Vertex Standard SPIRIT VXA-710 Operating Manual
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Vertex Standard SPIRIT VXA-710 Operating Manual

Air band transceiver
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AIR BAND TRANSCEIVER

Operating Manual

SPIRIT

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Summary of Contents for Vertex Standard SPIRIT VXA-710

  • Page 1: Operating Manual

    AIR BAND TRANSCEIVER Operating Manual SPIRIT...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Important Notice! ... 1 Introduction ... 2 Control & Connectors ... 3 Top Panel ... 3 Front Panel ... 4 Side Panel ... 5 Keypad ... 6 Before You Begin ... 8 Precautions ... 8 How to Install the Quick Draw Clip ... 8 Installation of FNB-80LI Battery Pack ...

  • Page 3: Important Notice

    The radio is transmitting when the red LED on the top of the radio is illuminated. You can cause the radio to transmit by pressing the P-T-T button. Always use Vertex Standard authorized accessories. There are no user-serviceable points inside this transceiver. All service jobs must be referred to your Authorized Service Center.

  • Page 4: Introduction

    NTRODUCTION The Vertex Standard VXA-710 Spirit is a compact, stylish, solid hand-held transceiver providing communication (trans- mit and receive) capability on the International Aircraft Communication Band (“COM” band: 118 ~ 136.975 MHz), and it additionally provides VOR and CDI navigation features on the “NAV” band (108 ~ 117.975 MHz). What’s more, it also is receiving on the FM BC Band, Weather Channel Broadcast (USA version only), and BRS (Business Radio Service) band.

  • Page 5: Control & Connectors

    Never connect any Speaker/Microphone that is not recommended by the manufacturer. Because these jack connections are unique, using a Speaker/Microphone that is not specified by Vertex Standard may damage the VXA-710. VOL Knob This control adjusts the audio volume level. Clock- wise rotation increases the volume level.

  • Page 6: Front Panel

    ONTROLS LCD ( Liquid Crystal Display ) The display shows the current operating conditions, including frequency, etc. PWR ( Power ) Switch Press and hold this switch for 3 seconds to toggle the transceiver’s power on and off. Keypad Several keys have triple functions. The primary functions are labeled on the key top (ac- tivated by simply pressing the key momentarily).

  • Page 7: Side Panel

    ONTROLS PTT ( Push To Talk ) Switch Press this button to transmit when you are operating in the COM band (118.000 - 136.975 MHz). Release this button to return to the “Receive” mode. See page MONITOR Switch This button may be pressed to “Open” the squelch manually, allowing you to listen for very weak sig- nals.

  • Page 8: Keypad

    ONTROL Primary Function Activates the “Secondary” key mode. Press Key Secondary Function None Press + Third Function None Press and hold key Primary Function Selects the Emergency Channel Press Key ( 121.5 MHz ) . Secondary Function Switches operation to the “Home” (favorite frequency) channel.
  • Page 9 ONTROL Toggles the operating band Frequency entry digit “3.” between the AIR band and FM BC band in the VFO mode. Selects “FROM” VOR mode. None Frequency entry digit “6.” Frequency entry digit “0.” Enables/Disables the Alpha- numeric Tag display during Memory operation.

  • Page 10: Before You Begin

    Precautions This apparatus is capable of two-way communication on channels used for critical aviation safety commu- nications. Therefore, it is important that this radio be kept away from children or other unauthorized users at all times. When making DC connections via the (optional) E- DC-5B DC cable, be absolutely certain to observe the proper voltage level and polarity guidelines.

  • Page 11: Installation Of Fnb-80Li Battery Pack

    Installation of FNB-80LI Battery Pack The FNB-80LI is a high-performance Lithium-Ion bat- tery providing high capacity in a very compact package. Under normal use, the FNB-80LI may be used for ap- proximately 300 charge cycles, after which operating time may be expected to decrease. If you have an old battery pack which is displaying capacity which has become di- minished, you should replace the pack with a new one.

  • Page 12: Installation Of Fba-23 Alkaline Battery Case

    Installation of FBA-23 Alkaline Battery Case ( Option ) The optional FBA-23 Battery Case allows receive moni- toring using two “AA” size Alkaline batteries. To Install Alkaline Batteries into the FBA-23 Slide the batteries into the FBA-23 as shown in the illustration, with the Negative [–] side of the batteries touching the spring connections in- side the FBA-23.

  • Page 13: Low Battery Indication

    Low Battery Indication As you battery discharges during use, the voltage will gradually become lower. When the “ blinking on the LCD dis- play, the battery pack must be recharged before further use. Avoid recharging Li-Ion batteries before the “Low Bat- tery”...

  • Page 14: Basic Operation

    Preliminary Steps Install a charged battery pack onto the transceiver, as described previously. Screw the supplied antenna onto the Antenna jack. Never operate this transceiver without an antenna con- nected. If you have an optional Speaker/Microphone or head- set. we recommend that it not be connected until you are familiar with the basic operation of the VXA-710.

  • Page 15: Squelch Adjustment

    To set 118.275 MHz, you do not need to press the final “5” in the frequency: Note: When the entered frequency is outside of the current operating band, the entry is ignored (i.e. VXA- 710 does not permit entry of an FM BC band fre- quency while operating in the AIR band).

  • Page 16: Accessing The 121.5 Mhz Emergency Frequency

    Accessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency The VXA-710 can quickly access the 121.500 MHz Emer- gency Frequency. This function can be activated even when the keypad lock function is in use. To access the Emer- gency Frequency, press key momen- tarily.

  • Page 17: Transmission

    BOOK ( Pre-Programmed ) Memories The Book memories are pre-programmed, either at the factory or by your Dealer (depending on your country’s requirements), typically including the major AIR band station frequencies used in your area. The Book memories can be changed by the user. See page 44 for details.

  • Page 18: Reception Of Weather Channel Broadcasts

    Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts ( USA version only ) The VXA-710 can receive VHF Weather Channel broad- casts, which may assist your flight planning. The VXA- 710 includes a ten-channel auto-search feature, which sim- plifies access to Weather Channels when you are in an unfamiliar location.

  • Page 19: Monitor Key

    Monitor Key When listening to a very weak signal from an aircraft or ground station, you may observe the signal disappearing periodically as the incoming signal strength becomes too weak to override the squelch threshold setting. To disable the squelch tem- porarily, press and hold the MONITOR key for 2 sec- onds on the left side of the...

  • Page 20: Lock Function

    LOCK Function The lock function prevents accidental changes to the fre- quency setting and the keypad controls. To activate the lock fea- ture, press the followed by the key. In the LOCK mode, the “ ” icon will appear on the display.

  • Page 21: Receive Battery Saver Setup

    Receive Battery Saver Setup An important feature of the VXA-710 is its Receive Bat- tery Saver, which “puts the radio to sleep” for a time inter- val, periodically “waking it up” to check for activity. If somebody is talking on the channel, the VXA-710 will remain in the “active”...

  • Page 22: Memory Operation

    The VXA-710 provides 70 user-programmable Main memories, labeled “MR1” through “MR68”, “MRLch,” and “MRUch,” up to 90 pre-programmed memories, des- ignated “Book” Memories, labeled “BMR1” through “BMR90,” and one Home channel, allowing storage and quick recall of favorite operating frequency. The Main memories and “Book”...

  • Page 23: Recalling The Memories

    Recalling the Memories Press the key, repeatedly if necessary, until “MR” (Memory Recall) appears on the display. In the MR mode, you will see the previously-selected channel number appearing at the bottom of the “MR” icon on the LCD. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired memory channel.

  • Page 24: Deleting Memories

    Deleting Memories With the VXA-710 in the Memory mode, rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the memory channel you wish to delete. Press the key, then press and hold the 2 seconds. The previously-selected memory will be deleted. Note: Once deleted, channel data cannot be recovered! Home Channel Memory A special “HOME”...

  • Page 25: Scanning Operation

    Basic Scan The VXA-710 allows you to scan automatically in the VFO* , Main Memory, “Book” Memory, Weather Chan- nel* or BRS Memory modes. It pauses on signals encoun- tered, so you can talk to the station(s) on that frequency, if you like.

  • Page 26: Channel-Skip Scanning

    Channel-Skip Scanning Continuous-carrier stations like ATIS (Automatic Termi- nal Information Service) or Weather Broadcast stations inhibit scanner operation. Since these stations are always active, the scanner will be halted repeatedly on their chan- nels. Such channels can be set to be “Skipped” during Memory scanning (MR, Book, WX, or BRS modes), if you like, so as not to interfere with automatic channel scan- ning:...

  • Page 27: Dual Watch Operation

    The Dual Watch feature automatically checks for activity on a “Priority” channel* while you are operating on an- other channel. During Dual Watch operation, the current channel and the Priority channel will each be polled for a 500 ms interval, as the VXA-710 looks for activity on each channel.

  • Page 28: Priority Dual Watch Operation

    RIORITY Similar to Dual Watch operation (described on previous page), Priority Dual Watch is an enhanced version which includes the following additional features: The receiving time interval (ratio) between the cur- rent channel and the Priority channel may be custom- ized via the Menu Item “PRI Time.”...

  • Page 29: Spectrum Scope Monitor

    If you assign the Spectrum Scope Monitor feature to the key (see page 40), you may view operating activity on channels above and below the current operating chan- nel while operating in the VFO, Memory Tune, and PMS modes. The display indicates the relative signal strength on chan- nels immediately adjacent to the current operating fre- quency.

  • Page 30: Vor Navigation (Air Band)

    VOR N COM BAND 118.0000 - 136.9750 MHz AVIGATION General VOR Equipment COURSE Indicator COURSE Deviation Needle TWO-Degree Deviation Marks FROM “TO”-“FROM” Flag Indicator NAV BAND 108.0000 - 117.9750 MHz VOR MODE COURSE Indicator COURSE Indicator “TO” - “FROM” Flag Indicator OVERFLOW Indicator “TO”...

  • Page 31: To Select The Vor Mode

    VOR N To Select the VOR Mode When entering the NAV band (108.000 - 117.975 MHz), the VXA-710 selects the VOR mode automati- cally. The “Course Indicator” will appear on the dis- play, and the “TO” or “FROM” indicator will appear at the right of the “Course Indicator”...

  • Page 32: Flying To A Vor Station

    VOR N Flying to a VOR Station The VXA-710 can indicate the deviation from the direct course to a VOR station. Select a VOR station on your aeronautical chart and turn the DIAL selector knob (or enter the frequency directly with the keypad) to the frequency of the VOR station.
  • Page 33 VOR N The Aircraft is “ON COURSE” The Aircraft is “OFF COURSE” VXA-710 S AVIGATION VOR TAC Los Angeles LAX - 113.600MHz VOR TAC Los Angeles LAX - 113.600MHz Magnetic North Station Magnetic North Station...

  • Page 34: Entering A Desired Course

    VOR N Entering a Desired Course The VXA-710 can also be configured to indicate the de- viation from the desired course, not only the deviation from the path to the VOR station. Set the frequency to the desired VOR station. Change the “TO”...

  • Page 35: Position Cross-Checking

    VOR N Position Cross-checking Select two VOR stations on your aeronautical chart. Set the frequency of one of the VOR stations in the VOR mode. The course indicator will show the course deviation from the VOR radial. Note the radial you currently are on.

  • Page 36: Split Operation

    VOR N Split Operation The split operation feature allows you to transmit a call to a Flight Service Station using the COM band frequencies, while receiving a VOR station (in the NAV band). VOR stations equipped with this capability typically are shown, on navigation charts, with the voice calling frequency in parenthesis above the navigation frequency.

  • Page 37: Brs (Business Radio Service) Channel Operation

    BRS ( B USINESS Recalling the BRS Channels Press the key, re- peatedly if necessary, until “BRS” (Business Radio Service) appears on the display. In the BRS mode, you will see the previously-selected channel number appear- ing at the bottom of the “BRS”...
  • Page 38 BRS ( B USINESS while operating in congested areas. Note: You may notice an additional “DCS” icon ap- pearing while you rotate the DIAL selector knob in this step. We’ll discuss the Digital Code Squelch sys- tem shortly. When you have made your selection of the CTCSS Tone Mode, press the key momentarily, then ro- tate the DIAL selector knob one click clockwise to...

  • Page 39: Dcs Operation

    BRS ( B USINESS DCS Operation Another form of tone access control is Digital Code Squelch, or DCS. It is a newer, more advanced tone sys- tem which generally provides more immunity from false paging than does CTCSS Decoder. The DCS Decoder is built into your VXA-710, and operation is very similar to that just described for CTCSS Decoder.

  • Page 40: Ctcss/Dcs Bell Operation

    BRS ( B USINESS CTCSS/DCS Bell Operation During CTCSS Decoder or DCS Decoder operation, you may set the VXA-710 up such that a ringing “bell” sound alerts you to the fact that a call is coming in. Here is the procedure for activating the CTCSS/DCS Bell: Set the transceiver up for CTCSS Decoder or DCS Decoder operation, as described previously.

  • Page 41: Miscellaneous Setting

    Automatic Power-Off ( APO ) Feature The APO feature helps conserve battery life by automati- cally turning the radio off after a user-defined period of time within which there has been no dial or key activity. The available selections for the time before power-off are 0.5/1/8 hours, as well as APO Off.

  • Page 42: Programming The Key Assignments

    Menu Item. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to set the Time-Out Timer to the desired “Maximum TX” time (1 minute, 3 minutes or 5 minutes). When you have made your selection, press the key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key repetitively until the radio exit to normal operation.

  • Page 43: Display Customization

    When you have made your selection, press the key to save the new setting, then press the PTT key repetitively until the radio exits to normal operation. Display Customization Display Contrast The LCD’s contrast may be adjusted using the Menu. Press the key, then press the the Menu (“SET”) mode.

  • Page 44: Tx/Busy Indicator Customization

    TX/BUSY Indicator Customization Default TX/BUSY illumination colors have been assigned at the factory. These may be changed by the user, if you wish to utilize another custom-designed color hue. The Red, Green, and Blue elements of each color’s composi- tion may be adjusted individually! Press the key, then press the the Menu (“SET”) mode.

  • Page 45: Changing The Channel Step

    Changing the Channel Steps The VXA-710 allows you to choose channel steps in the FM broadcast band: 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz per step. The VXA-710 is set up at the factory to 100 kHz which probably is satisfactory for most operation. How- ever, if you need to change the channel step increments, the procedure to do so is very easy.

  • Page 46: Field Programming Mode

    The VXA-710’s “Book” Memories also allow the user to store, label, and recall channel frequencies which you may want to use frequently by placing the VXA-710 into the “Field Programming mode.” Memory Storage Press and hold in both the PTT switch and while turning the radio on, to activate the Field Pro- gramming Mode.

  • Page 47: Cpu Resetting

    IELD ROGRAMMING Deleting Memories Press and hold in both the PTT switch and while turning the radio on, to activate the Field Pro- gramming Mode. “FD” will appear at the upper left corner on the display. Press and hold in the key for 2 seconds.

  • Page 48: Timer Mode

    IMER The VXA-710 provides both “STOP WATCH” and “COUNT DOWN” timers. These may be used for a vari- ety of time-keeping purposes. 1. Press and hold in the key while tuning the radio on, to activate the Timer Mode. 2. Press the MONITOR key to toggle the Timer between “STOP WATCH”...
  • Page 49 MENU Listing A listing of the Menu items available via the SET mode may be found below. Set Mode Item Function 1. Display 1. Scan Lamp Enables/Disables the Scan lamp while paused during scanning. 2. Backlight Selects the Display illumination Mode. 3.
  • Page 50 1. D 1. Scan Lamp Function: Enables/Disables the Scan lamp while paused during scanning. Available Values: On/Off Default Setting: On 2. Backlight Function: Selects the Display illumination Mode. Available Values: Key/Off/On Default Setting: Key Key: Illuminates the Display Lamp for 5 seconds when any front panel key is pressed.
  • Page 51 8. RX LED Function: Edits the BUSY indicator color. Available Values: Individual adjustments of the Red, Green, and Blue color hue may be performed, on a nu- merical scale of “000” to “255.” See page 42 for details. Default Setting: Green (R000, G065, B000) 9.
  • Page 52 3. Power On Beep Function: Selects the Power-on beep. Available Values: Off/Mode 1/Mode 2/Mode 3 Default Setting: Mode 1 3. R 1. SQL Function: Sets the Squelch threshold level for the AM and FM Narrow modes. Available Values: 0 - 8 Default Setting: 6 2.
  • Page 53 7. PRI Time Function: Selects the Priority Checking Time. Available Values: 500ms/1s/1.5s/2s/2.5s/3s Default Setting: 2s This Menu Item allows you to define how often the Prior- ity Channel will be checked for activity. Note: The Dual Watch Polling time is 500ms (fixed). 8.
  • Page 54 4. T 1. T.O.T Function: Setting of the Time-Out Timer Countdown Time. Available Values: Off/1min/3min/5min Default Setting: Off The Time-Out Timer shuts off the transceiver after con- tinuous transmission exceeds the programmed time. 5. K 1. Lock Mode Function: Selects the Control Locking lockout combina- tion.
  • Page 55 2. Emergency Function: Selects the Emergency feature. Available Values: 121.5/LED+121.5/LED Default Setting: LED+121.5 121.5: Pressing the key momentarily accesses the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency. LED+121.5: Pressing the key momentarily accesses the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency and flashes the BUSY/TX lamp. LED: Pressing the key momentarily flashes...
  • Page 56 Function: CPU Clock Shift Available Values: Off/On Default Setting: Off This function is only used to move a spurious response “birdie” should it fall on a desired frequency. Consult your Vertex Standard dealer for details regarding this function. VXA-710 S...
  • Page 57 VXA-710 S...
  • Page 58 Frequency Range: Channel Spacing: 25 kHz (AIR Band), 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz (FM BC Band) TX: AM, Emission Type: RX: AM & FM 4.5 - 15.0 VDC Supply Voltage: Current Consumption (approx.): 250 µA (Power off), 35 mA (Battery saver on, save ratio 1:5), 60 mA (Squelch on), 180 mA (Receive), 800 mA (Transmit AM: 1.5W Carrier @ 7.4V), 400 mA (Transmit AM: 0.3W Carrier @ 4.5V)

  • Page 59: Specifications

    Double-conversion Superheterodyne Circuit Type: IFs: 35.4 MHz & 450 kHz ( AM / NFM ), 45.65 MHz & 10.7MHz ( WFM ) Sensitivity: 88-108 MHz: better than 2 µV (for 12 dB SINAD with 1 kHz tone @ 22.5 kHz deviation) 108 MHz-137 MHz: better than 1 µV (for 6 dB S/N with 1 kHz tone @ 30 % modulation) BRS-01 - BRS-21: better than 0.32 µV (for 12 dB S/N with 1 kHz tone @ 3.5 kHz deviation) WX-01 - WX-10: better than 0.4 µV (for 12 dB S/N with 1 kHz tone @ 3.5 kHz deviation)

  • Page 60: Accessories & Options

    Some accessories are supplied as standard per local requirements, while others may be unavailable in some regions. Consult your Vertex Standard Dealer for details re- garding these and any newly-available options. Connection of any non-Vertex Standard-approved ac- cessory, should it cause damage, may void the Lim- ited Warranty on this apparatus.
  • Page 61 External Antenna CT-96 Headset Cable CN-3 Antenna Adapter (Option) VXA-710 S & O CCESSORIES PTIONS PTT Switch (not supplied) An external PTT switch is required for use with an avia- tion headset. E-DC-5B External Power Cable (Option) Headset (not supplied)
  • Page 62 VXA-710 S...
  • Page 63 Part 15.21: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Vertex Standard could void the user’s authorization to operate this device.
  • Page 64 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 EUROPE B.V. P.O. Box 75525, 1118 ZN Schiphol, The Netherlands YAESU UK LTD. Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.

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