Difference between revisions of "Leixen LX VV-898"

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Dual Band VHF/UHF 136-174/400-470MHz 10W ultra compact Two Way Mobile Transceiver.  This is a transceiver for amateur radio manufactured in China.  It features 199 memory channels, and up to 10 watts of power with channel scanning, dual watch, CTCSS/DCS encode/decode, DTMF, and 1750 Hz burst tone. Other features include 65-108Mhz commercial FM radio, individual call, group call, user-defined channel names, VOX capability and an emergency alarm.  
 
Dual Band VHF/UHF 136-174/400-470MHz 10W ultra compact Two Way Mobile Transceiver.  This is a transceiver for amateur radio manufactured in China.  It features 199 memory channels, and up to 10 watts of power with channel scanning, dual watch, CTCSS/DCS encode/decode, DTMF, and 1750 Hz burst tone. Other features include 65-108Mhz commercial FM radio, individual call, group call, user-defined channel names, VOX capability and an emergency alarm.  
  
−
==Options==
 
 
==Review==
 
==Review==
 +
[[Image:10star.png]]
 +
 +
Of all the radios I have owned, never have I wanted to punch the designer more than the guy that designed this one.  This radio has some major annoyances.  Field programming is tough unless you remember some quirks about how to get the radio into VFO mode and how annoying the menu is deployed.  The audio quality is terrible.  The internal speaker makes clear speech sound like rattle and mush.  Connecting an external speaker doesn't really help much.  The audio stage in the receiver is crap.  I would not recommend this transceiver.
 +
 +
Sometimes when you press to talk the radio doesn't transmit.  It happens at random.  It is important to glance at the front face and make sure the little light turns red to verify that you're actually transmitting when you PTT.  This is so useful since you take your eyes off the road while driving each time you PTT because you can't trust the radio will transmit.
 +
 +
You cant change channels from the microphone.  The side buttons instead turn up and down the volume!  How stupid is that?
 +
 +
The benefits to this transceiver is that it is small, and it is not valuable.  If someone breaks into your vehicle and steals your Leixen then you're not out much and you might be better off. 
 +
 +
This thing is barely better than having a UV5r in the car with an RF cable off the top to your outside antenna, but the Leixen is possibly a little better.
 +
 
==Usage==
 
==Usage==
  
 +
===There are four lettered hand microphone buttons===
 +
A Call (?)
 +
B VFO/MR Switch (switch between channel mode and VFO)
 +
C A/B Mode Switch (switch between top or bottom watch)
 +
D VFO Band Switch (kinda useless)
 +
 +
===Power on/off===
 +
Once power is connected, press the button to turn
 +
the transceiver on. Three ascending tones will sound,
 +
indicating that the transceiver has correctly powered
 +
on. Hold the key for 2 seconds to turn the
 +
transceiver off.
 +
 +
===Turn Volume===
 +
Press “VOL+” to raise the volume. Press “VOL-” to
 +
lower the volume. Hold the key to go fast. The volume
 +
is adjusted in 15 steps from 0 (lowest) to 15 (highest).
 +
The default setting is 4.
 +
 +
===Select Channel===
 +
You can select an operating channel in one of several
 +
ways:
 +
#Use the programming software to store operating channels ahead of time. You can then access them directly in MR mode, using the channel up/down buttons or the numeric keypad on the microphone.
 +
#Input frequency values by using the numeric keypad in VFO mode.
 +
#Press the “CHA+” or “CHA-” key to select the frequency in VFO mode. Hold the key to go fast
 +
#Input channel number by using the numeric keypad to select memory channel in MR mode. Note: This transceiver has a dual-watch function, you can switch between A and B channels using the “C” key (A/B switch key) on the microphone keypad. The A channel can only operate in MR/CH mode, while the B channel can be set to either MR/CH or VFO mode. Please refer to page 40-41 regarding the user-defined key function of the A/B switch and the VFO/MR switch.
 +
 +
In VFO mode, the transceiver will store the most recently used frequency in each of its supported ranges. To switch quickly between the transceiver’s supported frequency ranges, press the key.
 +
 +
==Function Menu==
 +
To modify settings in the VV-898’s settings menu, follow these steps:
 +
#Press the “M” key.
 +
#a, Use the “CHA+” and “CHA-“ keys, or the “VOL+” and “VOL-“ keys to select the menu option you wish to modify. Hold the key to go fast b, You can also input menu number directly by using the numeric keypad to select desired menu.
 +
#Press the “M” key to select the menu for modification.
 +
#Use the “CHA+” and “CHA-‘ keys, or the “VOL+” and “VOL-“ keys to select the desired
 +
#Press the “M” key to confirm your changes,
 +
#Repeat steps 2-5 above to modify other menu options.
 +
#Finally, when you have made all of your changes, press any of the front panel keys, except “CHA+”, “CHA-“, “VOL+”, or “VOL-“, to exit the menu.
  
−
Menu of 50 items:
+
===Menu of 50 items===
  
 
{| class="DataTable CenterCells" style="width: 100%"
 
{| class="DataTable CenterCells" style="width: 100%"
Line 211: Line 260:
  
 
==Programming==
 
==Programming==
 +
===from the radio===
 +
 +
SAVE FREQUENCY TO CHANNEL MEMORY
 +
 +
#In VFO mode enter the frequency.
 +
#Press the [M] key on the front face to access the menu
 +
#Use the channel up down keys to navigate through the menu options
 +
#Goto menu option #5 "CHASAVE"
 +
#select the channel number after the screen dispays "CHASave to 001" letting 001 be whatever channel number you choose
 +
 +
PROGRAM SIMPLEX FREQ WITH PRIVACY (PL) EXAMPLE
 +
 +
#menu #10 (EncType) choose CTC
 +
#menu #35 (RPTType) choose simplex
 +
#menu #08 (DecType) choose CTC
 +
#menu #09 (DecCode) choose value in Hz
 +
#menu #11 (EncCode) choose value in Hz
 +
#menu #05 (CHASave) and select a channel #
 +
 +
REMOVE A SINGLE MEMORY CHANNEL
 +
 +
''I guess you can't!''
 +
 +
===using their software===
 +
The programming software is specific to the radio. The software is available as a free download. The USB cable driver needs to be installed, the programming software is available for Windows PCs only, and you do need a username and password to run the program. The default username is "ham" (all lower case) and the password is "89812345".
 +
 
==Modification==
 
==Modification==
 
==Support==
 
==Support==
 +
===Factory Reset===
 +
# Press POWER ON button and immediately (while WELCOME screen is displayed) Press M for 2 seconds and release.
 +
# "Menu 0 / ALL RST"  will appear on the LCD.
 +
# Press VOL+ or VOL- to select either: Menu 0 / ALL RES  (factory  reset) or Menu 1 / FUN RES (function reset)
 +
# Press M again "Reset ?" will appear
 +
# Press M again to start process
  
 +
===transceiver refuses to go into VFO mode===
 +
Pressing the VFO assigned button on the face or microphone (B) should switch the radio from channel to vfo mode.  A bug causes the radio to stay in channel mode. 
  
 +
Things to know about VFO mode: 
 +
* Only the B Band of the display can be put into VFO. Similarly, only the A band can be used in Memory mode.
 +
* Using software programming the radio can be made to deny VFO mode when mobile to make it more like a Part 90 radio
 +
* Be sure you have a button set to Band Change (Settings, Radio Menu Settings, Common 2 tab, Key Assignments) so you can switch between VFO bands.
  
 
[[Category:Electronics]]
 
[[Category:Electronics]]

Latest revision as of 20:37, 2 August 2017

Dual Band VHF/UHF 136-174/400-470MHz 10W ultra compact Two Way Mobile Transceiver. This is a transceiver for amateur radio manufactured in China. It features 199 memory channels, and up to 10 watts of power with channel scanning, dual watch, CTCSS/DCS encode/decode, DTMF, and 1750 Hz burst tone. Other features include 65-108Mhz commercial FM radio, individual call, group call, user-defined channel names, VOX capability and an emergency alarm.

Review

10star.png

Of all the radios I have owned, never have I wanted to punch the designer more than the guy that designed this one. This radio has some major annoyances. Field programming is tough unless you remember some quirks about how to get the radio into VFO mode and how annoying the menu is deployed. The audio quality is terrible. The internal speaker makes clear speech sound like rattle and mush. Connecting an external speaker doesn't really help much. The audio stage in the receiver is crap. I would not recommend this transceiver.

Sometimes when you press to talk the radio doesn't transmit. It happens at random. It is important to glance at the front face and make sure the little light turns red to verify that you're actually transmitting when you PTT. This is so useful since you take your eyes off the road while driving each time you PTT because you can't trust the radio will transmit.

You cant change channels from the microphone. The side buttons instead turn up and down the volume! How stupid is that?

The benefits to this transceiver is that it is small, and it is not valuable. If someone breaks into your vehicle and steals your Leixen then you're not out much and you might be better off.

This thing is barely better than having a UV5r in the car with an RF cable off the top to your outside antenna, but the Leixen is possibly a little better.

Usage

There are four lettered hand microphone buttons

A 	Call (?)
B 	VFO/MR Switch (switch between channel mode and VFO)
C 	A/B Mode Switch (switch between top or bottom watch)
D 	VFO Band Switch (kinda useless)

Power on/off

Once power is connected, press the button to turn the transceiver on. Three ascending tones will sound, indicating that the transceiver has correctly powered on. Hold the key for 2 seconds to turn the transceiver off.

Turn Volume

Press “VOL+” to raise the volume. Press “VOL-” to lower the volume. Hold the key to go fast. The volume is adjusted in 15 steps from 0 (lowest) to 15 (highest). The default setting is 4.

Select Channel

You can select an operating channel in one of several ways:

  1. Use the programming software to store operating channels ahead of time. You can then access them directly in MR mode, using the channel up/down buttons or the numeric keypad on the microphone.
  2. Input frequency values by using the numeric keypad in VFO mode.
  3. Press the “CHA+” or “CHA-” key to select the frequency in VFO mode. Hold the key to go fast
  4. Input channel number by using the numeric keypad to select memory channel in MR mode. Note: This transceiver has a dual-watch function, you can switch between A and B channels using the “C” key (A/B switch key) on the microphone keypad. The A channel can only operate in MR/CH mode, while the B channel can be set to either MR/CH or VFO mode. Please refer to page 40-41 regarding the user-defined key function of the A/B switch and the VFO/MR switch.

In VFO mode, the transceiver will store the most recently used frequency in each of its supported ranges. To switch quickly between the transceiver’s supported frequency ranges, press the key.

Function Menu

To modify settings in the VV-898’s settings menu, follow these steps:

  1. Press the “M” key.
  2. a, Use the “CHA+” and “CHA-“ keys, or the “VOL+” and “VOL-“ keys to select the menu option you wish to modify. Hold the key to go fast b, You can also input menu number directly by using the numeric keypad to select desired menu.
  3. Press the “M” key to select the menu for modification.
  4. Use the “CHA+” and “CHA-‘ keys, or the “VOL+” and “VOL-“ keys to select the desired
  5. Press the “M” key to confirm your changes,
  6. Repeat steps 2-5 above to modify other menu options.
  7. Finally, when you have made all of your changes, press any of the front panel keys, except “CHA+”, “CHA-“, “VOL+”, or “VOL-“, to exit the menu.

Menu of 50 items

Menu # Menu Item Description Option
01 Auto Power Off (APO) Turns off radio after set time 10 mins to 16 hours/OFF
02 APRO Sets compander and voice scrambler
on per channel basis 		ON/OFF
03 Busy Channel Lockout Disables TX on active channel ON/OFF
04 Key Beep Beep when key is pressed ON/OFF
05 Channel Save Save frequency as memory channel default channel is 001
06 DTMF Function Dual Tone Multi-Frequency settings
Individual Call
Group Call
Code Transmission Mode
Remote RX/TX Inhibition 		Enable/Disable
ID Code 1000
A

Enable/Disable
07 Dual Watch monitor dual frequencies ON/OFF
08 Decode Type Set CTCSS/DCS OFF/CTCSS/NDCS/IDCS
09 Decode Code Choose CTCSS/DCS Code NONE/Code #
10 Encode Type Set CTCSS/DCS OFF/CTCSS/NDCS/IDCS
11 Encode Code Choose CTCSS/DCS Code NONE/Code #
12 FM Radio built-in broadcast receiver ON/OFF
13 FM Dual Watch Listen to FM radio and RX simultaneously ON/OFF
14 FM Scan Scan FM radio channels ON/OFF
15 FM SQL Sets squelch for FM radio scan 0-9/5
16 Font Size Adjust display font SMAL/BIG
17 Key Lock Function Lock transceiver controls ON/K/K S/ALL/OFF
18 Keypad Function Sets DTMF Keypad ON/OFF
19 Backlight Sets display backlight OFF/KEY/CONT
20 Set Channel Name Display Display channel name ON/OFF
21 Channel Name Display Choose name or number ON/OFF
22 Edit Channel Name Create name for channel Name***
23 Set Opening Display Set power on display text ALL/SYS/User/Time
24-29 Custom Keys Set Define Programmable keys
P1, P3, P3, M
30 High/Low Power Set Sets transmit power LOW/HIGH
31 PTT ID Sends code to identify
your transceiver 		ON/OFF
32 Roger Sends a "Roger Beep" ON/OFF
33 Reverse Swaps RX/TX frequencies for
to toggle simplex
and repeater operation 		ON/OFF
34-35 Offset Frequency Sets offset frequency
36 Save Battery Sets sleep mode option ON/OFF
37-39 Scan Menus Sets scan modes TO/CO
40 Squelch Level Sets Squelch Level 0-9/2
41 Step Adjusts frequency step 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5
LOW/25KHz
42 Tail Elimination noise burst at end of transmit ON/OFF
43 Talk Around Enables Talk Around ON/OFF
44 Timeout Timer sets TX timeout 10-120 seconds/30
45 TX Stop Enables/disables transmitter OFF/ON
46-49 VOX Sets Voice Operated Transmit features ON/OFF
50 Wide/Narrow Bandwidth Set Sets channel bandwidth WIDE/NARROW

Programming

from the radio

SAVE FREQUENCY TO CHANNEL MEMORY

  1. In VFO mode enter the frequency.
  2. Press the [M] key on the front face to access the menu
  3. Use the channel up down keys to navigate through the menu options
  4. Goto menu option #5 "CHASAVE"
  5. select the channel number after the screen dispays "CHASave to 001" letting 001 be whatever channel number you choose

PROGRAM SIMPLEX FREQ WITH PRIVACY (PL) EXAMPLE

  1. menu #10 (EncType) choose CTC
  2. menu #35 (RPTType) choose simplex
  3. menu #08 (DecType) choose CTC
  4. menu #09 (DecCode) choose value in Hz
  5. menu #11 (EncCode) choose value in Hz
  6. menu #05 (CHASave) and select a channel #

REMOVE A SINGLE MEMORY CHANNEL

I guess you can't!

using their software

The programming software is specific to the radio. The software is available as a free download. The USB cable driver needs to be installed, the programming software is available for Windows PCs only, and you do need a username and password to run the program. The default username is "ham" (all lower case) and the password is "89812345".

Modification

Support

Factory Reset

  1. Press POWER ON button and immediately (while WELCOME screen is displayed) Press M for 2 seconds and release.
  2. "Menu 0 / ALL RST" will appear on the LCD.
  3. Press VOL+ or VOL- to select either: Menu 0 / ALL RES (factory reset) or Menu 1 / FUN RES (function reset)
  4. Press M again "Reset ?" will appear
  5. Press M again to start process

transceiver refuses to go into VFO mode

Pressing the VFO assigned button on the face or microphone (B) should switch the radio from channel to vfo mode. A bug causes the radio to stay in channel mode.

Things to know about VFO mode:

  • Only the B Band of the display can be put into VFO. Similarly, only the A band can be used in Memory mode.
  • Using software programming the radio can be made to deny VFO mode when mobile to make it more like a Part 90 radio
  • Be sure you have a button set to Band Change (Settings, Radio Menu Settings, Common 2 tab, Key Assignments) so you can switch between VFO bands.
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