Audiovox GMRS-1545 User manual

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
Model:GMRS-1545
Owner’s Manual
CustomerService
1-800-290-6650

GMRSLICENSE:
USE OF THIS RADIO WITHIN THE UNITED STATES REQUIRES AN
FCCGMRSLICENSE. ANINDIVIDUAL18 YEARSOF AGEOR OLDER,
WHOISNOT AREPRESENTATAIVEOF AFOREIGNGOVERNMENT,
ISELIGIBLETO APPLY FORAGMRSSYSTEM LICENSE. YOUWILL
NEED TWO FORMS FROM THE FCC; FCC FORM 159 AND FCC
FORM 605 MAIN FORM AND SCHEDULE F. YOU CAN FIND THE
FORMSONLINEAT:HTTP://WWW.FCC.GOV/FORMPAGE.HTML, OR
CALL 1-800-418-3676.
NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHARGE ALKALINE OR DRY CELL BATTER-
IES. WHEN RECHARGING, USE ONLY AUDIOVOX APPROVED
RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES AND CHARGER. USE OF THE
CHARGER WITH OTHER BATTERIES WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO
YOUR GMRS-1545 RADIO TRANSCEIVER. OTHER TYPES OF
BATTERIESMAYBURSTCAUSINGPERSONALINJURY.
AVOID PLACING THE GMRS-1545 RADIO TRANSCEIVER FOR
PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME IN DIRECT SUNLIGHT OR
TEMPERATURES BELOW-4° F(-20° C) OR ABOVE140 ° F(60°C).
KEEPTHEANTENNA AT1INCH (2.5cm)AWAY FROM YOUR HEAD
ANDBODY. DO NOT USEYOURGMRS-1545RADIOTRANSCEIVER
WITHADAMAGEDANTENNA.
PLACE THE RUBBER COVERS ON JACKS WHEN NOT IN USE.
CAUTIONS
2

3
1. ExternalMicrophone(MIC)/Bat-
teryCharger(CHG)Jack
2. External Speaker (SPK) Jack
3. BatteryChargingContacts
4. LiquidCrystal Display (LCD)
5. CombinationTransmitIndi-
cator(Red)/Receive and
Monitor Indicator(Green)
6. Monitor(M)/BacklightButton
7. SCAN/LockButton
8. Emergency(EMG) CallButton
9. UpChannel/VolumeButton
Model GMRS-1545 (FCC License Required)
10. Built-inMicrophone
11. MODEButton
12. Built-inSpeaker
13. DownChannel/VolumeButton
14. PowerOn/OffButton
15. BatteryDoor
16. DetachableBelt Clip
17. Push-To-Talk(PTT)Button
18. DetachableAntenna
12
3
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
9
45
6
7
8
10
BOTTOM
TOP

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Model GMRS-1545 DISPLAY
1. Beep Tone Indicator: Icon appears when beep button confirmation
tone is selected; icon disappears when tone is off.
2. Key Lock Indicator: Icon appears when the keypad is locked. This
function disables keys such as channel up/down and MODE.
3. Monitor Indicator: Icon appears when the Monitor (M) button is
pressed and the channel monitor function is activated.
4. Signal Strength Indicator: Icon appears when a signal is being
received. The icon consists of five bars to indicate the received signal
level. The icon also represents transmit signal power during
transmission.
5.Vibrator Call Indicator: Icon appears when unit vibrates in response
to a call from another party.
6. Coded Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTC) Indicator: Icon
appears when the CTCSS tone function is active.
7. Large Segment Display: Indicates the channel number in use.
8. 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.
9. Emergency Indicator: EMG Icon appears when the EMG button is
pressed. (The frequency is NOT monitored by authorities).
10. Battery Level Indicator: Icon indicates the battery charge level.
818
10
11
12
9
7
6
4
5
3
2
1
13
14
15
16
17

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11. GMRS Indicator: Icon is visible when radio is in GMRS mode, as
opposed to weather mode.
12. RogerBeep Tone On/Off Indicator: This icon appears when the
Roger Beep tone is on, and disappears when tone is not in use.
13. Weather Mode Indicator: Icon will be on steady when in the weather
band mode. The icon will blink when in the GMRS mode with the alert
active.
14. Hi/LO Indicators: Appropriate icon appears when the transmit power
is set to desired output power level.
15. Small Segment Display: Displays the CTCSS tone option in the
channel from (00-38).
16. Compass Indicator: Continuously displayed; icon blinks when outside
magnetic interference is compromising accuracy.
17. Voice Activated Transmission (VOX) Indicator: This function allows
hands free conversation. The icon appears when the VOX mode is
activated.
18. Dual Watch Mode Indicator: Icon appears when dual watch mode is
active.
Powering the transceiver:
Your GMRS-1545 radio transceiver operates on five AA batteries. Alkaline
batteries will provide slightly better performance than rechargeable batteries.
Only Audiovox-approved rechargeable batteries can be recharged in the radio
transceiver using the optional charging stand, or the AC/DC wall charging
adapter (supplied).
Installing the batteries:
Battery installation is made more convenient when the belt clip is removed.
To do this, release the spring clip securing the belt clip to radio and slide the
belt clip downward and away from the radio body. Next, press down with the
thumb at the arrow, slide the battery cover down and lift off the battery cover.
Insert five AA batteries (alternate positive (+) ends). Position batteries in
accordance with polarities indicated by the battery tray.

6
The following guidelines will improve performance and provide longer
operating times for the GMRS-1545:
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.
3. Insert five AA batteries
with positive (+) end of
top, middle and bottom
batteries oriented as
shown, or insert type
NiMH rechargeable
batteries.
2. Using thumb, press
down on battery
cover at arrow;slide
cover down, lift off
and remove.
1. Compress spring
clip between thumb
and forefinger and
slide entire belt clip
down and off unit.
SPRING
CLIP
BATTERY
COVER
BELT CLIP
COVER
ARROW
POSITIVE
TERMINALS

7
NOTE: To switch between GMRS and Weather
Band modes, press and hold the Mode button for
2 seconds. To differentiate between operating
modes, look for GMRS HI or LO indication below
and to the left of the battery power level indicator
when in GMRS mode. In Weather Band mode,
the weather alert icon ( ) appears in place of the
GMRS indications. Refer to the appropriate
section of this manual for detailed operating
instructions for each mode. When in GMRS
standby mode, the transmit/receive indicator will
flash once every 3 seconds as the unit checks for
transmissions.
GMRS-1545 OPERATIONAL MODES
CHANNEL
SELECT
WEATHERBANDMODE
VOX
SELECT
POWER
SELECT
CTCSS
SELECT
CHANNEL
SELECT
WEATHER
ALERT
VIBRATOR
CALL
DUAL
WATCH
GMRSBANDMODE
CALL
MELODY
SELECT
BUTTON
BEEP
ROGER
BEEP
COMPASSMODE
CALIBRATE
COMPASS

8
Controls:
Power On/Off (14) 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 by the small number
to the right of the icon ( ).
Monitor (M)/Display Backlight Button (6)
This button is used to 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 hear
static if frequency is 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 on;
the LCD backlight will turn off automatically in about 5 seconds, or when the
monitor button is pressed momentarily once again.
Push To Talk (PTT)/Call Button (17)
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 (10). 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 at the upper right
U03

9
corner of the LCD Panel (5) will light red while the PTT Button is pressed and
the signal indicator will display the relative strength of the transmitted signal.
Releasingthebuttonallows the unit toreverttostandby 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
button twice quickly will call another party on the same channel. The Transmit
LED will light
red for approximately 3 seconds and then go out.
Up Channel/Volume Button (9)
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 (13)
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 (11)
This button is used to select various feature settings in the GMRS or weather
band mode. Holding the MODE button longer than 2 seconds will toggle
between the GMRS and weather band modes.
Emergency (EMG) Call Button Button (8)
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).

10
External Speaker (SPK) Jack (2)
This jack accepts an Audiovox headset connector.
External Microphone (MIC)/Charging (CHG) Jack (1)
This jack accepts an optional Audiovox Microphone/Headset assembly, or
the plug from an AC/DC Wall charging adapter, Model GMRS1545AD
(supplied).
Scan/Lock Button (7)
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, except
PTT, EMG and Monitor (M). When the keypad is locked, the ( ) icon will
appear in the top left corner of the display.
Operating Modes and Features
GRMS Operation
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button so the Channel
number flashes.
- Select the desired channel with the Up (9) and Down (13) 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 (5) lights
green .
- Press and hold the PTT button (17) to transmit, then speak into the
microphone clearly and slowly. The Transmit section of the
Transmit/Monitor LED (5) lights
red .
- Release PTT Button (17) 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 re-
ceiving party must be on the same frequency.

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The GMRS-1545 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 transmit-
ting on the selected channel, press the Monitor (M) Button (6) 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 (11) once; the
channel number flashes.
- Press the Up button (9) briefly to move to the next higher main channel
number.
- Press the Down button (13) briefly to move to the next lower main
channel number.
CTCSS Mode (Sub-Channel) Selection
This unit provides a Coded Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTCSS) with 38
Sub-Frequencies for each main channel. 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). 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
00 or sub-channel number is displayed. If 00 is displayed, press the
Up or Down button to enable the CTCSS mode; the CTC icon will
appear steady on the display with the flashing sub-channel number.
- Then press the Up or Down button to select the desired sub-channel
for use.
- The selected sub-channel will continue flashing for about 5 seconds
and then remain steady on the display.
The CTCSS mode can be turned off by selecting 00 as the setting.

12
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 00.
The CTCSS subcodes do not prevent others from hearing your transmis-
sion. 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 when using the
internal microphone/speaker or an external microphone/headset (pur-
chased separately). Your voice or nearby sound is detected and the radio
transmits without the need to press the PTT button. A VOX setting of 1 is the
least sensitive. A VOX setting of 5 is the most sensitive.
To set radio for VOX operation:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button three times
until the Uo icon flashes on the display together with the VOX icon.
- Press the Up or Down button to select VOX On (if oF appears
flashing) and the 1-5 VOX level sensitivity.
- Momentarily press the PTT button to confirm the VOX selection.
- The VOX icon will appear steady on the LCD display.
VOX can be turned off by selecting oF as the setting.
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.

13
To set the Dual Watch Mode:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button 4 times; the
DW icon flashes on the display. 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 MODE button again to select the CTCSS function and
select the CTCSS code if desired for the dual watch channel just
selected.
- 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.
To exit the dual watch mode, repeat the above procedure, decrementing the
channel number until oF appears; then press the PTT button to confirm.
NOTE: When in Dual Watch mode, the vibration alert function is
disabled.
Transmit Power Selection Mode
This feature permits selection of the transmitting power level to high or
low. Using low power, the unit will have a lower transmit range but bat-
tery life will be increased.
To access the transmitter power selection function:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the MODE Button 5 times until
the Po icon appears with a flashing HI or Lo indication on the
display.
- Press the Up or Down button to toggle between the HI and Lo
selections.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.
The display will indicate the current setting in GRMS standby mode.

14
Vibrator Call
The transceiver is equipped with a vibrator call feature which causes the unit
to vibrate when a call signal is received from another party. This feature can
be activated whenever the user wishes, and provides call notification without
disturbing other people nearby.
To set the vibrator call feature:
- From the GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button 6 times
until the Ub ON or oF icon appears with a blinking VIB icon on the
display.
- Press the Up or Down button to activate the vibrator function ON.
- Press the PTT button to confirm the selection.
With VIB active, the unit will vibrate whenever a call tone is received from
another user.
Weather Alert Mode
The weather alert mode notifies the user of unusual weather situations. To
access the weather alert function:
- From GRMS standby mode, press the MODE button 7 times
to access the weather alert function; the weather icon ( ) and AL
On or oF appear flashing on the display.
- Use the Up or Down buttons to enable (On)/disable (oF) the
alert function. The weather icon will stop blinking on the display
when the alert is disabled.
- Press the PTT Button to confirm your selection.
When the unit is in GMRS mode, and a weather alert signal is received, the
unit will generate two warning tones. The unit will then automatically revert
to a previously selected weather channel and the weather alert will be heard.

15
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 8 times until rb
appears on the display with the flashing Roger Beep icon ( ) and
onoroF.
- 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.
Key Tone
This feature allows the transceiver to sound a confirmation tone whenever
the following keys are pressed: 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 9 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.
Call Ringer Selection Mode
The transceiver provides 5 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 10 times;
Cwill appear on the display, together with a flashing number
between 1and 5.

16
- Press the Up or Down Button to preview and hear the 5 available call
melodies.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.
Refer to the PTT button (17) to transmit ring signal.
Channel Scan Operation
This feature allows you to monitor all channels automatically for valid sig-
nals. While scanning, you can transmit and receive. When a signal is re-
ceived, 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
because the battery save function is overridden.
To enable the channel scan mode:
- From GMRS standby mode, momentarily press the SCAN Button;
(SC) will appear on the LCD display together with On.
- The radio will display each channel (1-15) in order as the scan
mode operates to find an active main channel.
- When unit doesn’t find any signals and you want to transmit, press
the PTT button 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;
the SC icon and oF will appear momentarily and then disappear
from the LCD display.
Auto Key Lock Selection
This feature prevents accidental channel change to the preferred settings of
the unit. The Auto Key Lock function temporarily disables the Up, Down and
Mode Buttons.

17
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; a unique melody
sounds and the ( ) icon appears on the display.
- The PTT and Monitor Buttons are not effected.
- To unlock the Auto Key function, press and hold the SCAN button for
at least 2 seconds; the melody sounds and the icon ( )
disappears from the display.
Emergency and Assistance Channel
This radio has a quick access button (EMG) to the Emergency and As-
sistance 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 Chan-
nel 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.
Weather Band Operation
Channel Selection
This feature provides access to 10 channels within the weather band (7
NOAA channels and 3 Canadian marine channels. To select a weather
channel, the unit must be in the weather channel mode. Press and hold the
MODE button for at least 2 seconds; the weather alert icon ( ) will appear,
together with a channel number in the band.

- Press the MODE button (11); the channel number flashes.
- To change the channel, press the Up Button (9) briefly to move to
the next higher main channel number.
- Press the Down Button (13) briefly to move to the next lower main
channel number.
- Press the PTT button to confirm your selection.
Electronic Compass Operation
While the unit is powered on, the electronic compass is always
operational.Wheneveroutside magneticinterferenceiscompromising
accuracy, the direction arrow remains stationary. This may occur if
thereis a significant change inthe surroundingmagnetic fields caused
bydriving underneath anoverpass oracrossa bridge.A blinking
compass icon indicates compass calibration is required. The compass
mustbecalibrated whenever thefollowingconditions prevail:
1. When the compass is used for the first time.
2. Whenthecompassis used in adifferentlocationotherthan where
previouslycalibrated.
3. When magnetic distortion occurs.
4. Whenthe batteriesare replaced.
5. Whenthe batteriesare low.
Electronic Compass Calibration
To calibrate the compass, proceed as follows:
- Withtheunitpoweredoff,presstheEMGbutton.Simultaneously,
whileholdingthe EMG button,pressandholdthe PowerOn/Off
button for approximately 3 seconds; CAL will appear on the
display.
18

- Whilestanding outside inan open area,hold the unithorizontal
and parallel to the ground. Rotate yourself and the unit 360
degrees, taking at least 15 seconds for each 90-degree
quadrantof thecircle.
- Press the PTT button to complete calibration.
The calibration data will be stored in the transceiver memory until
re-calibrationbecomesnecessary.(SeeCompass Operationabove.)
Battery Alert
When the battery icon ( ) blinks on the LCD panel (battery voltage
below 4.9 V), recharge unit or install fresh batteries. If the batteries are
not replaced, the LCD display will slowly fade until data disappears.
Batteries
Therearetwo methods ofpoweringtheGMRS-1545:
1. Alkaline Batteries - (5 x AA size)
2. Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries - (Rechargeable Ni-MH
batteries and AC/DC Wall Adapter included). Useonly Audiovox
approvedrechargeablebatteries.
NOTE: Toextend battery life,avoidovercharging thebatteries.
19

NOTESFORGOODCOMMUNICATION
1 . The GMRS-1545 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-1545 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 (10) and speak slowly in a normal voice.
4. To increase battery life, avoid features such as Scan, Dual Watch and
Weather Alert. These features will reduce operating time
considerably.
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