AIR BAND TRANSCEIVER Operating Manual VXA-210 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 MW 0 F
CONTENTS Important Notice! ........................................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................... 2 Controls & Connectors ................................................. 3 Top Panel .............................................................................. 3 Front Panel ........................................................................... 4 LCD Display ........................................................................
IMPORTANT NOTICE! FCC RF Exposure Compliance Requirements for Occupational Use Only: This Radio has been tested and complies with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF exposure limits for Occupational Use/Controlled exposure environment. In addition, it complies with the following Standards and Guidelines: r FCC 96-326, Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radio-Frequency Radiation.
INTRODUCTION The Vertex Standard VXA-210 Pilot is a compact, stylish, solid hand-held transceiver providing communication (transmit and receive) capability on the International Aircraft Communication Band (“COM” band: 118 ~ 136.975 MHz), and it additionally provides VOR and CDI navigation features on the “NAV” band (108 ~ 117.975 MHz).
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (TOP PANEL) Antenna Jack This SMA jack accepts the supplied flexible antenna, or another antenna designed to provide 50 W impedance on the Aircraft Communication Band. POWER/VOLUME Knob VOL DIAL Turn this control clockwise to turn the radio on and to increase the volume. Counterclockwise rotation into the click-stop will turn the radio off. BUSY/TX Indicator Lamp This lamp glows green when a signal is being received and red when transmitting.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (FRONT PANEL) LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) The display shows the selected operating conditions as indicated on the next page. Loudspeaker The internal speaker is located in this position. Microphone Speak across this opening in a normal voice level while pressing the PTT switch, to transmit. Keypad Several keys have dual functions.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (LCD DISPLAY) This field displays the course heading in degrees. See page 33. This is the Course Deviation Indicator, used during VOR Navigation. See page 32. This icon indicates that the “Book” Memory Bank is in use. See page 15. This indicator confirms that Secondary Key Function is active. See page 6. This icon is the “Low Battery” indicator, which blinks when the battery voltage becomes too low for proper operation.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD) Primary Function (Press Key) Frequency Entry Digit 1 Secondary Function Activates DVOR mode (Press +) Primary Function (Press Key) Frequency Entry Digit 4 Secondary Function Activates Course Deviation Indicator mode (Press +) Primary Function (Press Key) Frequency Entry Digit 7 Frequency Entry Digit 2 Frequency Entry Digit 3 Selects Memory Display Type (page 27) Selects “TO” VOR mode Selects “FROM” VOR mode Locks the Keypad Frequency Entry Digit 5 Frequency Entr
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (LEFT SIDE) PTT (PUSH TO TALK) Switch Press this button to transmit when you are operating in the COM band. Release this button to return to the “RECEIVE” mode. See page 16. MONITOR Switch This button may be pressed to “open” the squelch manually, allowing you to listen for very weak signals. Press and hold this button for 2 seconds to “open” the squelch continuously. Press this button again to resume normal (quiet) monitoring. See page 18.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (RIGHT SIDE) MIC/EAR Jack MIC /SP You may connect the supplied CT-60 Headset Cable or the (optional) MH-44A4B Speaker/Microphone to this jack. Never connect any Speaker/Microphone that is not recommended by the manufacturer. Because these jack connections are unique, using a Speaker/Microphone that is not specified by Vertex Standard may damage the VXA-210.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Precautions Battery Installation and Removal r This apparatus is capable of two-way communication on channels used for critical aviation safety communications. Therefore, it is important that this radio be kept away from children or other unauthorized users at all times. r When making DC connections via the (optional) E-DC-5B DC cable, be absolutely certain to observe the proper voltage level and polarity guidelines.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Battery Charging It is necessary to fully charge the Ni-Cd battery before its first use. Follow these procedures: ¦ Install the supplied FNB-64 Ni-Cd battery pack onto the transceiver. Ensure that the transceiver is switched off. ¦ Plug the NC-77 into the AC line outlet. ¦ Insert the transceiver and battery pack into the NC-77; the antenna jack should be at the left side when viewing the charger from the front.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Low Battery Indication ¦ As your battery discharges during use, the voltage will gradually become lower. When the battery voltage reaches 6.0 Volts, the “ ” icon will blink on the LCD display, indicating that the battery pack must be recharged before further use. ¦ Avoid recharging Ni-Cd batteries before the “Low Battery” indicator is observed, as this can degrade the charge capacity of your Ni-Cd battery pack.
OPERATION 12 Preliminary Steps Operation Quick Start ¦ Install a charged battery pack onto the transceiver, as described previously. ¦ Screw the supplied antenna onto the Antenna jack. Never operate this transceiver without an antenna connected. ¦ If you have an optional Speaker/Microphone or headset, we recommend that it not be connected until you are familiar with the basic operation of the VXA-210. r To turn the radio on, rotate the VOLUME knob out of the click-stop.
OPERATION To set 118.275 MHz, you do not need to press the final “5” in the frequency: [1] à [1] à [8] à [2] à [7]. r You may also turn the top panel’s DIAL selector knob to choose the desired operating frequency. The channel frequency will appear on the LCD. r To change freF quency in 1 MHz + steps, press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the MHz digit desired. Press [F] once more to resume normal channel selection in 25-kHz steps.
OPERATION r To turn the radio off, turn the VOLUME knob fully counterclockwise into the click stop position. Accessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency The VXA-210 can quickly access the 121.500 MHz Emergency Frequency. This function can be activated even when the keypad lock function is in use. r To access the Emergency Frequency, press the [ 121.5 ] key momentarily. Squelch Adjustment 1. Press the [F] key momentarily, then press downward on the DIAL selector knob to activate the Menu (“SET”) mode. 2.
OPERATION Tuning Methods Throughout this manual, you will see references to several different frequency setting methods. Each will be particularly useful in a particular operating situation, and they are described below: ¦ VFO (Variable Frequency Oscillator) The VFO is a “tuning dial” system which allows you to tune through the NAV or COM bands in 25-kHz steps using the DIAL selector, the Keypad, or the scanner.
OPERATION 16 Transmission Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts To transmit, press and hold the PTT switch. Speak into the microphone area of the front panel grille in a normal voice level. (USA version only) The VXA-210 can receive VHF Weather Channel broadcasts, which may assist your flight planning. The VXA-210 includes a ten-channel auto-search feature, which simplifies access to Weather Channels when you are in an unfamiliar location. To return to the receive mode, release the PTT switch.
OPERATION Pressing the PTT switch re-initiates the scanning process. r If there are no Weather Channels in your area, the scanner will not stop. Press the MONITOR button to stop the scanner. r You can also select Weather Channels manually by rotating the DIAL selector knob. r To confirm the current Weather Channel frequency, press ( )] key the [ momentarily. The display changes to frequency indication. Press the [ ( normal display.
OPERATION Monitor Key ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Feature When listening to a very weak signal from an aircraft or ground station, you may observe the signal disappearing periodically as the incoming signal strength becomes too weak to override the squelch threshold setting. For reduction of impulse noise, such as that produced by an engine’s ignition system, the ANL feature may prove helpful.
OPERATION Temperature Display LOCK Function The VXA-210 can measure the current temperature. The lock function prevents accidental changes to the frequency setting and the keypad controls. r To display the cur2 3 rent temperature, press [ F ] à [ 6 5 6 (SENSR)]. The dis8 9 play will now indiF 0 cate the current temperature. ( )] key to switch the r Pressing the [ temperatue unit between “Celsius: °C” and “Fahrenheit: °F.” ó r Press the PTT switch to return to the normal operation.
OPERATION Receive Battery Saver Setup An important feature of the VXA-210 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 VXA-210 will remain in the “active” mode, then resume its “sleep” cycles.
OPERATION Beep On/Off The VXA-210’s key/button beeper provides convenient audible feedback whenever a button is pressed. Each key and button has a different beep pitch, and each function has a unique beep combination. When you are scanning, the beeper will be heard each time the scanner halts on a busy channel. This may be distracting in some environments; if you want to turn the beeper off (or back on again): r Press [F] à [8 (BEEP )];“05 BEEP” will appear on the LCD.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE/ALTITUDE METERING Thermometer Calibration r Press the [F] key, then press the DIAL selector knob to activate the Menu (“SET”) mode. r Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item 14 “TEMP.” r Press the DIAL selector knob to enable adjustment of this Menu item. r Rotate the DIAL selector knob to set the difference (value: in °C) between the VXA-210 display and the calibrated thermometer. For example, if the VXA-210 display shows “24.5 C” and the thermometer (wrongly) indicates “24.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE/ALTITUDE METERING Correcting the Atmospheric Pressure Meter (Barometer Offset) Correcting the Altimeter Setting (Altimeter Offset) r Press the [F] key, then press the DIAL selector knob to activate the Menu (“SET”) mode. r Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item 15 “BARO.” r Press the DIAL selector knob to enable adjustment of this Menu item. r Rotate the DIAL selector knob to set the difference (value: in hpa) between the VXA-210 display and the calibrated barometer display.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE/ALTITUDE METERING How to Measure the Barometric Pressure or Altitude r Press [ F ] à [ 6 (SENSR)]; the dis2 3 play will show cur5 6 rent temperature. 8 9 r Rotate the DIAL F 0 knob to select the desired sensor (see next page). )] key to change the measurer Press the [ ( ment units of the current sensor (or On/Off the Pressure Graph). r Press the PTT key exit to normal operation.
BAROMETRIC PRESSURE/ALTITUDE METERING - TEMP - - BARO - - ALTI - (Display the current Temperature) (Display the current Barometric Pressure) (Display the current Altitude) ô ô ô Press - D ALT - - GRPH - (Display the Density Altitudeø ) (Display the relative changes in the Barometric pressuer) ø:Density Altitude is pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature. The only time that density altitude will equal pressure altitude is when standard temperatures exist.
MEMORY OPERATION The VXA-210 provides 50 user-programmable “Main” memories, labeled “CH - 001” through “CH - 050,” and up to 100 pre-programmed memories, designated “Book” Memories. The “ ” icon appears when “Book” Memory Mode is activated. The Main memories and “Book” Memories can be assigned alpha-numeric names of up to eight characters. Memory System Operation The VXA-210’s Main Memory system allows the user to store, label, and recall channel frequencies which you may want to use frequently.
MEMORY OPERATION the desired first character appears, press the DIAL selector knob momentarily to move on to the next character. r Select succeeding characters in the same manner, pressing the DIAL selector knob momentarily after each selection. r After entering the entire name (eight characters maximum), press the [MW (SPL.W)] key for 2 seconds to save all data for the channel and exit.
SCANNING OPERATION The VXA-210 allows you to scan automatically in the VFOø 1 , Main Memory, “Book” Memory, or Weather Channelø2 modes. It pauses on signals encountered, so you can talk to the station(s) on that frequency, if you like. ø1: In the VFO mode, the automatic scanner is only available in the COM band (118.000 - 136.
SCANNING OPERATION Channel-Skip Scanning Continuous-carrier stations like ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service) or Weather Broadcast stations inhibit scanner operation. Since these stations are always active, the scanner will be halted repeatedly on their channels. Such channels can be set to be “skipped” during Memory scanning (MR, Book or WX modes), if you like, so as not to interfere with automatic channel scanning: r Recall the Memory Channel to be skipped during scanning.
DUAL WATCH OPERATION The Dual Watch feature automatically checks for activity on a “priority” channelø while you are operating on another channel. During Dual Watch operation, the current channel and the Priority channel will each be polled for a 500 ms interval, as the VXA210 looks for activity on each channel. r To start Dual Watch, press [F] à [SCAN (DW)]. The “DW” icon will appear on the display.
PRIORITY DUAL WATCH OPERATION Similar to Dual Watch operation (described on previous page), Priority Dual Watch is an enhanced version which includes the following additional features: l The receiving time interval (ratio) between the current channel and the Priority channel may be customized via the Menu Item “PRTM.” See page 43 for details. l Irrespective of which channel is currently being received, when the PTT button is pushed transmission will always occur on the Priority channel.
VOR NAVIGATION General VOR Equipment 0 COURSE Indicator 30 60 30 0 0 33 COURSE Deviation Needle 0 24 FROM 21 0 OBS COM BAND (118.000 - 136.975 MHz) 12 0 TWO-Degree Deviation Marks 180 “TO”-“FROM” Flag Indicator 0 15 NAV BAND (108.000 - 117.
VOR NAVIGATION To Select the DVOR Mode r When entering the NAV band (108.000 - 117.975 MHz), the VXA-210 selects the DVOR mode automatically. The “COURSE INDICATOR” field will appear at the upper left corner on the display, and the “TO” or “FROM” indicator will appear above the frequency display on the display. Note: The “COURSE INDICATOR” indicates “ - - - ” when either your aircraft is too far away from the VOR station or the frequency is not correctly set to that of the VOR station.
VOR NAVIGATION Flying to a VOR Station The Aircraft is “ON COURSE” The VXA-210 can indicate the deviation from the direct course to a VOR station. r Select a VOR station on your aeronautical chart and turn the DIAL selector knob (or enter the frequency directly with the keypad) to the frequency of the VOR station. r To indicate the deviation between your current flight path and the desired course, press [F] à [4 (CDI)] to change to the CDI (Course Deviation Indicator) mode.
VOR NAVIGATION The Aircraft is “ON COURSE” 0° VOR (TAC) Los Angeles LAX - 113.600MHz 310° 320° 330° 340° 350° N 10° 20° 30° 300° 40° 290° 50° 280° 60° 270° 70° 260° 80° 250° VOR Station 240° De sire cra Air The Aircraft is “OFF COURSE” o dC e ft H 230° e u rs ad in g5 90° 100° 110° 220° 0° 210° 200° 190° 180° 170 160 150° ° ° 140° 120° 130° 0° VOR (TAC) Los Angeles 320° LAX - 113.
VOR NAVIGATION Entering a Desired Course The VXA-210 can also be configured to indicate the deviation from the desired course, not only the deviation from the path to the VOR station. r Set the frequency to the desired VOR station. r To change the “TO” or “FROM” flag to “TO”, if it is not in that mode already. r Press [F] à [4 (CDI)] key to change to the CDI mode. r Set the desired course to the VOR station using the DIAL selector knob or keypad (three digits input; e.g. 47°, press [0] à [4] à [7]).
VOR NAVIGATION Position Cross-checking r Select two VOR stations on your aeronautical chart. r Set the frequency of one of the VOR stations in the DVOR mode. The course indicator will show the course deviation from the VOR radial. Note the radial you currently are on. r Now set the frequency of the other VOR station in the DVOR mode. Note the radial from the station you are on. r Extend the radials from each VOR station on the chart. Your aircraft is located at the point where the lines intersect.
VOR NAVIGATION Split Operation The split operation feature allows you to transmit a call to a Flight Service Station using the COM band frequencies, while receiving a VOR station (in the NAV band). VOR stations equipped with this capability typically are shown, on navigation charts, with the voice calling frequency in parenthesis above the navigation frequency. Programming a Transmit Frequency r Press the DIAL selector knob, repeatedly if necessary, to select the VFO mode. r Set a NAV band (108.000 - 117.
FIELD PROGRAMMING MODE The VXA-210’s Book Memories also allow the user to store, label, and recall channel frequencies which you may want to use frequently while the VXA-210 is in the Field Programming mode. Memory Storage into the Book Memory r Press and hold the PTT and LAMP switches while turning the radio on, to activate the Field Programming Mode. r Select the desired frequency to be stored in the Book Memory. r Press and hold the [MW(SPL.W)] key for 2 seconds.
MENU (“SET”) MODE The Menu system allows certain aspects of your radio’s configuration to be customized for your personal operating convenience. We do not recommend that any of the default settings be changed, however, until you are thoroughly familiar with the operation of the VXA-210. 4. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to change the setting of the item (ON to OFF, etc.). 1. Press the [F] key, then press the DIAL selector knob to activate the Menu (“SET”) mode. 5.
MENU (“SET”) MODE MENU Listing 01 [SQL] A listing of the Menu items available via the SET mode may be found below. Function: Squelch Level Setting Available Values: 0 ~ 8 Default Setting: 2 Select a setting for this Menu item which just silences the receiver when no signal is present. Use the lowest setting which will keep the receiver quiet between incoming transmissions. Menu No.
MENU (“SET”) MODE 03 [RESM] 05 [BEEP] Function: Scan-Resume Mode Setting Available Values: CAR/5 Default Setting: CAR In the “CAR” (Carrier Drop) mode, the scanner will remain halted for as long as there is a carrier present on the channel; after the carrier drops at the end of the other station’s transmission, the scanning will resume. In the “5” (5-Second Pause) mode, the scanner will halt for five seconds only, after which scanning will resume (whether or not the other station is still transmitting).
MENU (“SET”) MODE 07 [LAMP] 10 [DWMD] Function: Display and Keypad Illumination Mode Available Values: KEY/TGL/5 Default Setting: KEY In the “KEY” mode, the lamp will be activated for 5 seconds when any front panel key is pressed. In the “TGL” mode, the LAMP switch toggles the lamp on and off. In the “5” mode, the LAMP switch activates the lamp for 5 seconds.
MENU (“SET”) MODE 44 13 [EMRG] 14 [TEMP] Function: Emergency channel On/Off Available Values: on/oFF Default Setting: on This controls the operation of the Emergency [121.5] key. When set to “oFF,” this key will not function. You can still use the frequency 121.5 MHz either by entering it on the keypad in the VFO mode, or by recalling it on a previously-stored memory channel. Function: Correcting the Thermometer setting Available Values: –12.7 ~ +12.
INSTALLATION OF THE SU-1 1. Make sure that the transceiver is off. Remove the hard or soft case, if used. 2. Remove the two screws affixing the belt clip and remove the belt clip, then remove the battery pack. 3. Locate the connector for the SU-1 under the “Caution” label in the battery compartment on the back of the radio, just carefully peel off the “Caution” label. 4. Remove the small Rubber Cushion from the “Caution” label.
ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS Supplied Accessories Ni-Cd Battery Pack (7.2V, 700mAh) Overnight Desktop Charger Helical Antenna Headset Cable Operating Manual Warranty Card Available Options FNB-64 ø NC-77B/C/U ATV-7 CT-60 ø: “B” suffix is for use with 120 VAC, “C” suffix is for use with 230-240 VAC, or “U” suffix is for use with 230 VAC. MH-44A4B FNB-V57 FBA-25 VAC-800 E-DC-5B SU-1 CN-3 Speaker Microphone Ni-Cd Battery Pack (7.
ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS á External Antenna Headset (not supplied) CN-3 Antenna Adapter (Option) CT-60 Headset Cable 1 2 4 5 3 6 7 8 9 MW 0 F E-DC-5B External Power Cable (Option) VXA-210 PILOT OPERATING MANUAL PTT Switch (not supplied) An external PTT switch is required for use with an aviation headset 47
SPECIFICATIONS General Frequency Range: TX: 118.000 - 136.975 MHz, RX: 108.000 - 136.975 MHz, Weather Channels (WX-01 - WX-10: USA version only) Channel Spacing: 25 kHz Emission Type: TX: AM, RX: AM & FM (FM: for receiving the Weather Channels, USA version only) Supply Voltage: 6.0 - 15.0 VDC Current Consumption (approx.): 10 µA (power off), 30 mA (battery saver on, saver ratio 1:5) 65 mA (squelch on), 190 mA (receive), 1 A (transmit 1.
IN CASE OF DIFFICULTY Most operational difficulties can be solved by your Vertex Avionics dealer. Please contact your dealer first for advice and assistance. r If the dealer is unable to assist you, you may contact us at Vertex Standard USA. We can be reached by telephone at (562) 404-2700 (ask the operator for Avionics Product Support). r If your radio requires repair, it must be sent to Vertex Standard USA.
VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. Copyright 2001 VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. All rights reserved. 4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan VERTEX STANDARD US Headquarters 17210 Edwards Rd., Cerritos, CA 90703, U.S.A. International Division 8350 N.W. 52nd Terrace, Suite 201, Miami, FL 33166, U.S.A. No portion of this manual may be reproduced without the permission of VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. YAESU EUROPE B.V. P.O. Box 75525, 1118 ZN Schiphol, The Netherlands YAESU UK LTD.
