Vertex Standard VX-920ATEX Series User manual

VX-920ATEX
S ERIES
OPERATING MANUAL
16 Key Version 4 Key Version Non-LCD Version
Vertex Standard LMR, Inc.
4-8-8 Nakameguro, Meguro-Ku, Tokyo 153-8644, Japan

Warning!: ATEX Intrinsically Safe Radio .................. 1
Warning!: RF Exposure Requirements ....................... 2
Controls & Connectors (16-Key Version) ................... 4
Controls & Connectors (4-Key Version) ..................... 5
Controls & Connectors (Non-LCD Version) ............... 6
LCD Icons & Indicators (16- & 4-Key Versions) ....... 7
Battery Terminals .......................................................... 7
Before You Begin ........................................................... 8
Battery Pack Installation and Removal ...................... 8
Low Battery Indication .............................................. 8
Battery Charging ........................................................ 9
Operation ..................................................................... 10
Preliminary Steps ..................................................... 10
Operation Quick Start .............................................. 10
Advanced Operation ................................................... 14
Programmable Key and Toggle Switch Functions .. 14
Descriptipon of Operating Functions ...................... 16
ARTS (Auto Range Transpond System) ................... 24
DTMF Paging System ................................................. 24
LOCK ........................................................................... 24
User Set Mode (16-Key & 4-Key Versions) ............... 25
Optional Accessories.................................................... 26
Disposal of Your Electronic and
Electric Equeipment .............................................. 28
CONTENTS
Congratulations!
You now have at your fingertips a valuable communications tool-a VERTEX STANDARD two-way radio! Rugged,
reliable and easy to use, your VERTEX STANDARD radio will keep you in constant touch with your colleagues for
years to come, with negligible maintenance down-time.
Please take a few minutes to read this manual carefully. The information presented here will allow you to derive
maximum performance from your radio, in case questions arise later on.
We're glad you joined the VERTEX STANDARD team. Call on us anytime, because communications is our business.
Let us help you get your message across.
Notice!: There are no owner-serviceable parts inside the radio. All service jobs must be referred to an
authorized VERTEX STANDARD Service Representative. Consult your Authorized VERTEX STANDARD
Dealer for installation of optional accessories.

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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WARNING!: ATEX INTRINSICALLY SAFE RADIO
The VX-920ATEX is approved for use in potentially explosive atmospheres according to the ATEX EC
Directive 94/9/EC.
The Intrinsically safe protection rating for the VX-920ATEX is ll 2G Ex ib llC T4 Gb (Approved for
Zone 1, Equipment Group II, Gas Group C Temperature Class T4).
The ATEX protection rating for these models is only maintained provided:
The equipment shall not be directly installed or used in any process where its enclosure might be electro-
statically charged by the rapid flow of a non-conductive media.
Use ONLY FNB-V100LIEX Battery Pack. Use of other batteries will invalidate the ATEX Approval.
Battery charging must occur ONLY in non - potentially explosive atmospheres.
Use ONLY ATEX approved accessories in the potentially explosive atmospheres. Connect and disconnect
these accessories only outside the potentially explosive atmospheres.
Ensure that there is no external damage to the radio, antenna or battery before entering the potentially
explosive atmospheres, as it might compromise the safety of the unit. eg an antenna with a damaged end or
insulation must be replaced before use in any potentially explosive atmospheres.
Servicing of ATEX radios can only be carried out Vertex Standard IS authorized personnel, who are aware of
the special parts required and the proceedures necessary to maintain the ATEX protection rating for these
products. Consult your authorized Vertex Standard Dealer for details.
Check the ATEX classification of each accessory listed on page 27 before using. Use of an ATEX accessory
with a lower rating than that of the radio itself will reduce the radio ATEX rating to that of the lower level.
Ambient temp range for the radio is –10 °C to +55 °C.
Perform the battery charging where the ambient tempera-ture range +5 °C to +35 °C. Charge out of this
range could cause damage to the battery pack.

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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WARNING!: RF EXPOSURE REQUIREMENTS
This Radio has been tested and complies with the 1999/519/EC RF exposure limits. In addition, it complies with
the following Standards and Guidelines:
ANSI/IEEE C95.1-1992, IEEE Standard for Safety Levels with Respect to Human Exposure to Radio Fre-
quency Electromagnetic Fields, 3 kHz to 300 GHz.
ANSI/IEEE C95.3-1992, IEEE Recommended Practice for the Measurement of Potentially Hazardous Elec-
tromagnetic Fields - RF and Microwave.
WARNING:
This radio generates RF electromagnetic energy during transmit mode. This radio is designed for and
classified as Occupational Use Only, meaning it must be used only during the course of employment by
individuals aware of the hazards, and the ways to minimize such hazards. This radio is not intended for
use by the General Population in an uncontrolled environment.
This radio is NOT approved for use by the general population in an uncontrolled exposure environ-
ment. This radio is restricted to occupational use, work related operations only where the radio opera-
tor must have the knowledge to control his or her RF exposure conditions.
When transmitting, hold the radio in a vertical position with its microphone 5 cm away from your
mouth and keep the antenna at least 5 cm away from your head and body.
The radio must be used with a maximum operating duty cycle not exceeding 50%, in typical Push-to-
Talk configurations.
DO NOT transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time (50% duty cycle). Transmitting more
than 50% of the time can cause RF exposure compliance requirements to be exceeded.
The radio is transmitting when the red LED on the top of the radio is illuminated. You can cause the
radio to transmit by pressing the PTT button.

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
3
SAR compliance for body-worn use was only demonstrated for the specific belt-clip (CLIP-920).
Other body-worn accessories or configurations may NOT comply with the RF exposure require-
ments and should be avoided.
DO NOT use the radio in Body Worn configurations with the following accessories unless the associ-
ated conditions are met:
CLIP-920 Belt Clip: (1) During transmission there must be at least a 4cm distance between the radio
and the body. (2) for monitoring purposes using the speaker or Vertex Standard authorized speaker
mic accessories only; (3) for carrying purposes.
Always use Vertex Standard authorized accessories.
The information listed above provides the user with the information needed to make him or her
aware of RF exposure, and what to do to assure themselves that the unit is operated within the RF
Exposure limits of this radio.
Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility
During transmissions, this radio generates RF energy that can possibly cause interference with
other devices or systems. To avoid such interference, turn off the radio in areas where signs are
posted to do so.
Do not operate the transmitter in areas that are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation such as hospi-
tals, health care facilities, aircraft, and blasting sites.
WARNING!: RF EXPOSURE REQUIREMENTS

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (16-KEY VERSION)
SIDE SEL Key
PTT Switch
MONITOR Button
LAMP Key
MIC/SP Jack
(External MIC/SP)
Sub Microphone
(Noise Canceling MIC)
Battery Pack LatchLCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
SpeakerMain Microphone
LED Indicator
Steady Red:
Transmitting in progress
Steady Green:
Tone Squelch in defeated condition
Blinking Green:
Busy Channel
Dealer Programmed Color:
Emergency, 5-Tone Decoded, or
2-Tone Decoded
16-Button DTMF Keypad
Antenna Jack
TOP SEL Key
CH (Channel)Selector
VOL/PWR Knob
TOGGLE Switch
: one of “Flashing in white,”
“Continuation changes in
sequential colors,” or “tog-
gling the two colors.”

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (4-KEY VERSION)
SIDE SEL Key
PTT Switch
MONITOR Button
LAMP Key
MIC/SP Jack
(External MIC/SP)
Sub Microphone
(Noise Canceling MIC)
Battery Pack LatchLCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
SpeakerMain Microphone
LED Indicator
Steady Red:
Transmitting in progress
Steady Green:
Tone Squelch in defeated condition
Blinking Green:
Busy Channel
Dealer Programmed Color:
Emergency, 5-Tone Decoded, or
2-Tone Decoded
4-Button Programmable Key
Antenna Jack
TOP SEL Key
CH (Channel)Selector
VOL/PWR Knob
TOGGLE Switch
: one of “Flashing in white,”
“Continuation changes in
sequential colors,” or “tog-
gling the two colors.”

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
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CONTROLS & CONNECTORS (NON-LCD VERSION)
SIDE SEL 1 Key
PTT Switch
MONITOR Button
LAMP Key
MIC/SP Jack
(External MIC/SP)
Sub Microphone
(Noise Canceling MIC)
Battery Pack Latch
SpeakerMain Microphone
LED Indicator
Steady Red:
Transmitting in progress
Steady Green:
Tone Squelch in defeated condition
Blinking Green:
Busy Channel
Dealer Programmed Color:
Emergency, 5-Tone Decoded, or
2-Tone Decoded
Antenna Jack
TOP SEL Key
CH (Channel)Selector
VOL/PWR Knob
TOGGLE Switch
: one of “Flashing in white,”
“Continuation changes in
sequential colors,” or “tog-
gling the two colors.”

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
7
LCD ICONS & INDICATORS (16-KEY & 4-KEY VERSIONS)
BATTERY TERMINALS
VHF Model UHF Model
Maximum Input Voltage: 8.4 V DC 8.4 V DC
Maximum Input Current: 2.5 A 2.5 A
Maximum Input Power: 21 W 21 W
Maximum Internal Capacitance: 51.31 µF 51.28 µF
Maximum Internal Inductance: 5.50 µH 5.48 µH
12 Character Alpha-numeric Display
SUB-LCD
888: Channel Group Number
-P-: Priority Channel
-H-: Home Channel
In: ARTS “In Range”
Out: ARTS “Out of Range”
RSSI Indicator (four steps)
Encryption is activated
Option SW (Key Function)
is activated
Low Transmit Power Mode On
“DUAL WATCH” is activated
This channel on “SCAN” List
Priority Scan is activated
“CALL” Indicator
Receiver Monitor
“Talk-Around” is enabled
Battery Indicator
“Group Scan” is enabled

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
8
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Battery Pack Installation and Removal
To install the battery, hold the transceiver with
your left hand, so your palm is over the speaker
and your thumb is on the top of the belt clip. Care-
fully mate the battery’s four insertion slots with
their corresponding alignment tabs on the trans-
ceiver case, while tilting the Belt Clip outward.
Proper alignment occurs with the battery pack off-
set about 1/2 inch from the top edge of the battery
compartment.
Guide the pack on to the tabs with a slight inward
pressure, then slide the battery pack upward, un-
til it locks in place with a “Click.”
To remove the battery, turn the radio off and re-
move any protective cases. Slide the Battery Pack
Latch on the bottom of the radio toward the front
panel while sliding the battery down about 1/2
inch. Then lift the battery out from the radio while
unfolding the Belt Clip.
1) Do not remove/install the Battery Pack
in a potentially explosive atmospheres.
2) Always use the FNB-V100LIEX Lithium-Ion
Battery.
3) Do not attempt to open any of the rechargeable
Lithium-Ion packs, as they could explode if acci-
dentally short-circuited.
4) Battery Pack shall not be exposed to excessive
heat such as sunshine, fire or the like.
Low Battery Indication
As the battery discharges during use, the voltage
gradually becomes lower. When the battery voltage
becomes to low, substitute a freshly charged battery
and recharge the depleted pack. The LED indicator
on the top of the radio will blink red when the bat-
tery voltage is low.
Tilt the Belt Clip
Insert the Battery Pack

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
9
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Battery Charging
Insert the DC plug from the PA-42 AC Adapter
into the DC jack on the bottom side of the CD-
37EX Desktop Charger, then plug the PA-42 AC
Adapter into the AC line outlet.
Insert the battery pack into the CD-37EX Desk-
top Charger while aligning the slots of the battery
pack with the guides in the nest of the CD-37EX;
refer to the illustration at the right for details on
proper positioning of the pack. If charging with
the transceiver attached, turn the transceiver off,
and the antenna jack should be at the left side when
viewing the charger from the front.
If the battery pack is inserted correctly, the LED
indicator will glow red. A fully-discharged pack
will be charged completely in approximately 3
hours.
The LED indicator will blink red/green alternately
when charging is nearing completion.
When charging is completed, the LED indicator
will change to green. Even if the charging is com-
pleted, the LED indicator will sometimes change
to red for trickle charging.
Disconnect the pack from the CD-37EX Desk-
top Charger, and unplug the PA-42 AC Adapter
from the AC line outlet.
WARNING
Do not charge batteries in potentially explo-
sive atmospheres.
Do not reverse-connect the battery terminals.
Do not parallel-connect the battery terminals.
To reduce the risk of explosion, recharge the
batteries outside of hazardous locations.
Perform the battery charging where the am-
bient tempera-ture range +5 °C to +35 °C.
Charge out of this range could cause damage
to the battery pack.
Align the slots of the battery pack
with the guides in the nest of the CD-
37EX Desktop Charger.

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
10
OPERATION
Preliminary Steps
Install a charged battery pack onto the transceiver,
as described previously.
Screw the supplied antenna
onto the Antenna jack. Never
attempt to operate this trans-
ceiver without an antenna con-
nected.
Do not connect/re-
move the Antenna in a
potentially explosive atmo-
spheres.
If you have a Speaker/Microphone, we recom-
mend that it not be connected until you are famil-
iar with the basic operation of the VX-920ATEX.
Operation Quick Start
Turn the top panel’s
VOL/PWR knob clock-
wise to turn the radio on.
Turn the top panel’s CH
selector knob to choose
the desired operating
channel. On the 16-key
and 4-key versions, a
channel name will appear
on the LCD.
If you want to select the operating channel from a
different Memory Channel Group, press the Pro-
grammable key (assigned to the Memory Group
Up or Down function) to select the Memory Chan-
nel Group you want before selecting the operat-
ing channel. A Group name will appear on the
LCD whenever the Programmable key is pressed.
Note: Some models are programmed so that the
operating channels are selected by the Program-
mable key and the memory channel group is se-
lected by the CH selector knob. For further de-
tails, contact your VERTEX STANDARD dealer.
 
Operating Temperature Range
Operation: –10 °C to +55 °C
Battery Charging: +5 °C to +35 °C

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
11
Rotate the VOL/PWR
knob to set the volume
level. If no signal is
present, press and hold in
the MONITOR button
(under the PTT switch)
more than 2 seconds;
background noise will
now be heard, and you
may use this to set the
VOL/PWR knob for the
desired audio level. Press
and hold the MONITOR button more than 2 sec-
onds (or press the MONITOR button twice) to
quiet the noise and resume normal (quiet) moni-
toring.
To transmit, monitor the
channel and make sure it
is clear.
Press and hold the PTT
switch. Speak into the mi-
crophone area of the front
panel grille (above the upper left edge of the LCD)
in a normal voice level. To return to the Receive
mode, release the PTT switch.
Do not transmit the radio without an
antenna connected.
Press the (Orange) TOP
SEL key or SIDE SEL
key (above the PTT
switch) to activate one of
the preprogrammed func-
tions which may have
been enabled at the time
of programming by the
dealer. See the next sec-
tion for details regarding
the available features.
Switch the top panel’s
TOGGLE switch to the
[A], [B], or [Center]po-
sition to activate one of
the pre-programmed
functions which may
have been enabled at the time of programming by
the dealer. When this switch is in the [A(left)],
[B(right)], or [Center]position, the feature pro-
grammed (by your dealer) to that switch position
will be activated. See the next section for details
regarding the available features.
OPERATION

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
12
If a Speaker/Microphone is available, remove the
plastic cap and its two mounting screws from the
right side of the transceiver, then align the con-
nector of the Speaker/Microphone on the trans-
ceiver body; secure the connector pin using the
screws supplied with the
Speaker/Microphone. Hold
the speaker grille up next to
your ear while receiving. To
transmit, press the PTT switch
on the Speaker/Microphone,
just as you would on the main
transceiver’s body, and speak
into the microphone on a nor-
mal voice level.
1): Do not remove/install the Speaker/Mi-
crophone in a potentially explosive atmo-
spheres.
2): Save the original plastic cap and its mount-
ing screws. They should be reinstalled when not
using the Speaker/Microphone.
3) When you press the PTT switch on the
Speaker/Microphone, it disables the internal mi-
crophone, and vice versa.
If the Busy Channel Lockout feature has been pro-
grammed on a channel, the radio will not trans-
mit when a carrier is present. Instead, the radio
will generate short beep three times and indicate
“*CH BUSY *” on the display (16-key and 4-
key versions). Release the PTT switch and wait
for the channel to be clear of activity.
If CTCSS or Digital Coded Squelch (DCS) Lock-
out has been programmed on a channel, the radio
can transmit only when there is no carrier being
received or when the carrier being received in-
cludes the correct CTCSS tone or DCS code.
Automatic Time-Out Timer
If the selected channel has been programmed for au-
tomatic time-out, you must limit the length of each
transmission. While transmitting, a beep will sound
10 seconds before time-out. Another beep will sound
just before the deadline; the “TX” indicator will dis-
appear and transmission will cease soon thereafter.
To resume transmitting, you must release the PTT
switch and wait for the “penalty timer” to expire.
OPERATION

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
13
NOTE

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
14
ADVANCED OPERATION
Programmable Key and Toggle Switch Functions
All versions of the VX-920ATEX include the TOP
SEL, SIDE SEL, MONITOR, and LAMP keys, and
the TOGGLE switch. The 16-key and 4-key versions
include the [A], [B], [C], and [D]function keys. Fur-
thermore, the 16-key version includes the []and
[#]function keys. The Programmable key and
TOGGLE switch functions can be customized, via
programming by your VERTEX STANDARD dealer,
to meet your communications/network requirements.
Some features may require the purchase and instal-
lation of optional internal accessories. The possible
Programmable key and TOGGLE switch program-
ming features are illustrated at the right, and their
functions are explained on page 15. For further de-
tails, contact your VERTEX STANDARD dealer.
For future reference, check the box next to each func-
tion that has been assigned to the Programmable key
and TOGGLE switch on your particular radio, and
keep it handy.
FUNCTION
None
Scan
Dual Watch
Low Power
Talk Around
TX Save Disable
Encryption1
Follow-Me Scan
Audio PC (PIT)
Group Recall Shortcut
A
TOGGLE SWITCH (POSITION)
Center B
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
Group 1
Group 2
Group 3
:Requires FVP-35 or FVP-36 Encryption Unit
TOP SEL
FUNCTION
None
Monitor
Lamp
Scan
Dual Watch
Low Power
Talk Around
TX Save Disable
Encryption
Follow-Me Scan
Follow-Me Dual Watch
Group Up
Group Down
MONITOR LAMP [A] [B] [C] [D]
PROGRAMMABLE KEY
[] [#]

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
15
ADVANCED OPERATION
FUNCTION
Channel Up
Channel Down
Set
Call/Reset
Call 1
Call 2
Call 3
Call 4
Call 5
Code Up
Code Down
Code Set
Speed Dial
Option SW 1
Option SW 2
Emergency
Home
Selectable Tone
Direct Channel #1
Direct Channel #2
Direct Channel #3
Direct Channel #4
SQL
AF Min Volume
Status Set
Status Up
Status Down
Status Check
Audio PC (PIT)
Lone Worker
DTMF Code Set
TA Scan
Priority Disable
Beep On/Off
Whisper
TOP SEL MONITOR LAMP [B] [C] [D]
PROGRAMMABLE KEY
[A] [] [#]

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
16
Description of Operating Functions
MONITOR
Press the assigned programmable key to cancel
CTCSS- and DCS-controlled squelch; the LED in-
dicator will glow green. Press and hold this button
for 1.5 seconds to hear background noise (unmute
the audio); the LED indicator will blink green.
LAMP
Press the assigned programmable key to illuminate
the LCD for five seconds.
SCAN
The Scanning feature is used to monitor multiple sig-
nals programmed into the transceiver. While scan-
ning, the transceiver will check each channel for the
presence of a signal, and will stop on a channel if a
signal is present.
To activate scanning:
Press the assigned programmable key to activate
scanning.
The scanner will search the channels of each chan-
nel, looking for active ones; it will pause each time
it finds a channel on which someone is speaking.
Press the assigned programmable key again to dis-
able scanning. Operation will revert to the pro-
grammed revert channel.
Note: Your dealer may have programmed your ra-
dio to stay on one of the following channels if you
press the PTT switch during scanning pause:
Current channel (“Talk Back”)
“Last Busy” channel
“Priority” channel
“Home” channel
“Scan Start” channel
ADVANCED OPERATION

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
17
DUAL WATCH
The Dual Watch feature is similar to the SCAN fea-
ture, except that only two channels are monitored:
The current operating channel; and
The Priority channel.
To activate Dual Watch:
Press the assigned programmable key.
The scanner will search the two channels; it will
pause each time it finds a channel on which some-
one is speaking.
To stop Dual Watch:
Press the assigned programmable key.
Operation will revert to the “Dual Watch Start”
channel.
LOW POWER
Press the assigned programmable key to set the
radio’s transmitter to the “Low Power” mode, thus
extending battery life. Press the key again to return
to “Normal” transmit power when in difficult terrain.
In the 16-key and 4-key versions, the “ ” icon will
be indicated on the display when the radio’s trans-
mitter is set to “Low Power” mode.
TALK AROUND (TA)
Press the assigned programmable key to activate the
Talk Around feature when you are operating on du-
plex channel systems (separate receive and transmit
frequencies, utilizing a “repeater” station). The Talk
Around feature allows you to bypass the repeater sta-
tion and talk directly to a station that is nearby. This
feature has no effect when you are operating on “sim-
plex” channels, where the receive and transmit fre-
quencies are already the same.
In the 16-key and 4-key versions, the “ ” icon will
be indicated on the display when the “TA” function
is activated.
Note that your dealer may have mode provision for
“Talk Around” channels by programming “repeater”
and “Talk Around” frequencies on two adjacent chan-
nels. If so, the key may be used for one of the other
Pre-Programmed Functions.
ADVANCED OPERATION

VX-920ATEX SERIES OPERATING MANUAL
18
TX SAV E DISABLE
Press the assigned programmable key to disable the
Transmit Battery Saver, if you are operating in a lo-
cation where high power is almost always needed.
The Transmit Battery Saver helps extend battery life
by reducing transmit power when a very strong sig-
nal from an apparently nearby station is being re-
ceived. Under some circumstances, though, your
hand-held radio may not be heard well at the other
end of the communication path, and high power may
be necessary at all times.
ENCRYPTION (OPTION)
Press the assigned programmable key to toggle the
Encryption feature “On” and “Off.”
AUDIO PC (PIT)
Press the assigned programmable key to toggle the
Audio Pitch Controller “On” and “Off.”
When you turn the Audio Pitch Controller ON, the
receive audio is enhanced in the high-range frequen-
cies.
FOLLOW-MESCAN
The “Follow-Me” Scan feature checks a User-as-
signed Priority Channel regularly as you scan other
channels. Thus, if only Channels 1, 3, and 5 (of the 8
available channels) are designated for “Scanning,”
the user may nonetheless assign Channel 2 as the
“User-assigned” Priority Channel via the “Follow-
Me” feature.
To activate “Follow-Me” scanning, first select the
channel you want to designate as the “User-Assigned
Priority Channel” and press the assigned program-
mable key. Then rotate the CH Selector knob to re-
call to the “Scanning Start” channel which has been
programmed by your dealer to activate the scanner.
When the scanner stops on an “Active” channel, the
User-assigned Priority Channel will automatically be
checked every few seconds; if activity is found on
the User-assigned Priority Channel, the radio will
switch between it and the Dealer-Assigned Priority
Channel, if any.
ADVANCED OPERATION