Uniden FRS500 User manual

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Controls
1 Speaker jack 8 down button
2 Microphone jack 9 Microphone
3on/off volume 10 call button
4PTT button 11 scan button
5MON button 12 light/lock button
6 LCD 13 ctcss/vibrate button
7up button
12 3
4
56
8
9
10
711
12
13
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Important: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by Uniden could void your
authority to operate this unit. Do not open your radio to make any internal adjustments. Your radio is
set up to transmit a regulated signal on an assigned frequency. It is against the law to alter or adjust
the settings inside the radio to exceed those limitations. Any adjustments to your radio must be made
by qualified technicians using the proper test equipment. To be safe and sure:
•Never open your radio’s case.
•Never change or replace anything in your radio except the batteries.
Your radio might cause TV or radio interference even when it is operating properly. To determine
whether your radio is causing the interference, turn it off. If the interference goes away, your radio is
causing it. Try to eliminate the interference by moving your radio away from the receiver. If you
cannot eliminate the interference, the FCC requires that you stop using the radio.
Audio Accessories: Do not operate the radio with audio accessories at high volume levels. Hearing
experts advise against continuous high volume operation. If you experience a ringing in your ears,
reduce the volume level or discontinue use. Always make sure the radio is turned off before plugging
audio accessories into the accessory jack.
Do not operate the radio in hazardous environments. Explosion or fire may result. Do not
operate the radio near unshielded electrical blasting caps. Under certain conditions,
radios can interfere with blasting operations and may cause an explosion. Turn your radio OFF to
prevent accidental transmission when in a blasting area or in areas posted: “Turn off two-way radio.”
Construction crews often use remote control RF devices to set off explosives.
Care and Safety: To clean the radio, use a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use cleaners or
solvents because they can harm the body of the unit and leak inside, causing permanent damage. Use
a dry, lint-free cloth to clean the battery contacts.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause
interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that
may cause undesired operation of the device.
FCC Information
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1
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Included in Your Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Battery Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Low Battery Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Belt Clip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Using Your Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
•Turning the Radio On . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
•Adjusting the Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
•Choosing a Channel and CTCSS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
•Scan Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
•Monitor Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
•Talking on Your Radio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
•Vibration Alert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
•Locking In Your Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
•Call Tone Transmission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
•Silent Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
•LCD Backlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
•External Microphone and Speaker (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Appendix - FCC Part 95 Subpart B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A-1
Contents
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2
Congratulations on your purchase of the Uniden FRS500 family radio. This product is a
lightweight, palm-sized radio you can carry almost anywhere. Use it at shopping malls,
amusement parks, or sporting events to stay in contact with family and friends, or in a
neighborhood watch for vital communications. This compact, state-of-the-art device is
equipped with the following features:
• 14 Preprogrammed Channels
• Up to 2 mile range*
• LCD Display
• Tone/Vibration Alert for incoming calls
• Channel Scan
• Keypad Lock
• 50 hours of operation
• Low Battery Level Indicator
• LCD Backlit
• 38 Built-in CTCSS Codes
• Silent Keypad
• External Speaker and Microphone Capable
* Range may vary depending on environmental and/or topographical conditions.
Welcome
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3
Your package contains the FRS500, this reference guide, and the accompanying belt clip
with hardware. You will need to purchase three (3) AA ALKALINE batteries in order to
operate the unit. If any of these items are missing or damaged, contact the Uniden Parts
Department at [phone] M-F: 7:00 AM-5:00 PM CST.
Included in Your Package
FRS Unit
Belt clip and screws
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4
Your FRS500 radio uses three (3) AA ALKALINE batteries for power.
To install the batteries:
1. Make sure your radio is off.
2. Release the battery cover clip, then
remove the battery cover.
3. Insert three (3) AA ALKALINE batteries
according to the polarity symbols on
the inside of the battery compartment.
4. Align the battery cover tabs with the
FRS500 tab holes then replace the cover.
Battery Installation
Do not mix old and new batteries to avoid damage to the unit.
Tab holes
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5
The LCD on your radio shows a battery meter
in the lower right corner. The icon
indicates a fully powered unit. As the batteries
become low, will flash.
When the batteries in the unit are low, the unit will go into a Battery Low/Sleep Mode. The
Scan Mode, Transmit, Transmit Call Tone Mode, CTCSS Tone Setting Mode, and Vibration
are disabled. Replace the batteries immediately to continue using the radio.
Because you will most likely use your radio when you are out and about, the unit comes
equipped with a belt clip to fasten the unit to your belt, pocket, or purse.
To remove the belt clip, turn the screws counterclockwise.
To attach the belt clip:
1. Insert the belt clip screws into the slot
on the belt clip.
2. Align the screws with the holes on the
back of the radio and turn them
clockwise, using a Phillips screwdriver to
secure the belt clip. Do not over-tighten.
Low Battery Alert
Belt Clip
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6
To get the most out of your new radio, read this reference guide completely before
attempting to operate the unit.
Turning the Radio On
1. Turn the on/off volume control
clockwise to turn the unit on.
2. Turn the control counterclockwise to turn the unit off.
Adjusting the Volume
1. Press the MON button to hear
background noise. The “BUSY” icon
and icon appear.
2. Turn the on/off volume control
clockwise to increase the volume and
counterclockwise to decrease the volume.
When you turn on your FRS500, the LCD backlight remains lit for
5 seconds.
Using Your Radio
1
2
You may need to adjust the volume again when audio is heard from
the speaker.
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7
Choosing a Channel and CTCSS
Your radio has 14 channels and a Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) that
you can use to talk to others. You can only communicate with radios that are set on the
same channel and CTCSS tone code. A CTCSS tone is subaudible and selectable from the
38 standard tone frequencies. You must select the same channel as your party selected.
To choose a channel for the FRS500:
Press the up or down button repeatedly
to select one of the 14 channels.
(The number on the LCD changes to
indicate that a new channel has
been selected.)
To choose a CTCSS code for the FRS500:
You may want to hear calls from specific persons in your group. The CTCSS code that you
enter allows you to block other calls and only receive from those who are using the same
channel and CTCSS code.
The BUSY icon and icon appear while receiving a transmission.
This feature does not cause your conversation to be private. Anyone else
on the channel will be able to listen. It only relieves you of listening to
unwanted conversations.
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1. Press the ctcss/vibrate button.
The code indicator flashes.
2. Press the up or down button repeatedly to select one of the CTCSS codes (0-38).
3. After selecting the desired CTCSS code, press the ctcss/vibrate button again. The code
indicator stops flashing.
4. To turn off the CTCSS code, press the
up or down button until the code
is selected. Then press the ctcss/
vibrate button again. The code
indicator stops flashing.
You must press the ctcss/vibrate button within 5 seconds or the unit
will time out. If not, the setting will not be made.
If the code is selected on your radio, you can receive any signal on
that channel regardless of the CTCSS code settings of the people in your
party.
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Scan Mode
Your radio also allows you to scan for activity from other transmitting radios regardless of
the channel and code setting.
Make sure all of your CTCSS codes are set to “0” prior to scanning. Otherwise, during a
scan cycle, your radio will only check for that specific channel and code combination.
To use the Scan feature:
1. Press the scan button to begin scanning
channels. The LCD will indicate that you
are in scan mode.
If a signal is present, the radio will stop
on the active channel. It will remain on
the channel until the transmission ends.
After 2 seconds, it will resume scanning.
2. To resume scanning prior to the transmission end, press scan again.
3. Press the scan, call, PTT, up, or down button to exit the scan mode, stopping at the
current channel.
If pressing scan to exit the scan mode, the radio must be actively
scanning.
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10
Monitor Mode
The Monitor Mode is used to check activity on a specific channel. It will allow you to receive
signals that are considered too weak.
To check the channel activity:
1. Press and hold the MON button until you hear a series of beeps. You will hear
background noise if the channel is clear. Don’t transmit if you hear conversation.
2. To turn Monitor Mode off, press the MON button again.
Talking on Your Radio
To talk to others using the radio;
1. Determine your communicating channel and/or code setting with the other members
of your party (refer to “Choosing a Channel and CTCSS” on page7).
2. Press and hold the PTT button and
speak into the microphone. The
following LCD screen appears.
3. When you finish speaking, release the PTT button. You cannot hear any signals while
your PTT button is pressed.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 to continue communication.
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11
Vibration Alert
Your FRS500 will alert you with a vibration when there is an incoming transmission.
You must be on the same channel and code setting as the party with whom you
are communicating.
To use the vibration alert:
1. Press and hold the ctcss/vibrate
button until the icon appears.
2. You will be alerted with a five second vibration when you receive an incoming call.
3. To turn off the vibration alert, press and hold the ctcss/vibrate button again until
the icon goes out.
Locking In Your Selection
To prevent the channel and code settings from accidentally being changed, you should
lock the buttons of your FRS radio. This will disable the ▲, ▼, ctcss/vibrate, and
scan buttons.
1. Press and hold the light/lock button
for two seconds to lock the buttons.
The icon appears on the display
indicating the buttons are locked.
2. Press and hold the light/lock button again for two seconds to unlock the buttons.
Or turn the radio off and then on again to unlock the buttons.
The call, on/off volume, PTT, MON, and light/lock buttons will not
be locked.
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Call Tone Transmission
If you want to contact someone in your
party, press the call button. ”CALL” and
the transmit icon appear on the LCD for
2 seconds. Anyone on the same channel
and the same CTCSS code will be alerted
with your Call Tone.
Silent Keypad
A tone sounds when any button is pressed. This is the initial default setting.
This function may be silenced if you wish. To silence the tones, press and hold the MON
button while you turn on the radio. If you want to hear the tones again, press and hold the
MON button while you turn on the radio. When the radio is turned off and then on again,
the last selected setting remains.
LCD Backlight
The LCD display can be illuminated to assist your viewing. Press the light/lock button to
turn on the display backlight. The light goes off automatically after 5 seconds.
External Microphone and Speaker (Optional)
Available as an optional accessory. Use only an original Uniden speaker/microphone.
Use of any other speaker/microphone may void your warranty.
To purchase your external accessory, contact your local Uniden dealer or call Customer
Service at [phone] Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time.
This function will also silence call tones and error tones.
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Troubleshooting
No power • Reposition or replace batteries.
Message not • Make sure the PTT button is completely pressed
transmitted as you transmit.
• Reposition or replace batteries.
Message not received • Confirm radios have the same channel and CTCSS
code setting.
• Make sure PTT is not inadvertently being pressed.
• Reposition or replace batteries.
• Obstructions, operating indoors, or in vehicles may
interfere with communication. Change your
location.
• Check to make sure the volume is turned up.
Hearing other • Confirm CTCSS code is set.
conversations or • Shared channel or CTCSS may be in use.
noise on a channel Try another channel.
Limited talk range • Street/concrete structures, heavy foliage, and use
in buildings and in vehicles will decrease the range.
Check for clear line of sight to improve
transmission.
• Wearing the radio close to the body, such as in
pocket or on a belt will decrease range. Change
the location of radio.
Heavy static or • Radios are too close. Radios must be at least 5 feet
interference apart. Increase your distance.
• Radios are too far apart.
Obstacles interfere with transmission. Talk range is
up to 2 miles in clear, unobstructed conditions.
Problem Solution
If after trying these simple steps your unit still does not function properly, call Uniden
Customer Service at [phone] Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central time.
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Specifications
Channels 14
Codes 38 STANDARD CTCSS Tone
Operating Frequency UHF - 462.550 to 467.725 MHz
Talk range Up to 2 Miles
Power Source 3AA Alkaline Batteries
Transmit Power Out 500m W
Battery Life 50 Hours typ.
Description
Channel Frequency Channel Frequency Channel Frequency
1 462.5625 6 462.6875 11 467.6375
2 462.5875 7 462.7125 12 467.6625
3 462.6125 8 467.5625 13 467.6875
4 462.6375 9 467.5875 14 467.7125
5 462.6625 10 467.6125
Channel Frequency Chart (MHz)
Channel Frequency Channel Frequency Channel Frequency
1 67.0 14 107.2 27 167.9
2 71.9 15 110.9 28 173.8
3 74.4 16 114.8 29 179.9
4 77.0 17 118.8 30 186.2
5 79.7 18 123.0 31 192.8
6 82.5 19 127.3 32 203.5
7 85.4 20 131.8 33 210.7
8 88.5 21 136.5 34 218.1
9 91.5 22 141.3 35 225.7
10 94.8 23 146.2 36 233.6
11 97.4 24 151.4 37 241.8
12 100.0 25 156.7 38 250.3
13 103.5 26 162.2
CTCSS Chart (Hz)
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A-1
§95.191 (FRS Rule 1)
Eligibility and responsibility.
(a) Unless you are a representative of a
foreign government, you are authorized by
this rule to operate an FCC certified FRS unit
in accordance with the rules in this subpart.
No license will be issued.
(b) You are responsible for all
communications that you make with the FRS
unit. You must share each channel with
other users. No channel is available for the
private or exclusive use of any user.
§95.192 (FRS Rule 2)
Authorized locations.
(a) Provided that you comply with these
rules, you are authorized to operate an
FRS unit:
(1) Within or over any area of the world
where radio services are regulated by the
FCC (this area includes the fifty United
States and the District of Columbia, the
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United
States Virgin Islands (50 islets and cays),
American Samoa (seven islands), the
Commonwealth of Northern Marianna
Islands, and Guam Island);
(2) Within or over any other area of the
world, except within or over the territorial
limits of areas where radio services are
regulated by an agency of the United
States other than the FCC or any foreign
government (you are subject to its rules);
Appendix - FRS Radio Rules
FCC Part 95 Subpart B
(3) Aboard any vessel or aircraft registered
in the United States, with the permission of
the captain, that is within or over any area
of the world where radio services are
regulated by the FCC or upon or over
international waters;
(4) Aboard any unregistered vessel or
aircraft owned or operated by a United
States citizen or company that is within or
over any area of the world where radio
services are regulated by the FCC or upon
or over international waters.
(5) You must operate the FRS unit only
according to any applicable treaty to
which the United States is a party. The
FCC will make public notice of any
such conditions.
(b) [Reserved]
(c) [Reserved]
(d) Anyone intending to operate an FRS unit
on the islands of Puerto Rico, Desecheo,
Mona, Vieques, and Culebra in a manner that
could pose an interference threat to the
Arecibo Observatory shall notify the
Interference Office, Arecibo Observatory, Post
Office Box 995, Arecibo, Puerto Rico 00613,
in writing or electronically, of the location of
the unit. Operators may wish to consult
interference guidelines, which will be
provided by Cornell University. Operators who
choose to transmit information electronically
should e-mail to: [email protected].
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A-2
(1) The notification to the Interference
Office, Arecibo Observatory shall be made
45 days prior to commencing operation of
the unit. The notification shall state the
geographical coordinates of the unit.
(2) After receipt of such notifications, the
Commission will allow the Arecibo
Observatory a period of 20 days for
comments or objections. The operator will
be required to make reasonable efforts in
order to resolve or mitigate any potential
interference problem with the Arecibo
Observatory. If the Commission
determines that an operator has satisfied
its responsibility to make reasonable efforts
to protect the Observatory from
interference, the unit may be allowed
to operate.
§95.193 (FRS Rule 3)
Types of communications.
(a) You may use an FRS unit to conduct
two-way voice communications with another
person. You may use the FRS unit to
transmit one-way communications only to
establish communications with another
person, send an emergency message, provide
traveler assistance, make a voice page, or to
conduct a brief test.
(b) The FRS unit may transmit tones to
make contact or to continue communications
with a particular FRS unit. If the tone is
audible (more than 300 Hertz), it must last
no longer than 15 seconds at one time. If the
tone is subaudible (300 Hertz or less), it may
be transmitted continuously only while you
are talking.
(c) You must not use an FRS unit in
connection with any activity which is against
federal, state or local law.
(d) You must, at all times and on all
channels, give priority to emergency
communication messages concerning the
immediate safety of life or the immediate
protection of property.
(e) No FRS unit may be interconnected to the
public switched network.
§95.194 (FRS Rule 4)
FRS units.
(a) You may only use an FCC certified FRS
unit. (You can identify an FCC certified FRS
unit by the label placed on it by the
manufacturer.)
(b) You must not make, or have made, any
internal modification to an FRS unit. Any
internal modification cancels the FCC
certification and voids your authority to
operate the unit in the FRS.
(c) You may not attach any antenna, power
amplifier, or other apparatus to an FRS unit
that has not been FCC certified as part of that
FRS unit. There are no exceptions to this
rule and attaching any such apparatus to a
FRS unit cancels the FCC certification and
voids everyone's authority to operate the unit
in the FRS.
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© 2000 Uniden America Corporation
All rights reserved • Printed in China
UTZZ01 873ZZ
4,398,304 4,409,688 4,455,679 4,461,036 4,521,915 4,597,104
4,627,100 4,841,302 4,888,815 4,932,074 4,947,456 5,014,348
5,199,109 5,408,692 5,428,826 5,438,688 5,448,256 5,465,402
5,471,660 5,483,684 5,548,832 5,551,071 5,642,424 5,710,992
5,530,296 5,574,995 5,577,076 5,598,430 5,600,223
Covered under one or more of the following U.S. patents:
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