HTX-400 Mini Handheld 70-Centimeter FM Amateur Transceiver
(190-1104) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 61412
Power Sources
You can operate your transceiver from any of three power sources:
Internal batteries.
AC power (using an optional power supply and DC adapter).
Vehicle battery power (using an optional DC adapter).
Using Internal Batteries
Your transceiver can use two AA batteries (not supplied) for power. For
the best performance and longest life, we recommend RadioShack alkaline
batteries.
CAUTIONS: Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended
type.
Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries
(standard, alkaline, or rechargeable) or rechargeable batteries
of different capacities.
Follow thee steps to install batteries.
Note: The LOCK Tab is on the bottom.
1. Move the LOCK tab in the opposite direction of the arrow marked on
the bottom of the transceiver.
2. Press down and slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of
the arrow marked on the cover.
3. Put the batteries into the compartment and on top of the attached
ribbon, according to the polarity symbols (+ and -) marked inside the
compartment.
4. Replace the cover and slide the LOCK tab to secure the cover.
Testing Internal Batteries
When you turn on the HTX-400, BAT appears briefly and the graduated bar
(the signal strength meter) next to BAT indicates the battery strength. If
the batteries are weak, the graduated bar shows less than 4 boxes. The
battery symbol constantly indicates the battery strength. When only one or
two bars appear inside the battery strength indicator, replace both
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 a
two week period, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak
chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.
Using AC Power
You can operate the HTX-400 from AC power using a regulated power supply
capable of supplying 13.8 VDC at least 1A and a vehicle power adapter (see
"Using Vehicle Battery Power" below). The power supply should also have an
accessory power socket into which the DC-to-DC power adapter fits. If your
power supply does not have an accessory power socket, you can either wire
the power cord directly to your power supply or add an accessory power
socket to the power supply. Suitable connectors, power supplies, power
cords, and sockets are available at your local RadioShack store.
You can use either Ni-Cd or Ni-MH batteries to power your HTX-400;
however, you cannot recharge these batteries while they are inside the
HTX-400. You can use a separate external charger for recharging the
batteries outside the radio. Your local RadioShack store carries a
selection of suitable batteries and chargers.
Note: As these batteries provide less voltage then that typically supplied
by alkaline batteries, expect less transmitting output power when
you use the HTX-400 with Ni-Cd or Ni-MH battery power.
Using Vehicle Battery Power
You can power the HTX-400 from a vehicle's 12V power source (such as a
cigarette-lighter socket) using a 9-volt, 900 mA DC-to-DC power adapter
and a size 1 Adaptaplug (neither supplied) with TIP set to +. Both are
available at your local RadioShack store.
CAUTIONS: You must use a power source that supplies 9V DC and delivers at
least 900 mA. Its center tip must be set to positive and its
plug must fit the HTX-400's DC 9V jack. Using an adapter that
does not meet these specifications could damage the HTX-400 or
the adapter.
Always connect the DC adapter to the HTX-400 before you connect
it to the power source. When you finish, disconnect the adapter
from the power source before you disconnect it from the HTX-400.
Follow these steps to operate the HTX-400 from a vehicle's battery power.
1. Insert the Adaptaplug into the HTX-400's DC 9V jack.
2. Plug the other end of the adapter into the cigarette-lighter socket in
the vehicle.
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. Turn it clockwise to remove it.
CAUTION: Do not over-tighten the antenna.
Note: You can connect an external antenna to the HTX-400 using an SMA to
BNC adapter. This adapter, as well as suitable antennas, are
available through your local RadioShack store.
Attaching The Belt Clip
Use a Phillip screwdriver and the two supplied screws to attach the
supplied belt clip to your transceiver. Do not overtighten 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 the of
the transceiver, then insert the plug of an optional voice activated head
set 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: Inserting a headset's plug 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.
(BR EB 8/30/00)
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