Radio Shack HTX-200 owner manual Features

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FEATURES

Your RadioShack HTX-200 Mini Handheld Two-Meter FM Ama- teur Transceiver is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry almost anywhere. The crystal controlled circuitry provides accurate and stable frequency selection, making it an ideal choice for your amateur communications needs.

Note: You must have a Technician Class or higher Amateur Ra- dio Operator’s License, and a call sign issued by the FCC, to le- gally transmit using this transceiver. Transmitting without a license carries heavy penalties. Getting a license is easier than ever. See “Introduction to Amateur Radio” on Page 7 for more in- formation.

Here are some of your transceiver’s features.

Up To 2 Watt Output — the transceiver transmits at 200 mW out- put when powered by internal alkaline batteries, or at 2 Watt out- put when powered by an external 9-volt power source.

CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) Subaudible Tone — both encodes and decodes 47 subaudible tones to help reduce interference from other nearby systems operating on the same frequency.

Repeater Offset — lets you select the appropriate offset value to match a local repeater.

Scan — the transceiver scans the frequency range and the mem- ory locations for transmissions.

Power Save — conserves battery power when the transceiver is not transmitting or receiving.

Programmable Frequency Steps — let you set the frequency increment for tuning or scanning to 5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20, 25, 50 kHz, or 1 MHz steps.

©1999 Tandy Corporation.

All Rights Reserved.

RadioShack and Adaptaplug are registered trademarks used by Tandy Corporation.

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Contents HTX-200 Features Ctcss Manual Conventions FCC InformationContents Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System Features Introduction to Amateur Radio Page Power Sources PreparationTesting Internal Batteries Using AC Power Using NI-CD or NI-MH Battery PowerUsing Vehicle Battery Power Connecting the Antenna Attaching the Belt ClipConnecting a MICROPHONE/ Speaker Attaching the Wrist StrapPTT Using the Menus Using the HTX-200’S MenusTot Tone Set Setting Option = default setting Description Quick Look AT the Controls VOL/OFFMO REV VOL, and SQ Quick Look AT the Display Held down at the same timeTurning on the HTX-200 Selecting Frequencies Direct TuningOperation Receiving Transmissions Temporarily Opening SquelchTransmitting Understanding Repeaters Setting the Repeater Offset Frequency Turning Duplex Operation on and OFFSetting the Repeater Offset Direction Reversing the Transmit and Receive FrequenciesMemory Operation Storing a TRANSMIT/RECEIVE FrequencyRecalling Memories Clearing a Single MemoryUsing the CALLING-FREQUENCY Memory Scanning Standard Memory Locations Scanning OperationScanning for Active Frequencies Setting a Memory Location to Always Skip During Scanning Page Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System Features Subaudible Tone Frequencies Hz Tone Paging Sending Paging TonesLocking the Keypad Other Special FeaturesChanging the Transmit Frequency Range Lighting the DisplayTurning the KEY Tone on and OFF Checking the Current Memory SettingsSetting the Frequency Step Power Save TIME-OUT TimerReducing Squelch Tail Busy Channel LockoutTroubleshooting You see Possible Cause RemediesCare and Maintenance Using the Keypad Diagnostic Resetting the HTX-200Specifications GeneralPage Page Limited One-Year Warranty

HTX-200 specifications

The Radio Shack HTX-200 is a compact, versatile dual-band handheld transceiver that made waves in the amateur radio community during the 1990s. Known for its rugged design and user-friendly interface, the HTX-200 offered radio enthusiasts a gateway into the world of VHF and UHF communications. Packed with a range of features, it quickly became a popular choice among amateur radio operators.

One of the standout characteristics of the HTX-200 is its dual-band capability, allowing users to transmit and receive on both 2-meter (144-148 MHz) and 70-centimeter (440-450 MHz) bands. This versatility enables operators to communicate in diverse environments, whether participating in local nets, emergency communications, or casual conversations. The radio's compact size makes it portable, making it convenient for both casual use and emergency preparedness.

The HTX-200 features 40 built-in memory channels, providing ample storage for favorite frequencies. Users can easily program these channels for quick access during operation. Additionally, the radio supports CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded Squelch System), which enhances communication privacy by requiring a specific sub-audible tone for access to certain channels. This is especially useful in crowded bands, where many operators might be sharing the same frequency.

In terms of power output, the HTX-200 delivers 5 watts, which is sufficient for effective communication over considerable distances, particularly when combined with a good antenna setup. The radio also incorporates a built-in battery saver feature, extending the life of the rechargeable batteries during prolonged use.

Another notable feature is its easy-to-read LCD display, which provides essential information, such as the operating frequency, battery level, and mode of operation. The intuitive control layout allows operators to quickly navigate settings without getting bogged down in complicated menus.

Durability is another key characteristic of the HTX-200. Its sturdy construction makes it reliable for outdoor use and field operations. Furthermore, the availability of various accessories, such as microphones, headsets, and antennas, enhances its functionality, allowing users to customize their experience based on specific needs.

Overall, the Radio Shack HTX-200 remains an iconic model in the amateur radio landscape, renowned for its performance, reliability, and ease of use. For both novice and experienced operators, it served as a dependable tool to explore the exciting world of radio communications.