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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
