Ranger Rci 5054dx 6m Tranciever Manual

							 
 
RCI-5054
DX
 
 
AM/FM/SSB/CW 6 Meter 
Amateur Mobile Transceiver 
 
 
DIMNB/ANL
MEMPRG
SCAN SPLIT
SWR R.BEEP MAN
ENT LOCKSHF
RCI−5054
DX
CLR              GAINRF
LSBFM USB
AMOFFCWPA RF                 MIC
PWR VOL
SQ
 
  
 
Owners  Manual
  
- 1 - 
Table of Contents
 
   
Chapter 1  Specifications ..……….......................................  2 
Chapter 2  Introduction ...........................................….........  3 
   Unpacking ...........................................................................  3 
Chapter 3  Installation ..........................................................  4 
   Transceiver Mounting ...................................................…....  4 
   Power Connection  ..............................................................  4 
Chapter 4  Operation ............................................................ 6 
   Front Panel ..........................................................................  6 
   Rear Panel .....................................….................................  10 
   Microphone .........................................................................  11 
   Frequency Selection ............................................................  12 
   Mode Selection ..............................…..................................  13 
   RF Power Control ................................….............................   13 
Chapter 5  Programming ........................…..........................  14 
  
   Receive Scanning  ...............................................................  14 
   Split Function ......................................................................   14 
   Memory Function ..................................................…...........  14 
   Memory Channel Scanning ...................................................   15 
   Metering .............................................................................   15 
Chapter 6  Frequency  Scanning ......................................... 16 
   All-Frequency Scanning .......................................................  16 
   Memory Scanning ...............................................................  17 
Chapter 7  Offset (Split) Frequency Operation ....…............  18 
  
WARRANTY ..............………….......................... Inside Back Cover  
						

							- 2 - 
 Chapter 1  Specifications   GENERAL 
 
Model RCI-5054DX Frequency Range :  50.000 ~ 54.000 MHz Tuning Steps  100 Hz, 1 KHz, 10 KHz, 100 KHz, 1 MHz Emission  USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM Frequency Control  Phase-Lock-Loop Synthesizer Frequency Tolerance  0.005% Frequency Stability  0.001% Operating Temperature 
Range -10
OC  to  +50
OC 
Antenna Impedance   50 ohm Microphone 
Plug-In (6-Pin), 400 Ω Dynamic PTT Meter Function  RF Output, RX Receive Signal Strength, SWR Input Voltage  13.8 V DC Dimensions  7 3/4 (W) x 10 3/4 (L) x 2 3/8 (H) Weight  4 lb. 3 oz. TRANSMITTER  RF Power Output  25W PEP  (USB/LSB) 
10W RMS  (CW/AM/FM) RF Transmit Modes  USB, LSB, CW, AM, FM Antenna Connector 
UHF Type, 50 Ω Modulation  16F3, A3E, J3E, A1A Spurious Emissions  -50 dB Carrier Suppression  -50 dB RECEIVER 
 
Sensitivity       AM/CW :  0.5 uV for 10dB  Sinad 
          FM :  0.25uV for 12dB Sinad 
 USB/LSB : 0.15uV for 10dB Sinad Image Rejection Ratio  -65 dB AGC Figure of Merit  SSB/CW/AM : 80dB at 50mV for a 10dB change in 
Audio Output Audio Power Output  2.5W ( SPECIFICATIONS SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE )
 
- 3 - 
Chapter 2  Introduction
 
  
Congratulations on your purchase of an RCI-5054DX 6 meter 
amateur radio. Your RCI-5054DX is designed to provide trouble-
free service and state-of-the-art communications in the 6 meter 
band.  Please read this manual thoroughly to ensure proper 
performance. 
 
 Unpacking
 
The following items are included with our RCI-5054DX. Carefully 
remove and examine all materials from the packing carton. If any 
items are missing or appear damaged, please contact your dealer 
immediately. Each unit should include: 
 
(1) RCI-5054DX Transceiver 
 
(2) Dynamic Microphone with remote frequency adjustment 
switches 
 
(3) Power Cord 
 
(4) Mounting Bracket & Hardware 
 
(5) Installation Hardware 
 
(6) Owners Manual 
 
(7) Warranty Registration Card 
 
It is recommended that you save the packing materials for future 
storage or shipping. 
 
IMPORTANT 
To operate this radio, you must possess and amateur radio operators license issued by the FCC. Operation of this unit without proper licensing is ILLEGAL and can result in severe penalties.  
						

							- 4 - 
Chapter 3  Installation
 
  The RCI-5054DX is easy to install. All necessary parts (less the 
antenna and coax cable) have been included to facilitate 
installation. 
 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 
vehicles 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  
 
 
 
 If an AC power supply is used with your radio, it must be regulated 
and rated for at least 7 Amps continuous.  Low voltage while under 
load will cause reduced receiver gain and low transmitter output 
with possible distortion and splatter.   
 
 NOTE 
The condition of a vehicles electrical system can affect the operation  of your RCI-5054DX.. A low battery, worn generator/alternator, or poor voltage regulator will impair performance of the unit as well as the vehicle.    
- 5 -   CAUTION 
Voltage above 15 VDC will damage the unit. Be sure to check the source voltage before connecting the power cord. 
  
						

							- 6 - 
SWR
DIM
SCAN MEM
LOCK
ENT
AM
FM RCI−5054
DX
MAN
R.BEEP
NB/ANL
SPLIT
PRG
SHF
CLR              GAIN
RF
USBLSBCW
OFF
RF                 MICPWR
VOL
PASQ
9
241510
11
16
1712
1813
14
19 2021
2167
8 35
24 23
22 1
Chapter 4  Operation
 
  Front Panel 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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.    
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 
overmodulation, which causes interference to adjacent stations 
and “splatter”. 
  
4. ON/OFF VOLUME CONTROL:  Turn clockwise to apply power to 
the radio and to set the desired listening level. 
 
- 7 - 
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.  
 
6. RF GAIN CONTROL:  This control is used to reduce the 
receivers front-end gain when receiving strong signals.  
 
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.  
 
8. MODE SWITCH: This switch allows you to select one of the 
following 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.  
 
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 be having trouble 
receiving will know that you have finished transmitting.  This 
feature is sometimes used in weak signal conditions or other  
						

							- 8 - 
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. 
 
13. MANUAL BUTTON (MAN):  Used to return the unit to manual 
mode. 
 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. 
 
 
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. 
  
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.  See PROGRAMMING section. 
  
20. LOCK BUTTON (LOCK):  Disables the Frequency Selector 
Control, UP/DOWN buttons on the front control panel and remote 
- 9 - 
UP/DOWN buttons on the microphone.  Pressing this switch 
again will re-enable the frequency selectors. 
 
21. UP/DOWN SELECTOR:  These buttons are used to increase or 
decrease the frequency digit above the SHF cursor on the 
display. 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
						

							- 10 - 
23
4
5 1
Operation
   (Continued)
 
  
 Rear Panel
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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 ).    
- 11 - 
Operation
   (Continued)
 
  Microphone  
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. 
 
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 
 
 Pin Number
  Mic Cable Lead
  
 1  Audio Shield  
 2  Audio Lead  
 3  Transmit Control  
 4  Receive Control  
 5  Up Control  
 6  Down Control  
 
 
 
Transceiver Microphone Schematic Diagram
 
  
						

							- 12 - 
Operation
   (Continued)
 
  
Frequency Selection
 
Frequency selection in the RCI-5054DX can be accomplished using 
any one of the following three methods: 
 
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. 
 
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.  Rotate the FREQUENCY selector 
clockwise to increase the selected digit or counterclockwise to 
decrease the selected digit. 
 
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.  
 
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. 
 
 
- 13 - 
Mode Selection
 
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.
  
						

							- 14 - 
Chapter 5  Programming
 
 
 
Receive Scanning
  
The receive scanning feature helps locate active frequencies within 
a preprogrammed band segment anywhere on the 6 Meter band 
(refer to SCANNING, page 16).  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 press of the 
Scan button displays SCAN+ or SCAN- 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-
5054DX will resume scanning after about a 2 second pause.  To 
pause the Scan mode, turn the Squelch control counterclockwise 
until you hear receiver noise.  To deactivate the scan function, 
press the MAN button.  
 
Split  Function
 
This function enables you to split the transmit and the receive 
operating frequency by a pre-programmed offsett.  This feature is 
necessary for operation with FM repeaters.  (See OFFSET 
FREQUENCY OPERATION, pg. 18 for more information).  To split 
frequencies, press the MAN button and the SPLIT button to select 
+ split frequency (transmitter higher than receiver).  For - split, 
press the SPLIT button again (transmitter lower than receiver).  
 
Memory
  Function
 
The RCI-5054DX 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 advances the memory location one step at a time from 
0 to 9.
 
- 15 - 
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
 
 
You can scan the 10 pre-programmed memory locations by 
following the procedure described below: 
 
1.  Press 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 
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. 
 
Metering
 
 
The segmented bars on the left-hand side of the LCD display 
provides the following information: 
 
1. S/RF METER:  Provides a relative indication of the 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.  
						

							- 16 -  .
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.  
 All-Frequency Scanning To allow All-Frequency scanning, the user must first program the 
upper and lower scan limit frequencies as follows:  
 
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.) 
5. Using the SHF key and UP and DOWN arrows, select the lower 
scan limit frequency, then press the  ENT key. 
 
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. 
 
 
 
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. 
- 17 - 
Frequency Scanning
 (Continued)
 
  Memory Scanning
 
The RCI-5054DX has 10 non-volatile memory locations which can 
be programmed to 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 thru 9 by 
performing the following steps: 
 
1. With the radio operating in the manual mode, press the PRG 
(Program) key. 
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. 
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.  
						

							- 18 - 
Chapter 7 Offset (Split) 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. 
 
NOTE: FM repeaters may require that a sub-audible CTCSS tone be 
transmitted to gain access to the repeater. The RCI-5054DX can be 
equipped with an optional CTCSS encoder. 
 
TO PROGRAM TX OFFSET: 
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.  
 
NOTE 
When the transmitter is keyed, the frequency display will change to show the frequency being transmitted. 
- 19 - 
Memo