Vertex Standard VX-3200U

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FCC ID: K66VX-3200U-2/K66VX3200U-3

Alignment, Page 1/4

Vertex Standard Co., Ltd.

VX-3200U Alignment

The VX-3200U has been carefully aligned at the factory for the specified performance across the

frequency range specified for each version.

Realignment should therefore not be necessary except in the event of a component failure, or alteration

of version. All component replacement and service should be performed only by an authorized Vertex

Standard representative, or the warranty policy may be voided.

The following procedures cover the sometimes critical and tedious adjustments that are not normally

required once the transceiver has left the factory. However, if damage occurs and some parts are

replaced, realignment may be required. If a sudden problem occurs during normal operation, it is likely

due to component failure; realignment should not be done until after the faulty component has been

replaced.

We recommend that servicing be performed only by authorized Vertex Standard service technicians

who are experienced with the circuitry and fully equipped for repair and alignment. Therefore, if a fault

is suspected, contact the dealer from whom the transceiver was purchased for instructions regarding

repair. Authorized Vertex Standard service technicians realign all circuits and make complete

performance checks to ensure compliance with factory specifications after replacing any faulty

components. Those who do undertake any of the following alignments are cautioned to proceed at their

own risk. Problems caused by unauthorized attempts at realignment are not covered by the warranty

policy. Also, Vertex Standard must reserve the right to change circuits and alignment procedures in the

interest of improved performance, without notifying owners. Under no circumstances should any

alignment be attempted unless the normal function and operation of the transceiver are clearly

understood, the cause of the malfunction has been clearly pinpointed and any faulty components

replaced, and the need for realignment determined to be absolutely necessary. The following test

equipment (and thorough familiarity with its correct use) is necessary for complete realignment.

Correction of problems caused by misalignment resulting from use of improper test equipment is not

covered under the warranty policy. While most steps do not require all of the equipment listed, the

interactions of some adjustments may require that more complex adjustments be performed afterwards.

Do not attempt to perform only a single step unless it is clearly isolated electrically from all other steps.

Have all test equipment ready before beginning, and follow all of the steps in a section in the order

presented.

Required Test Equipment

RF signal generator: calibrated output level at　1000MHz (0dBµ = 0.5µV - closed circuit)

Deviation Meter (linear detector)

AF Millivoltmeter

SINAD Meter

Inline Wattmeter with 5% accuracy at 1000MHz

Regulated DC Power Supply: adjustable from 10 to 17 VDC, 15A

50 Ω Non-reactive Dummy Load: 100W at 1000MHz

Frequency Counter: >0.1ppm accuracy at 1000MHz

AF Signal Generator

DC Voltmeter: high impedance

RF Sampling Coupler (attenuation pad)

AF Dummy Load: 4Ω, 20W

Oscilloscope

Spectrum Analyzer

IBM PC/compatible computer

Vertex Standard VPL-1 programming cable and CE-** channel programming editor.

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Service Manual51 pages

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Summary

VX-3200 U Alignment Introduction

Required Test Equipment

Lists all necessary test equipment for transceiver alignment procedures.

Alignment Preparation and Precautions

Test Equipment Setup and Configuration

Details connecting test equipment and transceiver setup for alignment.

Alignment Channel Frequencies and PLL Settings

PLL VCV Adjustment

Procedure for adjusting the Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCV) in the PLL.

Advanced Alignment Procedures

PLL Reference Frequency Adjustment

Adjusting TC1001 for counter frequency within 100Hz of channel center.

Transmitter Alignment

Setting output power and modulation deviation for transmitters.

Receiver Alignment

Adjusting receiver for optimum SINAD and squelch threshold.

Summary

VX-3200 U Alignment Introduction

Required Test Equipment

Lists all necessary test equipment for transceiver alignment procedures.

Alignment Preparation and Precautions

Test Equipment Setup and Configuration

Details connecting test equipment and transceiver setup for alignment.

Alignment Channel Frequencies and PLL Settings

PLL VCV Adjustment

Procedure for adjusting the Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCV) in the PLL.

Advanced Alignment Procedures

PLL Reference Frequency Adjustment

Adjusting TC1001 for counter frequency within 100Hz of channel center.

Transmitter Alignment

Setting output power and modulation deviation for transmitters.

Receiver Alignment

Adjusting receiver for optimum SINAD and squelch threshold.

The Vertex Standard VX-3200U is a transceiver designed for reliable communication across various UHF frequency bands. This document outlines the alignment procedures, technical specifications, and operational guidelines for the device, ensuring optimal performance and adherence to factory standards.

Function Description

The VX-3200U serves as a two-way radio transceiver, capable of both transmitting and receiving signals. It supports simplex communication across multiple channels within the UHF spectrum. The device is designed for professional use, requiring precise alignment and maintenance to achieve its specified performance. Key functions include:

Transmission: Emitting radio signals at specified power levels (high and low) with controlled modulation for voice (microphone audio), CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System), and DCS (Digital Coded Squelch) signals.
Reception: Receiving radio signals, demodulating them, and providing audio output. It incorporates squelch functionality to suppress noise when no signal is present.
Frequency Control: Utilizes a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) system for stable and accurate frequency generation, ensuring precise channel operation.
Channel Programming: Supports programming of various channels with specific frequencies, CTCSS/DCS encode settings, and narrow/wide bandwidth configurations. This is managed via a computer interface using Vertex Standard's VPL-1 programming cable and CE-** channel programming editor.

Important Technical Specifications

The VX-3200U comes in different UHF types (A, D, F), each covering a specific frequency range. The alignment procedures detail settings for these types:

Frequency Bands (Simplex):
- UHF TYPE A: 400.1 MHz to 429.9 MHz
- UHF TYPE D: 450.1 MHz to 489.9 MHz
- UHF TYPE F: 480.1 MHz to 511.9 MHz
Output Power:
- High Power: 45 ± 0.9 Watts
- Low Power: 10 ± 0.1 Watts
Modulation Deviation:
- Maximum Deviation (Microphone Audio): 4.2 kHz ± 0.05 kHz
- CTCSS Deviation: 0.75 kHz ± 0.05 kHz
- DCS Deviation: 0.75 kHz ± 0.05 kHz
Receiver Sensitivity: Less than 0.25 µV for 12dB SINAD (Signal-to-Noise and Distortion ratio).
Squelch Threshold: Adjustable to close (BUSY LED turns off) at a specific signal level (e.g., -8dBu at the antenna jack with ±3.0kHz deviation and 1kHz tone modulation).
PLL VCV (Voltage Controlled Voltage): Approximately 1.0V to 7.2V, depending on the frequency band edge.
PLL Reference Frequency: Counter frequency within 100Hz of the channel center frequency.
Power Supply: Requires a regulated DC power supply adjustable from 10 to 17 VDC, 15A. All alignment steps are performed at 13.8V DC.
Environmental Operating Temperature: Optimal alignment requires ambient temperature between 20 and 30°C (68 and 86°F).

Usage Features

The VX-3200U is designed for straightforward operation once properly aligned and programmed.

Channel Selection: Users can select pre-programmed channels, each configured with specific frequencies, CTCSS/DCS tones, and bandwidth settings (narrow/wide).
Transmit/Receive: Standard push-to-talk (PTT) functionality for transmission and continuous reception when the squelch is open.
Squelch Control: Automatic squelch operation based on the programmed threshold, ensuring clear audio by muting background noise in the absence of a strong signal.
Power Output Selection: The device supports selection between high and low power output levels, allowing users to optimize battery life and transmission range based on operational needs.

Maintenance Features

Maintenance and alignment are critical for the VX-3200U's performance and are primarily intended for authorized service technicians.

Alignment Procedures: Detailed steps are provided for PLL, transmitter output power, transmitter deviation (microphone audio, CTCSS, DCS), and receiver alignment. These procedures require specialized test equipment.
Component Replacement: In case of component failure, replacement and subsequent realignment are necessary. This should only be performed by authorized Vertex Standard representatives to maintain warranty validity and ensure proper function.
EEPROM Programming: The transceiver's operational parameters, including channel frequencies, CTCSS/DCS settings, and alignment data, are stored in EEPROM. This data can be downloaded, saved, modified, and uploaded using a computer with the VPL-1 programming cable and CE-** editor. This feature allows for customization and restoration of settings.
Diagnostic Test Points: Specific test points, such as TP1008 for PLL VCV, are provided on the RF-Unit to facilitate accurate measurements during alignment.
Thermal Equalization: Before alignment, the transceiver and test equipment must be allowed to reach thermal equilibrium with the ambient temperature (20-30°C) to ensure accurate and stable adjustments.
Shielding and Board Affixation: Alignments should ideally be performed with oscillator shields and circuit boards firmly affixed in place to replicate operational conditions and prevent interference.
Warning on Unauthorized Alignment: The manual explicitly warns against unauthorized attempts at realignment, as this can void the warranty and lead to further malfunctions. It emphasizes that realignment should only be undertaken when absolutely necessary, after identifying and replacing faulty components.

The VX-3200U is a robust communication device designed for specific professional applications, with a strong emphasis on precise alignment and authorized servicing to guarantee its high performance and reliability.