Uniden MHS125 User manual

MHS125
RADIO VHF MARITIME FLOTTANTE
GUIDE D’UTILISATION
FLOATING VHF MARINE RADIO
OWNER’S MANUAL

MAKING A DISTRESS CALL
For future reference, write your boat’s name & call sign here:
Speak slowly - clearly - calmly.
Make sure your radio is on.
Press the 16/9-TRI button to switch to Channel 16 (156.8 MHz).
(If the corner of the display does not show 16, press the 16/9-
TRI button again until it does.)
Press the Push to Talk button and say: “MAYDAY -- MAYDAY
-- MAYDAY.”
Say “THIS IS {name of your boat (three times) and call sign/
boat registration number (once)}.”
Repeat “MAYDAY {name of your boat}” once.
Tell where you are: (what navigational aids or landmarks are
near, or read the latitude and longitude from your GPS).
State the nature of your distress (e.g. sinking, medical
emergency, man overboard, on fire, adrift, etc.).
State the type of assistance you need (medical, towing, pumps,
etc.).
Give the number of persons aboard and describe the condition
of any injured persons.
Estimate present seaworthiness of your ship (e.g. how
immediate is the danger due to flooding or fire).
Briefly describe your ship, giving ship name (i.e., “Blue Duck is
32 foot cabin cruiser, white hull, blue deck house”).
Say: “I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.”
End the message by saying “THIS IS {name or call sign of your
boat}, OVER.”
Release the Push to Talk button and listen.
If you do not get an answer after 30 seconds, repeat your
call beginning at step 3 above.
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2.
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12.
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14.

FAIRE UN APPEL DE DÉTRESSE
Pour toute référence ultérieure, transcrivez ci-dessous le nom et
l’indicatif d’appel de votre bateau:
Parlez lentement – clairement – calmement.
Vérifiez si votre radio est en marche.
Appuyez sur la touche 16/9-TRI du microphone afin de
commuter au canal 16 (156,8 MHz). (Si le canal 16 n’apparaît
pas à l’affichage, appuyez de nouveau sur la touche 16/9-TRI
jusqu’à ce qu’il soit affiché.)
Appuyez sur le bouton de microphone Push to Talk et
dites:“MAYDAY -- MAYDAY -- MAYDAY”.
Donnez l’identité de votre navire en disant : “ICI {nom de votre
bateau (trois fois) ou indicatif d’appel et le numéro d’identification
de votre bateau (une fois)}”.
Dites “MAYDAY {nom ou indicatif d’appel de votre bateau} une fois”.
Donnez votre position : (quels sont les points de repère ou
aides à la navigation près de vous ou lisez les coordonnées de
longitude et de latitude apparaissant sur votre dispositif GPS).
Révélez la nature de votre détresse (par exemple, nous
sommes en train de couler, urgence médicale, un homme à la
mer, un incendie, nous sommes à la dérive, etc.
Révélez la nature de l’aide désirée (médicale, remorquage, essence, etc.)
Donnez le nombre de personnes à bord et les conditions des
blessés, s’il y en a.
Donnez la condition de navigabilité actuelle de votre navire, tel que
le degré de l’urgence par rapport une inondation, et une incendie.
Donnez une brève description de votre navire en donnant le nom
du bateau (par exemple, “Blue Duck est un yacht de croisière de
32 pieds, avec une coque blanche et un rouffle bleu.).
Dites : “JE VAIS ÉCOUTER SUR LE CANAL 16”.
Terminez le message en disant “ICI {nom ou indicatif d’appel de
votre bateau}, À VOUS”.
Relâchez le bouton Push to Talk du microphone et écoutez.
Si vous n’obtenez pas de réponse après 30 secondes, répétez l’appel
encommençant à l’étape 3 ci-dessus.
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5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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12.
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14.

Table of Contents
Introduction................................ E-1
Features ...................................... E-1
Getting Started........................... E-3
What’s included ........................... E-3
Parts of the MHS125 ................... E-4
Front view................................... E-4
Back view................................... E-4
Charger ...................................... E-5
Reading the display..................... E-6
Display icons and
what they mean...................... E-6
How It Works.............................. E-7
Normal mode operation............... E-8
Normal mode with Weather
Alert Watch............................. E-8
Normal mode with Triple
Watch or Dual Watch ............. E-9
Normal mode with
Quad Watch ........................... E-9
Scan mode operation ................ E-10
Using the radio in
scan mode .......................... E-10
Scan mode with Weather
Alert Watch............................E-11
Scan mode with Triple
Watch or Dual Watch ............E-11
Both Weather Alert and Triple/
Dual Watch in scan mode .....E-11
Weather mode........................... E-12
Using the radio in
weather mode ...................... E-12
Weather mode with
Weather Alert Watch ............ E-12
Weather mode with Triple
Watch or Dual Watch ........... E-13
Setting Up the Hardware......... E-13
Attaching the Antenna ............... E-13
Installing the Battery.................. E-13
Using the Alkaline
Battery Case........................... E-14
Mounting the Charger................ E-15
Charging the Battery.................. E-15
Important notes on
charging the battery ............. E-16
Attaching the Belt Clip ............... E-16
Using Your Radio..................... E-17
Changing the Volume ............... E-17
Setting the Squelch Level.......... E-17
Changing the Channel............... E-18
Making a Transmission.............. E-18
Boosting the transmission
power ................................... E-18
Setting the UIC Channel Mode.. E-19
Using the Strobe SOS Light ...... E-19
Turning the Key Beep
On and Off .............................. E-20
Using the External Speaker/
Mic Jack.................................. E-20
Maintenance and
Troubleshooting.................... E-20
Common Questions................... E-21
Specications .......................... E-22
Channels and
Frequencies (MHz) ................. E-23
US channel frequencies and
names .................................. E-23
Making a Distress
Call ................ (inside front cover)

E-1
Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
INTRODUCTION
Features
Your radio provides the following key features:
Submersible design
Complies with floating JIS8/IPX8 water-resistant standards,
which means the radio can be submerged in 1.5 meters of water
for 30 minutes without damage.
Notes:
The radio will only meet this rating if fully assembled
and all rubber seals and bungs are well maintained and
correctly tted. This means that the speaker microphone
bung is inserted, and the battery pack(or case) and
antenna are attached and securely fastened.
After your radio is submerged in water, you might notice
that the sound is distorted. This is because there is
still water remaining in and around the speaker and
microphone. Just shake the radio to clear excess water,
and the sound should return to normal.
If your radio is exposured to salt water, clean it thoroughly
with fresh water and dry it before turning it on.
The charger is not waterproof.
Memory scan mode
Lets you save channels to memory and monitor them in quick
succession.
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Canadian channel frequencies
and names ........................... E-25
International channel
frequencies and names........ E-27
Weather channel frequencies
and names ........................... E-29
Regulations and
Safety Warnings.................... E-30
Maritime Radio Services
Operation................................ E-30
Basic Radio Guidelines ............. E-30
Three Year Limited
Warranty ................................ E-33

E-2 Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Transmitter power level select
Lets you boost the transmitter power from 1 Watt to 2.5 or 5
Watts for added transmission distance.
Battery level display and low battery alert.
Dual, Triple and Quad Watch operation
These different watch modes let you monitor up to two
Coast Guard Distress/Hailing channels and one weather
channel along with one regular marine channel.
All marine VHF channels for the U.S., Canada, and
international waters
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) Weather Channel watch
Sounds a warning tone when a hazard alert is issued.
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E-3
Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
GETTING STARTED
What’s included
If any pieces are missing or damaged, contact Uniden
Customer Service (see back cover for contact information).
For information on available accessories, visit
www.uniden.com.
Antenna
MHS125 Radio
Charger
AC Adapter DC Adapter
Alkaline Battery
Case
(batteries not
included)
Lithium Ion
Battery
Belt Clip
Wrist Strap
Mounting Hardware

E-4 Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Parts of the MHS125
Front view
Back view
Antenna
LCD display
1/2.5/5W
button
Channel up
button
Volume-power
knob
(Turn clockwise
to increase
volume.)
Microphone
16/9-Tri
(16/9- triple
watch) button
WX-Alert
(weather-alert)
button
Scan-Dual
(scan-dual
watch) button
Squelch knob
(Turn clockwise to
decrease channel
noise.)
Push to talk
button
Speaker
Wrist strap
anchor
Channel down
button
UIC-Lock button
Mem (memory)
SOS button
Strobe
SOS light
Antenna
LCD display
1/2.5/5W
button
Channel up
button
Volume-power
knob
(Turn clockwise
to increase
volume.)
Microphone
16/9-Tri
(16/9- triple
watch) button
WX-Alert
(weather-alert)
button
Scan-Dual
(scan-dual
watch) button
Squelch knob
(Turn clockwise to
decrease channel
noise.)
Push to talk
button
Speaker
Wrist strap
anchor
Channel down
button
UIC-Lock button
Mem (memory)
SOS button
Strobe
SOS light
Belt clip
Battery
Battery charging
contacts
Battery
latch
Belt clip
Battery
Battery charging
contacts
Battery
latch

E-5
Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Knob Turn clockwise to...: Turn counter-clockwise to...:
Volume-
Power
Turn on the radio or
increase the volume.
Decrease the volume or turn off
the radio.
Squelch Raise the squelch level
to reduce channel noise.
Lower the squelch level to hear
weaker signals.
Button Press to... Press and hold to...
Push to talk NA Transmit on a channel
16/9-Tri
1st press: Go to channel 16.
2nd press: Go to channel 9.
3rd press: Go back to the
starting channel.
Turn Triple Watch on and
off.
MEM-SOS
Save a channel into memory
or delete a channel from
memory.
Turns strobe SOS light on
and off.
UIC-Lock Switch from US to Canadian
or international channels.
Lock the keys; press and
hold again to unlock.
Channel Up Move up one channel at a
time.
Move quickly up the
channels.
Channel
Down
Move down one channel at
a time.
Move quickly down the
channels.
WX-Alert Listen to the weather
channels.
Turn Weather Alert Watch
on and off.
Scan-Dual Start scanning the channels
saved in memory.
Turn Dual Watch on and
off.
1/2.5/5W Change the transmit power
(see page E-8). NA
Charger
Charging
contacts
CHARGE LED
Screw holes
for mounting
Power jack
[cigarette (DC) or
wall (AC) plug]
Charging
latches
Charging
contacts
CHARGE LED
Screw holes
for mounting
Power jack
[cigarette (DC) or
wall (AC) plug]
Charging
latches

E-6 Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Reading the display
The LCD display
shows different
information
depending on
what you are
doing. This
sample screen
shows some of
this information.
The table below
shows all the
possible icons
and what they
mean.
Display icons and what they mean
Icon What it means
You are currently transmitting.
, , or The transmitter power is set to 1 Watt, 2.5 Watts,
or 5 Watts..
The keys are locked.
, , or The radio is set to use US channels, CANadian
channels, or INTernational channels.
or TRIple Watch or DUAL Watch is turned on.
The current channel is saved in memory.
The radio is in Scan mode.
The radio is in Weather mode
Weather Alert Watch is turned on.
The battery is fully charged, mostly charged, half
charged, mostly empty, or completely empty.
88
Transmit
power level
(1, 2.5, or 5
Watts) This channel is stored in
memory.
Triple
Watch is
on
The radio
is in scan
mode
Key lock
is on
The radio is
transmitting Current
channel
number
UIC channel mode
(USA, CANada, or
INTernational)
Weather
Alert Watch
is on.
Battery
status icon
88
Transmit
power level
(1, 2.5, or 5
Watts) This channel is stored in
memory.
Triple
Watch is
on
The radio
is in scan
mode
Key lock
is on
The radio is
transmitting Current
channel
number
UIC channel mode
(USA, CANada, or
INTernational)
Weather
Alert Watch
is on.
Battery
status icon

E-7
Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
HOW IT WORKS
Your radio has three main operation modes: normal, scan,
and weather.
Mode What it does Use it when you
want to...
To turn it
on/off
Normal
Monitors a single marine
channel and lets you talk
on that channel.
Monitor a channel or
talk to another radio.
(default
mode)
Scan Monitors all the channels
you save into memory.
Check a small group
of regularly-used
channels for trafc.
Press Scan-
Dual.
Weather Monitors the selected
NOAA weather channel.
Hear the current or
forecasted weather.
Press WX-
Alert.
In addition to the three operation modes, your radio provides
four different watch modes which you can activate during any
operation mode. In the watch modes, the radio briey checks
for activity on a specic channel, then returns to its previous
operation.
Watch mode What it does To turn it on/off
Weather Alert
Watch
Checks the last-used weather
channel for hazard alerts
every 7 seconds.
Press and hold WX-Alert
for 2 seconds.
Dual Watch Checks channel 16 for activity
every 2 seconds.
Press and hold Scan-
Dual for 2 seconds.
Triple Watch Checks channels 16 and 9 for
activity every 2 seconds.
Press and hold 16/9-Tri
for 2 seconds.
Quad Watch
Checks channels 16 and 9 for
activity every 2 seconds, and
checks the last-used weather
channel every 7 seconds.
Turn on Triple Watch,
then turn on Weather
Alert Watch.

E-8 Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Note: Private boats must monitor channel 16 whenever
they are underway. Water-going vessels should have
either Triple Watch or Dual Watch on at all times.
Normal mode operaon
To transmit, remove the radio from the charger, then press
and hold the Push to Talk button. Release the button when
you are finished talking.
For the best sound quality, hold the microphone about two
inches from your mouth while you’re talking.
Press the Channel Up button to move up one channel at
a time. Press and hold the button to scroll quickly up the
channels.
Press the Channel Down button to move down one channel
at a time. Press and hold the button to scroll quickly down
the channels.
To change the transmit power, press the 1/2.5/5W button.
The transmit power switches to the next transmit power
each time you press this button.
Normal mode with Weather Alert Watch
If you activate Weather Alert Watch while operating in normal
mode, the radio
checks the most
recently used
weather channel
every seven seconds.
If it detects a weather
or other hazard alert,
it will switch to that
weather channel. (If
you are actively
transmitting, the radio
waits until you nish
your transmission before checking the weather channel.)






wx
Every 7 seconds,
the radio checks
the last-used
weather channel.
WX Alert
Watch on
Monitoring Channel 25
wx
Every 7 seconds,
the radio checks
the last-used
weather channel.
WX Alert
Watch on
Monitoring Channel 25

E-9
Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Normal mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch
If you activate Triple Watch while operating in normal mode,
the radio checks channels 16 and 9 every two seconds; with
Dual Watch turned on, the radio only checks channel 16. The
radio will not check channels 16 or 9 while you are actively
transmitting; it waits until your transmission is nished and
then checks the channels.
Normal mode with Quad Watch
You can activate Weather Alert Watch and Triple Watch at
the same time to monitor four channels at once (Quad
Watch). The radio performs the Triple Watch and Weather
Alert Watch checks at their scheduled time:
09 16 09 16 09 16
Every 2 seconds, the radio
checks channels 9 & 16.
Triple Watch on
Monitoring Channel 25
09 16 09 16 09 16
Every 2 seconds, the radio
checks channels 9 & 16.
Triple Watch on
Monitoring Channel 25
wx
Every 7 seconds,
the radio checks
the last-used
weather channel.
WX Alert
Watch on
09 16 09 16 09 16
Every 2 seconds, the radio
checks channels 9 & 16.
Triple Watch on
Monitoring Channel 25
wx
Every 7 seconds,
the radio checks
the last-used
weather channel.
WX Alert
Watch on
09 16 09 16 09 16
Every 2 seconds, the radio
checks channels 9 & 16.
Triple Watch on
Monitoring Channel 25

E-10 Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Scan mode operaon
You can save channels into memory and then use scan
mode to monitor those channels from lowest to highest. If the
radio detects a signal on a channel, it stays on that channel
as long as the signal is received; when the signal stops, the
radio continues scanning.
Using the radio in scan mode
To activate scan mode, press Scan-Dual.
You must have at least two channels in memory to start a
scan.
You cannot transmit while in scan mode.
To save a channel into memory, select the channel, then
press the MEM-SOS button. The MEM icon displays
whenever you tune to that channel.
To remove a channel from memory, set the radio to that
channel, then press the MEM-SOS button. The MEM icon
no longer displays.
When the radio stays on a channel, press Channel Up to
leave that channel and resume scanning.
To end the scan, press the Scan-Dual button again; the
radio remains on the last scanned channel.
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11
1008 1312 14 17
15
The radio scans about
5 channels in 0.5 seconds.
When it detects a signal, the radio stays
on the channel until you press the
Channel Up button or the signal stops. Resume
scan
11
1008 1312 14 17
15
The radio scans about
5 channels in 0.5 seconds.
When it detects a signal, the radio stays
on the channel until you press the
Channel Up button or the signal stops. Resume
scan

E-11
Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Scan mode with Weather Alert Watch
If you activate Weather Alert Watch while in scan mode, the
radio checks the most recently-used weather channel every
seven seconds, then continues scanning the next channel in
memory:
Scan mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch
If you activate Triple Watch while operating in scan mode,
the radio checks channels 16 and 9 every two seconds, then
goes on to scan the next channel; with Dual Watch turned
on, the radio only checks channel 16:
Both Weather Alert and Triple/Dual Watch in scan mode
You can activate Weather Alert Watch and Triple/Dual Watch
at the same time. The radio performs both checks at their
scheduled time:
Every 7 seconds, the radio
checks the last-used
weather channel, then
scans the next channel. wx
WX Alert
Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20
Every 7 seconds, the radio
checks the last-used
weather channel, then
scans the next channel. wx
WX Alert
Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20
09 16
Every 2 seconds, the
radio checks channels
9 & 16, then scans
the next channel.
Triple
Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20
09 16
Every 2 seconds, the
radio checks channels
9 & 16, then scans
the next channel.
Triple
Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20

E-12 Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Weather mode
The NOAA weather channels now cooperate with the FCC to
alert you of other hazards besides weather (child abduction
alerts, nuclear, biological, etc.). In weather mode, the radio
monitors one of the ten NOAA weather channels. If any type
of alert is received, the radio sounds an alert tone and the
display blinks.
Using the radio in weather mode
You cannot transmit while in weather mode.
To enter weather mode, press the WX-Alert button.
To turn off the radio’s alert tone, press any button.
To cancel weather mode and return to the previous marine
channel, press the WX-Alert button again.
Weather mode with Weather Alert Watch
Because weather mode already monitors the weather
channels, you don’t need Weather Alert Watch to check
the weather channel every seven seconds. If you activate
Weather Alert Watch while operating in weather mode,
it operates as a type of “sleep mode”: the radio stays on
the weather channel and mutes the speaker. If an alert
is detected, the radio sounds an alert tone and turns the
speaker back on. This mode is very useful when you are
anchoring for the night but want to keep informed of hazards.




09 16
Every 2 seconds, the
radio checks channels
9 & 16, then scans
the next channel.
Triple
Watch on
Every 7 seconds, the radio
checks the last-used
weather channel, then
scans the next channel. wx
WX Alert
Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20
09 16
Every 2 seconds, the
radio checks channels
9 & 16, then scans
the next channel.
Triple
Watch on
Every 7 seconds, the radio
checks the last-used
weather channel, then
scans the next channel. wx
WX Alert
Watch on
Memory Channel Scan
08 252417151413121110 20

E-13
Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Weather mode with Triple Watch or Dual Watch
If you activate Triple
Watch while operating
in weather mode, the
radio checks channels
16 and 9 every two
seconds; with Dual
Watch turned on, the
radio only checks
channel 16.
SETTING UP THE HARDWARE
Aaching the Antenna
The antenna detaches from the radio for easy
shipping or storage. To attach the antenna to
your radio, screw it tightly onto the anchor
post at the top of the radio.
Installing the Baery
Your radio comes with a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery; for
shipping safety, the battery is not installed at the factory. The
empty alkaline battery case is installed as a placeholder.
Insert the hook on
the battery into the notch at the
top of the battery compartment.
Note: Each time you remove
the battery, check the rubber
seal around the battery
compartment. Make sure the
seal is seated in the groove and there is no dirt or debris
on it. If the seal looks worn or damaged, contact customer
service to order a replacement (see back cover page for
contact information).
1.

09 16 09 16 09 16
Every 2 seconds, the radio checks
channel 9, then channel 16
with Triple Watch on
Monitoring Weather Channel WX08
09 16 09 16 09 16
Every 2 seconds, the radio checks
channel 9, then channel 16
with Triple Watch on
Monitoring Weather Channel WX08

E-14 Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
Lower the battery until it rests
flat in the compartment.
Bring the battery latch up and
snap it into place.
Using the Alkaline
Baery Case
The radio also comes with a battery case that holds four
AAA-type alkaline batteries (not included). You can use
alkaline batteries as a backup for the Li-Ion battery so you
can still use your radio while your Li-Ion battery is recharging.
For best performance, Uniden recommends using extra-
strength alkaline batteries such as Duracell Ultra® batteries.
NOTE: When using alkaline batteries, transmit power is
limited to a maximum of 2.5W.
Follow these steps to use the alkaline battery case:
Hold the lower part of the case in one hand with the three
battery contacts facing down. Use your thumb to hold the
notch on the lower part of the case.
With your other hand, grip the upper
part of the case and lift the cover open.
Align the batteries’ positive and
negative terminals with the drawing on
the case and snap each battery into
place.
Insert the two hooks on the lower
part of the case into the notches
on the cover; close the cover.
(The cover fits snugly but you
should not have to force it closed.)
2.
3.

1.
2.
3.
4.

E-15
Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
NOTE: Each time you open the battery case, check the
rubber seal. Make sure the seal is seated in the groove
and there is no dirt or debris on it. If the rubber seal
looks worn or damaged, contact customer service to
order a replacement (see the back cover page for contact
information).
Install the alkaline battery case in your radio just as you do
the Li-Ion battery (see page E-13).
WARNING! The case is designed to prevent the accidental
charging of alkaline batteries. Never use alkaline batteries
in the radio without the battery case. Do not attempt to
modify the battery case design.
Mounng the Charger
You can mount the charger on any at surface.
Use the two holes at the base of the charger
as a template to mark the drill holes.
Using a 1/8-inch (or 3 mm) drill bit, drill
two holes 1/2 inch (13mm) deep.
Use the provided screws to attach the
charger to the surface.
Charging the Baery
Your radio includes a charger and a
rechargeable battery pack. Place your radio
in the charger with the display facing forward.
Make sure that the CHARGE LED on the
charger turns orange.
Cautions:
Use only the battery and charger
supplied with this radio. Using a different charger or
battery can damage the radio and create a risk of fire or
shock.

5.
1.
2.
3.


E-16 Uniden MHS125 Radio Owner’s Manual
The charger is not waterproof. If the charger falls into
the water, unplug it before attempting to remove it from
the water. After you remove the charger from the water,
please contact Customer Service (see the back cover
page for contact information).
Wipe off dirt or shake water from your radio before
placing in the charger if your radio gets dirty or wet.
Important notes on charging the baery
Charge the battery fully before using the radio. When the
battery is completely charged, the CHARGE LED turns
green.
Don’t use the charger when the ambient temperature is
below 0° C (32° F) or above 45° C (113° F).
If the radio is powered down, the battery can charge in about
seven hours. (If the radio is powered on, the battery takes
longer to charge.)
Aaching the Belt Clip
To attach the belt clip:
Rotate the belt clip so that the
finger indentation is towards the
top of the radio.
Align the center of the clip with
the anchor post.
Place the clip on the post and
slide the clip upwards until it
clicks into place.
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1.
2.
3.