VX-1400 OPERATING MANUAL MH-67A8J Hand Microphone is optional. Vertex Standard LMR, Inc.
Table of Contents VX-1400 Quick Reference Guide .................................................................................................. 1 Button Overview / Reset Procedure .............................................................................................. 2 General ............................................................................................................................................ 3 Front Panel Control & Switches ..................................................
VX-1400 QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE You can do the basic operation of the VX-1400 according to the number order of the illustration below. PROGRAMMABLE BUTTON Activates the function which corresponds with that button. VOL KNOB Adjusts the audio volume level. / BUTTON Selects the operating frequency or memory channel. / BUTTON Selects the frequency control method among “VFO mode”, “Memory mode”, and “ITU mode”. PTT SWITCH Speak into the microphone in a normal voice level while pressing this switch.
BUTTON OVERVIEW/RESET PROCEDURE / BUTTON VOL KNOB Adjusts the audio volume level. S1 S2 Selects the operating frequency or memory channel. MENU BUTTON POWER SWITCH Activates the Menu mode. Toggle the transceiver’s power “on” and “off” by pressing and holding for 2 seconds. P0 ~ P4 BUTTON Activates the dealer programmed function which corresponds with that button. / BUTTON Selects the frequency control method among “VFO mode”, “Memory mode”, and “ITU mode”.
GENERAL The Vertex Standard VX-1400 is a low-cost, rugged, small size, integrated HF communications transceiver designed for the worldwide Land Mobile, Government, and Marine markets. The VX-1400 conforms with MIL-810 C, D, E, & F. The front panel is water resistance to IP54 specifications when in remote control operation using the optional RMK1400 Remote Mounting Kit with the MH-77A8J/B8J Water Resistance Hand Microphone.
FRONT PANEL CONTOL & SWITCHES MIC Jack This modular jack accepts microphone voice input, as well as scanning and PTT (Push To Talk) control from the microphone. Specified microphone impedance is 500 - 600 Ohms. [S1], [S2], [P0] - [P4] Button (PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION BUTTONS) These seven buttons functions can be customized via programming by your Vertex Standard dealer. The factory defaults are shown below. [S1] button: Press this button to toggle the Display Brightness Level between “High” and “Low”.
FRONT PANEL CONTOL & SWITCHES [POWER( )] Switch This is the main on/off switch for the VX-1400. Press and hold this switch for 2 seconds to toggle the transceiver’s power on and off. Speaker The internal speaker is located here. TX/BUSY LED This indicator glows green when a signal is being received and red when transmitting. [ ]/[ ] Button Pressing these buttons selects the operating frequency (while in the VFO mode) or memory channel (while in the Memory mode and ITU mode).
REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS DC IN 13.8V This is the main DC power input jack for the VX-1400. ANT Jack This PL-259 (“M” Type) connector is used for connection of the coaxial feedline from the antenna. When the optional FC-30 or FC-40 External Antenna Tuner is used, the RF interconnection cable from the FC-30 or FC-40 connects here, while the antenna wire or whip connects to the FC-30 or FC-40.
INSTALLATION SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Before proceeding with installation of the VX-1400 transceiver, please read and observe all safety and operating instructions. Consult with qualified installation or service personnel should any questions arise regarding these important safety tips. Power Connections The power connector for the VX-1400 must only be connected to a DC source providing 13.8 Volts DC (±15 %), and capable of at least 23 Amperes of current.
INSTALLATION SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Antenna Precautions Always locate antennas such that they can never come in contact with outdoor power lines in the event of a catastrophic antenna support or power line support structure failure. Ground the support structure adequately, so as to dissipate energy absorbed during a lightning strike. Install appropriate lightning arrestors in the antenna lead-in and rotator cable (if used) according to the arrestor’s instructions.
INSTALLATION SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Electromagnetic Compatibility and RF Exposure If this transceiver is used with or in the vicinity of a computer or computer-driven accessories, you may need to experiment with grounding and/or radio frequency interference (RFI) suppression devices (such as ferrite cores) to minimize interference to your communications caused by energy leakage from the computer.
INSTALLATION POWER REQUIREMENTS AND BASIC INSTALLATION DC Power Connections The VX-1400 transceiver is designed for operation from 13.8 Volts DC, negative ground, with the DC source being capable of providing 23 Amperes of continuous current. For mobile applications, the fused (25-A) DC cable supplied with this transceiver may be used for making the power connections.
INSTALLATION POWER REQUIREMENTS AND BASIC INSTALLATION Use the following procedure to connect the DC cable: Before connecting the DC cable to the battery, measure the voltage across the battery terminals with the engine running fast enough to show a charge. If the voltage is above 15 Volts, the vehicle’s voltage regulator should be adjusted to reduce the charging voltage below 14 Volts.
INSTALLATION MOBILE MOUNTING The optional MMB-92 Mobile Mounting Bracket allows quick insertion and removal of the VX-1400 transceiver from the vehicle. Complete installation instructions are provided with the bracket. Mobile Antenna Considerations The VX-1400 transceiver is designed for use with any antenna system providing a 50Ohm resistive impedance at the desired operating frequency.
INSTALLATION MOBILE MOUNTING The FC-40 should be located at or near the base of the antenna, so as to minimize losses and stray radiation. The short lead-in wire from the whip must be securely bonded both to the FC-40 and the antenna (whip or wire), and the FC-40 must be securely bonded to the vehicle or vessel ground system, which will act as a counterpoise for the FC-40 and antenna radiating element. Be sure to weatherproof all outdoor connections thoroughly, especially in maritime environments.
INSTALLATION MOBILE MOUNTING Mobile Station Grounding Although satisfactory grounding in most installations will be achieved via the DC cable’s negative lead and the antenna system’s coaxial cable shield, it may be necessary, in some installations, to provide a direct ground connection at the mounting location of the transceiver. Due to unexpected resonances which may naturally occur in any location, improper communication system performance may result from insufficient grounding.
INSTALLATION BASE STATION INSTALLATION DC Power Connections For base station installations, Vertex Standard recommends the use of the optional FP1030A AC Power Supply. The FP-1030A provides a regulated 13.8 V DC supply at up to 25-Ampere. Other models of DC power supplies may be used with the VX-1400, but the 13.8 V DC input voltage, 23-Ampere current capability, and DC cable polarity guidelines described previously must be strictly followed.
INSTALLATION BASE STATION INSTALLATION Base Station Antenna Considerations As with mobile or maritime installations, antenna performance is critical to base station communications system effectiveness. Every effort must be made to ensure that the impedance of the antenna system utilized with the VX-1400 is as close as practicable to the specified 50-Ohm impedance value, and that mechanical and electrical component integrity are maintained at all times.
INSTALLATION BASE STATION INSTALLATION dipole at a height of 10 meters could, ionospheric propagation conditions permitting, be expected to provide outstanding performance over the same 3000 km distance. Excellent reference texts and computer software are available for the design and optimization of HF antennas. Your dealer or installer should be able to assist you with all aspects of your antenna installation. Use high-quality coaxial cable for the lead-in to your VX-1400 transceiver.
INSTALLATION BASE STATION INSTALLATION Base Station Grounding The VX-1400 HF transceiver, like any other HF communications apparatus, requires an effective ground system for maximum electrical safety and best communications effectiveness. A good ground system can contribute to station efficiency in a number of ways. It can minimize the possibility of electrical shock to the operator.
INSTALLATION BASE STATION INSTALLATION Typically, the ground connection consists of one or more 2.4 m (8’) copper-clad steel rods, driven into the ground. If multiple ground rods are used, they should be configured in a “V” configuration, and bonded together at the apex of the V which is nearest the station location. Use a heavy, braided cable (such as the discarded shield from type RG213 coaxial cable) and strong cable clamps to secure the braided cables to the ground rods.
OPERATION TURNING THE TRANSCEIVER “ON” AND “OFF” Be certain that all power supply, antenna, ground, microphone, and other accessory connections have been properly accomplished. Rotate the VOL knob fully counter-clockwise. Press and holding in the [POWER( )] switch until the LCD display is illuminated. To turn the radio off, press and holding in the [POWER( )] switch until the LCD display is disappeared.
OPERATION RECEPTION frequency (receive frequency vs transmission frequency) will appear on the display. Press the [ ]/[ ] (move the digit) and [ ]/[ ] (select the number) button to improve the sound of the incoming signal. These buttons functions does not affect your transmission frequency; only the receive frequency is being adjusted (up to ±1.000 kHz). Press and hold in both [ ] and [ ] buttons for one second to reset the offset.
OPERATION FREQUENCY AND CHANNEL SELECTION The VX-1400 includes the following frequency selection capabilities: A VFO (Variable Frequency Oscillator) System Memory Channel ITU Marine Channel In the VFO mode, the frequency is displayed on the right side, with the operating mode on the left side of the display.
OPERATION FREQUENCY AND CHANNEL SELECTION VFO Mode Press the [ ]/[ ] button to select the operating frequency. If the tuning rate is too slow or too fast, the frequency synthesizer steps may be changed by the following procedures: 1) Press the [STEP] button (the [PROGRAMMABLE] button which assigns the “Step” function: the factory default is [P0] button) briefly to enable changing the frequency digit of the synthesizer step.
OPERATION FREQUENCY AND CHANNEL SELECTION Memory Channel Mode Press the [ ]/[ ] button to select the desired Memory Channel within the selected Memory Bank. Remember that there are a total of five Memory Banks, so if you do not find a particular channel, it may have been stored in a different Memory Bank. If you use the optional MH-77 Hand Microphone, the microphone’s [UP] and [DWN] keys may also be used to select the Memory Channel.
OPERATION TRANSMISSION For Voice transmission, close the PTT (Push To Talk) switch on the microphone; the transmitter will now be activated and the TX/BUSY indicator glows red. Hold the microphone about 1 inch (25 mm) from your mouth, and speak into the front of the microphone in a normal voice level. Release the PTT switch to return to the receive mode (the red TX/BUSY indicator will disappeared).
OPERATION TRANSMISSION Antenna Tuning Procedures When the optional FC-30 or FC-40 External Antenna Tuner is installed, it is activated on each channel automatically. Be certain that all connections to the FC-30/-40 have been properly made. Select the appropriate channel with the [ ]/[ ] button. Press the [TUNER] button (the [PROGRAMMABLE] button which assigned “TUNER” function: the factory default is the [P1] button).
OPERATION DUAL WATCH The Dual Watch feature allows the user or dispatcher to operate on one channel while periodically making a brief check of Memory Channel “1-001” (Memory Bank #1, Channel #1). The Dual Watch feature can be engaged so long as there is frequency and mode data written into memory channel “1-001”. Every four seconds, the transceiver will automatically switch over to memory channel “1001”.
OPERATION ENCRYPTED TRANSMISSION / RECEPTION (REQUIRES OPTIONAL ENCRYPTION UNIT) If the transceivers you (and others in your communication group) are using are equipped with the optional Encryption Unit, the Encryption mode may be activated by pressing the [ENCRP] button (the [PROGRAMMABLE] button which assigned “Encryption” function). The “ ” icon will become illuminated. To de-activate encryption, press the [ENCRP] button.
OPERATION 2.182 MHZ EMERGENCY CHANNEL MODE If the [S1] and [S2] buttons was assigned to “ALARM” and “2182” functions by your VERTEX STANDARD dealer, the VX-1400 is specialized to marine version which provides several important operational benefits for the marine owner. Pressing the [2182] ([S2]) button automatically switches the transceiver to the Marine Distress Channel, 2182 kHz (2.182 MHz), and also places the transceiver in the H3E (Single-Sideband AM) mode. On the display, the frequency “2.182.
SELCALL/TELCALL OPERATION GENERAL The VX-1400’s Selcall feature provides six calling modes: Selcall The Selcall mode allows you to make an individual/group call using the individual ID (Identification) number assigned for each transceiver. Message Call The Message Call mode allows you to send a text message (up to 64 characters of text) to another station. Position Request Call The Position Request Call mode allows you to request the position information of another station.
SELCALL/TELCALL OPERATION SELCALL The Selcall mode allows you to make an individual/group call using an individual ID (Identification) assigned to each transceiver in your group or fleet. Preparation Press the [ ]/[ ] button to select the channel to be used for Selcall. Disable the VOX and Clarifier features, if necessary. Press the [SELCALL] button (the [PROGRAMMABLE] button which assigned “Selcall” function) briefly to activate the Selcall system.
SELCALL/TELCALL OPERATION MESSAGE CALL The Message Call mode allows you to send a text message (up to 64 characters of text) to a specific station. Preparation Press the [ ]/[ ] button to select the channel to be used for Message Call. Disable the VOX and Clarifier features, if necessary. Press the [SELCALL] button (the [PROGRAMMABLE] button which assigned “Selcall” function) briefly to activate the Selcall system. The “ ” icon will be illuminated on the LCD display.
SELCALL/TELCALL OPERATION POSITION REQUEST CALL The Position Request Call mode allows you to request position information from a specific station. Preparation Press the [ ]/[ ] button to select the channel to be used for the Position Request Call. Disable the VOX and Clarifier features, if necessary. Press the [SELCALL] button (the [PROGRAMMABLE] button which assigned “Selcall” function) briefly to activate the Selcall system. The “ ” icon will be illuminated on the LCD display.
SELCALL/TELCALL OPERATION POSITION SEND CALL The Position Send Call mode allows you to send your own position information to the intended ID station. Note: A suitable GPS receiver capable of supplying NMEA-0183 data must be connected to the GPS port of the optional CT-139 Accessory Cable in order to transmit your current position. When the transceiver receives the GPS data, the “ ” icon will be illuminated on the LCD display.
SELCALL/TELCALL OPERATION BEACON REQUEST CALL The Beacon Request Call mode allows you to inquire as to the signal quality between your transceiver and another specific transceiver (before placing an individual/group call). Preparation Press the [ ]/[ ] button to select the channel to be used for the Beacon Request Call. Disable the VOX and Clarifier features, if necessary.
SELCALL/TELCALL OPERATION TELCALL The Telcall mode allows you to make a telephone call through a telephone interconnect service provider. Preparation Press the [ ]/[ ] button to select the channel for Tel Call. Disable the VOX and Clarifier features, if necessary. Press the [SELCALL] button (the [PROGRAMMABLE] button which assigned “Selcall” function) briefly to activate the Selcall system. The “ ” icon will be illuminated on the LCD display.
SELCALL/TELCALL OPERATION NOTE VX-1400 OPERATING MANUAL 37
ALE OPERATION (REQUIRES OPTIONAL ALE-2 UNIT) The VX-1400’s ALE (Automatic Link Establishment) feature allows you to select the channel with the best LQA (Link Quality Analysis) score from the programmed channels automatically. Sending an ALE Call Press the [ ]/[ ] button, as needed, to select the Memory Channel mode. Press the [ALE] button (the [PROGRAMMABLE] button which assigned “ALE” function) to activate the ALE feature.
ALE OPERATION (REQUIRES OPTIONAL ALE-2 UNIT) Sending an ALE Call with an Imbedded Message Press the [ ]/[ ] button, as needed, to select the Memory Channel mode. Press the [ALE] button (the [PROGRAMMABLE] button which assigned “ALE” function) to activate the ALE feature. The VX-1400 will display the last-activated net” icon will be illuminated on the LCD display. After five seconds work and the “ from the initial pressing of the [ALE] button, the VX-1400 will initiate the ALE scanner.
MEMORY CHANNEL STORAGE The VX-1400 allows the user or dispatcher to store the frequency and operating mode into the desired Memory Bank. Press the [ ]/[ ] button to recall the Memory Bank which wants to store the data. Press the [MW] button (the [PROGRAMMABLE] button which assigned “Memory Write” function); on the LCD you will see a blinking memory channel number. Press the [ ]/[ ] button to select the Memory channel onto which you wish to store new frequency information.
MEMORY CHANNEL STORAGE Press the [MW] button, then press the [ ]/[ ] button to select the desired ATT or RF AMP feature. Available selections are “THRU”, “ATT”, and “AMP”. If you wish to append this channel to the “Scan” list, press the [MW] button, and then press the [ ]/[ ] button to select “SCAN ADD” selection. Otherwise, select “SCAN SKIP” selection.
PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION BUTTON The VX-1400 includes seven Programmable Function ([S1], [S2] & [P0] ~ [P4]) buttons. The Programmable Function button functions can be customized via programming by your VERTEX STANDARD dealer, to meet your communications/network requirements. Some features may require the purchase and installation of optional internal accessories. The possible Programmable Function button programming features are illustrated below, and these functions are explained follow.
PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION BUTTON FUNCTION UP DOWN LEFT RIGHT 1 MHz UP 1 MHz DOWN A. NOTCH ALE ATT/P.AMP CALL CALL1 CALL2 CALL3 CALL4 CALL5 CH1 CH2 CH3 CH4 CH5 CLAR DIM DNR DW EMERGENCY ENCRP ENT ESC FILTER LOCK MODE MW N/A NB P.
PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION BUTTON UP Press the assigned programmable button to increase the operating frequency (while in the VFO mode) or memory channel (while in the Memory mode and ITU mode). This function is same as the [ ] button. DOWN Press the assigned programmable button to decrease the operating frequency (while in the VFO mode) or memory channel (while in the Memory mode and ITU mode). This function is same as the [ ] button.
PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION BUTTON CALL1 ~ CALL5 Press the assigned programmable button to instantly send the Selcall to the dealer preprogrammed station. CH1 ~ CH5 Press the assigned programmable button to recall the dealer pre-programmed channel directly while operating in the Memory Channel mode. CLAR Press the assigned programmable button to toggle the Clarifier function “on” and “off”.
PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION BUTTON FILTER Press the assigned programmable button to enable selecting the receiver bandwidth. To select the receiver bandwidth, press this button briefly, then press the [ ]/[ ] button to select the desired receiver bandwidth (“Wide”, “Normal”, “Narrow”, and “Super Narrow: except the A3E mode”); finally press this button again. LOCK Press the assigned programmable button to toggle the Key Lockout feature “on” and “off”.
PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION BUTTON SCAN Press the assigned programmable button to activate the upward scan. When the scanner is activated, press the [ ]/[ ] button to change the direction of the scanner to downward or upward, respectively. In the memory mode, the VX-1400 scan only the memory channel which the “ ” icon appears. SCAN SET Press the assigned programmable button to toggle the current memory channel shall be “addition” or “deletion” from scan list.
PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTION BUTTON VOX Press the assigned programmable button to toggle the VOX feature “on” and “off”. The VOX feature provides automatic transmit/receive switching based on voice input to the microphone. With the VOX system enabled, user or dispatcher do not need to press the PTT switch in order to transmit. The “ ” icon will appear on the display when the VOX feature is activated.
INSTALLATION OF THE OPTION ALE-2 AUTOMATIC LINK ESTABLISHMENT UNIT Make sure that the transceiver is off. Remove the DC Power Cable, Microphone, and Antenna from the transceiver. Referring to illustration at the right, remove the eight screws affixing the Top Cover, and remove the Top Cover.
INSTALLATION OF THE OPTION CT-139 ACCESSORY CABLE The CT-139 allows connecting the external accessories such as CW Keyer, Data Transmission/Reception Modem, and External Channel Control Input etc. Ensure that the transceiver is off. Remove the DC Power Cable, Microphone, and Antenna from the transceiver. Referring to illustration at the right, remove the eight screws affixing the Top Cover, and remove the Top Cover and then remove the Rubber GasRubber Gasket ket from the transceiver.
INSTALLATION OF THE OPTION CT-139 ACCESSORY CABLE PIN ASSIGNMENT DESCRIPTION PIN # FUNCTION 1 AUX I/O-1 2 EXT ALC 3 TX GND 4 TX INH 5 KEY 6 FSK 7 8 GND Reserved 9 Reserved 10 Reserved 11 DATA PTT 12 TX REQ 13 DATA IN 14 15 13.8V DC IGNITION 16 17 18 19 N.C. DATA OUT N.C. AUX I/O-2 20 AUX I/O-3 21 CAT/GPS 22 CAT/GPS 23 24 SQL OUT AUX I/O-4 25 GND This pin feature can be programmed via the CE111 programmer. The accessible voltage is CMOS Logic Level (H = 5 V).
ACCESSORIES & OPTIONS SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES DC Power Cord T9025225 Spare Fuse (25 A Blade Type) Q0000074 Operation Manual Warranty Card AVAILABLE OPTIONS FP-1030A MD-12A8J MH-31A8J MH-67A8J MH-77A8J MH-77B8J FC-30 FC-40 ALE-2 MLS-100 MLS-200 YA-30 YA-31 YA-007FG RMK-1400 CT-93 CT-81 CT-82 CT-83 CT-139 MMB-92 CE111 FIF-12 CT-171 VPL-1 AC Power Supply Desktop Microphone 1 Hand Microphone (Dynamic) 2 Hand Microphone Hand Microphone (Water Resistant w/Keypad) Hand Microphone (Water Resistant) Antenna
Copyright 2012 Vertex Standard LMR, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in China No portion of this manual may be reproduced without the permission of Vertex Standard LMR, Inc.
