Midland FG-1 GMRS User manual

Owner’s Guide
Model FG-1 GMRS / FRS
combination

2
FCC Licensing Information.......................................................................................2
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RADIO........................................3
TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR FG-1................................ 5
PREPARATION........................................................................................ 5
BATTERIES.............................................................................................................5
To Install Batteries:..............................................................................................5
Low Battery Indicator:..........................................................................................5
Instructions for optional charger...........................................................................5
QUICK USE INSTRUCTIONS:...................................................................6
Operating the Radio .................................................................................7
TO TURN THE RADIO ON OR OFF......................................................................7
TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL IN USE..................................................................8
ACTIVATING SCAN FUNCTIONS........................................................................8
Busy Channel Scan: ..............................................................................................8
Activating Dual Watch..........................................................................................8
TO USE CALL BUTTON.........................................................................................8
TO ENABLE/DISABLE “ROGER-BEEP”..............................................................9
TO ENABLE/DISABLE “BUTTON PRESS BEEP” ...............................................9
TO ENABLE / DISABLE KEY BOARD LOCK......................................................9
POWER SAVE CIRCUIT.........................................................................................9
USING THE MONITOR FUNCTION......................................................................9
TO OPERATE HANDS FREE VOX......................................................................10
Setting VOX Functions. ..........................................................................................10
TO ENABLE / DISABLE VOX MODE.................................................................10
RESETTING THE RADIO.....................................................................................11
TROUBLESHOOTING............................................................................ 12
CARE OF RECHARGEABLE NI-CAD AND NI-MH BATTERIES................. 13
SERVICE:.............................................................................................. 14
CHANNEL FREQUENCIES (MHz)............................................................ 15
LIMITED WARRANTY............................................................................ 16
FCC Licensing Information
This Midland model FG-1 radio when set for channels 1-7 and 15-22 operates on
GMRS frequencies which require a license from the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) for business, personal, and recreational use. A GMRS license
held by an individual may be shared by immediate family members.
At the date of this publication the application for your FCC license is made on FCC
form 605 (with optional Schedule F). To obtain forms, call the FCC forms hotline at:
1-800-418-3676 or go to http://www.fcc.gov.
For questions concerning licensing, contact the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-
225-5322), or go to http://www.fcc.gov.

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OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RADIO
Accessory Name Model Number
Ni-MH battery pack....................................………………….....18-B10
Desk Charger stand (needs 1 SA-02)……………………………18-383*
Dual Desk Charger stand (needs 2 SA-02)………………………18-385**
Lapel Microphone with Ear-bud Speaker………………………..22-405
Speaker/Microphone………………………………………….…..22-410
Stealth Type Noise Canceling Throat Mic with Ear-bud……….. 22-430
BoomMicrophone Headset ……………………………………….22-540
* Requires one SA-02 adapter sleeve
** Requires two SA-02 adapter sleeves
Call 1 816 241 8500 to order accessories or visit our website at midlandradio.com
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
Your Midland model FG-1 combines access to FRS (Family Radio Service) channels
with operation on GMRS channels. The Family Radio Service is provided for by the
FCC and is totally license free. Use of the GMRS channels requires FCC licensing.
You can use your FG-1 on the FRS UHF FM band for personal communications at no
charge. The FG-1 uses maximum allowable power on FRS for range up to 2 miles.
Use for fishing, hunting, picnics, biking, business, or any other activity where
communications are needed for convenience or safety. The model FG-1 operates on 22
channels of FRS and GMRS combined to provide the best in quiet and private
communication. Channels 1 through 7 are co-shared by FRS and GMRS users. This
means that a person with a FRS unlicensed radio can talk to a person using a licensed
GMRS radio on these channels. Channels 8 through 14 are exclusively FRS channels.
Radios made strictly for GMRS use do not cover these channels. Channels 15 through
22 are exclusively GMRS channels. Radios made for FRS use do not cover these
channels. Also this radio offers power save, and auto-squelch.

4
WARNING
Your wireless hand-held portable transceiver contains a low power
transmitter. When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is pressed it sends out
radio frequency (RF) signals. The device is authorized to operate at a
duty factor not to exceed 50%. In August 1996, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted RF exposure guidelines
with safety levels for hand-held wireless devices.
To maintain compliance with the FCC's RF exposure guidelines, this transmitter
and its antenna must maintain a separation distance of least 2 inches (5
centimeters) from your face. Speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed
up and away from the face at the required separation distance. The belt clip is
for storage purposes only. DO NOT TRANSMIT WHILE USING THE BELT
CLIP. To transmit, hold the device away from your body and ensure the
antenna is at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) from your body when transmitting.

5
TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR FG-1
Due to the band of operation (462/467 MHz) the FG-1 provides communications that
are virtually free of atmospheric interference (skip) that is common on lower
frequency bands. Along with this and an antenna system that is very efficient as
compared to other unlicensed radio bands, communications range is surprisingly good.
Many times the limits to maximum possible range are environmental factors such as
blockage caused by trees, buildings, hills, or other obstructions. If you find
communication is not possible, many times this can be overcome by moving only a few
feet to a new location. Range may be reduced while operating in a vehicle or from
inside to outside a metal building. Battery condition also affects range. The FG-1
operates best on alkaline batteries. While this unit has been designed with gaskets for
water resistance and ruggedness it is a precision piece of electronic equipment that
should not be exposed to water or handled carelessly. Normal care should result in
years of trouble free operation. Do not leave batteries installed over a long period of
time as leakage may occur that can destroy the radio. Always save your receipt, as it is
required for warranty consideration.
PREPARATION
BATTERIES
FG-1 radios operate with 3 AAA Alkaline, Ni-Cad (nickel cadmium) or Ni-MH
(nickel metal hydride) batteries (optional) or a Ni-MH battery pack. Ni-Cad batteries
provide about 7 hours of use. Alkaline batteries will provide about 20 hours of use
and Ni-MH batteries will provide about 14 hours ofuse. Ni-Cad and Ni-MH batteries
must be charged prior to use. Charge NI-Cad or Ni-MH batteries at least 10 hours.
DO NOT attempt to charge any type of Alkaline batteries in this radio.
To Install Batteries:
Hold the radio face down. Press the latch so it swings away from the cover.
1. Lift the battery cover slightly. Gently slide the cover off the unit.
2. Insert 3 AAA batteries observing the proper polarity. If a battery pack is used,
observe the up arrow is visible and pointing toward the top of the radio.
3. Replace the batterycover over the batteries and fastenwiththe latch.
Low Battery Indicator:
The batteryicon inthe lower left of the display will flashwhen the batteries are in
need of charging.
Instructions for optional charger
Install NI-MH (nickel metal hydride) observing their polarity. Plug the power adapter
for the 18-F10 charger into any 110/115 V wall socket. Insert the radio into the
charging stand with the front facing you and observe that the LED on the charger is lit.
Charge the batteries for at least 10 hours for Ni-MH.The radio should be turned off
while charging. The LED will remainlit whenthe radio is inthe charger.
!The LED is only an indicator that shows the batteries are charging. Remove
the radio after the prescribed length of time.

6
For charging with optional wall charger observe instructions supplied with the
charger.
DO NOT attempt to charge any type of Alkaline batteries inthis radio.
QUICK USE INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Install fresh alkaline or fully charged Ni-Cad or Ni-MH batteries.
2. Turn the unit on by turning the ON/OFF/VOLUME clockwise until a click is
heard.
3. Use the ON/OFF/VOLUME control to adjust the volume. To test the volume
setting, press and hold the “MON” button so static noise can be heard. The
noise can be used as a reference level for volume setting.
4. To talk press the PTT (push to talk) button on the left side of the radio and talk
in a normal voice into the front of the radio about three inches away fromyour
mouth.
5. To listen release the PTT button.

7
Operating the Radio
DISPLAYSYMBOLS
CAUTION: DON’T EXPOSE THE DISPLAY TO EXTREME HOT OR
COLD TEMPERATURE
1. Channel number: Displays channel number 1-14.
2. B.SCAN indicates the scan mode B is in use. SCAN indicates the normal scan
mode is in use
3. DW Symbol: Indicates Dual Watch channel selection is active..
4. VOX Symbol: Indicates “VOX” is activated
5. SAVE Symbol: Flashes indicating battery save is active.
6. BUSY/TXSymbol:
Whenthe radio is transmittingthe icon will look like this:
When the radio is receiving the icon will look like this:
Whenthe radio is in stand-bythe icon will look like this:
7. Musical note indicates ROGER BEEP is on.
8. Battery symbol shows the battery condition. When this icon is displayed replace
or recharge the batteries.
9. BEEP indicates the button press tone and power up tones are active.
10. Key Symbol indicates when the keypad has been locked. Only the “PTT” and
“CALL” buttons are active when this indicator is on.
FEATURES AND LOCATION OFCONTOLS
TO TURN THE RADIO ON OR OFF
The ON/OFF/VOLUME control at the top of the radio controls power and volume. A
series oftones will be heard confirmingthat radio is working.

8
TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL IN USE
Press and release the channel button /\ or \/ to select the desired channel. To change
channel rapidly, press and hold the channel button /\ or \/ until the desired channel
appears on the display.
ACTIVATING SCAN FUNCTIONS
The FG-1 has two scan modes. The most popular and most used is the “BUSY”
channel scan. This allows the radio to stop ona channel that someone is talking on.
Whenthe radio stops ona “Busy” channel, the scan will stop and resume after about 5
seconds. The other is “DUAL WATCH”. This allows you to scan only two channels.
This is useful when you want to keep track of two other people.
Busy Channel Scan:
1. Press and release the ”F” buttonthe ”SCAN” icon(5) will begin flashing.
2. Press and release the “UP” or “DOWN” channel button to activate scan. The unit
will now beginscanningthrough the channels.
!Pressing the “UP” or “DOWN” channel button during scan will determine if
the channels are scanned up or down.
!Pressing the “PTT” (pushto talk) button will cause the radio to stop scanning
and return to normal operate mode.
Activating Dual Watch
Dual watch is a function that allows you to scan only two channels.
1. Select channel one.
2. Press the “F” button three times until “DW”(11) is flashing.
3. Select the second channel to be scanned.
!About 1 second after your selection of the second channel is complete the
radio will beginswitchingbetweenthe two channels.
!When the radio hears activity on either channel, scanning will stop on that
channel for about 5 seconds and then resume scanning.
!If communication is desired on the channel scanning stopped on, press the
“PTT” button. This will deactivate Dual Watch and allow you to communicate
normally.
4. To reactivate Dual Watch repeat steps above.
TO USE CALL BUTTON
Press and release the CALL button. A call signal ofalternating tones will be sent for
about 2 seconds.
!Both radios must be onthe same channel and the radios must be turned on.

9
!If any function is selected and no buttons are pressed in 10 seconds, the
current settings are retained and the radio switches back to normal operation.
TO ENABLE/DISABLE “ROGER-BEEP”
The radio transmits a rapid tone sequence when the PTT button is released if this
feature is active. The default conditionis for the “roger beep” to be off.
1. Press the “F” buttonuntil you see onthe display“oF”(depending on previous
programming) with a flashing music note (8) in the display.
2. Press the channel /\ or \/ buttons to select off or on.
!“oF” is roger beep off. “oN” is roger beep on.
3. Press "ENTER" to store your selection.
TO ENABLE/DISABLE “BUTTON PRESS BEEP”
The radio emits a beep when a button is pressed. The default is “key beep on”.
1. Press and release the “F” button until you see on the display “”oN” (depending on
previous programming) with the word “BEEP” flashing in the in the lower right
corner of the display.
2. Press the channel /\ or \/ buttons to select off or on.
!
!!
!“oF” is button press beep off. “oN” is button press beep on.
3. Press "ENTER" to store your selection.
TO ENABLE / DISABLE KEY BOARD LOCK
To enable the KEYBOARD LOCK press and hold the “ENTER” button for 2 seconds.
The display will contain a key symbol (9). PTT, MON and CALL buttons will still
be active. The “ENTER” button will also activate the backlight for 5 seconds. When
radio is in lock mode and any other keys are pressed a tone will be heard. To disable
the KEYBOARD LOCK, press and hold the “ENTER” button for about 2 seconds.
POWER SAVE CIRCUIT
This part of the operation of the radio is completely automatic and not adjustable.
When the radio has not transmitted or received a signal for about 8 seconds it will
beginto cycle froma sleep mode to fully on. This occurs several times a minute. If a
signal is received or you cause the unit to transmit the radio will become fullyawake.
This cycling fromsleep to fully on increases the standby battery life more than 50%.
USING THE MONITOR FUNCTION
1. Press and hold the “MON” button on the side of the radio to open the squelch.
!This allows you to override the squelch. This is useful to monitor the channel
before you transmit.
2. Release the “MON” button to restore the squelch to normal.

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TO OPERATE HANDS FREE VOX
(VOICE OPERATED TRANSMIT)
To get the most use fromthe “VOX” feature you must first determine what sensitivity
level is needed to activate the “VOX” control. Sensitivityis how loud youhave to talk
to activate the “VOX” circuit. The “VOX” has three levels of sensitivity that canbe
adjusted. The 1 option you can talk in a normal voice with no background noise to
activate the “VOX” circuit. The option2 will require more voice level to activate the
“VOX” circuit. This is useful in slightly noisier areas that might activate the “VOX”
without talking. The option 3 will require the most voice level to activate the “VOX”
circuit. This will be useful in verynoisy areas. The next adjustment is the delay. This
is a functionof the “VOX” that keeps the radio in transmit mode after you stop talking.
A delay that is set to short will cause the “VOX” circuit to stop between some words.
The delay is adjustable to three levels. Level 1 will give about one half second of
delay, level three will give youabout one and one halfseconds of delay. Byactivating
the “VOX” you only have to talk into the front of the radio or use a headset to make the
radio transmit. The PTT (push to talk) button is not functional in “VOX” mode. It is
recommended to use a headset when using the “VOX” feature.
NOTE: It is recommended to disable the Roger Beep when VOX is in use. See page 8
for instructions.
Setting VOX Functions.
Setting VOX Levels
1. With the radio inthe off position, press and hold the “CALL” button and turn the
radio on. The displaywill show “L” followed by a 1, 2 or three depending on
previous settings.
2. Press the channel “UP” or “DOWN” buttons to select the level desired.
!As described earlier L 1 will be the most sensitive and L3 will be the least
sensitive.
3. Press the “F” button to switch to the Delay setting. A “d” followed by a d1, d2 or
a d3 will show onthe display depending onprevious settings.
4. Press the channel “UP” or “DOWN” buttons to select the level desired.
!As described earlier d 1 will be the shortest and d 3 will be the longest delay.
5. Press the “ENTER button to store your settings and return to normal operation
mode.
TO ENABLE / DISABLE VOX MODE
Press and hold the “F/VOX” button on the front of the radio for about 2 seconds.
“VOX” will be displayed when enabled. Talkinto the front ofthe radio or the headset
microphone. (head set is recommended) To listen stop talking.

11
RESETTING THE RADIO
If the radio stops responding to button presses or otherwise does not function properly
in some cases the radio canbe reset to restore normal operation.
To reset the radio: With the radio off, press and hold the “F” button and turn the radio
on. Release the “F” button when the radio powers up. (see turning the radio on)

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TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM SOLUTION
No Power 1. Check battery installation and/or replace batteries
Cannot receive messages 1.Make sure the volume is set high enough.
2. Change your location, you may be out of range.
3. Install batteries properly or replace.
Range is short 1. Operating the radio in a vehicle or metal building
will decrease the range. If possible operate outside of
vehicles or buildings.
2. Carrying the radio so that the antenna is very near
the body will decrease the range. Hold the radio in the
open for the best range.
3. Battery condition can affect range. Replace or
recharge batteries.
Radio squeals when receiving
messages 1. Check battery condition. Usually lowering the
volume stops the squealing. This indicates weak
batteries.
Messages not transmitted. 1. If PTT button is not responding, check to see if
VOX is active.
2. If VOX is in use, check for correct VOX level
setting.
Interference/Static 1. Change your location. The interference may be
caused by nearby electronic or electrical equipment.
Cannot change channels 1. Make sure keyboard is not locked.
2. Make sure the radio is not transmitting.
Battery icon flashes 1. Replace alkaline batteries or recharge rechargeable
batteries.
Display is dim Reposition or replace batteries.

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CARE OF RECHARGEABLE NI-CAD AND NI-MH BATTERIES
ALWAYS DISPOSE OF BATTERIES PROPERLY
Always follow the battery manufacturer's recommendations for charging and disposing
of Ni-Cad and Ni-MH batteries.
The following is meant as general informationregarding Ni-Cad/Ni-MH batteries.
.
1. Occasionally allow the batteries to fully discharge before recharging. Full
discharge will be indicated bythe low batteryindicator comingonduringreceive
operation.
2. Always allow the battery to fully charge before using. This requires 10 hours with
the approved charger. (Ni-MH batteries require 16 hours for full charge.)
3. The above will prevent the batteries fromdeveloping “memory” whicheffectively
reduces their capacity.
4. It is better to store Ni-Cad batteries that are discharged rather thancharged.
Ni-MH batteries are best stored charged.

14
SERVICE:
If you have a problemwhich you believe requires service, please call first and speak
with a service technician. Many problems can be remedied over the phone without
returning the unit for service.
If it ever becomes necessary to return your unit for service:
♦Pack the unit in its original box and packing. Improper packing may result in
damage during shipment.
♦Include a full description of any problems.
♦Include a daytime telephone number and or E-mail address.
♦Include a money order for $7.50 to cover shipping and handling (this may not be
required in some states).
!You do not need to return accessory items (charger, batteries, wrist strap,
owners guide) unless they maybe directly related to the problem.
♦Include a photocopyof the bill ofsale or other proofof purchase showingthe date
of sale. This information must be included before warranty service can be
considered.
♦A flat rate of $35.00 will apply to repairs not covered by the 1-year warranty.
Payment is accepted by Cashiers Check, Money Order, Master Card or Visa only.
Personal checks will not be accepted.
!Items not covered by the warranty include abuse, water damage, battery leak
damage, broken antennas, broken battery latch

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TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS*
GENERAL
Frequency range..................................................................................462/467 MHz
Channels...............................................................................................................22
Modulation type................................................................................................. FM
Antenna impedance ....................................................................................50 Ohm
Loudspeaker.........................................................................................8 Ohm0.5W
Microphone...................................................................................…...electret type
Power supply..........................................3 AAA Ni-cads or Alkaline (3.6/4.5VDC)
RECEIVER
Sensitivity at 12dB Sinad..............................................................................0.25µV
Selectivity........................................................................................................50 dB
Squelch range...................................................................................…....automatic
Audio output power...........................................0.25W @ 8 Ohm(10%distortion)
Distortion at 1000 mV.........................................................................................7%
Audio frequency response.....................................................................400-2400 Hz
TRANSMITTER
RF Output Power...........................................….…….nominal 500 mW @ 4.5VDC
Frequency Tolerance.................................................................................0.00025%
Harmonic Suppression...................................................................more than 50 dB
Modulation......................................................................................FM +/- 2.5 kHz
*Specifications are nominal and subject to change
CHANNEL FREQUENCIES (MHz)
Channels 15 through 22 are exclusively GMRS channels. A license is
required for operation on these frequencies.
01=462.5625 F+G 07=462.7125 F+G 13=467.6875 F 19=462.650 G
02=462.5875 F+G 08=467.5625 F 14=467.7125 F 20=462.675*
03=462.6125 F+G 09=467.5875 F 15=462.550 G 21=462.700 G
04=462.6375 F+G 10=467.6125 F 16=462.575 G 22=462.725 G
05=462.6625 F+G 11=467.6375 F 17=462.600 G
06=462.6875 F+G 12=467.6625 F 18=462.625 G
* GMRS emergency channel 462.675MHz.

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LIMITED WARRANTY
Midland Radio Inc. will repair or replace, at its option without charge, any
Midland FRS transceiver which fails due to a defect in material or workmanship
within One Year following the initial consumer purchase. This warranty does not
apply to water damage, battery leak damage or abuse.
This warranty does not include any carrying cases, earphones, or antennas
which may be a part of or included with the warranted product, or the cost of labor for
removal or re-installation of the product ina vehicle or other mounting.
Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by
returning the warranted product, freight prepaid, along with proof of purchase date, to
Midland Radio Inc., Warranty Service Department, 1120 Clay St., North Kansas City,
Missouri 64116.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other
rights, which vary, fromstate to state.
Note: The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased in the United States
of America or any of the territories or possessions thereof, or from a U.S. Military
exchange.
Midland Radio Inc.
1120 Clay St.
N. Kansas City, MO 64116 Printed inKorea
Tel: [phone])
E-mail: [e-mail]
URL: www.midlandradio.com