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Vertex Standard VX-170 Operating Manual
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Vertex Standard VX-170 Operating Manual

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The VX-120/170 is a small size FM hand-held providing up to five watts of RF power and
wealth of convenient features for 2m amateur band.
New and exciting features of the VX-120/170 are the Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) function,
that will automatically cause your VX-120/170 to transmit your callsign and engage your rig's
microphone, even if you are disabled and unable to press the PTT switch; Enhanced Paging
and Code Squelch (EPCS), that allows you to page a particular station and only receive calls
from that station, if desired; and a security Password feature, that will allow you to turn on and
operate your transceiver only after you enter your Password.
Additional features include a convenient access key for Vertex Standard's WIRES
(Wide-coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System), a transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT),
Automatic Power-Off (APO), Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), Vertex Standard's exclusive
™
ARTS
(Auto-Range Transponder System) which "beeps" the user when you move out of
communications range with another ARTS
the TX deviation in areas of high channel congestion. And an RF squelch circuit allows the
owner to set the squelch to open at a programmable setting of the S-Meter, thus reducing
guesswork in setting the squelch threshold.
We appreciate your purchase of the VX-120/170, and encourage you to read this manual
thoroughly, so as to learn about the many exciting features of your exciting new Vertex
Standard hand-held transceiver!
Supplied Accessories
FNB-83
NC-88B/C/U*
Belt Clip
Antenna
Operating Manual
Warranty Card
Available Options
FNB-83
NC-88B/C/U*
General Description
TM
equipped station, plus provision for reduction of
Accessories & Options
7.2 V, 1,400 mAh
Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Pack
Overnight Battery Charger (10-Hour)
7.2 V, 1,400 mAh
Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Pack
Overnight Battery Charger (10-Hour)
1/64
FCC ID: K6620223X20
IC ID: 511B-20223X20
VX-120/170 O
PERATING
Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
M
ANUAL
™

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Summary of Contents for Vertex Standard VX-170

  • Page 1 Password. ™ Additional features include a convenient access key for Vertex Standard’s WIRES (Wide-coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System), a transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT), Automatic Power-Off (APO), Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), Vertex Standard’s exclusive ™...
  • Page 2 Vertex Standard accessories. Consult your Vertex Standard dealer for details regarding these and any newly-available options.
  • Page 3 This coaxial DC jack allows connection to an external DC power source (6-16V DC). The center pin of this jack is the Positive (+) connection. Do not allow the VX-120/170 to become submerged in water while the rubber cap over the EXT DC jack is removed. 3/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 4 “VFO B” while in the Select the Memory VFO mode. Bank while in the Memory Recall mode. [F/W] Activates the Disables the Activates the “Alternate” key “Alternate” key “Memory Write” mode function. function. (for memory channel storage). 4/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 5 FCC ID: K6620223X20 IC ID: 511B-20223X20 VX-120/170 O PERATING ANUAL Keypad Functions (VX-170) Primary Function Secondary Function Third Function (Press Key) (Press [F/W] Key +) (Press and Hold Key) [1(SQ TYP)] Frequency entry digit Activates the CTCSS Recalls the “Weather”...
  • Page 6 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 6/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 7 The NC-88 is not designed to power the transceiver for operation (reception or transmission). Do not leave the NC-88 connected to the transceiver for continuous periods in excess of 24 hours. Long term overcharging can degrade the Ni-MH battery pack and significantly shorten its useful life. 7/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 8 When you are operating on Packet, switch the Receive Battery Saver OFF, as the “sleep” cycle may “collide” with the beginning of an incoming Packet transmission, causing your TNC not to receive the full data burst. See page 59 for details regarding Battery Saver setup. 8/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

  • Page 9: Operation

    CTCSS tone. Or, if your friends have radios equipped with DCS (Digital Coded Squelch) like your VX-120/170 has, try using that mode for silent monitoring of busy channels. Frequency Navigation The VX-120/170 will initially be operating in the “VFO” mode, a channelized system which 9/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 10 This feature is extremely useful for making rapid frequency excursions over the wide tuning range of the VX-120/170. 2) Direct Keypad Frequency Entry (VX-170 only) The desired operating frequency may be entered directly from the keypad. To enter a frequency directly, just keying in the 10 MHz, 1 MHz, and the kHz digits.
  • Page 11 Changing the Transmitter Power Level To change the power level: Press the [F/W] key, then press the [3(LOW)](VX-170) or [LOW(SET/LOCK)](VX-120) key. The LCD shows the current power output level. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired power output level. Available selections are “HIGH”...
  • Page 12 Here is the procedure for setting up the Lamp operating mode: Press the [F/W] key, then press the [(0)SET] key to enter the Set mode. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 25: LAMP. 12/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 13 Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 12: DC VLT. Press the [F/W] key momentarily to display the current DC voltage being supplied. Press the [F/W] key, followed by the PTT switch to return to normal operation. 13/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

  • Page 14: Repeater Operation

    Press the [F/W] key, then press the [(4)RPT] key to enable selection of the repeater shift direction. This provides a “short-cut” to Set Mode Item 35: RPT.MOD. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired shift among “RPT.–,” “RPT.+,” and “RPT.OFF.” 14/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 15 “HM” (for instant switching to the “Home” channel for the band you are operating on). To change the configuration of this key, use Set Mode Item 33: REV/HM. See page 75. VFO Split Mode 15/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 16 R.F. Says: CTCSS setup involves two actions: setting the Tone Mode and then setting of the Tone Frequency. These actions are set up by using the [1(SQ TYP)] key and [2(CODE)] keys. 16/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 17 S-Meter deflects, but the VX-120/170 is not passing 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 utilized. 17/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 18 Some repeaters do not pass the CTCSS tone; you may have to listen to the station(s) transmitting on the repeater uplink (input) frequency in order to allow Tone Search Scanning to work. To scan for the tone in use: 18/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 19 PTT key is released after the paging transmission. You may re-activate the Enhanced Paging and Code Squelch system again using Set Mode Item 29: PAGER, if desired. Storing the CTCSS Tone Pairs for EPCS Operation 19/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 20 When you press the PTT switch to respond to a page call, the VX-120/170 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-120/170 respond to page calls automatically (“transpond”). 20/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 21 Press the PTT key momentarily to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. When the Split Tone feature is activated, you can see the following additional parameters following the “DCS” parameter (while selecting the tone mode by pressing [F/W] [1(SQ 21/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 22 1000 channels from the “standard” and “PMS” memory channels. • 10 “Weather Broadcast” Channels. Memory Storage Select the desired frequency, while operating in the VFO mode. Be sure to set up any 22/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 23 R.F. Says: 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 [F/W] key. For example, to recall memory channel #14, press [1(SQ TYP)] [4(RPT)] [F/W]. 23/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 24 Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired label. Press the [F/W] key to move to the next character. If you make a mistake, press the [ ] key to back-space the cursor, then re-enter the correct letter, number, or symbol. 24/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 25 Rotate the DIAL knob, 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. 25/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 26 Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the Memory Bank number you want as the Memory Bank for this channel (“BANK 1” ~ “BANK10”). Press and hold the [F/W] key for one second to copy the memory channel data into the 26/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 27 “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 first time, and ultimate simplicity of channel selection is desired. 27/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 28 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: 28/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 29 The scanner will then resume according to the Scan-Resume mode selected in the previous section. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or [V/M(PRI)] key. Programmed VFO Scan Select the VFO mode by pressing the [V/M(PRI)] key, if necessary. 29/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 30 In this case, pressing the PTT switch this one time will not causing scanning to stop. Memory Scanning Memory scanning is similarly easy to initiate: Select the Memory mode by pressing the [MR(SKIP)] key, if necessary. 30/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 31 The VX-120/170 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. 31/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 32 Memory Banks which you have selected. To enable the Memory Bank Link Scan feature: Set the radio to the Memory mode by pressing the [MR(SKIP)] key, if necessary. 32/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 33 Alert Tone is received. This yields a long period of monitoring time, as no power will be consumed via audio output while scanning for the Alert Tone is in progress. 33/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 34 Press the [F/W] key, then press the [VFO(PRI)] key to activate the VFO Priority mode. The display will remain on the VFO frequency, but every five seconds the radio will check the Priority Channel (memory channel) for activity. Press [F/W] [VFO(PRI)] again to disable the VFO Priority mode. 34/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 35 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 PTT switch; operation will instantly revert to the Priority channel. 35/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 36 Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 20: EDG.BEP. Press the [F/W] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “BEP. ON.” 36/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 37 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 37/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 38 Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. To disable the Emergency Automatic ID feature, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step 4 above. 38/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 39 As active channels are detected, you will observe the number of “loaded” channels increasing in the regular memory channel window. Depending on the mode you set for Smart Search operation (“SINGLE” or “CONT”), the 39/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 40 The VX-120/170 can be used to access a “node” (repeater or base station) which is tied into ™ the Vertex Standard WIRES (Wide-Coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System) network, operating in the “SRG” (Sister Radio Group) mode. Details may be found at the WIRES-II Web site: http://www.vxstd.com/en/wiresinfo-en/.
  • Page 41 3 - 6 above, selecting “INT.COD” in step 6. ™ ARTS (Automatic Range Transponder System) ™ The ARTS feature uses DCS signaling to inform both parties when you and another ™ ARTS -equipped station are within communications range. This may be particularly useful 41/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 42 ™ R.F. Says: ARTS 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 42/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 43 CW Identifier Setup ™ The ARTS feature includes a CW identifier, as discussed previously. Every ten minutes ™ during ARTS operation, the radio can be instructed to send “DE (your callsign) K” if this 43/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 44 You can generate DTMF tones during transmission manually. Press the [F/W] key, then press the [9(DTMF)] key to disable the DTMF Autodialer, if necessary. The “CODE” indication will appear in the display for a moment. Press the PTT switch to begin transmission. 44/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 45 Once the string begins, you may release the PTT switch, as the transmitter will be held “on the air” until the DTMF string is completed. To disable the DTMF Autodialer, press [F/W] [9(DTMF)] again. The “CODE” indication 45/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 46 10. When you have finished entering the password, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. R.F. Says: We recommend that you to write down the password number, and keep it in a safe place you can easily find if you forget your password. 46/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

  • Page 47: Programming The Key Assignments

    (“AUTO”), any number of which may be important to your operating requirements. The VX-120/170 is set up at the factory in the “AUTO” configuration, which probably is satisfactory for most operation. However, if you need to change the 47/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 48 Battery Saver, the automatic selection of Low Power operation conserves battery drain significantly. To activate the Transmit Battery Saver: Press the [F/W] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 49: TXSAVE. 48/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 49 When the APO is activated, the “TIMER” icon will appear at the upper right corner on the LCD. If there is no action by you within the time interval programmed, the microprocessor will shut 49/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 50 Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 5: BCLO. Press the [F/W] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “BCL. ON” (thus activating the BCLO feature). 50/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 51 When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. Remember to restore the default setting to “T/RX N” (Encoder; Normal, Decoder; Normal) when done. 51/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 52 The VX-120/170 includes a convenient “Clone” feature, which allows the memory and configuration data from one transceiver to be transferred to another VX-120/170. This can be particularly useful when configuring a number of transceivers for a public service operation. 52/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 53 2) Two Set Mode Item numbers (in the factory default, Set Mode Item 34: RF SQL, and 42: SKIP) will blink while selecting the Set Mode Item; this indicates that this Set Mode Item has been assigned to the [7(P1)] or [8(P2)] key of the keypad. 53/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 54 KEY+SC: The beeper sounds when you press any key, or when the scanner stops. KEY: The beeper sounds when you press any key. OFF: Beeper is disabled. Set Mode Item 7 [BELL] Function: Selects the number of CTCSS/DCS Bell ringer repetitions. 54/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 55 Default: T/RX N Set Mode Item 15 [DT DLY] Function: Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Delay Time. Available Values: 50MS/100MS/250MS/450MS750MS/1000MS Default: 450MS Set Mode Item 16 [DT SPD] Function: Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed. 55/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 56 Emergency function. EMG.C+B: Loud “Alarm” sounds and the Morse Code “SOS” (••• – – –•••) message is transmitted on the air beginning one minute after activation of the Emergency function. 56/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 57 KEY: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD lamp for five seconds when you rotate the DIAL knob or press the keypad or any switch (except PTT switch). This is the factory-programmed default setting. CONT: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD lamp continuously. OFF: Disables the Keypad/LCD lamp. Set Mode Item 26 [LOCK] 57/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 58 Function: Enables/disables the Answer Back function of the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch. Available Values: ABK.OFF/ABK. ON Default: ABK.OFF Set Mode Item 30 [PSWD] Function: Enables/disables the Password feature. Available Values: PWD.OFF/PWD. ON Default: PWD.OFF Set Mode Item 31 [PSWD W] Function: Stores the password. 58/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 59 Default: RVT.OFF See page ?? for details. Set Mode Item 38 [RX MOD] Function: Selects the receiving mode. Available Values: AUTO/FM/AM Default: AUTO (Mode automatically changes according to operating frequency) Set Mode Item 37 [RXSAVE] 59/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 60 SKIP: The scanner will “skip” the flagged channels during scanning. ONLY: The scanner will only scan channels that are flagged (Preferential Scan List). OFF: All memory channels will be scanned (the “flag” will be ignored). 60/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 61 Set Mode Item 47 [TOT] Function: Setting of the TOT time Available Values: 1MIN - 30MIN or OFF Default: 6MIN (minutes) The time-out timer shuts off the transmitter after continuous transmission of the programmed time. 61/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

  • Page 62: Specifications

    The receiver IF filter bandwidth is not changed via this setting. Set Mode Item 52 [WX ALT] Function: Enables/Disables the Weather Alert Scan feature. Available Values: ALT.OFF/ALT. ON Default: ALT. OFF Specifications General Frequency Ranges: 137-174 MHz TX 144-146(148) MHz 62/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 63 2nd: 450 kHz Sensitivity: 0.2 µV for 12 dB SINAD (137-140 MHz) 0.16 µV for 12 dB SINAD (140-150 MHz) 0.2 µV for 12 dB SINAD (150-174 MHz) Selectivity: 12 kHz/35 kHz (–6 dB /–60 dB) 63/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
  • Page 64 10 % THD (@ 7.5 V) Specifications are subject to change without notice, and are guaranteed within the 144 MHz amateur band only. Frequency ranges will vary according to transceiver version; check with your dealer. 64/64 Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

This manual is also suitable for:

Vx-120