Standard Horizon HX851 marine band handheld - alignment instructions using front keypad

[g8tzl2004]

I understand that the HX851 marine band handheld can be aligned (not programmed) using the front keypad. I want to lower the squelch threshold which is too high even at the lowest user adjustable squelch level so weak signals are missed.

I already have a copy of the HX850S front keypad alignment instructions. The HX850s is a similar radio but the front keys on the HX850 are slightly different than the HX851 so I don't want to make a mistake.

I wonder if anybody has a copy of the HX851 front keypad alignment instructions?

Thanks

 

[g8tzl2004]

Apparently the HX851 can only be aligned using alignment software. The HX850S can still be aligned using the front keypad.

 

[N5XPM]

The squelch threshhold setting should not require alignment. What does the owner‘s manual say about setting the squelch?

 

[g8tzl2004]

The lowest user adjustable squelch level (ie level 1) is still too high to RX weak signals. A signal of around 0.36uV (-116dBm) is required to open the squelch at level 1. A typical ham HT requires around 0.1uV to open the squelch.

Standard Horizon marine radios appear to require a relatively strong signal to open the squelch even at the minimum user adjustable level. I guess this is done deliberately so that a handheld can reliably TX/RX with a high power base station...but the downside is that weak signals are missed when you just want to monitor the marine band.

The HX851 requires a separate alignment program to lower the squelch threshold level. It is not part of the CE-100 Programming software. The alignment program is called "PC Alignment for HX850S version 1.00." It works with both the HX850S and HX851 but the HX850S can also be aligned using the front keypad. I have been looking for a copy of the "PC Alignment for HX850S" software but not yet found a copy.

 

[merlin]

I don't know if my post on groups would be accepted, but a lot of radio specific tuner software does seem to work with other radios. It isn't like programming software that can be very radio specific.
The newest I have is the 590 stuff, so a bit obsolete.
Try it, it will work, or it won't
I am having similar issues with a Barrett HF rig, but tuner sofware may not exist.
That leaves using Putty to adjust softpots, but even that takes documents on how to.

 

[merlin]

The squelch threshhold setting should not require alignment. What does the owner‘s manual say about setting the squelch?

Generally you are correct, but in my case it is opposite where noise unmutes the radio.
The threshold is just a tad too loose. A menu option to adjust it is no help.

 

[merlin]

If you don't mind the no signal noise, you could just turn the muting off.
At least FM has a lower noise floor unlike HF that can be a headache hearing weak signals.