Category : Various Text files
Archive   : HOD005.ZIP
Filename : FILE4.005

A Review Of The Radio Shack HTX-202 2 Meter Handie Talkie

This weekend, August 10-11, 1991, Radio Shack store managers will
receive the first copies of the 1992 Radio Shack catalog. On page 68 is
listed the Realistic HTX-202 (Cat. No. 19-1120), the "rumored" 2-Meter
Amateur HT.

The HTX-202 has 12 independently-programmable memory channels, plus
one calling and three priority channels. It comes with continuous tone
squelch encode -AND- decode. Power output is 5 watts minimum (7w typical)
with 12 VDC supply, 3 watts @ 9 VDC or 2 watts @ 7.5 VDC. Low power setting
provides 1 watt output. A power saver circuit with programmable 1/2, 1/4,
1/8, or 1/16-second duty cycle. Batteries are compatible with larger ICOM
(IC-2AT/IC-32AT) series HTs.

Repeater offset can be adjusted from 0 to 4 MHz in steps as set by
the scan frequency step selection (5, 10, 20, 25, 50 or 100 KHz.) Memories
store any offset, and any combination of continuous tone frequencies.

Size is 65 x 117 x 37 mm. To put this in perspective, with alkaline
packs on the 202 and my ICOM W2A, both are the same thickness. The 202 is
maybe 1/4-inch wider (at widest part), and 1/16-inch taller (it's hard to
compare because of the irregular shapes of HTs.) The HTX-202 does give the
impression of being a "mid-size" HT until viewed up against something like
the little W2A, which actually has three different "widths."

Supplied with Ni-cad battery, charger, 6-cell alkaline battery case,
antenna, wrist strap and belt clip, the HTX-202 is catalog-priced at
$259.95.

Now, the good stuff...

* True FM modulation (not phase modulation) for outstanding transmit
audio and best performance in packet service.

* Continuous tone squelch transmit and receive tones are independently
programmable.

* In addition to DTMF dialing, there is 5-digit DTMF selective paging
(DTMF squelch).

* A five-number memory dialer that stores 15-digit sequences for autopatch
use or DTMF paging.

* Scan for either active -- or vacant -- channels, with programmable
scanning step of 5, 10, 20, 25, 50 or 100 KHz, and upper and lower scan
limits (for VFO scan.)

* FAST, 25 channels/second scanning.

* Selectable priority channel scan interval, every 4, 8, 12 or 16 seconds.

* Multi-function scanning lets you scan standard memories, priority freq.
memories, or a frequency range. Resume can be after 10 seconds, when
carrier drops, or remain on channel (don't resume.)

* Transmit timeout... if you frequently time-out your local repeater, this
circuit will stop transmitting after a preset delay (30, 60 or 120 sec.)
and sound a beep. In effect, it forces you to reset the repeater before
the repeater times out. Of course you can disable the timeout circuit.

* The HTX-202 carries a 1-year parts and labor warranty.

Subjectively, this HT has exceptionally strong, un-distorted receive
audio you'll really appreciate when walking around the local (noisy)
hamfest. You won't believe the sound is coming from an HT! Transmit audio
is crisp, clear and strong.

I put a 5/8-wave mag mount on my car, and used the 202 in the very
intermod-rich downtown Ft. Worth, TX area. I've never been able to use an
HT on an outside antenna within 2 miles of downtown Ft. Worth before. This
one performed magnificently. My ICOM 2400 dual-band mobile gets less
intermod than any other radio I've used in this environment, and the HT
stayed with it, toe-to-toe. When the ICOM heard intermod, the 202 heard it,
but when the ICOM was quiet... SO WAS THE HT!!!!

Even more impressive, the HT heard signals through the intermod, when
the IC-2400 could not pull 'em out! Reason is probably because we purposely
limited coverage to ham band ONLY! It can't be modified for out-of-band
receive. The design objective was to build a specialized ham radio product
that does the best possible job on the ham bands, and that includes the
tightest, most intermod-free front end we could design into an HT! The
published spec says intermod attenuation is 60db minimum. Spurious
response and adjacent channel rejection are also 60db.

The HTX-202 will be available at participating Radio Shack stores and
dealers, nationwide, around the end of September, 1991.

I have posted a separate file (Lib 0 [search on Radio Shack HT]) with
comments that will hopefully allay some of the fears (again) about RS
selling ham gear. Here is some additional information...

Page 2 of the manual states: "NOTE: You must have a Technician Class
or higher Amateur Radio Operator's License and a call sign issued by the
FCC to legally transmit using this transceiver. Transmitting without a
license carries heavy penalties..."

Page 6 of the manual states that to transmit, you need an FCC
license, Technician Class of higher. In bold print, "Do not even think of
transmitting until you get your license." It goes on to say, "This is
very important. Transmitting without a license is a violation of federal
law that can lead to severe penalties. Also, ham operators take the FCC
rules very seriously and want nothing to do with bootleggers -- their term
for people who operate without a license." It goes on to suggest where
one can locate classes, and includes the ARRL address for more information.
The ARRL staff helped prepare this section of the owner's manual.