Ranger Electronic Communications 5054DX Communications Receiver User Manual users manual
Ranger Electronic Communications Inc Communications Receiver users manual
users manual
RCI-5054DX
AM/FM/SSB/CW 6 Meter
Amateur Mobile Transceiver
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Owner's Manual
- 1 -
Table of Contents
PA
GE
Chapter 1 Specifications ....................................................... 2
Chapter 2 Introduction .......................................................... 3
Unpacking ........................................................................... 3
Chapter 3 Installation ............................................................ 4
Transceiver Mounting ........................................................... 4
Power Connection ............................................................... 4
Chapter 4 Operation .............................................................. 5
Front Panel .......................................................................... 5
Rear Panel ........................................................................... 8
Microphone ......................................................................... 9
Frequency Selection ............................................................. 10
Mode Selection .................................................................... 10
RF Power Control ................................................................. 10
Chapter 5 Programming ........................................................ 11
Frequency Selection ............................................................. 11
Receive Scanning ............................................................... 12
Split Function ....................................................................... 12
Memory Function ................................................................. 12
Memory Channel Scanning ................................................... 13
Metering .............................................................................. 13
Chapter 6 Frequency Scanning ............................................. 14
All-Frequency Scanning ........................................................ 14
Memory Scanning ................................................................ 15
Chapter 7 Offset Frequency Operation ................................... 16
Memo .................................................................................... 17
LIMITED WARRANTY ........................................... Inside Back Cover
- 2 -
Chapter 1 Specifications
GENERAL
Model RCI-5054DX
Frequency Range : 50.000 ~ 54.000 MHz
Tuning Steps 100 Hz, 1 KHz, 10 KHz, 100 KHz, 1 MHz
Emission USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM
Frequency Control Phase-Lock-Loop Synthesizer
Frequency Tolerance 0.005%
Frequency Stability 0.001%
Operating Temperature Range -10OC to +50OC
Antenna Impedance 50 ohm
Microphone Plug-In (6-Pin), Dynamic PTT
Meter Function RF Output, RX Receive Signal Strength, SWR
Input Voltage 13.8 V DC
Dimensions 7 3/4" (W) x 10 3/4" (L) x 2 3/8" (H)
Weight 4 lb. 3 oz.
TRANSMITTER
RF Power Output 25W : USB/LSB Peak Power
10W : CW/AM/FM
RF Transmit Modes USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM
Antenna Connector UHF Type, 50W
Modulation 16F3, A3E, J3E, A1A
Spurious Emissions -50 dB
Carrier Suppression -50 dB
RECEIVER
Sensitivity AM/CW : 0.5 uV for 10dB S+N/N
FM : 0.25uV for 12dB S+N/N
USB/LSB : 0.15uV for 10dB S+N/N
Image Rejection Ratio -65 dB
AGC Figure of Merit SSB/CW/AM : 80dB for 50mV for 10dB change in Audio
Output
Audio Power Output 2.5W
( SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE )
- 3 -
Chapter 2 Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of an RCI-5054DX 6 meter amateur radio.
Your RCI-5054DX is designed to provide trouble-free service and state-of-
the-art communications, in-corporating many useful features and functions in
the 6 meter band. To ensure proper performance, please read this manual
thoroughly.
Unpacking
The following items are included with our RCI-5054DX. Carefully remove
and examine all materials from the packing carton. If any items are missing
or appear damaged, please contact your dealer immediately. Each unit
should include:
(1) RCI-5054DX Transceiver
(2) Dynamic Microphone with Frequency Adjustment
(3) Power Cord
(4) Mounting Bracket & Hardware
(5) Installation Hardware
(6) Owner's Manual
(7) Warranty Registration Card
It is recommended that you save the packing materials for future storage or
shipping.
IMPORTANT
To operate this radio, you must possess and amateur radio operator's
license issued by the FCC. Operation of this unit without proper
licensing is ILLEGAL and can result in severe penalties.
- 4 -
Chapter 3 Installation
The RCI-5054DX is easy to install. All necessary parts ( less the antenna
and cable ) have been included to facilitate installation.
Transceiver Mounting
Choose a suitable location for the transceiver that will allow easy access to
the front panel as well as proper air circulation to the back of the unit. If you
are installing the unit in a vehicle , attach the mounting bracket first, then
attach the transceiver to the mounting bracket using the hardware provided.
Before making any electrical connection, ensure that the transceiver is
turned off and the vehicle's battery is disconnected.
Power Connection
The transceiver operates off of any regulated 13.8 VDC negative or positive
ground source.
If an AC power supply is used with your radio, it must be regulated and rated
for at least 7 Amps continuous for the RCI-5054DX. Low voltage while under
load will reduce receiver gain and transmitter output.
NOTE
The condition of a vehicle's electrical system can affect the operation of
your RCI-5054DX . A low battery , worn generator/alternator , or poor
voltage regulator will impair performance of the unit as well as the vehicle.
(High noise generation or low voltage delivery can result from these
conditions.)
CAUTION
Voltage above 15 VDC will damage the unit. Be sure to check the
source voltage before connecting the power cord.
- 5 -
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9
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10 11
16 17
12
18
13 14
19 20
21
216
7
8
35
24
23
221
Chapter 4 Operation
Front Panel
1. FREQUENCY SELECTOR : Used to select the desired transmit and
receive frequency, the FREQUENCY SELECTOR allows continuous
tuning over the entire range of the transceiver.
2. RF POWER CONTROL : This control adjust the RF power output level
you want in AM/FM/SSB transmission.
3. MIC GAIN CONTROL : This feature adjust the microphone gain in the
transmit and PA modes, changing the audio level of the microphone for
maximum performance and clarity.
4. ON/OFF VOLUME CONTROL : Turn clockwise to apply power to the
radio and to set the desired listening level.
5. SQUELCH CONTROL : This control is used to control or eliminate
receiver background noise in the absence of an incoming signal. For
maximum receiver sensitivity, it is necessary that the control be adjusted
only the point where the receiver background noise is eliminated. Turn
fully counterclockwise and then slowly clockwise until the receiver noise
disappears. Any signal to be received must now be
- 6 -
Operation (Continued)
slightly stronger than the average received noise. Further clockwise
rotation will increase the threshold level which a signal must overcome in
order to be heard. Only strong signals will be heard at a maximum
clockwise squelch setting .
6. RF GAIN CONTROL : This control is used to reduce the receiver's front-
end gain when receiving strong signals.
7. CLARIFIER CONTROL : This CLARIFIER is used to fine tune the
received signal for the maximum clarity in SSB or CW mode. It can adjust
the receive frequency ±500Hz but does not affect the transmit frequency
or the frequency display.
8. MODE SWITCH : This switch allows you to select one of the following six
operating modes : FM, AM, USB, LSB, CW and PA.
9. NB/ANL BUTTON (NB/ANL) : The noise blanker (NB) is very effective in
eliminating repetitive impulse noise such as ignition interference. In the
ANL position, the AUTOMATIC NOISE LIMITER within the audio circuits
is activated .
10. ROGER BEEP BUTTON (R.BEEEP) : This button activates the ROGER
BEEP circuit when it's function is selected.
11. SPLIT BUTTON (SPLIT) : This control enables the offsetting of an
operating frequency for FM repeater operation.
12. PROGRAM BUTTON (PRG) : This button is used to program operating
or scanning frequency into memory.
13. MANUAL BUTTON (MAN) : This is used to return the unit to manual
mode.
14. SHIFT BUTTON (SHF) : The button selects frequency steps in 100 Hz,
1KHz, 10KHz, 100Hz and 1 MHz increment.
15. DIM BUTTON (DIM) : This button adjusts the display backlighting in four
different steps to best match the ambient light.
- 7 -
Operation (Continued)
16. SWR BUTTON (SWR) : This control is used to check SWR.
17. SCAN BUTTON (SCAN) : This is used to scan frequency in each band
segment.
18. MEMORY BUTTON (MEM) : This button is used to program memory
channel.
19. ENTER BUTTON (ENT) : This is used to program frequencies in
memory.
20. LOCK BUTTON (LOCK) : Pressing this button enables a lock on a
selected frequency ,disabling the Frequency Selector Control, UP /
DOWN buttons on the front control panel, or remote UP/DOWN buttons
on the microphone. Repressing the switch will unlock the frequency.
21. UP/DOWN SELECTOR : These buttons are used to select the desired
frequency.
- 8 -
234
5
1
Operation (Continued)
Rear Panel
1. ANTENNA : This jack accepts a 50 ohms coaxial cable in the PL- 259
type plug.
2. CW KEY : The CW key is used for Morse Code operation. To operate
this, connect a CW key to this jack, and place the mode switch in the CW
position.
3. EXTERNAL SPEAKER : This jack accepts a 4 - 8 ohm 5W external
speaker. When external speaker is connected to this jack , the built-in
speaker will be disabled.
4. PA SP. : An 8 ohm 4W PA speaker may be connected to this jack for PA
operation. Place MODE selector in PA position for this feature.
5. POWER : This accepts a 13.8 VDC power cable with built-in fuse. The
power cord provided with the radio consists of black wire (negative) and a
red wire (positive ).
- 9 -
Operation (Continued)
Microphone
1. PTT SWITCH : Use the Push-To-Talk (PTT) switch to control the transmit
and receive of the radio. Push to transmit and release to receive.
2. REMOTE UP/DOWN SWITCH : An operating frequency can be stepped
up or down simply by pushing either of these buttons.
For best results, the user should select a low-impedance dynamic type
microphone or a transistorized microphone.
The microphone should provide the functions shown in schematic below.
6 WIRE MIC CABLE
Pin Number Mic Cable Lead
1 Audio Shield
2 Audio Lead
3 Transmit Control
4 Receive Control
5 Up Control
6 Down Control
Transceiver Microphone Schematic Diagram
- 10 -
Operation (Continued)
Frequency Selection
Frequency selection for the RCI-5054DX is simple. Select the desired
operating frequency by rotating the Frequency Selector, or using the
UP/DOWN buttons on the front panel or the microphone. Press the LOCK
button to lock the selected frequency . This will disable the Frequency
Selector and the UP/DOWN buttons on the front panel of the microphone.
Repressing the LOCK button unlocks the frequency.
Use the SHF button to set the step frequency in either 100Hz, 1KHz, 10KHz,
100KHz or 1MHz increment. The frequency step is indicated by a small
triangle directly under the corresponding digit on the frequency display.
Mode Selection
To Select an operating mode on your RCI-5054DX, simply rotate the MODE
selector, and place it in the desired operating mode position. The PTT switch
on the microphone controls the transmit and receive of your radio.
RF Power Control
This feature allows the adjustment of the RF output power continuously over
the range of 1W through 25W.
- 11 -
Chapter 5 Programming
Frequency Selection
Frequency selection in the RCI-5054DX can be accomplished using any
three of the following methods :
1. The first method of frequency selection uses the SHF (Shift ) key and the
UP and DOWN arrows. To accomplish this, press the SHF button until the
cursor arrow is positioned under the digit of the frequency that is to be
changed. Then use the UP arrow to Increase the number. If a decrease in
frequency is desired, press the DOWN arrow. Perform the steps
described above for each digit of the frequency is displayed in the LCD
display window.
2. The second method of frequency selection is performed using the SHF
button and the frequency select knob located above the microphone jack.
Use the SHF button in the manner described above to select the digit to
be changed. Then rotate the frequency select knob clockwise to increase
the frequency and counterclockwise to decrease the frequency.
3. The third method of frequency selection is through the use of the SHF
button and the channel UP and DOWN button located on the microphone.
Frequency selection by this method is accomplished in the same manner
as with the UP and DOWN arrows on the key pad. The only difference is
that the channel UP and DOWN buttons on the microphone are used.
Once a signal has been detected on a particular frequency while in receive
mode, it may be necessary to slightly change the frequency to provide the
best audio. This is accomplished by rotating the clarifier control, varying the
frequency by + 0.5 KHz. After fine tuning, press the LOCK button to lock in
the frequency at the point of best reception.
- 12 -
Programming (Continued)
Receive Scanning
The receive scanning feature allows you to locate active frequencies in the
entire band segment. To begin scanning , slowly turn the Squelch control
clockwise until the receiver noise disappears. Next, press the scan button.
The unit should start scanning from the lower to the higher frequencies.
Pressing the Scan button again will change the direction of scanning. When
the Scan button is pressed ,"SCAN+" or "SCAN-" will be displayed on the
LCD display . The scan will stop on any active frequency for the duration of
the transmission. When the transmission stops, the RCI-5054DX will wait
approximately 2 seconds before it resumes scanning. If you want to
deactivate Scan mode while it's scanning, press the MAN (manual) button or
turn the Squelch control counterclockwise until you hear the receiver noise.
The MAN button will disable the Scan function. (See FREQUENCY
SCANNING, pg. 15 for more information.)
Split Function
This function enables you to split the transmit and receive frequencies for
FM repeater operation. To split frequencies, press the MAN button and the
Split button to select + split frequency. If you want - split frequency, press
the Split button again. If + split is selected, the transmit frequency will be
higher than the receiver frequency. If - split is selected, it will be lower than
the receive frequency. (See OFFSET FREQUENCY OPERATION, pg. 18 for
more information.)
Memory Function
The RCI-5054DX can store up to 10 channels (from 0 to 9). To program a
frequency into memory , follow the procedure described below :
1. Press the MAN button.
2. Press the PRG button.
3. Press the MEM button. ("MEMORY" and "0" should appear on the left-
hand side of the LCD display. Pressing the MEM button will advance the
channel number from "0" to "9".)
- 13 -
Programming (Continued)
4. Select the desired frequency you wish to store in memory.
5. Press the ENT button.
6. Repeat the procedure to program other memory channels.
Memory Channel Scanning
You can scan and select any of the 10 programmed frequencies by following
the procedure described below:
1. Press MAN button.
2. Press the MEM button.
3. Slowly turn the Squelch knob clockwise until the receiver noise
disappears.
4.Press the Scan button. The unit will scan from lower to higher frequencies.
Pressed again, the unit will scan from higher to lower frequencies.
5. To stop scanning a certain channel, press the MAN button, or turn the
Squelch knob counterclockwise until you hear the receiver noise.
Metering
The meter built into your RCI-5054DX on the left-hand side of the LCD
display provides the following information:
1. S/RF METER : In transmit mode it provides a visual indication of transmit
RF output power and received signal strength on the receive mode.
2. SWR METER : This meter enables you to check SWR. To use this
function, set the unit to AM mode and push the SWR button on the front
panel while holding down the PTT switch on the microphone. The bars on
the meter will indicate antenna matching. If there is no bar, your antenna
system is perfectly matched. If several bars appear, the antenna needs
adjustment. The fewer the bars, the better the match.
- 14 -
.Chapter 6 Frequency Scanning
Frequency scanning can be achieved using one of two methods : the first
method involves scanning of pre-programmed memory channels; the second
method permits the user to scan all frequencies between a pre-set upper
and lower scan limit. Both methods of frequency scanning follows.
All-Frequency scanning
To allow All-Frequency scanning, the user must first program the upper and
lower scanning limits. The scan limits are simply the highest and lowest
frequencies that will be scanned. To program these limits, perform the
following steps :
1. Press the PRG (Program) key.
2. Press the SCAN key. ("PRG SCAN+" should appear in the lower right-
hand corner of the display window.)
3. Using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows, select the upper scan
limit.
4. Press the SCAN key again. ("SCAN-" should appear in the display
window.)
5. Using the SHF key and UP and DOWN arrows, select the lower scan limit,
then press ENT.
The upper and lower scan limits have now been programmed. To activate
the scan feature, return the radio to manual operation and press the SCAN
button. If the display shows "SCAN+", the radio will scan from the lower limit
to the upper limit. If "SCAN-" is displayed, the unit will scan from the upper
limit to the lower limit. To change from "SCAN+" to "SCAN-" or vice versa,
press SCAN.
NOTE
When programmed, the upper and lower scan limits will also act as the
upper and lower operating limits of the radio. The radio cannot now be
programmed to operated above or below the scan limits.
- 15 -
Frequency Scanning (Continued)
Memory Scanning
The RCI-5054DX has 10 non-volatile (i.e., memory resident) memory
locations which can be programmed with any available frequency within the
operating band of the radio. The scan function of the unit can be
programmed to scan these memory channels. The radio will then scan only
those memory channels. The radio will then scan only those memory
channels which have been programmed.
The first step in utilizing the memory scan function is programming the
desired frequencies into the radio memory. This can be accomplished by
performing the following steps :
1. With the radio operating in the manual mode, press the PRG (Program)
key.
2. Press the MEM key. "PRG" should be displayed in the lower right-hand
corner of the LCD display. In the upper left portion of the display, "MEM"
should be displayed. Directly below MEM, a number between 0 and 9 will
be displayed. This number represents the memory location currently
being displayed. Pressing the MEM key will increase the memory counter
to the next memory location and the contents of that memory location will
be displayed.
3. Using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows, enter the frequency to
be stored in the memory location displayed. After the desired frequency
has been entered, press ENT.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all of the memory locations to be programmed.
5. After all desired memory locations have been programmed with
frequencies, return the unit to the manual mode of operation by pressing
the MAN key.
6. To initiate memory scanning, press MEM and then SCAN. As previously
discussed, the display will show "SCAN+" or "SCAN-" to indicate
whether the radio is scanning from the lowest to the highest memory
location or vice versa. To return the radio to normal (non-scanning)
operation, press the MAN key.
- 16 -
Chapter 7 Offset Frequency Operation
The RCI-5054DX has an offset or split-frequency feature that permits the
radio to be operated in a half-duplex mode. This allows the user to talk on
FM repeaters operating in the 6 meter band. (NOTE : FM repeaters may
require that a sub-audible (CTCSS) tone be transmitted to gain access to the
repeater. The RCI-5054DX is not factory-equipped with a CTCSS
encoder/decoder.) The split frequency function offsets the transmitter
frequency either above or below the receiver frequency by a user-
programmable amount. In the following example, the programming of a 100
KHz offset will be described. Before attempting the program the offset
frequency, ensure that the radio is operating in the manual mode by
pressing the MAN key.
1. Press the PRG (Program) key.
2. Press the SPLIT key. The LCD display window will display "00000" with
"PRG" and "SPLIT" being displayed in the lower left-hand corner.
3. Using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows as described earlier,
program the display to read "01000".
4. Press ENT. A 100 KHz offset has now been programmed into the radio.
5. Return the radio to manual operation by pressing the MAN key.
6. Using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows as described
previously, set the radio for the desired receive frequency.
7. Press SPLIT. In the lower right corner of the display, either "SPLIT+" or
"SPLIT-" will be displayed. If "SPLIT+" is displayed, the transmitter will
be offset 100 KHz above the receive frequency when keyed. If "SPLIT-"
is displayed , the transmitter will be offset 100 KHz below the receive
frequency.
NOTE
When the transmitter is keyed, the frequency display will change to
show the frequency being transmitted.
- 17 -
Memo
- 18 -
LIMITED WARRANTY
Ranger Communications, Inc. (Ranger) warrants to the original purchaser ONLY
this product against defects in material or workmanship as follows :
1) Ranger warrants the product to be free of defects in material or workmanship for
a period of one (1) year from the original date of purchase as shown on the
original purchaser• bill of sale. receipted invoice, or other proof of purchase.
Labor to perform warranty services will be provided without charge for the first
ninety (90) days of the warranty period. After this period, the original purchaser
must pay for any labor at the prevailing rates either at an authorized Ranger
warranty repair facility or at the factory. In addition, Ranger will supply, at no
charge, new or rebuilt replacements for defective parts during the warranty
period.
2) In the event of a defect during the warranty period, Ranger shall, at its option,
repair or replace the defective product. Such action shall constitute the
purchaser• exclusive remedy under this warranty.
3) A RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER must be obtained from the Ranger
Customer Service Department before any return for warranty repair will be
accepted. Send the defective product POSTAGE-PAID, along with proof of the
date of purchase (photocopy of the original invoice or receipt) to :
401 W. 35th Street, Suite B
National City, CA91950
(800)446-5778•FAX(619)426-3788
Email : rci@rangerusa.com
http : //www.rangerusa.com
4) This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God,
accident, misuse, abuse, negligence, improper installation, UNAUTHORIZED
MODIFICATION or any action in violation of the product• instruction manual.
This warranty is valid ONLY in the United States of America.
5) This warranty is valid ONLY if the serial number appears on the product.
6) Ranger reserves the right to void a warranty or make reasonable charges for the
repair of a product which displays evidence of misuse, abuse, neglect, accident
or modification of the basic design.
7) Warranties give you, the buyer, specific legal rights. You may also have other
rights which may vary from state to state. This warranty is extended only to
Ranger products purchased and shipped to locations in the United States of
America or its possessions.
- 19 -
401 W. 35th Street, Suit B
National City, CA91950
(800)446-5778. FAX(619)426-3788
Email : rci@rangerusa.com
http : //www.rangerusa.com
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