Radio Shack BTX-124 User manual

Cat. No. 19-1205
OWNER’S MANUAL
Please read before using this equipment.
BTX-124
VHF FM Business Band Transceiver
with CTCSS
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2
FEATURES
Your RadioShack BTX-124 VHF FM
Business Band Transceiver with CTCSS
is a portable, two-way business radio
service transceiver that you can carry al-
most anywhere. The transceiver is com-
pact and light, making it an ideal choice
for your business needs.
Your transceiver has these features:
Pro
g
rammable Channels A and B —
let you operate the transceiver on two
different frequencies.
Preset Frequencies — let you quickly
begin operation on either 154.600 MHz
(Channel A, green dot) or 154.570 MHz
(Channel B, blue dot).
PLL-Controlled Circuitr
y
— provides
accurate and stable channel selection.
Ad
j
ustable Squelch — helps eliminate
noise between transmissions.
CTCSS (Continuous Tone Control
Squelch S
y
stem) — helps reduce inter-
ference from other systems in the area
operating on the same frequency.
Built-In Modulation Limiter Circuit —
automatically adjusts for a wide variety
of voice levels to ensure an understand-
able transmission.
Hi
g
h/Low Power — lets you save pow-
er by selecting a suitable transmitting
power for long or short distances.
Batter
y
Low and Transmit Indicator
— shows the battery pack’s condition
and lights when you transmit or receive.
Removable and Rechar
g
eable Bat-
ter
y
Pack — lets you use one battery
pack while you charge another (addi-
tional packs available).
Supplied Batter
y
Char
g
er — conve-
niently recharges your transceiver’s bat-
tery pack.
Earphone Jack and External Micro-
phone Jack — let you use an earphone
or external microphone to help ensure
understandable communications in
noisy areas.
Belt Pouch — protects your transceiver
and lets you easily carry it on your belt.
We recommend you record your trans-
ceiver’s serial number here. The num-
ber is on the back of the transceiver.
Serial Number___________________
© 1997 Tandy Corporation.
All Rights Reserved.
RadioShack is a registered trademark used by Tandy Corporation.
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3
CONTENTS
FCC Re
g
ulations ................................................................................................... 4
FCC License Required ..................................................................................... 4
FCC Part 90 Rules ........................................................................................... 4
Preparation ............................................................................................................ 6
Charging the Battery Pack ............................................................................... 6
Checking the Battery Power ...................................................................... 7
Using the Belt Clip ........................................................................................... 7
Using an Earphone .......................................................................................... 7
Connecting an Antenna ................................................................................... 8
Using an External Microphone ......................................................................... 8
Operation ............................................................................................................... 9
Why Use CTCSS? ......................................................................................... 10
Operational Hints ........................................................................................... 10
Additional FCC Re
g
ulations .............................................................................. 11
Maintenance ........................................................................................................ 12
Specifications ..................................................................................................... 13
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4
FCC REGULATIONS
FCC LICENSE REQUIRED
The Federal Communications Commis-
sion (FCC) requires you to have a li-
cense before you operate this
transceiver. Unless you qualify to oper-
ate on the supplied frequencies, you
must apply for a frequency through the
PCIA (Personal Communication Indus-
try Association), a non-profit organiza-
tion that assigns frequencies nationwide
to help prevent conflicts between differ-
ent businesses using transceivers in the
same area. For more information about
getting a license, contact the PCIA at
800-759-0300, extension 3068 (in Vir-
ginia 703-739-0300, extension 3068).
For other questions concerning the li-
cense application, contact the FCC at
717-337-1212, or write:
FCC
P.O. Box 1040
Gettysburg, PA 17325
For the latest FCC application form and
instructions, call the FCC’s fax-on-de-
mand service from a fax machine at 1-
202-418-0177 and request one or more
of the following documents:
All forms and instructions 000600
Form 600 instructions only 006001
Main Form 600 only 006002
Form 600 schedules only 006003
If you do not have a fax machine, you
can call the Government Forms Distri-
bution Center at 1-800-418-FORM and
request that the form and instructions be
mailed to you.
This transceiver is intended for use in
the operation of commercial activities,
educational, philanthropic, or ecclesias-
tical institutions, and hospitals, clinics,
or medical associations.
FCC PART 90 RULES
You must be familiar with Part 90 of
FCC Rules
before you operate your
transceiver. The operation instructions
in this manual conform to Part 90, but
do not cover all items in Part 90.
Overall, Part 90 states that:
• You must have a valid license
before you use the transceiver.
• As licensee, you are responsible for
proper operation of all transceivers
operating under your license author-
ity.
• You can let unlicensed persons
operate this transmitter, as long as
you take precautions to prevent
unauthorized transmissions.
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5
• You must use this transceiver only
for the commercial use of your busi-
ness, and only when other commer-
cial channels (such as the
telephone) are either not available
or not practical.
• You must always yield the operating
frequency to communications that
involve the safety of life or property.
• You must take reasonable precau-
tions to prevent harmful interference
to other services operating on the
same frequency.
• You must not transmit program
material of any kind used in connec-
tion with commercial broadcasting.
• You must not provide a service that
is normally handled by telephone or
telegraph unless such broadcasts
involve the safety of life or property
or in emergencies such as an earth-
quake, hurricane, flood or a similar
disaster where normal communica-
tion channels are disrupted.
• During each transmission or
exchange of transmissions, you
must identify your station with the
call sign issued to you by the FCC,
or once each 15 minutes during
periods of continuous operation.
• You must keep a written record of
any maintenance or modification
made to the transceiver, and you
must make this record available for
inspection upon demand by the
FCC.
Violating any of the provisions of Part 90
can result in fines and/or confiscation of
equipment.
Your transceiver might cause TV or ra-
dio interference even when it is operat-
ing properly. To determine whether your
transceiver is causing the interference,
turn off your transceiver. If the interfer-
ence goes away, your transceiver is
causing it. Try to eliminate the interfer-
ence by:
• Moving your transceiver away from
the receiver
• Contacting your local RadioShack
store for help
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6
PREPARATION
Before you use the transceiver, you
must be properly licensed by the FCC. If
you are licensed to use one or both of
the supplied frequencies, you can im-
mediately use the transceiver.
If you are licensed on different frequen-
cies, your local RadioShack store must
send the transceiver to an authorized
service facility to have the frequencies
programmed into the transceiver. You
must tell the store the frequency you are
licensed for and any desired CTCSS
tone (the factory preset is 100.0 Hz).
See “Why Use CTCSS?” on Page 11 for
more information about CTCSS.
CHARGING THEBATTERY
PACK
You must charge the battery pack with
the supplied battery charger before you
use it the first time, and whenever the
battery becomes low.
You can charge the battery pack with it
attached to the transceiver or removed.
To attach the battery pack, slide it onto
the transceiver. To remove the battery
pack, press down and slide RELEASE in
the direction of the arrow, then slide off
the pack.
Follow these steps to charge the battery
pack.
1. If the transceiver is on, turn VOL
counterclockwise until it clicks to
turn it off.
2. Plug the charger’s barrel plug into
the CHRG jack on the side of the
ILLUSTRATION
ILLUSTRATION
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7
battery pack, then connect the charger to a standard AC outlet.
ILLUSTRATION
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8
Note: Charging time is 14 to 16
hours.
Cautions:
• To prevent permanent battery power
loss, never charge the batteries in
an area where the temperature is
above about 80°F. The charger
does not operate at all at tempera-
tures below 32°F or above 113°F.
• Never use any other charger to
recharge the transceiver’s battery
pack. This could permanently dam-
age your transceiver or the battery
pack.
Important: This transceiver uses a re-
chargeable nickel-cadmium battery
pack. At the end of the battery pack’s
useful life, it must be recycled or dis-
posed of properly. Contact your local,
county, or state hazardous waste man-
agement authorities for information on
recycling or disposal programs in your
area. Some options that might be avail-
able are: municipal curbside collection,
drop-off boxes at retailers such as your
local RadioShack store, recycling collec-
tion centers, and mail-back programs.
Checking the Battery Power
1. Rotate VOL clockwise until it clicks
to turn on the transceiver.
2. Press the push-to-talk button on the
left side of the transceiver. If
BUSY•TX/LO BATT lights red, there
is sufficient battery power for trans-
mission. If the indicator lights yellow,
you need to recharge the battery
pack.
Using the Belt Clip
The supplied belt clip lets you easily clip
the transceiver to your belt. Use a small
Phillips screwdriver to secure the clip to
the transceiver’s back with the supplied
screws and washers, then attach it to
your belt.
Using an Earphone
To listen privately or to hear better in a
noisy area, you can plug a monaural
earphone into the EAR jack on the top of
the transceiver. This automatically dis-
connects the speaker.
ILLUSTRATION
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9
CONNECTING AN
ANTENNA
Attach the flexible antenna to the anten-
na jack on top of the transceiver. Place
the antenna connector’s slots over the
antenna jack’s tabs, squeeze the base
of the antenna, and push down and turn
the connector until the antenna locks
into place.
Instead of the supplied antenna, you
can connect an optional antenna. The
BNC antenna jack on your transceiver
makes it easy to use with a variety of
antennas, such as an external mobile
antenna or an outdoor base antenna.
Caution: Never connect an antenna
that is not specifically tuned for the
transceiver’s frequency range.
Warning: When installing or removing a
base station antenna, use extreme cau-
tion. If it starts to fall, let it go! It could
contact overhead power lines. If the an-
tenna touches the power line, contact
with the antenna, mast, cable, or guy
wires can cause electrocution and
death! Call the power company to re-
move the antenna. Do not attempt to do
so yourself.
USING AN EXTERNAL
MICROPHONE
An external microphone can make it
easier to use the transceiver when you
clip it to your belt. Plug the microphone’s
cable connector into the MIC jack on top
of the transceiver. This automatically
disconnects the transceiver’s micro-
phone.
Note: The transceiver’s push-to-talk
button still works with an external micro-
phone attached.
ILLUSTRATION
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10
OPERATION
1. Turn VOL clockwise to turn on the
transceiver.
2. Select Channel A or B using the
CHANNEL switch on the top of the
transceiver.
3. To conserve battery power, set
POWER
to
LO. If the person you
transmit to has trouble receiving
your signal, set POWER to HI.
4. To transmit, hold down push-to-talk,
then hold your transceiver about 3
inches from your mouth and speak
slowly in a normal tone of voice. The
BUSY•TX/LO BATT indicator lights
red.
5. When you finish your message,
release push-to-talk. The BUSY•TX/
LO BATT indicator lights green
when you receive a transmission.
6. Adjust VOL to a comfortable listen-
ing level.
7. If you are not using CTCSS, wait
until there is no signal on the chan-
nel, then slowly turn SQL/CTCSS
clockwise until the background
noise stops.
Note: Do not turn SQL/CTCSS too
far clockwise because you might cut
out weak signals.
If you are using CTCSS (see “Why
Use CTCSS?” on Page 11), turn
SQL/CTCSS counterclockwise until it
clicks.
8. To turn off the transceiver, turn VOL
counterclockwise.
ILLUSTRATION
ILLUSTRATION
ILLUSTRATION
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11
WHY USE CTCSS?
CTCSS (Continuous Tone-Coded
Squelch System) helps eliminate inter-
ference between different users of the
same frequency. When CTCSS is
turned on, the transceiver transmits a
selected tone with your transmission.
This tone is too low for you to hear, but
other transceivers can detect it. If CTC-
SS is turned on and set to the same
tone on the receiving transceiver, it only
receives those transmissions that in-
clude the tone.
If two different groups operate transceiv-
ers in the same area on the same fre-
quency, they do not hear each other’s
broadcasts if they both use CTCSS and
each select a different CTCSS tone.
There are 38 different CTCSS tones
available. The CTCSS tone default for
this unit is 100 Hz. See “Available CTC-
SS Tones” on Page 15 for a complete
list. Only authorized RadioShack Ser-
vice Centers can change the CTCSS
tone.
OPERATIONAL HINTS
Your transceiver’s range varies depend-
ing on factors such as position, terrain,
and battery condition. Buildings absorb
transmitted signals and, if they contain
metal, might completely block the sig-
nals. Trees and heavy cloud formations
have a similar effect, though not as se-
vere. If you are near a lake or the ocean,
you might get excellent range.
To ensure maximum range, operate the
transceiver with the battery pack fully
charged. As the voltage decreases, the
range decreases.
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12
ADDITIONAL FCC REGULATIONS
The Business Radio Service is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communica-
tions Commission (FCC). Any adjustments or alterations that would alter the perfor-
mance of the transceiver so it no longer meets the original FCC type acceptance or
would change the frequency-determining method are strictly prohibited.
Replacement or substitution of crystals, transistors, ICS, regulator diodes, or any
other component that is of a unique nature with components other than those rec-
ommended can violate the technical regulations of the FCC rules or violate type ac-
ceptance requirement of the rules.
Before you operate the transceiver, you must obtain your license. It is illegal to
transmit without the appropriate license, which you can get by submitting a complet-
ed FCC Form 600 to the FCC (or through the PCIA if you do not qualify for either of
the supplied frequencies). Furthermore, you are required to understand Part 90 of
the
FCC Rules and Regulations
prior to operating your transceiver. It is the user’s
responsibility to see that this unit is operating at all times in accordance with the
FCC Rules and Regulations
.
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13
MAINTENANCE
Your RadioShack BTX-124 VHF FM Business Band Transceiver with CTCSS is an
example of superior design and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help
you care for your transceiver so you can enjoy it for years.
Keep the transceiver dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liquids
might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.
Use and store the transceiver only in normal temperature environ-
ments. Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic devic-
es, damage batteries, and distort or melt plastic parts.
Keep the transceiver away from dust and dirt, which can cause pre-
mature wear of parts.
Handle the transceiver gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage
circuit boards and cases and can cause the transceiver to work im-
properly.
Use only fresh batteries of the required size and type. Batteries can
leak chemicals that damage your transceiver’s electronic parts.
Wipe the transceiver with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking
new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong deter-
gents to clean the transceiver.
Modifying or tampering with the transceiver’s internal components can cause a mal-
function and might invalidate your transceiver’s warranty and void your FCC authori-
zation to operate it. If your transceiver is not performing as it should, take it to your
local RadioShack store for assistance.
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14
SPECIFICATIONS
Transmitter
Frequency Coverage ........................................................ 150.775 to 155.985 MHz
Frequency Tolerance .................................................................................. ±1.5 kHz
Modulation Type ................................................................................................... FM
Modulation Distortion ........................................................................................... 9%
CTCSS Tone Deviation ............................................................................... ±0.8 kHz
Maximum Deviation ....................................................................................... ±5 kHz
Minimum Operating Voltage ........................................................................... 7 Volts
RF High Power Output (8.4 V) ..................................................... 2 Watts ±0.2 Watt
RF Low Power Output ............................................................... 0.6 Watts ±0.2 Watt
Current Drain at High Power ........................................................................ 700 mA
Current Drain at Low Power ......................................................................... 450 mA
Receiver
Frequency Range ............................................................. 150.775 to 155.985 MHz
Auto Output Power at 10% THD ................................................................ 0.25 Watt
Signal-to-Noise Ratio (20 dB) ...................................................................... 0.75 µV
Working Voltage .......................................................................................... 8.4 Volts
Adjacent Channel Rejection ............................................................................ 45 dB
Audio Distortion .................................................................................................... 5%
Squelch Sensitivity (Start) .............................................................................. 0.5 µV
Distortion (1 mV Input 4.3 kHz) ............................................................................ 5%
Current Drain at Maximum Power ................................................................ 200 mA
Current Drain at Standby ............................................................................... 60 mA
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15
Factory Defaults
Channel A 154.600 MHz
Channel B 154.570 MHz
CTCSS Tone 100 Hz
Available CTCSS Tones
General
Power Supply 8.4 Volts DC
Antenna Length 163 mm
Dimensions (HWD) 21/2×1
1/2×6
Inches (65 × 35 ×160 mm)
Weight 14.66 oz (416 g)
Specifications are typical; individual
units might vary. Specifications are sub-
ject to change and improvement without
notice.
Frequency (Hz)
67.0 97.4 136.5 192.8
71.9 100.0 141.3 203.5
74.4 103.5 146.2 210.7
77.0 107.2 151.4 218.1
79.7 110.9 156.7 225.7
82.5 114.8 162.2 233.6
85.4 118.8 167.9 241.8
88.5 123.0 173.8 250.3
91.5 127.3 179.9
94.8 131.8 186.2
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RadioShack
A Division of Tandy Corporation
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
5A7 Printed in Hong Kong
NOTES
Limited One-Year Warranty
This product is warranted by RadioShack against manufacturing defects in material and workman-
ship under normal use for one (1) year from the date of purchase from RadioShack company-owned
stores and authorized RadioShack franchisees and dealers. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, Ra-
dioShack MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRANTIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING
THOSE OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE LIMITED
IN DURATION TO THE DURATION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED
HEREIN. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RadioShack SHALL HAVE NO LIABILITY OR RE-
SPONSIBILITY TO CUSTOMER OR ANY OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY WITH RESPECT TO ANY
LIABILITY, LOSS OR DAMAGE CAUSED DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY BY USE OR PERFOR-
MANCE OF THE PRODUCT OR ARISING OUT OF ANY BREACH OF THIS WARRANTY, IN-
CLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY DAMAGES RESULTING FROM INCONVENIENCE, LOSS
OF TIME, DATA, PROPERTY, REVENUE, OR PROFIT OR ANY INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDEN-
TAL, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF RadioShack HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
Some states do not allow the limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts or the exclusion of in-
cidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations or exclusions may not apply to you.
In the event of a product defect during the warranty period, take the product and the RadioShack
sales receipt as proof of purchase date to any RadioShack store. RadioShack will, at its option, un-
less otherwise provided by law: (a) correct the defect by product repair without charge for parts and
labor; (b) replace the product with one of the same or similar design; or (c) refund the purchase
price. All replaced parts and products, and products on which a refund is made, become the prop-
erty of RadioShack. New or reconditioned parts and products may be used in the performance of
warranty service. Repaired or replaced parts and products are warranted for the remainder of the
original warranty period. You will be charged for repair or replacement of the product made after the
expiration of the warranty period.
This warranty does not cover: (a) damage or failure caused by or attributable to acts of God, abuse,
accident, misuse, improper or abnormal usage, failure to follow instructions, improper installation or
maintenance, alteration, lightning or other incidence of excess voltage or current; (b) any repairs
other than those provided by a RadioShack Authorized Service Facility; (c) consumables such as
fuses or batteries; (d) cosmetic damage; (e) transportation, shipping or insurance costs; or (f) costs
of product removal, installation, set-up service adjustment or reinstallation.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from
state to state.
RadioShack Customer Relations, Dept. W, 100 Throckmorton St., Suite 600, Fort Worth, TX 76102
We Service What We Sell
3/97
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