Yaesu VX-127 Operating Manual

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UHF FM TRANSCEIVER

VX-127

PERATING

ANUAL

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.

VERTEX STANDARD HK LTD.

Unit 5, 20/F., Seaview Centre, 139-141 Hoi Bun Road,

Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

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Summary of Contents for Yaesu VX-127

Page 1 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.
Page 2: Table Of Contents
General Description ... 1 Accessories & Options ... 2 Controls & Connections ... 3 Top & Front Panel ... 3 LCD ... 4 Side Panel ... 5 Keypad Functions ... 6 Installation of Accessories ... 8 Antenna Installation ... 8 Installation of FNB-83 Battery Pack ...
Page 3: General Description
Meter, thus reducing guesswork in setting the squelch threshold. We appreciate your purchase of the VX-127, and encourage you to read this manual thor- oughly, so as to learn about the many exciting features of your exciting new Vertex Stan- dard hand-held transceiver! : IPX-7 Specification for submersibility: 3 ft.
Page 4 Vertex Standard accessories. Consult your Vertex Standard dealer for details regarding these and any newly-available options. Connection of any non-Vertex Standard-approved ac- cessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this apparatus. PTIONS VX-127 O...
Page 5: Lcd
This four-conductor miniature jack provides con- nection points for microphone audio, earphone audio, PTT, and ground. Do not allow the VX-127 to become submerged in water while the plastic cover over the MIC/SP jack is removed. VOL/PWR Knob Turn this control clockwise to turn the radio on and to increase the volume. Counter- clockwise rotation into the click-stop will turn the radio off.
Page 6 Battery Saver Active ONNECTORS LCD Memory Channel Number Repeater Shift Direction CTCSS/DSC Operation Key Lock Active S- & PO Meter Automatic Power-Off Active Internet Connection Feature Active Bell Alarm Active Operating Frequency Battery Indicator Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature Active VX-127 O...
Page 7 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-127 to become submerged in water while the rubber cap over the EXT DC jack is removed.
Page 8 Sets the frequency control to the Memory Recall mode. Activates the “Memory “Tune” mode while in the Memory Recall mode. Selects the Memory Scan “Skip” channel-selection mode. Starts the programmable scanner upward (toward a higher frequency or a higher channel number) VX-127 O...
Page 9 Selects the Memory Bank while in the & H : You can exchange the function between the primary (press key) function and secondary (press [ F ] key +) function, if desired. See page 79 for details. VX-127 O & C ONNECTORS K repeater.
Page 10: Installation Of Accessories
Open the Battery Pack Latch on the bot- tom of the radio, then slide the battery downward and out from the radio while tilting the Belt Clip out of the way. CCESSORIES FNB-83 B VX-127 O...
Page 11 ” icon will blink on the LCD display, indicating that the battery pack must be recharged before further use. Avoid recharging Ni-MH batteries before the “ observed, as this can degrade the charge capacity of your Ni-MH battery pack. VX-127 O NSTALLATION OF E-DC-5B CCESSORIES E-DC-6 ”indicator is...
Page 12 To install the VX-127 into the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, align the hanger with the Quick- Draw Belt Clip, and slide the VX-127 into its slot until a click is heard (Figure 3). To remove the VX-127 from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, rotate the VX-127 180 de- grees, then slide the VX-127 out from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip (Figure 4).
Page 13: Interface Of Packet Tncs
The audio level from the receiver to the TNC may be adjusted by using the VOL knob, as with voice operation. The input level to the VX-127 from the TNC should be adjusted at the TNC side; the optimum input voltage is approximately 5 mV at 2000 Ohms.
Page 14: Operation
Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I’ll be helping you along as you learn the many features of the VX-127. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encour- age 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.
Page 15: Frequency Navigation
(subaudible) CTCSS tone. Or, if your friends have radios equipped with DCS (Digital Coded Squelch) like your VX-127 has, try using that mode for silent monitoring of busy channels.
Page 16: Transmission
VFO S The scanner will stop when it receives a signal strong enough to break through the Squelch threshold. The VX-127 will then hold on that frequency RESUME according to the setting of the “RESUME” mode (Set Mode Item 32: ).
Page 17 Once you have set up an appropriate frequency inside the 144 MHz Amateur band on which the VX-127 can transmit, you’re ready to go on the air! These are the most basic steps; more advanced aspects of transmitter operation will be discussed later.
Page 18: Advanced Operation
DVANCED PERATION Now that you’re mastered the basics of VX-127 operation, let’s learn more about some of the really neat features. In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various as- pects of the VX-127’s DIAL and keypad may be locked out. The possible lockout combi-...
Page 19 Your VX-127 includes a reddish illumination lamp which aids in nighttime operation. The reddish illumination yields clear viewing of the display in a dark environment, with mini- mal degradation of your night vision. Three options for activating the lamp are provided:...
Page 20: Rf Squelch
5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to nor- mal operation. The VX-127’s microprocessor includes programming which will measure the current bat- tery voltage. 1. Press the [ SET ( ) EMG ] key momentarily to enter the Set mode.
Page 21 The VX-127 includes a number of features which make repeater operation simple and enjoyable. The VX-127 has been configured, at the factory, with the repeater shift set to 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 (–) or upward (+), and one of these...
Page 22: Repeater Operation
If you just have one “odd” split that you need to program, don’t change the “default” repeated shifts using this Set Mode Item. Enter the transmit and receive frequencies separately, as shown on page 29. RPT.MOD .” SHIFT VX-127 O RPT.– ,”...
Page 23 PTT switch to transmit, you will observe that VFO-A and VFO-B will reverse positions. The VFO selection indicator “-b-” will blink while the transceiver is trans- mitting, this means that the VFO Split feature is now activated. VX-127 O EPEATER VFO S VFO.SPL...
Page 24 A split frequency pair set up via the VFO Split feature cannot be stored directly into memory. You can, however, store odd frequency pairs using a different (slightly simpler) procedure. See page 29. VFO S VSP.OFF to “ .” VX-127 O...
Page 25: Ctcss/Dcs/Epcs Operation
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-127, and is very easy to activate.
Page 26: Ctcss Operation
CTCSS. The DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your VX-127, and operation is very similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured for DCS;...
Page 27: Tone Search Scanning
If the Tone Scan feature does not detect a tone or code, it will continue to scan indefinitely. When this happens, it may be that the other station is not sending any tone. You can press the PTT switch to halt the scan at any time. VX-127 O CTCSS/DCS/EPCS O DCS O...
Page 28 Tone Scanning works either in the VFO or Memory modes. EPCS E The VX-127 includes an Enhanced CTCSS tone encoder/decoder and a dedicated micropro- cessor providing paging and selective calling features. This allows you to place a call to a specific station (Paging), and to receive calls of your choice directed only to you (Code Squelch).
Page 29 EPCS E The VX-127 does not recognize the order of the 1st tone and the 2nd tone. In other words, for example, the VX-127 considers both CTCSS pairs “10, 35” and “35, 10” to be identical. Activating the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch System 1.
Page 30 CTCSS/DCS/EPCS O The VX-127 can be operated in a Split Tone configuration via the Set mode. 1. Press the [ SET ( ) EMG ] key momentarily to enter the Set mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 43: 3.
Page 31: Storing Independent Transmit Frequencies ("Odd Split")
The VX-127 provides a wide variety of memory system resources. These include: 200 “Standard” memory channels, numbered “ A “Home” channel, providing storage and quick recall of one prime frequency. 10 sets of band-edge memories, also known as “Programmable Memory Scan” chan- nels, labeled “...
Page 32 5. To recall the HOME channel, press the [ REV ( HOME )] key momentarily while operating either in the VFO or MR mode. REV HM from “ “USA” V VX-127 O HOME ” to “ ,” if it is “EXP” V...
Page 33: Memory Mode
(alpha-numeric “Tag”) display. To disable the alpha-numeric Tag (enabling the frequency display): 1. Set the VX-127 to the “MR” (Memory Recall) mode, and recall the memory channel on which you wish to disable the alpha-numeric Tag. 2. Press the [ SET ( ) EMG ] key momentarily to enter the Set mode.
Page 34 Once you have recalled a particular memory channel, you may easily tune off that channel, as though you were in the “VFO” mode. 1. With the VX-127 in the “MR” (Memory Recall) mode, select the desired memory channel. 2. Press the [ MR ( SKIP )] key momentarily to activate the “Memory Tuning”...
Page 35: Memory Recall
The large number of memories available in the VX-127 could be difficult to utilize without some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the VX-127 includes provision for dividing the memories into as many as ten Memory Groups, so you can categorize the memories in a manner convenient to you.
Page 36: Memory Only Mode
2. Press and hold in the MONI switch (just below the PTT switch) while turning the radio on. 3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the “ press the [ F ] key. To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure. F5 M-ONLY ” option, then VX-127 O...
Page 37 VX-127 O...
Page 38: Scanning
CANNING The VX-127 allows you to scan just the memory channels, the entire operating band, or a portion of that band. It will halt on signals encountered, so you can talk to the station(s) on that frequency, if you like.
Page 39: Vfo Scanning
The VX-127 provides two VFO scanning functions: “Manual VFO Scanning” and “Pro- grammed VFO Scanning.” Manual VFO Scan 1. Select the VFO mode by pressing the [ VFO ( PRI )] key, if necessary. 2. Press and hold in either the [ ( MHz )] or [ ( MHz )] key for one second to initiate upward or downward scanning, respectively.
Page 40: Memory Scanning
DIAL knob in the MR mode, whether or not it is locked out of the scanning loop). SKIP .” The current Memory ONLY VX-127 O ” se- ” in step 3 above (the “Skipped”...
Page 41: Preferential Memory Scan
Preferential Memory Scan The VX-127 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.
Page 42: Memory Bank Scan
6. To remove a Memory Bank from the Memory Bank Link Scan, repeat steps 2 and 3 above, to delete the “decimal point” from the Memory Bank number indication. BANK 1 BANK10 ” ~ “ ” and “ ” of the Memory Bank BAN.K 2 VX-127 O ”) you wish to sweep using...
Page 43: Pms
(Band Limit) Memory Scan. Scanning will now be limited within the just-programmed range. 6. 10 pairs of Band Limit memories, labeled L1/U1 through L10/U10 are available. You therefore can set upper and lower operation limits in multiple segments on the band, if you like. VX-127 O CANNING PMSxx...
Page 44: Vfo Priority
4. Press [ F ] [ VFO ( PRI )] again to disable the Memory Priority mode. When the Memory Bank feature is activated, the VX-127 will check the lowest num- bered memory channel in the current Memory Bank as the Priority Channel.
Page 45: (Dual Watch)
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation. 6. To disable the Priority Revert operation, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “ VX-127 O Priority Revert Mode PRI.RVT RVT.OFF ”...
Page 46: Band Edge Beeper
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation. The VX-127 will automatically “beep” when a band edge is encountered during scanning (either in standard VFO scanning or during PMS operation). You may also enable this feature (band edge beeper) to operate when the frequency reaches the band edge while tuning using the DIAL knob.
Page 47 VX-127 O...
Page 48: Emergency Feature
MERGENCY EATURE The VX-127 includes an “Emergency” feature which may be useful if you have someone monitoring on the same frequency as your transceiver’s “Home” channel. See page 30 for details on setting up the Home channel. The “Emergency” feature is activated by pressing and holding in the [ SET ( for one second.
Page 49 The Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature has two operating modes: (1) Interval mode and (2) Continuous mode. In the Interval mode, when the VX-127 receives the CTCSS tone pair which is stored in the Receiving Pager Code Memory (configured via Set Mode Item 18: ECS.CDR) on the frequency which is stored in Memory Channel “200”...
Page 50 When the Emergency Automatic ID feature is activated, the “ icon will blink in the LCD. The VX-127 will ignore the EAI feature when the (1) the squelch is open, (2) there is an incoming the signal on the operating frequency, or (3) the operat- ing frequency is the same as the frequency which is stored in the Memory Channel “200.”...
Page 51: Smart Search Operation
Smart Search is a great tool when visiting a city for the first time. You don’t need to spend hours looking up repeater frequencies from a reference guide- book. . .just ask your VX-127 where the action is! VX-127 O...
Page 52: Internet Connection Feature
NTERNET ONNECTION FEATURE The VX-127 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) net- work, 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 53 13. To disable the Internet Connection feature, press the [ F ] key, then press the [ SET ( ) EMG ] key (the “ To return to the WIRES™ mode, repeat steps 3 - 6 above, selecting “ VX-127 O NTERNET ) EMG ] key momentarily to enter the Set mode. ” (representing DTMF ”...
Page 54: Arts (Automatic Range Transponder System)
: Every time a polling transmission is received from the other station, the alert beeps will be heard. No alert beeps will be heard; you must look at the display to confirm current ARTS™ status. ” indication. VX-127 O ™ in order to resume...
Page 55 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired polling interval ( seconds). 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-127 O ARTS OUT. RNG IN.RNG ”...
Page 56: Cw Identifier Setup
12. Press the PTT switch to save the settings and exit to normal operation. You may check your work by monitoring the entered callsign. To do this, repeat steps 1- 7 above, then press the MONI switch. CW WRT CWID VX-127 O...
Page 57 The VX-127 is provided the Nine DTMF Autodial memories which allowing you to store telephone numbers for autopatch use. You can also store short autopatch or Internet-link access code streams so as to avoid having to send them manually. Here is the DTMF Autodial storage procedure: 1.
Page 58 VX-127 O...
Page 59: Dtmf Pager Operation
DTMF P AGER The VX-127 allows you to utilize a DTMF (Dual-Tone, Multi-Frequency) tone encoder/ decoder, with a dedicated microprocessor providing paging and selective calling features now that you've installed the optional FTD-7 DTMF Paging Unit. This capability allows you to make a call to a specific station (Paging), and to receive calls of your choice di- rected only to you (Code Squelch).
Page 60 “ ” in step 4 above. During DTMF Pager operation, you may set up the VX-127 such that a ringing “Bell” sound alerts you to the fact that a call is coming in, as described previously. See page 27 of the Operating Manual for details.
Page 61 ANI code after the 3-digit DTMF pager code. You may scroll the received ANI code by rotating the DIAL knob. 8. To disable the ANI feature, just repeat the above procedure, ro- tating the DIAL knob to select “ VX-127 O PERATION R ANI.WRT .”...
Page 62: Miscellaneous Settings
ISCELLANEOUS The VX-127 provides a security password feature which can minimize the chance that your transceiver could be used by an unauthorized party. When the password feature is activated, the radio will ask for the four digit password to be entered when the radio is first turned on.
Page 63 (“AUTO”), any number of which may be important to your operating requirements. The VX-127 is set up at the factory in the “AUTO” configuration, which probably is satisfactory for most operation. However, if you need to change the channel step increments, the procedure to do so is very easy.
Page 64 ISCELLANEOUS An important feature of the VX-127 is its Receive Battery Saver, which “puts the radio to sleep” for a time interval, periodically “waking it up” to check for activity. If somebody is talking on the channel, the VX-127 will remain in the “active” mode, then resume its “sleep”...
Page 65 Rotate the VOL/PWR knob counter-clockwise to the “off” position, then clockwise out of the click-stop, to turn the radio on after an APO shutdown. VX-127 O ISCELLANEOUS TX/BUSY I BSY.LED LED.OFF...
Page 66 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “ (thus activating the BCLO feature). 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. ETTINGS BCLO BCLO BCL. ON ” VX-127 O...
Page 67 4. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. 5. Remember to restore the default setting to “ Normal) when done. VX-127 O ISCELLANEOUS DCS C ® ®...
Page 68 The VX-127 includes a simple method of accomplishing this: 1. Press the [ SET ( ) EMG ] key momentarily to enter the Set mode.
Page 69: Reset Procedures
4. Press the [ F ] key momentarily to complete the reset procedure. The “F5” option is used for setting up the “Memory Only” mode, and “F6” is used for Cloning. See page 34 for details regarding the memory Only mode, and the next section regarding Cloning. VX-127 O ESET ROCEDURES...
Page 70: Cloning
The VX-127 includes a convenient “Clone” feature, which allows the memory and con- figuration data from one transceiver to be transferred to another VX-127. This can be particularly useful when configuring a number of transceivers for a public service opera- tion.
Page 71 VX-127 O...
Page 72: Set Mode
The VX-127 Set Mode, already described in parts of many previous chapters, is easy to activate and set. It may be used for configuration of a wide variety of transceiver param- eters, some of which have not been detailed previously. Use the following procedure to activate the Set Mode: 1.
Page 73 56 [ PAG.COD ] Setting the Pager Code for the DTMF Pager. 57 [ PAG.ABK ] Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the DTMF Pager. VX-127 O EMG.BEP / EMG.LMP / EMG.B+L / EMG.CWT / EMG.C+B / EMG.C+L / EMG.ALL / OFF INT.OFF / INT.COD / INT.MEM...
Page 74 200 MS / 300 MS / 500 MS / 1 S / 2 S / OFF SAV.OFF / SAV. ON INT.OFF / INT.COD / INT.MEM CODE 0 - CODE 9, CODE A - CODE F, ( CODE 1 ) d1 - d9 VX-127 O...
Page 75 Program the ANI Identifier. Enables/Disables the ANI function. Setting the Pager Code for the DTMF Pager. Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the DTMF Pager. VX-127 O 6 [ BEEP ] 25 [ LAMP ] 26 [ LOCK ] 27 [ M/T-CL ]...
Page 76 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. Available Values: OFF/1T/3T/5T/8T/CONT (Continuous ringing) Default: OFF VX-127 O...
Page 77 Function: Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed. Available Values: 50MS (high speed)/100MS (low speed) Default: 50MS VX-127 O DCS CODE 023 025 026 031 032 036 043 047 051 053 054 065 071 072 073 074 114 115 116 122...
Page 78 When the radio is set to the EMG.CWT, EMG.C+B, EMG.C+L, or EMG.ALL mode, the radio will be instructed to send “DE (your callsign)” after the sending of the SOS message, if your callsign is entered via Set Mode Item 10: CWID ] key, if this Menu is VX-127 O...
Page 79 Disables the Keypad/LCD lamp. Set Mode Item 26 LOCK Function: Selects the Control Locking lockout combination. Available Values: LK KEY/LKDIAL/LK K+D/LK PTT/LK P+K/LK P+D/LK ALL Default: LK K+D Note: “K” = “Key;” “D” = “Dial;” and “P” = “PTT.” VX-127 O...
Page 80 BUSY: The scanner will hold until the signal disappears, then will resume when the car- rier drops. HOLD: The scanner will stop when a signal is received, and will not restart. TIME: The scanner will hold for the five seconds, then resume whether or not the other station is still transmitting. VX-127 O...
Page 81 CONT: The transceiver makes a sweep in each direction as with the “SINGLE” mode, but if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, the radio continues sweeping until they are all filled. VX-127 O...
Page 82 “DCS” parameter while configuring Set Mode Item 44: DCS Encode only. T DCS: Encodes a CTCSS tone and Decodes a DCS code. D TSQL: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS tone. Select the desired operating mode from the selections shown above. VX-127 O...
Page 83 Available Values: SAV.OFF/ SAV. ON Default: SAV.OFF Set Mode Item 50 VFO.SPL Function: Enables or disables “VFO Split” operation. Available Values: VSP.OFF/VSP. ON Default: VSP.OFF VX-127 O SPLIT regarding additional selections available during CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY ( Hz ) 67.0 69.3 82.5...
Page 84 Set Mode Item 56 PAG.COD Function: Setting the Pager Code for the DTMF Pager. See page 57 for details. Set Mode Item 57 PAG.ABK Function: Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the DTMF Pager. Available Values: ABK.OFF/ABK. ON Default: ABK. OFF VX-127 O...
Page 85: Specifications
MHz amateur band only. Frequency ranges and functions will vary according to trans- ceiver version; check with your dealer. VX-127 O RX 430 - 440 MHz or 420 - 470 MHz TX 430 - 440 MHz or 430 - 450 MHz 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz...
Page 86 2 seconds, along with the current DC supply voltage, when you turn the radio on. Peel off the Connector Caution Seal FTD-7 DTMF P Press the Optional Unit VX-127 O ” Affix the supplied Caution Seal...
Page 87 1. Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by VERTEX STANDARD could void the user’s authorization to operate this device. 2. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference including received, interference that may cause undesired operation.

Yaesu VX-127 Operating Manual

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