The VX-150 is an ultra compact FM hand-held providing up to five watts of RF power and
a wealth of new features for the 2m amateur band. The VX-150 accepts the same battery
packs, and has rubber gasket seals around all external controls and connectors keep out
dust and rain or spray, assuring years of reliable operation even in harsh environments.
Sixteen multi-function keys provide the ultimate in programmability of 199 freely tunable
memories and two VFOs. All memories store repeater shifts or separate tx/rx frequencies,
CTCSS (Continuous Tone Controlled Squelch System) tone frequencies and tone encode/
decode selections with one instant-recall call channel memory and two special purpose
memories for limited subband tuning/scanning. Busy channel band or selective memory
scanning is provided along with priority channel monitoring; 1 MHz up/down stepping;
ARS (automatic repeater shift) when tuned to repeater subbands, plus a top panel rotary
dial for memory and frequency selection. The keypad serves as a DTMF encoder during
transmission, and up to 9 DTMF memories can store 16 digits each for quick playback of
commonly used numbers.
The liquid crystal display shows seven frequency digits, memory selection, CTCSS tone
frequency while setting*, page-received status when paged by a CTCSS tone, and includes
a bargraph S/PO meter . Y aesu’s power saver system can be set by the operator for optimum
sampling/standby ratio, or can be turned off for packet operation. And our new APO (Automatic Power Off) system shuts off the transceiver to avoid dead batteries if you doze off
or are called away unexpectedly.
Operation under difficult conditions is simplified by a lamp button illuminating the display
and backlit translucent keypad, diatonically assigned function-dependent keypad beeps.
Please read this manual carefully to gain a clear understanding of the features of the VX-
150.
*: Paging features require optional FVP-25.
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL1
Controls & Connectors
TOP PANEL
ANTENNA Jack
•
This SMC jack accepts the supplied YHA-?? rubber flex antenna, or any other antenna designed to
provide 50-ohm impedance on the 2m band.
VOL/OFF Control
‚
This control adjusts the volume of the receiver. T urn
this control to the fully counterclockwise position
(into the click stop) to turn the transceiver OFF.
DIAL Rotary Selector
ƒ
This 20-position detented rotary switch tunes the
operating (or CTCSS tone) frequency or selects the memory channels, according to
which function is selected by the keys on the front panel. This knob duplicates some of
the functions of the up and down arrow keys for operating convenience.
SQL Control
„
This control sets the threshold level at which received signals (or noise) open the noise
squelch. Set this control from counterclockwise just to the point where noise is silenced (and the BUSY/TX indicator on the front panel is off) when the channel is
clear.
BUSY/TX Indicator Lamp
…
This LED indicator glows green when the noise squelch is open during reception, and
red when transmitting.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
†
The display shows the selected operating conditions as indicated in the following diagram:
Tone Encoder/Squelch Enabled
Digital Coded Squelch
Priority Channel Scanning
Repeater Shift
Memory Mode
Memory Number
or
VFO Selection
Alt Key Active
S- and TX Power Meter
LOW Power
DTMF Memory Mode
Memory Skip
BELL
Frequency
Auto Power OFF Active
LOCK Feature Active
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL2
Controls & Connectors
SIDE PANELS
PTT Button
•
Press and hold this (Push-to-Talk) button to transmit. The BUSY/TX indicator glows
red while transmitting.
Monitor (Burst) Button
‚
In the USA version, this button opens the squelch momentarily without disturbing the
setting of the SQL control. In the European version, this button activates the 1750 Hz
Burst tone generator.
LAMP Button
ƒ
Press this button to illuminate the display and keypad when necessary.
MIC/EAR Jack
…
This four-conductor miniature jack provides connection points for microphone audio,
earphone audio, PTT, and ground.
EXT DC
†
This coaxial DC jack allows connection to an external DC power source (6.0-16V
DC).
The center pin of this jack is the Positive (+) line.
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL3
Controls & Connectors
FRONT PANELS
Speaker
•
The internal speaker is located directly below the display.
Mic
‚
The internal microphone is located at the bottom right-hand corner of the speaker.
Keypad
ƒ
These sixteen keys select the various operating features of the transceiver during reception, and generate DTMF (Dual T one Multi Frequency) tone pairs during transmission. One or two beeps will sound whenever one of the keys is pressed (if the beeper is
active). The labels on the faces of the keys indicate their primary functions, while the
labels above fifteen of the keys indicate alternate functions, which are activated by
pressing the [F/W] key first, and then another key within five seconds. When referring
to alternate key functions in this manual, we show the alternate key label followed by
the primary label in parentheses ( ). Primary key functions are referred to by the labels
on the keyfaces.
Remember to press the [F/W] key first (momentarily , unless otherwise indicated) when
you want to use an alternate key function. All key functions are described in the “Operation” section, and summarized on the “VX-150 Operator’ s Quick Reference Card.”
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL4
Accessories & Options
ACCESSORIES SUPPLIEDWITHTHE VX-150
FNB-V577.2 V, 1100 mAh Ni-Cd Battery Pack
FC-72A/B/C/F/U Battery Chareger
Belt Clip
Hand Strap
Antenna
Operating Manual
Warranty Card
AVAILABLE OPTIONSFORYOUR VX-150
FNB-V577.2 V, 1100 mAh Ni-Cd Battery Pack
FNB-627.2 V, 700 mAh Ni-Cd Battery Pack
FBA-25Compact Dry Cell Battery Case for 6 AA-size cells
NC-72A117 VAC Compact Wall Charger for FNB-14
NC-72B220-234 VAC Compact Wall Charger for FNB-14
NC-72C117 VAC Compact Wall Charger for FNB
NC-72U220-234 VAC Compact Wall Charger for FNB
NC-73Desktop Quick Charger
MH-34B4BExternal Hand Speaker/Microphone
MH-37A4BEarpiece/Microphone
VC-25VOX Headset
E-DC-5BDC Cable w/Noise Filter
E-DC-6DC Cable; plug and wire only
CSC-73Soft Case
CN-3BNC-to-SMA Adapter
CT-44Microphone Adapter
YHA-??Rubber flex antenna
Availability of accessories may vary: some accessories are supplied as standard per local
regulations and requirements, others may be unavailable in some regions. Check with your
Yaesu dealer for additions to the above list.
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL5
Installation & Accessories
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.
¦ When installing the supplied antenna, never hold the
upper part of the antenna while screwing it onto the
mating connector on the transceiver.
¦ If using an external antenna for transmission, ensure that the SWR presented to the
transceiver is 1.5:1 or lower.
BATTERY PACKSAND CASES
The following rechargeable Ni-Cd battery packs are recommended for use with the VX150:
FNB-V577.2V 1100 mAh
FNB-627.2V 700 mAh
The following battery cases are also available for operating the VX-150 with non-rechargeable dry cell batteries (not supplied):
FBA-25Battery Cases for 6 ‘AA’ (UM-3) batteries
The Ni-Cd packs above may be recharged either while attached to the transceiver or separately , using the battery char gers described on the following pages. Each Ni-Cd pack should
be fully charged before it is used with the transceiver for the first time. Note that most of
these packs require different wall chargers: NC-72A/B/C/U for FNB-V57. Make certain
that you use the correct charger for each pack. The NC-73 Desktop Quick charger may be
used with all of these Ni-Cd packs.
BATTERY PACK INSTALLATIONAND REMOVAL
To install the battery, hold the transceiver with your left hand, so your palm is over the
speaker and your thumb is on the top of the belt clip. Insert the battery pack into the battery
compartment on the back of the radio while tilting the Belt Clip outward, then close the
Battery Pack Latch until it locks in place with a “Click.”
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL6
Installation & Accessories
To remove the battery, turn the radio off and remove any protective cases. Open the Battery Pack latch on the bottom of the radio, then slide the battery downward and out from
the radio while unfolding the Belt Clip.
Do not attempt to open any of the rechargeable Ni-Cd packs, as they could explode if
accidentally short-circuited.
If the battery has never been
used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged by
connecting the NC-72A/B/C/F/U 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 or E-DC-6 DC Adapter (with its cigarette lighter plug) may
also be used for charging the battery, as shown in the illustration.
INSTALLATIONOF FBA-25 (Option) ALKALINE BATTERY CASE
The optional FBA-25 Battery Case allows receive monitoring using six “AA” size Alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries can also be used for transmission in an emergency, but
power output will only be 300 m W, and battery life will be shortened dramatically.
To Install Alkaline Batteries into the FBA-25r Slide the batteries into the FBA-25 as shown in the illustration, with the Negative [–]
side of the batteries touching the spring connections inside the FBA-25 .
r Unlock the bottom plate by pushing the latch in the “Open” direction.
r Install the FBA-25 as shown in the illustration, with the [+] side facing the bottom of
the transceiver.
r Re-lock the bottom plate by carefully pressing the latch cover back into its normal
operating position.
The FBA-25 does not provide connections for charging, since Alkaline cells cannot be recharged. Therefore, the NC-72A/B/C/F/U, E-DC-5B, or E-DC-6 may safely be connected to the EXT DC jack when the FBA-25 is installed.
Notes:
m The FBA-25 is designed for use only with AA-type Alkaline cells.
m If you do not use the VX-150 for a long time, remove the Alkaline batteries from the
FBA-25, as battery leakage could cause damage to the FBA-25 and/or the transceiver.
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL7
Operation
PRELIMINARY OPERATING INFORMATION
Before operating the transceiver for the first time, charge the battery pack completely (if
using Ni-Cd batteries) as described on pages 6 and 7. If using the FBA-25 battery case,
install the batteries as described on page 7.
Connect the YHA-?? rubber flex antenna to the antenna jack on the top of the transceiver.
Never operate the transceiver without an antenna connected.
Before proceeding, please read the Controls and Connectors chapter if you have not already, to familiarize yourself with the controls. Note especially item ?? on page ??, which
describes the terminology used in this chapter when referring to the keys.
Except for certain special cases mentioned later, the keypad functions as a DTMF (DualTone Multi Frequency) tone generator during transmission.
SWITCHING POWER ONAND OFF
Be sure the battery pack is installed.
•
Connect the antenna to the top panel ANTENNA
‚
jack.
Switch on the transceiver by rotating the VOL con-
ƒ
trol clockwise out of the click-stop (a momentary
beep will sound).
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 ??, which tells you how to reactivate the
Beeper.
ADJUSTINGTHE VOLUME LEVEL
Rotate the VOL control (immediately to the right of the Antenna) to set the desired audio
level. Clockwise rotation increases the volume level.
SQUELCH SETUP
Set the SQL control fully counterclockwise, rotate the
VOL control out of the click-stop and adjust for a com-
fortable volume on the noise or received signal. The
BUSY/TX indicator LED should glow green. If a signal is present, rotate the DIAL selector on the top panel
to a channel where only noise is heard.
Adjust the SQL control just to the point where the noise is silenced and the LED is extinguished. If the SQL control is set further clockwise, sensitivity to weak signals will be
reduced. Now, whenever a signal reaches the receiver that is strong enough to open the
squelch, the indicator will glow green.
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL8
Operation
Note that while receiving, one or more bargraph segments may appear along the bottom of
the display, indicating signal strength on the receiving frequency. This indication is not
affected by the squelch setting, so even squelched signals may have some indication. If you
notice more than one or two bargraph segments appearing while the squelch is still closed,
try reducing the squelch control setting (if you want to hear weak signals).
The Monitor switch on the USA versions (just above the PTT switch) allows you to check
for channel activity beneath the squelch level and to adjust the volume without having to
adjust the squelch: just press the Monitor switch and the squelch will open.
FREQUENCY NAVIGATION
Press the [VFO(PRI)] button, if necessary, to select the VFO mode. The VX-150 has two
vfos, labelled “A” and “B” either of which can be used for all of the procedures described
in this manual. You can change vfos with the [VFO(PRI)] button at any time.
You have several ways to tune the VX-150: in selectable channel steps or 1 MHz steps
[s]
with the
Use the DIAL knob to tune the displayed VFO frequency at the current channel step rate.
You can also press the
[t]
key for more than 1/2-second scanning will start. This is described later, so for now,
just press an
[t]
/
keys or DIAL knob, and direct keypad frequency entry.
[s]
[t]
/
keys momentarily to do this, but if you press an
[s]
[t]
/
key again to stop (if you have to).
[s]
or
To change the MHz range of the VFO, you can press the [F/W] key followed by an
[t]
key (or turn the DIAL knob). Note the beeps when using the
moving up, and when moving down. When done press [F/W] again, or just wait five seconds.
You can also enter a frequency directly just by keying in the 1 MHz and the kHz digits. If
you are using 5 or 10 kHz steps enter five digits. Otherwise just four digits will do. Partial
entries can be cancelled with the [VFO(PRI)] key.
Examples:
To enter 146.5200 MHz, press
To enter 146.5000 MHz, press
à
à à à
à
à à
[s]
/
[t]
[s]
or
keys: when
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL9
Operation
TRANSMITTING
When you wish to transmit, wait until the channel is clear (BUSY/TX lamp of f), and squeeze
the PTT switch. During transmission the BUSY/TX lamp glows red, and relative transmitter power output is indicated graphically along the bottom of the display. Release the PTT
switch to receive.
If using a version B (in Europe), press the T-CALL switch (above the PTT switch) to
transmit a 1750 Hz tone to access repeaters that require it.
CHANGINGTHE CHANNEL STEPS
Tuning steps are factory preset to 20 kHz. To change a frequency step, follow the procedure below:
]
Press the [F/W] key, then immediately press the [0(SET
•
Rotate the DIAL to select Menu Item #7 (“
‚
Press the [F/W] key to enable modification of the current setting.
ƒ
Now rotate the DIAL knob to select 5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25 or 50 kHz steps.
„
Press the PTT key to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
…
STEPSTEP
STEP”).
STEPSTEP
)
key to enter the Set mode.
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL10
Operation
KEYPAD/LCD ILLUMINATION
Your VX-150 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:
KEYKEY
KEY Mode:Pressing any key causes the lamp to provide illumination for 5 seconds,
KEYKEY
after which the lamp will automatically shut off.
5SEC5SEC
5SEC Mode:Pressing the LAMP switch momentarily causes the lamp to provide illu-
5SEC5SEC
mination for 5 seconds, after which the lamp will automatically shut off.
TOGGLETOGGLE
TOGGLE Mode:Pressing the LAMP switch momentarily “Toggles” the lamp on and off.
TOGGLETOGGLE
The lamp will stay illuminated until you press the LAMP switch once
more.
Here is the procedure for setting up the Lamp mode:
Y ou first need to enter the “Set” (menu) mode. Press the [F/W] key , then immediately
•
]
press the [0(SET
Now rotate the DIAL to select Menu Item #21 (“
‚
Press the [F/W] key to enable modification of the current setting.
ƒ
Next, rotate the DIAL to select one of the three modes described above.
„
When you have made your choice, press the PTT key to save the new setting for Menu
…
Item #21. The transceiver will now return to normal operation.
)
key (just below the [F/W] key) to activate the Set mode.
LMP MODELMP MODE
LMP MODE”).
LMP MODELMP MODE
The 5SEC mode provides the greatest battery conservation, as it allows activation of the
lamp only when you press the LAMP switch.
If you press and hold in the LAMP key for one second, the lamp will remain illuminated
until you press the LAMP switch once more (no time limit).
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL11
Advanced Operation
REPEATER OPERATION
The ARS (Automatic Repeater Shift) feature in the VX-150 provides repeater shift of the
transmit frequency whenever you are tuned to a standard repeater subband (see diagram
below). When enabled, a small “–” or “+” displayed above the upper left-hand corner of
the display that repeater shift is active, and closing the push-to-talk switch changes the
display to the (shifted) transmit frequency.
Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS)
The VX-150 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:
Press the [F/W] key, then immediately press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
•
Rotate the DIAL to select Menu Item #2 (“
‚
Press the [F/W] key to enable modification of the current setting.
ƒ
Now rotate the DIAL to select “ON” (to enable Automatic Repeater Shift).
„
Press the PTT key to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
…
Manual Repeater Shift Activation
If the ARS feature has been disabled, or if you need to set a repeater shift other than that
established by the ARS, you may set the direction of the repeater shift manually.
ARSARS
ARS”).
ARSARS
]
To do this, press the [F/W] key, then press the [4(RPT
Menu #3 (“
upper of the LCD (when no icon is present, “Simplex” operation - transmit and receive on
the same frequency - has been selected, and the LCD will indicate “
When the desired shift direction has been selected, press the PTT key momentarily to save
your new setting and exit.
RPTRPT
RPT”). Rotate the DIAL, and you will see that the “–” or “+” icon appears at the
RPTRPT
)
key. This provides a “Shortcut” to
SIMPSIMP
SIMP” in this case).
SIMPSIMP
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL12
Advanced Operation
Changing the Default Repeater Shifts
If you travel to a different country, you may need to change the default repeater shift so as
to ensure compatibility with local operating requirements.
To do this, follow the procedure below:
]
Press the [F/W] key, then immediately press the [0(SET
•
Rotate the DIAL to select Menu Item #3 (“
‚
Press the [F/W] key to enable modification of the current setting.
ƒ
Now rotate the DIAL knob to select the new repeater shift magnitude.
„
Press the PTT key momentarily to save the new setting and exit.
…
RPTRPT
RPT”).
RPTRPT
Checking the Repeater Uplink (Input) Frequency
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 [REV(HM)] key momentarily . If Menu Item #20 (“
been set to “
normal uplink/downlink frequency relationship, repeat this step.
HMHM
HM” you may press the [F/W] key, and then [REV(HM)] key. To return to the
HMHM
)
key to enter the Set mode.
REVREV
HMHM
REV/
HM”) has
REVREV
HMHM
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL13
Advanced Operation
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-150, and is
very easy to activate.
CTCSS setup involves two actions: setting the Tone Frequency and then setting of the
]
Tone Mode. These actions are set up by using the [1(SQ TYP
Menu Items #25 and #26.
Press the [F/W] key, then immediately press the [1(SQ TYP)] key. This provides a
•
“Short-cut” to Menu #25 (“
Rotate the DIAL so that “
‚
which allows repeater access.
You may notice an additional “
ƒ
step. We’ll discuss the Digital Code Squelch system shortly.
Rotation of the DIAL in step ‚ above will occasionally cause “
„
TT
to the “
T” icon. When “
TT
is active, which mutes your VX-150’s receiver until it receives a call from another
radio sending out a matching CTCSS tone. This can help keep your radio quiet until a
specific call is received, which may be helpful while operating in congested areas.
When you have made your selection of the CTCSS tone mode, press the PTT.
…
Press the [F/W] key, then immediately press the [2(CODE)] key . This provides a “Short-
†
cut” to Menu #26 (“
This Menu selection allows setting of the CTCSS tone frequency to be used.
‡
Rotate the DIAL until the display indicates the Tone Frequency you need to be using
ˆ
(ask the repeater owner/operator if you don’t know the tone frequency).
Press the [F/W] key to save the new settings and exit to normal operation.
‰
SQL TYPSQL TYP
SQL TYP”).
SQL TYPSQL TYP
TT
T” appears on the display; this activates the CTCSS Encoder,
TT
DCSDCS
DCS” icon appearing while you rotate the DIAL in this
DCSDCS
TONE SQLTONE SQL
TONE SQL” appears, this means that the Tone SQuelch system
TONE SQLTONE SQL
TN SETTN SET
TN SET”).
TN SETTN SET
)
and [2(CODE
SQSQ
SQ” to appear adjacent
SQSQ
]
)
keys, or
CTCSS T
67.069.371.974.477.079.782.585.4
88.591.594.897.4 100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9
114.8 118.8 123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2
151.4 156.7 162.2 167.9 173.8 179.9 186.2 192.8
203.5 210.7 218.1 225.7 233.6 241.8 250.3-
ONE FREQ UEN CY
(Hz)
VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL14
Advanced Operation
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-150, and operation is very
similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured for
DCS; if not, it is frequently quite useful in Simplex operation if your friend(s) use transceivers equipped with this advanced feature.
Just as in CTCSS operation, DCS requires that you set the Tone Mode to DCS and that
you select a tone code.
Press the [F/W] key, then immediately press the [1(SQ TYP)] key. This provides a
•
“Short-cut” to Menu #25 (“
Rotate the DIAL until “
‚
Decoder.
When you have made your selection of the DCS mode, press the PTT.
ƒ
Press the [F/W] key, then immediately press the [2(CODE)] key . This provides a “Short-
„
cut” to Menu #26 (“
Rotate the DIAL to select the desired DCS Code (a three-digit number). Ask the re-
…
peater 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 friend(s).
When you have made your selection, press the [F/W] key to save the new settings and
†
exit to normal operation.
SQL TYPSQL TYP
SQL TYP”).
SQL TYPSQL TYP
DCSDCS
DCS” appears on the display; this activates the DCS Encoder/
DCSDCS
TN SETTN SET
TN SET”).
TN SETTN SET
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!