Ranger RCI-298595dx High Power Cb Tranciever Manual

							 - 1 -
RCI-2985DX 
RCI-2995
DX  
 
TABLE OF 
CONTENTS 
 
 
 
 PAGE
CHAPTER 1  
SPECIFICATIONS  
1.0  General  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 
1.1  Transmitter  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 
1.2  Receiver  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 
  
CHAPTER 2    
INTRODUCTION  
2.0  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 
2.1  Features  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 
  
CHAPTER 3   
OPERATION  
3.0  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 
3.1  Control & Connections  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 
3.2  Microphone  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … 9 
3.3  Operation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 
  
CHAPTER 4   
PROGRAMMING   
4.0  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 
4.1  Frequency Selection  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 
4.2  Frequency Scanning  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 
4.3  Offset Frequency Operation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 
  
CHAPTER 5   
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION    
5.0  Introduction  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 
5.1  PLL Circuit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 
5.2  Receiver Circuit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 
5.3  Transmitter Modulation Circuit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 
5.4  Transmitter Amplifier Circuit  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 
  
CHAPTER 6   
ALIGNMENT   
6.0  Required Test Equipment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … 20 
6.1  Alignment Procedures  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 
  
CHAPTER 7   
MAINTENANCE   
7.0  Precautions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 
7.1  Periodic Inspection  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . … 24 
7.2  Fuse Replacement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 
  
CHAPTER 8  
DIAGRAMS AND PART LIST   
8.0  PCB Layout & Part List  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25  
						

							 - 2 -
RCI-2985DX 
RCI-2995
DX  
 
CHAPTER 1 
SPECIFICATIONS 
 
 
 
1.0 GENERAL  
Model  RCI-2985DX / RCI-2995DX 
Frequency Range  12 meter : 24.8900 ~ 24.9900 MHz 
10 meter : 28.0000 ~ 29.6990 MHz 
Tuning Steps  100 Hz, 1 KHz, 10 KHz, 100 KHz, 1 MHz 
Emission Modes  AM(A3) / FM(F3) / LSB, USB(A3J) / CW(A1) 
Frequency Control  Dual Phase-Lock-Loop (PLL) synthesizer 
Frequency Tolerance 
± 0.005% 
Frequency Stability 
± 0.001% 
Operating Temperature Range 
-10°C to +50°C 
Microphone  Plug-in (6 pin), Dynamic PTT 
Meter Function  Meter #1 : Indicates relative RF Power Output / Antenna SWR 
Meter #2 : Indicates Received Signal Strength / 
                 AM Modulation Level 
Input Voltage  110V 60Hz ( 220V 50Hz Optional) 
Antenna Connector  UHF, SO-239  
1.1 TRANSMITTER  
RF Power Output : RCI-2985DX 
                            : RCI-2995DX CW/AM/FM : 10W RMS ; USB/LSB : 25W PEP 
CW/AM/FM : 50W RMS ; USB/LSB : 150W PEP 
SSB Generation  Dual-Balanced Modulation 
AM Modulation   High and Low level Class B, Amplitude Modulation 
FM Deviation 
± 4 KHz @ 1 KHz 30mV Audio (± 5 KHz max.) 
Clarifier Range 
± 5 KHz 
Harmonic and Spurious Emissions  > 60dB 
AM/FM Frequency Response  400 to 5000 Hz 
SSB Frequency Response  400 to 3000 Hz 
Output Impedance  50 Ohms 
Output Indicators  RF Meter shows relative RF Output Power 
1.2 RECEIVER   
Sensitivity  
  AM/CW : < 0.50µV For 10dB S+N/N 
          FM : < 0.25µV For 12dB S+N/N 
USB/LSB : < 0.15µV For 10dB S+N/N 
AM/FM Selectivity  50dB at 10 KHz 
SSB Selectivity  60dB at 4 KHz 
Image Rejection Ratio  > 50dB 
IF Rejection  > 80dB 
Automatic Gain Control (AGC) Figure Of Merit  SSB/CW/AM : 80dB for 50mV for 10dB Change in Audio 
Output 
Squelch 
Adjustable-Threshold less than 0.7µV 
Audio Frequency Response  400 to 2500 Hz 
Distortion  < 10% at 2 Watts Output  
Adjacent Channel Rejection  >50dB 
Cross Modulation  >50dB 
Intermediate Frequency  10.695 MHz (AM-1st, SSB), 445 KHz (AM-2nd) 
Clarifier Range 
± 5 KHz 
Noise Blanker  IF Signal Gate Type 
Audio Output Power  3W @  10% THD 
Built-in Speaker  8 Ohms, 4 Watts 
External Speaker (Optional)  8 Ohms, 4 Watts 
 
(SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE)  
						

							 - 3 -
RCI-2985DX 
RCI-2995
DX  
 
CHAPTER 2 
INTRODUCTION 
 
 
 
2.0 INTRODUCTION 
The Ranger RCI-2985DX / RCI-2995DX is a solid-state, fully synthesized Amateur 10 and 12 meter 
dual band base station transceiver with full band coverage from 28.0000 MHz to 29.6999 MHz and 
24.8900 MHz to 24.9900 MHz and all mode operation, including: AM, FM, USB, LSB, CW and PA 
modes. The 10 most commonly used frequencies can be pre-programmed by the user for easy channel 
access. 
 
2.1 FEATURES 
 
RCI-2985DX
 RCI-2995DX 
•  25 Watts PEP of Output Power 
•  Full Band Coverage 
•  All Mode Operation 
•  Brightness Control 
•  CTCSS Encoder/Decoder (Optional) 
•  Repeater/Offset Switch 
•  Programmable Frequencies 
•  Built-in Dual VFO 
•  RIT (RX Incremental Tuning) 
•  Squelch 
•  Noise Blanker 
•  RF Gain Control 
•  RF Power Output Selector 
•  External Speaker Connection 
•  PA Mode  
•  LCD Display 
•  Multi-Function LCD Meter •  150 Watts PEP of Output Power 
•  Full Band Coverage 
•  All Mode Operation 
•  Brightness Control 
•  CTCSS Encoder/Decoder (Optional) 
•  Repeater/Offset Switch 
•  Programmable Frequencies 
•  Built-in Dual VFO 
•  RIT (RX Incremental Tuning) 
•  Squelch 
•  Noise Blanker 
•  RF Gain Control 
•  RF Power Output Selector 
•  External Speaker Connection 
•  PA Mode  
•  LCD Display 
•  Multi-Function LCD Meter 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

							 - 4 -
RCI-2985DX 
RCI-2995
DX  
 
CHAPTER 3 
OPERATION 
 
 
 
Figure 3-1 Front Panel 
 
3.0 INTRODUCTION 
This section explains the basic operating procedures for the RCI-2985DX / RCI-2995DX Amateur 10 
and 12 meter dual band base station transceiver. 
 
3.1 CONTROL AND CONNECTIONS 
 
3.1.1 FRONT PANEL  
Refer to the above Figure 3-1 for the location of the following controls. 
 
1. POWER ON/OFF SWITCH 
Push this switch to apply power to the unit. 
 
2. CALIBRATE CONTROL 
This control is used for calibrating the built in SWR meter for accurate SWR readout. Control should 
normally be left in the fully counter clockwise position for accurate power output meter readings. (This 
stop is marked “RF”) 
 
3. RF POWER CONTROL 
This control allows the user to adjust RF power output. 
 
4. RF GAIN CONTROL 
This control is used to reduce the gain of the RF amplifier under strong signal conditions. 
 
 
 
$0)066% $
						

							 - 5 - 5. MIC GAIN CONTROL 
Adjusts the microphone gain in the transmit and PA mode. This controls the gain to the extent that full 
talk power is available several inches away from the microphone. In the Public Address (PA) mode, the 
control functions as the volume control. 
 
6. CHANNEL SELECTOR 
This control is used to select a desired transmit and receive channel. 
 
7. CLARIFIER CONTROL 
Allows adjustment of the receive frequency above or below the channel frequency. Although this 
control is intended primarily to tune in SSB signals, it may be used to optimize AM/FM signals as well. 
 
8. SQUELCH CONTROL 
This switch is used to eliminate background noise being heard through the receiver which can be 
disturbing when no signal is being received. To use this feature of your radio, gently turn the switch 
fully counterclockwise, and then turn clockwise until the background noise is just eliminated. Further 
clockwise rotation will increase the threshold level so that only strong signals will be heard. 
 
9. VOLUME CONTROL 
Turn clockwise to set the desired listening level. 
 
10. MODE SELECTOR  
This selector allows you to select one of the following operating modes: FM/AM/USB/LSB/CW/PA. 
 
11. PHONE JACK 
Accepts a plug from a headset of 4 to 32 Ohm impedance. Insertion of the plug will disable the built-in 
speaker and external speaker connected to External Speaker jack. 
 
12. RF/SWR METER 
Used for two purpose - to indicate approximate transmitter power when transmitting and antenna SWR 
(standing wave ratio). Note that the power meter has separate scales for AM, FM, SSB and CW 
transmission, respectively. 
 
13. SIGNAL/MODULATION METER 
This meter indicates signal strength when receiving and modulation percentage when transmitting in 
the AM mode. Modulation readings are most accurate when using maximum output power. The 
modulation meter does not show movement in FM or SSB, but the Power Output meter (RF/SWR) 
does indicate RF out in these modes. 
 
14. FREQUENCY DISPLAY 
The frequency display indicates the frequency of the selected channel you wish to operate on. 
 
15. FUNCTION INDICATORS 
The indicators permit you to know instantly the mode to which the unit is engaged. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.1.2 PROGRAMMING KEY PAD   
						

							 - 6 -  
16. NB/ANL/OFF SWITCH 
In the NB/ANL position, the RF Noise Blanker and the Automatic Noise Limiter in the audio circuits 
are also activated. The Noise Blanker is very effective in eliminating repetitive impulse noise such as 
ignition interference. 
 
17. ROGER BEEP BUTTON (R.BEEP) 
In the Roger Beep position, the radio transmits an audio tone at the end of your transmission to indicate 
that transmission has ended. As a courtesy to others, use the Roger Beep only when necessary. 
 
18. SPLIT BUTTON (SPLIT) 
This control activates the offset frequency function. It causes the transmit frequency to be offset either 
above or below the receive frequency by a user programmable amount to allow operation of a FM 
Repeater. 
 
19. PROGRAM BUTTON (PRG) 
This button is used to program operating or scanning frequencies into memory. See the OPERATION 
section of the manual for further details. 
 
20. MANUAL BUTTON (MAN) 
This is used to return the unit to manual mode. 
 
21. SHIFT BUTTON (SHF) 
This is used to select 100 Hz, 1 KHz, 100 KHz or 1MHz frequency steps.  
 
22. UP/DOWN SELECTOR (VW) 
These buttons are used in conjunction with the shift key to move the frequency upward or downward to 
select a desired frequency. 
 
23. LOCK BUTTON (LOCK) 
This button is used to lock a selected frequency. Press it to activate the switch. In this position, it 
disables the Frequency Selector Control, up/down buttons on the front control panel and remote 
up/down buttons on the microphone. Repressing the switch will unlock the frequency. 
 
 
24. ENTER BUTTON (ENT) 
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							 - 7 - This is used to program memory channels. See the OPERATION section of this manual for more 
information on using this control. 
 
25. MEMORY BUTTON (MEM) 
This button is used to program memory channels. Detailed information on how to use this control is 
provided in the OPERATION section of this manual. 
 
26. SCAN BUTTON (SCAN) 
This is used to scan frequencies in each band segment. The OPERATION segment of this manual 
provides detailed information on using the SCAN control. 
 
27. SWR BUTTON (SWR) 
This button is used to check SWR. 
 
28. DIM BUTTON (DIM) 
This button adjusts the display backlighting in four different steps to best match the ambient light. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.1.3 REAR PANEL   
  
						

							 - 8 - Figure 3-2 represents the location of the following connections: 
 
 
Figure 3-2 Rear Panel 
 
1. ANTENNA 
This jack accepts 50 ohms coaxial cable with a PL-259 type connector. 
 
2. PA. SPEAKER 
This jack is for PA operation. Before operating, you must first connect a PA speaker (8 ohms, 4 W) to 
this jack. 
 
3. EXT. SP. 
This jack accepts a 4 to 8 ohm, 4 watt external speaker. When the external speaker is connected to this 
jack, the built-in speaker will be disabled.  
 
4. CW KEY 
Used for Morse code operation. Connect a CW key to this jack and set the MODE SELECTOR 
switch to the CW position. 
 
5. FUSE 
Accommodates a fuse for AC input circuit protection. Use a 125V 5A fuse for replacement. 
 
6. AC POWER CORD 
Connect to AC power outlet for AC mains supply. 
 
7. FREQUENCY COUNTER OUTPUT JACK 
This “RCA Phono” type jack provides output for connecting an optional frequency counter so that you 
can watch the transmit frequency on an external frequency counter.  
 
8. +12 VDC 
This “RCA Phono” type jack provides 12 VDC power for an optional external cooling fan. 
 
 
3.2 MICROPHONE 
 



 
						

							 - 9 - 1. PTT SWITCH 
The receiver and transmitter are controlled by the push-to-talk switch on the microphone. Press the 
switch and the transmitter is activated, release the switch to receive. When transmitting, hold the 
microphone two inches from your mouth and speak clearly in a normal voice. The transceiver comes 
complete with a low impedance (500 ohm) dynamic microphone. 
 
2. REMOTE UP/DOWN SWITCH 
An operating frequency can be increased or decreased simply by pushing either of these buttons. 
 
3.3 OPERATION 
 
3.3.1 CHANNEL SELECTION 
Frequency selection for the RCI-2985DX / RCI-2995DX is simple. Select a desired operating 
frequency by rotating the Frequency Selector, or using the (V) Up and (W) Down buttons on the front 
panel or the microphone. Press the LOCK button to lock into the selected frequency. This will disable 
the Frequency Selector and the up/down buttons on the front panel and the microphone. Repressing the 
LOCK button unlocks the frequency. Use the SHF button to step frequency in 100 Hz, 1 KHz, 10 KHz, 
100 KHz or 1 MHz increment when you select a band segment. The frequency step is indicated by a 
small triangle directly under the corresponding digit on the frequency display. 
 
3.3.2 MODE SELECTION 
To select an operating mode on your RCI-2985DX / RCI-2995DX, simply rotate the MODE selector 
and place it in the desired operating mode position FM/AM/USB or LSB modes are for your voice 
communications. In the CW position, you can transmit CW if you have connected an external key to 
the accessory jack provided on the back of the radio. In the PA position, the transceiver can be used as 
a Public Address system. Before operating in PA mode, you must first connect a PA speaker (8 ohms, 4 
Watt) to the jack located on the rear panel. 
 
3.3.3 RF POWER CONTROL  
This feature allows the adjustment of the RF output power continuously over the range of 1W through 
25W (RCI-2995DX : 2W through 150W). 
 
3.3.4 RECEIVE SCANNING 
Receive scanning allows you to find active frequencies in the entire band segment. To begin scanning, 
slowly turn the Squelch control clockwise until the receiver noise disappears. 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 you press the Scan button, “SCAN+” or “SCAN-” will 
displayed on the LCD display. The radio will stop on any active frequency for the entire duration of the 
transmission. When the transmission stops, the RCI-2985DX / RCI-2995DX will wait approximately 2 
seconds before it resumes scanning. If you want to deactivate Scan mode while it is scanning, press the 
MAN (manual) button or turn the Squelch control counterclockwise until you hear the receiver noise. 
The Manual button will disable Scan function. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3.3.5 SPLIT FUNCTION 
This function enables you to offset the transmit and receive frequencies for FM repeater operation. The 
transmitter frequency can offset either higher or lower than the receive frequency. To split frequencies,  
						

							 - 10 - press the MAN button and the Split button to select either +/- split frequency. If the + split is selected, 
the transmit frequency will be higher than the receive frequency. If - split is selected, the transmit 
frequency will be lower than the receive frequency.  
 
3.3.6 MEMORY FUNCTION 
The RCI-2985DX / RCI-2995DX can store up to 10 most frequently used frequencies (from 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). Pressing the MEM button will advance the channel number from “0” to “9”. 
 
(4)   Select the desired frequency you wish to store in memory. 
 
(5)   Press the ENT button. 
 
(6)   Repeat the same procedure to program other memory channels. 
 
3.3.7 MEMORY CHANNEL SCANNING 
You can scan and select any of these 10 preset frequencies by following the procedure described 
below: 
 
(1)   Press the MAN button. 
 
(2)   Press the MEM button. 
 
(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 frequencies. When you press the 
button again, it will scan from higher to lower frequencies. 
 
(5) To stop scanning a certain channel, press the MAN button, or turn the Squelch knob 
counterclockwise until you hear the receiver noise. 
 
3.3.8 METER 
The meter built into your RCI-2985DX / RCI-2995DX on the left hand side of the LCD display 
provides the following information: 
 
1. SIGNAL/MODULATION METER 
In transmit mode, it provides a visual indication of modulation percentage when transmitting in the AM 
mode and received signal strength on the receive mode. 
 
 
 
2. RF/SWR METER 
This meter has two purpose. It indicates relative transmitter power when transmitting and antenna SWR 
(Standing Wave Ratio). In order to achieve maximum radiated power, it is important that your antenna 
be in good condition, properly adjusted and matched to your transceiver. The built-in SWR (Standing