AIR BAND TRANSCEIVER VXA-300 Operating Manual
CONTENTS Important Notice! ......................................................... 1 Introduction .................................................................. 2 Control & Connectors .................................................. 3 Top Panel ........................................................................... 3 Front Panel ........................................................................ 4 Side Panel ..........................................................................
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: FCC 96-326, Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radio-Frequency Radiation.
INTRODUCTION The Vertex Standard VXA-300 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). The VXA-300 boasts 0.8 Watt of clean audio output from its 1.4” (36-mm) diameter loudspeaker, and it also provides 8.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (TOP PANEL) Antenna Jack This SMA jack accepts the supplied flexible antenna, or another antenna designed to provide 50 Ω impedance on the Aircraft Communication Band. MIC/EAR Jack You may connect the supplied CT-96 Headset Cable or the (optional) MH-44B4B Speaker/Microphone to this jack. To use this jack, you must first remove the plastic cap by rotating it counter-clockwise, then lifting it away from the transceiver body.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (FRONT PANEL) BUSY/TX Indicator Lamp This lamp glows green when a signal is being received, and red when transmitting. Battery Pack Latch Open this latch for battery removal. 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. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) The display shows selected operating conditions, as indicated on the next page.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (SIDE PANEL) 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 14 for details. 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 13 for details.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD) Primary Function (Press Key) Secondary Function (Press [F] + key) Third Function (Press and Hold key) Primary Function (Press Key) Secondary Function (Press [F] + key) Third Function (Press and Hold key) Primary Function (Press Key) Secondary Function (Press [F] + key) Third Function (Press and Hold key) Primary Function (Press Key) Secondary Function (Press [F] + key) Third Function (Press and Hold key) 6 Select Memory Display Type. Activates the Key Lockout feature.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (LCD DISPLAY) This field displays the course heading in degrees. See page 35. This is the Course Deviation Indicator, used during VOR Navigation. See page 36. This indicator confirms that this channel will be skipped during scan. See page 31. This icon is used during VOR navigation, to indicate that the displayed information is based on a course from the VOR station. See page 35.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN 8 Precautions Belt Clip Installation 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. When making DC connections via the (optional) E-DC-5B/E-DC-6 DC cable, be absolutely certain to observe the proper voltage level and polarity guidelines.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Battery Installation and Removal To install the battery, insert the battery pack into the battery compartment on the back of the radio, then close the Battery Pack Latch until it locks in place with a “Click.” Figure 2 Figure 1 To remove the battery, turn the radio off and remove any protective cases. Open the Battery Pack Latch on the bottom of the radio, then lift the battery upward and out from the radio.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN Battery Charging It is necessary to charge the Ni-MH battery fully before its first use. Follow these procedures: Install the supplied FNB-83 Ni-MH battery pack onto the transceiver. Ensure that the transceiver is switched off. Plug the NC-88 Overnight Charger into the AC line outlet, then insert the cable plug into the jack located on the left side of the CD-28 Charger Cradle.
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-MH batteries before the “Low Battery” indicator is observed, as this can degrade the charge capacity of your Ni-MH battery pack.
BASIC 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-300. To turn the radio on, rotate the (inner) VOLUME knob out of the click-stop.
BASIC OPERATION You may also turn the top panel’s (outer) DIAL selector knob to choose the desired operating frequency. The channel frequency will appear on the LCD. Rotate the VOLUME knob to set the volume level. If no signal is present, press and hold the MONITOR switch for 2 seconds; background noise will now be heard, and you may use this noise to set the VOLUME knob for the desired audio level. Press the MONITOR switch momentarily to silence the noise and resume normal (quiet) monitoring.
BASIC OPERATION Accessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency Transmission The VXA-300 can quickly access the 121.500 MHz Emergency Frequency. This function can be activated even when the keypad lock function (described on page 14) is in use. To transmit, press and hold the PTT switch. Speak into the microphone area of the front panel grille in a normal voice level. To return to the receive mode, release the PTT switch. To access the Emergency Frequency, press the [121.5] key momentarily.
ADVANCED 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 using the DIAL selector, the Keypad, or the scanner. The VXA-300 has two VFOs which are called VFO-A and VFO-B.
ADVANCED OPERATION Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts (USA version only) The VXA-300 can receive VHF Weather Channel broadcasts, which may assist your flight planning. The VXA300 includes a ten-channel auto-search feature, which simplifies access to Weather Channels when you are in an unfamiliar location. To receive Weather Press Channels, press the VOLUME knob (repeatedly, if necessary) to select the Weather Channel mode. In the Weather Channel mode, “- WX -” will appear on the display.
ADVANCED OPERATION Monitor Switch 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. The ANL feature is only activated in the AM mode.
ADVANCED OPERATION Temperature/Battery Voltage Display The VXA-300 can measure the current temperature inside the transceiver’s case and current battery voltage. To display these items, press the [F] key momentarily, then press the [6 (SENSR)] key. The display will now indicate the current temperature inside the transceiver’s case or current battery voltage. Press the VOLUME knob to switch the display between “current temperature” and “current battery voltage.
ADVANCED OPERATION LOCK Function Beep On/Off The lock function prevents accidental changes to the frequency setting and the keypad controls. The VXA-300’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. To activate the lock feature, press the [F] key momentarily, then press )] key.
ADVANCED OPERATION Receive Battery Saver Setup An important feature of the VXA-300 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-300 will remain in the “active” mode, then resume its “sleep” cycles.
ADVANCED OPERATION Changing the Channel Steps The VXA-300’s synthesizer provides the option of utilizing channel steps of 8.33/25 kHz per step. The VXA-300 is set up with default channel steps of “25 kHz” (NAV and COM bands). If you need to change the channel step increments, the procedure to do so is very easy. First set the VXA-300 to the operating band (VFO A or VFO B and NAV or COM) on which you wish to change the channel steps.
ADVANCED OPERATION Pitch Control The VXA-300 includes a feature that lets you choose four special receiver audio responses to allow the most comfortable and/or effective reception in noisy environments. The effect is similar to that provided by an “Equalizer” in a stereo. Press the [F ] key momentarily, then press the [5 (PITCH)] key. This instantly recalls Menu Item 31 “PIT” which selects the receiver audio responses. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select desired receiver audio response.
ADVANCED OPERATION VOX Operation If you want to have both hands free, use the (user-supplied) Headset and activate the VOX (voice-actuated transmit/receive switching) system. Note: The VOX system does not function when using just the internal microphone; an external headset must be used. To activate the VOX system using the Menu System: Press the [F] key, then press the VOLUME knob to activate the Menu (“SET”) mode. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item 21 “VOX.
ADVANCED OPERATION The VXA-300 also provides for adjustment of the “HangTime” of the VOX system (the transmit-receive delay after the cessation of speech) via the Menu. The default delay is 1.0 second. To set a different delay time: Press the [F] key, then press the VOLUME knob to activate the Menu (“SET”) mode. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item 22 “VDLY.” Press the VOLUME knob to enable adjustment of this Menu item.
ADVANCED OPERATION Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item 25 “PAMO.” Press the VOLUME knob to enable adjustment of this Menu item. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired monitor mode. oFF: Disables the monitor function at all times. PA: Feeds back your voice to the headset while you’re pressing the PTT switch. ALL: Feeds back your voice to the headset while you’re pressing the PTT switch.
ADVANCED OPERATION Timer Operation The VXA-300 is provided a “Stop Watch” timer and a “Count Down” timer. These can be used for a variety of time-keeping purposes. Press the [F ] key momentarily, then press the [8 (TIMER)] key to activate the Timer Mode. If you select the “Count Down” timer, rotate the DIAL knob to set the values for the timer (1 minutes - 60 minutes). The Timer is designed to start/stop/reset repeatedly whenever you press the VOLUME knob.
ADVANCED OPERATION Note VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL 27
MEMORY OPERATION The VXA-300 provides 150 user-programmable “Main” memories, labeled “CH-001” through “CH-150,” and up to 100 pre-programmed memories, designated “Book” Memories. The “ ” icon appears when the “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-300’s Main Memory system allows the user to store, label, and recall channel frequencies which you may want to use frequently.
MEMORY OPERATION To label a memory with an alpha/numeric name, the next step is to use the DIAL selector knob to select any of the 48 available characters (including letters, numbers, and special symbols). When the desired first character appears, press the VOLUME knob momentarily to move on to the next character. Select succeeding characters in the same manner, pressing the VOLUME knob momentarily after each selection.
SCANNING OPERATION The VXA-300 allows you to scan automatically in the VFO 1, Main Memory, “Book” Memory, or Weather Channel 2 modes. It pauses on signals encountered, so you can talk to the station(s) on that frequency, if you like. 1: In the VFO mode, the automatic scanner is only available in the COM band (118.000 ~ 136.
SCANNING OPERATION Note: When scanning upward in frequency, when the frequency reaches the COM Band (118.000 ~ 136.975 MHz) via manual scanning, the VXA-300 will switch to the automatic scanner mode. 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.
DUAL WATCH OPERATION The Dual Watch feature automatically checks for activity on a “priority” channel 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 VXA-300 looks for activity on each channel. To start Dual Watch, press the [F] key momentarily, then press the [SCAN (DW)]. The “ ” 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: The receiving time interval (ratio) between the current channel and the Priority channel may be customized via Menu Item 09 “PRTM.” See page 47 for details. 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 21 0 OBS 12 0 TWO-Degree Deviation Marks FROM 180 “TO”-“FROM” Flag Indicator 0 15 NAV Band (108.000 - 117.975 MHz) COM Band (118.000 - 136.
VOR NAVIGATION To Select the DVOR Mode When entering the NAV band (108.000 - 117.975 MHz), the VXA-300 selects the DVOR mode automatically. The “COURSE INDICATOR” field will appear at the upper left corner on the display, and the “ ” or “ ” indicator will appear below the “Course Indicator” field 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 VXA-300 can indicate the deviation from the direct course to a VOR station. 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. To indicate the deviation between your current flight path and the desired course, press the [F] key momentarily, then press the [4 (CDI)] key to change to the CDI (Course Deviation Indicator) mode.
VOR NAVIGATION The Aircraft is “ON COURSE” VOR ( TAC) Los Angeles N 0° LAX - 113.600MHz 310° 320° 330° 340° 350° 10° 20° 300° 30° 40° 290° 50° 280° 60° 270° 70° 260° 80° 250° VOR Station 240° De Air The Aircraft is “OFF COURSE” s ir e c o dC He raft 230° e urs ad i ng 220° 210° 200° 50° VOR ( TAC) Los Angeles 90° 100° 110° 190° 180° 170° 160° 150° 140° 120° 130° N 0° LAX - 113.
VOR NAVIGATION Entering a Desired Course The VXA-300 can also be configured to indicate the deviation from the desired course, not only the deviation from the path to the VOR station. Set the frequency to the desired VOR station. Change the “ ” or “ ” flag to “ ,” if it is not in that mode already. Press [F] à [4 (CDI)] key to change to the CDI mode. Set the desired course to the VOR station using the DIAL selector knob or keypad (three digits are required; e.g. for 47°, press [0] [4] [7]).
VOR NAVIGATION Position Cross-checking Select two VOR stations on your aeronautical chart. 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. Now set the frequency of the other VOR station in the DVOR mode. Note the radial from the station you are on. 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 Press the VOLUME knob, repeatedly if necessary, to select the VFO mode. Set a NAV band (108.000 - 117.
PROGRAMMING THE USER KEY ASSIGNMENTS Default VXA-300 functions have been assigned to “Primary” (press) and “Third” (press and hold in) function of the front panel’s [USER] key at the factory. These may be changed by the user, if you wish to utilize another function on this key. To program the function assigned to the [USER] key: Press the [F] key, then press the VOLUME knob to activate the Menu (“SET”) mode.
FIELD PROGRAMMING MODE The VXA-300’s Book Memories also allow the user to store, label, and recall channel frequencies which you may want to use frequently while the VXA-300 is in the Field Programming mode. Memory Storage into the Book Memory Press and hold the PTT switch and VOLUME knob while turning the radio on, to activate the Field Programming Mode. The “Fd” icon will appear in the upper left-hand corner of the LCD to confirm that you are in the Field Programming mode.
CPU RESETTING In some instances of erratic or unpredictable operation, the cause may be corruption of data in the microprocessor (due to static electricity, etc.). If this happens, resetting of the microprocessor may restore normal operation. Note that all memories will be erased if you do a complete microprocessor reset, as described below. To clear all memories and other settings to factory defaults: Turn the radio off.
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-300. 1. Press the [F] key, then press the VOLUME knob to activate the Menu (“SET”) mode. 5. Press the VOLUME knob to save your new setting. 2.
MENU (“SET”) MODE Menu No. Menu Item Function 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 SQL MCLR RESM SCNL BEEP RSAV LAMP SFT PRTM DWMD POBP IMIC EMRG TEMP UNIT TOT DIMM KEY1 KEY2 WXAF VOX VDLY VSNS HPLV PAMO UP_L UP_M UP_H LOCK STEP PIT Squelch Level Setting. Memory Channel Clear (“MR” memory only). Scan-Resume Mode Setting. Scan Lamp On/Off (while paused). Keypad Beeper On/Off. Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver “sleep” ratio.
MENU (“SET”) MODE 01 [SQL] 03 [RESM] Function: Squelch Level Setting. Available Values: 0 ~ 8 Default Setting: 6 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. Function: Scan-Resume Mode Setting.
MENU (“SET”) MODE 05 [BEEP] 07 [LAMP] Function: Keypad Beeper On/Off. Available Values: on/DTM/oFF Default Setting: on on: Sounds a beep corresponding to a musical note. DTM: Sounds a beep corresponding to a DTMF tone. off: Disables the key beeper. If you do a lot of scanning, you may wish to set this Menu item to “oFF,” as the Beeper will be heard each time the scanner pauses. Function: Display and Keypad Illumination Mode.
MENU (“SET”) MODE 10 [DWMD] 12 [IMIC] Function: Selects the Dual Watch/Priority Function. Available Values: DW/PRI Default Setting: DW “DW” mode: The VXA-300 will activate the Dual Watch feature when you press [F] [SCAN (DW)]. “PRI” mode: The VXA-300 will activate the Priority feature when you press [F] [SCAN (DW)]. Function: Internal Microphone On/Off.
MENU (“SET”) MODE 14 [TEMP] 18 [KEY1] Function: Correcting the thermometer setting. Available Values: –127 ~ +127 (x0.1 °C) Default Setting: 000 (ºC) This allows you to calibrate the internal thermometer with a known-to be-accurate source. Function: Programming the primary (momentary press mode) [USER] key assignment. Available Values: no/ANL/PA/PIT Default Setting: ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) See page 41 for details.
MENU (“SET”) MODE 20 [WXAF] 23 [VSNS] Function: Selects the Alert functions when receiving the Weather Alert Signal on the WX channel. Available Values: BP/LED/B+L/oFF Default Setting: oFF BP: Sounds a loud beep when receiving the Weather Alert Signal. LED: Flashes the BUSY/TX indicator when receiving the Weather Alert Signal. B+L: Sounds a loud beep and flashes the BUSY/TX indicator when receiving the Weather Alert Signal. oFF: Disables the Alert function.
MENU (“SET”) MODE 26 [UP_L] 30 [STEP] Function: Sets the low-frequency audio response for the user-customized receiver audio tone pitch control. Available Values: +/–/oFF Default Setting: + Function: Selects the synthesizer steps on the Air band. Available Values: 25 kHz/8 kHz (8.33 kHz) Default Values: 25 kHz 27 [UP_M] Function: Selects the tone pitch circuit of the audio amplifier in the receiver.
ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS Supplied Accessories Ni-MH Battery Pack (7.2V, 1400mAh) Overnight Charger Charger Cradle Helical Antenna Quick Draw Belt Clip Headset Cable Operating Manual Warranty Card Available Options FNB-83 NC-88B/C CD-28 ATV-10 CLIP-14 CT-96 “B” suffix is for use with 120 VAC or “C” suffix is for use with 230-240 VAC.
ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS External Antenna Headset (not supplied) CN-3 Antenna Adapter (Option) CT-96 Headset Cable E-DC-5B DC Cable w/Noise Filter (Option) VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL PTT Switch (not supplied) An external PTT switch is required for use with an aviation headset.
SPECIFICATIONS General 118.000 - 136.975 MHz 108.000 - 136.975 MHz, Weather Channels (WX-01 - WX-10: USA version only) Channel Spacing: 25 kHz/8.33 kHz (8.33 kHz: RX only) 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.): 20 µA (power off), 20 mA (battery saver on, saver ratio 1:5) 60 mA (squelch on), 270 mA (receive), 0.9 A (transmit 1.
SPECIFICATIONS Transmitter Power Output (@ 7.2 V): Frequency Stability: Modulation System: Spurious Emission: Int. Microphone Type: Ext. Mic. Impedance: 5.0 W (PEP), 1.5 W (Carrier Power) Better than ±10 ppm (+14 ºF to + 140 ºF [–10 ºC to +60 ºC]) Low Level Amplitude Modulation >60 dB below carrier Condenser 150 Ohms Specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.
NOTE 56 VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL
Part 15.21: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by Vertex Standard could void the user’s authorization to operate this device.
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 EUROPE B.V. P.O. Box 75525, 1118 ZN Schiphol, The Netherlands YAESU UK LTD. Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K. Copyright 2004 VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual may be reproduced without the permission of VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.
