Radio Shack HTX-420 User Manual
Full 16-Key DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi
Frequency) Keypad — lets you dial and
make telephone connections. See
“Transmitting a DTMF Code” on page 7.
Programmable Frequency Steps — let
you set the frequency increment for
tuning or scanning to steps of 5, 6.25, 7.5,
10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, or 50 kHz. See
“Setting the Frequency Step” on page 8.
SAME Weather Alert — uses Specific
Area Message Encoding (SAME) digital
information to determine and display the
level of weather events. See “Using the
SAME Alert” on page 8.
Electronic Compass — provides two letters to
indicate direction (such as SW or NW) and up to
three digits to show directional angle (such as
360°, 180°, 90° or 45°). See “Using the
Electronic Compass” on page 9.
*6:/642"4//GVGT192EO"&WCN"$CPF"(/"#OCVGWT"6TCPUEGKXGT
19-1 108
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Preparation ............... .......................................... ......... 2
Using Internal Batteries ........................................... 2
Using AC or DC Power ............................................ 2
Connecting the Antenna .......................................... 2
Attaching the Belt Clip ............................................. 2
Attaching the Wrist Strap ......................................... 2
Connecting a Microphone/Speaker ......................... 2
A Quick Look At the Display ........................................ 3
Operation ............. .......................... .......................... .... 4
Manual Conventions ................................................ 4
Turning On/Off the Transceiver ................................ 4
Setting the Squelch Level ........................................ 4
Temporarily Opening Squelch .................................. 4
Using the Universal Type Keys ................................ 4
Selecting Frequencies (Direct Tuning) and Receiving
Transmissions ............................ .............................. 4
Transmitting ............................................................. 4
Understanding Repeaters ............................................ 5
Setting the Repeater Offset Frequency ................... 5
Turning Repeater Operation On/Off and Changing
The Offset Direction ................................................. 5
Memory Operation ....................................................... 5
Storing a Transmit/Receive Frequency .................... 5
Recalling Memory Locations .................................... 5
Checking Memory Location Settings ....................... 6
Clearing a Single Memory ......... ..... ..... ...... .............. 6
Using the Calling-Frequency Memory ..................... 6
Scanning Operation ..................................................... 6
Scanning for Active Frequencies ............................. 6
Scanning Standard Memory Locations .................... 6
Skipping Memory Channels While Scanning ........... 6
Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System Features
(CTCSS) ................... .......................................... ......... 6
Setting the CTCSS Tones ........................................ 6
Using the CTCSS Tones .......................................... 7
Using DTMF Code ....................................................... 7
Transmitting a DTMF Code ...................................... 7
Using the Transceiver with Packet Radio ................ 7
Locking the Keypad ................................................. 8
Lighting the Display ................................................. 8
Turning the Key Tone On and Off ............................ 8
Setting the Frequency Step ..................................... 8
Power Save ............................................................. 8
Using Auto Power Shutoff ........................................ 8
Limiting Transmit Duration (Time-Out Timer) ........... 8
Tuning the Weather Radio Frequencies .................. 8
Using the SAME Alert .............................................. 8
Using the Electronic Compass ................................. 9
Selecting the Transmit Power ................................ 10
Cross Band Channel Operation ............................. 10
Dual Watch ............................................................ 10
Receiving the Air Band .......................................... 10
Changing the Transmit Frequency Range ............. 10
FCC Information ........................................................ 10
Care .......................... .......................... ....................... 10
ERR Display .......................................................... 10
Service and Repair .................................................... 11
Resetting the Transceiver ...................................... 11
Specifications ............................................................ 11
If an icon appears at the end of a paragraph, go
to the box on that page with the corresponding
icon for pertinent information.
— Warning
ýýýý
RRRR
. — Caution ±
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.
"+/2146#06"
#
"016'"
±±±±
#
— Important
#
± — Note
±±
"
±±±±
OWNER’S MANUAL — Please read before using this equipment.
Thank you for purchasing a RadioShack HTX-420 2-Meter/70 cm Dual Band FM Amateur
Transceiver. Your trans ceiv er is com pact a nd rugg ed, ma king it e asy to ca rry alm ost a nywhere .
The crystal controlled circuitry provides accurate and stable frequency selection, making it an
ideal choice for your amateur communications needs.
+0641&7%6+10"61"
#/#6'74"4#&+1
Amateur radio is a great hobby that has
enriched the lives of millions of people all
over the world. Your transce iver is the perfe ct
first radio for anyone entering the exciting
world of amateur radio, or as a great
additional transceiver for the experienced
amateur radio operator. Your transceiver
opens a door for you to th e world fr om 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 easy to get one,
and help from license d operators is av ailable.
Find out if there is a ham radio club in your
area. Most clubs welcome newc om ers and
are glad to help you get your license. 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
a license, you are in violation of federal law
that can lead to severe penalties. Ham
operators take the FCC rules very seriously
. If you transmit wit hout
2002 RadioShack Corporation.
©
RadioShack and RadioShack.com are trademarks
All Rights Reserved.
used by RadioShack Corporation.
and want nothing to do with “bootleggers” –
their term for people who operate without a
license.
±±±±
If you do not hear anyone talking about a
local club as you li sten to local tran smissions ,
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
Start studying for the license exams. Most
people can go from knowing absolutely
nothing about amateur radio to passing the
Technician written exam 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
"9#40+0)"R"
ý
Using the Lithium-Ion Rechargeable
Battery Pack
When you remove the battery pack from the
transceiver, be sure to turn off the transceiver
before you remove the battery pack.
Using AA Batteries
• When you remove the battery holder to replace
the batteries, be sure to turn off the transceiver
before you remove the battery holder.
• Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly.
Do not burn or bury them.
Using the Lithium-Ion Rechargeable
Battery Pack
• The supplied adapter is designed only to
recharge the battery pack. Do not attempt to
transmit using the adapter to power the radio.
• Use a coin or other solid object to unlatch the
lock tab when you remove the battery pack.
Using AA Batteries
• Use only fresh batteries of the required size
and recommend type.
• Always remove old or weak batteries.
Batteries can leak chemicals that destroy
electronic circuits.
• Do not mix old and new batteries, different
types of batteries (standard or alkaline).
• If you do not plan to use the transceiver with
batteries for two weeks or more, remove the
batteries.
Using AC or DC Power
• You must use a Class 2 power
source that supplies 12V DC and
delivers at least 2A. Its center tip
must be set to positive and its plug
must fit the transceiver’s EXT jack. Using a
power supply that does not meet these
specifications could damage the transceiver
or the power supply.
• Always connect the power cable to the
transceiver before you connect it to the power
source. When you finish, disconnect the cable
from the power source before you disconnect
it from the transceiver.
Connecting the Antenna
Do not over-tighten the antenna.
Using the Lithium-Ion Rechargeable
Battery Pack
• The battery pack’s indicator does not change
to green if you use the transceiver while
charging the battery pack.
• Using a pencil eraser, clean the charging
contacts on lithium-ion battery pack.
Connecting the Antenna
You can connect an external antenna to the
transceiver using an SMA-to-BNC adapter. The
adapter and suitable antennas are available at
your local RadioShack store.
R
.
"%#76+10"
"016'"
±±±±
±±±±
.
!
"
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 M orse code for a Technician
Class license, we encourage you to learn it
so you can advance to higher levels of
operating privileges.
There is a small fee required for taking the
Technician exam. All license level tests are
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 transceiver to communicate directly with
other operators, and use repe aters for distant
communication.
24'2#4#6+10
You can power your transceiver using
internal batteries, AC power or vehicle
battery power (using a RadioShack 270-031
power cable, not supplied, available at your
local RadioShack store or online at
www.RadioShack.com).
75+0)"+06'40#."$#66'4+'5
You can power the transceiver using the
supplied lithium-ion rechargeable battery
pack and its supplied adapter or four AA
alkaline batteries (not supplied), available at
RadioShack.
75+0)"6*'".+6*+7//+10"
4'%*#4)'#$.'"$#66'4;"2#%-
Before you use the lithium-ion rechargeable
battery pack, you must charge it. The battery
pack has a built-in charging circuit.
To charge the battery pack, connect the
supplied AC adapter to the battery pack ’s DC
12V jack. Then plug the adapter’s other end
into a standard AC outlet. If you have
installed the battery pack to the transceiver,
turn off the transceiver. The indicator on the
battery pack lights red while charging and
lights green when the charging finishes. A
fully discharged battery pack can take as
".
±±±±
long as 10 hours to fully recharge.
When the battery pack is fully charged,
unplug the adapter from the AC outlet, then
disconnect the adapter from the battery pack.
Install the battery pack by inserting its upper
edge first then press it down. Then lift and
press down the l oc k tab to s ecure the battery
pack.
When • appears, recharge the battery.
±±±±
RRRR
.#
75+0)"##"$#66'4+'5
You can power your transceiver using four
alkaline AA batteries (not suppl ied and
available at your lo cal RadioShack st ore) with
the supplied battery holder.
1. Insert four AA batteries into the supplied
battery holder according to the polarity
symbols (+ or –) marked on the holder.
2. Attach the battery holder onto the
transceiver and fasten the lock tab.
When • appears, replace the batteries.
RRRR
".
75+0)"#%"14"&%"219'4
To power the transce iver from an AC outlet or
your vehicle’s batt ery po wer, you need a 12V
regulated DC power supply that delivers at
least 2A (for AC) an d a RadioShack 270-031
power cable (not supplied, available at
RadioShack). Another type of cable mi ght not
.
work with your transceive r.
For AC power,
1.
voltage switch, set the switch to 12V.
2. Insert the power cable’s cord into the
transceiver’s
For AC power,
3.
the power cable to the power supply,
then plug the power suppl y’ s power co rd
into the power source.
For DC power,
power cable into the vehicle’s cigarette
lighter socket.
if the power supply has a
EXT
jack.
connect the other end of
plug the other end of the
%100'%6+0)"6*'"#06'00#
Place the threaded base socket of th e
supplied antenna over the antenn a connector
on top of the trans ceiver and turn the anten na
clockwise to tighten it. To remove the
antenna, turn it counterclockwise. .
#66#%*+0)"6*'"$'.6"%.+2
Use a Phillips screwdriver and the two
supplied screws to attach the supplied belt
clip to your transceiver. Do not overtighten
the screws.
#66#%*+0)"6*'"94+56"564#2
To attach the supplie d wrist strap to the top of
the belt clip, thread the strap's small loop
through the opening in the top of the clip.
Then insert the longer loop through the
smaller loop and pull on the strap until the
loop is tight.
%100'%6+0)"#"/+%412*10'1
52'#-'4
You can connect an external
communications headset (consisting of a
microphone and speaker) to the transceiver
so you can use it privately. Lift the hinged,
±±±±
2
rubber dust cover from the
.
"%#76+10"
.
Use only microphone and speaker accessories
that do not share a common ground for the
speaker and the microphone. Doing otherwise
might damage the transceiver.
±±±±
"016'"
±±±±
"
Connecting a headset’s plug to the transceiver’s
SPK jack automatically disconnects the internal
speaker.
jacks on top of the transceiver. Then insert
the plug of an optional voice-activated
headset with microphone, or an optional
communication he adset, in to the jack s. .
You can also connect an optional mono
earphone to the
the transceiver's push-to-talk button (
transmit as usual. Your local RadioShack
store carries a wide selection of suitable
communications headsets, earphones, and
separate components.
SPK
SPK
jack. This lets you use
and
MIC
PTT
) to
±±±±
The following schematic diagram shows the
typical wiring for an ex ternal mic and
speaker.
#"37+%-".11-"#6"6*'"&+52.#;
3
4
1
2
56 7
16
15
14
13
1.y— appears when F (function) key is
pressed.
JJJJ
— appears when Tone Squelch
2.
(CTCSS) is enabled for transmitting. SQ
appears when Tone Squelch (CTCSS) is
enabled for receiving. TSQ appears
when Tone Squelch (CTCSS) is enable d
for transmitting and receiving.
3.+ — appears to indicate a positive
repeater offset. – indicates a n egative
offset.
JEJ
JEJ
— appears when a time for the time-
4.
JEJJEJ
out timer is selected.
7F
7F
— appears when Auto Power Off is
5.
7F7F
enabled.
— appears when the SAME alert is
6.
r
enabled. The icon flashes when the
transceiver is out of ra nge.
7.í — indicates the battery strength.
z
— indicates the keypad control is
8.
disabled to prevent accid ent al setting
changes.
12
8
9
10
11
11. 2-Digit Number below
memory location number.
12. Sub Frequency Display (appears on the
bottom of the display) — shows the
transmit frequency an d o the r s ett ing s. In
the compass mode, the display shows
direction indicator and angles in degree.
13. Signal Strength/Power Meter — shows
the relative signal strength or power
level.
— appears and flashes when power
14.
p
save is on.
CCCC
— indicates the output power is
15.
BBBB
middle.
low. When neither of these appears, the
output power is high.
16. Main Frequency Display (appears in the
middle of the display) — shows the
receive frequency.
7777
— appears when the trans ceiv er tunes
17.
to the air band. (Not shown on this
display.)
indicates the output power is
— indicates
o
9.
— appears when you use the cross
q
band feature.
10.
(Memory Channel Recall) —
o
appears when you recall a memory
channel.
3
12'4#6+10
setting mode.
JN
JN JED;
JED;, ZJC<
JED;JED;
ZJC<, 7H;7
ZJC<ZJC<
JNJN
IGB
IGB, L><
L>< HFJ
IGBIGB
L><L><
7H;7
, and
7H;77H;7
HFJ, K><
K>< HFJ
HFJHFJ
K><K><
I7C;
I7C;
I7C;I7C;
HFJ, HN
HN JED;
HFJHFJ
HNHN
appear.
JED;
JED;JED;
,
"016'"
±±±±
Temporarily Opening Squelch
The current setting for Squelch, Repeater Offset
for the selected band, RX Tone, and TX Tone
can be displayed by pressing and holding M.
(see “Setting the CTCSS Tones” on Page 6) .
Selecting Frequencies and Receiving
Transmissions
• When you directly enter a frequency, the
transceiver accepts only six digits and it
automatically rounds down the last digit of
the frequency to 0 or 5. For example, if you
enter 440.244, your transceiver accepts it as
440.240. If you enter 440.248, the
transceiver accepts it as 440.245. If you set
the frequency step to 6.25 kHz, 7.5 kHz, or
12.5 kHz, you need to select frequencies
using CH, or
• If the transceiver picks up unwanted, weak
transmissions, set the squelch to a different
level (See “Setting the Squelch Level” on
Page 4).
It is illegal to transmit if you do not have at least a
Technician Class license issued by the FCC.
8or9
.
"%#76+10"
"
±±±±
.
.
/#07#."%108'06+105
Your transceiver's buttons perform multiple
functions. The abbreviation or symbol for a
function is printed on, above, or below each
button.
To activate certain transceiver features, you
must press F (function) and anot her butt on at
the same time. Those key combination
instructions are printed as first button name,
+, then the second button name. For
F+TOT
example,
you press
Button names are printed in small, bold,
capital letters such as
symbols, and numbers that appear on the
display are printed using a distinctive
typeface, such as
means hold down F while
TOT
.
CLR
or MR. Words,
'*,$/*&
'*,$/*&
'*,$/*&'*,$/*&
or
CH
CH
CHCH
.
6740+0)"1011(("6*'"
64#05%'+8'4
To turn on the transceiver, press
radio beeps once if the key tone feature is
enabled. Then the current battery voltage
briefly appears and the last used frequency
appears. To turn the transceiver off, press
PWR
again.
PWR
. The
5'66+0)"6*'"537'.%*".'8'.
Turn on the transceiv er then repeatedly p ress
6
or 7 until the current squ elc h s et ting (
&+
&+
to
&+&+
8
setting. A higher number reduces noise inbetween transmissio ns whil e a low er num ber
allows you to hear a weak transmission.
Press
setting and exit squelch setting.
IGB
IGB
) and
or 9 or rotate CH to change the squelch
appear. Repeatedly press
IGBIGB
PTT
or
(Push to Talk) to store the
&&
&&
&&&&
6'/214#4+.;"12'0+0)"
537'.%*
If you use the Tone Squelch (CT CSS) feature
(see “Setting the CTCSS Ton es” on Page 6),
you might not hear a transmission on the
current frequency. To temporarily open the
squelch so you can hear al l tran smissi ons on
M
the frequency, hold down
normal operation, release
. To resume
M
±±±±
.
75+0)"6*'"70+8'45#."6;2'"
-';5
Repeatedly press until the transceiver
displays a frequency from the desired band.
The band changes in the following orde r:
VHF, UHF, AIR, WX.
Repeatedly pressi ng
selection of squelc h, VHF repeater offset,
UHF repeater offset, receive tone squelch
(CTCSS), transmit tone squelch (CTCSS),
DTMF, SAME area code, and SAME on/off
6or7
allows
Press 8 or 9, or rotate CH to change the
value of the selected setting. Press
PTT
to store the setting and exit.
The detailed operation for squelch, VHF
repeater offset, UHF repeater offset, receive
tone squelch (CTCSS), t ransmit tone squelch
(CTCSS), DTMF, SAME area code, and
SAME on/off is described in the relevant
sections.
5'.'%6+0)"(4'37'0%+'5"* &+4'%6"
670+0)+"#0&"4'%'+8+0)"
64#05/+55+105
1. Repeatedly press to select the
desired receiving mode (VHF, UHF, Air,
Weather).
2. Select a frequency using one of the
following methods.
Using
CH: Rotate CH clockwise or
counterclockwise to select a frequency
(or channel for the weather band). The
frequency changes in increments you
set (see “Setting the Freq uency Step” on
Page 8) for each rotati on click. Hold
F
while rotating CH to change the
down
frequency by 1 MHz increments
regardless of the selected step
frequency.
Using
8 and 9: Repeatedly press (or
hold down)
frequency appears. Hold down
pressing
frequency by 1 MHz increments.
Using Direct Key Entry
keys to directly enter a frequency,
including the three numbers to the right
of the decimal. (You do not enter the
decimal point.)
VOL
3. Set
level.
8
or 9 until the desired
8
or 9 to change the
: Use the number
±±±±
to a comfortable listening
±±±±
64#05/+66+0)
There are two basic types of communication
possible with this transceiver: radio-direct-toradio (simplex) or radio-to-repeater-to radio
(duplex). Simplex uses the same frequency
to send and receive. Duplex uses one
frequency to trans mi t a nd ano ther to receive.
For more information about duplex, see
“Understanding Repeaters” on Page 5.
1. Select the desired transmit band VHF/
UHF and frequency using manual or
direct entry.
2. Hold the transcei ver a bout 3 inch es fro m
your mouth.
or
F
while
.
4
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