Yaesu Musen VXA-120 Air Band Transceiver User Manual

Yaesu Musen Co., Ltd. Air Band Transceiver

users manual

VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 1INTRODUCTIONThe Yaesu VXA-120 Aviator ProII is compact, stylish, solid hand-held transceiver providing communica-tion (transmit and receive) capability on the International Aircraft Communication Band (“COMCOMCOMCOMCOM” band: 118 ~136.975 MHz), additionally provides receive on the “NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV” band (108 ~ 117.975 MHz).The VXA-120 includes our exclusive two-mode display with upright or inverted for easy viewing when onyour belt, NOAA weather band monitoring capability, 8 character Alpha/Numeric Display, 50 Memory Chan-nels and 100 Book Memory Channels.We recommend that you read this manual in its entirety, so as to understand the many features of the VXA-120completely. Keep this manual handy, so you may use it for reference.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL2CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (TOP PANEL)Antenna JackThis SMA jack accepts thee supplied flexibleantenna, or another antenna designed to provide50 Ω impedance on the Aircraft CommunicationBand.POWER/VOLUME KnobTurn this control clockwise to turn the radio onand to increase the volume. Counterclockwise ro-tation into the click-stop will turn the radio off.CHANNEL Selector KnobThis is 20-position detended rotary switch tunesthe operating frequency or selects the memorychannels.Pressing this knob momentarily selects the tun-ing methods among VFO (Variable FrequencyOscillator), MR (Memory Recall), BOOK (Pre-Programmed Memories), and WX (WeatherChannel Memories) mode.LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)The display shows the selected operating condi-tions as indicated on the next page.The display may be changed inverted viewingvia the Menu; see page 29 for details.BUSY/TX Indicator LampThis lamp glows green when a signal is beingreceived and red when transmitting.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 3CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (LCD DISPLAY)This indicator con-firms that the AUTO-MATIC NOISE LIMITERis activated. Seepage 17.This icon is the“Low Battery” indi-cator, which blinkswhen the batteryvoltage becomestoo low for properoperation.This indicator con-firms that DUALWATCH is active.See page 24.This indicator con-firms that the“Split” (Duplex)mode is activated.See page 26.This indicator con-firms that thischannel will beskipped duringscan. See page23.These digits provide frequency or alphanumericinformation about the channel you are using.This icon indicatesthat the “Book”Memory Bank is inuse. See page 14.This indicator con-firms that Second-ary Key Function isactive. See page 5.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL4CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (FRONT PANEL)LoudspeakerThe internal speaker located in this position.MicrophoneSpeak across this opening in a normal tone voicewhile pressing the PTT switch.KeypadSeveral keys have dual functions. The color ofthe label determines the way in which you acti-vate the function:The white labels represent the primary functionsof the keys (activated by simply pressing the keymomentarily).The yellow labels represent the secondary func-tions of the keys (activated by pressing the [F]key first, then the indicated key).On the keypad, primary functions (white) are la-beled to the left, while the secondary functions(yellow) are labeled to the right. These functionsare described in detail on the next page.Battery Pack LatchOpen this latch for battery removal.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 5CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD)Primary Function(Press Key)Secondary Function(Press +)Primary Function(Press Key)Primary Function(Press Key)Primary Function(Press Key)Frequency EntryDigit 1 Frequency EntryDigit 2 Frequency EntryDigit 3Frequency EntryDigit 4 Frequency EntryDigit 5 Frequency EntryDigit 6Frequency EntryDigit 7 Frequency EntryDigit 8 Frequency EntryDigit 9Frequency EntryDigit 0Selects Memory DisplayType (page 19)Locks the KeypadSelects EmergencyChannel (121.5 MHz)None None NoneNoneNoneNoneActivates AutomaticNoise LimiterActivates Split (Duplex)mode On/Off Switchfor Keypad Beeper Allows Skipping ofChannel during ScanActivates Scanning Activates “Secondary”Key modeActivates Dual WatchMemory “Write”CommandSplit-Memory “Write”CommandSecondary Function(Press +)Secondary Function(Press +)Secondary Function(Press +)NoneNoneNoneNone
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL6PTT (PUSH TO TALK) SwitchPress this button to transmit when you are oper-ating in the “COMCOMCOMCOMCOM” band. Release this button toreturn to the “RECEIVE” mode. See page 15.MONITOR SwitchThis button may be pressed to “open” the squelchmanually, allowing you to listen for very weaksignals. Press and hold this button for 2 seconds,to “open” the squelch continuously. Press thisbutton again to resume normal (quiet) monitor-ing. See page 12.LAMP SwitchPress this switch momentarily, to activate theback-lighting lamp for the display. Press and holdthis switch for 2 seconds, to activate the back-lighting lamp continuously. To turn the lamp off,press this switch again. The LAMP switch maybe configured in several ways via the Menu; seepage 28 for details.CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (LEFT SIDE)
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 7CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (RIGHT SIDE)MIC/EAR JackYou may connect the (optional) CT-60 HeadsetCable or the (optional) MH-44A4B Speaker/Mi-crophone to this jack.Never connect the any Speaker/Micro-phone that is not recommended by themanufacturer. Because these jack connections areunique using a Speaker/Microphone that is notspecified by Yaesu will damage the VXA-120.EXT DC JackWhen an external 12-Volt DC power source isavailable, you may connect the E-DC-5B Exter-nal DC Cable here. Do not connect any wire tothis jack if that wire is connected directly to a28-Volt DC source. Connecting the VXA-120 di-rectly to a source which exceeds 15.0 Volts DCwill result in damage to the unit.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL8BEFORE YOU BEGINPrecautionsrThis apparatus is capable of two-way communi-cation on channels used for critical aviation safetycommunications. Therefore, it is important thatthis radio be kept away from children or otherunauthorized users at all times.rWhen making DC connections via the E-DC-5BDC cable, be absolutely certain to observe theproper voltage level and polarity guidelines. Donot connect this radio directly to any 24 ~ 28Volt DC source, nor to AC power of any kind.Connecting the VXA-120 directly to a sourcewhich exceeds 15.0 Volts DC will result in dam-age to the unit.rDo not dispose of the Ni-Cd Battery Pack in afire. Do not carry a Ni-Cd Battery Pack in yourpocket, where keys or coins could short the ter-minals. This could create a serious fire/burn dan-ger, and possibly cause damage to the Ni-Cdpack.rAlthough the VXA-120 is designed to be waterresistant, the enclosure is not “waterproof.” Donot allow the radio to become submersed in wa-ter, and do not expose it and/or its Ni-Cd BatteryPack to water spray under pressure.Battery Installation and Removal¦To install the battery, hold the transceiver withyour left hand, so your palm is over the speakerand your thumb is on the top of the Belt Clip.Insert the battery pack into the battery compart-ment on the back of the radio while tilting theBelt Clip outward, then close the Battery PackLatch until it locks in place with a “Click.”¦To remove the battery, turn the radio off and re-move any protective cases. Open the Battery PackLatch on the bottom of the radio, then slide thebattery downward and out from the radio whileunfolding the Belt Clip.Do not attempt to open any of the recharge-able Ni-Cd packs, as personal injury or dam-age to the Ni-Cd pack could occur if a cell or cellsbecome accidentally short-circuited.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 9the charger/battery. Contact your Dealer if youhave any doubts about the appropriateness of theparticular charger or battery pack you intend touse.BEFORE YOU BEGINBattery ChargingIt is necessary to fully charge the Ni-Cd battery be-fore it’s first use. Follow these procedures:¦Install the supplied FNB-V57 Ni-Cd battery packonto the transceiver. Ensure that the transceiveris switched off.¦Plug the NC-76 into the AC line outlet.¦Insert the battery pack into the NC-76; the an-tenna jack should be at the left side when view-ing the charger from the front.¦If the battery pack is inserted correctly, the REDindicator will glow. A fully-discharged pack willbe charged completely in 15 hours.Important Notes:rThe NC-76 is not designed to power the trans-ceiver for operation (reception or transmission).rDo not leave the charger connected to the trans-ceiver for continuous periods in excess of 24hours. Long term overcharging can degrade theNi-Cd battery pack and significantly shorten itsuseful life.rIf using a charger other than the NC-76, or ifusing a battery pack other than the FNB-V57,follow the appropriate instructions provided with VXA-120/NC-76To AC line outletMust be transceiverswitched off.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL10Low Battery Indication¦As your battery discharges during use, the volt-age will gradually become lower. When the bat-tery voltage reaches 5.0 Volts, the “ x” iconwill blink on the LCD display, indicating thatthe battery pack must be recharged before fur-ther use.¦Avoid recharging Ni-Cd batteries before the“Low Battery” indicator is observed, as this candegrade the charge capacity of your Ni-Cd bat-tery pack. Yaesu recommends that you carry anextra, fully-charged pack with you so you willnot lose communications capability due to a de-pleted Ni-Cd battery.This “deep cycling” practice will help to main-tain longer overall battery life after many recharg-ing cycles.BEFORE YOU BEGINInstalling the FBA-25 (option) AlkalineBattery CaseThe optional FBA-25 Battery Case allows opera-tion of the VXA-120 using six “AA” size Alkalinebatteries.When installing batteries, insert the (–) end first, thenpress in the (+++++) end so the battery snaps into place.Always replace all six batteries at the same time, pay-ing attention to the polarity indicated inside the case.The FBA-25 must not be used with re-chargeable cells. The FBA-25 does not con-tain the thermal and over-current protection cir-cuits (provided in the “FNB” series of Ni-Cd Bat-tery Packs) required when utilizing Ni-Cd cells.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 11OPERATIONPreliminary Steps¦Install a charged battery pack onto the transceiver,as described previously.¦Screw the supplied antenna onto the Antennajack. Never operate this transceiver without anantenna connected.¦If you have an optional Speaker/Microphone orheadset, we recommend that it not be connecteduntil you are familiar with the basic operation ofthe VXA-120.Operation Quick StartrTo turn the radio on,rotate the VOLUMEknob out of the click-stop.rAfter three “initial-ization” beeps areheard, a channel fre-quency should ap-pear on the display. Ifnot, press downward(momentarily) on theCHANNEL selector knob (repeatedly, if neces-sary) so that “" VFO "” appears on the display,followed by a channel frequency.rDirectly entering frequencies from the Keypadis the easiest method if you know the frequencyon which you wish to operate. Just enter the fivedigits of the frequency to move to that frequency.For example, to set 134.35 MHz,press [1] à [3] à [4] à [3] à [5].
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL12To set 118.275 MHz, you do not need to pressthe final “5” in the frequency:[1] à [1] à [8] à [2] à [7].rYou may also turnthe top panel’sCHANNEL selectorknob to choose thedesired operating fre-quency. The channelfrequency will ap-pear on the LCD.rTo change frequencyin 1 MHz steps, pressthe [F] key momen-tarily, then rotate theCHANNEL selectorknob to select theMHz digit desired.Press [F] once more to resume normal channelselection in 25-kHz steps.OPERATIONrRotate the VOL-UME knob to set thevolume level. If nosignal is present,press and hold theMONITOR buttonfor 2 seconds; back-ground noise willnow be heard, andyou may use thisnoise to set the VOL-UME knob for thedesired audio level.Press the MONITORbutton momentarily, to silence the noise and re-sume normal (quiet) monitoring.rPress and hold theLAMP button for 2seconds, to illumi-nate the display andkeypad continuously.To disable the illumi-nation, press theLAMP button momentarily.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 13rTo turn the radio off, turn the VOLUME knobfully counter-clockwise into the click stop posi-tion.OPERATIONAccessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency FrequencyThe VXA-120 can quickly access the 121.500 MHzEmergency Frequency. This function can be activatedeven when the keypad lock function is in use.rTo access the Emer-gency Frequency,press the [121.5] keymomentarily.rTo exit the Emer-gency Frequency,press the CHAN-NEL selector knob.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL14Tuning MethodsThroughout this manual, you will see references toseveral different frequency setting methods. Each willbe particularly useful in a particular operating situa-tion, and they are described below:¦VFO (Variable Frequency Oscillator)The VFO is a “tuningdial” system which al-lows you to tunethrough the NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV or COMCOMCOMCOMCOM bands in 25-kHz stepsusing the CHANNEL selector, the Keypad, orthe scanner.¦MR (Memory Recall)The MR (Memory Re-call) mode of the VXA-120 provides the userwith the ability to store and recall as many as 50channels in the radio’s main memory bank. Thesememory channels may also be labeled by youwith an alpha/numeric name of up to 8 charac-ters in length, to aid in quick identification ofthe channel. See page 20 for details on creatingalpha/numeric labels.¦BOOK (Pre-Programmed) MemoriesThe Book memories arepre-programmed, eitherat the factory or by yourDealer (depending on your country’s require-ments), typically including the major COMCOMCOMCOMCOM andNAVNAVNAVNAVNAV band station frequencies used in your area.The Book memories can be changed by the user.See page 27 for details.¦WX (Weather Channel) MemoriesTen Weather Channelsare pre-programmed atthe factory as appropri-ate for your country, and the VXA-120 will au-tomatically scan this special bank when it is se-lected by the user.OPERATION
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 15TransmissionTo transmit, press andhold the PTT switch.Speak into the micro-phone area of the frontpanel grille in a normalvoice level.To return to the receivemode, release the PTT switch.Reception of Weather Channel BroadcastsThe VXA-120 can receive VHF Weather Channelbroadcasts, which may assist your flight planning.The VXA-120 includes a ten-channel auto-searchfeature, which simplifies access to Weather Chan-nels when you are in an unfamiliar location.rTo receive WeatherChannels, press theCHANNEL selectorknob (repeatedly, ifnecessary) to selectthe Weather Channelmode. In the WeatherChannel mode, “" WX "” will appear on the dis-play.rThe VXA-120 will now scan quickly through theten standard Weather Channels, and will stop onthe first active station found.rIf there are two ormore weather chan-nels audible in yourarea, you may selectthe alternate chan-nel(s) by pressing thePTT switch. PressingOPERATION
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL16OPERATIONthe PTT switch re-initiates the scanning process.rIf there are noWeather Channels inyour area, the scan-ner will not stop.Press the MONITORbutton to stop thescanner.rYou can also selectWeather Channelsmanually by rotatingthe CHANNEL se-lector knob.rTo comfirm the current Weather Channel fre-quency, press the [()] key momen-tarily. The displaychanges to frequencyindication. Press the[ ()] key againto return to normaldisplay.rTo exit the WeatherChannel mode, pressthe CHANNEL se-lector knob momen-tarily to return to theVFO mode.Note: The Weather Channel mode memorizes the lastWeather Channel you have used, and will retain thisinformation until the radio is turned off.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 17Monitor KeyWhen listening to a very weak signal from an air-craft or ground station, you may observe the signaldisappearing periodically as the incoming signalstrength becomes too weak to override the squelchthreshold setting.To disable the squelchtemporarily, press andhold the MONITOR keyfor 2 seconds on the leftside of the radio, just be-low the PTT button. Thesquelch will remain openand you should have a better chance of hearing weaksignals.To return to normal operation, press the MONITORkey momentarily.OPERATIONANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) FeatureFor reduction of impulse noise, such as that producedby an engine’s ignition system, the ANL feature mayprove helpful.rTo activate the ANLfeature, press the[ANL] key momen-tarily. The “ANL”icon will appear onthe display, and youshould observe a re-duction in the ignition noise.rTo turn the ANL feature off, repeat the abovestep; the “ANL” icon will disappear from the dis-play.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL18LOCK FunctionThe lock function prevents accidental changes to thefrequency setting and the keypad controls.rTo activate the lockfeature, press [F] à[ ()] key.rIn the LOCK mode,the display will show“" LOCK"” whenyou rotate theCHANNEL selector knob, press the CHANNELselector knob, or touch a key on the keypad.rTo turn the lock feature off,press [F] à [ ()] again.rYou can still access the 121.500 MHz EmergencyFrequency when the LOCK function is on.Simply press the [121.5] key momentarily (thiskey never locks). Pressing this key also unlocksthe radio.OPERATIONBeep On/OffThe VXA-120’s key/button beeper provides conve-nient audible feedback whenever a button is pressed.Each key and button has a different beep pitch, andeach function has a unique beep combination.When you are scanning, the beeper will be heard eachtime the scanner halts on a busy channel. This maybe distracting in some environments; if you want toturn the beeper off (or back on again):rPress [F] à [8 (BEEP)] key; “ BEEP on” willappear on the LCD.rRotate the CHAN-NEL selector knobone click to changethe display to“BEEP oFF.”rPress the [8(BEEP)]key again to save your new setting and exit tonormal operation.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 19NOTE
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL20MEMORY OPERATIONThe VXA-120 provides 50 user-programmable“Main” memories, labeled “ CH" ))! ” through“CH" )%),” and up to 100 pre-programmed memo-ries, designated “Book” Memories. The “ ” iconappears when “Book” Memory Mode is activated.The Main memories and “Book” Memories can beassigned alpha-numeric names of up to eight charac-ters.Memory System OperationThe VXA-120’s Main Memory system allows theuser to store, label, and recall channel frequencieswhich you may want to use frequently. You may storeVFO frequencies, Book Memory frequencies, and/or Weather Channel frequencies into the MainMemory system.Memory StoragerSelect the desired frequency in the VFO mode,or recall the Book Memory channel or Weatherchannel to be stored in the Main Memory.rPress and hold the [MW (SPL.W)] key for 2seconds. The display will indicate “ CH" ” and achannel number will blink on the LCD.rWithin five seconds of pressing the [MW(SPL.W)] key, rotate the CHANNEL selectorknob to select the desired memory channel num-ber for storage.In order to prevent writing over memory chan-nels, a bar will appear under the hyphen (locatedbetween “ CH” and the channel number) to indi-cate a vacant memory channel.rNow press and hold in the [MW (SPL.W)] keyfor 2 seconds; you will now see “;"""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""""”on the LCD. To attach an alpha/numeric name(label) to the memory, proceed to the next step;otherwise press and hold [MW (SPL.W)] for 2seconds to save the entry and exit.rTo label a memory with an alpha/numeric name,the next step is to use the CHANNEL selectorknob to select any of the 48 available characters(including letters, numbers, and special symbols).
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 21When the desired first character appears, pressthe CHANNEL selector knob momentarily tomove on to the next character.rSelect succeeding characters in the same man-ner, pressing the CHANNEL selector knob mo-mentarily after each selection.rAfter entering the entire name (eight charactersmaximum), press the [MW (SPL.W)] key for 2seconds to save all data for the channel and exit.Note: If you have stored a Weather Channel, the“WX"))! ~ WX")!) ” labels utilize the alphanu-meric memory, and other labels may not be stored.Recalling the MemoriesrPress the CHANNEL selector knob, repeatedlyif necessary, until “MR” (Memory Recall) ap-pears on the display. In the MR mode, you willsee “ CH" ” and the previously selected channelnumber appearing on the LCD.rRotate the CHANNEL selector knob to selectthe desired memory channel.rYou may change the title structure of the Memorydisplay type among:1. Channel Indication (sequential Channel Number,e.g. CH"))!, CH"))@, etc.);2. Frequency Indication (e.g. 1@@.%))); or3. Alphanumeric Label (e.g. LAX FSS).rTo change the Memory display title, press the[ ()] key repeatedly, if necessary, until youget the desired display title structure.rTo exit the Memory mode, press the CHANNEL se-lector knob momentarily to return to the VFO mode.Note: In the “Book” Memory mode, you can changethe memory channel in 10 channel steps, press the[F] key momentarily, then rotate the CHANNEL se-lector knob. The “ ” icon will show at the rightedge of the display when the 10 channel step tuningmode is active. Press the [F] key once more to re-sume normal channel selection in 1 channel step.MEMORY OPERATIONAAAAllllpppphhhhaaaa----ttttaaaag g g g CCCChahahaharrrracacacacttttoooorrrr) ! @#$%^&*(ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ<>+;:\`y[|"
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL22SCANNING OPERATIONThe VXA-120 allows you to scan automatically inthe VFO*, Main Memory, “Book” Memory, orWeather Channel modes. It pauses on signals encoun-tered, so you can talk to the station(s) on that fre-quency, if you like.* In the VFO mode, the automatic scanner is onlyavailable in the COMCOMCOMCOMCOM band (118.000 - 136.975 MHz);when the scanner reaches the uppermost frequencyin the COMCOMCOMCOMCOM band, it will revert to the bottom end ofthe COMCOMCOMCOMCOM band and repeat the scanning process untilyou cancel the scanning process.If you wish to scan in the NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV band (108.000 -136.975 MHz), you can do so manually, as describedat the right.Scanning operation is basically the same in each ofthe above modes.rPress the [SCAN (DW)] key momentarily to startthe automatic scanner upward (toward a higherfrequency or a higher channel number).rWhen the scanner encounters a signal, scanningpauses and the radio remains on that channel untilone second after the signal disappears, afterwhich scanning will resume.rWhile the scanner remains paused on a frequency,the decimal point of the frequency display blinks.The display and keypad will be illuminated un-less the Scan Lamp Feature is turned off.rTo change the scan direction, turn the CHAN-NEL selector knob one click in the opposite di-rection.rTo stop the automatic scanner, press the PTT switchor the CHANNEL selector knob momentarily. Youmay also press [SCAN (DW)] key again.The VXA-120’s automatic scanner is not operationalin the NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV band (108.000 - 117.975 MHz), becausethe NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV stations (ILS, etc.) transmit constantly(thereby causing the scanner to stop repeatedly).However, you can scan manually in the NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV band,per the following procedure:rPress and hold the [SCAN (DW)] key to startthe manual scanner. Scanning will continue aslong as the key is depressed.rRelease the [SCAN (DW)] key to stop themanual scanner immediately.Note: When scanning upward in frequency, when thefrequency reaches the COMCOMCOMCOMCOM Band (118.000 - 136.975MHz) via manual scanning, the VXA-120 will switchto the automatic scanner mode.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 23SCANNING OPERATIONChannel-Skip ScanningContinuous-carrier stations like ATIS (AutomaticTerminal Information Service) or Weather Broadcaststations inhibit scanner operation. Since these sta-tions are always active, the scanner will be haltedrepeatedly on their channels. Such channels can beset to be “skipped” during scanning, if you like, soas not to interfere with automatic channel scanning:rRecall the Memory Channel to be skipped dur-ing scanning.rPress [F] à [9 (SKIP)] key. The “SKIP” iconwill appear in the lower right corner, indicatingthat the channel is to be ignored during scanning.rYou can also designate a channel to be skippedwhile scanning. When the receiver is halted on achannel that you wish to skip, press and hold the[SCAN (DW)] key for 2 seconds (the “SKIP”icon will appear next to the channel to beskipped).rLater, to re-enable the memory channel for scan-ning, repeat the first two steps. The “SKIP” iconwill disappear by the channel you have just re-enabled.Note: A memory set to be “skipped” is still acces-sible for manual memory selection using the CHAN-NEL selector knob.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL24DUAL WATCH OPERATIONThe Dual Watch feature automatically checks foractivity on a “priority” channel* while you are oper-ating on another channel. During Dual Watch opera-tion, the current channel and the Priority channel willeach be polled for a 500 ms interval, as the VXA-120 looks for activity on each channel.rTo start Dual Watch, press [F] à [SCAN (DW)].The “DW” icon will appear on the display.rWhile receiving on the “current” channel (notthe Priority channel), you may push the PTTswitch at any time to transmit on that channel.rWhen a signal is received on the Priority chan-nel, operation immediately shifts to the Prioritychannel, the “DW” icon will blink, and the dis-play and keypad will become illuminated.While receiving on the priority channel, if youmomentarily press the PTT switch, Dual Watchwill be disabled. You may then transmit on thePriority Channel.rTo stop Dual Watch, press [F] à [SCAN (DW)]key.rIf you wish, you may use both the Dual Watchand Scan features simultaneously. To do this, startthe Dual Watch first, then start the Scanner.* The “Priority” Channel is defined as the last-usedMemory Channel (when using the VFO mode) orMemory Channel 1 (when using the Main Memoryor Book Memory modes).
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 25PRIORITY DUAL WATCH OPERATIONSimilar to Dual Watch operation (described above),Priority Dual Watch is an enhanced version whichincludes the following additional features:lThe receiving time interval (ratio) between thecurrent channel and the Priority channel may becustomized via the Menu mode, item PRTM. Seepage 28 for details.lIrrespective of which channel is currently beingreceived, when the PTT button is pushed trans-mission will always occur on the Priority chan-nel.Before initiating Priority Dual Watch, Menu itemDWMD must be set to the “Priority” mode (insteadof “Dual Watch”). See page 28 for details.rTo start Priority Dual Watch, press [F] à [SCAN(DW)].The “DW” icon will appear on the display.rWhile receiving on the “current” (non-Priority)channel, pressing the PTT button once causesthe radio to switch to the Priority channel andcancels Dual Watch. Press the PTT button againto transmit on the Priority channel.rWhen a signal is received on the Priority chan-nel, reception immediately shifts to the Prioritychannel, “DW” icon will blink, and the displayand keypad will become illuminated unless theScan Lamp Feature is turned off.While receiving on the priority channel, if youmomentarily press the PTT switch, Priority DualWatch will be disabled. You may then transmiton the Priority Channel.rTo stop Priority Dual Watch, press [F] à [SCAN(DW)] key.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL26The split operation feature allows you to transmit acall to a Flight Service Station using the COMCOMCOMCOMCOM bandfrequencies, while receiving a NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV band station(such as the ATIS, AWOS etc.). NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV band stationsequipped with this capability typically are shown,on navigation charts, with the voice calling frequencyin parenthesis above the navigation frequency.Programming a Transmit FrequencyrPress the CHANNEL selector knob, repeatedlyif necessary, to select the VFO mode.rSet a NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV band (108.000 - 117.975 MHz) fre-quency using the CHANNEL selector knob orkeypad.rPress [F] à [MW (SPL.W)] key. The “SPL”icon will blink, and the transmit frequency willappear on the display.rNow set your radio’s transmit frequency, wherethe Flight Service Station will be listening forcalls, using the CHANNEL selector knob or key-pad.rPress and hold in the [MW (SPL.W)] key for 2seconds to save the transmit frequency and re-turn to the NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV band frequency.SPLIT OPERATIONNote: You have now stored the separate transmit fre-quency, but you have not yet activated the split-fre-quency function; go on to the next section.Operating in the Split ModerIt is assumed that you have already set the de-sired NAVNAVNAVNAVNAV band station’s frequencies per theabove instructions.rPress [F] à [7 (SPL)] to turn on the “Split”function. The “SPL” icon will appear on the dis-play.rPress and hold in the PTT switch to transmit onthe split transmit frequency.rRelease the PTT switch to return to the receivemode.rTo disable the “Split” function, press [F] à [7(SPL)] again.Note: A split frequency can be programmed into eachmemory channel independently. Set a transmit fre-quency before programming the memory channel, ifdesired. The split function on/off setting can also beprogrammed into a memory channel.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 27FIELD PROGRAMMING MODEThe VXA-120’s Book Memoris also allows the userto store, label, and recall channel frequencies whichyou may want to use frequently while the VXA-120is in the Field Programming mode.Memory Storage into the Book MemoryrPress and hold the PTT and LAMP switch whileturning the radio on, to activate the Field Pro-gramming Mode.rSelect the desired frequency to be stored in theBook Memory.rPress and hold the [MW(SPL.W)] key for 2 sec-onds. The display will indicate “BOOK;” and achannel number will blink on the LCD.rWithin five seconds of pressing the[MW(SPL.W)] key, rotate the CHANNEL se-lector knob to select the desired memory chan-nel number for storage.rNow press and hold in the [MW(SPL.W)] keyfor 2 seconds; you will now see “;""""""" ”on the LCD. To attach an alpha/numeric name(label) to the memory, proceed to the next step;otherwise press and hold the [MW(SPL.W)] keyfor 2 seconds to save the entry and exit.rTo label a memory with an alpha/numeric name,the next step is to use the CHANNEL selectorknob to select any of the 48 available characters(including letters, numbers, and special symbols).When the desired first character appears, pressdown on the CHANNEL selector knob momen-tarily to move on to the next character.rSelect succeeding characters in the same man-ner, pressing down on the CHANNEL selectorknob momentarily after each selection.rAfter entering the entire name (eight charactersmaximum), press the [MW(SPL.W)] key for 2seconds to save all data for the channel.rTurn the radio off, then turn the radio back onagain to begin normal operation.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL28MENU (“SET”) MODEThe Menu system allows certain aspects of yourradio’s configuration to be customized for your per-sonal operating convenience. We do not recommendthat any of the default settings be changed, however,until you are thoroughly familiar with the operationof the VXA-120.1. Press the [F] key, thenpress the CHANNELselector knob to activatethe Menu (“SET”)mode.2. Rotate the CHANNELselector knob to selectthe Menu item (feature)you wish to view and/ormodify.3. Once you have selectedthe desired Menu Item,press the CHANNELselector knob once toview the current settingfor the item.4. Rotate the CHANNELselector knob to changethe setting of the item(ON to OFF, etc.).5. Press the CHANNELselector knob to saveyour new setting.6. If you need to changemore than one Menuitem, repeat steps 2 - 5.7. Press the PTT switch toexit the Menu (“SET”)mode.
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 29MENU (“SET”) MODEMENU ListingA listing of the Menu items available via the SETmode may be found below.SQLFunction: Squelch Level SettingAvailable Values: 0 ~ 8Default Setting: 3Select a setting for this Menu item which just silencesthe receiver when no signal is present. Use the low-est setting which will keep the receiver quiet betweenincoming transmissions.MCLRFunction: Memory Channel ClearTo Clear a Memory channel:1. Select the Menu Item MCLR.2. Press the CHANNEL selector knob, then rotatethe CHANNEL selector knob to recall thememory channel to be erased (“SET xx” willappear on the display).3. Press the VOLUME knob, then turn the CHAN-NEL selector knob one click to change the dis-play to “CLR xx”.4. Press and hold the CHANNEL selector knob for2 seconds to exit.Important Notice: An “erased” channel cannot berestored, and “ CH"OO1 ” cannot be erased, as it isused for “Priority Channel” operation.MenuItemSQLMCLRRESESCNLBEEPRSAVLAMPSFTPRTMDWMDPOBPLCDIMICFunctionSQLSquelch Level SettingMemory Channel ClearScan-Resume Mode SettingScan Lamp On/OffKeypad Beeper On/OffReceiver Battery SaverLCD Illumination ModeCPU Clock ShiftPriority Checking TimeSelect theDual Watch/Priority FunctionSelect the Power on BeepSelect the LCD Display ReadoutInternal Microphone On/OffAvailableValues0 ~ 8–CAR/5on/oFFon/oFFoFF/ABS/1:1 ~ 1:5KEY/TGL/5on/oFF05/10/15/20/25/30DW/PRI1/2/3/oFFNOR/INVon/oFFDefault3–CARononoFFKEYoFF15(1.5 sec)DW1NORon
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL30RESMFunction: Scan-Resume Mode SettingAvailable Values: CAR/5Default Setting: CARIn the “CAR” (Carrier Drop) mode, the scanner willremain halted for as long as there is a carrier presenton the channel; after the carrier drops at the end ofthe other station’s transmission, the scanning willresume.In the “5” (5-Second Pause) mode, the scanner willhalt for five seconds only, after which scanning willresume (whether or not the other station is still trans-mitting).SCNLFunction: Scan Lamp On/Off (while paused)Available Values: on/oFFDefault Setting: onIf you set this function to “on,” the lamp will be illu-minated whenever the scanner stops.BEEPFunction: Keypad Beeper On/OffAvailable Values: on/oFFDefault Setting: onIf you do a lot of scanning, you may wish to set thisMenu item to “oFF,” as the Beeper will be heard eachtime the scanner halts.RSAVFunction: Receive Battery SaverAvailable Values: oFF/ABSø/1:1 ~ 1:5Default Setting: oFFThe setting of 1:5 will promote the greatest conser-vation of battery capacity, but the receiver’s responsetime to incoming calls will be slowed somewhat.øABS: Automatic Battery Saver, based on activityon receiverNote: This feature does not operate during Scan orDual Watch.MENU (“SET”) MODE
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL 31LAMPFunction: LCD Illumination ModeAvailable Values: KEY/TGL/5Default Setting: KEYIn the “KEY” mode, the lamp will be activated for 5seconds when a front panel key is pressed.In the “TGL” mode, the LAMP switch toggles thelamp on and off.In the “5” mode, the LAMP switch activates thelamp for 5 seconds.SFTFunction: CPU Clock ShiftAvailable Values: on/oFFDefault Setting: oFFThis function is only used to move a spurious response“birdie” should it fall on a desired frequency. Consultyour Yaesu dealer for details regarding this function.PRTMFunction: Priority Checking TimeAvailable Values: 05/10/15/20/25/30 (x0.1 sec)Default Setting: 15 (1.5 seconds)This Menu item allows you to define how often thePriority Channel will be checked for activity.Note: The Dual Watch Polling time is 500 mS (fixed).MENU (“SET”) MODEDWMDFunction: Select the Dual Watch/Priority FunctionAvailable Values: DW/PRIDefault Setting: DWIn the DW mode, the VXA-120 will activate the DualWatch feature when you press [F] à [SCAN (DW)].In the PRI mode, the VXA-120 will activate the Pri-ority feature when you press [F] à [SCAN (DW)].POBPFunction: Select the Power on BeepAvailable Values: 1/2/3/oFFDefault Setting: 1LCDFunction: Select the LCD Display ReadoutAvailable Values: NOR/INVDefault Setting: NORIMICFunction: Internal Microphone On/OffAvailable Values: on/oFFDefault Setting: onWhen operate the VXA-120 in noisy area, we rec-ommend that use with the optional MH-44A4BSpeaker Microphone while this function set to “oFF.”
VXA-120 AVIATOR PROII OPERATING MANUAL32SPECIFICATIONSGeneralFrequency Range: TX 118.000 - 136.975 MHzRX 108.000 - 136.975 MHzWeather Channels (WX-01 - WX-10)Channel Spacing: 25 kHzEmission Type:TXAMRX AM & FMSupply Voltage: 6.0 - 15.0 VDCCurrent Consumption: < 1 µA (power off)(approx.) 22 mA (battery saver on, saver ratio 1:5)56 mA (squelch off)180 mA (receive)900 mA (transmit 1.0 W Carrier)Temperature Range: –10° to +60° CCase Size (WxHxD): 58 x 108.5 x 26.5 mm w/FNB-V57Weight (approx.): 335 gramswith FNB-V57, antenna, and belt clipReceiverCircuit Type: Double-conversion superheterodyneIFs: 35.4 MHz & 450 kHzSensitivity: <1 µV(for 6 dB S/N with 1 kHz, 30 % modulation)Selectivity: <8 kHz/–6 dBAdjacent CH. Selectivity: <25 kHz/–60 dBAF Output (@7.2 V): 0.4 W @ 8 Ohms, 10 % THDSpecifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.TransmitterPower Output (@ 7.2 V): 3.5 W (PEP), 1.0 W (Carrier Power)Frequency Stability: Better than ±10 ppm (–10 °C to +60 °C)Modulation System: Low Level Amplitude ModulationSpurious Emission: > 60 dB below carrierInt. Microphone Type: CondenserExt. Mic. Impedance: 150 OhmsACCESSORIES & OPTIONSSupplied AccessoriesNi-Cd Battery Pack FNB-V57Overnight Desktop Charger NC-76B/C/UøHelical Antenna ATV-7Operating ManualWarranty CardAvailable OptionsMH-44A4B Speaker MicrophoneFBA-25 Alkaline Battery CaseNC-73B/C/UøDesktop Rapid ChargerE-DC-5B External Power CableCT-60 Headset CableCN-3 Antenna Adapterø:“B” suffix is for use with 117 VAC,“C” suffix is for use with 220-240 VAC, or“U” suffix is for use with 230 VAC.

Navigation menu