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Frequently Asked Question

General

Q: My amateur radio transceiver does not seem to receive out of the ham band frequencies as well as it does in the ham bands...Is mine defective ?
A: Alinco guarantee specifications only within the ham bands on our products.
Characteristics of reception, as well as transmission, outside of the ham bands (authorized use only) is not specified. In some cases, such as the wide band receiver, we declare the typical sensitivity values on different frequencies, but can not guarantee the value for the entire range.

For example, the DJ-V5T transceiver receives a wide range of frequencies. We specify the sensitivity on FM broadcast, 144 MHz and 440 MHz bands only. Other than these frequencies, reception is considered an accessory feature.

If you are interested in a particular frequency for operation, not only for Alinco products, but other brands as well; it is recommended that you contact your dealer or the manufacturer first to make sure the product performs well at that frequency.

Q: Do I have to return the warranty card to you ?
A: We ask that you follow the instruction specified on it. Warranty policies may vary depending on the country where you have purchased the product.
Please contact the authorized importer of your area for details.

Q: What is your policy regarding repair and replacement of a radio ?
A: Our policy is stated on the warranty card, please read it carefully; We reserve the right to make all final decisions regarding repair and replacement at any time.

Q: My radio has a problem. What should I do for the service ?
A: If you live in the US or Canada, visit PARTS & SERVICE menu on this web-site, It explains in detail how to return the radio for repair. For other countries, please contact an authorized dealer of your area.

Q: How can I order spare-parts not listed on this web-site ?
A: If you live in the US or Canada, visit PARTS & SERVICE menu on this web-site. For other countries, please contact an authorized dealer of your area.

Q: How can I make a request for the catalog ?
A: Just contact the authorized distributor of your area for the request; anybody at Alinco and its distributors will be happy to help you. This service is free of charge.

Q: I tried to put the offset and PL tone into memory but it won't stay. Why ?
A: You must enter all information such as frequency, offset and PL tone while in VFO mode and then commit the information to a memory channel all at once. You cannot add to a memory channel once it has been used. This is common to all Alinco models.

Q: Which microphone should I use for my mobile radio ?
A: Basically we have 5 different types of microphones available;
Multi-function microphone with 8pin connector, DTMF keypad microphone with 8pin connector, the same with a module plug and finally plain microphones for both 8pin and modular connectors. However, please choose the right model of microphone to fully enjoy the operation of your radio.

  • DDR570/DR110 and older radios (metal 8 pin connector with key-pad on the back of the microphone):
    The original DTMF microphone is no longer available. We recommend EMS-5 or EMS-53 plain microphones without keypad, or the repair of the original microphone. We still have limited quantities of repair parts for it.

  • DR600/DR130 and older mobile radios (metal 8 pin connector):
    Use EMS-12A multi-function microphone as a replacement to EMS-3 or EMS-11. EMS-5 or 53 plain microphone can be used also.

  • DR610/DR150 (metal 8 pin):
    EMS-12A is the original microphone for the multi-functional operation. EMS-5 plain microphone is available,too.

  • DR605/140 (modular plug):
    EMS-45 went out of production, and it has been replaced with EMS-54 DTMF microphone. EMS-52 plain microphone is also available. Note that EMS-54 is not a backlit microphone.

  • DR135 (metal 8 pin):
    Earlier models (serial number T/M 000500 and up) EMS-56 is the original backlit DTMF microphone. EMS-53 plain microphone can be used also. EMS-57 multi-functional microphone can be used but remote-controls are not functional, because these features are CPU dependent.

  • All DR235/435 and DR135 (metal 8 pin):
    Later models (serial number T/M 100000 and up) of DR135, all versions of DR435 and 235, the EMS-57 is the original multi-function back-lit microphone. EMS-53 plain microphone can be used also. Note that EMS-57A is developed for a special application (for a specific commercial use only to be communicating with other manufactures' specific units), and is distinguished from conventional EMS-57(without "A" identifier) by an ID sticker on the back of the unit. They are compatible, but might sound slightly different.

  • HF radios
    EMS-42 handheld and EMS-14 desktop microphones are available for all versions of Alinco HF products.

  • An optional EMS-14 desktop microphone can be used with any Alinco 8pin plug mobile radios but remote/DTMF features are not available on EMS-14. The audio input level should be adjusted with mic-level control on the microphone for better modulation. EDS-8 conversion connector is required for DR140/605 modular plug.


Digital Mode:

Q: What is the digital mode available on the DR-135/235/435T and DJ-596T ?
A: The EJ-40U/EJ-43U optional digital boards consist of a CVSD (Continuous Code Delta Codec), a CPU and GMSK-MODEM (Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying-Modem circuits. The analog voice signal from a transmitter's microphone is encoded by CVSD to a 14kbps digital signal while transmitting (Analog-Digital conversion). This digital signal is processed in the CPU using the publicly-open ITU-TV.32 protocol. This processed signal modulates the VCO in GMSK direct frequency modulation using a GMSK-Modem. It is then transmitted as a 20F3E conventional FM signal.

In the receiving mode, the GMSK modulated RX-AF signal comes out of a demodulation circuit and is processed at the GMSK-Modem. This signal is again processed in the CPU, then decoded in CVSD to obtain the original analog voice signal (Digital-Analog conversion). As in a normal FM receiver, the signal is amplified for output to a speaker.

Definitions:
CVSD: Continuous Code Delta Codec. One of the delta modulations that is commonly used for A-D,D-A conversion. It is a relatively low error-rate pulse modulation system.
ITU-TV.32: Internationally published open modulation protocol for a data-modem circuit.
GMSK: One of the digital modulation systems. It uses a Gaussian filter to reduce side-lobes produced at the moment of modulation.

Q: Is it legal to use this device in Ham radio communications, because digital modulation might be interpreted as 'scrambled', and encrypted communications are prohibited in the amateur-use ?
A: It all depends on the decision of your local authority. Please be sure to consult the rules that apply in your country before you actually operate in the digital mode. This unit is neither available nor intended for use where the import, sale or use of such devices is prohibited by the government. Alinco declines any and all responsibilities for any illegal use, nor is it responsible for sales of our products by dealers to any party.
In Japan, this mode has been officially authorized by the Ministry of General Affairs for ham-radio use (actually the DR-135 with the EJ-40U Digital Board is the very first radio that the ministry has type-accepted for ham use), because the device uses a public, open protocol. Moreover, it is not the first use of DIGITAL communications in Amateur Radio; rather, amateur radio started with a digital mode, known as Morse Code or CW coded signals. Nowadays, digital modes are very popular, including PSK31, AX.25, Pactor, G-TOR, Hellschreiber and others. They are legal because everyone uses the same published protocol, available publicly. We ask, why not use digital technology for VOICE communications? The Alinco EJ-40U uses the established ITU-TV.32 protocol. From this point of view, after having contacted the FCC in the USA, we have become confident that the use and sale of this device in the USA is not a problem. It is important to note that the signal is not encrypted, nor is the equipment intended to obscure the true meaning of the communication. Anyone with similar equipment or a means to receive and process the signal can monitor the communication. Such is the case for AX.25 packet, PSK-31 and other digital communications. Unlike the digital mode used in some commercial radios, the EJ-40/43U has only one protocol and it is not user-programmable. Ham regulations in many countries only prohibit codes or ciphers intended to obscure the communication, not the digital modulation itself.

Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of the digital mode ?
A: The advantages are low-noise and high-quality audio communication (and in commercial or government communications a higher level of security is possible)....in theory. However, for amateur use where there are restrictions such as bandwidth, cost of the radio etc, the technology applied to the EJ-40/43U is rather simple. We admit that the audio from the digital modulation mode in our radio definitely sounds 'processed'. Due to simplified circuit design, the error-correction rate is not as high as more expensive "cutting-edge" commercial rigs. However, using these boards, you can experience and experiment with the new world of digital audio communications in the amateur bands at a very affordable Alinco price. It is exciting to many to experiment with a new mode. And don't forget the analog FM audio quality of the DR-135/235/435 series and DJ-596 is superb. The Alinco radios allow you to easily select and use either mode.

Q: Is it possible to use this unit for amateur repeater-communications ?
A: If the system is very accurately aligned, theoretically yes. But in actual use, passing through a repeater increases the possibility of communication errors that may result in poor communication quality. Also, CTCSS is not available during digital operations.

Q: Is there anything I should be aware of before I use it on the ham bands ?
A: When you enter the digital mode, the analog signal becomes inaudible (it detects a GMSK modulated signal only through an open squelch. This is similar to a conventional Tone Squelch. Yes, digital communications also require a squelch circuit.). In order to avoid disturbing an on-going QSO on the same frequency or nearby, it is suggested that you first monitor the frequency in analog mode and make sure that the channel is clear. When your digital QSO is disturbed by analog QRM, you will experience the same effect as when analog FM QRM occurs; that is, stronger signals will block weaker ones. (This is known as the "capture effect".) Use this mode where simplex FM (20KHz bandwidth) is allocated in your local band-plan. Depending on regulations that apply in your country, an ID in the conventional FM analog mode, or in CW may be required during a QSO and at its conclusion.

DR135T/TPG
The Alinco DR-135TP/TPG is designed as a dual mode 2-meter mobile/base transceiver, capable of voice and basic packet communications. The built-in Terminal Node Controller (TNC: EJ-41U) allows the user to engage in packet keyboard operations and operate APRSョ geolocating programs while fixed or mobile at 1200 or 9600 bps.

APRS users may also feed GPS data into the DR-135TP/TPG for periodic transmission of their position to other APRS operators.

Q: How can I use the DR-135 for both voice and data communications?
A: Unlike some other transceivers that require removing the microphone to operate in the data mode, the DR-135 allows the operator to connect a terminal (computer) to the rear DSUB9 connector, and leave the microphone connected to the front panel.

Memory channels in the DR-135 can recall either the voice or data mode. An operator wishing to switch between voice and data should save the voice frequency (and other information, such as repeater offset) in a memory channel. The packet radio frequency (AND DIGITAL OPERTAING MODE) can be saved in another memory channel. When voice operations are desired, simply select the voice memory channel(s) you have saved. When you wish to return to the data channel, simply recall the memory with the data and digital mode information.

The DR-135 cannot simultaneously monitor two different frequencies.

Q: How can I start using the DR-135 on packet ?
A: Connect a computer to the rear-panel serial port. Start the computer and activate a terminal program. Select 9600,n,8,1 as communications parameters between the DR-135 and the computer. Tune the DR-135 to a known packet frequency in your area. Select the data mode (see DR-135 owner's manual). When you see the cmd: prompt on your screen, enter MYCALL followed by your call sign. You are now ready to engage in packet communications.

Q: I want to operate APRS. Where can I get APRS programs ?
A: There are a number of web sites where APRS programs can be downloaded. Check
www.tapr.org or http://web.usna.navy.mil/~bruninga/index.html as one source where such programs may be available. Some friendly advice: APRS programs require detailed setup. It is a good idea to get assistance from an experienced user when becoming familiar with APRS operations. There are also Internet Special Interest Groups (SIGs) that support APRS users. Hamfests are also good source of information, as APRS clubs often exhibit their activities there.

Q: What type of GPS unit can I connect to the DR-135 ?
A: Any GPS that outputs standard NMEA data is acceptable. See DR135 manual for the connection. A required stereo plug for the data port is provided with the DR135TP/TPG or an optional EJ41U TNC unit to install on DR135T/TG.

Q: When I reset the DR-135, is the TNC also reset ?
A: No. The EJ-41U and the DR-135 have separate memories. Each is reset independently. Thus, if a reset of the EJ-41U becomes necessary, the operation does not erase data from the radio's memory channels.

Q: Can I use the "key on, key off" feature for mobile APRS operation ?
A: Yes. The DR-135 will remember the mode and frequency through on/off cycles. Using the "key on, key off" mode can eliminate unnecessary APRS beacons when the vehicle is stopped. It can also keep the vehicle battery from becoming discharged.

Q: Can I use the DR-135 as a freestanding packet digipeater or node ?
A: No. The EJ-41U unit is designed to fill basic packet communication functions, such as keyboard operations and APRS. For more elaborate operations requiring KISS mode, mailbox functions or node operations, an external TNC is required.

Q: Can the DR-135 be used as a freestanding weather or telemetry beacon ?
A: Yes. Any data string that has an identifier at the beginning of the data (such as !!) can be identified and beaconed at user-defined intervals, within the operating parameters of the DR-135.

Q: Does the DR-135 pass GPS data from the front-panel data port to the rear-panel computer port ?
A: Yes. If your APRS software supports the "Pico" mode you can see your own position updated on the map as you move about. See owner's manual and the LOCATION command.

Q: Is it necessary to modify the DR-135 to operate packet at 9600 bps ?
A: No. A simple software command sets the EJ-41U into 9600 mode. The correct insertion and monitoring connections are designed into the DR-135.
CAUTION! 9600 bps packet operations are not "plug and play" with many OTHER BRANDS AND MODELS of radios. Deviation and equalization settings are critical, particularly when using an external TNC.
It may be necessary to properly set those units using instrumentation such as an oscilloscope to achieve best results. DR135 eliminates such hassle.

Q: Can I purchase a DR-135TP/TPG without the TNC and install an EJ-41U or an external TNC at some future time ?
A: Yes! At Alinco we realize that everyone does not desire a TNC. The DR-135T/TG is an excellent transceiver for voice use. It can also be used with an external TNC, or add EJ-41U later, when it becomes necessary.

Versions available in the USA/Canada

DR135TP

Black body with EJ-41U factory-installed

DR135TPG

Pewter body with EJ-41U factory-installed

DR135T

Black body without TNC unit

DR135TG

Pewter body without TNC unit


(APRS is a registered trade mark of Bob Bruninga, WB4APR.)

Q: Does DR135's narrow FM mode meet the new requirement of CAP radio ?
A: No. The deviation can be set to a narrow FM mode required for the new CAP services, but there are more detailed requirements on some specifications such as frequency stability, and DR135 is not compliant.

Q: The manual does not say how to transmit an Autodial memory. How is it done ?
A: After setting your Autodial memory and exiting the Autodial set mode the last Autodial memory that was displayed will be the one that will be transmitted.
To transmit the code press the PTT button on the microphone then press the "UP" button on the microphone while you are transmitting.
To change Autodial memory, you must go back to the Autodial set mode and switch channels.

Q: I tried to delete a memory channel according to the instructions on page 18 paragraph 6 but it does not work. Am I doing something wrong ?
A: No, there is a mistake here. You must actually press and HOLD the function button while pressing the MW key to delete the channel and have the M icon start flashing again. Simply pressing the function buttion will not work so you must press AND hold.

Here is an Alinco DR-135TP user who has successfully configured his radio for APRS:

I am currently using the DR-135TP with APRS+SA ver GPS199XU (beta version) and to every appearance it is functioning perfectly. In the APRS+SA TNC configuration, use INITTHD7.TNC

If you are using a GPS to feed through the front panel data port of the DR-135TP, under Port 1 TNC, use MODE7. I have also successfully used PICO mode.

IMPORTANT: If using a GPS through the front panel conncetor of the DR-135TP, and using a program such as APRS+SA be sure LTMHEAD is set to OFF. Set the LTMON command to the update rate you desire for tracking your movements on your screen. I use LTMON 10.

It appears the LTMHEAD comand is a late addition to the TNC and it does not show under a DISPLAY command.

Here are the setttings taken from a DISP command from the DR-135 I use:

ASYRXOVR 0
AUTOLF OFF
BEACON EVERY 0
BBFAILED 0
BTEXT
Link state is : DISCONNECTED
CHECK 30
CPACTIME OFF
CR ON
DWAIT 30
ECHO OFF
FIRMRNR OFF
FLOW OFF
FRACK 3
GBAUD 4800
GPSTEXT $GPRMC
HBAUD 1200
HEALLED OFF
HOVRERR 0
HUNDRERR 0
KISS OFF
LOCATION EVERY 10
LPATH GPSMV VIA RELAY, WIDE2-2
LTEXT
LTMON 10
MONITOR ON
MCON OFF
MYCALL <<YOUR CALL GOES HERE>>
MCOM OFF
NTSGRP
NTSMRK $00
NTSMSG
PACLEN 128
PACTIME AFTER 10
PERSIST 128
PPERSIST ON
RCVDFRMR 0
RCVDIFRA 0
RCVDREJ 0
RCVDSABM 0
RETRY 10
RESPTIME 5
RXCOUNT 0
RXERRORS 0
SENDPAC $0D
SENTFRMR 0
SENTIFRA 0
SENTREJ 0
SLOTTIME 3
TRIES 0
TRACE OFF
TXCOUNT 0
TXDELAY 50
TXTMO 0
UNPROTO APS199 VIA RELAY, WIDE2-2
XFLOW ON

FOR FREESTANDING TRACKER WITH GPS ONLY
Set LOCATION to EVERY 30 for a beacon once every 300 seconds (location value is in 10 second multiples)

Using these settings, my DR-135 is working as desired in APRS use.

In regular terminal use, I have been able to use the DR-135 through Digipeaters, nodes and in direct contact, with no difficulty, using Windows Hyperterminal software.

J.R.

Q: Does EJ41U TNC unit support the KISS mode ?
A: Yes it does but unfortunately in a limited way. As the default setting you must configure the EJ41U to the KISS every time you turn on the radio. In order to ease the KISS operation with the EJ41U you may refer this website at http://research.aerocity.net/tnc/ej-41u/
Please be advised that this site is totally created and maintenanced by the 3rd party and Alinco declines any and all responsibilities for its contents, the consequence of utilizing the information written therein and any form of the tech-support relative to this subject.

DJ-X2000T
Q: My DJ-X2000T doesn't receive 1432 - 1504 MHz range, and this is not mentioned anywhere. Is mine defective ?
A: No. DJ-X2000T is designed to block not only 800MHz cellular phone band but it's image reception frequencies which is the range in your enquiry. FCC regulation is very severe on cellular reception issues to have scanners type-accepted. We have overlooked to document this fact on our manuals

DJ-X2T
Q: What's the Descrambler function on my DJ-X2T? Why it is deactivated in the US version ? It appears to be working ?
A: This enables you to hear a "secret" communication mode used typically on Family Radio Service transceivers and old cordless telephones. This is an analog descrambler, and as far as technology goes it is not a "high-tech" thing anymore. However, the Privacy Protection Act in the USA prohibits the decoding of scrambled communications; therefore we are obliged to block this feature for the US versions. The first quantity of DJ-X2T in the US market does not have the instruction manual with a disclaimer printed on it, but we have inserted an Errata sheet. Since this is a small piece of paper and may easily be misplaced, we would like to post it for your reference as below:

(quote)
ERRATA
On page 37 of the manual for the DJ-X2, there are instructions for using the "descrambler" function. This feature is not available for the DJ-X2T. The CPU allows this function to appear to be available, but it is in fact disabled on the U.S. version. If you attempt to operate this function it will significantly decrease the audio output capability while in this mode. For this reason, we recommend you to not attempt to enable it.
(unquote)

Q: In the AM broadcasting band, I hear different stations at the same time. Is this normal ?
A: Thanks to the internal ferrite bar antenna and its high sensitivity, DJ-X2 receives AM radio very fine. However, due to the nature of scanner (not like a simple AM transistor radio that receives AM/FM only) circuit design, it is inevitable that you may encounter such interference.
Please disconnect the external antennas, use internal bar-antenna mode and ACTIVATE the attenuator. This would allow you more comfortable AM reception. Use of the attenuator sounds like reducing the sensitivity, thus beginners may think it worthless to have it, but just like listening to a loud voice that can make you tired, it is always better to have a "volume" not only for audio, but also for radio signals. Use it wisely.

Q: What is the "Bug detector" function? How does it work ?
A: This feature allows you to detect the presence of a device such as a transmitter or wireless microphone that transmits a modulated signal using a microphone.

In some countries, so called "sniffers" or "bugs" are easily available in the market and the use of them is becoming a problem. There is an increasing demand for an effective device to detect such transmitters. This is the reason Alinco has adopted this experimental feature into our DJ-X2.

When a transmitter with a microphone transmits while another radio in close proximity receives the same frequency, an unpleasant hi-pitch noise can be heard by the receiver. This phenomena is called howling. It happens 100% of the time under such condition, even though sometimes it is so high in frequency, it is not audible. Unlike the conventional method for "Bug" detecting which searches only for an RF signal, this patent-pending circuit searches for the howling and alerts the operator to its presence.

This feature is effective only against a transmitter that uses a microphone for modulation. Therefore it is not suitable to use in "Fox-hunting" (as in ham radio) where the signal usually is not modulated by a microphone. Naturally, "visual bugs "(a visual signal taken by CCD camera etc) can not be detected for the same reason.

To activate this feature you have to store known frequencies of bugs in the memory banks first. Many times, the frequencies used by easily available bugs are already known, and that information is available through scanner-user magazines and on the internet, but Alinco does not provide such frequency information. Please also read the owners' manual for more details before use. Alinco does not guarantee the effectiveness of this experimental feature, as there are many different types of bugs, just as there are many different computer viruses on the net. In the United States, the misuse of wireless microphone transmitters (bugs, sniffers) is illegal per the Privacy Protection Act and may be subject to enforcement action.

Q: How can I use it with DC power supply or in a car ?
A: DJ-X2 requires 3.8-4.5Vdc to operate. Use a regulated DC power supply at specified voltage or EDH-28 DC-DC converter Cigar-plug cable for a mobile use. Never supply 12Vdc direct from a car battery!

DX-70/DX-77
Q: What's the difference between DX70T(TD) and DX70TH ?
A: The only major difference is the output power on 50MHz. TH is 100W, while T(TD) is 10W. Both versions have 100W out on HF bands. T(TD) doesn't come with a mobile mount EBC-9, but it is available as an option.

DJ195/196/496
Q: Can I use external power source with a dry-cell battery case EDH-30 attached ? Wouldn't it charge the dry cell batteries inside the case ?
A: The EDH-30 dry cell case has an internal circuit that avoids charging the dry-cells inside. Accordingly you can't charge the Ni-Cd AA cells in it with using EDC-93 charger, either.

DJ-190TD
Q: Why does my DJ-190 not transmit at high-power settings when it is used with EDH-16 dry-cell case, even when the batteries are brand new ?
A: It may be caused by the fluctuating internal impedance characteristics found among several dry-cell alkaline manufacturer's products, A voltage detector circuit in the DJ-190 misinterprets the high impedance of the cells as being an insufficient source of power and returns the CPU to the receive mode. This reaction to the alkaline cells may be due to recent reformulation of storage capacity chemistry by most of the battery manufacturers in an attempt to make their product last longer. To avoid this problem:
1: Change the brand of alkaline dry-cell.
2: Use rechargeable AA dry-cell, Ni-Cd or Ni-Mh AA cells and its charger is widely available at affordable prices everywhere. Be sure to chose the correct size; even in so called "AA" cells there are slight differences in the length of the cell and some cells would not fit into the case.
3: Purchase our original EBP-37N, 34N or 36N Ni-Cd battery packs. Different battery-manufacturers also offer compatible battery packs for the DJ-190, 191, G5.

DJ-S11/41/C5T
Q: The manual that comes with the radio is not clear; is any other manual available ?
A: Yes, just visit our web-site "ON-LINE MANUALS" and search for DJS11/41 advanced manual.

Q: Is there a way to connect the external antenna to the radio ?
A: No; we wanted to make this series of product as simple as possible, Usually the engineers at Alinco think of adding features to the radio, but for these models they started with subtracting the features from the current full-feature HT. We know it's missing CTCSS decode, DTMF encode, external antenna connector, multi-function keypads, wide-band RX coverage, etc, but DJ-S series offers the go everywhere, easy to use, best valued Ham radio equipment ever made. If you may need those missing features, please look for other fine Alinco full-feature handheld transceivers. We are sure you will find one suitable for your needs among our product line. This FAQ is also common with DJ-C5T.

Q: How wide is the coverage of those 340mW radios ?
A: It all depends on where you are, which type of equipment your partner uses, etc. We recommend this type of radio as the 2nd HT in your pockets as well as the DJ-C5, DJ-S11, and the DJ-S41. As we sometimes talk loud and sometimes whisper, you may need a 5W HT for full Ham radio communications, and a Low-power device for a simple short-range communication. In occasions like going out shopping, swap-meet or hiking when the heavy, conspicuous radio is too much, the 300mW radios are ideal to keep in touch with your ham family-members/friends. To communicate with non-hams, we offer DJ-S46, FRS radio to match the design of DJ-S41/11T.

DJ-X10T
Q: How do you program the memory frequency for the DJ-X10? I followed the instructions on page 46, but it does not seem to work.
A: Did you start reading the manual from page 46 ? If you have difficulty storing the frequencies into the memory channel, please check if you are in the "EXPERT" mode. Read the manual from page 29 ( we strongly recommend you read it from page 1, even just roughly to have an idea of the DJ-X10 works) to obtain all advanced features that DJ-X10 offers you. SORRY! There is a typo on page 46; the very last sentence in paragraph 2. ( SELECT THE BANK No.) as PRESS THE "ENTER" KEY, not the MHz key. In the beginner mode, you can not fully program your DJ-X10.

Q: The battery life is very short on my DJ-X10T. Is it normal or is my battery pack defective ?
A: With typical use, the original EBP-37N will usually last 3-4 hours or longer, However depending on the status of Battery-Save (On/Off), AF out-put level, Squelched/Non squelched etc, you may expect shorter battery life. We offer EBP-34N 4.8V 1200mA battery-pack for extended time of reception. You may also consider EDH-16 dry-cell case for the alkaline AA batteries or using the AA-size Ni-Cd or Ni-Mh cells of larger capacities. Do not use EBP-36N or 35N; they are for transceivers, not for DJ-X10. EDH-16 dry-cell case is not a standard accessory in DJ-X10T/K (EDH-16 is standard only in Asian versions, but those models do not come with the Ni-Cd pack).

Q: I have difficulties receiving certain frequencies. What can I do ?
A: The standard rubber-duck antenna performs very nicely for normal reception, However, if the wider coverage is necessary, you may try one of those "scanner antennas" available from after-market accessory manufacturers, Never use multi-element high gain beam antennas because they may cause intermodulation problems. The handheld wide-band receivers are engineered for rubber-ducky or similar compact antennas. For VHF or UHF frequencies, you may use the discone antenna or longer "telescopic" antenna attached to the unit. However, these antennas may increase the gain on the determined frequencies only, and sometimes it reduces the sensitivity of other frequencies. For example, the discone of 50-1200MHz coverage may increase the reception of V/UHF but you may get better results with the original rubber-ducky on SW and AM bands. For SW and AM broadcasting, you may attach a piece of tiny gauge jumper wire (10-30 feet long) simply inserted to the center-pin of the BCN connector on the radio. In case of listening to SSB and CW mode, turn off the squelch for clearer reception. The use of the handset is handy for weak-signal reception.

DJ-280T
Q: The LCD often shows "OFF" and the radio quits transmitting in VFO mode. Why ?
A: Check the LCD and see if the "+" or "-" icon is on; If the icon is on, most probably you are transmitting out of the ham band; The 222 MHz ham band is fairly narrow but still uses1.6MHz shift frequency as a default repeater offset. So if you are at 223.500 MHz for example, if you set 1.6MHz offset, you are going to transmit at 221.900 or 225.100MHz which are already out of the ham band. Press and hold the "F" key then press the "OFFSET" key right next to the LCD 1-2 times until "+" or "-" icon is gone. Release the "F" key and press "PTT". Now your DJ-280T transmits simplex. We recommend you to store repeater frequencies in the memory and leave VFO mode without offset to avoid this problem. 10ch is not enough to cover the repeater frequencies. EJ-14U or 15U are available to expand memories to 50 or even 200ch at affordable Alinco prices!

DJ-V5T
Q: My V5T does not receive wide-band as it is declared on the spec. Is mine defective ?
A: No; a slight easy modification is required to enable the wide-band reception; Please contact USA Alinco branch for details. All you need is a small screwdriver and it takes 3 minutes to do it. The version we are distributing now has the wide-band reception feature "out-of-the-box".

Q: My user manual says that the EDH-29 dry-cell case comes standard with the radio DJV5. Why did mine not have one ?
A: There are 4 versions of this model; the DJ-V5T and DJ-V5TH do not come with this accessory standard; The old manuals did not make this distinction and we have since issued new manuals for each version. We have also included errata sheets with these radios explaining the situation.

EDX-2
Q: Can I use coax-fed antennas like a dipole, yagi, or non-grounded vertical with the EDX-2 ?
A: Absolutely NOT! Please understand that the EDX-2 is a "random length long-wire resonator", and the "Long-wire" antenna starts from the input side of the EDX-2 (feeding-point), not from the output terminal. It resonates the antenna impedance automatically to the length of the wire or mobile whip you have connected to the output terminal. A grounded multi-band mobile whip such as the Out Backer works fine with the EDX-2, as long as it is fed with a single wire from the output terminal of the EDX-2 to its center feeding-point. If you need an antenna tuner for a coax-fed antenna, we offer EDX-1 manual tuner.

Q: Is the EDX-2 control-cable expandable ?
A: Yes, but please use heavy-gauged wire (at least 20-18 gauge than the original cable) to avoid the loss of the driving current and it is not recommended expanding it to over 50 feet; You may find a good rotator cable as the replacement. Before unscrewing the connection inside EDX-2 for the replacement of the cable, note the color configuration of the cable/connector (There are 2 versions for the color configuration). For the input coax-cable, use appropriate 50-ohm cable with PL connector.

DJ-180T
Q: How do I reset the expanded RX of the DJ-180, DJ-280, DJ-480 ?
A: To reset the DJ-180, 280, and 480 to its expanded RX capability simply hold the "F" button, Lamp button and turn on the power releasing the "F" and Lamp buttons after power up. You may need to repeat the sequence whenever you reset the radio ("F" + turn on).

DR-M06T/TH
Q: How do I expand the DR-M06 to receive from 40-60MHz ?
A: Press and hold the call button while turning on the power.

DJ-191T & DR-130T
Q: On my DJ-191 or DR-130the scan stops on a busy channel then it resumes after 5 seconds. How can I change this ?
A: Both of these models have time scan only, which means it will scan, find a signal, stay for 5 seconds and move on. If you wish to stay on that frequency you need to key the PPT once and the scan will stop. Other model radios have other scanning modes such as busy scan, which will stop on a busy signal and remain until the signal drops before continuing.

Q: How about the scan speed, can I change that too ?
A: The speed of the scan can not be sped up or slowed down.

DR-110/112/119T
Q: Why can't you hear DTMF tones when transmitting them on the DTMF microphone ?
A: This is normal; Although you will not hear them, the DTMF tones will be transmitted.

DR-1200T/H
Q: Why does the DR-1200TH (9600 bps version) have such a broad front end ?
A: 9600 baud travels and deviates to a point so that it requires a bigger window. This is due to the nature of 9600 baud and can not be corrected in the radio.

Q: Why does the DR-1200TH indicate a continuous receive signal ?
A: To avoid a time delay, the signal is taken before the squelch unit.

Q: What is the difference between FSK and an AFSK and how it relates to running 9600 baud ?
A: AFSK- Audio Frequency Shift Keying
FSK- Frequency Shift Keying
The FSK type TNC, (Terminal Node Controller, a.k.a. modem), modulates the VCO directly when hooked up to the DR-1200TH. With an AFSK type TNC interfaced with the DR-1200TH, you can TX the 8V drive, but the RX will not work. Therefore the DR-1200TH requires an FSK type of TNC.

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