Alinco DR-620T User manual

VHF/UHF FM TRANSCEIVER
DR-620T/E
Instruction Manual
Thank you for purchasing your new A inco transceiver.
This instruction manua contains important safety and operating instructions. P ease read this
manua carefu y before using the product and keep it for future reference.
Printed in Japan
Copyright A inco,Inc. 2002 PS0410
ALINCO,INC.
Head Office: Shin-Dai bui ding 9th F oor
2-6, 1-Chome, Dojimahama, Kita-ku,
Osaka 530-0004, JAPAN
Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone]
E-mai :export@a inco.co.jp0

NOTICE / Compliance Information Statement
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC Rules
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation
This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications However, there is no guarantee
that interference will not occur in a particular installation If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio
or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Tested to Comply
With FCC Standards
FOR HOME OR OFFICE USE
Information in this document is subject to change without notice or obligation All brand names and trademarks are
the property of their respective owners Alinco cannot be liable for pictorial or typographical inaccuracies Some
parts, options and/or accessories are unavailable in certain areas Changes or modifications not expressly approved by
the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment
VHF/UHF FM Transceiver DR-620T/E
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This
device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including inter-
ference that may cause undesired operation
U S Representative:
ATOC Amateur Distributing LLC, 23 South High St Covington, OH 45318 USA Ph 937-473-2840
Conformity Information
In case the unit you have purchased is marked with a CE symbol, a copy of relative conformity certificate or document
can be reviewed at http://www alinco com/usa html
Copyright © 2002 All rights reserved No part of this document may be reproduced, copied, translated or transcribed
in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Alinco Inc , Osaka, Japan English Edition
Printed in Japan

1
Contents
Before operating the transceiver .............3
Attention ................................................................ 3
Introduction ...............................................3
New and Innovative Features ...................4
Standard Accessories ..............................5
Initial Installation .......................................6
For a base station set up ....................................... 6
For a mobile station set up .................................... 7
Location .................................................... 7
Installing a Mobile Antenna ....................... 7
Installing the Transceiver .......................... 7
Front Panel ............................................................ 8
External power control function ............................. 9
Power supply voltage display function ................. 10
Part Names and Functions .....................11
Front Panel ........................................................... 11
Rear Panel ........................................................... 12
Display ................................................................. 13
Microphone EMS-53 (Standard) .......................... 14
Basic Operations .....................................15
Turning the unit on and off ................................... 15
Switching the MAIN band .................................... 15
Audio Volume level setting .................................. 15
Squelch level setting ............................................ 15
Squelch level setting on the SUB band .. 15
VFO mode ........................................................... 16
Changing frequency by channel step ...... 16
Changing frequency by 1 MHz step ........ 16
Setting the channel step ...................................... 17
Shift Direction and Offset frequency setting ........ 18
Memory Mode ...................................................... 19
Recalling a memory channel................... 19
How to program memory channel (s) ...... 20
Memory channel deleting .................................... 21
Programmable data in the memory channel ... 21
Channel name (Alphanumeric) registration function ..... 22
CALL mode .......................................................... 23
To recall a CALL channel ..................................... 23
To receive signals ................................................ 23
Monitor function ................................................... 24
Reverse function .................................................. 24
To transmit ........................................................... 25
Selecting transmission power ................. 25
Parameter Setting Mode .........................26
A list of the parameters ........................................ 26
To use the parameter setting mode ..................... 27
Channel Step setting ........................................... 28
Scan Type ............................................................ 28
Beep Sound ......................................................... 28
Time-Out-Timer (TOT) ......................................... 29
TOT Penalty ......................................................... 29
Setting the TOT penalty time .................. 29
APO-Auto Power OFF ......................................... 30
Tone-Burst Frequency ......................................... 30
Clock shift ............................................................ 30
Bell ....................................................................... 31
Busy-Channel-Lock-Out (BCLO) ......................... 31
Theft Alarm .......................................................... 31
Display Illumination color setting ......................... 32
Dimmer ................................................................ 32
Call sign setting (In packet operation) ................. 32
Transmission speed setting (In packet operation) ... 33
Beacon interval setting
(In geolocating communication/A.P.R.S) ............. 33
Useful functions ......................................34
Reception band switching .................................... 34
V-V/U-U simultaneous reception ......................... 34
Single-band mode ............................................... 35
VFO Auto-program setting function ..................... 35
SCANNING FUNCTION ...................................... 36
•VFO Scan .............................................. 36
•Memory Scan ........................................ 37
•Skip-channel setting .............................. 37
•Program Scan ........................................ 38
•Tone Scan .............................................. 38
•DCS scan .............................................. 39
KEY-LOCK FUNCTION ....................................... 39
TONE BURST ...................................................... 39
Narrow-band mode .............................................. 40
AM receiver mode ............................................... 40

2
Contents
Selective Communication ......................41
Tone-squelch (CTCSS) and DCS ........................ 41
DET setting ............................................. 42
Digital voice communication (DR-620T only) .. 43
Special Functions ...................................44
THEFT ALARM .................................................... 44
To connect, set and operate ................... 44
How the alarm operates .......................... 45
Setting alarm starting time ...................... 46
Cable Clone ......................................................... 47
Connection .............................................. 47
Setting on the Slave side ........................ 47
Setting on the Master side ...................... 48
Packet Communication ........................................ 49
When using EJ-50U ................................ 49
Packet Mode Setting ............................... 50
APRS ................................................................... 51
APRS Settings ........................................ 51
APRS operation ...................................... 52
TNC Clone .............................................. 53
Remote Control Operation (EMS-57 only) ........... 54
List of Remote Control Keys ................... 54
Entering a frequency directly .................. 55
Entry method depending on tuning step ... 55
Maintenance / Reference ........................56
Reset ................................................................... 56
Factory Default Settings .......................... 56
Troubleshooting ................................................... 57
Optional accessories ........................................... 58
Transmitter Block Diagram .................................. 59
Specification ........................................................ 60

Attention
• Do not remove the case or touch the interior components.
Tampering can cause equipment trouble.
• Do not use or keep the transceiver where it is exposed to direct sunlight, dusty
places, or near sources of heat.
• Keep the transceiver away from TV's or other equip-
ment when it interferes with reception.
• When transmitting for long periods of time at high
power, the transceiver might overheat.
• Turn the power off immediately if the transceiver
emits smoke or strange odors. Ensure the transceiver
is safe, then bring it to the nearest Alinco service
center.
Notice to California resident users
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 of the State of California determines that lead and cad-
mium (used as raw materials in some of the components in this product) are considered carcinogens and reproductive
toxicants. Although in the normal use of our products the risk of direct contact with such materials at hazardous level is
minimal, please be advised that:
(1) You should wash your hands after having contact with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) coated materials such as DC cables.
PVC may contain lead or lead compounds.
(2) Wash your hands after having contact with soldered parts. Solder used for the assembly of our products may contain
lead or lead compounds.
(3) Do not directly touch any liquid that may leak from the Nickel Cadmium rechargeable cells. The liquid may contain
cadmium.
(4) Avoid oral contact with any part of our products. If this should occur, rinse the mouth with plenty of water. Consult a
doctor if you are unsure if the exposure may have reached hazardous levels.
(5) Keep our products away from the reach of children. Our products may contain small parts that may cause suffocation,
or other consequences, if swallowed.
(6) Our products are designed for two-way communication purposes only. Any eventual consequences arising from
hazardous contacts with defined material(s) caused by misuse of our products are considered to be the user's fault.
Please read the instruction manual of this product carefully before use.
(7) Please dispose of or recycle our products properly in accord with your local regulation(s).
(8) The user assumes the risk for exposure to chemicals/materials at hazardous levels caused by the use of peripherals or
accessories made by third-parties and used in conjunction with our products.
Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing this excellent Alinco transceiver. Our products
are ranked among the finest in the world. This radio has been manufactured with
state of the art technology and it has been tested carefully at our factory. It is de-
signed to operate to your satisfaction for many years under normal use.
PLEASE READ THIS MANUAL COMPLETELY TO LEARN ALL THE FUNC-
TIONS THE PRODUCT OFFERS. WE MADE EVERY ATTEMPT TO WRITE
THIS MANUAL TO BE AS COMPREHENSIVE AND EASY TO UNDERSTAND
AS POSSIBLE. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT SOME OF THE OPERA-
TIONS MAY BE EXPLAINED IN RELATION TO INFORMATION IN PREVI-
OUS CHAPTERS. BY READING JUST ONE PART OF THE MANUAL, YOU
RISK NOT UNDERSTANDING THE COMPLETE EXPLANATION OF THE
FUNCTION.
3
Before operating the transceiver

4
New and Innovative Features
Your new radio features some of the most advanced functions and reliable engineering
available anywhere. The ALINCO design philosophy is focused on developing innova-
tive usable features, including the following:
• A large, color-selectable display panel
Very clear display of frequency, memory name etc. ensure convenient operation.
• Excellent frequency stability
By using a temperature compensated crystal oscillator (TCXO), deviation less than
+/- 2.5ppm is realized.
• V-V/U-U function
Simultaneous reception of 2 signals within the same band is possible (Excluding the
FM broadcast band).
• High-quality materials are used throughout the product and a huge heat sink around
the chassis ensures stable and durable operation.
• AM Air-band reception capability (T models only)
• 200 fully programmable memory channels with alphanumeric memory channel labels
• CTCSS, DCS and 5 different Tone-Bursts are standard for selective calling and re-
peater access worldwide.
• Applicable for APRS®/Packet communication (With the optional EJ-50U installed)*
• Theft Alarm feature
• Auto-Programming VFO for easier repeater access
• Cable-Clone function
• Power supply voltage display function
• Narrow-FM mode
• Microphone remote control function (EMS-57 microphone may be an option depend-
ing upon the version you purchased.)
• Front-Control unit separation
*APRS®isatrademarkofMr.BobBruninga,WB4APR.

5
Standard Accessories
Carefully unpack to make sure the following items are found in the package in addition to this manual:
• Transceiver
• Mobile mounting bracket. (FM0078Z)• DC power cable with fuse holder (UA0038)
•ACC cable (UX1290A)
• Theft Alarm stickers 2pcs. (PR0454)
• Instruction manual (this manual)
• Warranty certificate (T version only) (PH0009A)
• EJ-50U manual & disc (with TNC version only)
• Hardware kit for bracket
• Microphone EMS-53 or EMS-57 (with
DTMF keypad)
Tapping screws
(M5*20mm) 4pcs. (AJ0003)
Black screws (M4*8mm)
4pcs. (AE0012)
Screws (M5*20mm)
4pcs. (AA0013)
Hexagonal nut (M5) 4pcs.
(AN0002)
Small (spanner) wrench.
(FM0079)
Washer (AZ0010)
S-washer (AZ0009)
Spare fuses (a pair)
2pcs. (EF0005)
The standard accessories may vary slightly depending on the version you have purchased. Please contact
your local authorize
d Alinco dealer should you have any questions. ALINCO and authorized dealers are not responsible for
any typographical errors there may be in this manual. Standard accessories may change without notice.
Warranty Policy:
Please refer to any enclosed warranty information or contact your authorized Alinco dealer / dis-
tributor for the warranty policy.

6
Initial Installation
Connect the microphone to the front panel of the transceiver.
Connect antenna port to a 50 ohm antenna that covers the 2 m/70 cm bands, using good quality
50 ohm coaxial cable.
Microphone
connector
Antenna
External speaker
(if used)
Microphone
rear panel
For a base station set up
The Transceiver requires a 12-13.8VDC negative grounded power source.
Use a regulated power supply capable of providing continuous current of 12A or more.
Power supplies that do not meet those specifications may cause malfunction and/or damage to the
radio and will void the warranty. Alinco offers excellent communication-grade power supplies as
optional accessories. Please contact your local authorized Alinco dealer.
DC
power supply
DC power cable
Black lead
Red lead

7
Initial Installation
For a mobile station set up
Location
The transceiver may be installed in any position in your car, where the controls and microphone are
easily accessible and it does not interfere with the safe operation of the vehicle or the performance
of the set. If your vehicle is equipped with air bags, be certain your radio will not interfere with
their deployment. If you are uncertain about where to mount the unit, contact your vehicle's manu-
facturer. Please refer the next page for positioning the front control unit.
Installing a Mobile Antenna
Use a 50 ohm coaxial cable to connect the antenna. Mobile antennas require an appropriate mount-
ing base for proper installation and operation. For more information, see the documentation for
your antenna.
Installing the Transceiver
See the figures below.
b
a
a
b
IMPORTANT: After installing your antenna, ensure that you have the best possible SWR reading.
High RF environments can cause severe damage to your unit. Ensure that you are not
in a high RF environment when operating the transceiver.

8
Initial Installation
NOTE: By using the optional separation kit EDS-9, you can use the front panel and the main unit in
separate positions. The instruction manual for remote placement is provided with the EDS-9.
Front Panel
The main unit can be set with either side facing up. This can facilitate your ability to hear the
speaker clearly. Position the front panel as you prefer.
1. Slide the front panel while keeping the tab pressed.
2. Turn the front panel, being careful to keep the cable free from kinks.
3. Match the catch in the main unit with the slot in the front panel and fit the front
panel into the main unit.
4. Slide the front panel until it locks securily in place.
Main unit
Front panel
Tab
Slot
Catch

9
Initial Installation
External power control function
1. Be sure the vehicle has a negative-ground, 12VDC electric system before installa-
tion. Connect the provided DC cable with fuse-holder directly to the battery (red
cable to the positive terminal) to minimize any possible ignition noise. Be sure the
vehicle has a large capacity battery as the use of a transceiver may overload the
electric system of the vehicle.
2. In addition, if the optional ignition-key ON/OFF feature is desired, use the provided
ACC cable. Remove the cover by unscrewing 4 screws. Connect the ACC cable to
the ACC power jack (CN11) on the rear side of the circuit board unit, position the
outgoing cable as shown above, select the ACC switch (SW11) to ACC position and
reassemble the cover.
3. When installing, be sure to disconnect the battery cables of the vehicle and be sure
the ignition key is in the “OFF” position. Connect the ACC cable to the ACC termi-
nal or ACC switch on the vehicle. Make sure the above sequence has been done
properly. Reconnect the vehicle’s electric system.
4. If this option is selected, the unit can be turned on/off either manually or automati-
cally in accordance with the ignition key position.
A: When the ignition key is turned to ACC or ON (“run”) position with the unit left
turned ON, the unit will turn on automatically and turns OFF when the ignition
key is turned to the OFF position.
B: To manually turn the power on/off, leave the ignition key in the ACC position
and use the PWR switch on the unit. If the ignition key is in the OFF position the
unit won't turn on. The power consumption of this feature is about 5mA regard-
less of the ignition key position. For operation without this option, always use
the PWR switch to turn the unit on/off and set SW11 to “on”.
Red: For connection with the ACC power supply
Black: For connection with the ground(-) wire
Red CN11
SW11
ON
ACC
ACC external power supply control function is on
Black
When installing, be
sure the tube is
placed in the slot.
WARNING: The connection of cables may involve certain knowledge about the ve-
hicle into which the unit will be installed. Consult with your car-dealer or
service station for more information if necessary, as we are not respon-
sible for any damage this installation might cause to your vehicle.

10
Initial Installation
Power supply voltage display function
After connecting the transceiver to a power supply, the supply voltage can be confirmed by press-
ing the SQL key together with the FUNC key. The supply voltage to the transceiver is then seen on
the display.
The transceiver will return to its normal display when any key is pressed.
The display immediately changes as the voltage supply changes.
It also displays voltage during transmission.
(Example) In case of 13.6V
IMPORTANT: The range of the displayed voltage is only from 7 - 16VDC. Because the displayed
value is estimated, please use a voltmeter when a more precise reading is desired.

11
Part Names and Functions
Front Panel
BAND CALL MHz
VV/UU
V/M
PWR
MAIN
VOL
MW
MAIN
TX/RX
SUB
VOL
SUB
RX
RX BAND SHIFT LOCK PACKET DIGITAL
TS/DCS H/L SQL FUNC
SET
VHF/UHF
VHF/UHF
TWIN B
TWIN B
AND FM
AND FM
TRANSCEVER
TRANSCEVER
DR-620
DR-620
16 32
8 9 10 14131211 7
5
15
4
•Primary Functions
No. Key Function
1 PWR key Power turns ON/OFF whenever switch is pressed.
2 Main VOL knob Adjusts the volume level on the MAIN band.
3 Sub VOL knob Adjusts the volume level on the SUB band.
4 Main TX/RX During transmission on the MAIN band, illuminates in
indicator Red, and during reception illuminates in Green.
5 Sub RX lamp During reception on the SUB, illuminates in Green.
6 V/M/MW Switches between VFO mode and memory mode.
7 Dial Changes the frequency, memory channel and various settings.
8 BAND/VVUU Switches the MAIN band to VHF or UHF.
9 CALL/RX BAND Switches to CALL Mode.
10 MHZ/SHIFT In VFO mode, changes frequency in 1 MHz steps.
11 TSDCS/LOCK Sets the tone squelch and DCS setting.
12 HL/ PACKET Switches HI/MID/LOW of transmission power.
13 SQL/DIGITAL Sets the squelch level.
14 FUNC/SET Sets functions.
15 Mic. Connector Connection for the provided microphone.
• Functions which can be activated while [F] appears, after pressing the FUNC Key
No. Key Function
6 V/M/MW Write a to memory channel.
8 BAND/VVUU Switches to VV/UU mode.
9 CALL/RXBAND Switches reception bands.
10 MHZ/SHIFT Sets the shift direction and the offset frequency.
11 TSDCS/LOCK Sets the key lock function.
12 HL/PACKET Accesses the packet communication mode or the
geolocating communication mode.
13 SQL/DIGITAL Accesses the digital voice communication mode.
* [F] illuminates when the FUNC key is pressed.

12
Part Names and Functions
Rear Panel
4 3 5 2
1
No. Key Function
1 External Speaker Terminal Terminal for optional external speaker.
(Also used for the clone function.)
2 Power cable Connects to the 13.8VDC power supply.
3 Air-cooling fan Cools the unit during transmission. (PTT activation)
4 Antenna Connector Connect an antenna with 50 ohm impedance.
(PL-259 or compatible)
5 D-SUB Connector (Optional) Connects to a personal computer for packet use.
• Functions that can be activated while pressing the FUNC Key
No. Key Function
1 PWR Reset to factory default settings.
5 V/M/MW Erase the memory.
8 BAND/VVUU Switches to the single band mode.
9 CALL/RXBAND Accesses the clone function mode.
10 MHZ/SHIFT Switches to wide/narrow mode reception.
11 TSDCS/LOCK Switches to the AM reception mode.
12 HL/PACKET Sets the channel name function.
13 SQL/D Accesses the power supply voltage indication mode.
•Functions that require continuous pressing to be activated.
No. Key Function
13 SQL/DIGITAL When pressed for 1 second, the monitor function is on.
(When the shift is set, the reverse function is on.)
14 FUNC/SET When pressed for 2 seconds, accesses the set mode.

13
Part Names of Functions
Display
DCS
SUB
TNC
R
AM
SQL
BUSY BUSY1 3 5 7 9
MiLo Nar
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 1
23 22 21 20 19 18
16
17
24
25
No. Key Function
1Appears when FUNC Key is pressed.
2AM Appears during AM reception.
3Mi Appears when transmission power is set to MID.
4Lo Appears when transmission power is set to LOW.
5 Nar Appears when in narrow band reception mode.
6 +/- Appears when setting the shift.
7Appears when setting the tone squelch.
8 DCS Appears when setting the DCS.
9 SUB Appears when SUB band is on the MAIN side.*
10 Appears when setting the key lock.
11 * Appears when setting the theft alarm function.
12 TNC Appears when in packet mode (Optional EJ-50U required).
13 Appears when SUB band is in the memory mode or call mode.
14 R Appears when the reverse function is activated.
15 Appears when in the digital voice communication mode.**
16 Appears when setting the bell (pager) function.
17 Indicates the frequency or memory name on the SUB side
18 S Meter Indicates the relative signal strength level of transmission/
reception on the SUB side.
19 Appears when a signal is being received on the SUB side.
20 Indicates the frequency or memory name on the MAIN side.
21 S Meter Indicates the relative signal strength level of transmission/
reception on the MAIN side.
22 .Decimal point Appears when changing the DCS decode settings.
Disappears when setting Memory Channel skip.
23 Appears when a signal is being received on the MAIN side.
24 SQL Appears when setting the squelch level.
25 Indicates memory numbers in the memory mode.
*SUB band is the band exclusive for reception when in V-V/U-U.
** T version only. Optional EJ-47U required.

14
Part Names and Functions
Microphone EMS-53 (Standard)*
Mic. Connector Diagram (While looking in the front view of the connector)
17
26
3
45
8
PTT
MIC MIC GND
REMOT
E
DC 5V
UP
GND
DOWN
21
3
5
4
No. Key Function
1UP Increase the frequency, memory channel number, or setting value.
2 DOWN Decrease the frequency, memory channel number, or setting value.
3 PTT Press the PTT(Push-To-Talk)key to transmit.
4 DTMF DTMF tone keys
DTMF / REMOTE
5 Switch
6 Lock Switch Locks out the UP and DOWN keys.
7 MIC Speak here during transmission.
Set to DTMF when you don’t want to operate remote con-
trol functions. So that DTMF keys do not function except
during transmit to send DTMF codes manually.
*If the version you
have purchased con-
tained EMS-57 Multi-
function microphone,
please also refer
page 54.

15
Basic Operations
Turning the unit on and off
By pressing the PWR key the power is turned on. By pressing
the PWR key again, the power is turned off. Refer page 9 for
external power control.
Switching the MAIN band
Pressing the BAND key will switch the MAIN band between
the VHF band and the UHF band.
The MAIN band allows transmission and reception. The SUB
band only allows reception. The MAIN band and the SUB
band can receive simultaneously.
Audio Volume level setting
The volume of the MAIN band is adjusted by the VOL knob
on the MAIN side, and the volume of the SUB band by the
VOL knob on the SUB side.
Rotate the VOL knob clockwise to increase the audio level,
counterclockwise to decrease.
SQL
Squelch level
MHz
PWR
SUB
VOL
SUB
RX
D
SHIFT LOCK PACKET DIGITAL
TS/DCS H/L SQL FUNC
SET
F
/UHF
VHF/UHF
TWIN B
TWIN B
AND FM
AND FM
TRANSCEVER
TRANSCEVER
DR-620
PWR key
MAIN side VOL knob
SUB side VOL knob
low high
BAND CALL MHz
VV/UU
V/M
PWR
MAIN
VOL
MW
MAIN
TX/RX
SUB
VOL
SUB
RX
RX BAND SHIFT ET DIGITAL
SQL FUNC
SET
RANSCEVER
RANSCEVER
DR-620
DR-620
VHF/U
Volume
low high
Volume
BAND CALL MHz
VV/UU
V/M
MAIN
VOL
MW
MAIN
TX/RX
RX BAND SHIFT LOCK PAC
K
TS/DCS H/
L
VHF/UHF
VHF/UHF
TWIN B
TWIN B
AND FM
AND FM
TRA
NTRANSCEVER DR-620
BAND Ke
y
Squelch level setting on the SUB band
To set the squelch level on the SUB band, press the BAND key while [SQL] appears.
1. Press SQL Key.
[SQL] icon appears on the display and the
squelch level will be shown on it.
2. By rotating the main dial or by using the UP/
DOWN keys on the microphone, adjust the
squelch level to the desired level.
3. When completing the setting, press PTT or any
key on the front panel other than the Band key.
Then the display will return to the original sta-
tus; or if there are no operations for 5 seconds,
the unit will automatically complete the setting
and the display will return to the original status.
NOTE: • 21 levels, between (00) and (20), are available for the squelch level.
(Higher level settings will make the squelch more difficult to open.)
• The default level is 02.
Squelch level setting
Adjust threshold level of the squelch. A squelch eliminates the background noise when a signal is
not received. To set squelch level on the MAIN band side,
IMPORTANT: On the SUB side, no settings other than the fre-
quency and S meter are indicated.

16
Basic Operations
VFO mode
VFO tuning is set as the default mode at the factory. VFO
(variable frequency oscillator) allows you to change the fre-
quency in accordance with the selected channel step as you
rotate the main dial or by using the UP/DOWN keys on the
microphone. VFO mode is also used to program the data to
be stored in the memory channels or to change the parameter
settings of the transceiver.
1. Identify the current mode by checking the dis-
play. If a “M” or “C” icon is NOT displayed
on it, the unit is already in the VFO mode.
If memories have not been programmed, the unit
cannot be switched to the memory mode.
2. Otherwise press “V/M” key until those icons
are gone.
Changing frequency by channel step
Rotate the main dial clockwise to increase the frequency, coun-
terclockwise to decrease. The UP/DOWN keys on the micro-
phone act in the same way.
Changing frequency by 1 MHz step
This will enable a quick change of frequency in 1 MHz steps:
1. Press MHz key. The digits after 100 kHz will
disappear from the display.
2. Follow the same sequence as above to change
the value.
VFO mode
Dial
Frequency
increase
Frequency
decrease
BAND CALL MHz
VV/UU
V/M
MAIN
VOL
MW
MAIN
TX/RX
RX BAND SHIFT LOCK PAC
K
TS/DCS H/
L
VHF/UHF TWIN BAND FM TRA
NVHF/UHF TWIN BAND FM TRANSCEVER DR-620
Memory mode

17
Basic Operations
Setting the channel step
1. When the unit is in VFO mode, enter into the
SET mode and select the channel step setting
display. (Refer to page 26 to 28 for SET mode).
2. The current channel step will be displayed.
3. You can change the channel step as below by
rotating the dial.
4. Pressing any key other than the FUNC key or
SQL key on the unit will complete the setting
and the display will return to the original sta-
tus.
Channel step setting display (default)
STEP 5
(5 kHz)
STEP 50
(50 kHz)
STEP 100
(100 kHz)
STEP 30
(30 kHz)
STEP 25
(25 kHz)
STEP 20
(20 kHz)
STEP 8.33
(8.33 kHz)
STEP 10
(10 kHz)
STEP 12.5
(12.5 kHz)
STEP 15
(15 kHz)
IMPORTANT: By changing the channel step frequency, settings below 10kHz may be auto-
matically corrected.