Midland Micro Mobile MXT100 User manual

Model MXT100
Table of Contents
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MIDLAND RADIO .................................................3
FEATURES................................................................................................................3
FCC NOTICE.............................................................................................................4
Exposure To Radio Frequency Energy...............................................................4
INSTALLING YOUR RADIO.......................................................................................5
Preparation for Installation..................................................................................5
Installing the Mounting Bracket...........................................................................6
Installing the Antenna.........................................................................................7
Electrical and Rear Panel Connections ..............................................................8
Connecting the Microphone................................................................................8
Using an External Speaker.................................................................................8
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS................................................................................9
Operating Controls.............................................................................................9
LCD Display.....................................................................................................10
Rear Panel Connections...................................................................................10
OPERATING YOUR RADIO ....................................................................................11
About Range....................................................................................................11
Power On/Off ...................................................................................................12
Selecting the Active Channel............................................................................12
Transmitting and Receiving a Call....................................................................12
UTILITY FUNCTIONS..............................................................................................13
Flipping the Display..........................................................................................13
Locking the Keypad..........................................................................................13
Adjusting the Display Illumination.....................................................................14
Using Monitor Mode .........................................................................................14
Scanning for Active Channels...........................................................................15
“MENU” MODE FUNCTIONS...................................................................................16
MXT100 “Menu” Mode Quick Reference Chart.................................................16
Selecting a Privacy Code .................................................................................16
Adjusting Squelch Sensitivity............................................................................18
Adjusting Audible Tones (Key Beeps) ..............................................................18
Selecting the Transmit (TX) Power Level..........................................................19
RESTORING THE DEFAULT SETTINGS................................................................19
CARE AND MAINTENANCE....................................................................................20
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE.................................................................................20
SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................................................21
GMRS Frequency Chart...................................................................................21
CTCSS Privacy Codes Frequency Chart..........................................................21
DCS Privacy Codes Chart................................................................................22
LIMITED WARRANTY (United States and Canada).................................................23
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Model MXT100
WELCOME TO THE WORLD OF MIDLAND RADIO
Congratulations on your purchase of a high quality MIDLAND product.
Your MXT100 2-way radio represents state-of-the-art high-tech
engineering. Designed for General Mobile Radio Service (GMRS)
operation, this compact package is big on performance. It is a quality piece
of electronic equipment, skillfully constructed with the finest components.
The circuitry is all solid-state and mounted on a rugged printed circuit
board. Your MXT100 radio is designed for reliable and trouble-free
performance for years to come.
FEATURES
15 GMRS Channels
142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS / 104 DCS)
Monitor Function
Keypad Lock
Power HI/LO Settings
External Speaker Jack
IMPORTANT!
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by MIDLAND
RADIO CORPORATION could void your right to operate this unit. Your radio
is set up
to transmit a regulated signal on an assigned frequency. It is
against the law to alter or adjust the settings inside the COMMUNICATOR to
exceed those limitations. Any adjustment to your radio must be made by
qualified technicians.
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Model MXT100
FCC NOTICE
The MXT100 operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
frequencies, which require a Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
license. You must be licensed prior to operating on channels 1 - 7 or 15 -
22, which comprise the GMRS channels of the MXT100. Serious penalties
may result from unlicensed use of GMRS channels, in violation of FCC
rules, as stipulated in the Communications Act’s Sections 501 and 502
(amended). You will be issued a call sign by the FCC that should be used
for station identification when operating your radio on GMRS channels.
You should also cooperate by engaging in permissible transmissions only,
avoiding channel interference with other GMRS users, and being prudent
with the length of your transmission time.
To obtain a license or ask questions about the license application, contact
the FCC at 1-888-CALL FCC or go to the FCC’s website:
http://www.fcc.gov and request form 605.
Exposure To Radio Frequency Energy
Your Midland radio is designed to comply with the following national and
international standards and guidelines regarding exposure of human
beings to radio frequency electromagnetic energy:
United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal
Regulations: 47 CFR part 2 sub-part J
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical &
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1992
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1999
Edition
National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP)
of the United States, Report 86, 1986
International Commission on Non-lonizing Radiation Protection
(ICNIRP) 1998
To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the general
population or uncontrolled environment exposure limits, transmit no more
than 50% of the time. The radio generates measurable RF energy
exposure only when transmitting.
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Model MXT100
INSTALLING YOUR RADIO
Preparation for Installation
This radio may be installed in any 12-volt negative ground system car or
truck. Most current U.S. and Foreign vehicles use a negative ground
system, but some older models and some newer large trucks may have a
positive ground. Check the specifications for your vehicle before beginning
installation. Generally, you have a negative-ground system if the negative
(-) battery terminal is connected to the motor block. Contact your dealer if
you are unable to determine your vehicle’s polarity system.
1. Read these instructions completely before beginning installation.
2. Read and follow all safety precautions in your vehicle’s Service Manual.
3. Make sure all necessary tools, materials, and parts are on hand.
4. Disconnect the negative (-) battery cable before installing your radio. Be
sure to reconnect the cable when installation is complete.
5. Determine a mounting location for your radio. The MXT100 is designed
to be installed under the dash or vertically on the center console.
Choose a location that does not impair visibility or interfere with driving.
Also take into consideration the routing and length of the lead wires and
cables to the power source, antenna, and/or optional external speaker.
CAUTION: Extreme care should be exercised when drilling into the
dash to avoid damage to underdash electronic ignition, cruise
control, instrument and/or accessory wiring.
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Model MXT100
Installing the Mounting Bracket
1. Using the mounting bracket as a
template, mark the location of each
screw hole under the dash. Use a
nail or other sharp pointed object to
mark the hole locations.
Drill a 1/8” hole for each screw hole
in the mounting bracket.
2. Attach the bracket to the dash with
the Phillips head sheet metal screws
provided. Tighten the screws
securely. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN.
3. Slide the radio into the mounting
bracket. BE SURE the mounting
bracket retainers engage the slots in
the sides of the radio to prevent
movement while driving.
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Model MXT100
Installing the Antenna
The MXT100 includes a “magnetic mount” antenna, intended to be
attached to the vehicle’s roof, trunk or similar location. Specific installation
requirements vary between vehicles. Use the following guidelines to install
the antenna.
*Where you locate your antenna does make a difference.*
Some general rules for antenna location that can aid radio performance:
1. Metal surfaces covered by fiberglass or vinyl may affect radio range.
Avoid these locations.
2. Mount the antenna as high on the vehicle as possible. The higher the
better.
3. If possible, mount the antenna in the center of whatever surface you
choose.
4. The antenna cable is 9.8 feet (3 meters) long. Be sure the mounting
location will allow for connection of the cable to the radio.
5. Be sure the mounting location is clean and dry before installing the
antenna.
6. Route the antenna cable through an accessible entry point, such as a
rear door or trunk opening.
7. When routing the antenna cable inside the vehicle, keep the cable
away from noise sources, such as the ignition system, gauges, etc.
8. Exercise care to prevent cable damage. Make use of existing gaskets,
grommets and weather stripping to protect the cable along its route.
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Model MXT100
Electrical and Rear Panel Connections
Refer to Rear Panel Connections for rear panel connector locations.
NOTE: Radio antenna is installed separately.
1. The power cord supplied with the MXT100 is equipped with a cigarette
lighter adapter for easy installation. Simply plug the connector into the
vehicle’s cigarette lighter. If a “hardwired” installation is desired,
connect the power cord to the vehicle’s electrical system as follows:

Cut the power cord just after the cigarette lighter adapter.

Connect the positive lead (RED wire with in-line fuse holder) to
either (a) the fuse block or (b) directly to the positive post of the
vehicle’s battery.
NOTE: The fuse block is usually the most convenient connection
point. The power cord positive lead can also be connected to the
Accessory terminal on the fuse block or ignition switch, so the
radio automatically turns off when the ignition is turned off.

Securely connect the ground lead (BLACK wire) directly to the
vehicle’s metal frame. A good direct metal-to-metal ground is
essential for optimum performance.
2. Connect the 2-pin plug-in connector of the power cable to the 13.8V DC
jack on the rear panel.
3. Attach the antenna cable to the ANT jack on the rear panel.
4. If desired, an optional external speaker (purchased separately) can be
connected to the EXT SPKR jack (see Using an External Speaker).
Connecting the Microphone
Insert the RJ11 connector into the front of the MXT100. Once the
microphone is connected, use a small tool to insert the strain relief.
The microphone bracket can then be attached to the vehicle dash or other
convenient location in a manner similar to the mounting bracket.
Using an External Speaker
The MXT100 provides a rear-panel jack for connection of an optional
external speaker (purchased separately).
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Model MXT100
When selecting an external speaker, ensure the speaker has 8-ohm
impedance and is rated for 4.0 watts.
NOTE: When an external speaker is connected, the radio’s internal
speaker is automatically disabled.
CONTROLS AND INDICATORS
Operating Controls
1. Volume Up – Press to increase radio volume.
2. Channel Up – Press to scroll forward through available transmit/
receive channels.
3. Menu – Press to place the radio in “Menu” mode. The Menu
provides options for configuring several operating parameters for your
radio.
4. Power On/Off – Press and hold for two seconds to turn the radio
“on” or “off.”
5. Monitor/Quiet Channel – Press to monitor the currently selected
channel for activity. Press again to exit Monitor mode.
6. Scan – Press to enable/disable the “auto-scan” function.
7. Channel Down – Press to scroll backward through available
transmit/receive channels.
8. LCD Display – Displays the currently selected transmit/receive
channel and other active operating parameters of the radio (see LCD
Display).
9. Volume Down – Press to decrease radio volume.
10. Microphone Jack – Connector for external microphone (included).
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Model MXT100
LCD Display
1. Receiving Icon – Indicates the radio is receiving transmission from
another user.
2. CTCSS / DCS Icon – Indicates a Continuous Tone Coded
Squelch System (CTCSS) or Digitally Coded Squelch (DCS) Privacy
Code has been enabled for the currently selected channel.
3. Scanning Icon – Indicates the “auto-scan” function is active.
4. Keypad Lock Icon – Indicates the keypad lock is currently
enabled.
5. Channel Icon – Shows the currently selected transmit/receive channel.
6. RX/TX Icon – Indicates the strength of the current transmit or receive
signal.
7. Transmitting Icon – Indicates the radio is transmitting to another
user.
Rear Panel Connections
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Model MXT100
1. ANT Jack – PL-258 UHF connector for external antenna (included).
2. EXT SPKR Jack – 3.5mm Audio connector for optional external
speaker (purchased separately) (see Using an External Speaker for
specifications).
3. 13.8V DC Jack – 2-pin DC connector for 12V DC nominal input power
connection
OPERATING YOUR RADIO
About Range
Your MXT100 is designed to give you maximum operating range under
optimum conditions.
Optimum conditions for maximum operating range are:
Over water
In open rural areas without obstructions
On flat areas where you can see the other radio user
To ensure you get maximum range:
Be sure to mount the antenna (included) as high as possible on your
vehicle
Be sure to set your radio to use Hi power (see Selecting the Transmit
(TX) Power Level)
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Model MXT100
Power On/Off
To turn the radio on and off:
1. With the radio off, press and hold the Power On/Off button for two
seconds to turn the radio on.

The LCD display will show all icons for one second and then display
the most recently selected channel.
2. With the radio on, press and hold the Power On/Off button for two
seconds to turn the radio off.

The LCD display will go blank when the radio turns off.
Selecting the Active Channel
IMPORTANT! To communicate between two MXT100 radios, both
radios must be set to the same channel and Privacy Code (see
Selecting a Privacy Code) selections.
To select the active channel:
1. Be sure the radio is turned on (see Power On/Off).
2. Press the Channel Up button to scroll forward through the available
channels. Press the Channel Down button to scroll backward
through the available channels.

The Channel icon on the LCD display will show the currently
selected channel.
Transmitting and Receiving a Call
IMPORTANT! To communicate between two MXT100 radios, both
radios must be set to the same channel (see Selecting a Privacy
Code) selections.
To transmit and receive a call:
1. Be sure the radio is turned on (see Power On/Off).
2. To transmit a call, press and hold the PTT button on the microphone,
and speak into the microphone in a normal voice.
NOTE: For maximum clarity, hold the microphone 2 to 3 inches from
your mouth when speaking.
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Model MXT100

The RX/TX icon will show continuously on the LCD display while
transmitting.
3. To receive a call, release the PTT button on the microphone.

The RX/TX icon will show on the LCD display when your radio is
receiving a transmission.
4. If necessary, press the Volume Up or Volume Down button to
increase or decrease radio volume.
UTILITY FUNCTIONS
Utility functions let you configure several operational parameters of the
MXT100 to suit your personal preferences. For additional utility functions,
see “MENU” MODE FUNCTIONS.
Flipping the Display
The MXT100 incorporates a unique Display Flip function that allows the
unit to be installed upside-down, if required, and the display read from
either orientation.
To “flip” the LCD display:
1. Be sure the radio is turned off (see Power On/Off).
2. Press and hold the Channel Down button, then press and hold the
Power On/Off button for two seconds to turn the radio on.

The LCD display will rotate 180° from its most recent orientation.
3. Repeat steps 1and 2to return the LCD display to its previous
orientation.
Locking the Keypad
You can use the keypad “lock” function to prevent accidentally changing
your radio’s settings. When the function is enabled, the current radio
settings are “locked” in place.
NOTE: When the “lock” function is enabled, the PTT button on the
microphone and the Volume Up / Volume Down buttons on the
radio remain active.
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Model MXT100
To “lock” and “unlock” the keypad:
1. Be sure the radio is turned on (see Power On/Off).
2. Press and hold the Menu button for two seconds.

The Keypad Lock icon will show on the LCD display when the
keypad is “locked.”
3. Repeat steps 1and 2to “unlock” the keypad.

The Keypad Lock icon will turn off when the keypad is
“unlocked.”
Adjusting the Display Illumination
You can adjust the illumination of the LCD display to ensure optimum
visibility under various daytime and nighttime lighting conditions. There are
five levels of illumination, from off to full brightness.
To adjust display brightness:
1. Be sure the radio is turned on (see Power On/Off).
2. Briefly press and release the Power On/Off button.

Each time the button is pressed and released, the display
illumination increases to the next brightness level.

When the maximum brightness level is reached and the button is
pressed and released, the display illumination turns off.
Using Monitor Mode
Monitor mode lets you check for activity on the currently active channel.
You can also use Monitor mode to adjust the volume of your radio when
not receiving a signal.
To enter and exit Monitor mode:
1. Be sure the radio is turned on (see Power On/Off).
2. Be sure you have selected the desired channel (see Selecting the
Active Channel).
3. Press the Monitor/Quiet Channel button to enter Monitor mode.

You will hear any activity on the currently selected channel.
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Model MXT100
4. Press the Volume Up or Volume Down button to increase or
decrease radio volume.
5. Once the radio volume has been adjusted to the desired level, press
the Monitor/Quiet Channel button to exit Monitor mode.
Scanning for Active Channels
Your MXT100 includes an “auto-scan” mode that continuously scans all 15
available channels for activity. Additionally, if desired, you can remove one
or more channels from the list of scanned channels.
To enter and exit “auto-scan” mode:
1. Be sure the radio is turned on (see Power On/Off).
2. Quickly press and release the Scan button to enter “auto-scan”
mode.

The Scanning icon will show on the LCD display when the radio
is in “auto-scan” mode.

Your radio will rapidly scan through the 15 available channels and
will pause on any active channel.

“Auto-scan” will resume when there has been no activity on the
current channel for four seconds.
3. To transmit during “auto-scan,” press and hold the PTT button on the
microphone while the radio is paused on the desired channel.

The radio will remain on the active channel for three seconds after
the PTT button is released.
4. To exit the “auto-scan” mode, quickly press and release the Scan
button.

The Scanning icon will turn off when the radio is no longer in
“auto-scan” mode.
To remove a channel from “auto-scan” mode:
1. Be sure the radio is turned on (see Power On/Off).
2. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to scroll forward
or backward through the available channels until the Channel icon for
the channel you wish to remove shows on the LCD display.
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Model MXT100
3. Press and hold the Scan button.

The selected channel is removed from the list of “scanned” channels
and will not be included in “auto-scan.”
4. Repeat steps 1through 3to return a removed channel to the list of
“scanned” channels.
“MENU” MODE FUNCTIONS
The “Menu” mode provides access to the features and functions shown in
the chart below. For additional utility functions, see UTILITY FUNCTIONS.
MXT100 “Menu” Mode Quick Reference Chart
F1 – CTCSS Codes. Use this option to select and assign a Continuous
Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) Privacy Code for the
currently active channel.
F2 – DCS Codes. Use this option to select and assign a Digitally Coded
Squelch (DCS) Privacy Code for the currently active channel.
F3 – Squelch Sensitivity. Use this option to adjust squelch sensitivity.
F4 – Key “Beep” Volume. Use this option to set the volume level for the
keypad audible “beep” tones
F5 – Transmit Power Level.Use this option to change the transmit power
level to HI or LO.
Selecting a Privacy Code
Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) and Digitally Coded
Squelch (DCS) are systems that allow several users to share the same
channel without disturbing each other. When CTCSS or DCS enabled for a
selected channel, the channel is muted to all incoming signals unless they
carry the correct CTCSS or DCS tone.
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Model MXT100
When a transmission with the correct tone is received, the mute is
removed and the voice audio can be heard. When the transmission ends
the channel is muted again. Transmissions that do not have the correct
tone are not heard.
The MXT100 has 142 Privacy Codes (38 CTCSS codes and 104 DCS
codes), which can be applied to any channel. If desired, you can select a
different Privacy Code for each channel. See CTCSS Privacy Codes
Frequency Chart and DCS Privacy Codes Chart for lists of available
Privacy Codes.
IMPORTANT! To communicate between two MXT100 radios, both
radios must be set to the same channel (see Selecting the Active
Channel) and Privacy Code selections.
To select a Privacy Code:
1. Press the Menu button to place the radio in “Menu” mode.
2. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to scroll the
menu options until the LCD display shows F1 (for CTCSS) or F2 (for
DCS), as desired.
3. Press the Menu button again to confirm your selection.

The (for CTCSS) or (for DCS) icon will show on the LCD
display, according to your selection.
4. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to scroll forward
or backward through the available Privacy Codes until the desired
Privacy Code is shown on the LCD display.
NOTE: DCS Privacy Codes 100-104 are shown on the LCD display
as A0-A4.
NOTE: Selecting a Privacy Code of “oF” will disable the Privacy
feature.
5. When the desired Privacy Code is shown on the LCD display, press the
Menu button to confirm your selection. YOU MUST PRESS THE
MENU BUTTON TO CONFIRM YOUR SELECTION OR THE
PRIVACY CODE WILL NOT BE CHANGED.
NOTE: If you select a CTCSS Privacy Code, any pre-selected DCS
Privacy Code will be cancelled, and vice-versa.
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Model MXT100
Adjusting Squelch Sensitivity
The MXT100 has adjustable squelch sensitivity. The minimum squelch
level of 00 is the most sensitive, which allows the squelch to open on very
weak signals. Setting the squelch to the maximum setting of 09 requires
very strong signals to open the squelch.
To adjust the squelch sensitivity:
1. Press the Menu button to place the radio in “Menu” mode.
2. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to scroll the
menu options until the LCD display shows F3.
3. Press the Menu button again to confirm your selection.
4. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to scroll forward
or backward to select the desired squelch level, from 00 to 09.

The default squelch setting is 05, which generally provides reliable
squelch operation for most applications.
5. When the desired squelch level is shown on the LCD display, press the
Menu button to confirm your selection. YOU MUST PRESS THE
MENU BUTTON TO CONFIRM YOUR SELECTION OR THE
SQUELCH SENSITIVITY WILL NOT BE CHANGED.
Adjusting Audible Tones (Key Beeps)
The MXT100 sounds an audible “beep” tone each time a key is pressed. If
the “beep tone” volume is too loud or too soft for your operating
environment you can adjust it from off to one of 8 different volume levels.
To adjust the “beep” tone volume level:
1. Press the Menu button to place the radio in “Menu” mode.
2. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to scroll the
menu options until the LCD display shows F4.
3. Press the Menu button again to confirm your selection.
4. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to scroll forward
or backward to select the desired “beep” tone volume level, from b0
volume off) to b8 (maximum volume level).
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Model MXT100
5. When the desired “beep” tone volume level is shown on the LCD
display, press the Menu button (or wait 3 seconds) to confirm your
selection.
Selecting the Transmit (TX) Power Level
The MXT100 provides two transmit power levels; HI and Lo. The Lo
power level is generally suitable when operating under optimum conditions
(see About Range). The HI power level is recommended to ensure you
get maximum range from your radio.
To adjust the transmit power level:
1. Press the Menu button to place the radio in “Menu” mode.
2. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to scroll the
menu options until the LCD display shows F5.
3. Press the Menu button again to confirm your selection.
4. Use the Channel Up or Channel Down button to toggle the
transmit power setting between HI and Lo.
5. When the desired transmit power level is shown on the LCD display,
press the Menu button to confirm your selection. YOU MUST
PRESS THE MENU BUTTON TO CONFIRM YOUR SELECTION
OR THE POWER LEVEL WILL NOT BE CHANGED.
RESTORING THE DEFAULT SETTINGS
You can restore the original (factory default) settings for your MXT100 at
any time.
To restore the default settings:
1. Be sure the radio is turned off (see Power On/Off).
2. Press and hold the Volume Up button.
3. Press and hold the Power On/Off button for two seconds to turn the
radio on.
4. Release both buttons.

The radio will enter “standby” mode at channel 1, with no Privacy
Code selected.
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Model MXT100
CARE AND MAINTENANCE
CAUTION: DO NOT use alcohol or cleaning solutions to clean the
radio. DO NOT immerse the radio in water.
1. Use a soft cloth moistened with water to clean the radio.
2. Dry the radio with a dry lint-free cloth should it get wet.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
If you experience difficulties using your MXT100, refer to the following
chart to correct common operation problems. If you have a problem which
you believe requires service, please call first and speak with a service
technician at 816-241-8500. Many problems can be remedied over the
phone without returning the unit for service.
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
No Power
-- Check vehicle power source (battery);
replace as needed.
-- Check input power connection and/or wires
to vehicle power source.
Cannot Receive
Messages
-- Verify both radios have the same channel
selection and Privacy Code settings.
-- Make sure you are within range of the other
radio.
-- Confirm communication is not affected by
buildings and other structures (see About
Range).
Keypad Is Not
Responding
-- Make sure keypad “lock” is not on (see
Locking the Keypad).
-- Reset the radio (turn radio off then back on).
Display Backlight Is
Dim
-- Adjust the display illumination (see
Adjusting the Display Illumination).
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