ARTSTM (AUTOMATIC RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM)

The ARTSTM feature uses DCS signaling to inform both parties when you and another ARTSTM-equipped station are within communications range. This may be particularly useful during Search-and Rescue situations, where it is important to stay in contact with other members of your group.

Both stations must set up their DCS codes to the same code number, then activate their ARTSTM feature using the command appropriate for their radio. Alert ringers may be activated, if desired.

Whenever you push the PTT, or every 25 (or 15) seconds after ARTSTM is activated, your radio will transmit a signal which includes a (subaudible) DCS signal for about 1 second. If the other radio is in range, the beeper will sound (if enabled) and the display will show “IN RANGE” as opposed to the out of range display “OUT RANGE” in which ARTSTM operation be- gins.

Whether you talk or not, the polling every 15 or 25 seconds will

continue until you de-activate ARTSTM. Every 10 minutes, moreover, you can have your radio transmit your callsign via CW, to comply with identification requirements. When ARTSTM is de-activated, DCS will also be deactivated (if you were not using it previously in non-ARTSTMoperation).

If you move out of range for more than one minute (four pollings), your radio will sense that no signal has been received, three beeps will sound, and the display will revert to “OUT RANGE.” If you move back into range, your radio will again beep, and the display will change back to the “IN RANGE” indication.

During ARTSTM operation, your operating frequency will continue to be displayed, but no changes may be made to it or other settings; you must terminate ARTSTM in order to resume normal operation. This is a safety feature designed to prevent accidental loss of contact due to channel change, etc.

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VX-8R OPERATING MANUAL