RadioShack HTX-212 Owners Manual

4.5 (2)

Cat. No. 19-1125

OWNER’S MANUAL

HTX-212 Two-Meter Mobile Transceiver

Please read before using this transceiver.

INTRODUCTION

Your HTX-212 Two-Meter Mobile Transceiver is an exciting addition to Radio Shack’s growing line of high-quality amateur radio equipment. It offers some of the most advanced, and most requested, features available in a mobile transceiver. Be sure to read this entire manual to understand how to use all the radio’s features.

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.

FEATURES

High (45 Watts) and Low (10 Watts) Power Settings—let you select the best power setting for effective communications.

True FM Modulation—provides a clear, natural-sounding signal.

31 Memory Channels—hold one calling frequency and 30 standard frequencies.

Priority Memory Channel 1—lets you set the HTX-212 to periodically check the frequency stored in Memory Channel 1 and alert you if there is activity on it.

Individually Programmable Repeater Offsets —let you program different repeater offset frequencies for each memory, and a default repeater offset for manually-tuned frequencies.

Subaudible Tone Transmit and Receive (CTCSS) —transmits the subaudible tones required to use some repeaters, and also lets you set a subaudible tone that your transceiver must receive to open squelch.

DTMF Page with Group Calling—lets you set a sequence of up to seven DTMF tones that your transceiver must receive to sound an alert tone and open squelch.

DTMF Transmit and Memory —lets you manually send DTMF tones or send DTMF sequences of up to 15 digits each from one of six DTMF memories to quickly access DTMF-access repeaters, autopatches, or other stations equipped with a DTMF page feature.

Programmable Frequency Step—lets you set the frequency step for tuning or scanning to 5, 10, 12.5, 20, 25, 50, or 100 kHz.

1995 Tandy Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

Radio Shack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.

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Extended Band Coverage —receives from 136 to 174 MHz and lets you extend transmit coverage to include 2-Meter ham, MARS (Military Amateur Radio Service), and CAP (Civil Air Patrol).

Dual VFO (Variable-Frequency Oscillator) and Duplex Modes—two independent VFOs let you quickly select between two directly-entered frequencies. You can also use one of the VFOs as a repeater input frequency and the other as a repeater output frequency for odd-split repeaters.

USING THIS MANUAL

To make this manual as easy to use as possible, we give you several ways to find information.

Contents—lists all sections in the order they appear in the manual.

Understanding the Display—lists all display indicators and gives a brief explaination and the sections where the indicator is fully explained.

Using the Menu—lists the options in the configuration menu and gives the page numbers where the options are discussed.

Quick Reference Card—gives brief instructions for most functions.

Type Conventions—make the references to keys and displays easier to find in the text:

Keys are bold. For example, VFO.

When a key has more than one marking (for example, DTMF and ALM refer to the same key), we refer to the key by the name appropriate to the task.

Where you are instructed to press two keys at once, the keys are separated by a + symbol. For example, F+DTMF.

Text and symbols that appear on the transceiver’s display appear in a special typeface. For example, 144.940.

Important notes in this manual have a large exclamation mark (!) in the margin. Warnings and cautions you should follow to prevent injury to a person or damage to the transceiver have a large lightning bolt ( ) in the margin.

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CONTENTS

INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Unpacking the Transceiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Connecting the Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Mounting the HTX-212 in a Vehicle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Connecting an Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Connecting to Your Vehicle’s Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 Using the HTX-212 as a Base Station . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Using the HTX-212 with Packet Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Connecting an External Speaker (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

UNDERSTANDING THE HTX-212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Dual VFO Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

DTMF (Touch-Tone) Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Subaudible Tone (CTCSS) Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Repeater Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Memory Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14

Understanding the Display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

BASIC OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

Turning On/Off Your HTX-212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

Resetting the HTX-212 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

Extending the Transmit Frequency Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17

Setting Volume and Squelch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Using the Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Setting the Power Level . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18

Locking the Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19

Selecting a Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19

Directly Entering a Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19

Tuning to a Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20

Scanning for a Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20

Setting the Frequency Step . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21

Setting the Scan Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21

Storing Scan Skip Frequencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21

Setting the Scan Resume Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22

Setting the Scan Resume Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22

Setting the Scanning Range . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23

Receiving Transmissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23

Transmitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24

Transmitting DTMF Tones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24

Limiting Transmit Duration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25

Turning the Keytone Beep On and Off . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25

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ADVANCED OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Frequency Offset Defaults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Changing the Default Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Reversing the Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26 Overriding the Duplex Offset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 Using the Dual VFOs for Duplex Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

USING MEMORY CHANNELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Using the Calling-Frequency Memory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Using the Standard Memory Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Storing a Frequency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Changing Stored Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Tuning to a Memory Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Checking Priority Channel 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Scanning Memory Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30 Clearing a Memory Channel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

USING DTMF AND SUBAUDIBLE TONES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Storing a DTMF Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Transmitting a DTMF Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Using DTMF Page . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Using Group Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Using Auto-Reply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Using Subaudible Tones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Valid Subaudible Tones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Setting the Subaudible Tones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34

Activating Subaudible Tone Transmit and Squelch . . . . . . . . .34

Setting the DTMF Page and Subaudible Tone Alert . . . . . . . . . . . .34

USING THE MENU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Error Codes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Common Problems and Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Replacing the Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37

SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Receiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38

Transmitter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39

SCHEMATIC(S) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40

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INSTALLATION

UNPACKING THE TRANSCEIVER

As you unpack the transceiver, check to be sure you have all the items shown in this illustration.

CONNECTING THE MICROPHONE

Plug the microphone’s connector into the microphone jack and clip the microphone to the holder.

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MOUNTING THE HTX-212 IN A VEHICLE

When you select a mounting location for the HTX-212, be sure:

You can easily reach it

No wires or cables will interfere with the vehicle’s operation

It is not directly in front of heating vents

All wires will reach their connection points

Cautions:

Install the transceiver only in a vehicle that has a 12-volt, nega- tive-ground electrical system.

To avoid damaging your vehicle’s electronic systems, contact your vehicle’s manufacturer before you install the HTX-212 to find out about the proper transceiver mounting locations, antenna locations, and power and antenna cable routing guidelines.

Do not apply power to the transceiver until after you properly mount and connect an antenna.

Use the supplied screws, metal washers, bracket, rubber washers, and mounting knobs, as shown, to mount the transceiver.

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RadioShack HTX-212 Owners Manual

CONNECTING AN ANTENNA

You can connect a variety of antennas for both mobile and base-station use (see “Using the HTX-212 as a Base Station” on Page 10). Each type of antenna has its benefits. Choose the one that best meets your needs.

When deciding on a mobile or base-station antenna and its location, consider the following:

The antenna should be as high as possible on your vehicle or house.

The antenna and antenna cable should be as far away as possible from sources of electrical noise (ignition systems, power cables, and so on).

The antenna should be vertical.

The antenna should have an SWR of less than 1.5:1. SWRs of 1.8:1 or greater can prevent the HTX-212 from performing to its specified ratings.

After you select an antenna, follow its mounting instructions. Then route the antenna cable from the antenna to the HTX-212 and connect it to the antenna connector.

Connect the antenna to your HTX-212 using RG-8U coaxial cable or other 50-ohm cable. The cable should end in a PL-239 connector.

Cautions:

To prevent damage to your HTX-212, you must connect an antenna to it before you operate it.

Do not run the cable over sharp edges or moving parts that might damage the cable.

Do not run the cable through the engine compartment or other areas that produce extreme heat.

Check with your vehicle manufacturer for antenna cable routing guidelines.

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CONNECTING TO YOUR VEHICLE’S POWER

Follow these steps to power the HTX-212 in your vehicle.

1.Connect the black wire to your vehicle battery’s negative (–) terminal or to a metal part of the vehicle’s frame. Be sure the metal part is not insulated from the vehicle’s frame by a plastic part.

2.Connect the red wire to a source of voltage that turns on and off with the ignition and that can handle the transceiver’s 10-amp maximum power draw.

Or, if you do not want the HTX-212 to turn on and off with your vehicle’s ignition, connect the red wire directly to the battery’s positive

(+) terminal.

Note: You might need to connect the red wire directly to the battery if you experience ignition noise.

9

USING THE HTX-212 AS A BASE STATION

Although we designed the HTX-212 primarily for use as a mobile transceiver, you can also use it as a base station. To do so, you need these items:

13.8-Volt DC regulated power supply that can supply at least 10 amps continuous power

Base station antenna

50-ohm coaxial antenna cable and connectors

Follow these steps to connect the HTX-212 as a base station.

1.Mount the base station antenna according to its instructions.

Warning: For your safety, follow all cautions and warnings included with the base station antenna.

2.Connect the antenna cable to the antenna jack on the back of the HTX-212.

3.Connect the black power wire to the power supply’s negative (–) terminal.

4.Connect the red power wire to the power supply’s positive (+) terminal.

5.Connect the power supply to a source of power.

10

USING THE HTX-212 WITH PACKET RADIO

You can connect your HTX-212 directly to a packet radio terminal node controller, as shown below.

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CONNECTING AN EXTERNAL SPEAKER (OPTIONAL)

You can connect an external speaker to your HTX-212.

Use an 8-Ohm communications or PA speaker that can handle 5 or more watts of power (such as Radio Shack Cat. No. 21-549). The speaker’s cable must end in a 1/8-inch plug. Simply plug the speaker cable into the HTX-212’s EXT. SP jack.

If your vehicle has a cassette player, you can easily connect your transceiver to your vehicle’s audio system using a CD-to-cassette adapter and a mono-to-stereo audio plug. Simply connect the adapter as shown.

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UNDERSTANDING THE HTX-212

This section explains some of the HTX-212’s features. See “Basic Operation” which starts on Page 17 for instructions about how to use these features.

DUAL VFO MODES

The VFO (Variable-Frequency Oscillator) modes let you directly select a frequency anywhere within the HTX-212’s operating range. Your HTX-212 has two VFOs: VFO-A and VFO-B. You typically use the VFOs to tune to frequencies you have not stored into one of the HTX-212’s memory channels (see “Memory Channels” on Page 14).

A related feature of the HTX-212 lets you transmit on the frequency selected with one VFO and receive on the frequency selected with the other VFO. (See “Using the Dual VFOs for Duplex Operation” on Page 27.)

DTMF (TOUCH-TONE) FEATURES

DTMF (Dual-Tone, Multiple Frequency) is another term for touch-tones (the tones a telephone produces when you press a digit). This standard set of tones is used by many different amateur radio systems for accessing programmable features and dialing through autopatches.

Your HTX-212 produces all 16 standard DTMF tones (0-9, Q, #, A, B, C, and D). It has six DTMF memories which can each hold up to 15 digits for quick transmission. You can also set the HTX-212 to listen for a specific set of DTMF tones, and alert you when it detects them (this feature is called DTMF Paging). Until it hears the sequence, the HTX-212 does not pass any transmissions to the speaker.

Group Calling lets you DTMF page a single person or an entire group of people. To use group calling, every person in the group selects the same first three digits as their DTMF page sequence. They then select up to four additional digits unique to each person. To page an individual, you transmit their entire DTMF page sequence. To page the entire group, you transmit at least the first three digits of the sequence, followed by the DTMF tones for A, B, and C.

Note: Group Calling only works with the HTX-212 and other transceivers that support this feature.

13

SUBAUDIBLE TONE (CTCSS) FEATURES

Subaudible tones, also known as CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System) are low-frequency tones that are mixed with a transmission. They are used by many repeaters to limit interference from other nearby radio transmitters. When a repeater uses a subaudible tone, it does not react to any transmission that does not include that tone.

Your HTX-212 includes all 38 standard subaudible tones. You can set your HTX-212 to include any of these tones with your transmissions. You can also set the your HTX-212 to limit reception to only those transmissions that include the selected tone.

REPEATER OPERATION

Operation through a repeater, where you transmit on one frequency and receive on another, is called duplex operation. Operation direct to another station where you transmit and receive on the same frequency is called simplex operation.

A repeater is a station that receives a signal on one frequency (the input frequency) and then retransmits that signal on a different frequency (the output frequency). Repeater antennas are typically located at the tops of tall buildings or on antenna towers, so a relatively low-power signal can reach the repeater. The repeater retransmits the signal at a higher power. This gives users of low-power transceivers the ability to communicate over a much greater range.

To use a repeater, you must know the repeater’s input and output frequencies. Repeaters are usually identified by their output frequency. Thus, a repeater that has an output frequency of 146.94 is referred to as the 146.94 repeater. To determine the input frequency you must know the frequency offset (600 kHz for the 2-meter band) and the offset direction (+ if you add 600 kHz to the output or – if you subtract 600 kHz from the output).

Your HTX-212 is programmed with the default 600 kHz frequency offset and direction for the 2-meter band. When you tune to a frequency that is normally assigned for repeater use, the HTX-212 automatically selects the correct input frequency. See “Frequency Offset Defaults” on Page 26.

MEMORY CHANNELS

Your HTX-212 has 31 memory channels (30 standard memory channels and one calling-frequency memory channel). Each memory channel can hold a transmit and receive frequency, subaudible transmit and receive tones, the transmit power level, and whether subaudible tone transmit and squelch are on or off. You cannot store non-amateur frequencies in memory.

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