Kenwood ProTalk NX-P500 User manual

B5A-2558-00/00 (K)
UHF DIGITAL TRANSCEIVER
USER MANUAL
NX-P500

2
CONTENTS
PREPARATION...................................................................................................................... 5
INSTALLING/ REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK...........................................................................5
INSTALLING THE BATTERY PACK ................................................................................................5
REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK .................................................................................................5
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK .................................................................................................6
INSTALLING / REMOVING THE BELT CLIP HOLSTER ................................................................8
INSTALLING THE OPTIONAL SPEAKER/ MICROPHONE (OR HEADSET).................................9
ORIENTATION ..................................................................................................................... 10
BUTTONS AND CONTROLS .......................................................................................................10
DISPLAY .......................................................................................................................................11
BASIC OPERATION ............................................................................................................ 13
SWITCHING POWER ON ............................................................................................................13
ADJUST THE VOLUME ................................................................................................................13
SELECT A CHANNEL ..................................................................................................................13
MAKE A CALL ..............................................................................................................................14
RECEIVE VOICE ..........................................................................................................................14
CONTINUE CALLING...................................................................................................................14
SWITCHING POWER OFF...........................................................................................................14
CHANNEL SETUP MODE................................................................................................... 15
CHANNEL TYPE ..........................................................................................................................16
TRANSMIT MODE........................................................................................................................16
TRANSMIT POWER .....................................................................................................................17
PRIVACY TALK .............................................................................................................................17
PTT ID (Analog FleetSync)/ SELCALL ON PTT (Digital NXDN) ..................................................19
COMPANDER...............................................................................................................................19
MONITOR .....................................................................................................................................20
SQUELCH OFF ............................................................................................................................21
SIGNALING ......................................................................................................................... 22
QUIET TALK/ DIGITAL QUIET TALK (Analog)..............................................................................22
RAN (RADIO ACCESS NUMBER) ...............................................................................................24
FleetSync: ALPHANUMERIC 2-WAY PAGING FUNCTION............................................... 25
SELCALL MODE (SELECTIVE CALLING)...................................................................................25
NXDN................................................................................................................................... 29
SELCALL MODE (SELECTIVE CALLING)...................................................................................29
VOICE OPERATED TRANSMISSION (VOX)....................................................................... 33
VOX OPERATION.........................................................................................................................33

3
SCAN................................................................................................................................... 34
SCAN BUTTON SETUP ...............................................................................................................34
SCAN OPERATION ......................................................................................................................34
REVERT CHANNEL .....................................................................................................................35
LOCK FUNCTION ............................................................................................................... 36
BUTTON LOCK ...........................................................................................................................36
SUPER LOCK...............................................................................................................................36
SETTING MODE.................................................................................................................. 37
CHANNEL FREQUENCY SETUP ................................................................................................39
PROFILE NUMBER ......................................................................................................................40
INDIVIDUAL CALL ALERT TONE.................................................................................................40
GROUP CALL ALERT TONE........................................................................................................41
INDIVIDUAL CALL ALERT LED COLOR......................................................................................41
GROUP CALL ALERT LED COLOR ............................................................................................42
INCOMING CALL NOTIFICATION................................................................................................43
BUTTON ASSIGNMENT ..............................................................................................................44
CALLING ALERT TONE ...............................................................................................................46
HOME CHANNEL.........................................................................................................................46
SECOND CHANNEL ....................................................................................................................47
SECOND CHANNEL OPERATION:..............................................................................................48
TRANSMIT TONE LEVEL ............................................................................................................49
PTT ID SIDETONE .......................................................................................................................49
CALLER ID DISPLAY ...................................................................................................................50
PTT HOLD ....................................................................................................................................50
MODE RESET TIMER ..................................................................................................................51
TIME-OUT TIMER ........................................................................................................................51
BUSY CHANNEL LOCKOUT........................................................................................................52
INCORRECT SIGNALING NOTIFICATION .................................................................................52
DISPLAY BACKLIGHT..................................................................................................................53
BATTERY SAVER .........................................................................................................................54
BEEP TONE..................................................................................................................................55
SQUELCH LEVEL ........................................................................................................................55
MICROPHONE SENSE ................................................................................................................56
EXTERNAL MICROPHONE SENSE............................................................................................56
MICROPHONE TYPE...................................................................................................................57
AUDIO EQUALIZER (RX AUDIO RESPONSE)............................................................................58
AUDIO EQUALIZER (TX AUDIO RESPONSE) ............................................................................58
ENCRYPTION KEY DATA.............................................................................................................59

4
VOX SETUP..................................................................................................................................59
VOX GAIN LEVEL.........................................................................................................................59
VOX DELAY TIME.........................................................................................................................60
TRANSMIT INHIBIT WHILE RECEIVING.....................................................................................60
VOX PROCEED TONE .................................................................................................................61
EARPHONE MODE......................................................................................................................62
SELECTABLE POWER ON LED ..................................................................................................63
SELECTABLE POWER ON TONE................................................................................................64
BACKGROUND OPERATIONS........................................................................................... 65
BATTERY LEVEL INDICATOR .....................................................................................................65
RESETTING THE TRANSCEIVER ...................................................................................... 65
OPTIONS............................................................................................................................. 66
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE ............................................................................................ 67
SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................... 67

5
PREPARATION
Shows how to use supplied accessories of this transceiver.
For options not supplied, sold separately, refer to the list {p.66}.
INSTALLING/ REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK
The battery pack is not charged at the factory; charge it before use.
CAUTION
◆Do not short the battery terminals or dispose of the battery by re.
◆Never attempt to remove the casing from the battery pack.
INSTALLING THE BATTERY PACK
WWYYR
Battery Cover
Battery pack
Label
1
Insert the battery pack into the battery cover.
• Pay attention to the position of notch of
the battery pack.
• Insert the battery pack with the model
name label facing up.
• Be careful not to drop the battery pack.
Battery Cover
a
b
2
Align the battery cover with the groove on the
back of the transceiver.
Lock Lever
3
Slide the Lock lever (both side) to lock it.
• There will be feedback in the form of a
click.
REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK
a
b
1
Slide the lock lever (both side) to unlock.
2
Release the lock on the battery cover, then
remove the battery cover with a coin or the
like.
• Be careful not to drop the battery pack.

6
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
The battery pack is not charged at the factory; charge it before use.
Average battery pack life:
Transmit Power HIGH Transmit Power LOW
Battery Saver on: 15.5 hours Battery Saver on: 16.5 hours
Battery Saver off: 14 hours Battery Saver off: 15 hours
• Average times are calculated using 5% transmit time, 5% receive time, and
90% standby time.
1
Plug the AC adapter cable into the jack located on the bottom of the charger.
DC plug
2
Plug the AC adapter into an AC outlet.
To AC outlet
3
Slide a transceiver equipped with a battery
pack into the charging slot of the charger.
• Make sure the metal contacts of the
battery pack mate securely with the
charger metal terminals.
• The indicator lights red and charging
begins.
LED
Charger terminals

7
CAUTION
◆Always switch OFF a transceiver equipped with a battery pack before inserting the
transceiver into the charger.
◆Always remove the AC adapter from an AC outlet before attempting to inspect or clean
the charger. Removing the battery packs or changing the controls does not remove
the AC voltage from the charger.
◆Position the AC adapter cable so it will not be stepped on, tripped over, nor subjected
to damage.
◆Always remove the AC adapter from an AC outlet by pulling on the adapter rather than
the cable.
◆Do not use the charger if it has a damaged AC adapter or adapter cable, or if the
charger has been damaged in any way. Contact your KENWOOD dealer to replace or
repair the damaged part.
4
When charging is completed, the indicator flashing green. Remove the battery
pack or the transceiver from the charging slot of the charger.
• It takes approximately 4.5 hours to charge the battery pack.
• When the charger will not be used for a long time, unplug the AC adapter
from the AC outlet.
Note:
◆The ambient temperature should be between 41°F and 104°F (5°C and 40°C) while
charging is in progress. Charging outside this range may not fully charge the battery.
◆The battery pack life is over when its operating time decreases even though it is fully and
correctly charged. Replace the battery pack.
LED Status
Indicator color Meaning
Light Red A transceiver is in the charging slot and charging has
started.
Flashing Red
the battery pack is either defective or the battery pack
contacts are not properly mated with those of the
charger.
Flashing Green Charging is completed; remove the battery pack from
the charger.
Alternates flashing green and
orange
The temperature of the battery pack has not satisfied
the charging start temperature. Remove the battery
pack from the charger and wait until it reaches a
normal temperature before charging it again.

8
INSTALLING / REMOVING THE BELT CLIP HOLSTER
1
Installing the transceiver on the belt clip holster.
• Insert the transceiver until sound is heard "click".
2
Push the upper part of the holster to the rear side, remove the lock and pull out
the transceiver.
Belt clip Holster
Note:
◆When pulling the transceiver out of the holster, do not hold the antenna, please pull out
with holding both sides.

9
INSTALLING THE OPTIONAL SPEAKER/ MICROPHONE (OR
HEADSET)
1
Turn the transceiver power OFF.
• For transceivers that are able to adjust the volume level, adjust the volume
to the minimum setting before turning the transceiver power OFF.
2
Insert the plug into the SP/MIC jack on the transceiver, then fix it with a nut.
• Fix the plug with a nut firmly to maintain waterproof protection for the
transceiver.
SP/MIC Jack Cover
Plug
Nut
Note:
◆When using an optional speaker/ microphone, clip mic. with earphone, or headset, to
keep the transceiver dust and water protection, insert the plug to the transceiver's SP/
MIC jack and tighten the option's nut securely with no gap.
◆When not using an optional speaker/ microphone, clip mic. with earphone, or headset, to
keep the transceiver dust and water protection, you must cover the SP/MIC jack with the
cap securely with no gap.

10
ORIENTATION
BUTTONS AND CONTROLS
f
g
e
c
d
b
a
h
Speaker
Microphone
Antenna
(Not detachable)
Display
Loop hole
for strap
aPower switch/ Volume control
Turn clockwise to switch ON the transceiver. To switch OFF the transceiver,
turn counterclockwise until a click sounds. Rotate to adjust the volume level.
bLED indicator
For the LED indicator status, refer to {p.14}.
c(Up) button
Press to change the operating channel, to select a menu in Setting mode, and
to perform other functions.
d(Down) button
Press to change the operating channel, to select a menu in Setting mode, and
to perform other functions.
eMenu button
Press to perform various functions. Press and hold while switching the power
ON to enter Setting mode.
fSide button
Press before making a call to alert the other party members, or press to select
a unit ID to make a call.
gPTT (Push to Talk) switch
Press and hold, then speak into the microphone to transmit.
hSP/ MIC jack
Insert the speaker/ microphone or headset plug into this jack.

11
DISPLAY
PRIVACY
Indicator Description
When receiving : Displays the signal strength.
When transmitting : Displays the transmit power.
Receiving：: Strong : Sufficient : Weak
Transmitting : : High Power (2.0 W) : Low Power (1.0 W)
Displays the battery power.
:High :Sufficient :Low (Flashing) :Very Low
Appears when channel type is set to Digital or mixed mode and
transmit mode is set to Digital.
Appears when the channel is set up with a DQTcode.
Appears when the Scan is in progress.
Blinks when the scan is paused.
Appears when the Compander is activated.
PRIVACY
Appears when the Encryption (Digital) or Scrambler (Analog) function
is activated.
Appears when the VOX is in progress.
Appears when the Button lock function is activated.
Appears when the Earphone mode is activated.
Appears when the Second Scan function is activated.
Blinks when pausing Second Scan and staying on Second Channel.
Appears when the Monitor open or Squelch off is activated.

12
Font Pattern
Because the display is segmented, alphabets and numbers are displayed as shown below.
"X" and "Z" are not used in this transceiver.
A B C D E F G H I J
KL M N O P Q R S T
U V W Y >
01 2 3 4 5 6
789

13
BASIC OPERATION
SWITCHING POWER ON
Switch the transceiver power ON by turning the
Power switch/ Volume control clockwise.
• A confirmation tone sounds, the LCD lights up
momentarily, then the current channel number
is displayed.
Channel number
RAN number
Power ON / Volume UP
Power OFF
/ Volume DOWN
• Setting the color of the LED that lights up when the power is on, groups can be
color coded when grouping is necessary. Once you have decided on the color
of group, you can discovered which group immediately after turning on the
power. {p.63}
ADJUST THE VOLUME
Set your desired volume level by rotating the Power switch/ Volume control.
• Clockwise increases the volume and counterclockwise decreases the volume.
Note:
◆To adjust the volume using background noise as a reference in Analog mode, use the
Squelch o Function.
SELECT A CHANNEL
Select a channel by pressing the or button.
Press button
• A confirmation tone sounds each time you press the
or button.

14
MAKE A CALL
To make a call, press and hold the PTT switch, then speak
around the microphone area using your normal speaking
voice.
• Hold the microphone approximately 1.5 inches (3 to
4 cm) from your lips.
RECEIVE VOICE
Release the PTT switch to receive.
A signal strength icon is appears on the display and the LED lights in green.
When the other party sends it, you hear the voice of the other party.
CONTINUE CALLING
It alternately transmits and receives.
After the other party 's call is over, press PTT switch and send.
SWITCHING POWER OFF
After use, turn off the power. To switch the transceiver power OFF, turn the Power
switch/ Volume control fully counterclockwise, until a click sounds.
LED INDICATOR STATUS
Indicator Color Meaning
Lights red Transmitting
Lights green Receiving a call.
Squelch Off function is activated.
Blinks red When the battery power low warning is activated.

15
CHANNEL SETUP MODE
This mode changes the setting of Analog and Digital functions that can be set for
each channel.
1
Press the Menu button .
• Displays the setting items of Channel setup mode.
2
Press the or button to select your desired setting
items.
3
Press the Menu button then press the or button to select your desired
value for the setting items.
Press button
4
Press the Menu button to exit the selection.
5
Press the PTT switch or the Side button to exit Channel setup mode.
Setting item LIST
Display Name Analog Digital Settings Default Ref.
Pg
Channel Type Analog/ Digital/
Mixed Digital 16
Transmit mode Analog/ Digital Digital 16
QT/ DQT (Analog)*1OFF/ QT01 ~ 45/
DQT001 ~ 174 QT01 22
RAN (Digital)*2OFF/ 1 ~ 63 1 24
Transmit Power Low/ High High 17
Scrambler (Analog)*1OFF/ ON OFF 17
Encryption (Digital)*2OFF/ ON OFF 18
PTT ID (Analog)*1OFF/ BOT/ List 1~
99 OFF 19
Selcall on PTT (Digital)*2OFF/ List 1~ 99/
Reserved Group
Reserved
Group 19
Compander (Analog)*1OFF/ ON OFF 19
VOX OFF/ ON OFF 33
*1: It can be set when Channel type is Analog or Mixed and Transmit mode is Analog.
*2: It can be set when Channel type is Digital or Mixed and Transmit mode is Digital.

16
CHANNEL TYPE
It is possible to set the channel to Analog operation or Digital operation, or Mixed
mode which can wait for both Analog and Digital reception.
1
Enter the Channel setup mode {p.15}.
2
Press the or button to select “ ”.
3
Press the Menu button then press the or button to select your desired
value.
Analog It operates in Analog.
Digital It operates in Digital.
Mixed It can receive both Analog and Digital simultaneously.
You can share the channel you used in Analog and Digital.
• Transmission on the channel set to Mixed is transmitted in Analog or Digital
set in Transmit Mode.
4
Press the Menu button to confirm the selection, then press the PTT switch or
the Side button to return to the operation mode.
TRANSMIT MODE
When Channel type is Mixed, set whether to transmit by Analog or Digital.
1
Enter the Channel setup mode {p.15}.
2
Press the or button to select “ ”.
3
Press the Menu button then press the or button to select your desired
value.
Analog Transmitting in Analog.
Digital Transmitting in Digital.
4
Press the Menu button to confirm the selection, then press the PTT switch or
the Side button to return to the operation mode.

17
TRANSMIT POWER
You can adjust the transmit power on all channels. Selecting low power will allow
longer use of the battery pack. Selecting high power will allow you to transmit
further, in case the other party is too far away for low power usage.
To change the transmit power:
1
Enter the Channel setup mode {p.15}.
2
Press the or button to select “ ”.
3
Press the Menu button then press the or button to select your desired
value.
High Switch transmit power to 2.0 W. ( icon : )
Low Switch transmit power to 1.0 W. ( icon : )
• The icon appears on the display when Transmission.
4
Press the Menu button to confirm the selection, then press the PTT switch or
the Side button to return to the operation mode.
PRIVACY TALK
Scrambler (Analog)
When the Channel Type is Analog, whereas the QT and DQT functions allow
you to ignore unwanted calls, Privacy Talk allows you to hold a conversation in
complete privacy. When this function is activated, any other party that is listening
to your channel will be unable to understand your conversation.
1
Enter the Channel setup mode {p.15}.
2
Press the or button to select “ (Analog) ”.
3
Press the Menu button then press the or button to select your desired
value.
OFF The Scrambler (Analog) function is deactivate.
ON The Scrambler (Analog) function is activate.
• The
PRIVACY
icon appears on the display when “ON” is selected.
4
Press the Menu button to confirm the selection, then press the PTT switch or
the Side button to return to the operation mode.

18
Encryption (Digital)
When the Channel Type is Digital (NXDN), encryption can be performed by using
the encryption key during voice call, and further communication with enhanced
confidentiality can be performed.
1
Enter the Setting mode {p.37}.
2
Press the or button to select “ ”.
3
Press the Menu button then press the or button to select the
encryption key code from 1 to 32767.
4
Enter the Channel setup mode {p.15}.
5
Press the or button to select “ (Digital) ”.
6
Press the Menu button then press the or button to select your desired
value.
OFF The Encryption (Digital) function is deactivate.
ON The Encryption (Digital) function is activate.
• The
PRIVACY
icon appears on the display when “ON” is selected.
7
Press the Menu button to confirm the selection, then press the PTT switch or
the Side button to return to the operation mode.
Note:
◆Please match channel number, group number, or Encryption key setting with the other
party. Calls can not be made unless all settings match.

19
PTT ID (Analog FleetSync)/ SELCALL ON PTT (Digital NXDN)
The transceiver can send a PTT ID signal when pressing the PTT switch
(beginning of transmission) or when pressing and releasing (beginning of
transmission and end of transmission) the PTT switch.
When you use the Caller ID Display function {p.50}, when the transceiver
receives a PTT ID signal, the caller ID of that signal appears on the display, so
you know who is making the call.
1
Enter the Channel setup mode {p.15}.
2
Press the or button to select “ ”.
3
Press the Menu button then press the or button to select your desired
value.
OFF PTT ID is not sended.
BOT Send the PTT ID at the beginning of transmission.
~List 01 ~
List 99
Send selected list ID number PTT ID at the beginning
and end of transmission.
Reserved
Group
You can select a Reserved Group and talk.
It can be selected when Channel type is Digital or Mixed
and Transmit mode is Digital.
4
Press the Menu button to confirm the selection, then press the PTT switch or
the Side button to return to the operation mode.
Note:
◆Transceiver's individual ID number is not available for selection as PTT ID.
COMPANDER
The compander (compressor/expander) allows higher clarity of signals, avoiding
excessive noise and interference. When activated, transmitted signals are
compressed before being sent and received signals are expanded when they
arrive.
This function is activate when Channel type is Analog.
1
Enter the Channel setup mode {p.15}.
2
Press the or button to select “ ”.
3
Press the Menu button then press the or button to select your desired
value.

20
OFF The Compander function is deactivate.
ON The Compander function is activate.
• The icon appears on the display when “ON” is selected.
4
Press the Menu button to confirm the selection, then press the PTT switch or
the Side button to return to the operation mode.
Note:
◆Please match compander function setting (On/ O) with the other party. The function can
not be enabled unless the settings match.
MONITOR
Press to deactivate signaling (QT/DQT, FleetSync signaling, NXDN, etc.). Press
this button again to return to normal operation.
MONITOR BUTTON SETUP
You can set up the transceiver Side button or Menu button to perform MONITOR
functions.
Monitor: Press this button to allows you to turn the transceiver signaling off, to
listen to all calls that are received on the channel.
Monitor Momentary: Press and hold this button to momentarily turn the
transceiver signaling off. Releasing this key turns the transceiver signaling back on.
While signaling is off, you can listen to all calls that are received on the channel.
To set up the MONITOR button:
1
Enter the Setting mode {p.37}.
2
Press the or button to select “
”(Side) or “ ” (Menu).
3
Press the Menu button then press or button to select
“ ” (Monitor function assignment) or “ ” (Monitor
momentary function assignment).
To return to normal operation, release the MONITOR button.