Yaesu Musen 20415X20 Users manual

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Page 1

144/430 MHz

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

DUAL BAND FM TRANSCEIVER

WITH GPS

VX-8GR

OPERATING MANUAL

VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.

4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan

VERTEX STANDARD

US Headquarters

10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.

YAESU UK LTD.

Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.

VERTEX STANDARD HK LTD.

Unit 5, 20/F., Seaview Centre, 139-141 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

VERTEX STANDARD (AUSTRALIA) PTY., LTD.

Normanby Business Park, Unit 14/45 Normanby Road Notting Hill 3168, Victoria, Australia

Page 2

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

Page 3

INTRODUCTION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

The Ultra Compact VX-8GR (2.4”W x 3.7”H x 1.1”D) is equipped with a GPS receiver and

thinner than the previous advanced model - It is packed with advanced technology and features, designed for outdoor operation. It is submersible (IPX5) and shockproof! The compact case combines a rugged die-cast chassis with the clean, tough polycarbonate resin front panel. Its shockproof versatility will allow you to operate the radio in the toughest environments.

The large High-resolution Dot Matrix LCD display provides clear, easy-to-read indication of both “A” (Main band) and “B” (Sub band) frequencies, the operating mode, and S-meters for both bands. When you engage the Spectrum Scope function, the high-resolution display will indicate relative signal strengths of up to ±50 adjacent channels!

The built-in worldwide standard AX.25 Data TNC Modem permits uncomplicated APRS operation. (Automatic Packet/Position Reporting System: APRS® is a registered trademark of

the APRS Software and Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.) The VX-8GR supports APRS

bps data communication on the “B” (Sub band) band only. You may communicate your location to other APRS radio! You and others will be able to see your APRS

stations along with the position, speed and heading displayed on your

movement on the web! The VX-8GR

displays the received station’s positions, heading directions, messages, distances, icons (43 kinds), weather information, object, etc. With the list function you may automatically store and recall up to 20 messages and the APRS Unit can provide you with your real time APRS

data from up to 40 stations. The built-in GPS Receiver

data.

An Enhanced Paging and Code Squelch (EPCS) allows you to page a particular station and only receive calls from that station. A security Password may be set, which will allow you to turn on and operate the transceiver only after you enter the Password. A convenient key provides access to Vertex Standard’s WIRES™ (Wide-Coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement

System). The Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) function can automatically cause your VX-8GR

to transmit your callsign and engage your rig’s microphone, even if you are disabled and unable to press the PTT switch. Additional features include: transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT), Automatic Power-Off (APO), and Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS). Yaesu’s exclusive ARTS (Auto-Range Transponder System) which “beeps” the user when you move out of communications range with another ARTS™ equipped station. There is provision to reduce the TX deviation for use in areas of high channel congestion. The squelch circuit allows adjusting the squelch to open at a programmable setting of the S-Meter, thus reducing guesswork in setting the squelch threshold. Provides a DATA jack which enable to displaying the location data (Lat/ Lon) of the after-market GPS receiver, outputs the location data (Lat/Lon) of the built-in GPS receiver unit and the Waypoint data of the received APRS beacon.

We appreciate your purchase of the VX-8GR, and encourage you to read this manual thor-

oughly, and learn about the many exciting features of your thrilling new Yaesu hand-held transceiver!

1200/9600

™

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 1

Page 4

CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

ANTENNA Jack Connect the supplied rubber flex antenna (or another antenna presenting a 50-Ohm impedance) here.

PTT Switch

(“Push To Talk”) Press this switch inward to transmit, and release it (to receive) after your transmission is completed.

MONI Key Pressing this key disables the noise squelching action, allowing you to hear very weak signals near the background noise level.

VOL Key Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing and holding this key to adjust the audio volume level.

F/W Key Pressing this key activates the “Alternate” key function of the keypad.

(

PWR) Switch

Press and hold this switch for 2 seconds to toggle the transceiver’s power “on” and “off”. Press this switch briefly while the transceiver is turned “on” to toggle the key lockout feature “on” or “off”.

GPS RECEIVER

The internal GPS receiver is located hear.

KEYP AD

The 18 front panel key buttons select many of the most important operating features. The functions of the keys are described in details on pages 4 and 5.

DIAL Knob The main tuning Dial is used to set the operating frequency, and is also used for audio volume level, menu selections, and other adjustments.

TX/BUSY Lamps Thess indicators glow green when a signal is being received and red when transmitting.

LED Light This white LED will glow (or flash) during “Emergency Channel” operation. It can also be useful as a flash light in a dark environment via the Set Mode Item 45 LED LIGHT.

MIC/SP Jack This four conductor miniature jack connects an optional MH-34B4B Speaker Microphone, MH- 37A4B Ear piece/Microphone, or VC-25 VOX Headset.

DA TA Jack

This two conductor

2.5-mm jack provides connection points for an External computer.

EXT DC Jack This coaxial DC jack allows connection to an external DC power source (414V DC). The center pin of this jack is the Positive (+) line.

MIC

The internal microphone is located hear.

SPEAKER

The internal speaker is located hear.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL2

Page 5

DISPLAY ICONS & INDICATORS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20



“A” Band

Display

“B” Band

Display

Icon

 

     



FREQUENCY CONTROL



VFO: VFO Mode MR: Memory Mode MT: Memory Tune Mode HOM: Home Channel Memory PMS: Programmable Memory Scan Mode VDW: Dual Watch Active

(VFO-Memory Channel)

MDW:Dual Watch Active

(Memory Channel-Memory Channel)

SMS: Smart Search Active Note: When these icon is blinked, the Sub Band Operation feature is active.

SQUELCH TYPE & RADIO MODE



TN: Tone Encoder Active TSQ: Tone Squelch Active DCS: Digital Code Squelch Active RTN: Reverse Tone Squelch Active PR: User Programmed Reverse CTCSS Decoder Active PAG: Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch (EPCS) Active MSG: Message Feature Active DC: Split Tone Feature Active (DCS Encode only) T-D: Split Tone Feature Active (Encodes a CTCSS Tone and Decodes a DCS Code) D-T: Split Tone Feature Active (Encodes a DCS Code and Decodes a CTCSS Tone) A12: APRS A96: APRS

MISCELLANEOUS SETTING



: Repeater Shift Direction (Minus Shift) : Repeater Shift Direction (Plus Shift) : Independent Transmit Frequencies

: Attenuator Active

: Bell Alarm Active

OPERATING MODE



NFM: FM AM: AM

Note 1): When the under bar is appended to these icons, the Vibrator function is active.

2): When the dashed under bar is appended to these icons, the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Vibrator operation

Feature Active (1200 bps)

Feature Active (9600 bps)

(Odd Splits)

is active.

VOLUME LEVEL



TX POWER LEVEL



HI: High Power (5 W) L3: LOW3 Power (2.5 W) L2: LOW2 Power (1 W) L1: LOW1 Power (0.02 W)

OPERATING FREQUENCY



S&PO METER



ICON

: Secondary Keypad Active : Internet Connection Feature (WiRESTM) Active : DTMF Autodialer Active

: Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature Active : Automatic Power-Off Active : Key Lock Active : Mute Feature Active

: Battery Saver Active

: Battery Indicator

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 3

Page 6

KEYPAD FUNCTIONS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

RIMARY FUNCTION

(

RESS KEY

)

SECONDARY FUNCTION

(

RESS +

HIRD FUNCTION

(

RESS AND HOLD KEY

PRIMARY FUNCTION

(

RESS KEY

)

SECONDARY FUNCTION

(

RESS +

THIRD FUNCTION

(

RESS AND HOLD KEY

RIMARY FUNCTION

(

RESS KEY

)

Switches the “Upper”

frequency to be the

“Operating” (TX) Band.

)

No Action No Action

Activates the

Dual Receive Feature.

(1) Moves operation to the

next-highest frequency band.

(2) Activates the Memory Bank

feature.

Moves operation to the

next-lowest frequency band (1) Select the Bandwidth for

the VFO scanner.

(2) Select the Memory Scan

mode.

Reverses transmit and

receive frequencies while

working through a repeater.



Switches the “Lower”

frequency to be the

“Operating” (TX) Band.

Activates the

Dual Receive Feature.

Frequency entry digit “1”

Selects the synthesizer steps

to be used during VFO

operation.

No Action

Frequency entry digit “4”

DCS code, EPCS code, or

NOTE

Press the a or b key to switch the frequency display between the “Double-size Character” and “Small Character” mode while Mono band operation.

Frequency entry digit “2”

Selects the CTCSS Tone,

Message.

No Action

Frequency entry digit “5”

ECONDARY FUNCTION

(

RESS +

HIRD FUNCTION

(

RESS AND HOLD KEY

RIMARY FUNCTION

(

RESS KEY

)

SECONDARY FUNCTION

(

RESS +

HIRD FUNCTION

(

RESS AND HOLD KEY

)

Switches operation to the

“Home” (favorite frequency)

channel.

Activates the EMERGENCY

function.

Activates the Internet

Connection feature.

Selects the desired transmit

power output level.

No Action.

Activates the ARTS feature.

No Action No Action

Frequency entry digit “7”

Activates the Audio Mute

Feature.

No Action No Action

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL4

Activates the Memory Scan

“Skip” channel selection

mode.

Frequency entry digit “8”

Activates the Spectrum

Analyzer (Spectra-Scope

feature.

)

Page 7

KEYPAD FUNCTIONS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

Activate the APRS

(Automatic Position

Reporting System) function.

No Action

Enter the Set Mode.

Frequency entry digit “3”

Selects the DTMF mode.

No Action

Frequency entry digit “6”

Selects the direction of the

uplink frequency shift (either

“–”, “+”, or “simplex”) during

repeater operation.

No Action

Toggle the key lock feature

“on” and “off” while the

transceiver is turned “on”.

No Action

T oggle the transceiver’s

power “on” and “off”.

Selects the receive mode

between AM and FM.

Activates the CTCSS

or DCS operation.

Engage the Special

Search mode.

Switches frequency control

between the VFO and

Memory System.

Activates the “Memory Tune”

mode while in the Memory

Recall mode.

Activates the Priority (Dual

Watch) function.

RIMARY FUNCTION

(

RESS KEY

ECONDARY FUNCTION

(

RESS +

HIRD FUNCTION

(

RESS AND HOLD KEY

RIMARY FUNCTION

(

RESS KEY

)

SECONDARY FUNCTION

(

RESS +

HIRD FUNCTION

(

RESS AND HOLD KEY

RIMARY FUNCTION

(

RESS KEY

ECONDARY FUNCTION

(

RESS +

HIRD FUNCTION

(

RESS AND HOLD KEY

)

Activates the transmitter.

Activates the transmitter with

the “high” power temporarily while the transceiver is “low”

)

power operation.

Activates the Transmitter .

)

USA V ersion: Disables the Noise

and Tone Squelch System.

EXP Version: Activates the T .CALL

(1750 Hz) for repeater access.

Adjusts the Squelch

threshold level.

USA V ersion: Disables the Noise

and Tone Squelch System.

EXP Version: Activates the T .CALL

)

(1750 Hz) for repeater access.

No Action

Toggle the DIAL knob

function between the

“Frequency Control” and

“Receiver Audio Control”.

Rotate the DIAL knob while

holding this key to adjust the

)

audio volume level.

Frequency entry digit “9”

Enters the “Special Memory”

mode.

No Action No Action

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 5

Frequency entry digit “0”

Activates the Sub Band

Operation feature.

RIMARY FUNCTION

(

RESS KEY

)

SECONDARY FUNCTION

(

RESS +

HIRD FUNCTION

(

RESS AND HOLD KEY

Activates the “Secondary”

key function.

Disables the “Secondary”

)

key function.

Activates the “Memory Write”

mode (for memory channel

storage).

Page 8

ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED WITH THE VX-8DR

 Antenna 1 pc YHA-72 (Q3000236)  Li-Ion Battery Pack 1 pc FNB-101LI (7.4V/1,100mAh: AAG10X001)  Battery Charger 1 pc NC-86B (for USA version: Q9500149) or

NC-86C (for EXP version: Q9500150)

 Belt Clip 1 pc (RA1053600)  Screws 2 pcs (M3x10SUS: U24310020)  Plastic Cap 1 pc (RA1054200)  Sheet 1 pcs (RA1231300)  Operating Manual 1 pc  Warranty Card 1 pc

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL6

Page 9

ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

AVAILABLE OPTIONS FOR YOUR VX-8DR

CSC-101LI Soft Case FBA-39 3 x “AA” Cell Battery Case (batteries not supplied) FNB-101LI Li-Ion Battery Pack (7.4V/1,100 mAh) FNB-102LI Li-Ion Battery Pack (7.4V/1,800 mAh) CD-41 Rapid Charger (requires NC-86B/C/U) NC-86B/C/UBattery Charger for the CD-41 E-DC-5B DC Cable w/Noise Filter E-DC-6 DC Cable; plug and wire only CN-3 BNC-to-SMA Adapter MH-34B4B Speaker/Microphone MH-37A4B Ear peace Microphone CT-44 Microphone Adapter CT-144 Clone Cable CT-143 PC Connection Cable



“B” suffix is for use with 120 VAC (Type-A plug), “C” suffix is for use with 230 VAC

(Type-C plug), and “U” suffix is for use with 230 VAC (Type-BF plug).

Availability of accessories may vary. Some accessories are supplied as standard per local requir ements, while others may be unavailable in some r egions. Consult your Yaesu Dealer for details regar ding these and any newly-available options. Connection of any non-Yaesu approved accessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this apparatus.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 7

Page 10

INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

ANTENNA INSTALLATION

The supplied antenna provides good results over the entire frequency range of the transceiver. However, for enhanced base station medium-wave and shortwave reception, you may wish to connect an external (outside) antenna.

TO INSTALL THE SUPPLIED ANTENNA

Hold the bottom end of the antenna, then screw it onto the mating connector on the transceiver until it is snug. Do not over-tighten by use of extreme force.

Notes:

 Never transmit without having an antenna connected.  Carefully turn the supplied antenna onto the SMA jack. Never twist

the upper part of the antenna while screwing it onto the mating connector of the transceiver.

 If using an external antenna for transmission, ensure that the SWR

presented to the transceiver is 1.5:1 or lower.

BELT C LIP INSTALLATION

 Install the supplied Belt Clip to the FNB-101LI

Battery Pack using the supplied two screws

(Figure 1). Use

the Belt Clip to mount the Belt Clip to the back of the Battery Pack!

 If you do not need the Belt Clip, install the sup-

plied Plastic Cap to the Battery Pack (Figure

2). If you install the belt clip later, push the Plas-

tic Cap out with a small tool or screwdriver.

only the screws included with

Figure 1

Figure 2

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL8

Page 11

INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

INSTALLATION OF FNB-101LI BATTERY PACK

The FNB-101LI is a high-performance Lithium-Ion battery providing high capacity in a very compact package. Under normal use, the FNB-101LI may be used for approxi-

mately 300 charge cycles, after which operating time may be expected to decrease. An old battery pack, which is displaying diminished capacity should be replaced with a new one.

 To install the FNB-101LI Battery Pack, carefully mate the

battery’s three alignment tabs with their corresponding alignment slots on the transceiver bottom case, then gently press the top side of the Battery Pack until it locks in place with a

“click”.

 To remove the Battery Pack, turn the transceiver off and

remove any protective cases. Press the Battery Pack Release Knobs downward to unlock the latch, then remove the Battery Pack from the transceiver.

The VX-8GR battery must be correctly installed, to maintain the waterproof integrity.

BATTERY PACK RELEASE KNOB

INSTALL

If the battery has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged by connect-

ing the NC-86B/C Battery Charger, as shown in the illustration, to the EXT DC jack. If only 12 ~ 16 Volt DC power is available, the optional E-DC-5B DC Adapter (with its cigarette lighter plug) or E-DC-6 DC Cable may also be used for charging the battery, as

shown in the illustration.

While the battery is being charged, the display will indicate “ indicator will glow red. The S-meter will deflect according to the charging status. When charging is finished, the display will change to indicate “ tor will glow green.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 9

REMOVE

CHARGINGCHARGING

CHARGING” and the “A”

CHARGINGCHARGING

COMPLETECOMPLETE

COMPLETE” and the “A” indica-

COMPLETECOMPLETE

E-DC-5BNC-86 E-DC-6

Page 12

INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

BATTERY LIFE INFORMATION

When the battery charge is almost depleted, a “Low Voltage” indicator will appear on the display. When this icon appears, it is recommended that you charge the battery soon.

OPERATING BAND

144 MHz 430 MHz

: Full battery power : Enough battery power : Low battery power : Poor battery power (

w/Blink): Charge (or replace) the battery

TX 6 seconds, RX 6 seconds, and Squelched 48 seconds (continuous operating cycle).

FNB-101LI

BATTERY LIFE (APPROX.

5.0 hours

BATTERY INDICATOR

FNB-102LI

8.5 hours

8.0 hours

The present battery voltage can be displayed manually on the LCD, by following the instructions on page

Battery capacity may be reduced during extremely cold weather. Keeping the radio inside your parka may help preserve the full charge capacity.

)

FBA-39

17 hours 16 hours

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL10

Page 13

INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

INSTALLATION OF FBA-39 ALKALINE BATTERY CASE (OPTION

The optional FBA-39 Battery Case allows receive monitoring using three “AA” size Al-

kaline batteries. Alkaline batteries can also be used for low power transmission in an emergency. The power output will only be selectable 1 W/50 mW (for 50/144/430 MHz FM) or 500 mW/50 mW (for 222 MHz FM), or 1 W fixed (for 50 MHz AM).

)

TO INSTALL ALKALINE BATTERIES INTO THE FBA-39

1. Lift up the lower right corner of the rubber cover, and then open the cover (Figure 1).

2. Referring to Figure 2, slide the batteries into the FBA-39 as shown in the illustration,

with the Negative

FBA-39.

3. Close the rubber cover.

4. Install the FBA-39 in the transceiver in the same manner as the FNB-101LI.

[–]

side of the batteries touching the spring connections inside the

The FBA-39 does not provide connections for charging, since Alkaline cells cannot be re-charged. Therefore, the NC-86B/C, E-DC-5B, or E-DC-6 may safely be connected to the EXT DC jack when the FBA-39 is installed.

Notes:

 The FBA-39 is designed for use only with AA-type Alkaline cells.  If you do not use the VX-8DR for a long time, remove the Alkaline batteries from the

FBA-39, as battery leakage could cause damage to the FBA-39 and/or the trans-

ceiver.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 11

Figure 1 Figure 2

Page 14

INTERFACE OF PACKET TNCS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

The VX-8GR may be used for Packet operation, using the optional CT-44 Microphone

Adapter (available from your Yaesu dealer) for easy interconnection to commonly-available connectors wired to your TNC.

The audio level from the receiver to the TNC may be adjusted by rotating the DIAL knob while pressing and holding the g key, as with voice operation. The input level to the VX-8GR from the TNC should be adjusted at the TNC side; the optimum input voltage is

approximately 5 mV at 2000 Ohms.

Be sure to turn the transceiver and TNC off before connecting the cables, to prevent voltage spikes from damaging your transceiver.

CT-44 Microphone Adapter

TNC

10 Fµ

2 k

SP GND

MIC PTT



GND

EAR

MIC

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL12

Page 15

OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I’ll be helping you along as you learn the many features of the VX-8GR. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I en-

courage you to read the “Operation” section of this manual as thoroughly as possible, so you’ll get the most out of this fantastic new transceiver. Now. . .let’s get operating!

SWITCHING POWER ON AND OFF

1. Be sure the battery pack is installed, and that it is fully charged. Connect the antenna

to the top panel ANTENNA jack.

2. Press and hold in the p(PWR) switch (on the left side

of the front panel) for 2 seconds. Two beeps will be heard when the switch has been held long enough. The opening message will appear briefly on the display, then the frequency display will appear. After another two seconds, the receive-mode Battery Saver function will become active, unless you have disabled it (see page xx).

3. To turn the VX-8GR off, press and hold in the p(PWR

If you don’t hear the two “Beep” tones when the radio comes on, the Beeper

may have been disabled via the Menu system. See page 27, which tells you

how to reactivate the Beeper.

)

switch again for 2 seconds.

Rotate the DIAL knob while pressing and holding the g

key to set the desired audio level. Clockwise rotation increases the volume level.

1) The Volume level may be set on the

“A-Band” and “B-Band” separately.

2) You may set the Audio Output Level to the Speaker, and the Earphone Output Level individually . The “SP VOLUME” notation appears in the S- & PO meter area while adjusting the Speaker Output Level. The “HP VOLUME” notation appears in the S- & PO meter area while adjusting the Earphone Output Level.

3) Pressing the f key followed by the g key , the DIAL knob function changes to the Volume Level adjustment instead of the frequency control. In this case, the “Volume Level Indicator” on the display blinks. Pressing the f key followed by the g key again, returns the DIAL knob function to the frequency control. You may also change the g key function via Set Mode Item 99: VOLUME MODE. See page xx for details.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 13

ADJUSTING THE VOLUME LEVEL

Page 16

OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

SQUELCH ADJUSTMENT

The VX-8GR’s Squelch system allows you to mute the background noise when no signal

is being received. Not only does the Squelch system make “standby” operation more pleasant, it also significantly reduces battery current consumption.

The Squelch system may be adjusted independently for the FM and Wide-FM (FM Broadcast) modes.

1. Press the f key, then press the e key on the left

side of the radio. This provides a “Short-cut” to Set Mode Item

2. Now, rotate the DIAL knob to the point where the back-

ground noise is just silenced (typically at a setting of about “3” or “4” on the scale); this is the point of maximum sensitivity to weak signals.

3. When you are satisfied with the Squelch threshold setting,

press the PTT key briefly to save the new setting and exit to

normal operation.

4. You may also adjust the Squelch setting by using the “Set” (Menu) mode. See page xx

feature will keep your radio quiet until a call is received from a station sending a carrier which contains a matching (sub audible) CTCSS tone. Or if your friends have radios equipped with DCS (Digital Coded Squelch) like your VX-8GR, try using that mode for silent monitoring of busy channels.

85: SQL LEVEL85: SQL LEVEL

85: SQL LEVEL.

85: SQL LEVEL85: SQL LEVEL

for details.

1) The Squelch level may be set on the “Main” and “Sub” bands separately.

2) If you’re operating in an area of high RF pollution, you may need to consider “Tone Squelch” operation using the built-in CTCSS Decoder. This

The VX-8GR has a 24-hour clock with a calendar which covers all dates from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2099. Set the clock according to the “Clock Set” column on page xx

24-HOUR CLOCK

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL14

Page 17

OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

SELECTING THE OPERATING BAND

In the factory default configuration, the VX-8GR operates in the “Dual Receive” mode.

During Dual Receive operation, the “A-Band” frequency will be displayed on the upper part of the LCD, and the “B-Band” frequency will be displayed on the lower part. The “Operating” band (the band on which transmission and band/frequency changes are pos-

sible) is shown in large characters, and “Receive only” band is shown in small characters. Press the a key briefly to engage the “A-Band” fre-

quency as the “Operating” band. Alternatively, press the b key briefly to engage the “B-Band” frequency, as described previously.

Press and hold in the a or b key for 1/2 seconds to switch to Mono Band Operation. During Mono band operation, you may change the display between “double-size

character” and “large character” by pressing the a/b key.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 15

Page 18

OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

SELECTING THE FREQUENCY BAND

The VX-8GR covers an incred-

ibly wide frequency range, over which a number of different operating modes are used. There-

fore, the VX-8GR’s frequency

coverage has been divided into different operating bands. Each band has its own preset channel steps and operating modes. You can change the channel steps and operating modes later, if you like (see page xx).

TO CHANGE OPERATING BANDS

1. Press the B key repeatedly. You will see the LCD indication change to a higher frequency band each time you press the B key. A Band Number according to the receiving frequency is also displayed.

2. If you wish to move the operating band selection down-

ward (toward lower frequencies), press the f key first, then press the B key.

3. The VX-8DR uses a dual VFO system (described previously). To switch TX/RX operation from the “VFO-A” to the “VFO-B” instantly, press the b key briefly. Pressing the a key will return TX/RX operation to “VFO-A”. The frequency band shown in “Large” characters is the band on which transmission is possible; the band shown in “Small” characters may only be used for reception.

4. Once you have selected the desired band, you may initiate manual tuning (or scanning). See the discussions on the next page.

OPERATING BAND

[

AND NUMBER

AIR Band

VHF HAM Band

VHF Band

INFO 1 Band

UHF HAM Band

UHF Band

INFO 2 Band

]

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7]

800-999.99 MHz

FREQUENCY RANGE

“VFO-A”

108-137 MHz 137-174 MHz 174-222 MHz 222-420 MHz 420-470 MHz 470-800 MHz

USA Version: Cellular Blocked



“VFO-B”

108-137 MHz 137-174 MHz 174-222 MHz 222-420 MHz 420-470 MHz 470-580 MHz



–

If desired, you may omit (skip) one or more bands from the band selection loop for faster recall of your favorite operating bands. See page xx for details.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL16

Page 19

OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

FREQUENCY NAVIGATION

The VX-8GR will initially be operating in the “VFO” mode, as just described. This is a fre-

quency step system which allows free tuning throughout the currently-selected operating band.

Three basic frequency navigation methods are available on the VX-8GR:

1) TUNING DIAL

Rotation of the DIAL knob allows tuning in the pre-pro-

grammed steps established for the current operating band.

Clockwise rotation of the DIAL knob causes the VX-8GR

to be tuned toward a higher frequency, while counter-clockwise rotation will lower the operating frequency.

If you press the f key briefly, then rotate the DIAL knob,

frequency steps of 1 MHz will be selected. This feature is extremely useful for making rapid frequency excursions over the wide tuning range of the

VX-8GR.

2) DIRECT KEYPAD FREQUENCY ENTRY

The desired operating frequency may be entered directly from the keypad.

The operating mode will automatically be set once the new frequency is entered via the keypad.

To enter a frequency from the keypad, just press the numbered digits on the keypad in the

proper sequence. There is no “Decimal point” key on the VX-8GR. However, there is a shortcut for frequencies ending in zero - press the c key after the last non-zero digit.

Examples: To enter 146.520 MHz, press 146520 To enter 430.000MHz, press 43c

When press the (except the TX function) to act on the “Sub” band. When the Sub Band operation is activated, the Main band’s “Frequency Control” icon will blinks. After making control to the Sub band, press the

key to return control to the “Main” band.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 17

Sub Band Operation

key followed by the key, you can cause the controls

key followed by the

Page 20

OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

FREQUENCY NAVIGATION

3) SCANNING

From the VFO mode, press and hold in the B key for one second, and while still holding in the B key, rotate the DIAL knob to select

the bandwidth for the VFO scanner. Release the B key to begin scanning toward a higher frequency. The scanner will stop when it receives a signal strong enough to break through the Squelch threshold. The VX-8GR will then hold on that frequency according to the setting of the “ mode (Menu Item

If you wish to reverse the direction of the scan (i.e. toward a lower frequency, instead of a

higher frequency), just rotate the DIAL knob one click in the counter-clockwise direction while the VX-8GR is scanning. The scanning direction will be reversed. To revert to scanning toward a higher frequency once more, rotate the DIAL knob one click clock-

wise.

77: SCAN RESUME77: SCAN RESUME

77: SCAN RESUME).

77: SCAN RESUME77: SCAN RESUME

RESUMERESUME

RESUME”

RESUMERESUME

Press the PTT switch briefly to cancel the scanning. See page xx

ing Scan Operation.

Dual Receive Notice

The VX-8GR may receive very strong signals on the Image frequency, and/or the

receiver sensitivity may be somewhat reduced by the combination of the “A-Band” and “B-Band” frequencies while Dual Receive operation is engaged.

If you experience interference that you suspect may be coming in via an “Image” path, you may calculate the possible frequencies using the formulas below. This information may be used in the design of effective countermeasures such as traps, etc.

 9.8304 MHz x n  11.7 MHz x n (n is an integer: 1, 2, 3, …)  4.9152 MHz x

 “A-Band” Freq. = (“B-Band” Freq. ± 46.35 MHz) x n  “B-Band” Freq. = (“A-Band” Freq. ± 47.25 MHz) x n (@ “A-Band” = NFM)  “B-Band” Freq. = (“A-Band” Freq. ± 45.8 MHz) x

n  6.1440 MHz x n

n (@ “A-Band” = WFM)

for more details regard-

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL18

Page 21

OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

TRANSMISSION

Once you have set up an appropriate frequency inside one of the dual amateur bands on

which the VX-8GR can transmit (144 MHz or 430 MHz), you’re ready to transmit. These

are the most basic steps; more advanced aspects of transmitter operation will be discussed later.

1. To transmit, press the PTT switch, and speak into the

front panel microphone (located in the upper right-hand corner of the speaker grille) in a normal voice level.

The LED of the “A” or “B” which is designated the

“Main” band will glow red during transmission.

2. To return to the receive mode, release the PTT switch.

3. During transmission, the relative power level will be

indicated on the LCD. Additionally, the “L1”, “L2”, “L3”, or “HI” icon will appear at the left side of the PO meter,

corresponding with the “Power” Level setting.

1) If you’re just talking to friends in the immediate area, you’ll get much longer battery life by switching to Low Power opera-

tion. To do this, press the f key, then press the d key so that the “Low Power” icon appears at the bottom of the display. And don’t forget: antenna connected when you transmit.

2) Transmission is not possible on “Sub” band and any operating bands other than the 144 MHz and 430 MHz bands on the “Main” band.

3) Never transmit without having an antenna connected.

always have an

CHANGING THE TRANSMITTER POWER LEVEL

You can select between a total of four transmitter power levels on your VX-8GR. The

exact power output will vary somewhat, depending on the voltage supplied to the trans-

ceiver. With the standard FNB-101LI Battery Pack and external DC source, the power output levels available are: “L1”, “L2”, “L3”, or “HI”

To change the power level:

1. The default setting for the power output is “High;” in

this configuration, the display shows the “HI” icon. Pressing the f key, followed by the d key, causes the power level “L1”, “L2”, or “L3” to appear.

2. Press the f key, followed by the d key (repeat-

edly, if necessary) to make the “HI” icon appear and

restore “High Power” operation.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 19

Page 22

OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

TRANSMISSION

1) The VX-8GR is smart! You can set up Low power on one band (like UHF), while leaving VHF on High power , and the radio will remember the dif ferent

settings on each band. And when you store memories, you can store High and Low power settings separately in each memory, so you don’t waste battery power when using very close-in repeaters!

2) When you are operating on one of the Low power settings, you can press the

key, then press the PTT switch, to cause the VX-

FNB-101LI/-102LI

or EXT DC (7.4 V

HI: 5.0 W, L3: 2.5 W, L2: 1.0 W,

L1: 0.05 W

8GR to transmit (temporarily) on High power. After one transmission, the power level will revert to the previously-selected Low power setting.

RANSMIT POWER

)

(

FBA-39

w/Fresh Batteries

L2: 1.0 W,

L1: 0.05 W

)

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL20

Page 23

ADVANCED OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

Now that you mastered the basics of VX-8GR operation, let’s learn more about some of

the really neat features.

KEYBOARD LOCKING

In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various keys and switches may be locked out. The possible lockout combinations are:

KEYKEY

KEY: Just the front panel keys are locked out

KEYKEY DIALDIAL

DIAL: Just the top panel DIAL is locked out

DIALDIAL KEY&DIALKEY&DIAL

KEY&DIAL: Both the DIAL knob and Keys are locked out

KEY&DIALKEY&DIAL PTTPTT

PTT: The PTT switch is locked (TX not possible)

PTTPTT KEY&PTTKEY&PTT

KEY&PTT: Both the keys and PTT switch are locked out

KEY&PTTKEY&PTT DIAL&PTTDIAL&PTT

DIAL&PTT: Both the DIAL knob and PTT switch are locked out

DIAL&PTTDIAL&PTT ALLALL

ALL: All of the above are locked out

ALLALL

To lock out some or all of the keys:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

3. Press the m key briefly to enable selection of this Menu

Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to choose between one of the lock-

ing schemes as outlined above.

5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch

to save the new setting and resume normal operation.

46: LOCK46: LOCK

46: LOCK.

46: LOCK46: LOCK

To activate the locking feature:

(

Press the on the LCD. To cancel locking, press the

PWR) switch briefly. The “k” icon will appear

Even when “ALL” keys have been locked out, one key actually is not locked out: the remains available so you can unlock your keypad when you want to!

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 21

(

PWR

)

switch again.

(

PWR) switch

Page 24

ADVANCED OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

ADJUSTING THE KEYPAD BEEPER VOLUME LEVEL

A keypad beeper provides useful audible feed back whenever a key button is pressed. The keypad beeper level changes according to the receiver audio volume level setting. However, you may adjust the volume balance between the receiving audio and keypad beeper using Set Mode Item

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

LEVELLEVEL

LEVEL.

LEVELLEVEL

3. Press the m key briefly to enable selection of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired level.

5. When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch to

save the new setting and return to normal operation.

Additionally, if you want to turn the beep off:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

SELECTSELECT

SELECT.

SELECTSELECT

3. Press the m key briefly to enable selection of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to change the setting to “

5. When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch to

save the new setting and return to normal operation.

6. If you wish to re-enable the Beeper, just repeat the above

procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “

above.

KEYKEY

KEY: The beeper sounds when you press any key.

KEYKEY KEY & SCANKEY & SCAN

KEY & SCAN: The beeper sounds when you press a key or when the scanner stops.

KEY & SCANKEY & SCAN

11: BEEP LEVEL11: BEEP LEVEL

11: BEEP LEVEL.

11: BEEP LEVEL11: BEEP LEVEL

9: BEEP9: BEEP

9: BEEP

9: BEEP9: BEEP

11: BEEP11: BEEP

11: BEEP

11: BEEP11: BEEP

OFFOFF

OFF”.

OFFOFF

KEYKEY

KEY” or “

KEYKEY

KEY & SCANKEY & SCAN

KEY & SCAN” in step “4”

KEY & SCANKEY & SCAN

SETTING THE FREQUENCY DISPLAY IMAGE SIZE

When operating in “Mono” band, pressing the a or b key, causes the LCD to “toggle” between display of double-size characters and large characters. However, this feature does not work during Dual Receive operation, as two frequencies are displayed in that instance.

DOUBLE-SIZE CHARACTERS

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL22

LARGE CHARACTERS

Page 25

ADVANCED OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

AUDIO MUTING

The Audio Mute feature is useful in situations where it would be helpful to reduce the

audio level of the “Receive Only” band (Small character display) whenever you receive a signal on the “Main” band (Large character display) during Dual Receive operation.

To activate the Audio Mute feature:

1. Press the f key, then press the 7 key. This provides a

“Short-cut” to Set Mode Item

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired muting level

MUTE 30%MUTE 30%

(

MUTE 30%,

MUTE 30%MUTE 30%

3. When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and

return to normal operation.

MUTE 50%MUTE 50%

MUTE 50%,

MUTE 50%MUTE 50%

57: MUTE57: MUTE

57: MUTE.

57: MUTE57: MUTE

MUTE 100%MUTE 100%

MUTE 100%, or

MUTE 100%MUTE 100%

OFFOFF

OFF).

OFFOFF

When the Audio Mute feature is activated, the “ appear on the display, and the “ “Receive Only” band audio.

To cancel the Audio Mute feature, just repeat the above procedures, selecting “

OFFOFF

OFF” in step 2 above.

OFFOFF

” icon blinks while muting the

” icon will

KEYPAD/LCD ILLUMINATION

Your VX-8GR includes a reddish illumination lamp which aids in nighttime operation.

The red illumination yields clear viewing of the display in a dark environment, with minimal degradation of your night vision. Three options for activating the lamp are provided:

KEY 2secKEY 2sec

KEY 2sec -

KEY 2secKEY 2sec

CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS

CONTINUOUS: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD continuously.

CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS OFFOFF

OFF: Disables the Keypad/LCD lamp.

OFFOFF

Here is the procedure for setting up the Lamp mode:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

3. Press the m key briefly to enable selection of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select one of the three modes de-

scribed above.

5. When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch to

save the new setting and return to normal operation.

KEY 10secKEY 10sec

KEY 10sec: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD for the selected illumination

KEY 10secKEY 10sec

time when any key is pressed.

41: LAMP41: LAMP

41: LAMP.

41: LAMP41: LAMP

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 23

Page 26

ADVANCED OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

CHANGING THE CHANNEL STEPS

The VX-8GR’s frequency synthesizer provides the option of utilizing tuning steps of 5,

6.25, 8.33, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 50 and 100 kHz per step. The VX-8GR is set up at the

factory with different default steps for each operating band which are probably satisfactory for most operation. However, if you need to change the channel step increments, the procedure to do so is very easy.

1. Press the f key, then press the 1 key on the left side of the radio. This provides a

“Short-cut” to Set Mode Item

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired step size.

3. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to

normal operation.

1) 8.33 kHz steps are available only when receiving on the Air band.

2) 5 kHz steps are not available for use on 250 - 300 MHz, nor above 580

MHz.

CHANGING THE RECEIVING MODE

The VX-8GR provides for automatic mode changing when the radio is tuned to different

operating frequencies. However, should an unusual receiving situation arise in which you need to change to a different receiving mode, just press the modes available are:

89: STEP FREQUENCY89: STEP FREQUENCY

89: STEP FREQUENCY.

89: STEP FREQUENCY89: STEP FREQUENCY

key. The receiving

AUTOAUTO

AUTO: The receive mode is automatically set accord-

AUTOAUTO

ing to the default values for the selected frequency range

NFMNFM

NFM: Frequency Modulation

NFMNFM AMAM

AM: Amplitude Modulation

AMAM

Unless you have a compelling reason to do so, leave the Automatic Mode

Selection feature on in order to save time and trouble when changing bands.

If you make a mode change for a particular frequency or station, you can always store that one channel into memory, as the mode setting will be memorized along with the frequency information.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL24

Page 27

ADVANCED OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

SQL S-METER

A special SQL (Squelch) S-meter feature is provided on this radio. This feature allows you to set the squelch so only signals exceeding a certain S-meter level will open the squelch.

To set up the S-meter squelch feature for operation, use the following procedure:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

METERMETER

METER.

METERMETER

3. Press the m key briefly to enable selection of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired signal strength

level for the squelch threshold (

5. When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch to

save the new setting and return to normal operation.

1) When the SQL S-meter is activated, the S-meter segment corresponding to the squelch threshold which was set by step 4 above will blink.

2) The receiver’s squelch will open based on the higher of the levels set by the Noise Squelch or the S-meter Squelch system. For example: a) If the Noise Squelch (SQL control) is set so that signals at a level of “S-3” will open the squelch, but the SQL S-meter (Set Mode Item 93) is set to “LEVEL 5,” the squelch will only open on signals which are “S5” or stronger on the S-meter. b) If the SQL S-meter is set to “S3,” but the Noise Squelch is set to a high level which will only pass signals which are Full Scale on the S-meter, the squelch will only open on signals which are Full Scale on the S-meter. In this case, the Noise Squelch overrides the action of the S-meter Squelch.

LEVEL1LEVEL1

LEVEL1 -

LEVEL1LEVEL1

86: SQL S-86: SQL S-

86: SQL S-

86: SQL S-86: SQL S-

LEVEL9LEVEL9

LEVEL9 or

LEVEL9LEVEL9

OFFOFF

OFF).

OFFOFF

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 25

Page 28

REPEATER OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

GENERAL

Repeater stations, usually located on mountaintops or other high locations, provide a dramatic extension of the communication range for low-powered hand-held or mobile trans-

ceivers. The VX-8GR includes a number of features, which make repeater operation simple

and enjoyable.

REPEATER SHIFTS

Your VX-8DR has been configured, at the factory, for the repeater shifts customary in

your country. For the 144 MHz band, this usually will be 600 kHz, while the 430 MHz shift will be 1.6 MHz, 7.6 MHz, or 5 MHz (USA version).

Depending on the part of the band in which you are operating, the repeater shift may be either downward ( and one of these icons will appear at the bottom of the LCD when repeater shifts have been enabled.

) or upward ( ),

AUTOMATIC REPEATER SHIFT (ARS

)

The VX-8GR provides a convenient Automatic Repeater Shift feature, which causes the

appropriate repeater shift to be automatically applied whenever you tune into the designated repeater sub-bands in your country. These sub-bands are shown below.

If the ARS feature does not appear to be working, you may have accidentally disabled it.

To re-enable ARS:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

6969

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

: RPT ARS: RPT ARS

: RPT ARS.

6969

: RPT ARS: RPT ARS

3. Press the m key briefly to enable selection of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

ONON

ON”(to enable Automatic

ONON

Repeater Shift).

5. When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch to

save the new setting and return to normal operation.

ARS-Repeater Subbands

145.1 145.5

145.6 145.8

Version A

433.00 434.60433.40 435.00

2-m

Version A

146.0 146.4 147.0 147.6 148.0

146.6

439.45438.20

Euro Version 1 Euro Version 2

147.4

European Version

70-cm

440.0 445.0 450.0

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL26

Page 29

REPEATER OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

MANUAL REPEATER SHIFT ACTIVATION

If the ARS feature has been disabled, or if you need to set a repeater shift direction other than that established by the ARS, you may set the direction of the repeater shift manually.

To do this:

1. Press the f key, then press the

70: RPT SHIFT70: RPT SHIFT

Item

70: RPT SHIFT.

70: RPT SHIFT70: RPT SHIFT

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired shift among

–RPT–RPT

“

–RPT,” “

–RPT–RPT

3. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to

normal operation.

+RPT+RPT

+RPT,” and “

+RPT+RPT

SIMPLEXSIMPLEX

SIMPLEX.”

SIMPLEXSIMPLEX

CHANGING THE DEFAULT REPEATER SHIFTS

If you travel to a different region, you may need to change the default repeater shift, to ensure compatibility with local operating requirements.

To do this, follow the procedure below:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

SHIFT FREQSHIFT FREQ

SHIFT FREQ.

SHIFT FREQSHIFT FREQ

3. Press the m key briefly to enable selection of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the new repeater shift mag-

nitude.

5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to

normal operation.

6 key. This provides a “Short-cut” to Set Mode

71: RPT71: RPT

71: RPT

71: RPT71: RPT

If you just have one “odd” split that you need to program, don’t change the default repeater shift! Enter the transmit and receive frequencies separately , as shown on page

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 27

??.

Page 30

REPEATER OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

)

CHECKING THE REPEATER UPLINK (INPUT

It often is helpful to be able to check the uplink (input) frequency of a repeater, to see if the calling station is within direct (“Simplex”) range.

To do this, just press the h key. You’ll notice that the display has shifted to the repeater uplink frequency. Press the h key again to cause operation to return to normal monitoring of the repeater downlink (output) frequency. While you are listening on the input frequency of the repeater using the h key, the repeater offset icon (“ will blink.

The configuration of h key may be set either to “RV” (for checking the input frequency of a repeater, or “HM” (for inst ant switching to the “Home” channel for the band you are operating on). To change the configuration of

h key, use Set Mode Item 34: HOME/REVERSE. See page xx.

” or ”)

REQUENCY

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL28

Page 31

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

CTCSS OPERATION

Many repeater systems require that a very-low-frequency audio tone be superimposed on your FM carrier in order to activate the repeater. This helps prevent false activation of the repeater by radar or spurious signals from other transmitters. This tone system, called

“CTCSS” (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System), is included in your VX-8GR, and is

very easy to activate.

CTCSS setup involves two actions: setting the Tone Frequency and then setting the Tone Mode. These functions are set up using Set Mode Items 88: SQL TYP and 91: TONE FREQUENCY.

1. Press the f key, then press the M key. This provides a “Short-cut” to Set Mode

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

Item

88: SQL TYPE.

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

2. Rotate the DIAL knob so that “

play. This activates the CTCSS Encoder.

3. Rotation of the DIAL knob one more “click” in step “2”

above will also activate the “

Tone Squelch system is active, which mutes your VX-8GR’s receiver until it receives

a call from another radio sending out a matching CTCSS tone. This can helpful in a high RF congested location by keeping your radio quiet until a call is received from a specific station with a matching CTCSS tone.

TONETONE

TONE” appears on the dis-

TONETONE

TSQTSQ

TSQ” decode function. When “

TSQTSQ

TSQ” is displayed, the

TSQTSQ

 You may notice an additional “

the DIAL knob in step 3 above. We’ll discuss the Digital Code Squelch sys-

tem shortly.

 You may notice “

DIAL knob in step 3 above. When the Reverse Tone Squelch system is active, the VX-8GR’s receiver is muted when it receives a call from a radio

sending a matching CTCSS tone. The “ when the Reverse Tone Squelch system is activated.

 You may notice “

DIAL knob in step 3 above, this means the user programmed Reverse CTCSS Decoder will mute your VX-8GR’s receiver when it receives a call from a

radio sending a CTCSS tone matching your programmed tone (determine by Set Mode Item display when the Reverse CTCSS Decoder is activated.

 You may notice “

you rotate the DIAL knob in step 3 above. These appear when the “Enhanced

Paging & Code Squelch” and the “Message Feature” are activated. We’ll discuss these functions later.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 29

DCSDCS

DCS” indication appearing while you rotate

DCSDCS

REV TONEREV TONE

REV TONE” indication on the display while you rotate the

REV TONEREV TONE

RTNRTN

RTN” icon will appear on the display

RTNRTN

PR FREQPR FREQ

PR FREQ” indication on the display while you rotate the

PR FREQPR FREQ

65: PR FREQUENCY65: PR FREQUENCY

65: PR FREQUENCY). The “

65: PR FREQUENCY65: PR FREQUENCY

PAGERPAGER

PAGER” and “

PAGERPAGER

MESSAGEMESSAGE

MESSAGE” indication on the display while

MESSAGEMESSAGE

PRPR

PR” icon will appear on the

PRPR

Page 32

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

CTCSS OPERATION

4. When you have made your selection of the CTCSS tone mode, press the M key to

save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

5. Press the f key, then press the 2 key. This provides a “Short-cut” to Set Mode

91: TONE FREQUENCY91: TONE FREQUENCY

Item

91: TONE FREQUENCY.

91: TONE FREQUENCY91: TONE FREQUENCY

6. Rotate the DIAL knob until the display indicates the fre-

quency of the CTCSS tone that you need to send on your transmission (ask the repeater owner/operator if you don’t know the tone frequency).

7. When you have made your selection, press the 2 key briefly to save the new setting

and exit to normal operation. This is different from the usual method of restoring normal operation, and it applies only to the configuration of the CTCSS/DCS frequencies.

1) The repeater may or may not re-transmit a CTCSS tone - some

systems just use CTCSS to control access to the repeater, but do not pass it along when transmitting. If the S-Meter deflects, but you cannot hear the audio, repeat steps “1” through “4” above, but rotate the DIAL so that “TSQ” disappears - this will allow you to hear all traffic on the channel being

CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY (Hz

67.0 69.3 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7

82.5 85.4 88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4

100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9 114.8 118.8

123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2

151.4 156.7 159.8 162.2 165.5 167.9

171.3 173.8 177.3 179.9 183.5 186.2

189.9 192.8 196.6 199.5 203.5 206.5

210.7 218.1 225.7 229.1 233.6 241.8

250.3 254.1 – – – –

)

received.

2) During CTCSS operation, you may set up the VX-8GR so a ringing “bell” sound alerts you to an incoming call. See page xx for details.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL30

Page 33

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

DCS OPERATION

Another form of tone access control is Digital Code Squelch, or DCS. It is a newer, more advanced tone system which generally provides more immunity from false paging than

does CTCSS. The DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your VX-8GR, and operation is

very similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured for DCS. The DCS Squelch may be quite useful in Simplex operation if your friends use transceivers equipped with this advanced feature.

Note: Just as in CTCSS operation, DCS requires that you set the

Tone Mode to DCS

and that you select a DCS code.

1. Press the f key, then press the M key. This provides a

“Short-cut” to Set Mode Item

2. Rotate the DIAL knob until “

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

88: SQL TYPE.

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

DCSDCS

DCS” appears on the display;

DCSDCS

this activates the DCS Encoder/Decoder.

3. Press the M key to save the new setting and exit to nor-

mal operation.

4. Press the f key, then press the 2 key. This provides a

“Short-cut” to Set Mode Item

21: DCS CODE21: DCS CODE

21: DCS CODE.

21: DCS CODE21: DCS CODE

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired DCS Code (a three-digit number). Ask the

repeater owner/operator if you don’t know DCS Code; if you are working simplex, just set up the DCS Code to be the same as that used by your friends.

6. When you have made your selection, press the 2 key to save the new settings and

exit to normal operation.

Remember that the DCS is an Encode/Decode system, so your

receiver will remain muted until a matching DCS code is received on an incoming transmission. Switch the DCS off when you’re just tuning around the band!

023 025 026 031 032 036 043 047 051 053 054 065 071 072 073 074 114 115 116 122 125 131 132 134 143 145 152 155 156 162 165 172 174 205 212 223 225 226 243 244 245 246 251 252 255 261 263 265 266 271 274 306 311 315 325 331 332 343 346 351 356 364 365 371 411 412 413 423 431 432 445 446 452 454 455 462 464 465 466 503 506 516 523 526 532 546 565 606 612 624 627 631 632 654 662 664 703 712 723 731 732734743754––––––

DCS CODE

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 31

Page 34

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

DCS OPERATION

DCS CODE INVERSION

The DCS system was first introduced in the commercial LMR (Land Mobile Radio) service, where it is now in widespread use. DCS is sometime referred to by its different

proprietary names, such as DPL Inc.).

DCS uses a codeword consisting of a 23-bit frame, transmitted (sub audible) at a data rate of 134.4 bps (bit/sec). Occasionally, signal inversion can result in the complement of a code being sent or received. This prevents the receiver’s squelch from opening with DCS enabled, as the decoded bit sequence would not match that selected for operation.

Typical situations that might cause inversion to occur are:

 Connection of an external receiver preamplifier.  Operating through a repeater.  Connection of an external linear amplifier.

Note that code inversion does not mean that any of the above listed equipment is defective!

In certain amplifier configurations, the output signal (phase) is inverted from the input. Small signal or power amplifiers having an odd number (1, 3, 5, etc.) of amplification stages may result in inversion of a transmitted or received DCS code. While under most circumstances this should not occur (amplifier designs and industry standards take this into account), if you find that your receiver squelch does not open when both you and the other station are using a common DCS code, you or the other station (but not both) can try the following:

(Digital Private Line®, a registered trademark of Motorola,

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

INVERSIONINVERSION

INVERSION.

INVERSIONINVERSION

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select one of the following modes:

RX-NORMAL, TX-NORMALRX-NORMAL, TX-NORMAL

RX-NORMAL, TX-NORMAL:

RX-NORMAL, TX-NORMALRX-NORMAL, TX-NORMAL

Receive and transmit the Normal DCS Tone.

RX-INVERT, TX-NORMALRX-INVERT, TX-NORMAL

RX-INVERT, TX-NORMAL:

RX-INVERT, TX-NORMALRX-INVERT, TX-NORMAL

Receive the Inverted DCS Tone and transmit the Normal DCS Tone.

RX-BOTH, TX-NORMALRX-BOTH, TX-NORMAL

RX-BOTH, TX-NORMAL:

RX-BOTH, TX-NORMALRX-BOTH, TX-NORMAL

Receive both Normal and Inverted DCS Tones and transmit the Normal DCS Tone.

RX-NORMAL, TX-INVERTRX-NORMAL, TX-INVERT

RX-NORMAL, TX-INVERT:

RX-NORMAL, TX-INVERTRX-NORMAL, TX-INVERT

Receive the Normal DCS Tone and transmit the Inverted DCS Tone.

22: DCS22: DCS

22: DCS

22: DCS22: DCS

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL32

Page 35

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

DCS OPERATION

RX-INVERT, TX-INVERTRX-INVERT, TX-INVERT

RX-INVERT, TX-INVERT:

RX-INVERT, TX-INVERTRX-INVERT, TX-INVERT

Receive and transmit the Inverted DCS Tone.

RX-BOTH, TX-INVERTRX-BOTH, TX-INVERT

RX-BOTH, TX-INVERT:

RX-BOTH, TX-INVERTRX-BOTH, TX-INVERT

Receive both Normal and Inverted DCS Tones and transmit the Inverted DCS Tone.

5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch, to save the new settings

and exit to normal operation.

This is different from the usual method of restoring normal operation, and it applies only to the configuration of the CTCSS/DCS frequencies. Remember to restore the default setting “ done.

RX-NORMAL, TX-NORMALRX-NORMAL, TX-NORMAL

RX-NORMAL, TX-NORMAL” (Receive and transmit the Normal DCS Tone) when

RX-NORMAL, TX-NORMALRX-NORMAL, TX-NORMAL

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 33

Page 36

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

TONE SEARCH SCANNING

In operating situations where you don’t know the CTCSS or DCS tone being used by another station, you can command the radio to listen to the incoming signal and scan in search of the tone being used. Two things must be remembered in this regard:

 You must be sure that your repeater uses the same tone type (CTCSS vs. DCS).  Some repeaters do not pass the CTCSS tone; you may have to listen to the station

transmitting on the repeater uplink (input) frequency in order to allow Tone Search Scanning to work.

To scan for the tone in use:

1. Set the radio up for either CTCSS or DCS Decoder operation (see the previous discussion). In the case of CTCSS,

TSQTSQ

“

TSQ” will appear on the display;

TSQTSQ

in the case of DCS, “ appear on the display.

2. Press the f key, then press the 2 key to recall the Set Mode

91: TONE FREQUENCY91: TONE FREQUENCY

Item

91: TONE FREQUENCY

91: TONE FREQUENCY91: TONE FREQUENCY

when CTCSS is selected, or Menu

21: DCS CODE21: DCS CODE

Item

21: DCS CODE during DCS operation.

21: DCS CODE21: DCS CODE

3. Press and hold in the B key, the “ the B key to start scanning for the incoming CTCSS or DCS tone/code.

4. When the radio detects the correct tone or code, it will halt on that tone/code, and audio will be allowed to pass. Press the B key to lock in that tone/code, then press the 2 key to exit to normal operation.

DCSDCS

DCS” will

DCSDCS

TONE SEARCHTONE SEARCH

TONE SEARCH” notation will appear, release

TONE SEARCHTONE SEARCH

If the Tone Scan feature does not detect a tone or code, it will continue to scan indefinitely. When this happens, it may be that the other station is not sending any tone. You can press the PTT switch to halt the scan at any time.

You can also press the e key during Tone Scanning to listen to the (muted) signal from the other station. When you release the e key, Tone Scanning will resume after about a second.

Tone Scanning works either in the VFO or Memory modes.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL34

Page 37

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

EPCS (ENHANCED PAGING & CODE SQUELCH

The VX-8GR includes an Enhanced CTCSS tone encoder/decoder and a dedicated micro-

processor providing paging and selective calling features. This allows you to place a call to a specific station (Paging), and to receive calls of your choice directed only to you (Code Squelch).

The paging and code squelch systems use two pairs of (alternately switched) CTCSS tones which are stored in the pager memories. Basically, your receiver remains silent until it receives the CTCSS tone pair that matches those stored in the Receiving Pager Memory. The squelch then opens so the caller is heard, and the paging ringer immediately sounds,

if activated. When you close the PTT switch to transmit, the CTCSS tone pair that is

stored in the Transmitting Pager Memory will be transmitted automatically.

On the paged radio, the Code Squelch will close automatically after the incoming page ends. Meanwhile, on the paging radio, the Enhanced Paging and Code Squelch system

will be disabled after the PTT switch is released after the paging transmission. You may

re-activate the Enhanced Paging and Code Squelch system again.

)

STORING THE CTCSS TONE PAIRS FOR EPCS OPERATION

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set

Mode Item for the Receiving CTCSS Tone Pair or Set Mode Item

CODE-TXCODE-TX

CODE-TX for the Transmitting CTCSS Tone Pair.

CODE-TXCODE-TX

3. Press the Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the CTCSS Tone number which

corresponds to the first tone of the CTCSS Tone Pair.

5. Press the M key (“” icon moves to the right), then rotate the DIAL knob to set the CTCSS Tone number, which corresponds to the second tone of the CTCSS Tone Pair.

6. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to

normal operation.

62: PAGER CODE-RX62: PAGER CODE-RX

62: PAGER CODE-RX

62: PAGER CODE-RX62: PAGER CODE-RX

63: PAGER63: PAGER

63: PAGER

63: PAGER63: PAGER

m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

The VX-8GR does not recognize the order of the 1st tone and the 2nd tone. In other words, for example, the VX-8GR considers both CTCSS pairs

“10, 35” and “35, 10” to be identical.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 35

Page 38

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

EPCS (ENHANCED PAGING & CODE SQUELCH

)

ACTIVATING THE ENHANCED PAGING & CODE SQUELCH SYSTEM

1. Press the f key, then press the M key. This provides a “Short-cut” to Set Mode

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

Item

88: SQL TYPE.

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

2. Rotate the DIAL knob until “

play; this activates the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch.

3. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and activate

the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch.

To disable the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch, just repeat the above procedure, rotate

the DIAL knob to select “

When the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch feature is activated, the “

PAGPAG

PAG” notation will appear on the display.

PAGPAG

During Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch operation, you may set up the VX-8GR so that a ringing “bell” sound alerts you when a call is coming in. See next page for details.

OFFOFF

OFF” in step 2 above.

OFFOFF

PAGERPAGER

PAGER” appears on the dis-

PAGERPAGER

PAGING ANSWER BACK

When you press the PTT switch to respond to a page call, the VX-8GR transmits the same

CTCSS tone pair. This tone pair will open the Code Squelch of the calling station. If you

prefer, you can have the VX-8GR respond to page calls automatically (“transpond”). To

enable this feature:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

ANS-BACKANS-BACK

ANS-BACK.

ANS-BACKANS-BACK

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to

normal operation.

The Paging Answer Back feature constitutes a form of “remote control” operation that may be restricted to certain frequencies. U.S. users should confirm the current status of §97.201(b) of the FCC’s rules

governing the Amateur service before utilizing this feature on the 144 MHz band.

ONON

ON”.

ONON

61: PAGER61: PAGER

61: PAGER

61: PAGER61: PAGER

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL36

Page 39

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS BELL OPERATION

During CTCSS Decode, DCS, or EPCS operation, you may set up the VX-8GR so that a

ringing “bell” sound alerts you that a call is coming in. Here is the procedure for activating the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell:

1. Set the operating frequency to the desired channel.

2. Set the transceiver up for CTCSS Decode (“Tone Squelch”), DCS, or EPCS operation, as described previously.

3. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

SELECTSELECT

SELECT.

SELECTSELECT

5. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

6. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired “bell” sound. The

BELLBELL

available choices are

BP3BP3

BP3, or

BP3BP3

Note: When User Beep (described later) does not register,

USER BP1USER BP1

USER BP1,

USER BP1USER BP1

7. Press the m key briefly, then rotate the DIAL knob one

click counter-clockwise to select Set Mode Item

RINGER

RINGER.

RINGERRINGER

8. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Menu Item.

9. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired number of rings of

the Bell. The available choices are or

10. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

OFFOFF

OFF (disable the Bell function).

OFFOFF

USER BP2USER BP2

USER BP2, or

USER BP2USER BP2

CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS

CONTINUOUS.

CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS

USER BP1USER BP1

BELL,

USER BP1,

BELLBELL

USER BP1USER BP1

USER BP3USER BP3

USER BP3 does not appear.

USER BP3USER BP3

USER BP2USER BP2

USER BP2,

USER BP2USER BP2

1Time1Time

1Time through

1Time1Time

13: BELL13: BELL

13: BELL

13: BELL13: BELL

USERUSER

USER

USERUSER

12: BELL12: BELL

12: BELL

12: BELL12: BELL

20Times20Times

20Times

20Times20Times

When you are called by a station whose transceiver is sending a CTCSS tone, DCS code, or CTCSS tone pair which matches that set into your Decoder, the Bell will ring in accordance with this programming.

When the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell is activated, the “ will appear in the display.

To disable the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell function, select the setting of Set Mode Item

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 37

11: BELL SELECT11: BELL SELECT

11: BELL SELECT to “

11: BELL SELECT11: BELL SELECT

OFFOFF

OFF”.

OFFOFF

” icon

Page 40

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS BELL OPERATION

PROGRAMMING THE USER MELODY

Three User Beep Memories are provided, allowing you to create unique original beep tone melodies.

Each User Beep Memory can store up to 64 steps with three octaves (“

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

MELODYMELODY

MELODY.

MELODYMELODY

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the memory slot into which

you wish to store your programmed beep melody. Avail-

able selections are melody will be displayed.

5. Press the M key to enable programming the beep melody. Press and hold the h key for one second to clear any previous beep melody, if desired.

6. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first beep tone of the

User Beep Melody. Available selections are

POSPOS

POS (rest).

POSPOS

7. Press the M key, then rotate the DIAL knob to set the

length of the first beep tone. Available selections are (10 msec) -

8. Press the M key to accept the first beep tone of the User Beep Melody.

9. If you make a mistake, press the B key to back-space the cursor, then re-enter the correct beep tone or length.

10. Repeat steps 6 - 9 until you have completed the User Beep Melody.

11. When there is a beep tone, which you wish to delete, bring the cursor to that beep tone using the B/M key, then press the c key repeatedly until the “ in the “Operation Mode” slot turns into “ press and hold in the c key for one second to delete that beep tone.

2500ms2500ms

2500ms (2.5 sec).

2500ms2500ms

2, and

3. The previously stored beep

SELECTSELECT

SELECT” notation

SELECTSELECT

10: BEEP10: BEEP

10: BEEP

10: BEEP10: BEEP

C1C1

B3B3

C1 -

B3, and

C1C1

B3B3

10ms10ms

10ms

10ms10ms

DELETEDELETE

DELETE”. Now,

DELETEDELETE

Step Operation Mode

Memory Slot Tone Length

C1C1

C1” through “

C1C1

Beep Tone

B3B3

B3”).

B3B3

C2C1 C3D2D1 D3E2E1 E3F2F1 F3G2G1 G3A2A1 A3B2B1 B3

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL38

Page 41

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS BELL OPERATION

12. When you wish to add a beep tone into the beep melody strings, move the cursor to the place where you wish to enter the beep tone using the B/M key, then press the c key repeatedly until the “ eration Mode” slot turns into “ second to add the new beep tone (Tone: “C2”, Tone Length: “500mS”).

13. Press and hold the h key for one second to delete all data after the current position that may have previously been stored in the User Beep Melody.

14. When you have programmed User Beep Melody, press the PTT switch briefly to save

the new setting and exit to normal operation.

You may check your work by monitoring the programmed User Beep Melody. To do this, repeat steps 1 - 4 above, then press the f key.

The VX-8GR can be operated in a Split Tone configuration via the Set mode.

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

SPLITSPLIT

SPLIT.

SPLITSPLIT

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

Tone feature).

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

SELECTSELECT

SELECT” notation in the “Op-

SELECTSELECT

INSERTINSERT

INSERT”. Now, press and hold in the c key for one

INSERTINSERT

SPLIT TONE OPERATION

87: SQL87: SQL

87: SQL

87: SQL87: SQL

ONON

ON” (to enable the Split

ONON

When the Split Tone feature is activated, you can see the following additional parameters after the “

Select the desired operating mode from the selections shown above.

MESSAGEMESSAGE

MESSAGE” parameter while selecting the Set Mode Item

MESSAGEMESSAGE

D CDD CD

D CD: DCS Encode only (“

D CDD CD TONE-DCSTONE-DCS

TONE-DCS: Encodes a CTCSS Tone and Decodes a DCS code

TONE-DCSTONE-DCS

D CD-TONE SQLD CD-TONE SQL

D CD-TONE SQL: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS Tone

D CD-TONE SQLD CD-TONE SQL

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 39

DCDC

DC” icon will appear while operating)

DCDC

T-DT-D

(the “

T-D” icon will appear during operation)

T-DT-D

D-TD-T

(the “

D-T” icon will appear during operation)

D-TD-T

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

88: SQL TYPE:

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

Page 42

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS VIBRATOR OPERATION

The CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Vibrator operation is similar to the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS BELL operation. The CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Vibratory operation inform you that a call is coming in by vibration, during CTCSS Decode, DCS, or EPCS operation. Here is the procedure for activating the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Vibrator:

1. Set the operating frequency to the desired channel.

2. Set the transceiver up for CTCSS Decode (“Tone Squelch”), DCS, or EPCS operation, as described previously.

3. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

TORTOR

TOR.

TORTOR

5. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

6. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “ Note: When this item is set to “

brates just to have received a signal without affecting the CTCSS, DCS, or EPCS decoder.

7. Press the m key briefly, then rotate the DIAL knob one

click clockwise to select Set Mode Item

MODEMODE

MODE.

MODEMODE

8. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Menu Item.

9. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired vibrating mode.

The available choices are:

MODE1MODE1

MODE1: The VX-8GR vibrates continuously.

MODE1MODE1 MODE2MODE2

MODE2: The VX-8GR vibrates at a long interval.

MODE2MODE2 MODE3MODE3

MODE3: The VX-8GR vibrates at a short interval.

MODE3MODE3

10. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

SIGNALINGSIGNALING

SIGNALING”.

SIGNALINGSIGNALING BUSYBUSY

BUSY”, the VX-8GR vi-

BUSYBUSY

97: VIBRA-97: VIBRA-

97: VIBRA-

97: VIBRA-97: VIBRA-

98: VIBRATOR98: VIBRATOR

98: VIBRATOR

98: VIBRATOR98: VIBRATOR

When you are called by a station whose transceiver is sending a CTCSS tone, DCS code,

or CTCSS tone pair which matches that set into your Decoder, the VX-8GR

accordance with this programming.

When the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Vibrator operation is activated, the “dashed line” will appear under the mode icon.

To disable the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Vibrator operation, select the setting of Set Mode Item

97: VIBRATOR97: VIBRATOR

97: VIBRATOR to “

97: VIBRATOR97: VIBRATOR

OFFOFF

OFF”.

OFFOFF

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL40

will vibrate in

Page 43

CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

TONE CALLING (1750 HZ

If the repeaters in your country require a 1750-Hz burst tone for access (typically in Europe), you can set the e key to serve as a “Tone Call” switch instead. To change the configuration of this switch, we again use the Menu to help us.

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

CALLCALL

CALL.

CALLCALL

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

To access a repeater, press and hold in the e key for the amount of time specified by the repeater owner/operator. The transmitter will automatically be activated, and a 1750-Hz audio tone will be superimposed on the carrier. Once access to the repeater has been gained, you may release the e key, and use the PTT switch for activating the transmitter.

T-CALLT-CALL

T-CALL” on the display.

T-CALLT-CALL

56: MONI56: MONI

56: MONI/

56: MONI56: MONI

)

T-T-

T-

T-T-

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 41

Page 44

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

The VX-8GR provides a wide variety of memory system resources. These include:

 “Regular” Memory Channels, which include:

 900 “Standard” memory channels, numbered “  99 “Frequency Skip Memories,” numbered “

1” through “

901901

901” through “

901901

 7 “Home” channels, providing storage and quick recall of one prime frequency

on each operating band.

 50 sets of band-edge memories, also known as “Programmable Memory Scan”

L01L01

channels, labeled “

U01U01

L01/

U01” through “

L01L01

U01U01

 24 Memory Banks, labeled “

b 1b 1

b 1” through “

b 1b 1

L50L50

U50U50

L50/

U50.”

L50L50

U50U50

b24b24

b24.” Each Memory Bank can be

b24b24

assigned up to 100 channels from the “regular” memory channels.

 Special Memory Channels, which include:

 One “Emergency Automatic ID (EAI)” Channel.  10 “Weather Broadcast” Channels.  57 VHF Marine Channels.

900900

900.”

900900

999999

999.”

999999

Standard Memory Channels

(900 ch annels)

EAI Channel

(1 channel)

Weather Broadcast Channels

(10 channels)

1 X

Frequency Skip Memory Channels

I A E

(99 channels)

PMS Memory Channels

HOME Channels

(7 channels)

VHF Marine Channels

(57 ch an n els)

(50 Sets)

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL42

Page 45

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

REGULAR MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

MEMORY STORAGE

1. Select the desired frequency, while operating in the VFO mode. Be sure to set up any desired CTCSS or DCS tones, as well as any desired repeater offset. The power level may also be set at this time, if you wish to store it.

2. Press and hold in the f key for 1/2 second.

3. Within five seconds of releasing the f key, you need to make a decision regarding channel storage. The microprocessor will automatically select the next-available “free” channel (a memory register on which no data has been stored). If you do not wish to make a change and accept the “free” channel, proceed to step 4. If you wish to select a different channel number into which to store the data, rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired memory channel. Advice: You may jump 100 memory channels, if you’re in a hurry (101 by pressing the m key (multiple times, if necessary). If you see the “ upper left of the channel number, it means that the channel currently has no data written on it (i.e. the channel is “free”: the occupied channel displays the “

4. Press the f key once more to store the frequency into memory.

5. You still will be operating in the “VFO” mode, so you may now enter other frequencies, and store them into additional memory locations, by repeating the above process.

 201  301 …),

” icon at the

” icon).

)

1) You may change the automatic memory channel selection feature to select the “next-highest memory channel above the last-stored memory channel” instead of the “next-available ‘free’ channel” via the Set Mode Item 51:

MEMORY WRITE; see page xx.

2) You may disable the memory write function which prevents a memory write operation

if you should accidentally perform a wrong key sequence via the Set Mode Item 49: MEMORY PROTECT. See page xx for details. When the memory write protect is activated, the “PROTECT” notation appears on the display while a memory write operation is being performed.

3) You may change the duration time of the secondary function (press and holding the

key) of the f key via the Set Mode Item 31: FW KEY HOLD TIME; see page xx.

On rare occasions the memorized data may become corrupted by miss operation, or static electricity. When repairs are made the memory data may be lost. Please write down or record the memorized information so you will be able to restore it if needed.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 43

MPORTANT NOTE

Page 46

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

REGULAR MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

MEMORY STORAGE

)

STORING INDEPENDENT TRANSMIT FREQUENCIES (“ODD SPLITS”

All memories can store an independent transmit frequency, for operation on repeaters with non-standard shift. To do this:

1. Store the receive frequency using the method already described under M

AGE (it doesn’t matter if a repeater offset is active).

2. Tune to the desired transmit frequency, then press and hold in the f key for 1/2

second.

3. Within five seconds of releasing the f key, rotate the DIAL knob to select the same

memory channel number as used in step “1” above.

4. Press and hold in the PTT switch, then briefly press the f key once more while holding the PTT switch in (this does not key the transmitter).

Whenever you recall a memory, which contains independently-stored transmit and receive frequencies, the “

” indication will appear in the display.

)

EMORY STOR-

MEMORY RECALL

1. While operating in the VFO mode, press the c key to enter the Memory mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired channel.

3. If you press the f key briefly, then rotate the DIAL knob,

the memory channel will be selected in 10 channels per step.

4. To return to the VFO mode, press the c key.

1) When the radio is already set to the Memory mode, an easy way to recall memories is to key in the memory channel number, then press the c key. For example, to recall memory channel #14, press 14 c.

2) You may change the step of the fast channel selection mode (f key + DIAL knob

via Set Mode Item 47: MEMORY FAST STEP. See page xx for details.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL44

)

Page 47

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

REGULAR MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

HOME CHANNEL MEMORY

A special one-touch “HOME” channel is available for each operating band, to allow quick recall of a favorite operating frequency on each band.

HOME CHANNEL RECALL

1. Press the f key, then press the h key to recall the Home

Channel on the band group where you are currently operating.

2. Press the f key, then press the h key again to return to

the previously-used frequency (either a VFO or a memory channel).

The transceiver switches to VFO mode if the DIAL knob is turned.

You may disable the above function (automatically switching to the VFO mode) using Set Mode Item 33: HOME VFO.

HOME CHANNEL FREQUENCY CHANGE

The factory defaults for the Home channels are listed below. You may re-program the Home channel in a manner identical to that used for the regular memories:

2. Press and hold in the f key for 1/2 second.

3. While the memory channel number is blinking, just press the h key. The frequency and other data (if any) will now be stored in the special HOME channel register.

4. You may repeat this process on the other operating bands.

Note that the UHF HOME channel is

the one used during “Emergency” operation. See page xx

for details regarding

this feature.

OPERATING BAND

[

AND NUMBER

Air Band VHF HAM Band VHF Band Information Band 1[4 UHF HAM Band UHF Band Information Band 2[7

DEFAULT HOME CHANNELS

]

[1] [2] [3]

] [5] [6]

]

USA VERSION

108.000 MHz

146.520 MHz

174.000 MHz

222.000 MHz

446.000 MHz

470.000 MHz

860.000 MHz

FREQUENCY

EXP VERSION

108.000 MHz

144.000 MHz

174.000 MHz

222.000 MHz

430.000 MHz

470.000 MHz

860.000 MHz

)

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 45

Page 48

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

REGULAR MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

)

LABELING MEMORIES

You may wish to append an alpha-numeric “Tag” (label) to a memory or memories, to aid in recollection of the channel’s use (such as a club name, etc.). This is easily accomplished using the Set Mode.

1. Recall the memory channel on which you wish to append a label.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

NAMENAME

NAME.

NAMENAME

4. Press the m key briefly to enable programming of the name tag. Press and hold the h key for two seconds to clear any previous name, if desired.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob, or press one of the keyboard keys,

to select the first digit of the desired label.

Example 1: Rotate the DIAL knob to select any of the 61

available characters.

Example 2: Press the 8 key repeatedly to toggle among

the seven available characters associated with

that key: t  u  v  8  T  U  V

6. Press the M key to move to the next character, if needed.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to program the remaining letters, numbers, or symbols of the desired label. A total of 16 characters may be used in the creation of a label.

8. Press and hold the h key for two seconds to delete all data after the cursor that may have been previously stored.

9. If you make a mistake, press the B key to backspace the cursor, then re-enter the correct letter, number, or symbol.

10. When you have completed the creation of the label, press the PTT switch briefly to

save the label and exit to normal operation.

48: MEMORY48: MEMORY

48: MEMORY

48: MEMORY48: MEMORY

During Memory Recall (“MR”) with Mono Band operation, the alphanumeric Tag will appear below the frequency display.

The alphanumeric Tag does not appear if you activate the Dual Receive Operation.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL46

Page 49

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

REGULAR MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

MEMORY OFFSET TUNING

Once you have recalled a particular memory channel, you may easily tune off that channel, as though you were in the “VFO” mode.

1. With the VX-8GR in the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode, select the desired memory

channel.

2. Now press the f key, then press c key. The “

dicator will be replaced by one which says “ Tuning”).

3. Rotate the DIAL, as desired, to tune to a new frequency.

The synthesizer steps selected for VFO operation on the current band will be the steps used during Memory Tuning.

4. If you wish to return to the original memory frequency, press c key briefly. The

TUNTUN

“

TUN” indicator will be replaced by “

TUNTUN

5. If you wish to store a new frequency set during Memory Tuning, just press and hold

in the f key for one second, per normal memory storage procedure. The microprocessor will automatically set itself to the next-available clear memory location, and you then press the f key again, briefly to lock in the new frequency.

If you want to replace the original memory contents with the new frequency settings, be sure to rotate the DIAL to the original memory channel number!

Any required CTCSS/DCS changes, or repeater offset modifications, must be done before storing the data into the new (or original) memory channel location.

TUNTUN

TUN” (“Memory

TUNTUN

MRMR

MR.”

MRMR

MR” in-

MRMR

)

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 47

Page 50

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

REGULAR MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

)

MASKING MEMORIES

There may be situations where you want to “Mask” memories so they are not visible during memory selection or scanning. For example, several memories used only in a city you visit infrequently may be stored, then “Masked” until you visit that city, at which time you can “Unmask” them for normal use (except for Memory Channel “1”).

1. Press the c key, if needed, to enter the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode.

2. Press and hold in the f key for 1/2 second, then rotate the DIAL to select the memory channel to be “Masked” from view.

3. Press the d key. The confirmation message ( will appear on the display. Press the d key once more, the display will revert to memory channel #1. If you rotate the DIAL to the location you just “Masked,” you will observe that it is now invisible.

4. To Unmask the hidden memory, repeat the above procedure: press and hold in the

f key for 1/2 second, rotate the DIAL to select the masked memory’s number, then press the d key to restore the memory channel’s data.

Watch out! You can manually store data over a “Masked” memory, deleting previous data, if you’re not careful. Use the “next available memory” storage technique to avoid over-writing a masked memory.

MR MASK?MR MASK?

MR MASK?)

MR MASK?MR MASK?

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL48

Page 51

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

REGULAR MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

MEMORY BANK OPERATION

The large number of memories available in the VX-8GR could be difficult to utilize without some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the VX-8GR includes provision for

dividing the memories into as many as 24 Memory Banks, so you can categorize the memories in a manner convenient to you. You may enter and exit the “Memory Bank” mode by a single press of the B key, as we shall see below.

ASSIGNING MEMORIES TO A MEMORY BANK

1. Recall the memory channel to be assigned to a Memory Bank.

2. Press and hold in the f key for 1/2 second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the Memory Bank number where you want to include this channel (Memory Bank numbers are found before memory channel “

1”). The “

pear at the upper left of the Memory Bank number if some channels have already been assigned to that Memory Bank number. (If no channels are assigned to the Memory Bank, the “ the left of the Memory Bank number).

3. Press the f key briefly.

4. At this point, the memory channel data is copied into the Memory Bank.

1) You may assign

Memory Channel

CH 1 14 5.000 MHz CH 2 14 5.080 MHz CH 3 43 5.000 MHz CH 4 43 5.500 MHz CH 5 14 5.800 MHz CH 6 43 6.000 MHz CH 7 12 8.800 MHz

one memory channel into several

Memory Banks.

CH 897 145.620 MHz CH 898 436.780 MHz CH 899 128.600 MHz

2) The PMS memory channels

(L1/U1 through L50/U50) may not be assigned to a Memory Bank.

” icon will ap-

” icon appears on

Memory Ba n k “1”

144 MHz A mateur Band Channels

Memory Ba n k “2”

430 MHz A mateur Band Channels

Memory Ba n k “3”

All Amateur Band Channels

Memory Ba n k “4”

Club Channels

Memory Ba n k “5”

Air Band Channels

)

MEMORY BANK RECALL

1. Press the c key, if needed, to enter the MR mode.

2. Press the B key to activate the “Memory Bank” mode.

MRMR

The “

MR” indicator will be replaced by one of the Memory

MRMR

Bank numbers (“

3. Press the f key, and then press the B key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Memory Bank.

4. Press the B key. Now, as you rotate the DIAL knob

to select memories, you will observe that you can only select memory channels in the current Memory Bank.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 49

B 1B 1

B 1” through “

B 1B 1

B24B24

B24”).

B24B24

Page 52

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

REGULAR MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

)

MEMORY BANK OPERATION

5. To change to another Memory Bank, press the f key, then press the B key.

Now rotate the DIAL knob to select the new Memory Bank, then press the B key

again.

6. To exit from Memory Bank operation, just press the B key. The Memory Bank

number will be replaced by the “ Recall mode, without utilization of the Memory Banks. The memories stored in the various Banks will remain in those banks. You do not need to store them again.

REMOVING MEMORIES FROM A MEMORY BANK

1. Recall the memory channel to be removed from a Memory Bank.

2. Press and hold the f key for 1/2 second, then press the d key to remove the

memory channel data from the Memory bank.

MRMR

MR”, and you are now in the “regular” Memory

MRMR

CHANGING A MEMORY BANK

You may change the default Memory Bank Names, which are shown on the display while selecting the Memory Bank your desire.

1. Press and hold in the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Set Mode Item

NAMENAME

NAME.

NAMENAME

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the memory bank on which

you wish to change a label.

5. Press the M key briefly to enable changing of the name tag. Press and hold the h key for two seconds to clear any previous name, if desired.

6. Rotate the DIAL knob, or press one of the keyboard keys,

to select the first digit of the desired label.

Example 1: Rotate the DIAL knob to select any of the 61

available characters.

Example 2: Press the 2 key repeatedly to toggle among

the seven available characters associated with

that key: a  b  c  2  A  B  C

7. Press the M key to move to the next character, if needed.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to program the remaining letters, numbers, or symbols of the desired label. A total of 16 characters may be used in the creation of a label.

9. Press and hold the data after the cursor that may have been previously stored.

S NAME

’

6: BANK6: BANK

6: BANK

6: BANK6: BANK

key for two seconds to delete all

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL50

Page 53

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

REGULAR MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

MEMORY BANK OPERATION

10. If you make a mistake, press the B key to backspace the cursor, then re-enter the

correct letter, number, or symbol.

11. When you have completed the changes of the label, press the PTT switch to save the

label and exit.

MOVING MEMORY DATA TO THE VFO

Data stored on memory channels can easily be moved to VFO, if you like.

1. Press the c key, if needed, to enter the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode.

2. Press and hold in the f key for 1/2 second, then rotate

the DIAL knob to select the memory channel containing the

frequency data to be moved to VFO.

3. Press the c key. The confirmation message (

WRITE?WRITE?

WRITE?) will appear on the display. Press the c key once

WRITE?WRITE?

more, the data will now have been copied to VFO, although the original memory contents will remain intact on the pre-

viously stored channel. Press the PTT switch to cancel the

Moving Memory Data procedure, if desired.

If a Split Frequency Memory channel was transferred, the Tx frequency will be ignored (you will be set up for Simplex operation on the Receive frequency).

OVER-OVER-

OVER-

OVER-OVER-

)

Once memory channel programming has been completed, you may place the radio in a “Memory Only” mode, whereby VFO operation is impossible. This may be particularly useful during public-service events where a number of operators may be using the radio for the first time, and ultimate simplicity of channel selection is desired.

To place the radio into the Memory Only mode, turn the radio off. Now press and hold in the c key while turning the radio on.

To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 51

MEMORY ONLY MODE

Page 54

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

SPECIAL MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

)

The VX-8GR provides Special Memory Channels, which are made up of:

 10 Weather Broadcast Channels.  57 VHF Marine Channels

1) The Special Memory Channels are only recalled on the “A-Band”

2) You may assign the Special Memory Channels to a Memory Bank. See page xx

re-

garding Memory Bank Operation for details.

WEATHER BROADCAST CHANNELS

The VHF Weather Broadcast Station Memory Channel Bank has been pre-programmed at the factory, for quick selection of NOAA weather information stations.

1. Press the a key briefly to set the “A-Band” to the “Operating” band.

2. Press the f key, then press the 9 key, to recall the Special Memory Menu.

3. Press the B key, repeatedly if necessary to select the

WX CHWX CH

“

WX CH” (thus recalling the Weather Broadcast Memory

WX CHWX CH

Bank).

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Weather Broad-

cast channel.

5. If you wish to scan this bank to search for louder stations,

just press the PTT switch. When the scanner pauses on a station, press the PTT switch once to halt the scan, or press

it twice to restart the scan.

6. To exit to normal operation, press the c key, or press f key followed by the 9 key.

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 disable the Weather Alert tone via Set Mode Item 100: WX ALERT, if desired. See page xx.

WX CHANNEL FREQUENCY LIST

162.550 MHz

162.400 MHz

162.475 MHz

162.425 MHz

162.450 MHz

FREQUENCY

162.500 MHz

162.525 MHz

161.650 MHz

161.775 MHz

163.275 MHz

FREQUENCY

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL52

Page 55

MEMORY MODE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(

SPECIAL MEMORY CHANNEL OPERATION

VHF MARINE MEMORY CHANNELS

The VHF Marine Channel Bank has been pre-programmed at the factory, for quick selection.

1. Press the a key briefly to set the “A-Band” to the “Operating” band.

2. Press the f key, then press the 9 key, to recall the Spe-

cial Memory Menu.

3. Press the B key, repeatedly if necessary to select the

INTVHFINTVHF

“

INTVHF” (thus recalling the VHF Marine Channel Bank).

INTVHFINTVHF

4. Rotate the DIAL to select any of the 57 available VHF Ma-

rine Channels.

5. Press the h key to monitor the duplex frequency while

recalling a semi-duplex channel (such as Channel “1”). Press the h key again to revert to simplex monitoring.

6. To exit to normal operation, press the c key, or press f key followed by the 9

key.

VHF MARINE CHANNEL FREQUENCY LIST

CH No.

10 12

13 14 15

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

FREQUENCY

(MHz)

156.050 160.650

156.100 160.700

156.150 160.750

156.200 160.800

156.250 160.850

156.300

156.350 160.950

156.400

156.450

156.500

156.550

156.600

156.650

156.700

156.750

CH No.

16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28

FREQUENCY

(MHz)

156.800

156.850

156.900 161.500

156.950 161.550

157.000 161.600

157.050 161.650

157.100 161.700

157.150 161.750

157.200 161.800

157.250 161.850

157.300 161.900

157.350 161.950

157.400 162.000

No.

60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74

FREQUENCY

(MHz)

156.025 160.625

156.075 160.675

156.125 160.725

156.175 160.775

156.225 160.825

156.275 160.875

156.325 160.925

156.375

156.425

156.475

156.525

156.575

156.625

156.675

156.725

CH No.

75 76 77 78

156.925 161.525

156.975 161.575

157.025 161.625

157.075 161.675

157.125 161.725

157.175 161.775

157.225 161.825

157.275 161.875

157.325 161.925

157.375 161.975

157.425 162.025

FREQUENCY

(MHz)

156.775

156.825

156.875

)

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 53

Page 56

SCANNING

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

GENERAL

The VX-8GR allows you to scan just the memory channels, the entire operating band, or

a portion of that band. It will halt on signals encountered, so you can talk to the station(s) on that frequency, if you like.

Scanning operation is basically the same in each of the above modes. Before you begin, take a moment to select the way in which you would like the scanner to resume scanning after it halts on a signal.

SETTING THE SCAN-RESUME TECHNIQUE

Three options for the Scan-Resume mode are available:

2.0sec - 10.0sec2.0sec - 10.0sec

2.0sec - 10.0sec: In this mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters, and will

2.0sec - 10.0sec2.0sec - 10.0sec

hold there for the selected resume time. If you do not take action to disable the scanner within that time period, the scanner will resume even if the station is still active.

BUSYBUSY

BUSY: In this mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters. When the

BUSYBUSY

carrier has dropped because the other station ceased transmission, the scanner will resume. In the case of constant-carrier signals like Weather Station broadcasts, the scanner will likely remain on this frequency indefinitely. The Scan Re-start Delay time (default interval: 2 seconds) is set by Set Mode Item

HOLDHOLD

HOLD: In this mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters. It will not

HOLDHOLD

restart automatically; you must manually re-initiate scanning if you wish to resume.

76: SCAN RE-START76: SCAN RE-START

76: SCAN RE-START.

76: SCAN RE-START76: SCAN RE-START

To set the Scan-Resume mode:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

RESUMERESUME

RESUME.

RESUMERESUME

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired scan-resume

mode.

5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to

normal operation.

The default condition for this Set Mode Item is “5.0sec”.

77: SCAN77: SCAN

77: SCAN

77: SCAN77: SCAN

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL54

Page 57

GENERAL

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

To set the Scan-Restart Delay Time:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

RE-STARTRE-START

RE-START.

RE-STARTRE-START

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Scan-Restart

Delay Time. Available selections are (0.1sec/step) and

5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to

normal operation.

The default condition for this Set Mode Item is “2.0sec”.

1.0sec1.0sec

1.0sec -

1.0sec1.0sec

10.0sec10.0sec

10.0sec (0.5sec/step).

10.0sec10.0sec

76: SCAN76: SCAN

76: SCAN

76: SCAN76: SCAN

0.1sec0.1sec

0.1sec -

0.1sec0.1sec

0.9sec0.9sec

0.9sec

0.9sec0.9sec

SCANNING

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 55

Page 58

SCANNING

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

VFO SCANNING

This mode allows you to scan on the VFO mode.

1. Select the VFO mode by pressing the c key, if necessary.

2. Press and hold in the B key, then rotate the DIAL knob while holding in the

B key (the current bandwidth for the VFO scanner will

appear on the display) to select the bandwidth for the VFO scanner. Available selections are

MHzMHz

BANDBAND

MHz,

BAND,

MHzMHz

BANDBAND

±1 MHz±1 MHz

±1 MHz,

±1 MHz±1 MHz

BANDBAND

BAND: The scanner will sweep frequencies only on the cur-

BANDBAND

ALLALL

ALL: The scanner will sweep all frequencies between 108

ALLALL

PMS-XPMS-X

PMS-X: The scanner will sweep frequencies within the cur-

PMS-XPMS-X

3. Release the B key to start scanning.

4. When the scanner encounters a signal strong enough to open the squelch, the scanner

will halt temporarily; the decimal point of the frequency display will blink during this “Pause” condition.

5. The scanner will then resume according to the Scan-Resume mode selected in the

previous section.

6. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or c key.

ALLALL

ALL, and

ALLALL

±2 MHz±2 MHz

±2 MHz,

±2 MHz±2 MHz

PMS-XPMS-X

PMS-X.

PMS-XPMS-X

±5 MHz±5 MHz

±5 MHz: The scanner will sweep frequencies within the selected

±5 MHz±5 MHz

±1 MHz±1 MHz

±1 MHz,

±1 MHz±1 MHz

bandwidth.

rent band.

MHz and 999.99 MHz.

rently-selected PMS frequency pair. See page xx for details.

±2 MHz±2 MHz

±2 MHz,

±2 MHz±2 MHz

±5±5

±5

±5±5

1) If you want to change direction of the scan while it is underway, rotate the

DIAL knob one click in the opposite direction. You’ll see the scanner turn

around and change frequency downward!

2) You may change the scanner’s method of operation so the VFO frequency will jump to the low band edge of the next band when the VFO frequency reaches the high edge of the current band (or vice versa). See page xx regarding Set Mode Item 95: VFO MODE.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL56

Page 59

SCANNING

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

VFO SCANNING

)

HOW TO SKIP (OMIT

If the VFO scan stops on a frequency or frequencies that you do not need (such as a spurious radiation from a television), such frequencies can be “skipped” during VFO scanning. A special “Frequency Skip Memory” bank is reserved to store these frequencies.

To skip a frequency during VFO scanning:

1. While VFO scanning is stopped on the frequency that you do not need, press and hold

the f key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Fre-

quency Skip Memory channel ( select the next-available “free” Frequency Skip Memory channel (a memory register on which no data has been stored). If you see the “ channel number, it means that the channel currently has no data written on it (i.e. the channel is “free”).

2. Press the f key to store the frequency into the Frequency Skip Memory. It will now

be ignored during VFO scanning.

To re-institute a frequency into the VFO scan loop:

1. Press the c key, if needed, to enter the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode.

2. Press and hold in the f key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the

memory channel to be re-instituted.

3. Press the d key to delete the channel from the Frequency Skip Memory; this will

restore the frequency into the VFO scan loop.

A FREQUENCY DURING VFO SCAN

900900

999999

900 -

999). The microprocessor will automatically

900900

999999

” icon at the upper left of the

The VX-8GR has 100 VFO Frequency Skip Memory Channels.

SETTING THE SQUELCH LEVEL DURING ACTIVE SCANNING OPERATION

The VX-8GR allows adjustment of the Squelch level “on the fly” while you are

scanning.

1. While the scanner is engaged, press the then press the will appear below the frequency display).

2. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired Squelch level.

3. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. In this case, pressing the PTT switch this one time will not causing

scanning to stop.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 57

key,

key (the current squelch level

Page 60

SCANNING

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MEMORY SCANNING

Memory scanning is also easy to initiate:

1. Set the radio to the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode by pressing the c key, if neces-

sary.

2. Press and hold in the B key, then rotate the DIAL knob while holding in the

B key (the current Memory Scan mode will appear on

the frequency display) to select the desired Memory Scan mode. Available selections are

PMS-XPMS-X

and

PMS-X.

PMS-XPMS-X

ALL CHALL CH

ALL CH: The scanner sweeps all Memory channels.

ALL CHALL CH TAG1TAG1

TAG1: The scanner sweeps only those Memory channels with the same first digit of

TAG1TAG1

the alpha/numeric tag as the first channel on which scanning started.

TAG2TAG2

TAG2: The scanner sweeps only those Memory channels with the same first and

TAG2TAG2

second digits of the alpha/numeric tag as the first channel on which scanning started.

BANDBAND

BAND: The scanner sweeps only those Memory channels which are memorized on

BANDBAND

the same operating band as the first channel on which scanning started.

PMS-XPMS-X

PMS-X: The scanner will sweep frequencies within the currently-selected PMS fre-

PMS-XPMS-X

quency pair. See page xx for details.

3. Release the B key to start scanning.

4. As with VFO scanning, the scanner will halt on any signal encountered that is strong enough to open the squelch; it will then resume scanning according to the Scan-Resume mode set previously. When there are no memory channels corresponding to the selected Memory Scan mode, the “

5. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or c key.

ALL CHALL CH

ALL CH,

ALL CHALL CH

TAG1TAG1

TAG2TAG2

TAG2,

TAG2TAG2

BANDBAND

BAND,

BANDBAND

TAG1,

TAG1TAG1

MS ERRMS ERR

MS ERR” notation will appear on the display.

MS ERRMS ERR

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL58

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SCANNING

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MEMORY SCANNING

)

HOW TO SKIP (OMIT

As mentioned previously, some continuous-carrier stations like a Weather Broadcast station will seriously impede scanner operation if you are using the “Carrier Drop” ScanResume mode, as the incoming signal will not pause long enough for the transceiver to resume scanning. Such channels may be “Skipped” during scanning, if you like:

1. Recall the Memory Channel to be skipped during scanning.

2. Press the f key, then press the 5 key to appear a small

“” icon at the left of the frequency display. The current Memory Channel will now be ignored (skipped) during scanning (the “skipped” channel will, of course, still be accessible via manual channel selection methods using the DIAL knob in the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode, whether or not it is locked out of the scanning loop).

To re-institute a channel into the scanning loop, press the f key followed by the 5 key twice, to disappear the small “” icon from display.

Note: You may notice a blinking “” icon while you perform above procedure. It indi-

cates the “Preferential Memory Scan” channel, described in the next column.

PREFERENTIAL MEMORY SCAN

The VX-8GR also allows you to set up a “Preferential Scan List” of channels which you can “flag” within the memory system. These channels are designated by a blinking “”

icon when you have selected them, one by one, for the Preferential Scan List. When you initiate memory scanning on a channel with the blinking “” icon appended, only those channels bearing the blinking “” icon will be scanned. If you initiate scanning on a channel which does not have the blinking “” icon appended, you will scan all channels including those with the blinking “” icon appended.

A CHANNEL DURING MEMORY SCAN

Here is the procedure for setting up and using the Preferential Scan List:

1. Recall the Memory Channel which you wish to add to the Preferential Scan List.

2. Press the f key followed by the 5 key until a blinking

small “” icon appears at the left of the frequency display.

To clear the memory channel from the “Preferential Scan List”, press the f key followed by the 5 key to disappear the blinking small “” icon from display.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 59

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MEMORY SCANNING

To initiate Preferential Memory Scan:

1. Press the c key briefly to enter the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode, if you are not using memories already.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select any channel which has a blinking “” icon appended to the channel number.

2. Press and hold in the B key, then rotate the DIAL knob while holding in the B key (the current Memory Scan

mode will appear on the frequency display) to select the desired Memory Scan mode. Available selections are

(

CHCH

ONLYONLY

ONLY),

CHCH

ONLYONLY

PMS-XPMS-X

PMS-X.

PMS-XPMS-X ALL CHALL CH

ALL CH: The scanner sweeps all Preferential Scan Channels.

ALL CHALL CH TAG1TAG1

TAG1: The scanner sweeps only those Preferential Scan Channels with the same

TAG1TAG1

first digit of the alpha/numeric tag as the first channel on which scanning started.

TAG2TAG2

TAG2: The scanner sweeps only those Preferential Scan Channels with the same

TAG2TAG2

first and second digits of the alpha/numeric tag as the first channel on which scanning started.

BANDBAND

BAND: The scanner sweeps only those Preferential Scan Channels which are memo-

BANDBAND

rized on the same operating band as the first channel on which scanning started.

PMS-XPMS-X

PMS-X: The scanner will sweep frequencies within the currently-selected PMS fre-

PMS-XPMS-X

quency pair. This is not a Preferential Memory Scan, see page

3. Release the B key to start scanning. When there are no memory channels corresponding to the selected Memory Scan mode, the “

5. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or c key.

(

TAG1TAG1

ONLYONLY

TAG1

ONLY),

TAG1TAG1

ONLYONLY

MS ERRMS ERR

MS ERR” notation will appear on the display.

MS ERRMS ERR

TAG2TAG2

TAG2

TAG2TAG2

(

ONLYONLY

ONLY),

ONLYONLY

BANDBAND

BAND

BANDBAND

(

ALLALL

ALL

ALLALL

ONLYONLY

ONLY), and

ONLYONLY

?? for details.

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MEMORY SCANNING

MEMORY BANK SCAN

When the Memory Bank feature is engaged, the scanner sweeps only memory channels in the current Memory Bank. However, if the Memory Bank Link Scan feature is enabled, you may sweep the memory channels in several Memory Banks which you have selected.

To enable the Memory Bank Link Scan feature:

1. Set the radio to the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode by pressing the c key, if neces-

sary.

2. Press the B key to activate the “Memory Bank” mode.

MRMR

The “

MR” indicator will be replaced by one of the Memory

MRMR

Bank numbers (“

3. Press the f key followed by the B key. The Memory

Bank number will begin to blink.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first Memory Bank

BANK 1BANK 1

(“

BANK 1” ~ “

BANK 1BANK 1

Bank Link Scan.

5. Press the c key briefly. A “

pear for two seconds on the display, indicating this Memory Bank will now be swept during Memory Bank Scan.

6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 above, to append the “ notation to any other Memory Banks you wish to sweep.

7. Press the B key.

8. Now, press and hold in the B key for one second to initiate the Memory Bank Link Scan.

9. To remove a Memory Bank from the Memory Bank Link Scan, repeat steps 1 - 5 above, to change the “

B 1B 1

B 1” through “

B 1B 1

BANK24BANK24

BANK24”) you wish to sweep using Memory

BANK24BANK24

B-LINK ONB-LINK ON

B-LINK ON” notation into “

B-LINK ONB-LINK ON

B24B24

B24”).

B24B24

B-LINK ONB-LINK ON

B-LINK ON” notation will ap-

B-LINK ONB-LINK ON

B-LINK ON”

B-LINK ONB-LINK ON

B-LINK OFFB-LINK OFF

B-LINK OFF”.

B-LINK OFFB-LINK OFF

1) When the Memory Bank is enabled for Memory Bank scan, the Memory Bank number (“B x”) indication turns into “bx” (capital “B” turns into

small “b”).

2) Y ou may enable/disable the Memory Bank scan via Set Mode

Item 5: BANK LINK.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 61

MEMORY BANK SCAN “DISABLED”

Page 64

SCANNING

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PROGRAMMABLE (BAND LIMIT

This feature allows you to set sub-band limits for either scanning or manual VFO operation. For example, you might wish to set up a limit (in North America) of 144.300 MHz to

148.000 MHz to prevent encroachment into the SSB/CW “Weak Signal” portion of the band below 144.300 MHz. Here’s how to do this:

1. Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the c key, if necessary.

2. Using the techniques learned earlier, store (per the above concept) 144.300 MHz into Memory Channel #

3. Likewise, store 146.000 MHz into Memory Channel # Upper sub-band limit).

4. Press and hold in the

the DIAL knob while holding in the B key to select the

desired PMS frequency pair (

5. Release the B key to start scanning within the just-programmed range. The “ and the Band number will be replaced by “ and scanning will now be limited within the just-programmed range.

6. 50 pairs of Band Limit memories, labeled You therefore can set upper and lower operation limits on a number of bands, if you like.

7. To exit to normal operation, press the c key.

L1L1

L1 (the “L” designates the Lower sub-band limit).

L1L1

key for one second and rotate

PMSxxPMSxx

PMSxx).

PMSxxPMSxx

VFOVFO

VFO” label will be replaced by “

VFOVFO

)

EMORY SCAN

PMSPMS

PMS”

PMSPMS

PxxPxx

Pxx”. Tuning

PxxPxx

L1L1

U1U1

L1/

U1 through

L1L1

U1U1

U1 (the “U” designates the

U1U1

(

L50L50

U50U50

L50/

U50 are available.

L50L50

U50U50

PMS

)

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“PRIORITY CHANNEL” SCANNING (DUAL WATCH

The VX-8DR’s scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which al-

lows you to operate on a VFO or Memory channel, while periodically checking a userdefined Memory Channel for activity. If a station is received on the Memory Channel which is strong enough to open the Squelch, the scanner will pause on that station in accordance with the Scan-Resume mode set via Menu Item page 60.

Here is the procedure for activating Priority Channel Dual Watch operation:

1. Press the c key briefly to enter the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode, if you are not

using memories already.

2. Press and hold in the f key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the

memory channel you wish to be the “Priority” channel.

3. Press the B key. The “

MRMR

the “

MR” label, indicating it is the Priority channel.

MRMR

4. Now set the VX-8GR for operation on another memory

channel, or on a VFO frequency.

5. Press and hold in the c key for one second. The display

will remain on the VFO or memory channel selected. How-

ever, every five seconds the VX-8GR will check the Prior-

ity Channel for activity. The “

MDWMDW

“

MDW” while operating on the Memory channel or the “

MDWMDW

VDWVDW

by “

VDW” while operating on the VFO mode.

VDWVDW

6. If a station appears on the Priority Channel, the radio will pause on that channel, as described previously.

P” icon will appear to the right of

MRMR

MR” label will be replaced by

MRMR

83: SCAN RESUME83: SCAN RESUME

83: SCAN RESUME. See

83: SCAN RESUME83: SCAN RESUME

VFOVFO

VFO” label will be replaced

VFOVFO

)

The receiving time interval (ratio) between the current channel (or VFO frequency) and Priority channel may be customized via Set Mode Item

To set the receiving time interval:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

3. Press the m Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired time interval.

Available selections are

1.0sec1.0sec

1.0sec -

1.0sec1.0sec

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

The default condition for this Set Mode Item is “5.0sec”.

10.0sec10.0sec

10.0sec (0.5sec/step).

10.0sec10.0sec

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 63

67: PRI TIME67: PRI TIME

67: PRI TIME.

67: PRI TIME67: PRI TIME

62: PRI TIME62: PRI TIME

62: PRI TIME.

62: PRI TIME62: PRI TIME

key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

0.1sec0.1sec

0.1sec -

0.1sec0.1sec

0.9sec0.9sec

0.9sec (0.1sec/step) and

0.9sec0.9sec

Page 66

SCANNING

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“PRIORITY CHANNEL” SCANNING (DUAL WATCH

)

PRIORITY REVERT MODE

During Priority channel operation (Dual Watch), a special feature is available which will allow you to move to the Priority Channel instantly, without waiting for activity to appear on the Priority Channel.

When this feature is enabled, and priority monitoring is engaged, just press the microphone’s

PTT switch. Operation will instantly revert to the Priority Channel.

To enable Priority Revert operation:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

VERTVERT

VERT.

VERTVERT

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

To disable Priority Revert operation, select “

ONON

ON”.

ONON

OFFOFF

OFF” in step 4 above.

OFFOFF

66: PRI RE-66: PRI RE-

66: PRI RE-

66: PRI RE-66: PRI RE-

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AUTOMATIC LAMP ILLUMINATION ON SCAN STOP

The VX-8GR will automatically illuminate the LCD Lamp whenever the scanner stops on

a signal; this allows you to see the frequency of the incoming signal better at night. Note that this will, of course, increase battery consumption, so be sure to switch it off during the day (the default condition for this feature is “ON”).

The procedure for disabling the Scan Lamp is:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

LAMPLAMP

LAMP.

LAMPLAMP

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

OFFOFF

OFF”.

OFFOFF

BAND EDGE BEEPER

The VX-8GR will automatically “beep” when a band edge is encountered during scan-

ning (either in standard VFO scanning or during PMS operation). You may enable this feature (band edge beeper) when the frequency reaches the band edge while selecting the

VFO frequency by the DIAL knob.

75: SCAN75: SCAN

75: SCAN

75: SCAN75: SCAN

The procedure for enabling the Band-Edge Beeper is:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

EDGEEDGE

EDGE.

EDGEEDGE

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 65

ONON

ON”.

ONON

8: BEEP8: BEEP

8: BEEP

8: BEEP8: BEEP

Page 68

GPS OPERATION

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The VX-8GR allows the display of your position (Longitude/Latitude) with the built-in

GPS Antenna Unit.

1. Press the m key until the GPS screen appears.

2. Press and hold in the m key for one second to enter the APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Ratate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

4. Press the m key briefly to enable selection of this Set Mode Item.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “GPS ON” (to activate the built-in GPS Antenna

Unit).

6. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.

7. When the transceiver succeeds in receiving a valid GPS signal, your current position (Longitude/Latitude), current time (UTC), and altitude will appear on the display. Rotate

the DIAL knob (or press the a/b key) to scroll through

additional lines of station text on the display. The received satellite number appears at the lower right of compasses (In the example at the right, it is 4 satellites). When receiving a signal from more than 3 satellites, the “

” icon will appear on the display.

Advice: 1) When the built-in GPS Antenna Unit is first turned on, it may take several

minutes to compute a fix of your position. This is normal, as the built-in GPS unit is downloading “almanac” information from the GPS satellites.

2) While the VX-8GR searches for a GPS signal, the compass icon does not appear

on the display and the position information (Longitude/Latitude) blinks on the display.

3) If the VX-8GR does not receive a valid GPS signal after three minutes have passed,

you may be in a poor location for satellite reception, such as inside of a house or building; try moving to a less obstructed position.

3. If you walk a few meters from your current location, your course direction is displayed on the compass of the display and walking speed is displayed in the “ display.

4. Press the M key to toggle the GPS screen between “North Up” and “Course Up”. The course direction displays a black arrow in the “North Up” screen, and displays a white arrow in the “Course Up” screen.

5. To return to normal operation, press the m key several times until the normal screen appears.

1) When the VX-8DR GPS signal is interrupted; such as when you enter into a tunnel, the compass icon disappears from the display but maintains the position information (Longitude/Latitude) at the point where the GPS signal was lost.

2) When the built-in GPS Antenna Unit is activated, the current consumption increases

SPDSPD

SPD” column of the

SPDSPD

18: GPS POWER18: GPS POWER

18: GPS POWER.

18: GPS POWER18: GPS POWER

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GPS OPERATION

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approximately 40 mA. Therefore, battery life is reduced by approximately 20 % when the built-in GPS Antenna Unit is activated.

3) You may memorize your current position as plotted by the GPS (up to ten points can be saved) via the APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 23: MY POSITION. See page xx for details.

You may customize the Time Zone (Time Offset), Display Unit of the GPS screen, and GPS Datum for your own operating requirements via the APRS/GPS Set Mode.

SETTING THE TIME ZONE (TIME OFFSET

Sets the time offset between your local time and UTC (Universal Time Coordinated or GMT: Greenwich Mean Time) shown on the display.

1. Press the m key several times until the GPS screen ap-

pears on the display.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the

APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

ZONEZONE

ZONE.

ZONEZONE

4. Press the m key briefly to enable selection of this Set

Mode Item.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the time offset from UTC.

See illustration below to find your offset time from UTC. If

UTC +0:00UTC +0:00

“

UTC +0:00” is assigned, the time is the same as UTC.

UTC +0:00UTC +0:00

6. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit from the APRS/GPS Set Mode.

)

27: TIME27: TIME

27: TIME

27: TIME27: TIME

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 67

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GPS OPERATION

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SELECTING THE DISPLAY UNITS OF THE GPS SCREEN

1. Press the m key until the GPS screen appears.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

UNITUNIT

UNIT.

UNITUNIT

4. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the preferred unit for “

tiontion

.MMM’.MMM’

tion” (

.MMM’ or

tiontion

.MMM’.MMM’

6. Press the b key to change the cursor to “ rotate the DIAL knob to select the preferred unit (

mphmph

mph, or

mphmph

7. Press the b key to change the cursor to “ select the preferred unit (

8. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit from the APRS/GPS Set

Mode.

KnotKnot

Knot).

KnotKnot

‘SS”‘SS”

‘SS”).

‘SS”‘SS”

m or

ftft

ft).

ftft

SELECTING THE MAP DATUM

While most operations (including APRS® operation) will utilize the default “WGS84” database of locations, you may use a different database.

20: GPS20: GPS

20: GPS

20: GPS20: GPS

Posi-Posi-

Posi-

Posi-Posi-

SpeedSpeed

Speed”, then

SpeedSpeed

KmKm

Km/

KmKm

AltitudeAltitude

Altitude”, then rotate the DIAL knob to

AltitudeAltitude

1. Press the m key until the GPS screen appears.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

DATUMDATUM

DATUM.

DATUMDATUM

4. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the database you wish to

use. Available selections are

JapanJapan

Japan,

JapanJapan

6. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit from the APRS/GPS Set Mode.

Tokyo KoreaTokyo Korea

Tokyo Korea, and

Tokyo KoreaTokyo Korea

Do not change the Map Datum while the GPS/APRS (described next chapter) in in operation. The position indication will be incorrect.

WGS-84WGS-84

WGS-84,

WGS-84WGS-84

Tokyo OkinawaTokyo Okinawa

Tokyo Okinawa.

Tokyo OkinawaTokyo Okinawa

Tokyo MeanTokyo Mean

Tokyo Mean,

Tokyo MeanTokyo Mean

17: GPS17: GPS

17: GPS

17: GPS17: GPS

TokyoTokyo

Tokyo

TokyoTokyo

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL68

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VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 69

Page 72

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

The VX-8GR is equipped with a 1200/9600bps AX.25 Data Modem to enable APRS

(Automatic Packet Reporting System) operation. The Automatic Packet Reporting Sys-

tem (APRS

) is a software program and registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.

PREPARATIONS

Before performing any APRS® operations, set your callsign, symbol, and position (Lon-

gitude/Latitude) into the VX-8GR, and activate the AX.25 Data Modem via the APRS/

GPS Set Mode.

1. Press the m key repeatedly until “STATION LIST” appears on the display.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

CALLSIGNCALLSIGN

CALLSIGN.

CALLSIGNCALLSIGN

4. Press the m key briefly to enable Callsign programming.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob or press the appropriate keys on your

keyboard to set the first letter or number in your callsign.

Example 1: Rotate the DIAL knob to select any of the 37

available characters.

Example 2: Press the 9 key repeatedly to toggle among the five available characters associated with that key: W 

X  Y  Z  9  W

6. Press the M key to move on to the next character, if needed.

7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 as many times as necessary to complete your callsign.

8. If you make a mistake, press the B key to backspace the cursor and re-enter the correct letter/number. The callsign can consist of up to six characters. If your callsign is less than six characters, enter spaces into the remaining digits.

9. Press the M key to move on to the next position, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the SSID (Secondary Station Identifier) if desired (see next page).

10. When you have completed entering your callsign and SSID, press the m key briefly to save the new setting.

11. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

BOLBOL

BOL

BOLBOL

12. Press the Mode Item.

key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

.....

22: MY22: MY

22: MY

22: MY22: MY

24: MY SYM-24: MY SYM-

24: MY SYM-

24: MY SYM-24: MY SYM-

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APRS® OPERATION

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PREPARATIONS

13. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired one of the three

preset icons. To choose another icon, press the B key, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired symbol after having selected the preset icon. When you have completed selecting the icon, press the B key again. You may choose 1 of 46 different symbols.

14. Press the m key briefly to save the new setting.

15. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

POSITION COMMENTPOSITION COMMENT

POSITION COMMENT.

POSITION COMMENTPOSITION COMMENT

16. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of

this Set Mode Item.

17. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired comment.

18. Press the m key briefly to save the new setting.

19. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

POSITIONPOSITION

POSITION.

POSITIONPOSITION

20. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

21. If you enter your position (Longitude/Latitude) manually without using the built-in GPS receiver, perform the following procedures. Otherwise, select “

GPSGPS

GPS” by rotating the

GPSGPS

DIAL knob and advance to the step 22.

25:25:

25:

25:25:

23: MY23: MY

23: MY

23: MY23: MY

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 71

SSID LIST

SSID

Non

Home Station, Home Station IGate

-1

Digipeater

-2

Digipeater

-3

Digipeater

-4

HF to VHF Gateway

-5

IGate (not Home Station)

-6

Operation via Satellite

-7

Hand-held Transceiver, such as VX-8DR

-8

Maritime Mobile

-9

Mobile

-10

Operation via Internet

-11

APRS touch-tone User (and the Occasional Balloons)

-12

Portable Units, such as Laptops, Camp Sites etc.

-13

Not Used

-14

Trackers

-15

HF Operation

DETAILS

Page 74

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

PREPARATIONS

1) Select “

2) Press the M key to enable entering of your

latitude using the Decimal system.

3) Use the B and M keys to navigation to

each column and then use the DIAL knob to select the

desired numbers in each column. Repeat for each column to complete your latitude entry.

4) Move the cursor to “

key and then rotate the DIAL knob one click clock-

wise to select “ procedure as described above, then advance to the next step.

22. Press the m key briefly to save the new setting.

23. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

MODEMMODEM

MODEM.

MODEMMODEM

24. Press the M key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

25. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

AX.25 modem).

26. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit from the APRS/GPS Set Mode.

LatLat

Lat” by rotating the DIAL knob.

LatLat

Lat” using the B/M

LatLat

LonLon

Lon”. Enter your longitude using the same

LonLon

1200bps1200bps

1200bps” (to activate the

1200bps1200bps

3: APRS3: APRS

3: APRS

3: APRS3: APRS

You may memorize your current position as plotted by the GPS (up to ten points can be saved). See page xx for details.

The VX-8GR provides many convenient functions for the APRS operation. Refer to the

“APRS/GPS Set Mode” chapter beginning with page xx for details.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL72

Page 75

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

RECEIVING AN APRS BEACON

1. Set the “B-Band” to the APRS frequency. 144.390 MHz is generally used in North America. If you don’t know the APRS frequency of your country, ask your dealer.

The AX.25 modem cannot be activated in the “A-Band”.

2. Disable the Receiver Battery Saver via the Set Mode Item

When the Receiver Battery Saver is turned on, the VX-8GR can not reliably receive an APRS Beacon.

3. When receive the APRS beacon, the alert beep will emit.

4. Press the m key several times until the “STATION LIST” screen appears on the display. The “STATION LIST” screen will save up to 50 stations. And the “STATION LIST” screen sorts each station according to the received time.

5. To confirm the details of the received beacon, rotate the

DIAL knob (or press the a/b keys) to select the de- sired station, then press the B key. The “Received Data

and Time”, “Distance and Direction of the station”, and other information will be displayed. When the “Status Text” is included in the Mic Encoder Station Beacon, the “

” icon appears at the upper right corner

of the display.

6. Rotate the DIAL knob (or press the a/b keys) to scroll

through additional lines or pages of the received information.

7. Press the M key to display the “Raw” data of the received APRS beacon.

8. When the confirmation is finished, press the B key to return to the STATION LIST screen.

73: SAVE RX73: SAVE RX

73: SAVE RX.

73: SAVE RX73: SAVE RX

STATION LIST CHARACTER

DIRECTION TO THE RECEIVED STA TION

STATION LIST CHARACTER

STATUS TEXT “FLAG”

ISTANCE TO THE RECEIVED STATION

RECEIVED DATE & TIME

When the VX8GR GPS signal

is interrupted; such as when you enter into a tunnel, the display maintains the direction on the compass icon, distance to the received station and the position information (Longitude/Latitude) at the point where the GPS signal was lost.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 73

CHARACTER

Emg

P p

w O o

I i

k S ?

STATION LIST CHARACTER

DETAILS

Mic-E: Mic Encoder Station Mic-E: Mic Encoder Station (Emergency Beacon) Position (Fixed/Moving) Station Position (Fixed/Moving) Station (Compressed Data) Weather Station Weather Station (Compressed Dat a) Object Station Object Station (Compressed Data) Item Station Item Station (Compressed Data) Killed Station Killed Station (Compressed Data) Status Station Other Station (Include Non-Decoding Station)

Page 76

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

RECEIVING AN APRS BEACON

Deleting a Received Beacon from the “STATION LIST”

1. Press the m key several times until the STATION LIST

screen appears on the display.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob (or press the a/b keys) to se-

lect the beacon station to be deleted.

3. Press the c key. The confirmation message ( will appear on the display. Press the c key once more, the selected beacon station will be deleted from the STATION LIST.

DELETE?DELETE?

DELETE?)

DELETE?DELETE?

EMERGENCY COMMENT Set

x 3 times

EMERGENCY COMMENT Received

x 12 times

BEACON Received (@Filter “ON”

BEACON Received (@Filter “OFF”

OWN BEACON (MY POSITION) Received

APRS ALERT BEEP LIST

GROUP/BULLETIN MESSAGE Received

)

MESSAGE Received

MESSAGE ACK Received

MESSAGE REJ Received

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL74

Page 77

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

APRS FILTER SETTING

The APRS filter option allows you to receive only specified types of the data.

1. Press the m key several times until the STATION LIST

screen appears on the display.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the

APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

FILTERFILTER

FILTER.

FILTERFILTER

4. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

5. Press the a/b key to select the “Filter” you wish to

exclude, then rotate the DIAL knob to select “

6. Repeat above steps and select “ wish to exclude.

7. When you have completed your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new

setting and exit to the STATION LIST screen.

OFFOFF

OFF” to any other filters you

OFFOFF

2: APRS2: APRS

2: APRS

2: APRS2: APRS

OFFOFF

OFF”.

OFFOFF

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 75

Page 78

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

TRANSMIT AN APRS BEACON

To transmit your APRS Beacon, just press the d key. The VX-8GR allows you to transmit your APRS Beacon automatically and repeatedly via

the APRS/GPS Set Mode.

1. Press the m key several times until the STATION LIST

screen appears on the display.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the

APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

CON TXCON TX

CON TX.

CON TXCON TX

4. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired “Auto” beacon

mode.

MANUALMANUAL

MANUAL: Disable Automatic Transmission.

MANUALMANUAL

AUTOAUTO

AUTO: Enable Automatic Transmission.

AUTOAUTO



Transmits your APRS beacon in accordance with the interval determined by Set Mode Item

SMARTSMART

SMART: Enable Automatic Transmission.

SMARTSMART



Transmits your APRS beacon in accordance with the interval determined by Set Mode Item unless Set Mode Item details.

6. Press the m key briefly, then rotate the DIAL knob

to select Set Mode Item

7. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of

this Set Mode Item.

8. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired interval time.

9. Press the PTT

STATION LIST screen.

switch to save the new setting and exit to the

12: BEACON INTERVAL12: BEACON INTERVAL

12: BEACON INTERVAL.

12: BEACON INTERVAL12: BEACON INTERVAL

26: SmartBeaconing26: SmartBeaconing

26: SmartBeaconing. This selection does not appear

26: SmartBeaconing26: SmartBeaconing

26: SmartBeaconing is activated. See page ??? for

26: SmartBeaconing26: SmartBeaconing

12: BEACON INTERVAL12: BEACON INTERVAL

12: BEACON INTERVAL.

12: BEACON INTERVAL12: BEACON INTERVAL

14: BEA-14: BEA-

14: BEA-

14: BEA-14: BEA-

When the APRS Beacon mode is set to “ will appear at the upper left corner of the display. Similarly, when the APRS Beacon mode is set to “ icon will appear at the upper left corner of the display.

1) You may toggle the APRS Beacon mode between “MANUAL”, “AUTO”, and “SMART” by pressing the M key.

2) When the APRS frequency is busy (Squelch is opened), the VX-8GR will not

transmit an APRS Beacon in manual or automatic modes. Insure that the squelch is closed.

AUTOAUTO

AUTO”, the “” icon

AUTOAUTO



SMARTSMART

SMART”, the “”

SMARTSMART



VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL76

Page 79

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

TRANSMIT AN APRS BEACON

You may store five Status Text Messages (up to the 60 characters for each memory), and you may transmit one of these Status Text Messages with the APRS Beacon.

1. Press the m key several times until the STATION LIST screen appears on the display.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

CON STATS TXTCON STATS TXT

CON STATS TXT.

CON STATS TXTCON STATS TXT

4. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Status Text register

(

1 -

5) you wish to store data to.

6. Press the M key briefly to begin comment entry into the selected resister.

7. Rotate the DIAL knob (or press the keyboard) to select the

first character of the comment.

8. Press the M key to move to the next character.

9. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to program the remainder of the comment.

10. If you make a mistake, press the B key to back-space the cursor, then re-enter the correct character.

11. You may add/delete a character to a comment using the following technique.

1) If you want to clear any previous comments, press the a/b key to select the

ALL CLEARALL CLEAR

“

ALL CLEAR” then press the c key.

ALL CLEARALL CLEAR

2) If you want to delete a previously-stored comment after the cursor, press the

a/b key to select “

3) If you want to add a character, press the a/b key to select “

press the

Note: Some transceivers cannot receive the full 60-character message. We recommend that you make the message as short as possible.

12. When you have completed your entry, press the PTT switch to save the new setting

and exit to the STATION LIST screen.

c key.

CLEARCLEAR

CLEAR” then press the c key.

CLEARCLEAR

13: BEA-13: BEA-

13: BEA-

13: BEA-13: BEA-

INSERTINSERT

INSERT” then

INSERTINSERT

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 77

Page 80

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

TRANSMIT AN APRS BEACON

DIGIPEA TER PATH SETTING

The VX-8GR allows you to set up to eight digipeaters for the APRS Packet Path. The VX-8GR is preset to “WIDE1-1” and “WIDE1-1, WIDE2-1” digi-path to insure that

your transmitted APRS Beacon is repeated by the new-N paradigm digipeaters. We recommend that you use this setting by default.

1. Press the m key several times until the STATION LIST

screen appears on the display.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the

APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

PATHPATH

PATH.

PATHPATH

4. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Pass Number (

you wish to set.

6. Press the M key briefly to begin callsign entry into the

selected path.

7. Rotate the DIAL knob (or press the keyboard) to select the first character of the callsign

(with SSID) of the digipeater.

8. Press the

9. Repeats steps 7 and 8 to program the remainder of the callsign.

10. If you make a mistake, press the B key to backspace the cursor, then re-enter the

correct character.

11. When you have completed your entry, press the PTT switch to save the new setting

and exit to the STATION LIST screen.

key to move to the next character.

16: DIGI16: DIGI

16: DIGI

16: DIGI16: DIGI

P1P1

P8P8

P1 -

P8)

P1P1

P8P8

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL78

Page 81

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

RECEIVING AN APRS MESSAGE

1. Set the “B-Band” to the APRS frequency. 144.390 MHz is generally used in North America. If you don’t know the APRS frequency for your country, ask your dealer.

The AX.25 modem is not activated in the “A-Band”.

2. Disable the Receiver Battery Saver from Set Mode Item

When the Receiver Battery Saver is turned on, the VX-8GR cannot reliably receive APRS Messages.

3. When receive the APRS message, the alert beep will emit and white LED will blink.

4. Press the m key several times until the APRS MESSAGE screen appears on the display. The APRS MESSAGE screen stores up to 30 messages. The messages are sorted according to the time the station message is received. The latest message is stored into the first message slot (First-in, First-out format).

5. To confirm the received message, rotate the DIAL knob (or press the a/b keys) to select the desired message, then press the B key.

6. Rotate the DIAL knob (or press the a/b keys) to scroll through additional lines

or pages of the received stations message.

7. Press the M key to display the receive message “Raw” data.

8. When you have finished reading your message, press the B key to return to the APRS MESSAGE screen.

73: SAVE RX73: SAVE RX

73: SAVE RX.

73: SAVE RX73: SAVE RX

1) You may change the alert beep tone via APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 8: APRS RINGER MSG.

2) You may change the blinking mode of the while LED via APRS/GPS Set

Mode Item 4: APRS MSG FLASH.

3) You may work the Vibrator function via APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 6: APRS MSG

VIBRAT when receive an APRS message.

Delete the Received Message from the “APRS MESSAGE” Screen

1. Press the m key several times until the APRS MESSAGE screen appears on the display.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob (or press the a/b keys)

to select the message to be deleted.

3. Press the c key. The confirmation message ( will appear on the display. Press the c key once more and the selected message will be deleted from the APRS MESSAGE screen.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 79

DELETE?DELETE?

DELETE?)

DELETE?DELETE?

Page 82

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

RECEIVING AN APRS MESSAGE

MESSAGE GROUP SETTING

The Message Group option allows you to choose to receive only specific types of message information.

1. Press the m key several times until the APRS MESSAGE

screen appears on the display.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the

APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

GROUPGROUP

GROUP.

GROUPGROUP

4. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

5. Press the a/b key to select the “Group” you wish to

utilize (

6. If you add a new message group code and/or bulletin group code, select “

(for bulletin group code) by rotating the DIAL knob, then press the M key.

7. Use the M select the desired characters/numbers in each column. Repeat for each column to complete the message (up to 9 characters) or bulletin (up to 5 characters).

8. When you have completed your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new

setting and exit to the APRS MESSAGE screen.

G1 ALLG1 ALL

G1 ALL,

G1 ALLG1 ALL

G2 CQG2 CQ

G2 CQ,

G2 CQG2 CQ

G5G5

G5” (for message group code) or “

G5G5

and

G3 QSTG3 QST

G3 QST, or

G3 QSTG3 QST

B keys to navigate to each column, then use the DIAL knob to

G4 YAESUG4 YAESU

G4 YAESU).

G4 YAESUG4 YAESU

21: MSG21: MSG

21: MSG

21: MSG21: MSG

B1B1

B1” ~ “

B1B1

B3B3

B3”

B3B3

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL80

Page 83

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

TRANSMIT AN APRS MESSAGE

1. Press the m key several times until the APRS MESSAGE

screen appears on the display.

2. Press the h key to enter the “EDIT” mode.

3. Any previously stored message may be cleared using the following procedures.

1) Press the B key

2) Press the a/b key to select the “

3) Press the c key.

4. Enter the callsign (with SSID) of the station you wish to contact using the B/M key pad (select the cursor) or

turn the DIAL knob (select the number/letter).

5. When you have completed entering the callsign (and SSID), press the M key briefly.

6. Enter the message using the B/M key pad (select the cursor) or turn the DIAL knob (select the number/letter). Available length is up to 67 characters. You may add/ delete a message/character using the following procedure. a. If you want to add a previously stored message (determined through APRS/GPS

Set Mode item select the “

b. If you want to delete the message after the cursor, press the a/b key to

CLEARCLEAR

select “

CLEAR” then press the c key.

CLEARCLEAR

c. If you want to add a character, press the a/b key to select “

press the c

7. When the message entry is complete, press the d key to transmit the message and return to the APRS MESSAGE screen. The transmitted message is stored into the APRS MESSAGE screen.

8. When an acknowledgment packet (“ack”) is received, the beeper will sound and “” icon will appear on the display. If an acknowledgment packet (“ack”) is not received, the APRS message is transmitted repeatedly five times, once each minute.

9. The remaining number of transmissions of the message is shown on the display. When there is no acknowledgment packet (“ack”) even if the APRS message transmits five times, the “” (period) icon (on the APRS MESSAGE screen) or “

5: APRS MSG TXT5: APRS MSG TXT

5: APRS MSG TXT; see next page), press the a/b key to

5: APRS MSG TXT5: APRS MSG TXT

MSG TXT 1MSG TXT 1

MSG TXT 1” through “

MSG TXT 1MSG TXT 1

key.

TXOUTTXOUT

TXOUT” notation (on the Detailed Message screen) will appear on

TXOUTTXOUT

ALL CLEARALL CLEAR

ALL CLEAR”.

ALL CLEARALL CLEAR

MSG TXT 5MSG TXT 5

MSG TXT 5” then press the c key.

MSG TXT 5MSG TXT 5

INSERTINSERT

INSERT” then

INSERTINSERT

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 81

Page 84

APRS® OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

TRANSMIT AN APRS MESSAGE

the display, instead of the remaining number of transmissions.

You may select the numbers and letters for the callsign and message with the key buttons (1 through 9, and 0) in the

same way as labeling memories.

STORE THE FIXED FORM MESSAGE

The VX-8GR allows you to store five fixed form messages (up to 16 characters for each

message).

1. Press the m key several times until the APRS MESSAGE

screen appears on the display.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the

APRS/GPS Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

MSG TXTMSG TXT

MSG TXT.

MSG TXTMSG TXT

4. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Message register (

you wish to store your message to.

6. Press the M key briefly to begin message entry into the

selected resister.

7. Rotate the DIAL knob (or press the keyboard) to select the

first character of the message.

8. Press the M key to move to the next character.

9. Repeats steps 7 and 8 to program the remainder of the message.

10. If you make a mistake, press the B key to backspace the cursor and re-enter the correct character.

11. When you have completed your message entry, press the PTT switch to save the new

setting and exit to the APRS MESSAGE screen.

5: APRS5: APRS

5: APRS

5: APRS5: APRS

1 -

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL82

Page 85

ARTS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(AUTOMATIC RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM

The ARTSTM feature uses DCS signaling to inform both parties when you and another

ARTS

-equipped station are within communications range. This may be particularly useful during Search-and Rescue situations, where it is important to stay in contact with other members of your group.

Both stations must set up their DCS codes to the same code number, then activate their

ARTS

feature using the command appropriate for their radio. Alert ringers may be

activated, if desired.

Whenever you push the PTT, or every 25 (or 15) seconds after

ARTS

is activated, your radio will transmit a signal which includes a (subaudible) DCS signal for about 1 second. If the other radio is in range, the beeper will sound (if enabled) and the display will show “ display “

OUTRNGOUTRNG

OUTRNG” in which ARTS

OUTRNGOUTRNG

IN RNGIN RNG

IN RNG” as opposed to the out of range

IN RNGIN RNG

operation begins.

Whether you talk or not, the polling every 15 or 25 seconds will continue until you de-activate ARTS

. Every 10 minutes, more-

over, you can have your radio transmit your callsign via CW, to comply with identifica-

tion requirements. When ARTS were not using it previously in non-ARTS

is de-activated, DCS will also be deactivated (if you

operation).

If you move out of range for more than one minute (four pollings), your radio will sense that no signal has been received, three beeps will sound, and the display will revert to

OUTRNGOUTRNG

“

OUTRNG”. If you move back into range, your radio will again beep, and the display will

OUTRNGOUTRNG

change back to the “

During ARTS changes may be made to it or other settings; you must terminate ARTS

IN RNGIN RNG

IN RNG” indication.

IN RNGIN RNG

operation, your operating frequency will continue to be displayed, but no

in order to resume normal operation. This is a safety feature designed to prevent accidental loss of contact due to channel change, etc.

)

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 83

Page 86

ARTS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(AUTOMATIC RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM

)

BASIC ARTSTM SETUP AND OPERATION

1. Set your radio and the other radio(s) to the same DCS code number, per the discussion on page

2. Press the f key, then press the 4 key. You will observe the “ frequency. ARTS

3. Every 25 seconds, your radio will transmit a “polling” call to the other station. When that station responds with its own ARTS to confirm that the other station’s polling code was received in response to yours.

4. Press the 4 key to exit ARTS transceiver.

ARTS

??.

OUTRNGOUTRNG

OUTRNG” display on the LCD below the operating

OUTRNGOUTRNG

operation has now commenced.

polling signal, the display will change to “

operation and resume normal functioning of the

won’t work if you have used the Lock feature to disable the PTT!

IN RNGIN RNG

IN RNG”

IN RNGIN RNG

ARTSTM POLLING TIME OPTIONS

The ARTSTM feature may be programmed to poll every 25 seconds (default value) or 15 seconds. The default value provides maximum battery conservation, because the polling signal is sent out less frequently. To change the polling interval:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

INTERVALINTERVAL

INTERVAL.

INTERVALINTERVAL

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired polling interval

25sec25sec

(

25sec or

25sec25sec

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

15sec15sec

15sec).

15sec15sec

4: ARTS4: ARTS

4: ARTS

4: ARTS4: ARTS

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL84

Page 87

ARTS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(AUTOMATIC RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM

ARTSTM ALERT BEEP OPTIONS

The ARTSTM feature allows two kinds of alert beeps (with the additional option of turning

them off), to alert you to the current status of ARTS location and the potential annoyance associated with frequent beeps, you may choose the Beep mode which best suits your needs. The choices are:

IN RANGEIN RANGE

IN RANGE: The beeps are issued only when the radio first confirms that you are

IN RANGEIN RANGE

within range, but does not re-confirm with beeps thereafter.

ALWAYSALWAYS

ALWAYS: Every time a polling transmission is received from the other station, the

ALWAYSALWAYS

alert beeps will be heard.

OFFOFF

OFF: No alert beeps will be heard; you must look at the display to confirm

OFFOFF

current ARTS

To set the ARTS

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

BEEPBEEP

BEEP.

BEEPBEEP

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired ARTS Beep mode

(see above).

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

Beep mode, use the following procedure:

status.

operation. Depending on your

3: ARTS3: ARTS

3: ARTS

3: ARTS3: ARTS

)

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 85

Page 88

ARTS

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

(AUTOMATIC RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM

)

CW IDENTIFIER SETUP

The ARTSTM feature includes a CW identifier, as discussed previously. Every ten minutes

during ARTS this feature is enabled. The callsign field may contain up to 16 characters.

Here is how to program the CW Identifier:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

ID function).

5. Press the M key to enable programming your callsign. Press and hold the h key for two seconds to clear any previous callsign, if desired.

6. Rotate the DIAL knob or press the keyboard to set the first

letter or number in your callsign.

Example 1: Rotate the DIAL knob to select any of the 37

Example 2: Press the 9 key repeatedly to toggle among

7. Press the M key to move on to the next character, if needed.

8. Repeat steps 6 and 7 as many times as necessary to complete your callsign. Note that the “slant bar” (– • • – •) is among the available characters, should you be a “portable” station.

9. Press and hold the h key for two seconds to delete all data after the cursor that may have been previously stored.

10. If you make a mistake, press the B key to backspace the cursor, then re-enter the correct letter/number.

11. When you have entered your entire callsign, press the m key briefly to confirm the callsign, then press the PTT switch to save the settings and exit to normal operation.

operation, the radio can be instructed to send “DE (your callsign) K” if

16: CW ID16: CW ID

16: CW ID.

16: CW ID16: CW ID

ONON

ON” (to activate the CW

ONON

available characters.

the five available characters associated with

that key: W  X  Y  Z  9  W

.....

1) You may check your work by monitoring the entered callsign. To do this, repeat steps 1 - 3 above, then press the

2) You may adjust the monitoring tone (CW sidetone pitch) via Set Mode

Item 18: CW PITCH. Available selections are 400 - 1000 Hz (50 Hz/step).

f key.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL86

Page 89

SPECTRUM ANALYZER OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

The Spectrum Analyzer allows viewing operating activity on channels above or below the current operating channel in the VFO mode.

The display indicates the relative signal strength on channels immediately adjacent to the current operating frequency.

The Spectrum Analyzer feature can be activated only while the VX-8GR is in the “Mono” band operation.

Three basic operating modes for the Spectrum Analyzer are available:

1Time1Time

1Time: In this mode, the transceiver sweeps the current band once.

1Time1Time CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS

CONTINUOUS: In this mode, the transceiver sweeps the current band repeatedly until the

CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS

c key is pressed, or the Spectrum Analyzer is turned off.

Full TimeFull Time

Full Time: This mode is activated similar to a “

Full TimeFull Time

transceiver outputs the audio of the center frequency () from a speaker when the Spectrum Analyzer is activated between 108 ~

SETTING UP THE SPECTRUM ANALYZER MODE:

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

ANALYZERANALYZER

ANALYZER.

ANALYZERANALYZER

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Spectrum Ana-

lyzer mode (see above).

5. Press the PTT switch momentarily to save the new setting

and exit to normal operation.

CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS

CONTINUOUS” mode. However, the

CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS

??? MHz.

84: SPEC-84: SPEC-

84: SPEC-

84: SPEC-84: SPEC-

TO ACTIVATE THE SPECTRUM ANALYZER:

1. Set the radio to the VFO mode in the “Mono” band operation.

2. Press the f key, then press the 8 key to activate the

Spectrum Analyzer.

3. When the Spectrum Analyzer is activated, press the a or b key to change the visible bandwidth. Available selections are ±5, ±9, ±16, ±24, and ±50 channels (default: ±16 channels). The visible bandwidth, however, depends on the selected channel step size, so match the default channel steps with the amateur band you are using.

4. To turn the Spectrum Analyzer off and operate on the center (displayed) channel, press the c key to stop the sweep, if needed, then press the f key followed by 8 key.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 87

Page 90

SMART SEARCH OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

The Smart Search feature allows you to load frequencies automatically according to where activity is encountered by your radio. When Smart Search is engaged, the transceiver will search above and below your current frequency, storing active frequencies as it goes (without stopping on them even briefly); these frequencies are stored into a special Smart Search memory band, consisting of 31 memories (15 above the current frequency, 15 below the current frequency, plus the current frequency itself).

Two basic operating modes for Smart Search are available:

SINGLESINGLE

SINGLE: In this mode, the transceiver will sweep the current band once in each

SINGLESINGLE

direction starting on the current frequency. All channels where activity is present will be loaded into the Smart Search memories; whether or not all 31 memories are filled, the search will stop after one sweep in each direction.

CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS

CONTINUOUS: In this mode, the transceiver will make one pass in each direction as with

CONTINUOUSCONTINUOUS

One-Shot searching; if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, however, the radio will continue sweeping until they are all filled.

The Smart Search feature can only be activated while the VX-8GR is operating in the Mono band mode.

SETTING THE SMART SEARCH MODE

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

SEARCHSEARCH

SEARCH.

SEARCHSEARCH

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Smart Search

mode (see above).

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

82: SMART82: SMART

82: SMART

82: SMART82: SMART

STORING SMART SEARCH MEMORIES

1. Set the radio to the VFO mode in the “Mono” band mode. Be sure that you have the Squelch adjusted properly (so that band noise is quieted).

2. Press and hold the M key until the “ notation will appear.

3. Press and hold the B key for one second to begin the Channel Counter.

4. As active channels are detected, you will observe the number of “loaded” channels increasing in the regular memory channel window.

5. Depending on the mode you set for Smart Search operation (“SINGLE” or “CONTINUOUS”), the Smart Search scan will eventually terminate, and the LCD will re-

SMART SEARCHSMART SEARCH

SMART SEARCH”

SMART SEARCHSMART SEARCH

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL88

Page 91

SMART SEARCH OPERATION

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

vert to Smart Search Memory Channel “

6. To recall the Smart Search memories, rotate the DIAL to

choose from among the Smart Search memories.

7. To return to normal operation, press the

Smart Search is a great tool when visiting a city for the first time. You don’t need to spend hours looking up repeater frequencies from a reference guidebook…just ask your VX-8GR where the action is!

CNTCNT

CNT.”

CNTCNT

key.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 89

Page 92

MESSAGE FEATURE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

GENERAL

The VX-8GR provides a message feature, which sends a message (up to 16 characters)

instead of sending a voice. 20 different messages can be programmed, any one of them can be selected and transmitted with your ID.

Note

 The Message Feature requires that all members (1) use the Yaesu VX-8GR,

VX-8DR, VX-8R, VX-3R, FTM-10R/SR or FTM-350R transceiver, (2) store

the same messages into the message slots, (3) store the same member list into the member box, and (4) set the same frequency.

 Does not send the Message through a repeater.

PROGRAMMING A MESSAGE

(Requires all members set the same messages into the same message slots in the same order.)

The VX-8GR has 20 message slots, including a factory-programmed message (EMER-

GENCY). The factory-programmed message of course can be overwritten at any time with personalized messages.

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

SAGE SELECTSAGE SELECT

SAGE SELECT.

SAGE SELECTSAGE SELECT

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Message slot

into which you wish to store a message. The LCD displays the previously stored message.

5. Press the M key briefly to enable programming of the message.

6. Press and hold in the h key for one second to clear the previously stored message, if desired.

7. Rotate the DIAL knob or press the keyboard to set the first

character of the message you wish to store.

Example 1: Rotate the DIAL knob to select any of the 61

available characters.

Example 2: Press the 2 key repeatedly to toggle among

the four available characters associated with that

key: a  b  c  A  B  C  2  a

8. Press the M key to move on to the next character, if needed.

54: MES-54: MES-

54: MES-

54: MES-54: MES-

.....

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL90

Page 93

MESSAGE FEATURE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

PROGRAMMING A MESSAGE

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 above to complete the message (up to

16 characters). If you make a mistake, press the B key to move back to the incorrect character, then re-enter the correct character.

10. Press and hold in the h key for one second to delete all data after the cursor that

may have been previously stored.

11. When the Message entry is complete, press the m key

briefly to save the new setting.

12. If you wish to store another message, repeat steps 3 through 11 above.

13. Press the PTT switch to exit to normal operation.

PROGRAMMING A MEMBER LIST

(Requires all members set the same member list (includes own ID) into the same member box in the same order.)

It is possible to register a maximum of 20 persons, in order to identify the sender. When you receive a message transfer, you will know who sent the message by the ID in the register. In addition, your ID can be sent to the members when you transmit any messages to them.

If all the members share the register information (ID), the message sender ID will be shown on the display when receiving the message.

Even if no IDs are registered, the message function can work. However, in this case,

MESSAGE1MESSAGE1

“

MESSAGE1” though “

MESSAGE1MESSAGE1

We recommend that you use your call sign for the member list.

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

SAGE LISTSAGE LIST

SAGE LIST.

SAGE LISTSAGE LIST

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired member box (

2020

20) into which you wish to store a member ID. The LCD

2020

will display the previously stored personal ID.

5. Press the M key briefly to enable programming of the personal ID.

6. Press and hold in the h key for two seconds to clear the previously stored personal ID, if desired.

7. Rotate the DIAL knob or press the keyboard to set the first

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 91

MESSAGE20MESSAGE20

MESSAGE20” will be displayed when receiving a message.

MESSAGE20MESSAGE20

52: MES-52: MES-

52: MES-

52: MES-52: MES-

Page 94

MESSAGE FEATURE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

PROGRAMMING A MEMBER LIST

character of the message you wish to store.

Example 1: Rotate the DIAL knob to select any of the 61

available characters.

Example 2: Press the 7 key repeatedly to toggle among

the nine available characters associated with that key: p  q  r  s

 P  Q  R  S  7  p

8. Press the M key to move on to the next character, if

needed.

9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 above to complete the personal ID (up

to 8 characters). If you make a mistake, press the B key to move back to the incorrect character, then re-enter the correct character.

10. Press and hold in the h key for two seconds to delete all data after the cursor that

may have been previously stored.

11. When the personal ID entry is complete, press the m key

briefly to save the new setting.

12. If you wish to store another personal ID, repeat steps 3 through 10 above.

13. Press the PTT switch to exit to normal operation.

SET YOUR PERSONAL ID

You may choose your personal ID from the member list as follows.

.....

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

SAGE REGISTERSAGE REGISTER

SAGE REGISTER.

SAGE REGISTERSAGE REGISTER

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the member box (

where your ID is stored.

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

53: MES-53: MES-

53: MES-

53: MES-53: MES-

1 ~

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL92

2020

20)

2020

Page 95

MESSAGE FEATURE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

SENDING A MESSAGE

The registered message can be sent to the members who are receiving on the coordination frequency. When a message is sent, the transmitter’s ID will be sent also, and the receiver can identify who sent the message.

The “Personal ID” setting (described in the previous paragraph) is required for the transmitter’s ID to be shown with the received message.

1. Set the radio to the coordination frequency.

2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

SAGE SELECTSAGE SELECT

SAGE SELECT.

SAGE SELECTSAGE SELECT

4. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Message slot

you wish to send.

6. Press the PTT switch to exit to normal operation.

7. Press the f key, then press the M key. This provides a

“Short-cut” to Menu Item

8. Rotate the DIAL knob until “

display; this activates the Message feature.

9. Press the PTT switch to exit from the Menu mode and acti-

vate the Message feature. When the Message feature is activated, the “

10. Press the PTT switch again (without speaking into the mi-

crophone) to transmit the selected message on the coordination frequency. It takes approximately 6 seconds to transmit the message.

MSGMSG

MSG” notation will appear on the display.

MSGMSG

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

88: SQL TYPE.

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

MESSAGEMESSAGE

MESSAGE” appears on the

MESSAGEMESSAGE

54: MES-54: MES-

54: MES-

54: MES-54: MES-

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 93

Page 96

MESSAGE FEATURE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

RECEIVING A MESSAGE

1. Set the radio to the coordination frequency.

2. Press the f key, then press the M key. This provides a “Short-cut” to Set Mode Item

3. Rotate the DIAL knob until “

display; this activates the Message feature.

4. Press the PTT switch to exit from the Set Mode and acti-

vate the Message feature. When the Message feature is activated, the “

5. When you receive a message: a beep sounds, the LED light

blinks white, and [“Message”

6. Press any key (except g key) to clear the received message, and wait for a new message.

To disable the Message feature, repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to

OFFOFF

select “

OFF” in step 3 above.

OFFOFF

MSGMSG

MSG” notation will appear on the display.

MSGMSG

If you enable the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell feature or CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Vibrator Operation (described previously), you can tell that you are receiving a message by the ringing “bell” sound alert or vibrating the transceiver.

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

88: SQL TYPE.

88: SQL TYPE88: SQL TYPE

MESSAGEMESSAGE

MESSAGE” appears on the

MESSAGEMESSAGE

FROMFROM

FROM “sending station’s ID”] scrolls on the display.

FROMFROM

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL94

Page 97

EMERGENCY FEATURE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

EMERGENCY CHANNEL OPERATION

The VX-8GR includes an “Emergency” feature, which may be useful if you have some-

one monitoring on the same frequency as your transceiver’s UHF “Home” channel. See

?? for details on setting the Home channel.

page The “Emergency” feature is activated by pressing and holding in the h key for one

second.

When this is done, (A) the radio is placed on the UHF amateur band Home channel, (B) it

emits a loud “Alarm” sound (the volume is controlled by rotating the DIAL knob while pressing and holding the g key), (C) it flashes the LED light in white, (D) if you press the PTT switch, you will disable the Emergency feature temporarily. You can then transmit on the UHF Home channel, and (E) two seconds after the PTT switch release, the

Emergency feature will resume. To disable the “Emergency” feature, press and hold the h key for one second or turn the

(

radio Off by pressing and holding in the

Use this feature if you are out for a walk and want a quick way of alerting a family member to a dangerous situation. The alarm sound may discourage an attacker and allow you to escape.

1) Be sure to arrange with a friend or family member to be monitoring on the same frequency, as there will be no identification sent via the Emergency alarm sound. And do not transmit the alarm tone except in a true emergency!

2) The LED light may be changed to another function via Set Mode Item 29: EMERGENCY SELECT; see page xx

)

PWR

switch for one second.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 95

Page 98

EMERGENCY FEATURE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

EMERGENCY AUTOMATIC ID (EAI) FEATURE

The Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) feature can be used to aid in searching for persons who are incapacitated in disasters like earthquakes, especially search-and-rescue personnel who may have become injured in a debris field. When using the EAI feature, a searcher transmits a unique command (CTCSS tone pair), which will automatically cause the injured party’s radio to transmit, so others may perform direction-finding and effect a res-

cue. The incapacitated party may not be able to speak or even press the PTT switch. The

callsign of the incapacitated person will also be transmitted, to assist the rescue team.

If an emergency group is working in a dangerous area, all members should engage the EAI feature on their transceiver, so that others can assist a fallen team member, if necessary.

The Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature has two operating modes: (1) Interval mode and (2) Continuous mode.

In the Interval mode (when the VX-8GR receives the CTCSS tone pair), the radio will

automatically transmit a brief (0.5 second) beep tone every 2.5 seconds until the EAI timer expiration.

In the continuous mode, the radio will automatically transmit continuously (with maxi-

mum microphone gain), until the EAI timer expiration.

The EIA is activated when the CTCSS tone pair stored in the Receiving Pager Code Memory (configured via Set Mode Item frequency, which is stored in Memory Channel “

pacitated person to press the PTT switch.

62: PAGE CODE-RX62: PAGE CODE-RX

62: PAGE CODE-RX) is received for 5 seconds on the

62: PAGE CODE-RX62: PAGE CODE-RX

EAIEAI

EAI”. It is NOT necessary for the inca-

EAIEAI

If your call sign is stored in the radio and the CW identifier is enabled via Set Mode Item

16: CW ID16: CW ID

16: CW ID, the radio will transmit your callsign on the air when the EAI feature is first

16: CW ID16: CW ID

activated by the remote page, and every 10 minutes thereafter. The “callsign” ID can be changed to any desired sequence of characters, such as a name. After sending the callsign or name, the radio will repeatedly transmit three tones for a user-defined period of time (between 1 and 30 minutes). The callsign or name will be transmitted every 10 minutes.

The Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature requires that you (1) store the CTCSS Tone Pair into the Receiving Pager Memory (see page xx desired UHF coordination frequency into Memory Channel “ dure).

for procedure), and (2) store the

EAIEAI

EAI” (see page 47 for proce-

EAIEAI

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL96

Page 99

EMERGENCY FEATURE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

EMERGENCY AUTOMATIC ID (EAI) FEATURE

SELECTING THE EAI MODE AND ITS TRANSMIT TIME

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired EAI mode (In-

terval EAI “ time (

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation.

INTINT

INT” or Continuous EAI “

INTINT

1010

1515

2020

10,

1010

15,

1515

20,

2020

3030

30,

3030

4040

40, and

4040

5050

50 minutes).

5050

ACTIVATING THE EAI FEATURE

1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item

3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this Set

Mode Item.

4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “

EAI feature).

5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and

exit to normal operation (with EAI feature “ON”).

ONON

ON” (thus activating the

ONON

28: EAI TIME28: EAI TIME

28: EAI TIME.

28: EAI TIME28: EAI TIME

CONCON

CON”) and transmit

CONCON

27: EAI27: EAI

27: EAI.

27: EAI27: EAI

When the EAI feature is activated, the “ Number (or memory channel number) will appear alternately in the Memory Channel Number Display Slot of the display.

To disable the EAI feature, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to

OFFOFF

select “

OFF” in step “4” above.

OFFOFF

The VX-8GR will ignore the EAI feature when (1) the squelch is open, (2) there is an incoming signal on the operating frequency, (3) the operating frequency is the same as the frequency which is stored in the Memory Chan-

nel “EAI,” or (4) a VHF frequency is stored in Memory Channel “EAI”.

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL 97

EAIEAI

EAI” icon and the Band

EAIEAI

Page 100

EMERGENCY FEATURE

FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20

EMERGENCY AUTOMATIC ID (EAI) FEATURE

TO LOCATE AN UNRESPONSIVE OPERATOR USING THE EAI FEATURE

1. Recall the Memory Channel “ searched person’s radio), which is found in the next to the last “regular” memory channel.

2. Set the CTCSS tone pair to the same CTCSS tone pair stored in the Receiving Pager Code Memory of the missing person’s radio.

1) Press the f key, then press the 2 key. This pro-

vides a “Short-cut” to Set Mode Item

TXTX

TX.

TXTX

2) Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first tone.

3) Press the M key.

4) Rotate the DIAL knob to select the second tone.

5) Press the 2 key to save the new setting and exit from

setting mode.

3. Press and hold in the PTT switch for five seconds. If the EAI signal is received by a VX-8GR transceiver programmed with matching EAI CTCSS tones the EAI feature

will activate. The lost operator’s radio will beep loudly, and its transmitter will respond repeatedly. You may now begin direction-finding efforts.

4. The ATT (Front End Attenuator) is often useful in locating the missing person’s radio, as peaks in weaker signals are more easily observed. You may select the ATT level “ (10 dB),” “ B key to reduce the signal.

5. Press the c key to exit to normal operation.

ATT 2ATT 2

ATT 2 (50 dB),” and “

ATT 2ATT 2

EAIEAI

EAI” (must be the same as the

EAIEAI

63: PAGE CODE-63: PAGE CODE-

63: PAGE CODE-

63: PAGE CODE-63: PAGE CODE-

ATT 1ATT 1

ATT 1

ATT 1ATT 1

ATT OFFATT OFF

ATT OFF” by pressing the

ATT OFFATT OFF

VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL98