Vertex Standard VXA-300 Pilot III Service Manual
AIR BAND TRANSCEIVER
VXA-300
Operating Manual
CONTENTS
Important Notice! ........................................................... 1
Introduction ....................................................................2
Control & Connectors ................................................... 3
Top Panel........................................................................... 3
Front Panel ........................................................................ 4
Side Panel .......................................................................... 5
Keypad .............................................................................. 6
LCD Display ..................................................................... 7
Before You Begin........................................................... 8
Precautions ........................................................................ 8
Belt Clip Installation ......................................................... 8
Battery Installation and Removal ...................................... 9
Battery Charging ............................................................. 10
Low Battery Indication .................................................... 11
Installing the FBA-25A Alkaline Battery Case ............... 11
Basic Operation ........................................................... 12
Preliminary Steps ............................................................ 12
Operation Quick Start ..................................................... 12
Squelch Adjustment ........................................................ 13
Accessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency .......... 14
Transmission ................................................................... 14
NOTICE
There are no user-serviceable points inside this
transceiver. All service jobs must be referred to your
Authorized Service Center.
Advanced Operation ................................................... 15
Tuning Methods .............................................................. 15
Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts ..................... 16
Monitor Switch ............................................................... 17
ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Feature ........................ 17
Temperature/battery Voltage Display .............................. 18
LOCK Function ............................................................... 19
Beep On/Off .................................................................... 19
Receive Battery Saver Setup ........................................... 20
Changing the Channel Steps ........................................... 21
Pitch Control ................................................................... 22
VOX Operation ............................................................... 23
PA Operation ................................................................... 24
Timer Operation .............................................................. 26
Memory Operation ....................................................... 28
Memory System Operation ............................................. 28
Memory Storage .............................................................. 28
Recalling the Memories .................................................. 29
Scanning Operation ....................................................30
Dual Watch Operation ................................................. 32
Priority Dual Watch Operation ...................................33
VOR Navigation ........................................................... 34
To Select the VOR Mode ................................................ 35
Flying to a VOR Station .................................................. 36
Entering a Desired Course .............................................. 38
Position Cross-checking .................................................. 39
Split Operation ................................................................ 40
Programming the USER Key Assignment ................ 41
Field Programming Mode ........................................... 42
CPU Resetting .............................................................. 43
Menu (“Set”) Mode ...................................................... 44
Accessories & Options ............................................... 52
Specifications ..............................................................54
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.
This radio is NOT approved for use by the general population in an uncontrolled environment. This radio is
restricted to occupational use, work related operations only where the radio operator must have the knowledge
to control its RF exposure conditions.
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
configurations. 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 upper right corner of the front panel of the radio is illuminated. You can cause the radio to transmit by pressing the P-T-T button.
Always use Yaesu authorized accessories.
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
1
INTRODUCTION
The YAESU VXA-300 is a compact, stylish, solid 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 VOR and CDI navigation features on the “NAV” band (108 ~ 117.975 MHz).
The VXA-300 boasts 0.8 Watt of clean audio output from its 1.4” (36-mm) diameter loudspeaker, and it also provides 8.33
kHz synthesizer steps for the receiving of the new narrow-band channel plan. The VXA-300 includes both Temperature and
Supply Voltage 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 up to 100 “Book
Memory” Channels. The channel configurations are can be easily reprogrammed in minutes using the optional PC Programming Kit and your PC.
We recommend that you read this manual in its entirety, so as to understand the many features of the VXA-300 completely.
Keep this manual handy, so you may use it for reference.
NOTE: The VXA-300’s VOR and CDI Navigation features are supplemental aids to navigation only, and are not intended
to be a substitute for accurate (primary) VOR/CDI or landing service equipment.
Congratulations!
You now have at your fingertips a valuable communications tool-a YAESU two-way radio! Rugged, reliable and easy to
use, your YAESU 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 YAESU team. YAESU 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.
2
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (TOP PANEL
Antenna Jack
This SMA jack accepts the supplied flexible antenna,
or another antenna designed to provide 50 Ω impedance on the Aircraft Communication Band.
MIC/EAR Jack
You may connect the supplied CT-96 Headset Cable
or the (optional) MH-44B4B Speaker/Microphone to
this jack. To use this jack, you must first remove the
plastic cap by rotating it counter-clockwise, then lifting it away from the transceiver body.
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 YAESU may damage the VXA-
300.
Do not allow the VXA-300 to become submerged in water while the plastic cover over
the MIC/EAR jack is removed.
)
POWER/VOLUME (Inner) Knob
Turn this (inner) control clockwise to turn the radio
on and to increase the volume. Counterclockwise rotation into the click-stop will turn the radio off.
Pressing this knob downward momentarily selects the
tuning methods among the VFO (Variable Frequency
Oscillator), MR (Memory Recall), BOOK (Pre-Programmed Memories), and WX (Weather Channel
Memories) modes.
Note: The WX mode is available in the USA version
only.
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
DIAL Selector (Outer) Knob
This (outer) 20-position detented rotary switch tunes
the operating frequency or selects the memory channels.
3
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (FRONT PANEL
)
BUSY/TX Indicator Lamp
This lamp glows green when a signal is being received,
and red when transmitting.
Loudspeaker
The internal speaker is located in this position.
Microphone
Speak across this opening in a normal voice level,
while pressing the PTT switch, to transmit.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The display shows selected operating conditions, as
indicated on the next page.
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.
Battery Pack Latch
Open this latch for battery removal.
4
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (SIDE PANEL
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.
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 13 for
details.
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 allow the VXA-300 to become submerged in water while the rubber cover is
removed.
2) Do not connect any wire to this jack if that wire is
connected directly to a 28-Volt DC source. Connecting the VXA-300 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.
)
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
5
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
6
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
Frequency Entry Digit 1
Activates DVOR mode.
)
Frequency Entry Digit 4
)
Frequency Entry Digit 7
Activates Split (Duplex)
)
)
None
Activates Deviation
Indicator mode.
None
mode.
None
None
Split-Memory
“Write” Command.
Memory “Write”
Command.
Frequency Entry Digit 2
Activates “TO” VOR
mode.
None
Frequency Entry Digit 5
Activates Pitch Control
feature.
None
Frequency Entry Digit 8
Activates the Stop Watch
Timer.
None
Frequency Entry Digit 0
Adjusts the Squelch
threshold level.
None
Frequency Entry Digit 3
Activates “FROM” VOR
mode.
None
Frequency Entry Digit 6
Displays the Battery Voltage and Current
Temperature inside the transceiver’s case.
None
Frequency Entry Digit 9
Allows Skipping of
Channel during Scan.
None
Swiches the VFO mode
“A” and “B.”
Activates the Dual Watch
feature.
Activates Scanning.
Select Memory Display
Type.
Activates the Key Lockout
feature.
Selects DVOR Display
Type
Selects Emergency
Channel (121.5 MHz).
None
None
Activates the Automatic Noise
Limiter during AM reception.
None
Activates the Public
Address feature.
Activates “Secondary”
key mode.
Cancel the “Secondary”
key mode of the [F] key.
None
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (LCD DISPLAY
)
This field displays the course
heading in degrees. See page 35.
This icon is used during
VOR navigation, to
indicate that the displayed
information is based on a
course from the VOR
station. See page 35.
This icon is used during
VOR navigation, to
indicate that the displayed
information is based on a
course to the VOR station.
See page 35.
This indicator confirms
that “Dual Watch” is
active. See page 32.
This icon indicates that the
“Book” Memory Bank is in
use. See page 15.
This is the Course Deviation Indicator, used
during VOR Navigation. See page 36.
These digits provide frequency or alpha-numeric
information about the channel you are using.
This indicator confirms
that “Automatic Noise
Limiter” is active. See
page 17.
This icon indicates that the
“Weather Alert” feature is
active. See page 50.
This indicator confirms that
the “Split” (Duplex) mode is
activeted during VOR
operation. See page 40.
This icon indicates that the
channel step is selected to
“8.33 kHz” in the NAV and
COM band. See page 21.
This indicator confirms
that this channel will be
skipped during scan. See
page 31.
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.
This indicator confirms that
“VOX” system is active.
See page 23.
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
7
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/E-DC-6 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-300 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-300 is designed to be Submers-
ible (3 ft., 30 min.), its enclosure is not designed to
guarantee protection from ingress of water under extreme pressure. Do not allow the radio to become submerged in deep water, and do not subject it to water
spray under pressure.
8
Belt Clip Installation
Connect the hanger to the rear of the VXA-300, with
the notch pointing directly up, using the supplied screw
(Figure 1). Use only the screw included with the clip
to mount the clip to the back of the VXA-300.
Clip the Quick-Draw Belt Clip onto your belt (Figure
2).
To install the VXA-300 into the Quick-Draw Belt Clip,
align the hanger with the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, and
slide the VXA-300 into its slot until a click is heard
(Figure 3).
To remove the VXA-300 from the Quick-Draw Belt
Clip, rotate the VXA-300 180 degrees, then slide the
VXA-300 out from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip (Figure
4).
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
Figure 1
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Battery Installation and Removal
To install the battery, insert the battery pack into the
battery compartment on the back of the radio, then
close the Battery Pack Latch until it locks in place
with a “Click.”
Figure 2
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 lift the battery upward
and out from the radio.
Do not attempt to open any of the rechargeable
Ni-MH packs, as personal injury or damage to
the Ni-MH pack could occur if a cell or cells become
accidentally short-circuited.
Figure 4Figure 3
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
9
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
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 PA-48
Battery Charger
into the AC line
outlet, then insert
the cable plug into
the jack located on
the left side of the
CD-28 Charger
Cradle.
Insert the trans-
ceiver and battery
pack into the CD-
28; 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-28 will glow. A
fully-discharged pack will be charged completely in
12 hours.
Important Notes:
The PA-48 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 PA-48/CD-28, 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.
10
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Low Battery Indication
As your battery discharges during use, the voltage
will gradually become lower. When the battery voltage reaches 6.0 Volts, 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 “Low
Battery” indicator is observed, as this can degrade
the charge capacity of your Ni-MH battery pack.
YAESU recommends that you carry an extra, fullycharged pack with you so you will not lose communications capability due to a depleted Ni-MH battery.
Installing the FBA-25A (option) Alkaline
Battery Case
The optional FBA-25A Battery Case allows operation of
the VXA-300 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-25A must not be used with recharge-
able cells. The FBA-25A 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-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
11
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-300.
Operation Quick Start
To turn the radio on, ro-
tate the (inner) VOL-
UME knob out of the
click-stop.
A channel frequency
should appear on the display. If not, press downward (momentarily) on
the VOLUME knob (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] [3] [4] [3] [5].
To set 118.275 MHz, you do not need to press the
final “5” in the frequency:
[1]
[1] [8] [2] [7].
Press
12
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
BASIC OPERATION
You may also turn the
top panel’s (outer) DIAL
selector knob to choose
the desired operating
frequency. The channel
frequency will appear on
the LCD.
Rotate the VOLUME
knob to set the volume
level. If no signal is
present, press and hold
the MONITOR switch
for 2 seconds; background noise will now
be heard, and you may
use this noise to set the
VOLUME knob for the
desired audio level.
Press the MONITOR
switch momentarily to
silence the noise and resume normal (quiet) monitoring.
To turn the radio off,
turn the VOLUME knob
fully counter-clockwise
into the click stop position.
Squelch Adjustment
Press the [F] key momen-
tarily, then press the
[0(SQ)]
stantly recalls Menu Item
01 “SQL” which is adjusts the threshold level
of the squelch circuit.
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 downward on the VOLUME knob to save your
new setting.
Press the PTT switch to exit the Menu (“SET”) mode.
key. This in-
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
13
BASIC OPERATION
Accessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency
The VXA-300 can quickly access the 121.500 MHz Emergency Frequency. This function can be activated even when
the keypad lock function (described on page 19) is in use.
To access the Emer-
gency Frequency, press
the [121.5] key momentarily.
To exit the Emergency
Frequency, press downward on the VOLUME
knob.
Operating Advice: Use of Internal Microphone
Your VXA-300 is extensively sealed against water ingress, so as to ensure reliable operation even if it has become submerged. This unique construction includes waterproofing
seals around the microphone and speaker enclosure, requiring that care be exercised when
speaking into the internal microphone.
Please refer to the illustration, and observe the location of the internal microphone. It is
important that you focus your speech in the direction of the microphone's location, so as to
ensure sufficient voice input to the radio.
If you find it difficult to utilize the VXA-300 conveniently and safe while speaking directly
into the microphone, we recommend the use of the MH-44B4B Speaker/Microphone (option), or an after-market aviation headset/boom microphone.
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.
14
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
ADVANCED OPERATION
Tuning Methods
Throughout this manual, you will see references to several different frequency setting methods. Each will be particularly useful in a particular operating situation, and they
are described below:
VFO (Variable Frequency Oscillator)
The VFO is a “tuning dial”
system which allows you to
tune through the NAV or COM
bands using the DIAL selector,
the Keypad, or the scanner. The VXA-300 has two
VFOs which are called VFO-A and VFO-B. Press the
[
SCAN(DW)] key momentarily to switch between
VFO-A and VFO-B. You may set VFO-A to the NAV
band, and VFO-B to the COM band, if you like.
MR (Memory Recall)
The MR (Memory Recall)
mode of the VXA-300 pro-
vides the user with the ability
to store and recall as many as
150 channels in the radio’s main memory bank. These
memory channels may also be labeled by you with an
alpha/numeric name of up to 8 characters in length, to
aid in quick identification of the channel. See page 28
for details on creating alpha/numeric labels.
BOOK (Pre-Programmed) Memories
The Book memories are preprogrammed, either at the factory or by your Dealer (depending on your country’s requirements), typically including the major COM and
NAV band station frequencies used in your area. The
Book memories can be changed by the user. See page
42 for details.
WX (Weather Channel) Memories (USA version only)
Ten Weather Channels are pre-programmed at the factory. The VXA-300 will automatically scan this special
bank when it is selected by the
user.
VFO
WX
( )
USA version only
Press
MR
BOOK
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
15
ADVANCED OPERATION
Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts
(USA version only)
The VXA-300 can receive VHF Weather Channel broadcasts, which may assist your flight planning. The VXA-
300 includes a ten-channel auto-search feature, which simplifies access to Weather Channels when you are in an
unfamiliar location.
To receive Weather
Channels, press the
VOLUME knob (repeatedly, if necessary)
to select the Weather
Channel mode. In the
Weather Channel mode,
“- WX -” will appear on the display.
The VXA-300 will now scan quickly through the ten
standard Weather Channels, and will stop on the first
active station found.
If there are two or more weather channels audible in
your area, you may select the alternate channel(s) by
pressing the PTT switch. Pressing the PTT switch reinitiates the scanning process.
If there are no Weather Channels in your area, the scan-
ner will not stop. Press the MONITOR switch to stop
the scanner.
Press
16
You can also select Weather Channels manually by
rotating the DIAL selector knob.
To confirm the current Weather Channel frequency,
press the
changes to frequency indication. Press the
key again to return to normal display.
To exit the Weather Channel mode, press the VOL-
UME knob momentarily to return to the VFO mode.
Note 1: In the event of extreme weather disturbances, such
as storms and hurricanes, the NOAA (National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration) sends a weather alert
accompanied by a 1050 Hz tone and subsequent weather
report on one of the NOAA weather channels. You may
setup the Alert function when receiving the Weather Alert
signal via Menu Item 20 “WXAF,” if desired. See page 50
for details.
Note 2: The Weather Channel mode memorizes the last
Weather Channel you have used, and will retain this information until the radio is turned off.
[ ( )]
key momentarily. The display
[ ( )]
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
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