Audiovox GMRS-2000 User manual

GMRS/Weather
Model: GMRS-2000
General Mobile Radio Service Base Station
With NOAA Weather Alert
Owner’s Manual
CustomerService/Service
1-800-290-6650

2
NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHARGE ALKALINE OR DRY CELL BATTERIES. WHEN
RECHARGING, USE ONLY AUDIOVOX APPROVED RECHARGEABLE
BATTERIES AND CHARGER. USE OF THE CHARGER WITH OTHER
BATTERIES WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR GMRS-2000 TRANSCEIVER.
OTHER TYPES OF BATTERIES MAY BURST CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
AVOID INSTALLING THE GMRS-2000 TRANSCEIVER IN AN AREA WHERE IT
MAY BE SUBJECTED FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME TO DIRECT SUN-
LIGHT OR TEMPERATURES BELOW -4° F (-20° C) OR ABOVE 140 ° F (60° C).
KEEP THE ANTENNA (OR ANTENNA CABLE, IF INSTALLED) AT LEAST 1 INCH
(2.5 cm) AWAY FROM YOUR HEAD AND BODY WHEN TRANSMITTING. DO
NOT USE YOUR GMRS-2000 RADIO TRANSCEIVER WITH A DAMAGED AN-
TENNA.
General Mobile Radio Service (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 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. You
can find the forms online at: http://www.fcc.gov/formpage.html, or call 1-800-418-
3676.
CAUTION

3
1. Battery Door (Right Rear Side)
2. Battery Charging On/Off Switch
3. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
4. Weather Mode (WX) LED (Red)
5. Antenna (Removable)
6. Receive(Green)/Transmit (Red) LED
7. MODE Button
8. Voice-Operated Transmission
(VOX) Button
9. Weather (WX) Mode Button
10. SCAN/LOCK Button
11. Built-in Speaker
12. Built-in Microphone
13. DC Power Jack
Model GMRS-2000
14. Weather Alert (ALT) LED (Red)
15. Charging (CHG.) LED (Red)
16. Up/Down CHANNEL Buttons
17. Weather Alert (ALT) Button
18. External Speaker(SPK)/Micro-
phone (MIC) Jacks
19. LCD Backlight/Monitor(L/MON)
Button
20. GMRS Mode Button
21. VOX Audio Level Select Switch
22. Power On/Off and Volume Control
23. CALL Button
24. Push-To-Talk (PTT) Button
25. Emergency (EMG) Button
12
16
19
18
24
7
22
17
14
13
1
9
6
5
11
3
10
8
23
215
20
21
25
4

4
Model GMRS-2000 DISPLAY
1. Button (Key) Tone Beep On/Off Indicator: This icon appears
when the beep key tone is on, and disappears when tone is not
in use.
2. Monitor Indicator: Icon appears when the Monitor (L/MON)
button is pressed and the channel monitor function is activated.
3. Key Lock Indicator: Icon appears when keypad is locked. This
function disables keys such as channel up/down and MODE.
4. Emergency Indicator: EMG icon appears when the EMG button is
pressed.
5. Large Segment Display: Indicates the GMRS channel number
in use.
6. Small Segment Display: Displays the CTCSS tone option (from
00-38) for the GMRS channel in use.
7. Scan Indicator: This function allows the user to scan a channel
every .5 second to search for a valid signal.
8. Roger Beep Tone Indicator: Icon appears when the roger beep
tone is enabled, signifying transmission has been terminated. Icon
disappears when tone is disabled.
9. Battery Level Indicator: Iconindicatesthebatterychargelevel when
the unit is operating under battery power.
12
11
10
13
14
8
9
7
6
4
5
3
2
1
15

5
10. GMRS Mode Indicator: Icon appears steady when GMRS mode
is active; it disappears from display when weather mode is active.
11. HI/LO Indicators: Appropriate icon appears to identify the current
transmit power level.
12. 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 when
transmitting.
13. Voice Activated Transmission (VOX) Indicator: This function
allows hands-free conversation. The icon appears when the VOX
mode is activated.
14. Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) Indicator:
Displays in GMRS mode to indicate CTCSS code numbers.
15. Dual Watch Mode Indicator: Icon appears when dual watch mode
is active.
Powering the transceiver:
The primary power source for Your GMRS-2000 base station is the AC wall
adapter. The GMRS-2000 is also supplied with a battery back-up, should
youexperience lossof household current.The GMRS-2000will automatically
switch to battery back-up when AC power is interrupted. The rechargeable
batteries,Part Number FRSRBAT, can be rechargedin the radio transceiver
using an AC charging adapter, which is also supplied with the unit.
Installing the Back-Up Batteries:
The five AA batteries are installed in the compartment at the right rear of the
transceiver; the compartment is fitted with a removable cover. Install the
batteries as follows:
1.Press down with the thumb at the arrow, and slide the battery cover off
the side of the unit.
2. Insert the five AA rechargable batteries, Part Number FRSRBAT,
provided. (Alternate positive ends (+) as shown in battery compartment
layout.) Replace the cover.

6
The following guidelines will improve performance and provide longer
operating times for the GMRS-2000:
1. Do not mix old and new batteries.
2. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbon-zinc) or rechargeable
(Ni-MH) batteries.
3. 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.
BATTERY
INSTALLATION
POLARITY
BATTERY
COMPARTMENT
(WITH COVER
REMOVED)
Charging GMRS-2000 Batteries Part Number FRSRBAT :
The rechargeable batteries, Part Number FRSRBAT, supplied with the
unit, are charged by connecting the AC Adapter plug to the DC12V jack on
the top of the unit, and setting the CHARGE switch to the ON position. Use
onlytheACWallAdapter, Part Number GMRS2-AD,thatissuppliedwiththe
base unit. The CHG. LED indicator below the LCD display lights
red during
battery charge operation.

The battery charge indicator icon displays the battery charge level when the
AC adapter is unplugged. When the AC adapter is connected and in use,
the indicator icon will indicate a full charge as shown below.
Full Battery - three segments are illuminated.
Low Battery - one segment is illuminated.
Approximately 20-24 hours are required to fully charge the batteries. The
red LED charging indicator (15) will light whenever the batteries are
charging. A flashing red LED charging indicator denotes batteries are not
installed. You must set the CHARGE switch to the OFF position when
using any batteries other than the ones provided. Failure to do this may
cause damage to batteries resulting in personal injury and/or damage to
the unit.
Caution: The charging adapter is intended for use with the supplied
rechargeable batteries. Do not attempt to recharge any other type
of batteries.
7
CHARGE
ON/OFF
SWITCH
BASE
UNIT DC12V
JACK
AC
ADAPTER
ADAPTER
PLUG

8
Controls:
Power On/Off Volume Control (22)
At the right side of the unit, rotate the VOL control counterclockwise (CCW)
from the off detent position; you will hear a confirming melody to indicate
the unit is on and the LCD display will perform a 2-second power-on self-
test and then revert to the GMRS standby mode. To turn the unit off, rotate
the VOL control clockwise (CW) to the off detent position.
Adjusting the Volume
With the unit powered on, rotate the VOL control CCW to increase volume
and CW to decrease volume.
Monitor/Display (L/MON) Button (19)
This button is used to to check activity on the current frequency before
transmitting. Check activity by pressing the Monitor (L/MON) 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.
Holddownthe 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 L/MON button momentarily, the LCD backlight is turned on;
the LCD backlight will turn off automatically in about 5 seconds, or when the
L/MON 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. After you
havefinished speaking,release thePTT Buttonto allow receptionof incoming
signals. It is not possible to transmit and receive at the same time. The
Receive/Transmit (RX/TX) LED at the lower left corner below the LCD Panel
(8) will light
red while the PTT Button is pressed, and the signal strength
indicator willdisplay the relative strengthof the transmitted signal. Releasing

9
the button allows the unit to revert to standby mode. When receiving an
incoming signal, the received signal strength indicator ( ) will
display the relative strength of the signal, and the TX/RX LED indicator will
light steady
green when a signal is being received, or will flash when in
standby receive mode.
Call Button (14)
The CALL Button can also be used as a two-way call ringer. Pressing the
button will call another party on the same channel. The RX/TX LED will light
red for approximately 3 seconds and then go out; the RX/TX LED will then
light green and/or flash if in standby receive mode. The display will indicate
( ) while the signal is transmitted.
Up Channel Button (10)
In the GMRS standby mode, pressing this button ( ) will increment the
basic GMRS channel number; in weather mode, this button will also
increment the weather channel number. When in function edit mode, this
button is also used to adjust the unit’s settings.
Down Channel Button (10)
In the GMRS standby mode, pressing this button ( ) will decrement the
basic GMRS channel number; in weather mode, this button will also
decrement the weather channel number. When in function edit mode, this
button is also used to adjust the unit’s settings.
Mode Button (11)
This button is used to select various feature settings in the GMRS mode
only; mode settings for the weather band(s) are accomplished after the
weather feature has been selected using the WX button and the associated
CHANNEL Up/Down and Alert (ALT) buttons.
Emergency (EMG) Call Button (24)
This radio has a quick access button (EMG) to Emergency and Assistance
Channel 10. This channel is not monitored by local authorities. When the
EMG button is pressed,
EMG appears on the display and the transceiver is
set to channel 10, which operates at a frequency of 462.6750 MHz.

10
External Speaker (SPK)/Microphone (MIC) Jacks (6)
Thissetofjacks accepts an Audiovox headset/microphone connector.Refer
to GMRS Operational Modes.
Scan/Lock Mode Button (12)
Press this Button momentarily to enable or disable the scan mode. Press
and hold Button for more than 1 second to lock or unlock keypad functions,
except PTT and Monitor (L/MON). When the keypad is locked, the ( )
icon will appear in the upper right corner of the display.
GMRS Operation
Channel Selection
In order to communicate with other GMRS units, both transmitting and
receiving party must be on the same frequency.
The GMRS-2000 has 15 channels (frequencies) indicated by the large
digits on the LCD display panel. Channels 1-7 are also compatible with
the Family Radio Service (FRS) communication channels, thereby allow-
ing 2-way communication with other FRS units. Before transmitting on the
selected channel, press the Monitor (L/MON) Button (2) to check the activity
on that channel. If there is activity on the selected channel, wait until the
channel is clear.
To change the GMRS channel:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the Up Button ( ) briefly to
move to the next higher main channel number.
- Press the Down Button ( ) briefly to move to the next lower main
channel number.
VOX Selection
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 set radio for VOX operation:
- From GMRS standby mode, press the VOX button; the VOX icon ap-
pears steady on the display.

11
- At the right side of the unit, select the desired VOX sensitivity level by
setting the VOX switch to LO, MID or HI position.
- Momentarily press the VOX button to discontinue the VOX mode.
NOTE: When the unit is transmitting in the VOX mode, no functions
on the unit will operate. To regain control of the functions, it
may be necessary to reduce ambient noises.
Scan Operation
This feature allows you to monitor all channels and tone codes (CTCSS)
automatically for valid signals. When the unit is in the scan mode, a re-
ceived signal will be audible for 10 seconds before the unit resumes chan-
nel scanning. To remain on a particular channel, press the SCAN or the
PTT button.
The weather alert function will be disabled in when the unit is in the scan
mode.
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.
- To exit the scan mode, press the SCAN button momentarily and the
unit will return to normal operation; (SCAN) icon will disappear from
the LCD display.
Key Pad Lock
This feature prevents accidental change to the preferred settings of the
unit. The Key Pad Lock function temporarily disables all buttons except the
PTT, CALL and Monitor Buttons.
To lock or unlock the Key Pad:
- From the GMRS standby mode, press and hold the SCAN button for
over 2 seconds to Lock the Key Pad; the ( ) icon appears
on the display.

12
- To unlock the Key Pad, press and hold the SCAN button for
at least 2 seconds; the ( ) icon disappears from the display.
The PTT and Monitor Buttons are not effected.
Weather Band Operation
Channel Selection
This feature provides access to 10 receive only channels within the weather
band (7 NOAA channels and 3 Canadian marine channels).
To change the channel:
- From the GMRS standby mode, momentarily press the WX button; the
receive icon ( ) will appear, together with a channel number in
the band.
- Press the Up button briefly to move to the next higher main channel
number.
- Press the Down button briefly to move to the next lower main channel
number.
Weather Alert
The weather alert mode notifies the user of unusual weather situations. If
the unit is in the GMRS mode when a weather alert signal is received, the
unit will tune to the weather radio mode automatically, and will interrupt
GMRS operation and play an Emergency weather message when one is
transmitted on the selected channel. The unit will then revert to the se-
lected weather channel for monitoring purposes. If the unit is in the weather
radio mode when a weather alert signal is received, the unit will generate
a warning beep tone. To silence the warning tone, press any key except the
PTT button.
To access the weather alert function:
- Press the ALT button; the ALT LED lights
red .

13
In GMRS mode, after approximately 10 seconds, the RX/TX and WX indica-
tors begin to flash sequentially, indicating that the weather alert mode is
active and is sampling the selected channel.
- Momentarily press the ALT button again to exit the weather alert func-
tion.
GMRS Menu Functions
Refer to the illustration on following page for a graphic representation of
the various menus.
Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) Mode (Sub-
Channel) Selection
The Coded Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTCSS) consists of 38 Sub-Fre-
quencies. This feature allows you to utilize the coded squelch tones (01-38)
within each main channel (1-15). This enables you to communicate with
another party on the same main channel using the same subcode. (The
CTCSS filters out unwanted transmissions without the same coded
squelch tone.) Each of the 15 GMRS channels may be set independently.
Tune the unit to the desired channel before setting the CTCSS code.
To change the CTCSS Sub-channel:
- From the GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button once; a
flashing CTC icon and sub-channel number is displayed.
- Press the CHANNEL Up or Down button to select the desired sub-
channel for use. The CTC icon will continue flashing with the sub-
channel number.
- Momentarily press the PTT button to confirm selection, or simply wait
approximately 10 seconds for the selection to affirm by itself.
The CTCSS mode can be turned off by selecting 00 with the Up or Down
button.

14
NOTE:
To switch between GMRS and Weather Band modes, momentarily press
the WX button (for weather operation), or the GMRS button (for GMRS op-
eration). To differentiate between operating modes, look for the GMRS
indicator. In Weather Band mode, the GMRS indicator is not present.
Refer to the appropriate section of this manual for detailed operating
instructions for each mode. When in GMRS standby mode, the RX/TX
LED indicator will flash once a second as the unit checks for
transmissions.
GMRS-2000 OPERATIONAL MODES
CTCSS SELECT
XMITPOWER
SELECT
DUALWATCH
CHAN SELECT
KEYTONEBEEP
DUALWATCH
CTCSS SELECT
ROGER BEEP
CALL SELECT
MODE SWITCH
GMRSBAND

15
NOTE: To communicate with other FRS or GMRS units, they must be
switched to the same channel and CTCSS subcode. To commu-
nicate with other FRS 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
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 at high or
low. When set to low, the transmit range of the unit will be less; however,
battery life will be increased. Each of the 15 GMRS channels may be set
independently. Tune to the desired GMRS channel before setting the power
level.
To access the transmitter power selection function from the GMRS mode:
- Press the Mode Button twice; a HI or Lo indication appears flashing
on the display.
- Press the Up or Down button to toggle between the High and Low se-
lections.
- Momentarily press the PTT Button to confirm selection, or simply wait
approximately 10 seconds for the selection to affirm by itself.
The display will indicate the current channel setting in standby mode.
Dual Watch Mode
This feature allows you to monitor two special channels. 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
other channel will be scanned. 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. The weather alert function will be disabled in the dual
watch mode. The dual watch mode will automatically terminate when the
unit transmits.

16
To set the Dual Watch Mode:
- From the GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button 3 times; the
DW icon flashes on the display, together with the channel number
currently selected.
- 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. The DW icon appears steady on the
display.
Dual Watch CTCSS Mode
- Press the MODE button again to enter the dual watch channel CTCSS
function and select the desired CTCSS code for the dual watch chan
nel previously entered.
-Press the SCAN 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. The DW icon
appears steady on the display.
Momentarily press the PTT button to exit the dual watch selection
mode.
Key Tone Selection Mode
This feature allows the transceiver to sound a tone whenever the following
keys are pressed: Monitor (L/MON) Button, CHANNEL Up/Down Buttons,
MODE Button, or SCAN Button.
To turn the key tones on or off:
- From the GMRS standby mode, press the MODE Button 5 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.
- Momentarily press the PTT button to confirm your selection.
When the key tone feature is on, the Bell icon appears steady on the
display, and the beep tones sound in response to each button activation.

17
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:
- Press the Mode Button 6 times until ( r) appears on the display with
the flashing Roger Beep icon ( ) and the on or oF indication.
- 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.
- Momentarily press the PTT Button to confirm selection.
Call Ringer Selection Mode
The transceiver provides 5 user-selectable call ringer melodies that alerts
other users that you want to communicate with them.
To select your favorite call ringer melody:
- From the GMRS standby mode, press the MODE button 7 times; CA
will appear on the display, together with a flashing number between 1
and 5, and ring will sound.
- Press the Up or Down Button to preview the 5 available call
melodies.
- Momentarily press the PTT button to confirm your selection.
Additional Functions
When the battery ( ) icon appear(s) flashing on the LCD panel, re-
charge unit or install new Audiovox approved rechargeable batteries. The
unit will also provide an audible warning of low battery voltage. If this icon
continues to flash on the LCD, please contact your authorized service
center. Prior to contacting your authorized service center, please check the
following:
1.Verify correct battery installation.
2.Install new Audiovox approved rechargeable batteries
3.Check that AC adapter is plugged into a working AC power outlet.

18
NOTESFORGOODCOMMUNICATION
1 . The GMRS-2000 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-2000 has been designed to maximize performance and
improve transmission range to field units. To avoid interference, it
is recommended that you do not use base and field units closer than
5 feet apart.
3. For best transmission results, always keep your mouth about 2-3
inches from the microphone (12) and speak slowly in a normal voice.
Warning
•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.

19
Troubleshooting
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 too low Increase volume level
PTT Button inadvertently ReleasePTTButton
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
Charge light Batteries are not installed and Install Audiovox approved
flashes CHARGE switch (2) in the batteries or set the
ONposition CHARGE switch to OFF.
Problem Possible cause Correction
No transmission Weak batteries Charge or replace batteries
while pressing Incorrect battery polarity Install the batteries
the PTT Button following the directions in
paragraph Installing the
Batteries.

20
Technical Specifications:
General
Frequency Range:
GMRS Refer to chart on next page
Weather Refer to chart on next page
Privacy Codes 38 for each main channel
Dimensions (W x H x D) 6.7 in x 7.0 in x 2.6 in
(Without Antenna) 170.0 mm x 177.0 mm x 66 mm
Power Supply
Power Source AC/DC Adapter
Input: 120 Vac
Output: 12 Vdc, 1.5 Amp
Battery Backup Rechargeable, AA (5), 6.0 VDC,
1300 mA
Operating Time 18 hours - NiMH
Battery Backup (Transmit: Receive: Standby) (5: 5: 90 ratio)
Receiver
Useable Sensitivity >-119 dBm
Maximum Audio Output Power > 300 mW (8 Ohm )
ModulationDistortion < 5% (1 kHz 70%)
Transmitter
Maximum RF Output Power:
High 2.0 Watt
Low 0.5Wattmaximum
Range Up to 5 miles
MaximumDeviation +/- 2.5 kHz
Modulation Distortion < 5% (1 kHz 70%)