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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.
NTRODUCTION The Ultra Compact VX-8GE (60 x 95 x 28 mm: W x H x D) is equipped with a GPS receiver thinner than the previous advanced model - It is packed with advanced technology and features, designed for outdoor operation. It is submersible (IPX5) and shockproof! The com- pact case combines a rugged die-cast chassis with the clean, tough polycarbonate resin front panel.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
Frequency entry digit “8” Connection feature. RESS Activates the Spectrum Selects the desired transmit Activates the Audio Mute ECONDARY UNCTION Analyzer (Spectra-Scope ) power output level. Feature. RESS feature. HIRD UNCTION No Action. No Action No Action RESS AND VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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Enters the “Special Memory” Activates the Sub Band Disables the “Secondary” ECONDARY UNCTION mode. Operation feature. key function. RESS Activates the “Memory Write” HIRD UNCTION No Action No Action mode (for memory channel RESS AND storage). VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
(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.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
NSTALL the Battery Pack from the transceiver. ATTERY ELEASE 1) The VX-8GE battery must be correctly installed, to maintain the waterproof integrity. 2) Always use the Vertex Standard Co., Ltd. Model FNB-101LI or FNB-102LI Lithium-Ion Battery Pack. 3) Battery Pack shall not be exposed to excessive heat such as sunshine, fire, or the like.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
The FBA-39 is designed for use only with AA-type Alkaline cells. If you do not use the VX-8GE 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.
The audio level from the receiver to the TNC may be adjusted by rotating the DIAL knob while pressing and holding the g key, as with voice operation. The input level to the VX-8GE from the TNC should be adjusted at the TNC side; the optimum input voltage is approximately 5 mV at 2000 Ohms.
(see page 112). 3. To turn the VX-8GE off, press and hold in the p ( PWR ) switch again for 2 seconds. If you don’t hear the two “Beep” tones when the radio comes on, the Beeper may have been disabled via the Menu system.
PERATION QUELCH DJUSTMENT The VX-8GE’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 f key, then press the e key on the left side of the radio.
ELECTING THE PERATING In the factory default configuration, the VX-8GE 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”...
(toward lower frequencies), press the f key first, then press the B key. 3. The VX-8GE uses a dual VFO system (described previously). To switch TX/RX op- eration from the “VFO-A” to the “VFO-B” instantly, press the b key briefly. Pressing the a key will return TX/RX operation to “VFO-A”.
REQUENCY AVIGATION The VX-8GE 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-8GE:...
DIAL knob one click in the counter-clockwise direction while the VX-8GE 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.
Once you have set up an appropriate frequency inside one of the dual amateur bands on which the VX-8GE 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.
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PERATION RANSMISSION 1 ) The VX-8GE 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 RANSMIT OWER...
DVANCED PERATION Now that you mastered the basics of VX-8GE operation, let’s learn more about some of the really neat features. EYBOARD OCKING In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various keys and switches may be locked out. The possible lockout combinations are:...
However, this feature does not work during Dual Receive operation, as both the “Main” band and “Sub” band frequencies are shown on the display. OUBLE SIZE HARACTERS ARGE HARACTERS VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
EYPAD LLUMINATION Your VX-8GE 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.
The VX-8GE’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-8GE is set up at the factory with different default steps for each operating band which are probably satisfactory for most operation.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
EPEATER HIFTS Your VX-8GE 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 or 7.6 MHz.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
“HM” (for instant switching to the “Home” channel for the band you are operating on). To change the configuration of h key, use Set Mode Item 34: HOME/REVERSE. See page 135. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
DIAL knob in step 3 above. When the Reverse Tone Squelch system is ac- tive, the VX-8GE’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.
2) During CTCSS operation, you may set up the VX-8GE so a ringing “bell” sound alerts you to an incoming call. See page 37 for details. 3) You may set up the VX-8GE so a vibration alerts you to an incoming call, during CTCSS operation. See page 40 for details.
CTCSS. The DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your VX-8GE, and operation is very similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured for DCS.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
You can also press the e key during Tone Scanning to listen to the (muted) signal from the other station. When you release the e key, Tone Scanning will resume after about a second. Tone Scanning works either in the VFO or Memory modes. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
AGING QUELCH The VX-8GE 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).
AGING NSWER When you press the PTT switch to respond to a page call, the VX-8GE 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-8GE respond to page calls automatically (“transpond”). To enable this feature: 1.
PERATION CTCSS/DCS/EPCS B PERATION During CTCSS Decode, DCS, or EPCS operation, you may set up the VX-8GE 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.
B/M key, then press the c key repeatedly until the “SELECT” notation in the “Operation Mode” slot turns into “DELETE”. Now, press and hold in the c key for one second to delete that beep tone. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
PLIT PERATION The VX-8GE can be operated in a Split Tone configuration via the Set mode. 1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode. 2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 87: SQL SPLIT.
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-8GE will vibrate in accordance with this programming.
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 e key, and use the PTT switch for activating the transmitter. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
The VX-8GE 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.
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
For example, to recall memory channel #14, press 1 4 2) You may change the step of the fast channel selection mode ( f key + DIAL knob ) via Set Mode Item 47: MEMORY FAST STEP. See page 137 for details. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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-8GE in the Memory Recall (“MR”) mode, select the desired memory channel. 2. Now press the f key, then press c key. The “MR” in- dicator will be replaced by one which says “TUN”...
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
EMORY PERATION The large number of memories available in the VX-8GE could be difficult to utilize with- out some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the VX-8GE 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.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
To place the radio into the Memory Only mode, turn the radio off. Now press and hold in the c key while turning the radio on. To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
PECIAL EMORY HANNEL PERATION The VX-8GE 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.
CANNING ENERAL The VX-8GE 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.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
The VX-8GE has 100 VFO Frequency Skip Memory Channels. ETTING THE QUELCH EVEL DURING ACTIVE CANNING OPERATION The VX-8GE 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).
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 c key. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
REFERENTIAL EMORY The VX-8GE 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. When you initiate memory scanning on a channel with the blinking “...
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4. Release the B 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 c key. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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 ” EMORY ISABLED VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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 c key. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
CANNING ATCH The VX-8GE’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.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
UTOMATIC LLUMINATION ON The VX-8GE 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”).
This is normal, as the built-in GPS unit is downloading “almanac” information from the GPS satellites. 2) While the VX-8GE searches for a GPS signal, the compass icon does not appear on the display and the position information (Longitude/Latitude) blinks on the display.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
® APRS PERATION The VX-8GE 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.
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Digipeater Digipeater HF to VHF Gateway IGate (not Home Station) Operation via Satellite Hand-held Transceiver, such as VX-8GE Maritime Mobile Mobile Transceiver, such as FTM-350 Operation via Internet APRS touch-tone User (and the Occasional Balloons) Portable Units, such as Laptops, Camp Sites etc.
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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-8GE provides many convenient functions for APRS operation. Refer to the “APRS/ GPS Set Mode” chapter beginning with page 148 for details.
HARACTER HARACTER ETAILS LIST screen. Mic-E: Mic Encoder Station Mic-E: Mic Encoder Station 1) When the VX-8GE GPS signal (Emergency Beacon) is interrupted; such as when you Position (Fixed/Moving) Station enter into a tunnel, the display Position (Fixed/Moving) Station (Compressed Data)
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
1) You may toggle the APRS Beacon mode between “MANUAL”, “AUTO”, and “SMART” by pressing the M key. 2) When the APRS frequency is busy (Squelch is opened), the VX-8GE will not transmit an APRS Beacon in manual or automatic modes. Insure that the squelch is closed.
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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IGIPEATER ETTING The VX-8GE allows you to set up to eight digipeaters for the APRS Packet Path. The VX-8GE 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.
7. When you have finished reading the received message, press the B key to return to the APRS MESSAGE screen. 1) When the APRS function is activated, the VX-8GE Receiver Battery Saver is temporarily disabled. 2) You may change the alert beep tone via APRS/GPS Set Mode Item 8: APRS RINGER MSG.
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(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”...
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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9, and 0) in the same way as labeling memories. TORE THE IXED ESSAGE The VX-8GE allows you to store seven fixed form messages (up to 16 characters for each message). 1. Press the m key several times until the APRS MESSAGE screen appears on the display.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this 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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
3. Press the m key briefly to enable adjustment of this 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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
1 - 3 above, then press the f 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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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-8GE 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.
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-8GE is operating in the Mono band mode.
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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-8GE where the action is! VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
ESSAGE EATURE ENERAL The VX-8GE 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.
5. Press the M key briefly to enable programming of the personal ID. 6. Press and hold in the h 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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
“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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
MERGENCY HANNEL PERATION The VX-8GE 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 h key for one second.
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-8GE 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.
To disable the EAI feature, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step “4” above. The VX-8GE 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,”...
3. Press and hold in the PTT switch for five seconds. If the EAI signal is received by a VX-8GE 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.
EATURE ENERAL The VX-8GE 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/.
14. If you make a mistake, press the B 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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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7 above, you may press the d key, while you are transmitting, to send out the selected 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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
DTMF O PERATION The VX-8GE’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.
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
EARNING EATURE The VX-8GE 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 m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
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13. To stop CW generation, press the f 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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
CW T RAINING EATURE The VX-8GE 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 m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
2) You may monitor the “Battery Voltage” using Set Mode Item 20: DC VOLTAGE, and the “Temperature” using Set Mode Item 79: SENSOR INFO . LOCK The VX-8GE has a 24-hour clock with a calendar which covers all dates from January 1, 2000 through December 31, 2099 (accuracy: ±30 sec/month). To set the clock: 1.
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9. When you have finished the time setup, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to normal operation. The VX-8GE has a rechargeable Li-Ion battery cell used just for the clock. Therefore, the VX-8GE can maintain its clock data for approximately two months without using the main battery pack or external DC power.
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-8GE will clear the password, as well as all memories, and will restore all other settings to factory defaults.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
“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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
AVER ETUP An important feature of the VX-8GE 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-8GE will remain in the “active” mode, then resume its “sleep”...
Just press and hold in the p ( PWR ) switch for 2 seconds to 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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
ETTING ON/OFF P RESET IMER The VX-8GE includes the capability to turn itself on/off at preset time. If you use these features, you must first set the VX-8GE’s clock, as described previously (page 107). ON T IMER 1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
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-8GE includes a simple method of accomplishing this: 1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
ETER YMBOLS The VX-8GE 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. 1. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
(omit) these bands from the band selection loop. My Bands Setup 1. Set the VX-8GE to the VFO mode. 2. Press and hold the m key for one second to enter the Set Mode. 3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 96: VFO SKIP.
AUTO BACK: The g key keeps its status for approxi- mately three seconds after pressing the g key. 5. When you have completed your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal operation. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
The VX-8GE includes a convenient “Clone” feature, which allows the memory and con- figuration data from one transceiver to be transferred to another VX-8GE. This can be particularly useful when configuring a number of transceivers for a public service opera- tion.
ENERAL The VX-8GE 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.
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HANGING THE URSOR The VX-8GE 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 m key for one second to enter the Set Mode.
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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MODE1 / MODE2 / MODE3 Select the [ VOL ] key function. 99: VOLUME MODE NORMAL / AUTO BACK 100: WX ALERT Enables/Disables the Weather Alert Feature. ON / OFF : Depends on the operating band and transceiver version. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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(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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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 : Depends on the operating band and transceiver version. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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Example 2: Press the 2 key repeatedly to toggle among the four available charac- ters associated with that key: A 4. Press the M 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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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Function: Selects the function of the h key. Available Values: HOME / REV Default: REV HOME: Pressing the h key instantly recalls a favorite “Home” channel. Pressing the h key reverses transmit and receive frequencies during repeater REV: operation. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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Here’s how to program the Opening Message. 1. Select this Set Mode Item to “MESSAGE”. 2. Press the M key to enable programming of the Opening Message. You will notice VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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( ) 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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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The g key keeps the status while pressing the g key. NORMAL: AUTO BACK: The g key keeps the status for approximately three seconds after press- ing the g key. 100: WX ALERT Function: Enables/disables the Weather Alert Feature Available Values: ON/OFF Default: OFF VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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Function: Enables/Disables the automatic transmission of the APRS Beacon. Available Values: MANUAL/ AUTO/ SMART Default: MANUAL MANUAL: The VX-8GE does not transmit the APRS beacon automatically. To transmit the APRS beacon, just press the d key. AUTO: The VX-8GE transmits the APRS beacon automatically at the time interval which is set in Set Mode Item 12: BEACON INTERVAL.
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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“.MMM’”, the VX-8GE displays the location (Lat/Lon) in “ddd° mm. mmm” (Decimal system). When the “Position” item is set to “’SS””, the VX-8GE 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, regardless of this Set Mode setting.
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If you wish to change the ICON4 icon, press the M key twice, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Symbol Table ID (left digits in the parenthesis), then press the M key and rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Symbol Code (right digits in the parenthesis). VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
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LOW SPD: This item designates the lower speed threshold. The VX-8GE 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...
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TURN TIME: This item designates the minimum delay time between each APRS bea- con. The VX-8GE does not transmit an APRS beacon until this setting time has elapsed since the previous APRS beacon transmission, prevent- ing too frequent beacon transmissions.
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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-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
200 mW @ 8 Ohms for 10 % THD (@ 7.4 V DC) 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. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
PPENDIX C OMPUTER ONNECTIONS The VX-8GE 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.
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Electronic and Electric Equipment should be recycled at a facility capable of handling these items and their waste byproducts. In EU countries, please contact your local equipment supplier representative or service center for information about the waste collection system in your country. VX-8GE O PERATING ANUAL...
Declaration of Conformity We, Yaesu UK Ltd. declare under our sole responsibility that the following equipment com- plies with the essential requirements of the Directive 1999/5/EC. Type of Equipment: Dual Band Transceiver Brand Name: YAESU Model Number: VX-8GE Manufacturer: Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
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Copyright 2010 Printed in Japan VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be reproduced without the permission of VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.