HTX-245 Mini Handheld 2m/70cm FM Amateur Transceiver
(190-1106) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 58621
Introduction To Amateur Radio
Your transceiver is the perfect first radio for anyone entering the
exciting world of amateur radio, as well a great additional transceiver
for the experienced amateur radio operator. Your transceiver opens a door
for you to the world from almost anywhere! All you need is an Amateur
Radio Operator's License (Technician Class or higher) issued by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you do not have a license,
it is easier than ever to get one, and help from licensed operators is
available. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
You can turn on your transceiver and scan the entire band to hear what is
going on; however, do not attempt to transmit until you get your license.
If you transmit without a license, you are in violation of federal law
that can lead to severe penalties. Note that ham operators take the FCC
rules very seriously and want nothing to do with "bootleggers" - their
term for people who operate without a license.
Find out if there is a ham radio club in your area. Most clubs welcome
newcomers and are glad to help you get your license. There are thousands
of clubs across the country, so there is probably one in or near your
community. The staff at your local RadioShack store often can help you
locate a club.
If you do not hear anyone talking about a local club as you listen to
local transmissions, write to the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) at
the following address to find out how to contact a local affiliate. The
ARRL is the national organization representing amateur radio in the United
States. The league has more than 150,000 members. Most are ham operators,
or members in the process of obtaining their license.
The American Radio Relay League
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111
http://www.arrl.org
Start studying for the license exams. Do not be intimidated by the word
"study," because most people can go from knowing absolutely nothing about
Amateur radio to passing the Novice and Technician written exams in less
than a month.
The exams test your knowledge of basic radio regulations and elementary
radio theory. Many clubs hold license classes which can be a fun and easy
way to learn about amateur radio. There are good books, cassette tapes,
computer programs, and many other study aids available. Your local Radio
Shack store sells FCC License Preparation study guides for amateur radio
operator licenses. While you are no longer required to learn Morse code
for a Technician Class license, we encourage you to learn it anyway so you
can advance to higher levels of operating privileges.
There is no fee to take the Novice exam. As soon as you pass the Novice
exam, you can immediately take the Technician exam. There is a small fee
required for taking the Technician exam. All license level tests are
administered by a three-member Volunteer Examiner Team. Contact the ARRL
for a schedule of exam opportunities in your area.
The Technician Class license lets you use the transceiver to communicate
directly with other operators, and use repeaters for distant communication
Amateur radio is a great hobby that has enriched the lives of millions of
people all over the world. The ARRL would be glad to hear from you if you
need more information or would like to join!
Preparation
You can operate your transceiver from any of three power sources:
Internal batteries.
AC power (using an optional AC adapter).
Vehicle battery power (using an optional DC adapter).
Using Internal Batteries
You can power your transceiver using three alkaline, lithium, or
rechargeable (Ni-Cd, or Ni-MH) AA batteries (not supplied). All of these
types of batteries are available at your local RadioShack store.
Using Non-Rechargeable Batteries
Follow these steps to install alkaline or other non-rechargeable batteries
1. Pull the lock tab to a horizontal position.
2. Grasp the lower corners of the battery compartment cover and remove
the cover.
3. Before you install alkaline or any other non-rechargeable batteries,
use a pointed object such as a straightened paper clip to set CHG ON/
OFF inside the compartment to OFF.
4. Put the batteries into the compartment according to the polarity
symbols (+ and -) marked inside.
CAUTIONS: Use only fresh batteries of the required size and
recommended type.
Always remove old or weak batteries. Batteries can leak
chemicals that destroy electronic circuits.
Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of
batteries (standard, alkaline, or rechargeable) or
rechargeable batteries of different capacities.
5. To replace the cover on the radio, insert its upper edge first then
press it down. Then lift and press down the lock tab to secure the
cover.
Testing Internal Batteries
To test the batteries, hold down PWR for about 1 second. The battery
voltage briefly appears. (battery symbol) appears as a battery monitor
indicator. The more bars inside the icon, the stronger the batteries. When
(battery symbol) flashes, (without any bars inside), replace all the
batteries as soon as possible.
WARNING: Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. Do not burn or
bury them.
CAUTION: If you do not plan to use the transceiver with batteries for two
weeks or more, remove the batteries.
Using rechargeable Batteries
You can use three rechargeable Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries to operate the
transceiver.
The transceiver has a built-in circuit that lets you recharge Ni-Cd and
Ni-MH batteries while they are in the transceiver. To charge the
batteries, set CHG ON/OFF to CHG ON, install the batteries in the
transceiver, and connect an external AC or DC adapter to the transceiver's
CHG jack.
To charge the internal rechargeable batteries from standard AC, use
adapter Cat. No. 273-1662 and a size H Adaptaplug adapter. To recharge
them from a vehicle, use Cat. No. 273-1810 and a size H Adaptaplug
adapter. These adapters and Adaptaplug adapters are available from your
local RadioShack store.
CAUTION: These adapters are designed only to recharge the specified
batteries. Do not attempt to transmit using either adapter to
power the radio.
WARNING: Do not connect an adapter to the transceiver if non-rechargeable
batteries (such as alkaline batteries) are installed in the
transceiver and CHG ON/OFF is set to ON, or if you are unsure of
the switch's position. Non-rechargeable batteries will get hot
and can even explode if you try to recharge them.
Fully discharged batteries can take as long as 10 to 18 hours to fully
recharge. If you use the transceiver while the batteries are charging,
charging takes longer.
CAUTION: Do not overcharge Ni-Cd batteries.
Notes: Nickel-cadmium batteries last longer and deliver more power if you
occasionally let them fully discharge. To do this, simply use the
transceiver until (battery symbol) flashes.
To prevent damage to nickel-cadmium batteries, never charge them
in an area where the temperature is above 113 degrees F or below
40 degrees F.
As Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries provide less voltage than that
typically supplied by alkaline batteries, expect less transmitting
output power when you use the transceiver with Ni-Cd or Ni-MH
battery power.
IMPORTANT: This transceiver can use nickel-cadmium rechargeable
batteries. At the end of a nickel-cadmium battery's useful
life, it must be recycled or disposed of properly. Contact
your local, county, or state hazardous waste management
authorities for information on recycling or disposal programs
in your area. Some options that might be available are:
municipal curbside collection, drop-off boxes at retailers
such as your local RadioShack store, recycling collection
centers, and mail-back programs.
Using AC Power
You can power the transceiver using a 6V regulated DC power supply that
delivers at least 600-mA (such as Cat. No. 273-1680), and a size H
Adaptaplug adapter (neither supplied). Both are available at your local
RadioShack store.
CAUTIONS: You must use a Class 2 power source that supplies 6V regulated
DC and delivers at least 600 mA. Its center tip must be set to
positive and its plug must fit the transceiver's CHG (-)(-)(+)
Jack. Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications
could damage the transceiver or the adapter.
Always connect the AC adapter to the transceiver before you
connect it to AC power. When you finish, disconnect the
adapter from AC power before you disconnect it from the
transceiver.
Follow these steps to power the transceiver from standard AC power.
1. If the adapter has a voltage switch, set the switch to 6V.
2. Insert the Adaptaplug adapter into the AC adapter's cord so it reads
TIP +.
3. Insert the adapter's cord into CHG (-)(-)(+) on the transceiver.
4. Plug the adapter's other end into a standard AC outlet.
Using Vehicle Battery Power
You can power the transceiver from a vehicle's 12V power source or
cigarette-lighter socket using a 6-volt, 600 mA DC-to-DC power adapter
(such as Cat. No. 273-1815), and a size H Adaptaplug adapter (neither
supplied). Both are available at your local RadioShack store.
CAUTIONS: You must use a power source that supplies 6V DC and delivers at
least 600 mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its
plug must fit the transceiver's CHG (-)(-)(+) jack. Using an
adapter that does not meet these specifications could damage
the transceiver or the adapter.
Always connect the DC adapter to the transceiver before you
connect it to the power source. When you finish, disconnect
the adapter from the power source before you disconnect it from
the transceiver.
Follow these steps to operate the transceiver from a vehicle's battery.
1. Insert the Adaptaplug adapter into the DC adapter's cord so it reads
TIP +.
2. Connect the adapter to the transceiver's CH (-)(-)(+) jack.
3. Plug the other end of the adapter into the cigarette-lighter socket in
the vehicle.
Note: Use an externally-mounted antenna when transmitting from inside a
vehicle. The RF generated from the supplied rubber ducky antenna
might affect the transceiver's operation.
Connecting The Antenna
Place the threaded base socket of the supplied antenna over the antenna
connector on top of the transceiver and turn the antenna clockwise to
tighten it. To remove it, turn it counterclockwise.
CAUTION: Do not over-tighten the antenna
Note: You can connect an external antenna to the transceiver using an
SMA-to-BNC adapter. This adapter and suitable antennas are
available at your local RadioShack store.
Attaching The Belt Clip
Use a Phillips screwdriver and the two supplied screws to attach the
supplied belt clip to your transceiver. Do not over-tighten the screws.
Attaching The Wrist Strap
To attach the supplied wrist strap to the top of the belt clip, thread the
strap's small loop through the opening in the top of the clip. Then insert
the longer loop through the smaller loop and pull on the strap until the
loop is tight.
Connecting a Microphone/Speaker
You can connect an external communications headset (consisting of a
microphone and speaker) to the transceiver so you can use it privately.
Lift the hinged, rubber dust cover from the MIC and SPK jacks on top of
the transceiver. Then insert the plug of an optional voice activated
headset with microphone, or an optional communication headset, into the
jacks.
CAUTION: Use only microphone and speaker accessories that do not share a
common ground for the speaker and the microphone. Doing
otherwise might damage the transceiver.
Note: Connecting a headset's plug to the transceiver's SPK jack
automatically disconnects the internal speaker.
You can also connect an optional mono earphone to the SPK jack. This lets
you use the transceiver's push-to-talk button to transmit as usual. Your
local RadioShack store carries a wide selection of suitable communications
headsets, earphones, and separate components.
Using The Menu
The transceiver provides a menu to access its features. To see details
about each operation, refer to the following chart.
To access the menu, turn on the transceiver then hold down F while you
press SET. Rotate CH clockwise to access the various options. Press /\
or \/ to change an option's setting.
Setting Range See
( ) = Default Faxback
Menu Options setting Description Doc. #
sq 0 to 5 (1) Sets the squelch. 58622
(Squelch setting)
r1 .00 kHz (no offset) Sets the offset in 58622
(Repeater Offset 8.0 MHz in 5 kHz steps 5 kHz steps between
for VHF) steps. (600 kHz) the repeater's
transmit and receive
frequencies.
r2 .00 kHz (no offset) Sets the offset in 58622
(Repeater Offset 8.0 MHz in 100 kHz 100 kHz steps between
for UHF) steps. (5 MHz) the repeater's transmit
and receive frequencies.
rt See the Sub Audible Lets you select one of 58623
(Receive Tone) Tone Frequency chart 50 different receiving
in Faxback Doc. # subaudible tones or turn
58623. (88.5) the feature off.
tt See the Sub Audible Lets you select one of 58623
(Transmit Tone) Tone Frequency chart 50 different transmitting
in Faxback Doc. # subaudible tones or turn
58623. (88.5) the feature off.
A Quick Look At The Controls
Most of the controls on the transceiver have multiple functions. Reviewing
the following chart will help you understand the function of each control.
PTT (Push-to-Talk) Function (F)
MIC (Microphone) CH (Change Frequency)
VOL (Volume) Display
Speaker
KEY/CONTROL USE IT TO: USE WITH THE F + KEY TO:
VOL Adjust the volume N/A
CH Directly change the Step through the frequencies in
Frequency, one digit 1 MHz steps (144, 145, 146, 147)
at a time.
PWR Turn on the power. N/A
M (DTMF) Override squelch. Access the DTMF program mode.
1 (T. SQ) Enter 1 Press to turn on the tone
squelch when transmitting (T
appears). Press twice to turn
on the tone squelch when
transmitting and receiving (TSQ
appears).
2 (SET) Enter 2 Access the menu setting options.
3 (+/-) Enter 3 Reverse the repeater offset.
4 (PS) Enter 4 Turn on or off the power save
option. [S] appears.
5 (APO) Enter 5 Access the Auto Power Operation
mode.
6 (CLR) Enter 6 Clear the memory.
7 (STEP) Enter 7 Change the frequency step.
8 (BEEP) Enter 8 Enable/disable the key tone.
9 (TOT) Enter 9 Sets the time of the limiting
Transmit Duration (Time-Out
Timer).
/\ (*) Change (increase) Step through frequencies in
the frequency by the 1 MHz increments.
increment set by STEP.
Enter E in the DTMF
program mode.
0 Enter 0 N/A
\/ (#) Change (decrease) Step backward through
the frequency by the frequencies in 1 MHz
set increment (set decrements.
using STEP). Enter F
in the DTMF program
mode.
VFO (BAND A) Set the transceiver Select the VHF, weather, or UHF
to the VFO mode. band.
Enter A in the DTMF
mode.
MR (ME B) Enter the memory Store a frequency in a memory
Setting mode. Enter location.
B in the DTMF mode.
SC (Key symbol) Start and stop Lock the controls and keys
(C) Scanning. Enter C in except PTT, M, F, PWR, and VOL.
the DTMF mode. Press again to unlock.
CALL (CM D) Display, and switch Store the calling frequency.
to, the current call
frequency. Enter D
in the DTMF mode.
A Quick Look At The Display
1. [F] - appears when F (function) key is pressed.
2. TSQ - appears when Tone Squelch (CTCSS) is enabled for transmitting
and receiving.
3. T - appears when Tone Squelch (CTCSS) is enabled for transmitting.
4. (+) - appears to indicate a positive repeater offset. (-) indicates a
negative offset.
5. WX - appears when the weather band is selected.
6. TOT - appears when a time for the time out timer is selected.
7. AP - appears when Auto Power Off is enabled.
8. [MR] (Memory Channel Recall) - lets you select a memory location using
CH.
9. Memory Location - shows the memory channel in use.
10. 1||||5||||9| - shows the relative signal strength. The stronger the
signal, the more lines appear.
11. [S] - appears and flashes when the power save mode is enabled.
12. (Key Symbol) - indicates that the keypad control is disabled to
prevent accidental setting changes.
13. (Battery symbol) - indicates the battery strength.
14. Frequency display - shows the frequency and other settings.
(BR EB 2/15/00)