HTX-200 Mini Handheld 2-Meter FM Amateur Transceiver
(190-1102) Preparation Faxback Doc. # 52049
Introduction to Amateur Radio
Your transceiver is the perfect first radio for anyone entering the
exciting world of amateur radio as well as a great additional transceiver
for the experienced amateur radio operator. Your transceiver opens a door
for you to the world from almost anywhere! All you need is an Amateur
Radio Operator's License (Technician Class or higher) issued by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you do not have a license, it
is easier than ever to get one and help from licensed operators is
available. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
You can turn on your transceiver and scan the entire band to hear what is
going on. However, do not attempt to transmit until you get your license.
If you transmit without a license you are in violation of federal law that
can lead to severe penalties. Note that ham operators take the FCC rules
very seriously and want nothing to do with "bootleggers" - their term for
people who operate without a license.
Find out if there is a ham radio club in your area. Most clubs welcome
newcomers and are glad to help you get your license. There are thousands
of clubs across the country, so there is probably one in or near your own
community. Often, the staff at your local RadioShack store can help you
locate a club.
If you do not hear anyone talking about a local club in your area as you
listen to local transmissions, write to the American Radio Relay League
(ARRL), at the following address, to find out how to contact a local
affiliate. The ARRL is the national organization representing amateur
radio in the United States. The league has more than 150,000 members.
Most are ham operators, or members in the process of obtaining their
license.
The American Radio Relay League
225 Main Street
Newington, CT 06111
http://www.arrl.org
Start studying for the license exams. Do not be intimidated by the word
"study", for most people can go from knowing absolutely nothing about
amateur radio to passing the Novice and Technician written exams in less
than a month.
The exams test your knowledge of basic radio regulations and elementary
radio theory. Many clubs hold license classes which can be a fun and easy
way to learn about amateur radio. There are good books, cassette tapes,
computer programs, and many other study aids available. Your local Radio
Shack store sells FCC License Preparation study guides for amateur radio
operator licenses. While you are no longer required to learn Morse code
for a Technician Class license, we encourage you to learn it anyway so you
can advance to higher levels of operating privileges.
The examiners for a Novice license test can be any two ham operators who
hold a general or higher class license and who are at least 18 years old
and are not related to you. There is no fee to take the Novice exam. As
soon as you pass the Novice exam, you can immediately take the Technician
exam. There is a small fee required for taking the Technician exam, and
the test must be administered by a three-member Volunteer Examiner Team.
Contact the ARRL for a schedule of exam opportunities in your area.
The Technician Class license lets you use the HTX-200 to communicate
directly with other operators and use repeaters for distant communication.
The ARRL staff helped us prepare this section of he Owner's Manual.
Amateur radio is a great hobby that has enriched the lives of millions of
people all over the world. The ARRL would be glad to hear from you if you
need more information or would like to join!
Preparation
Power Sources
You can operate your transceiver from either of two power sources:
internal batteries.
vehicle battery power (using an optional DC adapter).
Using Internal Batteries
Your transceiver can use two AA batteries (not supplied) for power. For
the best performance and longest life, we recommend RadioShack alkaline
batteries.
CAUTIONS: Use only fresh batteries of the required size and recommended
type.
Do not mix old and new batteries, different types of batteries
(standard, alkaline, or rechargeable) or rechargeable batteries
of different capacities.
Follow these steps to install batteries
1. Move the LOCK tab in the opposite direction of the marked arrow on the
bottom of the transceiver.
2. Press down and slide the battery compartment cover in the direction of
the arrow marked on the cover.
3. Put the batteries into the compartment and on top of the attached
ribbon according to the polarity symbols (+ and -) marked inside the
compartment.
4. Replace the cover and slide the LOCK tab on the bottom to secure the
cover.
Testing Internal Batteries
To test the battery strength, rotate VOL/OFF clockwise on the top of the
radio until it clicks, then press C. C appears in the lower right corner
of the display. then hold down the push-to-talk button and MO at the same
time. BAT appears and the graduated bar next to BAT indicates the battery
strength. If the batteries are weak, the battery symbol shows less than 4
bars. Replace both batteries as soon as possible.
CAUTIONS: Dispose of old batteries promptly and properly. do not burn or
bury them.
If you do not plan to use the transceiver with batteries for a
two week period, remove the batteries. Batteries can leak
chemicals that can destroy electronic parts.
Using Vehicle Battery Power
You can operate the HTX-200 from your vehicle's battery using a DC adapter
such as RadioShack Cat. No. 273-1815.
CAUTIONS: You must use a power source that supplies 9 volts DC and
delivers at least 800 mA. Its center tip must be set to
positive (+), and its plug must fit the transceiver's DC 9V
jack. The recommended adapter meets these specifications.
Using an adapter that does not meet these specifications could
damage the transceiver or the adapter.
Always plug the adapter into the transceiver before you plug it
into the cigarette-lighter socket, and unplug the adapter from
the cigarette-lighter socket before you unplug it from the
transceiver.
1. Set the adapter's voltage switch to 9V.
2. Insert the 3.8 mm outer diameter/1.1 mm inner diameter plug (Cat. No.
273-1712, not supplied) into the adapter's cord, so it reads + TIP.
3. Insert the plug into the HTX-200's DC 9V jack.
4. Plug the other end of the adapter into the cigarette-lighter socket in
the vehicle.
Connecting The Antenna
Place the threaded base socket of the supplied antenna over the antenna
connector on top of the transceiver and turn the antenna clockwise to
tighten it.
CAUTION: Do not overtighten the antenna.
Attaching The Belt Clip
Use a Phillips screwdriver and the two supplied screws to attach the
supplied belt clip to your transceiver. Do not overtighten the screws.
Attaching The Wrist Strap
Attach the supplied wrist strap to the top of the belt clip, thread the
strap's small loop through the opening in the top of the clip. Then
insert the longer loop through the smaller loop. Pull on the strap until
the loop is tight.
Connecting a Microphone/Speaker
You can connect an external communications headset, consisting of a
microphone and speaker, to the transceiver so you can use it privately.
Lift the hinged, rubber dust cover from the MIC and SPK jacks on the top
of the transceiver, then insert the plug of an optional voice activated
headset with microphone, such as Cat. No. 19-312, or an optional
communication headset, such as Cat. No. 19-316, into the jacks.
CAUTION: Use only microphone speaker accessories that do not share a
common ground for the speaker and the microphone. Doing
otherwise might damage the transceiver.
Note: Inserting the headset plug automatically disconnects the internal
speaker and the push-to-talk (PTT) button.
You can also connect an optional mono earphone, such as Cat. No. 33-175,
into the SPK jack. This lets you use the transceiver's push-to-talk
button to transmit as usual.
(EB 4/9/99)