Albrecht AE540 Receiver User Manual

							 11 
The Setup Menu 
Some more, not frequently used functions are available via selectable Setup Menu steps. You start the 
setup menu by longer pressing (longer than 0.5 sec) of the function key FUNC. 
Flow-chart for the Setup Menu                                                 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• W ithin a menu step you can select the values or actions by UP- or DOWN-keys, the rotary 
switch or as far as DTMF tones and repeater shift values are concerned, by keyboard. 
 
• The next menu step can be reached by subsequently pressing the FUNC key. 
 
• After the last menu step the first step will start again. 
 
• Quit the Setup Menu by pressing the PTT-key shortly. 
 
 
More about the menu steps   
 
T-SQ :   Selection  of CTCSS (continuos tone coded squelch system) frequencies is possible 
between 67.0 and 250.3 Hz. You may use the rotary switch or up down keys for 
selection. The 38 different tone frequency follow international standards and are used by 
most manufactures (compatible between the brands). You will need an optional CTCSS 
module (sold separately). The CTCSS unit can be installed by plug-in after opening the 
upper cabinet (no soldering or adjustment required). CTCSS is used to create closed 
user groups in a radio network, where all transmitting stations transmit the same low 
audio signal frequency parallel to microphone modulation. This is called encoder 
function, where the display shows T only. The receiving party can decide whether they 
want to listen to all radio traffic or only to radio traffic of the same user group. In that 
case the decoder will be activated. Speaker will be on only if the received signal carries  FUNC key (press  
min. 0.5 s)   SET MODE    FUNC key (press min 
0.5 s )  STANDARD MODE 
        Transmit key (PTT)     
T-SQ 
 
MEMORY 
 
DTMF 
 
dA ON/OFF 
 
dt (DTMF) 
ON/OFF 
 
+,- SHIFT 
 
bP (BEEP) 
ON/OFF 
 
rb (Roger) 
ON/OFF 
 
StEP 
 
toT 
These menu steps appear 
only if the corresponding 
module(s) (CTCSS and / or 
DTMF) are installed.  
						

							 12 
the correct DTMF tone. In that setting the display will show T-SQ. Compared to Europe, 
CTCSS is more familiar in USA, where most repeaters use it for selectable functions. 
 
Note: European repeater station are –in most cases- not transparent for CTCSS. This 
means, that received CTCSS signals are normally not transfered to the transmitter. This 
would require special decoders, encoders or regenerators. As a consequence, CTCSS 
cannot be used if a conversation will use a standard repeater not specially equipped for 
CTCSS. You may have a better chance if you use the highest CTCSS frequencies- test 
it from case to case.
 
 
 
 
MEMORY :  Programming of memory channels for frequent use. Before entering the setup 
menu, you should select the desired operating frequency in VFO mode, repeater shift 
and CTCSS setting. You can store a complete setting into each of the 10 memory 
locations. All settings can be different!  
 
• Start setup menu by FUNC longer than 0.5 sec. Memory is the first menu step. 
ME is flashing. A memory location number appears below ME (1-0 or C for the 
call channel). Free location numbers are flashing! 
• Select the memory location with up / down or rotary knob. 
• Press MR / MS at the radio front panel for saving the complete setting under this 
location number. 
 
A successfully saved memory location number will not flash any more and will remain 
continuously on! 
 
Erasing memory locations 
 
• Recall the memory channel You want to erase.  
• Start the setup menu step for memory (FUNC longer pressed, first setup menu 
step ME appears) 
• Press MR / MS at the radio’s front panel 
 
After erasing the memory location, the location number will flash again. 
 
DTMF:   You can store up to 10 different standard numbers (similar to a phone number). Each 
number can have up to 5 digits. You can select one of these numbers for auto 
transmission, as soon as PTT will be pressed (next menu step dA, DTMF automatic), 
or You use one of the numbers for Your own DTMF decoder (menu step  dt MF on / off, 
see below). 
 
• Select address (1-0) first by Up / Down or rotary knob 
• Enter the number (1 to 5 digits) digit by digit using the keyboard (e.g. 12345). 
• Store setting with DTMF key on microphone. 
 
dA:   Activate (oN) or deactivate (oF) automatic DTMF transmission by means of Up / 
Down-selection. If activated, the previously selected DTMF number will be transmitted 
at the beginning of each PTT pressing. This is used e.g. for selective calling, if the other 
party has a decoder. 
 
Notes about DTMF: 
You may also manually transmit one or more single DTMF tones as digits of a „phone number“ with Your 
keyboard. Press and keep PTT button pressed at first. W hile still transmitting, enter the desired DTMF 
digits into keyboard. Each digit will be transmitted as long as the digit will be pressed. Most selective 
calling systems used in amateur radio accept manually entered numbers without problems. As a special 
add-on your AE 540 is even able to transmit the additional DTMF digits A, B, C and D, so together with 
1-0, *, #  you have 16 different DTMF tone pairs. 
 
dt If activated (DTMF oN), the speaker of your radio will be muted. If the distant party will 
transmit Your decoder number (e.g. 12345), the speaker will switch on and You can 
hear the transmission. This performs a selective calling system. 
  
						

							 13  +,- SHIFT    Selection of the repeater offset (frequency shift). Amateur radio repeaters use 600 kHz 
world- wide. The display will show 60, 1 digit less. The value can be changed for special 
purposes between 100 kHz and 8 MHz. Commercial radio networks in Europe (e.g. 
PMR or VHF marine radio) will use 4.6 MHz (= 4600 kHz, 460 in display). 
 
bP     (Beep) switches keyboard tones on and off. 
 
rb   (Roger Beep): activates or deactivates automatic-over-signal in transmitter after 
releasing PTT knob. 
 
st    (Step): select the desired channel spacing system for better tuning. Channel spacing 
systems may be different among the radio services. Recently, amateur radio in Europe 
has applied the 12.5 kHz system (default).  Note: After a reset the radio will start with 
20 kHz spacing and must be reprogrammed to 12.5 kHz again. 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Please select the 12.5 kHz or 25 kHz spacing system for european applications.The 
technical parameters of this radio correspond to the system requirements of a 25 kHz 
spacing system with reduced FM peak deviation. 
You can change the channel spacing settings any time, but it is recommended to start 
always on an even frequency like 145.000 MHz fitting into all spacing systems (and not 
for example with 145.010 MHz) to avoid wrong steps or unwanted frequency offsets
  
     
 
to   (Time-out-Timer): setting for the maximum possible transmit time. If You should keep 
the PTT button pressed longer as adjusted in this menu step, the transmitter will switch 
off until You release the PTT button again. Some minutes are reasonable as setting for 
amateur radio. The value 10 means 10 minutes allowed continuous transmit time. The 
TOT can avoid accidental or unintended blocking of whole networks caused through 
defective PTT buttons. Maximum TOT time is 30 minutes. 
 
Note:   All DTMF and CTCSS functions are only available in the setup menu, if the appropriate 
modules are installed inside the radio. Please note that the radio does not come with 
installed CTCSS and / or DTMF sub boards. The setup menu will skip menu steps 
belonging to uninstalled options.  
 
 
Terminating the setup menu 
Return to normal operation at any time by pressing FUNC or PTT for a short moment. The display will 
change to normal frequency or memory channel display. In the 5, 15, 12.5 und 25 kHz channel spacing 
systems you will see the kHz and 100 Hz digits smaller at the right side of the 10 kHz digits.  
 
Display Channel Spacing Application 
5  5 kHz steps  For non-standard offset 
frequencies 
10  10 kHz steps  For non-standard offset 
frequencies 
12.5  12.5 kHz steps  Europe (new system), many 
commercial users 
15  15 kHz steps  USA (15 und 30 kHz spacing) 
20  20 kHz steps  USA, Asia, (commercial radio in 
Germany) 
25  25 kHz steps  Former European system, 
international VHF marine radio  
						

							 14 
Reset to factory default settings and erasing all memories 
A general reset to factory default settings may become necessary when the unit shows abnormal 
functions or behaviour. If any malfunction should occur, try first to reset the radio, before returning it to 
Your distributor for repair. 
To perform a general reset 
 
• Switch he radio off and on again while T-Call/Shift key is kept pressed 
• The radio starts with factory default setting in a 20 kHz spacing system  
• During reset all personal settings (memories etc) are erased 
 
Note: The reset is not possible in modes 3, 6 and 7, because the user shall not have any access to the 
settings. If a reset in one of these modes should become necessary, open the radio, take out all jumpers 
and perform the reset. If the radio should now work again, repeat the customer settings (e.g. memory 
storings) and add the jumpers again.  
  
Technical informations 
Saving and backup of user settings 
This radio does no more need a lithium battery or any other backup medium with limited lifetime. It uses  
EEPROM backup technology. During each switch off procedure the CPU will load all present settings 
into the EEPROM and recall these information during the next power on process. The EEPROM backup 
does not need any electrical power for data backup and lasts for many thousands of backup procedures. 
Please take care that You switch the radio power at first or only via the radio’s ON / OFF volume knob 
and not by simple disconnecting of the external power supply (like ignition switch, power supply mains 
switch).
  
Connecting points for accessory items 
Mikrophone wiring:  
8 polig, jap. type mic socket. The microphone contains DTMF and other keys and a microcontroller for 
data transmission betwen microphone and radio. Please operate the radio only with the original 
microphone supplied with the radio, because some function can only be reached with the original 
keyboard. The audio input is connected via PIN 1, in series with a PTT key- wired as normally used in 
hand held radios which have a common wiring for MIC and PTT.  If used for packet radio modems, 
the modem audio output should be isolated from DC via coupling capacitor in series, while the modem 
PTT can be connected via series resistor 2.2 kOhms to the same PIN 1. Ground is connected to PIN 8. 
Please do not use any other PIN of the mic socket for audio purposes.
 
 
Ext. Speaker socket  
An external speaker should have 4-8 Ohms impedance and minimum 2-4 W atts. The socket is a 3.5 
mm mono type. Inserting an extension speaker will automatically switch off the internal speaker. 
 
Note to packet radio modem connection 
The mic socket does not provide any audio output signal suitable for modem decoders, because the 
radio is only intended for normal speech transmission. However, connecting an up to 1200 bit/sec 
Packet Radio data modem will require an audio output signal from the receiver, which can be taken from 
the ext. Speaker socket only. Modulation input is available at PIN 1 of the mic socket as described in the 
MIC socket clause. W e cannot recommend to connect modems with higher transmission data rate.   
						

							 15 
 
Programming different options (for service only after opening the cabinet) 
Jumper settings truth table 
 
The radio is shipped with a factory default setting to 136-174 MHz maximum possible operating range 
(Mode 0, no jumper inserted). Der switchable frequency range can be limited by hardware jumper 
setting to 144-146 or 144-148 MHz with different receiving ranges according to the following jumper 
setting truth table. You may solder jumper contacts or use plug-in jumpers (same jumpers are used in 
computer main boards, or as jumpers on ATAPI CD or hard disk drives. 
 
 
- 
   means: no jumper inserted or soldered (contact pair open). 
yes  means: jumper is plugged in or soldered. 
 
* In mode 3 all keys exept the rotary swich and the PTT button are disabled. The rotary 
switch allows only the selection of previously programmed memory locations (maximum 
10 frequency settings). This mode is designed for use as commercial radio in 
countries, where AE 540 is allowed to be used for PMR purposes, or for amateur use 
when malfunctions caused through user errors shall be excluded. For programming, 
start in Mode 0 (no jumper), store the desired frequency settings in one or up to 10 
memory locations. Switch the radio off and insert the jumpers for mode 3. After 
switching on again, user can only use the pre-programmed memory locations. Even a 
hardware reset cannot delete these settings.  
 
**  This function is reserved for a special PMR application in countries, where this radio is 
allowed to be used in commercial networks. The function is described in an additional 
manual available from our download server under
 
                     
             www.alan-albrecht.info or www.hobbyradio.de 
 
Safety precautions: to avoid possible problems caused through electrostatic discharges (ESD effects), 
please switch the radio off before opening the cabinet. Discharge all Your tools and Your hands against 
ground before inserting or changing the jumpers inside. There is no reset required after jumpers have 
been reconfigured! Just switching off and on again activates a new jumper setting. You will find the 3 
jumpers just above the volume potentiometer on a Sub PCB in 90 ° angle towards front panel. Jumper 
C1 is away from front panel, jumper 3 is close to front panel, Jumper 2 is in the middle between the 
others. 
Jumper settings MODE C 3 C 2 C 1 TX RX 
0  -  -  -  136.000 - 174.000MHz  136.000 - 174.000MHz 
1  yes  -  -  144.000 - 147.995MHz  136.000 - 174.000MHz 
2  -  yes  -  144.000 - 145.995MHz  144.000 - 145.995MHz 
3 yes yes  - VFO mode deactivated  
(for commercial users, no amateur radio)     * 
4  -  -  yes   144.000 – 145.995 MHz  136.000 - 174.000MHz 
5  yes  -  yes  146.000 - 174.000MHz  146.000 - 174.000MHz 
6  -  yes  yes  Slave (for commercial use only)** 
7  yes  yes  yes  Master (for commercial use only)**  
						

							 16   
Technical data AE 540 
 
Frequency ranges (depending on programming)      max. 136- 174 MHz 
Frequency stability       +/-1.5 kHz 
ITU transmission designator     14KF3E with preemphasis 
Allowed supply voltage tolerances        10.8 bis 15.6 V DC 
Alloqwed operating temperature range        -10 bis + 55 ° C 
DC fuse  10 A (US-Type glass fuse, inserted in 
cable fuse holder) 
Programmable memory channels        10 + 1 CALL-channel 
Selectable channel spacing systems        5, 10, 12.5, 15, 20 & 25 kHz 
 
Transmitter output power  High    25-max.30 W att (tolerances 22..30W ) 
LOW    10 W  
Transmitter spurious response          min. 60 dB below carrier 
Microphone sensitivity            appr. 4 mV / 1 kOhm 
Mikrophone type      electret with keyboard 
max. frequency deviation for speech        default setting max. 2.8 kHz 
Tone Call 1750 Hz            default setting appr. 2.5 kHz deviation 
CTCSS (option, sold separately)         38 frequencies, appr. 400 Hz deviation 
DTMF selective calling (optional, sold separately)  encoder /decoder manual (keyboard) 
automatic (up to 5 digits) via menu 
Repeater shift (repeater offset)  - / + 600 kHz default, 
        programmable up to 8 MHz 
 
Current consumption TX          appr. 6 A (high) 
        appr. 4.5 A (low) 
Current consumption, RX 
Standby, squelch open, medium volume       appr. 800 mA 
 
Receiver sensitivity for 12 dB SINAD      
Measured at 3 kHz FM deviation in 144-146 MHz range    better than -16 dBµV  
Adjacent channel selectivity          appr. 55 dB (25 kHz channel spacing) 
        appr. 45 dB (12.5 kHz spacing) 
1. receiver I.F.       21.4 MHz 
2. receiver I.F.       455 kHz    
Audio Output Power (at 10 % THD)        min. 2.4 W  at 8 Ohms 
Audio frequency response          400Hz- 2700 Hz / -3 dB 
 
Dimensions               130 mm x 35 mm x 140 mm  
W eight         appr. 0.5 kg 
  
						

							 17 
 
 
European 2-years legal warranty 
 
The distributor, dealer or retail shop warrants to the original retail purchaser of this product that should 
this product or any part of it, under normal use and conditions, be proven defective in material or 
workmanship within 2 years from the date of original purchase, such defect(s) will be repaired or 
replaced with new or reconditioned product (at the companys option) without charge for parts and repair 
labor. To obtain repair or replacement within the terms of this warranty, the product is to be delivered 
with proof of warranty coverage (e.g. dated bill of sale), specification of defect(s), to the distributor, 
dealer or his authorized repair center. 
The Company disclaims liability for communications range of this product. The warranty does not apply 
to any product or part there of which, in the opinion of the company, has suffered or been damaged 
through alteration, improper installation, mishandling, misuse, neglect, accident, or by removal or 
defacement of the factory serial number/bar code label(s). The warranty does not apply to accessory 
parts or problems caused through not authorized or not recommended accessories like batteries, 
external power supplies and overvoltage caused through external power supplies, light bulbs, broken 
antennas,  broken or damaged acrylic glass windows and cabinet parts. 
Please contact the dealer or person where You have purchased Your AE540 amateur radio.  
 
Where to find service hints and documentation 
The complete technical documentation is updated regularly. You can download the latest versions of 
user manuals, technical documents and conformity declaration, as well as service hints or FAQ’s any 
time from our server under  
 
www.hobbyradio.de  or  www.alan-albrecht.info 
 
If You should have a problem, please have a look to the service hints or frequently asked questions 
(FAQ) before You send Your radio back to your distributor or service center.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
©ALAN Electronics GmbH  2003  
 
These technical documents may not be copied, completely or in parts, or used for any commercial 
purposes without prior written agreement by ALAN Electronics GmbH. 
  
Service-Hotline:   (+49) 6103 9481-30 
Service-Fax    (+49) 6103 9581-60 
Service-e-mail:   [email protected]  or  [email protected] 
Service-Download www.hobbyradio.de    or www.albrecht-online.de 
              
Mailing address: 
ALAN Electronics GmbH      Daimlerstr. 1 k      D-63303 Dreieich  / Germany