Midland SP-400 Series User manual

User’s Guide
SP-400 Series Portable
4/16 Channel VHF-FM Portable Transceiver
4/16 Channel UHF-FM Portable Transceiver
www.midlandradio.com

SP-400 Series User’s Guide
2©2005, Midland Radio Corporation
FCC RF EXPOSURE COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS
FOR OCCUPATIONAL USE ONLY
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), within
its action in General Docket 93-62, November 7, 1997,
has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to
Radio Frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted
by FCC regulated equipment. Midland Radio Corporation
subscribes to the same safety standard for the use of its
products. Proper operation of this radio will result in user
exposure far below the Occupational Safety and Health
Act (OSHA) and FCC limits.
DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total use
time (50% duty cycle). Transmitting more than
50% of the time can cause FCC RF exposure
compliance requirements to be exceeded.
This radio is NOT approved for use by the
general population in an uncontrolled
environment. This radio is restricted to
occupational use, work related operations only,
where the radio operator must have the
knowledge to control the user’s exposure
conditions for satisfying the higher exposure
limit allowed for occupational use.
When transmitting, hold the radio in a vertical
position with its microphone 2 inches (5 cm)
away from your mouth. The radio is transmitting
when the red LED on the front of the radio is
illuminated. You can cause the radio to transmit
by pressing the PTT button on the radio. DO NOT
transmit while the radio is attached to your belt.
These are required operating conditions for
meeting FCC RF exposure compliance. Failure to
observe these restrictions means violation.

SP-400 Series User’s Guide
Contents
Conventions and Symbols in this Book................................... 4
Disclaimer................................................................................ 5
Safety....................................................................................... 5
Introduction.............................................................................. 7
Radio models ....................................................................... 7
Radio features...................................................................... 7
Radio Controls......................................................................... 9
Top ....................................................................................... 9
Top ..................................................................................... 10
Front................................................................................... 10
Side (right).......................................................................... 10
Side (left)............................................................................ 10
Setup...................................................................................... 12
Unpacking .......................................................................... 12
Attaching and removing the antenna ................................. 12
Installing and removing the battery pack............................ 13
Installing and removing the belt clip................................... 13
Charging the battery pack.................................................. 14
Basic Operation ..................................................................... 16
Turning the radio ON and OFF .......................................... 16
Adjusting the volume.......................................................... 16
Selecting the channel......................................................... 16
Receiving transmissions from other radios........................ 16
Monitoring the channel....................................................... 18
Transmitting to other radios ............................................... 19
Selecting transmission power ............................................ 20
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
Sending a 2-tone/selective call or emergency call............. 20
Scanning channels............................................................. 21
Advanced Operations ............................................................ 24
Operating hands-free ......................................................... 24
Using the scrambler ........................................................... 25
Editing your scan list .......................................................... 25
Care and Maintenance........................................................... 26
Using rechargeable battery packs...................................... 26
Cleaning your radio............................................................ 30
Optional Accessories............................................................. 30
Recommended accessories............................................... 31
Quick Reference.................................................................... 32
Controls function table........................................................ 32
Status LED table ................................................................ 33
Specifications......................................................................... 34
Warranty Statement............................................................... 35
Conventions and Symbols in this Book
This symbol marks a “caution”. Cautions are special
notices which you should read and follow carefully to
avoid possible damage to your equipment and to avoid
potential danger to yourself or other people.
!This symbol marks an “important point”. Important points
are specific instructions which should be followed closely
for proper operation.
This symbol marks a “note”. Notes are hints or tips which
offer additional information to help you.
4©2005, Midland Radio Corporation

SP-400 Series User’s Guide
Disclaimer
Midland Radio Corporation is committed to continuous quality
improvements, for this reason specifications may change without
prior notice.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this
document is complete, accurate, and up-to-date. Midland
assumes no responsibility for the results of errors beyond its
control. The manufacturer of this equipment also cannot
guarantee that changes in the equipment made by unauthorized
people will not affect the transceiver’s performance or functions.
Safety
Your SP-400 series portable transceiver has been carefully
designed to give you years of safe, reliable performance. As with
all electrical equipment, however, there are a few basic
precautions you should take to avoid injury to yourself or
damage to the radio:
Read the instructions in this handbook carefully. Be
sure to save it for future reference.
Read and follow all warning and instruction labels
on the radio itself.
Do not carry the transceiver by the antenna. This
may damage the antenna or antenna terminal. Grasp it
by its base (not the tip!) when you need to attach or
remove the antenna.
Do not hold the radio with the antenna very close to,
or touching the body, while transmitting. The radio
will perform best if the microphone is 2-4 inches away
from the mouth and the radio is vertical.
Be sure the PTT button is not pressed when you do
not need to transmit.
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
Do not operate the radio near unshielded electrical
blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere.
Do not transmit without the antenna attached to the
radio. Though designed for protection against damage,
damage to the transmitter may occur.
Respect the environmental conditions. The radio is
designed to operate in harsh environments, but avoiding
extended or unnecessary exposure will prolong the
service life.
Never attempt to disassemble or service the radio
yourself (aside from the routine maintenance described
in this handbook). It will immediately void the warranty
and you may cause damage requiring extensive repair
work. Always contact your local dealer or
communications coordinator for assistance.
Use only recommended accessories. Use of incorrect
accessories could seriously damage your handheld
transceiver.
Do not use your radio near water, or spill liquid of
any kind into it. If the transceiver gets wet immediately
dry it with a soft, clean cloth.
Switch the radio off before you clean it. Follow the
instructions in the “Care and maintenance” section.
Handle the battery properly. Follow the instructions in
the “Care and maintenance” section.
Make sure that your AC power source matches the
rating of the supplied battery charger AC adapter.
The above warning list is not intended to include all
hazards that may be encountered when using this radio.
6©2005, Midland Radio Corporation

SP-400 Series User’s Guide
Introduction
Congratulations! By choosing the Midland SP-400 series, you
have selected a professional grade portable radio. Its rugged
design will provide years of reliable service and its sophisticated
software allows many customizable options.
Radio models
There are four models in the SP-400 series portable radio line.
The models differ only by band of operation and channel
capacity.
SP-410 – 4 channel VHF, 148-174 MHz.
SP-420 – 4 channel UHF, 440-470 MHz.
SP-430 – 16 channel VHF, 148-174 MHz.
SP-440 – 16 channel UHF, 440-470 MHz.
Radio features
The SP-400 series is a programmable, synthesized radio with
the following features:
5Easy to use – only five controls access all the
transceiver’s functions.
5Up to sixteen channel capacity – simple and reliable
knob selection.
5Programmable transmit power – select the transmit
power to maximize range or battery life. 1 or 5 watts (4
watts UHF) programmable per channel.
5Channel scanning – flexible scan programming allows
the radio to search for signals on programmed channels.
Priority scan, priority transmit and priority lookback are
all programmable selections. Scan talkback and
nuisance delete functions are available.
5CTCSS/DCS encode and decode– blocks
conversations sharing the same frequency that are not
intended for you. Allows access to your radio repeaters.
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
47 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes programmable per
channel.
52-tone decode – your radio may be programmed to
respond only when paged with a two-tone sequence.
Two sequences selectable per channel and up to 15
different sequences programmable per radio.
5VOX (voice operated transmit) – allows hands-free
operation using an optional headset/microphone.
5Voice inversion scrambler – for secure
communications. Radio communications are encoded
and decoded, when activated, to make the conversation
unintelligible to third parties listening on your frequency.
52-tone or sequential tone selective call – for more
advanced radio network management. Allows individual
or group calls to users in a radio network.
5Emergency selective call – can be sent to alert other
users of an emergency situation with an activation
protected against accidental switching.
5Busy channel lockout – prevents transmission when
the channel is busy. Programmable override function will
allow transmission during repeater hangtime.
5Transmit time-out timer – ensures continuous
transmissions are limited to the programmed time. A
penalty timer is also programmable.
5Battery save mode – may be programmed to extend
battery life.
5Wide range of optional accessories –provide
additional flexibility of use.
These transceivers are compliant with ETS 300 086, IEC529
level IP54 and MIL STD 810E.
8©2005, Midland Radio Corporation

SP-400 Series User’s Guide
Radio Controls
Please read this section to familiarize yourself with the
transceiver’s controls.
2
3
1
7 4
6
8
5
9
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
Top
[1] Channel selector knob. Rotate this knob to select the
operating channel.
[2] Power ON/OFF knob. Rotate this knob clockwise to turn the
transceiver on (counterclockwise to turn off).
[3] Status LED. Tri-color LED lights and flashes at different rates
to indicate operating conditions.
Front
[4] Speaker. Receive audio will be heard from the built in
speaker located in this area.
[5] Microphone. The internal microphone is located here.
Side (right)
[6] Accessory connector. Use for connection of
speaker/microphones, headsets and other accessories. It should
be protected with the supplied cap when not in use. For
additional information, please see the “Accessory Connections”
section.
Side (left)
[7] Upper function (monitor) button. The upper function button
performs two functions. The primary function is activated by a
brief button press (press and release) and the secondary
function is activated by pressing the button for more than two
seconds (press and hold):
If you press the upper function button for less than two
seconds the monitor mode will be activated while pressed
and deactivated when released. For details, please see the
“Monitoring the channel” section.
If you press the upper function button for more than two
seconds the monitor mode will latch on. To turn the monitor
mode off, press and release the upper function button. For
details, please see the “Monitoring the channel” section.
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
[8] PTT (Push to talk) button. The PTT button must be pressed
while you speak into the microphone. Release the PTT button to
receive transmissions from other radios.
[9] Lower function (scan) button. The lower function button
performs two functions. The primary function is activated by a
brief button press (press and release) and the secondary
function is activated by pressing the button for more than two
seconds (press and hold):
If you press and release the lower function button, the radio
will begin scanning the channels in the scan list. Press and
release the lower function button again to stop scan. For
details, please see the “Scanning channels” section.
If you press and hold (>2 seconds) the lower function button,
the channel currently selected by the channel knob will be
added or removed from the scan list. A high pitched beep
will indicate the channel was added to the scan list, a low
pitched beep indicates the channel was already in the scan
list and was removed. For details, please see the “Editing
your scan list” section.
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
Setup
Unpacking
The following items are supplied in the standard package:
5One transceiver (SP-410, SP-420, SP-430 or SP-440)
5One battery pack (18-B02)
5One belt clip (81-BC1)
5One plastic accessory dust cover
5One rubber easy access dust cover
5One user’s manual
If something is missing please promptly advise your supplier.
Attaching and removing the antenna
To attach the antenna:
1. Locate the antenna terminal (threaded female connector) on
transceiver’s top.
2. Hold the transceiver with one hand and the base (the
thicker part) of the antenna with the other hand.
3. Attach the included rubber antenna to the antenna terminal
by turning it clockwise until it is firmly seated. Do not
overtighten.
To remove the antenna, turn the antenna base counterclockwise.
The antenna should always be attached to the radio
when it is operated. Transmitting without the
antenna may damage the transmitter. Use only the
recommended antennas.
12 ©2005, Midland Radio Corporation

SP-400 Series User’s Guide
Installing and removing the battery pack
To install the battery pack:
Hold the transceiver’s body with one hand and the battery pack
with the other.
1. Slide the bottom of the
battery pack into the s
on the bottom of the
transceiver.
lots
2. Gently push the top of
the battery pack toward
the transceiver until a
click is heard. The
battery pack will snap
into place and should be
firmly locked.
To remove the battery pack:
1. Press the battery release
button located on the
back of the battery pack.
2. Hold the release button
and gently lift the top of
the battery pack away
from the transceiver.
3. Remove the battery pack
by separating it from the
transceiver’s body.
Installing and removing the belt clip
The supplied belt clip allows you to attach the transceiver to your
belt, while the radio is not in use or is in receive mode. The radio
should be held as instructed in the “Transmitting to other radios”
section while transmitting.
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
To install the belt clip onto the battery pack’s body:
1. Slide the clip into the
appropriate guides
located on the back of
the battery until it firmly
locks.
To remove the belt clip:
2. Gently lift the belt clip
release.
3. While lifting the belt clip release slide the belt clip off the
battery.
Charging the battery pack
The battery pack should be charged prior to use. To charge the
battery pack you should setup the charger and insert the radio
(or battery) as follows:
1. Connect the DC
plug on the AC
adapter to the
mating socket on
the back of the
charging cradle.
2. Plug the AC
adapter into a
grounded AC
power outlet
which supplies
the specified
input voltage for
the AC adapter.
3. Make sure the radio is switched off.
4. Insert the radio into the cradle with the front of the radio
facing toward the front of the cradle (the three metallic
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
contacts of the battery pack must make contact with the
three contacts inside the cradle). The LED indicator will
glow red indicating the battery is charging.
5. The rapid charger will fully charge the 1300 mAH NiMH
battery in approximately 1.5 hours. The rapid charger will
change to a green LED and switch to a trickle charge rate
when a full charge is detected. The standard rate charger
will charge the battery in about 12 hours.
Removing the battery before it is fully charged will
temporarily reduce the duty cycle.
!The battery should not be left in the charger longer
than 15 hours.
!The battery charger is for indoor use only.
!For best duty and battery life please see the “Battery
Packs” section.
©2005, Midland Radio Corporation 15

SP-400 Series User’s Guide
Basic Operation
This section describes many of the standard functions available
on your SP-400 series radio. Many aspects of the radio can be
changed or customized to suit the requirements, so not all
functions may be available or operate as described.
Due to the programming options of the radio, certain
functions may be disabled or operate differently than
described here. If in doubt please contact your dealer or
communications coordinator for further details.
Turning the radio ON and OFF
To turn the radio on, rotate the PWR/VOL knob clockwise past
the detent. The CPU will perform an auto test and a ring tone will
sound to indicate the radio is functioning properly.
The power-on ring tone may have been disabled during
radio programming.
To switch the radio off, rotate the PWR/VOL knob
counterclockwise past the detent.
Adjusting the volume
The PWR/VOL knob is also used to adjust the speaker volume:
rotate clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease the
volume.
Selecting the channel
If your radio has been programmed with more than one channel
you can easily change it. To select a channel, turn the channel
selector knob clockwise or counterclockwise until the channel
indicator on the knob matches the desired channel. If the
selected channel has not been programmed, the status LED will
glow steadily green and a low error tone will be generated.
Receiving transmissions from other radios
Each channel of your radio may be programmed for carrier
squelch operation, CTCSS/DCS operation or 2-tone/selective
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
call operation. The following paragraphs describe these modes
of operation. Ask your dealer or communications coordinator if
you have questions on how your radio has been programmed to
operate.
Carrier squelch operation
A signal that matches the programmed receive frequency will be
heard if it is of sufficient strength to exceed the squelch
threshold. An on frequency signal exceeding the squelch
threshold level will be indicated by a steady green status LED.
CTCSS/DCS operation
CTCSS or DCS signaling adds an additional condition to carrier
squelch operation. In addition to the signal having to exceed the
squelch threshold level, the received signal must also have the
correct CTCSS or DCS tone or code before the audio will be
passed to the speaker. CTCSS or DCS signaling allows multiple
users using the same frequency to hear only signals which have
their correct CTCSS tone or DCS code. An on frequency signal
with the correct CTCSS or DCS signaling will be indicated by a
steady amber status LED.
If the latched monitor function has been engaged the
status LED will also light steady amber.
!CTCSS/DCS allows multiple users to share the same
frequency. However CTCSS/DCS is only useful to
avoid disturbing other users with messages not
related to them. If more than one radio is
transmitting at the same time, this will cause
interference. Do not transmit if the status LED is
illuminated. Wait until the channel is clear before
transmitting.
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
2-tone/selective call operation
2-tone or selective call signaling allows individual or group calls
to be made to your radio. The radio may have been programmed
to mute all receive signals until a 2-tone or selective call signal
has been decoded. When the programmed 2-tone or selective
call signal is decoded, the status LED will blink green, a ring tone
may sound, and subsequent receive audio will be heard over the
speaker. After the call has been acknowledged, by pressing PTT
for example, the status LED will change to steady green until the
radio is muted. The transceiver may be programmed to mute
after a programmed time, or you may press and hold the upper
function button for two seconds to mute the radio until it receives
a new call.
Consult your dealer or communications coordinator for
further details on how your radio has been programmed
for 2-tone or selective call operation.
!2-tone and selective call signaling allows users to
receive only calls intended for them. However, more
than one radio transmitting at a time will still cause
interference. Do not transmit if the status LED is
illuminated. Wait until the channel is clear before
transmitting.
Monitoring the channel
The upper function button is used to activate the monitor
function. The radio’s monitor function can be programmed per
channel and may operate differently on different channels. It may
also be disabled on some channels. The following paragraph
details the basic monitor function, but consult your dealer or
communications coordinator if you are unsure how the monitor
function operates.
The monitor function may be programmed to disable squelch,
CTCSS/DCS signaling, 2-tone/selective call signaling or some
combination of these. To temporarily activate the monitor
function, briefly press the upper function button. If the button is
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
released within two seconds the monitor function will deactivate
when released. If the upper function button is held pressed for
more than two seconds the monitor function will latch on. Press
and release the upper function button again to deactivate the
latched monitor function.
When the monitor function is activated a high pitched
beep will sound and the status LED will light amber.
When the monitor function is turned off a low pitched
beep will sound and the status LED will turn off.
The upper function button is also used to mute the radio
after a 2-tone or selective call has ended. Press and
hold the upper function button for more than two
seconds to mute the radio until the next 2-tone or
selective call.
Transmitting to other radios
Follow these steps to transmit on your radio:
1. Make sure that the channel is not busy (transmitting while
another radio is transmitting will only create interference,
please wait for the channel to clear).
2. Press and hold the PTT button. The status LED will glow
red.
3. Talk in a normal voice with the microphone approximately 2-
4 inches (5-10 cm) from your mouth. When finished
speaking, release the PTT button.
Do not shout! It will only create distortion.
Press PTT before you start talking and release PTT after
you have finished speaking.
Your radio doesn’t allow you to talk and receive
simultaneously, so keep your transmission short. When
you are transmitting, other people can not. Use common
sense and do not occupy the channel too much.
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide
The radio might be programmed with a timeout timer
which will automatically end your transmission after a
preset time. In this case release PTT and wait for a few
seconds. The radio transmitter will be enabled again
after a few seconds. Ask your dealer or communications
coordinator for further details.
The radio might be programmed for busy channel lock
out, which automatically disables the transmitter if your
channel is busy. In this case wait until the channel is
clear.
Selecting transmission power
Your SP-410 / SP-420 / SP-430 / SP-440 can transmit with two
power levels. This setting is programmed by your dealer or
communications coordinator for each channel. The low power
option is used whenever possible to extend battery life and
reduce the chances of creating interference with nearby radios.
If the status LED blinks red once every five seconds in
standby, the battery needs charging. When a low battery
condition is detected, the radio will automatically revert
to low power when transmitting to help prolong the
battery's life. If beeps are enabled, two short beeps will
be heard before each transmission indicating the radio
has automatically switched to low power mode.
Sending a 2-tone/selective call or emergency call
Your radio may have been programmed to send a 2-tone or
selective call for the current channel. Your dealer or
communications coordinator may have programmed your radio
to send an emergency call. Please consult your dealer or
communications coordinator if you are not sure about the use of
the call function. Obviously, you should not send an emergency
call unless it is warranted.
20 ©2005, Midland Radio Corporation