Ranger Rcl-2970N2 User manual

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Communications, Inc.
867 Bowsprit Road,
Chula Vista, CA191.4
EmaiL:saIesrangerusa.com
http:J/iW.rangerusa.com
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Communications, Inc.
Rclm2970N2
AM/FM/SSB/CW Dual Band
Amateur Mobile Transceiver
Owner's Manual
PRINTED IN TAIWAN
A38251 608D

I
PAGE
Chapter 1 Specifications  .
2
Chapter 2 Introduction
3
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Unpacking . 
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3
Chapter 3

Installation 
....................................................................
4
Transceiver Mounting
. .
...........
4
...
................................................................ Power Connection 
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.................................
4
Chapter 4 Operation
5
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.
Front PaneT
5
.
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RearPanel
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9
Microphone........
10
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.....................................
............................ .....................
Frequency Selection
I I
12
Mode Selection
.............................................
......................
RF Power Control
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12
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Chapter5 Programming
13
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.................
ReceiveScanning
13
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Split 
Function 
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.13
Memory
Function  .
.......................................
13
Memory Channel Scanning 
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14
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....
Meterin g 
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14
Chapter6 Frequency Scanning
14
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...................................................
Ail-Frequency Scanning
15
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.......... Memory Scanning. . .
.............. ......
. 
....................
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16
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Chapter 7 Offset Frequency Operation
17
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18
Memo 
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LIMITED WARRANTY
Inside Back Cover
GENERAL
Model
RC1-2970N2
Frequency Range: 12 meter
:
10 meter
246900 24.9900 MHz
28.0000 296999 MHz
Tuning Steps
1001-141 KHzWKF-[z,
100 KHz, I MHz
Emission
USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM
Frequency
Control Phase-Lock-Loop Synt1ieszer
Frequency Tolerance
1005%
.
Frequency Stability 0.001%
 .
Operating
Temperature
Range
+500C
Antenna Impedance 50 ohm
Microphone
430
c Dynamic PTT
Meter Function
RF Output, RX Receive Signal
Strength, SWR
.
Input Voltage
13.8 V DC
Dimensions 7 7/8  (W) x 11 1/3 (5) x 3 1/4 (H)
Weight 81b3oz.
TRANSMITTER
. RF Power Output 200W IJSHJLSB Peek Power
I DOW: OW/AM/FM
RF Transmit Modes
USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM
Antenna Connector U HF Type, 50 t2
Modulat/on
16F3, A3E, JOE, AlA
Spurious Emissions
>60 cM
Carrier Suppression
.50 dB
RECEIVER
Sensitivity
AM(CW: 0.5 yiV for lOdE Sinad
FM : 025iVfor 12dB Shad
. USB!LSA  015 LL V for 10dB Sined
Image Rejection Ratio -65 dB
AGC Figure of Merit SSBICW/AM  0d8 at 5OmV for a
1 OdE thonge in Audio Output
Audio Power Output 25W
{SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE)
-2-

Congratulations on your purchase of an RCI-2970N2 10 and 12 meter dual
band amateur radio. Your RCl297ON2 is designed to provide trouble-free
service and state-of-the-art communications, incorporating many useful
features and functions in the 10 and 12 meter dual band radio. Please read
this manual thoroughly to ensure proper performance.
.. :'

.:.,.......:...,....... 
•F.
IMPORTANT
To operate This radio you must possess an 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
F 
The mnufscturer is not
responsible for any radio or TV
interference
caused by
unauthorized modifications
to this equipment. Such modifications could
void
the
I.
. users authority to
operate this equipment.
Unpacking
The following items are included with our RCI-2970N2. 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)
RC1-2970N2 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.
The RCI-2970N2 is easy to install. All necessary parts (less the antenna and
coax cable) have been included to facilitate instbliation.
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, and 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: Use the enclosed power cord
.  .  .
. 
NOTE
The condition of a vehicle's electrical system can affect
the operation of your RC/
; 
2970N2. A /ow battery, worn generatorl alternator, or
poor voltage regulator will
impair performance of the unit as well as the vehicle.
---

Operation (Continued )
E 
1
Chapter 4: Operation
-------------------------
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 disp'ay cursor (using SHF button) below the desired digit and then
turning the selector knob.
2. AF POWER CONTROL: This control adjust the Transmitters RF power
output level.
3 MIC GAIN CONTROL: This feature adjust the microphone gain for
transmit and PA modes. Experiment with this control for the setting that
will provide best audio quality. Avoid over-modulation, which causes
interference to adjacent stations and splatter.
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 receivers 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.
io•
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
& ONIOFF VOLUME CONTROL: Turn clockwise to apply power to the radio
and to set the desired listening. level.
5- 
-6-

Opration (ContinueT4
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-pr9gram
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
44
cursor" under the desired digit.
Allows frequency to be changed In 100 Hz, 1 KHz, 10 KHz, I 00 KHz and I
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.
t
.eration
(
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.
- 7 - 
-8-

Operation (Continued) -----
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).
Caution: Use the enclosed power cord
Operation (Confinue o)
L___ 
I
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
rflvrrnThr:T

1.17C Cah
l p- ITh
1
Audio Shield
2
Audio Lead
3
Transmit Control
4
Receive Control
5
Up Control
6
Down Control
Transceiver Microphone Schematic Diagram
-9- 
-10-

IwIJI I . I
Frequency Selection
Frequency selection in the RC-297ON2 can be accomplished using any one
of the following three methods:
I The first method of frequency selection uses the SHF (Shift) key and the
A (UP)/V' (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 theA
key to increase the number. Press the Y" 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 "A key and the 'V key an 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.
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 1 OW through 200W for the RCI-2970N2.

C.h.a.pter 5 P ro g ra mmin g
i
Receive Scanning
The receive scanning feature
allows
you to locate active frequencies in the
entire band segment. 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-2970N2
will resume scanning after about a 2 second pause. To deactivate the Scan
mode, press the
MAW
(manual) button or turn the Squelch control
counterclockwise until you hear receiver noise. The MAN button will disable
the Scan function. (See FREQUENCY SCANNING,
pg. 15 for more
information.)
Split Frequency
This function enables you to split the transmit and rece i ve frequencies 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-2970N2 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
1
.
Pro g ram m
. J .n
g ( Continue
---- -------------
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.
Ji a =~
The segmented bars on the let-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.
-13- 
14

Fre q
uency Scannin
g (Continued)
I
Frequency scanning can be achieved by either of two methods: the first
method involves scanning of aI frequencies between a pie-set upper and
lower scan frequency. The second method permits the scanning of
frequencies previously programmed in the memory locations 0 thru 9.
AWFrequency 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. ('"PIRG SCAN+' should appear in the lower right-
hand corner of the display window.)
3.
Using the SHE 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+T' 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.
Memory
Scanning
The RCI-2970N2 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
I*SCAN+1r
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.
-15- 
-16-

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. n the following example, th e
programming of a I 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-2970N2 can be
equipped with an optional dOSS encoder.
TO PROGRAM TX OFFSET:
I . 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 I 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 andDOWN arrows as described
previously, set the radio to the desired receive frequency.
7.. Press SPLIT. Either 'SPUT+" or "SPLIT-" will be displayed in the lower
right corner of the display. If "SPLIT+ is displayed, the transmitter will be
offset I 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
-
-17- 
-18-

Ranger Communications Limited Warranty
Ranger Communication, Inc. (Ranger)
WUTaII1S to the original purchaser only this
prdtict against defects 0 mateLial or workmanship, as noted below.
Effective December 1 , 2001 the following Ranger Communications, Inca products
are covered by a two (2) year limited warranty:
I Arnateui Radio Products RCI 29500X RCI 2970DX RCI 2980WX RCI
2985DX, R.Ci-2990DX, RCI-29950X , RCI-6300FHP, RU-6300FTB, RC1-
6900l TIP RCI 6900fl
8
RC 6300F25 RCI 6300F1 O Rd 6900F25 RU
6300F150, RCI-5054DX, RCI-5054DX-100, RCI-63FFC1, RCI-63FFC2, RCI-
63FFC4, RCI-2970N2.
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 purchasers bill of sale, receipted invoice, or
other proof of purchase. After this period, the original purchaser in
...ust
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, atits option, repair or
replace the defective product. Such action shalt 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). Please contact RCI for Return Authorization at:
Ranger Communications, Inc.
867 Bowsprit Road,
Chula Vista, CA91914
Email: sale-s
ran gerLisa.com
http: 11www. rangerusa. corn
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage clue to acts of God, accident,
misuse, abuse, iicgligence, improper installation, UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATION,
or any action in violation of the product's instruction manual. This warranty is valid
only in the U. S. A.
1.
Li m it e
d means that we will repair problems that are caused by factory defects
univ for the above mentioned products and time limit, at no charge. Work performed
by qualified technicians who 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.