Vertex Standard VX-450 series User manual

VX-451 VX-454 VX-459
VX-450 SERIES
OPERATING MANUAL
PROGRAMMABLE FUNCTIONS/FEATURES
IP57 Submersible (1 m/30 min.)
Programmable Function Keys
2-tone Encode/Decode
5-tone Encode/Decode
MDC-1200®Encode/Decode
Scan
Group Scan
Dual Watch
FM-Scan (Follow-Me Scan)
TA Scan
Encryption
Clear Voice
VOX
REC & PLAY (Requires DVS-8 or DVS-9)
AF Min Volume
Talk Around
Man Down (Requires DVS-9)
Emergency
Lone Worker
Direct Channel Entry1
Code Up/Down1
Code Set1
Speed Dial1
DTMF Code Set2
ID Check1
TX Save Disable
ARTS (Auto Range Transpond System)
1: VX-454 & VX-459 ONLY
2: VX-459 ONLY

Introduction .................................................................... 1
Warning! FCC RF Exposure Requirements ................ 2
Controls & Connectors (VX-459) ................................. 4
Controls & Connectors (VX-454) ................................. 5
Controls & Connectors (VX-451) ................................. 6
LCD Icons & Indicators (VX-454 & VX-459) ............. 7
Before You Begin ............................................................ 8
Battery Pack Installation and Removal ....................... 8
Low Battery Indication ............................................... 8
Battery Charging ......................................................... 8
Belt Clip Installation and Removal ........................... 10
Operation ...................................................................... 12
Preliminary Steps ...................................................... 12
Operation Quick Start ...............................................12
Advanced Operation .................................................... 15
Programmable Key Functions .................................. 15
Description of Operating Functions ......................... 18
LOCK ............................................................................ 30
Man Down Function ..................................................... 31
ARTS (Auto Range Transpond System) .................... 31
User Set Mode ............................................................... 32
Optional Accessories..................................................... 33
Warranty Policy ............................................................ 34
CONTENTS
CONGRATULATIONS!
You now have at your fingertips a valuable communications tool-a Vertex Standard two-way radio! Rug-
ged, reliable and easy to use, your Vertex Standard radio will keep you in constant touch with your
colleagues for years to come, with negligible maintenance down-time. Please take a few minutes to read
this manual carefully. The information presented here will allow you to derive maximum performance
from your radio, in case questions arise later on.
We’re glad you joined the Vertex Standard team. Call on us anytime, because communications is our
business. Let us help you get your message across.
Notice!: There are no owner-serviceable parts inside the radio. All service jobs must be referred to an
authorized Vertex Standard Service Representative. Consult your Authorized Vertex Standard Dealer for
installation of optional accessories.

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
1
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR NORTH AMERICAN USERS REGARDING 406 MHZGUARD BAND
The U.S. Coast Guard and National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration have requested the
cooperation of the U.S. Federal Communications Commission in preserving the integrity of the protected
frequency range 406.0 to 406.1 MHz, which is reserved for use by distress beacons. Do not attempt to
program this apparatus, under any circumstances, for operation in the frequency range 406.0 - 406.1
MHz if the apparatus is to be used in or near North America.
Warning - Frequency band 406 - 406.1 MHz is reserved for use ONLY as a distress beacon by the
US Coast Guard and NOAA. Under no circumstance should this frequency band be part of the
preprogrammed operating frequencies of this radio.
INTRODUCTION
The VX-450 Series are full-featured hand-held FM transceivers designed for business communications in the
VHF or UHF Land Mobile bands. These transceivers are designed for reliable business communications in a
wide variety of applications with a wide range of operating capability provided by their leading-edge design.
The VX-451 allows to 32-channel capacity and 2 groups. The VX-454/-459 allows to 512-channel capacity
and 32 groups which can each be programmed with an 8-character Alpha-Numeric Tag.
Important channel frequency data is stored in EEPROM and flash memory on the CPU, and is easily program-
mable by Vertex Standard dealers using a personal computer and the Vertex Standard Programming Cable and
CE115 Software.
The pages which follow will detail the many advanced features provided in the VX-450 Series transceiver.
After reading this manual, you may wish to consult with your Network Administrator regarding precise details
of the configuration of this equipment for use in your application.

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
2
WARNING! FCC RF EXPOSURE REQUIREMENTS
This Radio has been tested and complies with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) RF exposure
limits for Occupational Use/Controlled exposure environment. In addition, it complies with the following Stan-
dards and Guidelines:
FCC 96-326, Guidelines for Evaluating the Environmental Effects of Radio-Frequency Radiation.
FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 (2001) Supplement C, Evaluating Compliance with FCC Guidelines for
Human Exposure to Radio Frequency Electromagnetic Fields.
ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Fre-
quency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
ANSI/IEEE C95.3-1992, IEEE Recommended Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Elec-
tromagnetic Fields - RF and Microwave.
WARNING:
This radio generates RF electromagnetic energy during transmit mode. This radio is designed for and
classified as Occupational Use Only, meaning it must be used only during the course of employment by
individuals aware of the hazards, and the ways to minimize such hazards. This radio is not intended for
use by the General Population in an uncontrolled environment.
CAUTION:
To ensure that your expose to RF electromagnetic energy is within the FCC allowable limits for occupa-
tional use, always adhere to the following guidelines:
This radio is NOT approved for use by the general population in an uncontrolled exposure environ-
ment. This radio is restricted to occupational use, work related operations only where the radio opera-
tor must have the knowledge to control his or her RF exposure conditions.
When transmitting, hold the radio in a vertical position with its microphone 2 inches (5 cm) away from
your mouth and keep the antenna at least 2 inches (5 cm) away from your head and body.

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
3
The radio must be used with a maximum operating duty cycle not exceeding 50%, in typical Push-to-
Talk configurations.
DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time (50% duty cycle). Transmitting more
than 50% of the time can cause FCC RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded.
The radio is transmitting when the red LED on the top of the radio is illuminated. You can cause the
radio to transmit by pressing the P-T-T button.
SAR compliance for body-worn use was only demonstrated for the specific belt-clip (CLIP-20). Other
body-worn accessories or configurations may NOT comply with the FCC RF exposure requirements
and should be avoided.
DO NOT transmit when the radio is used in Body Worn configuration with the following accessory:
belt-clip.
It must be used ONLY for (1) there is 4 cm distance from the body during transmitting, (2) monitoring
purposes, using the speaker only and (3) for carrying purposes.
Always use Vertex Standard authorized accessories.
The information listed above provides the user with the information needed to make him or her aware
of RF exposure, and what to do to assure that this radio operates with the FCC RF exposure limits of
this radio.
Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility
During transmissions, this radio generates RF energy that can possibly cause interference with other
devices or systems. To avoid such interference, turn off the radio in areas where signs are posted to do so.
Do not operate the transmitter in areas that are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation such as hospi-
tals, health care facilities, aircraft, and blasting sites.
WARNING! FCC RF EXPOSURE REQUIREMENTS

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
4
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (VX-459)
PTT Switch
SIDE-1 Button
SIDE-2 Button
MIC/SP Jack
(External MIC/SP)
Battery Pack Latch16-Button DTMF Keypad
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)Microphone
LED Indicator (Programmable)
Default settings are:
Steady Red:
Transmitting in progress
Blinking Green:
Busy Channel
Steady Green:
Tone Squelch in defeated condition
Speaker
Antenna Jack
TOP SEL Key
CH (Channel)Selector
VOL/PWR Knob

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
5
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (VX-454)
Battery Pack Latch4-Button Programmable Key
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)Microphone
LED Indicator (Programmable)
Default settings are:
Steady Red:
Transmitting in progress
Blinking Green:
Busy Channel
Steady Green:
Tone Squelch in defeated condition
Speaker
Antenna Jack
TOP SEL Key
CH (Channel)Selector
VOL/PWR Knob
PTT Switch
SIDE-1 Button
SIDE-2 Button
MIC/SP Jack
(External MIC/SP)

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
6
CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (VX-451)
Battery Pack Latch
Speaker Microphone
LED Indicator (Programmable)
Default settings are:
Steady Red:
Transmitting in progress
Blinking Green:
Busy Channel
Steady Green:
Tone Squelch in defeated condition
Antenna Jack
TOP SEL Key
CH (Channel)Selector
VOL/PWR Knob
MIC/SP Jack
(External MIC/SP)
PTT Switch
SIDE-2 Button
SIDE-1 Button

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
7
LCD ICONS & INDICATORS (VX-454 & VX-459)
8 Character Alpha-numeric Display
Group Number
RSSI Indicator (four steps)
Encryption is activated
Option SW (Key Function)
is activated
Low Transmit Power Mode On
“Audio Compander” is activated
“CALL” Indicator
Receiver Monitor
“Talk-Around” is enabled
“Voice Message” is received
Battery Indicator
“Group Scan” is enabled
Priority 2 Channel
“DUAL WATCH” is activated
: “Scan” is enabled
: “Priority Scan” is activated

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
8
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Battery Pack Installation and Removal
To install the battery pack, align the battery pack
to the radio with an offset about 1/2 inch from the
top edge of battery compartment, then slide the
battery pack upward until it locks in place with a
“Click.”
Low Battery Indication
As the battery discharges during use, the voltage
gradually becomes lower. When the battery voltage
becomes to low, substitute a freshly charged battery
and recharge the depleted pack. The LED indicator
on the top of the radio will blink red when the bat-
tery voltage is low.
Caution
Danger of explosion if battery is replaced with
an incorrect battery. Replace only with the same
or equivalent type.
Battery Charging
Referring to Figure 1, adjust
the direction of the Battery
Holder of the CD-49 Desktop
Charger in accordance with
the battery pack being
charged; Push in both sides of
the Battery Holder while pull-
ing up on the Battery Holder
to remove it from the charger
base, select the correct direc-
tion of the Battery Holder for
the battery being charged, then
To remove the battery, turn the radio off and re-
move any protective cases. Slide the Battery Pack
Latch on the bottom of the radio toward the front
panel while sliding the battery down about 1/2
inch. Then lift the battery out from the radio.
Do not attempt to open any of the recharge-
able Lithium-Ion packs, as they could ex-
plode if accidentally short-circuited.
Wide
Wide
FIGURE 1

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
9
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
replace the Battery Holder by pressing down on
both sides of the Battery Holder, if necessary.
Referring to Figure 2, insert the DC plug from
the optional PA-45 AC Adapter into the DC jack
on the rear panel of the CD-49 Desktop Charger,
and then plug the PA-45 AC Adapter into the
AC line outlet.
Insert the battery pack into the CD-49 Desktop
Charger while aligning the slots of the battery
pack with the guides in the nest of the CD-49;
refer to the illustration at the right for details on
proper positioning of the battery pack. If charg-
ing with the transceiver attached, turn the trans-
ceiver off. The antenna jack should be at the left
side when viewing the charger from the front.
If the battery pack is inserted correctly, the LED
indicator will glow red. A fully-discharged bat-
tery pack will charge completely in 1.5 - 3.0 hours
(depending on the battery pack being charged).
When charging is completed, the LED indicator
will change to green.
Disconnect the battery pack from the CD-49
Desktop Charger and unplug the PA-45 AC
Adapter from the AC line outlet.
1) Always use the Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.
Model FNB-V112LI or FNB-V113LI
Lithium-Ion Battery Pack.
2) Battery Pack shall not be exposed to excessive
heat such as sunshine, fire, or the like.
3) Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an in-
correct type. Dispose of used batteries according to
the instructions
4) Perform the battery charging where the ambient
tempera-ture range +5 °C to +35 °C. Charge out of
this range could cause damage to the battery pack.
5) Use only the Vertex Standard Co., Ltd. Model
PA-45 AC Adapter.
FIGURE 2

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
10
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Belt Clip Installation and Removal
To install the Belt Clip: align the Belt Clip to the
groove of the Battery pack, then press the Belt
Clip downward until it locks in place with a
“Click.”
To remove the Belt Clip: use a flat head screw
driver to press the Belt Clip Tab away from the
battery pack to unlock the Belt Clip, then slide
the Belt Clip upward to remove it.
Belt Clip Tab

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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NOTE

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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OPERATION
Preliminary Steps
Install a charged battery
pack onto the transceiver, as
described previously.
Screw the supplied antenna
onto the Antenna jack.
Never attempt to operate
this transceiver without an
antenna connected.
If you have a Speaker/Mi-
crophone, we recommend
that it not be connected until you are familiar with
the basic operation of the VX-450 Series.
Operation Quick Start
Turn the top panel’s
VOL/PWR knob clock-
wise to turn the radio on.
Turn the top panel’s CH
Selector knob to choose
the desired operating
channel. On the VX-454
and VX-459, a channel
name will appear on the
LCD.
If you want to select the operating channel from a
different Channel Group, press the Programmable
key (assigned to the Group Up or Down func-
tion) to select the Channel Group you want be-
fore selecting the operating channel. A Group
name will appear on the LCD whenever the Pro-
grammable key is pressed.
Note: Some models are programmed so that the
operating channels are selected by the Program-
mable key and the Channel Group is selected by
the CH selector knob. For further details, contact
your Vertex Standard dealer.
IMPORTANT NOTE
Water resistance of the transceiver (IP57: 1
meter / 30 minutes) is assured only when the
following conditions:
Battery pack is attached to the transceiver;
Antenna is connected to the antenna jack;
and MIC/SP cap is installed in the MIC/
SP jack.

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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Rotate the VOL/PWR
knob to set the volume
level. If no signal is
present, press and hold in
the SIDE-1 button (un-
der the PTT switch)
more than 2 seconds;
background noise will
now be heard, and you
may use this to set the
VOL/PWR knob for the
desired audio level. Press
and hold the SIDE-1 button more than 2 seconds
(or press the SIDE-1 button twice) to quiet the
noise and resume normal (quiet) monitoring.
To transmit, monitor the
channel and make sure it
is clear.
Press and hold the PTT
switch. Speak into the
microphone area of the
front panel grille in a normal voice level. To re-
turn to the Receive mode, release the PTT switch.
Press the (Orange) TOP
SEL key to activate one
of the preprogrammed
functions which may
have been enabled at the
time of programming by
the dealer. See the next section for details regard-
ing the available features.
OPERATION
The Channel Announcement Feature works as described below
(1) In the VX-454/459 radio:
The maximum number of channels is 512 (32 channels maximum per group). The radio announces the
channel number digit by digit.
For example, “Channel 1” is announced as “one” and “Channel 10” is announced as “one zero”.
(2) In the VX-451 radio:
The maximum number of channels is 32 (16 channels maximum per group). The radio announces
Channels 1 - 9 by digit, while Channels 10 - 16 are announced by number.
For example, “Channel 10” is announced as “ten” and so on.

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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If a Speaker/Microphone
is available, remove the
plastic cap and its two
mounting screws from
the right side of the trans-
ceiver, then align the con-
nector of the Speaker/
Microphone on the trans-
ceiver body; secure the
connector pin using the screws supplied with the
Speaker/Microphone. Hold the speaker grille up
next to your ear while receiving. To transmit, press
the PTT switch on the Speaker/Microphone, just
as you would on the main transceiver’s body, and
speak into the microphone on a normal voice level.
Note 1): Save the original plastic cap and its
mounting screws. They should be reinstalled
when not using the Speaker/Microphone.
2) When you press the PTT switch on the
Speaker/Microphone, it disables the internal mi-
crophone, and vice versa.
If the Busy Channel Lockout feature has been
programmed on a channel, the radio will not trans-
mit when a carrier is present. Instead, the radio
will generate short beep three times and indicate
“CH BUSY” on the display (VX-454 and VX-
459). Release the PTT switch and wait for the
channel to be clear of activity.
If CTCSS or Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) Lock-
out has been programmed on a channel, the radio
can transmit only when there is no carrier being
received or when the carrier being received in-
cludes the correct CTCSS tone or DCS code.
Automatic Time-Out Timer
If the selected channel has been programmed for au-
tomatic time-out, you must limit the length of each
transmission. While transmitting, a beep will sound
10 seconds before time-out. Another beep will sound
just before the deadline; the “TX” indicator will dis-
appear and transmission will cease soon thereafter.
To resume transmitting, you must release the PTT
switch and wait for the “penalty timer” to expire.
OPERATION

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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ADVANCED OPERATION
Programmable Key Functions
All versions of the VX-450 include the TOP SEL,
SIDE-1, and SIDE-2 key. The VX-454 and VX-459
include the [A], [B], [C], and [D]function keys. Fur-
thermore, the VX-459 includes the []and [#]func-
tion keys.
The Programmable key functions can be customized,
via programming by your Vertex Standard dealer, to
meet your communications/network requirements.
Some features may require the purchase and instal-
lation of optional internal accessories. The possible
Programmable key programming features are illus-
trated on the next page, and their functions are ex-
plained beginning after page 18. For further details,
contact your Vertex Standard dealer.
For future reference, check the box next to each func-
tion that has been assigned to the Programmable key
on your particular radio, and keep it handy.

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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TOP SEL
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FUNCTION
None
Monitor
Monitor -Momentarily-
Lamp1
Low Power
Encryption
Set1
SQL OFF
SQL OFF -Momentarily-
SQL Set1
Beep Off
Whisper
VOX
VOX Set1
Clear Voice
AF Min Volume
Emergency
CH Announcement
VOX Anti-Trip
Lone Worker
Group Up1
Group Down1
Channel Up1
Channel Down1
Speed Channel Up1
Speed Channel Down1
PRI-1
PRI-2
PRI-2 Set
PRI-2 Disable
Direct Channel 11
Direct Channel 21
Direct Channel 31
Direct Channel 41
Direct Channel Entry2
SIDE-1
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PROGRAMMABLE KEY (PRESS KEY / PRESS AND HOLD KEY)
[]2
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ADVANCED OPERATION

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
17
ADVANCED OPERATION
FUNCTION
Scan
Group Scan
Dual Watch
FM Scan
Scan Set1
Group Scan Set1
TA Scan
Talk Around
Reset
Call 1
Call 2
Call 3
Call 4
Call 5
Code Up1
Code Down1
Code Set1
Speed Dial1
DTMF Code Set2
Call
Status Set1
Status Up1
Status Down1
Status Check1
Duty
ID Check1
ARTS Login1
Option Switch 1
Option Switch 2
REC3
PLAY3
TX Save Disable
Lock
TOP SEL
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[A]1
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1: VX-454 and VX-459 only. 2: VX-459 only. 3: DVS-8 or DVS-9 is required.

VX-450 SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
18
Description of Operating Functions
MONITOR
Press (or press and hold) the assigned Programmable
key to cancel any signaling features; the BUSY/TX
indicator will glow green.
MONITOR -MOMENTARILY-
Cancel any signaling features while pressing the as-
signed programmable key.
LAMP (VX-454 AND VX-459 ONLY)
Press (or press and hold) the assigned Programmable
key to illuminate the display for five seconds.
LOW POWER
Press (or press and hold) the assigned Programmable
key to set the radio’s transmitter to the “Low Power”
mode, thus extending battery life. Press (or press and
hold) the key again to return to “Normal” transmit
power when in difficult terrain.
In the VX-454/-459, when the radio’s transmitter is
set to “Low Power” mode, the “L” icon will be indi-
cated on the display.
ENCRYPTION
Press (or press and hold) the assigned Programmable
key to toggle the Encryption feature “On” and “Off.”
In the VX-454/-459, when the Voice Scrambler fea-
ture is activated, the “ ” icon will be indicated on
the display.
SET (VX-454 AND VX-459 ONLY)
Press (or press and hold) the assigned Programmable
key to activate the “User Set” (Menu) Mode. See
“User Set Mode” chapter for details.
SQL OFF
Press (or press and hold) the assigned programmable
key to open the SQL to hear background noise
(unmute the audio).
SQL OFF -MOMENTARILY-
Opens the SQL to hear background noise (unmute
the audio) while pressing the assigned programmable
key.
ADVANCED OPERATION