Yaesu VX-150 User manual

VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL 1
TheVX-150 is an ultra compact FM hand-held providing up to five watts of RF power and
a wealth of new features for the 2m amateur band. The VX-150 accepts the same battery
packs, and has rubber gasket seals around all external controls and connectors keep out
dust and rain or spray, assuring years of reliable operation even in harsh environments.
Sixteen multi-function keys provide the ultimate in programmability of 199 freely tunable
memories and two VFOs. All memories store repeater shifts or separate tx/rx frequencies,
CTCSS (Continuous Tone Controlled Squelch System) tone frequencies and tone encode/
decode selections with one instant-recall call channel memory and two special purpose
memories for limited subband tuning/scanning. Busy channel band or selective memory
scanning is provided along with priority channel monitoring; 1 MHz up/down stepping;
ARS (automatic repeater shift) when tuned to repeater subbands, plus a top panel rotary
dial for memory and frequency selection. The keypad serves as a DTMF encoder during
transmission, and up to 9 DTMF memories can store 16 digits each for quick playback of
commonly used numbers.
The liquid crystal display shows seven frequency digits, memory selection, CTCSS tone
frequency while setting*, page-received status when paged by a CTCSS tone, and includes
a bargraph S/PO meter. Yaesu’s power saver system can be set by the operator for optimum
sampling/standby ratio, or can be turned off for packet operation. And our new APO (Au-
tomatic Power Off) system shuts off the transceiver to avoid dead batteries if you doze off
or are called away unexpectedly.
Operation under difficult conditions is simplified by a lamp button illuminating the display
and backlit translucent keypad, diatonically assigned function-dependent keypad beeps.
Please read this manual carefully to gain a clear understanding of the features of the VX-
150.*: Paging features require optional FVP-25.
Introduction

VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL2
Controls & Connectors
TOP PANEL
•ANTENNA Jack
This SMC jack accepts the supplied YHA-?? rub-
ber flex antenna, or any other antenna designed to
provide 50-ohm impedance on the 2m band.
‚VOL/OFF Control
This control adjusts the volume of the receiver. Turn
this control to the fully counterclockwise position
(into the click stop) to turn the transceiver OFF.
ƒDIAL Rotary Selector
This 20-position detented rotary switch tunes the
operating (or CTCSS tone) frequency or selects the memory channels, according to
which function is selected by the keys on the front panel. This knob duplicates some of
the functions of the up and down arrow keys for operating convenience.
„SQL Control
This control sets the threshold level at which received signals (or noise) open the noise
squelch. Set this control from counterclockwise just to the point where noise is si-
lenced (and the BUSY/TX indicator on the front panel is off) when the channel is
clear.
…BUSY/TX Indicator Lamp
This LED indicator glows green when the noise squelch is open during reception, and
red when transmitting.
†LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
The display shows the selected operating conditions as indicated in the following dia-
gram:
S- and TX Power Meter Auto Power OFF Active
LOCK Feature Active
LOW Power
Alt Key Active
Memory Number
or
VFO Selection
Tone Encoder/Squelch Enabled
Digital Coded Squelch
DTMF Memory Mode
Memory Skip
BELL
Priority Channel Scanning
Repeater Shift
Memory Mode
Frequency

VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL 3
Controls & Connectors
SIDE PANELS
•PTT Button
Press and hold this (Push-to-Talk) button to transmit. The BUSY/TX indicator glows
red while transmitting.
‚Monitor (Burst) Button
In the USA version, this button opens the squelch momentarily without disturbing the
setting of the SQL control. In the European version, this button activates the 1750 Hz
Burst tone generator.
ƒLAMP Button
Press this button to illuminate the display and keypad when necessary.
…MIC/EAR Jack
This four-conductor miniature jack provides connection points for microphone audio,
earphone audio, PTT, and ground.
†EXT DC
This coaxial DC jack allows connection to an external DC power source (6.0-16V
DC).
The center pin of this jack is the Positive (+) line.

VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL4
FRONT PANELS
•Speaker
The internal speaker is located directly below the display.
‚Mic
The internal microphone is located at the bottom right-hand corner of the speaker.
ƒKeypad
These sixteen keys select the various operating features of the transceiver during re-
ception, and generate DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) tone pairs during transmis-
sion. One or two beeps will sound whenever one of the keys is pressed (if the beeper is
active). The labels on the faces of the keys indicate their primary functions, while the
labels above fifteen of the keys indicate alternate functions, which are activated by
pressing the [F/W]key first, and then another key within five seconds. When referring
to alternate key functions in this manual, we show the alternate key label followed by
the primary label in parentheses ( ). Primary key functions are referred to by the labels
on the keyfaces.
Remember to press the[F/W]key first (momentarily, unless otherwise indicated) when
you want to use an alternate key function. All key functions are described in the “Op-
eration” section, and summarized on the “VX-150 Operator’s Quick Reference Card.”
Controls & Connectors

VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL 5
ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED WITH THE VX-150
FNB-V57 7.2 V, 1100 mAh Ni-Cd Battery Pack
FC-72A/B/C/F/U Battery Chareger
Belt Clip
Hand Strap
Antenna
Operating Manual
Warranty Card
AVAILABLE OPTIONS FOR YOUR VX-150
FNB-V57 7.2 V, 1100 mAh Ni-Cd Battery Pack
FNB-62 7.2 V, 700 mAh Ni-Cd Battery Pack
FBA-25 Compact Dry Cell Battery Case for 6 AA-size cells
NC-72A 117 VAC Compact Wall Charger for FNB-14
NC-72B 220-234 VAC Compact Wall Charger for FNB-14
NC-72C 117 VAC Compact Wall Charger for FNB
NC-72U 220-234 VAC Compact Wall Charger for FNB
NC-73 Desktop Quick Charger
MH-34B4B External Hand Speaker/Microphone
MH-37A4B Earpiece/Microphone
VC-25 VOX Headset
E-DC-5B DC Cable w/Noise Filter
E-DC-6 DC Cable; plug and wire only
CSC-73 Soft Case
CN-3 BNC-to-SMA Adapter
CT-44 Microphone Adapter
YHA-?? Rubber flex antenna
Availability of accessories may vary: some accessories are supplied as standard per local
regulations and requirements, others may be unavailable in some regions. Check with your
Yaesu dealer for additions to the above list.
Accessories & Options

VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL6
ANTENNA INSTALLATION
The supplied antenna provides good results over the entire frequency range of the trans-
ceiver. However, for enhanced base station medium-wave and shortwave reception, you
may wish to connect an external (outside) antenna.
To install the supplied antenna
Hold the bottom end of the antenna, then screw it onto the
mating connector on the transceiver until it is snug. Do not
over-tighten by use of extreme force.
Notes:
¦Never transmit without having an antenna connected.
¦When installing the supplied antenna, never hold the
upper part of the antenna while screwing it onto the
mating connector on the transceiver.
¦If using an external antenna for transmission, ensure that the SWR presented to the
transceiver is 1.5:1 or lower.
BATTERY PACKS AND CASES
The following rechargeable Ni-Cd battery packs are recommended for use with the VX-
150:FNB-V57 7.2V 1100 mAh
FNB-62 7.2V 700 mAh
The following battery cases are also available for operating the VX-150with non-recharge-
able dry cell batteries (not supplied):
FBA-25 Battery Cases for 6 ‘AA’ (UM-3) batteries
The Ni-Cd packs above may be recharged either while attached to the transceiver or sepa-
rately, using the battery chargers described on the following pages. Each Ni-Cd pack should
be fully charged before it is used with the transceiver for the first time. Note that most of
these packs require different wall chargers: NC-72A/B/C/U for FNB-V57. Make certain
that you use the correct charger for each pack. The NC-73 Desktop Quick charger may be
used with all of these Ni-Cd packs.
BATTERY PACK INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL
To install the battery, hold the transceiver with your left hand, so your palm is over the
speaker and your thumb is on the top of the belt clip. Insert the battery pack into the battery
compartment on the back of the radio while tilting the Belt Clip outward, then close the
Battery Pack Latch until it locks in place with a “Click.”
Installation & Accessories

VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL 7
To remove the battery, turn the radio off and remove any protective cases. Open the Bat-
tery Pack latch on the bottom of the radio, then slide the battery downward and out from
the radio while unfolding the Belt Clip.
Do not attempt to open any of the rechargeable Ni-Cd packs, as they could explode if
accidentally short-circuited.
If the battery has never been
used, or its charge is de-
pleted, it may be charged by
connecting the NC-72A/B/
C/F/U Battery Charger, as
shown in the illustration, to
theEXT DC jack. If only 12
~ 16 Volt DC power is avail-
able, the optional E-DC-5B or E-DC-6 DCAdapter (with its cigarette lighter plug) may
also be used for charging the battery, as shown in the illustration.
INSTALLATION OF FBA-25 (Option)ALKALINE BATTERY CASE
The optional FBA-25 Battery Case allows receive monitoring using six “AA” size Alka-
line batteries. Alkaline batteries can also be used for transmission in an emergency, but
power output will only be 300 mW, and battery life will be shortened dramatically.
To Install Alkaline Batteries into the FBA-25
rSlide the batteries into the FBA-25 as shown in the illustration, with the Negative [–]
side of the batteries touching the spring connections inside the FBA-25.
rUnlock the bottom plate by pushing the latch in the “Open” direction.
rInstall the FBA-25 as shown in the illustration, with the [+] side facing the bottom of
the transceiver.
rRe-lock the bottom plate by carefully pressing the latch cover back into its normal
operating position.
TheFBA-25 does not provide connections for charging, since Alkaline cells cannot be re-
charged. Therefore, the NC-72A/B/C/F/U, E-DC-5B, or E-DC-6 may safely be con-
nected to the EXT DC jack when the FBA-25 is installed.
Notes:
mThe FBA-25is designed for use only with AA-type Alkaline cells.
mIf you do not use the VX-150 for a long time, remove the Alkaline batteries from the
FBA-25, as battery leakage could cause damage to the FBA-25 and/or the trans-
ceiver.
Installation & Accessories

VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL8
PRELIMINARY OPERATING INFORMATION
Before operating the transceiver for the first time, charge the battery pack completely (if
using Ni-Cd batteries) as described on pages 6and 7. If using the FBA-25 battery case,
install the batteries as described on page 7.
Connect the YHA-?? rubber flex antenna to the antenna jack on the top of the transceiver.
Never operate the transceiver without an antenna connected.
Before proceeding, please read the Controls and Connectors chapter if you have not al-
ready, to familiarize yourself with the controls. Note especially item?? on page ??, which
describes the terminology used in this chapter when referring to the keys.
Except for certain special cases mentioned later, the keypad functions as a DTMF (Dual
Tone Multi Frequency) tone generator during transmission.
SWITCHING POWER ONAND OFF
•Be sure the battery pack is installed.
‚Connect the antenna to the top panel ANTENNA
jack.
ƒSwitch on the transceiver by rotating theVOLcon-
trol clockwise out of the click-stop (a momentary
beep will sound).
If you don’t hear the two “Beep” tones when the radio comes on, the Beeper may have
been disabled via the Menu system. See page ??, which tells you how to reactivate the
Beeper.
ADJUSTING THE VOLUME LEVEL
Rotate the VOL control (immediately to the right of the Antenna) to set the desired audio
level. Clockwise rotation increases the volume level.
SQUELCH SETUP
Set the SQL control fully counterclockwise, rotate the
VOL control out of the click-stop and adjust for a com-
fortable volume on the noise or received signal. The
BUSY/TX indicator LED should glow green. If a sig-
nal is present, rotate the DIALselector on the top panel
to a channel where only noise is heard.
Adjust the SQL control just to the point where the noise is silenced and the LED is extin-
guished. If the SQL control is set further clockwise, sensitivity to weak signals will be
reduced. Now, whenever a signal reaches the receiver that is strong enough to open the
squelch, the indicator will glow green.
Operation

VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL 9
Note that while receiving, one or more bargraph segments may appear along the bottom of
the display, indicating signal strength on the receiving frequency. This indication is not
affected by the squelch setting, so even squelched signals may have some indication. If you
notice more than one or two bargraph segments appearing while the squelch is still closed,
try reducing the squelch control setting (if you want to hear weak signals).
The Monitor switch on the USA versions (just above the PTT switch) allows you to check
for channel activity beneath the squelch level and to adjust the volume without having to
adjust the squelch: just press the Monitor switch and the squelch will open.
FREQUENCY NAVIGATION
Press the [VFO(PRI)] button, if necessary, to select the VFO mode. The VX-150 has two
vfos, labelled “A” and “B” either of which can be used for all of the procedures described
in this manual. You can change vfos with the [VFO(PRI)] button at any time.
You have several ways to tune the VX-150: in selectable channel steps or 1 MHz steps
with the [s]/ [t]keys or DIAL knob, and direct keypad frequency entry.
Use the DIAL knob to tune the displayed VFO frequency at the current channel step rate.
You can also press the [s]/ [t]keys momentarily to do this, but if you press an [s]or
[t]key for more than 1/2-second scanning will start. This is described later, so for now,
just press an [s]/ [t]key again to stop (if you have to).
To change the MHz range of the VFO, you can press the [F/W]key followed by an [s]or
[t]key (or turn the DIAL knob). Note the beeps when using the [s]/ [t]keys: when
moving up, and when moving down. When done press [F/W]again, or just wait five sec-
onds.
You can also enter a frequency directly just by keying in the 1 MHz and the kHz digits. If
you are using 5 or 10 kHz steps enter five digits. Otherwise just four digits will do. Partial
entries can be cancelled with the [VFO(PRI)] key.
Examples:
To enter 146.5200 MHz, press àààà
To enter 146.5000 MHz, press ààà
Operation

VX-150 OPERATING MANUAL10
TRANSMITTING
When you wish to transmit, wait until the channel is clear (BUSY/TXlamp off), and squeeze
the PTT switch. During transmission theBUSY/TXlamp glows red, and relative transmit-
ter power output is indicated graphically along the bottom of the display. Release the PTT
switch to receive.
If using a version B (in Europe), press the T-CALL switch (above the PTT switch) to
transmit a 1750 Hz tone to access repeaters that require it.
CHANGING THE CHANNEL STEPS
Tuning steps are factory preset to 20 kHz. To change a frequency step, follow the proce-
dure below:
•Press the [F/W]key, then immediately press the [0(SET)]key to enter the Set mode.
‚Rotate the DIAL to select Menu Item #7 (“STEPSTEP
STEPSTEP
STEP”).
ƒPress the [F/W]key to enable modification of the current setting.
„Now rotate the DIAL knob to select 5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25 or 50 kHz steps.
…Press the PTTkey to save the new setting and exit to normal operation.
Operation