Yaesu VX-8GR Operating Manual
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Yaesu VX-8GR Operating Manual

144/430 mhz dual band fm with gps
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144/430 MHz
DUAL BAND FM TRANSCEIVER
WITH GPS
VX-8GR
O
M
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 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
VERTEX STANDARD ( AUSTRALIA ) PTY., LTD.
Normanby Business Park, Unit 14/45 Normanby Road
Notting Hill 3168, Victoria, Australia

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  • 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 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 VERTEX STANDARD ( AUSTRALIA ) PTY., LTD.

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Keypad Functions ............... 4 Memory Scanning ..............58 Accessories & Option ..............6 Accessories Supplied with the VX-8GR ........6 How to Skip (Omit) a Channel during Memory Scan ..59 Available Options for your VX-8GR ........7 Preferential Memory Scan ..........59 Installation of Accessories ............

  • Page 3: Operation

    GPS receiver, and outputs the location data (Lat/Lon) of the built-in GPS receiver unit and the Waypoint data of the received APRS beacons. We appreciate your purchase of the VX-8GR, and encourage you to read this manual thor- oughly, and learn about the many exciting features of your thrilling new Yaesu hand-held...
  • Page 4 The functions of the “on” to toggle the key keys are described lockout feature “on” in detail on pages 4 or “off”. and 5. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 5 Note 1): When a bar is shown under these icons, the Vibrator function is active. 2): When a dashed bar is shown under these icons, the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Vibrator function is active. 3): When a short-dashed bar is shown under these icons, the APRS Message Vibrator function is active. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 6 Activates the Internet Frequency entry digit “7” Frequency entry digit “8” Connection feature. Activates the Spectrum Selects the desired transmit Activates the Audio Mute Analyzer (Spectra-Scope ) power output level. Feature. feature. No Action. No Action No Action VX-8GR O...
  • Page 7 Frequency entry digit “9” Frequency entry digit “0” key function. Enters the “Special Memory” Activates the Sub Band Disables the “Secondary” mode. Operation feature. key function. Activates the “Memory Write” No Action No Action mode (for memory channel storage). VX-8GR O...
  • Page 8 NC-86B (for USA version: Q9500149) or NC-86C (for EXP version: Q9500150) Belt Clip 1 pc (RA1053600) Screws 2 pcs (M3x10SUS: U24310020) Plastic Cap 1 pc (RA1054200) Sheet 1 pcs (RA1231300) Operating Manual 1 pc Warranty Card 1 pc VX-8GR O...
  • Page 9 (Type-C plug), and “U” suffix is for use with 230 VAC (Type-BF plug). 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 approved accessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this ap- paratus.
  • Page 10 If you do not need the Belt Clip, install the sup- plied Plastic Cap to the Battery Pack (Figure 2). If you install the belt clip later, push the Plas- Figure 1 tic Cap out with a small tool or screwdriver. Figure 2 VX-8GR O...
  • Page 11 Knobs downward to unlock the latch, then remove the Battery Pack from the transceiver. The VX-8GR battery must be correctly installed, to maintain the waterproof integrity. If the battery has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged by connect- ing the NC-86B/C Battery Charger, as shown in the illustration, to the EXT DC jack.
  • Page 12 The present battery voltage can be displayed manually on the LCD, by following the instructions on page 107. Battery capacity may be reduced during extremely cold weather. Keeping the radio inside your parka may help preserve the full charge capacity. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 13 The FBA-39 is designed for use only with AA-type Alkaline cells. If you do not use the VX-8DR for a long time, remove the Alkaline batteries from the FBA-39, as battery leakage could cause damage to the FBA-39 and/or the trans- ceiver. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 14 The input level to the VX-8GR from the TNC should be adjusted at the TNC side; the optimum input voltage is approximately 5 mV at 2000 Ohms. Be sure to turn the transceiver and TNC off before connecting the cables, to prevent volt- age spikes from damaging your transceiver.
  • Page 15 Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I’ll be helping you along as you learn the many features of the VX-8GR. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I en- courage 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 16 The VX-8GR’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 pleasant, it also significantly reduces battery current consumption. 1. Press the key, then press the key on the left side of the radio.
  • Page 17 In the factory default configuration, the VX-8GR operates in the “Dual Receive” mode. During Dual Receive operation, the “A-Band” frequency will be displayed on the upper part of the LCD, and the “B-Band” frequency will be displayed on the lower part. The “Operating”...
  • Page 18 (toward lower frequencies), press the first, then press the key. 3. The VX-8GR uses a dual VFO system (described previously). To switch TX/RX op- eration from the “VFO-A” to the “VFO-B” instantly, press the key briefly. Pressing key will return TX/RX operation to “VFO-A”. The frequency band shown in “Large”...

  • Page 19: Frequency Navigation

    The VX-8GR will initially be operating in the “VFO” mode, as just described. This is a fre- quency step system which allows free tuning throughout the currently-selected operating band. Three basic frequency navigation methods are available on the VX-8GR: Rotation of the DIAL knob allows tuning in the pre-pro- grammed steps established for the current operating band.

  • Page 20: Scanning

    DIAL knob one click in the counter-clockwise direction while the VX-8GR is scanning. The scanning direction will be reversed. To revert to scanning toward a higher frequency once more, rotate the DIAL knob one click clock- wise.

  • Page 21: Transmission

    Once you have set up an appropriate frequency inside one of the dual amateur bands on which the VX-8GR can transmit (144 MHz or 430 MHz), you’re ready to transmit. These are the most basic steps; more advanced aspects of transmitter operation will be discussed later.
  • Page 22 1 ) The VX-8GR is smart! You can set up Low power on one band (like UHF), while leaving VHF on High power, and the radio will remember the different settings on each band. And when you store memories, you can store High and...
  • Page 23 Now that you mastered the basics of VX-8GR operation, let’s learn more about some of the really neat features. In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various keys and switches may be locked out. The possible lockout combinations are:...
  • Page 24 LCD to “toggle” between display of double-size characters and large characters. However, this feature does not work during Dual Receive operation, as both the “Main” band and “Sub” band frequencies are shown on the display. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 25 “OFF” in step 2 above. /LCD I Your VX-8GR includes a reddish illumination lamp which aids in nighttime operation. The red 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: KEY 2sec - KEY 10sec: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD for the selected illumination time when any key is pressed.
  • Page 26 The VX-8GR’s frequency synthesizer provides the option of utilizing tuning steps of 5, 6.25, 8.33, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 50 and 100 kHz per step. The VX-8GR is set up at the factory with different default steps for each operating band which are probably satisfactory for most operation.

  • Page 27: Sql S-Meter

    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 S-meter Squelch. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 28: Repeater Operation

    The VX-8GR includes a number of features, which make repeater operation simple and enjoyable. Your VX-8GR has been configured, at the factory, for the repeater shifts customary in your country. For the 144 MHz band, this usually will be 600 kHz, while the 430 MHz shift will be 1.6 MHz, 7.6 MHz, or 5 MHz (USA version).
  • Page 29 5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. If you just have one “odd” split that you need to program, don’t change the default repeater shift! Enter the transmit and receive frequencies separately, as shown on page 44. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 30 “RV” (for checking the input frequency of a repeater, or “HM” (for instant switching to the “Home” channel for the band you are operating on). To change the configuration of key, use Set Mode Item 34: HOME/REVERSE. See page 135. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 31 DIAL knob in step 3 above. When the Reverse Tone Squelch system is ac- tive, the VX-8GR’s receiver is muted when it receives a call from a radio sending a matching CTCSS tone. The “RTN” icon will appear on the display when the Reverse Tone Squelch system is activated.
  • Page 32 2) During CTCSS operation, you may set up the VX-8GR so a ringing “bell” sound alerts you to an incoming call. See page 37 for details. 3) You may set up the VX-8GR so a vibration alerts you to an incoming call, during CTCSS operation. See page 40 for details.

  • Page 33: General

    CTCSS. The DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your VX-8GR, and operation is very similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured for DCS.
  • Page 34 Receive the Inverted DCS Tone and transmit the Normal DCS Tone. RX-BOTH, TX-NORMAL: Receive both Normal and Inverted DCS Tones and transmit the Normal DCS Tone. RX-NORMAL, TX-INVERT: Receive the Normal DCS Tone and transmit the Inverted DCS Tone. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 35 This is different from the usual method of restoring normal operation, and it applies only to the configuration of the CTCSS/DCS frequencies. Remember to restore the default setting “RX-NORMAL, TX-NORMAL” (Receive and transmit the Normal DCS Tone) when done. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 36: Dcs Operation

    You can also press the key during Tone Scanning to listen to the (muted) signal from the other station. When you release the key, Tone Scanning will resume after about a second. Tone Scanning works either in the VFO or Memory modes. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 37 EPCS E & C The VX-8GR includes an Enhanced CTCSS tone encoder/decoder and a dedicated micro- processor 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 38: Paging Answer Back

    “bell” sound alerts you when a call is coming in. See next page for details. When you press the PTT switch to respond to a page call, the VX-8GR 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-8GR respond to page calls automatically (“transpond”).
  • Page 39 CTCSS/DCS/EPCS O CTCSS/DCS/EPCS B During CTCSS Decode, DCS, or EPCS operation, you may set up the VX-8GR so that a ringing “bell” sound alerts you that a call is coming in. Here is the procedure for activating the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell: 1.
  • Page 40 “SELECT” notation in the “Operation Mode” slot turns into “DELETE”. Now, press and hold in the key for one second to delete that beep tone. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 41 To do this, repeat steps 1 - 4 above, then press the key. The VX-8GR can be operated in a Split Tone configuration via the Set mode. 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

  • Page 42: Ctcss/Dcs/Epcs Bell Operation

    10. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. When you are called by a station whose transceiver is sending a CTCSS tone, DCS code, or CTCSS tone pair which matches that set into your Decoder, the VX-8GR will vibrate in accordance with this programming.
  • Page 43 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 key, and use the PTT switch for activating the transmitter. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 44 The VX-8GR provides a wide variety of memory system resources. These include: “Regular” Memory Channels, which include: 900 “Standard” memory channels, numbered “1” through “900.” 99 “Frequency Skip Memories,” numbered “901” through “999.” 7 “Home” channels, providing storage and quick recall of one prime frequency on each operating band.
  • Page 45 On rare occasions the memorized data may become corrupted by miss operation, or static electricity. When repairs are made the memory data may be lost. Please write down or record the memorized information so you will be able to restore it if needed. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 46 For example, to recall memory channel #14, press 2) You may change the step of the fast channel selection mode ( key + DIAL knob ) via Set Mode Item 47: MEMORY FAST STEP. See page 137 for details. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 47 [ 4 ] INFO 1 222.000 MHz 222.000 MHz ture. UHF HAM Band [ 5 ] 446.000 MHz 430.000 MHz [ 6 ] UHF Band 470.000 MHz 470.000 MHz [ 7 ] INFO 2 860.000 MHz 860.000 MHz VX-8GR O...
  • Page 48 During Memory Recall (“MR”) with Mono Band operation, the alphanumeric Tag will appear below the frequency display. The alphanumeric Tag does not appear if you activate the Dual Receive Mode. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 49: Memory Storage

    Once you have recalled a particular memory channel, you may easily tune off that chan- nel, as though you were in the “VFO” mode. 1. With the VX-8GR in the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode, select the desired memory channel. 2. Now press the key, then press key.

  • Page 50: Memory Recall

    Watch out! You can manually store data over a “Masked” memory, deleting previous data, if you’re not careful. Use the “next available memory” stor- age technique to avoid over-writing a masked memory. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 51 ODE R EMORY The large number of memories available in the VX-8GR could be difficult to utilize with- out some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the VX-8GR includes provision for dividing the memories into as many as 24 Memory Banks, so you can categorize the memories in a manner convenient to you.

  • Page 52: Memory Bank Operation

    A total of 16 charac- ters may be used in the creation of a label. 9. Press and hold the key for two seconds to delete all data after the cursor that may have been previously stored. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 53: Memory Only Mode

    To place the radio into the Memory Only mode, turn the radio off. Now press and hold in key while turning the radio on. To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 54: Weather Broadcast Channels

    ODE S EMORY The VX-8GR provides Special Memory Channels, which are made up of: 10 Weather Broadcast Channels. 57 VHF Marine Channels 1) The Special Memory Channels are only recalled on the “A-Band” 2) You may assign the Special Memory Channels to a Memory Bank. See page 49 re- garding Memory Bank Operation for details.
  • Page 55 157.125 161.725 156.450 157.200 161.800 156.425 157.175 161.775 156.500 157.250 161.850 156.475 157.225 161.825 156.550 157.300 161.900 156.525 157.275 161.875 156.600 157.350 161.950 156.575 157.325 161.925 156.650 157.400 162.000 156.625 157.375 161.975 156.700 156.675 157.425 162.025 156.750 156.725 VX-8GR O...

  • Page 56: Scanning

    CANNING The VX-8GR 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 57 Delay Time. Available selections are 0.1sec - 0.9sec (0.1sec/step) and 1.0sec - 10.0sec (0.5sec/step). 5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. The default condition for this Set Mode Item is “2.0sec”. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 58 2) You may change the scanner’s method of operation so the VFO frequency will jump to the low band edge of the next band when the VFO frequency reaches the high edge of the current band (or vice versa). See page 146 regarding Set Mode Item 95: VFO MODE. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 59: Vfo Scanning

    The VX-8GR has 100 VFO Frequency Skip Memory Channels. ETTING THE QUELCH EVEL DURING ACTIVE CANNING OPERATION The VX-8GR allows adjustment of the Squelch level “on the fly” while you are scanning. 1. While the scanner is engaged, press the key, then press the key (the current squelch level will appear below the frequency display).

  • Page 60: Memory Scanning

    Scan-Re- sume mode set previously. When there are no memory channels corresponding to the selected Memory Scan mode, the “MS ERR” notation will appear on the display. 5. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or key. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 61: Preferential Memory Scan

    “Preferential Memory Scan” channel, described in the next column. The VX-8GR 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 “ ”...
  • Page 62 4. Release the key to start scanning. When there are no memory channels corresponding to the selected Memory Scan mode, the “MS ERR” notation will appear on the display. 5. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or key. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 63: Memory Bank Scan

    1) When the Memory Bank is enabled for Memory Bank scan, the Memory Bank number (“B x”) in- dication turns into “bx” (capital “B” turns into small “b”). 2) You may enable/disable the Memory Bank scan via Set Mode Item 5: BANK LINK. “D ” VX-8GR O...
  • Page 64 6. 50 pairs of Band Limit memories, labeled L1/U1 through L50/U50 are available. You therefore can set upper and lower operation limits on a number of bands, if you like. 7. To exit to normal operation, press the key. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 65 “P ” S The VX-8GR’s scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which al- lows you to operate on a VFO or Memory channel, while periodically checking a user defined Memory Channel for activity. If a station is received on the Memory Channel which is strong enough to open the Squelch, the scanner will pause on that station in accordance with the Scan-Resume mode set via Menu Item 77: SCAN RESUME.
  • Page 66 Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “ON”. 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. To disable Priority Revert operation, select “OFF” in step 4 above. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 67: Band Edge Beeper

    CANNING The VX-8GR 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 battery consumption, so be sure to switch it off during the day (the default condition for this feature is “ON”).

  • Page 68: Gps Operation

    (Longitude/Latitude) blinks on the dis- play. 3) If the VX-8GR does not receive a valid GPS signal after three minutes have passed, you may be in a poor location for satellite reception, such as inside of a house or building;...
  • Page 69 See illustration below to find your offset time from UTC. If “UTC +0:00” is assigned, the time is the same as UTC. 6. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit from the APRS/GPS Set Mode. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 70 6. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit from the APRS/GPS Set Mode. Do not change the Map Datum while the GPS/APRS (described in the next chapter) is in operation. The position indication will be incorrect. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 71 VX-8GR O...
  • Page 72 ® APRS PERATION The VX-8GR is equipped with a 1200/9600bps AX.25 Data Modem to enable APRS ® (Automatic Packet Reporting System) operation. The Automatic Packet Reporting Sys- tem (APRS ) is a software program and registered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.
  • Page 73 Digipeater Digipeater HF to VHF Gateway IGate (not Home Station) Operation via Satellite Hand-held Transceiver, such as VX-8GR Maritime Mobile Mobile Transceiver, such as FTM-350R Operation via Internet APRS touch-tone User (and the Occasional Balloons) Portable Units, such as Laptops, Camp Sites etc.
  • Page 74 You may memorize your current location as plotted by the GPS (up to ten loca- tions can be saved). See page 157 for details. The VX-8GR provides many convenient functions for APRS operation. Refer to the “APRS/ GPS Set Mode” chapter beginning with page 148 for details.
  • Page 75 7. When the confirmation is finished, press key to return to the STATION LIST screen. Mic-E: Mic Encoder Station Mic-E: Mic Encoder Station 1) When the VX-8GR GPS signal (Emergency Beacon) is interrupted; such as when you Position (Fixed/Moving) Station enter into a tunnel, the display...
  • Page 76 MESSAGE REJ Received OWN BEACON ( MY POSITION ) Received : You may select your constructed user melody as the APRS Alert Beep via GPS/ APRS Set Mode Item 8: APRS RINGER MSG. See page 152 for details. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 77 6. Repeat above steps and select “OFF” to any other filters you wish to exclude. 7. When you have completed your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to the STATION LIST screen. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 78: Transmit An Aprs Beacon

    1) You may toggle the APRS Beacon mode between “MANUAL”, “AUTO”, and “SMART” by pressing the key. 2) When the APRS frequency is busy (Squelch is opened), the VX-8GR will not transmit an APRS Beacon in manual or automatic modes. Insure that the squelch is closed. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 79 Note: Some transceivers cannot receive the full 60-character message. We recom- mend that you make the message as short as possible. 12. When you have completed your entry, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to the STATION LIST screen. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 80 PERATION APRS B The VX-8GR allows you to set up to eight digipeaters for the APRS Packet Path. The VX-8GR is preset to “WIDE1-1” and “WIDE1-1, WIDE2-1” digi-path to insure that your transmitted APRS Beacon is repeated by the new-N paradigm digipeaters. We rec- ommend that you use this setting by default.
  • Page 81 7. When you have finished reading the received message, press the key to return to the APRS MESSAGE screen. 1) When the APRS function is activated, the VX-8GR Receiver Battery Saver is temporarily disabled. 2) You may change the alert beep tone via APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 8: APRS RINGER MSG.
  • Page 82 (G1 ALL , G2 CQ , G3 , or G4 YAESU Note: “ ” is a wild card indicating any received character will be accepted in that slot. 6. If you add a new message group code and/or bulletin group code, select “G5” (for message group code) or “B1”...
  • Page 83 9. The remaining number of transmissions of the message is shown on the display. When there is no acknowledgment packet (“ack”) after the APRS message has been transmitted five times, the “ ” (period) icon (on the APRS MESSAGE screen) or “TXOUT” notation (on the Detailed Message screen) will ap- VX-8GR O...
  • Page 84 ( through , and ) in the same way as labeling memories. The VX-8GR allows you to store seven fixed form messages (up to 16 characters for each message). 1. Press the key several times until the APRS MESSAGE screen appears on the display.
  • Page 85 ARTS in order to resume normal operation. This is a safety feature designed to prevent accidental loss of contact due to channel change, etc. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 86 Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired polling interval (25sec or 15sec). 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 87 Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired ARTS Beep mode (see above). 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 88 1) You may check your work by monitoring the entered callsign. To do this, repeat steps 1 - 3 above, then press the key. 2) You may adjust the monitoring tone (CW sidetone pitch) via Set Mode Item 18: CW PITCH. Available selections are 400 - 1000 Hz (50 Hz/step). VX-8GR O...
  • Page 89 The display indicates the relative signal strength on channels immediately adjacent to the current operating frequency. The Spectrum Analyzer feature can be activated only while the VX-8GR is in the “Mono” band mode. Three basic operating modes for the Spectrum Analyzer are available: In this mode, the transceiver sweeps the current band once.

  • Page 90: Smart Search Operation

    One-Shot searching; if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, however, the radio will continue sweeping until they are all filled. The Smart Search feature can only be activated while the VX-8GR is operating in the Mono band mode.
  • Page 91 7. To return to normal operation, press the 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-8GR where the action is! VX-8GR O...

  • Page 92: Message Feature

    ESSAGE EATURE The VX-8GR provides a message feature, which sends a message (up to 16 characters) instead of sending a voice. 20 different messages can be programmed, any one of them can be selected and transmitted with your ID. Note...

  • Page 93: Receiving A Message

    ID. 6. Press and hold in the key for two seconds to clear the previously stored personal ID, if desired. 7. Rotate the DIAL knob or press the keyboard to set the first VX-8GR O...
  • Page 94 Set Mode Item. 4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the member box (1 ~ 20) where your ID is stored. 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 95 “MSG” notation will appear on the display. 10. Press the PTT switch again (without speaking into the mi- crophone) to transmit the selected message on the coordina- tion frequency. It takes approximately 6 seconds to transmit the message. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 96 “OFF” in step 3 above. If you enable the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell feature or CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Vibrator Operation (described previously), you can tell that you are receiv- ing a message by the ringing “bell” sound alert or the vibrating of the trans- ceiver. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 97: Emergency Feature

    MERGENCY EATURE The VX-8GR includes an “Emergency” feature, which may be useful if you have some- one monitoring on the same frequency as your transceiver’s UHF “Home” channel. See page 45 for details on setting the Home channel. The “Emergency” feature is activated by pressing and holding in the key for one second.

  • Page 98: Emergency Automatic Id (Eai) Feature

    EAI feature on their transceiver, so that others can assist a fallen team member, if neces- sary. When the Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature is activated, and the VX-8GR receives the CTCSS tone pair, it will automatically transmit a brief (0.5 second) beep tone every 2.5 seconds until the EAI timer expires.

  • Page 99: Activating The Eai Feature

    DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step “4” above. The VX-8GR will ignore the EAI feature when (1) the operating band is set to “B-Band”, (2) the squelch is open, (3) there is an incoming signal on the operating frequency, (4) the operating frequency is the same as the frequency which is stored in the Memory Channel “EAI,”...
  • Page 100 3. Press and hold in the PTT switch for five seconds. If the EAI signal is received by a VX-8GR transceiver programmed with matching EAI CTCSS tones the EAI feature will activate. The lost operator’s radio will beep loudly, and its transmitter will re- spond repeatedly.

  • Page 101: Internet Connection Feature

    ONNECTION EATURE The VX-8GR 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 102 DTMF string. 14. If you make a mistake, press the key to backspace the cursor, and then enter the correct letter or number. 15. Repeat steps 12 through 14 until you have completed the access code (“#1101D”). VX-8GR O...
  • Page 103 DTMF string (to establish the link to the desired Internet-link node). 9. To return to the WIRES™ SRG mode, repeat steps 1 - 5 above, selecting “SRG” in step 4. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 104 DTMF O PERATION The VX-8GR’s keypad allows easy DTMF dialing for Autopatch, repeater control, or Internet-link access purposes. Besides numerical digits [ 0 ] through [ 9 ] , the keypad in- cludes the [ ] and [ ] digits, plus the [ A ] , [ B ] , [ C ] , and [ D ] tones often used for repeater control.
  • Page 105 Item 26: DTMF SPEED, see page 133 for details. 2) You can also set a longer delay between the time your transmitter is keyed and the first DTMF digit is sent, using Set Mode Item 23: DTMF DELAY, see page 133 for details. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 106: Cw Learning Feature

    CW L EARNING EATURE The VX-8GR provides a CW learning feature, which sends the designated Morse Code via the sidetone (heard in the speaker) to help your CW learning. 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 107 13. To stop CW generation, press the key again. 14. To disable CW learning feature, press the PTT switch. The “CPM” selection is based on the international “PARIS” standard, which stipulates five characters per word. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 108: Cw Training Feature

    CW T RAINING EATURE The VX-8GR provides another CW learning feature; call it a CW Training feature, which sends random Morse Code via the sidetone (heard in the speaker), so you can improve your CW proficiency. 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 109 2) You may monitor the “Battery Voltage” using Set Mode Item 20: DC VOLTAGE, and the “Temperature” using Set Mode Item 79: SENSOR INFO . The VX-8GR has a 24-hour clock with a calendar which covers all dates from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2099 (accuracy: ±30 sec/month).
  • Page 110 9. When you have finished the time setup, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. The VX-8GR has a rechargeable Li-Ion battery cell used just for the clock. Therefore, the VX-8GR can maintain its clock data for approximately two months without using the main battery pack or external DC power.

  • Page 111: Password

    2) If you forget the password number, you may turn on the transceiver by performing the “Microprocessor Resetting” procedure (see page 121). However, the VX-8GR will clear the password, as well as all memories, and will restore all other settings to factory defaults.
  • Page 112 5. Press the PTT switch briefly to save the new setting and exit to normal op- eration. Now, briefly pressing of the key will immediately recall the selected Menu Item. You must press the key again to exit to normal operation. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 113 “OFF” in step “5” above. 1) When the attenuator is activated, the “ ” icon will appear on the display. 2) The attenuator can be set independently on each operating band of the “A-Band” and “B-Band”. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 114 ISCELLANEOUS ETTING An important feature of the VX-8GR 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-8GR will remain in the “active” mode, then resume its “sleep”...

  • Page 115: Disabling The Busy Indicator

    ( PWR ) switch for 2 seconds to Just press and hold in the turn the transceiver back on after an APO shutdown, as usual. To disable the APO, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step 4 above. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 116 Alert bell will provide an audible warning from the speaker. 2) Since brief transmissions are the mark of a good operator, try setting up your radio’s TOT feature for a maximum transmission time of 1 minute. This will sig- nificantly improve battery life, too! VX-8GR O...
  • Page 117 ISCELLANEOUS ETTING ON/OFF P The VX-8GR includes the capability to turn itself on/off at preset time. If you use these features, you must first set the VX-8GR’s clock, as described previously (page 107). ON T 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 118 In such operating environments, it is often required that operators use reduced deviation levels, to reduce the potential for interference to users on adjacent chan- nels. The VX-8GR includes a simple method of accomplishing this: 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.

  • Page 119: S-And Tx Power Meter Symbols

    TX P The VX-8GR has four types of S- (Signal Strength) and TX Power Meter symbol formats available. You may change the default setting to any of the available symbols.
  • Page 120 The available selections are LEVEL 1 - LEVEL 4 (factory default: LEVEL 4). 5. When you have completed your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 121 For example, if you do not need the reception of the VHF and UHF TV bands, you may skip (omit) these bands from the band selection loop. My Bands Setup 1. Set the VX-8GR to the VFO mode. 2. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 122 AUTO BACK: The key keeps its status for approxi- mately three seconds after pressing the key. 5. When you have completed your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8GR O...

  • Page 123: Reset Procedures

    63: PAGER CODE-TX, 70: RPT SHIFT, 71: RPT SHIFT FREQ, 88: SQL TYPE, 91: TONE FREQUENCY, APRS /GPS Set Mode 4: APRS MSG FLASH, 16: DIGI PASS, 21: MSG GROUP, 22: MY CALLSIGN, 23: MY POSITION, 24: MY SYMBOL VX-8GR O...

  • Page 124: Cloning

    The VX-8GR includes a convenient “Clone” feature, which allows the memory and con- figuration data from one transceiver to be transferred to another VX-8GR. This can be particularly useful when configuring a number of transceivers for a public service opera- tion.
  • Page 125 VX-8GR O...

  • Page 126: Set Mode

    The VX-8GR 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 127 The VX-8GR has nine types of cursor symbol formats for the Set Mode operation. You may change the default setting to any of the available symbols. 1. Press and hold the key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
  • Page 128 Selects the channel step for the fast channel selection mode while in the Memory Recall 10CH / 20CH / 50CH / 100CH mode. 48: MEMORY NAME Stores “Alpha-Numeric” tags for the Memory channels. 49: MEMORY PROTECT Enables/Disables the Memory Write Protector. ON / OFF VX-8GR O...
  • Page 129 Select the [ VOL ] key function. 99: VOLUME MODE NORMAL / AUTO BACK 100: WX ALERT Enables/Disables the Weather Alert Feature. ON / OFF 1: Depends on the transceiver version. 2: Depends on the operating band and transceiver version. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 130 INT20min, INT30min, INT40min, INT50min, (INT 5min) Select the alarms utilized when the Emergency function is engaged. EMERGENCY SELECT BEEP / STROBE / BEEP & STROBE / BEAM / BEEP & BEAM / CW / BEEP & CW / CW-ID TX VX-8GR O...
  • Page 131 Selects or disables the VFO band edge limiting for the current band. VFO MODE ALL / BAND Set My Band. VFO SKIP Enables/Disables the Weather Alert Feature 100: WX ALERT ON / OFF 1: Depends on the operating band and transceiver version. 2: Depends on the transceiver version. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 132 Function: Enables/Disables the Memory Bank Link Scan. See page 61 for details. 6: BANK NAME Function: Stores Alpha-Numeric “Tag” for the Memory Bank. See page 50 for details. 7: BCLO Function: Enables/Disables the Busy Channel Lock-Out feature. Available Values: ON / OFF Default: OFF VX-8GR O...
  • Page 133 Function: Enables/Disables the Bell ringer function and its sound selection. Available Values: OFF / BELL / USER BP1 / USER BP2 / USER BP3 Default: OFF 14: BUSY LED Function: Enables/Disables the BUSY LED while the squelch is open. Available Values: ON / OFF Default: ON VX-8GR O...
  • Page 134 445 446 452 454 455 462 464 465 466 503 506 516 523 526 532 546 565 606 612 624 627 631 632 654 662 664 703 712 723 731 732 734 743 754 – – – – – – VX-8GR O...
  • Page 135 Function: Programming of the DTMF Autodialer. See page 102 for details. 26: DTMF SPEED Function: Selects the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed. Available Values: 50ms / 100ms Default: 50ms 27: EAI Function: Enables/Disables the Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) feature. Available Values: ON / OFF Default: OFF VX-8GR O...
  • Page 136 A 4. Press the key to move to the next character, if needed. 5. Repeat previous steps 3 and 4 to complete the message (up to 16 characters). VX-8GR O...
  • Page 137 34: HOME/REVERSE Function: Selects the function of the key. Available Values: HOME / REV Default: REV HOME: Pressing the key instantly recalls a favorite “Home” channel. REV: Pressing the key reverses transmit and receive frequencies during repeater operation. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 138 Function: Selects the operating mode of the Internet Connection feature (WIRES ). Available Values: FRG / SRG Default: SRG 40: INTERNET SELECT Function: Programming of the Access Number (DTMF code) for the FRG station of the WIRES (or non WIRES Internet Link System) access. See page 100 for details. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 139 Available Values: KEY / DIAL / KEY&DIAL / PTT / KEY&PTT / DIAL&PTT / ALL Default: KEY&DIAL 47: MEMORY FAST STEP Function: Selects the channel step for the fast channel selection mode while in the Memory Recall mode. Available Values: 10CH / 20CH / 50CH / 100CH Default: 10CH VX-8GR O...
  • Page 140 See page 91 for details. 53: MESSAGE REGISTER Function: Selects your Personal ID for the Message feature. See page 92 for details. 54: MESSAGE SELECT Function: Programming a Message for the Message feature. See page 90 for details. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 141 MESSAGE: The Vertex Standard Logo appears along with your message. See the fol- lowing procedure for creating a message. Here’s how to program the Opening Message. 1. Select this Set Mode Item to “MESSAGE”. 2. Press the key to enable programming of the Opening Message. You will notice VX-8GR O...
  • Page 142 Function: Program the CTCSS Tone Frequency for the User Programmed Reverse CTCSS Decoder. Available Values: 300 Hz ~ 3000 Hz (100 Hz/step) Default: 1600 Hz 66: PRI REVERT Function: Enables/Disables the Priority Revert feature. Available Values: ON / OFF Default: OFF VX-8GR O...
  • Page 143 Function: Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver interval (“sleep” ratio). Available Values: 0.2sec ~ 0.9sec (0.1sec/step), 1.0sec ~ 9.5sec (0.5sec/step), or 10.0sec ~ 60.0sec (5sec/step) Default: 0.2sec 74: SAVE TX Function: Enables/Disables the Transmitter Battery Saver. Available Values: ON / OFF Default: OFF VX-8GR O...
  • Page 144 TEMP: Indicates the current temperature inside the transceiver’s case. OFF: Disables the sensor information (Indicates the “Current Time” only). 79: SENSOR INFO Function: Indicates the information of the internal sensors. 80: SET MODE CSR Function: Selects the Set Mode Cursor. Available Values: nine patterns ( Default: VX-8GR O...
  • Page 145 This mode is activated similar to a “Continuous” mode. However, the transceiver outputs audio on the center frequency ( ) through the speaker when Spectrum Analyzer is activated. 85: SQL LEVEL Function: Sets the Squelch threshold level. Available Values: LEVEL 0 ~ LEVEL 15 Default: LEVEL 1 VX-8GR O...
  • Page 146 Set Mode Item 65: PR FRE- QUENCY is received). PAGER: Activates the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch. MESSAGE: Activates the Message feature. Note: See also Set Mode Item 87: SQL SPLIT regarding additional selections available during “Split Tone” operation. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 147 94: TOT Function: Setting of the TOT time Available Values: OFF / 0.5min - 10.0min (0.5min/step) Default: 3.0min (3 minutes) The time-out timer shuts off the transmitter after a continuous transmission which is equal to the programmed time. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 148 Function: Selects the vibration mode of the Vibrator function. Available Values: MODE1 / MODE2 / MODE3 Default: MODE1 MODE1: The transceiver vibrates continuously. MODE2: The transceiver vibrates for a long interval. MODE3: The transceiver vibrates for a short interval. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 149 AUTO BACK: The key keeps the status for approximately three seconds after press- ing the key. 100: WX ALERT Function: Enables/disables the Weather Alert Feature Available Values: ON/OFF Default: OFF VX-8GR O...
  • Page 150 19: GPS TIME SET Enables/Disables the GPS clock data to be used. AUTO / MANUAL 20: GPS UNIT Selects the units for the GPS information. Position: .MMM’ / ’SS” Speed: km/h / knot / mph Altitude: m / ft VX-8GR O...
  • Page 151 Sets the SmartBeaconing feature. (SmartBeaconing from HamHUD Nichetronix) OFF / TYPE1 / TYPE2 / TYPE3 27: TIME ZONE Set the time offset between the local time and UTC. UTC -13:00H ~ UTC +13:00H (0.5H / step) (UTC + 0:00H) VX-8GR O...
  • Page 152 When this item is set to “ON”, the transceiver shows the stations that send a packet signal other than the APRS beacon. APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 3: APRS MODEM Function: Enables/Disables the APRS modem (AX.25 Data modem) and its Baud Rate. Available Values: OFF / 1200bps / 9600bps Default: OFF VX-8GR O...
  • Page 153 BLN: When receive the bulletin message, the white LED light flashes according to the setting of this item. APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 5: APRS MSG TXT Function: Programming the Fixed form APRS Message. See page 82 for details. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 154 When a personal message is received, the alert ringer sounds according to the setting of this item. GRP, BLN: When a group or bulletin message is received, the alert ringer sounds ac- cording to the setting of this item. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 155 Function: Enables/Disables the automatic transmission of the APRS Beacon. Available Values: MANUAL/ AUTO/ SMART Default: MANUAL MANUAL: The VX-8GR does not transmit the APRS beacon automatically. To transmit the APRS beacon, just press the key. AUTO: The VX-8GR transmits the APRS beacon automatically at the time interval which is set in Set Mode Item 12: BEACON INTERVAL.
  • Page 156 OUTPUT item is set to “WAY.P (Waypoint)”. For example, “W6DXA-14” is “NMEA6”: DXA-14 “NMEA7”: 6DXA-14 “NMEA8”: W6DXA-14 “NMEA9”: W6DXA-14 Mic-E: When this item set to “ON”, the transceiver outputs the waypoint data including the MIC Encoder Beacon to the DATA jack. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 157 APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 18: GPS POWER Function: Enables/Disables the built-in GPS Antenna Unit. Available Values: GPS OFF/GPS ON Default: GPS ON APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 19: GPS TIME SET Function: Enables/Disables the GPS clock data to be used. Available Values: AUTO/MANUAL Default: AUTO VX-8GR O...
  • Page 158 “.MMM’”, the VX-8GR displays the location (Lat/Lon) in “ddd° mm. mmm” (Decimal system). When the “Position” item is set to “’SS””, the VX-8GR displays the location (Lat/ Lon) in “ddd° mm ss” (Sexagesimal System). The position information used during APRS operation is used to display the location (Lat/Lon) in Sexagesimal System, regard- less of this Set Mode setting.
  • Page 159 DIAL knob to select the desired Symbol Table ID (left digits in the parenthesis), then press the key and rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Symbol Code (right digits in the parenthesis). VX-8GR O...
  • Page 160 LOW SPD: This item designates the lower speed threshold. The VX-8GR transmits an APRS beacon when your movement speed becomes lower than the se- lected speed. The transmission interval time of the APRS beacon is set in...
  • Page 161 TURN TIME: This item designates the minimum delay time between each APRS bea- con. The VX-8GR does not transmit an APRS beacon until this setting time has elapsed since the previous APRS beacon transmission, prevent- ing too frequent beacon transmissions.
  • Page 162 L3: 2.5 W, L2: 1 W, L1: 0.05 W (@7.4 V) F2E, F3E: Variable Reactance Modulation Type: ±5 kHz (F2E/F3E) Maximum Deviation: At least 60 dB below (@ TX power HI/L3/L2) Spurious Emission: At least 50 dB below (@ TX power L1) Microphone Impedance: 2K Ohms VX-8GR O...
  • Page 163 400 mW @ 8 Ohms for 10 % THD (@ 13.8 V DC) Specifications are subject to change without notice, and are guaranteed within the 144/430 MHz amateur bands only. Cellular Blocked per FCC rule Part 15.121, may not receive 900 MHz Amateur band. VX-8GR O...
  • Page 164 PPENDIX C The VX-8GR allows connecting a computer COM port to the DATA Jack, and enables the following functions. Refer to refer to “APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 15: COM PORT SET- TING” for the details. Displays the location data (Lat/Lon) of the after-market GPS receiver on the dis- play.
  • Page 165 VX-8GR O...
  • Page 166 VX-8GR O...
  • Page 167 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 interference that may cause undesired operation.
  • Page 168 Copyright 2010 Printed in Japan VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. 1004q-AY All rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be reproduced without the permission of VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.

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