Radio Shack HTX-420 User Manual

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OWNER’S MANUAL — Please read before using this equipment.

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Thank you for purchasing a RadioShack HTX-420 2-Meter/70 cm Dual Band FM Amateur

Preparation ..................................................................

2

Transceiver. Your transceiver is compact and rugged, making it easy to carry almost anywhere.

Using Internal Batteries ...........................................

2

The crystal controlled circuitry provides accurate and stable frequency selection, making it an

Using AC or DC Power ............................................

2

ideal choice for your amateur communications needs.

Connecting the Antenna

2

Attaching the Belt Clip .............................................

2

Electronic Compass —

provides two letters to

Attaching the Wrist Strap

2

indicate direction (such as SW or NW) and up to

Connecting a Microphone/Speaker .........................

2

A Quick Look At the Display ........................................

3

three digits to show directional angle (such as

Operation .....................................................................

4

360°, 180°, 90° or 45°). See “Using the

Manual Conventions

4

Electronic Compass” on page 9.

Turning On/Off the Transceiver

4

................................

Setting the Squelch Level

4

Temporarily Opening Squelch ..................................

4

Using the Universal Type Keys ................................

4

Full 16-Key DTMF (Dual-Tone Multi

Selecting Frequencies (Direct Tuning) and Receiving

Transmissions ..........................................................

4

Frequency) Keypad —

lets you dial and

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

4

make telephone connections. See

Understanding Repeaters ............................................

5

“Transmitting a DTMF Code” on page 7.

Setting the Repeater Offset Frequency

5

Turning Repeater Operation On/Off and Changing

The Offset Direction .................................................

5

Programmable Frequency Steps — let

Memory Operation

5

you set the frequency increment for

Storing a Transmit/Receive Frequency ....................

5

Recalling Memory Locations ....................................

5

tuning or scanning to steps of 5, 6.25, 7.5,

Checking Memory Location Settings .......................

6

10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, or 50 kHz. See

Clearing a Single Memory .......................................

6

“Setting the Frequency Step” on page 8.

Using the Calling-Frequency Memory

6

Scanning Operation .....................................................

6

Scanning for Active Frequencies .............................

6

SAME Weather Alert —

uses Specific

Scanning Standard Memory Locations ....................

6

Skipping Memory Channels While Scanning ...........

6

Area Message Encoding (SAME) digital

Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System Features

information to determine and display the

(CTCSS)

6

level of weather events. See “Using the

Setting the CTCSS Tones

6

SAME Alert” on page 8.

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

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Lighting the Display .................................................

8

and want nothing to do with “bootleggers” –

Turning the Key Tone On and Off ............................

8

their term for people who operate without a

Setting the Frequency Step

8

#/#6'74"4#&+1

license. ±

Power Save .............................................................

8

Using Auto Power Shutoff ........................................

8

Amateur radio is a great hobby that has

Limiting Transmit Duration (Time-Out Timer)

8

If you do not hear anyone talking about a

enriched the lives of millions of people all

Tuning the Weather Radio Frequencies ..................

8

local club as you listen to local transmissions,

Using the SAME Alert

8

over the world. Your transceiver is the perfect

write to the American Radio Relay League

Using the Electronic Compass .................................

9

first radio for anyone entering the exciting

Selecting the Transmit Power

10

(ARRL) at the following address to find out

world of amateur radio, or as a great

Cross Band Channel Operation

10

.............................

how to contact a local affiliate. The ARRL is

Dual Watch ............................................................

10

additional transceiver for the experienced

Receiving the Air Band

10

the national organization representing

amateur radio operator. Your transceiver

Changing the Transmit Frequency Range .............

10

amateur radio in the United States. The

FCC Information

10

opens a door for you to the world from almost

league has more than 150,000 members.

Care ...........................................................................

10

anywhere! All you need is an Amateur Radio

ERR Display

10

Most are ham operators, or members in the

Operator's License (Technician Class or

Service and Repair ....................................................

11

process of obtaining their license.

Resetting the Transceiver

11

higher) issued by the Federal

Specifications ............................................................

11

Communications Commission (FCC). If you

The American Radio Relay League

do not have a license, it is easy to get one,

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225 Main Street

and help from licensed operators is available.

If an icon appears at the end of a paragraph, go

Newington, CT 06111

Find out if there is a ham radio club in your

to the box on that page with the corresponding

http://www.arrl.org

area. Most clubs welcome newcomers and

icon for pertinent information.

are glad to help you get your license. Here

Rý— Warning

# — Important

Start studying for the license exams. Most

are a few tips to help you get started.

. — Caution

± — Note

people can go from knowing absolutely

You can turn on your transceiver and scan

nothing about amateur radio to passing the

Technician written exam in less than a

±"016'"±"

the entire band to hear what is going on;

month.

however, do not attempt to transmit until

You must have a Technician Class or higher

you get your license. If you transmit without

The exams test your knowledge of basic

Amateur Radio Operator's License, and a call

a license, you are in violation of federal law

sign issued by the FCC, to legally transmit using

radio regulations and elementary radio

that can lead to severe penalties. Ham

this transceiver. Transmitting without a license

theory. Many clubs hold license classes

operators take the FCC rules very seriously

carries heavy penalties.

which can be a fun and easy way to learn

© 2002 RadioShack Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.

RadioShack and RadioShack.com are trademarks used by RadioShack Corporation.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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 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 repeaters for distant communication.

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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).

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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.

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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. R". ±

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 lock tab to secure the battery pack.

When • appears, recharge the battery. .#

±

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You can power your transceiver using four alkaline AA batteries (not supplied and available at your local RadioShack store) with the supplied battery holder. R".

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.

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To power the transceiver from an AC outlet or your vehicle’s battery power, you need a 12V regulated DC power supply that delivers at least 2A (for AC) and a RadioShack 270-031 power cable (not supplied, available at RadioShack). Another type of cable might not work with your transceiver. .

1.For AC power, if the power supply has a voltage switch, set the switch to 12V.

2.Insert the power cable’s cord into the transceiver’s EXT jack.

3.For AC power, connect the other end of the power cable to the power supply, then plug the power supply’s power cord into the power source.

For DC power, plug the other end of the power cable into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter socket.

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Place the threaded base socket of the supplied antenna over the antenna connector on top of the transceiver and turn the antenna clockwise to tighten it. To remove the antenna, turn it counterclockwise. . ±

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Use a Phillips screwdriver and the two supplied screws to attach the supplied belt clip to your transceiver. Do not overtighten the screws.

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To attach the supplied 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.

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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 SPK and MIC jacks on top of the transceiver. Then insert the plug of an optional voice-activated headset with microphone, or an optional communication headset, into the jacks. . ±

You can also connect an optional mono earphone to the SPK jack. This lets you use the transceiver's push-to-talk button (PTT) to transmit as usual. Your local RadioShack store carries a wide selection of suitable communications headsets, earphones, and separate components.

The following schematic diagram shows the typical wiring for an external mic and speaker.

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1	2	3	4	5	6	7
16						8
15						9
						10
14
13		12				11

1. y— appears when F (function) key is pressed.

2.J — appears when Tone Squelch (CTCSS) is enabled for transmitting. SQ appears when Tone Squelch (CTCSS) is enabled for receiving. TSQ appears when Tone Squelch (CTCSS) is enabled for transmitting and receiving.

3.+ — appears to indicate a positive repeater offset. – indicates a negative offset.

4.JEJ — appears when a time for the timeout timer is selected.

5.7F — appears when Auto Power Off is enabled.

6.r— appears when the SAME alert is enabled. The icon flashes when the transceiver is out of range.

7.í — indicates the battery strength.

8.z— indicates the keypad control is disabled to prevent accidental setting changes.

9.q — appears when you use the cross band feature.

10.o (Memory Channel Recall) — appears when you recall a memory channel.

11.2-Digit Number below o — indicates memory location number.

12.Sub Frequency Display (appears on the bottom of the display) — shows the transmit frequency and other settings. 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.

14.p — appears and flashes when power save is on.

15.C — indicates the output power is middle. B indicates the output power is 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.

17.7 — appears when the transceiver tunes to the air band. (Not shown on this display.)

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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.

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Connecting a headset’s plug to the transceiver’s SPK jack automatically disconnects the internal speaker.

3

±"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 8or 9.

•If the transceiver picks up unwanted, weak transmissions, set the squelch to a different level (See “Setting the Squelch Level” on Page 4).

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It is illegal to transmit if you do not have at least a Technician Class license issued by the FCC.

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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 another button at the same time. Those key combination instructions are printed as first button name, +, then the second button name. For example, F+TOT means hold down F while you press TOT.

Button names are printed in small, bold, capital letters such as CLR or MR. Words, symbols, and numbers that appear on the

display are printed using a distinctive typeface, such as '*,$/*& or CH.

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To turn on the transceiver, press PWR. The 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.

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Turn on the transceiver then repeatedly press 6 or 7 until the current squelch setting (&& to &+) and IGB appear. Repeatedly press

8 or 9 or rotate CH to change the squelch setting. A higher number reduces noise inbetween transmissions while a lower number allows you to hear a weak transmission. Press or PTT (Push to Talk) to store the setting and exit squelch setting.

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If you use the Tone Squelch (CTCSS) feature (see “Setting the CTCSS Tones” on Page 6), you might not hear a transmission on the current frequency. To temporarily open the squelch so you can hear all transmissions on the frequency, hold down M. To resume normal operation, release M. ±

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Repeatedly press until the transceiver displays a frequency from the desired band. The band changes in the following order: VHF, UHF, AIR, WX.

Repeatedly pressing 6or7 allows selection of squelch, VHF repeater offset, UHF repeater offset, receive tone squelch (CTCSS), transmit tone squelch (CTCSS), DTMF, SAME area code, and SAME on/off

setting mode. IGB, L>< HFJ, K>< HFJ, HN JED;, JN JED;, ZJC<, 7H;7, and I7C; appear.

Press 8 or 9, or rotate CH to change the value of the selected setting. Press or PTT to store the setting and exit.

The detailed operation for squelch, VHF repeater offset, UHF repeater offset, receive tone squelch (CTCSS), transmit tone squelch (CTCSS), DTMF, SAME area code, and SAME on/off is described in the relevant sections.

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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 Frequency Step” on Page 8) for each rotation click. Hold down F while rotating CH to change the frequency by 1 MHz increments regardless of the selected step frequency.

Using 8 and 9: Repeatedly press (or hold down) 8 or 9 until the desired

frequency appears. Hold down F while pressing 8 or 9 to change the frequency by 1 MHz increments.

Using Direct Key Entry: Use the number keys to directly enter a frequency, including the three numbers to the right

of the decimal. (You do not enter the decimal point.) ±

3.Set VOL to a comfortable listening level. ±

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There are two basic types of communication possible with this transceiver: radio-direct-to- radio (simplex) or radio-to-repeater-to radio (duplex). Simplex uses the same frequency to send and receive. Duplex uses one frequency to transmit and another 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 transceiver about 3 inches from your mouth.

4