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1. |
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Newest Radio and Firmware |
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1.1 |
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The Newest radio |
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1.2 |
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Firmware |
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1.3 |
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FCC Type Acceptance |
2. |
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Transmitter and Receiver |
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2.1 |
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I can't hear my local repeater (CTCSS) |
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2.2 |
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I can't hear my signal, but I hear the
repeater squelch tail |
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2.3 |
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Aircraft frequencies |
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2.4 |
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Weather frequencies - NOAA / NWS |
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2.5 |
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TX and RX stopped working |
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2.6 |
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Volume Level Zero (0) |
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2.7 |
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Squelch Level Parameter Adjustment |
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2.8 |
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Green Light Flashing at Power On |
3. |
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Programming |
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3.1 |
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Setting the Radio's Internal Clock |
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3.2 |
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Setting the Radio's Operating Range |
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3.3 |
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Locking the Menus to prevent Field Programming |
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3.4 |
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Storing different frequencies in A and B |
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3.5 |
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The purpose of 2 displays |
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3.6 |
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Synchronizing display A and B |
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3.7 |
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Disabling the transmitter for receive only
frequencies (NOAA) |
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3.8 |
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Storing FM radio 65-108MHz channels in memory |
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3.9 |
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2.5 kHz Step Rounding |
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3.10 |
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Factory Reset |
4. |
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Scanning
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4.1 |
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Scanning (channel mode) |
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4.2 |
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Scanning (frequency mode) |
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4.3 |
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Scanning Stops at Random |
5. |
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Tone Access
(CTCSS, DCS)
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5.1 |
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CTCSS / DCS tones - What are they |
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5.2 |
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Can't hear local repeater, fire dept, etc |
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5.3 |
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How do I send a 1750 Hz tone |
6. |
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Accessories
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6.1 |
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Current Accessories |
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6.2 |
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Programming Cables and Microphones |
7. |
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Software, Cables &
Drivers
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7.1 |
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Software selection |
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7.2 |
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Error Messages |
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7.3 |
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Programming Cable & Drivers |
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7.4 |
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Building Your Own Programming Cable |
8. |
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Microphone and Audio issues
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8.1 |
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Low Transmit Audio |
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8.2 |
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Audio - Frequency Response |
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8.3 |
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Microphone Compatibility - Caution |
9. |
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Display Questions
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9.1 |
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LCD turns dark |
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9.2 |
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Display Disappears |
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Newest Radio and Firmware
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1.1 |
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The Newest Version of my radio?
Using the factory software,
Select: Program / Read from Radio.
Select: Program / Radio Information.
Factory Time will show the build Date and Time for the radio.
The most recent radio is the VV898S, which is the 25W version of the VV898.
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1.2 |
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Firmware - Can it be updated?
No. The firmware in these radios cannot be
updated. The microcontroller is an OTP type.
(One Time Programmable) Once 'flash' programmed
at the factory, it cannot be changed.
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1.3 |
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FCC Type Acceptance
The VV-898 is certified for FCC Part 90 commercial service in the US.
This model requires software to prevent accidental field programming.
Part 90 certification can be verified
HERE.
Note: These radios are not certified for FRS, GMRS or MURS operation in the US.
Consult your country's regulations regarding proper use and licensing.
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Transmitter and Receiver
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2.1 |
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I can't hear my local repeater (CTCSS)
Some Repeaters and Services require a CTCSS of
DCS tone for access but DO NOT transmit one back. If your display indicates there is an incoming signal but you hear no audio, you may have an incorrect or unnecessary RX tone set. When in doubt, leave the
CTCSS or DCS tones set to OFF.
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2.2 |
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I can't hear my signal, but I hear the
repeater squelch tail
The key here is that you can hear the repeater squelch tail.
You are too close to your receiver and over powering (de-sensing) it.
When this happens, you are blocking everything from your monitor.
1) Listen to your signal on simplex to verify you have audio.
2) Call someone on the repeater to verify your signal quality.
If they can hear you, then all is fine.
3) For testing using repeater frequencies, always set your monitor receiver to your transmitter's frequency, not the repeater's output signal.
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2.3 |
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Can I receive Aircraft frequencies
No. They are out of the radio's frequency range.
Also, the Aircraft Band is AM while these radios
are FM only
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2.4 |
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Can I receive Weather channels - NOAA / NWS
Yes. Radios with VHF capability can receive the
NOAA / NWS channels. However, they cannot be put in a standby mode
and triggered by the 1050Hz alert tone.
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2.5 |
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TX and RX stopped working after
being programmed
Check the settings under Optional Features / Special Function / Stun
All boxes should be selected. (shown in green)
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2.6 |
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Volume Level Zero (0)
The volumes levels range from 0-15.
0 = OFF 15 = Loudest
On early versions of the radio, volume level
zero (0) would actually raise the volume level
to 10, rather than mute the receiver audio.
The workaround for this is to set the Key Beep
(Menu 4) to ON.
This firmware bug has been resolved on newer
releases of the radio.
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2.7 |
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Squelch Level Parameter Adjustment
Depending on the squelch values set at the
factory, the range from 1 > 9 may not be at the
desired level. If set too low, a noisy signal can
open the receiver at level 9. If set too high,
a perfectly readable signal might be cut out at
level 1.
The cure for this is adjusting the SQL Base
Value settings in the Special Function section
of the software.
The VHF and UHF Base levels can be set
separately. The Enable Change function must be
selected for the software to write these
settings to the radio.
Sample settings can be found
here. Your
settings may vary.
Note: This helps reduce the static bursts that
randomly stops the scan function.
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2.8 |
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Green Light Flashing at Power On
During the PowerOn cycle, the radio samples the
operating voltage. The specified input voltage
is 13.8vdc. If the voltage is too low or
excessive, the radio will require a PowerOn
recycling to reset.
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Programming
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3.1 |
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Setting the radio's internal clock
(VV-898/JT270M)
The Clock Syncing feature was added to radios
with V1.03 firmware.
It will synchronize the radios internal clock
with your PC.
This can be found at:
Optional Features / Special Function / Time Of System
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3.2 |
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Setting the Radio's Operating Range
(VV-898/JT270M)
Radio's with firmware V1.03 have an
additional tab in the software allowing for
setting band edge limits.
This can be found at:
Optional Features / Band Select
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3.3 |
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Locking the Menus to prevent Field
Programming
This can be accomplished by unselecting 'MENU Enable'
This can be found at:
Optional Features / Key Assignment
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3.4 |
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Can I store different frequencies in A and B
No. There is only a single bank of 199 channels (1-199)
The same frequencies show in both displays A and B.
Each channel has option to display as either Frequency
or Channel Name.
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3.5 |
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The purpose of 2 displays
(A and B)
Dual Receive. You can set each to a different preprogrammed channel.
With Dual Watch (Menu 7) turned on, your radio will sample between the two frequencies and stop on whichever one has activity.
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3.6 |
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Synchronizing display A and B
Display A and B operate independently. You cannot synchronize them to track together.
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3.7 |
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Disabling the transmitter for receive only
frequencies (NOAA)
This can be done using the transmit inhibit function of your software.
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3.8 |
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Storing FM radio 87.5-108MHz channels in memory
Up to 30 channels can be saved using software.
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3.9 |
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2.5 kHz Rounding
This is a known issue. The factory software
(v1.02 and v1.03) for both VV-898 and JT270M
will not accept the 2.5kHz frequency step.
There is a 3rd party software (CHIRP)
that will allow a 2.5kHz step to be entered.
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3.10 |
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Factory Reset
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Press POWER ON button and immediately
(while WELCOME screen is displayed)
Press M for 2 seconds and release.
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"Menu 0 / ALL RST" will appear on the LCD.
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Press VOL+ or VOL- to select either:
Menu 0 / ALL RES (factory reset)
Menu 1 / FUN RES
(function reset)
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Press M again
"Reset ?" will appear
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Press M again to start process
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Scanning
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4.1 |
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Scanning (Channel Mode)
Channel Mode (MR) - Radio will scan all
programmed channels
- Regardless of the frequency programmed
- That have Scan Add set to ON
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4.2 |
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Scanning (Frequency Mode)
Radio will only scan the band selected.
If a VHF frequency is entered, the radio will
scan only the VHF band frequencies.
Note: The scan rate of the radio is only
4 channels per second.
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4.3 |
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Scanning Stops at Random.
If this occurs, the squelch level
settings may need to be adjusted.
Refer to Section 2, Squelch Level Parameter Adjustment.
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Tone Access (CTCSS, DCS)
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5.1 |
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What are CTCSS (PL) tones
A CTCSS is an 'Tone' sent along with your voice when transmitting.
They are used to access a specific repeater and block interference.
Visit
CTCSS for details.
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5.2 |
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Can't hear local repeater, fire dept, etc
Some Repeaters and Services require a CTCSS tone
for access, but do NOT transmit one back.
If your display indicates there is an incoming signal but you hear no audio, you may have an incorrect or unnecessary RX tone set.
It is recommended that a CTCSS or DCS tone for the receive channel
is not entered unless necessary.
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5.3 |
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How do I send a 1750 Hz tone
The radio has several programmable buttons. The
1750Hz tone will be sent when the programmed button is
pressed.
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Accessories
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6.1 |
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Current available accessories include:
- Programming Cables
- AC/DC Power Adapter 100-220VAC /
12V 3A
- Fused 12VDC Power Cable
- PM1G Microphone
- SM1G DTMF Microphone
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6.2 |
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Programming Cables and Microphones
The Kenwood Programming Cables and Microphones
are compatible with the Leixen mobile series.
Refer to item 8.3 (below)
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Software, Cables & Drivers
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7.1 |
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Software selection
There are several software options. (VV898
/ JT270M)
- Factory Software - Usually included with
the radio
FactorySW
- CHIRP * - Compatible with over 80 different
models
CHIRP
* VV-808 currently not supported by CHIRP
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7.2 |
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Error Messages
There are several common error messages
that could appear
when programming via software.
A list of these error messages, their definition
and recovery can be found at
Error Messages.
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7.3 |
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Programming Cable / Drivers
This is one of the major frustrations with
generic, low cost programming cables.
Many generic cables use Prolific chip clones/copies.
When plugged into a USB slot, Windows will load the latest driver.
These drivers have been updated to reject cables using cloned chips.
These cables will work fine, but only if the proper
backdated driver is installed.
This is covered in detail in the
USB Cable Drivers page.
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7.4 |
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Building Your Own Programming Cable
Another option is to build your own programming
cable.
The Diagrams and Procedures can be found at:
USB to 2 Pin
- Baofeng / Kenwood
USB to RJ-45
- Leixen
RS232 to 2 Pin
- Baofeng / Kenwood
General Technical Information
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Microphone and Audio Issues
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8.1 |
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Low Transmit Audio
Here's are some suggestions:
1) Talk directly into the microphone, within one inch.
2) Ham Bands Only - Set to Wide Band. 5 kHz (Menu 5=W)
3) The microphone opening may need to be
enlarged
4) There's a possibility that the rubber cover
inside the microphone may be blocking the
element.
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8.2 |
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Audio - Frequency Response
If the audio lacks low frequency response, a 104P (.1) capacitor can be added across the microphone element.
Click to Enlarge |
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8.3 |
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Microphone Compatibility - Caution
All microphones are not created equal.
Although terminated with an RJ-45 connector, the 6 or 8 pins may not be connected the same way. Connecting an incompatible microphone may damage the microphone or possibly the radio.
Always verify the compatibility first..
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Display Questions
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9.1 |
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LCD turns dark
The can occur if radio is left in the car
on a hot day. Extreme heat in a small unvented
area can cause the display to darken. Give it time to cool down and the LCD will
return to normal.
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9.2 |
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Display disappears
LCDs function by polarizing the liquid crystal elements in the display.
Polarized sunglasses will react to the polarized lens.
LCD Wiki
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