Vertex Standard VXA-700 ARTS, Operation

ADVANCED OPERATION (AMATEUR RADIO BAND)

ARTS (AUTOMATIC RANGE TRANSPONDER SYSTEM)

Operation

The ARTS feature uses DCS signaling to inform both parties when you and another ARTS-equipped station are within communications range. This may be particularly useful during Search-and Rescue situations, where 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 ARTS 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 ARTS is activated, your radio will transmit a signal which includes a (subaudible) DCS signal for about 1 sec- ond. If the other radio is in range, the beeper will sound (if enabled) and the display will show “In Service” as opposed to the out of range display “Out Service” in which ARTS operation begins.

Whether you talk or not, the polling every 15 or 25 seconds will continue until you de-activate ARTS. When ARTS is de-activated, DCS will also be deactivated (if you were not using it previously in non-ARTS operation).

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 Service.” If you move back into range, your radio will again beep, and the display will change back to the “In Service” indication.

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

Here is how to activate ARTS:

Basic ARTS Setup and Operation

rSet your radio and the other radio(s) to the same DCS code number, per the discussion on page 39.

rPress the key, then press the key to activate the Menu (“SET”) mode.