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 top 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.
NOTICE
There are no user-serviceable points inside this transceiver. All service jobs must be referred to your Authorized
Service Center.
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
1
INTRODUCTION
The Vertex Standard VXA-710 Spirit 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). What’s more, it also is
receiving on the FM BC Band, Weather Channel Broadcast (USA version only), and BRS (Business Radio Service) band.
The VXA-710 includes Temperature display with our exclusive Omni-Glow™ display back-light for minimal degradation
of your night vision, NOAA weather band monitoring, 8-character Alpha/Numeric Display, 70 Memory Channels, and 90
“Book Memory” Channels.
We recommend that you read this manual in its entirety, so as to understand the many features of the VXA-710 completely.
Keep this manual handy, so you may use it for reference.
NOTE: The VXA-710’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.
2
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (TOP PANEL
Antenna Jack
This SMA jack accepts the supplied flexible antenna,
or another antenna designed to provide 50 Ohm impedance on the Aircraft Communication Band and
BRS Band.
MIC/SP Jack
You may connect the supplied CT-96 Headset Cable,
or the optional MH-44B4B Speaker/Microphone, to
this jack.
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-710.
VOL Knob
This control adjusts the audio volume level. Clockwise rotation increases the volume level.
DIAL Selector Knob
This 20-position detented rotary switch tunes the operating frequency or selects the memory channels.
)
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
3
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (FRONT PANEL
)
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display
The display shows the current operating conditions,
including frequency, etc.
PWR (Power) Switch
Press and hold this switch for 3 seconds to toggle the
transceiver’s power on and off.
Keypad
Several keys have triple functions.
The primary functions are labeled on the key top (activated by simply pressing the key momentarily).
The secondary functions are labeled in yellow above
the top edge of the key (activated by pressing the
key first, then the indicated key).
The third functions are labeled in black above the top
edge of the key, and are activated by pressing and holding in the selected key for 2 seconds.
These functions are summarized on the pages 6 and 7.
BUSY/TX Indicator Lamp
This lamp glows green when a signal is being received
and red when transmitting.
You may customize the color setup via the Menu mode.
)
Microphone
Speak across this opening in a normal voice level,
while pressing the PTT switch, to transmit.
Battery Pack Latch
Open this latch for battery removal.
Loudspeaker
The internal speaker is located in this position.
4
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (SIDE PANEL
PTT (Push To Talk) Switch
Press this button to transmit when you are operating
in the COM band (118.000 - 136.975 MHz). Release
this button to return to the “Receive” mode. See page
15.
)
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.
EXT DC Jack
When an external 12-Volt DC power source is available, you may connect the (optional) E-DC-5B DC
Cable w/Noise Filter or E-DC-6 DC Cable here.
Do not connect any wire to this jack if that
wire is connected directly to a 28-Volt DC
source. Connecting the VXA-710 directly to a source
which exceeds 15.0 Volts DC will result in damage
to the unit.
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
5
CONTROL & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD
)
Primary Function
(
Press Key
)
Secondary Function
(
Press +
)
Third Function
(
Press and hold key
Primary Function
(
Press Key
)
Secondary Function
(
Press +
)
Third Function
(
Press and hold key
Primary Function
(
Press Key
)
Secondary Function
(
Press +
)
Third Function
(
Press and hold key
Activates the “Secondary” key
)
Selects the Emergency Channel
Switches operation to the “Home”
(favorite frequency) channel.
)
Split-Memory “Write” Command
Memory “Write” Command
)
mode.
None
None
(
121.5 MHz).
None
None
Frequency entry digit “1.”Frequency entry digit “2.”
Activates VOR mode.
Recalls Menu Item “SQL Type”
(for activating CTCSS or DCS decoder on
a BRS Memory Channel)
Frequency entry digit “4.”
Activates the Course Deviation
Indicator mode.
None
Frequency entry digit “7.”
Activates Split (Duplex) mode.
Recalls Menu Item “Step”
(for setting of the synthesizer
steps).
.
Selects “TO” VOR mode.
Recalls Menu Item “TONE Set”
(for selecting the CTCSS tone frequency
on a BRS Memory Channel)
Frequency entry digit “5.”
None
Recalls Menu Item “APO”
(for setting of the Automatic
Power-Off time).
Frequency entry digit “8.”
None
Recalls Menu Item “Beep” (for
setting of the keypad beeper).
.
6
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
CONTROL & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD
)
Frequency entry digit “3.”
Selects “FROM” VOR mode.
None
Frequency entry digit “6.”Frequency entry digit “0.”
Enables/Disables the Alpha-
numeric Tag display during
Memory operation.
None
Frequency entry digit “9.”Activates the Scanner.
None
Sets the Memory Skip (Omit)
feature to the current memory
channel.
Toggles the operating band
between the AIR band and FM
BC band in the VFO mode.
None
None
None
Recalls Menu Item “SQL”
(for setting the squelch threshold
level).
Activates Dual Watch.
Activates the “Memory Tune”
mode while in the Memory Recall
mode.
Primary Function
(
Press Key
)
Secondary Function
(
Press +
)
Third Function
(
Press and hold key
Primary Function
(
Press Key
)
Secondary Function
(
Press +
)
Third Function
(
Press and hold key
Primary Function
(
Press Key
)
Secondary Function
(
Press +
)
Third Function
(
Press and hold key
Selects the tuning methods
among the VFO, MR, BMR, WX,
Activates the “Set” (Menu) mode.
and BRS
)
Activates the Automatic Noise
Limiter during AM reception.
Locks the Keypad.
Switches the frequency display
between the “Large Character”
)
and “Small Character” mode.
1: VFO: Variable Frequency Oscillator
MR: Memory Recall
BMR: Pre-Programmed Memories
WX: Weather Channel Memories
BRS: Business Radio Service
2: The Primary and Third functions of
key may be customized by
the
user via the Menu mode. See page
40.
None
1
.
2
)
VXA-710 SPIRIT 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 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-710 directly to a source which exceeds 15.0
Volts DC will result in damage to the unit.
Do not dispose of the LI-ion Battery Pack in a fire.
Do not carry a LI-ion 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 LI-ion pack.
How to Install the Quick Draw Belt Clip
Connect the hanger to the rear of the VXA-710, 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-710!
Clip the Quick-Draw Belt Clip onto your belt (Figure
2).
To install the VXA-710 into the Quick-Draw Belt Clip,
align the hanger with the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, and
slide the VXA-710 into its slot until a click is heard
(Figure 3).
To remove the VXA-710 from the Quick-Draw Belt
Clip, rotate the VXA-710 180 degrees, then slide the
VXA-710 out from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip (Figure
4).
Figure 1
Figure 2Figure 3Figure 4
8
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Installation of FNB-80LI Battery Pack
The FNB-80LI is a high-performance Lithium-Ion battery providing high capacity in a very compact package.
Under normal use, the FNB-80LI may be used for approximately 300 charge cycles, after which operating time
may be expected to decrease. If you have an old battery
pack which is displaying capacity which has become diminished, you should replace the pack with a new one.
Install the FNB-80LI as shown in the illustration.
Close the Battery Pack Latch on the bottom of the
radio.
Do not attempt to open any of the rechargeable
LI-ion packs, as personal injury or damage to
the LI-ion pack could occur if a cell or cells become
accidentally short-circuited.
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
Battery Charging
If the battery has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it
may be charged by connecting the NC-72B/C Battery
Charger, as shown in the illustration, to the EXT DC jack. If only
12 ~ 15 Volt DC power is available, the optional E-DC-5B DC
Cable (w/cigarette lighter plug)
or E-DC-6 DC Cable may also
be used for charging the battery,
as shown in the illustration. “Now Charging . . .” will blink
in the display while the battery is being charged. When charging is finished (approximately five hours), the display will
change to indicate “Complete” and the BUSY/TX indicator will blink blue.
Important Notes:
Do not leave the charger connected to the transceiver
for continuous periods in excess of 24 hours. Long
term overcharging can degrade the LI-ion battery pack
and significantly shorten its useful life.
If using a charger other than the NC-72B/C, or if us-
ing a battery pack other than the FNB-80LI, 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.
NC-72B/C
E-DC-5B
E-DC-6
9
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Installation of
FBA-23 Alkaline Battery Case (Option
The optional FBA-23 Battery Case allows receive monitoring using two “AA” size Alkaline batteries.
To Install Alkaline Batteries into the FBA-23 Slide the batteries into the FBA-23
as shown in the illustration, with the
Negative [–] side of the batteries
touching the spring connections inside the FBA-23.
Open the Battery Pack Latch on the
bottom of the radio.
. Install the FBA-23 into the battery compartment on
the back of the transceiver, then close the Battery Pack
Latch on the bottom of the radio.
)
The FBA-23 does not provide connections for charging,
since Alkaline cells cannot be re-charged. Therefore, the
NC-72B/C, E-DC-5B, or E-DC-6 may safely be connected to the EXT DC jack when the FBA-23 is installed.
Notes:
The FBA-23 is designed for use only with AA-type
Alkaline cells.
If you do not use the VXA-710 for a long time, re-
move the Alkaline batteries from the FBA-23, as battery leakage could cause damage to the FBA-23 and/
or the transceiver.
10
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Low Battery Indication
As you battery discharges during use, the voltage will
gradually become lower. When the “” begins
blinking on the LCD display, the battery pack
must be recharged before
further use.
Avoid recharging Li-Ion batteries before the “Low Bat-
tery” indicator is observed, as this can degrade the
charge capacity of your Li-Ion 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 Li-Ion battery.
This “deep cycling” practice will help to maintain
longer overall battery life after many recharging cycles.
AC Operation Using NC-72B/C
(
Receiving only
The VXA-710 may be operated from your house current
by use of the supplied NC-72B/C Battery Charger. The
NC-72B/C should only be used for reception, because it
is not capable of supplying sufficient current to support
transmission.
To use the NC-72B/C, turn the transceiver off, then plug
the miniature connector of the Battery Charger into the
EXT DC jack on the side of the radio. Now plug the Battery Charger into the wall outlet. You may now turn on the
transceiver.
)
VXA-710 SPIRIT 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-710.
Operation Quick Start
To turn the radio on,
press and hold in the
(
PWR) Switch for 3
seconds.
The opening message
will appear on the display, then frequency display will appear.
Press the key to
switch the operating
band between the AIR
band and FM BC band.
Directly entering fre-
quencies 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. However, there is a short-cut for
frequencies ending in zero - press the key after
the last non-zero digit.
For example, to set 134.35 MHz,
press .
To set 118.000 MHz:
.
12
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
BASIC OPERATION
To set 118.275 MHz, you do not need to press the
final “5” in the frequency:
.
Note: When the entered frequency is outside of the
current operating band, the entry is ignored (i.e. VXA-710 does not permit entry of an FM BC band frequency while operating in the AIR band).
You may also turn the
top panel’s DIAL selec-
tor knob to choose the
desired operating frequency. The channel frequency will appear on
the LCD.
To change frequency in 1 MHz steps, press the
key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL selector knob
to select the MHz digit desired. Press the key
once more to resume normal channel step.
Rotate the VOL knob to
set the volume level. If
no signal is present,
press and hold in the
MONITOR button for 2
seconds; background
noise will now be heard,
and you may use this noise to set the VOL knob for
the desired audio level. Press the MONITOR button
momentarily to silence the noise and resume normal
(quiet) monitoring.
To turn the radio off, press and hold in the (PWR
switch for 3 seconds.
Squelch Adjustment
Press and hold in the key for 3 seconds. This in-
stantly recalls Menu Item “SQL” on the Air Band,
Weather Channel, or BRS
Band or “FM RadioSQL” on the FM BC
band.
Press the key to enable adjustment of this Menu
Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to set the squelch
threshold (0 - 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.
When you have made your setting, press the key
to save the new setting, then press the PTT key repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
)
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
13
BASIC OPERATION
Accessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency
Frequency
The VXA-710 can quickly access the 121.500 MHz Emergency Frequency. This function can be activated even when
the keypad lock function is in use.
To access the Emer-
gency Frequency, press
the key momentarily.
To exit the Emergency
Frequency, press the
key momentarily.
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
AIR band and FM BC
band using the DIAL selector, the Keypad, or the scanner. To select these bands, press the key momentarily.
MR (Memory Recall
The MR (Memory Recall) mode of the VXA-710 provides the user
with the ability to store
and recall as many as 68 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 20 for details on creating alpha/
numeric labels.
)
)
14
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
BASIC OPERATION
BOOK (Pre-Programmed) Memories
The Book memories are
pre-programmed, either
at the factory or by your
Dealer (depending on
your country’s requirements), typically including the
major AIR band station frequencies used in your area.
The Book memories can be changed by the user. See
page 44 for details.
WX (Weather Channel) Memories (USA version only)
Ten Weather Channels
are pre-programmed at
the factory. The VXA-710 will automatically
scan this special bank when it is selected by the user.
BRS (Business Radio Service) Memories
22 BRS Channels are preprogrammed at the factory. See page 35 for details of BRS Memory
Channel Operation.
Transmission
To transmit, press and
hold in 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.
VFO
BRS
WX
( )
USA version only
MR
BOOK
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
15
BASIC OPERATION
Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts
(
USA version only
The VXA-710 can receive VHF Weather Channel broadcasts, which may assist your flight planning. The VXA-710 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
key (repeatedly, if necessary) to select the
Weather Channel mode.
In the Weather Channel
mode, “WX” will appear
upper left corner of the
display.
The VXA-710 will now
scan quickly though 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
scanner will not stop.
Press the MONITOR button to stop the scanner.
You can also select
Weather Channels manually by rotating the DIAL
selector knob.
Channel
WX 1
WX 2
WX 3
WX 4
WX 5
WX 6
WX 7
WX 8
WX 9
WX 10
Frequency
162.5500 MHz
162.4000 MHz
162.4750 MHz
162.4250 MHz
162.4500 MHz
162.5000 MHz
162.5250 MHz
161.6500 MHz
161.7750 MHz
163.2750 MHz
To exit the Weather Channel mode, press the key
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 (6. Misc Setup, 3. WX Alert), if
desired.
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.
16
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
BASIC OPERATION
Monitor Key
When listening to a very weak signal from an aircraft or
ground station, you may observe the signal disappearing
periodically as the incoming signal strength becomes too
weak to override the squelch threshold setting.
To disable the squelch temporarily, press and hold the
MONITOR key for 2 seconds on the left side of the
radio, just below the PTT
button. The “” icon will
appear on the display, and
the squelch will remain open
and you should have a better
chance of hearing weak signals.
To return to normal operation, press the MONITOR key
momentarily; the “” icon will disappear from the display.
ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Feature
For reduction of impulse noise, such as that produced by
an engine’s ignition system, the ANL feature may prove
helpful.
To activate the ANL fea-
ture, press the key
momentarily. The
“ANL” icon will appear
on the display, and you
should observe a reduction in the ignition noise.
To turn the ANL feature
off, press the key
again; the “ANL” icon
will disappear from the
display.
Note: The ANL feature is only activated on the Air Band.
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
17
BASIC OPERATION
LOCK Function
The lock function prevents accidental changes to the frequency setting and the keypad controls.
To activate the lock fea-
ture, press the key
followed by the
key.
In the LOCK mode, the
“” icon will appear on
the display.
To turn the lock feature
off, press press the
key followed by the
key again; the “” icon
will disappear from the display.
You can still access the 121.500 MHz Emergency Fre-
quency when the LOCK function is on. Simply press
the key momentarily (this key never locks). Pressing this key also unlocks the radio.
18
Beep On/Off
The VXA-710’s key/button beeper provides convenient
audible feedback whenever a button is pressed. Each key
and button has a different beep pitch, and each function
has a unique beep combination.
When you are scanning, the beeper will be heard each time
the scanner halts on a busy channel. This may be distracting in some environments; if you want to turn the beeper
off (or back on again):
Press and hold the key
for 2 seconds. This instantly recalls Menu Item
“Beeper.”
Press the key to enable adjustment of this Menu
Item.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired
selection.
On:Sounds a keypad beeper corresponding to a
musical note.
DTMF: Sounds a keypad beeper corresponding to a
DTMF tone.
Off:Keypad beeper is “off.”
When you have made your selection, press the
key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key
repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation.
VXA-710 SPIRIT OPERATING MANUAL
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