Vertex Standard VXA-220, VXA-220 Pro VI Operating Manual
Operating Manual
AIR BAND TRANSCEIVER
VXA-220
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VI
CONTENTS
Introduction .................................................................. 1
Important Notice! ......................................................... 2
Control & Connectors .................................................. 3
Top Panel........................................................................... 3
Front Panel ........................................................................ 4
Side Panel .......................................................................... 5
Keypad .............................................................................. 6
LCD Display ..................................................................... 7
Before You Begin ......................................................... 8
Precautions ........................................................................ 8
Battery Installation and Removal ...................................... 8
Battery Charging ............................................................... 9
Low Battery Indication .................................................... 10
Installing the FBA-25A Alkaline Battery Case ............... 10
Basic Operation ......................................................... 12
Preliminary Steps ............................................................ 12
Operation Quick Start ..................................................... 12
Squelch Adjustment ........................................................ 14
Accessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency .......... 14
Transmission ................................................................... 14
Advanced Operation .................................................. 15
Tuning Methods .............................................................. 15
Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts ..................... 16
Monitor Key .................................................................... 17
ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Feature ........................ 17
LOCK Function ............................................................... 18
DIAL and [T]/[S] key Swap Configuration ................. 18
Receive Battery Saver Setup ........................................... 19
Beep On/Off .................................................................... 20
Changing the Channel Steps ........................................... 21
VOX Operation ............................................................... 22
Side Tone Feature ............................................................ 23
Timer Operation .............................................................. 24
Memory Operation ..................................................... 26
Memory System Operation ............................................. 26
Memory Storage .............................................................. 26
Recalling the Memories .................................................. 28
Deleting Memories .......................................................... 29
Scanning Operation ................................................... 30
Channel-Skip Scanning ................................................... 31
Dual Watch Operation................................................ 32
Priority Dual Watch Operation .................................. 33
Split Operation ........................................................... 34
Programming a Transmit Frequency ............................... 34
Operating in the Split Mode ............................................ 35
Field Programming Mode .......................................... 36
CPU Resetting ............................................................ 37
Menu (“Set”) Mode..................................................... 38
Accessories & Options .............................................. 44
Specifications ............................................................. 46
NOTICE
There are no user-serviceable points inside this
transceiver. All service jobs must be referred to your
Authorized Service Center.
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
1
INTRODUCTION
The Vertex Standard VXA-220 Pro VI is a compact, stylish, solid, submersible (IP7: 3 ft for 30 minutes) hand-held
transceiver providing communication (transmit and receive) capability on the International Aircraft Communication Band
(“COM” band: 118 ~ 136.975 MHz), and it additionally provides receive on the “NAV” band (108 ~ 117.975 MHz).
The VXA-220 boasts 0.7 Watt of clean audio output from its 1.4” (36-mm) diameter loudspeaker, and it also provides 8.33
kHz synthesizer steps for the new narrow-band channel plan.
The VXA-220 displays with our exclusive Omni-GlowTM display back-lighting for minimal degradation of your night
vision, NOAA weather band monitoring, 8-character Alpha/Numeric Display, 150 Memory Channels, and 100 “Book
Memory” Channels.
We recommend that you read this manual in its entirety, so as to understand the many features of the VXA-220 completely.
Keep this manual handy, so you may use it for reference.
Congratulations!
You now have at your fingertips a valuable communications tool-a Vertex Standard two-way radio! Rugged, reliable
and easy to use, your Vertex Standard radio will keep you in constant touch with your friends and colleagues for years
to come, with negligible maintenance down-time.
Please take a few minutes to read this manual carefully. The information presented here will allow you to derive
maximum performance from your radio, in case questions arise later on.
We’re glad you joined the Vertex Standard team. Vertex Standard products cover the entire spectrum of radio communications applications, and our worldwide support network is here to serve you. Let us help you get your message
across.
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
2
IMPORTANT NOTICE!
FCC RF Exposure Compliance Requirements for Occupational Use Only:
This Radio has been tested and complies with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF exposure limits for
Occupational Use/Controlled Exposure Environment. In addition, it complies with the following Standards and Guidelines:
FCC 96-326, Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radio-Frequency Radiation.
FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 (1997) Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human
Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.
ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency
Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
ANSI/IEEE C95.3-1992, IEEE Recommended Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromag-
netic Fields - RF and Microwave.
When transmitting, hold the radio in a vertical position with its microphone 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) away from your
mouth and keep the antenna at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from your head and body.
The radio must be used with a maximum operating duty cycle not exceeding 50%, in typical Push-to-Talk configura-
tions. DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time (50% duty cycle). Transmitting more than 50% of
the time can cause FCC RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded.
The radio is transmitting when the red LED on the front panel of the radio is illuminated. You can cause the radio to
transmit by pressing the P-T-T button.
Always use Vertex Standard authorized accessories.
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
3
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (TOP PANEL
)
c
Antenna Jack
This SMA jack accepts the supplied flexible antenna,
or another antenna designed to provide 50 Ohm impedance on the Aircraft Communication Band.
d
MIC/EAR Jack
You may connect the supplied CT-96 Headset Cable
or the (optional) MH-44B4B Speaker/Microphone to
this jack.
1) Never connect any Speaker/Microphone
that is not recommended by the manufacturer. Because these jack connections are unique,
using a Speaker/Microphone that is not specified
by Vertex Standard may damage the VXA-220.
2) Do not allow the VXA-220 to become submerged
in water while the rubber cap over the MIC/EAR
jack is removed.
e
DIAL Selector Knob
This (outer) 20-position detented rotary switch tunes
the operating frequency or selects the memory channels.
This rotary switch also adjusts the audio volume level
by the setting of the Secondary function of the
[5(
DIAL/
TT
TT
T
SS
SS
S)] key. See page 18 for details.
dec
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
4
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (FRONT PANEL
)
c
Loudspeaker
The internal speaker is located in this position.
d
Microphone
Speak across this opening in a normal voice level,
while pressing the PTT switch, to transmit.
e
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The display shows selected operating conditions, as
indicated on the next page.
f
Keypad
The keypad is used for most radio command operations. Several keys have triple functions.
The primary functions are activated by simply pressing the key momentarily.
The secondary functions are activated by pressing the
key followed by [F] key.
The third functions are activated by pressing and holding in the key for 2 seconds.
These functions are described in detail on page 6.
g
BUSY/TX Indicator Lamp
This lamp glows green when a signal is being received,
and red when transmitting.
h
Battery Pack Latch
Open this latch for battery removal.
d
e
c
f
g
h
F
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
5
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (SIDE PANEL
)
c
PTT (Push To Talk) Switch
Press this button to transmit when you are operating
in the COM band. Release this button to return to the
“Receive” mode. See page 14 for details.
d
MONITOR Switch
This button may be pressed to “open” the squelch
manually, allowing you to listen for very weak signals. Press and hold this button for 2 seconds to “open”
the squelch continuously. Press this button again to
resume normal (quiet) monitoring. See page 17 for
details.
e
POWER Switch
Press and hold this button for 3 seconds to toggle the
transceiver’s power on and off.
f
EXT DC Jack
When an external 12-Volt DC power source is available, you may connect the (optional) E-DC-5B External DC Cable here.
1) Do not connect any wire to this jack if that
wire is connected directly to a 28-Volt DC
source. Connecting the VXA-220 directly to a source
which exceeds 15.0 Volts DC will result in damage
to the unit, and this type of damage is not covered by
the Limited warranty on this product.
d
e
c
f
2) Do not allow the VXA-220 to become submerged
in water while the rubber cap over the EXT DC jack
is removed.
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
6
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD
)
Primary Function
(
Press Key
)
Secondary Function
(
Press [F] + key
)
Third Function
(
Press and Hold key
)
Primary Function
(
Press Key
)
Secondary Function
(
Press [F] + key
)
Third Function
(
Press and Hold key
)
Primary Function
(
Press Key
)
Secondary Function
(
Press [F] + key
)
Third Function
(
Press and Hold key
)
Primary Function
(
Press Key
)
Secondary Function
(
Press [F] + key
)
Third Function
(
Press and Hold key
)
Frequency Entry Digit 1
None
None
Frequency Entry Digit 4
Activates the Stop Watch
Timer
None
Frequency Entry Digit 7
Activates Split (Duplex)
mode.
None
None
Split-Memory
“Write” Command
Memory “Write”
Command
Frequency Entry Digit 2
None
None
Frequency Entry Digit 5
Exchange the functions of
the DIAL and [T]/[S] keys
None
Frequency Entry Digit 8
Enable/Disable the
Keypad Beeper
None
Frequency Entry Digit 0
Adjusts the Automatic
Noise Limiter
None
Frequency Entry Digit 3
None
None
Frequency Entry Digit 6
Activates the Dual Watch
Feature
Activates the VOX
Feature
Frequency Entry Digit 9
Allows Skipping of
Channel during Scan
None
Activates “Secondary” key
mode.
Cancel the “Secondary”
key mode of the [F] key.
None
Selects Emergency
Channel (121.5 MHz).
None
None
1) Selects the Memory Display Type
2) Switches the VFO mode “A” and “B”
Activates the Set (Menu)
Mode
Activates the Scanner
Select the tuning methods among
the VFO, MR, BMR, and WX
Activates the Key Lockout
Feature
Activates the Public
Address feature.
Decrease the audio
level or select the
operating channel
Ú
Increase the audio
level or select the
operating channel
Ú
F
Ú: Depends on setting of the
Secondary function of the key.
See page 18 for details.
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
7
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (LCD DISPLAY
)
These digits provide frequency or alpha-numeric
information about the channel you are using.
This indicator confirms
that “Dual Watch” is active.
See page 32.
This indicator confirms
that “Automatic Noise
Limiter” is active. See
page 17.
This indicator confirms
that “Split” (Duplex) mode
is activated. See page 34.
This icon indicates that the
“Weather Alert” feature is
active. See page 43.
This icon indicates that the
“Book” Memory Bank is in
use. See page 15.
This indicator confirms
that this channel will be
skipped during scan. See
page 31.
This indicator confirms
that the Key Lock is
activated. See page 18.
This indicator confirms
that “VOX” system is
active. See page 22.
This indicator confirms
that Secondary Key
Function is active. See
page 6.
This icon is the “Low
Battery” indicator, which
blinks when the battery
voltage becomes too low
for proper operation.
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
8
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Precautions
This apparatus is capable of two-way communication
on channels used for critical aviation safety communications. Therefore, it is important that this radio be
kept away from children or other unauthorized users
at all times.
When making DC connections via the (optional) E-
DC-5B DC cable, be absolutely certain to observe
the proper voltage level and polarity guidelines. Do
not connect this radio directly to any 24 ~ 28 Volt DC
source, nor to AC power of any kind. Connecting the
VXA-220 directly to a source which exceeds 15.0
Volts DC will result in damage to the unit. The Limited Warranty for this product does not cover damage
caused by the application of improper voltage.
Do not dispose of the Ni-MH Battery Pack in a fire.
Do not carry a Ni-MH Battery Pack in your pocket,
where keys or coins could short the terminals. This
could create a serious fire/burn danger, and possibly
cause damage to the Ni-MH pack.
Although the VXA-220 is designed to be water resis-
tant, the enclosure is not “waterproof.” Do not allow
the radio to become submersed in water, and do not
expose it and/or its Ni-MH Battery Pack to water spray
under pressure.
Battery Installation and Removal
To install the battery, hold the transceiver with your
left hand, so your palm is over the speaker and your
thumb is on the top of the Belt Clip. Insert the battery
pack into the battery compartment on the back of the
radio while tilting the Belt Clip outward, then close
the Battery Pack Latch until it locks in place with a
“Click.”
To remove the battery, turn the radio off and remove
any protective cases. Open the Battery Pack Latch on
the bottom of the radio, then slide the battery downward and out from the radio while unfolding the Belt
Clip.
Do not attempt to open any of the recharge-
able Ni-MH packs, as personal injury or damage to the Ni-MH pack could occur if a cell or cells
become accidentally short-circuited.
Insert the Battery Pack
Close the Battery Pack Latch
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
9
Battery Charging
It is necessary to charge the Ni-MH battery fully before
its first use. Follow these procedures:
Install the supplied FNB-83 Ni-MH battery pack onto
the transceiver. Ensure that the transceiver is switched
off.
Plug the NC-88 Over-
night Charger into the
AC line outlet, then insert the cable plug into
the jack located on the
left side of the CD-32
Charger Cradle.
Insert the transceiver
and battery pack into the
CD-32; the antenna
jack should be at the left
side when viewing the
charger from the front.
If the transceiver and battery pack are inserted cor-
rectly, the RED indicator on the CD-32 will glow. A
fully-discharged pack will be charged completely in
10 hours.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Important Notes:
The NC-88 is not designed to power the transceiver
for operation (reception or transmission).
Do not leave the charger connected to the transceiver
for continuous periods in excess of 24 hours. Long
term overcharging can degrade the Ni-MH battery
pack and significantly shorten its useful life.
If using a charger other than the CD-32, or if using a
battery pack other than the FNB-83, follow the appropriate instructions provided with the charger/battery. Contact your Dealer if you have any doubts about
the appropriateness of the particular charger or battery pack you intend to use.
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
10
Low Battery Indication
As your battery discharges during use, the voltage
will gradually become lower. When the battery voltage is becoming too low for reliable operation, the
“ ” icon will blink on
the LCD display, indicating that the battery pack
must be recharged before
further use.
Avoid recharging Ni-MH batteries before the “ ”
indicator is observed, as this can degrade the charge
capacity of your Ni-MH battery pack. Vertex Standard recommends that you carry an extra, fullycharged pack with you so you will not lose communications capability due to a depleted Ni-MH battery.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Installing the FBA-25 (option) Alkaline
Battery Case
The optional FBA-25 Battery Case allows operation of
the VXA-220 using six “AA” size Alkaline batteries.
When installing batteries, insert the (–) end first, then press
in the (+) end so the battery snaps into place. Always replace all six batteries at the same time, paying attention to
the polarity indicated inside the case.
The FBA-25 must not be used with recharge-
able cells. The FBA-25 does not contain the thermal and over-current protection circuits (provided in
the “FNB” series of Ni-MH Battery Packs) required
when utilizing Ni-Cd and Ni-MH cells.
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
11
NOTE
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
12
BASIC OPERATION
Preliminary Steps
Install a charged battery pack onto the transceiver, as
described previously.
Screw the supplied antenna onto the Antenna jack.
Never operate this transceiver without an antenna connected.
If you have an optional Speaker/Microphone or head-
set, we recommend that it not be connected until you
are familiar with the basic operation of the VXA-220.
Operation Quick Start
To turn the radio on,
press and hold in the
[
POWER] Switch of
for 3seconds.
A channel frequency
should appear on the
display. If not, press the
[
ENT] key (repeatedly,
if necessary) so that
“- VFO -” appears on
the display, followed by
a channel frequency.
Directly entering frequencies from the keypad is the
easiest method if you know the frequency on which
you wish to operate. Just enter the five digits of the
frequency to move to that frequency.
For example, to set 134.35 MHz,
Press [1] Æ [3] Æ [4] Æ [3] Æ [5].
To set 118.275 MHz, you do not need to press the
final “5” in the frequency:
[1] Æ [1] Æ [8] Æ [2] Æ [7]
.
F
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
13
You may also turn the
top panel’s DIAL selector knobÚ1 to choose the
desired operating frequency. The channel
frequency will appear
on the LCD.
Press the
[
TT
TT
T]/
[
SS
SS
S
]
keyÚ2 to set the volume
level. If no signal is
present, press and hold
the [MONITOR] button
for 2 seconds; background noise will now
be heard, and you may
use this noise to set the
desired audio level.
Press the [MONITOR
]
button momentarily to
silence the noise and resume normal (quiet)
monitoring.
Ú
1: If you change a function of DIAL and
[
TT
TT
T]/
[
SS
SS
S
]
key by pressing the [F] key followed by the
[5(
DIAL/
TT
TT
T
SS
SS
S)] key, you may choose the operat-
ing frequency by pressing the
[
TT
TT
T]/
[
SS
SS
S] key.
Ú
2: If you change a function of DIAL and
[
TT
TT
T]/
[
SS
SS
S
]
key by pressing the [F] key followed by the
[5(
DIAL/
TT
TT
T
SS
SS
S)] key, you may set the volume level
by turning the DIAL selector knob.
To turn the radio off,
press and hold in the
[
POWER] switch for 3
seconds.
BASIC OPERATION
F
VXA-220 PRO VI OPERATING MANUAL
14
Squelch Adjustment
Press the [F] key momentarily, then press the
[ (
SET)] key to acti-
vate the Menu (SET)
mode.
Rotate the DIAL selec-
tor knob to select Menu
Item “SQL.”
Press the [ENT
( )]
key to enable adjustment of this Menu item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to set the squelch
threshold (0 to 8) so that the receiver is just silenced.
A higher number indicates that a higher signal level
is required in order to open the squelch.
Press the [ENT
( )]
key to save your new setting.
Press the PTT switch to exit the Menu (“SET”) mode.
BASIC OPERATION
Accessing the 121.5 MHz
Emergency Frequency
The VXA-220 can quickly access the 121.500 MHz Emergency Frequency. This function can be activated even
when the keypad lock function (described on page 18) is
in use.
To access the Emer-
gency Frequency, press
the [121.5] key momentarily.
To exit the Emergency
Frequency, press the
[
ENT
( )]
key.
Transmission
To transmit, press and
hold the PTT switch.
Speak into the microphone area of the front
panel grille in a normal
voice level.
To return to the receive
mode, release the PTT switch.
F
F
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