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ALINCO, INC.
Y odoyabashi Dai-bldg 13F
4-4-9 Koraibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 541-0043 Japan
Phone: +81-6-7636-2362 Fax: +81-6-6208-3802
http://www.alinco.com
E-mail:export@alinco.co.jp
DR-138: VHF FM Transceiver 136.000-173.995MHz
DR-438: UHF FM Transceiver 400.000-469.995MHz
All EU and EFTA member states.
Operator license is required.
Copyright Alinco, lnc. PS0665B/FNEG-NL
Printed in China
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Table of Contents
Related Manuals for Alinco DR-438
Summarization of Contents
Introduction to the Transceiver
Lightning Safety Precautions
Advises caution regarding lightning protection and manufacturer responsibility during storms.
North American User Regulations
Explains regional restrictions and dealer programming requirements for North American users.
Safety Training Information
RF Exposure and Compliance Guidelines
Details RF energy generation, classification, and FCC/Industry Canada exposure requirements for occupational use.
Electromagnetic Interference and Compatibility
Guidance on avoiding interference with other electronic devices and systems during transmissions.
Occupational and Controlled Use Context
Information on using the transceiver in specific occupational environments where users are aware of RF hazards.
Regulatory Compliance and Precautions
FCC Information for Radiators
Details compliance with FCC rules for unintentional radiators and potential interference in residential installations.
Canadian License-Exempt Apparatus
States compliance with Industry Canada rules for license-exempt apparatus.
General Product Precautions
Manufacturer disclaimer regarding third-party device failures and product responsibility.
Safe Product Handling Guidelines
Provides instructions for safe product handling, including audio levels, modifications, and environmental conditions.
Emergency Response Actions
Outlines steps to take in case of product malfunction, damage, or hazardous situations.
Environmental and Usage Alerts
Operational Environment and Driving Alerts
Advises on traffic regulations, device proximity, keeping out of reach of children, and environmental conditions.
Usage Restrictions and Warnings
Details conditions to avoid, such as humid/dusty places, unstable positions, heat sources, and dew formation.
Connecting Devices and Power Disconnection
Guidance on connecting external devices and disconnecting power when the unit is not in use.
PC Programming and Cable Requirements
Notes on software availability for dealers and the need for a USB programming cable.
Supplied Accessories and Initial Setup
Package Contents Checklist
Lists all included accessories for the transceiver, ensuring all items are present.
Initial Installation Procedures Overview
Provides an overview of the steps required for setting up the transceiver.
Chapter 2: Initial Installation Guide
Mobile Installation Instructions
Guide for mounting the transceiver bracket and unit securely within a vehicle, considering airbags.
Chapter 2: Initial Installation Guide
DC Power Cable Connection for Mobile Use
Detailed steps for connecting the DC power cable to the vehicle battery and transceiver for mobile operation.
Chapter 2: Initial Installation Guide
Fixed Station Power Supply Connection
Instructions for connecting the transceiver to a separate 13.8V DC power supply for fixed operation.
Fuse Replacement Procedure
Information on identifying blown fuses and replacing them with the correct rating to prevent damage.
Chapter 2: Initial Installation Guide
Power Supply Voltage Display Function
How to check the supply voltage on the LCD and understanding its operating range and accuracy.
Antenna Connection for Optimal Performance
Guidance on connecting an efficient, well-tuned antenna using 50Ω impedance for optimal performance.
External Speaker Connection
Instructions for connecting an external speaker, including impedance and plug type requirements.
Chapter 2: Initial Installation Guide
Microphone Connection and Mounting
How to connect the microphone to the main unit and attach the supplied microphone hanger.
Chapter 3: Getting Acquainted with the Unit
Front Panel Controls and Basic Functions
Identifies and explains the basic functions of front panel keys, knobs, and the microphone connector.
Key Functions and Setting Mode Access
Details functions accessed by pressing FUNC key with other keys, and continuous press functions.
Chapter 3: Getting Acquainted with the Unit
Rear Panel Connection Ports
Identifies and describes the rear panel connectors, including external power, speaker, and antenna.
Understanding the Display Indicators
Explains the various icons, indicators, and information shown on the transceiver's LCD display.
Chapter 3: Getting Acquainted with the Unit
Microphone Keypad Operations
Details the functions of microphone keys (UP, DOWN, PTT, Numeric, DTMF ON/OFF, LOCK) and its connector pinout.
Chapter 4: Operating Modes
VFO Mode Configuration Options
Explains setting up VFO mode with Frequency+Memory or Channel+Name Tag options for display.
Commercial Radio Mode ('CH')
Details the 'CH' mode, its limitations, and reliance on PC software for setup and masked parameters.
Chapter 5: Basic Operations
Powering On/Off and Volume Adjustment
Instructions for switching the transceiver on/off using the PWR key or ignition, and adjusting the audio volume.
Switching Between VFO and Memory Modes
How to switch between Frequency (VFO) mode and Memory mode using the V/M key.
Adjusting Frequency/Channel with Dial
Using the main dial to adjust frequency in VFO mode or channel in memory mode, including 1MHz step.
Squelch Level Adjustment Guide
How to adjust the squelch level using the SQL knob to eliminate background noise.
Receiving and Transmitting Procedures
Basic procedures for receiving signals and initiating a transmission by pressing the PTT key.
Chapter 5: Basic Operations
Transmitting Tone Burst Tones
How to transmit pre-programmed tone-burst tones using the microphone's DOWN key.
Transmitting Optional Signaling
How to transmit pre-stored DTMF, 2Tone, or 5Tone signaling using the microphone's UP key.
Memory Channel Programming Steps
Step-by-step guide to storing frequencies and settings into memory channels using VFO and dial.
Memory Channel Deleting Procedure
Procedure for removing stored channels from memory using FUNC and V/M keys.
Chapter 6: Key Operations
Squelch Control (Off and Momentary)
How to enable/disable squelch using MONI key or use the momentary squelch function.
Frequency and Memory Scanning
Procedures for scanning all VFO frequencies (Frequency Scan) or programmed memory channels (Memory Scan).
CTCSS/DCS Encode and Decode Setup
Configuring CTCSS tones or DCS codes for selective calling, including encode and decode modes.
Chapter 6: Key Operations
CTCSS and DCS Scan Functions
How to perform a scan to find matching CTCSS tones or DCS codes, with voice confirmation.
High/Mid/Low Power Switching
How to switch between high, middle, and low power transmission settings using FUNC and CALL keys.
Compander Functionality
Enabling the compander to reduce background noise and enhance audio clarity.
Offset Frequency and Direction Setup
Configuring repeater offset direction (positive/negative) and frequency settings.
Chapter 6: Key Operations
Keypad Lockout Enable/Disable
How to enable or disable the keypad lockout to prevent accidental key presses using FUNC and TS/DCS keys.
Auto-Dialer Setup and Operation
Information on setting up and using the auto-dialer for transmitting DTMF tones automatically.
Transmitting Auto-Dialer DTMF Tones
Procedure for transmitting pre-stored DTMF tones from the auto-dialer memory.
Emergency Alarm Activation
How to activate the emergency alarm function using the CALL key and its available modes.
Chapter 7: Parameter Setting Mode
Frequency Step Setup Procedure
Setting the frequency step increment for VFO mode operations using FUNC and CALL/MONI keys.
DTMF, DTMF ANI, 2Tone, 5Tone Signaling Configuration
Configuring signaling modes like DTMF, DTMF ANI, 2Tone, and 5Tone for selective calling and advanced features.
Chapter 7: Parameter Setting Mode
Sending 2-Tone and 5-Tone Calls
Procedure for selecting and transmitting a specific 2-Tone or 5-Tone group.
Sending DTMF Calls
Procedure for selecting and transmitting a specific DTMF group.
Signaling Combination Setup
Setting up signaling combinations to improve radio protection against irrelevant signals.
Chapter 7: Parameter Setting Mode
High/Mid/Low Power Selection
Switching between High, Middle, and Low power output levels using FUNC and CALL/MONI keys.
Bandwidth Selection for Local Plans
Selecting appropriate bandwidth (Wide, Middle, Narrow) according to local band-plans.
TX Off Setup for Receiver-Only Mode
Prohibiting transmission to use the radio solely as a receiver.
Chapter 7: Parameter Setting Mode
Busy Channel Lockout (BCLO) Configuration
Configuring BCLO (BU, RL, OFF) to inhibit transmission on busy channels.
Editing Channel Names in Memory Mode
Procedure for naming memory channels when in memory mode using FUNC and CALL/MONI keys.
Reverse TX/RX Frequency Function
Swapping transmit and receive frequencies and their associated CTCSS/DCS signaling.
Chapter 7: Parameter Setting Mode
Talk Around Function
Direct communication with other radios bypassing the repeater by transmitting on RX frequency.
Voice Compander Functionality
Enabling the compander to reduce background noise and enhance audio clarity.
Scrambler Setup (Encryption)
Enabling the analog voice inversion scrambler for confidential communication (DR-138S/438S version).
DTMF and 5Tone Self ID Enquiry
Checking the radio's DTMF Self ID and 5Tone Self ID.
Chapter 7: Parameter Setting Mode
Beep Sound Enable/Disable Control
Enabling or disabling audible beep sounds for entry confirmation, error status, or malfunctions.
Time-Out Timer (TOT) Function
Limiting transmission time to prevent continuous broadcasting and automatically returning to receiving.
Auto Power Off (APO) Function
Automatically switching off the radio after a preset time elapses (30min, 1hr, 2hr, OFF).
DTMF Transmitting Time Settings
Setting the duration for sending DTMF signals and intervals in milliseconds.
Chapter 8: General Settings
Display Illumination Color Selection
Selecting the color for the transceiver's LCD display illumination (ORG, PUR, BLU).
Scan Resume Time Setup Options
Configuring the conditions for resuming a scan (Timed Scan, Busy Scan, Scan Stop) after receiving a signal.
LCD Dimmer Adjustment
Adjusting the brightness level of the LCD display from 1 to 32.
Tone-Burst Tones Configuration
Selecting the frequency for tone-burst operations (1000, 1450, 1750, 2100Hz).
Display Mode Setup Options
Choosing between Frequency+Memory, Channel, or Channel+Name Tag display modes.
Chapter 8: General Settings
PIN Setup for Normal Status Access
Enabling or disabling PIN protection for accessing normal status when the radio is turned on.
Address List Management and ID Storage
Storing and managing desired IDs and corresponding names in the address list for ANI calling.
System Reset Options (Factory/Initial)
Procedures for resetting the microprocessor to factory default or initial setup settings.
Chapter 9: Microphone Operation
Keypad Lock Operation
How to lock and unlock the microphone keypad, excluding the PTT switch, by pulling the slide switch.
Transmitting DTMF via Microphone Keypad
Sending DTMF signals directly using the microphone's numeric keypad by sliding the DTMF key.
Function Setup via Microphone Controls
Using microphone keys to configure functions like squelch status and mode switching.
Switching Between VFO and Channel Modes
Switching between Frequency (VFO) and Channel modes using the V/M key on the microphone.
Short Calling Function via Microphone
Transmitting selected DTMF/2TONE/5TONE signaling via the microphone's UP key.
Frequency Step Configuration via Microphone
Setting the frequency channel step in VFO mode using microphone keys (DFUNC, then 1).
Optional Signaling Setup via Microphone
Setting DTMF, 2-Tone, or 5-Tone signaling via microphone controls (DFUNC, then 2).
Chapter 9: Microphone Operation
Scan Skip Configuration via Microphone
Setting channels to skip during scanning operations using microphone controls (DFUNC, then 3).
Frequency/Channel Scan Operation via Microphone
Initiating and controlling frequency or channel scanning using the microphone (DFUNC, then 4).
Busy Channel Lockout (BCLO) via Microphone
Configuring BCLO (BU, RL, OFF) to inhibit transmission on busy channels using microphone controls (DFUNC, then 5).
Reverse TX/RX Function via Microphone
Enabling or disabling frequency reverse using microphone controls (DFUNC, then 6).
Time-Out Timer (TOT) via Microphone
Setting the time-out timer limit using microphone controls (DFUNC, then 7).
CTCSS/DCS Settings via Microphone
Configuring CTCSS/DCS encode and decode settings using microphone controls (DFUNC, then 8).
Chapter 9: Microphone Operation
Power Selection (High/Mid/Low) via Microphone
Selecting High, Middle, or Low power output levels using microphone controls (DFUNC, then 0).
LCD Backlight Adjustment via Microphone
Adjusting LCD backlight brightness from 1 to 32 levels using microphone controls (DFUNC, then #).
Chapter 12: Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Default Settings After Resetting
Lists default settings for DR-138 and DR-438 after performing a microprocessor reset.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Identifies potential problems (e.g., no display, blown fuse, no sound) and their causes/solutions.
Chapter 14: Appendix
50 Groups CTCSS Tone Frequencies (Hz)
A list of 50 groups of CTCSS tone frequencies in Hertz, used for selective calling.
1024 Groups DCS Codes
A comprehensive list of 1024 groups of Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) codes.
Chapter 14: Appendix
1024 Groups DCS Codes (Continued)
Continuation of the comprehensive list of 1024 groups of Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) codes.
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