HTX-252 2-Meter Amateur FM Mobile Transceiver
(190-1127) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 60179
Introduction To Amateur Radio
This transceiver is the perfect first radio for anyone entering the
exciting world of amateur radio, as well as a great additional transceiver
for the experienced amateur radio operator. This 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
RadioShack 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 this 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
Attaching The Microphone Holder
Follow these steps to attach the microphone holder to your vehicle.
1. Using the holder as a template, mark the position for the mounting
screw holes at the desired location.
2. At each marked position, drill a hole slightly smaller than the
supplied mounting screw.
CAUTION: Be careful not to drill into anything behind the mounting
surface.
3. Use a Phillips screwdriver to attach the holder to the mounting
location with the supplied small self-tapping sheet metal screws and
lock-washers.
Mounting The Transceiver
The most common mounting location for this transceiver is under a vehicles
dashboard. However, if you plan to use the transceiver as a base station,
you can place it on a desk, shelf, or table (see "Using the Transceiver as
a Base Station" below).
If you are mounting the transceiver in a vehicle, choose a location where:
You can easily reach the transceiver.
Wires and cables are clear of the vehicles pedals or other moving parts.
The transceiver is not directly in front of heating vents.
All wires and cables can reach their connection points.
CAUTION: If you use the transceiver in a vehicle, mount it securely to
avoid damage to the transceiver or vehicle, or injury to anyone
in the vehicle during sudden starts or stops.
Follow these steps to mount the transceiver.
1. Using the mounting bracket as a template, mark the positions for the
screw holes on the mounting surface.
2. In each marked location, drill a hole slightly smaller than the
supplied self-tapping screws.
CAUTION: Be careful not to drill into objects behind the mounting
surface.
3. Using a Phillips screwdriver, attach the mounting bracket to the
mounting surface with the supplied mounting screws and flat washers.
4. Attach the transceiver to the mounting bracket using the supplied
rubber washers and mounting knobs.
Connecting An Antenna
You must install an antenna before you can operate the transceiver. There
are many different types of antennas suitable for transceiver use. Each
has its own benefits, choose the one best suited to your particular needs.
Your local RadioShack store has a wide selection from which to choose.
Note: If you are using the transceiver as a base station, see "Using the
Transceiver as a Base Station" below.
When you install an antenna, keep in mind that, for the best performance,
you should mount the antenna vertically as high as possible on the vehicle
and away from sources of electrical noise.
Once you choose an antenna, follow it's mounting instructions. Then route
the cable to the transceiver and thread the cable onto the ANT connector
on the back of the transceiver.
CAUTIONS: Avoid routing the cable next to sharp edges or moving parts,
which might damage the cable.
Do not run the cable next to power cables or other radio antenna
cables.
Do not run the cable through the engine compartment or other
areas that produce extreme heat.
To take advantage of your transceiver's maximum range, adjust the antennas
standing wave ratio (SWR) using an SWR meter (not supplied, available at
your local RadioShack store). Follow the instructions supplied with the
SWR meter and antenna to adjust the antenna's SWR. Values of 2.0:1 are
generally acceptable, with readings of 1.5:1 or lower being more desirable
Connecting The Microphone
1. Align the notch of the microphone's plug and the microphone's jack,
located on the left side of the front panel. Then insert the plug and
turn the metal ring clockwise to secure the plug.
2. Slide the microphone onto the microphone holder.
To disconnect the microphone from the transceiver, turn the metal ring
counterclockwise to loosen it.
CAUTION: Always disconnect the microphone by grasping its plug. Never
pull on the coiled microphone cable.
Using An External Speaker
To hear your communications better in a noisy environment, you can plug an
optional, external speaker into the transceiver. The speaker should have
an impedance of 8-Ohms and be able to handle 3 to 10 Watts of power. The
speaker's cable should have a 1/8-inch (3.5-mm) plug.
To connect the speaker, insert the speaker cable's plug into EXT. SP on
the back of the transceiver. This automatically disconnects the built-in
speaker.
Connecting Power
Follow these steps to power the transceiver from your vehicle's battery.
1. Connect the supplied polarized l3.8 VDC power connector to the white
power socket and cable on the back of the transceiver. The plug and
socket only fit one way. If you can not easily insert the plug, turn
it over and try again. Do not force it.
2. Connect the red wire (+) (with the in-line fuse holder) to a point in
your vehicle's fuse block that supplies power only when the ignition
is in the ACC (accessory) or ON position.
3. Connect the black wire (-) to a metal part of the vehicle's frame
(chassis ground).
CAUTION: Do not connect the black wire to a non-metallic (plastic)
part, or to any part insulated from the vehicle's chassis by
a non-metallic part.
Using The Transceiver As A Base Station
Although this transceiver is designed for mobile use, you can also use it
as a base station with a DC power source. To use the transceiver as a
base station, you need these items:
A regulated power supply that supplies at least 7 amps at 12 VDC.
CAUTION: Most 12-13.8 VDC power supplies operate from a standard AC
outlet. Before connecting your transceiver to this type of
power supply, read and follow the instructions included with
it.
A base station antenna.
Coaxial antenna cable and appropriate connectors.
Your local RadioShack store carries a wide selection of all products
needed to set up your transceiver as a base station.
Follow these steps to use the transceiver as a base station.
1. Mount the base station antenna as described in its owner's manual.
WARNING: Use extreme caution when you install or remove a base station
antenna. If the antenna starts to fall, let it go! It could
contact overhead power lines. If the antenna touches a power
line, contact with the antenna, mast, cable, or guy wires can
cause electrocution and death. Call the power company to
remove the antenna. Do not attempt to do so yourself!
2. Connect the antenna to the PL259 ANT connector on the back of the
transceiver. If the antenna's plug does not match the ANT jack on the
back of the transceiver, contact your local RadioShack store for a
suitable adapter.
3. Connect the supplied polarized 13.8 VDC power connector to the white
power socket and cable on the back of the transceiver. The plug and
socket only fit one way. If you can not easily insert the plug, turn
it over and try again. Do not force it. Then connect the red power
wire with the in-line fuse (+) and black power wire (-) to the
appropriate terminals on your power supply.
4. Plug the power supply's AC power cord into a standard AC outlet.
(BR EB 6/14/00)
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