Albrecht PMR 446 User manual

Instruction Manual
multiCOM pro
PMR 446 2-Way-FM-Radio

2
Contents Contents 2
Getting Started 3
Foreword 3
Product Description 3
Package Contents 3
Function and Feature Display 4
Setting up 5
Installing the batteries 5
Antenna 5
Belt Clip 5
Transceiver back side 6
Basic Operation 7
Turning the radio on : 7
Turning the radio off : 7
Setting the volume : 7
Selecting the channel and tone code (CTCSS, DCS) 7
To select Channel 7
To Set Tone codes 8
Receiving 9
Transmitting 9
Monitoring the channel 9
Locking the keypad 10
Backlight 10
Battery status indicator 10
External Speaker -Mic 11
TOT (Time Out Timer) feature 11
Enhanced features 11
Scanning 11
To activate Scan 11
To Disable Scan 12
Scrambler 12
VOX (Voice Operated Switching) 13
To set radio for VOX operation 13
Setting up VOX sensitivity 13
Other Functions 14
Customisation 14
Programming mode 14
Free Channel 14
Fixed Single Tone Setting 15
Memory Operation 15
CTCSS tones only 16
DCS tones only 16
CTCSS (38) and DCS (83) –[default setting for all the channels] 17
To Select Tone codes 17
Tarnsmitter Time Out Timer (TOT) Programming 17
Cloning: 17
Important Safety Informations 18
Operating Environments 18
Battery Charging Precautions 18
Technical Specifications 19
General 19
Transmission 19
Reception 19
Tone Code Tables 20
DCS-Codes 20
CTCSS-Tones 21

3
Getting Started
Foreword
We thank you for purchasing multiCOM pro. It is designed for ease of use
and made to very high standards. It will provide many years of quality service.
To get maximum benefit from multiCOM pro, Please read all instructions
carefully and completely. For future reference please keep this user guide
Product Description
multiCOM pro is a sophisticated multi channel, battery powered, 446Mhz FM
two-way radio. It is designed for general purpose indoor/outdoor use. It has
unique and innovative features that simplify your communications needs. The
controls and accessories are easy to use and multiCOM pro does not require
licence for operation.
multiCOM pro can be used as a handheld radio or attached to a belt and
used with several optional accessories for “hands-free” VOX (voice activated)
operation or with speaker-mic to control radio conveniently.
Package Contents
Check that your multiCOM pro is complete. When you unpack, you should
have
multiCOM Pro Radio Unit
Battery Clip
Handstrap ( fitted to the Radio )
Users Manual
Batteries are not included!

4
Function and Feature Display
1 3 4 6
7
8
9
2
5 10
1Channel FLAG’ indicates channel select mode.
2indicates current channel number selected.
(maximum channel : 8)
3the 'Tone' flag is on when the CTCSS or DCS is activated.
indicates when the radio is in the CTCSS mode.
4indicates when the radio is in the DCS mode.
5indicates the Tone (CTCSS/DCS) number.
6indicates all buttons and key are locked except PTT and On/Off &
Volume control.
7indicates when the radio is in the VOX (Voice operated) mode.
8indicates when scramble feature is enabled.
9SCN is on when scan is activated.
10 The battery power status indicator
Fully charged battery -Three segment illuminated
Low charge -One segment is illuminated
Empty –Symbol Flashing

5
Setting up
Your multiCOM pro is designed for use with four “AA” size Alkaline Batteries
(not supplied) or rechargeable battery pack. When rechargeable batteries
pack is installed, Please charge the batteries pack for at least 12 hours before
use. New rechargeable batteries should be fully charged before use. The
power to the radio must be turned off during charging.
Warning
Do not use wall charger with Alkaline batteries. It will cause damage to the
radio.
Installing the batteries
•Ensure the On-Off switch on the radio is set to off position.
•Hold the radio and battery cover with the back facing you.
•Press down the ‘battery cover latch’to release the battery cover.
Note: Use small coin or tool to release battery cover latch.
•Install Ni-Cd Rechargeable battery pack
•or four new “AA” size Alkaline batteries.
Note: Carefully observe polarity of batteries before installing.
•Slide the battery cover fully up into the radio until the cover release latch
clicks into place.
Antenna
The antenna is permanently connected to the radio. It is not detachable.
Please do not attempt to remove the antenna , The radio will be damaged.
Belt Clip
To attach
Slide the belt clip into the plastic grooves at the back of the unit.
To remove
Pull the latch (at the top of belt clip) away from the back of the radio and push
the clip downwards.

6
Transceiver back side
Latch to remove
battery clip
Antenna is fixed and
cannot be removed
Battery cover latch

7
Basic Operation
Turning the radio on :
Rotate this switch clockwise until you hear a 'click'. All indicators will appear
momentarily on the display and you will hear short confirmation beep.
The radio will display last mode selected.
Turning the radio off :
Rotate these switches counter clockwise until all indicators disappear on the
display.
Setting the volume :
Rotate On-Off & Volume switch to mid position or adjust level that is most
comfortable for you.
Selecting the channel and tone code (CTCSS, DCS)
multiCOM pro has total of 976 combination of channel and tone codes.
•8 Frequency Channels
•83 CTCSS Code ( indicated by ~)
•38 DCS Code ( indicated by )
Channel and code are configured as follows
To select Channel
•Turn the radio on
•Check the Flag “t” in display above the channel number is illuminated
If required, Use [s] key to set mode for channel selection
•Press up[5] or down[6] key to select a channel

8
To Set Tone codes
•Select the channel you want to use.
•Push [s] key to change the mode, channel selection or code selection
( Flag tin the display should be above the tone code digits )
•Press up[5] or down[6] key to select desired code
Note: CTCSS and DCS frequency and codes are listed in appendix.
CTCSS Symbol is ~
DCS Symbol is
Example 1: Channel 3 with CTCSS tone code 28 selected.
Example 2: Channel 3 with DCS tone code 83 selected

9
Receiving
By Default, multiCOM prouses CTCSS and DCS code system.
The coding system reduces possibility of interference and provides
enhanced communication. You can only listen to a call containing correct
matching code.
Important:
Before making or listening to a call, always ensure
•Correct channel is selected ( 1to 8) and
•Correct code is set.
The green LED will be illuminated when the radio has received correct code.
Transmitting
•Hold the radio upright in front of your face at a distant of 2 to 3 inches.
•Press and hold the PTT button (The red LED will be illuminated)
•Speak slowly and clearly.
•To End transmission, release the PTT button.
•The unit will then go to the stand-by mode.
( See also details on Transmitter Time Out –TOT )
Monitoring the channel
It is used for listening weak signal or to hear all activities on the channel by
manually overriding channel code setting.
•Press and hold the MON button for over two seconds
•When you hear sound on the channel. Release the MON key.
(The green LED will be lit on to indicate receive mode)
•Press MON button again momentarily to return back to standby

10
Locking the keypad
The lock function prevents accidental changes to channel and other radio
settings.
All buttons and keys will be locked except the On-Off/Volume and PTT switch.
To Lock Keypad
•Press and hold MON and next press Key [s] (Within two seconds).
•Keypad is now locked ( “key”flag will be illuminated in the display).
To Disable Keypad Lock
•Press and hold MON and next press Key [s] (Within two seconds).
•Keypad is now unlocked.
Backlight
Backlight is used to improve display visibility.
•To illuminate press the key [ L ].
•Press this key again to switch off the backlight
Backlight on display will automatically switch of after two seconds.
Battery status indicator
•The “ ” flag blinks when the battery power is low.
Replace batteries or if using NI-Cd battery pack recharge it.
•Fully charged batteries -Three segments are illuminated
•Low charge -One segment is illuminated

11
External Speaker -Mic
It is possible to connect many different external accessories to multiCOM pro
e.g.
•Speaker Mic Unit
•Headset with VOX
•Extension Speaker in 3.5mm socket
•Extension mic in 2.5mm socket
For optimum performance only use approved accessories only.
TOT (Time Out Timer) feature
This function of TOT is to prevent the unit transmitting accidentally. If
transmitted accidentally, it will time out and revert to standby mode.
The default value is 2 minutes.
Note: You will be timed out during normal conversation when you have
transmitted continuously for 2 minutes. To continue your call, you need to
release and press PTT switch.
Enhanced features
Scanning
This feature enables multiCOM pro to monitor all channels automatically for
valid signal. It does this by scanning all the channels in sequential order and
checking for correct matching code.
To activate Scan
•Press and hold MON and next press Key [ L ] (Within two seconds).
•Radio is now scanning ( “SCN”flag will be illuminated in the display).

12
During scan when a call is detected it will pause for few seconds. During this
time if you press UP or Down key the unit will revert to scanning.
To Disable Scan
•Press and hold MON and next press Key [ L ] (Within two seconds).
•Unit reverts to normal operation.
Scrambler
The multiCOM pro is unique in offering this feature; It enables you to have
conversation without being over heard in simple scanners and other radios.
The scrambler design is based on “Voice inversion technique”; This feature
makes your voice messages unintelligible to listeners who don't have a proper
decoding device. This is simple security aid and does not provide full
protection against eavesdropper.
Important:
To have conversation in scrambling mode, the radios of both parties must
have this feature installed. In addition you will not be able to understand
conversation when someone calls you without the scrambler feature.
To activate Scrambler
•Turn the radio off
•Press and hold down[6] key (also labelled SCR)
•Turn the radio on (SCR will be illuminated in display)
To disable Scrambler
•Turn the radio off
•Turn the radio on (The unit will revert to normal operation)

13
VOX (Voice Operated Switching)
This option enables you to have handsfree conversation. You no longer need
to operate the PTT button each time you want to speak. When using the
external mic or headset, your voice or the signal is detected and radio
transmits automatically. You can also control the VOX sensitivity to suit your
environment of operation. (E.g. noisy road, motor bike, factory etc.)
To set radio for VOX operation
•Turn the radio off
•Press and hold up [5] key (also labelled VOX)
•Turn the radio on (VOX will be illuminated in display)
Setting up VOX sensitivity
•Ensure radio is in VOX operation
•Press and hold MON and next press up [5] key (also labelled VOX)
•The display will indicate present VOX sensitivity setting e.g. 'L-01'
•Use up[5] or down[6] key to select desired VOX setting
Level 1 is most sensitive
Level 10 is least sensitive.

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Other Functions
Customisation
multiCOM pro has many features and function that can be customised for
special applications. Customisation is only possible by programming unit with
Standard PC serial port. This is done by using programming cable (not
supplied) and the programming software (DOS, works also with Win 95/98).
Please contact your supplier or Authorised agent for details.
Programming mode
To activate Programming mode
•Turn Radio Off
•Push and hold MON switch.
•Turn the radio on (“Prg”will be illuminated in display)
•Connect programming cable to serial port of PC
•Connect programming cable to mic input of radio
•Unit is ready for programming
•Run the programming software (not supplied).
Each of the eight channels in multiCOM pro can be programmed with
following six modes of operation.
Free Channel
The channel without any tone code setting
Channel 3 is selected ( without any code)

15
Fixed Single Tone Setting
Each of 8 channels can be programmed to have one of CTCSS( 38) or
DCS (83) code fixed. The user will not be able to change this code by keypad
Channel 3 with CTCSS tone Code 28 selected
Memory Operation
Each of 8 channels can be programmed to have up to 5 memory settings of
different combination of CTCSS and DCS codes
Typical setting could be
•Memory1: CTCSS -67Hz
•Memory2: DCS -023
•Memory3: without tone
•Memory4: CTCSS -250.3Hz
•Memory5: CTCSS -67.0Hz
In memory mode the “6”flag will be blinking.

16
CTCSS tones only
Each of 8 channels can be programmed so that user can only select one of 38
CTCSS tones.
Channel 3 with CTCSS tone Code 28 selected
DCS tones only
Each of 8 channels can be programmed so that user can only select one of 83
DCS tones.
Channel 3 with DCS tone Code 83 selected

17
CTCSS (38) and DCS (83) –[default setting for all the channels]
Each of 8 channels can be programmed such that user can select one of
CTCSS (38) or DCS (83) code.
Total of 121 combinations per channel.
Channel 3 with DCS tone Code 01 selected
To Select Tone codes
•Select the channel first
•Push [s] key to change the mode, channel selection or code selection
(Flag tin the display should be above the tone code digits)
•Press up[5] or down[6] key to select desired code
Transmitter Time Out Timer (TOT) Programming
The default values of Transmitter time out (TOT) and Voice operated
switching (VOX) values can be changed also by computer programming.
Cloning:
Once the radio is programmed its parameters can be transferred to another
radio by using special programming cable (not supplied). With this cable the
complete settings of one radio can be transfered (copied) to another radio
without any need of a computer, only cable is required

18
Important Safety Informations
Operating Environments
•Never operate radio very close or touching to exposed parts of the body.
•Avoid conditions, which subject radio to shock and extreme vibrations.
•If possible, refrain using this radio under the direct rays of the sun and
around the high humid area.
•Never operate radio with high volume levels. Hearing expert’s advice
against continuos high volume operation.
•Do not operate the radio in explosive atmosphere.
Battery Charging Precautions
Never attempt to charge alkaline batteries. This will damage the radio
and can cause explosure of the batteries and even injuries.
•Only use approved battery charger.
•Always switch off the radio when charging.
•Never use simultaneously wall and desk chargers.
•Avoid overcharging the battery. Charge battery for less than 48 hours
•Keep battery contacts clean.
•For environmental reasons, please dispose of batteries carefully.

19
Technical Specifications
General
 Frequency Range : 446.00625 to 446.09375MHz
 Channels : 8CH
 Channel spacing : 12.5kHz
 Communications : Simplex
 Modulation System : F3E
 Antenna Type : Fixed Helical Antenna
 Audio Output : 0.4W or more (16Ù)
 Operation Temp. Range : -20degC ~ +55degC
 Power Source : Ni-cd (4.8V DC) or
: Alkaline(6V D.C) batteries
 Dimensions : 62(W)×109(H)×34(D) m/m
 Weight :140g or less (batteries excluded)
Transmission
 Power Output : 0.5W max ERP
 Frequency Stability : within ±0.0003%
 Modulation Type : FM
 Max. Freq. Deviation : ±2.5kHz or less
 Spurious Emission : better than -65dB
 Modulation Distortion : 3% or less
Reception
 Sensitivity : less than 0.25uV
 Selectivity : better than -60dB
 Spurious Response : better than -70dB
 Signal to Noise Ratio : better than -65dB
 Audio Distortion : within 3%
 Frequency Stability : within ±0.0003%

20
Tone Code Tables
DCS-Codes
Number DCS-Code Number DCS-Code Number DCS-Code
01 023 29 174 57 445
02 025 30 205 58 464
03 026 31 223 59 465
04 031 32 226 60 466
05 032 33 243 61 503
06 043 34 244 62 506
07 047 35 245 63 516
08 051 36 251 64 532
09 054 37 261 65 546
10 065 38 263 66 565
11 071 39 265 67 606
12 072 40 271 68 612
13 073 41 306 69 624
14 074 42 311 70 627
15 114 43 315 71 631
16 115 44 331 72 632
17 116 45 343 73 654
18 125 46 346 74 662
19 131 47 351 75 664
20 132 48 364 76 703
21 134 49 365 77 712
22 143 50 371 78 723
23 152 51 411 79 731
24 155 52 412 80 732
25 156 53 413 81 734
26 162 54 423 82 743
27 165 55 431 83 754
28 172 56 432