Radio Shack HTX-200 owner manual Reducing Squelch Tail, Busy Channel Lockout

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REDUCING SQUELCH TAIL

If you are communicating with a repeater or another station using subaudible tones, you can eliminate the squelch tail (the burst of noise the other person hears when you stop transmitting) by turn- ing on the transmit delay option. When you turn on this feature and use CTCSS, the radio continues to transmit for a short period of time after you release PTT, but then it immediately drops the subaudible tone. This causes the other radio to close the squelch before there is “dead air,” preventing the squelch tail.

Use the Main Menu (see “Using the HTX-200’s Menus” on Page

16)to set the transmit delay option. Then, with t.dy and the cur- rent status displayed, press or to turn this feature on or off.

BUSY CHANNEL LOCKOUT

Use the Main Menu to set the busy channel lockout (see “Using the HTX-200’s Menus” on Page 16). The lockout prevents the transceiver from transmitting while it is receiving a signal. With the radio’s preset value bCLO oF displayed, press or to change the display to bCLO oN. Repeat this step to change the display back to bCLO oF to disable the lockout .

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Contents HTX-200 Features Ctcss FCC Information Manual ConventionsContents Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System Features Introduction to Amateur Radio Page Preparation Power SourcesTesting Internal Batteries Using NI-CD or NI-MH Battery Power Using AC PowerUsing Vehicle Battery Power Attaching the Belt Clip Connecting the AntennaAttaching the Wrist Strap Connecting a MICROPHONE/ SpeakerPTT Using the HTX-200’S Menus Using the MenusTot Tone Set Setting Option = default setting Description VOL/OFF Quick Look AT the ControlsMO REV VOL, and SQ Held down at the same time Quick Look AT the DisplayTurning on the HTX-200 Selecting Frequencies Direct TuningOperation Temporarily Opening Squelch Receiving TransmissionsTransmitting Understanding Repeaters Turning Duplex Operation on and OFF Setting the Repeater Offset FrequencyReversing the Transmit and Receive Frequencies Setting the Repeater Offset DirectionStoring a TRANSMIT/RECEIVE Frequency Memory OperationClearing a Single Memory Recalling MemoriesUsing 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 Sending Paging Tones Tone PagingChanging the Transmit Frequency Range Other Special FeaturesLocking the Keypad Lighting the DisplayTurning the KEY Tone on and OFF Checking the Current Memory SettingsSetting the Frequency Step TIME-OUT Timer Power SaveBusy Channel Lockout Reducing Squelch TailYou see Possible Cause Remedies TroubleshootingCare and Maintenance Resetting the HTX-200 Using the Keypad DiagnosticGeneral SpecificationsPage 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.