Ranger Communications RCI-5054DX-100 User manual

AM/FM/SSB/CW 6 Meter
Amateur Mobile Transceiver
Owner's Manual
RCI-5054DX /
RCI-5054DX -100
- 1 -
Table of Contents
PAGE
Chapter 1 Specifications ....................................................... 2
Chapter 2 Introduction .......................................................... 3
Unpacking ........................................................................... 3
Chapter 3 Installation ............................................................ 4
Transceiver Mounting ........................................................... 4
Power Connection ............................................................... 4
Chapter 4 Operation .............................................................. 5
Front Panel .......................................................................... 5
Rear Panel ........................................................................... 9
Microphone ......................................................................... 10
Frequency Selection ............................................................. 11
Mode Selection .................................................................... 12
RF Power Control ................................................................. 12
Chapter 5 Programming ........................................................ 13
Receive Scanning ............................................................... 13
Split Function ....................................................................... 13
Memory Function ................................................................. 13
Memory Channel Scanning ................................................... 14
Metering .............................................................................. 14
Chapter 6 Frequency
Si
14
All-Frequency Scanning ........................................................ 15
Memory Scanning ................................................................ 16
Chapter 7 Offset Frequency
Oi
17
Memo .................................................................................... 18
LIMITED WARRANTY .............…............................. Inside Back Cover

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Chapter 1 Specifications
GENERAL
Model RCI-5054DX RCI-5054DX-100
Frequency Range : 50.000 ~ 54.000 MHz 50.000 ~ 54.000 MHz
Tuning Steps 100 Hz, 1 KHz, 10 KHz,
100 KHz, 1 MHz 100 Hz, 1 KHz, 10 KHz, 100 KHz, 1 MHz
Emission USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM
Frequency Control Phase-Lock-Loop Synthesizer Phase-Lock-Loop Synthesizer
Frequency Tolerance 0.005% 0.005%
Frequency Stability 0.001% 0.001%
Operating Temperature
Range -10OC to +50OC -10OC to +50OC
Antenna Impedance 50 ohm 50 ohm
Microphone Plug-In (6-Pin), 400 ΩDynamic PTT Plug-In (6-Pin), 400 ΩDynamic PTT
Meter Function RF Output, RX Receive Signal
Strength, SWR RF Output, RX Receive Signal Strength, SWR
Input Voltage 13.8 V DC 13.8 V DC
Dimensions 7 3/4" (W) x 10 3/4" (D) x 2 3/8" (H) 7 3/4" (W) x 9 3/4" (D) x 2 7/8" (H)
Weight 4 lb. 3 oz. 5 lb. 13 oz.
TRANSMITTER
RF Power Output 25W : USB/LSB Peak Power
10W : CW/AM/FM 100W : USB/LSB Peak Power 50W : CW/AM/FM
RF Transmit Modes USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM
Antenna Connector UHF Type, 50 ΩUHF Type, 50 Ω
Modulation 16F3, A3E, J3E, A1A 16F3, A3E, J3E, A1A
Spurious Emissions >60 dB >60 dB
Carrier Suppression -50 dB -50 dB
RECEIVER
Sensitivity AM/CW : 0.5 uV for 10dB Sinad
FM : 0.25uV for 12dB Sinad
USB/LSB : 0.15uV for 10dB Sinad
AM/CW : 0.5 uV for 10dB Sinad
FM : 0.25uV for 12dB Sinad
USB/LSB : 0.15uV for 10dB Sinad
Image Rejection Ratio -65 dB -65 dB
AGC Figure of Merit SSB/CW/AM : 80dB at 50mV for a
10dB change in Audio Output SSB/CW/AM : 80dB at 50mV for a 10dB change in Audio Output
Audio Power Output 2.5W 2.5W
( SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE )
- 3 -
Chapter 2 Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of an RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100 6
meter amateur radio. Your RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100 is designed to
provide trouble-free service and state-of-the-art communications in the 6
meter band. Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure proper
performance.
Unpacking
The following items are included with our RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100.
Carefully remove and examine all materials from the packing carton. If
any items are missing or appear damaged, please contact your dealer
immediately. Each unit should include:
(1) RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100 Transceiver
(2) Dynamic Microphone with remote frequency adjustment switches
(3) Power Cord
(4) Mounting Bracket & Hardware
(5) Installation Hardware
(6) Owner's Manual
(7) Warranty Registration Card
It is recommended that you save the packing materials for future storage
or shipping.
IMPORTANT
To operate this radio, you must possess and amateur radio operator's
license issued by the FCC. Operation of this unit without proper
licensing is ILLEGAL and can result in severe penalties.
NOTE
The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference
caused by unauthorized modifications to this equipment. Such
modifications could void the user’s authority to operate this equipment.

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Chapter 3 Installation
The RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100 is easy to install. All necessary parts (less
the antenna and coax cable) have been included to facilitate installation.
Transceiver Mounting
Choose a suitable location for the transceiver that will allow easy access
to the front panel as well as proper air circulation to the back of the unit.
If you are installing the unit in a vehicle, attach the mounting bracket first,
then attach the transceiver to the mounting bracket using the hardware
provided. Before making any electrical connection, ensure that the
transceiver is turned off and the vehicle's battery is disconnected.
Power Connection
The transceiver operates off of any 12 to 13.8 VDC source. Beware of
voltage drops caused by operating from Cigarette Lighter Plugs or long
DC wire runs. Sometimes it is best to connect direct to the battery for
best RF output and Tx audio quality
If an AC power supply is used with your radio, it must be regulated and
rated for at least 7 Amps continuous for the RCI-5054DX and 20 Amps
continuous for the RCI-5054DX-100. Low voltage while under load will
cause reduced receiver gain and low transmitter output with possible
distortion and splatter.
NOTE
The condition of a vehicle's electrical system can affect the operation of
your RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100. A low battery, worn generator/
alternator, or poor voltage regulator will impair performance of the unit
as well as the vehicle.
CAUTION
Voltage above 15 VDC will damage the unit. Be sure to check the
source voltage before connecting the power cord.
- 5 -
SWRDIM SCAN MEM LOCKENT
AM
FM
RCI−5054DX
MANR.BEEPNB/ANL SPLIT PRG SHF
CLR GAINRF
USB
LSB
CW
OFF
RF MICPWR VOL
PA
SQ
9
24 15
10 11
16 17
12
18
13 14
19 20
21
21 6
7
8
35
24
23
221
Chapter 4 Operation
Front Panel
1. FREQUENCY SELECTOR:Used to set the desired transmit and receive
frequency. The frequency is digitally displayed in the LCD window next
to the selector. The FREQUENCY SELECTOR knob next to the LCD
display, allows changing each digit on the frequency display by first
placing the frequency display cursor (using SHF button) below the
desired digit and then turning the selector knob.
2. RF POWER CONTROL: This control adjust the Transmitter’s RF power
output level.
3. MIC GAIN CONTROL:This feature adjust the microphone gain for the
transmit and PA modes. Experiment with this control for the setting that
will provide best audio quality. Avoid overmodulation, which causes
interference to adjacent stations and “splatter”.
4. ON/OFF VOLUME CONTROL: Turn clockwise to apply power to the
radio and to set the desired listening level.

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Operation (Continued)
5. SQUELCH CONTROL: This control is used to control or eliminate
receiver background noise in the absence of an incoming signal. For
maximum receiver sensitivity, it is necessary that the control be
adjusted only to the point where the receiver background noise is
eliminated. Turn fully counterclockwise and then slowly clockwise until
the receiver noise just disappears. Any signal to be received must now
be slightly stronger than the average received noise. Further clockwise
rotation will increase the threshold level that a signal must overcome in
order to be heard. Only strong signals will be heard at a maximum
clockwise squelch setting.
6. RF GAIN CONTROL: This control is used to reduce the receiver's front-
end gain when receiving strong signals.
7. CLARIFIER CONTROL: Allows variation of the receive frequency above
and below the selected receive frequency as shown on the display.
This control is intended primarily to tune in SSB signals when
communicating with several stations that may not be exactly on
frequency. It may also be used to optimize AM/FM signals as
described in the operating procedure paragraph. The clarifier can adjust
the receive frequency ±2.5KHz but does not affect the transmit
frequency or the frequency display.
8. MODE SWITCH:This switch allows you to select one of the following
six operating modes: FM, AM, USB, LSB, CW and PA.
9. NB/ANL BUTTON (NB/ANL):The noise blanker (NB) is very effective in
eliminating repetitive impulse noise such as ignition interference. In the
ANL position, the AUTOMATIC NOISE LIMITER also limits noise at the
receiver audio stages.
10. ROGER BEEP BUTTON (R.BEEP):This switch activates the ROGER
BEEP circuit, when its function is selected. When enabled, the radio
automatically transmits an audio tone each time you release the PTT.
This indicates the end of each transmission so that stations who may
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Operation (Continued)
be having trouble receiving will know that you have finished
transmitting. This feature is sometimes used in weak signal conditions
or other special circumstances. We discourage use of this feature in
normal operation, as it can be annoying to other operators.
11. SPLIT BUTTON (SPLIT):Enables the offsetting of the transmitter
frequency by up to ± 2 MHz (programmable) for FM repeater
operation.
12. PROGRAM BUTTON (PRG): Used to pre-program operating or
scanning frequencies into memory. See the OPERATION section of this
manual for details.
13. MANUAL BUTTON (MAN):Used to return the unit to manual mode.
14. SHIFT BUTTON (SHF): Determines which digit will change when
changing frequencies, by placing a “cursor” under the desired digit.
Allows frequency to be changed in 100 Hz, 1KHz, 10KHz, 100KHz and
1 MHz increments.
15. DIM BUTTON (DIM):This button adjusts the display backlighting in
four different steps to best match the ambient light.
16. SWR BUTTON (SWR):Used to check relative SWR.
17. SCAN BUTTON (SCAN): Used to enable the scanning of frequencies.
See the PROGRAMMING and SCANNING section of this manual for
detailed information on using the scan control.
18. MEMORY BUTTON (MEM): Used to program often used frequencies
in memory. Detailed information on how to use this control is provided
in the PROGRAMMING section of the manual.
19. ENTER BUTTON (ENT): Used to program frequencies in memory.
See PROGRAMMING section.

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Operation (Continued)
20. LOCK BUTTON (LOCK): Disables the Frequency Selector Control,
UP/DOWN buttons on the front control panel and remote UP/DOWN
buttons on the microphone. Pressing this switch again will re-enable
the frequency selectors.
21. UP/DOWN SELECTOR: These buttons are used to increase or
decrease the frequency digit above the SHF cursor on the display.
- 9 -
234
5
1
Operation (Continued)
Rear Panel
1. ANTENNA:This jack accepts a 50 ohms coaxial cable with a PL-259
style plug.
2. CW KEY:The CW key is used for Morse Code operation. To operate
connect a CW key to this jack, and place the mode switch in the CW
position.
3. EXTERNAL SPEAKER: This jack accepts a 4 - 8 ohm 5W external
speaker. When an external speaker is connected to this jack, the built-
in speaker is disabled.
4. PA SP.: An 8 ohm, 4W PA speaker may be connected to this jack for
PA operation. This feature operates by placing mode selector in PA
position.
5. POWER:This socket accepts a 13.8 VDC power cable with built-in
fuse. The power cord provided with the radio consists of a black wire
(negative) and a red wire (positive ).

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Operation (Continued)
Microphone
1. PTT SWITCH: The Push-To-Talk (PTT) switch controls the transmit
and receive function of the radio. Push to transmit and release to
receive.
2. REMOTE UP/DOWN SWITCH: The digit on the frequency display
above the SHF “cursor” can be stepped up or down by pushing either
of these buttons.
For best results, the user should select a low-impedance dynamic type
microphone or a transistorized microphone.
The microphone should provide the functions shown in schematic below.
6 WIRE MIC CABLE
Pin Number Mic Cable Lead
1Audio Shield
2Audio Lead
3Transmit Control
4Receive Control
5Up Control
6Down Control
Transceiver Microphone Schematic Diagram
- 11 -
Operation (Continued)
Frequency Selection
Frequency selection in the RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100 can be accomplished
using any one of the following three methods:
1. The first method of frequency selection uses the SHF (Shift) key and
the ▲(UP)/▼(DOWN) keys located on the front panel. To accomplish
this, press the SHF key until the display cursor on the frequency
display is positioned under the frequency digit that is to be changed.
Use the”▲”key to increase the number. Press the “▼”key to
decrease the number. Perform the steps described above for each digit
until the desired frequency is displayed in the LCD frequency display
window.
2. The second method of frequency selection is performed using the SHF
key and the FREQUENCY select knob located on the front panel. Use
the SHF key in the manner described above to select the digit to be
changed. Then rotate the FREQUENCY selector clockwise to increase
the frequency and counterclockwise to decrease the frequency.
3. The third method of frequency selection is through the use of the SHF
key and the remote UP and DOWN buttons located on the microphone.
Frequency selection by this method is accomplished in the same
manner as with the “▲”key and the “▼”key on the front panel
keypad.
Sometimes when receiving more than one station on a fixed frequency
such as on a “Net” or “round table” operation, it is convenient to be able
to vary the receive frequency slightly without changing the transmit
frequency. To do this, rotate the clarifier control while an off frequency
station is transmitting. You can vary the receiver frequency by ±2.5 KHz
for clearest voice reception. The clarifier can be optionally modified to
vary both Transmit and Receive frequencies together.

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Operation (Continued)
Mode Selection
To Select an operating mode, rotate the MODE selector, and place it in
the desired operating mode position.
RF Power Control
This feature allows the adjustment of the RF output power continuously
over the range of 1W through 25W.
- 13 -
Chapter 5 Programming
Receive Scanning
The receive scanning feature helps locate active frequencies within a
preprogrammed band segment anywhere on the 6 Meter band (refer to
SCANNING, page 16). To begin scanning, slowly turn the Squelch control
clockwise until the receiver noise disappears. Next, press the scan
button. The unit should start scanning from the lower to the higher
frequencies. Pressing the Scan button again will change the direction of
scanning. Each time the Scan button is pressed, "SCAN+" or "SCAN-"
will be displayed on the LCD display. The scan will stop on any active
frequency for the duration of the transmission. After the on frequency
activity stops, the RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100 will resume scanning after
about a 2 second pause. To deactivate the Scan mode, press the MAN
(manual) button or turn the Squelch control counterclockwise until you
hear receiver noise. The MAN button will disable the Scan function.
Split Function
This function enables you to split the transmit and receive frequencies for
by a pre-programmed amount. This feature is necessary for operation
with FM repeaters. (See OFFSET FREQUENCY OPERATION, pg. 17 for
more information). To split frequencies, press the MAN button and the
SPLIT button to select + split frequency (transmitter higher than
receiver). For - split frequency, press the SPLIT button again (transmitter
lower than receiver).
Memory Function
The RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100 can store up to 10 frequencies in memory
locations 0 to 9. To program a frequency into memory, follow the
procedure described below:
1. Press the MAN button.
2. Press the PRG button.
3. Press the MEM button. ("MEMORY" and "0" should appear on the left-
hand side of the LCD display). Each press of the MEM button will
advance the memory location one step at a time from "0" to "9".

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Programming (Continued)
4. Set the desired frequency you wish to store in memory.
5. Press the ENT button.
6. Repeat the procedure to program other memory channels.
Memory Channel Scanning
You can scan the 10 pre-programmed memory locations by following the
procedure described below:
1. Press MAN button.
2. Press the MEM button.
3. Slowly turn the Squelch knob clockwise until the receiver noise
disappears.
4. Press the Scan button. The unit will scan from lower to higher memory
locations. Pressing scan again will cause the unit to scan from higher
to lower memory locations.
5. To stop scanning while on a memory location, press the MAN button.
You can also turn the Squelch knob counterclockwise until you hear
the receiver noise.
Metering
The segmented bars on the left-hand side of the LCD display provide the
following information:
1. S/RF METER: Provides a relative indication of transmit RF output
power while transmitting or signal strength while receiving
2. SWR METER: This function allows the checking of relative SWR. To
use this function, set the unit to AM mode and push the SWR button on
the front panel while holding down the PTT switch on the microphone.
The bars on the meter will indicate approximate SWR. If there is no
bar, your antenna system is well matched. If several bars appear, the
antenna needs adjustment. The fewer the bars, the better the match.
- 15 -
.Chapter 6 Frequency Scanning
Frequency scanning can be achieved by either of two methods: the first
method involves scanning of all frequencies between a pre-set upper and
lower scan frequency. The second method permits the scanning of
frequencies previously programmed in the memory locations 0 thru 9.
All-Frequency scanning
To allow All-Frequency scanning, the user must first program the upper
and lower scan limit frequencies as follows:
1. Press the PRG (Program) key.
2. Press the SCAN key. ("PRG SCAN+" should appear in the lower right-
hand corner of the display window.)
3. Using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows, select the upper
scan limit frequency.
4. Press the SCAN key again. ("SCAN-" should appear in the display
window.)
5. Using the SHF key and UP and DOWN arrows, select the lower scan
limit frequency, then press ENT.
The upper and lower scan limits have now been programmed. To
activate the scan feature, return the radio to manual operation and press
the SCAN button. If the display shows "SCAN+", the radio will scan
from the lower limit to the upper limit. If "SCAN-" is displayed, the unit
will scan from the upper limit to the lower limit. To change from
"SCAN+" to "SCAN-" or vice versa, press SCAN.
NOTE
Whichever upper and lower scan limits are programmed in, are
also the upper and lower operating limits of the radio. The radio
will not operate above or below the scan limits last programmed
in. Full band coverage can be returned by reprogramming the
original band edges.

- 16 -
Frequency Scanning(Continued)
Memory Scanning
The RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100 has 10 non-volatile memory locations
which can be programmed with any frequency within the operating range
of the radio. The scan function of the unit can scan the frequencies in the
10 memory locations.
The first step in utilizing the memory scan function is programming the
desired frequencies into the memory locations 0 through 9 by performing
the following steps:
1. With the radio operating in the manual mode, press the PRG (Program)
key.
2. Press the MEM key. "PRG" should display in the lower right-hand
corner of the LCD display. "MEM" should display in the upper left
portion of the display. A number between 0 and 9 will display directly
below MEM. This number represents the memory location currently
being shown on the frequency display. Pressing the MEM key will
increase the memory counter to the next memory location and the
frequency in that memory location will be displayed.
3. Set the new frequency to be stored in the memory location displayed
by using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows. After the desired
frequency is indicated, press ENT. This will overwrite whatever
frequency had been previously stored at this location.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all of the memory locations to be
programmed.
5. After the desired memory locations have been programmed with
frequencies, return the unit to the manual mode of operation by
pressing the MAN key.
6. To initiate memory scanning, press MEM and then SCAN. The display
will show "SCAN+" or "SCAN-" to indicate whether the radio is
scanning from the lowest to the highest memory location or vice versa.
To return the radio to normal (non-scanning) operation, press the MAN
key.
- 17 -
Chapter 7 Offset Frequency Operation
The split frequency function offsets the transmitter frequency either above
or below the receiver frequency by a user-programmable amount. This is
necessary for operating on FM repeaters. In the following example, the
programming of a 1 MHz offset will be described. Before attempting to
program the offset frequency, ensure that the radio is operating in the
manual mode by pressing the MAN key.
NOTE: FM repeaters may require that a sub-audible CTCSS tone be
transmitted to gain access to the repeater. The RCI-5054DX/5054DX-100
can be equipped with an optional CTCSS encoder.
TO PROGRAM TX OFFSET:
1. Press the PRG (Program) key.
2. Press the SPLIT key. The LCD display will indicate 00000 with PRG
and SPLIT showing in the lower left-hand corner of the display.
3. Using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows as described earlier,
program the display to read 10000.
4. Press ENT. A 1 MHz offset has now been programmed into the radio.
5. Return the radio to manual operation by pressing the MAN key.
6. Using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows as described
previously, set the radio to the desired receive frequency.
7. Press SPLIT. Either "SPLIT+" or "SPLIT-" will be displayed in the
lower right corner of the display. If "SPLIT+" is displayed, the
transmitter will be offset 1 MHz above the receive frequency when
keyed. If "SPLIT-" is displayed, the transmitter will be offset 1 MHz
below the receive frequency.
NOTE
When the transmitter is keyed, the frequency display will change to
show the frequency being transmitted.

- 18 -
Memo
- 19 -
Ranger Communications Limited Warranty
Ranger Communication, Inc. (Ranger) warrants to the original purchaser only this
product against defects in material or workmanship, as noted below.
Effective December 1, 2001, the following Ranger Communications, Inc.'s products
are covered by a two (2) year limited warranty:
1. Amateur Radio Products: RCI-2950DX, RCI-2970DX, RCI-2980WX, RCI-
2985DX, RCI-2990DX, RCI-2995DX, RCI-6300FHP, RCI-6300FTB, RCI-
6900FHP, RCI-6900FTB, RCI-6300F25/150, RCI-6900F25/150, RCI-5054DX,
RCI-5054DX-100.
2. Citizens Band Products: TR-100 Series, TR-296 (all models), TR-396F, TR-696F,
TR-696F SSB, TR-900 Series (all models).
The above products are warranted for the specified time period from the original date
of purchase as shown on the original purchaser’s bill of sale, receipted invoice, or
other proof of purchase. After this period, the original purchaser must pay for any
labor at the prevailing rate either at an authorized Ranger warranty repair facility or at
the factory.
In the event of a defect during the warranty period, Ranger shall, at its option, repair or
replace the defective product. Such action shall constitute the purchaser’s exclusive
remedy under this warranty.
A Return Authorization Number must be obtained from the Ranger Customer Service
Department before any returns for warranty repair will be accepted. Send the defective
product postage-paid, along with proof of the date of purchase (photocopy of the
original invoice or receipt), to:
Ranger Communications, Inc.
401 W. 35th Street, Suite B
National City, Ca 91950-7909
TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident,
misuse,abuse,negligence,improperinstallation,UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATION,
or any action in violation of the product’s instruction manual. This warranty is valid
only in the U. S. A.
1. "Limited" means that we will repair problems that are caused by factory defects,
only for the above mentioned products and time limit, at no charge. Work performed
by qualified technicians which did not cause any damage to the radio will not void the
warranty. Problems or damage caused by unqualified or misinformed technicians,
operator abuse or other miscellaneous actions may be able to be repaired, but there will
be a charge. This warranty is limited to the radio only.
2. Generally, if the warranty sticker is removed or cut, the radio is considered to be
"Void of Warranty". However, our policy is to be as lenient as we can, and to take this
into consideration. We will usually repair the radio - under warranty - if no abuse or
misuse is found. Radios that have parts removed cut or clipped; or the PCB has been
damaged, will not be repaired under warranty.

- 20 -
401 W. 35th Street, Suite B
National City, CA 91950
[phone] •FAX [phone]
Email: [email protected]
http: //www.rangerusa.com
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