Yaesu Musen 20415X20 Users manual

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
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
FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20
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
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.
(
p
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
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
KEYPAD FUNCTIONS
FCC ID: K6620415X20 / IC:511B-20415X20
RIMARY FUNCTION
P
(
P
RESS KEY
)
SECONDARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS +
HIRD FUNCTION
T
(
P
RESS AND HOLD KEY
PRIMARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS KEY
)
SECONDARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS +
THIRD FUNCTION
(
P
RESS AND HOLD KEY
RIMARY FUNCTION
P
(
P
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”
S
ECONDARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS +
HIRD FUNCTION
T
(
P
RESS AND HOLD KEY
P
RIMARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS KEY
)
)
)
SECONDARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS +
HIRD FUNCTION
T
(
P
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.
TM
)
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
P
(
P
RESS KEY
S
ECONDARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS +
HIRD FUNCTION
T
(
P
RESS AND HOLD KEY
P
RIMARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS KEY
)
)
SECONDARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS +
HIRD FUNCTION
T
(
P
RESS AND HOLD KEY
RIMARY FUNCTION
P
(
P
RESS KEY
S
ECONDARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS +
HIRD FUNCTION
T
(
P
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.
P
RIMARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS KEY
)
SECONDARY FUNCTION
(
P
RESS +
HIRD FUNCTION
T
(
P
RESS AND HOLD KEY
Activates the “Secondary”
key function.
Disables the “Secondary”
)
)
key function.
Activates the “Memory Write”
mode (for memory channel
storage).
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 pcWarranty Card 1 pc
VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL6
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
[
B
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
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
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
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
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
T
)
(
FBA-39
w/Fresh Batteries
L2: 1.0 W,
L1: 0.05 W
)
VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL20
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
p
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
p
(
PWR
p
)
switch again.
(
PWR) switch
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
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
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
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
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
69
: 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
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.
66
6 key. This provides a “Short-cut” to Set Mode
66
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
??.
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 ”)
F
REQUENCY
VX-8GR OPERATING MANUAL28
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