Yaesu Musen 20224X20 AMATEUR RADIO-SCANNNING RECEIVER User Manual P65
Yaesu Musen Co., Ltd. AMATEUR RADIO-SCANNNING RECEIVER P65
Contents
- 1. USERS MANUAL 1
- 2. USERS MANUAL 2
USERS MANUAL 2
UHF FM TRANSCEIVER
VX-177
OPERATING MANUAL
VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.
4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan
VERTEX STANDARD
US Headquarters
10900 Walker Street, Cypress, CA 90630, U.S.A.
YAESU EUROPE B.V.
P.O. Box 75525, 1118 ZN Schiphol, The Netherlands
YAESU UK LTD.
Unit 12, Sun Valley Business Park, Winnall Close
Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 0LB, U.K.
VERTEX STANDARD HK LTD.
Unit 5, 20/F., Seaview Centre, 139-141 Hoi Bun Road,
Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Contents
Scanning .......................................................... 36
VFO Scanning .............................................. 37
Manual VFO Scan ................................... 37
Programmed VFO Scan ........................... 37
Memory Scanning ........................................ 38
How to Skip (Omit) a Channel
during Memory Scan Operation .............. 38
Preferential Memory Scan ....................... 39
Memory Bank Scan ................................. 40
Programmable (Band Limit) Memory Scan
(PMS) ........................................................... 41
“Priority Channel” Scanning
(Dual Watch) ................................................ 42
Automatic Lamp Illumination
on Scan Stop ................................................ 44
Band Edge Beeper ........................................ 44
Emergency Feature ........................................ 46
Emergency Channel Operation .................... 46
Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature ..... 47
Smart Search Operation ................................ 49
Internet Connection Feature ......................... 50
ARTS
(Automatic Range Transponder System)
....... 52
DTMF Operation ........................................... 55
DTMF Pager Operation ................................ 57
Miscellaneous Settings ................................... 60
Password ...................................................... 60
Programming the Key Assignment .............. 61
Changing the Channel Steps ........................ 61
Receive Battery Saver Setup ........................ 62
TX Battery Saver .......................................... 61
Disabling the TX/BUSY Indicator .............. 63
Automatic Power-Off (APO) Feature .......... 63
Transmitter Time-Out Timer (TOT) ............ 64
Busy Channel Lock-Out (BCLO) ................ 64
DCS Code Inversion .................................... 65
Changing the TX Deviation Level ............... 66
Reset Procedures ............................................ 67
Cloning ............................................................ 68
Set Mode .......................................................... 70
Specifications .................................................. 83
Installation of the FTD-7 DTMF Pager Unit
...... 84
General Description ......................................... 1
Accessories & Options ..................................... 2
Controls & Connections .................................. 3
Top & Front Panel .......................................... 3
LCD ................................................................ 4
Side Panel ....................................................... 5
Keypad Functions .......................................... 6
Installation of Accessories ............................... 8
Antenna Installation ....................................... 8
Installation of FNB-83 Battery Pack ............. 8
Battery Charging ............................................ 9
Low Battery Indication .................................. 9
Belt Clip Installation .................................... 10
Installation of FBA-25A Battery Case ......... 10
Interface of Packet TNCs .............................. 11
Operation ........................................................ 12
Switching Power On and Off ....................... 12
Adjusting the Audio Volume Level ............. 12
Squelch Adjustment ..................................... 13
Frequency Navigation .................................. 13
Transmission ................................................ 15
Advanced Operation ...................................... 16
Keyboard Locking ........................................ 16
Keypad/LCD Illumination ........................... 17
Disabling the Keypad Beeper ...................... 17
RF Squelch ................................................... 18
Checking the Battery Voltage ...................... 18
Repeater Operation ........................................ 19
Repeater Shifts ............................................. 19
Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS) ................. 19
Manual Repeater Shift Activation ............... 20
VFO Split Mode ........................................... 21
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Operation ...................... 23
CTCSS Operation ........................................ 23
DCS Operation ............................................. 24
Tone Search Scanning ................................. 25
EPCS
(Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch)
....... 26
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell Operation ............. 27
Split Tone Operation .................................... 28
Tone Calling (1750 Hz) ............................... 28
Memory Mode ................................................ 29
Memory Storage ........................................... 29
Storing Independent
Transmit Frequencies (“Odd Split”) ........ 29
Memory Recall ............................................. 30
HOME Channel Memory ............................. 30
Labeling Memories ...................................... 31
Memory Offset Tuning ................................ 32
Deleting Memories ....................................... 32
Memory Bank Operation ............................. 33
Moving Memory Data to the VFO ............... 34
Memory Only Mode ..................................... 34
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 1
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The VX-177 is a compact, high-performance submersible FM hand-held providing up to
five watts of RF power and wealth of convenient features for the 430 MHz amateur band.
New and exciting features of the VX-177 are the Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) function,
that will automatically cause your VX-177 to transmit your callsign and engage your rig’s
microphone, even if you are disabled and unable to press the PTT switch; Enhanced Pag-
ing and Code Squelch (EPCS), that allows you to page a particular station and only receive
calls from that station, if desired; and a security Password feature, that will allow you to
turn on and operate your transceiver only after you enter your Password.
Additional features include a convenient access key for Vertex Standard’s WIRES™ (Wide-
coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System), a transmit Time-Out Timer (TOT),
Automatic Power-Off (APO), Automatic Repeater Shift (ARS), Vertex Standard’s exclu-
sive ARTS™ (Auto-Range Transponder System) which “beeps” the user when you move
out of communications range with another ARTS™ equipped station, plus provision for
reduction of the TX deviation in areas of high channel congestion. And an RF squelch
circuit allows the owner to set the squelch to open at a programmable setting of the S-
Meter, thus reducing guesswork in setting the squelch threshold.
We appreciate your purchase of the VX-177, and encourage you to read this manual thor-
oughly, so as to learn about the many exciting features of your exciting new Vertex Stan-
dard hand-held transceiver!
: IPX-7 Specification for submersibility: 3 ft. for 30 minutes
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL2
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
FNB-83 7.2 V, 1,400 mAh
Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Pack
NC-88B/C Overnight Battery Charger (10-Hour)
YHA-69 Antenna
Quick Draw Belt Clip
Operating Manual
Warranty Card
AVAILABLE OPTIONS
FNB-83 7.2 V, 1,400 mAh
Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride Battery Pack
NC-88B/C/UOvernight Battery Charger (10-Hour)
VAC-370 Desktop Rapid Charger
CD-26 Charger Cradle
FBA-25A Dry Cell Battery Case for 6 “AA” Alkaline Cells (not supplied)
CN-3 BNC-to-SMA Adapter
CT-91 Microphone Adapter
E-DC-5B DC Cable with Cigarette-Lighter Adapter
E-DC-6 DC Cable; plug and wire only
MH-57A4B Speaker/Microphone
CMP460A Waterproof Speaker/Microphone
VC-27 Earpiece/Microphone
VC-24 VOX Headset
FTD-7 DTMF Paging Unit
:“B” suffix is for use with 100-120 VAC, “C” suffix is for use with 230-240 VAC, and
“U” suffix is for use with 230 VAC.
Availability of accessories may vary. Some accessories are supplied as standard per local
requirements, while others may be unavailable in some regions. This product is designed
to perform optimally when used with genuine Vertex Standard accessories. Vertex Stan-
dard shall not be liable for any damage to this product and/or accidents such as fire,
leakage or explosion of a battery pack, etc., caused by the malfunction of non- Vertex
Standard accessories. Consult your Vertex Standard dealer for details regarding these
and any newly-available options. Connection of any non-Vertex Standard-approved ac-
cessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this apparatus.
ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 3
Antenna Jack
Connect the supplied rubber flex antenna (or an-
other antenna presenting a 50-Ohm impedance)
here.
MIC/SP Jack
This four-conductor miniature jack provides con-
nection points for microphone audio, earphone
audio, PTT, and ground.
Do not allow the VX-177 to become submerged in water while the plastic
cover over the MIC/SP jack is removed.
VOL/PWR Knob
Turn this control clockwise to turn the radio on and to increase the volume. Counter-
clockwise rotation into the click-stop will turn the radio off.
DIAL Knob
This (inner) 20-position detented rotary switch is used for setting the operating fre-
quency, and also is used for menu selections and other adjustments.
Speaker
The internal speaker is located here.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The display shows the current op-
erating conditions, as described on
the next page.
Keypad
These 16 keys select many of most
important operating features on the
VX-177. The functions of the keys
are described in detail on the pages
to follow.
TX/BUSY Indicator Lamp
This indicator glows green when the
squelch opens, and turns red dur-
ing transmit.
MIC
The internal microphone is located
here.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (TOP & FRONT PANELS)
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL4
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (LCD)
Operating Frequency
Memory Channel Number
S- & PO Meter
Secondary Keypad
Active
Skip Memory Channel or
Preferential Memory Channel
Repeater Shift Direction
CTCSS/DSC Operation
Internet Connection
Feature Active
Key Lock Active
Bell Alarm Active
Battery Saver Active
Dual Watch Active
Priority Channel
Battery Indicator
Memory Bank Active
Low TX Power Selected
Automatic Power-Off Active
DTMF Autodial Active Emergency Automatic ID (EAI)
Feature Active
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 5
PTT (Push To Talk) Switch
Press this switch to transmit, and release it (to receive) after your transmission is com-
pleted.
MONI Switch
Pressing this switch disables the noise squelching action, allowing you to hear very
weak signals near the background noise level temporarily.
Press the [F] key on the keypad first, then press this switch to enable to adjustment of
the squelch threshold level.
EXT DC Jack
This coaxial DC jack allows connection to an external DC power source (6-16V DC).
The center pin of this jack is the Positive (+) connection.
Do not allow the VX-177 to become submerged in water while the rubber
cap over the EXT DC jack is removed.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (SIDE PANEL)
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL6
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD FUNCTIONS)
Primary Function
(PRESS KEY)
Secondary Function
(PRESS [F] + KEY)
Third Function
(PRESS & HOLD KEY)
Frequency entry digit “1.” Frequency entry digit “2.”
Frequency entry digit “4.” Frequency entry digit “5.”
Frequency entry digit “7.” Frequency entry digit “8.”
Activates the Internet Connection
feature.
Frequency entry digit “0.”
Activates the CTCSS or
DCS Operation.
Selects the CTCSS tone or
DCS code number.
Activates the ARTS feature.
Selects the direction of the uplink
frequency shift (either “–,” “+,” or
“simplex”) during repeater operation.
Activates the EMERGENCY
function.
Selects the CTCSS/DCS Bell ringer
repetitions.
None
Selects the Scan Resume Mode.
None None
Sets the frequency control to the
Memory Recall mode.
Activates the “Memory “Tune” mode
while in the Memory Recall mode.
Selects the Memory Scan “Skip”
channel-selection mode. Engages the Set (Menu) Mode.
Enables Internet access code
selection.
Primary Function
(PRESS KEY)
Secondary Function
(PRESS [F] + KEY)
Third Function
(PRESS & HOLD KEY)
Primary Function
(PRESS KEY)
Secondary Function
(PRESS [F] + KEY)
Third Function
(PRESS & HOLD KEY)
Primary Function
(PRESS KEY)
Secondary Function
(PRESS [F] + KEY)
Third Function
(PRESS & HOLD KEY)
1:You can program the secondary (press [F] key +) function of the key to another function, if
desired. See page 61 for details.
11
Selects the LCD/Keypad
Lamp Mode.
Starts the programmable scanner
upward (toward a higher frequency
or a higher channel number)
None
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 7
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD FUNCTIONS)
Frequency entry digit “3.”
Frequency entry digit “6.”
Frequency entry digit “9.”
Selects the desired transmit power
output level.
Activates the Smart Search feature.
Increases the VFO frequency by
one step or moves the memory
channel to the next-highest channel.
Tunes the VFO frequency
upward in 1 MHz steps.
Starts the scanner upward
(toward a higher frequency or
a higher channel number).
Activates the Key Lockout feature.
Activates the Key Lockout feature.
Decreases the VFO frequency by
one step or moves the memory
channel to the next-lowest channel.
Tunes the VFO frequency
downward in 1 MHz steps.
Starts the scanner downward
(toward a lower frequency or
a lower channel number).
Selects the DTMF mode.
None
Reverses the transmit and receive
frequencies while working through a
repeater.
Switches to the “Home” (favorite
frequency) Channel.
None
Sets frequency control to the VFO mode.
Toggles the VFO between “VFO A” and
“VFO B” while in the VFO mode.
Activates the Priority (Dual Watch)
function.
Starts the programmed VFO scanner
upward while in the VFO mode.
Selects the Memory Bank while in the
Memory Recall mode.
Activates the “Alternate” key
function.
Disables the “Alternate” key
function.
Activates the “Memory Write” mode
(for memory channel storage).
Primary Function
(PRESS KEY)
Secondary Function
(PRESS [F] + KEY)
Third Function
(PRESS & HOLD KEY)
Primary Function
(PRESS KEY)
Secondary Function
(PRESS [F/W] + KEY)
Third Function
(PRESS & HOLD KEY)
Primary Function
(PRESS KEY)
Secondary Function
(PRESS [F] + KEY)
Third Function
(PRESS & HOLD KEY)
Primary Function
(PRESS KEY)
Secondary Function
(PRESS [F] + KEY)
Third Function
(PRESS & HOLD KEY)
2:You can exchange the function between the primary (press key) function and secondary (press
[F] key +) function, if desired. See page 79 for details.
2
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL8
ANTENNA INSTALLATION
The supplied antenna provides good results over the entire
frequency range of the transceiver. However, for enhanced
reception on certain non-Amateur frequencies, you may wish
to connect an antenna designed specifically for that frequency
range, as the supplied antenna is necessarily a compromise
outside the Amateur band, and cannot be expected to provide
high performance at all frequencies.
To install the supplied antenna, hold the bottom end of the
antenna, then screw it onto the mating connector on the trans-
ceiver until it is snug. Do not over-tighten by use of extreme
force.
Notes:
Never transmit without having an antenna connected.
When installing the supplied antenna, never hold the upper part of the antenna while
screwing it onto the mating connector on the transceiver.
If using an external antenna for transmission, ensure that the SWR presented to the
transceiver is 1.5:1 or lower, to avoid excessive feedline loss.
INSTALLATION OF FNB-83 BATTERY PACK
The FNB-83 is a high-performance Ni-MH battery providing high capacity in a compact
package. Under normal use, the FNB-83 may be used for approximately 300 charge cycles,
after which operating time may be expected to decrease. If you have an old battery pack
which is displaying capacity which has become diminished, you should replace the pack
with a new one.
Installation of the battery is easy and quick:
Insert the battery pack into the battery compart-
ment on the back of the radio while tilting the
Belt Clip outward, then close the Battery Pack
Latch until it locks in
place with a “Click.”
To remove the battery,
turn the radio off and
remove any protective
cases. Open the Battery
Pack Latch on the bot-
tom of the radio, then slide the battery downward and out from the radio while tilting
the Belt Clip out of the way.
INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 9
BATTERY CHARGING
If the battery has never been used, or its charge is depleted, it may be charged by connect-
ing the NC-88 Overnight Battery Charger, as shown in the illustration, to the EXT DC
jack. If only 12 ~ 16 Volt DC power is available, the optional E-DC-5B DC Cable (with its
cigarette lighter plug) or E-DC-6 DC Cable (plug and wire only) may also be used for
charging the battery.
A fully-discharged pack will be charged completely in 10 hours. Disconnect the NC-88
from the EXT DC jack and the AC line outlet.
INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES
Important Note
The NC-88 is not designed to power the transceiver for operation (reception or trans-
mission).
Do not leave the NC-88 connected to the transceiver for continuous periods in excess
of 24 hours. Long term overcharging can degrade the Ni-MH battery pack and signifi-
cantly shorten its useful life.
Please be advised that the NC-88 may contribute noise to TV and radio reception in
the immediate vicinity, so we do not recommend its use adjacent to such devices.
LOW BATTERY INDICATION
As your battery discharges during use, the voltage will gradually become lower. When
the battery voltage is becoming too low for reliable operation,
the “ ” icon will blink on the LCD display, indicating that the
battery pack must be recharged before further use.
Avoid recharging Ni-MH batteries before the “ ”indicator is
observed, as this can degrade the charge capacity of your Ni-MH battery pack.
NC-88 E-DC-6E-DC-5B
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL10
BELT CLIP INSTALLATION
Connect the hanger to the rear of the VX-177, with the notch pointing directly up,
using the supplied screw (Figure 1). Use only the screw included with the clip to
mount the clip to the back of the VX-177.
Clip the Quick-Draw Belt Clip onto your belt (Figure 2).
To install the VX-177 into the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, align the hanger with the Quick-
Draw Belt Clip, and slide the VX-177 into its slot until a click is heard (Figure 3).
To remove the VX-177 from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, rotate the VX-177 180 de-
grees, then slide the VX-177 out from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip (Figure 4).
INSTALLATION OF ACCESSORIES
INSTALLATION OF FBA-25A ALKALINE BATTERY CASE (OPTION)
The optional FBA-25A Battery Case allows operation of the VX-177 using six “AA” size
Alkaline batteries.
When installing batteries, insert the (–) end first, then press in the (+) end so the battery
snaps into place. Always replace all six batteries at the same time, paying attention to the
polarity indicated inside the case.
The FBA-25A must not be used with rechargeable cells. The FBA-25A does not contain
the thermal and over-current protection circuits (provided in the “FNB” series of Ni-MH
Battery Packs) required when utilizing Ni-Cd and Ni-MH cells.
Note that the power output and battery life will be much shorter when using Alkaline AA
cells. They should be considered an emergency backup power source only, for this reason.
Figure 4
Figure 3
Figure 2
Figure 1
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 11
The VX-177 may be used for Packet operation, using the optional CT-91 Microphone
Adapter (available from your Yaesu dealer) for easy interconnection to commonly-avail-
able connectors wired to your TNC. You may also build your own cable, using a four-
conductor miniature phone plug, per the diagram below.
The audio level from the receiver to the TNC may be adjusted by using the VOL knob, as
with voice operation. The input level to the VX-177 from the TNC should be adjusted at
the TNC side; the optimum input voltage is approximately 5 mV at 2000 Ohms.
Be sure to turn the transceiver and TNC off before connecting the cables, so as to prevent
voltage spikes from possibly damaging your transceiver.
When you are operating on Packet, switch the Receive Battery Saver OFF, as the “sleep”
cycle may “collide” with the beginning of an incoming Packet transmission, causing your
TNC not to receive the full data burst. See page 62 for details regarding Battery Saver
setup.
INTERFACE OF PACKET TNCS
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL12
Hi! I’m R. F. Radio, and I’ll be helping you along as you learn the many
features of the VX-177. I know you’re anxious to get on the air, but I encour-
age you to read the “Operation” section of this manual as thoroughly as
possible, so you’ll get the most out of this fantastic new transceiver. Now. . .let’s get
operating!
SWITCHING POWER ON AND OFF
Be sure the Battery Pack is installed, and that the battery is fully charged. Connect the
antenna to the top panel ANTENNA jack.
Rotate the top panel’s VOL/PWR knob (inner knob)
out of the click-stop to turn on the radio. The current
DC supply voltage will be indicated on the display for
2 seconds. After this 2 second interval, the display will
resume its normal indication of the operating frequency.
To turn the radio off, turn the VOL/PWR knob fully
counter-clockwise into the click stop position.
ADJUSTING THE AUDIO VOLUME LEVEL
Rotate the VOL/PWR knob (inner knob) to adjust the re-
ceiver level for a comfortable listing level, using the back-
ground noise as a reference. Clockwise rotation increases
the volume level.
OPERATION
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 13
OPERATION
SQUELCH ADJUSTMENT
To set the squelch, press the [F] key, followed by the MONI switch just below the PTT
switch on the left side of the transceiver.
Now rotate the DIAL (outer knob) to find the lowest
setting (“LVL 1” through “LVL 15”) that will just si-
lence the background noise. Do not use a higher setting
than necessary, or sensitivity to weak incoming signals
will be degraded.
Press the PTT switch momentarily when you’ve made
the new setting; this will return you to normal operation (without having transmitted).
1) A special “RF Squelch” feature is provided on this radio. This feature
allows you to set the squelch so that only signals exceeding a certain S-meter
level will open the squelch. See page 18 for details.
2) If you’re operating in an area of high RF pollution, you may need to consider “Tone
Squelch” operation using the built-in CTCSS Decoder. This feature will keep your ra-
dio quiet until a call is received from a station sending a carrier which contains a matching
(subaudible) CTCSS tone. Or, if your friends have radios equipped with DCS (Digital
Coded Squelch) like your VX-177 has, try using that mode for silent monitoring of busy
channels.
FREQUENCY NAVIGATION
The VX-177 will initially be operating in the “VFO” mode, a channelized system which
allows free tuning throughout the currently-selected operating band.
Three basic frequency navigation methods are available on the VX-177:
1) Tuning Dial
Rotation of the DIAL (outer knob) allows tuning in the pre-programmed steps established
for the current operating band. Clockwise rotation of the DIAL causes the VX-177 to be
tuned toward a higher frequency, while counter-clockwise
rotation will lower the operating frequency.
If you press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL,
frequency steps of 1 MHz will be selected. This feature is
extremely useful for making rapid frequency excursions over
the wide tuning range of the VX-177.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL14
2) Direct Keypad Frequency Entry
The desired operating frequency may be entered directly from the keypad. The first “1” in
the frequency does not need to be entered, as it is “assumed” by the microprocessor.
To enter a frequency directly, just key in the 10 MHz, 1 MHz, and the kHz digits.
Examples: To enter 436.560 MHz, press [3] [6] [5] [6] [0]
To enter 436.5625 MHz (12.5 kHz steps), [3] [6] [5] [6] [2]
3) Scanning
Press and hold in either the [(MHz)] or [(MHz)] key
for one second to initiate upward or downward scanning,
respectively (Manual VFO Scan).
For scanning within a limited sub-band range, from the VFO
mode, press and hold in the [MR(SKIP)] key for one sec-
ond to begin scanning toward a higher frequency within the
previously-defined sub-band (Programmed VFO Scan). De-
tails regarding sub-band setup may be found on page 37.
If you wish to reverse the direction of the scan (i.e. toward a
lower frequency, instead of a higher frequency), just rotate
the DIAL one click in the counter-clockwise direction while
the VX-177 is scanning. The scanning direction will be re-
versed. To revert to scanning toward a higher frequency once
more, rotate the DIAL one click clockwise.
The scanner will stop when it receives a signal strong enough to break through the Squelch
threshold. The VX-177 will then hold on that frequency according to the setting of the
“RESUME” mode (Set Mode Item 32: RESUME). Press the PTT switch momentarily to
cancel the scanning. This only stops the scan; it does not cause transmission to occur. See
page 36 for details regarding Scan Operation.
OPERATION
FREQUENCY NAVIGATION
(PROGRAMMED VFO SCAN)
(MANUAL VFO SCAN)
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 15
OPERATION
TRANSMISSION
Once you have set up an appropriate frequency inside the 430 MHz Amateur band on
which the VX-177 can transmit, you’re ready to go on the air! These are the most basic
steps; more advanced aspects of transmitter operation will be discussed later.
To transmit, press the PTT switch, and speak into the
front panel microphone (located in the lower left-hand
corner of the speaker grille) in a normal voice level.
The TX/BUSY indicator will glow red during trans-
mission.
To return to the receive mode, release the PTT switch.
During transmission, the relative power level will be
indicated on the bar graph at the bottom of the LCD; full scale
deflection confirms “High Power” operation, while deflection
of two bars indicates “Low Power” operation. Five bars indicate
“Medium Power” operation. Additionally, the “LOW” icon will
appear at the bottom of the display while operating on the “Low
Power” and “Medium Power” settings.
1) If you’re just talking to friends in the immediate area,
you’ll get much longer battery life by switching to Low
Power operation, described in the next chapter. And don’t
forget: always have an antenna connected when you transmit.
2) Transmission is possible only on the 430 MHz amateur band.
Changing the Transmitter Power Level
To change the power level:
Press the [F] key, then press the [3(LOW)] key. The
LCD shows the current power output level.
Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired power out-
put level. Available selections are “HIGH” (5 W), “MID”
(2 W), and “LOW” (0.5 W).
When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch
to save the new setting and return to normal operation.
1) The VX-177 is smart! When you store memories, you can store the power
output settings separately in each memory, so you don’t waste battery power
when using very close-in repeaters!
2) When you are operating on the “Low” or “Medium” power setting, you can press the
[F] key, then press the PTT switch, to cause the VX-177 to transmit (temporarily) on
High power. After one transmission, the power level will revert to the previously-selected
(“Low” or “Medium” power) setting.
“LOW” POWER
“MID” POWER
“HIGH” POWER
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL16
Now that you’re mastered the basics of VX-177 operation, let’s learn more about some of
the really neat features.
KEYBOARD LOCKING
In order to prevent accidental frequency change or inadvertent transmission, various as-
pects of the VX-177’s DIAL and keypad may be locked out. The possible lockout combi-
nations are:
LK KEY: Just the front panel keypad is locked out
LKDIAL: Just the top panel DIAL is locked out
LK K+D:Both the keypad and DIAL are locked out (factory default)
LK PTT: The PTT switch is locked out (TX not possible)
LK P+K: Both the PTT switch and keypad are locked out
LK P+D:Both the PTT switch and DIAL are locked out
LK ALL: All of the above are locked out
To lock out some or all of the keys:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set
mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 26: LOCK.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to choose between one of the locking
schemes as outlined above.
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and return to normal operation.
To activate the locking feature, (1) press and hold in the [6(LOCK)]
key for one second, or (2) press the [F] key, followed by the
[6(LOCK)] key. The “ ” icon will appear on the LCD. To cancel
locking, repeat one of these processes.
ADVANCED OPERATION
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 17
ADVANCED OPERATION
KEYPAD/LCD ILLUMINATION
Your VX-177 includes a reddish illumination lamp which aids in nighttime operation. The
reddish illumination yields clear viewing of the display in a dark environment, with mini-
mal degradation of your night vision.
Three options for activating the lamp are provided:
KEY Mode: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD lamp for five seconds when you rotate
the DIAL knob or press the keypad or any switch (except PTT switch).
This is the factory-programmed default setting.
CONT Mode: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD lamp continuously.
OFF Mode: Disables the Keypad/LCD lamp.
Here is the procedure for setting up the Lamp operating mode:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set
mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 25: LAMP.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select one of the three modes described
above.
5. When you have made your choice, press the PTT switch to save
the new setting and return to normal operation.
DISABLING THE KEYPAD BEEPER
A keypad beeper provides useful audible feedback whenever a keypad is pressed.
If you want to turn the beep off:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 6: BEEP.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to change the setting to “OFF.”
5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to nor-
mal operation.
6. To turn the beep back on again, select “KEY” or “KEY+SC (fac-
tory default)” in step 4 above.
KEY: The beeper sounds when you press the keypad.
KEY+SC: The beeper sounds when you press the keypad, or when the scanner stops.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL18
ADVANCED OPERATION
RF SQUELCH
A special RF Squelch feature is provided on this radio. This feature allows you to set the
squelch so that only signals exceeding a certain S-meter level will open the squelch.
To set up the RF squelch circuit for operation, use the following procedure:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 34: RF SQL.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired signal strength level
for the squelch threshold (S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, S-5, S-6, S-8,
S-FULL, or OFF).
5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and return to nor-
mal operation.
CHECKING THE BATTERY VOLTAGE
The VX-177’s microprocessor includes programming which will measure the current bat-
tery voltage.
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 12: DC VLT.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to display the current DC voltage
being supplied.
4. Press the [F] key, followed by the PTT switch to return to nor-
mal operation.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 19
REPEATER OPERATION
Repeater stations, usually located on mountaintops or other high locations, provide a dra-
matic extension of the communication range for low-powered hand-held or mobile trans-
ceivers. The VX-177 includes a number of features which make repeater operation simple
and enjoyable.
REPEATER SHIFTS
The VX-177 has been configured, at the factory, with the repeater shift set to 1.6 MHz, 7.6
MHz, or 5 MHz (USA version).
Depending on the part of the band in which you
are operating, the repeater shift may be either
downward (–) or upward (+), and one of these
icons will appear at the top of the LCD when
repeater shifts have been enabled.
AUTOMATIC REPEATER SHIFT (ARS)
The VX-177 provides a convenient Automatic Repeater Shift feature, which causes the
appropriate repeater shift to be applied automatically whenever you tune into the desig-
nated repeater sub-bands in your country. These sub-bands are shown below.
If the ARS feature does not appear to be working, you may have accidentally disabled it.
To re-enable ARS:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 4: ARS.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “ARS. ON.”
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and return to normal operation.
Euro Version 1
Euro Version 2
Version A
440.0 445.0 450.0
439.45438.20
433.00 433.40
ARS-Repeater Subbands
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL20
MANUAL REPEATER SHIFT ACTIVATION
If the ARS feature has been disabled, or if you need to set a repeater shift direction other
than that established by the ARS, you may set the direction of the repeater shift manually.
To do this:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [4(RPT)] key to enable selection of the repeater shift
direction.
2. This provides a “short-cut” to Set Mode Item 35: RPT.MOD.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired shift among “RPT.–,”
“RPT.+,” and “RPT.OFF.”
4. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and
return to normal operation.
If you make a change in the shift direction, but still have Automatic Repeater
Shift still engaged (see previous section), when you change frequency (by
rotating the DIAL knob, for example) the ARS will over-ride your manual
setting of the shift direction. Turn ARS off if you do not wish this to happen.
If you make a change in the repeater shift on a memory channel that you already stored, the
radio will consider this a “temporary” change unless you store the memory once more, this
time with the desired repeater shift engaged.
Changing the Default Repeater Shifts
If you travel to a different region, you may need to change the default repeater shift so as to
ensure compatibility with local operating requirements.
To do this, follow the procedure below:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set
mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 41: SHIFT.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the new repeater shift magni-
tude.
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and return to normal operation.
If you just have one “odd” split that you need to program, don’t change the
“default” repeated shifts using this Set Mode Item. Enter the transmit and
receive frequencies separately, as shown on page 29.
REPEATER OPERATION
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 21
REPEATER OPERATION
MANUAL REPEATER SHIFT ACTIVATION
Checking the Repeater Uplink (Input) Frequency
It often is helpful to be able to check the uplink (input) frequency of a repeater, to see if the
calling station is within direct (“Simplex”) range.
To do this, just press the [REV(HOME)] key. You’ll notice
that the display has shifted to the repeater uplink frequency.
Press the [REV(HOME)] key again to cause operation to
revert to normal monitoring of the repeater downlink (out-
put) frequency. While you are listening on the input fre-
quency to the repeater using the [REV(HOME)] key, the
repeater offset icon will blink.
The configuration of this key may be set either to “RV” (for checking the input fre-
quency of a repeater), or “HM” (for instant switching to the “Home” channel for the
band you are operating on). To change the configuration of this key, use Set Mode Item
33: REV/HM. See page 79.
VFO SPLIT MODE
For working on repeaters with odd splits, or communicating with astronauts on orbiting
space vehicles, it may be necessary to use non-standard splits between the receive and
transmit frequency. If the application is infrequent enough not to warrant the dedication of
a memory channel for this purpose, the “VFO Split” mode may be used. Here is the proce-
dure for going Split:
1. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key, as needed, to select VFO-A. Set VFO-A for the desired
receiving (downlink) frequency (e.g.439.700 MHz).
2. Now press the [VFO(PRI)] key, and set VFO-B for the desired transmit (uplink) fre-
quency (e.g. 434.900 MHz).
3. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key once more to re-establish VFO-A as the “Main” (receive)
VFO.
4. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
5. Rotate the DIAL to select Set Mode Item 50: VFO.SPL.
6. Press the [F] key, then rotate the DIAL to set this function “VSP.
ON.”
7. Press the PTT switch once to save the new setting and exit to
normal operation.
8. You will now be operating in the Split mode. When you press
the PTT switch to transmit, you will observe that VFO-A and
VFO-B will reverse positions. The VFO selection indicator “-b-” will blink while the
transceiver is transmitting, this means that the VFO Split feature is now activated.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL22
9. If you need to modify the VFO-B (transmit) frequency (for Doppler Shift correction,
etc.), just press the [VFO(PRI)] key, then make the necessary change, then press
[VFO(PRI)] key once more to restore VFO-A to the “receive VFO” position.
10. When you have finished with Split operation, re-enter the Set mode, and change Set
Mode Item 50: VFO.SPL to “VSP.OFF.”
A split frequency pair set up via the VFO Split feature cannot be stored directly into memory.
You can, however, store odd frequency pairs using a different (slightly simpler) procedure.
See page 29.
VFO SPLIT MODE
REPEATER OPERATION
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 23
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION
CTCSS OPERATION
Many repeater systems require that a very-low-frequency audio tone be superimposed on
your FM carrier in order to activate the repeater. This helps prevent false activation of the
repeater by radar or spurious signals from other transmitters. This tone system, called
“CTCSS” (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System), is included in your VX-177, and is
very easy to activate.
CTCSS setup involves two actions: setting the Tone Mode and then setting of
the Tone Frequency. These actions are set up by using the [1(SQ TYP)] key
and [2(CODE)] keys.
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [1(SQ TYP)] key to enable selection of the CTCSS/
DCS/ECS mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob so that “TONE” indication appears on the
display; this activates the CTCSS Encoder, for access to repeat-
ers requiring a CTCSS tone.
3. Rotation of the DIAL knob one more “click” in step “2” above
will cause the “TSQL” notation to appear. When “TSQL” is dis-
played, this means that the Tone SQueLch system is active, which
mutes your VX-177’s receiver until it receives a call from an-
other radio sending out a matching CTCSS tone. This can help keep your radio quiet
until a specific call is received, which may be helpful while operating in congested
areas of the band.
1) You may notice a “REV TN” indication on the display while you rotate
the DIAL knob in this step; this means that the Reverse Tone Squelch
system is active, which mutes your VX-177’s receiver (instead of opening
the squelch) when it receives a call from the radio sending a matched CTCSS tone.
The “ ” icon will blink on the display when the Reverse Tone Squelch system is
activated.
2) You may notice the “DCS” and “ECS” indications on the display while you rotate
the DIAL knob still more. We’ll discuss the Digital Code Squelch system (for “DCS”)
and Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch (for “ECS”) later.
4. When you have made your selection of the CTCSS tone mode, press the PTT switch
to save the new setting.
5. Press the [F] key, then press the
[2(CODE)] key to
enable adjustment
of the CTCSS fre-
quency.
6. Rotate the DIAL knob until the display
indicates the Tone Frequency you need to
CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY (Hz)
67.0 69.3 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7
82.5 85.4 88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4
100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9 114.8 118.8
123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2
151.4 156.7 159.8 162.2 165.5 167.9
171.3 173.8 177.3 179.9 183.5 186.2
189.9 192.8 196.6 199.5 203.5 206.5
210.7 218.1 225.7 229.1 233.6 241.8
250.3 254.1 – – – –
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL24
be using (ask the repeater owner/operator if you don’t know the tone frequency).
7. When you have made your selection, press the [F] key momentarily to save the new
settings and exit to normal operation. This is different than the usual method of restor-
ing normal operation, and it applies only to the configuration of the CTCSS/DCS
frequencies.
Your repeater may or may not re-transmit a CTCSS tone - some systems just
use CTCSS to control access to the repeater, but don’t pass it along when
transmitting. If the S-Meter deflects, but the VX-177 is not passing audio,
repeat steps “1” through “4” above, but rotate the DIAL so that “TSQ” disappears - this
will allow you to hear all traffic on the channel being utilized.
DCS OPERATION
Another form of tone access control is Digital Code Squelch, or DCS. It is a newer, more
advanced tone system which generally provides more immunity from false paging than
does CTCSS. The DCS Encoder/Decoder is built into your VX-177, and operation is very
similar to that just described for CTCSS. Your repeater system may be configured for
DCS; if not, DCS is frequently quite useful in Simplex operation if your friend(s) use
transceivers equipped with this advanced feature.
Just as in CTCSS operation, DCS requires that you set the Tone Mode to DCS and that
you select a tone code.
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [1(SQ TYP)] key to enable selection of the CTCSS/
DCS/ECS mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob until the “DCS” indication appears on the
display; this activates the DCS Encoder/Decoder.
3. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting.
4. Press the [F] key, then press the [2(CODE)] key to enable adjustment of the DCS code.
5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired DCS Code (a three-digit number). Ask the
repeater owner/operator if you don’t know
DCS Code; if you
are working sim-
plex, just set up the
DCS Code to be
the same as that used by your friend(s).
6. When you have made your selection, press
the [F] key momentarily to save the new
settings and exit to normal operation.
CTCSS OPERATION
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION
DCS CODE
023 025 026 031 032 036 043 047 051 053
054 065 071 072 073 074 114 115 116 122
125 131 132 134 143 145 152 155 156 162
165 172 174 205 212 223 225 226 243 244
245 246 251 252 255 261 263 265 266 271
274 306 311 315 325 331 332 343 346 351
356 364 365 371 411 412 413 423 431 432
445 446 452 454 455 462 464 465 466 503
506 516 523 526 532 546 565 606 612 624
627 631 632 654 662 664 703 712 723 731
732 734 743 754 – – – – – –
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 25
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION
Remember that the DCS is an Encode/Decode system, so your receiver will
remain muted until a matching DCS code is received on an incoming trans-
mission. Switch the DCS off when you’re just tuning around the band!
TONE SEARCH SCANNING
In operating situations where you don’t know the CTCSS or DCS tone being used by
another station or stations, you can command the radio to listen to the incoming signal and
scan in search of the tone being used. Two things must be remembered in this regard:
You must be sure that your repeater uses the same tone type (CTCSS vs. DCS).
Some repeaters do not pass the CTCSS tone; you may have to listen to the station(s)
transmitting on the repeater uplink (input) frequency in order to allow Tone Search
Scanning to work.
To scan for the tone in use:
1. Set the radio up for either CTCSS or DCS Decoder operation (see the previous discus-
sions). In the case of CTCSS, “ ” will appear on the display; in the case of DCS,
“” will appear on the display.
2. Press the [F] key, then press the [2(CODE)] key.
3. Press and hold in the [(MHz)] or [(MHz)] key for one sec-
ond to start scanning for the incoming CTCSS or DCS tone/
code.
4. When the radio detects the correct tone or code, it will halt on
that tone/code, and audio will be allowed to pass. Press the [F]
key to lock in that tone/code, then press the [F] key again to exit
to normal operation.
If the Tone Scan feature does not detect a tone or code, it will continue to
scan indefinitely. When this happens, it may be that the other station is not
sending any tone. You can press the PTT switch to halt the scan at any time.
You also can press the MONI key during Tone Scanning to listen to the (muted) signal
from the other station. When you release the MONI key, Tone Scanning will resume after
about a second.
Tone Scanning works either in the VFO or Memory modes.
DCS OPERATION
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL26
EPCS (ENHANCED PAGING & CODE SQUELCH)
The VX-177 includes an Enhanced CTCSS tone encoder/decoder and a dedicated micropro-
cessor providing paging and selective calling features. This allows you to place a call to a
specific station (Paging), and to receive calls of your choice directed only to you (Code Squelch).
The paging and code squelch systems use two pairs of (alternately switched) CTCSS tones
which are stored in the pager memories. Basically, your receiver remains silent until it
receives the CTCSS tone pair that matches those stored in the Receiving Pager Memory.
The squelch then opens so the caller is heard, and the paging ringer immediately sounds, if
activated. When you close the PTT switch to transmit, the CTCSS tone pair which is
stored in the Transmitting Pager Memory will be transmitted automatically.
On the paged radio, the squelch will close automatically after the incoming page ends.
Storing the CTCSS Tone Pairs for EPCS Operation
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 18: ECS.CDR
for the Receiving CTCSS Tone Pair or Set Mode Item 19:
ECS.CDT for the Transmitting CTCSS Tone Pair.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the CTCSS Tone number which
corresponds to the first tone of the CTCSS Tone Pair.
5. Press the [(MHz)] or [(MHz)] key, then rotate the DIAL
knob to set the CTCSS Tone number which corresponds to the
second tone of the CTCSS Tone Pair.
6. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal
operation.
The VX-177 does not recognize the order of the 1st tone
and the 2nd tone. In other words, for example, the VX-
177 considers both CTCSS pairs “10, 35” and “35, 10” to be identical.
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION
Hz
67.0
69.3
71.9
74.4
77.0
79.7
82.5
85.4
88.5
91.5
No.
01
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
Hz
94.8
97.4
100.0
103.5
107.2
110.9
114.8
118.8
123.0
127.3
No.
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Hz
131.8
136.5
141.3
146.2
151.4
156.7
159.8
162.2
165.5
167.9
No.
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Hz
171.3
173.8
177.3
179.9
183.5
186.2
189.9
192.8
196.6
199.5
No.
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Hz
203.5
206.5
210.7
218.1
225.7
229.1
233.6
241.8
250.3
254.1
No.
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50
CTCSS TONE NUMBER
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 27
Activating the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch System
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [1(SQ TYP)] key to enable selection of the CTCSS/
DCS/ECS mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob so that the “ECS” indication appears on
the display.
3. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and activate the
Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch.
4. To disable the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch, just repeat the above procedure,
rotating the DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step 2 above.
When the Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch feature is activated, the
“” icon will blink on the display.
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS BELL OPERATION
During CTCSS Decode, DCS, or EPCS operation, you may set up the VX-177 such that a
ringing “bell” sound alerts you to the fact that a call is coming in. Here is the procedure for
activating the CTCSS/DCS/EPCS Bell:
1. Set the transceiver up for CTCSS Decode (“Tone Squelch”), DCS, or EPCS opera-
tion, as described previously.
2. Adjust the operating frequency to the desired channel.
3. Press the [F] key, then press the [5(BELL)] key.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the desired number of rings of the
Bell. The available choices are “1 T,” “3 T,” “5 T,” or “8 T”
rings, CONT (continuous ringing), or OFF.
5. Press the PTT switch momentarily to save the new setting and exit to normal opera-
tion.
When you are called by a station whose transceiver is sending a CTCSS tone, DCS code,
or CTCSS code pair which matches that set into your Decoder, the
Bell will ring in accordance with this programming. When the CTCSS/
DCS/EPCS Bell is activated, the “ ” icon will appear at the upper
right corner on the LCD.
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION
EPCS (ENHANCED PAGING & CODE SQUELCH)
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL28
SPLIT TONE OPERATION
The VX-177 can be operated in a Split Tone configuration via the Set mode.
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 43: SPLIT.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select ON (to enable the Split Tone
feature).
5. Press the PTT switch momentarily to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
When the Split Tone feature is activated, you can see the following additional parameters
following the “DCS” parameter (while selecting the tone mode by pressing [F]
[1(SQ TYP)]):
D: DCS Encode only (the “ ” icon will blink during operation)
T DCS: Encodes a CTCSS Tone and Decodes a DCS code
(the “ ” icon will blink and the “ ” icon will appear during operation)
D TSQL: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS Tone
(the “ ” icon will appear and the “ ” icon will blink during operation)
Select the desired operating mode from the selections shown above.
TONE CALLING (1750 HZ)
If the repeaters in your country require a 1750-Hz burst tone for access (typically in Eu-
rope), you can set the MONI key to serve as a “Tone Call” switch instead. To change the
configuration of this switch, we again use the Set Mode to help us.
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set
mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 27: M/T-CL.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “T-CALL” on the display.
5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal
operation.
To access a repeater, press and hold in the MONI key for the amount of time specified by
the repeater owner/operator. The transmitter will automatically be activated, and a 1750-
Hz audio tone will be superimposed on the carrier. Once access to the repeater has been
gained, you may release the MONI key, and use the PTT switch for activating the transmit-
ter thereafter.
CTCSS/DCS/EPCS OPERATION
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 29
MEMORY MODE
The VX-177 provides a wide variety of memory system resources. These include:
200 “Standard” memory channels, numbered “1” through “200.”
A “Home” channel, providing storage and quick recall of one prime frequency.
10 sets of band-edge memories, also known as “Programmable Memory Scan” chan-
nels, labeled “L1/U1” through “L10/U10.”
10 Memory Banks, labeled “BANK 1” through “BANK10.” Each Memory Bank
can be assigned up to 200 channels from the “standard” memory channels.
10 “Weather Broadcast” Channels.
MEMORY STORAGE
1. Select the desired frequency, while operating in the VFO mode. Be sure to set up any
desired CTCSS or DCS tones, as well as any desired repeater offset, now. The power
level may also be set at this time, if you wish to store it.
2. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second.
3. Within ten seconds of releasing the [F] key, you need to make a decision regarding
channel storage. The microprocessor will automatically select the next-available “free”
channel (a memory register on which no data has been stored), so you may not wish to
make any change; if this is the case, proceed to step 4. If you wish to select a different
channel number into which to store the data, rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired
memory channel. You may jump 10 memory channels, if you’re in a hurry (11 21
31 …) by pressing the [VFO(PRI)] key (multiple times, if necessary).
4. Press the [F] key once more to store the frequency into memory.
5. You still will be operating in the “VFO” mode, so you may now enter other frequen-
cies, and store them into additional memory locations, by repeating the above process.
Storing Independent Transmit Frequencies (“Odd Splits”)
All memories can store an independent transmit frequency, for operation on repeaters with
non-standard shift. To do this:
1. Store the receive frequency using the method already described under MEMORY
STORAGE (it doesn’t matter if a repeater offset is active).
2. Tune to the desired transmit frequency, then press and hold in the [F] key for one
second.
3. Within ten seconds of releasing the [F] key, rotate the DIAL knob to select the same
memory channel number as used in step “1” above.
4. Press and hold in the PTT switch, then press the [F] key once more momentarily while
holding the PTT switch in (this does not key the transmitter).
Whenever you recall a memory which contains inde-
pendently-stored transmit and receive frequencies, the
“” indication will appear in the display.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL30
MEMORY MODE
MEMORY RECALL
1. While operating in the VFO mode, press the [MR(SKIP)] key to
enter the Memory mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired channel.
3. To return to the VFO mode, press the [VFO(PRI)] key.
When the radio is already set to the Memory mode, an easy way to recall memories is to
key in the memory channel number, then press the [F] key.
For example, to recall memory channel #14, press [1(SQ TYP)] [4(RPT)] [F].
You may also recall Programmable Memory channels (“L1/U1” through “L10/U10.”)
using the following numbers: Programmable Memory channels #L1 = “201,” U1 = “202,”
L10 = “219,” and U10 = “220.”
HOME CHANNEL MEMORY
A special one-touch “HOME” channel is available, to allow quick recall of a favorite
operating frequency.
Home Channel storage is simple to accomplish:
1. Change the setting of Set Mode Item 33: REV/HM from “REV” to “HOME,” if it is
not already set to this option (see page 79).
2. Select the desired frequency, while operating in the VFO mode. Be sure to set up any
desired CTCSS or DCS tones, as well as any desired repeater offset. The power level
may also be set at this time, if you wish to store it.
3. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second.
4. While the memory channel number is blinking, just press the [REV(HOME)] key. The
frequency and other data (if any) will now be stored in the special HOME channel
register.
5. To recall the HOME channel, press the
[REV(HOME)] key momentarily while
operating either in the VFO or MR mode.
“USA” VERSION “EXP” VERSION
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 31
MEMORY MODE
LABELING MEMORIES
You may wish to append an alpha-numeric “Tag” (label) to a memory or memories, to aid
in recollection of the channel’s use (such as a club name, etc.). This is easily accomplished
using the Set Mode.
1. Recall the memory channel on which you wish to append a label.
2. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 29: NM WRT.
4. Press the [F] key momentarily to display the previously
stored label (if any).
5. Press the [F] key again to clear any previous label.
6. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired
label.
7. Press the [F] key to move to the next character.
8. If you make a mistake, press the [(MHz)] key to back-
space the cursor, then re-enter the correct letter, number,
or symbol.
9. Repeat steps 5 through 7 to program the remaining letters,
numbers, or symbols of the desired label. A total of six charac-
ters may be used in the creation of a label.
10. When you have programmed a label which is under 6 characters,
press and hold in the [F] key for one second to confirm the label (if the label is exactly 6
characters in length, you do not need to press and hold in [F] key).
11. When you have completed the creation of the label, press the
PTT switch to save the label and return to the memory recall
mode with labeled (alpha-numeric “Tag”) display.
To disable the alpha-numeric Tag (enabling the frequency display):
1. Set the VX-177 to the “MR” (Memory Recall) mode, and recall the memory channel
on which you wish to disable the alpha-numeric Tag.
2. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Set Mode Item 28: NAME.
4. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item’s
setting.
5. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “FREQ”
(enabling the frequency display).
6. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and activate the
alpha-numeric Tag.
To display the alpha-numeric Tag again, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL
knob to select “ALPHA” in step 5 above.
Set Mode Item 28:NAME is not applied to all memory channels at once (just
the channel on which you currently are operating).
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL32
MEMORY OFFSET TUNING
Once you have recalled a particular memory channel, you may easily tune off that channel,
as though you were in the “VFO” mode.
1. With the VX-177 in the “MR” (Memory Recall) mode, select
the desired memory channel.
2. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily to activate the “Memory
Tuning” feature. The Memory Channel number will be replaced
by “tun.” And if you have an alpha-numeric Tag displayed on
the memory channel, the display will automatically revert to dis-
play of the operating frequency, so you can navigate without
having to enter the Menu to change the display configuration.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob, as desired, to tune to a new frequency.
The synthesizer steps selected for VFO operation on the current
band will be the steps used during Memory Tuning.
4. If you wish to return to the original memory frequency, just press
the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily. The display will revert to
display of the alpha-numeric Tag (if any) that may have origi-
nally appeared on the LCD.
5. If you wish to store a new frequency set during Memory Tuning, just press and hold in
the [F] key for one second, per normal memory storage procedure. The microproces-
sor will automatically set itself to the next-available clear memory location, and you
then press [F] again to lock in the new frequency.
1) If you want to replace the original memory contents with those of the new
frequency, be sure to rotate the DIAL knob to the original memory channel
number!
2) Any required CTCSS/DCS changes, or repeater offset modifications, must be done
before storing the data into the new (or original) memory channel location.
DELETING MEMORIES
You may delete any of the memories (except for Memory Channel “1” and the Home
Channel). The procedure for deleting a channel is quite simple.
1. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key, if needed, to enter the MR mode.
2. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to select the
memory channel to be deleted.
3. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily. The display will revert to memory channel
#1. The previously-selected memory will be deleted.
Important Notice! Once deleted, the channel data cannot be recovered!
MEMORY MODE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 33
MEMORY MODE
MEMORY BANK OPERATION
The large number of memories available in the VX-177 could be difficult to utilize without
some means of organizing them. Fortunately, the VX-177 includes provision for dividing
the memories into as many as ten Memory Groups, so you can categorize the memories in
a manner convenient to you.
Assigning Memories to a Memory Bank
1. Recall the memory channel to be assigned to a Memory Bank.
2. Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second, then ro-
tate the DIAL knob to select the Memory Bank number you want
as the Memory Bank for this channel (“BANK 1” ~
“BANK10”).
3. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to copy the memory
channel data into the Memory Bank.
1) You may assign one memory channel into multiple Memory Banks.
2) The PMS memory channels (L1/U1 through L10/U10) may not be as-
signed to a Memory Bank.
Memory Bank Recall
1. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key, if needed, to enter the Memory Recall mode.
2. Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key, then rotate the DIAL
knob to select the desired Memory Bank (“BANK 1” through
“BANK10”).
3. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily; now, as you rotate the
DIAL knob to select memories, you will observe that you can
only select memory channels in the current memory bank. The
“” indication will appear at the left side of the frequency
display while operating within a Memory Bank.
4. To change to another Memory Bank, press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key, rotate the
DIAL knob to select the new Memory Bank, then press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily.
5. To exit from Memory Bank operation, select “NOBANK” in step 4 above. You are
now in the “standard” Memory Recall mode, without utilization
of the Memory Banks. The memories stored in the various Banks
will remain in those banks, however; you do not need to store
them again.
Removing Memories from a Memory Bank
1. Recall the memory channel to be removed from a Memory Bank.
2. Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second, then press and hold in the [F] key
to remove the memory channel data from the Memory Bank.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL34
MOVING MEMORY DATA TO THE VFO
Data stored on memory channels can easily be moved to the last selected VFO, if you like.
1. Select the memory channel containing the frequency data to be moved to the VFO.
2. Press the [MR(SKIP)] key momentarily to activate the “Memory Tune” feature tem-
porarily, then press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second. The data will now
have been copied to the last selected VFO, although the original memory contents will
remain intact on the previously-stored channel.
If a Split Frequency Memory channel was transferred, the TX frequency will be ignored
(you will be set up for Simplex operation on the Receive frequency).
MEMORY ONLY MODE
Once memory channel programming has been completed, you may place the radio in a
“Memory Only” mode, whereby VFO operation is impossible. This may be particularly
useful during public-service events, where a number of operators may be using the radio
for first time, and ultimate simplicity of channel selection is desired.
To place the radio into the Memory Only mode:
1. Turn the radio off.
2. Press and hold in the MONI switch (just below the PTT switch)
while turning the radio on.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the “F5 M-ONLY” option, then
press the [F] key.
To return to normal operation, repeat the above power-on procedure.
MEMORY MODE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 35
NOTE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL36
The VX-177 allows you to scan just the memory channels, the entire operating band, or a
portion of that band. It will halt on signals encountered, so you can talk to the station(s) on
that frequency, if you like.
Scanning operation is basically the same in each of the above modes. Before you begin,
take a moment to select the way in which you would like the scanner to resume scanning
after it halts on a signal.
Setting the Scan-Resume Technique
Three options for the Scan-Resume mode are available:
BUSY: In this mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters. Two seconds after the
carrier has dropped because the other station(s) ceased transmission, the scanner
will resume. In the case of constant-carrier signals like Weather Station broad-
casts, the scanner will likely remain on this frequency indefinitely.
HOLD: In this mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters. It will not restart
automatically; you must manually re-initiate scanning if you wish to resume.
TIME: In this mode, the scanner will halt on a signal it encounters, and will hold there for
five seconds. If you do not take action to disable the scanner within that time
period, the scanner will resume even if the stations are still active.
To set the Scan-Resume mode:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 32: RESUME.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired scan-resume mode.
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
The default condition for this Set Mode Item is “BUSY.”
SCANNING
SETTING THE SQUELCH LEVEL DURING ACTIVE SCANNING OPERATION
The VX-177 allows adjustment of the Squelch level “on the fly” while you are scanning.
1. While the scanner is engaged, press the [F] key, then press
the MONI switch (the current squelch level (e.g. “S 3”)
will appear in fine print above the frequency display).
2. Rotate the DIAL to select the desired Squelch level.
3. Press the PTT switch momentarily to save the new setting and exit to normal
operation. In this case, pressing the PTT switch this one time will not causing
scanning to stop.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 37
SCANNING
VFO SCANNING
The VX-177 provides two VFO scanning functions: “Manual VFO Scanning” and “Pro-
grammed VFO Scanning.”
Manual VFO Scan
1. Select the VFO mode by pressing the [VFO(PRI)] key, if necessary.
2. Press and hold in either the [(MHz)] or [(MHz)] key for one second to initiate
upward or downward scanning, respectively.
3. If and when the scanner encounters a signal strong enough to open the squelch, the
scanner will halt temporarily; the decimal point of the frequency display will blink
during this “Pause” condition.
4. The scanner will then resume according to the Scan-Resume mode selected in the
previous section.
5. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or [VFO(PRI)] key.
Programmed VFO Scan
1. Select the VFO mode by pressing the [VFO(PRI)] key, if necessary.
2. Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select the bandwidth for the Programmed VFO scanner. Available selections are ±1
MHz, ±2 MHz, ±5 MHz, PMS-x, and ALL.
PMS-x: The scanner will sweep frequencies within the currently-
selected PMS frequency pair. See page 41 for details.
ALL: The scanner will sweep all frequencies.
3. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key momentarily to save the new setting and exit to normal
operation.
4. Press and hold in the [MR(SKIP)] key for one second to start scanning.
5. If and when the scanner encounters a signal strong enough to open
the squelch, the scanner will halt temporarily; the decimal point of
the frequency display will blink during this “Pause” condition.
6. The scanner will then resume according to the Scan-Resume
mode selected in the previous section.
7. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or the [VFO(PRI)] key.
When you start the Programmed VFO Scanner, the VX-177 will be changing
frequency in the upward direction. If you want to change direction of the
scan while it is underway, rotate the DIAL knob one click in the opposite
direction (in this case, one click counter-clockwise). You’ll see the scanner turn around
and change frequency downward!
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL38
MEMORY SCANNING
Memory scanning is similarly easy to initiate:
1. Select the Memory mode by pressing the [MR(SKIP)] key, if necessary.
2. Press and hold in either the [(MHz)] or [(MHz)] key for one second to initiate
upward or downward scanning, respectively.
3. If and when the scanner encounters a signal strong enough to open the squelch, the
scanner will halt temporarily; the decimal point of the frequency display will blink
during this “Pause” condition.
4. The scanner will then resume according to the Scan-Resume mode selected in the
previous section.
5. To cancel scanning, press the PTT switch or [MR(SKIP)] key.
How to Skip (Omit) a Channel during Memory Scan Operation
As mentioned previously, some continuous-carrier stations like a Weather Broadcast sta-
tion will seriously impede scanner operation if you are using the “Carrier Drop” Scan-
Resume mode, as the incoming signal will not pause long enough for the transceiver to
resume scanning. Such channels may be “Skipped” during scanning, if you like:
1. Recall the Memory Channel to be skipped during scanning.
2. Press the [F] key, then press the [MR(SKIP)] key to enter the “Skip” channel-selec-
tion mode.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob so as to select “SKIP.” The current Memory
Channel will now be ignored during scanning. The “ONLY” se-
lection is used for “Preferential Memory Scan,” described in the
next section.
4. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit
to normal operation.
When you recall the “skipped” memory channel manually, a small
“” icon will appear at the left of the memory channel number, indi-
cating it is to be ignored during scanning.
To re-institute a channel into the scanning loop, select “OFF” in step 3 above (the “Skipped”
channel will, of course, still be accessible via manual channel selection methods using the
DIAL knob in the MR mode, whether or not it is locked out of the scanning loop).
SCANNING
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 39
SCANNING
Preferential Memory Scan
The VX-177 also allows you to set up a “Preferential Scan List” of channels which you can
“flag” within the memory system. These channels are designated by a blinking “” icon
when you have selected them, one by one, for the Preferential Scan List.
When you initiate memory scanning, beginning on a channel with the blinking “” icon
appended, only those channels bearing the blinking “u” icon will be scanned. If you ini-
tiate scanning on a channel which does not have the blinking “” icon appended, you will
scan all channels including those with the blinking “” icon appended.
Here is the procedure for setting up and using the Preferential Scan List:
1. Recall the Memory Channel which you wish to add to the Preferential Scan List.
2. Press the [F] key, then press the [MR(SKIP)] key to enter the “Skip” channel-selec-
tion mode.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob so as to select “ONLY.”
4. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the setting and exit to normal operation.
5. To remove a channel from the Preferential Scan List, just repeat the above procedure,
rotating the DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step 3 above.
To initiate Preferential Memory Scan:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 39: SCN MD.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob so as to select “ONLY.”
5. Press the PTT switch to save the setting and exit to normal op-
eration.
6. Now, press and hold in either the [(MHz)] or [(MHz)] key
for one second to initiate the Preferential Memory Scan. Only the channels which have
the blinking “” icon appended to the channel number will be scanned.
7. To cancel the Preferential Memory Scan, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the
DIAL knob to select “MEM” in step 4 above
MEMORY SCANNING
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL40
Memory Bank Scan
When the Memory Bank feature is engaged, the scanner sweeps only memory channels in
the current Memory Bank. However, if the Memory Bank Link Scan feature is enabled,
you may sweep the memory channels in several Memory Banks which you have selected.
To enable the Memory Bank Link Scan feature:
1. Set the radio to the Memory mode by pressing the [MR(SKIP)] key, if necessary.
2. Press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select the first Memory Bank (“BANK 1” ~ “BANK10”) you wish to sweep using
Memory Bank Link Scan.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily. The current Memory Bank will
now be swept during Memory Bank Scan. A “decimal point”
will be appended between the “N” and “K” of the Memory Bank
number indication (such as BAN.K 2).
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 above, to append the “decimal point” to any other Memory Banks
you wish to sweep.
5. Now, press and hold in the [MR(SKIP)] key for one second to initiate the Memory
Bank Link Scan.
6. To remove a Memory Bank from the Memory Bank Link Scan, repeat steps 2 and 3
above, to delete the “decimal point” from the Memory Bank number indication.
SCANNING
MEMORY SCANNING
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 41
SCANNING
PROGRAMMABLE (BAND LIMIT) MEMORY SCAN (PMS)
This feature allows you to set sub-band limits for either scanning or manual VFO opera-
tion. For example, you might wish to set up a limit (in North America) of 144.300 MHz to
148.000 MHz so as to prevent encroachment into the SSB/CW “Weak Signal” portion of
the band below 144.300 MHz. Here’s how to do this:
1. Set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [VFO(PRI)] key, if necessary.
2. Using the techniques learned earlier, store (per the above concept) 144.300 MHz into
Memory Channel #L1 (the “L” designates the Lower sub-band limit).
3. Likewise, store 148.000 MHz into Memory Channel #U1 (the “U” designates the
Upper sub-band limit).
4. Confirm the radio is in the VFO mode, press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one
second, and rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired PMS frequency pair (PMSxx),
then press the [VFO(PRI)] key.
5. Now, press and hold in the [MR(SKIP)] key for one second to initiate Programmable
(Band Limit) Memory Scan. Scanning will now be limited within the just-programmed
range.
6. 10 pairs of Band Limit memories, labeled L1/U1 through L10/U10 are available. You
therefore can set upper and lower operation limits in multiple segments on the band, if
you like.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL42
“PRIORITY CHANNEL” SCANNING (DUAL WATCH)
The VX-177’s scanning features include a two-channel scanning capability which allows
you to operate on a VFO or Memory channel, while periodically checking a user-defined
Memory Channel for activity. If a station is received on the Memory Channel which is
strong enough to open the Squelch, the scanner will pause on that station in accordance
with the Scan-Resume mode set via Set Mode Item 32: RESUME. See page 36.
Here is the procedure for activating Priority Channel Dual Watch operation:
VFO Priority
1. Recall the memory channel you wish to use as the “Priority” frequency.
2. Now, set the radio to the VFO mode by pressing the [VFO(PRI)] key.
3. Press the [F] key, then press the [VFO(PRI)] key to activate the
VFO Priority mode. The display will remain on the VFO fre-
quency, but every five seconds the radio will check the Priority
Channel (memory channel) for activity.
4. Press [F] [VFO(PRI)] again to disable the VFO Priority mode.
Memory Channel Priority
1. Store the frequency you wish to be the “Priority” Channel into memory channel “1.”
2. Now, set the radio for operation on another memory channel.
3. Press the [F] key, then press the [VFO(PRI)] key to activate the
Memory Priority mode. The display will remain on the current
memory channel frequency, but every five seconds the radio will
check the Priority Channel (memory channel “1”) for activity.
4. Press [F] [VFO(PRI)] again to disable the Memory Priority mode.
When the Memory Bank feature is activated, the VX-177 will check the lowest num-
bered memory channel in the current Memory Bank as the Priority Channel.
HOME Channel Priority
1. Recall the memory channel you wish to use as the “Priority” frequency.
2. Now set the radio for operation on the HOME channel by pressing the [F] key fol-
lowed by [REV(HOME)].
3. Press the [F] key, then press the [VFO(PRI)] key to activate the
HOME Priority mode. The display will remain on the HOME
channel frequency, but every five seconds the radio will check
the Priority Channel (memory channel) for activity.
4. Press [F] [VFO(PRI)] again to disable the HOME Priority mode.
SCANNING
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 43
VFO-VFO Dual Watch
1. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key to switch the VFO mode, if needed.
2. Press the [F] key, then press and hold in the [VFO(PRI)] key for one second. The
VX-177 will now periodically change from VFO-A frequency to the VFO-B frequency,
checking for activity on each VFO for 0.2 second interval.
3. Press the [VFO(PRI)] key to disable the VFO-VFO Dual Watch.
SCANNING
“PRIORITY CHANNEL” SCANNING (DUAL WATCH)
Priority Revert Mode
During Priority channel operation (Dual Watch), a special feature is available which
will allow you to move to the Priority channel instantly, without waiting for activity to
appear on the Priority channel.
When this feature is enabled, and Priority monitoring is engaged, just press the PTT
switch; operation will instantly revert to the Priority channel.
To enable the Priority Revert operation:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 36: PRI.RVT.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this
Set Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “RVT.
ON.”
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch
to save the setting and exit to normal operation.
6. To disable the Priority Revert operation, just repeat the above procedure, rotating
the DIAL knob to select “RVT.OFF” in step 4 above.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL44
AUTOMATIC LAMP ILLUMINATION ON SCAN STOP
The VX-177 will automatically illuminate the LCD/Keypad Lamp whenever the scanner
stops on a signal; this allows you to see the frequency of the incoming signal better at night.
Note that this will, of course, increase the battery consumption, so be sure to switch it off
during the day (the default condition for this feature is “ON”).
The procedure for disabling the Scan Lamp is:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set
mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 40: SCN.LMP.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “OFF.”
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the setting and exit to normal operation.
BAND EDGE BEEPER
The VX-177 will automatically “beep” when a band edge is encountered during scanning
(either in standard VFO scanning or during PMS operation). You may also enable this
feature (band edge beeper) to operate when the frequency reaches the band edge while
tuning using the DIAL knob.
The procedure for enabling the Band-Edge Beeper is:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 20: EDG.BEP.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “BEP. ON.”
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the setting and exit to normal operation.
SCANNING
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 45
NOTE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL46
EMERGENCY CHANNEL OPERATION
The VX-177 includes an “Emergency” feature which may be useful if you have someone
monitoring on the same frequency as your transceiver’s “Home” channel. See page 30 for
details on setting up the Home channel.
The “Emergency” feature is activated by pressing and holding in the [4(RPT)] key for one
second. When this is done, (A) the radio is placed on the Home channel, (B) it emits a loud
“Alarm” sound (the volume is controlled by the VOL/PWR knob), (C) it flashes the LCD/
keypad lamp, (D) if you press the PTT switch, you will disable the Emergency feature
temporarily; you can then transmit on the Home channel, and (E) two seconds after the
PTT switch release, the Emergency feature will resume.
To disable the “Emergency” feature, press the [F] key momentarily or turn the radio off by
rotating the VOL/PWR knob fully counter-clockwise into the click-stop position.
Use this feature if you are out for a walk and want a quick way of alerting a family member
as to a dangerous situation. The alarm sound may discourage an attacker and allow you to
escape.
1) Be sure to arrange with a friend or family member to be monitoring on the
same frequency, as there will be no identification sent via the Emergency
alarm sound. And do not transmit the alarm tone except in a true emergency!
2) The “Emergency” feature may be changed to another function via Set Mode Item 21:
EMG S; see page 76 for details.
EMERGENCY FEATURE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 47
EMERGENCY AUTOMATIC ID (EAI) FEATURE
The Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) feature can be used for searching for persons who are
incapacitated in disasters like earthquakes, especially search-and-rescue personnel who
may have become injured in a debris field. In such cases, if another searcher sends out a
unique command (CTCSS tone pair), the radio of the incapacitated party, who may not be
able to speak or even press the PTT switch, will automatically cause the injured party’s
radio to transmit, so others may perform direction-finding and effect a rescue. The callsign
of the incapacitated person will also be transmitted, to assist the rescue team.
If an emergency group is working in a dangerous area, all members should engage the EAI
feature on their transceiver, so that others can provide assistance to a fallen team member,
if necessary.
The Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature has two operating modes: (1) Interval mode
and (2) Continuous mode.
In the Interval mode, when the VX-177 receives the CTCSS tone pair which is stored in
the Receiving Pager Code Memory (configured via Set Mode Item 18: ECS.CDR) on the
frequency which is stored in Memory Channel “200” for more than five seconds, the radio
will automatically transmit a brief (0.5 second) beep tone every 2.5 seconds until the EAI
timer expiration at the power level stored in that memory channel; it is NOT necessary for
the incapacitated person to press the PTT switch.
In the Continuous mode, when the VX-177 receives the CTCSS tone pair which is stored
in the Receiving Pager Code Memory (configured via Set Mode Item 18: ECS.CDR) on the
frequency which is stored in Memory Channel “200” for more than five seconds, the radio
will automatically transmit (with maximum microphone gain) continuously, until the EAI
timer expiration, at the power level stored in that memory channel; it is NOT necessary for
the incapacitated person to press the PTT switch.
Furthermore, if your call sign is stored in the radio via Set Mode Item 11: CW WRT and you have
enabled the CW identifier by Set Mode Item 10: CWID, the radio will transmit your callsign on
the air when the EAI feature is first engaged by the remote page, and every 10 minutes thereater.
The “callsign” ID can be changed to any desired sequence of characters, such as a name.
After sending the callsign or name, the radio will repeatedly transmit three tones for a user-
defined period of time (between 1 and 30 minutes). The callsign or name will be transmit-
ted every 10 minutes.
EMERGENCY FEATURE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL48
The Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature requires that you (1) store the CTCSS Tone
Pair into the Receiving Pager Memory (see page 26 for procedure), and (2) store the desired
coordination frequency into Memory Channel “200” (see page 29 for procedure).
To enable this feature:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 52: EAI.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired EAI mode (INTterval
EAI or CONtinuous EAI) and its transmit time (1-10, 15, 20,
30, 40, and 50 minutes) or OFF.
5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and exit to normal
operation.
6. To disable the Emergency Automatic ID feature, just repeat the above procedure, ro-
tating the DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step 4 above.
When the Emergency Automatic ID feature is activated, the “ ”
icon will blink in the LCD.
The VX-177 will ignore the EAI feature when the (1) the squelch is open, (2)
there is an incoming the signal on the operating frequency, or (3) the operat-
ing frequency is the same as the frequency which is stored in the Memory
Channel “200.”
EMERGENCY AUTOMATIC ID (EAI) FEATURE
EMERGENCY FEATURE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 49
The Smart Search feature allows you to load frequencies automatically according to where
activity is encountered by your radio. When Smart Search is engaged, the transceiver will
search above and below your current frequency, storing active frequencies as it goes (with-
out stopping on them even momentarily); these frequencies are stored into a special Smart
Search memory bank, consisting of 31 memories (15 above the current frequency, 15 be-
low the current frequency, plus the current frequency itself).
Two basic operating modes for Smart Search are available:
SINGLE: In this mode, the transceiver will sweep the current band once in each direction
starting on the current frequency. All channels where activity is present will be
loaded into the Smart Search memories; whether or not all 31 memories are
filled, the search will stop after one sweep in each direction.
CONT: In this mode, the transceiver will make one pass in each direction as with One-
Shot searching; if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, however, the
radio will continue sweeping until they are all filled.
Setting the Smart Search Mode
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 38: S SRCH.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired Smart Search mode
(see above).
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the setting and exit to normal operation.
Storing Smart Search Memories
1. Set the radio to the VFO mode. Be sure that you have the Squelch adjusted properly
(so that band noise is quieted).
2. Press and hold in the [3(LOW)] key for one second to begin the Smart Search scanning.
3. As active channels are detected, you will observe the number of “loaded” channels
increasing in the regular memory channel window.
4. Depending on the mode you set for Smart Search operation (“SINGLE” or “CONT”),
the Smart Search scan will eventually terminate, and the LCD will revert to Smart
Search Memory Channel “C.”
5. To recall the Smart Search memories, rotate the DIAL knob to
choose from among the frequencies stored by Smart Search.
6. To return to normal operation, press the [VFO(PRI)] key.
Smart Search is a great tool when visiting a city for the first time. You don’t
need to spend hours looking up repeater frequencies from a reference guide-
book. . .just ask your VX-177 where the action is!
SMART SEARCH OPERATION
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL50
The VX-177 can be used to access a “node” (repeater or base station) which is tied into the
Vertex Standard WIRES™ (Wide-Coverage Internet Repeater Enhancement System) net-
work, operating in the “SRG” (Sister Radio Group) mode. Details may be found at the
WIRES-II Web site: http://www.vxstd.com/en/wiresinfo-en/. This feature may also be used
to access other systems, as described below.
1. Press the [0(SET)] key momentarily to activate the Internet Con-
nection feature. The “ ” icon will appear in the upper right
corner of the display.
2. Press and hold in the [0(SET)] key for one second, then rotate
the DIAL knob to select the access number (ICOD “0” ~ “9,”
“A,” “B,” “C,” “D,” “E (),” “F (#),”) corresponding to the
WIRES™ node to which you wish to establish an Internet link
(ask the node or repeater owner/operator if you don’t know the access number in the
network). Now press the PTT switch to exit from the selection mode.
3. With the Internet Connection feature activated (as in step 1 above), the VX-177 will
generate a brief (0.1 second) DTMF tone according to your selection in step 2. This
DTMF tone is sent at the beginning of every transmission to establish or maintain the
link to the local WIRES™ node operating in the SRG mode.
4. To disable the Internet Connection feature, press the [0(SET)] key momentarily (the
“” icon will disappear from the display).
If other users report that you always have a DTMF “beep” at the beginning
of each transmission, and you are not operating in conjunction with Internet
access, disable this function via step (4) above.
You may access other Internet Link Systems (including WIRES™ in the “FRG” mode)
that use a DTMF string for access.
1. Load the DTMF tones which you wish to use for Internet-link access into a DTMF Autodial
memory register. For purposes of this example, we will use “#123” as the access code.
A. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
B. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 17: DT WRT.
C. Press the [F] key to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.
D. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the DTMF Memory register
(“d1” ~ “d9”) into which you wish to store the access code.
E. Press the [F] key momentarily. The first digit will blink.
F. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “F” (representing DTMF
“#”: the first digit of the DTMF string).
G. Press the [F] key momentarily to accept the first digit and
move to the second digit of the DTMF string.
H. Repeat the previous steps until you have completed the ac-
INTERNET CONNECTION FEATURE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 51
INTERNET CONNECTION FEATURE
cess code (“#123”).
I. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the
setting.
2. Press the PTT switch to exit to normal operation.
3. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode again.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 22: I NET.
5. Press the [F] key to enable adjustment of this Set Mode Item.
6. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “INT.MEM”
(thus activating the “Other Internet Link System” mode).
7. Press the PTT switch to save the new settings.
8. Press the [0(SET)] key momentarily to activate the Internet Con-
nection feature. The “ ” icon will appear in the upper right
corner of the display.
9. Press and hold in the [0(SET)] key for one second, rotate the
DIAL knob to select the DTMF access number (“IMEM 1” ~
“IMEM 9”) corresponding to the Internet link repeater to which
you wish to establish an Internet link, then press the PTT switch
momentarily to lock in the selected access number.
10. Once the Internet Connection feature is activated per step 8 above,
you may now press the [0(SET)] key, while you are transmitting, to send out the
selected DTMF string (to establish the link to the desired Internet-link mode).
To return to the WIRES™ mode, repeat steps 3 - 6 above, selecting “INT.COD” in step 6.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL52
The ARTS™ feature uses DCS signaling to inform both parties when you and another
ARTS™-equipped station are within communications range. This may be particularly use-
ful during Search-and Rescue situations, where is important to stay in contact with other
members of your group.
Both stations must set up their DCS codes to the same code number, then activate their
ARTS™ feature using the command appropriate for their radio. Alert ringers may be acti-
vated, if desired.
Whenever you push the PTT switch, or every 25 (or 15) seconds
after ARTS™ is activated, your radio will transmit a signal which
includes a (subaudible) DCS signal for about 1 second. If the other
radio is in range, the beeper will sound (if enabled) and the display
will show “IN.RNG” as opposed to the out of range display
“OUT.RNG” in which ARTS™ operation begins.
Whether you talk or not, the polling every 15 or 25 seconds will
continue until you de-activate ARTS™. Every 10 minutes, moreover, you can have your
radio transmit your callsign via CW, so as to comply with identification requirements.
When ARTS™ is de-activated, DCS will also be deactivated (if you were not using it
previously in non-ARTS™ operation).
If you move out of range for more than one minute (four pollings), your radio will sense
that no signal has been received, three beeps will sound, and the display will revert to
“OUT.RNG.” If you move back into range, your radio will again beep, and the display will
change back to the “IN.RNG” indication.
During ARTS™ operation, your operating frequency will continue to be displayed, but no
changes may be made to it or other settings; you must terminate ARTS™ in order to resume
normal operation. This is a safety feature designed to prevent accidental loss of contact
due to channel change, etc.
Basic ARTS™ Setup and Operation
1. Set your radio and the other radio(s) to the same DCS code number, per the discussion
on page 24.
2. Press and hold in the [2(CODE)] key for one second. You will
observe the “OUT. RNG” display on the LCD below the operat-
ing frequency. ARTS™ operation has now commenced.
3. Every 25 seconds, your radio will transmit a “polling” call to the
other station. When that station responds with its own ARTS™
polling signal, the display will change to “IN.RNG” to confirm
that the other station’s polling code was received in response to
yours.
ARTS™ (AUTOMATIC RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM)
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 53
4. Press the [F] key momentarily to exit ARTS™ operation and resume normal function-
ing of the transceiver.
ARTS™ constitutes a form of “remote control” operation that may be re-
stricted to certain frequencies. U.S. users should confirm the current status
of §97.201(b) of the FCC’s rules governing the 430 MHz band of the Ama-
teur service before utilizing this feature.
ARTS™ Polling Time Options
The ARTS™ feature may be programmed to poll every 25 seconds (default value) or 15
seconds. The default value provides maximum battery conservation, because the polling
signal is sent out less frequently. To change the polling interval:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 3: AR INT.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired polling interval (15
or 25 seconds).
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
ARTS™ Alert Beep Options
The ARTS™ feature allows two kinds of alert beeps (with the additional option of turning
them off), so as to alert you to the current status of ARTS™ operation. Depending on your
location and the potential annoyance associated with frequent beeps, you may choose the
Beep mode which best suits your needs. The choices are:
INRANG: The beeps are issued only when the radio first confirms that you are within
range, but does not re-confirm with beeps thereafter.
ALWAYS: Every time a polling transmission is received from the other station, the alert
beeps will be heard.
OFF: No alert beeps will be heard; you must look at the display to confirm current
ARTS™ status.
To set the ARTS™ Beep mode, use the following procedure:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 2: AR BEP.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired ARTS™ Beep mode
(see above).
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
ARTS™ (AUTOMATIC RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM)
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL54
CW Identifier Setup
The ARTS™ feature includes a CW identifier, as discussed previously. Every ten minutes
during ARTS™ operation, the radio can be instructed to send “DE (your callsign) K” if
this feature is enabled. The callsign field may contain up to 6 characters.
Here’s how to program the CW Identifier:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 11: CW WRT.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to display any previously-stored
callsign.
4. Press the [F] key again to clear any previous callsign.
5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first letter/number of your
callsign, then press the [F] key momentarily to save the first
letter/number and move on to the next character.
6. Repeat the previous step, as many times as necessary, to com-
plete your callsign. If you make a mistake, press the [(MHz)]
key to move back to the previous letter/number’s slot, then re-
select the correct letter/number.
7. When you have finished entering your entire callsign and it con-
tains less than 6 characters, press and hold in the [F] key for one
second to confirm the callsign. (if you callsign has exactly 6
characters, you do not need to press and hold in [F] in this step).
8. Press the PTT switch to save the settings and exit to normal operation.
9. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode again.
10. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 10: CWID.
11. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to set
this Item to “TX ON” (to enable the CW ID function).
12. Press the PTT switch to save the settings and exit to normal
operation.
You may check your work by monitoring the entered
callsign. To do this, repeat steps 1- 7 above, then press
the MONI switch.
ARTS™ (AUTOMATIC RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM)
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 55
DTMF OPERATION
The VX-177’s 16-button keypad allows easy DTMF dialing for Autopatch, repeater con-
trol, or Internet-link access purposes. Besides numerical digits [0] through [9], the keypad
includes the [] and [#] digits, plus the [A], [B], [C], and [D] tones often used for repeater
control.
Manual DTMF Tone Generation
You can generate DTMF tones during transmission manually.
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [9(DTMF)] key to disable the
DTMF Autodialer, if necessary. The “CODE” indication will ap-
pear in the display for a moment.
2. Press the PTT switch to begin transmission.
3. While transmitting, press the desired numbers on the keypad.
4. When you have sent all the digits desired, release the PTT switch.
DTMF Autodialer
Nine DTMF Autodial memories are provided, allowing you to store telephone numbers for
autopatch use. You can also store short autopatch or Internet-link access code streams so as
to avoid having to send them manually.
Here is the DTMF Autodial storage procedure:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 17: DT WRT.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the DTMF Memory register (“d1”
~ “d9”) into which you wish to store this DTMF string.
5. Press the [F] key momentarily to begin DTMF Memory entry
into the selected register.
6. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the DTMF string.
Selectable entries are 0 - 9, and A - F, with E and F representing
DTMF “” and “#” tones respectively.
7. Press the [F] key to accept the first digit and move to the next
digit of the DTMF string.
8. Repeat steps 5 and 6 until you have completed the telephone
number.
9. If you make a mistake, press the [(MHz)] key to move back to
the previous digit, then re-select the correct number.
10. If the telephone number made up of numbers only, you may key
in the telephone number directly from the keypad.
11. Press and hold in the [F] key for one second to save the setting.
12. If you store other numbers, repeat steps 4- 10 above, using a different DTMF memory
register.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL56
13. When all required DTMF memories are filled to your satisfaction, press the PTT
switch to save the settings and exit to normal operation
To send the telephone number:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [9(DTMF)] key to activate the DTMF Autodialer. The
“MEM” indication display will appear in the display for a mo-
ment.
2. While the DTMF Autodialer is activated, first press the PTT
switch, then press the numerical key ([1] through [9]) corre-
sponding to the DTMF memory string you wish to send. Once the string begins, you
may release the PTT switch, as the transmitter will be held “on the air” until the DTMF
string is completed.
3. To disable the DTMF Autodialer, press [F] [9(DTMF)] again. The “CODE” indi-
cation will appear in the display for a moment.
While the DTMF Autodialer is activated, the “ ” icon will ap-
pear at the lower left corner on the LCD
You can change the DTMF Autodialer sending speed, using Set Mode
Item 16: DT SPD. See page 75 for details.
You can also set a longer delay between the time you press the numerical key (correspond-
ing to the DTMF memory string; with PTT switch pressed) and the instant when the first
DTMF digit is sent, using Set Mode Item 15: DT DLY. See page 75 for details.
DTMF OPERATION
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 57
The VX-177 allows you to utilize a DTMF (Dual-Tone, Multi-Frequency) tone encoder/
decoder, with a dedicated microprocessor providing paging and selective calling features
now that you've installed the optional FTD-7 DTMF Paging Unit. This capability allows
you to make a call to a specific station (Paging), and to receive calls of your choice di-
rected only to you (Code Squelch).
The paging and code squelch systems use 3-digit numeric codes (000 - 999) which are
stored in the DTMF Pager Memories. Basically, your receiver remains silent until it re-
ceives the 3-digit DTMF pager code that matches those stored in the DTMF Pager Memory.
The squelch then opens so the caller is heard, and the LCD displays the 3-digit DTMF
pager code which was received. Also, the paging ringer immediately sounds, if the Bell
function is activated. When you close the PTT switch to transmit, the 3-digit DTMF pager
code which is stored in the last selected DTMF Pager Memory register will be transmitted
automatically.
On the paged radio, the squelch will close automatically five seconds after the incoming
page ends (you may now resume DTMF Pager operation).
Storing the 3-digit code for the DTMF Pager Operation
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key, to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 56: PAG.COD.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the DTMF Pager Memory regis-
ter into which you wish to store the access code.
5. Press the [F] key momentarily. The first digit will blink.
6. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the 3-digit DTMF
pager code. The “A” and “D” keys are “wild cards.”
7. Press the [F] key momentarily to accept the first digit and move
to the second digit of the 3-digit DTMF pager code.
8. Repeat the previous steps until you have completed the 3-digit
DTMF pager code.
9. Press the [REV(HOME)] key to toggle the decoder “on” and
“off.” When the decoder is set to “off,” the “--” notation appears
between the DTMF pager memory register number and the 3-
digit DTMF pager code; for example, “P2- -123.”
The 3-digit DTMF pager code which does not have the “--” no-
tation is used for encode only.
10. Press the PTT switch to save the new settings and exit to normal operation.
DTMF PAGER OPERATION (REQUIRES OPTIONAL FTD-7)
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL58
Activating the DTMF Pager
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key, to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 55: PAGER.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “ON.”
5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and activate the
DTMF Pager.
When the DTMF Pager is activated, the “P” notation will re-
place the “100 MHz” digit of the frequency display.
6. Press the PTT switch to send the 3-digit DTMF pager code which
is stored in the last-selected DTMF Pager Memory register.
7. When you receive a DTMF paging call, it will open your radio’s
DTMF squelch, and the LCD will display the 3-digit DTMF
pager code which was received. After five seconds, the DTMF
pager will revert to its squelched mode.
8. To disable the DTMF Pager, just repeat the above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob
to select “OFF” in step 4 above.
During DTMF Pager operation, you may set up the VX-177 such that a ringing “Bell”
sound alerts you to the fact that a call is coming in, as described previously. See page 27 of
the Operating Manual for details.
DTMF PAGER OPERATION (REQUIRES OPTIONAL FTD-7)
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 59
DTMF PAGER OPERATION (REQUIRES OPTIONAL FTD-7)
When you activate the ANI (Automatic Number Identification) feature during DTMF Pager
operation, the DTMF tones stored in ANI memory will automatically be sent whenever
you press the PTT switch. When the ANI is received, the LCD will displays the received
ANI code after the 3-digit DTMF pager code.
Storing the ANI code
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key, to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 54: ANI.WRT.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to display any previously-stored ANI code.
4. Press the [F] key again to clear any previous ANI code.
5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first number/letter (0-9, A, B, C, D, E (substitute
for “”), and F (substitute for “#”), then press the [F] key momentarily to save the
first letter/number and move on to the next character.
6. Repeat the previous step, as many times as necessary (up to 16 characters), to com-
plete ANI code. If you make a mistake, press the [(MHz)] key to move back to the
previous letter/number’s slot, then re-select the correct letter/number.
7. When you have finished entering the ANI code and it contains less than 16 characters,
press and hold in the [F] key for one second to confirm the callsign. (if the ANI code
has exactly 16 characters, you do not need to press and hold in [F] in this step).
8. Press the PTT switch to save the settings and exit to normal operation.
You may check your work by monitoring the entered callsign. To do this,
repeat steps 1- 7 above, then press the MONI switch.
Activating the ANI feature
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key, to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 53: ANI.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select “ON.”
5. Press the PTT switch to save the new setting and activate the
ANI feature.
6. Press the PTT switch to send the DTMF tones stored in ANI
memory after the 3-digit DTMF pager code which is stored in the last-selected DTMF
Pager Memory register.
7. When you receive a ANI code, the LCD will displays the re-
ceived ANI code after the 3-digit DTMF pager code. You may
scroll the received ANI code by rotating the DIAL knob.
8. To disable the ANI feature, just repeat the above procedure, ro-
tating the DIAL knob to select “OFF” in step 4 above.
ANI CODE
FLAGPAGER CODE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL60
PASSWORD
The VX-177 provides a security password feature which can minimize the chance that
your transceiver could be used by an unauthorized party.
When the password feature is activated, the radio will ask for the four digit password to be
entered when the radio is first turned on. You must enter the four
digit password from the keypad. If the wrong password is entered,
the microprocessor will shut down the radio automatically.
To enter the password , use the following procedure:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 31: PSWD W.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to display any previously-stored
password.
4. Press the [F] key again to clear any previous password.
5. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the first digit of the desired num-
ber/letter (0-9, A, B, C, D, E (substitute for “”), and F (substi-
tute for “#”).
6. Press the [F] key to move to the next digit.
7. Repeat steps 5 and 6 to program the remaining numbers/letters
of the desired password.
8. If you make a mistake, press the [(MHz)] key to move back to
the previous digit, then re-select the correct number/letter.
9. If your password is made up of numbers only, you may enter
your password directly from the keypad. For example, to enter
the “1234” as your password, press [1] [2] [3] [4].
10. When you have finished entering the password, press the PTT switch to save the new
setting and exit to normal operation.
We recommend that you to write down the password number, and keep it in a safe place
you can easily find if you forget your password.
To Activate the Password feature:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 30: PSWD.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “PWD. ON.”
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
6. If you wish to disable the Password feature, just repeat the above
procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “PWD.OFF” in step
4 above.
MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 61
If you forget the password number, you may turn on the transceiver by per-
forming the “All Reset” procedure (see page 67). However, the VX-177 will
clear the password, as well as all memories, and will restore all other settings
to factory defaults.
PROGRAMMING THE KEY ASSIGNMENTS
Default VX-177 Set Mode Items have been assigned (at the factory) to the [7(P1)] and
[8(P2)] keys. These may be changed by the user, if you wish to assign another Set Mode
Item to either or both of these keys.
To change the assignment of a key’s Set Mode Item:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Set Mode Item which you wish to assign to the key
as a Menu short-cut.
3. Press and hold in the [7(P1)] or [8(P2)] key for one second to assign the Set Mode
Item to the [7(P1)] or [8(P2)] key.
The following Set Mode Items may not be assigned to the [7(P1)] and [8(P2)] keys.
Set Mode Item 11: CW WRT
Set Mode Item 17: DT WRT
Set Mode Item 31: PSWD W
CHANGING THE CHANNEL STEPS
The VX-177’s synthesizer provides the option of utilizing channel steps of 5/10/12.5/15/
20/25/50/100 kHz per step, as well as an automatic step selection based on the current
operating frequency (“AUTO”), any number of which may be important to your operating
requirements. The VX-177 is set up at the factory in the “AUTO” configuration, which
probably is satisfactory for most operation. However, if you need to change the channel
step increments, the procedure to do so is very easy.
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 45: STEP.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the new channel step size.
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and return to normal operation.
MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS
PASSWORD
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL62
MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS
RECEIVE BATTERY SAVER SETUP
An important feature of the VX-177 is its Receive Battery Saver, which “puts the radio to
sleep” for a time interval, periodically “waking it up” to check for activity. If somebody is
talking on the channel, the VX-177 will remain in the “active” mode, then resume its
“sleep” cycles. This feature significantly reduces quiescent battery drain, and you may
change the amount of “sleep” time between activity checks using the Set Mode:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 37: RXSAVE.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired “sleep” duration. The
selections available are 200 ms, 300 ms, 500 ms, 1 second, 2
seconds, or OFF. The default value is 200 ms.
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
When you are operating on Packet, switch the Receive Battery Saver OFF, as
the sleep cycle may “collide” with the beginning of an incoming Packet trans-
mission, causing your TNC not to receive the full data burst.
TX BATTERY SAVER
The VX-177 also includes a useful Transmit Battery Saver, which will automatically lower
the power output level when the last signal received was very strong. For example, when
you are in the immediate vicinity of a repeater station, there generally is no reason to use
the High Power output in order to achieve full-quieting access to the repeater. With the
Transmit Battery Saver, the automatic selection of Low Power operation conserves battery
drain significantly.
To activate the Transmit Battery Saver:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 49: TXSAVE.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “SAV. ON”
(thus activating the Transmit Battery Saver).
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 63
DISABLING THE TX/BUSY INDICATOR
Further battery conservation may be accomplished by disabling the TX indicator while
transmitting and disabling the BUSY indicator while receiving a signal. Use the following
procedure:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 8: BSY.LED if
you wish to disable the BUSY indicator or Set Mode Item 48:
TX.LED if you wish to disable the TX indicator.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “LED.OFF”
(thus disabling the BUSY or TX lamp).
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
6. If you wish to re-enable the TX/BUSY Indicator, just repeat the
above procedure, rotating the DIAL knob to select “LED. ON”
in step 4 above.
AUTOMATIC POWER-OFF (APO) FEATURE
The APO feature helps conserve battery life by automatically turning the radio off after a
user-defined period of time within which there has been no dial or key activity. The avail-
able selections for the time before power-off are 0.5 to 12.0 hours in 0.5 hour multiple, as
well as APO Off. The default condition for the APO is OFF, and here is the procedure for
activating it:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 1: APO.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the desired time period after
which the radio will automatically shut down.
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
When the APO is activated, the “ ” icon will appear on the LCD. If
there is no action by you within the time interval programmed, the
microprocessor will shut down the radio automatically.
Rotate the VOL/PWR knob counter-clockwise to the “off” position, then clockwise out of
the click-stop, to turn the radio on after an APO shutdown.
MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL64
TRANSMITTER TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT)
The TOT feature provides a safety switch which limits transmission time to a pre-pro-
grammed value. This will promote battery conservation by not allowing you to make ex-
cessively-long transmissions, and in the event of a stuck PTT switch (perhaps if the radio
or a Speaker/Mic is wedged between car seats) it can prevent interference to other users as
well as battery depletion. As configured at the factory the TOT feature is set to “6 min-
utes,” and here is the procedure for activating it:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 47: TOT.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set the Time-Out Timer to the desired
“Maximum TX” time (between 1 and 30 minutes), or OFF.
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
1) When your transmission time is within 10 seconds of the Time-Out Timer
expiration, an Alert bell will provide an audible warning from the speaker.
2) Since brief transmissions are the mark of a good operator, try setting up
your radio’s TOT feature for a maximum transmission time of one minute. This will
significantly improve battery life, too!
BUSY CHANNEL LOCK-OUT (BCLO)
The BCLO feature prevents the radio’s transmitter from being activated if a signal strong
enough to break through the “noise” squelch is present. On a frequency where stations
using different CTCSS or DCS codes may be active, BCLO prevents you from disrupting
their communications accidentally (because your radio may be muted by its own Tone
Decoder). The default setting for the BCLO is OFF, and here is how to change that setting:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 5: BCLO.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “BCL. ON”
(thus activating the BCLO feature).
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 65
DCS CODE INVERSION
The DCS system was first introduced in the commercial LMR (Land Mobile Radio) ser-
vice, where it is now in widespread use. DCS is sometime referred to by its different pro-
prietary names, such as DPL® (Digital Private Line®, a registered trademark of Motorola,
Inc.).
DCS uses a codeword consisting of a 23-bit frame, transmitted (subaudible) at a data rate
of 134.4 bps (bit/sec). Occasionally, signal inversion can result in the complement of a
code to be sent or received. This prevents the receiver’s squelch from opening with DCS
enabled, as the decoded bit sequence would not match that selected for operation.
Typical situations that might cause inversion to occur are:
Connection of an external receiver preamplifier.
Operating through a repeater.
Connection of an external linear amplifier.
Note that code inversion does not mean that any of the above listed equipment is defective!
In certain amplifier configurations, the output signal (phase) is inverted from the input.
Small signal or power amplifiers having an odd number (1, 3, 5, etc.) of amplification
stages may result in inversion of a transmitted or received DCS code.
While under most circumstances this should not occur (amplifier designs and industry
standards take this into account), if you find that your receiver squelch does not open when
both you and the other station are using a common DCS code, you or the other station (but
not both) can try the following:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 14: DCS.N/R.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily, then rotate the DIAL knob to
select one of the following modes:
T/RX N: Encoder, Normal; Decoder, Normal
RX R: Encoder, Normal; Decoder, Reverse (Inverted)
TX R: Encoder, Reverse (Inverted); Decoder, Normal
T/RX R: Encoder, Reverse (Inverted); Decoder, Reverse (In-
verted)
4. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
5. Remember to restore the default setting to “T/RX N” (Encoder; Normal, Decoder;
Normal) when done.
MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL66
CHANGING THE TX DEVIATION LEVEL
In many areas of the world, channel congestion has required that operating channels be
closely spaced. In such operating environments, it often is required that operators use
reduced deviation levels, so as to reduce the potential for interference to users on adjacent
channels. The VX-177 includes a simple method of accomplishing this:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select Set Mode Item 51: WID.NAR.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of this Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to set this Set Mode Item to “NARROW.”
In this configuration (HALF DEVIATION active), the
transmitter’s deviation will be approximately ±2.5 kHz, and the
received audio output level will be increased, for easier listen-
ing on the narrow signal.
5. When you have made your selection, press the PTT switch to save the new setting and
exit to normal operation.
The “normal” setting for the deviation (when this Menu Item is set to WIDE) is ±5 kHz.
MISCELLANEOUS SETTINGS
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 67
In the event of erratic operation of the transceiver, it is possible that data on the micropro-
cessor may have become corrupted. While this is a highly unusual situation, the only path
to recovery may involve resetting of the microprocessor. Here’s how to do this:
1. Turn the radio off.
2. Press and hold in the MONI switch (just below the PTT switch) while turning the
radio on.
3. Rotate the DIAL knob to select one of the choices from the reset menu:
F1 SETRST: Resets the Set (Menu) mode settings to their factory defaults.
F2 MEMRST:Clears the Memory settings to factory defaults.
F3 MB RST: Clears the Memory Bank Assignments.
F4 ALLRST: Clears all memories and other settings to factory defaults.
4. Press the [F] key momentarily to complete the reset procedure.
The “F5” option is used for setting up the “Memory Only” mode, and “F6”
is used for Cloning. See page 34 for details regarding the memory Only mode,
and the next section regarding Cloning.
RESET PROCEDURES
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL68
The VX-177 includes a convenient “Clone” feature, which allows the memory and con-
figuration data from one transceiver to be transferred to another VX-177. This can be
particularly useful when configuring a number of transceivers for a public service opera-
tion. Here is the procedure for Cloning one radio’s data to another:
1. Turn both radios off.
2. Connect the user-constructed cloning cable and two optional CT-91 Microphone Adapt-
ers (one on each end) between the MIC/SP jacks of the two radios.
3. Press and hold in the MONI switch (just below the PTT switch) while turning the
radios on. Do this for both radios (the order of switch-on does not matter).
4. Rotate the DIAL knob on each radio to select to “F6 CLONE,”
then press the [F]key momentarily.
5. The display will disappear for a moment, then the “CLONE”
notation will appear on the displays of both radios when the Clone
mode is successfully activated in this step.
6. On the Destination radio, press the MONI switch (“- - RX - -”
will appear on the LCD).
7. Press and hold in the PTT switch on the Source radio; “- - TX - -”
will appear on the Source radio, and the data from this radio will
be transferred to the other radio.
8. If there is a problem during the cloning process, “ERROR” will
be displayed. Check your cable connections and battery voltage,
and try again.
9. If the data transfer is successful, “CLONE” will reappear on both
displays. Turn both radios off and disconnect the cloning cable.
You can then turn the radios back on, and begin normal opera-
tion.
CLONING
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 69
NOTE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL70
The VX-177 Set Mode, already described in parts of many previous chapters, is easy to
activate and set. It may be used for configuration of a wide variety of transceiver param-
eters, some of which have not been detailed previously. Use the following procedure to
activate the Set Mode:
1. Press the [F] key, then press the [0(SET)] key to enter the Set
mode.
2. Rotate the DIAL knob to select the Set Mode Item to be ad-
justed.
3. Press the [F] key momentarily to enable adjustment of the Set
Mode Item.
4. Rotate the DIAL knob to adjust or select the parameter to be
changed on the Set Mode Item selected in above step.
5. After completing your selection and adjustment, press the PTT switch momentarily to
save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
1) Some Set Mode Items (like Set Mode Item 46: TN FRQ) require that the
[F] key be pressed after setting of the parameter, and before exiting to nor-
mal operation.
2) Two Set Mode Item numbers (in the factory default, Set Mode Item 25: LAMP, and
32: RESUME) will blink while selecting the Set Mode Item; this indicates that this Set
Mode Item has been assigned to the [7(P1)] or [8(P2)] key of the keypad.
SET (MENU) MODE
SET MODE ITEM
1 [APO]
2 [AR BEP]
3 [AR INT]
4 [ARS]
5 [BCLO]
6 [BEEP]
7 [BELL]
8 [BSY.LED]
9 [CLK.SFT]
10 [CWID]
11 [CW WRT]
12 [DC VLT]
13 [DCS.COD]
14 [DCS.N/R]
15 [DT DLY]
16 [DT SPD]
17 [DT WRT]
18 [ECS.CDR]
19 [ECS.CDT]
20 [EDG.BEP]
FUNCTION
Setting of the Automatic Power-Off feature.
Selects the Beep option during ARTS operation.
Selects the Polling Interval during ARTS operation.
Enables/Disables the Automatic Repeater Shift function.
Enables/Disables the Busy Channel Lock-Out feature.
Enables/Disables the beeper.
Selects the number of CTCSS/DCS Bell ringer repetitions.
Enables/Disables the BUSY LED while the Squelch is open.
Shifting of the CPU clock frequency.
Enables/disables the CW identifier during ARTS operation.
Programs and activates the CW Identifier.
Indicates the DC Supply Voltage.
Setting of the DCS code.
Enables/Disables “Inverted” DCS code decoding.
Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Delay Time.
Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed.
Programming of the DTMF Autodialer.
Setting the Receiver Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS
Paging & Code Squelch.
Setting the Transmitting Pager Code for the Enhanced
CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch.
Enables/Disables the Band-edge beeper while selecting the
frequency via the DIAL knob.
AVAILABLE VALUES
(DEFAULT: BOLD ITALIC)
OFF / 0.5H - 12.0 H
INRANG / ALWAYS / OFF
25 SEC / 15 SEC
ARS. ON / ARS.OFF
BCL. ON / BCL.OFF
KEY+SC / KEY / OFF
OFF / 1T / 3T /
5T / 8T / CONT
LED. ON / LED.OFF
SFT.OFF / SFT. ON
TX OFF / TX ON
---
---
104 DCS codes (023)
T/RX N, RX R,
TX R, T/RX R
50MS / 100MS / 250MS /
450MS / 750MS / 1000MS
50MS / 100MS
---
(R05 47)
(T05 47)
BEP.OFF / BEP. ON
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 71
SET (MENU) MODE
FUNCTION
Selects the alarm(s) utilized when the Emergency function is
engaged.
Selects the Internet Link Connection mode.
Selects the Access Number (DTMF digit) for WIRES™
operation.
Selects the memory register for an Access Number (DTMF
code) for non-WIRES™
Selects the LCD/Keypad Lamp mode.
Selects the Control Locking lockout combination.
Selects the MONI switch function.
Toggles the display indication between “frequency” and the
channel’s “Alpha/Numeric Tag.”
Stores Alpha-Numeric “Tags” for the Memory channels.
Enables/disables the Password feature.
Stores the password.
Selects the Scan Resume mode.
Selects the function of the [HM/RV] key.
Adjusts the RF Squelch threshold level.
Sets the Repeater Shift Direction.
Enables/disables the Priority Revert feature.
Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver interval (“sleep” ratio)
Selects the Smart Search Sweep mode.
Selects the Memory Scan channel-selection mode.
Enables/Disables the Scan lamp while paused.
Sets the magnitude of the repeater Shift.
Selects the Memory Scan “Skip” channel-selection mode.
Enables/Disables split CTCSS/DCS coding.
Selects the Tone Encoder and/or Decoder mode.
Setting of the synthesizer steps.
Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.
Setting of the TOT time.
Enables/Disables the TX LED while the radio is transmitting.
Enables/Disables the Transmitter Battery Saver.
Enables or disables “VFO Split” operation.
Select Wide (±5 kHz) or Narrow (±2.5 kHz) TX Deviation.
Enables/Disables the Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature.
AVAILABLE VALUES
(DEFAULT: BOLD ITALIC)
EMG.BEP / EMG.LMP /
EMG.B+L / EMG.CWT /
EMG.C+B / EMG.C+L /
EMG.ALL / OFF
INT.OFF / INT.COD / INT.MEM
CODE 0 - CODE 9,
CODE A - CODE F (CODE 1)
d1 - d9
KEY / CONT / OFF
LK KEY / LKDIAL / LK K+D /
LK PTT / LK P+K /
LK P+D / LK ALL
MONI / T-CALL
FREQ / ALPHA
---
PWD.OFF / PWD. ON
---
BUSY / HOLD / TIME
<
REV
>
/
<
HOME
>
S-1 / S-2 / S-3 / S-4 / S-5 /
S-6 / S-8 / S-FULL / OFF
RPT.OFF / RPT.– / RPT. +
RVT.OFF / RVT. ON
200 MS / 300 MS /500 MS /
1 SEC / 2 SSEC / OFF
SINGLE / CONT
ONLY / MEM
ON / OFF
0.00 - 99.95 MHz (0.60 MHz)
OFF / SKIP / ONLY
SPL.OFF / SPL. ON
OFF / TONE / TSQL /
REV TN / DCS / ECS
5 / 10 / 12.5 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 50
/ 100 kHz, or AUTO
50 CTCSS tones (100 Hz)
1MIN - 30MIN or OFF (6 MIN)
LED. ON / LED.OFF
SAV.OFF / SAV. ON
VSP.OFF / VSP.ON
WIDE / NARROW
INT. 1M - INT.50M /
COM. 1M-COM.50M / OFF
SET MODE ITEM
21 [EMG S]
22 [I NET]
23 [INT CD]
24 [INT MR]
25 [LAMP]
26 [LOCK]
27 [M/T-CL]
28 [NAME]
29 [NM WRT]
30 [PSWD]
31 [PSWD W]
32 [RESUME]
33 [REV/HM]
34 [RF SQL]
35 [RPT.MOD]
36 [PRI.RVT]
37 [RXSAVE]
38 [S SRCH]
39 [SCN MD]
40 [SCN.LMP]
41 [SHIFT]
42 [SKIP]
43 [SPLIT]
44 [SQL.TYP]
45 [STEP]
46 [TN FRQ]
47 [TOT]
48 [TX.LED]
49 [TXSAVE]
50 [VFO.SPL]
51 [WID.NAR]
52 [EAI]
SET MODE ITEM
53 [ANI]
54 [ANI.WRT]
55 [PAGER]
56 [PAG.COD]
57 [PAG.ABK]
FUNCTION
Enables/Disables the ANI function.
Program the ANI Identifier.
Enables/Disables the ANI function.
Setting the Pager Code for the DTMF Pager.
Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the DTMF Pager.
AVAILABLE VALUES
(DEFAULT: BOLD ITALIC)
ANI.OFF/ANI. ON
---
PAG.OFF/PAG. ON
000 - 999
ABK. OFF/ABK. ON
The following Set Mode Items will appears when the optional FTD-7 DTMF Paging Unit is installed.
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL72
SET (MENU) MODE
REPEATER SETTING
Enables/Disables the Automatic Repeater Shift function.
Sets the Repeater Shift Direction.
Sets the magnitude of the repeater Shift.
CTCSS/DSC/DTMF/EPCS SETTING
Selects the number of CTCSS/DCS Bell ringer repetitions.
Setting of the DCS code.
Enables/Disables “Inverted” DCS code decoding.
Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Delay Time.
Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed.
Programming of the DTMF Autodialer.
Setting the Receiver Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS
Paging & Code Squelch.
Setting the Transmitting Pager Code for the Enhanced
CTCSS Paging & Code Squelch.
Enables/Disables split CTCSS/DCS coding.
Selects the Tone Encoder and/or Decoder mode.
Setting of the CTCSS Tone Frequency.
ARTS SETTING
Selects the Beep option during ARTS operation.
Selects the Polling Interval during ARTS operation.
Enables/disables the CW identifier during ARTS operation.
Programs and activates the CW Identifier (used during ARTS
operation).
MEMORY SETTING
Toggles the display indication between “frequency” and the
channel’s “Alpha/Numeric Tag.”
Stores Alpha-Numeric “Tags” for the Memory channels.
SCAN SETTING
Selects the Scan Resume mode.
Enables/disables the Priority Revert feature.
Selects the Memory Scan channel-selection mode.
Enables/Disables the Scan lamp while paused.
Selects the Memory Scan “Skip” channel-selection mode.
POWER SAVER SETTING
Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver interval (“sleep”
ratio).
Enables/Disables the Transmitter Battery Saver.
WIRES™ SETTING
Selects the Internet Link Connection mode.
Selects the Access Number (DTMF digit) for WIRES™ op-
eration.
Selects the memory register for an Access Number (DTMF
digit) for non-WIRES™.
SET MODE ITEM
4 [ARS]
35 [RPT.MOD]
41 [SHIFT]
SET MODE ITEM
7 [BELL]
13 [DCS.COD]
14 [DCS.N/R]
15 [DT DLY]
16 [DT SPD]
17 [DT WRT]
18 [ECS.CDR]
19 [ECS.CDT]
43 [SPLIT]
44 [SQL.TYP]
46 [TN FRQ]
SET MODE ITEM
2 [AR BEP]
3 [AR INT]
10 [CWID]
11 [CW WRT]
SET MODE ITEM
28 [NAME]
29 [NM WRT]
SET MODE ITEM
32 [RESUME]
36 [PRI.RVT]
39 [SCN MD]
40 [SCN.LMP]
42 [SKIP]
SET MODE ITEM
37 [RXSAVE]
49 [TXSAVE]
SET MODE ITEM
22 [I NET]
23 [INT CD]
24 [INT MR]
AVAILABLE VALUES (DEFAULT)
ARS. ON / ARS.OFF
RPT.OFF / RPT. – / RPT. + ()
0.00 - 99.95 MHz ()
AVAILABLE VALUES (DEFAULT)
OFF / 1T / 3T / 5T / 8T / CONT
104 standard DCS codes (023)
T/RX N, RX R, TX R, T/RX R
50MS / 100MS / 250MS / 450MS /
750MS / 1000MS
50MS /100MS
–
(R05_47)
(T05_47)
SPL.OFF / SPL. ON
OFF / TONE / TSQL /
REV TN / DCS
50 standard CTCSS tones (100 Hz)
AVAILABLE VALUES (DEFAULT)
INRANG / ALWAYS / OFF
25 SEC / 15 SEC
TX OFF / TX ON
–
AVAILABLE VALUES (DEFAULT)
FREQ / ALPHA
–
AVAILABLE VALUES (DEFAULT)
BUSY / HOLD / TIME
RVT.OFF / RVT. ON
ONLY / MEM
ON / OFF
OFF / SKIP / ONLY
AVAILABLE VALUES (DEFAULT)
200 MS / 300 MS / 500 MS /
1 S / 2 S / OFF
SAV.OFF / SAV. ON
AVAILABLE VALUES (DEFAULT)
INT.OFF / INT.COD / INT.MEM
CODE 0 - CODE 9,
CODE A - CODE F, (CODE 1)
d1 - d9
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 73
SET (MENU) MODE
SWITCH/KNOB SETTING
Enables/Disables the beeper.
Selects the LCD/Keypad Lamp mode.
Selects the Control Locking lockout combination.
Selects the MONI switch function.
Selects the function of the [HM/RV] key.
MISCELLANEOUS SETTING
Setting of the Automatic Power-Off feature.
Enables/Disables the Busy Channel Lock-Out feature.
Enables/Disables the BUSY LED while the Squelch is open.
Shifting of the CPU clock frequency.
Indicates the DC Supply Voltage.
Enables/Disables the Band-edge beeper while selecting the
frequency via the DIAL knob.
Selects the alarm(s) utilized when the Emergency function
is engaged.
Enables/disables the Password feature.
Stores the password.
Adjusts the RF Squelch threshold level.
Selects the Smart Search Sweep mode.
Setting of the synthesizer steps.
Setting of the TOT time
Enables/Disables the TX LED while the radio is transmit-
ting.
Enables or disables “VFO Split” operation.
Select Wide (±5 kHz) or Narrow (±2.5 kHz) TX Deviation.
Enables/Disables the Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Fea-
ture.
PAGER SETTING (REQUIRES OPTIONAL FTD-7)
Enables/Disables the ANI function.
Program the ANI Identifier.
Enables/Disables the ANI function.
Setting the Pager Code for the DTMF Pager.
Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the DTMF
Pager.
SET MODE ITEM
6 [BEEP]
25 [LAMP]
26 [LOCK]
27 [M/T-CL]
33 [REV/HM]
SET MODE ITEM
1 [APO]
5 [BCLO]
8 [BSY.LED]
9 [CLK.SFT]
12 [DC VLT]
20 [EDG.BEP]
21 [EMG S]
30 [PSWD]
31 [PSWD W]
34 [RF SQL]
38 [S SRCH]
45 [STEP]
47 [TOT]
48 [TX.LED]
50 [VFO.SPL]
51 [WID.NAR]
52 [EAI]
SET MODE ITEM
53 [ANI]
54 [ANI.WRT]
55 [PAGER]
56 [PAG.COD]
57 [PAG.ABK]
AVAILABLE VALUES (DEFAULT)
KEY+SC / KEY / OFF
KEY / 5SEC / TOGGLE
LK KEY / LKDIAL / LK K+D / LK
PTT / LK P+K / LK P+D / LK ALL
MONI / T-CALL
<
REV
>
/
<
HOME
>
AVAILABLE VALUES (DEFAULT)
OFF / 0.5H - 12.0 H
BCL. ON / BCL.OFF
LED. ON / LED.OFF
SFT.OFF / SFT. ON
–
BEP.OFF / BEP. ON
EMG.BEP / EMG.LMP / EMG.B+L /
EMG.CWT / EMG.C+B /
EMG.C+L / EMG.ALL / OFF
PWD.OFF / PWD. ON
–
S-1 / S-2 / S-3 / S-4 / S-5 / S-6 /
S-8 / S-FULL / OFF
SINGLE / CONT
5 / 10 /12.5 / 15 / 20 / 25 /
50 / 100 kHz, or AUTO
1MIN - 30MIN or OFF (6MIN)
LED. ON / LED.OFF
SPL.OFF / SPL. ON
WIDE / NARROW
INT. 1M - INT.50M /
COM. 1M-COM.50M / OFF
AVAILABLE VALUES (DEFAULT)
ANI.OFF / ANI. ON
–
PAG.OFF / PAG. ON
000 - 999
ABK. OFF / ABK. ON
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL74
Set Mode Item 1 [APO]
Function: Setting of the Automatic Power-Off feature.
Available Values: OFF/0.5H - 12.0 H in 0.5 hour multiples
Default: OFF
Set Mode Item 2 [AR BEP]
Function: Selects the Beep option during ARTS operation.
Available Values: INRANG/ALWAYS/OFF
Default: INRANG
INRANG: Beeps sound only when the radio first detects that you are within range.
ALWAYS: Beeps sound every time a polling transmission is received from the other sta-
tion (every 15 or 25 seconds when in range).
OFF: No alert beeps sound.
Set Mode Item 3 [AR INT]
Function: Selects the Polling Interval during ARTS operation.
Available Values: 25 SEC/15 SEC
Default: 25SEC
Set Mode Item 4 [ARS]
Function: Enables/Disables the Automatic Repeater Shift function.
Available Values: ARS. ON/ARS.OFF
Default: ARS. ON
Set Mode Item 5 [BCLO]
Function: Enables/Disables the Busy Channel Lock-Out feature.
Available Values: BCL. ON/BCL.OFF
Default: BCL.OFF
Set Mode Item 6 [BEEP]
Function: Enables/Disables the beeper.
Available Values: KEY+SC/KEY/OFF
Default: KEY+SC
KEY+SC: The beeper sounds when you press any key, or when the scanner stops.
KEY: The beeper sounds when you press any key.
OFF: Beeper is disabled.
Set Mode Item 7 [BELL]
Function: Selects the number of CTCSS/DCS Bell ringer repetitions.
Available Values: OFF/1T/3T/5T/8T/CONT (Continuous ringing)
Default: OFF
SET (MENU) MODE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 75
Set Mode Item 8 [BSY.LED]
Function: Enables/Disables the BUSY LED while the Squelch is open.
Available Values: LED. ON/LED.OFF
Default: LED. ON
Set Mode Item 9 [CLK.SFT]
Function: Shifting of the CPU clock frequency.
Available Values: SFT.OFF/SFT. ON
Default: SFT.OFF
This function is only used to move a spurious response “birdie,” should it fall on a desired
frequency.
Set Mode Item 10 [CWID]
Function: Enables/disables the CW identifier during ARTS operation.
Available Values: TX OFF/TX ON
Default: TX OFF
Set Mode Item 11 [CW WRT]
Function: Programs and activates the CW Identifier (used during ARTS operation).
See page 52 for details.
Set Mode Item 12 [DC VLT]
Function: Indicates the DC Supply Voltage.
Set Mode Item 13 [DCS.COD]
Function: Setting of the DCS code.
Available Values: 104 standard DCS codes
Default: DCS.023
Set Mode Item 14 [DCS.N/R]
Function: Enables/Disables “Inverted” DCS
code decoding.
Available Values: T/RX N, RX R, TX R,
T/RX R
Default: T/RX N
Set Mode Item 15 [DT DLY]
Function: Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Delay Time.
Available Values: 50MS/100MS/250MS/450MS750MS/1000MS
Default: 450MS
Set Mode Item 16 [DT SPD]
Function: Setting of the DTMF Autodialer Sending Speed.
Available Values: 50MS (high speed)/100MS (low speed)
Default: 50MS
SET (MENU) MODE
DCS CODE
023 025 026 031 032 036 043 047 051 053
054 065 071 072 073 074 114 115 116 122
125 131 132 134 143 145 152 155 156 162
165 172 174 205 212 223 225 226 243 244
245 246 251 252 255 261 263 265 266 271
274 306 311 315 325 331 332 343 346 351
356 364 365 371 411 412 413 423 431 432
445 446 452 454 455 462 464 465 466 503
506 516 523 526 532 546 565 606 612 624
627 631 632 654 662 664 703 712 723 731
732 734 743 754 – – – – – –
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL76
Set Mode Item 17 [DT WRT]
Function: Programming of the DTMF Autodialer.
See page 55 for details.
Set Mode Item 18 [ECS.CDR]
Function: Setting the Receiver Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code
Squelch.
See page 26 for details.
Set Mode Item 19 [ECS.CDT]
Function: Setting the Transmitting Pager Code for the Enhanced CTCSS Paging & Code
Squelch.
See page 26 for details.
Set Mode Item 20 [EDG.BEP]
Function: Enables/Disables the Band-edge beeper while selecting the frequency via the
DIAL knob.
Available Values: BEP.OFF/ BEP. ON
Default: BEP.OFF
Set Mode Item 21 [EMG S]
Function: Selects the alarm(s) utilized when the Emergency function is engaged.
Available Values: EMG.BEP/EMG.LMP/EMG.B+L/EMG.CWT/EMG.C+B/EMG.C+L/
EMG.ALL/OFF
Default: EMG.B+L
EMG.BEP: Loud “Alarm” sounds.
EMG.LMP: The LCD/Keypad lamp flashes.
EMG.B+L: Loud “Alarm” sounds and the LCD/Keypad lamp flashes.
EMG.CWT: Transmits the Morse Code “SOS” (• • • – – – • • •) message on the air begin-
ning one minute after activation of the Emergency function.
EMG.C+B: Loud “Alarm” sounds and the Morse Code “SOS” (• • • – – – • • •) message is
transmitted on the air beginning one minute after activation of the Emergency
function.
EMG.C+L: The LCD/Keypad lamp flashes, and the Morse Code “SOS” (• • • – – – • • •)
message is transmitted on the air beginning one minute after activation of the
Emergency function.
EMG.ALL: All of the above are activated.
OFF: Disables the Emergency function. The Emergency function also cannot be en-
gaged, by pressing and holding in the [4(RPT)] key, if this Menu is set to “OFF.”
When the radio is set to the EMG.CWT, EMG.C+B, EMG.C+L, or EMG.ALL mode, the
radio will be instructed to send “DE (your callsign)” after the sending of the SOS message,
if your callsign is entered via Set Mode Item 10: CWID.
SET (MENU) MODE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 77
Set Mode Item 22 [I NET]
Function: Selects the Internet Link Connection mode.
Available Values: INT.OFF/INT.COD/INT.MEM
Default: INT.OFF
INT.OFF: Disables the Internet Link Connection mode.
INT.COD: Sets up the Internet Link Connection mode for WIRES™ access.
INT.MEM: Sets up the Internet Link Connection mode for other (DTMF string) Internet
Link System access.
Set Mode Item 23 [INT CD]
Function: Selects the Access Number (DTMF digit) for WIRES™ operation.
Available Values: CODE 0 - CODE 9, CODE A - CODE F
Default: CODE 1
Set Mode Item 24 [INT MR]
Function: Selects the memory register for an Access Number (DTMF code) for non-
WIRES™ Internet Link System access.
Available Values: d1 - d9
Default: d1
Set Mode Item 25 [LAMP]
Function: Selects the LCD/Keypad Lamp mode.
Available Values: KEY/CONT/OFF
Default: KEY
KEY: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD lamp for five seconds when you rotate the DIAL
knob or press the keypad or any switch (except PTT switch). This is the factory-
programmed default setting.
CONT: Illuminates the Keypad/LCD lamp continuously.
OFF: Disables the Keypad/LCD lamp.
Set Mode Item 26 [LOCK]
Function: Selects the Control Locking lockout combination.
Available Values: LK KEY/LKDIAL/LK K+D/LK PTT/LK P+K/LK P+D/LK ALL
Default: LK K+D
Note: “K” = “Key;” “D” = “Dial;” and “P” = “PTT.”
SET (MENU) MODE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL78
Set Mode Item 27 [M/T-CL]
Function: Selects the MONI key (just below the PTT switch) function.
Available Values: MONI/T-CALL
Default: Depends on the transceiver version.
MONI: Pressing the MONI key causes the Noise/Tone Squelch to be over-ridden, allow-
ing you to listen for weak (or non-encoded) signals.
T-CALL: Pressing the MONI key activates a 1750-Hz burst tone, used for repeater access
in many countries (especially in Europe).
Set Mode Item 28 [NAME]
Function: Toggles the display indication between “frequency” and the channel’s “Alpha/
Numeric Tag.”
Available Values: FREQ/ALPHA
Default: FREQ
Set Mode Item 29 [NM WRT]
Function: Stores Alpha-Numeric “Tags” for the Memory channels.
See page 31 for details.
Set Mode Item 30 [PSWD]
Function: Enables/disables the Password feature.
Available Values: PWD.OFF/PWD. ON
Default: PWD.OFF
Set Mode Item 31 [PSWD W]
Function: Stores the password.
Available entries are 0-9, A, B, C, D, E (substitute for “”), and F (substitute for “#”)
Set Mode Item 32 [RESUME]
Function: Selects the Scan Resume mode.
Available Values: BUSY/HOLD/TIME
Default: BUSY
BUSY: The scanner will hold until the signal disappears, then will resume when the car-
rier drops.
HOLD: The scanner will stop when a signal is received, and will not restart.
TIME: The scanner will hold for the five seconds, then resume whether or not the other
station is still transmitting.
SET (MENU) MODE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 79
Set Mode Item 33 [REV/HM]
Function: Selects the function of the [REV(HOME)] key.
Available Values:
<
REV
>
/
<
HOME
>
Default:
<
REV
>
<
REV
>
: Pressing the [REV(HOME)] key reverses the transmit and receive frequencies
during repeater operation.
<
HOME
>
: Pressing the [REV(HOME)] key instantly recalls a favorite “Home” channel.
Set Mode Item 34 [RF SQL]
Function: Adjusts the RF Squelch threshold level.
Available Values: S-1/S-2/S-3/S-4/S-5/S-6/S-8/S-FULL/OFF
Default: OFF
Set Mode Item 35 [RPT.MOD]
Function: Sets the Repeater Shift Direction.
Available Values: RPT.OFF/RPT. –/RPT. +
Default: Depends on the transceiver version, as well as the setting of Set Mode Item 4:
ARS.
Set Mode Item 36 [PRI.RVT]
Function: Enables/disables the Priority Revert feature.
Available Values: RVT.OFF/RVT. ON
Default: RVT.OFF
See page 43 for details.
Set Mode Item 37 [RXSAVE]
Function: Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver interval (“sleep” ratio)
Available Values: 200 MS(1:1)/300 MS(1:1.5)/500 MS(1:2.5)/1 S(1:5)/2 S(1:10)/OFF
Default: 200 MS
Set Mode Item 38 [S SRCH]
Function: Selects the Smart Search Sweep mode.
Available Values: SINGLE/CONT
Default: SINGLE
SINGLE: The transceiver sweeps the current band once in each direction, starting on the
current frequency. All channels where activity is present (up to 15 in each di-
rection) are loaded into the Smart Search memories. Whether or not all 31
memories are filled, the search stops after one sweep in each direction.
CONT: The transceiver makes a sweep in each direction as with the “SINGLE” mode,
but if all 31 channels are not filled after the first sweep, the radio continues
sweeping until they are all filled.
SET (MENU) MODE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL80
Set Mode Item 39 [SCN MD]
Function: Selects the Memory Scan channel-selection mode.
Available Values: ONLY/MEM
Default: MEM
ONLY: The scanner will only scan channels that are flagged (Preferential Scan List).
MEM: The scanner will “skip” the flagged channels during scanning.
Set Mode Item 40 [SCN.LMP]
Function: Enables/Disables the Scan lamp while paused.
Available Values: ON/OFF
Default: ON
Set Mode Item 41 [SHIFT]
Function: Sets the magnitude of the repeater Shift.
Available Values: 0.00 - 99.95 MHz (50 kHz increments)
Default: Depends on the operating band and transceiver version.
Set Mode Item 42 [SKIP]
Function: Selects the Memory Scan “Skip” channel-selection mode.
Available Values: OFF/SKIP/ONLY
Default: OFF
SKIP: The scanner will “skip” the flagged channels during scanning.
ONLY: The scanner will only scan channels that are flagged (Preferential Scan List).
OFF: All memory channels will be scanned (the “flag” will be ignored).
Set Mode Item 43 [SPLIT]
Function: Enables/Disables split CTCSS/DCS coding.
Available Values: SPL.OFF/SPL. ON
Default: SPL.OFF
When this Set Mode Item is set to “SPL. ON,” you will see the following additional param-
eters after the “DCS” parameter while configuring Set Mode Item 44: SQL.TYP.
D: DCS Encode only.
T DCS: Encodes a CTCSS tone and Decodes a DCS code.
D TSQL: Encodes a DCS code and Decodes a CTCSS tone.
Select the desired operating mode from the selections shown above.
SET (MENU) MODE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 81
Set Mode Item 44 [SQL.TYP]
Function: Selects the Tone Encoder and/or Decoder mode.
Available Values: OFF/TONE/TSQL/REV TN/DCS/ECS
Default: OFF
TONE: CTCSS Encoder
TSQL: CTCSS Encoder/Decoder
REV TN: Reverse CTCSS Decoder (Mutes receiver when matching tone is received)
DCS: Digital Coded Encoder/Decoder
ECS: Enhanced Paging & & Code Squelch
Note: See also Set Mode Item 43: SPLIT regarding additional selections available during
“Split Tone” operation.
Set Mode Item 45 [STEP]
Function: Setting of the synthesizer steps.
Available Values: 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz, or AUTO
Default: AUTO (Step automatically changes according to operating frequency.)
Set Mode Item 46 [TN FRQ]
Function: Setting of the CTCSS Tone Fre-
quency.
Available Values: 50 standard CTCSS tones
Default: 100.0 Hz
Set Mode Item 47 [TOT]
Function: Setting of the TOT time
Available Values: 1MIN - 30MIN or OFF
Default: 6MIN (minutes)
The time-out timer shuts off the transmitter after continuous transmission of the programmed
time.
Set Mode Item 48 [TX LED]
Function: Enables/Disables the TX LED while the radio is transmitting.
Available Values: LED. ON/LED.OFF
Default: LED. ON
Set Mode Item 49 [TXSAVE]
Function: Enables/Disables the Transmitter Battery Saver.
Available Values: SAV.OFF/ SAV. ON
Default: SAV.OFF
Set Mode Item 50 [VFO.SPL]
Function: Enables or disables “VFO Split” operation.
Available Values: VSP.OFF/VSP. ON
Default: VSP.OFF
SET (MENU) MODE
CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY (Hz)
67.0 69.3 71.9 74.4 77.0 79.7
82.5 85.4 88.5 91.5 94.8 97.4
100.0 103.5 107.2 110.9 114.8 118.8
123.0 127.3 131.8 136.5 141.3 146.2
151.4 156.7 159.8 162.2 165.5 167.9
171.3 173.8 177.3 179.9 183.5 186.2
189.9 192.8 196.6 199.5 203.5 206.5
210.7 218.1 225.7 229.1 233.6 241.8
250.3 254.1 – – – –
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL82
Set Mode Item 51 [WID.NAR]
Function: Select Wide (±5 kHz) or Narrow (±2.5 kHz) TX Deviation.
Available Values: WIDE/NARROW
Default: WIDE
Note: If “Narrow” is selected, the receiver audio level is increased slightly to compensate
for the reduced deviation. The receiver IF filter bandwidth is not changed via this setting.
Set Mode Item 52 [EAI]
Function: Enables/Disables the Emergency Automatic ID (EAI) Feature.
Available Values:
INT. 1M - INT.10M, INT.15M, INT.20M, INT.30M, INT.40M, INT. 50M,
CON. 1M - CON.10M, CON.15M, CON.20M, CON.30M, CON.40M, CON. 50M, and OFF
Default: OFF
The following Set Mode Items will appears when the optional FTD-7 DTMF Paging
Unit is installed.
Set Mode Item 53 [ANI]
Function: Enables/Disables the ANI function.
Available Values: ANI.OFF/ANI. ON
Default: ANI. OFF
Set Mode Item 54 [ANI.WRT]
Function: Program the ANI Identifier.
See page 59 for details.
Set Mode Item 55 [PAGER]
Function: Enables/Disables the ANI function.
Available Values: PAG.OFF/PAG. ON
Default: PAG. OFF
Set Mode Item 56 [PAG.COD]
Function: Setting the Pager Code for the DTMF Pager.
See page 55 for details.
Set Mode Item 57 [PAG.ABK]
Function: Enables/Disables the Answer Back function of the DTMF Pager.
Available Values: ABK.OFF/ABK. ON
Default: ABK. OFF
SET (MENU) MODE
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL 83
General
Frequency Ranges: RX 430 - 440 MHz or 420 - 470 MHz
TX 430 - 440 MHz or 430 - 450 MHz
Channel Steps: 5/10/12.5/15/20/25/50/100 kHz
Frequency Stability: ±5 ppm @ 14 °F to +140 °F (–10 °C to +60 °C)
Repeater Shift: ±5 MHz, ±7.2 MHz, or ±1.6 MHz
Emission Type: F2D, F3E
Antenna Impedance: 50 Ω
Supply Voltage: Nominal: 7.2 V DC
(Negative Ground) Operating: 6.0 ~ 16.0 V DC (EXT DC Jack)
11.0 ~ 16.0 V DC (EXT DC Jack with Charging)
Current Consumption: 130 mA (Receive, 200 mW output)
(Approx. @7.2 V) 50 mA (Standby, Saver Off)
22 mA (Standby, Saver On)
8 mA (Auto Power Off)
1.8 A (5 W TX)
Operating Temperature: –4 °F to +140 °F (–20 °C to +60 °C)
Case Size: 2.36” (W) x 4.72” (H) x 1.26” (D) (60 x 120 x 32 mm)
w/o knob, antenna, & belt clip
Weight: 13.8 Oz (390 g) with FNB-83, antenna, and belt clip
Transmitter
RF Power Output: 5.0 W (High) / 2.0 W (Middle) / 0.5 W (Low) (@7.2 V)
Modulation Type: Variable Reactance F2D, F3E
Maximum Deviation: ±5.0 kHz (F2D, F3E)
Spurious Emission: At least 60 dB down (@ High and Middle power)
At least 40 dB down (@ Low power)
Microphone Impedance:2 kΩ
Receiver
Circuit Type: Double-Conversion Superheterodyne
Intermediate Frequencies: 1st: 47.25 MHz
2nd: 450 kHz
Sensitivity: 0.2 µV for 12 dB SINAD
Selectivity: 12 kHz/35 kHz (–6 dB /–60 dB)
AF Output: 700 mW @ 16 Ω for 10 % THD (Internal Speaker)
(@ 7.5 V) 400 mW @ 8 Ω for 10 % THD (EXT SP Jack)
Specifications are subject to change without notice, and are guaranteed within the 430
MHz amateur band only. Frequency ranges and functions will vary according to trans-
ceiver version; check with your dealer.
SPECIFICATIONS
VX-177 OPERATING MANUAL84
I
NSTALLATION
OF
THE
FTD-7 DTMF P
AGING
U
NIT
(O
PTION
)
Peel off the
Caution Seal
Press the
Optional Unit
Affix the supplied
Caution Seal
Connector
1. Make sure that the transceiver is off. Remove the hard or soft case, if used.
2. Remove the battery pack.
3. Locate the connector for the FTD-7 under the caution seal in the battery compartment
on the back of the radio; just peel off the caution seal.
4. Align the connector on the FTD-7 with the transceiver's connector, and gently press
the unit into place.
5. Affix the new (supplied) caution seal, and replace the battery.
6. Installation is now complete.
When the optional FTD-7 DTMF Pager Unit is installed, a “PGU”
notation will be indicated on the display for 2 seconds, along with
the current DC supply voltage, when you turn the radio on.
1. Changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by VERTEX
STANDARD could void the user’s authorization to operate this device.
2. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference including
received, interference that may cause undesired operation.
3. The scanning receiver in this equipment is incapable of tuning, or readily
being altered, by the User to operate within the frequency bands allocated
to the Domestic public Cellular Telecommunications Service in Part 22.
WARNING: MODIFICATION OF THIS DEVICE TO RECEIVE CELLULAR
RADIOTELEPHONE SERVICE SIGNALS IS PROHIBITED UNDER FCC RULES
AND FEDERAL LAW.
DECLARATION BY MANUFACTURER
The Scanner receiver is not a digital scanner and is incapable of being converted
or modified to a digital scanner receiver by any user.
Printed in JapanCopyright 2005
VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD.
All rights reserved.
No portion of this manual
may be reproduced
without the permission of
VERTEX STANDARD CO., LTD. 0511X-0K
EH022U100