Radio Shack HTX-420 User Manual

BG TECH.
VERSION III
2001/2/28
INTRODUCTION TO AMATEUR RADIO
Your transceiver is the perfect first radio for anyone entering the exciting world of amateur radio, s well as a
great additional transceiver for the experienced amateur radio operator. Your transceiver opens a door for you
to the world from almost anywhere! All you need is an Amateur Radio Operator’s License (Technician Class
or higher) issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you do not have a license, it is easier
than ever to get one, and help from licensed operators is available. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
You can turn on your transceiver and scan the entire band to hear what is going on; however, do not attempt to
transmit until you get your license. If you transmit without a license, you are in violation of federal law that
can lead to severe penalties. Note that ham operators take the FCC rules very seriously and want nothing to do
with “bootleggers” – their term for people who operate without a license.
Find out if there is a ham radio club in your area. Most clubs welcome new transmissions, write to the
American Radio Relay League (ARRL) at the following address to find out how to cntact a local affiliate. The
ARRL is the national organization representing amateur radio in the United States. The league has more than
150,000 members. Most are ham operators, or members in the process of obtaining their license.
The American Radio Relay League
225 Main Street
Newington, CT06111
http://www.arrl.org
Starting for the license exams. Do not be intimidated by the word “study” because most people can go from
knowing absolutely nothing about amateur radio to passing the Novice and Technician written exams in less
than a month.
The exams test your knowledge of basic radio regulations and elementary radio theory. Many clubs hold
license classes which can be a fun and easy way to learn about amateur radio. There are good books, cassette
tapes, computer programs, and many other study aids available. Your local RadioShack store sells FCC
License Preparation study guides for amateur radio operator licenses. While you are no longer required to

Radio Shack HTX-420 Specifications

Frequency

2-Meter TX frequency range	144–148 MHz
2-Meter RX frequency range	137–174 MHz
70-cm TX frequency range	438–450 MHz
70-cm RX frequency range	420–512 MHz
Air Band frequency range	108.000-136.9875 MHz
Weather Band channels	CH1–CH7

Operating Environment

frequency stability	± 10 ppm
operating temperature range	14° to 140° F (–10° to 60° C)
operating voltage range	DC 5 V to 13.8 V

Receiver

circuit type	Dual Conversion, Superheterodyne
1st IF frequency	45 MHz
2nd IF frequency	450 kHz
sensitivity	0.2 µV For 12dB Sinad
distortion	5% Max
S/N ratio	34 dB Min.

Transmitter

power output at DC 7.2 V	3 W
power output at DC 13.8 V	4 W
distortion (nominal)	3%
deviation	± 5 kHz Max.
S/N ratio	32 dB
current drain at DC 7.2 V	1200 mA
current drain at DC 13.8 V	1500 mA

Weight and Dimensions

weight with rechargeable battery	11.46 oz (325g)
dimensions (HWD)	4[1]/2 × 2[2]/5 × 1[1]/5 (122 × 61 × 31 mm)
impedance	50 ohm