Kenwood TM-261A User manual

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144 MHz FM TRANSCEIVER
M-261A
144 MHz FM TRANSCEIVER
M-261EJ
430/440 MHz FM TRANSCEIVER
M-461A
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
KENWOOD CORPORATION

THANK YOU!
We are grateful you decided to purchase this KENWOOD
FM transceiver. This series of mobile transceivers were
developed to satisfy the requirement for a compact rig
that’s simple to operate yet has superior performance.
Users of this series will discover the transceiver’s Menu
Set-up method for feature configuration recently
incorporated in other KENWOOD products.
KENWOOD believes that the compact size coupled with
the reasonable cost will guarantee your satisfaction with
this product.
MODELS COVERED BY THIS MANUAL
The models listed below are covered by this manual.
TM-261A: 144 MHz FM transceiver
(U.S.A./ Canada/ General market)
TM-261EJ: 144 MHz FM transceiver
(General market)
440 MHz FM transceiver
(U.S.A./ Canada)
430 MHz FM transceiver
(China/ General market)
TM-461A:
FEATURES
Memory Indexing conveniently allows you to assign
nam:s to memory channels. Use calisigns, repeater
names, cities, persons’ names, etc.
In Memory Recall mode, memory channel numbers can
be displayed instead of frequencies if you choose.
Innovative Menu Set-up method combines sophisticated
features with simple operation; ergonomic design places
only the most frequently-used keys on the Front Panel
without losing desired features.
Dual Tone Squeich System (DTSS) allows selective
calling of specific stations.
Programmable with a RX Tone and TX Tone separately.
This enhances the optional Continuous Tone Coded
Squelch System (CTCSS).

NOTICES TO THE USER
One or more of the following statements may be
applicable:
FCC WARNING
This equipment generates or uses radio frequency energy. Changes or
modifications to this equipment may cause harmful interference unless
the modifications are expressly approved in the instruction manual. The
user could lose the authority to operate this equipment if an
unauthorized change or modification is made.
INFORMATION TO THE DIGITAL DEVICE USER REQUIRED BY
THE FCC
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These
limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in a residential installation.
This equipment generates, uses and can generate radio frequency
energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications, However,
there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular
installation. {f this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by tuming the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:
* Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
« Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
* Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer for technical assistance.
(PRECAUTIONS »
Please ¢ . serve the following precautions to prevent fire,
personal injury, and transceiver damage:
When operating mobile, do not atternpt to configure
your transceiver while driving because it is simply too
dangerous.
Be aware of local laws pertaining to the use of
headphones/headsets while driving on public roads.
If in doubt, do not wear headphones while mobiling.
Do not transmit with high output power for extended
periods. The transceiver may overheat.
Do not modify this transceiver unless instructed by
this manual or by KENWOOD documentation.
Do not expose the transceiver to long periods of
direct sunlight nor place the transceiver close to
heating appliances.
Do not place the transceiver in excessively dusty
areas, humid areas, nor on unstable surfaces.
If an abnormal odor or smoke is detected coming
from the transceiver, turn OFF the power
immediately. Contact a KENWOOD service station
or your dealer.
The transceiver is designed for a 13.8 V power
source. Never use a 24 V battery to power the
transceiver.

SEER CONN So ia
THANK YOU! oii ccecessscceeeeeeeeeees Inside Front Cover | CHAPTER = @)] M5) GETTING ACQUAINTED )
MODELS COVERED BY
THIS MANUAL nn cccccceseeccee ieSinePront Gover ape hogs ala te vot Me reek teltt en Ae ath EN Beas 7
FEATURES ooonccooccoccceeeececceceeceseece indide Front Gover oe ee be Spevceede Soh sedis besadecsaaesaeee hes nitaeaoa uate 9
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SUPPLIED
ACCESSORIES
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Basic
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Display
Labels
............ccesesseeeeeesees
13
CONVENTIONS
FOLLOWED
IN
THIS
MANUAL
......
1
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After
Pressing
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...........:cccccssessesssessesees
13
CHAPTER
(1)
Hata
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OPERATING
BASICS
PREPARATION
FOR
MOBILE
AND
FIXED
STATION
OPERATION
SWITCHING
POWER
ON/OFF
....ssscecsssssssseseesesssenee
14
MOBILE
INSTALLATION
PITT
COTTER
TTT
TTT
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2
ADJUSTING
VOLUME
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tee
14
Installation Example ........... ee eeeeessessseeseeseeeeeeeaes 2
Installation
Steps
.......eceeceeceeeeeseeeeeeneeseneeeneeseneaees
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ADJUSTING
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14
DC POWER CABLE CONNECTION Bde siuteddeenth tates 3 SELECTING FREQUENCIES Preece eC CCU RPSe eer ee ress 15
Mobile
Operation
......sc..ccssscessessessessesssssecseesesseeneeece
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Tuning
COMtrOl
......-ssssssesssessesseeenseeeseeeeensnseenennsee
15
Fixed
Station
Operation
.....c.ccccescsessecsesestesseeeseese
4
Microphone
[UPJ[DWN]
BUItons
«........sseesssee
15
Replacing
Fuses
.......
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ecccecsesseeessesseeseereeeereee
5
TRANSMITTING
ue
cece
cccteseeeesseeeesnenreeessseeeneeee
16
ANTENNA
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nee
5
Selecting
Output
POWGS
a
cdiccceccpctvcetsuecsdesaasecvacdeves’
16
ACCESSORY CONNECTIONS .....cccccsccccsseessssssssseeess 6 CHAPTER @) Mua ld
External Speaker ...........cceecseesesseesenseneesseseesenss 6 MENU DESCRIPTION ......... eee seeeseseeeseeeeeenesentees 17
MiCrOphone’ ......... ee ceeeeeeeeeeeetsstcceesresssesessaeeeeeeenens 6

MENU ACCESS
MENU A CONFIGURATION ..... ote eeceseeeseteeeneeeeeneeees 18
MENU B CONFIGURATION ......0.00...e ceeseeeeeeeseeteees 19
dia: OPERATING THROUGH REPEATERS }
REPEATER ACCESS. 0... ce eeeereeseeeeeeeereereeerenenees
Selecting Offset Frequency
Selecting Offset Direction .........ccceeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Automatic Repeater Offset
(Some TM-261A Versions Only) ........eceeeeeee 22
Activating Tone Function .............
Selecting a Tone Frequency
REVERSE FUNCTION ..... 0c eeeceeeeesseenereeeneeeeeerees 23
aL time@y - MEMORY CHANNELS
STORING DATA IN MEMORY ..........:ceceeesreeereneees 24
Simplex Memory Channels ............... 0. 25
Split Memory Channels 00... ieee eeesseceereeneeeeees 25
RECALLING MEMORY CHANNELS .........0.00::ccoee 26
ERASING MEMORY CHANNELS ......0... eee 26
GALL- CHANNEL .is.cccciscesiesteacictgevesdicsatessatabazenariness 27
Recalling the Call Channel ........... 0. eee 27
Changing Call Channel! Contents (Simplex) ........ 27
Changing Call Channel Contents (Split) .............. 28
MEMORY = VFO TRANSFERS ...........cseseeeseeeeeees 28
INITIALIZING MEMORY
Partial Reset (VFO)... eee
Full Reset (M@MOPY) «0... eeeeeeeseeeeeererencnaeeeraees
CHANNEL DISPLAY FUNCTION ...... cs eeeeeeeeeeees 29
NAMING MEMORY CHANNELS ........ 0 eens 30
Storing a Name in Memory ...... cece eereeeeee 30
CHAPTER @ MBWHAU)
SCAN RESUME METHODS ........00.ceeeeceeeeeeteeeereeee 31
Time-Operated Scan
Carrier-Operated SCAN 0.0... ccsecceesteeseneeeteeteeees 31
VEO‘SGAN 2 iter aitta terre dite dan avieantdibanes 32
MEMORY SCAN ..........:::cceseeeeectetecececseeeeteereeeenneetates 32
Locking Out Memory Channels .....0..... ee 33
PROGRAM SCAN ..... 0c. ececcecesececeeeseeeee resins seeneenees
Setting Scan Limits
Confirming Scan Limits
Using Program Scan o.oo... cece eeeeeeereeeees
CAEL/VEQO. SCAN vecictsiicahsatiqniminaieaginesias anes 35
CALL/MEMORY SCAN .........eeieesrerererereceneetneeeetees 35
CHAPTER (8)
-CONTINUOUS TONE CODED SQUELCH SYSTEM (CTESS)
USING ‘CT GSS veces tees icecre reerevedeqnssseaginsstans 36
Automatic Tone Frequency ID ....0....0.. eee eeeeee 36
}@/@/@/ 6] 0/6] ©] 0/0] 0) 0/2] 0) 0/0)

TG: RO® DUAL TONE SQUELCH SYSTEM OTss)__. TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT) .0.......eeeeeeeee rece eeeeneenennenees 46
STORING DTSS CODES ..o...ecssscsssssssstesesseseseesseseeess BUSY CHANNEL LOCKOUT ........--ss essere 46
Using the Tuning Control or AUTOMATIC POWER OFF (APO) .........::cccecceeeeeees 46
Microphone
[UPY[DWN]
.-sss.-sssreeeseeeseeresee
ereereee
37
TRANSCEIVER
LOOK
siiisieacicssssissssscssteectantsotsisie
46
Using the Microphone DTMF Keypad ...............-- 37
Setting a Group Code o...cscecccessescecsescsesesssseeseseaees 38 CONFIGURING PROGRAM FUNCTION KEYS ...... 47
Programming Microphone [PF] ............::2sseeeeees 48
WSINGIDTSS fisciieiccseeeeieeticcea cots co ecdse aeaeneebneets 39
DTSS and Repeaters .........ceceeceecteceeeeeneeaceseeee 39 SWITCHING AM/FM MODE
CHAPTER (SOME TM-261A VERSIONS ONLY) ...0.... eee 48
DUAL
TONE
MULTI-FREQUENCY
(DTMF)
FUNCTIONS
]
CULRISRERE)
PACKET
OPERATION
)
MAKING DTMF CALLS ucccccccccccccececcccesececceresesvecesesees 40 1200 bps OPERATION. ..........ccceeeceeceesseeeeseneseneeaes 49
STORING DTMF NUMBERS FOR THE TAI RERED MAINTENANCE
AUTOMATIC DIALER oo... cceccesecenneeeeeeeeeeeneeeeeeeneaee 40 GENERAL INFORMATION .....ccccccccececcccecccseseessaseeees 50
CONFIRMING STORED DTMF NUMBERS ............ 4 SERVICE cssccds seccviee icivec ede ds Saved dadtua lceediivendontedestecees 50
TRANSMITTING STORED DTMF NUMBERS ........ 41 SERVICE NOTE i Gains Gr ieceaatnciwe 50
AUTOPATCH (U.S.A. AND CANADA VERSIONS) . 42 GLEEANING 0.02235. ¥ocescrevees Yeees aevecknes daseacdues st neeenscetewetes 50
UML) AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS TROUBLESHOOTING ....cccssssssssecsssssseeseesssseesscsssntens 51
FULL.RESET 1: 2..ccctecsiccissiesceseceatecncdectedneees dievereeeeers 43 | CHAPTER 19) ] (Ee OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES }
KEYPAD DIRECT ENTRY ............ccccccesseeeeeeeeeceeeeeeees 43 WT ITMCD INSTALLING OPTIONS
Frequency: EMtry sccccisesctisdecscsnicdoneesdecersvtecseeeeded 43
Memory Channel Number Entry ..........:ceeeeeees 44 INSTALLING THE TSU-8 CTCSS UNIT ...-----n see ne
CHANGING
FREQUENCY
STEP
SIZE........:-:e:
45
_
(SPECIFICATIONS
)
Changes
in
Displayed
Frequencies
..........:.::-+
45
(INDEX
2)

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Microphone
U.S.A./Canada/
General (some): MC-53DM |
China/
General (some): MC-45!
T91-0568-XX
T91-0516-XX
DC power cable
E30-2111-XX
Transceiver fuse
TM-261A: 15A
TM-261EJ: 4A
TM-461A: 10 A
F51-0017-XX
F51-0013-XX
F51-0016-XX
Mounting bracket
J29-0628-XX
Mounting bracket screws
N99-0331-XX
Wrench
W01-0433-XX
Warranty card wo
(U.S.A./Canada only)
— a
Instruction manual
B62-0605-KX
1 The MC-53DM and MC-45 microphones are sold as
optional accessories also {page 53}.
CONVENTIONS FOLLOWED IN THIS MANUAL
The writirig conventions described below have been
followed to simplify instructions and avoid unnecessary
repetition.
ATTENTION: Most procedures require that you press an appropriate
key
in
each
step
within
approximately
10
seconds,
or
the
previous
mode
will be restored.
_. ., Instruction
Press [KEY].
Press and release KEY.
Press
[KEY 1]+[KE Y2].
Press and hold KEY1 down,
then press KEY2.
Press
[KEY1], [KEY2].
Press KEY1 momentarily,
release KEY1, then press
KEY2.
Press
[KEY]+ POWER ON.
With transceiver power OFF,
press and hold KEY, then turn
ON the transceiver power by
pressing [POWER].
Press and hold the Function
key for 1 second or longer.
Press
[KEY] (1 s).
—+
Press and hold KEY until the
function begins.
Press
[F], [KEY] (1 s).
Press [F] momentarily, release
[F],
then
press
and
hold
KEY
for 1 second or longer.

PREPARATION FOR MOBILE AND FIXED STATION OPERA
MOBILE INSTALLATION
Install the transceiver in a safe, convenient position inside
your vehicle that minimizes danger to your passengers and
yourself while the vehicle is in motion. For example,
consider installing the transceiver under the dash in front of
the passenger seat so that knees or legs will not strike the
tadio during sudden braking of your vehicle. Try to pick a
well-ventilated location that is shielded from direct sunlight.
@ Installation Example
Use the supplied mounting bracket to install the
transceiver inside your vehicle. To enjoy the best
viewing angle, you can position the transceiver in the
bracket in a number of ways as shown below.
@ Installation Steps
1. Install the mounting bracket in the vehicle using the
supplied flat washers and self-tapping screws.
There are 4 washers and 4 screws supplied.
¢ The bracket can be mounted with the bracket opening
for the transceiver facing down for underdash
mounting, or with the apening facing up.
e {f mounted underdash, the bracket must be installed
so that the 3 screw holes on the edge of each bracket
side are facing forward. This allows you to mount the
transceiver horizontally or to angle it forward.
¢ If mounted with the bracket opening facing upward,
position the bracket with the 3 holes facing the rear to
angle the transceiver upward. Position the bracket
with the 3 holes facing forward if you plan to angle the
transceiver downward. The transceiver can be
mounted horizontally, angled neither up nor down, with
the bracket positioned either way.
Flat washer ee
Self-tapping ——&
screw
2 Position the transceiver, then insert and tighten the
supplied hexagon SEMS screws and washers.
There are 2 screws and 2 washers supplied for each
side of the bracket.
¢ Double check that all hardware is tightened to prevent
vehicle vibration from loosening the bracket or
transceiver.

DC POWER CABLE CONNECTION
m@ Mobile Operation
The vehicle battery must have a nominal rating of 12 V.
Never connect the transceiver to a 24 V battery. Be
sure to use a 12 V vehicle battery that has sufficient
current capacity. If the current to the transceiver is
insufficient, the Display may darken during
transmission, or transmit output power may drop
excessively.
1 Route the DC power cable supplied with the
transceiver directly to the vehicle’s battery terminals
using the shortest path from the transceiver.
¢ = If using a noise filter, it should be installed with an
insulator to prevent it from touching metal on the
vehicle.
¢ It is not recommended to use the cigarette lighter
socket since some cigarette lighter sockets introduce
an unacceptable voltage drop.
* If the power cable must be routed through a hole in the
vehicle chassis or body, for example in the firewall at
the front of the passenger compartment, use a rubber
grommet to protect the cable from abrasion.
Dismantle the fuse holder to pass the cable through
the firewall.
* The entire length of the cable must be dressed so it is
isolated from heat and moisture.
After the cable is in place, wind heat-resistant tape
arc:.nd the fuse holder to protect it from moisture.
Tie down the full run of cable. |
To prevent the risk of short circuits, disconnect other
wiring from the negative (—) battery terminal before
connecting the transceiver.
Confirm the correct polarity of the connections, and
attach the power cable to the battery terminals; red
connects to the positive (+) terminal, black connects
to the negative (—) terminal.
e Use the full length of the cable without cutting off
excess even if the cable is longer than required. In
particular, never remove the fuse holders from the
cable. —, ©
Reconnect any wiring removed from the negative
terminal.
Connect the DC power cable to the transceiver’s
power supply connector.
« Press the connectors firmly together until the locking
tab clicks.
—

m Fixed Station Operation
Fuse holders
In order to use this transceiver for fixed station
operation, you will need a separate 13.8 V DC power Red (+)
supply that must be purchased separately. Black (-) <=
Regulated DC
power supply
@
url
TRS
aoe
JES=—=—Sl==at
ts
To
AC
outlet
The following table lists the current capacity
recommended for power supplies used with each type
of transceiver.
__-
Power
Supply
Capacity
—
2
Connect
the
transceiver’s
DC
power
connector
to
TM-261A
11
Aormore
the
connector
on
the
DC
power
cable.
“
e
Press
the
connectors
firmly
together
until
the
locking
TM-261EJ
4
A
or
more
tab
clicks.
TM-4614 | 10 A or more
1 Connect the DC power cable to the regulated DC
power supply and check that polarities are correct
(Red:
positive,
Black:
negative).
fan
i
;
fi}
F
tye
*
DO
NOT
directly
connect
the
transceiver
to
an
AC
i
B
iA
outlet!
a
*)
™
Fuse
holder
e
Use
the
supplied
DC
power
cable
to connect
the
transceiver
to
a
regulated
power
supply.
Note:
*
Do
not
substitute
a
cable
with
smaller
gauge
wires.
@
For
your
transceiver
to
fully
exhibit
its performance
capabilities,
the following optional power supply is recommended:
PS-33 (20.5 A, 25% duty cycle).
Before connecting the DC power supply to the transceiver, be
sure to switch the transceiver and the DC power supply OFF.
@ Do not piug the OC power supply into an AC outlet until you
make all connections.

@ Replacing Fuses , ANTENNA CONNECTION
{f the fuse blows, determine the cause then correct the Before operating, you must first install an efficient,
problem. After the problem is resolved, then replace the weil-tuned antenna. The success of your installation will |
fuse. If newly installed fuses continue to blow, depend largely on the type of antenna and its correct
disconnect the power cable and contact your dealer or installation. The transceiver can give excellent results if the
nearest Service Center for assistance. antenna system and its installation is given careful
attention.
Your choice of antenna should have a 50 Q impedance to
TM-261A match the transceiver input impedance. Use low-loss
TM-261EJ coaxial feed line that also has a characteristic impedance of
50 Q. Coupling the antenna to the transceiver via feed
TM-461A
lines
having
an
impedance
other
than
50
©
reduces
the
efficiency of the antenna system, and can cause
interference to nearby broadcast television receivers, radio
receivers, and other electronic equipment.
Supplied Accessory
DC Power Cabie
CAUTION: Only use fuses of the specified type and rating.
CAUTION:
Note: if you use the transceiver for a long period when the vehicle ¢@ = Transmitting without first connecting an antenna or other matched
battery is not fully charged, or when the engine is OFF, the battery load may damage the transceiver. Always connect the antenna to
may become discharged, and will not have sufficient reserves to start the transceiver before transmitting.
the vehicle. Avoid using the transceiver under these conditions. ¢ All fixed stations should be equipped with a lightning arrester to
reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, and transceiver darnage.
{_ [= Ea
Antenna Feed line
connector connector

ACCESSORY CONNECTIONS
m External Speaker
If you plan to use an external speaker, choose a
speaker with an impedance of 8 Q. The external
speaker jack accepts a 3.5 mm diameter mono
(2-conductor) plug. Recommended speakers include
the SP-50B and SP-41.
m@ Microphone
To communicate in the voice modes, plug a 600 2
microphone equipped with an 8-pin modular connector
into the modular socket on the Front Panel of the
transceiver. Press firmly on the plug until the locking tab
clicks. ae

GETTING ACQUAINTED
The following sections describe basic functions of the Front
Panel controls and buttons, Rear Panel jacks and
connectors, microphone buttons and Display indicators.
For full explanations of functions mentioned, refer to the
appropriate sections elsewhere in the manual.
FRONT PANEL
The labels for some of the Front Panel buttons appear on
the Display instead of on the panel or buttons. The
displayed button labels change depending on which mode
the transceiver is in. This “GETTING ACQUAINTED”
section refers to the buttons that do not have labels on the
Front Panel by the labels that appear on the Display
immediately after switching ON the transceiver.
TOU
@ VFO button
Selects the VFO mode {page 15}. The Tuning control
changes the transceiver frequency in this mode. Also
provides:
* Menu Aor Menu B selection of choices {page 17}.
¢ VFO Scan start/stop to scan the entire VFO range {page 32}.
e Program Scan start/stop to scan a programmed range of
frequencies {page 34}.
@ MR button
Selects the Memory Recall mode {page 26}. The Tuning
control changes the memory channel in this mode. Also
provides:
* Memory Scan start/stop {page 32}.
@ Tuning control
Selects transmit/receive frequencies while in VFO mode
and memory channels while in Memory Recall mode
{pages 15, 26}. Also provides:
* Menu A or Menu B selection of function or choices {page 17}.
* Program Scan limits select to choose the boundaries for this
type of scan {page 34}.
¢ Scan direction select to choose if Scan progresses upward or
downward in frequency {pages 32, 35}.
e DTSS code select {page 37}.

@ VOL control
Adjusts the level of receive audio from the speaker
{page 14}.
® MN button
Selects the Memory Name mode {page 30}.
@® POWER switch
Switches the transceiver ON or OFF {page 14}.
@ SQL (Squelch) control
Adjusts the squelch threshold level {page 14}. This allows
you to mute speaker output while no stations are being
received.
Microphone connector
Insert the 8-pin modular connector plug until the locking tab
“clicks”.
8
UP
DBC 8 V, 200 mA max.
GND
STBY (PTT)
GND (MIC)
MIC
RD : Open squelch audio
DWN
(100 mV/10 kQ)
@ MHz button
Selects the MHz mode. This mode allows you to use the
Tuning contro! or the microphone [UP][DWN] buttons to
change the transceiver frequency in 1 MHz steps.
Also provides:
* AM/FM mode select (some TM-261A versions only)
{page 48}.
@ F (Function) button
Allows you to select the different functions that are
available on multifunction buttons.
@ TONE button
Switches the Tone function ON or OFF {page 22}. When
the optional TSU-8 is installed, also switches the CTCSS
function ON or OFF. Also provides:
¢ Automatic Tone frequency ID activate/deactivate {page 36}.
@ REV (Reverse) button
Switches the transmit frequency and receive frequency
when operating with a transmit offset or a split memory
channel {page 23}.

REAR PANEL
@ Antenna cable
Connect an external antenna {page 5}. When making test
transmissions, connect a dummy load in place of the
antenna. The antenna system or load should have an
impedance of 50 Q. The connector accepts a male
PL-259 connector.
@ Power Input 13.8 V DC cable
Connect a 13.8 V DC power source. Use the supplied DC
power cable {pages 3, 4}.
@ Speaker jack
If you wish, connect an optional external speaker for clearer
audio. Accepts a 3.5 mm diameter, 2-conductor plug.

MICROPHONE ® CALL key
Recalls
the
Call
channel.
Pressing
for
more
than
1
second
initiates
the
Call/VFO
Scan
{page
35}
or
the
Call/Memory
Scan
{page
35}.
MC-53DM Moe
@ VFO key
@ MR key
Identical
to
the
Front
Panel
functions
of
the
same
names.
Both
keys
can
be
re-programmed,
if
desired
{page
47}.
PF key
Depending on which function you select by accessing “PF”
@
UP
button
in
Menu
B
{page
48},
the
function
of
this
key
differs.
Refer
@ DWN button to “CONFIGURING PROGRAM FUNCTION KEYS”
{page 47}.
Raises
or
lowers
the
VFO
frequency,
the
memory
channel
number,
the
Tone/CTCSS
frequency,
or
the
DTSS
code.
Holding
either
button
down
causes
the
action
to
be
@®
DTMF
keypad
(MC-53DM
only)
repeated.
Also,
switches
between
values
when
selecting
The
16-key
keypad
is
used
with
the
DTMF
functions,
or
to
values
for
functions
with
multiple
choices.
directly
enter
a
freqeuncy
or
a
memory
channel
number.
@®
PTT
(Push-to-talk)
switch
Press to transmit; release to receive. Also used to exit
various functions such as Scan, DTSS code select, or
Tone/CTCSS frequency select.
@ LOCK switch
Locks all microphone functions except [PTT] and the
DTMF keypad, if equipped.
1.0)
wena
mM
USE
oe
nae

DISPLAY
eee
i |
= BUSY Seer ee by ll gr td
® wo
Indicates the Transceiver Lock function is ON {page 46}.
@-+4
Indicates the transmit frequency is offset (different) from the
receive frequency {page 22}. The symbol displayed (either
“+" or“~”) indicates the direction that the transmit
frequency is offset from the receive frequency. “— +"
appears when a split-frequency memory channel is
selected {page 25}.
@R
Indicates the Reverse function is ON {page 23}. Transmit
and receive frequencies are reversed. If any frequency is
selected for “TONE.RX” in Menu B, RX Tone frequency and
TX Tone frequency also are reversed. Refer to “Selecting a
Tone Frequency” {page 23}.
@ cT
“T” indicates the subaudible Tone encoder function is ON
{page 22}. “CT” indicates the CTCSS function is ON
{page 36} provided the optional TSU-8 CTCSS unit is
installed {page 54}.
® DT
Indicates the Dual Tone Squelch System (DTSS) is ON
{page 37}.
® co
Indicates Carrier-Operated Scan Resume is ON {page 31}.
When not visible, Time-Operated Scan Resume is in effect.
@) MENU
Visible while accessing Menu A or Menu B {page 17}.
55
BH
0B
BB
Displays the transmit/receive frequency, frequency step
{page 45}, Offset frequency {page 21} and other data. Also
displays the menu selections when using Menu Set-Up.
The 1 MHz decimal point blinks while the transceiver is
scanning {pages 32, 35}.
OF T=)
Displays the currently selected memory channel number
{page 26}. The first digit displays “A” or “B” depending on
which Menu ts being accessed.
11

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@ x
This icon indicates the selected memory channel is
locked-out and will not be scanned by Memory Scan
{page 33}.
O @
Indicates AM receive mode is ON {page 48}. AM mode is
available only on some TM-261A versions only.
(2 ToT
Indicates the Time-out Timer function is ON {page 46}.
Blinks while accessing Menu B, “TOT”.
@® apo
Indicates the Automatic Power Off function is ON
{page 46}.
12
@ Lm
Indicates whether Low (L) or Medium (M) transmit output
power is selected {page 16}. When neither “L” nor “M” is
visible, High output power is selected.
cee |
Appears when the [F] button is pressed. Indicates
alternate functions of multiple-function buttons can be
accessed now.
RG Busy |
Indicates the squelch is open and the frequency is “busy”.
Also appears when the squelch is set to minimum by
turning the SQL control fully counterclockwise. If using
either CTCSS or DTSS, indicates the squelch is open due
to a received signal that contains the same CTCSS tone or
DTSS code that is programmed in your transceiver.
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—1~~3 —§ —T——9—— OVER
In Receive, acts as an S-meter to indicate the signal
strength of received signals. In Transmit, acts as an RF
power meter to indicate the relative transmit output power
{page 16}. Full scale represents High transmit power.
® Ga
Indicates the transceiver is in Transmit mode with a
transmit frequency selected that is within a transmit band.

BUTTON FUNCTION DISPLAY
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Some of the Front Panel buttons have more than one
function. This allows us to provide many functions on your
transceiver but keep the transceiver case smail. To simplify
operation, the lower portion of the Display has labels that
indicate the current function of each of the 4 buttons on the
lower edge of the Front Panel. The label appears
immediately above its corresponding button.
When using any of the alternate functions of the multiple
function buttons, you have 10 seconds to select an
alternate function after pressing the [F] button. Pressing
[F] again or waiting for 10 seconds restores the Basic state
with button definitions of [MHz], [F], [TONE], and [REV].
m Basic State Display Labels
LOCK

SWITCHING POWER ON/OFF
1 Switch ON the DC power supply.
If operating mobile, skip this step.
2 Press the POWER switch to switch ON the transceiver.
3 To switch OFF the transceiver, press the POWER
switch again.
In a fixed installation, after the transceiver has been
switched ON, it can then be switched OFF or ON by using
only the power switch on the DC power supply.
ADJUSTING VOLUME
Turn the VOL control clockwise to increase the audio level
and counterclockwise to decrease the level.
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ADJUSTING SQUELCH
The purpose of squeich is to silence audio output from the
speaker when no signals are present. When squelch is set
correctly, you will hear sound only while a station is actually
being received. The point at which ambient noise on a
frequency just disappears, called the squelch threshold,
depends on the frequency.
Turn the SQL control clockwise to just eliminate the
background noise when no signal is present.