Ranger Electronic VX-129CN CB Transceiver User Manual

Ranger Electronic (Shanghai) Inc CB Transceiver Users Manual

Users Manual

Printed In MalaysiaPD010704ςΙΡΑΓΕςΙΡΑΓΕςΙΡΑΓΕςΙΡΑΓΕVX-129CNSOLID STATE 40 CHANNELAM MOBILE CB RADIOOWNER’S MANUALς ΙΡΑΓΕ ςΞ−129ΧΝ NORMALLOWPAOFFCAL OFFOFFMIC GAIN VOL SQ RF GAIN SWR CALSWRS/RF ANL CBNB TONEANTCLARIFYCH9TX/RX
- 1 -TABLE OF CONTENTSPAGECHAPTER 1Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2CHAPTER 2Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Location . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Mounting The Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Ignition Noise Interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Antenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Tuning The Antenna for Optimum SWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5External Speaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Public Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6CHAPTER 3Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Frequency Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Procedure to Receive And Transmit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Alternate Microphone And Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Maintenance And Adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15A Few Rules That Should Be Obeyed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16How Your CB Can Serve You . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Use CH 9 For Emergency Messages Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
CHAPTER 1 SPECIFICATIONSGENERALModel VX-129CNChannels 40Frequency Range 26.965 ~ 27.405 MHzEmission AMFrequency Control Phase-Lock-loop (PLL) SynthesizerFrequency Stability 0.001%Temperature Range -30°C to +50°CAntenna Impedance 50 OhmsAntenna Connectors Standard SO-239 typeInput Voltage 13.8V DCSize 7 7/8” (W) x 9 1/4” (D) x 2 3/8” (H)Weight 5.0 lbs.TRANSMITTERRF Power Output AM : 4WSpurious Emission -55 dBAudio Distortion 10%Frequency Response 300 to 2500 HzMicrophone DynamicRECEIVERSensitivity for 10 dB (S+N)/N < 1.0 uV (AM)Squelch Sensitivity < 0.5 uVImage Rejection More than 65 dBAGC Figure of Merit 100 mV for 10dB Change in Audio OutputAudio Power Output 2.5W @ 10% DistortionAudio Response 300 to 2500 Hz(SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE)CHAPTER 2 INSTALLATIONLOCATIONPlan the location of the transceiver and microphone bracket before startingthe installation. Select a location that is convenient for operation and does notinterfere with the driver or passengers in the automobiles, the transceiver isusually mounted the dash panel with the microphone bracket beside it.MOUNTING THE RADIOThe transceiver is supplied with a universal mounting bracket. Whenmounting the bracket and radio to your car, make sure it is mechanicallystrong. Also provide a good electrical connection to the chassis of thevehicle. Proceed as follows to mount the transceiver:1. After you have determined the most convenient location in your vehicle,hold the transceiver with mounting bracket in the exact location desired.If nothing will interfere with mounting it in the desired position removethe mounting bolts. Before drilling the holes, make sure nothing willinterfere with the installation of the mounting bolts.2. Connect the antenna cable plug to the standard receptacle on the rearpanel. Most transceiver antennas are terminated with a type PL-259 plugand mate with the receptacle.3. Connect the red DC power input wire (with the fuse) to +13.8V DC.This wire extends from the rear panel. In automobile installation, +13.8VDC is usually obtained from the accessory contact on the ignition switch.This prevent the set being left on accidentally when the driver leaves thecar and also permits operating the unit without the engine running.Locate the accessory contact on most ignition switches by tracing thepower wire from the AM broadcast receiver in the car.4. Connect the black lead to –13.8V DC. This is usually the chassis of thecar. Any convenient location with good electrical contact (remove paint)may be used.5. Mount the microphone bracket on the right side of the transceiver, usingtwo screws supplied. When mounting in an automobile, place thebracket under the dash so that microphone is readily accessible.- 2 - - 3 -
IGNITION NOISE INTERFERENCEUse of a mobile receiver at low signal levels is normally limited by thepresence of electrical noise. The primary source of noise in automobileinstallation is from the generator and ignition system in the vehicle. Undermost operating conditions, when signal level is adequate, the backgroundnoise does not present a serious problem. Also, when extremely low levelsignals are being received, the transceiver may be operated with vehiclesengine turned off. The unit requires very little current and therefore will notsignificantly discharge the vehicle battery.Even though the transceiver has ANL and NB controls, in some installationignition interference may be high enough to make good communicationsimpossible. The electrical noise may come from several sources. Manypossibilities exist, as variations between vehicles require different solutionsto reduce the noise.ANTENNAA vertically polarized, quarter-wavelength whip antenna provides the mostreliable operation and greatest range. Shorter, loaded-type whip antennas aremore attractive, compact and adequate for applications where the maximumpossible distance is not required. Also, loaded whips do not present theproblems of high wind resistant imposed by a full quarter-wavelength whip.Mobile whip antennas utilize the metal body of the vehicle as a groundplane. When mounted at a corner of the vehicle they are slightly directional,in the direction of the body of the vehicle. For all practical purpose, however,the radiation pattern is nondirectional. The slight directional characteristicwill be observed only at extreme distances. A standard antenna connector(type SO-239) is provided on the transceiver for easy connection to astandard PL-259 cable termination.If the transceiver is not mounted on a metal surface, it is necessary to run aseparate ground wire from the unit to good metal electrical ground in thevehicle. When installed in a boat, the transceiver will not operate atmaximum efficiency without a ground plate, unless the vessel has a steelhull.Before installing the transceiver in a boat, consult your dealer forinformation regarding an adequate grounding system and prevention ofelectrolysis between fittings in the hull and water.TUNING THE ANTENNA FOR OPTIMUM S.W.RSince there is such a wide variety of base and mobile antennas, this sectionwill strictly concern itself to the various types of mobile adjustable antennas.Because the antenna length is directly related to the channel frequency, itmust be tuned to resonate optimally on all channels of the transceiver.Channel 1 requires a longer antenna than Channel 40 because it is lower inits frequency of operation. Due to the various methods of adjusting antennas for proper S.W.R. wehave chosen what we think is the optimum method:A. Antenna with adjustment screws (set screws).1. Starts with the antenna extended and tighten the set screw lightly enoughso that the antenna can be lightly tapped with your finger for easyadjustment.2. Set your transceiver to Channel 20. Press the PTT (push-to-talk) switch,and tap the antenna (making it shorter). The S.W.R meter will show alower reading each time the antenna is tapped. By continuing to shortenthe antenna, you will notice the S.W.R reading will reach a low pointand then start rising again. This means that you have passed theoptimum point for Channel 20.Extend the antenna a short distance and again follow the procedure above.When the lowest point has been reached, switch to Channel 1 and then toChannel 40 and compare S.W.R readings. They should be almost equal.NOTEThe proper setting is achieved when the SWR is 1.5 orbelow, and when it has the same reading for channels 1and 40.B. Antennas which must be cut to proper length1. Follow the same procedure as above but adjust the length by cutting in1/8” increments until a good match is obtained.2. Be very careful not to cut too much at one time, as once it is cut, it canno longer be lengthed.3. The whip is easily cut by filing a notch all the way around and breakingthe piece off with pliers.- 4 - - 5 -
If you’re having difficulties in adjusting your antenna, check the following:a. All doors must be closed when adjusting the antennab. Make sure the antenna base is grounded.c. Check your coaxial cable routing (it may be pinched when routed intothe car)d. Try a different location in your car (keeping in mind the radiation patternyou wish.)e. Is the antenna perfectly vertical?f. Try a different location in your neighborhood. Stay away from largemetal objects when adjusting (metal telephone polls or light post, fences,etc.)NOTEThe transceiver will operate into an SWR of 2 to 1indefinitely and sustain an SWR of 20 : 1 for a maximumof 5 minutes at rated operating conditions.EXTERNAL SPEAKERThe external speaker jack (EXT SP.) on the rear panel is used for remotereceiver monitoring. The external speaker should have 8 ohms impedanceand be able to handle at least 4 watts. When the external speaker is pluggedin, the internal speaker is disconnected.PUBLIC ADDRESSTo use the transceiver as a public address system, connect an external 8ohms speaker (4 watts minimum) to the PA. SP. jack located on the rearpanel. Direct speaker away from the microphone to prevent acousticfeedback. Physical separation or isolation of the microphone and speaker isimportant when operating the PA at high output levels.CHAPTER 3 OPERATIONFRONT PANEL1. MICROPHONE JACK : Used to connect microphone for voice source.2. MIC GAIN CONTROL : Adjust the microphone gain in the transmitand PA modes. This controls the gain to the extent that full talk power isavailable several inches away from the microphone. In the PublicAddress (PA) mode, the control function as the volume control.3. ON/OFF VOLUME CONTROL : This knob controls the volume andpower to the radio. To turn radio on, rotate the knob clockwise. Turningthe knob further will increase the volume of the receiver.4. SQUELCH CONTROL : This switch is used to eliminate backgroundnoise being heard through the receiver which can be disturbing when notransmission are being heard through the received. To use this feature,turn the switch fully counterclockwise and then turn clockwise slowlyuntil the background noise is just eliminated. Further clockwise rotationwill increase the threshold level which a signal must overcome in orderto be heard. Only strong signal will be heard at a maximum clockwisesetting.5. RF GAIN CONTROL : This control is used to reduce the gain of theRF amplifier under strong signal conditions.- 5 -RF GAIN12MIC GAIN VOL SQ2134OFFςΙΡΑΓΕ ςΞ−129ΧΝSWRCALS/RFOFFANL910 11SWR CAL CLARIFY567 8NORMALOFF PANB CBLOWTONEANTCH9TX/RX1513 14 1716 18 19- 6 - - 7 -
6. SWR CAL CONTROL : This SWR CAL control allows the user tocalibrate the SWR meter.7. CLARIFY CONTROL : Allows tuning of the receive frequency aboveor below the channel frequency.8. CHANNEL SELECTOR : This control is used to select a desiredtransmit and receive channel.9. FRONT PANEL METER : The Front Panel Meter allows the user tomonitor signal strength, RF output power and SWR level.10. S-RF/CAL/SWR SWITCH : In the S-RF position, the meter willindicate the strength of the signal being received, as well as the relativeRF output of transmission. When calibrating the SWR meter, you need toput this switch in the CAL position. To use the meter to measure thestanding wave ratio, turn the switch to the SWR position.11. ANL/OFF SWITCH : In the ANL position, the Automatic NoiseLimiter (ANL) in the audio circuits is activated.12. NB/OFF SWITCH : In the NB position, the Noise Blanker (NB) isactivated. The NB is very effective in eliminating repetitive impulsenoise such as ignition interference.13. PA/CB SWITCH : Select the mode of operation. In the PA position, theradio acts as public address amplifier. Your voice will come out of thespeaker that is plugged into the PA. SP. jack on the rear panel. The radiodoes not operate when you are in the PA mode. In the CB position, thePA function is disabled and the radio will transmit and receive on thespeaker that is connected.14. TONE SWITCH HI/LO : This switch changes tone quality in receiveonly. In LO position, bass is increased and in HI position, treble isincreased.15. CH9/NORMAL SWITCH : Channel 9 switch is used for instantselection of an emergency channel.16. TX/RX LED : The red LED indicates the unit is in the transmit mode.The green LED indicates the unit is in the receive mode.17. ANT LED : This LED lights orange when your SWR is higher thanabout 3:1. This is not an exact indicator of 3:1 SWR, but it is anindication that you should check your SWR reading.18. CHANNEL DISPLAY : The channel display indicates the currentselected channel.19. ILLUMINATION : Face plate will illuminate when turn on the radio.REAR PANEL1. ANTENNA : This jack accepts 50 ohms coaxial cable with a PL-259type plug.2. DC POWER : This accepts 13.8V DC power cable with built-in fuse.The power cord provided with the radio has a black and red wire. Theblack goes to negative and red goes to positive.3. PA SP. : This jack is for PA operation. Before operating, you must firstconnect a PA speaker (8 ohms, 4W) to this jack.4. EXT. SP : This jack accepts 4 to 8 ohms, 5 watts external speaker.When the external speaker is connected to this jack, the built-in speakerwill be disabled.- 9 -ΜΟ∆ ΕΛ : ςΞ−129ΧΝτηε ΦΧΧ Ρ υλεσ.Οπερατιον ισ συβϕε χτ τοχαυσε ηαρµ φυλ ιντερφερενχε.τηε χον διτιον τη ατ τηισ δ ε ϖιχε δ οε σ ν οτΣΕ Ρ ΙΑΛ ΝΟ. :Τηισ δεϖιχε χοµ πλιεσ ωιτη Παρτ 15 οφΜΑ∆ Ε ΙΝ ΧΗΙΝΑΣ1Σ00001ΦΧΧ Ι∆ : ΜΑ∆Ε ΙΝ ΧΗΙΝΑ+ΠΟΩ ΕΡ−1ΑΝΤ.2ΕΞΤ.ΣΠ. ΠΑ.ΣΠ.43- 8 -
FREQUENCY CHARTChannel Channel Frequency Channel Channel Frequency1 26.965 MHz 21 27.215 MHz2 26.975 MHz 22 27.225 MHz3 26.985 MHz 23 27.255 MHz4 27.005 MHz 24 27.235 MHz5 27.015 MHz 25 27.245 MHz6 27.025 MHz 26 27.265 MHz7 27.035 MHz 27 27.275 MHz8 27.055 MHz 28 27.285 MHz9 27.065 MHz 29 27.295 MHz10 27.075 MHz 30 27.305 MHz11 27.085 MHz 31 27.315 MHz12 27.105 MHz 32 27.325 MHz13 27.115 MHz 33 27.335 MHz14 27.125 MHz 34 27.345 MHz15 27.135 MHz 35 27.355 MHz16 27.155 MHz 36 27.365 MHz17 27.165 MHz 37 27.375 MHz18 27.175 MHz 38 27.385 MHz19 27.185 MHz 39 27.395 MHz20 27.205 MHz 40 27.405 MHzPROCEDURE TO RECEIVE AND TRANSMITA. MICROPHONEThe receiver and transmitter are controlled by the push-to-talk switch onthe microphone. Press the switch and the transmitter is activated, releaseswitch to receive. When transmitting, hold the microphone two inches fromthe mouth and speak clearly in a normal voice. This transceiver comescomplete with a low impedance dynamic microphone.B. PROCEDURE TO RECEIVE1. Be sure that power source, microphone and antenna are connected to theproper connectors before going to the next step.2. Turn VOL knob clockwise to apply power to the radio.3. Set the VOL for a comfortable listening level.4. Set the MODE switch to the desired mode.5. Listen to the background noise from the speaker. Turn the SQ knobslowly clockwise until the noise just disappears. The SQ is now properlyadjusted. The receiver will remain quiet until a signal is actuallyreceived. Do not advance the control too far or some of weaker signalswill not be heard.6. Set the CHANNEL selector switch to the desired channel.7. Set the RF GAIN control fully clockwise for maximum RF gain.8. Adjust the CLARIFY control to optimize AM signals.C. PROCEDURE TO TRANSMIT1. Select the desired channel of transmission2. Set the MIC GAIN control fully clockwise.3. If the channel is clear, depress the push-to-talk switch on the microphoneand speak in a normal voice.- 10 - - 11 -
ALTERNATE MICROPHONES AND INSTALLATIONFor best results, the user should select a low-impedance dynamic typemicrophone or a transistorized microphone. Transistorized type microphoneshave low output impedance characteristics. The microphones must beprovided with a four-lead cable. The audio conductor and its shielded leadcomprise two of the leads. The third lead is for transmit control and fourth isfor receiving control.The microphone should provide the functions shown in schematic below.4 WIRE MIC CABLEPin Number Mic Cable Lead1 Audio Shield2 Audio Lead3 Transmit Control4 Receive ControlFig. 1 Your transceiver microphone schematic.If the microphone to be used is provided with precut leads, they must berevised as follows.1. Cut leads so that they extend 7/16" beyond the plastic insulating jacketof the microphone cable.2. All leads should be cut to the same length. Strip the ends of each wire1/8" and tin the exposed wire.Before beginning the actual wiring, read carefully the circuit and wiringinformation provided with the microphone you select. Use the minimum heatrequired in soldering the connections. Keep the exposed wire lengths to aminimum to avoid shorting when the microphone plug is reassembled.Fig. 2 Microphone plug wiringTo wire the microphone cable to the plug provided, proceed as follows :1. Remove the retaining screw.2. Unscrew the housing from the pin receptacle body.3. Loosen the two cable clamp retainer screws.4. Feed the microphone cable through the housing, knurled ring and washeras shown Figure 2.- 12 - - 13 -
5. The wires must now be soldered to the pins as indicated in the abovewiring tables. If a vise or clamping tool is available it should be used tohold the pin receptacle body during the soldering operation, so that bothhands are free to perform the soldering. If a vise or clamping tool is notavailable, the pin receptacle body can be held in a stationary position byinserting it into the microphone jack on the front panel. The numbers ofthe microphone plug are shown in Fig. 3, as viewed from the back of theplug. Before soldering the wire to the pins, pre-tin the wire receptacle ofeach pin of the plug.Fig. 3 Microphone plug pin numbers viewed from rear of pin receptacle.6. Be sure that the housing and the knurled ring of Figure 2 are pushed backonto the microphone cable before starting to solder. If the washer is notcaptive to the pin receptacle body, make sure that it is placed on thethreaded portion of the pin receptacle body before soldering.7. If the microphone jack is used to hold the pin receptacle during solderingoperation, best results are obtained when the connections to pin 1 and 3are made first and then the connections to pins 2 and 4. Use a minimumamount of soldering and be careful to prevent excessive solderaccumulation on pins, which could cause a short between the pin and themicrophone plug housing.8. When all soldering connections to the pins of the microphone arecompleted, push the knurled ring and the housing forward and screw thehousing onto the threaded portion of the pin receptacle body. Note thelocation of the screw clearance hole in the plug housing with respect tothe threaded hole in the pin receptacle body. When the housing iscompletely threaded into the pin receptacle body, a final fraction of aturn either clockwise or counterclockwise may be required to align thescrew hole with the threaded hole in the pin receptacle body. When theseare aligned, the retaining screw is then screwed into place to secure thehousing to the pin receptacle body.9. The two cable clamp retainer screws should now be tightened to securethe housing to the microphone cord. If the cutting directions have beencarefully followed, the cable clamp should secure to the insulation jacketof the microphone cable.10. Upon completion of the microphone plug wiring, connect and secure themicrophone plug in the transceiver.MAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENTThis transceiver is specifically designed for the environment encountered inbase installations. The use of all solid state circuitry and its light weightresult in high reliability. Should a failure occur, however, replace parts onlywith identical parts. Do not substitute.NOTEIf the performance described in the OPERATION andMAINTENANCE AND ADJUSTMENT sections is notobtained, review the operating instructions to insure thatproper procedures were followed.FCC WARNINGThis device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules.Operation is subject to the condition that this devicedoes not cause harmful interference.All transmitter adjustments other than those provided onfront panel by the manufacturer must be made by or underthe supervision of the holder of an FCC – issued generalradio telephone operator’s license.- 14 -
- 15 -A FEW RULES THAT SHOULD BE OBEYED1. You are not allowed to carry on a conversation with another station formore than five minutes at a time without taking a one-minute break, togive others a chance to use the channel.2. You are not allowed to blast others off the air by over-powering themwith illegally amplified transmitter power, or illegally high antennas.3. You can’t use the transceiver to promote illegal activities.4. You are not allowed to use profanity.5. You may not play music in your transceiver.6. You may not use your transceiver to sell merchandised or professionalservice.HOW YOUR CB CAN SERVE YOU1. Warn of traffic tie ups ahead.2. Provide weather and road information.3. Provide help fast in event of emergency or breakdown.4. Suggest good spots to eat and sleep.5. Make long trips more interesting, and help keep you awake.6. Provide direct contact with your office or home.7. Make friends for you as you travel.8. Provide “local information” to find your destination.9. Help law enforcement officers by reporting drunk and reckless drivers.USE CH 9 FOR EMERGENCY MESSAGES ONLYThe FCC gives the following examples of permitted and prohibited types ofcommunications for use in an emergency. These are guidelines and are notintended to be all inclusive.Permitted Example MessageYES “A tornado sighted six miles north of town.NO “This is observation post number 10. No tornadosighted.YES “I am out of gas on interstate 95”NO “I am out of gas in my driveway”YES “There is a four-car collision at exit 10 on theBeltway, send police and ambulance.”NO “traffic is moving smoothly on the Beltway”YES “Base to Unit 1, the weather Bureau has justissued a thunder storm warning. Bring thesailboat into port.”NO “Attention all motorists. The weather Bureauadvises that the snow tomorrow will accumulate4 to 6 inches.YES “There is a fire in the building on the corner of6th and Main Streets.”NO “This is Halloween patrol unit number 3.Everything is quiet here.”- 16 -
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