Audiovox GMRS-1200CH User manual

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
ModelModel
ModelModel
Model ::
::
: GMRS-1200CHGMRS-1200CH
GMRS-1200CHGMRS-1200CH
GMRS-1200CH
Released: 2-1-02.
OwnerOwner
OwnerOwner
Owner’s Man’s Man
’s Man’s Man
’s Manualual
ualual
ual
CustomerService
1-800-290-6650
SCAN
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NEVERATTEMPTTOCHARGE ALKALINE OR DRYCELLBATTER-
IES, AS BATTERIES MAY BURST CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY
ANDDAMAGETOTHEPRODUCT. WHEN RECHARGING NICKEL
METAL HYDRIDE (Ni-MH) BATTERIES WITH THE AUDIOVOX
CHARGER, USE ONLY AUDIOVOX APPROVED RECHARGE-
ABLE BATTERIES. USE OF THE AUDIOVOX CHARGER WITH
OTHER BRANDS OF BATTERIES IS NOT RECOMMENDED, AS
BATTERY CHARGING TIMES WILL VARY WITH
DIFFERENT BRANDS. REFER TO THE MANUFACTURER’S
INSTRUCTIONSFORCHARGINGOTHERBRANDSOFBATTERIES.
AVOID PLACING THE GMRS-1200CH RADIO TRANSCEIVER
FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT
OR TEMPERATURES BELOW-4° F (-20° C) OR ABOVE 140 ° F
(60°C).
KEEP THE ANTENNA AT 1 INCH (2.5 cm) AWAY FROM YOUR
HEAD AND BODY. DO NOT USE YOUR GMRS-1200CH RADIO
TRANSCEIVERWITHADAMAGEDANTENNA.
PLACETHE RUBBER COVERONJACKS WHEN NOTINUSE.
GMRSLICENSE:
USEOFTHISRADIOWITHINTHEUNITEDSTATESREQUIRESAN
FCC GMRS LICENSE. AN INDIVIDUAL18 YEARS OF AGE OR
OLDER, WHO IS NOT A REPRESENTATAIVE OF A FOREIGN
GOVERNMENT, IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR A GMRS SYSTEM
LICENSE. YOU WILL NEED TWO FORMS FROM THE FCC; FCC
FORM 159 AND FCC FORM 605 MAIN FORM AND SCHEDULE F.
YOUCANFIND THE FORMS ONLINEAT: HTTP://WWW.FCC.GOV/
FORMPAGE.HTML,ORCALL1-800-418-3676.
CAUTIONS
2

3
1. BatteryDoor
2. Monitor/BacklightButton
3. DetachableCarryClip
4. Push-To-Talk(PTT)Button
5. Antenna
6. ExternalSpeaker(SPK)/Micro-
phone(MIC)Jacks
7. Built-inSpeaker
8. LiquidCrystalDisplay (LCD)
9. Built-inMicrophone
10. UpChannel/Volume Button
Model GMRS-1200CH (FCC License Required)
11. DownChannel/Volume
Button
12. MODEButton
13. SCAN/LockButton
14. Emergency(EMG)Call
Button
15. PowerOn/OffControl
16. CombinationTransmitIndi-
cator(Red)/Receive and
Monitor Indicator(Green)
3
5
4
1
2
9
13
11
8
10
12
7
3
(REF)
1
(REF)
15
14
16
6
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Model GMRS-1200 DISPLAY
1.Beep Tone Indicator: Icon appears when beep button confirmation
tone is selected; icon disappears when tone is off.
2.Monitor Indicator: Icon appears when the Monitor (M) button is
pressed and the channel monitor function is activated.
3.Key Lock Indicator: Icon appears when the keypad is locked. This
function disables keys such as channel up/down and MODE.
4.Signal Strength Indicator: Icon appears when a signal is being
received. The icon consists of five bars to indicate the received signal
level.
5.Coded Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTC) Indicator: Indicator
appears when the CTCSS tone function is active.
6.Large Segment Display: Indicates the channel number in use.
7.Scan Indicator: This function allows the user to scan a channel and/
or a tone code every .5 second to search for a valid signal.
8.RogerBeep Tone On/Off Indicator: This icon appears when the
Roger Beep tone is on, and disappears when tone is not in use.
9.Battery Level Indicator: Icon indicates the battery charge level.
10.Emergency Indicator: EMG Icon appears when the EMG button is
pressed. (The frequency is NOT monitored by authorities).
10
11
12
8
9
7
6
4
5
3
2
1
13
14
15
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5
11.Caller Identification (ID) Indicator: This indication appears when
you select a caller identification code (between 1 and 10). ID selection
operates in conjunction with the small segment display, and can also
be used to identify a calling party in the monitor mode.
12.Small Segment Display: Displays the CTCSS tone option in the
channel from (00-38).
13.Out of Range Indicator: Icon will be on steady when received signal
strength is normal; icon flashes when signal strength becomes weak
and intermittant.
14.Voice Activated Transmission (VOX) Indicator: This function allows
hands free conversation. The indicator appears when the VOX mode
is activated.
15.Dual Watch Mode Indicator: Indicator appears whendualwatch mode
is active.
Powering the transceiver:
Your GMRS-1200CH radio transceiver operates on four AAA batteries .
Alkaline batteries will provide slightly better performance than the supplied
rechargeable batteries. Only Audiovox approved rechargeable batteries
can be recharged in the radio transceiver using the charging Adapter
supplied with the unit. This will ensure optimum performance for the
GMRS-1200CH. Use of the Audiovox Adapter with other brands of batteries
is not recommended as battery charging times will vary. Refer to the
manufacturer’s instructions for charging other brands of batteries.
Batteries
There are three methods of powering the GMRS-1200CH:
1.Alkaline Batteries.
WARNING: Do not attempt to recharge Alkaline batteries.
2.Audiovox Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries - (Rechargeable NiMH
batteries and Charging Adapter included). Use only Audiovox
approved rechargeable batteries and charger when charging
batteries internal to the unit.
NOTE: To extend battery life, avoid overcharging the batteries.

6
2. Slide the cover
down and then lift
cover at bottom to
open.Remove
cover.
3. Insert four AAA batteries
(positive (+) end toward
the bottom begining at
left side and alternating
positive terminals as
shown).
1. Using thumb,
press down on
battery cover at
arrow and slide
cover down to
open.
3. Various Brands of Rechargeable Batteries - Use of the supplied
Audiovox charger with other brands of rechargeable batteries is
not recommended, as battery charging times will vary with different
brands of batteries.Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for
charging other brands of batteries.
Installing the batteries:
Batteryinstallation ismademore convenient whenthecarry clip isremoved.
To do this, release the spring latch securing the clip to radio and slide the
clip downward and away from the radio body. Next, press down with the
thumb at the embossed arrow, slide the battery cover down and lift off the
battery cover. Insert four AAA batteries (alternate positive ends (+) toward
the bottom of the transceiver, (starting left-to-right).
SPRING
LATCH
BATTERY
COVER
CARRY
CLIP
COVER
ARROW
+ +
+ +
POSITIVE
TERMINALS

7
The following guidelines will improve performance and provide longer
operating times for the GMRS-1200CH:
1. Do not mix old and new batteries.
2. The use of alkaline-type batteries is recommended to provide the
longest operating time.
3. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable
batteries.
4. If the unit is not to be used for an extended period of time, remove the
batteries. Old or leaking batteries can cause damage to the unit and
will void the warranty.
SCAN
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AUDIO OX
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E203081
65NM
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Direct Plug-In Transformer Unit
+
○○○
MIC/(CHG)/SPK JACK
AC WALL CHARGING
ADAPTER, MODEL
YKA3515-08010
INPUT: 120 VAC
OUTPUT: 8 VDC

GMRS-1200CH OPERATIONAL MODES
CALL
SELECT
MODE
BUTTON
BEEP
ROGER
BEEP
DUAL
WATCH
VOX
SELECT
I D
SELECT
CTCSS
SELECT
CHANNEL
SELECT
Controls:
Power On/Off (15) Button
Press and hold the power on/off button ( ) for at least 2 seconds. You
will hear a confirming melody to indicate the unit is on. To turn the unit
off, press and hold the button for at least 2 seconds.
Adjusting the Volume
With the unit powered on, press the Up Channel/Volume button ( ) to
increase volume and the Down Channel/Volume button ( ) to decrease
volume. The display will indicate the current volume level between 1 and 7
by the small number in the icon ( U 05 ).
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9
Monitor/Display Backlight Button (2)
This button is used to check activity on the current frequency before
transmitting. Check activity by pressing the Monitor (M) Button longer
than 2 seconds; the icon will apppear on the display and you will
hearstaticif frequencyis clear.
Do not transmit if you hear conversation.
Hold down the Monitor Button again longer than 2 seconds and the
icon will disapppear from the display.
The monitor function will temporarily bypass the squelch setting and play
all signals on a given channel. This feature is useful when communicating
with other parties at extreme range.
By pressing the monitor button momentarily, the LCD backlight is turned
onaccompaniedbya beeptone; theLCDbacklight will turnoffautomatically
in about 5 seconds, or when the monitor button is pressed momentarily
once again.
Push To Talk (PTT) Button (4)
Pressing and holding this button will allow you to speak to any transceiver
that is set to the same channel and privacy code setting as yours. Hold the
transceiver approximately 1 to 2 inches from your face as you speak into
the built in microphone (9). After you have finished speaking, release the
PTT Button to allow reception of incoming signals. It is not possible to
transmit and receive at the same time. The Transmit/Monitor LED (16) at
the upper inside right corner of the LCD Panel (8) will light
red while the
PTT Button is pressed.
Releasing the button allows the unit to revert to standby mode. When
receiving an incoming signal, the Transmit/Monitor LED indicator will light
green and the received signal strength indicator ( ) will display
the relative strength of the signal.
The PTT Button can also be used as a two-way call ringer. Pressing the
buttontwicequickly willcallanother partyonthe samechannel. TheTransmit
LED will light
red for approximately 3 seconds and then go out.

10
Up Channel/Volume Button (10)
In the standby mode, pressing this button will increment the listening
volume. When in function edit mode this button will be used to adjust the
unit’s settings.
Down Channel/Volume Button (11)
In the standby mode, pressing this button will decrement the listening
volume. When in function edit mode this button will be used to adjust the
unit’s settings.
Mode Button (12)
This button is used to select the various GMRS feature settings such as
channel/CTCSS code selection, VOX mode, etc.
Emergency (EMG) Call Button Button (14)
This radio has a quick access button (EMG) to the Emergency and
Assistance Channel. This channel is not monitored by local authorities.
When using this channel,
EMG appears on the display. Pressing this
button will set the transceiver to channel 10, operating on 462.6750 MHz.
External Speaker (SPK)/Microphone (MIC)/(CHG) Jack (6)
This jack accepts an Audiovox headset/microphone connector, or the
Charging Adapter connector, which is supplied with the unit. For additional
optional equipment and accessories for the GMRS-1200CH visit the
Audiovox web site at www.audiovox.com.
Scan/Lock Button (13)
Press this Button momentarily to enable or disable the scan mode. Press
and hold Button for more than 1 second to lock or unlock the key pad,
exceptPower,PTT andMonitor(M)and VolumeUp/Down. When thekeypad
is locked, the ( ) icon will display in the top left corner.

11
Operating Modes and Features
GRMS Operation:
- From GMRS standby mode, press and hold the ( ) button for 2
seconds to turn on power.
- Press the MODE button so the Channel number flashes.
- Select the desired channel with the Up (10) and Down (11) Buttons.
When receiving a call, the signal strength meter appears to indicate
incoming received signal strength and the Monitor section of the
Transmit/Monitor LED (16) lights
green .
- Press and hold the PTT button (4) to transmit, then speak into the
microphone clearly and slowly. The Transmit section of the Trans-
mit/Monitor LED (16) lights
red .
- Release PTT Button (4) to receive.
- Communication can only be accomplished when the channel and
CTCSS tone frequency of at least two parties are the same.
- The CTC icon will be displayed on the LCD panel if the CTCSS tone
frequency function is enabled.
Channel Selection
In order to communicate with other GMRS units, both transmitting and
receiving party must be on the same frequency.
The GMRS-1200CH has 15 channels (frequencies) (1-15) indicated by the
large digits on the LCD display panel. Channels 1 through 7 are the
same frequency as FRS channels 1 through 7. Communication with
Audiovox FRS and compatible units is possible on these seven channels.
Before transmitting on the selected channel, press the Monitor (M) Button
(2) to check the activity on that channel. If there is activity on the selected
channel, change to another channel that is clear.
To change the channel:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button (12) until the
channel number flashes.

12
- Press the Up Button (10) briefly to move to the next higher main
channel number.
- Press the Down Button (11) briefly to move to the next lower main
channel number.
CTCSS Mode (Sub-Channel) Selection
The Coded Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTCSS) provides 38 Sub-Fre-
quencies. This feature allows you to utilize the coded squelch tones (01–
38) within a main channel. This enables you to communicate with another
party on the same main channel using the same subcode. (This filters out
unwanted transmissions without the same coded squelch tone). There
are 38 CTCSS Sub-channels for each main channel. A different
subcode may be selected for each of the 15 channels.
To change the CTCSS Sub-channel:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE Button twice; a flashing
oF or sub-channel number is displayed, together with the flashing
CTC icon. If oF is displayed, press the Up or Down button to enable
the CTCSS mode; the CTC icon will also flash on the display with the
flashing sub-channel number.
- Then press the Up or Down button to select the desired sub-channel
for use.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.
The CTCSS mode can be turned off by selecting the oF icon as the setting.
NOTE: To communicate with other GMRS units, they must be switched to
the same channel and CTCSS subcode. To communicate with
other GMRS units that do not have subcodes, switch your unit to
the same channel with the subcode set to oF.
The CTCSS subcodes do not prevent others from hearing your
transmission. This will only allow you to ignore all traffic on a
given channel not using the same subcode.
VOX Selection Mode
This option enables you to have hands-free conversation. Your voice or

13
nearby sound is detected and the radio transmits without the need to
press the PTT button.
To set radio for VOX operation:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button three times until
the VOX icon flashes on the display.
- Press the Up or Down button to select VOX On (if oF appears flash-
ing) and the 1-5 VOX level sensitivity.
- MomentarilypressthePowerOn/Off button to confirm the VOXselection.
- The VOX icon will appear steady on the LCD display.
VOX can be turned off by selecting oF as the setting.
Channel Scan Operation
This feature allows you to monitor all channels automatically for valid
signals. While scanning, you can transmit and receive. When a signal is
received, the scan is interrupted and will return to scan mode 5 seconds
after reception is terminated.
NOTE: While the scan function is active, the MODE button will be
inoperative. The scan mode will reduce the overall battery life
since the battery save function is overridden.
To enable the channel scan mode:
- From GMRS standby mode, momentarily press the SCAN Button;
(SCAN) will appear on the LCD display.
- The radio will display each channel (1-15) in order as the scan mode
operates to find an active main channel.
- If the unit doesn’t find any signals and you want to transmit, press the
PTT switch to return to home channel operation. The transceiver will
automatically resume scanning approximately 5 seconds after the
communication is completed.
- If there is no activity and you want to leave the scan mode, press the
SCAN button momentarily and the unit will return to normal operation;
(SCAN) icon will disappear from the LCD display.

14
Dual Watch Mode
This feature allows you to monitor two channels at the same time. While in
dual watch mode, the unit will continuously monitor both the primary and
dual watch channel. Received signals will be played for 5 seconds, then
the unit will resume scanning the two channels. Pressing the PTT button
during a received transmission will set the unit to transmit on the same
channel. Pressing the PTT button when no signal is received will set the
unit to transmit on the primary channel.
To set the Dual Watch Mode:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button 4 times; dc ap-
pears on the display with the flashing DW icon. If the dual watch mode
is off, the oF icon will also appear flashing.
- To enable the dual watch mode, press the Up or Down button; the dual
watch channel number will flash and start to increment up or down as
the Up or Down button is pressed.
- Press the PTT button to confirm selection of the dual watch channel.
The display will now alternate between the primary channel and the
dual watch channel just selected.
Roger Beep Tone
The Roger Beep is a tone which is automatically transmitted whenever the
PTT button is released. This tone alerts the receiving party that the trans-
mission has been terminated intentionally.
To enable and disable the Roger Beep tone:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE Button 5 times until rb
appears on the display with the flashing Roger Beep icon ( ) and On
oroF.
- Press the Up or Down Button to select the tone on or off as desired.
- When enabled, the tone icon ( ) appears steady on the display.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.

15
Key Tone
This feature allows the transceiver to sound a confirmation tone whenever
thefollowingkeys arepressed:Monitor (M)Button,Up/Down Buttons, MODE
Button, SCAN Button, or the EMG Button.
To turn the key tones on or off:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE Button six times until bP,
the Bell ( ) icon, and On or oF flash on the LCD display.
- Press the Up or Down Button to toggle the key tone feature On or Off.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.
When the key tone feature is on, the Bell icon appears steady on the
display, and the beep tones sound in response to button activation.
Caller Identification (ID) Select
The caller ID function allows you to assign an ID code between 1 and 10;
this code accompanies your transmission whenever you call another party,
and will appear at the receiving unit, provided it has caller ID capability.
To select a caller ID code for your unit:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button 7 times; Id ap
pears, together with a flashing ID and number (or oF) indication.
- If oF appears, press the Up or Down Button to select the desired caller
identification code for your unit between 1 and 10.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.
Now, your caller ID number will accompany each transmission, and will
appear on the receiving unit, if so equipped, and vice-versa.
Call Ringer Selection Mode
The transceiver provides 3 user-selectable call ringer melodies to alert
you to an incoming call.
To select your favorite call ringer melody:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button 8 times;
Cwill appear on the display, together with a flashing number (or oF)
between 01 and 03, and an appropriate call ring.

16
- Press the Up or Down Button to preview and hear the 3 available call
melodies.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.
Refer to the PTT button (4) to transmit ring signal.
Auto Key Lock Selection Mode
This feature prevents accidental channel change to the preferred settings
of the unit. The Auto Key Lock function temporarily disables the MODE and
SCAN Buttons.
To access the Auto Key Lock selection menu:
- From GMRS standby mode, press and hold the Scan Button for over 2
seconds to Lock the Auto Key function; the ( ) icon appears on the
display.
- The Power, PTT, Up/Down, EMG and Monitor Buttons are not effected.
- To unlock the Auto Key function, press and hold the SCAN button for at
least 2 seconds; the icon ( ) disappears from the display.
NOTE: If the unit is turned off while Key Lock is on, the Key Lock
mode will still be in effect when the unit is turned on again.
Emergency and Assistance Channel Mode
This radio has a quick access button (EMG) to the Emergency and
Assistance Channel. This channel is not monitored by local authorities.
When using this channel,
EMG appears on the display. Pressing this
button will set the transceiver to the channel 10, 462.6750 MHz). The
Emergency Channel can be used transmit and receive on a special
frequency (CH10: 462.6750 MHz).
The Emergency Channel can be selected quickly from any user mode.
To access the Emergency Channel mode:
- Press Emergency (EMG) Button;
EMG and Channel 10 appears on
the display.
- To turn off the Emergency Channel feature, press and release the
EMG Button.

Out of Range Indication
The GMRS-1200CH provides an Out-of-Range indication when reception
is no longer intelligible or too weak to be discernible. When this condition
occurs,theOUT OF RANGEmessageand iconappearson thedisplay,
reminding you that you are outside the 5-mile range of the unit, or that
signal reception is being obstructed by native or man-made objects.
Battery Alert
When the battery icon ( ) blinks on the LCD panel, recharge unit or
install fresh batteries. If the batteries are not replaced the ( ) icon will
appear and an audio tone will sound to warn the user that the batteries
must be replaced.
NOTESFORGOODCOMMUNICATION
1 . The GMRS-1200CH 15 channels are shared on a ‘take turns’ basis.
This means other groups may be talking on any of the channels.
A common code of ethics/courtesy is to switch to another vacant
channel and not to attempt to talk over someone who is already using
the channel you first selected.
2. The GMRS-1200CH has been designed to maximize performance
and improve transmission range in the field. To avoid interference,
it is recommended that you do not use the units closer than 5 feet
apart.
3. For best transmission results, always keep your mouth about 2-3
inches from the microphone (9) and speak slowly in a normal voice.
4. To increase battery life, avoid features such as Scan and Dual
Watch. These features will reduce operating time considerably.
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Warning
•Do not operate the transceiver unless you are licensed to do so.
•Remove the batteries from the transceiver if it is not expected to be used
for long periods. This will eliminate the possibility of chemicals leaking
from the batteries and corroding the transceiver.
•Avoid exposing the transceiver to water or extremes of temperature.
•Do not use this device in or near a mining facility, which uses remotely
triggered explosives or in areas labeled “Blasting Area”. Premature or
accidental detonation may result.
•Do not attempt to modify or in any way increase the output of this
transceiver. Its output is designed to meet the legal limits set by the FCC.
•Do not use this device or change its batteries in potentially explosive
atmospheres as sparks in such areas could result in an explosion.
•Turn your transceiver off wherever posted notices restrict the use of radios
or cellular telephones. Facilities such as hospitals may use equipment
that is sensitive to RF energy.
•Turn your transceiver off on board aircraft when requested to do so.
•Do not place your radio in front of a vehicle’s air-bag. If the air-bag
deploys, it could propel the transceiver like a projectile causing bodily
injury.
18

Troubleshooting
19
Weak or no Weak batteries Charge or replace batteries
signal received Channel and privacy Adjust the transceiver’s
code not set the same settings to match those
as target transceiver settings of the target
transceiver
Volume level toolow Increasevolumelevel
PTT Button inadvertently ReleasePTT Button
depressed
Excessive radio interference Change to a different
on a particular channel channel
Obstruction of radio signal Avoid operating in or near
large buildings or vehicles
Unit beeps, but Batteries extremely Charge or replace batteries
will not function discharged
when turned on
Reception of CTCSS privacy mode Turn on the CTCSS privacy
unwanted signals not on mode and set code number to
match the setting of the
target transceiver.
Interference from Turn the devices off or move
electronic devices such farther away from them.
as computers or TVs
Problem Possible cause Correction
No transmission Weak batteries Charge or replace batteries
while pressing Incorrect battery polarity Install the batteries
thePTT Button following the directions in
paragraph Installing the
Batteries.

General
Frequency Range
GMRS (15 Channels) 462.5500 - 462.7250 MHz
Channel Spacing 12.5 kHz
Privacy Codes 38 for each main channel
Dimensions (W x H x D) 2.10inx 3.86inx 1.10in
(Without Antenna) 53.4 mm x 98 mm x 28 mm
Power Supply
Power Source Alkaline Batteries, AAA (4), 6 VDC
Ni-MH rechargeable, AAA (4),
4.8 VDC, 650 mAh
Operating Time 16-18 hours (Alkaline Batteries)
(5: 5: 90 ratio based on alkaline
batteries)
Receiver
Useable Sensitivity >-120 dBm
Maximum Audio Output Power > 200 mW maximum (8 Ohm )
Modulation Distortion < 5% (1 kHz 60% modulation)
Transmitter
RF Output Power 1.8 Watt maximum
Maximum Deviation <+/- 2.5 kHz
Modulation Distortion < 5% (1 kHz 60% modulation)
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Technical Specifications: