The only time it will not be used is if you read from a radio then send that data to a radio without saving the file. In this scenario, the current settings of the radio will be sent back with the memory channel data. It is presumed in this scenario that you might be making changes to a radio other than your own. By sending the global settings back to the radio just as they were read, you dont encounter unexpected changes in the radios performance. Once the file is saved, the global settings of the current settings file (or defaults if there is no settings file) will be sent to the radio the next time that file is used for programming.
Creating and using multiple Global settings files
There may be global settings of the radio that you want configured differently for different activities. You can make changes to your settings file and save it separately.
To select a settings file for use: Select Settings | Radio Menu Settings from the main page of the programmer. From the Radio Menu Settings screen, select File | Open. A list of settings files will be presented. Select the file you want to use and click Open. Verify that this is the settings file that you want to use. Check also that the proper filename appears in the titlebar at the top of the Menu Settings window. Select File | Exit to close this screen. These settings will be sent to the radio with each memory channel file until you change this file selection again. Having multiple memory channel files and multiple global setting files gives you the ability to mix and match the features of your radio to suit your needs. This makes it easy to customize the radio for a special event without disturbing the original programming files. Then once the event is over, simply reprogram the radio with the memory channel information and settings that you use everyday. Alternate Global Settings file option New to the Version 3 programmers is the option of saving the global settings with the memory channel information. This new feature is not the default for the programmer; but
may be valuable under certain programming circumstances. To contrast and compare the two Radio Menu Setting options: Use Separate file for menu settings (default) This is the default for the programmer. This option is based on a "Set and Forget" plan. Once the global settings are configured to your liking and saved, you do not have to repeat this process. This configuration does not change with a new memory channel file. The last settings file saved is the one that will be used when a memory file is sent to the radio. You can save several different settings files (i.e., one for your radio and a different one for your sons radio). Then easily match the settings to the radio being programmed without having to make changes in the file repeatedly. Keep menu settings and frequencies in a single file. (option) This option is set on the Settings | Preferences screen. With this option selected, the Radio Menu Settings as assigned on the Settings | Radio Menu Settings screen are assigned ONLY in this file. With each new file created the Radio Menu Settings return to factory defaults. You have the ability to customize the global settings just as you customize the memory channel file. This would be useful if you are programming each radio uniquely. No guesswork about what the configuration of the global settings. Once they are set, they stay set in this file until you make a change to them.

Limit Memories

This feature allows you to set sub-band limits for either scanning or manual VFO operation. 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. Then when you scan using this limit pair, you will begin scanning at 144.300 and continue to scan up to 148.000 before returning to 144.300 to begin the cycle again. The Limit Memory channels are entered on the Limit Memories page accessed through the tab of the same name at the bottom of the screen. The same information as that entered for any memory channel is entered for these. See the Programmer Main Window section for the details about the information to be entered. In the Limit Memory channels, Step becomes much more important since you plan to begin scanning from one of these channels. Remember that scanning will increment the frequency by the value in the Step field. Choose your value to be sure you do not miss channels in your
range. See page 68 in the Users' Manual of the radio for details on accessing this scanning method from the face of the radio. Some options for scanning can be set from the programmer. These are global items that are accessed from Settings | Radio Menu Settings from the menu at the top of the screen. Once on the Settings screen, scanning functions are found on the first screen that opens, the Common screen.

Marine and SW

The radio comes preprogrammed with many frequencies in the Marine and Shortwave portions of the band. These channels can be included in the Banks of the radio. When operating in Bank mode, these channels will be available along with the regular memory channels in a selected bank. A channel can be put into none, one, any combination of, or all of the memory banks. Note: There is no need to put all channels in all banks. All channels are available when you are not operating in Bank mode. The SW and Marine frequencies are available when operating in Broadcast or Marine bands.

Regular Memory Channels

The Main window of the Programmer is designed for memory channel entry. All details associated with the memory channels are programmed from this screen. These are not all the functions of the radio. Other features are set once for the radio to use no matter which memory channel you're on. These items are set on the Settings screen accessed through Settings | Radio Menu Settings from the menu at the top of the screen. In the VX-8, there are LOTS of other options to be set. Columns continue off the right side of the window. Use the bar at the bottom of the screen to move to these columns or press ENTER to step through each column. Columns can be hidden using the selections of the Preferences screen.

Although an Offset Frequency is displayed for every memory channel, it is not used by the radio if the Offset direction is set to Simplex. Yaesu radios can use an Offset Frequency of any value in 50 kHz steps (i. e., any value ending in.x00 or.x50 where x is any digit from 0 to 9) with a Plus or Minus Offset Direction. This gives you the ability to use the Reverse function of the radio although your frequency pair is not separated by a standard offset value. Any offset frequency value is ignored by the radio if the offset direction is set to Simplex or Split. Using a Non-Standard Offset Frequency Value A non-standard Offset Frequency value is entered by typing that value into the Offset Frequency field after the Receive Frequency has been entered for that channel. Then select Plus or Minus in the Offset Direction column and watch the Programmer calculate the Transmit Frequency. Values would be entered as an exact number including the decimal to denote kHz. Given the pair 146.650 and 147.300 The Offset Frequency entered would be.650 (decimal six five zero) Without the decimal, an error is raised in the Programmer that a valid Offset Frequency should be entered. The Offset Direction would be set to Plus As another example The pair 147.255 and 145.940 could not be entered with an Offset Frequency and an Offset Direction. The resulting offset for this pair us 1.315 MHz, which is not on a 50 kHz step (does not divide evenly by 50). This pair requires entry of both the Receive and Transmit frequency with the Offset Direction set to Split. In this case, any value that appears in the Offset Frequency column will be ignored by the radio when it uses this memory channel.
Offset Direction: This function denotes how the receive and transmit frequency differ.
Simplex-transmit and receive frequencies are the same; Minus-the offset is subtracted from the receive frequency; Plus-the offset frequency is added to the receive frequency; Split-for a non-standard offset. The user enters both the receive and transmit frequencies. Operating Mode: Assign FM, AM or WFM as appropriate for the frequency. Name: Enter an Alpha/Numeric tag (up to 16 characters) to a memory channel to provide an easy reminder of the function of a particular channel. The Name is displayed automatically on the radio beneath the operating frequency. The name will not be displayed if the radio is operated in Dual Receive mode. Tone Mode: Use of the tone systems of the radio allows for silent monitoring until a call is received with a corresponding tone. Tone mode also allows access to repeaters that are made private with a PL tone. The radio offers CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) or DCS (Digital Coded Squelch) to be tailored to your particular needs. Use of either of the tone systems requires two steps: 1) Turning on the Tone Mode and 2) Selecting the CTCSS tone or DCS code from the values in the appropriate column. Turning on the Tone Mode: None - No tone system activated. Even if the CTCSS Tone or DCS Code column is set to the appropriate value, transmissions will not get through unless this column is set to an appropriate function. Tone- CTCSS tone generator is activated for transmission only (this mode is used for many if not most repeater operations). When this option is selected, the CTCSS column becomes available. Select the tone frequency from those in the list. The value must be in the list. With Tone selected as the Tone Mode, the value that appears in the DCS code column is ignored by the radio. TSql - CTCSS tone squelch is activated for both transmission and reception (only signals "encoded" with the matching tone will open the squelch. Your

other modes; 5 kHz - not available in 250 - 300 MHz range or above 580 MHz. Mask: A masked channel is not available for use either during scanning or when the radio is tuned manually in memory mode. Masking a channel "hides" it until you "unmask" it from the face of the radio or by sending a file with this option unchecked. Only then will it be available for use. This is a good way to prevent another user from accidentally accessing a channel or to store memories for another area that are used only when you visit that place. Attenuator: Check to enable the front end attenuator that will reduce received signals and noise in an attempt to make reception better in a noisy setting. With this option On, weaker signals may not be heard. The options are On (checked) and Off (unchecked). The default is Off. This is normally a global option in Yaesu radios. This is the first of the radios that allows you to control attenuation for each memory channel giving you more control for operations on each channel. S-Meter Squelch - Adjust the RF Squelch threshold level. As the squelch level increases, weaker signals are not heard and incoming noise is eliminated when listening on the channel. If after you program the radio with this file it receives continuously or does not receive an expected signal, increase or reduce the squelch for the channel. Bell: During CTCSS Decode (TSql), DCS, Message, or Enhanced Paging Code Squelch (Pager) operation, you may set up the radio so a ringing "bell" sound (or user programmed beep) alerts you to an incoming call. Select from Off (no ring) On (preprogrammed sound), or one of three User defined ringers. Using this feature requires several things: 1) You are using CTCSS Decode (T Sql), DCS, Message, or Enhanced Paging & Code Squelch (Pager) set up for this channel. CTCSS Decode (T Sql) and DCS are set up from the main page of the programmer by turning on the Tone Mode and setting the CTCSS frequency or DCS code. Enhanced Paging & Coded Squelch (Pager) requires more setup. See the Pager section of this help for more details. Message required more setup. See the Message section of this help for details.
2) You select a Bell option from those listed on the main page of the programmer. 3) You set the action of the bell (number of rings or Continuous) from the Sounds page of the Menu Settings screen accessed from the Settings | Global Radio Settings item in the menu at the top of the main screen. A fourth step is required if you are using a customized sound for the bell. The User defined ringers are set up on the Sounds tab of the Menu Settings section of the programmer accessed from the main screen with Settings | Global Radio Settings. Half Dev(iation): Check the box to engage Narrow (+ 2.5 kHz) Deviation as compared to + 5 kHz normally or when this option is off. This change helps prevent interference with other stations in a crowded environment. Note: The receiver's IF filter bandwidth is not changed via this setting. This setting will not enable the radio to perform on new commercial channels that are on 2.5kHz steps. Those frequencies are reserved for commercial use and are not available to amateur equipment. Clock Shift: Shifts the internal reference frequency slightly to eliminate "birdies" that interfere on other channels. Bank: Check the box to assign a memory channel to a given Bank. More details about using banks can be found in the Using Memory Banks section of this help. A memory channel can be assigned to all Banks by checking all of the columns or it can be omitted completely by not checking a box at all. When the radio is operated in Memory Bank Mode only those channels assigned to the selected Bank will be available for use and scanning. There is no need to put all the memories in all the memory banks. All the memories are available when you are not operating in a selected memory bank. Note: If you are assigning channels to banks after you have entered all of them, use Bank Settings (Settings | Bank Settings or Ctrl B) in the programmer to make access to these columns easier by hiding several of the columns that are not needed for this operation. To return all the columns to the screen, select Settings | Bank Settings again.

Spec(trum) Analyzer - Sets the sweep mode for the spectrum analyzer function. The Spectrum Analyzer presents a visual representation of activity above and below the current operating frequency. 1 Time - The sweep covers the band once. Continuous - The transceiver sweeps the current band repeatedly. Full Time - The transceiver sweeps the current band repeatedly with audio remaining on the current operating frequency. Split Tone - Enables or disables split CTCSS/DCS tones. When one of the split tone indicators is set and saved for a memory channel, this selection is set automatically. The default is Off. Time out Timer - Set the maximum time of continuous transmission after which the radio is forced back into receive mode. Available values are 1 to 30 minutes and Off. The default is 6 minutes. Timers - Set details to control the radio's ability to turn itself on and off at preset times. Check to enable and set the desired time.
Note: This function will not work unless the radio's clock is set. This function is done from the face of the radio not from the programmer. See page 120 of the Users Manual for details on setting the clock. Tone Search Mute- Enable/disable the radio's audio output while Tone Search scanning is activated. TxSave - Enables or disables the Transmitter Battery Saver function that automatically lowers the power output level based on the strength of the last signal received. The options are On (checked) and Off (unchecked). The default is Off. VFO - Set the VFO band edge condition for manual tuning. All - When the VFO frequency reaches the high end of the current band, scanning continues with the low end of the next band. Band - When the VFO frequency reaches the hight end of the current band, scanning continues at the low end of the same band. Volume Key Mode - Change how the Vol key responds when pressed. This change determines whether you continue to hold the Vol key while turning the Knob to adjust the volume or whether the Vol key holds automatically for 3 seconds during which time adjustments can be made using the Knob. Options are Normal - Volume adjustment via the knob is possible while the Vol key is being held. 3 Seconds - Volume adjustment via the knob is possible for 3 seconds after the Vol key has been pressed and released: the Vol key does not have to be held during that adjustment. Vox - Enable and set Vox sensitivity. Vox is the ability to transmit through the radio without pressing the PTT. The radio becomes voice activated. While this feature is good in some situations, remember, you are not the only thing it will hear and transmit. In a noisy setting, you radio could transmit continually making communications impossible for others on that frequency. Vox Delay - Set the Vox delay or hang time. This is the transmit-receive delay at the end of a signal through the Vox system (i.e., it's how long the radio will continue to "hear" you after you stop talking.)

CW Learning/Training

The radio is equipped with a feature to help you learn Morse Code (CW). The tones heard during Learning and Training are not transmitted over the air. Several options control this function. Form - Set to Characters per minute (CPM) or Words per minute (WPM). Strobe LED - Check to enable flashing of the LED (white) for a visual representation of the CW being sent. CW Pitch - Set from 400 - 1000 MHz to suit your ability to hear the tone. Learning Mode - Choose the characters to be studied
Alpha - Sends the same alpha character repeatedly Alpha Auto - Sends an alpha character then moves to the next character automatically. Number - Sends the same number repeatedly. Number Auto - Sends the number then moves to the next number automatically. Symbol - Sends the same symbol repeatedly. Symbol Auto - Sends the symbol then moves to the next symbol automatically. Learning Alpha - Assign the letter to be repeated or upon which to start the auto progression through the letters. Learning Number - Assign the number to be repeated or upon which to start the auto progression through the letters. Learning Symbol - Assign the symbol from the list to be repeated or upon which to start the auto progression through the letters. Learning Speed - Set the speed for the code. Learning Repeat - Set the number of repeats for Alpha, Number or Symbol mode. Training Speed - Set the speed for the code. Training Mode - Choose the characters and pattern to be used for training. Alpha 5 Chr - A group of five letters is sent once. Alpha Repeat - Groups of five letters are sent. The letters are in random order. The same group is not sent repeatedly. Number 5 Chr - A group of five numbers is sent once. Number Repeat - Groups of five numbers are sent repeatedly. The numbers are in random order. The same group is not sent repeatedly. Mix 5 Chr - A group of five alpha, number, "?" or "/" characters is sent once. Mix Repeat - Groups of five alpha, number, "?" or "/" characters are sent
repeatedly. Characters of the groups are in random order. The same group is not sent repeatedly.
EAI (Emergency Automatic Identification)
The Emergency Automatic Identification (EAI) feature is useful in situations where a person has become incapacitated. Voice transmissions are not possible. However, with this feature properly configured and engaged, the radio will respond automatically without having to press any buttons. Setup for EAI is detailed in the EAI - In Detail section of this help. There are several other details to be addressed along with the two listed here. Enable - Check to turn the EAI function on. Time - Set the interval of the emergency signal and the length of time it will be transmitted.

Options for ARTS operations are entered on the [ARTS, CW, EAI] tab of the Settings screen of the programmer.
The ARTS options include:
Transmissions during the ARTS function, whether or not accompanied by voice transmissions, require that you ID every 10 minutes to satisfy FCC identification requirements. Remember to enter your callsign into the CW ID field and check Enable to engage this part of the function.
ARTS Beep - The ARTS function can operate either silently or audibly. Silently, the display shows the IN RANGE or OUT RANGE condition of the transceivers. The beep alerts you to the location status of the radios. The available options include OFF for silent operations. IN RANGE for a beep only when the radios first confirm that you are within range. The radios then remain silent as long as you remain within range. ALWAYS for a beep to sound every time a polling transmission is received from the other station. ARTS Speed - Set the frequency for ARTS polling. Available options are 25 seconds for maximum battery conservation or 15 seconds for extra security. ARTS Switch - Disabled in the programmer, the ARTS functionality is to be turned on from the face of the radio after it is programmed. To engage or disable ARTS, press and hold the "atomic looking" key for one seconds.
Note: ARTS will not function if the PTT is locked. Also, most models cannot be programmed if ARTS mode is activated when the radio is turned off. If you cannot initiate Tx or Rx in Clone mode, turn the radio off then back on in normal mode checking that ARTS mode is not engaged.
The ARTS feature is described in detail in the Auto Range Transponder System section of this Help. Beep - The ARTS function can operate either silently or audibly. Silently, the display shows the IN RANGE or OUT RANGE condition of the transceivers. The beep alerts you to the location status of the radios. The available options include OFF - for silent operations. IN RANGE - for a beep only when the radios first confirm that you are within range. The radios then remain silent as long as you remain within range. ALWAYS - for a beep to sound every time a polling transmission is received from the other station. Enable - Check to activate ARTS functionality. The radio will operate in ARTS mode immediately after it is programmed with this file. Note: Remember, this is an option of the Settings file that programs the radio with every file of frequencies. You might prefer to turn this option on and off from the face of the radio thus gaining more control over this functionality. To engage ARTS from the face of the radio press the FW then the [4] key. To disengage ARTS, press the [4] key. Interval - Set the frequency for ARTS polling. Available options are 25 seconds for maximum battery conservation or 15 seconds for extra security. Note: ARTS will not function if the PTT is locked. Transmissions during the ARTS function, whether or not accompanied by voice transmissions, require that you ID every 10 minutes to satisfy FCC identification requirements. Remember to enter your callsign into the CW ID field and check Enable to engage this part of the function.

The radio is equipped with a feature to help you learn Morse Code (CW). The tones heard during Learning and Training are not transmitted over the air. Several options control this function. Form - Set to Characters per minute (CPM) or Words per minute (WPM). Strobe LED - Check to enable flashing of the LED (white) for a visual representation of the CW being sent. CW Pitch - Set from 400 - 1000 MHz to suit your ability to hear the tone. Learning Mode - Choose the characters to be studied Alpha - Sends the same alpha character repeatedly Alpha Auto - Sends an alpha character then moves to the next character automatically. Number - Sends the same number repeatedly. Number Auto - Sends the number then moves to the next number automatically. Symbol - Sends the same symbol repeatedly. Symbol Auto - Sends the symbol then moves to the next symbol automatically. Learning Alpha - Assign the letter to be repeated or upon which to start the auto progression through the letters. Learning Number - Assign the number to be repeated or upon which to start the auto progression through the letters. Learning Symbol - Assign the symbol from the list to be repeated or upon which
to start the auto progression through the letters. Learning Speed - Set the speed for the code. Learning Repeat - Set the number of repeats for Alpha, Number or Symbol mode. Training Speed - Set the speed for the code. Training Mode - Choose the characters and pattern to be used for training. Alpha 5 Chr - A group of five letters is sent once. Alpha Repeat - Groups of five letters are sent. The letters are in random order. The same group is not sent repeatedly. Number 5 Chr - A group of five numbers is sent once. Number Repeat - Groups of five numbers are sent repeatedly. The numbers are in random order. The same group is not sent repeatedly. Mix 5 Chr - A group of five alpha, number, "?" or "/" characters is sent once. Mix Repeat - Groups of five alpha, number, "?" or "/" characters are sent repeatedly. Characters of the groups are in random order. The same group is not sent repeatedly.
The radio has an Emergency feature that must be activated from the face of the radio (i.e., used by someone who is not incapacitated). This feature would be helpful for finding someone lost but not incapacitated or for alerting others traveling with you of a danger in your vicinity. The Emergency feature is activated by pressing and holding in the [Hm/Rev)] key for one second. In the Emergency mode, the performance of the radio is designed to: The radio changes to operate on the UHF amateur band Home channel; The radio emits a loud "Alarm" sound (the volume is controlled via the VOL function of the radio); The Busy/Tx indicator flashes a white light; The emergency feature can be disabled temporarily when the PTT is pressed allowing for transmission on the UHF Home channel frequency; and The emergency feature automatically begins again 2 seconds after the transmission has ended. From the Emergency section set the option for the Emergency Signal to be used. BEEP: Loud "Alarm" sounds. Strobe: The Busy/Tx indicator flashes in bright white. Beep+Strobe: Loud alarm sounds and Busy/Tx indicator flashes. Beam: The Busy/Tx indicator glows continuously in white. Beep + Beam: Loud alarm sounds and Busy/Tx indicator glows continuously. CW: The Busy/Tx indicator flashes according to the programmed emergency message (Morse code) at a rate of five words per minute. Enter the message in the Text field on the Emergency section. Beep + CW: Sends the emergency message in Morse code via the speaker and Busy/Tx indicator at five words per minute.

Radio Menu Settings - Sounds
Band Edge Beep - Enables or disables the audible tone that sounds when the radio reaches a band edge during tuning or scanning. Beep Level - The volume of the beep is controlled by the audio volume level. The volume of the beep can be adjusted relative to the volume by setting the level in this option. Beep Mode - Select which action will cause the radio to emit an audible tone. Off - No sound is heard Key and Scan - A beep is heard when a key is pressed or when scanning halts on a signal. Key - A beep is heard when a key is pressed. CTCSS/DCS Bell - Tone squelch operations has to option of sounding a bell when a call is received. This field sets the number of rings for the bell. FM Speaker Output - Control audio output for FM Broadcast. Auto - The FM Broadcast audio output is directed automatically to the internal speaker or the earphone depending on connection of the earphone antenna. Speaker - The FM Broadcast audio output is heard through the internal speaker and the earphone. FM Broadcast - Enable/disable the stereo output while listening to FM broadcast. Set to stereo to enable or mono to disable. This is separate from the control for Bluetooth operations. User Beep Melody - Select the note and duration of that note for your own personal melody that sounds when a call is received during CTCSS operations.
User Beep Selection Select the User Beep to be used. Enter the melody for the User Beep in the User Beep Melody section on this screen. Volume and Squelch - The radio has independent adjustments for A-Band, B-Band and Radio Band (AM/FM broadcast reception) operations. These include Speaker Volume - Set the volume for sound from the speaker of the radio. Earphone Volume - Set the volume for the sound through an earphone connected to the radio. Setting or checking this option on the radio is possible only if an earphone is attached. Squelch - Control squelch levels that are appropriate for each of these bands of the radio.
Radio Menu Settings - DTMF / Internet
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. Auto Dialer - Enable or disable the DTMF Autodialer feature to allow transmission of DTMF tones for autopatch or Internet-link access. Channel - Select the one of the 9 DTMF memory channels to use. DTMF Speed - Set the speed at which the DTMF tones are transmitted. Some repeaters require alteration to this speed to hear all the tones correctly. DTMF Delay - Set the amount of time that passes between when the PTT is pressed and the first tone is heard. DTMF (Memories) - Enter up to 16 characters into each of the 9 memories for DTMF tones. Acceptable entries are 0-9, A-D, *(E), #(F) and - (pause)

This site, www.vxstd.com/en/wiresinfo-en/ , contains information regarding the WIRESTM Internet linking system from Vertex Standard. We welcome you to the World of WIRESTM. The site has lots of details for this feature including repeater frequencies, tones and access IDs. Find the latest details there. The radio 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) network. The VX-8 can operate on the SRG (Sister Radio Group) or FRG (Friendly Radio Group) mode.
Note: 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 the Internet access feature from the face of the radio by quickly pressing the button. The icon that indicates use of this feature will disappear from the screen once the feature is disabled.
Radio Menu Settings - VFO and Menu Skip
My Bands (VFO skip bands)
The My Bands feature lets you select bands to be omitted when selecting VFOs with the Band key. In the programmer, an unchecked selection is included on the radio. To omit a band, check the box next to that selection. Both AM and FM cannot checked. Similarly, all of the ham bands cannot be omitted.

Menu Item Skip

This process is completed in two steps. Select the menu items that will not appear when you access the Set Item menu in the radio. Check Extended Menu On to hide these items on the radio. If items are selected and the Extended Menu On item is not, the selected items will appear with an asterick beside each. Once the Extended Menu item is set to On
(either in the radio or from the programmer), these menu items will be hidden. Note: You should know how to engage and disengage each of these functions from the face of the radio. In the field, away from your computer, you may need tp access a band or an item that is hidden.
Radio Menu Settings - APRS / GPS
The Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) was designed to support rapid, reliable exchange of information for local, tactical real-time information, events or nets. The concept, which dates back to the mid 1980's, is that all relevant information is transmitted immediately to everyone in the net and every station captures that information for consistent and standard display to all participants. The primary objective is consistent exchange of information between everyone. For more information on this system, search the web for APRS. The search will return many articles with a plethora of information including several from the ARRL site. The VX-8 displays your position (Longitude/Latitude) when the optional FGPS-2 GPS Antenna Unit is attached to the radio. The radio is also equipped with a data modem to enable APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) transmissions. The Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) is a software program and egistered trademark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR. Many of the APRS and GPS details can be preset in the programmer. Some must be handled in the field as an operational part of the radio. These are not included in the programmer. To program those APRS and GPS details that are available in the programmer, select Settings | Radio menu settings from the menu at the top of the screen. This can be accessed while you are on any of the spreadsheets of the program. Once the Settings screen opens, select the APRS / GPS tab.

Press Ctrl V to paste the selecting into the fields.
Simple Mode: Hides several of the columns for each memory channel. Those remaining are the ones that are most needed for any memory channel. Those remaining include: Receive Frequency - A channel cannot be programmed without a receive frequency. This is the frequency you listen to. Transmit Frequency - The programmer will complete this automatically. The column is included in case you need to enter the value other than the default for the receive frequency based on the band plan (i.e., an odd split pair). Offset Direction - Again, the programmer will complete this automatically based on the band plan for the receive frequency. However, an occasional repeater will differ from the band plan. Including this column gives you the ability to address that difference. Name - This column is for personalized information to identify the channel. Tone Mode - The repeater operator controls this detail for the repeater. There is nothing standard that can be completed automatically. You need to select the Tone Mode then assign the CTCSS frequency or DCS code as needed for a particular repeater. Skip - Use at your discretion to include or exclude a frequency during memory channel scanning. Comment - Personalized notes up to 80 characters. This information remains a part of the file and is not transferred to the radio.
While in Simple Mode, you cannot access the Preferences screen (Settings | Preferences). The columns that are hidden in Simple mode are predetermined by the programmer. All columns are visible on the screen when you are no longer in Simple Mode. If you want to hide other columns, you can do that through individual selection on the Settings | Preferences page.
Find (Ctrl+F) - Finds specific text in a specified column. Once you select this command or press Ctrl+F a screen opens into which you enter the text (or number) to be found.
Select the field to be searched (i.e., Receive frequency, Transmit frequency, etc.) Enter the text (or numbers) to be found. Click OK to move to the first item found. The search always begins at the top of the list and stops at the end. Find Next (F3) - Use the F3 function key to repeat the specified find and move to the next item. For example: You choose to search for 145 in the Receive Frequency column in a file with 5 channels beginning with 145. OK in the Find box takes you to the first one. F3 takes you to the second; then the third; then the fourth: and so on until you have stopped at each of those that match the criteria. Goto Channel (Ctrl+G) - Moves to the indicated channel number. When this option is selected a screen opens into which you enter the channel number. Enter the number and click OK to move to that memory channel (programmed

or not).

Insert Channel (Shift+Ins) - Inserts a blank row without deleting information present. The current information and all that follows is "pushed-down" to make room. The number of rows inserted will equal the number of rows selected. This is a great way to slip channel information into a list of channels. Note: Insertion of rows can result in the loss of data from the bottom of the list. You will be warned if there is danger of data loss and given the opportunity to cancel the process to prevent this loss. Delete Channel (Shift+Del) - Removes the selected row. All the data following the deleted row is "pulled-up" to eliminate the blank row. Beware!! Deleted data cannot be recovered. Neither the Insert nor the Paste commands write the data to the grid. If you accidentally delete data, exit the Programmer WITHOUT saving. The file will be restored to its condition when you last saved and the last deleted data will be restored. Multiple channels can be deleted by selecting them all at once and selecting delete. Clear Channel - Removes the data from the selected channel without moving all those that follow up to fill this space. Leaves the channel blank. Move Up (Ctrl+U) - The ability to select a channel and have it "change places" with the channel immediately preceding it. Repeat this command on a selected channel to "walk" it into place in your list. Sequential channels can be selected and moved at once. The group will move up one channel at a time. The displaced memory channel will move to the end of the group being moved. Move Down (Ctrl+D) - The ability to select a channel and have it "change places" with the channel immediately following it. Repeat this command on a selected channel to "walk" it into place in your list. Sequential channels can be selected and moved at once. The group will move down one channel at a time. The displaced memory channel will move to the top of the group being moved.

View the results

The resulting file now contains only those selected pieces of information from the Travel Plus list along with all the original information of that file.
Save the programmer file to make this change permanent. Press Ctrl S Select File then Save from the menu that opens With either process it will appear that nothing happens; however, Windows has made the change to the radio file permanent.
Advanced Data Handling Features
The RT Systems programmers include import functionality that works with data in a "flat" (comma, tab or space delimited) file. This file will have not formatting codes as those found in a commercial spreadsheet or word processing document. There are lots of details to be considered and addressed with the data in the "flat" file. This process is very much "garbage in = garbage out". This help contains details about how to create a file that can be imported successfully. Review topics such as: Creating a file for import - The details of what should be in your file and how it should be formatted. Import - A more in depth description of the process. Import - Step 1 of 4 - Step by step details with screen shots and comments on option selections. Import - Step 2 of 4 - Step by step details with screen shots and comments on option selections. Import - Step 3 of 4 - Step by step details with screen shots and comments on option selections. Import - Step 4 of 4 - Step by step details with screen shots and comments on option selections.
Creating a file for import
Data for programming frequencies into the memory channels of a radio is available from many sources. ARRL Repeater Directory, ARRL Travel Plus, local repeater listings and friends are a few of those sources. Data can be given to you verbally, in print or electronically. The radio programmers give you this import function to transfer the data to a file that the radio can use. Electronic data files can be created from lots of different sources. While these files contain repeater information that you need, they may also contain lots of information that the radio cannot use. A file to be imported needs to be created carefully for the programmer to process the data properly for use by the radio. You may need to manipulate the data in the original file for it to be imported successfully. If you create a file from another application or receive a file from someone to use with
your programmer, you need to check the data in the file to see how easily it can be imported. Sometimes, it is easier to enter the data manually into the programmer if only a small number of channels are to be programmed. The best place to start a file for import is to export from the programmer. The resulting file will show you the format of the fields that are expected for import. The data being imported MUST contain at the least a receive frequency. With this information only, the programmer will complete the memory channel with default information which may or may not be what you need for a specific repeater. The more detail you have in the raw data file (i.e., transmit frequency, offset frequency, offset direction, tones, etc) the fewer corrections you'll have to make when you finish the import process. This is a true example of the action of a computer. It CANNOT guess about the data in the file. It can only handle it per the instructions you give it. Working in the programmer rather than in a data file for import can make memory channel entry much easier. Rather than having to be so careful with each piece of data, let the programmer complete details for you as you work in the spreadsheet on the main page. Again, sometimes it is easier to enter the data manually into the programmer if only a small number of channels are to be programmed.

window, select a different file type from the selection at the bottom of the screen. Acceptable formats are those that specify Text (i.e.,.cvs, or.txt file extension). Exit the spreadsheet program. Your file is ready to be imported into the Programmer. Changes can be made within the Programmer after you import the data.
Import Function - Overview
The Programmer can Import data from delimited text files. These files can be created using the Export feature of the Programmer for another radio, Travel Plus for Repeaters by ARRL, commercial spreadsheet programs, or text editors. Limitations for use of another commercial spreadsheet program include: The spreadsheet program will know none of the limitations of the radio. It will allow you to enter any value in any space. You will have to enter transmit and receive frequencies, CTCSS tones, and DCS codes carefully to be sure they are imported correctly to the radio. You will need to organize your data carefully. The Programmer will import all the items from a single column as the same thing. This can cause an odd split to be entered as Simplex or a non-standard offset to be ignored. The easiest way to begin a text file for your Programmer is to Export a file from the Programmer first. In that exported file, you will see column headers for the details that the Programmer expects to import. You will also see the format of the information. You can edit or add to this file with any commercial spreadsheet program or text editor. Note: The new features off the programmer include the ability to enter a series of channels by entering just a beginning frequency and the number to be entered, column editing, copy and paste of one or multiple rows of data, rearrangement of columns, hiding columns that need not be edited, and automatic completion of data based on band defaults for a frequency entered. Given that the programmer is designed for the data of the radio, you might find editing in the programmer easier than using another spreadsheet program. The file to be imported must contain at a minimum Receive frequency to define a valid memory channel. The programmer will fill the rest of the details for that channel with defaults just as if that frequency had been entered. The Programmer makes no assumptions about the information available. If a piece of information is omitted, the Programmer imports the memory as a simplex channel and fills other fields with defaults. Although this process is very valid for transferring data from one radio Programmer to
another and for using the data from other sources such as ARRL Travel Plus, it is not recommended for original file creation. It can be tedious getting all the information into the file to be imported just like the Programmer wants it. Let the Programmer help you as you create your original file with its defaults and automatic settings. Once the file is created you could export the data for other uses.