Rugged Radios ABM25 User manual

COVER
COVER

PLEASE READ
STOP
Thank you for purchasing a Rugged Radios 2-way
radio. This radio was optimized before shipping to you.
Please be sure to read this manual before changing any
settings. If you have any questions, call the Rugged
Radios Tech Department at 888-541-7223.

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Notes:

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Contents
Users Safety Information ...........................................................................................1
Package Includes ........................................................................................................1
Main Features .............................................................................................................2
Initial Installation .........................................................................................................3
Mobile Installation............................................................................................ 3
DC Power Cable Connection........................................................................... 4
Fixed Station Operation................................................................................... 5
Replacing Fuses.............................................................................................. 7
Antenna Connection ........................................................................................ 8
Accessories Connections...........................................................................................9
External Speaker............................................................................................. 9
Microphone.................................................................................................... 10
Getting Acquainted ...................................................................................................11
Front Panel Operation ................................................................................... 11
Display........................................................................................................... 14
Microphone.................................................................................................... 15
Basic Operation.........................................................................................................17
Switching the Power On/Off .......................................................................... 17
Adjusting the Volume..................................................................................... 17

Switch between VFO and Channel Mode ..................................................... 17
Adjusting Frequency/Channel through Selector Knob................................... 17
Receiving....................................................................................................... 18
Transmitting................................................................................................... 18
Transmitting Tone-Pulse ................................................................................ 18
Transmitting Optional Signaling..................................................................... 18
Channel Edit.................................................................................................. 19
Channel Delete.............................................................................................. 19
Shortcut Operations..................................................................................................20
Frequency Scan ............................................................................................ 20
Offset Direction and Offset Frequency Set up............................................... 20
Operation of the composite key...............................................................................22
Beep (FUN+0) ............................................................................................... 22
Channel Scan (FUN+1) ................................................................................. 22
Frequency Channel Step Setup (Fun+2)....................................................... 23
CTCSS/DCS Frequency Setting (FUN 3/Tone) ............................................. 23
TOT (FUN+4)................................................................................................. 23
Keypad Lockout (FUN+5).............................................................................. 24
Squelch Level Setting (FUN+6/A/B) .............................................................. 24
LCD Backlight Display Time Setting (FUN+7) ............................................... 24

High/Mid/Low Power Selection (FUN+8)....................................................... 24
DTMF Current Channel Edit (FUN+9/Scan).................................................. 24
Channel Deleted Quickly (FUN+VFO)........................................................... 25
Channel Copied Quickly (FUN+Call)............................................................. 25
Talk Around (FUN+*) ..................................................................................... 25
Reverse Frequency (FUN+#) ........................................................................ 25
Menu ...........................................................................................................................26
1. Signaling.................................................................................................... 26
2. Scan .......................................................................................................... 26
3. Contacts (Gps Optional)............................................................................ 26
4. Setting ....................................................................................................... 28
Menu Operation............................................................................................ 28
Key Setting.................................................................................................................35
DTMF operation .........................................................................................................37
DTMF operating:...................................................................................... 40
2 Tone Operation .......................................................................................................41

2 Tone encode ............................................................................................... 41
2 Tone decode .............................................................................................. 41
5 Tone Operation .......................................................................................................41
5 Tone encode ............................................................................................... 41
Simple Trouble Shooting ..........................................................................................42
Specications ............................................................................................................43
General.......................................................................................................... 43
Receiver ........................................................................................................ 43
Transmitter..................................................................................................... 44

01
Users Safety Information
● Do not attempt to congure your radio while driving.
● This radio is designed for a 13.8V DC power supply. Do not use a 24V battery to power on
the radio.
● Please keep it away from interference devices (Such as TVs, generators, etc.)
● Do not expose the radio to long periods of direct sunlight or place it close to heating
appliances.
● If an abnormal odor or smoke is detected coming from the radio, turn off the power
immediately and contact your dealer.
● Do not transmit with high power for extended periods or the radio may overheat.
Package Includes
● Radio unit x 1
● Hand Mic x 1
● Mobile mounting bracket x 1
● DC power cable with fuse holder x 1
● Screw packs x 1
● Protection fuses x 1
● User manual x 1

02
Main Features
Dirt, Mud & Water... It's all part of the off-road riding and now we've got a radio that
will withstand it all! . ABM25 amateur mobile radio is stout and reliable, ready for any
adventure. This radio is also equipped with a Rugged Accessory Port allowing you to
upgrade the radio to do even more! Upgrades include things like: External Speaker,
Headsets, intercom systems and more! Whether you are in a 4X4, UTV or other
vehicle, the ABM25 is a great option!
■ IP 67 waterproof (Optional)
■ GPS (Optional)
■ 1750/2100/1000/1450 Tone
■ Automatic power-off
■ 200 programmable memorized channels, identied by editing name.
■ Programming different CTCSS, DCS, 2Tone, 5Tone in per channel, rejecting extra
calling from other radios.
■ Different bandwidth per channel, 25K for wide band, 20K for middle band, or
12.5K for narrow band.
■ Five programmable multi-functional keys, can set various shortcut operation ac
cording to different requirement.

03
Initial Installation
Mobile Installation
To install the radio select a safe and convenient location inside your vehicle that min-
imizes danger to your passengers and yourself while the vehicle is in motion. Consider
installing the unit at an appropriate position so that knees or legs will not strike it during
sudden braking of your vehicle. Try to pick a well ventilated location that is shielded from
direct sunlight.
1. Install the mounting bracket in the vehicle using the supplied self-tapping screws and
at washers.
2. Position the radio, the insert and tighten the supplied hex/Phillips screws.
■ Double check that all screws are tightened to prevent vehicle vibration from
loosening the bracket or radio.

04
■ Determine the appropriate angle of the radio, using the 3 screw hole
positions On the side of the mounting bracket.
DC Power Cable Connection
Note: Locate the power input connector as close to the radio as possible.
The vehicle battery must have a nominal rating of 12V. Never connect the radio to a 24V battery.
Be sure to use a 12V vehicle battery that has sufcient current capacity. If the current to the radio
is insufcient the display may darken during transmission or transmitting output power may drop
excessively.
1. Route the DC power cable supplied with the radio directly to the vehicle’s battery terminals
using the shortest path from the radio. We suggest you do not use the cigarette lighter socket
as some cigarette lighter sockets introduce an unacceptable voltage drop. The entire length of
the cable must be dressed so it is isolated from heat, moisture and the engine secondary (high
voltage) ignition system/cables.
2. Conrm the correct polarity of the connections, then attach the power cable to the
battery terminals: Red connects to the positive (+) terminal and black connects to the negative
(-) terminal.

05
3. Reconnect any writing removed from the negative terminal.
4. Connect the DC power cable to the radio’s power supply connector. Press the connectors rmly
together until the locking tab clicks.
Fixed Station Operation
In order to use this radio for xed station operation you will need a separate 13.8V DC
power supply (not included).
The recommended current capacity of your power supply is 12A.
1. Connect the DC power cable to the regulated DC power supply and ensure that the
polarities are correct. (Red: positive; Black: Negative).
Do not directly the radio to an AC outlet.
Ext. Power jack DC power cable

06
Use the supplied DC power cable to connect the radio to a regulated power
supply. Do not substitute a cable with smaller gauge wires.
2. Connect the radio’s DC power connector to the connector on the DC power cable.
3. Press the connectors rmly together until the locking tab clicks.
Note: Before connecting the DC power to the radio be sure to switch the radio and
the DC power supply OFF.
Do not plug the DC power supply into an AC outlet until you make all connections.
Regulated power supply
DC power cable with fuse holder
Regulated
power supply
Red
Black

07
Replacing Fuses
If the fuse blows, determine the cause then correct the problem. After the problem is
resolved replace the fuse. If newly installed fuses continue to blow, disconnect the power
cable and contact your Rugged Radios for assistance.
Only use fuses of the specied type and rating otherwise the radio could be damaged.
Note: If you use the radio for a long period when the vehicle battery is not fully
charged or when the engine is OFF, the battery may become discharged and will not have
sufcient reserves to start the vehicle. Avoid using the radio in these conditions.

08
Antenna Connection
Before operating, install an efcient well-tuned antenna. The success of your installation
will depend largely on the type of antenna and its correct installation. The radio can give
excellent results if the antenna system and its installation are given careful attention.
Use a 50Ω impedance antenna and low-loss coaxial feed-line that has a characteristic
impedance of 50Ω, to match the radio input impedance. Coupling the antenna to antenna
to the radio via feed-lines having a impedance other than 50Ω reduces the efciency of
the antenna system and can cause interference to nearby broadcast TV receivers, radio
receivers and other electronic equipment.
Rugged Radios Models/Option
• #DB-RM - Dual Band Mobile Antenna
• #WB-1/4W - UHF/VHF Wide Band 1/4 Wave Antenna (140-470mhz)
• #UNI-MAG - Universal NMO Antenna Mount
• #NMO-MT-U - 13’ NMO Cable Mount (3/8 Thread)
Note: Transmitting without rst connecting an antenna or other matched load may
damage the radio.
Always connect the antenna to the radio before transmitting. All xed stations should
be equipped with a lightning arrester to reduce the risk of re, electric shock and radio
damage.

09
Accessories Connections
External Speaker
If you plan to use an external speaker, choose a speaker with an impedance of 8Ω. The
external speaker jack accepts a 3.5mm mono (2-conductor) plug.
Note: External speaker output adopts double port BTL. Please be aware that the speaker
can’t connect to the ground otherwise the speaker will fault. The wrong connection
way is as below:
Ground
Error
Optional Speaker:
#EX-SPEAKER-MINI

10
Microphone:
For voice communications, connect a microphone equipped insert into the modular socket
on the side of the main unit and tighten the screw. Attach the supplied microphone hanger
in an appropriate location using the screws includes included in the screw set
NOTE: If you plan on using a intercom, disconnect the hand microphone.
MIC
1
SCN
4
TOT
7
LAM 8
POW
0
*
BEP
A
B
MUTE
#
VOL
9
DTaM
5
LOCK
6
SQL
CALL
MENU
FUN
2
STP 3
C/T
VFO
Antenna
External Speaker
Microphone Connector
Connect 2-Way Radio to Headset
or Helmet Speaker Kit
In-Vehicle Intercom Communications
with 2-Way Radios

11
Getting Acquainted
Front Panel Operation

12
NO. Key Function
1 POW (Power) Power on/off
2 VOL Adjust volume key
3 Main Dial Change frequency, memory channel and scan direction etc.
4 F Function key
5 Lo ( ) Short press to switch power output level
Long press to switch the offset direction
6 Mz(ST)
Short press to adjust the frequency by 1M step in VFO mode,
to adjust the channel number by 10 in channel mode
Long press to adjust the frequency by 10M step
7 CT(T.S) Short press to switch CTCSS/DCS mode
8 V/M(M/V)
Short press to switch frequency control for the VFO and
Memory mode
Long press to store the channel
9 A/B(SQ) Short press to switch the home screen/sub screen
Long press to switch the UHF/VHF in the VFO mode
10 TX Lights during transmitting
11 Mic. Connector Microphone connection port
Note: Lo/Mz/CT/V/M/A/B keys is multi-function keys, if users are reassigned these keys,
the function would be different, please check the following functions.
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