Audiovox GMRS-1525 User manual

General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
Model/Modèle:GMRS-1525
Owner’s Manual
Manuel d'utilisation
SCANSCAN
EMGEMG
MODEMODE
CustomerService/
Serviceà la clientèle
1-800-290-6650

NEVER ATTEMPT TO CHARGE ALKALINE OR DRY
CELL BATTERIES. WHEN RECHARGING USE ONLY
THE RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES SUPPLIED WITH
YOUR TRANSCEIVER. USE OF OTHER BATTERIES
WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO YOUR GMRS-1525 RADIO
TRANSCEIVER. OTHER TYPES OF BATTERIES MAY
BURST CAUSING PERSONAL INJURY.
AVOID PLACING THE GMRS-1525 RADIO TRANSCEIVER
FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME IN DIRECT
SUNLIGHT OR TEMPERATURES BELOW -4° F (-20° C)
OR ABOVE 140 ° F (60° C).
KEEPTHEANTENNA AT 1 INCH (2.5cm)AWAYFROM
YOUR HEAD AND BODY. DO NOT USE YOUR
GMRS-1525RADIOTRANSCEIVERWITHADAMAGED
ANTENNA.
PLACETHERUBBERCOVERSONJACKSWHENNOT
IN USE
CAUTIONS

3
1. BatteryDoor
2. Monitor/LampButton
3. Detachable Belt Clip
4. Push-To-Talk (PTT) Button
5. Antenna (Not Removable)
6. ExternalSpeaker/Microphone
Jack
7. Built-in Speaker
8. Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)
9. Built-inMicrophone
10.Up Channel Button
Model GMRS-1525 (FCC License Required)
11. Down Channel Button
12.Mode Button
13.SCAN/LOCK Button
14.Emergency (EMG) Call
Button
15.PowerOn/OffandVolume
Control
16.External DC In Jack
17.Transmit Indicator (Red),
Receive and Monitor
Indicator (Green)
AUDIO OX
SCAN
EMG
MODE
GMRS-1525
C
3
5
4
1
2
9
12
11
10
17
6
15
8
14
13
16
7
WITH COVER
OPEN

4
Model GMRS-1525 DISPLAY
1. Key Lock Indicator: Icon appears in autolock selection mode when
the key lock is activated. This function disables keys such as channel
up/down keys.
2. Beep Tone Indicator: This icon blinks in the selection mode and is
constant when selected. When a key is pressed a tone will sound.
3. Emergency: icon appears when the emergency button is pressed.
4. Coded Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTCSS) Indicator: Icon
appears when the CTCSS tone function is active.
5. Battery Level Indicator: Icon indicates the battery charge level.
6. Small Segment Display: DisplaystheCTCSStoneoption inthechannel
form(00-38) or frequency (Hz).
7. Busy Channel Lock Out (BCLO) Indicator: Icon appears in Busy
Channel Lock selection mode. This function prevents transmissions
ona channelwhile anothertransmission is occurringon thesame channel.
8. Priority Scan Indicator: This function allows the user to designate a
channel to be scanned every .5 second and play any signals recieved
on that channel.
9. Voice Activated Transmission (VOX) Indicator: This function allows
hands free conversation. The icon appears when the VOX mode is
activated.
12
11 10
13
14
8
9
7
6
4
5
3
2
1

5
10.Scan Indicator: Icon appears when a channnel is in the list channels
to be scanned.
11.Monitor Indicator: Icon appears when the Monitor Button is pressed
and the channel monitor function is activated.
12.Skip Indicator: Icon appears when a channnel is in the list channels
to be skipped during scanning.
13.Received Signal Strength Indicator: Icon appears when a signal is
being received. The icon consists of five bars to indicate the received
signal level.
14.Large Segment Display: Indicates the channel number in use.
GMRS License:
Use of GMRS radios within the United States require a FCC GMRS license.
An individual18 years of age or older, who is not a representataive of a
foreign government, is eligible to apply for a GMRS system license. You will
need two forms from the FCC, FCC Form 159 and FCC Form 605 Main
Form and Schedule F. You can find the forms online at http://www.fcc.gov/
formpage.html, or call 1-800-418-3676.
Powering the transceiver:
Your GMRS-1525 radio transceiver operates on four AAA batteries . You
may operate your GMRS-1525 using the rechargeable batteries included or
you may use alkaline batteries. Alkaline batteries will provide slightly better
performance than the rechargeable batteries, but must never be recharged
in the radio transceiver.
Installing the batteries:
To install batteries into the radio, it is convenient to remove the belt clip. To
do this, release the spring clip securing the belt clip to radio and press the
belt clip downward and away from the radio body. Next, using a fingernail
press the battery cover latch down and open. Lift the bottom and slide the
battery cover downward. Insert four AAA alkaline batteries (All four positive
ends (+) toward the bottom of the transceiver) or the four rechargeable
batteries provided. Replace the cover.

2. Lift the bottom of the
coverand then slide
the battery cover
downward.
3. Insert four AAA batteries
(all four positive ends (+)
toward the bottom of the
transceiver) or insert the
rechargeable batteries.
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The following guidelines will improve performance and provide longer
operating times for the GMRS-1525:
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 (Ni-MH)
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.
1. Using fingernail
pressbatterycover
latch down and
open.
AAA
SIZE
SIZE
AAA
SPRING CLIP
BATTERY
COVER
BELT CLIP
BATTERY COVER
LATCH
ALL FOUR
BATTERIES
POSITIVE (+)
SIDE

Charging the GMRS-1525:
Insertthe chargingtransformerinto ahousehold electrical outletand connect
the power jack to the socket located on the side of the GMRS-1525. The
redLED on thefront ofthecharging transformerservesas achargeindicator.
Approximately 12–16 hours are required to fully charge the batteries.
Remember to turn your GMRS-1525 OFF before charging the batteries.
Caution: The charging transformer is intended for use with the
supplied rechargeable Ni-MH batteries. Do not attempt to
recharge any other type batteries. Avoid overcharging the
batteries to extend the batteries lifetime.
7
RED LED
CHARGING
INDICATOR
CHARGING
TRANSFORMER
C
TRANSFORMER
CONNECTOR
WITH COVER
OPEN

8
Controls:
Power On-Off/Volume (15):
Turn theOn-Off/Volume knob clockwise.You willhear a confirmingmelody to
indicatetheunitison. Toturn the unitoff,turntheOn-Off/Volumeknobcounter-
clockwise.
To Adjust Volume:
Hold the Monitor Button down to listen to audio level while rotatingthe
On-Off/Volume knob. Clockwise to increase volume and counter-clockwise
to decrease volume.
Monitor/Lamp Button (2):
This button is used to to check activity on the current frequency before
transmitting. Check activity by holding down Monitor Button longer than
2 seconds and (MON) will apppear on the display. 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 (MON) will
disapppear from the display.
Themonitorfunctionwilltemporarilybypassthesquelchsettingandplayallsignals
on a given channel. This useful when comunicating with other parties at extreme
range.
By pressing this button momentarily, the LCD backlight is turned on; press
again and the LCD backlight is turned off.
The monitor function can be turned off by momentarily pressing the monitor/
lamp button once.
Push To Talk (PTT) Button (4):
Pressing and holding this button will allow you to speak to any transceiver
that is set to the same channel and privacy code setting as yours. Hold the
transceiver approximately 1 to 2 inches from your face as you speak into the
built in microphone (9). After you have finished speaking, release the PTT
Buttonto allow thereception of incomingsignals. It is notpossible to transmit
andreceiveat the sametime. AredtransmitLED (Transmit/Monitor Indicator)

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locatedabove theLCD Panel(8) will lightwhile thePTT Buttonis pressed.
Releasingthebuttonallowstheunittorevert to standby mode. Whenreceiving
an incoming signal, a green monitor LED indicator will light and the received
signalstrength indicatorwilldisplay therelativestrenth ofthesignal.
ThePTTButton can alsobeusedas a two-waycallringer. Pressingthebutton
twice quickly will call another party on the same channel. You will hear a
confirmingmelody.
Up Button (10):
Inthe standbymode, pressingthis button brieflywill changethe frequency to
thenexthigherchannel.Holdingbuttondownwillcyclethroughchannelsrapidly.
(Channels1-15)
Down Button (11):
Inthe standbymode, pressingthis button brieflywill changethe frequency to
thenextlower channel. Holdingbuttondownwillcyclethroughchannelsrapidly.
(Channels1-15)
Mode Button (12):
Inthe standbymode, pressing thisbutton momentarily willenter the function
edit mode. Subsequent presses will cycle to each mode.
First Press: Coded Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTCSS)
Second Press: Voice Activated Transmission (VOX)Level
Third Press: Channel Scan/Skip List
FourthPress: Beep ON-OFF
Fifth Press: Busy Channel Lock Out (BCLO) ON-OFF
Sixth Press: Squelch Level
SeventhPress: Priority Channel
Emergency Call Button Button (14):
Pressingthisbuttonwillset the transceivertotheEmergencyChannel(Channel
10,462.6750 MHz). Usually, this channelis notmonitored, but isto beused
inemergency situationspertainingto theimmediate safety oflife or property.

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External Microphone/Speaker (6):
This jack accepts an Audiovox headset/microphone for totally hands free
operation.
Scan/Lock Mode (13):
Press this Button momentarily to enable or disable the scan. Press and
hold Button for more than 1 second to lock or unlock keypad.
Operating Modes and Features
Operation
- Rotate the volume control (15) clockwise to turn power ON. The
transceiver will be in normal mode.
- Select the desired channel with the Up (10) and Down (11) Buttons.
When receiving a call, the signal strength meter appears to indicate
incoming received signal strength and the Receive-Monitor indicator
(17) lights green.
- Push and hold PTT Button (4) to transmit, then speak in to the
microphone clearly and slowly. The (red) Transmit indicator (17)
lights.
- 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.
- During communication the CTCSS icon will be displayed on the LCD
panel if the CTCSS tone frequency function is enabled.
Channel Selection
In order to communicate with other GMRS units, both transmitting and
receiving party must be on the same frequency.
TheGMRS-1525 has 15channels (frequencies) (1-15)indicated by thelarge
digits on the LCD display panel. Channels 1 through 7 are the same
frequency as FRS channels 1 through 7. Communication with Audiovox

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FRSand compatible unitsispossible ontheseseven channels. Beforetrans-
mitting on the selected channel, press the Monitor Button (2) to check the
activityon thatchannel. Ifthere isactivity onthe selectedchannel, change to
anotherchannel thatisclear.
To changethe basicchannel,
-Inthe standby mode,presstheUp Button (10)brieflytomove to thenext
highermain channel number.
-Press the DownButton (11)briefly tomoveto thenextlower main chan-
nelnumber.
CTCSS Mode (Sub Channel Selection)
Coded Tone Controlled Squelch System (CTCSS) with 38 Sub-Frequencies.
This feature allows you to utilize the coded squelch tones (00 ~ 38) within a
main channel. This enables you to communicate with another party on the
same main channel using the same sub-code. This filters out unwanted
transmissions (transmissions without the same coded squelch tone). There
are 38 CTCSS Sub-channels for each main channel. A different subcode
may be selected for each of the 15 channels.
To change the CTCSS Sub-channel,
- Press the Mode Button until the sub channel number or frequency is
displayed. Oncea value isentered the Icon(CTC) appears andflashes
in the LCD panel.
- Press the Up Button or Down Button to choose the desired sub-channel
to use.
- Press the PTT Button to confirm your selection.
NOTE: To communicate with other GMRS units, they must be switched to
the same channel and CTCSS sub code. To communicate with
other GMRS units that do not have sub codes, switch your unit to
the same channel with the sub code set to 00 or 000.0 depending
on the CTCSS mode display.
The CTCSS subcodes do not prevent others from hearing your

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transmission. This will only allow you to ignore all traffic on a given
channel not using the same subcode.
CTCSS Mode Display
This feature allows you to display the CTCSS tone in either a channel num-
ber or frequency.
To change the display of the CTCSS tone to either a channel number or
frequency,
-Turn on the transceiver ON while pressing the Mode Button.
-Press the Mode Button until (tccode or tcfreq) appears.
-Press the Up Button or Down Button to select the code number display
or the frequency number display.
- Press the PTT Button to confirm your selection.
VOX Selection Mode
This option enables you to have hands-free conversation. Your voice or
the signal is detected and the radio transmits without the need to press the
PTT button.
To set radio for VOX operation,
- Rotate the volume control counterclockwise to turn power OFF.
- Press and hold PTT Button.
- Rotate the volume control clockwise to turn power ON.
To set the VOX sensitivity level,
- Press the Mode Button until the VOX icon flashes and (Vo _ _)
appears in LCD Panel.
- Press the Up Button or Down Button to select from 01 - 10 Voice
Levels with 01 being the least sensitive and 10 being the most
sensitive.
- The 01-10 Level setting determines VOX response sensitivity.
- Press the PTT Button to confirm your selection.

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- To turnoffthe VOXfeature, Rotatethe volume controlcounterclockwise to
turnpowerOFFandthen turn power ONagain.
TheVOXsensitivitylevelsetting is dependenton the ambient background noise
andwill need tobe adjusted accordingly.
Auto Channel Scan List Selection Mode
This feature allows you to add or remove channels from the scan list.
To access the Auto Channel Scan/Skip List menu,
- Press the Mode Button until the Icon (SKIP) or (SCAN) flashes on the
LCD panel.
- Press the Up Button to enter the channel in the SCAN List.
- Press the Down Button to enter the channel in the SKIP List.
- Press the PTT Button to confirm your selection(s).
NOTE: Pressing the Down button will enter a given channel to the skip list
and then increment the display to the next channel number to be
assigned to either the skip or scan lists.
Scan Operation
To enable the scan mode,
- Press Scan Button momentarily (SC on) will appear on the LCD panel.
- When in scan mode, the display will show each channel on the scan
list as it is scanned. The unit will begin scanning for an active main
channel.
- When unit doesn’t find any signals and you want to transmit, press the
PTT switch to return to home channel operation. The transceiver will
automatically resume scanning 3 seconds after the communication
is completed.
- If there is no activity and you want to leave the scan mode, press the
Scan Button momentarily (SC off) will appear on the LCD panel and
unit will return to normal operation and (Scan) indicator will disappear
from LCD panel.

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NOTE: If S[ Err appears on the display when activating the scan mode this
indicates that there are no channels on the scan list. Always verify
that at least two channels are on the scan list before activating the
scan function.
Key Tone
This feature allows the transceiver to sound a tone whenever the following
keys are pressed: Monitor Button, Up Down Buttons, Mode Button, Scan
Button, or the EMG Button.
To turn the key tones on or off access the Key Tone menu,
- Press the Mode Button until the Bell Icon flashes on the LCD panel.
- Press the Up or Down Button to toggle the key tone feature on or off.
- Press the PTT Button to confirm your selection.
The bell icon will display in standby mode whenever the beep tones are
activated.
Busy Channel Lock Out (BCLO) Selection Mode
This feature inhibits transmission whenever the unit detects another
conversation is on the same channel.
To access the Busy Channel Lock Out selection menu,
-Press theModeButton untilthe (BCLO) iconflashes ontheLCD panel.
- Press the Up or Down to toggle the (BCLO) function on or off.
- Press the PTT Button to confirm your selection.
Squelch Level
This feature determines the signal level that an incoming signal must have
in order to be played by the transceiver’s internal speaker or through a
headset. Using the high (HI) setting, the stronger the signal must be in
order for the transceiver to play it. If you desire to communicate with other
transceivers in close proximity, the squelch should be set high (HI) to
eliminate unwanted weak signals. If the transceiver is being used at

15
extremerange, thesquelch shouldbe set lowto allowreception of weaksig-
nals. Thesquelch settinghigh (HI)or low(Lo) is applied to all channels.
To access the Squelch Level Scan menu,
- Press the Mode Button until the (S HI) or (S Lo) icon flashes on the
LCD panel.
- Press the Up or Down Button to toggle the squelch from high to low
setting.
- Press the PTT Button to confirm your selection.
Priority Scan Channel Selection Mode
This feature allows you monitor one particular channel while scanning other
channels at the same time. If you pre-set any priority channel other than the
current channel in use, the pre-set channel will be scanned every 0.5 second
and any strong signals on that channel will be played.
To access the Priority Scan menu,
- Press the Mode Button until the (PRIO) icon flashes on the LCD panel.
- Press the Up Button or Down Button to select the desired channel
number you wish to monitor. Only channels on the scan list will be
available as a priority channel.
- Press the PTT Button for 2 seconds to toggle a channel’s priority
status on or off.
NOTE: If PrErr displays when entering the priority channel selection mode,
this indicates that no channels have been selected to the scan list.
Two or more channels must be selected to the scan list for proper
operation of the priority channel feature.
Auto Key Lock Selection Mode
This feature prevents accidental channel change to the preferred settings of
the unit. The Auto Key Lock function temporarily disables the Up, Down
and Mode Buttons.
To access the Auto Key Lock selection menu,

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-Pressand hold theScanButtonforover 2 secondstoLockorUnlock the
AutoKeyFunction.
The PTT, EMG, Monitor Buttons and the On-Off/Volume switch are not ef-
fected.
Call Ringer Selection Mode
The transceiver provides 5 user selectable call ringer melodies to alert you
of an incoming call.
To select your favorite call ringer melody,
- Press and hold Emergency Button then rotate the volume control
clockwise to turn power ON. (C 01) appears on the LCD panel.
- Press the Up Button or Down Button to preview the 5 available melodies.
- Press the PTT Button to confirm your selection.
- To activate the Call Ringer, press PTT Button twice.
Time Out Timer (TOT) Selection Mode
This feature allows the user to limit continous transmission times (pressing
andholding thePTT button) to30, 60,or 180seconds.
To access the Time Out Timer selection menu,
-Pressand holdModeButtonthen rotatethevolumecontrol clockwiseto
turn power ON. (T OFF, 30, 60, or 180) appears on the LCD panel.
-Press theUpButton orDownButton toselectthe 30,60,or 180second
timedelays.
- The T OFF setting will disable the Time Out Timer function.
- Press the PTT Button to confirm your selection.
Emergency Channel Mode
The Emergency Channel can be used transmit and receive on a special
emergency frequency (CH10: 462.6750 MHz).
TheEmergency Channelcan beselected quickly fromany usermode.

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To access the Emergency Channel mode,
- Press Emergency Button (EMG) and Channel 10 appears on the LCD
panel.
- To turn off the Emergency Channel feature, press the Emergency But-
ton once.
Additional Functions
When the Error or UL icon appears on the LCD panel, recharge unit or
install fresh batteries. If this icon continues to appear on the LCD, please
contact your authorized service center. Prior to contacting your authorized
service center, please check the following:
1.Check the operating procedures.
2.Verify that the two radios are set to the same frequency.
3.Verify correct battery installation.
4.Change location to check if reception or transmission improve.
Battery Packs
There are two methods of powering the GMRS-1525:
1.Alkaline Batteries - (4 x AAA size)
2.Rechargeable Batteries - Rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack and wall
charger (included). Normal charging time; 12-16 hours
To extend battery life, avoid overcharging the battery pack.
Troubleshooting
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.

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 Release PTT Button
depressed
Excessive radio interference Change to a different
on a particular channel channel
Obstruction of radio signal Avoid operating in or near
large buildings or vehicles
Unit beeps, but Batteries extremely Charge or replace batteries
will not function discharged
when turned on
Reception of CTCSS privacy mode Turn on the CTCSS privacy
unwanted signals not on mode and set code number to
match the setting of the
target transceiver.
Interference from Turn the devices off or move
electronic devices such farther away from them.
as computers or TVs
ScErr Displays No channels selected on the Select 2 or more channels
when pressing scan list. to the scan list.
scan
PrErr when No channels selected on the Select 2 or more channels
accessing priority scan list. to the scan list.
channel selection
mode
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Troubleshooting (Cont.)
Problem Possible cause Correction

Technical Specifications:
General
Frequency Range 462.5500 - 462.7250 MHz
Channels 15
Privacy Codes 38 for each main channel
Dimensions (W x H x D) 2.26inx 6.94 in x 1.15 in
57.5 mm x 176.4 mm x 9.4mm
Power Supply
Power Source Alkaline Batteries, AAA (4), 6 VDC
Ni-MH rechargeable, AAA (4), 4.8 VDC
Operating Time 14 hours
(Transmit: Receive: Standby) (5: 5: 90 ratio)
(Based on alkaline batteries)
Receiver
Useable Sensitivity >-119 dB
Maximum Audio Output Power > 0.5 Watt (4 Ohm )
Modulation Distortion < 5% (1 kHz 70%)
Transmitter
RF Output Power 2 Watts
Range Up to 5 miles
Maximum Deviation +/- 2.5 kHz
Modulation Distortion < 5% (1 kHz 70%)
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NOTES FOR GOOD COMMUNICATION
1 . The GMRS-1525 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-1525 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 transmissionresults,always keepyourmouthabout 2-3inches
from the microphone (9) and speak slowly in a normal voice.
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.
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