Yaesu VX-2R Operating Manual

Vhf/uhf ultra-compact dual band transceiver

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Technical supplement (44 pages)

Operating manual (21 pages)

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Page 1 10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A. International Division 8350 N.W. 52nd Terrace, Suite 201, Miami, FL 33166, 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 Controls & Connections ... 2 Keypad Functions ... 3 Display Icons & Indicators ... 3 Accessories & Options ... 4 Installation of Accessories ... 5 Antenna Installation ... 5 Installation of the Supplied Belt Clip ... 5 Installation of FNB-82LI Battery Pack ...
Page 3: General Description
The VX-2R’s incredibly small size allows you to take it anywhere - hiking, skiing, or while walking around town - and its operating flexibility brings the user many avenues of operating enjoyment.
Page 4: Controls & Connections
MIC/SP VOLUME This control adjusts the audio volume level. Clockwise ro- tation increases the volume level. VX-2R O DIAL The main tuning Dial is used for setting the operating fre- quency, and also is used for menu se- lections and other adjustments.
Page 5: Keypad Functions
Memory Channel Number Skip Memory Channel or Preferential Memory Channel Priority Channel Dual Watch Active Alt. Keypad Active Operating Mode Low TX Power Selected VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL ONTROL EYPAD UNCTIONS Press + [ F/W ] Key Moves operation to the next-lowest frequency band.
Page 6: Accessories & Options
230 VAC. Availability of accessories may vary. Some accessories are supplied as standard per local requirements, while others may be unavailable in some regions. Consult your Yaesu dealer for details regarding these and any newly-available options Connection of any non-Yaesu-...
Page 7: Installation Of Accessories
Keep the dummy cover and screw in case you need to replace them in the future. 2. Connect the supplied Belt Clip, along with its mounting screw, to the rear panel. Do not use the Belt Clip screw to affix the dummy cover! VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 8: Installation Of Fnb-82Li Battery Pack
“CHGFUL,” the same display that you see at the end of the charge cycle. The NC-85 is only designed for the charging of the VX-2R’s battery, and is not suitable for other purposes. Please be advised that the NC-85 may contribute noise to TV and radio reception in the immediate vicinity, so we do not recommend its use adjacent to such devices.
Page 9: Interface Of Packet Tncs
The audio level from the receiver to the TNC may be adjusted by using the VOLUME knob, as with voice operation. The input level to the VX-2R from the TNC should be adjusted at the TNC side; the optimum input voltage is approximately 5 mV at 2000 Ohms.
Page 10: Operation
3. To turn the VX-2R off, press and hold in the POWER switch again for one second. 1) If you don’t hear the two “Beep” tones when the radio comes on, the Beeper may have been disabled via the Menu system.
Page 11: Squelch Adjustment
The VX-2R’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 pleas- ant, it also significantly reduces battery current consumption. The Squelch system may be adjusted independently for the FM and Wide-FM (FM Broad- cast) modes.
Page 12: Selecting The Operating Band
PERATION ELECTING THE The VX-2R covers an incredibly wide frequency range, over which a number of different op- erating modes are used. There- fore, the VX-2R’s frequency cov- erage has been divided into dif- ferent operating bands, each of which has its own pre-set chan- nel steps and operating modes.
Page 13: Frequency Navigation
The VX-2R will initially be operating in the “VFO” mode, a channelized system which allows free tuning throughout the currently-selected operating band. Two basic frequency navigation methods are available on the VX-2R: 1 ) Tuning Dial ( Outer ring of dual control on Top Panel ) Rotation of the DIAL allows tuning in the pre-programmed steps established for the current operating band.
Page 14: Transmission
Once you have set up an appropriate frequency inside one of the 144 MHz or 430 MHz Amateur bands on which the VX-2R 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 15: Keyboard Locking
In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various as- pects of the VX-2R’s keys and switches may be locked out. The possible lockout combina- tions are: KEY: Just the front panel keys are locked out DIAL: Just the top panel DIAL is locked out...
Page 16: Keypad/Lcd Illumination
PERATION Your VX-2R 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 Mode: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD for five seconds when any key pressed.
Page 17: Advanced Operation
Now that you’re mastered the basics of VX-2R operation, let’s learn more about some of the really neat features. HECKING THE The VX-2R’s microprocessor includes programming which will detect the battery type and measure the current battery voltage. 1. Press and hold in the [ H/L ] key for one second to enter the Set mode.
Page 18: Changing The Receiving Mode
PERATION HANGING THE The VX-2R 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 other receiving mode, just press the [MD] key. The receiving modes avail- able are: AUTO: Automatic mode setting per default values for the selected frequency range.
Page 19: Rf Squelch
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 RF Squelch. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 20: Repeater Operation
Repeater Shifts Your VX-2R has been configured, at the factory, for the repeater shifts customary in your country. For the 144 MHz band shift will be 600 kHz; on the 430 MHz band, the shift may be 1.6 MHz, 7.6 MHz, or 5 MHz (USA version).
Page 21: Manual Repeater Shift Activation
To do this, follow the procedure below: 1. Set the VX-2R’s frequency to the band on which you wish to change the default re- peater shift (144 MHz or 430 MHz Ham Band). 2. Press and hold in the [ H/L ] key for one second to enter the Set mode.
Page 22 “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 22: HM/RV. See page 67. EPEATER PERATION VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 23: Ctcss Operation
When “T SQL” is displayed, this means that the Tone SQueLch system is active, which mutes your VX-2R’s receiver until it receives a call from an- other 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.
Page 24: Dcs Operation
CTCSS. The DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your VX-2R, and operation is very similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured for DCS;...
Page 25: Tone Search Scanning
You can press the PTT switch to halt the scan at any time. You also can press the MONI key during Tone Scanning to listen to the (muted) signal from the other station. When you release the MONI key, Tone Scanning will resume after about a second. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL DVANCED...
Page 26: Ctcss/Dcs Bell Operation
PERATION CTCSS/DCS B During CTCSS Decode or DCS operation, you may set up the VX-2R such that a ringing “bell” sound alerts you to the fact that a call is coming in. Here is the procedure for activat- ing the CTCSS/DCS Bell: 1.
Page 27: Tone Calling (1750 Hz)
The transmitter will automatically be activated, and a 1750- Hz audio tone will be superimposed on the carrier. Once access to the repeater has been gained, you may release the MONI key, and use the PTT key for activating the transmitter thereafter. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 28: Arts (Automatic Range Transponder System)
3. Every 25 seconds, your radio will transmit a “polling” call to the other station. When that station responds with its own ARTS™ polling signal, the display will change to “IN RNG” to confirm that the other station’s polling code was received in response to yours. ANGE RANSPONDER VX-2R O YSTEM PERATING ANUAL...
Page 29 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired ARTS™ Beep mode (see above). 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT key to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL DVANCED...
Page 30: Cw Identifier Setup
PTT key to save the settings and exit to normal opera- tion. You may check your work by monitoring the entered callsign. To do this, repeat steps 1- 3 above, then press the [F/W] key. ANGE RANSPONDER VX-2R O YSTEM PERATING ANUAL...
Page 31: Dtmf Operation
Despite the lack of a DTMF keypad, you can still transmit DTMF tones with the VX-2R for repeater control or autopatch use. Manual DTMF Tone Generation 1. Press and hold the [ H/L ] key for one second to enter the Set mode.
Page 32 C. Press the [ H/L ] key momentarily to transmit the tone string. Once the string be- gins, you may release the PTT key, as the transmitter will be held “on the air” until the DTMF string is completed. DTMF O PERATION VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 33: Emergency Channel Operation
MERGENCY The VX-2R includes an “Emergency” feature which may be useful if you have someone monitoring on the same frequency as your transceiver’s UHF “Home” channel. See page 388 for details on setting the Home channel. The “Emergency” feature is activated by pressing and holding in the [ HM/RV ] key for one second.
Page 34: Receive Battery Saver Setup
PERATION ECEIVE An important feature of the VX-2R 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-2R will remain in the “active” mode, then resume its “sleep”...
Page 35: Automatic Power-Off (Apo) Feature
Just press and hold in the POWER switch for one second to turn the transceiver back on after an APO shutdown, as usual. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL DVANCED...
Page 36: Transmitter Time-Out Timer (Tot)
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “ON” (thus activating the BCLO feature). 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT key to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. IMER HANNEL ( TOT ) ( BCLO ) VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 37: Changing The Tx Deviation Level
The VX-2R includes a simple method of accomplishing this: 1. Press and hold in the [ H/L ] key for one second to enter the Set mode.
Page 38: Memory Mode
EMORY The VX-2R provides a wide variety of memory system resources. These include: r “Regular” Memory Channels, which include: ¦ 900 “Standard” memory channels, numbered “1” through “900.” ¦ 100 “Frequency Skip Memories,” numbered “901” through “999” and “000.” ¦ 11 “Home” channels, providing storage and quick recall of one prime frequency on each operating band.
Page 39: Regular Memory Operation
PTT switch in (this does not key the transmitter). Whenever you recall a memory which contains inde- pendently-stored transmit and receive frequencies, the “ ” indication will appear in the display. . VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL EMORY HANNEL...
Page 40: Memory Recall
Air Band 144 MHz Ham Band 146.520 MHz 144.000 MHz VHF-TV Band Action Band 1 430 MHz Ham Band 446.000 MHz 430.000 MHz UHF-TV Band Action Band 2 USA Version VX-2R O PERATION HANNELS REQUENCY USA V EXP V ERSION ERSION 0.540 MHz...
Page 41: Labeling Memories
PTT key to save the label and exit. To display the alpha-numeric “Tag” (label): 1. Set the VX-2R to the “MR” (Memory Recall) mode, and recall the desired channel. 2. Press and hold in the [ H/L ] key for one second to enter the Set mode.
Page 42: Memory Storage
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-2R in the “MR” (Memory Recall) mode, select the desired memory chan- nel. 2. Press the [ F/W ] key, then press the [ V/M ] key to activate the “Memory Tuning” fea- ture.
Page 43: Masking Memories
VFO, although the original memory contents will remain intact on the previously-stored channel. If a Split Frequency Memory channel was transferred, the Tx frequency will be ignored (you will be set up for Simplex operation on the Receive frequency). VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL EMORY...
Page 44: Memory Bank Operation
EGULAR Memory Bank Operation The large number of memories available in the VX-2R could be difficult to utilize without some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the VX-2R includes provision for dividing the memories into as many as twenty Memory Banks, so you can categorize the memories in a manner convenient to you.
Page 45: Memory Only Mode
To place the radio into the Memory Only mode, turn the radio off. Now press and hold in the [ V/M ] key while turning the radio on. To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 46: Special Memory Channel Operation
EMORY PECIAL The VX-2R provides Special Memory Channels, which made up of: r 10 “Weather Broadcast” Channels. r 280 VHF Marine Channels r 89 popular Short-wave Broadcast Station Memory Channels. You may assign the Special Memory Channels to a Memory Bank. See page 42 regarding Memory Bank Operation for details.
Page 47: Vhf Marine Channels
157.700 – 157.750 – 157.800 156.875 157.850 156.925 157.900 156.975 157.950 157.025 158.000 157.075 VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL EMORY HANNEL ] key, to recall the Special Memory Menu. ] key. . VHF M ARINE HANNEL REQUENCY Frequency Frequency Frequency ( MHz ) ( MHz ) 157.125...
Page 48: Sort-Wave Broadcast Station Memory Channels
5.975 7.275 9.570 13.670 6.155 7.200 9.750 11.850 5.995 9.580 9.660 12080 VX-2R O PERATION Station Name SPAIN Radio Exterior de Espana SPAIN Radio Exterior de Espana SPAIN Radio Exterior de Espana SPAIN Radio Exterior de Espana LUXBRG Radio Luxembourg...
Page 49: Scanning
The VX-2R 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. 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.
Page 50: Vfo Scanning
6. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or [ V/M ] key. 1) When you start scanning, the VX-2R will be changing frequency in the upward direction. If you want to change direction of the scan while it is un- derway, rotate the DIAL knob one click in the opposite direction (in this case, one click counter-clockwise).
Page 51: How To Skip (Omit) A Frequency During Vfo Scan
2. Press the [ F/W ] key to store the frequency into the Frequency Skip Memory; it now is programmed to be ignored during VFO scanning. The VX-2R has 100 VFO Frequency Skip Memory Channels. To re-institute a frequency into the VFO scan loop: 1.
Page 52: Memory Scanning
The “ONLY” selection is used for “Preferential Memory Scan,” described in the next column. 6. When you have made your selection, press the PTT key to save the setting and exit to normal operation. EMORY CANNING VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 53: Preferential Memory Scan
DIAL knob in the MR mode, whether or not it is locked out of the scanning loop). Preferential Memory Scan The VX-2R 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 “u” icon when you have selected them, one by one, for the Preferential Scan List.
Page 54: (Pms)
Priority channel. 4. Now set the VX-2R for operation on another memory channel, or on a VFO frequency. 5. Press and hold in the [ V/M ] key for one second. The display will remain on the VFO or memory channel selected;...
Page 55: Automatic Lamp Illumination On Scan Stop
UTOMATIC The VX-2R will automatically illuminate the LCD Lamp whenever the scanner stops on a signal; this allows you to see the frequency of the incoming signal better at night. Note that this will, of course, increase the battery consumption, so be sure to switch it off during the day (the default condition for this feature is “ON”).
Page 56: Smart Search Operation
Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Smart Search mode (see above). 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal operation. PERATION VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 57 8. To return to normal operation, just press the [ MD ] key. 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 guidebook…just ask your VX-2R where the action is! VX-2R O PERATING...
Page 58: Channel Counter Operation
The VX-2R performs a high-speed search within a ±5 MHz range from the frequency displayed on the LCD. When the strongest signal in that range is identified, the VX-2R displays the frequency of that (strongest) signal, and writes it into the special “Channel Counter”...
Page 59 Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired bandwidth. 5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT key to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL HANNEL OUNTER...
Page 60: Internet Connection Feature
NTERNET ONNECTION FEATURE The VX-2R 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 61 ] key, while you are transmitting, to send out the selected DTMF string (to establish the link to the desired Internet-link mode). 9. To return to the WIRES™ mode, repeat steps 2 - 5 above. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL NTERNET...
Page 62: Reset Procedures
2. Press and hold in the [ BAND ] and [ V/M ] keys while turning the radio on. 3. Press the [ F/W ] key momentarily to reset the Set (Menu) mode settings to their factory defaults (press any other key to cancel the Reset procedure). ESETTING ESETTING VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 63: Cloning
The VX-2R includes a convenient “Clone” feature, which allows the memory and configu- ration data from one transceiver to be transferred to another VX-2R. This can be particu- larly useful when configuring a number of transceivers for a public service operation. Here is the procedure for Cloning one radio’s data to another:...
Page 64: Set Mode
The VX-2R 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 65 Selects or disables the VFO band edge limiting for the current band. 48 [ WX ALT ] Enables/Disables the NOAA Weather Alert Feature. ø1: Depends on transceiver version. ø2: Depends on operating band and transceiver version. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL Available Values ( Default: Bold Itaric )
Page 66 ON/OFF 23 [INT MD] WIRES/LINK 30 [OPNMSG] DC/MSG/OFF 34 [RX MD] AUTO/N-FM/AM/W-FM 43 [STEP] 5/9/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz, or AUTO 47 [VFO MD] BAND/ALL 48 [WX ALT] OFF/ON VX-2R O PERATING EFALT EFALT EFALT EFALT EFALT EFALT EFALT EFALT EFALT EFALT ANUAL...
Page 67 Set Mode Item 7 [ BEEP ] Function: Enables/Disables the Keypad beeper. Available Values: ON/OFF Default: ON Set Mode Item 8 [ BELL ] Function: Selects the number of CTCSS/DCS Bell ringer repetitions. Available Values: OFF/1/3/5/8/CONT (Continuous ringing) Default: OFF VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL UMMARY...
Page 68 445 446 452 454 455 462 464 465 466 503 506 516 523 526 532 546 565 606 612 624 627 631 632 654 662 664 703 712 723 731 732 734 743 754 VX-2R O DCS CODE – –...
Page 69 3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of the message, then press the [ V/M ] key momentarily to save the first letter/number and move on to the next charac- ter. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL UMMARY ø...
Page 70: Sensor Mode
OFF: Disables the LCD/Keypad illumination Set Mode Item 25 [ LOCK ] Function: Selects the Control Locking lockout combination. Available Values: KEY/DIAL/K+D/PTT/K+P/D+P/ALL Default: KEY Note: “K” = “Key;” “D” = “Dial;” and “P” = “PTT.” UMMARY VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 71 3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of the message, then press the [ V/M ] key momentarily to save the first letter/number and move on to the next charac- ter. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL UMMARY...
Page 72 Function: Selects the Reciving mode. Available Values: AUTO/N-FM/AM/W-FM Default: AUTO (Mode automatically changes according to operating frequency.) Set Mode Item 35 [ RXSAVE ] Function: Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver interval (“sleep” ratio) Available Values: 200MS(1:1)/300MS(1:1.5)/500MS(1:2.5)/1S(1:5)/2S(1:10)/OFF Default: 200MS UMMARY VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 73 D CODE: DCS Encode only. T DCS: Encodes a CTCSS tone and Decodes a DCS code. D TONE: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS tone. Select the desired operating mode from the selections shown above. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL UMMARY...
Page 74 CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY ( Hz ) 67.0 69.3 82.5 85.4 100.0 103.5 123.0 127.3 151.4 156.7 171.3 173.8 189.9 192.8 210.7 218.1 250.3 254.1 VX-2R O 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7 88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4 107.2 110.9 114.8 118.8 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2 159.8 162.2 165.5...
Page 75 (or vice versa). Set Mode Item 48 [ WX ALT ] Function: Enables/Disables the NOAA Weather Alert Feature. Available Values: OFF/ON Default: OFF VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL UMMARY...
Page 76: Specifications
1.2 A (1 W Tx , 430 MHz) 3.7 V DC 1.5 A (2 W Tx , 430 MHz) 6.0 V DC 1.9 x 3.2 x 0.9 inch (47 x 81 x 23 mm) (W/O knob & antenna) 4.6 oz (132 g) With FNB-82LI & antenna VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 77: Auto" Mode Preset Operating Parameters
Specifications are subject to change without notice, and are guaranteed within the 144 and 430 MHz amateur bands only. Frequency ranges will vary according to transceiver version; check with your dealer. VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL 1.5 W (@ 3.7 V FNB-82LI 144 MHz) 3 W (@ 6.0 V EXT DC IN 144 MHz)
Page 78 9 kHz 5 kHz 5 kHz 5 kHz 100 kHz 25 kHz 12.5 kHz 25 kHz 12.5 kHz 50 kHz 12.5 kHz 25 kHz 12.5 kHz 12.5 kHz 25 kHz 12.5 kHz 50 kHz 12.5 kHz VX-2R O PERATING ANUAL...
Page 79 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-2R Operating Manual

General Description

Controls & Connections

Accessories & Options

Installation of Accessories

Interface of Packet Tncs

Operation

Advanced Operation

Memory Mode

Scanning

Smart Search Operation

Channel Counter Operation

Internet Connection Feature

Reset Procedures

Cloning

Set Mode

Sensor Mode

Specifications

Quick Links

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Questions and answers

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Summary of Contents for Yaesu VX-2R

Table of Contents