Midian VM-3-SM1 User manual

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VM-3-SM1
Speaker Microphone with Voice Storage
Manual Revision: 2012-04-20
Covers Software Revisions:
VS-1XXX: 01.53.00 & Higher

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HARDWARE SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Voltage 3.5-8.0 VDC
Operating Current:
Power Save Mode (VOX Operation) 9 mA typical
Normal Operation - TX 14 mA typical
Normal Operation – RX 75 mA typical
Average w/VOX Power Save (80-10-10 cycle) 16 mA
Average w/VOX Power Save (90-5-5 cycle) 12.5 mA
Operating Temperature -30 - +60 C
Frequency Response 300-3000 Hz
Input Impedance >33 
Input Level (RX) 0.05-2.5 VPP
INSTALLATION OVERVIEW
1. Test the radio for functionality.
2. Program the unit per the Product Programming Section of this manual.
3. Install the unit into the radio per the Hardware Installation Section of this manual.
*** Midian is not responsible for any damage/loss resulting from the use of Midian’s products.

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GENERAL INFORMATION
Midian’s VM-3 is a voice storage speaker microphone for use in two-way radios. The VM-3 can record
approximately 3 minutes of voice messages. Recording of voice messages occurs when the unit detects VOX. A
button on the radio can then be used to play back what was recorded.
In addition to the long recording time, one of the main benefits of the VM-3 voice storage module is that the
recording blocks are not set in stone like most other voice storage modules. If the radio transmission is only 5
seconds in length the recording block only uses 5 seconds of the 180 seconds. Some competitive units have
recording blocks of 30 seconds. If the recording is 5 seconds the other 25 seconds are lost, thus greatly reducing
the actual total recording time.

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HARDWARE INSTALLATION
Be certain to follow standard anti-static procedures when handling any of Midian’s products.
J1 – RJ-48 10-Pin Connector:
J1:1 – Program In: The KL-4 Option B must be plugged in to access this pin for programming.
J1:2 – PL DIS: Future use.
J1:3 – MIC: Connect to the MIC+ connection on the radio’s external mic connector
J1:4 – Ground: Connect to a ground connection on the radio’s external mic connector.
J1:5 – COR/LTR: Future use.
J1:6– B+ (+3.5-8.0 VDC): This connection is only needed if not using the internal battery of the SM1. Connect to
B+ (3.5-8.0 VDC) connection on the radio’s external mic connector. If connecting to a mobile this must be
specified when ordering or you must install a 6.2 V Zener diode at D1, connect to a regulated voltage point in a
vehicular radio if engine noise is present on the battery line. With D1 installed, the voltage input could be as high
as 15 VDC (nominal is 13.5 VDC).
J1:7 – PTT: Connect to a PTT connection on the radio’s external mic connector used to key the radio. Some
radios look for a resistance on the microphone input to trigger PTT, R-50 in the SM-1 is used for this purpose and
will need to be picked on an individual radio basis.
J1:8 – SPK Ground (SPK-): If connecting to a radio with a double ended speaker, then connect this line to the
negative side of the speaker connection on the external mic connector. If connecting to a radio with a single
ended common ground speaker, this line is not connected.
J1:9 – SPK Hi (SPK+): Connect this line to the positive side of the speaker connection on the external mic
connector.
J1:10 – Program Out: The KL-4 Option B must be plugged in to access this pin for programming.
J2 – 3.5 mm Stereo Connector:
The 3.5 mm stereo connector on the SM1 is a dual purpose connector; charging and audio. The tip is 6V for
charging, ring is Speaker + and sleeve is ground. Use only Midian supplied wall power adaptors and audio
accessories for use with the SM1.
Charging: To charge the unit, plug the Midian supplied wall power adaptor into an outlet and then plug the 3.5
mm plug into the 3.5 connector on the unit. When the LED is glowing green the unit is charging. When the LED is
not lit then it is done charging. When the unit is in need of a charge the unit will emit a descending series of tones
to indicate low battery.
Audio: The 3.5 mm connector can be used as an audio accessory port (i.e. ear bud). The connections should be
ring as Speaker + and Sleeve as ground. Not using a Midian supplied audio accessory could result in damage to
the unit.

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PRODUCT PROGRAMMING
Midian’s SM-1 products are programmed via Midian’s KL-4 and KL-4 Option B. Please reference the KL-4 manual
for setup instructions of the programming software and hardware. From the product selection screen in the
software, select the VM-3-SM1 from the list and click OK.
Set the parameters of the software to fit the application. If any clarifications on a feature are required, move the
mouse cursor over the feature name until the question mark appears and right click, a definition of the feature will
be shown.
After entering the parameters, save the file by going to File - Save As. Enter the file name in the File Name block
and click Save. Saving the file will allow for quick and easy reprogramming of units.
Plug the KL-4 Option B cable from the KL-4 connector labeled “VPU-12A” into the RJ-48 connector on the unit.
Push the power button on the KL-4 and within 15 seconds select Program Unit or Read Unit in the software. Upon
power up, the unit will be awake for 15 seconds before going into Power Save mode.
After programming or reading the unit, turn off the unit for 3 seconds and then turn back on.

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Store on COR/Store on VOX: Note: If connecting to a portable radio then VOX will most likely have to be used,
as most portable radios do not provide a COR indication. Select the appropriate method that the unit should use
to come out of power save.
COR Hold-Up Time This is the amount of time after loss of COR/VOX that the unit considers COR/VOX dropped.
VOX Settings > Sensitivity: This is a threshold detection based on the energy level in the audio.
VOX Settings > Attack Time: This sets the minimum time before the unit will detect VOX based on the sensitivity
setting.
VOX Settings > Decay Time: This sets the time before the unit will drop the VOX detection. Be certain to set this
long enough so that you do not have drop outs between words or on brief pauses.
Beep Options > Power Up: Enables a short beep sequence that takes place immediately after power-up.
Beep Options > Error: This beep may be triggered by any input event if programmed to do so. For example, if a
long press on the Mode Input is not assigned to a function, it may be configured to generate the error beep.
Beep Options > Mode: This is used to indicate to the user when a mode has been enabled or disabled.
Voice Compression: If checked the VM-3 can store up to 3-minutes of voice. If left unchecked the VM-3 can
store up to 2.25 minutes of voice, but with a higher level of audio quality.

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Enable Call LED: Not used in this product.
Receiver Stops Playback: Unless this box is checked, transmissions received off the air will not be heard while
the unit is in playback mode. If this box is checked, playback mode will be stopped when COR (or VOX) becomes
active so that receiver audio can be heard. The message playing at the time playback is stopped will not be
erased.
PTT Stops Record Mode: If this box is checked, pressing PTT will cause record mode to be stopped. Otherwise,
pressing PTT will suspend record mode during the time PTT is pressed and resume record mode when it is
released.

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These fields set how the switch is used (short press, long press or double press) and for which function (record
start or stop, playback start or stop, etc.).
COR > Active Polarity: This sets whether the unit looks for an active low or active high to start recording the
received audio.
COR > Debounce: If checked the unit will require a continuous active state for 30 msec before accepting the
COR.

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PTT > Active Polarity: This sets the polarity necessary for the unit to assert the PTT of the radio.
These fields set how the switch is used (short press, long press or double press) and for which function (record
start or stop, playback start or stop, etc.).

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Tones > Beep Volume: Adjust the slider for the desired beep volume. This level is expressed as a percentage of
max voice audio level.
Playback Level: This sets the volume level of the recorded voice to the radio’s speaker.
Transmit Level: Not used in this product.

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See the next page for instructions on the Voice Audio Levels.

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AUDIO LEVELS ALIGNMENT
This section describes how to determine and set the audio levels.
The procedures below can be used to approximate the response of the internal microphone. These
measurements must be taken within 15 seconds of powering the unit on. This is because the unit may enter
power saving mode after that time. Measurements made while the unit is in power saving mode will not be valid.
The unit ships with the power save feature enabled by default. The power save feature can be disabled via the
programming software so that it will not interfere with taking measurements.
1. A method for controlling transmitter modulation is required for accurate measurements in the TX mode. A
small speaker held in place near the microphone by a rubber band can serve this purpose in most cases. Use
a sine-wave generator to inject a 1000 Hz tone into the speaker. Adjust the output of the sine wave generator
so that the transmitter produces 60% of rated modulation while PTT is pressed.
2. Leaving the generator output set to the same level, install the SM-1 microphone with the same set up as
above. Press PTT and using a communications monitor, observe the modulation level.
3. In the programming software, adjust MIC Out to obtain 60% modulation.
4. Spkr In should be set to 1980 mvpp.
5. MIC In and Spk Out should be set to 1920 mvpp.

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OPERATION
The SM1 has three buttons; PTT, Button 1 and Button 2. The PTT button is the larger oblong button, Button 1 is
the top round button with one nub and Button 2 is the bottom round button with two nubs.
PTT Button:
The PTT button is used to send a PTT command to the radio to cause the radio to transmit, as well as send the
ANI, Emergency ANI and recorded voice messages.
Button 1 and Button 2:
Button 1 and Button 2 are momentary buttons that can be programmed for Record Start, Toggle Record
Start/Stop, Playback Start, Toggle Playback Start/Stop, Playback Stop/Record Start or Record Stop/Playback
Start. The functions can be selected by a short press, long press (press and hold for 1 second) or double press.
Record Mode:
Pressing the button in the manner assigned in programming as Record Start, Toggle Record Start/Stop or
Playback Stop/Record Start will cause the unit to record incoming transmissions when COR is detected. Pressing
the button in the manner assigned in programming as Record Stop or Toggle Record Start/Stop will stop the
record mode.
Playback Mode:
Pressing the button in the manner assigned in programming as Playback Start, Toggle Playback Start/Stop or
Record Stop/Playback Start will cause the unit to start the playback of recorded transmissions. When the
message is done playing you will hear three medium tone beeps followed by a high tone beep, once these beeps
are done being generated the previous message will be deleted. To replay the message before it is deleted press
the Playback Start button and the message will start over. This can be done anytime during the message. If
during a message you wish to delete the current message and advance to the next message press the button in
the manner assigned as Playback Advance.

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TECHNICAL NOTES
Radio Compatibility: Midian has taken the utmost care to ensure the option board integrates into the radio with
minimal impact to the features of the radio. However, some features may not be available in the radio when an
option board is used. If a feature is not available, please contact Midian to see if the feature can be added.
MIDIAN CONTACT INFORMATION
MIDIAN ELECTRONICS, INC.
2302 East 22nd Street
Tucson, Arizona 85713 USA
Toll-Free: 1-800-MIDIANS
Main: 520-884-7981
E-mail: [e-mail]
Web: www.midians.com