Audiovox GMRS600SCH User manual

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Customer Service
1-800-290-6650
Released: 2-28-05
General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
Model : GMRS600SCH
Owner’s Manual

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CAUTION:
SAFETY INFORMATION
Your wireless hand-held portable transceiver contains a low power
transmitter. When the PTT button is pushed (or the VOX mode is en-
abled) it sends out radio frequency (RF) signals. The device is authorized
to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50%. In August 1996, the Fed-
eral Communications Commissions (FCC) adopted RF exposure guide-
lines with safety levels for hand-held wireless devices.
Important: To maintain compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guide-
lines hold the transmitter at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters)
from your face and speak in a normal voice, with the antenna
pointed up and away. If you wear the handset on your body
while using the headset accessory, use only the Audiovox
supplied carry clip for this product and ensure that the an
tennaisatleast1inch(2.5centimeters)fromyourbody when
transmitting.Useonlythesupplied antenna. Do not use your
transceiver with a damaged antenna. Unauthorized anten-
nas, modifications, or attachments could damage the trans-
mitter and may violate FCC regulations.
Performance:
Your transceiver will only achieve its maximum operating range when
communicating with other transceivers across open and flat areas or
between elevated points. Normally occurring environmental factors such
as buildings, trees, terrain and weather, or interference from other radio
or electrical equipment, may have adverse effects on the transceiver’s
effective range. These are not indicative of a fault condition.
Avoid placing the GMRS600SCH radio transceiver for prolonged periods
of time in direct sunlight or temperatures below -4°F(-20°C) or above
140°F (60°C). 3

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WARNINGS:
Battery Care
Never attempt to charge other brands of batteries, as batteries may
burst causing personal injury and damage to the product. When recharg-
ing Lithium-ion(Li-ion) batteries with the AUDIOVOX charger, use only
supplied Audiovox-approved rechargeable batteries. Use of the Audiovox
charger(alsosupplied)withotherbrandsofbatteriesisnot recommended,
as battery charging times will vary with different brands. Refer to the
Manufacturer’s instructions for charging other brands of batteries.
Battery Disposal
In general, if handled improperly, batteries pose a risk of fire or burns. Do
not disassemble, crush, puncture, short external contacts, or dispose of
the batteries in fire or water. Dispose of the batteries in a environmentally
safe manner and recycle whenever possible.
CAUTION:Make sure wrist strap is securely fastened to wrist strap ring
to prevent unit loss or damage.
FCC WARNING
Replacementorsubstitutionoftransistors,diodesorotherpartsof a unique
nature, with parts other than those recommended by the manufacturer,
maycause a violation of the technical regulationsof Part 15 of FCC Rules.
GMRS LICENSE:
USE OF THIS RADIO WITHIN THE UNITED STATES REQUIRES AN
FCC GMRS LICENSE. AN INDIVIDUAL 18 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER,
WHO IS NOT A REPRESENTATIVE OF A FOREIGN GOVERNMENT, IS
ELIGIBLETOAPPLY FORAGMRSSYSTEMLICENSE. YOUWILLNEED
TWO FORMS FROM THE FCC: FCC FORM 159, AND FCC FORM 605
(MAINFORMANDSCHEDULEF).YOU CAN FINDTHEFORMSONLINE
AT: HTTP://WWW.FCC.GOV/FORMPAGE.HTML, OR CALL
1-800-418-3676. 4

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1. Battery(Internally Installed)
2. Flashlight Enable Button
3. Push-To-Talk (PTT) Button
4. Antenna
5. VOX/LOCK Button
6. MODE/FM Button
7. Built-inMicrophone
8. Power On-Off/SCAN
Button
9. Wrist strap ring
Model GMRS600SCH (FCC License Required)
10. White Flashlight LED
11. External Speaker/Micro-
phone/Charge Jack
12. Liquid Crystal Display
(LCD)
13. Down Channel/Volume
Button
14. Monitor/BacklightButton
15. Up Channel/Volume Button
16. Built-in Speaker
17. Battery Charging Contacts
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REF

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Model GMRS600SCH Display
1. Small Segment Display: Displays the CTCSS tone option for
each main channel from 01-38.
2. Large Segment Display: Indicates the channel number in use.
3. Dual Watch Mode Indicator: Indicator appears when dual watch
mode is active.
4. Signal Receive Indicator: Busy icon appears when a signal is
being received.
5. Signal Strength Indicator: Icon appears when a signal is being
transmitted.
6. Key Lock Indicator: Icon appears when the keypad is locked.
This function disables keys such as channel up/down, SCAN and
MODE.
7. Monitor Indicator: Icon appears when the Monitor (M) button is
pressed and the channel monitor function is activated.
8. Beep Tone Indicator: Icon appears when beep button confirma-
tion tone is selected; icon disappears when tone is off.
9. Roger Beep Tone On/Off Indicator: This icon appears when the
Roger Beep tone is on, and disappears when tone is not in use.
10. Battery Level Indicator: Icon indicates when the battery is in
lower level.
LOHI FM
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11. Scan Indicator: This function allows the user to scan a channel
(and tone code, if present) every .5 second to search for a valid
signal.
12. Voice Activated Transmission (VOX) Indicator: This function
allows hands free conversation. The indicator appears when the
VOX mode is activated.
13. FM Mode Indicator: Icon will be on steady when the FM radio
feature is active.
14. HI/LO Indicators: Power level indicator appears when the transmit
power is set to desired output power on the GMRS channels.
15. Volume Level Indicator: Indicator appears the volume level
Equipment and Accessories Supplied
1. Radio (2) GMRS600SCH
2. Owner’s Manual 128-7348
3. Dual Desktop Charger GMRS6DST
. 4. AC Wall Adapter GMRS6AC
5. Rechargeable (Li-ion) Battery GMRS5BAT
6. Earbud with Remote PTT Button GMRSBHST8
7. Wrist Strap GMRS5WRST
Powering the transceiver:
Your GMRS600SCH radio transceiver operates on internally installed
Li-ion batteries. Only Audiovox approved rechargeable batteries should
be recharged in the radio transceiver using the charging accessories.
This will ensure optimum performance for the GMRS600SCH. Battery
charging time is typically 11 - 13 hours. Use of the Audiovox charging
equipment with other brands of rechargeable batteries is not recom-
mended as battery charging times will vary. Refer to the manufacturer’s
instructions for charging other brands of batteries.

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Battery Charging
Audiovox Rechargeable Li-ion Batteries - (Rechargeable Li-ion batteries
andChargingAdapterincluded).Useonly an Audiovox approvedrecharge-
able battery and charging equipment when charging the battery internal
to the unit.
WARNING: Do not attempt to charge the battery using another
manufacturer’s charging equipment.
NOTE: To extend battery life, avoid overcharging the battery.
DC 9V
INPUT: 120VAC
OUTPUT: 9.0 VDC
DESKTOP CHARGING STAND
PART NUMBER 136C3957
CHARGING STAND
PWR JACK
ADAPTER
POWER
PLUG
GMRS RADIO IN
CHARGING
COMPARTMENTS
(2)
CHARGING
COMPARTMENT
LEDs:
RED---CHARGING
-
AC WALL ADAPTER/
CHARGING TRANSFORMER
MODEL:136-3939
+
CHARGING
COMPARTMENT
CONTACTS (TYP)
NOTE: Only Audiovox
approved rechargeable
battery (P/N 156-2241)
can be recharged in the
radio transceiver.
RED LED: ON - CHARGING
OFF - CHARGING
COMPLETE
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NOTE: Toswitch between GMRS/
FRSandFMBandmodes,
press and hold the Mode
button for 3 seconds. Re-
fer to the appropriate sec-
tion of this manual for de-
tailed operating instruc-
tions for each mode.
To enter the VOX mode,
momentarily press the
VOX/LOCK button.
Controls:
LED Flashlight Enable Button (2)
When the unit is on, press this button
on the right side of the Transceiver to
light the white flashlight LED (10) on top of the unit.
Power On-Off/SCAN (8) Button
Press and hold the power on/off button ( s) 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.
When the unit is on, press this button momentarily to enable or disable
the scan mode.
(GMRS Channels
Only)
GMRS600SCH Operational Modes
ROGER
BEEP
BUTTON
BEEP
CALL
SELECT
DUAL
WATCH
VOX LEVEL
SELECT
POWER
SELECT
GMRS/FRS BAND
CTCSS
SELECT
CHANNEL
SELECT
FM BAND
FM station
searching
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Adjusting the Volume (13, 15)
With the unit powered on, press the Up Channel/Volume button (F) to
increase volume and the Down Channel/Volume button (G) to decrease
volume. The display will indicate the current volume level between 0 to 7
bars on the right lower side of the LCD.
Monitor/Display Backlight Button (14)
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 appear 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 disappear 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 accompanied by a beep tone (if enabled); the LCD backlight will turn
offautomaticallyinabout5seconds,orwhenthemonitorbuttonispressed
momentarily once again.
Push To Talk (PTT) Button (3)
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 (7). 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 Signal Level indica-
tor ( ) will display the relative strength of the transmitted signal. When
receiving an incoming signal, the ( ) icon will appear in the upper right
quadrant of the display. The PTT button can also be used as a two-way
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call ringer. Pressing the button twice quickly will call another party on the
same channel.
Up Channel/Volume Button (15)
In the standby mode, pressing this button increases the listening volume.
When in function edit mode this button is used to adjust the unit’s set-
tings.
Down Channel/Volume Button (13)
In the standby mode, pressing this button decreases the listening
volume. When in function edit mode this button is used to adjust the
unit’s settings.
Mode Button (6)
This button is used to select the various feature settings in the GMRS/
FRS or FM radio band modes. Holding the MODE button longer than 2
seconds will toggle between the GMRS/FRS and FM band modes.
External Microphone (MIC)/Speaker (SPK)/(CHG) Jack (11)
This jack accepts an Audiovox Earbud/microphone connector, or the
Charging Adapter connector. For equipment and accessories supplied
with the GMRS600SCH, refer to Page 7 and/or visit the Audiovox web site
at www.audiovox.com.
VOX/LOCK Button (5)
Press this button momentarily to enable or disable the VOX mode; the
icon will appear in the middle right side of the display when VOX is en-
abled. Press and hold the button for more than 2 seconds to enable or
disable the LOCK mode; the keylock icon ( ) will appear to disable the
MODE, SCAN and channel up/down buttons.
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Operating Modes and Features
GMRS Operation:
- From GMRS/FRS standby mode, press and hold the ( s) button
for at least 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) But
tons. When receiving a call, the icon appears to indicate the
incoming signal.
- Press and hold the PTT button (4) to transmit, then speak into the
microphone clearly and slowly. The Transmit Signal indicator
() appears on the display.
NOTE: When the transmission is not available with beep tone, the
battery is low; recharge the unit.
When the battery icon is flashing, transmitting is not possible;
recharge the unit.
- 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 CTCSS small segment display will appear next to the main
frequency channel on the display 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 GMRS600SCH has
22 channels (frequencies) indicated by the large digits on the LCD dis-
play panel. Channels 1 through 7 are the shared GMRS/FRS channels.
Channels8-14areFRS only channels, while channels 15-22 are assigned
GMRS only channels. If an FRS only channel (8-14) has been selected,
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the HI or LO indicator will not be displayed on the LCD panel; otherwise,
for channels 1-7 (GMRS/FRS) and 15-22 (GMRS only), the HI or LO indi-
cator will be displayed. Communication with Audiovox FRS and compat-
ible units is possible on the shared and FRS only channels. Before trans-
mitting 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/FRS standby mode, press the MODE button (6)
once or until the channel number flashes.
- Press the Up Button (15) 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 momentarily to confirm selection.
CTCSS Mode (Sub-Channel) Selection
The Coded Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTCSS) provides 38 Sub-
Frequencies. This feature allows you to utilize the coded squelch tones
(01–38) within a main channel, and 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 22 channels.
To change the CTCSS Sub-channel:
- From GMRS/FRS standby mode, press the MODE Button twice; a
flashing oF or sub-channel number is displayed. If oF is displayed,
press the Up or Down button to enable the CTCSS mode.
- Then press the Up or Down button to select the desired sub-chan-
nel for use (01-38).
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.

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The CTCSS mode can be turned off by selecting the oF icon as the set-
ting.
NOTE: To communicate with other GMRS/FRS units, they must be
switched to the same channel and CTCSS subcode. To commu-
nicate with other GMRS/FRS 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.
Transmit Power Selection Mode
This feature permits selection of the transmitting power level to high
or low. When operating on FRS only channels (8-14), no power selection
is possible or is displayed. Using low power, the unit will have a lower
transmit range, but battery life will be increased.
To access the transmitter power selection function:
- From GMRS/FRS standby mode (shared channels 1-7 or GMRS
only channel (15-22) selected), press the MODE Button three times
until the power HI or LO indication appears with a flashing Pr indica-
tion on the display.
- Press the Up or Down button to toggle between the High and Low
selections.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.
VOX Sensitivity Level Selection
This selection enables you to set the sensitivity level to compensate for
ambient noise in your immediate area. A VOX sensitivity of 2 represents
high sensitivity, and should be used in a relatively quiet surrounding.
A VOX sensitivity of 1 represents low sensitivity and should be used in
a noisy environment.
To set the VOX sensitivity level:
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- Press the MODE button 4 times (3 times for FRS) until the Vo icon
appears on the display accompanied by the flashing numeral 1 or
2.
- Press the Up or Down button to select the 1 or 2 VOX level
sensitivity.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm the VOX selection.
- The icon only appears when the VOX mode is enabled.
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/FRS standby mode, press the MODE button 5 times
(4 times for FRS); appears flashing 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 increase or
decrease as the Up or Down button is pressed.
- To select a subcode for the dual watch channel, press the MODE
button while the selected dual watch channel is flashing. Then use
the Up and Down buttons to select the desired CTCSS subcode.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection of the dual
watch channel. The display will now alternate between the primary
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NOTE: Pressing the PTT button during dual watch mode will transmit
on the primary channel and suspend dual watch operation for
5 seconds. Dual watch mode will then resume.
- Momentarily press the SCAN button to exit the dual watch mode.
Key Tone
This feature allows the transceiver to sound a confirmation tone when-
ever the following keys are pressed: Monitor (M) Button, Up/Down But-
tons, MODE Button or SCAN Button.
To turn the key tones on or off:
- From GMRS/FRS standby mode, press the MODE Button 6 times
(5 times for FRS) until the Bell ( ) icon flashes, and on or oF ap-
pears on the 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.
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
transmission has been terminated intentionally.
To enable and disable the Roger Beep tone:
- From GMRS/FRS standby mode, press the MODE Button 7 times
(6 times for FRS) until the flashing Roger Beep icon ( ) and on
or oF appears on the display.
- 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.
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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/FRS standby mode, press the MODE Button 8 times
(7 times for FRS). CA will appear on the display, together with a
flashing number between 1 and 3, and an appropriate call ring.
- Press the Up or Down Button to preview and hear the 3 available
call melodies.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.
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 overall battery life since
the battery save function is overridden.
To enable the channel scan mode:
- From GMRS/FRS standby mode, momentarily press the power But-
ton; ( ) will appear on the LCD display.
- The radio will display each channel (1-22) in ascending 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 button to return to home channel operation. The channel
number will flash and the transceiver will then automatically resume
scanningapproximately15secondsafterthecommunicationiscom-
pleted.

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- If there is no activity and you want to leave the scan mode, press
the power button momentarily and the unit will return to normal op-
eration; the icon will disappear from the LCD display.
Auto Key Lock Selection Mode
This feature prevents accidental changes to the preferred settings of the
unit. The Auto Key Lock function temporarily disables the MODE, Up/
Down and SCAN Buttons.
To access the Auto Key Lock selection menu:
- From GMRS/FRS standby mode, press and hold the VOX Button
for 2 seconds to enable the Auto Key lock function; the unit will
beep once and the lock ( ) icon appears on the display.
- The Power and PTT Buttons are not effected.
- To unlock the Auto Key function, press and hold the VOX button for
2 seconds; the unit beeps once and the lock 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 again turned on.
VOX Enable Operation
This option enables you to have hands-free conversation. Your voice or
nearby sound is detected and the radio transmits without the need to
press the PTT button.
To enable VOX operation:
- From GMRS/FRS standby mode, press the VOX button momen-
tarily; the icon appears steady on the display.
- To disable the VOX mode, press the VOX button momentarily;
the VOX icon disappears from the display.
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FM Band Operation
FM station Selection
This feature provides access to the FM broadcast band frequencies from
87.5MHzto 107.9MHz. To selectanFM station, the unit must be on.Press
and hold the MODE button for at least 3 seconds; the FM icon will appear
together with an FM frequency in the band.
Momentarily press the MODE button (6) once; the frequency flashes.
To search the FM station :
- Press the Up Button (15) briefly to move to the next higher FM sta-
tion in 200kHz steps.
- Press the Down Button (13) briefly to move to the next lower FM
station in 200kHz steps.
NOTE: Even though the FM radio mode is active, you can still transmit
and receive the GMRS/FRS signal. To inhibit the GMRS/FRS
receive signal mode, press and hold the M button; the
monitor icon will appear on the display. To exit this function
press and hold the M button again.
Now press the SCAN button once; Searching ( ) appears on the display,
indicating the radio is searching for a strong FM station. When a station is
located, it will be heard in the speaker, and the display will remain at the
FM station until the SCAN button is pressed again.
NOTE : If no FM station is acquired after several seconds, repeat the
above step to initiate another FM station search.
To exit the FM mode, press and hold the MODE button for at least 3
seconds; the radio will revert to the GMRS/FRS standby mode.
Battery Alert
When the battery icon is empty ( ) and flashes on the display, 5 min-
utes later the unit will turn off automatically. When this occurs, recharge
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NOTES FOR GOOD COMMUNICATION
1. The GMRS600SCH 22 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 GMRS600SCH 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.
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.