Vertex Standard VX-4600CB User manual

UHF CB TransCeiver
VX-4600CB
OperaTing ManUal
Vertex Standard LMR, Inc.

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 
 
 
 
 SuppliedMountingBracket............................................................................... 6
 MobileInstallation............................................................................................. 7
 BaseStationInstallation..................................................................................... 8
 
 FrontPanel....................................................................................................... 10
 RearPanel........................................................................................................ 12
 
 SwitchingPowerON/OFF............................................................................... 13
 SettingtheVolume........................................................................................... 13
 Transmitting..................................................................................................... 13
 KeyLock.......................................................................................................... 14
 
 ProgrammingFunction(PF)Keys................................................................... 15
 DescriptionofOperatingFunctions................................................................. 16
 
 
 
 General............................................................................................................. 25
 Receiver............................................................................................................ 25
 Transmitter....................................................................................................... 25
 VX-4600CBChannelList................................................................................ 26
 CTCSSToneFrequency................................................................................... 27
 DCSCode......................................................................................................... 27
 
 
 
Notice !
Therearenoowner-serviceablepartsinsidethetransceiver.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-4600CB Operating Manual
1
IntroductIon
Congratulations! You now have at your ngertips a valuable communications tool:
a Vertex Standard two-way radio! Rugged, 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 downtime.
The VX-4600CB is meet the varied commercial radio needs of Australian indus-
try. This transceiver is designed for reliable communications in a wide variety of
applications with a wide range of operating capability provided by their leading-
edge design.
The VX-4600CB allows to 80-channel capacity which can be programmed with
an 8-character Alpha-Numeric Tag. Important channel frequency data is stored in
EEPROM and ash memory on the CPU, allows the user to change the receiving
frequency while the VX-4600CB is in the Field programming mode.
The manual will detail the many advanced features provided in the VX-4600CB.
After reading this manual, you may wish to consult with your Network Admin-
istrator regarding precise details of the conguration of this equipment for use in
your application.
Please take a few minutes to read this manual carefully. The information presented
here will allow you to derive maximum performance from your radio.
We’re glad you joined the Vertex Standard team. Call on us anytime, because com-
munications is our business. Let us help you get your message across.
Warning! RF Exposure Requirements
During transmissions, this radio generates RF energy that can possibly
cause interference with other devices or systems. To avoid such inter-
ference, turn off the radio in areas where signs are posted to do so.
Do not operate the transmitter in areas that are sensitive to electro-
magnetic radiation such as hospitals, health care facilities, air port, and
blasting sites.

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
2
Important InformatIon concernIng uHf cB radIo
The use of the Citizen Band Radio Service is licensed in Australia by the ACMA
radio communications (Citizens Band Radio Stations) class licence and in new
Zealand by the ministry of Economic Development New Zealand (MED). A Gen-
eral user radio licence for Citizens Band Radio and operation is subject to condi-
tions contained in those licences.
The class licence for users and equipment operating in the CB/PRS 477 MHz band
has been amended.
This radio meets the new 80 channel standard.
In simple terms the same amount of spectrum is available; however, radio trans-
ceivers can now operate in a narrower bandwidth and hence use less spectrum.
These radios are generally referred to as narrowband or 12.5 kHz radios. By using
12.5 kHz channel spacing instead of 25 kHz, the 40 channels originally allocated
can now be expanded to 80 channels thereby doubling the channel capacity and
relieving congestion in the UHF CB/PRS band.
Original 40 channel wideband radios will continue to operate on the original 40
channels, however they will not be able to converse on the newer channels 41 - 80.
The newer narrowband radios will be able to converse with all older 40 channel
wideband radios on all channels 1 to 40 as well as the newer channels allocated
from 41 to 80.
The mixing of narrowband and wideband radios in the same spectrum can cause
some possible operating issues of interference and varying levels of received vol-
ume.

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
3
Possible Issues
When a new narrowband radio receives a transmission from an older wideband ra-
dio the speech may sound loud and distorted - simply adjust your radio volume for
best performance.
When an older wideband radio receives a signal from a new narrowband radio, the
speech may sound quiet - simply adjust your radio volume for best performance.
Depending on how close your receiving radio is to another transmitting radio,
there can be interference from the transmitting radio if it is using a channel adja-
cent to the channel you are listening to.
Simply try going up or down a few channels from the currently selected channel.
The above situations are not a fault of the radio but a symptom of operating wide-
band and narrowband radios in the same bandwidth.
This possible interference will decrease over time as the population of wideband
radios ages and decreases.
Further information and updates are available from the Australian communications
and media Authority (ACMA) at www.acma.gov.au and the Ministry of Economic
Development (MED), radio spectrum management at: www.rsm.govt.nz
Emergency Channels
The ACMA has allocated channels 5/35 for emergency use only. Channel 5 is the
primary simplex Emergency channel. Where a channel 5 repeater is available, you
should select Duplex on CH 5.
Note: Channel 35 is the input channel for the channel 5 repeater therefore channel
35 should also not be used for anything other than emergency transmissions.
Telemetry Channels
ACMA regulations have allocated channels 22 and 23 for telemetry only applica-
tions and have prohibited the transmission of speech on these channels. Conse-
quently your radio has a transmit inhibit applied to channels 22 and 23.
In the event additional telemetry/telecommand channels are approved by the
ACMA, these channels shall be added to those currently listed where voice trans-
mission is inhibited. Currently transmissions on channels 61, 62 and 63 are also
inhibited and these channels are reserved for future allocation.
Important InformatIon concernIng uHf cB radIo

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
4
features
Microprocessor Controlled Frequency Synthesiser: Allows user programmable
control of scanning, channel memories and selected feature options.
Voice Encryption: The Voice Encryption feature protect the privacy of your com-
munication from other groups.
Programmable Scan Function: Scans the selected UHF CB channels with both
Group and Open Scan functions available.
Priority Channel: User programmable Priority Channel feature allows your work-
ing channel to be instantly recalled at the press of a programmable key.
High Contrast Liquid Crystal Display: Large LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
provides a visual indication of the selected channel and all selected functions at a
glance.
Field Programming Mode: Allows the user to change the receiving frequency
and Wide/Narrow receiver lter of the memory channel by the simple operation
from the front panel’s key.
User Menu Mode: Allows the user to dene or congure various settings of the
radio by the simple operation from the front panel’s key.
In-Built CTCSS & DCS: User selectable Continuous Tone Coded Squelch Sys-
tem and Digital Coded Squelch system option provides silent channel operation on
individual channels.
TOT (Time Out Timer): This radio has a built-in time-out timer that automati-
cally limits transmissions to a maximum of 3 minutes of continuous operation.
This feature is required by the ACMA to prevent accidental blocking of the fre-
quency should your PTT switch become jammed or be otherwise pressed acciden-
tally. The time-out period can be changed to a shorter time by your dealer.

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
5
Repeater and Duplex Mode: Duplex operation allows the radio to transmit on
a different frequency to that which it receives. This allows operation through re-
peater stations.
A repeater station consists of a linked transmitter/receiver combination installed in
a prominent location.
The repeater is designed to receive signals on a designated channel and retransmit
them on another channel.
Repeater stations, usually located on mountaintops or other high locations, provide
a dramatic extension of the communication range for low-powered hand-held or
mobile transceivers.
Normally, UHF radios transmit and receive on the same frequency - known as
Simplex operation. However to communicate through repeaters, your radio must
be able to transmit and receive on different channels - otherwise known as Duplex
operation.
This radio can easily perform the repeater operation by selecting the operating
channel to the repeater channel by the [q]/[p] key.
The repeater channel is set in channels 1 - 8 and 41 - 48 which have been allocated
for repeater use. In the repeater channel, the “D”
notation is appeared on the right side of the channel
indication. Refer to page 26 for details of the Chan-
nel List.
features
Repeater
Station
TX: 476.4250 MHz
RX: 477.1750 MHz
TX: 477.1750 MHz
TX: 477.1750 MHz
RX: 476.4250 MHz
RX: 476.4250 MHz
Channel
[CB-01D]
Simplex
Repeater Operation
Channel
[CB-01D]

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
6
InstallatIon
Supplied Mounting Bracket
The supplied mounting bracket allows desktop or overhead mounting.
 Use a 5.5 mm bit to drill the holes to a surface which is more 10 mm thick and
can support more than 1.5 kg and secure the bracket with the supplied screws,
spring washers, at washers, and nuts.
You may secure the bracket using the supplied tapping screws, instead of the
screws and nuts. In this case, drill the small pilot holes instead of the 5.5 mm
holes.
 Install the radio to the bracket using the supplied Knob Screws and Washers (or
Hex Head Bolts, depending on the situation).
Use only the supplied Knob Screws, Washers, Bolts, or equivalent
size screws (HSM5X12).
desktop mount
(
wItH screw & nut
)
overHead mount
(
wItH screw & nut
)
desktop mount
(
wItH tappIng screw
)
overHead mount
(
wItH tappIng screw
)

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
7
RED: POSITIVE (+) Terminal
BLACK: NEGATIVE (–) Terminal
Cigarette Lighter Plug
Fuse Box
12 V Battery
Mobile Antenna
moBIle InstallatIon
Mobile Installation
To minimize voltage drop and avoid blowing the vehicle’s fuses, connect the sup-
plied DC power cable directly to the battery terminals. Do not attempt to defeat or
bypass the DC cable’s fuse - it is there to protect you, your transceiver, and your
vehicle’s electrical system.
Warning! Never apply AC power to the power cable of the VX-4600CB,
nor DC voltage greater than 15.8 Volts. When replacing the fuse, only use
a 15-A fuse. Failure to observe these safety precautions will void the Limited War-
ranty on this product.
 Before connecting the VX-4600CB, check the voltage at the battery terminals
while revving the engine. If the voltage exceeds 15 Volts, adjust the vehicle’s
voltage regulator before proceeding with installation.
 Connect the RED power cable lead to the POSITIVE (+) battery terminal,
and the BLACK power cable lead to the NEGATIVE (–) terminal. If you
need to extend the power cable, use #12 AWG or larger insulated, stranded
copper wire. Solder the splice connections carefully, and wrap the connections
thoroughly with insulating electrical tape.
 Before connecting the cable to the transceiver, verify the voltage and polarity
of the voltage at the transceiver end of the DC cable using a DC voltmeter.
Now connect the transceiver to the DC cable.
InstallatIon

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
8
Base Station Installation
Operation of the VX-4600CB from an AC line requires a power source capable
of providing at least 10 Amps continuously at 13.6 Volts DC. The FP-1030A AC
Power Supplies are available from your Vertex Standard dealer to satisfy these
requirements. Other well-regulated power supplies may be used, as well, if they
meet the above voltage and current specications.
Use the supplied DC power cable for making power connections to the power
supply. Connect the RED power cable lead to the POSITIVE (+) power supply
terminal, and connect the BLACK power cable lead to the NEGATIVE (–) power
supply terminal.
InstallatIon
Base statIon InstallatIon
RED: POSITIVE (+) Terminal
BLACK: NEGATIVE (–) Terminal
Antenna
AC Power Supply
(13.6 V, 10 A)

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
9
note

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
10
controls & connectors
Front Panel
Important! - All buttons located on the Front Panel are Programmable Function
(PF) keys, congured according to your network requirements and programmed
by your Vertex Standard dealer. The instructions below describe a typically-cong-
ured radio.
 PWR () Button
Press and hold in this button for 2 seconds to toggle the transceiver’s power
“on” and “off”.
 VOL Knob
Turn this control clockwise to increase the volume.
 Microphone Jack
Connect the microphone plug to this jack.
 [P1] - [P4] Keys (Programmable Function Keys)
These keys can be set up for special applications, such as High/Low power
selection, Scan Mode Selection, CTCSS/DCS Setting, etc., as determined by
your network requirements and programmed by your Vertex Standard dealer.
 [q]/[p] Keys (Programmable Function Keys)
In the factory default, pressing either key changes the current channel (and
displayed channel number or name).
 

 



VX-4600CB Operating Manual
11
 LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The display includes a 8-character alpha-numeric section showing Channel
name tags/identity information and error messages, and an upper icon row dis-
playing feature status (see below).
 TX/BUSY Indicator
Indicates transceiver’s Transmit/Receive Status.
controls & connectors
“Dual Watch” is activated
: “Scan” is enabled
: “Priority Scan” is activated
Receiver Monitor
“Encryption” is enabled Group Number
Priority-2 Channel
RSSI Indicator (four steps)
8 Character Alpha-numeric Display
CTCSS System is enabled
DCS System is enabled

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
12
Rear Panel
controls & connectors



 Antenna Jack
The 50-Ohm coaxial feedline to the antenna must be connected here, using a
mini-UHF plug.
 13.6V DC Cable Pigtail with Connector
The supplied DC power cable must be connected to this 2-pin connector. Use
only the supplied fused cable, extended if necessary, for power connection.
Replace only with the same or equivalent type fuse.
 External Speaker Jack
An external loudspeaker may be connected to this 2-contact, 3.5-mm mini-
phone jack.
Caution: Do not connect either wire of this line to ground, and be certain that
the speaker has adequate capability to handle the audio output (12 W) from
the radio.
 D-Sub 15-Pin Accessory Connector
External TX audio line input, PTT (Push To Talk), Squelch, and external RX
audio line output signals may be obtained from this connector for use with ac-
cessories such as data transmission/reception modems, and external Channel
control input etc.

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
13
BasIc operatIon of tHe radIo
Important! - Before turning on the radio the rst time, conrm that the power con-
nections have been made correctly and that a proper antenna is connected to the
antenna jack.
Switching Power ON/OFF
 Press and hold in the PWR() button for 2 seconds to turn the radio on. The
display will become illuminated.
 Press the [q]/[p] key to choose the desired operating channel. A channel
number will appear on the display.
 If you want to select an operating channel from a different group, press the
[P4] key repeatedly to select the group you want before selecting the operat-
ing channel. A group number will appear at the upper right corner of the LCD
whenever the [P4] key is pressed.
Setting the Volume
 Turn the VOL knob clockwise to increase the volume, and counterclockwise
to decrease it.
Transmitting
 To transmit, monitor the channel and make sure it is clear.
Press the Programmable Function key which is assigned to the “Monitor” fea-
ture to listen for channel activity.
 When receiving a call, transmit only after the incoming call ends. The radio
cannot receive a call and transmit simultaneously.
 Press the PTT switch.
 If the channel is clear, the TX/BUSY indicator will glow red. The radio is now
transmitting. While holding in the PTT switch, speak across the face of the
microphone in a clear and normal voice. For best transmission, hold the mi-
crophone about 4 to 5 cm away from your mouth. Release the PTT switch to
receive.
 The VX-4600CB has a Time-Out Timer which limits the length of each trans-
mission to 3 minutes. It prevent prolonged transmissions.
While transmitting, a beep will sound 10 seconds before time-out. Another
beep will sound just before the deadline; the red “TX” indicator will disap-
pear and transmission will cease soon thereafter, and the “TIME OUT” will
be indicated on the display. To resume transmitting, you must release the PTT
switch and wait for the “penalty timer” to expire (if you press the PTT switch
before this timer expires, the timer restarts, and you will have to wait another
“penalty” period).

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
14
 If the Busy Channel Lockout feature has been programmed on a channel, the
radio will not transmit when a carrier is present. Instead, the radio will gener-
ate a short beep three times and the VX-4600CB indicates “CH BUSY” on
the display. Release the PTT switch and wait for the channel to be clear of
activity.
 If CTCSS or Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) Lockout has been programmed on
a channel, the radio can transmit only when there is no carrier being received
or when the carrier being received includes the correct CTCSS tone or DCS
code.
Key Lock
In order to prevent accidental operating function/feature change or inadvertent
transmission, various aspects of the front panel’s keys may be locked out.
To activate the Locking feature, press and hold in the [P1] key while turning the
radio on. To disable the Locking feature, repeat this power-on procedure.
BasIc operatIon of tHe radIo

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
15
advanced operatIon
Programmable Function (PF) Keys
The VX-4600CB includes six Programmable Function (PF) keys. The PF key
functions can be customized, via programming by your Vertex Standard dealer.
The possible PF key programming features are illustrated below, and these func-
tions are explained on the pages to follow. For further details, contact your Vertex
Standard dealer. For future reference, check the box below to the function that has
been assigned to each PF key on your particular radio, and keep it handy.
functIon
programmaBle functIon key
(
press key / press & Hold key
)
[P1] [P2] [P3] [P4] [p] [q]
Dimmer / / / / / /
Monitor / / / / / /
Squelch Off / / / / / /
Lock / / / / / /
Scan / / / / / /
Scan Set / / / / / /
Scan Mode Select / / / / / /
Priority Channel Set / / / / / /
CTCSS/DCS Set / / / / / /
Group Up / / / / / /
Encryption / / / / / /
User Menu Mode / / / / / /

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
16
Description of Operating Functions
Dimmer
Press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key to select the brightness level of the
display and keypad. Available selections are four levels.
monitor
Press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key to disable the Signaling Squelch
(CTCSS, DCS, 5-Tone Signaling, or DTMF Pager). Press (or press and hold) the
assigned PF key again to resume normal (quiet) the Signaling Squelch action.
When the Signaling Squelch is disabled, the “ ” icon will be indicated on the dis-
play.
SQL off
Press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key to disable both the Noise and Sig-
naling Squelch (CTCSS, DCS, 5-Tone Signaling, or DTMF Pager) systems. Press
(or press and hold) the assigned PF key again to resume normal (quiet) operation
of the Noise and Signaling Squelch system.
When the Noise and Signaling Squelch is disabled, the “ ” icon will be blinking
on the display.
Lock
Press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key to lock the PF keys and PTT switch.
In the Lock mode, the display will show “-LOCK-” when you touch the PF keys
or PTT switch. Of course, you may cancel the Lock mode by press (or press and
hold) the assigned PF key).
Scan
The Scanning feature is used to monitor multiple channels programmed into the
transceiver. While scanning, the transceiver will check each channel for the pres-
ence of a signal, and will stop on a channel if a signal is present.
 To activate scanning, press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key to acti-
vate scanning on the channel, looking for active ones; it will pause each time
it nds a channel on which someone is speaking.
 To stop scanning, press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key again. Op-
eration will revert to the “Scan Start” channel.
advanced operatIon

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
17
Scan Set
Scan Set feature allows the user to arrange a custom scan.
Press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key to delete/restore the current channel
to/from your scanning list.
 When you delete a stored channel, “SCN SKIP” will appear on the display for
one second after you press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key; the “ ”
icon will, in turn disappear.
 When you restore a channel, “SCN SET” will appear on the display for one
second after you press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key, and the “ ”
icon will now appear.
Scan moDe SeLect
Press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key to select the scan mode. Press (or
press and hold) the assigned PF key repeatedly to select the desired Scan Mode.
 Open Scan (“SCAN OPN” will appear on the display)
The scanner will search the all “agged” channels, looking for active ones.
When receive the signal, the scanner will halt and resume according to the
programmed resume time.
When press the PTT switch in the Open Scan mode, transmission is inhibited
while scanner is activated, or disable the scanner while scanner is paused.
 Group Scan (“SCAN GRP” will appear on the display)
The scanner will search the all “agged” channels and priority channel, look-
ing for active ones. When receive the signal, the scanner will halt and resume
according to the programmed resume time.
When press the PTT switch in the Group Scan mode, the radio transmit on the
Priority Channel while the scanner is activated, or the radio transmit on the
Busy Channel while the scanner is paused.
 Priority Scan (“SCAN PRI” will appear on the display)
The scanner will search the all “agged” channels and priority channel, look-
ing for active ones. When receive the signal, the scanner will halt and resume
according to the programmed resume time.
In the Priority Scan mode, press the PTT switch to disable the scanner.
advanced operatIon

VX-4600CB Operating Manual
18
advanced operatIon
Priority channeL Set
Press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key to assign/remove the current chan-
nel to/from Priority Channel “ag”. The Priority Channel “ag” sets individually
to the Group Scan and Priority Scan modes.
When you assign a “ag”, a small “P” icon will appear at the upper right corner
of the display. When you remove a “ag”, a small “P” will disappear from the dis-
play.
ctcSS/DcS Set
Press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key to enable selection of the CTCSS/
DCS system.
The CTCSS/DCS system superimposes a continuous, subaudible tone (for CTCSS
system) or digital code (for DCS system) on your transmitted audio. When decod-
ed at the other station, the CTCSS/DCS signal triggers their squelch to open and
receive your transmission. To use the CTCSS/DCS system, both stations must be
select the same tone or code.
1. Press (or press and hold) the assigned PF key to display the current CTCSS/
DCS system.
2. Press the [P1] key to select the desired CTCSS/DCS mode.
3. Press the [p]/[q] key to select the desired subaudible tone (for CTCSS sys-
tem) or digital code (for DCS system).
You may cancel the new setting by pressing the [P3] key.
4. Press the [P4] key to activates the CTCSS/DCS system.
To disable the CTCSS/DCS system, select the “OFF” in step 3 above.
The “decimal point” will be appeared on the dis-
play to indicate the CTCSS/DCS system is acti-
vated.
Note: The “CH-05” and “CH-35” channels are
used for Emergency Channel. The CTCSS/DCS
system is not available on these channels. CTCSS System is enabled
DCS System is enabled