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Cat. No. 19-1104
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
HTX-400
Mini Handheld 70cm FM
Amateur Transceiver
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FEATURES
Your RadioShack HTX-400 Mini Handheld 70cm FM Ama-
teur Transceiver is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry almost anywhere. The crystal controlled circuitry provides accurate and stable channel selection, making it an ideal choice for your amateur communications needs.
Note: You must have a Technician Class or higher Amateur Radio Operator’s License, and a call sign issued by the FCC, to legally transmit using this transceiver. Transmitting without a license carries heavy penalties. Getting a license is easier than ever. See “Introduction to Amateur Radio” on Page 7 for more information.
Here are some of your transceiver’s features.
200 mW/2 Watt Output — the transceiver automatically transmits at 200 mW output when powered by internal batteries, or at 2 Watt output when powered by an external 9-volt power source.
CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System subaudible tone) — helps reduce interference from other nearby systems operating on the same frequency. Encoding and decoding tone unlocks squelch when received.
Repeater Offset — lets you select an appropriate offset value to match a local repeater.
Scan — the transceiver scans frequency range and memory channels for transmissions.
Power Save — conserves b attery power when the transceiver is not transmitting or receiving.
Programmable Frequency Steps — l et you set the frequency increment for tuning or scanning to 5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 50 kHz, or 1 MHz steps.
©1999 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
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Alert Melody — you can set the radio to play a short, selectable melody when it transmits, and play the same melody when it receives a tone encoded signal.
Signal Strength Indicator — a graduated bar shows the relative strength of the received signal.
Time-Out Timer — lets you set a maximum transmission time interval from 0 to 990 seconds to make the best use of repeater transmission time.
Busy Channel Lock Out — prevents transmitting while the selected channel is receiving a signal.
TX Delay — continues transmitting to prevent noise at the end of a transmission as you release the push-to-talk (PTT) button.
Scan Delay — delays restart of scanning when the radio locks onto a channel.
Earphone Jack and External Microphone Jack — let you connect an optional earphone, external microphone, or combination headset for more flexible operation.
External Power Jack — lets you use an external power source for maximum output.
30 Memory Locations — let you store up to 30 frequencies and other settings.
Back Light — makes your transceiver easy to operate in lowlight situations.
Key Lock — lets you lock the transceiver’s keys to prevent accidentally changing settings.
We recommend you record your transceiver’s serial number here. The number is on the transceiver’s back panel.
Serial Number ____________________________
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MANUAL CONVENTIONS
Your transceiver’s buttons perform multiple functions. The abbreviation or symbol for a function is printed on, below, or above each button.
To activate certain transceiver features, you must press FUNC (function) and another button at the same time. Those key combination instructions are printed as first button name, +, then the second button name. For example, FUNC+LOCK means hold down FUNC while you press LOCK.
Button names are printed in small, bold, capital letters such as BEEP or SC. Words, symbols, and numbers that appear on the display are printed using a distinctive typeface such as 446.000 or BUSY.
FCC INFORMATION
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
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CONTENTS |
|
Introduction to Amateur Radio .................................. |
7 |
Preparation .................................................................. |
9 |
Power Sources ....................................................... |
9 |
Using Internal Batteries .................................. |
9 |
Testing Internal Batteries .............................. |
10 |
Using Vehicle Battery Power ......................... |
11 |
Connecting the Antenna ...................................... |
12 |
Attaching the Belt Clip ......................................... |
13 |
Attaching the Wrist Strap ..................................... |
13 |
Connecting a Microphone/Speaker ...................... |
14 |
A Quick Look at the Controls .................................. |
15 |
Operation ................................................................... |
17 |
Understanding Repeaters .................................... |
17 |
Receiving, Transmitting and Setting Squelch ....... |
17 |
Scanning for Active Frequencies ......................... |
19 |
Monitoring a Frequency ....................................... |
19 |
Changing the Frequency Range .......................... |
19 |
Locking the Keypad .............................................. |
20 |
Lighting the Display .............................................. |
20 |
Turning the Key tone On and Off ......................... |
20 |
Using Memory Locations ..................................... |
20 |
Using the Calling-Frequency |
|
Memory Location .......................................... |
20 |
Using Standard Memories ................................... |
21 |
Storing a Transmit/Receive Frequency ......... |
21 |
Storing a Repeater Offset Frequency ........... |
22 |
Storing a Scanning Skip Setting ................... |
22 |
Scanning Standard Memory Locations ......... |
23 |
Locking Out (Skipping) Locations During |
|
Memory Location Scanning .......................... |
23 |
Using Subaudible Tone Squelch .......................... |
24 |
Subaudible Tone Frequencies ...................... |
25 |
Reversing the Offset ............................................ |
26 |
Reversing the Transmit and receive Frequencies |
26 |
Melody Options .................................................... |
26 |
Using the Transmit Melody Alert ................... |
27 |
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Using the Receive Melody Alert ................... |
27 |
Special Features ....................................................... |
28 |
Using the Special Features ................................. |
28 |
Frequency Step ............................................ |
29 |
Repeater Offset ............................................ |
29 |
Power Save .................................................. |
29 |
Time-Out Timer ............................................ |
30 |
Scan Delay Time .......................................... |
30 |
Transmit Delay Time ..................................... |
30 |
Busy Channel Lockout ................................. |
31 |
Troubleshooting ........................................................ |
32 |
Care and Maintenance ............................................. |
33 |
Resetting the Transceiver .................................... |
34 |
Specifications ........................................................... |
35 |
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INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR RADIO
Your transceiver is the perfect first radio for anyone entering the exciting world of amateur radio as well as a great additional transceiver for the experienced amateur radio operator. Your transceiver opens a door for you to the world from almost anywhere! All you need is an Amateur Radio Operator’s License (Technician Class or higher) issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you do not have a license, it is easier than ever to get one and help from licensed operators is available. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
You can turn on your transceiver and scan the entire band to hear what is going on. However, do not attempt to transmit until you get your license. If you transmit without a license you are in violation of federal law that can lead to severe penalties. Note that ham operators take the FCC rules very seriously and want nothing to do with “bootleggers” — their term for people who operate without a license.
Find out if there is a ham radio club in your area. Most clubs welcome newcomers and are glad to help you get your license. There are thousands of clubs across the country, so there is probably one in or near your own community. Often, the staff at your local RadioShack store can help you locate a club.
If you do not hear anyone talking about a local club in your area as you listen to local transmissions, write to the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), at the following address, to find out how to contact a local affiliate. The ARRL is the national organization representing amateur radio in the United States. The league has more than 150,000 members. Most are ham operators, or members in the process of obtaining their license.
The American Radio Relay League
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111
http://www.arrl.org
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Start studying for the license exams. Do not be intimidated by the word “study,” for most people can go from knowing absolutely nothing about amateur radio to passing the Novice and Technician written exams in less than a month.
The exams test your knowledge of basic radio regulations and elementary radio theory. Many clubs hold license classes which can be a fun and easy way to learn about amateur radio. There are good books, cassette tapes, computer programs, and many other study aids available. Your local RadioShack store sells FCC License Preparation study guides for amateur radio operator licenses. While you are no longer required to learn Morse code for a Technician Class license, we encourage you to learn it anyway so you can advance to higher levels of operating privileges.
The examiners for a Novice license test can be any two ham operators who hold a general or higher class license and who are at least 18 years old and are not related to you. There is no fee to take the Novice exam. As soon as you pass the Novice exam, you can immediately take the Technician exam. There is a small fee required for taking the Technician exam, and the test must be administered by a three-member Volunteer Examiner Team. Contact the ARRL for a schedule of exam opportunities in your area.
The Technician Class license lets you use the HTX-400 to communicate directly with other operators, and use repeaters for distant communication.
The ARRL staff helped us prepare this section of the Owner’s Manual. Amateur radio is a great hobby that has enriched the lives of millions of people all over the world. The ARRL would be glad to hear from you if you need more information or would like to join!
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PREPARATION
POWER SOURCES
You can operate your transceiver from either of two power sources:
•internal batteries
•vehicle battery power (using an optional DC adapter)
Using Internal Batteries
Your transceiver can use two AA batteries (not supplied) for power. For the best performance and longest life, we recommend RadioShack alkaline batteries.
Cautions:
•Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended type.
•Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable), or rechargeable batteries of different capacities.
Follow these steps to install batteries.
LOCK Tab (on bottom)
1.Move the LOCK tab in the opposite direction of the marked arrow on the bottom of the transceiver.
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2.Press down and slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of the arrow marked on the cover.
3.Put the batteries into the compartment and on top of the attached ribbon according to the polarity symbols (+ and –) marked inside the compartment.
4.Replace the cover and slide the LOCK tab on the bottom to secure the cover.
Testing Internal Batteries
To test the battery strength, rotate VOL/OFF clockwise on the top of the radio until it clicks, then press C. C appears in the lower right corner of the display. Then hold down the push-to-talk button and MO at the same time. BAT appears and the graduated bar next to BAT indicates the battery strength. If the batteries are weak, the battery symbol shows less than 4 bars. Replace both batteries as soon as possible.
Cautions:
•Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or bury them.
•If you do not plan to use the transceiver with batteries for a two week period, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.
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Using Vehicle Battery Power
You can operate the HTX-400 from your vehicle’s battery using a DC adapter such as RadioShack Cat. No. 273-1815.
Cautions:
You must use a power source that supplies 9 volts
!DC and delivers at least 800 mA. Its center tip must be set to positive, and its plug must fit the
transceiver’s DC 9V jack. The recommended adapter meets these specifications. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage the transceiver or the adapter.
•Always plug the adapter into the transceiver before you plug it into the cigarette-lighter socket, and unplug the adapter from the cigarette-lighter socket before you unplug it from the transceiver.
1.Set the adapter’s voltage switch to 9V.
2.Insert the 3.8 mm outer diameter/1.1 mm inner diameter plug (Cat. No. 273-1712, not supplied) into the adapter’s cord, so it reads +TIP.
3.Insert the plug into the HTX-400’s DC 9V jack.
4.Plug the other end of the adapter into the cigarette-lighter socket in the vehicle.
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