHz fore, the VX-8R’s frequency [ ] VHF HAM Band 4 137-174 MHz 137-174 MHz [ ] VHF TV Band 5 174-222 MHz 174-222 MHz coverage has been divided into [ ] INFO 1 Band 6 222-420 MHz
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OPERATION FREQUENCY NAVIGATION The VX-8R will initially be operating in the “VFO” mode, as just described. This is a frequency step system which allows free tuning throughout the currently-selected operating band. Three basic frequency navigation methods are available on the VX-8R: ) 1 TUNING DIAL Rotation of the DIAL knob allows tuning in the pre-pro- grammed steps established for the current operating band. Clockwise rotation of the DIAL knob causes the VX-8R to be tuned toward a higher freque
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OPERATION FREQUENCY NAVIGATION ) 3 SCANNING From the VFO mode, press and hold in the key for one second, and while still holding in the key, rotate the DIAL knob to select the bandwidth for the VFO scan- ner. Release the key to begin scanning toward a higher frequency. The scanner will stop when it receives a signal strong enough to break through the Squelch threshold. The VX-8R will then hold on that frequency according to the setting of the “RESUME RESUME RESUME RESUME RESUME” mode (Menu It
