XCOM 760 User manual

XCOM 760
VHF Transceiver
Hardware Revision 1.10
Software Rev. 1.20 Build 46
Installation and Users Manual
XCOM Avionics
Factory 4, No. 24 Leda Drive. Leda Business Park
Burleigh Heads, Queensland Australia 4226.
Phone [phone] Fax [phone]

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Table of Contents
Introduction.................................................................................................4
Features Overview ........................................................................................4
Manual Release Information ...........................................................................5
Package Contents .........................................................................................6
User Manual.................................................................................................6
Warranty Card..............................................................................................6
Description ..................................................................................................6
Front Panel Controls and Switches...................................................................7
Emergency Frequency..............................................................................7
LCD Display .................................................................................................8
TX (Transmit) Icon ..................................................................................8
RX (Receive) Icon....................................................................................8
DUAL WATCH..........................................................................................8
LOW BATT..............................................................................................8
MEM......................................................................................................8
Middle Line.............................................................................................8
Bottom line ............................................................................................8
XCOM Installation .........................................................................................9
Wiring Harness.............................................................................................9
Antennas................................................................................................... 10
Radio Frequency Hazard Information........................................................ 10
Radio Ground Strap ............................................................................... 10
Operating your XCOM Transceiver................................................................. 10
On ...................................................................................................... 10
MODE.................................................................................................. 10
MEM.................................................................................................... 11
DUAL................................................................................................... 11
Flip Flop button (Ú)............................................................................... 12
Memory Programming ................................................................................. 12
Introduction ......................................................................................... 12
Operation............................................................................................. 12
Clearing Memories................................................................................. 13
Memory Scanning ....................................................................................... 13
Introduction ......................................................................................... 13
Starting Memory Scan............................................................................ 13
Stopping Memory Scan .......................................................................... 13
Setup Options ............................................................................................ 14
Introduction ......................................................................................... 14
Operation............................................................................................. 14
Antenna Information ................................................................................... 16
Wiring Diagram – Typical Installation............................................................. 18
XCOM VHF Transceiver Specifications - Subject to Change................................ 19
Drilling Template ........................................................................................ 24
Notes........................................................................................................ 25
Warranty Card............................................................................................ 26

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Introduction
Thank you for purchasing the XCOM 760 VHF Transceiver. This manual describes
the operation and installation of the product. Should you have any questions that
are not answered in this manual, please contact XCOM Avionics in Australia on
[phone] or by email to [email protected]. As this product is new, there
are continual developments and changes still being made so XCOM recommends
checking the website for the latest edition of this manual.
The XCOM 760 VHF Transceiver is the second of several innovative avionics
products to be released by XCOM Avionics. Based on the features of the very
successful Microair and Becker radios, the XCOM 760 offers many advanced
features previously only available in the more expensive brands.
Designed from the ground up in Australia, the XCOM 760 offers superior
performance under the demanding and noisy conditions experienced in many
amateur built and light sport aircraft. With low power consumption, this radio is
also ideally suited to use in gliders, homebuilts and ultralights.
A full 6 watt carrier output ensures that you will be heard above the general chatter
in busy airspace and the voice-activated (vox) intercom with muting music input
will enhance your enjoyment of the flight. With expanded receive frequency range
up to 163 MHz. the XCOM 760 provides NOAA weather reception, ensuring that you
are always aware of impending weather conditions (NOAA weather only operates in
the USA), and will have an optional MARS/CAP capability to be introduced in future
releases.
Additional safety enhancements, such as dual watch, allow the pilot to listen to the
standby frequency while still monitoring the primary frequency. The XCOM 760 also
has 99 memory channels, large volume and channel selector knobs and well spaced
buttons. This radio is extremely easy to operate, even when wearing flight gloves,
and you can even check the condition of your battery with the built in voltage
monitor. Even at voltages as low as 10 volts, the XCOM 760 is capable of delivering
2 watts of carrier with full modulation.
Software update capability and Internet downloads mean that you are always
provided with the latest features.
Features Overview
•Digital volume and squelch controls on front panel
•Digital volume and vox intercom controls on front panel (same volume
squelch control, but activated by mode button when required).
•2 place voice activated intercom, with pilot over-ride and passenger (pax)
isolate (pax can listen to cd music while pilot listens to com). Dual mode input
line for cd or second com input. Cd music has auto fade, turns off if com is
receiving and reduces in volume if pilot or pax talk.

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•Remote toggle (toggle active or standby or scroll memory channels via a push
button on the stick – only available when copilot PTT is not used)
•Transmitter (TX) timeout (stuck mic) which turns off transmitter after 30
seconds (user adjustable). TX is re-enabled by releasing and re-pressing PTT.
•99 memory channels (10 NOAA, 1 priority 121.500 and 88 user defined
memory channels).
•Memory channels scanning.
•10 preset NOAA weather channels (suitable for USA only)
•Dual Watch - allows monitoring of the active frequency while listening on the
standby frequency. The active frequency has priority.
•User enabled wide receive mode - allows monitoring of the VOR frequencies
between 108 and 118 MHz., the normal airband up to 137 MHz. and then up
to 163 MHz., in 25 kHz. steps. All frequencies, when enabled, can be stored in
memory channels.
•RS232 interface allowing control of radio functions and programming of
memories. Future revisions may allow upgrade of the internal firmware via
internet download. (This feature to be introduced during 2005/6)
•Low battery alert with user selectable alert levels for under voltage (default is
10.5 vdc.) and over voltage (default is 14.5 vdc.)
•Optional MARS / CAP capability (special order to be introduced during 2005/6
subject to FCC approvals)
XCOM Avionics reserves the right to update this manual as product enhancements
are made throughout the life of this product. The actual release number of this
manual is printed on the bottom of the pages for easy reference and the latest
version can always be downloaded from the XCOM web site.
Please note that this manual is accurate for the software version denoted on the
front cover page. Features may vary between software versions and some features
may not be available in all XCOM radios.
Manual Release Information
Release Date Changes
1.0 January 04 Original draft of document
1.1 May 04 Release of manual to public
1.2 July 04 Addition of aerial safety information re: FCC Request
1.3 July 04 Addition of certification approvals FCC and FAA
1.4 December 04 Addition of new features in manual, release Version 120 software
1.5 January 05 Fixed wrong number for Low Volts page 13
1.6 June 2005 Updated to Software version 120 build 0034
1.7 July 2005 Spelling and grammar changes

Package Contents
The XCOM 760 is packed in an anti-static bag, for electrical protection, and
enclosed in foam within a cardboard box for protection during shipping.
The boxed contents are….
•One XCOM 760 VHF transceiver
•User manual
•DB15 solder plug and plastic back shell
•Optional: If you purchased the optional wiring harness it will be included in
this package with installation instructions.
User Manual
Please read and understand this manual BEFORE attempting to install and operate
this transceiver. The XCOM VHF 760 has many advanced features which, if not
properly understood, could cause improper operation or damage to this product.
Warranty Card
Included in the rear of this manual is the warranty card. Please fill out your details
and return to the manufacturer’s address provided. Please don’t return the card to
your dealer. Alternatively you may fill in the warranty details online through the
website at http://www.xcom760.com (select warranty registration).
Description
The XCOM VHF 760 Transceiver has a 2.25” (57mm) face for fitting in a normal
aircraft small instrument hole. The case is 5.1” (129mm) long, 2.4” (61mm) wide
and 2.4” (61mm) high. The unit is secured to the aircraft dashboard by 4 screws
and is self supporting, requiring no additional supports, trays or brackets.
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Front Panel Controls and Switches
nDUAL - Press once to activate dual receive
capability. The DUAL WATCH icon will be
illuminated in the LCD Screen. Press again to
de-activate.
oON - Press for 1 second to turn the
transceiver on. Depress for 2 seconds to turn
the unit off.
pMODE - Activates the various different
modes. See mode section below.
qMEM - Accesses the 99 memory locations.
See memory operation sections below.
rFlip Flop (Transfer) Press to transfer the
bottom line to the top and vice-versa. The top
frequency is the active transmit channel and
the bottom line is the standby frequency. (The
radio will not transmit on either the weather or
extended receive channels.) Also used as
escape from other screens.
sVOL/SQH - Default is transceiver volume.
Rotate the control to adjust the level
between 0 and 63. The default for normal
operation is 50.
To activate the squelch, press the knob in once
and the word will be displayed.
Rotate the control to the left to decrease and
open the squelch. Rotate to the right to
increase and close the squelch. Squelch values
range from 0 to 63 with the default for normal
operation around 30. After 3 seconds of no
activity the control reverts back to volume and
the screen returns to default. These controls
also adjust the intercom squelch and volume
when using the mode buttons as described
below.
tF/CH This control adjusts the standby
frequency. In normal use, rotating the control
adjusts the MHz. value. Press the control to
adjust the kHz. value. After 3 seconds of
inactivity the control will revert to MHz.
adjustment. See AdjAct section on page 14 for
additional information.
Emergency Frequency – Press both sand t
buttons together and you will automatically
activate the emergency frequency 121.5 –
press the flip/flop to exit.
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The rear of the radio has
nRS232 Port for future programming,
interface with external systems and
additional external control over the radio
oDB15 pin plug for connection of the
wiring harness
pBNC fitting for the antenna connection
LCD Display
TX (Transmit) Icon indicates that the
unit is transmitting. Note that after 30
seconds (default timeout) the unit will
automatically cease transmitting to
guard against a stuck or faulty PTT
switch.
RX (Receive) Icon indicates that a
signal is being received. Note that if the
squelch is fully opened (set at 0) then
the unit will continually receive either a
weak background signal or noise.
DUAL WATCH Lights up when the dual
watch button function is activated
LOW BATT indicates that the battery
voltage is low. A flashing icon indicates
that an over voltage situation exists.
MEM Indicates functions of the memory
modes. Please see below for additional
explanation.
Middle Line Displays the active
frequency
Bottom line Displays the standby
frequency and other status text.
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XCOM Installation
The XCOM 760 VHF Transceiver installation is straight forward and requires no
special skills. However installation of the wiring harness should be undertaken by a
suitably qualified person with the appropriate skills and test equipment. It is our
recommendation that installers purchase the factory manufactured wiring harness
or that owners have a local avionics repair or maintenance facility install the XCOM
760 for you.
When positioning the radio, ensure that the controls are within easy reach of the
pilot and in a suitable viewing angle when the pilot is sitting and secured in the
pilot’s seat. To mount the radio, position the supplied template on your panel and,
when satisfied with the location, drill and cut through the template in the marked
positions. The face hole is a standard 2.25” inches and the 4 securing holes are
drilled 5/32”.
Please check behind your panel for other components which may be damaged
during drilling.
The radio is mounted by insertion into the panel from the rear and is secured in
place by the 4 mounting screws supplied. Replacement screws are #6-32, 1/2“
long. Do not use longer screws as these may contact internal components and
cause damage to the unit.
Wiring Harness
The wiring harness is the most critical part of the installation and is where most
customers have difficulty. If you are unsure of how to complete this task, please
seek the advice of a qualified person or have the unit installed professionally. To
assist with installation, custom harnesses may be ordered direct from the
manufacturer.
If you decide to manufacture your own harness, please refer to the web site for
advice, techniques and wiring diagrams to assist you.
The following are some basic tips to get you started:
•Use aircraft quality Tefzel wire. This wire is specially manufactured for use in
aircraft with high quality insulation which will not create harmful vapors in the
event of a fire.
•Use 18 gauge (AWG) wire for all power supply connections
•Use wide braided wire for the grounding strap connected to the unit case
•Other wires should be 22 gauge.
•The antenna lead-in wire should be made from 50 ohm coaxial cable.
•Use high quality switches for toggle and PTT
•Use aviation quality headset and mike jacks (these are available from most
aviation suppliers or from our web site).

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Antennas
Correct operation of the transceiver requires a properly installed antenna suitable
for the frequency range from 118 to 137 MHz. On any new radio (or antenna)
installation, the VSWR of the aerial should be checked. The antenna VSWR should
preferably be no higher than 1.5:1 at the center of the aircraft COM band (127.2
MHz.). While no damage to the transceiver will occur with VSWR’s of 3:1, some
degradation in performance must be expected. There is more information on
antennas in the rear of this manual and on our website.
Radio Frequency Hazard Information
Regulations require a safe working distance between the pilot, copilot, passengers,
or the general public of at least 68 cm (27 inches) from the antenna location. If an
antenna gain of greater than 5.6 dBi is to be used, the antenna manufacturer
should be contacted to determine the minimum safe distance.
Radio Ground Strap
To prevent RF leakage into the radio, ensure that the radio chassis is well
grounded. Use a wide braided wire for the ground strap connected to the unit case
to ensure that a wide band of RF is grounded, which will prevent RF feedback from
entering the radio and causing squeals or other noise when transmitting.
Operating your XCOM Transceiver
On - To switch the unit on simply depress the ON button for one second. To switch
the unit off, hold the button in for 2 seconds. When power is applied, the
transceiver will start up in whatever mode it was in when power was last removed.
That is, if the unit was turned on when the power was removed, by turning off the
aircraft avionics or master switch, then when power is restored, the unit will again
switch on. If the unit was turned off when the power was removed, then the unit
will remain off when power is re-applied.
MODE - This is the main menu button for selecting various user options and for
displaying the voltage. Mode selections are cycled by depressing the MODE button
momentarily. To return to standard operation, press the Flip/Flop (Ú)button.
There are 6 Modes:
IntVol Intercom Volume. Rotating the VOL/SQH control will increase or
decrease the intercom volume.
IntSQH Intercom Squelch Rotating the VOL/SQH control will increase or
decrease the intercom squelch.
VoR On Receive VOR (audio only) This setting allows reception in the frequency
range 108 to 117.975 MHz. Push the F/CH knob to toggle the option
between On & Off. Rotating the F/CH knob clockwise accesses the
General Coverage option.