Audiovox FR548-2CH User manual

128-6282A
1 of 16
Released on: 1-30-02
Revision A: 8-9-02. Incorporated new manufacturer changes.
Customer Service
1-800-290-6650
Owner’s Manual
Model FR548-2CH
Two Way Family Radio
SCAN
PWR
VOX
MIC
VOX

128-6282A
2 of 16
-2-
© 2002 Audiovox Electronics Corporation, 150 Marcus Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788
128-6282A
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SELECTION
OF THE FR548-2CH (FAMILY RADIO)
It is one of the most sophisticated and reliable two way
family radios available.
BEFORE OPERATING YOUR FR548-2CH (FAMILY RADIO)
READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY
1. NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHARGE ALKALINE OR DRY CELL BATTERIES, AS BAT-
TERIES MAY BURST CAUSING PERSONAL INJURYAND DAMAGE TO THE PRODUCT.
2.WHEN RECHARGING NICKEL METAL HYDRIDE (Ni-MH) BATTERIES WITH
THE AUDIOVOX CHARGER, USE ONLY AUDIOVOX APPROVED RECHARGE
ABLE BATTERIES.
3. USE OF THEAUDIOVOX CHARGER WITH OTHER BRANDS OF BATTERIES IS NOT
RECOMMENDED, AS BATTERY CHARGING TIMES WILL VARY WITH DIFFERENT
BRANDS. REFER TO THE MANUFACTURER’S INSTRUCTIONS FOR CHARGING
OTHER BRANDS OF BATTERIES.
NOTE: Your FRS548-2CH is supplied with four NiMH rechargeable batteries (Part
Number ABC6CF1), and a complete Battery Charging Adapter Kit consisting
of:
1. One AC Wall Adapter, Model Number AAA401T.
2. One Desk-Top Charging Stand, Part Number DTC548-2CH.
CAUTION

128-6282A
3 of 16
-3-
Your transceiver will achieve its maximum operating range when communicating
with other transceivers in a flat open area with no trees or buildings obstructing its
signal. Range may be up to two miles under such conditions. Obstacles such as
buildings, trees or mountains will tend to reduce the transceiver’s effective range.
FCC WARNING
Replacement or substitution of transistors, diodes or other parts of a unique nature,
with parts other than those recommended by the manufacturer, may cause a viola-
tion of the technical regulations of Part 15 of FCC Rules.
SAFETY INFORMATION
Your wireless hand-held portable transceiver contains a low power transmitter.
When the PTT button is pushed 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 Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) adopted RF exposure guidelines
with safety levels for hand-held wireless devices.
Important: To maintain compliance with the FCC’ s RF exposure guidelines 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 belt clip for this product and ensure
that the antenna is at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from your body
when transmitting. Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized
antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage the transmitter
and may violate FCC regulations.
Normal Position: Hold the transmitter approximately 1” from your face and speak in
a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and away.
PERFORMANCE
Your FR548-2CH Family Radio is a portable, easy to use, two-way radio that you can carry
almost anywhere. It is skillfully constructed to give you reliable communications for many
different applications. The FR548-2CH is ideal for use around the house, in your boat, on
hunting and camping trips, on the ski slopes or at the mall.
FEATURES

128-6282A
4 of 16
FUNCTION AND LOCATION OF THE CONTROLS
-4-
1
3
4
5
6
8
9
10
13
14
15
16
4
(REF)
7
2
11
12
17
SCAN
PWR
VOX
MIC
VOX

128-6282A
5 of 16
-5-
1. Power Button: Press and hold this button for 2 seconds to turn the
transceiver on or off.
2. Push-to-Talk Button (PTT): Press to transmit. Release to receive.
3. Monitor Button: Press and hold to bypass the squelch and listen to chan-
nel activity; a momentary press activates LCD backlighting for 5 seconds.
4. Clip
5. Battery Compartment: Accepts 4 “AAA” batteries.
6. Speaker
7. Microphone (MIC)
8. SCAN Button: Press this button to initiate an automatic scan of FRS
channels 1-14.
9. Down Button: Press this button to decrease the volume or channel set-
ting as well as adjustment of other functions.
10. Up Button: Press this button to increase the volume or channel setting.
11. LCD Display: Displays the current FRS channel number as well as other
functions as well as adjustment of other functions.
12. Function Select Button: Press this button to select and toggle through
all unit functions.
13. VOX Button: Press this button to activate the Voice-Operated Trans-
mission function.
14. Fixed Antenna
15. Microphone/Charger (MIC/CHG) Jack: For use with an optional external
headset/microphone or supplied wall adapter battery charger input.
16. Speaker (SP.) Jack: For use with an optional Audiovox approved
optional speaker accessory.
17. Charging Contacts: Used to recharge batteries when unit is placed in
Desk-Top Charger.

128-6282A
6 of 16
-6-
LCD DISPLAY AND OPERATION
The FR548-2CH is equipped with an
LCD display to indicate its settings and
functions.
Transmission Indicator
Low Battery Alert
FRS Channel Indicator (1–14). appears
each time power is turned on during a power-on
self-test of the unit.
CTCSS Channel Indicator (01-38). appears
each time power is turned on during a power-
on self-test of the unit.
Key Lock Indicator. Appears for 2 seconds when
Function (F) button is pressed and held to
disable unit key functions (except PTT).
Busy Channel Indicator. Displays when
Monitor button is pressed.
VOX Function Indicator
VOX

BUSY
VOX

128-6282A
7 of 16
Powering the unit:
Your radio transceiver operates on four AAA 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 supplied Battery Charging Adapter Kit. This will ensure optimum performance
for your radio. Use of the Audiovox charger with other brands of batteries is not
recommended as battery charging times will vary. Refer to the manufacturerer’s
instructions for charging other brands of batteries.
Batteries
There are three methods of powering the unit:
1. Alkaline Batteries.
WARNING: Do not attempt to recharge Alkaline batteries.
2. Audiovox Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries - (Rechargeable Ni-MH
batteries and Charging Adapter Kit 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.
3. Various Brands of Rechargeable Batteries - Use of the
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 manufacturers’s instructions for
charging other brands of batteries.
The following guidelines will improve performance and provide longer operating
times for your radio:
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.
-7-

128-6282A
8 of 16
BATTERY INSTALLATION
Your FR548-2CH requires four AAA alkaline or four
rechargeable AAA cells. Alkaline batteries will pro-
vide the best performance from your transceiver.
Remove the battery cover by releasing the clip latch
at the top, and sliding the clip up and away from the
back of the unit. Slide the battery cover downward
while applying pressure at the embossed arrow.
Observe the polarity symbols inside the battery tray
when installing the batteries.
Charging the FR548-2CH:
Insert the charging transformer into a household electrical outlet and connect its
power jack to the PWR socket on the rear of the charging stand. Simply placing
the unit into the charging stand will begin the charging process. The red LED on
the front of the charging transformer serves as a charge indicator. The charging
stand will charge two units simultaneously. Approximately 12-16 hours are required
to fully charge the batteries. Remember to turn your FR548-2CH OFF before
placing it into the charging stand.
CAUTION: The charging stand in your kit is intended for use with the
supplied batteries. Do not attempt to recharge any other
batteries with the charging stand.
-8-
WHEN TO USE THE CHARGING ADAPTER KIT
The Battery Charging Adapter Kit consists of an AC Wall Adapter/Charging Trans-
former and a Desk-Top Charging Stand; it can be used only if the FRS radio is
equipped with four rechargeable 1.2 Volt, 600mAh Audiovox Nickel Metal hydride
rechargable batteries (P/N: ABC6CF1).
CLIP
RELEASE
LATCH
EMBOSSED
ARROW
BATTERY
COVER

128-6282A
9 of 16
-9-
Turning the Transceiver On and Off
Pressing the power button (1) for 2 seconds will activate the unit. The speaker
will sound a beep tone to confirm the transceiver’s activation. In addition, the
transceiver will perform a 1-second power-on self-test, whereby the LCD dis-
play will show all functional items, including a test of both the 2-digit channel
display ( ) and the CTCSS channel display ( ). To turn the unit off, simply
press and hold the power button for 2 seconds. The unit will confirm its shutdown
with a single beep tone.
Volume Level
Audio reception volume is controlled by the Up (▲10) and the Down (▼9) button.
Momentarily pressing either button will raise or lower the volume level in steps as
shown by UL0 through UL7 on the display. Pressing and holding either button
will adjust rapidly.
USING YOUR FR548-2CH
PWR
AC WALL
ADAPTER/
CHARGING
TRANSFORMER
MODEL AAA401T
INPUT: 110VAC
OUTPUT: 12VDC
DESKTOP CHARGING STAND
PART NUMBER DTC548-2CH
CHARGING STAND
PWR JACK
ADAPTER
POWER
PLUG
FRS RADIO CHARGING
COMPARTMENTS (2)
AUDIO OX
LISTED
81J1
E81356
U
L
R

128-6282A
10 of 16
Low Battery Alert
When the batteries are in need of replacement or charging, the low battery icon
( ) will appear on the LCD display and the transceiver will sound a tone to alert
the user.
Monitor Button
You can monitor channel activity by pressing the Monitor (M) button (3). If pressed
and held for more than 2 seconds, you can continuously monitor channel activity.
Press again, momentarily, and monitoring is disabled. Pressing this button mo-
mentarily will cause the unit to beep and the LCD backlight function will be acti-
vated for 5 seconds.
Function (F) Select Button (12)
Pressing this button will allow selection of frequency channels as well as selec-
tion of the various unit functions.
Channel Selection
Press function button once or until large two-digit channel display flashes. Press
Up or Down buttons (10, 9) to select desired channel (1–14). Press the PTT
button to confirm and fix channel selection.
CTCSS Mode (Sub-Channel) Selection
The CTCSS provides 38 Sub-Frequencies to allow you to utilize the coded squelch
tones (00–38). In order to communicate with another party on the same main
channel and the same subcode must be used. This filters out unwanted trans-
missions without the same coded squelch tone. Since there are 38 CTCSS Sub-
channels for each main channel, a different subcode may be selected for each of
the 14 channels.
To change the CTCSS Sub-channel,
- Press the Function (F) button twice or until the sub-channel number to the
right of the main channel number begins flashing.
- Then press the Up or Down button to select the desired sub-channel for
use.
- Press the PTT button momentarily to confirm selection.
-10-
FUNCTIONS

128-6282A
11 of 16
The CTCSS mode can be turned off by accessing the flashing subchannel num-
ber CTCSS icon and using the Up or Down button to select 00 as the tone code
frequency; then press monitor again.
NOTE: To communicate with other FRS units, they must be switched to the
same channel and CTCSS subcode. To communicate 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 trans
mission. This will only allow you to ignore all traffic on a given channel
not using the same subcode.
Roger Beep Tone
The Roger Beep is a beep tone sequence which is automatically transmitted
whenever the PTT button is released. This alerts the receiving party that your
transmission has been ended intentionally, provided that unit has an enabled
Roter Beep funtion also. To enable the Roger Beep tone:
- Press the F button three times until the rb icon flashes and On or oF
appears on the display.
- Then press the Up or Down button to set the function on.
- To disable the Roger Beep tone, proceed as before, except press the Up
or Down button to set the function oF.
- Press the PTT button to confirm the on or off condition.
VOX Function
This feature enables you to have hands-free conversation. When using the internal
microphone/speaker or external microphone/headset (purchased separately,
Part Number ABM-6CF8), your voice or the signal is detected and the radio
transmits and receives automatically.
To access the VOX function:
- Press the VOX button; the VOX icon appears on the display.
NOTE: In the VOX mode, the sensitivity is automatically set.
- To exit the VOX mode, press the VOX button again; the VOX icon will
disappear from the display.
-11-

128-6282A
12 of 16
Channel Scanning
Pressing the SCAN button initiates and automatic scan of the FRS channels
(1-14) in the upward or downward direction.
- Press the SCAN button; channel scan will commence.
- To scan in the upward direction, press the Up Channel/Volume button; to
scan in the downward direction, press the Down Channel/Volume button.
The channels will be scanned in the selected direction for channel activity
and then repeat. If an active channel is encountered, scan will pause on
the active channel for 5 seconds, and then proceed to the next channel.
- If the PTT button is pressed during scan, scanning will stop, and a
transmission will be sent on the primary channel whose number will flash
for 15 seconds after the PTT button is released. Then scanning will
continue.
- To terminate the scan function, press the SCAN button again.
CALL Function
When the PTT button is pressed twice, the unit will transmit a 3-second ringing
sound to other transceivers tuned to the same channel. This feature can be
used to signal other parties that voice communication is desired.
Keylock Function
To enable the Keylock function, press the Function (F) button for more than 2
seconds; appears on the display for about 2 seconds. When this feature is
active, all buttons are disabled except the PTT button. If any locked button is
pressed in this mode, the icon will momentarily appear on the display to
remind the user that Keylock is still in effect.
To disable the Keylock function, press the Function (F) button for more than 2
seconds; the unit will beep and all buttons will become active.
-12-

128-6282A
13 of 16
-13-
To Transmit:
1. Set the desired primary channel.
2. Press and hold the PTT (Push-to-Talk) button while speaking slowly and clearly
in a normal voice, approximately 2 to 3 inches from the microphone.
3. The transmit icon ( ) will illuminate while transmitting.
4. Release the PTT (Push-to-Talk) button when you finish speaking to receive
incoming signals. If enabled a “Roger Beep” tone will be heard on the
receiving unit to indicate end of transmission.
To Receive:
1. Set the desired channel.
2. Adjust the volume control to the desired listening volume by using the up and
down buttons.
3. The transceiver will play strong received signals through its internal speaker
or through a n external speaker, if so equipped.
Monitor Function:
The monitor button can be used to play all signals present on a channel. This is
useful when communicating with other parties at extreme range.
The monitor function can be locked on by pressing the Monitor button for more
than 2 seconds. When the monitor lock has been activated, the LCD display will
indicate BUSY and a tone will sound. Pressing the monitor button a second time
will unlock the monitor function.
WARNING
!Remove the batteries from the transceiver if it is not expected to be used for
long periods. This will eliminate the possibility of battery acid leaking from the
batteries and corroding the transceiver.
!Avoid exposing the unit to water or extremes of temperature.
!Do not use this device in or near a mining facility, which uses remotely trig-
gered explosives or in areas labeled “Blasting Area”. Premature or accidental
detonation may result.

128-6282A
14 of 16
-14-
!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 transceiver in front of a vehicle’s air-bag. If the air-bag
deploys, it could propel the transceiver like a projectile.
!This transceiver complies with F.C.C. Regulations for use in the United States.
Use in other countries may be prohibited or restricted by local regulation.
Please check with the local regulating agency before using this device outside
of the United States.
Channels: 14
Max Output Power: 500 mW ERP
Battery Life
Alkaline: 30 - 35 Hours
Power Source: 6.0V DC,4”AAA” Batteries
* These specifications are subject to change without notice. They
represent typical values; individual units may vary.
SPECIFICATIONS*

128-6282A
15 of 16
-15-
Channel Frequencies
Channel MHz Channel MHz
1 462.5625 8 467.5625
2 462.5875 9 467.5875
3 462.6125 10 467.6125
4 462.6375 11 467.6375
5 462.6625 12 467.6625
6 462.6875 13 467.6875
7 462.7125 14 467.7125
Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System Tone
Frequencies (in Hz)
CTCSS Freq. Hz CTCSS Freq. Hz
1 67.0 20 131.8
2 71.9 21 136.5
3 74.4 22 141.3
4 77.0 23 146.2
5 79.7 24 151.4
6 82.5 25 156.7
7 85.4 26 162.2
8 88.5 27 167.9
9 91.5 28 173.8
10 94.8 29 179.9
11 97.4 30 186.2
12 100.0 31 192.8
13 103.5 32 203.5
14 107.2 33 210.7
15 110.9 34 218.1
16 114.8 35 225.7
17 118.8 36 233.6
18 123.0 37 241.8
19 127.3 38 250.3

128-6282A
16 of 16
Applies to Audiovox Family Radio Service Products.
AUDIOVOX CORPORATION (the Company) warrants to the original retail
purchaser of this product that should this product or any part thereof, under
normal use and conditions, be proven defective in material or workmanship
within 90 days from the date of original purchase, such defect(s) will be
repaired or replaced with new or reconditioned product (at the Company's
option) without charge for parts and repair labor.
To obtain repair or replacement within the terms of this Warranty, the product
is to be delivered with proof of warranty coverage (e.g. dated bill of sale),
specification of defect(s), transportation prepaid, to the warranty center at the
address shown below.
The Company disclaims liability for communications range of this product.
This Warranty does not apply to any product or part thereof which, in the
opinion of the Company, has suffered or been damaged through alteration,
improper installation, mishandling, misuse, neglect, accident, or by removal or
defacement of the factory serial number/bar code label(s). THE EXTENT OF
THE COMPANY'S LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT PROVIDED ABOVE AND, IN NO EVENT,
SHALL THE COMPANY'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE
PAID BY PURCHASER FOR THE PRODUCT.
This Warranty is in lieu of all other express warranties or liabilities. ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS
WRITTEN WARRANTY. ANY ACTION FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY
HEREUNDER INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY
MUST BE BROUGHT WITHIN A PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS FROM DATE OF
ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IN NO CASE SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE
FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF
THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHATSOEVER.
No person or representative is authorized to assume for the Company any
liability other than expressed herein in connection with the sale of this product.
90 DAY LIMITED WARRANTY
AUDIOVOX CORPORATION, 150 MARCUS BLVD., HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK 11788
1-800-290-6650 128-5329
-16-