AIR BAND TRANSCEIVER

VXA-300

Operating Manual

CONTENTS

Important Notice!.. 1 Introduction... 2 Control & Connectors.. 3 Top Panel... 3 Front Panel.. 4 Side Panel... 5 Keypad... 6 LCD Display... 7 Before You Begin.. 8 Precautions.. 8 Belt Clip Installation.. 8 Battery Installation and Removal.. 9 Battery Charging... 10 Low Battery Indication.. 11 Installing the FBA-25A Alkaline Battery Case.. 11 Basic Operation.. 12 Preliminary Steps.. 12 Operation Quick Start... 12 Squelch Adjustment... 13 Accessing the 121.5 MHz Emergency Frequency.. 14 Transmission.. 14 Advanced Operation.. 15 Tuning Methods.. 15 Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts. 16 Monitor Switch... 17 ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Feature. 17 Temperature/battery Voltage Display.. 18 LOCK Function... 19 Beep On/Off... 19 Receive Battery Saver Setup.. 20 Changing the Channel Steps.. 21 Pitch Control.. 22 VOX Operation... 23 PA Operation.. 24 Timer Operation.. 26 Memory Operation... 28 Memory System Operation.. 28 Memory Storage.. 28 Recalling the Memories.. 29 Scanning Operation... 30 Dual Watch Operation.. 32 Priority Dual Watch Operation.. 33 VOR Navigation... 34 To Select the VOR Mode.. 35 Flying to a VOR Station.. 36 Entering a Desired Course... 38 Position Cross-checking.. 39 Split Operation... 40 Programming the USER Key Assignment.. 41 Field Programming Mode.. 42 CPU Resetting.. 43 Menu (Set) Mode... 44 Accessories & Options... 52 Specifications... 54
NOTICE There are no user-serviceable points inside this transceiver. All service jobs must be referred to your Authorized Service Center.

IMPORTANT NOTICE!

FCC RF Exposure Compliance Requirements for Occupational Use Only: This Radio has been tested and complies with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF exposure limits for Occupational Use/Controlled Exposure Environment. In addition, it complies with the following Standards and Guidelines: FCC 96-326, Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radio-Frequency Radiation. FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 (1997) Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields. ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz. ANSI/IEEE C95.3-1992, IEEE Recommended Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Electromagnetic Fields - RF and Microwave. This radio is NOT approved for use by the general population in an uncontrolled environment. This radio is restricted to occupational use, work related operations only where the radio operator must have the knowledge to control its RF exposure conditions. When transmitting, hold the radio in a vertical position with its microphone 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) away from your mouth and keep the antenna at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from your head and body. The radio must be used with a maximum operating duty cycle not exceeding 50%, in typical Push-to-Talk configurations. DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time (50% duty cycle). Transmitting more than 50% of the time can cause FCC RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded. The radio is transmitting when the red LED on the upper right corner of the front panel of the radio is illuminated. You can cause the radio to transmit by pressing the P-T-T button. Always use Vertex Standard authorized accessories.
VXA-300 PILOT III OPERATING MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

The Vertex Standard VXA-300 is a compact, stylish, solid hand-held transceiver providing communication (transmit and receive) capability on the International Aircraft Communication Band (COM band: 118 ~ 136.975 MHz), and it additionally provides VOR and CDI navigation features on the NAV band (108 ~ 117.975 MHz). The VXA-300 boasts 0.8 Watt of clean audio output from its 1.4 (36-mm) diameter loudspeaker, and it also provides 8.33 kHz synthesizer steps for the receiving of the new narrow-band channel plan. The VXA-300 includes both Temperature and Supply Voltage displays with our exclusive Omni-GlowTM display back-lighting for minimal degradation of your night vision, NOAA weather band monitoring, 8-character Alpha/Numeric Display, 150 Memory Channels, and up to 100 Book Memory Channels. The channel configurations are can be easily reprogrammed in minutes using the optional PC Programming Kit and your PC. We recommend that you read this manual in its entirety, so as to understand the many features of the VXA-300 completely. Keep this manual handy, so you may use it for reference. NOTE: The VXA-300s VOR and CDI Navigation features are supplemental aids to navigation only, and are not intended to be a substitute for accurate (primary) VOR/CDI or landing service equipment.

Battery Pack Latch

Open this latch for battery removal.

Loudspeaker

The internal speaker is located in this position.

Microphone

Speak across this opening in a normal voice level, while pressing the PTT switch, to transmit.
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The display shows selected operating conditions, as indicated on the next page.

Keypad

The keypad is used for most radio command operations. Several keys have triple functions. The primary functions are activated by simply pressing the key momentarily. The secondary functions are activated by pressing the key followed by [F] key. The third functions are activated by pressing and holding in the key for 2 seconds. These functions are described in detail on page 6.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (SIDE PANEL)
PTT (Push To Talk) Switch
Press this button to transmit when you are operating in the COM band. Release this button to return to the Receive mode. See page 14 for details.

MONITOR Switch

This button may be pressed to open the squelch manually, allowing you to listen for very weak signals. Press and hold this button for 2 seconds to open the squelch continuously. Press this button again to resume normal (quiet) monitoring. See page 13 for details.

EXT DC Jack

When an external 12-Volt DC power source is available, you may connect the (optional) E-DC-5B External DC Cable here. 1) Do not allow the VXA-300 to become submerged in water while the rubber cover is removed. 2) Do not connect any wire to this jack if that wire is connected directly to a 28-Volt DC source. Connecting the VXA-300 directly to a source which exceeds 15.0 Volts DC will result in damage to the unit, and this type of damage is not covered by the Limited warranty on this product.
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (KEYPAD)
Primary Function (Press Key) Secondary Function (Press [F] + key) Third Function (Press and Hold key) Frequency Entry Digit 1 Activates DVOR mode. None Frequency Entry Digit 2 Activates TO VOR mode. None Frequency Entry Digit 3 Activates FROM VOR mode. None Select Memory Display Type. Activates the Key Lockout feature. Selects DVOR Display Type
Primary Function (Press Key) Secondary Function (Press [F] + key) Third Function (Press and Hold key)
Frequency Entry Digit 4 Activates Deviation Indicator mode. None
Frequency Entry Digit 5 Activates Pitch Control feature. None
Frequency Entry Digit 6 Displays the Battery Voltage and Current Temperature inside the transceivers case. None
Selects Emergency Channel (121.5 MHz). None None
Frequency Entry Digit 7 Activates Split (Duplex) mode. None
Frequency Entry Digit 8 Activates the Stop Watch Timer. None

Frequency Entry Digit 9 Allows Skipping of Channel during Scan. None
Activates the Automatic Noise Limiter during AM reception. None Activates the Public Address feature.
None Split-Memory Write Command. Memory Write Command.
Frequency Entry Digit 0 Adjusts the Squelch threshold level. None
Swiches the VFO mode A and B. Activates the Dual Watch feature. Activates Scanning.
Activates Secondary key mode. Cancel the Secondary key mode of the [F] key. None
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (LCD DISPLAY)
This field displays the course heading in degrees. See page 35. This icon is used during VOR navigation, to indicate that the displayed information is based on a course from the VOR station. See page 35. This icon is used during VOR navigation, to indicate that the displayed information is based on a course to the VOR station. See page 35. This is the Course Deviation Indicator, used during VOR Navigation. See page 36. This indicator confirms that this channel will be skipped during scan. See page 31. This indicator confirms that Secondary Key Function is active. See page 6. These digits provide frequency or alpha-numeric information about the channel you are using.
This indicator confirms t h a t D u a l Wa t c h i s active. See page 32.
This indicator confirms that Automatic Noise Limiter is active. See page 17.
This indicator confirms that the Split (Duplex) mode is activeted during VOR operation. See page 40.
This icon is the Low Battery indicator, which blinks when the battery voltage becomes too low for proper operation.
This icon indicates that the Book Memory Bank is in use. See page 15.
This icon indicates that the Weather Alert feature is active. See page 50.
This icon indicates that the channel step is selected to 8.33 kHz in the NAV and COM band. See page 21.
This indicator confirms that VOX system is active. See page 23.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Precautions
This apparatus is capable of two-way communication on channels used for critical aviation safety communications. Therefore, it is important that this radio be kept away from children or other unauthorized users at all times. When making DC connections via the (optional) E-DC-5B/E-DC-6 DC cable, be absolutely certain to observe the proper voltage level and polarity guidelines. Do not connect this radio directly to any 24 ~ 28 Volt DC source, nor to AC power of any kind. Connecting the VXA-300 directly to a source which exceeds 15.0 Volts DC will result in damage to the unit. The Limited Warranty for this product does not cover damage caused by the application of improper voltage. Do not dispose of the Ni-MH Battery Pack in a fire. Do not carry a Ni-MH Battery Pack in your pocket, where keys or coins could short the terminals. This could create a serious fire/burn danger, and possibly cause damage to the Ni-MH pack. Although the VXA-300 is designed to be Submersible (3 ft., 30 min.), its enclosure is not designed to guarantee protection from ingress of water under extreme pressure. Do not allow the radio to become submerged in deep water, and do not subject it to water spray under pressure.

Belt Clip Installation

Connect the hanger to the rear of the VXA-300, 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 VXA-300. Clip the Quick-Draw Belt Clip onto your belt (Figure 2). To install the VXA-300 into the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, align the hanger with the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, and slide the VXA-300 into its slot until a click is heard (Figure 3). To remove the VXA-300 from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip, rotate the VXA-degrees, then slide the VXA-300 out from the Quick-Draw Belt Clip (Figure 4).
Battery Installation and Removal
To install the battery, insert the battery pack into the battery compartment on the back of the radio, then close the Battery Pack Latch until it locks in place with a Click.

Figure 2 Figure 1

To remove the battery, turn the radio off and remove any protective cases. Open the Battery Pack Latch on the bottom of the radio, then lift the battery upward and out from the radio. Do not attempt to open any of the rechargeable Ni-MH packs, as personal injury or damage to the Ni-MH pack could occur if a cell or cells become accidentally short-circuited.

Figure 3

Figure 4

Battery Charging

It is necessary to charge the Ni-MH battery fully before its first use. Follow these procedures: Install the supplied FNB-83 Ni-MH battery pack onto the transceiver. Ensure that the transceiver is switched off. Plug the NC-88 Overnight Charger into the AC line outlet, then insert the cable plug into the jack located on the left side of the CD-28 Charger Cradle. Insert the transceiver and battery pack into NC-88 the CD-28; the antenna jack should be at the left side when CD-28 viewing the charger from the front. If the transceiver and battery pack are inserted correctly, the RED indicator on the CD-28 will glow. A fully-discharged pack will be charged completely in 12 hours. Important Notes: The NC-88 is not designed to power the transceiver for operation (reception or transmission). Do not leave the charger connected to the transceiver for continuous periods in excess of 24 hours. Long term overcharging can degrade the Ni-MH battery pack and significantly shorten its useful life. If using a charger other than the NC-88/CD-28, or if using a battery pack other than the FNB-83, follow the appropriate instructions provided with the charger/ battery. Contact your Dealer if you have any doubts about the appropriateness of the particular charger or battery pack you intend to use.

Low Battery Indication

As your battery discharges during use, the voltage will gradually become lower. When the battery voltage reaches 6.0 Volts, 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 Low Battery indicator is observed, as this can degrade the charge capacity of your Ni-MH battery pack. Vertex Standard recommends that you carry an extra, fullycharged pack with you so you will not lose communications capability due to a depleted Ni-MH battery.

( USA version only )

Reception of Weather Channel Broadcasts (USA version only)
The VXA-300 can receive VHF Weather Channel broadcasts, which may assist your flight planning. The VXA300 includes a ten-channel auto-search feature, which simplifies access to Weather Channels when you are in an unfamiliar location. To receive Weather Press Channels, press the VOLUME knob (repeatedly, if necessary) to select the Weather Channel mode. In the Weather Channel mode, - WX - will appear on the display. The VXA-300 will now scan quickly through the ten standard Weather Channels, and will stop on the first active station found. If there are two or more weather channels audible in your area, you may select the alternate channel(s) by pressing the PTT switch. Pressing the PTT switch reinitiates the scanning process. If there are no Weather Channels in your area, the scanner will not stop. Press the MONITOR switch to stop the scanner. You can also select Weather Channels manually by rotating the DIAL selector knob. To confirm the current Weather Channel frequency, )] key momentarily. The display press the [ ( )] changes to frequency indication. Press the [ ( key again to return to normal display. To exit the Weather Channel mode, press the VOLUME knob momentarily to return to the VFO mode. Note 1: In the event of extreme weather disturbances, such as storms and hurricanes, the NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) sends a weather alert accompanied by a 1050 Hz tone and subsequent weather report on one of the NOAA weather channels. You may setup the Alert function when receiving the Weather Alert signal via Menu Item 20 WXAF if desired. See page 50 WXAF, WXAF for details. Note 2: The Weather Channel mode memorizes the last Weather Channel you have used, and will retain this information until the radio is turned off.

Monitor Switch

When listening to a very weak signal from an aircraft or ground station, you may observe the signal disappearing periodically as the incoming signal strength becomes too weak to override the squelch threshold setting. To disable the squelch temporarily, press and hold the MONITOR switch for 2 seconds on the left side of the radio, just below the PTT switch. The squelch will remain open and you should have a better chance of hearing weak signals. To return to normal operation, press the MONITOR switch momentarily.

ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) Feature
For reduction of impulse noise, such as that produced by an engines ignition system, the ANL feature may prove helpful. The ANL feature is only activated in the AM mode. To activate the ANL feature, press the [USER] key momentarily. The icon will appear on the display, and you should observe a reduction in the ignition noise. To turn the ANL feature off, repeat the above step; the icon will disappear from the display.
Temperature/Battery Voltage Display
The VXA-300 can measure the current temperature inside the transceivers case and current battery voltage. To display these items, press the [F] key momentarily, then press the [6 (SENSR)] key. The display will now indicate the current temperature inside the transceivers case or current battery voltage. Press the VOLUME knob to switch the display between current temperature and current battery voltage. When the VXA-300 display current temperature, pressing the [ ( )] key to switch the temperature unit between Celsius: C and C Fahrenheit: F F.
To return to the normal operation, press [ F ] [6 (SENSR)] again. If the temperature display is incorrect, it can be re-caliTEMP. brated via Menu Item 14 TEMP See page 49 for details. TEMP

LOCK Function

The lock function prevents accidental changes to the frequency setting and the keypad controls. To activate the lock feature, press the [F] key momentarily, then press )] key. the [ ( In the LOCK mode, the display will show - LOCK - when you rotate the DIAL selector knob, press the VOLUME knob, or touch a key on the keypad. [ ( )] To turn the lock feature off, press [F] again. You can still access the 121.500 MHz Emergency Frequency when the LOCK function is on. Simply press the [121.5] key momentarily (this key never locks). Pressing this key also unlocks the radio. You may choose the lockout configuration according to your operating preferences. See page 51 for details.

Beep On/Off

The VXA-300s key/button beeper provides convenient audible feedback whenever a button is pressed. Each key and button has a different beep pitch, and each function has a unique beep combination. When you are scanning, the beeper will be heard each time the scanner halts on a busy channel. This may be distracting in some environments; if you want to turn the beeper off (or back on again): Press the [F] key, then press the VOLUME knob to activate the Menu (SET) mode. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item 05 BEEP BEEP. BEEP Press the VOLUME knob to enable adjustment of this Menu item. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired beeper. The selections available are on DTM and on, DTM, oFF. oFF on: Sounds a beep corresponding to a musical note. on DTM Sounds a beep corresponding to a DTMF tone. DTM: oFF: oFF Disables the key beeper. When you have made your selection, press the VOLUME knob to save the new setting, and then press the PTT key to exit to normal operation.

The VXA-300 also provides for adjustment of the HangTime of the VOX system (the transmit-receive delay after the cessation of speech) via the Menu. The default delay is 1.0 second. To set a different delay time: Press the [F] key, then press the VOLUME knob to activate the Menu (SET) mode. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item 22 VDLY VDLY. VDLY Press the VOLUME knob to enable adjustment of this Menu item. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the delay time among 15 and 20 (representing 0.5, 05, 10, 15, 20 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 sec). When you have made your selection, press the VOLUME knob to save the new setting, and then press the PTT switch to exit to normal operation.

PA Operation

The PA mode allows the VXA-300 to be used as a Public Address System when an optional MH-44B4B Microphone or other Headset/Microphone is connected. Press and hold in the [USER] key for 2 seconds to activate the PA mode. Speak through the microphone while pressing and hold in the PTT switch on the microphone or headset/microphone. The Course Deviation Needle will defect in accordance with the voice level. Rotate the VOLUME knob to control the audio output level. To exit the PA mode, press and hold in the [USER] key again. The VXA-300 provides for customization of the voice monitor feature via the Menu while using a Headset. To select the monitor configuration: Press the [F] key, then press the VOLUME knob to activate the Menu (SET) mode.
Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select Menu Item 25 PAMO PAMO. PAMO Press the VOLUME knob to enable adjustment of this Menu item. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired monitor mode. oFF: oFF Disables the monitor function at all times. PA: PA Feeds back your voice to the headset while youre pressing the PTT switch. ALL: ALL Feeds back your voice to the headset while youre pressing the PTT switch. When the PTT switch is off, you may monitor the sound around the transceiver (the monitor will pick up the background sound using the VXA-300s internal microphone). When you have made your selection, press the VOLUME knob to save the new setting, and then press the PTT switch to exit to normal operation. Note: Do not activate the voice monitor feature while using with the optional MH-44B4B Microphone. The voice monitor feature will tend to produce howling due to feedback.

Timer Operation

The VXA-300 is provided a Stop Watch timer and a Count Down timer. These can be used for a variety of time-keeping purposes. Press the [F ] key momentarily, then press the [8 (TIMER)] key to activate the Timer Mode. If you select the Count Down timer, rotate the DIAL knob to set the values for the timer (1 minutes - 60 minutes). The Timer is designed to start/stop/reset repeatedly whenever you press the VOLUME knob. In the Count Down timer mode, an alert will sound and the timer will stop when the Count Down timer reaches 00 00. 00 To disable the Timer Mode, press [F] [8 (TIMER)] again.
)] key Press the [ ( toggle the Timer between the Stop Watch and Count Down timer modes.

Stop Watch mode

Count Down timer mode

MEMORY OPERATION

The VXA-300 provides 150 user-programmable Main memories, labeled CH-001 through CH-150 and CH-001 CH-150, CH-001 CH-150 up to 100 pre-programmed memories, designated Book Memories. The icon appears when the Book Memory Mode is activated. The Main memories and Book Memories can be assigned alpha-numeric names of up to eight characters.

Memory Storage

Select the desired frequency in the VFO mode, or recall the Book Memory channel or Weather channel to be stored in the Main Memory. Press and hold in the [MW (SPL-W)] key for 2 seconds. The display will indicate CH-XXX CH-XXX CH-XXX and a channel number will blink on the LCD. Within five seconds of pressing the [MW (SPL-W)] key, rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired memory channel number for storage. In order to prevent writing over memory channels, a small icon will appear at the right side of the channel number to indicate a vacant memory channel. Now press and hold in the [MW (SPL-W)] key for 2 seconds; you will now see blinking A on the LCD. A To attach an alpha/numeric name (label) to the memory, proceed to the next step; otherwise press and hold in the [MW (SPL-W)] for 2 seconds to save the entry and exit.

Memory System Operation

The VXA-300s Main Memory system allows the user to store, label, and recall channel frequencies which you may want to use frequently. You may store VFO frequencies, Book Memory frequencies, and/or Weather Channel frequencies (USA version only) into the Main Memory system.
To label a memory with an alpha/numeric name, the next step is to use the DIAL selector knob to select any of the 48 available characters (including letters, numbers, and special symbols). When the desired first character appears, press the VOLUME knob momentarily to move on to the next character. Select succeeding characters in the same manner, pressing the VOLUME knob momentarily after each selection. After entering the entire name (eight characters maximum), press the [MW (SPL-W)] key for 2 seconds to save all data for the channel and exit. Note: If you have transferred a Weather Channel directly to memory, the WX-001 ~ WX-010 labels utilize the alphanumeric memory, and other labels may not be stored. But if you go to the VFO mode, and dial up or key in the weather stations frequency manually, you may then store the frequency and a custom alpha-numeric label yourself.

Recalling the Memories

Press the VOLUME knob, repeatedly if necessary, until - MR - (Memory Recall) appears on the display. In the MR mode, you will see CH- and the CH- CHpreviously selected channel number appearing on the LCD. Rotate the DIAL selector knob to select the desired memory channel. You may change the title structure of the Memory display type among: 1. Channel Indication (sequential Channel Number, e.g. CH-001 CH-002 etc.); CH-001, CH-002, 2. Frequency Indication (e.g. 122.500 or 122.500); 3. Alphanumeric Label (e.g. LAX FSS FSS). To change the Memory display title, press the )] key repeatedly, if necessary, until you get [ ( the desired display title structure. To exit the Memory mode, press the DIAL selector knob three times to return to the VFO mode. Note: In either the MR or the Book Memory mode, an easy way to recall memories is to key in the memory channel number, then press the [SCAN (DW)] key. For [4] example, to recall memory channel #14, press [1] [SCAN (DW)].

SCANNING OPERATION

The VXA-300 allows you to scan automatically in the VFO 1, Main Memory, Book Memory, or Weather Channel 2 modes. It pauses on signals encountered, so you can talk to the station(s) on that frequency, if you like. 1: In the VFO mode, the automatic scanner is only available in the COM band (118.000 ~ 136.975 MHz); when the scanner reaches the uppermost frequency in the COM band, it will revert to the bottom end of the COM band and repeat the scanning process until you cancel the scanning process. 2: USA version only. If you wish to scan in the NAV band (108.000 ~ 117.975 MHz), you can do so manually, as described at the right. Scanning operation is basically the same in each of the above modes. Press and hold in the [SCAN (DW)] key for 2 seconds to start the automatic scanner upward (toward a higher frequency or a higher channel number). When the scanner encounters a signal, scanning pauses and the radio remains on that channel until one second after the signal disappears, after which scanning will resume. While the scanner remains paused on a frequency, the decimal point of the frequency display blinks. The display will be illuminated unless the Scan Lamp Feature is turned off. To change the scan direction, turn the DIAL selector knob one click in the opposite direction. To stop the automatic scanner, press the PTT switch or the VOLUME knob momentarily. You may also just press the [SCAN (DW)] key. The VXA-300s automatic scanner is not operational in the NAV band (108.000 ~ 117.975 MHz), because the NAV stations (ILS, etc.) transmit constantly (thereby causing the scanner to stop repeatedly). However, you can scan manually in the NAV band, per the following procedure: Press and hold the [SCAN (DW)] key to start the manual scanner. Scanning will continue as long as the key is depressed. Release the [SCAN (DW)] key to stop the manual scanner immediately.

( 2 seconds )

Flying to a VOR Station
The VXA-300 can indicate the deviation from the direct course to a VOR station. Select a VOR station on your aeronautical chart and turn the DIAL selector knob (or enter the frequency directly with the keypad) to the frequency of the VOR station. To indicate the deviation between your current flight path and the desired course, press the [F] key momentarily, then press the [4 (CDI)] key to change to the CDI (Course Deviation Indicator) mode. The COURSE DEVIATION ARROW will appear above the frequency field on the display when your aircraft is off the direct course to the VOR station. When your aircraft is off course to the right, the Course Deviation Arrow display will show bars to the left side of the diamond ( ). When your aircraft is off course to the left, the Course Deviation Arrow display will show bars to the right side of the diamond ( ). Correct your course until no bars appear on either side of the CDI Diamond (only ) will be visible when the heading is correct). To return to the DVOR mode, press the [F] key momentarily, then press the [1 (DVOR)] key.
The Aircraft is ON COURSE
OFF COURSE to the right 6 degrees
OFF COURSE to the left 6 degrees

VOR ( TAC) Los Angeles

LAX - 113.600MHz

310 300

350 10

Magnetic North

De Air

s ir e

e urs ng

VOR Station

120 130

He raft

160 150
The Aircraft is OFF COURSE

270 260

din H ea e ) raft s Airc ff cour se o (6 n cour w Flo

210 200

u ld s ho aft 0 ir c r in g 5 A d hea
Entering a Desired Course
The VXA-300 can also be configured to indicate the deviation from the desired course, not only the deviation from the path to the VOR station. Set the frequency to the desired VOR station. Change the or flag to , if it is not in that mode already. Press [F] [4 (CDI)] key to change to the CDI mode. Set the desired course to the VOR station using the DIAL selector knob or keypad (three digits are required; e.g. for 47, press [0] [4] [7]). Note 1: The ( ) or ( ) indication will appear on the display when your aircraft is off the desired course. Note 2: When your heading is correct, the ABCS function may be more useful than the course input option The Course Deviation Arrow points to the right when your aircraft is off course to the left, and it points to the left when your aircraft is off course to the right. Note 1: To get back on course, fly right more than the number of degrees indicated by the Course Deviation Arrow. Note 2: If the overflow indicator appears on the right side, select a heading plus 10 degrees to the desired course; if the overflow indicator appears on the left side, select a heading minus 10 degrees.

Available Values

0~8 5S / CAR on / oFF on / DTM / oFF 1:1 ~ 1:5 / oFF / ABS KEY / oFF / CNT on / oFF 05 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 25 / 30 DW / PRI MD1 / MD2 / MD3 / oFF on / oFF on / oFF 127 ~ +127 F / C 1 / 3 / 5 / oFF LV1 ~ LV4 no / ANL / PA / PIT no / ANL / PA / PIT BP / LED / B+L / oFF on / oFF 05 / 10 / 15 / 20 1~8 0~7 oFF / PA / ALL + / / oFF + / / oFF + / / oFF K / KD / P / PD / PK / PKD / D 25 kHz / 8 kHz (8.33 kHz) oFF / MD1 / MD2 / MD3 / USR

Default

6 5S on on 1:1 KEY oFF 20 DW MD1 oFF on 000 F oFF LV3 ANL PA oFF oFF 6 oFF + oFF K 25 kHz MD1

01 [SQL]

Function: Squelch Level Setting. Available Values: 0 ~ 8 Default Setting: 6 Select a setting for this Menu item which just silences the receiver when no signal is present. Use the lowest setting which will keep the receiver quiet between incoming transmissions.

03 [RESM]

Function: Scan-Resume Mode Setting. Available Values: 5S/CAR Default Setting: 5S 5S (5-Second Pause) mode: the scanner will halt for five seconds only, after which scanning will resume (whether or not the other station is still transmitting). CAR (Carrier Drop) mode: the scanner will remain halted for as long as there is a carrier present on the channel; after the carrier drops at the end of the other stations transmission, the scanning will resume.

02 [MCLR]

Function: Memory Channel Clear (MR memory only). To clear a Memory channel: Select the Menu Item MCLR MCLR. Press the VOLUME knob, then rotate the DIAL selector knob to recall the memory channel to be erased. Press the VOLUME knob to clear the Memory channel (the Memory channel number will return to 001 001). 001 Important Notice: An erased channel cannot be restored, and CH-001 cannot be erased, as it is used for Priority CH-001 CH-001 Channel operation.

04 [SCNL]

Function: Scan Lamp On/Off (while paused). Available Values: on/oFF Default Setting: on If you set this function to on, the lamp will be illuminated whenever the scanner pauses. The lamp will go off automatically when scanning resumes.

05 [BEEP]

Function: Keypad Beeper On/Off. Available Values: on/DTM/oFF Default Setting: on on: Sounds a beep corresponding to a musical note. DTM: Sounds a beep corresponding to a DTMF tone. off: Disables the key beeper. If you do a lot of scanning, you may wish to set this Menu item to oFF, as the Beeper will be heard each time the scanner pauses.

07 [LAMP]

Function: Display and Keypad Illumination Mode. Available Values: KEY/oFF/CNT Default Setting: KEY KEY mode: The illumination lamp will be activated for 5 seconds when any front panel key or the VOLUME knob is pressed, or if the DIAL knob is rotated. oFF mode: Disables the illumination lamp. CNT mode: Illuminates the Display/Keypad continuously.

06 [RSAV]

Function: Selects the Receive-mode Battery Saver sleep ratio. Available Values: 1:1 ~ 1:5/oFF/ABS Default Setting: 1:1 The setting of 1:5 will promote the greatest conservation of battery capacity, but the receivers response time to incoming calls will be slowed somewhat. ABS: Automatic Battery Saver, based on activity on the receiver. Note: This feature does not operate during Scan or Dual Watch.

08 [SFT]

Function: CPU Clock Shift. Available Values: on/oFF Default Setting: oFF This function is only used to move a spurious response birdie should it fall on a desired frequency. Consult your Vertex Standard dealer for details regarding this function.

09 [PRTM]

Function: Selects the Priority Checking Time. Available Values: 05/10/15/20/25/30 (0.5/1/1.5/2/2.5/3 sec.) Default Setting: 20 (2 seconds) This Menu item allows you to define how often the Priority Channel will be checked for activity. Note: The Dual Watch Polling time is 500 mS (fixed).

10 [DWMD]

Function: Selects the Dual Watch/Priority Function. Available Values: DW/PRI Default Setting: DW DW mode: The VXA-300 will activate the Dual Watch feature when you press [F] [SCAN (DW)]. PRI mode: The VXA-300 will activate the Priority feature when you press [F] [SCAN (DW)].

12 [IMIC]

Function: Internal Microphone On/Off. Available Values: on/oFF Default Setting: oFF This controls the status of the radios internal microphone when an external microphone (such as the MH-44B4B Speaker Microphone or an aviation headset connected via the CT-96 Headset Cable) is in use. In most applications, set 12 [IMIC] to oFF for proper operation (this disables the internal microphone). The internal microphone will still function normally when the external microphone is disconnected.

11 [POBP]

Function: Select the Power on Beep. Available Values: MD1/MD2/MD3/oFF Default Setting: MD1 Note: You will hear the different selections as you rotate the DIAL selector knob.

13 [EMRG]

Function: Emergency channel On/Off. Available Values: on/oFF Default Setting: on This controls the operation of the Emergency [121.5] key. When set to oFF, this key will not function. You can still use the frequency 121.5 MHz either by entering it on the keypad in the VFO mode, or by recalling it on a previously-stored memory channel.

14 [TEMP]

Function: Correcting the thermometer setting. Available Values: 127 ~ +127 (x0.1 C) Default Setting: 000 (C) This allows you to calibrate the internal thermometer with a known-to be-accurate source.

18 [KEY1]

Function: Programming the primary (momentary press mode) [USER] key assignment. Available Values: no/ANL/PA/PIT Default Setting: ANL (Automatic Noise Limiter) See page 41 for details.

15 [UNIT]

Function: Selects the measurement units for the temperature sensor. Available Values: F/C Default Setting: F

31 [PIT]

Function: Selects the tone pitch circuit of the audio amplifier in the receiver. Available Values: oFF/MD1/MD2/MD3/USR Default Values: MD1 oFF: The received audio signal does not pass through the tone pitch circuit. MD1: The received audio is passed without roll-off on the high or low ends. MD2: The received audio is enhanced in the low- and midrange frequencies. MD3: The received audio is enhanced in the mid- and high-range frequencies. USR: The received audio is shaped per a user-configured audio response programmed via Menu Items 26 UP_L, 27 UP_M, and 28 UP_H. The default setting enhances the audio in the lower frequency range, and reduces the level of the higherfrequency components.

28 [UP_H]

Function: Sets the high-frequency audio response for the user-customized receiver audio tone pitch control. Available Values: +//oFF Default Setting:

29 [LOCK]

Function: Selects the control locking lockout combination. Available Values: K/KD/P/PD/PK/PKD/D Default Setting: K K: Keypad (includes pressing the VOLUME knob function) D: DIAL selector knob P: PTT switch (Other selections are combinations of these lock-out choices)
ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS

Supplied Accessories

Ni-MH Battery Pack (7.2V, 1400mAh) Overnight Charger Charger Cradle Helical Antenna Quick Draw Belt Clip Headset Cable Operating Manual Warranty Card FNB-83 NC-88B/C CD-28 ATV-10 CLIP-14 CT-96

Available Options

MH-44B4B Speaker Microphone FBA-25A Alkaline Battery Case E-DC-5B DC Cable w/Noise Filter E-DC-6 DC Cable; plug and wire only CN-3 Antenna Adapter (SMA to BNC) VAC-370 Desktop Rapid Charger PC Programming Kit Availability of accessories may vary. Some accessories are supplied as standard per local requirements, while others may be unavailable in some regions. Consult your Vertex Standard Dealer for details regarding these and any newlyavailable options. Connection of any non-Vertex Standard-approved accessory, should it cause damage, may void the Limited Warranty on this apparatus.
B suffix is for use with 120 VAC or C suffix is for use with 230-240 VAC.

External Antenna

Headset (not supplied)
CN-3 Antenna Adapter (Option)

CT-96 Headset Cable

E-DC-5B DC Cable w/Noise Filter (Option)
PTT Switch (not supplied) An external PTT switch is required for use with an aviation headset.

SPECIFICATIONS

General
Frequency Range: 118.000 - 136.975 MHz 108.000 - 136.975 MHz, Weather Channels (WX-01 - WX-10: USA version only) Channel Spacing: 25 kHz/8.33 kHz (8.33 kHz: RX only) Emission Type: TX: AM RX: AM & FM (FM: for receiving the Weather Channels, USA version only) Supply Voltage: 6.0 - 15.0 VDC Current Consumption (approx.): 20 A (power off), 20 mA (battery saver on, saver ratio 1:5) 60 mA (squelch on), 270 mA (receive), 0.9 A (transmit 1.5 W Carrier) Temperature Range: +14 F to + 140 F (10 C to +60 C) Case Size (WxHxD): 2.4 x 4.7 x 1.2 inches (60 x 120 x 32 mm) with FNB-83 Weight (approx.): 13.7 oz (390 grams) with FNB-83 and antenna TX: RX: