Ranger Marine Radio RCI 2950DX User Guide

Table of Contents  
PAGE  
Chapter 1 Specifications .......................................................  
Chapter 2 Introduction ..........................................................  
Unpacking ...........................................................................  
Chapter 3 Installation ............................................................  
Transceiver Mounting ...........................................................  
Power Connection ...............................................................  
Chapter 4 Operation ..............................................................  
Front Panel ..........................................................................  
Rear Panel ...........................................................................  
Microphone .........................................................................  
Frequency Selection .............................................................  
Mode Selection ....................................................................  
RF Power Control .................................................................  
Chapter 5 Programming ........................................................  
Receive Scanning ...............................................................  
Split Function .......................................................................  
Memory Function .................................................................  
Memory Channel Scanning ...................................................  
Metering ..............................................................................  
Chapter 6 Frequency  
2
3
RCI-2950DX  
3
4
4
RCI-2970DX-150  
4
5
5
AM/FM/SSB/CW Dual Band  
Amateur Mobile Transceiver  
9
10  
11  
12  
12  
13  
13  
13  
13  
14  
14  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
All-Frequency Scanning ........................................................  
Memory Scanning ................................................................  
Chapter 7 Offset Frequency  
Memo ....................................................................................  
LIMITED WARRANTY .............…............................. Inside Back Cover  
Owner's Manual  
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Chapter 3 Installation  
Chapter 4 Operation  
The RCI-2950DX/2970DX-150 is easy to install. All necessary parts (less  
the antenna and coax cable) have been included to facilitate installation.  
Front Panel  
Transceiver Mounting  
Choose a suitable location for the transceiver that will allow easy access  
to the front panel as well as proper air circulation to the back of the unit.  
If you are installing the unit in a vehicle, attach the mounting bracket first,  
then attach the transceiver to the mounting bracket using the hardware  
provided. Before making any electrical connection, ensure that the  
transceiver is turned off and the vehicle's battery is disconnected.  
Power Connection  
The transceiver operates off of any 12 to 13.8 VDC source. Beware of  
voltage drops caused by operating from Cigarette Lighter Plugs or long  
DC wire runs. Sometimes it is best to connect direct to the battery for  
best RF output and Tx audio quality  
1. FREQUENCY SELECTOR: Used to set the desired transmit and receive  
frequency. The frequency is digitally displayed in the LCD window next  
to the selector. The FREQUENCY SELECTOR knob next to the LCD  
display, allows changing each digit on the frequency display by first  
placing the frequency display cursor (using SHF button) below the  
desired digit and then turning the selector knob.  
NOTE  
The condition of a vehicle's electrical system can affect the operation of  
your RCI-2950DX/2970DX-150. A low battery, worn generator/  
alternator, or poor voltage regulator will impair performance of the unit  
as well as the vehicle.  
If an AC power supply is used with your radio, it must be regulated and  
rated for at least 7 Amps continuous for the RCI-2950DX and 20 Amps  
continuous for the RCI-2970DX-150. Low voltage while under load will  
cause reduced receiver gain and low transmitter output with possible  
distortion and splatter.  
2. RF POWER CONTROL: This control adjust the Transmitter’s RF power  
output level.  
3. MIC GAIN CONTROL: This feature adjust the microphone gain for the  
transmit and PA modes. Experiment with this control for the setting that  
will provide best audio quality. Avoid over-modulation, which causes  
interference to adjacent stations and “splatter”.  
CAUTION  
Voltage above 15 VDC will damage the unit. Be sure to check the  
source voltage before connecting the power cord.  
4. ON/OFF VOLUME CONTROL: Turn clockwise to apply power to the  
radio and to set the desired listening level.  
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Operation (Continued)  
Operation (Continued)  
5. SQUELCH CONTROL: This control is used to control or eliminate  
receiver background noise in the absence of an incoming signal. For  
maximum receiver sensitivity, it is necessary that the control be  
adjusted only to the point where the receiver background noise is  
eliminated. Turn fully counterclockwise and then slowly clockwise until  
the receiver noise just disappears. Any signal to be received must now  
be slightly stronger than the average received noise. Further clockwise  
rotation will increase the threshold level that a signal must overcome in  
order to be heard. Only strong signals will be heard at a maximum  
clockwise squelch setting.  
be having trouble receiving will know that you have finished  
transmitting. This feature is sometimes used in weak signal conditions  
or other special circumstances. We discourage use of this feature in  
normal operation, as it can be annoying to other operators.  
11. SPLIT BUTTON (SPLIT): Enables the offsetting of the transmitter  
frequency by up to ± 2 MHz (programmable) for FM repeater  
operation.  
12. PROGRAM BUTTON (PRG): Used to pre-program operating or  
scanning frequencies into memory. See the OPERATION section of this  
manual for details.  
6. RF GAIN CONTROL: This control is used to reduce the receiver's front-  
end gain when receiving strong signals.  
13. MANUAL BUTTON (MAN): Used to return the unit to manual mode.  
7. CLARIFIER CONTROL: Allows variation of the receive frequency above  
and below the selected receive frequency as shown on the display.  
This control is intended primarily to tune in SSB signals when  
communicating with several stations that may not be exactly on  
frequency. It may also be used to optimize AM/FM signals as  
described in the operating procedure paragraph. The clarifier can adjust  
the receive frequency ± 2.5KHz but does not affect the transmit  
frequency or the frequency display.  
14. SHIFT BUTTON (SHF): Determines which digit will change when  
changing frequencies, by placing a “cursor” under the desired digit.  
Allows frequency to be changed in 100 Hz, 1KHz, 10KHz, 100KHz and  
1 MHz increments.  
15. DIM BUTTON (DIM): This button adjusts the display backlighting in  
four different steps to best match the ambient light.  
16. SWR BUTTON (SWR): Used to check relative SWR.  
8. MODE SWITCH: This switch allows you to select one of the following  
17. SCAN BUTTON (SCAN): Used to enable the scanning of frequencies.  
See the PROGRAMMING and SCANNING section of this manual for  
detailed information on using the scan control.  
six operating modes: FM, AM, USB, LSB, CW and PA.  
9. NB/ANL BUTTON (NB/ANL): The noise blanker (NB) is very effective in  
eliminating repetitive impulse noise such as ignition interference. In the  
ANL position, the AUTOMATIC NOISE LIMITER also limits noise at the  
receiver audio stages.  
18. MEMORY BUTTON (MEM): Used to program often used frequencies  
in memory. Detailed information on how to use this control is provided  
in the PROGRAMMING section of the manual.  
19. ENTER BUTTON (ENT): Used to program frequencies in memory.  
10. ROGER BEEP BUTTON (R.BEEP): This switch activates the ROGER  
BEEP circuit, when its function is selected. When enabled, the radio  
automatically transmits an audio tone each time you release the PTT.  
This indicates the end of each transmission so that stations who may  
See PROGRAMMING section.  
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Operation (Continued)  
Operation (Continued)  
20. LOCK BUTTON (LOCK): Disables the Frequency Selector Control,  
UP/DOWN buttons on the front control panel and remote UP/DOWN  
buttons on the microphone. Pressing this switch again will re-enable  
the frequency selectors.  
Rear Panel  
1
2
3
4
21. UP/DOWN SELECTOR: These buttons are used to increase or  
decrease the frequency digit above the SHF cursor on the display.  
5
1. ANTENNA: This jack accepts a 50 ohms coaxial cable with a PL-259  
style plug.  
2. CW KEY: The CW key is used for Morse Code operation. To operate  
connect a CW key to this jack, and place the mode switch in the CW  
position.  
3. EXTERNAL SPEAKER: This jack accepts a 4 - 8 ohm 5W external  
speaker. When an external speaker is connected to this jack, the built-  
in speaker is disabled.  
4. PA SP.: An 8 ohm, 4W PA speaker may be connected to this jack for  
PA operation. This feature operates by placing mode selector in PA  
position.  
5. POWER: This socket accepts a 13.8 VDC power cable with built-in  
fuse. The power cord provided with the radio consists of a black wire  
(negative) and a red wire (positive ).  
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Operation (Continued)  
Operation (Continued)  
Microphone  
Frequency Selection  
Frequency selection in the RCI-2950DX/2970DX-150 can be accomplished  
using any one of the following three methods:  
1. PTT SWITCH: The Push-To-Talk (PTT) switch controls the transmit  
and receive function of the radio. Push to transmit and release to  
receive.  
2. REMOTE UP/DOWN SWITCH: The digit on the frequency display  
above the SHF “cursor” can be stepped up or down by pushing either  
of these buttons.  
1. The first method of frequency selection uses the SHF (Shift) key and  
the (UP)/(DOWN) keys located on the front panel. To accomplish  
this, press the SHF key until the display cursor on the frequency  
display is positioned under the frequency digit that is to be changed.  
Use the”” key to increase the number. Press the “” key to  
decrease the number. Perform the steps described above for each digit  
until the desired frequency is displayed in the LCD frequency display  
window.  
For best results, the user should select a low-impedance dynamic type  
microphone or a transistorized microphone.  
The microphone should provide the functions shown in schematic below.  
6 WIRE MIC CABLE  
2. The second method of frequency selection is performed using the SHF  
key and the FREQUENCY select knob located on the front panel. Use  
the SHF key in the manner described above to select the digit to be  
changed. Then rotate the FREQUENCY selector clockwise to increase  
the frequency and counterclockwise to decrease the frequency.  
Pin Number  
Mic Cable Lead  
Audio Shield  
Audio Lead  
Transmit Control  
Receive Control  
Up Control  
1
2
3
4
5
6
3. The third method of frequency selection is through the use of the SHF  
key and the remote UP and DOWN buttons located on the microphone.  
Frequency selection by this method is accomplished in the same  
manner as with the “” key and the “” key on the front panel  
keypad.  
Down Control  
Sometimes when receiving more than one station on a fixed frequency  
such as on a “Net” or “round table” operation, it is convenient to be able  
to vary the receive frequency slightly without changing the transmit  
frequency. To do this, rotate the clarifier control while an off frequency  
station is transmitting. You can vary the receiver frequency by ± 2.5 KHz  
for clearest voice reception. The clarifier can be optionally modified to  
vary both Transmit and Receive frequencies together.  
Transceiver Microphone Schematic Diagram  
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Operation (Continued)  
Chapter 5 Programming  
Receive Scanning  
Mode Selection  
The receive scanning feature allows you to locate active frequencies in  
the entire band segment. To begin scanning, slowly turn the Squelch  
control clockwise until the receiver noise disappears. Next, press the  
scan button. The unit should start scanning from the lower to the higher  
frequencies. Pressing the Scan button again will change the direction of  
scanning. Each time the Scan button is pressed, "SCAN+ " or "SCAN-"  
will be displayed on the LCD display. The scan will stop on any active  
frequency for the duration of the transmission. After the on frequency  
activity stops, the RCI-2950DX/2970DX-150 will resume scanning after  
about a 2 second pause. To deactivate the Scan mode, press the MAN  
(manual) button or turn the Squelch control counterclockwise until you  
hear receiver noise. The MAN button will disable the Scan function. (See  
FREQUENCY SCANNING, pg. 15 for more information.)  
To Select an operating mode, rotate the MODE selector, and place it in  
the desired operating mode position.  
RF Power Control  
This feature allows the adjustment of the RF output power continuously  
over the range of 1W through 25W.  
Split Function4  
This function enables you to split the transmit and receive frequencies for  
by a pre-programmed amount. This feature is necessary for operation  
with FM repeaters. (See OFFSET FREQUENCY OPERATION, pg. 17 for  
more information). To split frequencies, press the MAN button and the  
SPLIT button to select + split frequency (transmitter higher than  
receiver). For - split frequency, press the SPLIT button again (transmitter  
lower than receiver).  
Memory Function  
The RCI-2950DX/2970DX-150 can store up to 10 frequencies in memory  
locations 0 to 9. To program a frequency into memory, follow the  
procedure described below:  
1. Press the MAN button.  
2. Press the PRG button.  
3. Press the MEM button. ("MEMORY" and "0" should appear on the left-  
hand side of the LCD display). Each press of the MEM button will  
advance the memory location one step at a time from "0" to "9".  
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Programming (Continued)  
Chapter 6 Frequency Scanning  
Frequency scanning can be achieved by either of two methods: the first  
method involves scanning of all frequencies between a pre-set upper and  
lower scan frequency. The second method permits the scanning of  
frequencies previously programmed in the memory locations 0 thru 9.  
4. Set the desired frequency you wish to store in memory.  
5. Press the ENT button.  
6. Repeat the procedure to program other memory channels.  
Memory Channel Scanning  
All-Frequency scanning  
To allow All-Frequency scanning, the user must first program the upper  
and lower scan limit frequencies as follows:  
You can scan the 10 pre-programmed memory locations by following the  
procedure described below:  
1. Press MAN button.  
2. Press the MEM button.  
1. Press the PRG (Program) key.  
2. Press the SCAN key. ("PRG SCAN+ " should appear in the lower right-  
hand corner of the display window.)  
3. Using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows, select the upper  
scan limit frequency.  
4. Press the SCAN key again. ("SCAN-" should appear in the display  
window.)  
3. Slowly turn the Squelch knob clockwise until the receiver noise  
disappears.  
4. Press the Scan button. The unit will scan from lower to higher memory  
locations. Pressing scan again will cause the unit to scan from higher  
to lower memory locations.  
5. To stop scanning while on a memory location, press the MAN button.  
You can also turn the Squelch knob counterclockwise until you hear  
the receiver noise.  
5. Using the SHF key and UP and DOWN arrows, select the lower scan  
limit frequency, then press ENT.  
The upper and lower scan limits have now been programmed. To  
activate the scan feature, return the radio to manual operation and press  
the SCAN button. If the display shows "SCAN+ ", the radio will scan  
from the lower limit to the upper limit. If "SCAN-" is displayed, the unit  
will scan from the upper limit to the lower limit. To change from  
"SCAN+ " to "SCAN-" or vice versa, press SCAN.  
Metering  
The segmented bars on the left-hand side of the LCD display provide the  
following information:  
1. S/RF METER: Provides a relative indication of transmit RF output  
power while transmitting or signal strength while receiving  
2. SWR METER: This function allows the checking of relative SWR. To  
use this function, set the unit to AM mode and push the SWR button on  
the front panel while holding down the PTT switch on the microphone.  
The bars on the meter will indicate approximate SWR. If there is no  
bar, your antenna system is well matched. If several bars appear, the  
antenna needs adjustment. The fewer the bars, the better the match.  
NOTE  
Whichever upper and lower scan limits are programmed in, are  
also the upper and lower operating limits of the radio. The radio  
will not operate above or below the scan limits last programmed  
in. Full band coverage can be returned by reprogramming the  
original band edges.  
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Frequency Scanning (Continued)  
Chapter 7 Offset Frequency Operation  
The split frequency function offsets the transmitter frequency either above  
or below the receiver frequency by a user-programmable amount. This is  
necessary for operating on FM repeaters. In the following example, the  
programming of a 1 MHz offset will be described. Before attempting to  
program the offset frequency, ensure that the radio is operating in the  
manual mode by pressing the MAN key.  
Memory Scanning  
The RCI-2950DX/2970DX-150 has 10 non-volatile memory locations  
which can be programmed with any frequency within the operating range  
of the radio. The scan function of the unit can scan the frequencies in the  
10 memory locations.  
The first step in utilizing the memory scan function is programming the  
desired frequencies into the memory locations 0 through 9 by performing  
the following steps:  
NOTE: FM repeaters may require that a sub-audible CTCSS tone be  
transmitted to gain access to the repeater. The RCI-2950DX/2970DX-150  
can be equipped with an optional CTCSS encoder.  
1. With the radio operating in the manual mode, press the PRG (Program)  
key.  
TO PROGRAM TX OFFSET:  
2. Press the MEM key. "PRG" should display in the lower right-hand  
corner of the LCD display. "MEM" should display in the upper left  
portion of the display. A number between 0 and 9 will display directly  
below MEM. This number represents the memory location currently  
being shown on the frequency display. Pressing the MEM key will  
increase the memory counter to the next memory location and the  
frequency in that memory location will be displayed.  
3. Set the new frequency to be stored in the memory location displayed  
by using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows. After the desired  
frequency is indicated, press ENT. This will overwrite whatever  
frequency had been previously stored at this location.  
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for all of the memory locations to be  
programmed.  
5. After the desired memory locations have been programmed with  
frequencies, return the unit to the manual mode of operation by  
pressing the MAN key.  
1. Press the PRG (Program) key.  
2. Press the SPLIT key. The LCD display will indicate 00000 with PRG  
and SPLIT showing in the lower left-hand corner of the display.  
3. Using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows as described earlier,  
program the display to read 10000.  
4. Press ENT. A 1 MHz offset has now been programmed into the radio.  
5. Return the radio to manual operation by pressing the MAN key.  
6. Using the SHF key and the UP and DOWN arrows as described  
previously, set the radio to the desired receive frequency.  
7. Press SPLIT. Either "SPLIT+ " or "SPLIT-" will be displayed in the  
lower right corner of the display. If "SPLIT+ " is displayed, the  
transmitter will be offset 1 MHz above the receive frequency when  
keyed. If "SPLIT-" is displayed, the transmitter will be offset 1 MHz  
below the receive frequency.  
6. To initiate memory scanning, press MEM and then SCAN. The display  
will show "SCAN+ " or "SCAN-" to indicate whether the radio is  
scanning from the lowest to the highest memory location or vice versa.  
To return the radio to normal (non-scanning) operation, press the MAN  
key.  
NOTE  
When the transmitter is keyed, the frequency display will change to  
show the frequency being transmitted.  
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Memo  
Ranger Communications Limited Warranty  
Ranger Communication, Inc. (Ranger) warrants to the original purchaser only this  
product against defects in material or workmanship, as noted below.  
Effective December 1, 2001, the following Ranger Communications, Inc.'s products  
are covered by a two (2) year limited warranty:  
1. Amateur Radio Products: RCI-2950DX, RCI-2970DX-150, RCI-2980WX, RCI-  
2985DX, RCI-2990DX, RCI-2995DX, RCI-6300FHP, RCI-6300FTB, RCI-  
6900FHP, RCI-6900FTB, RCI-6300F25/150, RCI-6900F25/150, RCI-5054DX,  
RCI-5054DX-100.  
2. Citizens Band Products: TR-100 Series, TR-296 (all models), TR-396F, TR-696F,  
TR-696F SSB, TR-900 Series (all models).  
The above products are warranted for the specified time period from the original date  
of purchase as shown on the original purchaser’s bill of sale, receipted invoice, or  
other proof of purchase. After this period, the original purchaser must pay for any  
labor at the prevailing rate either at an authorized Ranger warranty repair facility or at  
the factory.  
In the event of a defect during the warranty period, Ranger shall, at its option, repair or  
replace the defective product. Such action shall constitute the purchaser’s exclusive  
remedy under this warranty.  
A Return Authorization Number must be obtained from the Ranger Customer Service  
Department before any returns for warranty repair will be accepted. Send the defective  
product postage-paid, along with proof of the date of purchase (photocopy of the  
original invoice or receipt), to:  
Ranger Communications, Inc.  
401 W. 35th Street, Suite B  
National City, Ca 91950-7909  
TEL: (800) 446-5778, (619) 426-6440  
FAX: (619) 426-3788  
This warranty does not cover cosmetic damage or damage due to acts of God, accident,  
misuse,abuse,negligence,improperinstallation,UNAUTHORIZED MODIFICATION,  
or any action in violation of the product’s instruction manual. This warranty is valid  
only in the U. S. A.  
1. "Limited" means that we will repair problems that are caused by factory defects,  
only for the above mentioned products and time limit, at no charge. Work performed  
by qualified technicians which did not cause any damage to the radio will not void the  
warranty. Problems or damage caused by unqualified or misinformed technicians,  
operator abuse or other miscellaneous actions may be able to be repaired, but there will  
be a charge. This warranty is limited to the radio only.  
2. Generally, if the warranty sticker is removed or cut, the radio is considered to be  
"Void of Warranty". However, our policy is to be as lenient as we can, and to take this  
into consideration. We will usually repair the radio - under warranty - if no abuse or  
misuse is found. Radios that have parts removed cut or clipped; or the PCB has been  
damaged, will not be repaired under warranty.  
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401 W. 35th Street, Suite B  
National City, CA 91950  
(800) 446-5778 FAX (619) 426-3788  
PRINTED IN TAIWAN  
AT2950011I  
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