COMNET ERICSSON PANTHER 300M User manual

MM101030V4
Operator’s Manual
Panther 300M
Mobile Radio
This manual is published by Com-Net Ericsson Critical Radio Systems, Inc.
, without any
warranty. Improvements and changes to this manual necess
itated by typographical errors,
inaccuracies of current information, or improvements to programs and/or equipment, may be made
by Com-Net Ericsson Critical Radio Systems, Inc.
, at any time and without notice. Such changes
will be incorporated into new edit
ions of this manual. No part of this manual may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
recording, for any purpose, without the express written permission of Com-
Net Ericsson Critical
Radio Systems, Inc.
Copyright © 1998-2000, Com-Net Ericsson Critical Radio Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.

1
Table Of Contents
SAFETY INFORMATION................................................................ 3
RADIO OPERATOR WARNING .................................................. 3
MPE NOTES............................................................................... 7
TRANSMITTER HAZARDS ......................................................... 7
SAFE DRIVING RECOMMENDATIONS...................................... 8
OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS................................... 9
OPERATING TIPS .................................................................... 11
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................... 12
CONTROLS, DISPLAYS AND INDICATORS............................... 13
CONTROLS .............................................................................. 13
OPTION BUTTON FUNCTIONS................................................ 14
Disabled.............................................................................. 14
Monitor/Clear....................................................................... 14
Local/Distant Squelch.......................................................... 15
Type 99 On/Off.................................................................... 15
Home Channel.................................................................... 16
Horn Alert On/Off................................................................. 16
Public Address On/Off......................................................... 17
Internal/External Speaker.................................................... 17
HOOKSWITCH FUNCTIONS .................................................... 17
DISPLAY................................................................................... 19
PANTHER 300M Display..................................................... 19
Display Status And Error Codes .......................................... 19
Self Test Error Messages.................................................... 21
RADIO INDICATORS................................................................ 22
Option Status Leds.............................................................. 22
Busy / Tx Indicator............................................................... 22
ALERT TONES ......................................................................... 24
Power Up............................................................................ 24
Carrier Control Timer........................................................... 24
Denied Tone ....................................................................... 24
Failed Tone......................................................................... 24
Option Button Keypress That Disables................................. 24
Option Button Keypress That Enables ................................. 25
Transmitter Disabled ........................................................... 25
Type 99 Individual Call ........................................................ 25
Type 99 Group Call ............................................................. 25
Type 99 Super Group/Quick Call......................................... 25
Synthesizer Unlock.............................................................. 25
BASIC OPERATION..................................................................... 26
TURNING THE RADIO ON........................................................ 26
SELECTING OR CHANGING CHANNELS................................ 26
TRANSMITTING A BASIC CALL............................................... 26
PUBLIC ADDRESS MESSAGE................................................. 27
CHANNEL GUARD ................................................................... 28
Channel Guard Monitor Function......................................... 28
SENDING DTMF WITH THE DTMF MICROPHONE.................. 28

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Table Of Contents (Continued)
SELECTIVE SIGNALING..............................................................29
TYPE 99 OPERATION ..............................................................30
Receiving An Individual, Group, or Supergroup Call.............30
Resetting Type 99 After A Call............................................. 31
PROGRAMMABLE PTT FUNCTIONS .......................................31
Channel Busy Lockout.........................................................31
Channel Guard Channel Busy Lockout ................................ 31
Type 99 Disable After PTT...................................................32
Ignition A+ Disable...............................................................32
PROGRAMMABLE HORN ALERT FUNCTIONS........................33
External Alarms...................................................................33
Resetting the Car Horn Alert................................................33
Car Horn Alert Ignition A+ Option......................................... 33

3
SAFETY INFORMATION
RADIO OPERATOR WARNING
Do not transmit with this radio and antenna when
persons are within the MPE Radius* of the antenna
[see “Determining MPE Radius” in this section], unless
such persons (such as the driver or radio operator) are
isolated from the antenna field by a grounded metallic
barrier (such as the user's vehicle rooftop). MPE
Radius is the minimum distance from the antenna axis
that persons should maintain in order to avoid RF
exposure higher than the allowable MPE level set by
the FCC for General Population/Uncontrolled
Exposure, as specified in 47 CFR § 1.1310.
FAILURE TO OBSERVE THESE LIMITS MAY ALLOW THOSE
WITHIN THE MPE RADIUS* TO EXPERIENCE RF
RADIATION ABSORPTION WHICH EXCEEDS THE FCC
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE (MPE) LIMIT FOR
GENERAL POPULATION/UNCONTROLLED EXPOSURE.
The shorter MPE Radius distances listed for the Occupational/
Controlled limits, as specified in 47 CFR § 1.1310, may be used if the
user meets the following conditions:
a) the user is exposed to the RF energy as a consequence of their
employment,
b) the user is aware of their exposure to the RF energy due to their
training by reading this Operator’s manual, and
c) the user exercises control over their exposure. In this case, the
user knows they are using a Push-To-Talk land mobile radio whose
transmitter is rated for a 20% intermittent duty cycle.

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Determining MPE Radius*
In the tables following, MPE Radii are listed for ranges of power within
which this radio is intended to operate (20 -40 Watts) and for antennas
having gains of 0 -6 dBd (1/4 λλ,quarter-wave monopole = 0 dBd).
In order to determine the MPE Radius for your specific application,
choose the VHF or UHF table that meets either the FCC’s General
Population/Uncontrolled Exposure limits or the Occupational/
Controlled Exposure limits.
Then choose the row containing the appropriate power level into the
antenna and read the MPE Radius on that row under the appropriate
antenna gain. For powers or gains between listed numbers, choose the
next higher listed number in each case.
If you do not know the power level at which the radio is operating
(set by the personality program), assume the maximum of 40 Watts.
If you do not know the gain rating of the antenna, consult the
antenna provider. For antennas of higher gains than listed, consult
the supplier of this radio. If you do not know whether you are
qualified to use the shorter distances as defined by
Occupational/Controlled Exposure limits, then you must use the
longer distances specified by the General Population/Uncontrolled
Exposure limits.

5
**Example: 450 MHz Band, 40 Watts and 2.5 dBd gain >>> follow 40 Watt row to 3 dBd
column, which yields186 cm (73 in) as the MPE Radius.
MPE Radii for General Population/Uncontrolled Exposure: VHF Band (136 -174 MHz1)
Power3dBd Antenna Gain4
(Watts)
0123456
cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in
20 115
45 128
50 144
57 161
64 181
71 203
80 228
90
30 140
55 157
62 176
69 198
78 222
87 248
98 279
110
40 162
64 181
71 203
80 228
90 256
101
287
113
322
127
MPE Radii for General Population/Uncontrolled Exposure: UHF Band (450 -512 MHz2)
Power3dBd Antenna Gain4
(Watts)
0123456
cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in
20 93 37 105
41 117
46 132
52 148
58 166
65 186
73
30 114
45 128
50 144
57 161
64 181
71 203
80 228
90
40 132
52 148
58 166
65 186
73 209
82 234
92 263
104

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**Example: 450 MHz Band, 40 Watts and 2.5 dBd gain >>> follow 40 Watt row to 3 dBd
column, which yields 83 cm (33 in) as the MPE Radius.
MPE Radii for Occupational/Controlled Exposure: VHF Band (136 -174 MHz1)
Power3dBd Antenna Gain4
(Watts)
0123456
cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in
20 51 20 57 23 64 25 72 28 81 32 91 36 102
40
30 63 25 70 28 79 31 88 35 99 39 111
44 125
49
40 72 28 81 32 91 36 102
40 115
45 128
51 144
57
MPE Radii for Occupational/Controlled Exposure: UHF Band (450 -512 MHz2)
Power3dBd Antenna Gain4
(Watts)
0123456
cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in cm
in
20 42 16 47 18 53 21 59 23 66 26 74 29 83 33
30 51 20 57 23 64 25 72 28 81 32 91 36 102
40
40 59 23 66 26 74 29 83 33 93 37 105
41 118
46

7
MPE NOTES
1. Numbers are calculated for any VHF frequency, since MPE radii is
the same.
2. Numbers are calculated for 450 MHz, giving the largest (worst-case)
MPE radii.
3. Power delivered to antenna: radio output less cable and mismatch
losses.
4. Gains are compared to an ideal, 1/4-wave monopole (1/2-wave
dipole). Add 2.15 dB for comparison with an ideal isotropic source.
(0 dBd = 2.15 dBi)
TRANSMITTER HAZARDS
The operator of any mobile radio should be aware of
certain hazards common to the operation of
vehicular radio transmitters. A list of several
possible hazards is given:
1. Explosive Atmospheres -Just as it is dangerous to fuel a vehicle
with the motor running, similar hazards exist when operating a
mobile radio. Be sure to turn the radio off while fueling a vehicle.
Do not carry containers of fuel in the trunk of a vehicle if the radio is
mounted in the trunk.
Areas with potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not
always, clearly marked. Turn OFF your radio when in any area
with a potentially explosive atmosphere. It is rare, but not
impossible that the radio or its accessories could generate
sparks.
2. Interference to Vehicular Electronics Systems -Electronic fuel
injection systems, electronic anti-skid braking systems, electronic
cruise control systems, etc., are typical electronic systems that may
malfunction due to the lack of protection from radio frequency
energy present when transmitting. If the vehicle contains such
equipment, consult the dealer and enlist their aid in determining the
expected performance of electronic circuits when the radio is
transmitting.

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3. Dynamite Blasting Caps -Dynamite blasting caps may be caused to
explode by operating a radio within 500 feet of the blasting caps.
Always obey the "Turn Off Two-Way Radios" signs posted where
dynamite is being used.
When transporting blasting caps in your vehicle:
a. Carry the blasting caps in a closed metal box with a soft lining.
b. Leave the radio OFF whenever the blasting caps are being put
into or removed from the vehicle.
4. Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas Powered Vehicles -Mobile radio
installations in vehicles powered by liquefied petroleum gas with the
LP gas container in the trunk or other sealed-off space within the
interior of the vehicle must conform to the National Fire Protection
Association standard (NFPA) 58 requiring:
a. The space containing the radio equipment shall be isolated by a
seal from the space containing the LP gas container and its
fittings.
b. Outside filling connections shall be used for the LP gas
container.
c. The LP gas container shall be vented to the outside of the
vehicle.
SAFE DRIVING RECOMMENDATIONS
(Recommended By AAA)
•Read the literature on the safe operation of the radio.
•Keep both hands on the steering wheel and the microphone in its
hanger whenever the vehicle is in motion.
•Place calls only when vehicle is stopped.
•When talking from a moving vehicle is unavoidable, drive in the
slower lane. Keep conversations brief.
•If a conversation requires taking notes or complex thought, stop the
vehicle in a safe place and continue the call.
•Whenever using a mobile radio, exercise caution.

9
OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS
Two-way FM radio systems must be operated in accordance with the
rules and regulations of the local, regional, or national government.
In the United States, the PANTHER 300M radio must be operated in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC). As an operator of two-way radio
equipment, you must be thoroughly familiar with the rules that apply to
your particular type of radio operation. Following these rules helps
eliminate confusion, assures the most efficient use of the existing radio
channels, and results in a smoothly functioning radio network. When
using your two-way radio, remember these rules:
1. It is a violation of FCC rules to interrupt any distress or emergency
message. As your radio operates in much the same way as a
telephone "party line", always listen to make sure that the channel
is clear before transmitting. Emergency calls have priority over all
other messages. If someone is sending an emergency message -such
as reporting a fire or asking for help in an accident -KEEP OFF
THE AIR!
2. The use of profane or obscene language is prohibited by Federal law.
3. It is against the law to send false call letters or false distress or
emergency messages. The FCC requires that you keep conversations
brief and confine them to business. To save time, use coded
messages whenever possible.
4. Using your radio to send personal messages (except in an
emergency) is a violation of FCC rules. You may send only those
messages that are essential for the operation of your business.
5. It is against Federal law to repeat or otherwise make known anything
you overhear on your radio. Conversations between others sharing
your channel must be regarded as confidential.
6. The FCC requires that you identify yourself at certain specific times
by means of your call letters. Refer to the rules that apply to your
particular type of operation for the proper procedure.
7. No changes or adjustments shall be made to the equipment except by
an authorized or certified electronic technician.

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Under U.S. law, operation of an unlicensed radio transmitter within the
jurisdiction of the United States may be punishable by a fine of up to
$10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
IMPORTANT

11
OPERATING TIPS
The following conditions tend to reduce the effective range of two-way
radios and should be avoided whenever possible:
•Operating the radio in areas of low terrain, or while under power
lines or bridges.
•Obstructions such as mountains and buildings.
In areas where transmission or reception is poor, some improvement may
be obtained by insuring that the antenna is vertical. Moving a few yards
in another direction or moving to a higher elevation may also improve
communication.

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INTRODUCTION
This manual describes the operation for the Com-Net Ericsson Panther
300M Mobile radio. The Panther 300M radio is a high performance FM
mobile radio providing reliable two-way communication in a
Conventional radio system.
The Panther 300M radio can be programmed with up to 6 channels. The
Panther 300M radio includes a 7-segment, two character numeric display
for channel display.
The Panther 300M radio can be programmed to operate with any of the
following Conventional radio system platforms:
qChannel Guard (with or without STE)
qDigital Channel Guard
qType 99
The Panther 300M is a versatile radio designed to meet most
Conventional applications. The 300M radio will be available in
numerous splits in the VHF and UHF bands. The 300M radio can be
purchased with a maximum output power of 40 Watts with a turndown to
20 Watts. For both the 20 Watt and the 40 Watt units, the radio can be
programmed for low or high power on a per channel basis. A Canadian
option is available in the Maintenance software to limit the maximum
power to 30 Watts. The following table provides a complete list of the
300M radios model numbers.
Table 1–Panther 300M Radio Model Numbers
Radio Model # Description
KRD 103 154/1 136-155 MHz, 20-40 Watt
KRD 103 154/2 150-174 MHz, 20-40 Watt
KRD 103 154/3 450-488 MHz, 20-40 Watt
KRD 103 154/4 470-512 MHz, 20-40 Watt

13
CONTROLS, DISPLAYS AND INDICATORS
Figure 1–Panther 300M Radio Front View
CONTROLS
All the controls for the Panther 300M mobile radio are located on the
front of the control unit and described below:
ON/OFF Volume Knob
This knob powers the radio ON/OFF and controls the
volume level of the received audio at the speaker. Rotate
the knob counterclockwise to turn the volume down.
Rotate the knob clockwise to turn the volume up. Rotate
the knob counterclockwise until it clicks and then stops,
to turn the radio OFF. When the knob is in the OFF
position, rotate the knob clockwise until the knob clicks
to turn the radio ON.
Channel Selector Knob
This 6 position rotary knob is used to select the desired
channel from a preprogrammed list of channels. Rotate
the knob clockwise to increment to the next channel in
the list. Rotate the knob counterclockwise to decrement
to the next channel in the list.
On/Off Volume Knob
Channel Selector Knob
Microphone
Connector
Option 1
Button
Option 2
Button

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Option 1 Button
This button can be programmed to control one of the
radio's programmable option functions. The default
function is "Monitor/Clear".
Option 2 Button
This button can be programmed to control one of the
radio's option functions. The default function is
"Disabled".
OPTION BUTTON FUNCTIONS
The following functions can be assigned to one of the two option
buttons. The same function can not be assigned to both option buttons.
?
In order to prevent inadvertent operation, the Option Buttons
must be pressed for at least one second before they execute
their programmed function.
Disabled
No function is assigned to the option button. When pressed, the radio
will give the Denied alert tone. This is the default for Option Button 2.
Monitor/Clear
The Monitor/Clear function monitors the channel for activity. While
pressed, noise squelch is disabled, Channel Guard is disabled, Type 99 is
disabled, and the option button's LED is turned on.
If the channel is not busy, squelch noise will be heard. If the channel is
busy, the activity on the channel will be heard.
When the option button is released, the option button's LED will turn off,
Type 99 will be re-enabled, Channel Guard will be re-enabled, and noise
squelch will be re-enabled.
Pressing the Monitor/Clear option button can also be used to clear the
Type 99 Decoder state from Monitor Mode to Selective Signaling mode

15
after a successful Type 99 decode and to reset the Horn Alert function
after a Type 99 Individual Call.
This is the default function for the Panther 300M's Option 1 button.
Local/Distant Squelch
The Local/Distant Squelch function overrides the channel's programmed
local/distant squelch setting. This is a toggle function. If the radio is
currently using the tighter Local squelch, then pressing the Local/Distant
Squelch button will change the squelch setting to the looser Distant
setting. If the radio is currently using the Distant settings, then pressing
the option Local/Distant button will change the squelch settings to the
Local settings.
The option button's LED will be on when the radio is using its Local
squelch settings. The option button's LED is off when the radio is using
its Distant squelch settings.
There will be one keypress beep when going from Distant to Local and
two keypress beeps when going from Local to Distant.
Type 99 On/Off
The Type 99 On/Off function controls the state of the Type 99 Decoder.
When "On", the option button's LED is on and the radio is put into
Selective mode. The Type 99 function will mute receive audio until it
receives a valid Type 99 call.
When "Off", the radio is always in Monitor mode. The option button's
LED will be off.
The Type 99 On/Off function is a toggle function. There will be one
keypress beep when the function goes from "Off" to "On" and two
keypress beeps when the function goes from "On" to "Off".
The Type 99 On/Off function requires a Type 99 decode be programmed
on the displayed channel. If this is not the case, the Type 99 On/Off
function will just do a Denied Alert Tone.
When the channel is changed or when the radio is powered up, the Type
99 decoder will change to the programmed Selective Call or Monitor
Mode default state.

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Home Channel
The Home Channel function will set the radio channel from the
frequency switch selection to the preprogrammed Home Channel. When
"On", the preprogrammed Home Channel number will be in the display
and the option button's LED will be on. When the function is "Off", then
the frequency switch selection channel will be in the display and the
option button's LED will be off.
The Home Channel function is a toggle function. There will be one
keypress beep when the function goes from "Off" to "On" and two
keypress beeps when the function goes from "On" to "Off".
The radio will have all the programmed features of the home channel
number when the Home Channel function is selected.
Changing the channel selection knob or turning the radio off and then
back on will cancel the Home Channel Function.
Horn Alert On/Off
The Horn Alert On/Off function controls operation of the Horn Alert
function of the Type 99 decoder. When "On", the Horn Alert function is
enabled. The option button's LED is on. Reception of a Type 99
Individual Call will activate the horn alert relay.
When "Off", the Horn Alert function is disabled. The option button's
LED is off. Reception of a Type 99 Individual Call will not activate the
horn alert relay.
The Horn Alert On/Off function is a toggle function. There will be one
keypress beep when the function goes from "Off" to "On" and two
keypress beeps when the function goes from "On" to "Off".
The Horn Alert On/Off function requires a Type 99 Individual Call be
programmed on the displayed channel. If this is not the case, attempting
to enable the Horn Alert On/Off function will just produce the Denied
Alert tone.
If Type 99 is not enabled when the Horn Alert On/Off function is
enabled, then the radio will enable the Type 99 decoder. However,
disabling the Horn Alert On/Off function will not disable the Type 99
decoder function.

17
Changing the channel selection knob or turning the radio off and then
back on will cancel the Home Channel Function.
Public Address On/Off
The Public Address function controls Public Address operation. When
"On", the Public Address function is active. The option button's LED is
on. Pressing PTT will send microphone audio through the radio's
receive amplifier to the external speaker.
When "Off", the public address function is not active. The option
button's LED will be off. Pressing PTT will key the transmitter and send
microphone audio through the transmitter.
The Public Address On/Off function is a toggle function. There will be
one keypress beep when the function goes from "Off" to "On" and two
keypress beeps when the function goes from "On" to "Off".
Internal/External Speaker
The Internal/External Speaker function allows receive audio to go to an
internal or external speaker. When "External Speaker" is selected, the
speaker relay is activated, receive audio goes to the external speaker, and
the option button's LED is on. When "Internal Speaker" is selected, the
speaker relay is not activated, receive audio goes to the internal speaker,
and the option button's LED is off.
When going from internal to external speaker, there will be one Keypress
Alert Tone. When going from external to internal speaker, there will be
two Keypress Alert Tones.
HOOKSWITCH FUNCTIONS
The microphone hookswitch functions can be enabled or disabled in the
radio personality. The sense of the hookswitch is also a radio personality
entry.
When enabled, removing the microphone from its bracket will disable
the Channel Guard and Type 99 decoders to allow monitoring of the
channel. Note taking the microphone off-hook does not disable noise
squelch. As a result, unlike pressing the Monitor/Clear button, the radio
seems quiet when there is no activity.
Returning the microphone to the bracket will re-enable any programmed
Channel Guard or Type 99 decoder.

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Returning on-hook will also reset the Type 99 decoder from Monitor
Mode to Selective Call Mode after a valid Type 99 decode.
Lastly, if the Horn Alert function has been activated, returning the
microphone to the hookswitch will deactivate and reset the Horn Alert
function for the next in Type 99 individual call.