Technisonic Industries Limited TFM-550 Manual

TFM-550 OPERATOR’S
VHF High/VHF Low/UHF Multi-band GUIDE
FM Airborne Transceiver
___________________________________________________________________
WARRANTY INFORMATION

The Model TFM-550, Transceiver is under w arranty for one year from date of purchase. Failed
units caused by defective parts, or w orkmanship should be returned to:
Technisonic Industries Limited Technisonic Industries Limited
250 Watline Avenue 3840 E. Robinson Road, Suite 214
Mississauga, Amherst,
Ontario L4Z 1P4 New York 14228
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Tel: [phone]
TFM-550 OPERATOR’S GUIDE
SOFTWARE VERSION: ML1

The TFM-550, Transceiver is a frequency agile, fully synthesized airborne FM transceiver capable of
operating in the 30 to 50 MHz, 138 to 174 MHz and 403 to 512 MHz frequency range in 2.5 kHz
increment s w ith either 25 kHz or 12.5 kHz channel spacing. The Transceiver can operate w ithout
restrict ion on any split frequency pair in either band.
The TFM-550 Transceiver provides 200 operator accessible memory positions per band, each of
w hich is capable of storing a transmit frequency, receive frequency, transmit frequency CTCSS
tone or DPL code, receive frequency CTCSS tone or DPL code, an alphanumeric identifier for each
channel and w ideband (25 kHz) or narrow band (12.5 kHz) channel spacing assignment. Operating
frequency and other related data are presented on a 96 character, four line LED matrix display.
Data entry and function control are performed via a 12 button keypad. Preset channels may also be
scrolled and scanned (scanning only possible in VHF high and UHF bands) through keypad function
act ivation. Data may also be entered via computer w ith t he provided softw are and optional PC
Up/dow nload cable, P/N 993390-1.
MODEL VARIATION
There are four variations of the Model TFM-550 Transceiver. All units off er identical features and
perf ormance except for the follow ing diff erences:
TFM-550, P/N 991095-1 GREEN display and 28 Volt back lighting.
TFM-550, P/N 991095-1 (5V), GREEN display and 5 Volt back lighting.
TFM-550, P/N 991095-2 RED display and 28 Volt back lighting.
TFM-550, P/N 991095-2 (5V), RED display and 5 Volt back lighting.

TFM-550 OPERATIONAL FEATURES
The equipment has several important operating feat ures w hich provide maximum flexibility,
perf ormance and versatility. The described f eat ures are a function of Version ML1
softw are.
1. The UHF band can be configured to be operated independently of the VHF High and VHF
Low bands or all three bands can operate as a single unit.
2. The unit can be set up as a cross band repeater, linking a VHF High and UHF frequency in
both directions. The VHF Low band w ill not cross band repeat.
3. 200 memory positions per band w hich can each be programmed w ith a transmit and receive
frequency w it h 25 or 12.5 kHz channel spacing, Tx/Rx CTCSS tones or DPL codes and a 9-
character alphanumeric title.
4. Scanning of preprogrammed memories w ith selective memory scanning, in up to 5 scan
lists, for the VHF High or UHF band. The VHF Low band does not scan.
5. Priority scan of memory channel 1 in VHF high or UHF band. The Scan function can only be
used for one of these bands at a time. Simultaneous scanning on both bands is not
possible.
6. Direct frequency entry mode.
7. Receive frequency simplex function. (Repeat er talk around)
8. Sw itchable RF output pow er betw een 1 w att and 8-10 w att s.
9. Lockout of keyboard to prevent inadvertent ent ries.
10. Variable frequency mode to manually scan up and dow n in 1MHz, 100kHz or 2.5 kHz steps.
11. LED display variable dimming mode.
12. Selectable 90 second Tx time out feat ure.
13. PC Memory Upload or Dow nload capability.

TFM-550 OPERATIONAL FEATURES - continued
14. Configuration Menu - Pressing ENTER, RCL and FUNC together w hile turning the radio on
w ill put it into configuration mode. The programming features affect ed are:
a) DPL - Can be turned on or off w ith the MUP and MDN (4 and 7) keys. This only removes
the DPL entry step f rom the programming sequence and does not stop memories
that already have DPL codes from w orking. This also applies to the rest of t he
on/off configuration items.
b) Scan - Can be disabled. Selecting FUNC and SCAN w ill do nothing if Scan is off. The
scan list indicator (+ ) w ill still display if w as previously programmed.
c) Rx CTCSS - Can be turned on or off from the programming sequence. This affects only
the CTCSS tones for receive.
d) LAST MEM - If set t o on, t he last memory channel on the display w ill be w hat comes up
w hen the radio is turned on. If set to off, the last memory t hat changes w ere made
to w ill be w hat comes up w hen the unit is switched on.
e) SIDETONE - The TX audio circuit becomes active allow ing you to adjust the sidetone
level w ith the VHF volume knob. When the desired level is reached, press ENTER
and this level w ill be set for both VHF and UHF bands.
f)DUAL MODE - If set to ON, the UHF is is operated independently from the 2 VHF bands. (ie./
UHF audio separately available on 9-pin connector). The radio is shipped with this feature
OFF hence the 2 VHF bands and UHF audio/key lines are all combined and found
only on the 15-pin connect or.

FIGURE 1 Operator' s Switches and Controls

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS (See Figure 1)
1. Switch power on by turning the VHF volume clockwise. Depending how the radio is
configured, either the last programmed or last displayed frequencies will appear on the
screen. The transceiver is now in normal operating mode. NOTE: VHF high band will
be referred to as “VHF” and VHF low band as “VLO” in these instructions.
2. Adjust the audio level by adjusting the VHF, UHF and VLO volume knobs.
3. Pressing the squelch defeat button will open all receivers to confirm they work.
4. Read the display. The top line will indicate which VHF memory is selected followed by a
"+" if the memory position is included in a scan list, an alphanumeric message, and the
frequency of the VHF receiver. A small "n" before the frequency indicates 12.5 kHz
narrowband channel spacing is in effect on this memory position. In the receive mode, the
frequency is followed by an "RT" if an RX CTCSS tone or RX DPL code is programmed,
or an "RX" if no receive tone/code is programmed. Similarily, in the transmit mode either a
"TT" or "TX" is shown after the frequency. The second line shows the same information
for the UHF band and the third line shows the VHF LOW band.
5. Set the VHF/UHF/VLO switch to the desired band.
6. Set the VHF/PRI switch to the VHF position.
7. Set the HI/LO switch to the desired RF output power.
8. Select the desired memory by using the M.UP and M.DN buttons, or the RCL button
and a three digit number followed by ENTER.

OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS - continued
9. To transmit DTMF tones, use the keyboard keys while holding the PTT button on the
microphone. There is a 5 second PTT delay after pressing a key so that you may press
several DTMF keys in sequence without having to hold the PTT. The keyboard returns to
its normal function when the PTT is released.
The display always shows the status of both receivers and the transmitter. The light at the left of
each line indicates which receiver is receiving. The display also indicates the memory channel is
in use. A "TX" (no TX tone/codes programmed) or "TT"(either TX tone or code programmed) on
the right side of the display indicates which band is active when transmitting. The transmit
frequency is also shown. In the receive mode the display shows “RX” beside the receive
frequency if no RX tone or DPL code is programmed and “RT” if a CTCSS tone or DPL code is
programmed.
While in any programming mode, all receivers continue to function. When the transceiver is in
either of the operating frequency or CTCSS tone/DPL code programming modes and you must
respond to a call, click the microphone PTT once (the radio will not transmit during this click). This
will cause the transceiver to revert back to the normal operating mode and communications with
the caller can proceed in the usual fashion.
PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS
To program one of the 200 memory channels in one of the bands:
1. Select the desired band on the band select (VHF/UHF/VLO) sw itch. This is required
before any of the programming modes or functions.

PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS - continued
2. Press the FUNC key. The display will show the function prompt.
3. Press the PROG key. The display will show the current receive frequency with a flashing
curser on the first or second digit (The first digit is always a one <1> on the VHF band
and there is no hundreds digit on the VHF LOW band).
4. Type in the desired receive frequency. If you type in a frequency which is not a 2.5 kHz
step, the nearest valid frequency will be automatically selected.
5. The curser will return to the second digit. You can retype the frequency if you have made
an error or press ENTER to continue.
6. The transmit frequency will be displayed with the curser on the second
digit. Follow the same method as in step 4 and 5.
7. The channel spacing increment of either 25.0 or 12.5 kHz is now displayed. Use the
M.UP and M.DN keys to select the desired channel spacing for the memory position,
then press ENTER.
8. The alpha-numeric title is now displayed. Use the M.UP and M.DN keys to scroll through
the alphabet, numbers and symbols. When the desired character is displayed, press
ENTER to advance to the next character. Press “1" to backspace.

PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS - continued
99.. Keep repeating step six until the last space is set. The display will show SCAN or
LOCKOUT to enable this memory position as part of a scan list or lock it out of the scan
lists. Use the 1,2,3,4,5 and M.DN keys to toggle between these functions (for details see
next paragraph). Once the desired condition has been selected, press ENTER. The
TFM-550’s display will show a "+" beside the memory channel number if scan is enabled.
Note: Scan function and Scan list feature not provided for VHF Low Band.
10. The display w ill show the current memory number. Type in the 3-digit number of the
memory you w ant to save to (if different f rom displayed one) and press ENTER.
Alternatively it is possible to program the TFM-550 by an IBM PC or compatible computer.
See instructions in the TFM-550 Operating and Installation Document No. 99RE262.
PRIORITY SCANNING, SELECTIVE MEMORY CHANNEL SCANNING AND SCAN LISTS
Instead of breaking up the 200 channels into blocks for scanning, the TFM-550 has 5 scan lists
per band (VHF high and UHF only). Any of the 200 channels can be assigned to any one or more
of these 5 scan lists. This means the channels do not have to be repeated for them to be in more
than one block and that you are not limited to the number of channels that can be scanned at
once, since all 200 channels can be put into any scan list. Scanning is not available on the VHF
Low band.
The priority memory channel is alw ays memory posit ion number 1. The priority memory
channel is scanned every other step (ie. 121314151...) to ensure that no incoming
messages are missed. The priority channel can be locked out, w hich w ill result in the
normal scanning of the other memory positions.

PRIORITY SCANNING, SELECTIVE MEMORY SCANNING - continued
Selective memory scanning allow s the user to select w hich of the 200 memory channels are
to be scanned or locked out w hen the scanning is invoked. To use this feature, follow the
PROGRAMMING INSTRUCTIONS found in above paragraph . Once the screen displays
SCAN or LOCKOUT, use the 1,2,3,4,5 or M.DN keys to toggle to the desired condition and
press ENTER. Ent ering the any or all of the numbers 1,2,3,4 or 5 w ill include that memory
channel in any of the five scan lists. In normal operating mode the display w ill later show a
" + " beside the memory channel number if it has been included in any of the 5 scan lists.
NOTE: Scanning can only be performed on one band (either VHF or UHF) at a time. When the
transceiver is in the single mode (combined VHF and UHF audio) and the scan feature has
been invoked on one band, it w ill be interrupted w hen transmitting on the other band. In
the Dual mode, you are able to transmit on the second band w ithout effecting the scan
function on the first.
SCANNING FUNCTION (5 second talkback delay)
Select the band you w ish to scan w ith the band sw itch. (you can not scan VHF Low band)
To start scanning of the memory channels, press FUNC then SCAN and then the number
(1,2,3,4,5) of the desired scan list.

SCANNING FUNCTION (5 second talkback delay) - continued
The radio w ill scan through all the preset memory positions in the select ed scan list (see
above paragraph for priority and selective scan features) and w ill lock on to the first active
channel in the scan sequence. It w ill remain on t he channel until it becomes inactive.
Scanning w ill resume again after five seconds of inactivity. To exit the scan mode, press
the SCAN key. This w ill cause the radio to revert back to the normal operating mode.
If w hile scanning, you hear a call for you:
1. Respond to the call w ithin 5 seconds. When scanning is int errupted by an
incoming signal, the channel w ill remain open for five seconds before resuming
scanning.
2. During communications t he five second timer is reset from the last Rx or Tx
signal encount ered.
The radio resumes scanning once the Rx or Tx activity has ceased for more than five
seconds. The SCAN key must be pressed to exit the scan mode.
DIRECT FREQUENCY ENTRY MODE
This mode is designed to facilit ate quick frequency selection during emergency and ot her
operational conditions requiring direct operating frequency selection. This operating mode is
disabled along w ith the programming mode w hen t he internal disable jumper is set.
1. When the transceiver is in the normal operating mode, press FUNC and the desired
operating frequency while in the VHF high band, ie/ 153.2750.

DIRECT FREQUENCY ENTRY MODE - continued
2. On the VHF Low or UHF band press FUNC and then 1and the desired frequency ie/
33.2750 or 443.5500.
3. You will then be asked for 12.5 or 25.0 kHz channel spacing. Select with MUP or MDN
and press ENTER.
Please note in the above operation, after FUNC and " 1" are entered, the LED display w ill
show memory channel " 000" and then the remaining digits in the desired frequency are
show n as they are entered. No alphanumeric message can be entered in this mode.
Operation on the new frequency occurs in both transmit and receive (simplex only) modes.
If RX or TX CTCSS tones/DPL codes are required they must be programmed in afterw ards.
RECEIVE FREQUENCY SIMPLEX FUNCTION
The receive frequency simplex function allow s you to quickly change the transmit
frequency, w hen operating on a split pair (repeater/semi-duplex mode), to the receive
frequency to allow direct communications. ie/ If you are transmitting on 152.000 MHz and
receiving 152.555 MHz, select VHF on t he band select sw itch and press FUNC then UP to
transmit on 152.555 MHz. To return to the split pair condition, you must recall the memory
channel again. This is quickly done by pressing M.UP f or one step up, then back dow n one
step w ith the M.DN key.

KEYBOARD LOCKOUT FUNCTION
The keyboard can be locked out so that accidental pressing of keys does not change
frequency, etc., unknow ingly to the operator. To lock the keyboard, press FUNC then
LOCK. This w ill disable all keyboard functions (except keyboard unlock) in the receive
mode. The DTMF function during t ransmit w ill not be affected. To unlock the keyboard,
press and hold the LOCK key for tw o seconds until the display indicates " UNLOCK" .
VARIABLE FREQUENCY MODE FUNCTION
To enter variable frequency mode, press RCL, 0,0,0, then ENTER or enter a frequency in
the direct entry mode described above. The memory channel t hat you w ere just in w ill still
be valid but now you can manually adjust the frequency w ith the M.UP, M.DN, UP and DN
keys. The UP and DN keys w ill make the frequency count up or dow n in steps of 2.5 kHz.
The M.UP and M.DN keys w ill make the frequency count up or dow n in steps of 1 MHz.
You can not change the label. The frequency in this mode can not be stored in memory. To
exit this mode, recall one of the 200 memory channels (ie. RCL, 0,0,1). Variable frequency
mode is disabled w hen the internal entry disable jumper is set.
LED DISPLAY VARIABLE DIMMING MODE
1. With the transceiver in normal operating mode press the UP or DN keys to increase
or decrease the intensity of the LED display.
2. Once maximum intensity of the display is achieved, the UP key no longer functions.
Conversely once minimum intensity is reached, the DN key ceases to function.

90 SECOND TRANSMITTER TIME OUT FEATURE
A select able 90 second transmitter time out feature is provided to prevent accidental
continuous transmission in t he event of a faulty PTT sw itch. With this feature enabled the
transceiver w ill stop transmitting after the PTT is engaged continuously for 90 seconds.
The timer is reset by releasing then re-engaging the PTT sw itch. Press the FUNC then the
M.UP key. Use the M.UP and M.DN keys to select 90 SEC, w hich enables the feature, or
NONE w hich disables it.
PROGRAMMING CTCSS TONES/DPL CODES
CTCSS tones (PL tones) or Digit al DPL codes can be assigned to each memory channel. The
guard receiver squelch w ill operate on noise squelch only, but guard 1 and 2 transmit tones
or codes can be programmed. To program a tone/code to a memory channel:
1. Select the desired band on the band select switch.
2. Use the M.UP and M.DN keys to select the memory channel that you w ant to assign
a CTCSS tone or DPL code.
3. Press the FUNC key then the TONE key. The display w ill show " RX TONE:" and the
current tone number, as w ell as the tone frequency in Hz.
4. Use the M.UP and M.DN keys t o select the tone number you require. The follow ing
is a list of the available CTCSS tones:

PROGRAMMING CTCSS TONES/DPL CODES - continued
Number Tone Number Tone Number Tone
01 67.0 26 162.2 51 177.3*
02 71.9 27 167.9 52 183.5*
03 74.4 28 173.8 53 189.9*
04 77.0 29 179.9 54 196.6*
05 79.7 30 186.2 55 199.5*
06 82.5 31 192.8 56 206.5*
07 85.4 32 203.5 57 210.7*
08 88.5 33 33.0* 58 218.1*
09 91.5 34 35.4* 59 225.7*
10 94.8 35 36.6* 60 229.1*
11 97.4 36 37.9* 61 233.6*
12 100.0 37 39.6* 62 241.8*
13 103.5 38 44.4* 63 250.3*
14 107.2 39 47.5* 64 No Tone
15 110.9 40 49.2* (carrier squelch only)
16 114.8 41 51.2* (The tones marked w ith * are
17 118.8 42 53.0* nonstandard tones).
18 123.0 43 54.9*
19 127.3 44 56.8*
20 131.8 45 58.8*

PROGRAMMING CTCSS TONES/DPL CODES - continued
Number Tone Number Tone
21 136.5 46 63.0*
22 141.3 47 69.4*
23 146.2 48 159.8*
24 151.4 49 165.5*
25 156.7 50 171.3*
4. Press ENTER. " TX TONE" appears on the display. Repeat step 3.
5. Press ENTER. " G1 TONE" appears on the display. Repeat step 3.
6. Press ENTER. " G2 TONE" appears on the display. Repeat step 3 and press ENTER.
7. The display w ill now show " RX DPL:" and the current 3-digit DPL code. If no DPL
code is required " 000" should be ent ered. Please note that if a DPL code is t o be
programmed a CTCSS tone should not be enabled.
8. Use the keypad to enter the required octal 3-digit DPL (Digital Coded Squelch or
DCS) code. A list of all usable and unique octal 3-digit DPL/DCS codes follow s:

PROGRAMMING CTCSS TONES/DPL CODES - continued
017* 051 116 156 243 266* 346 431 466 612 721
023 053* 122* 162 244 271 351 432 503 624 731
025 054 125 165 245 274* 356* 445 506 627 732
026 065 131 172 246* 306 364 446* 516 631 734
031 071 132 174 251 311 365 452* 523* 632 743
032 072 134 205 252* 315 371 454* 526* 654 754
036* 073 143 212* 255* 325* 411 455* 532 662
043 074 145* 223 261 331 412 462* 546 664
047 114 152 225* 263 332* 413 464 565 703
050* 115 155 226 265 343 423 465 606 712
* indicates GE Digit al Coded Squelch (DCS) Code
9. Press ENTER. " TX DPL" appears on t he display. Repeat step 8.
10. Press ENTER. " G1 DPL" appears on the display. Repeat step 8.
11. Press ENTER. " G2 DPL" appears on the display. Repeat step 8 and press ENTER.

CROSS BAND REPEAT
The TFM-550 can act as a cross band repeater between VHF (high band only) and UHF. To enter
repeat mode, press FUNC and then 9. The status line will show REPEAT instead of the band
switch selection. When a signal is received on one of the bands, the audio is routed to the
transmitter of the other band. This process can only go in one direction at a time. While
transmitting, short bursts of noise due to intermittent signal strength or interference will be muted
while the transmitter continues to transmit. There is also a short delay of silence (tail) after the
received signal ends. The operator at the TFM-550 can monitor communications in both
directions but can only talk to one band at a time via the band select switch. If the radio is set up in
dual mode, the band selection is made at the audio panel. To cancel cross band repeat mode,
press ENTER.

Technisonic Industries Limited
250 W atline Avenue, M ississauga, Ontario L4Z 1P4 Tel:[phone] Fax:[phone]
3840 East Robinson Road, Suite 21 4 , Amherst, New York 14228 Tel:[phone]
TiL Document No. 99RE264, see first page for softw are version.