Ericsson M-PA User manual

Operator’s Manual
AEGIS EDACS®M-PA
SELECT MODEL
PORTABLE RADIO
E
LBI-38793B

Copyright © May 1992, EricssonGE Mobile Communications Inc.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
INDICATORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
POWER-UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
VOICE MODES . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Clear Mode . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Aegis Digital Mode . . . . . . . . 10
Aegis Private And Voice Guard
Private Modes (Optional) . . . . 11
TRUNKED MODE OPERATION . . . 13
Receiving A Message . . . . . . 14
Sending A Message . . . . . . . 15
Emergency Operation
(Trunked Mode) . . . . . . . . . 16
Dynamic Regrouping . . . . . . 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)
Wide Area SystemScanning . . 17
Receiving A Message . . . . . . 17
Sending A Message . . . . . . 18
Emergency Operation
(Conventional Mode) . . . . . . 19
OPERATINGTIPS . . . . . . . . . . . 19
OPERATING RULES AND
REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
BATTERY PACKS . . . . . . . . . . . 21
INSTALLING THEBATTERY PACK . 21
REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK . 21
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACKS . 22
RECHARGEABLE BATTERY PACK
DISPOSAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
SWIVEL MOUNT REMOVAL AND
REPLACEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . 23
INTRINSICALLYSAFE USAGE . . . . 23
GLOSSARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY
WARRANTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
This manual is published by Ericsson Inc. , without any war-
ranty. Improvements and changes to this manual necessitated by
typographicalerrors, inaccuraciesofcurrentinformation,or improve-
ments to programs and/or equipment, may be made by Ericsson
Inc. , at any time and without notice.Such changes will be incorpor-
tated into new editions 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 pur-
pose, without the express written permission of Ericsson Inc.
2

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION FOR CE
MARKED EQUIPMENT
The M-PA Portable conforms to the following
Product Specifications.
EUROPEAN STANDARDS:
Safety: Not applicable
EMC: prETS 300 279 (August 1995)
TTD: Not applicable
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
At this time, the M-PA portable radio may not
be operated while in a vehicular charger in the
EuropeanCommunitysinceithasnotbeenevalu-
ated for operation in this mode.
TheM-PAportableradiomay beusedinboth
trunked and conventional applications.
3

Figure 1 -Aegis EDACSM-PA SystemModel Radio
SIDE VIEW FRONT VIEW
4

INTRODUCTION
The Aegis

EDACS M-PA

Select model
portable radio is a high-performance two-way ra-
dio that provides clear voice, Aegis digital, and
Aegis private communications.The radio is also
compatible with Voice Guard®communication
systems. Personality programming allows maxi-
mum integration flexibility into EDACS and con-
ventional radio systems.
The radio must be equipped with the en-
crypt/decrypt option before operation in Aegis
private or Voice Guard modes is possible. This
option allows the radio to communicate using
highly secure state-of-the-art Aegis and Voice
Guard encryption and decryption techniques.
Operating controls on the radio include a
rotatable system/group/channel control knob, ro-
tatable volume control, 16-button keypad, push-
to-talk, emergency and monitor buttons. The
on/off power switch for the unit is located on the
removable battery pack.
The8-digitalphanumericliquidcrystaldisplay
(LCD) on the front of the radio displays the oper-
ating status of the radio. This backlit display also
has sixteen status flags that indicate various op-
erating conditions such as private communica-
tions enabled, transmitter on, scanning, or emer-
gency mode enabled.
The exact operation of your radio will vary
depending upon the mode of operation, the ra-
dio’s programming, and the particular radio sys-
tem. Consult your radio system’s representative
for particular features that are programmed into
your radio.
CONTROLS
ON/OFF SWITCH
The ON/OFF SWITCH is located on the bat-
terypack. Slidingthisswitchupwillsupplypower
totheradiofromthebatterypack. Anaudibleclick
will be heard and the "ON" indicator will be ex-
posed. Whentheradioisturnedon,itwillperform
a power-up self test and then resume operation
ontheprevious operatingsystem,grouporchan-
nel as displayed in the LCD. Sliding the switch
down will turn the radio off.
VOLUME CONTROL KNOB
TheVOLUMECONTROLKNOBisarotatable
control on the top of the radio used to adjust the
5

receiver’saudiolevelinthespeaker. Rotatingthis
knob in a clockwise direction will increase the
audio level. Counter-clockwise rotation will de-
crease the audio level. Minimum levels may be
programmedintotheradiotopreventmissedcalls
due to too low of a volume setting.
CONTROL KNOB
The rotatable 16-position CONTROL KNOB
located on the top of the radio may be pro-
grammed to select trunked groups and conven-
tionalchannelsoritmaybeprogrammedtoselect
systems. SeeSYSTEM/GROUP/CHANNEL SE-
LECTION for details.
A stop plate may be installed under the knob
to limit the maximum number of positions to less
than sixteen (16). It is normally factory installed
for fifteen (15) positions.
PTT BUTTON
PressingthePTTBUTTONontheside ofthe
radio will enable the radio’s transmitter. The "TX"
statusflaginthedisplaywillturnonwhentheradio
is transmitting. Releasing the PTT BUTTON will
return operation to receive mode.
Whenoperatinginatrunkedsystem,theradio
may be programmed to automatically transmit
(withouttheoperatorpressing thePTTBUTTON)
tomaintaincommunicationwiththesitecontroller.
The "TX" statusflag will turn on when theradio is
transmitting.
MONITOR BUTTON
Trunked Mode
When operating in trunked mode, pressing
the MONITOR BUTTON after an individual call
has been received will return the radio to the
groupcallmode. Theradiowillnotrespondonan
individual basis, but will then transmit groupcalls
whenthePTTBUTTONispressed. Theradiowill
also automatically return to the group call mode
after the programmed call-back time-out period
expires.
Pressing the MONITOR BUTTON will also
clear any digits entered from the numeric keypad
andreturntheradiototheselectedgroupdisplay.
In addition, this button is used to toggle be-
tween group and regroup settings if the Dynamic
Regrouping mode (with deselect capability) has
been enabled by the site controller.
6

Conventional Mode
When the radio is operating in conventional
mode the MONITOR BUTTON is used to un-
squelch the receiver. If programmed for the se-
lected channel, it will also toggle Channel Guard
(CG) and/or Type 99 (T99) signaling on and off.
Momentarily pressing the MONITOR BUT-
TON will unsquelch the receiver. If programmed,
pressing and holding the button for at least one
(1)secondwilltoggleCGand/orT99signalingon
oroff. AfteraT99callhasbeenreceived,pressing
theMONITORBUTTONwillresettheradioforthe
next call. Note: Selecting another channel will
turnCGandT99signalingbackonifprogrammed
for the channel.
EMERGENCY BUTTON
When operating in trunked mode, pressing
and holding the red EMERGENCY BUTTON on
top of the radio for approximately one (1)second
willinitiateanemergencycallwithvoiceoperation
on the programmed home group. If no home
group is programmed into the radio, voice opera-
tion will be on the selected group.
In conventional mode, initiating an emer-
gency call by pressing the EMERGENCY BUT-
TON will cause the radio to transmit GE-STAR
signaling on the programmed emergency chan-
nel. If no emergency channel is programmed,
GE-STAR will be transmitted on the selected
channel.
INDICATORS
The radio’s liquid crystal display (LCD) lo-
cated on the front panel has eight (8) alphanu-
meric characters and sixteen (16) status flags.
This display provides indications of the current
operating system, group or channel and it dis-
playsvariousothermessagessuchasspecialcall
ID names or numbers, and telephone intercon-
nect numbers.
LCDbacklightingwillturnonforashortperiod
anytime an active button is pressed or the CON-
TROL KNOB is rotated. Backlighting may be
programmed to remain off at all times.
Thesixteen(16)statusflagslocatedalongthe
top and bottom of the display indicate operating
modes and conditions as follows:
7

EMG EMerGency mode - On indicates an
emergency call has been initiated by
the user. Flashing indicates an emer-
gency call has been received.
NC NoControlchannel- Onindicatesthe
radio is not receiving the trunked con-
trol channel. Flashing indicates the
trunkedsystemisinafailsoftcondition
(supervisory radios only).
HI HIgh power transmit - On indicates
the selected system or channel has
been programmed for high power
transmit operation. Off indicates low
power transmit.
MSG MeSsaGe - Flashing indicates an in-
dividual call has been received
(trunked mode).
T99 Type 99 tone decode - On indicates
Type 99 tone decoding is enabled on
the selected conventional channel.
FlashingindicatesaT99 selective call
has been received and the radio must
be reset to receive another T99 call.
CNV CoNVentionalmode-Onindicatesthe
radio is operating in the conventional
mode.
SPC SPecial Call mode - On indicates the
special call mode has been enabled
(trunked mode).
PVT PriVaTe mode - On indicates private
mode is enabled and the radio will
transmit encrypted messages on the
selected group or channel. Flashing
indicatesanencryptedmessageisbe-
ing received.
TX Transmitter enabled - On when the
radio is transmitting.
BSY BuSY - When in trunked mode, on
indicates the radio is receiving a call;
flashing indicates a call has been
queued. In conventional mode,on in-
dicates a carrier is being received.
Figure 2 -Liquid Crystal Display
8

CG Channel Guard - On indicates Chan-
nel Guard encode/decode is enabled
ontheselectedconventionalchannel.
BAT BATterylow-Onindicatesthe battery
pack’s charge is low.
UNIVERSAL DEVICE CONNECTOR
The Universal Device Connector (UDC) is
locatedonthesideoftheradiojustabovethePTT
and MONITOR BUTTONS. This connector pro-
vides connections for the external accessories
such as a headset, a speaker-mike, or an emer-
gency lanyard. When the radio is locked in a
vehicularcharger/repeater,theUDCprovidesthe
audio and control connections between the radio
and the vehicular charger/repeater. The UDC is
also used by the maintenance personnel when
the radio is programmed.
ALERT TONES
The radio sounds five (5) basic alert tones or
"beeps" to indicate various operating conditions.
Alert tones may be programmed to remain off at
all times.
•500 Hz Tone –trunked failure tone -
sounds when a trunked
failure has occurred (call
denied, failed confirma-
tion).
–lowbattery-soundswhen
the battery pack’s charge
is low.
•800 Hz Tone –private mode disabled -
on a conventional chan-
nel,soundswhenthePTT
BUTTON is pressedif pri-
vate transmit mode has
previously been disabled.
•1000 Hz Tone –alert tone - sounds when
a button is pressed and a
status change occurs
–channel access tone -
sounds when a trunked
channel has been as-
signed and it is clear to
talk.
•1200 Hz Tone –private mode channel ac-
cess tone - sounds when
the radio is in the private
transmit mode, a trunked
channel has been as-
signed and it is clear to
talk.
9

•2500 Hz Tone –call queued tone-sounds
when a trunked call is
queued.
OPERATION
POWER-UP
Afterthebatterypackandantennahavebeen
installed, turn the radio on by sliding theON/OFF
SWITCH on the battery pack up. After the radio
has completed a power-up self-test, it will begin
operationonthelastoperating stateasdisplayed
intheLCD. Ifprogrammedon,thepower-upalert
tone (beep) will be heard.
If the radio was previously operating in a
trunkingsystemandcommunicationwiththissys-
tem’s control channel cannot be established, the
"NC"statusflagwillturnon. Thismayoccurif,for
example, the radio is out of range of the previous
trunking site. It may be necessary move to an-
other location, select another trunking system, or
a conventional channel.
VOICE MODES
Each system (trunked or conventional) in the
radio is programmed for either Aegis or Voice
Guard communications.Aegis programmed sys-
tems have three (3) different voice modes:clear,
digitalandprivate.VoiceGuardsystemshavetwo
(2) voice modes: clear and private. The voice
modes are programmed on a per-group basis
withineachtrunkedsystemandonaper-channel
basis within each conventional system. A radio
mustbeequippedwiththeencrypt/decryptoption
before it will operate in Aegis private or Voice
Guard modes.
Clear Mode
AegisclearandVoiceGuardclearmodesare
identicalvoicemodesinwhichtheradiotransmits
and receives only clear (analog) voice signals.
These analog signals are non-digitized and non-
encrypted.Clearmodetransmissionscanbeeas-
ily monitored by unauthorized persons. Groups
and channels programmed for clear operation
cannot transmit or receive Aegis digital or private
messages.
Aegis Digital Mode
Aegisdigitalmodeallowstheradiototransmit
and receive digitized voice signals. Aegis digital
signals provide improved weak signal perform-
ance and they cannot be easily monitored with a
10

standard receiver. Groups and channels pro-
grammedfor Aegis digitaloperationtransmitonly
digital signals and they can receive clear and
digitalsignals.Inotherwords,withacertaingroup
or channel selected, the operatorcannot change
from the digital transmit mode but the radio will
receiveclearordigitalsignals.Private(encrypted)
messages cannot be received when the radio is
in Aegis digital mode.
Aegis Private And Voice Guard Private
Modes (Optional)
The Aegis private and Voice Guard private
modes allow the radio to transmit and receive
encrypted messages. To operate in these voice
modes, the radio must be equipped with the op-
tionalencrypt/decryptfeatureandthetransmitting
and receiving units must have identical crypto-
graphic keys.
Aegis transmissions cannot be received bya
radio set to receive a Voice Guard transmission.
Accordingly, a Voice Guard transmission cannot
be received by a radio set to receive an Aegis
transmission.
Cryptographic keys are transferred into the
radio using a cryptographic Keyloader. Up to
seven(7)different cryptographickeys, numbered
1 - 7, can be transferred from a Keyloader and
stored in the radio. An individual key is automat-
ically selected on a per-group/channel basis ac-
cording to the radio’s programming. Groups and
GROUP/CHANNEL
PROGRAMMING
(TRANSMIT)
RECEIVE CAPABILITY
CLEAR DIGITAL PRIVATE
CLEAR Yes No No
DIGITAL Yes Yes No
PRIVATE Yes No Yes *
*assumesthepropercryptographickeyisloaded
TRANSMIT/RECEIVE MODE COMPATIBILITY
FOR AEGIS OPERATION
GROUP/CHANNEL
PROGRAMMING
(TRANSMIT)
RECEIVE CAPABILITY
CLEAR PRIVATE
CLEAR Yes No
PRIVATE Yes Yes *
*assumesthepropercryptographickeyisloaded
TRANSMIT/RECEIVE MODE COMPATIBILITY
FOR VOICE GUARD OPERATION
11

channels within Aegis systems can be pro-
grammed for keys 1 - 6. Groups and channels
within Voice Guard systems can be programmed
for keys 1 - 7.
DES radios require a DES Keyloader (option
V4025).Operating details on the DES Keyloader
arecontainedinLBI-31541.VGEradiosrequirea
VGEKeyloader(optionV4028).SeeLBI-31685for
operating details on the VGE Keyloader.
When operating on a group or channel pro-
grammed for private mode, all transmissions will
beprivatetransmissionsandtheradiowillreceive
clearandprivatesignals.The"PVT" statusflagin
the display turns on when the private mode is
enabled.
Transferring Keys IntoThe Radio
The following procedure outlines basic key
transferring steps.
1. Turn the radio off.
2. Plug the modular connector of the Key-
loader cable into the Keyloader’s modu-
lar jack.
3. ConnecttheKeyloadercabletotheUDC
on the radio.
4. Press thePWRbutton on theKeyloader
and wait for the Keyloader to display
"MASTER MODE".
5. Press the TRN button on the Keyloader.
If necessary, select a different crypto-
graphic key to be transferred into the
radio.
6. Turn the radio on. The display should
read "KEY LOAD".
Before private messages can be sent or
received, one or more cryptographic
keys must be transferred into the radio
from the Keyloader.
NOTE
12

7. Press the EXE button on the Keyloader
to transfer the key. The Keyloader will
display "GOOD 1.x TRANSFER" where
"x" is the selected cryptographic key
number.
8. Disconnect the cable from the radio’s
UDC. A single beep will be heard from
the radio’s speaker if the power-up alert
toneisenabled. Theradiowillchangeto
the selected group or channel as indi-
cated in the display.
Key Zero
ThecryptographickeysstoredinDESversion
radios can be zeroed or "dumped" by removing
the battery pack for several minutes (typically
three) or disassembling the radio. Either action
will clear all of the keys stored in a DES radio.
ThecryptographickeysstoredinVGEversion
radioscannotbezeroedoncetheyaretransferred
into the unit. A different key must be loaded into
the same location(s) to prevent unauthorized
communications.
Receiving An Encrypted Message
When receiving, the radio automatically
switchesbetweenclearorprivateoperation. Ifthe
transmission being received is an encrypted
transmission,itwillbedecrypted,the"PVT"status
flagwillflash,thereceiverwillunsquelch,andthe
message will be heard in the speaker. For this to
occur, the selected group or channel must be
programmedforprivateoperationandthecorrect
cryptographic key must be loaded into the radio.
Transmitting An Encrypted Message
Select the desired group or channel that has
been programmed for private operation. The
"PVT" status flag will turn on when a group or
channel programmed for private operation is se-
lected. Continue with standardtransmission pro-
cedures.
TRUNKED MODE OPERATION
Digital trunking provides fast communication
access. In this mode the operatorselectsacom-
munication system and group and the communi-
cation channel is allocated through digital
signaling with the site.The following operation is
13

applicable to clear, digital and private operation
unless otherwise noted.
Receiving A Message
1. Slide the ON/OFF SWITCH on the bat-
tery pack to the on position. The radio
will initiate and complete the power-up
self-test then the system’s name and
"NC" status flag will be displayed until a
control channel is located. When the
control channel is located, the "NC"
status flag disappears and the group
name is displayed.
2. Adjust the VOLUME CONTROL to an
approximate mid-range position.
3. Select the desired system and group
usingtheCONTROLKNOB. Thedisplay
indicates the selected group.
4. The radio is now ready to receive mes-
sages.
5. GROUP CALL - When a group call is
received, the radio unsquelches on the
assigned channel and the "BSY" status
flag turns on. The group name or the
originator’s ID (depending on program-
ming)isdisplayed. Adjustthevolumeas
necessary.
INDIVIDUAL CALL- If an individual call
(a call directed to only one radio) is re-
ceived, the radio will unsquelch on the
assigned channel and the "BSY" status
flagwillturnon. "*INDV*",originatorsID,
or the caller’s name (if programmed) is
displayed and the "MSG" status flag
flashes. Adjust the volume as neces-
sary.
Responding to an individual call prior to
the programmed call-back time-out will
automatically direct the transmission to
the originating unit on an individual ba-
sis.
Pressing the MONITOR BUTTON after
an individual call has been received will
return the radio to the group call mode.
The radio will not respond on an individ-
ual basis, but will then transmit group
callswhenthePTTBUTTONispressed.
The radio will also automatically return
to the group call mode after the pro-
14

grammed call-back time-out period ex-
pires.
ENCRYPTED MESSAGE - If the trans-
mission being received is an encrypted
transmission and the selected group is
programmed for private operation and
the correct cryptographic key is loaded
into the radio, then the receiver will un-
squelch, the "PVT" status flag will flash
andtheprivatemessagewillbeheardin
the speaker. The radio automatically
switchesbetweenclearorprivateopera-
tion when it is receiving on a group or
channel programmed for private opera-
tion.
Sending A Message
1. Turn the radio on, set the receive audio
level and select the desired system and
group. If the selected group is pro-
grammed for private transmit mode, the
"PVT" status flag in the display will turn
on.
2. Observe the display for the absence of
the"BSY"statusflagtoensurenooneis
transmitting on the selected group.
3. Press and hold the PTT BUTTON. The
radio will perform the necessary signal-
ing required to obtain a communication
channel.
4. When the channel has been acquired,
the "TX" and "BSY" statusflags are dis-
played and the channel access alert
tone (one beep) is heard.
5. Hold the radio approximately three
inches from your mouth and speak into
the microphone in a normal voice.
6. Release the PTT BUTTON when the
transmission is complete. If the trans-
mission exceeds the programmed Car-
rier Control Timer limit, the radio will
unkey and an alert tone will sound.
7. Listen for a reply.
15

Emergency Operation (Trunked Mode)
Receiving An Emergency Call
If the radio receives an Emergency Channel
Assignment in trunked mode, an alert tone
soundsandthe"EMG"statusflag startsflashing.
Follow standard emergency procedures.
Sending An Emergency Call
1. To enable an emergency transmission,
press and hold the EMERGENCY BUT-
TON (small redbuttonnearantenna)for
approximately one second. The radio
transmits an emergency message until
an Emergency Channel Assignment is
received. Upon receipt, the "EMG"
statusflagturnsonandtheradiobegins
operation on the selected group or the
home group, depending upon program-
ming.
2. Press the PTT BUTTON and speak into
the microphone in a normal voice.
3. Release the PTT BUTTON when the
transmissionis completeandlisten fora
reply.
Dynamic Regrouping
Dynamic Regrouping is a feature which al-
lowstheSystemManagertodynamicallyprogram
new groups into selected radios. Upon develop-
ment of the regrouping plan, the site controller
sends each radio the regroup plan number,knob
setting(s), and activate/deactivate commands.
When the radio is regrouped, it will alert the
userandthedisplaywillindicate"REGRPnn"(nn
= 01 - 08 depending upon the CONTROL KNOB
setting).
If a group programmed for private op-
eration has been selected and there is
no key in the radio for the selected
group, "NO KEY x" (where "x" is the
key number) will periodically flash in
the display. If a transmission is at-
tempted, "NO KEY x" will show in the
display and the radio will emit a series
of beeps and will not transmit.
NOTE
16

If the regroup plan has deselect capability
active on the selected system, press the MONI-
TOR BUTTON to toggle between the group and
regroup modes.
Wide Area System Scanning
EDACS M-PA radios may be programmed for
wide area system scan operation for multi-site
applications. Upon the loss of the currently se-
lected system’s control channel, radios may be
programmed to automatically scan the control
channels of up to six other systems. If a new
control channel is found, the radio will switch to
the new system and sound an alert tone. Group
selection may change upon switching to the new
system.
The radio may also be programmed for prior-
ity wide area system scan. A priority systemmay
beassignedtoeachsystemprogrammedintothe
radio. Radios programmed in this manner will
scantheprioritytrunkedsystem’scontrolchannel
once every one, two, three or four minutes (pro-
grammable). Thispriorityscantimerisreseteach
time the PTT BUTTON is pressed.
CONVENTIONAL MODE OPERATION
The procedures that follow describe conven-
tional mode operation. Follow these procedures
if operating in a conventional system. Each con-
ventional channel many have one or more fea-
tures, such as Channel Guard, programmed
when the channel is selected. The following op-
eration is applicable to clear, digital and private
operation unless otherwise noted.
Receiving A Message
1. Slide the ON/OFF SWITCH on the bat-
tery pack to the on position. The radio
will initiate and complete the power-up
self-test and beep if the power-up alert
tone is programmed on.
2. Using the CONTROL KNOB select a
conventional channel. The display will
indicate the selected channel’s name.
3. PresstheMONITORBUTTONtodisable
squelch and adjust the VOLUME CON-
TROL for the approximate desired
speaker audio level.
17

4. When a message is received (and the
correctChannelGuardorType99signal
is decoded, if programmed and en-
abled), the receiver will unsquelch and
the message will be heard in the
speaker.
If the transmission being received is an
encryptedtransmissionandtheselected
channel is programmed for private op-
eration and the correct cryptographic
key is loaded into the radio, then the
receiver will unsquelch, and the "PVT"
statusflagwillflashandtheVoiceGuard
message will be heard in the speaker.
The radio automatically switches be-
tween clear or private operation when it
is receiving.
5. Adjust the volume as necessary.
Sending A Message
1. Turn the radio on, set the receive audio
level and select the desired channel. If
the selected channel is programmed for
privatemodeoperation,the"PVT"status
flag in the display will turn on.
2. Ensure no one is transmitting on the
selectedchannelbypressingtheMONI-
TOR BUTTON to disable squelch orob-
servingthedisplayfortheabsenceofthe
"BSY" status flag. If the Channel Busy
Lockout feature is programmed for the
selectedchannel,theradiowillnottrans-
mit when the channel is busy.
3. Press and hold the PTT BUTTON. The
"TX" and "BSY" status flags are dis-
played.
4. Hold the radio approximately three
inches from your mouth and speak into
the microphone in a normal voice.
5. Release the PTT BUTTON when the
transmission is complete. If the trans-
mission exceeds the programmed Car-
Pressing the MONITOR BUTTON
mayaffectChannelGuardand/orType
99 tone signalling if programmed for
the selected channel.
NOTE
18

rier Control Timer limit, the radio will
unkey and an alert tone will sound.
6. Listen for a reply.
Emergency Operation (Conventional Mode)
To enable an emergency transmission, press
the EMERGENCY BUTTON for approximately
one (1) second. If an emergency channel is pro-
grammed, the radio will switch to the emergency
channel,turnonthe"EMG"statusflagand trans-
mit GE-STAR emergency signaling. If no emer-
gency channel is programmed, the radio will
transmit GE-STAR emergency signaling on the
selected channel.
OPERATING TIPS
Antenna location and condition is important
when operating a portable radio. Operating the
radio in low areas of terrain, under power lines or
bridges, inside of a vehicle or in a metal or steel
framed building can severely reduce the range of
theunit. Mountainsandbuildingscanalsoreduce
the range of the unit.
In areas where transmission or reception is
poor, some improvement may be obtained by
insuringthattheantennaisvertical. Movingafew
yards in another direction or moving to a higher
elevation may also improve communication. Ve-
hicular operation canbe aided with theuse of an
externally mounted antenna.
Battery condition is another important factor
in the trouble free operation of a portable radio.
Always properly charge the batteries.
If a channel programmed for private
operation has been selectedand there
is no key in the radio for the selected
channel, "NO KEY x" (where "x" is the
key number) will periodically flash in
the display. If a transmission is at-
tempted, "NO KEY x" will show in the
display and the radio will emit a series
of beeps and will not transmit.
IfachannelprogrammedforAegisdigi-
tal operation is selected, all transmis-
sions will be digital transmissions and
the radio will receive clear and digital
signals.
NOTE
19

Always observe all of the Federal Communi-
cation Commission’s rules and regulations.
OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS
Two-wayFMradiosystemsmustbeoperated
in accordance with the rules and regulations of
theFederalCommunicationsCommission(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 will help eliminate confu-
sion, assure the most efficient use of the existing
radiochannels, andresultina smoothlyfunction-
ing radio network.
When using your two-way radio, remember
these rules:
1. It is a violation of FCC rules to interrupt
anydistressoremergencymessage. As
your radio operates in much the same
way as a telephone "party line", always
listen to make sure that the channel is
clear and/or observe the display for the
absence of the "BSY" status flag before
transmitting. Emergency calls have pri-
ority over all other messages. If some-
one is sending an emergency message
- such as reporting a fire or asking for
help in an accident - KEEP OFF THE
AIR!
2. Theuseofprofaneorobscenelanguage
is prohibited by Federal law.
3. It is against the law to send false call
letters, or false distress or emergency
messages.
4. TheFCCrequiresthatyoukeepconver-
sations brief and confine them to busi-
ness. To save time, use coded
messages whenever possible.
5. Using your radio to send personal mes-
sages (except in an emergency) is a
violation of FCC rules. You may send
only those messages that are essential
for the operation of yourbusiness.
6. 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.
20