BK Technologies APV5 VHF FM Portable transceiver User Manual AuroraUser9ToRelm

RELM WIRELESS CORP. - BK RADIO VHF FM Portable transceiver AuroraUser9ToRelm

Users Manual

1Aurora User’s ManualAURORA SERIESPORTABLE RADIOUser’s Manual
3Aurora User’s Manual1 – Radio with Belt Clip1 – Flexible, Helical-Wound Antenna1 – User’s Manual (P/N 7001-30927-401)PACKING LISTCAUTIONDo NOT operate adamaged radio. Aurora!WELCOME......................................................................8INTRODUCTION.............................................................9Optional Accessories .................................................9External Speaker/Microphone ..............................9External VOX Headset .........................................9Battery Packs .......................................................9FCC REQUIREMENTS............................................10SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ........................................10Features ........................................................................ 11Basic and Advanced Model Radios ......................... 11Advanced Model Radios Only ................................. 11Dealer Programmable Options ................................12TABLE OF CONTENTS
4BK RadioBefore Using Your Radio...............................................13Battery Installation and Removal .............................13Antenna Installation and Removal ...........................14Radio Views ..................................................................15Aurora Radio Controls ..................................................16Front View................................................................16Display................................................................16Backlight .............................................................17Keypad ...............................................................17Speaker ..............................................................17Top View ..................................................................18Status Indicator ..................................................18On/Off Volume Knob...........................................18Squelch Knob .....................................................18Programmable Three-Position Switch ................20Emergency Button ..............................................20Channel Selector Knob ......................................20Side Views ...............................................................21PTT Switch .........................................................21Programmable Softkey Buttons ..........................21Options Connector .............................................22Basic Operation.............................................................23Receive ....................................................................23TRANSMIT...............................................................24Code Guard Operation..................................................25Code Guard Receive ...............................................25Code Guard Transmit ..............................................26TABLE OF CONTENTS
5Aurora User’s ManualBuilt-in Features ............................................................27Audio........................................................................27Audio Options ..........................................................28Battery-Saver Feature .............................................29VOX Operation ........................................................29Channel Selector .....................................................30HI/LOW Transmit Power ..........................................31Function Menu .........................................................32Mode Selections .................................................32Backlite ...............................................................33Selecting and Activating Frequently Called“Phone List” Numbers.........................................34Editing Frequently Called Numbers ...................35DTMF Encoding .......................................................36ANI Encoding ...........................................................36Transmit Time-Out Timer .........................................37Talk Around ..............................................................37Man-Down Switch ....................................................37Emergency Group/Channel .....................................38Activation .................................................................38Enabling/Disabling ...................................................39Transmit Speed and Frequency...............................39Operating Modes...........................................................40Manual Mode ...........................................................40Tone/Monitor Toggle ...........................................41Code Guard Mode ..............................................42Variable Guard ...................................................43TABLE OF CONTENTS
6BK RadioScan Operation .......................................................43Talkback Scan ....................................................43Scan All Groups .................................................44Change the Scan List .........................................44Scanning Options ...............................................44Scan Delay .........................................................44Talk Around ........................................................45Scan in Tone Mode.............................................46Scan in Monitor Mode ........................................46Transmit on Priority Channel ..............................46Channel Scan Delete/Add ..................................47Priority Scan .......................................................48Priority Scan with Code Guard ...........................48Priority Modes ..........................................................48Priority Delay ......................................................50Priority Receiving ...............................................50Priority During Scan-All-Groups Scanning .........50Receive Mode ..........................................................51Groups................................................................51Display Modes .........................................................52Tuning Range ..........................................................52Frequency Display Mode .........................................53Alpha Display Mode .................................................54Channel Display Mode.............................................55Radio Paging Code .......................................................56Selective Calling ......................................................56Receiving a Call.......................................................56Sending a Call .........................................................57Radio Check ............................................................57DTMF Dialing..........................................................58TABLE OF CONTENTS
7Aurora User’s ManualOriginating a Call .....................................................58Frequently Called Numbers and Call Paging .....59Radio Paging ......................................................61Flex Mode ................................................................61Keypad and Channel Selector Lock ........................61Busy Channel Lockout ..................................................62Battery Power................................................................63Battery Saver ...........................................................63Radio Power-Up ......................................................65Error Messages .............................................................65Stun ...............................................................................65Aurora Programmed Switch Settings ............................67Troubleshooting Guide ..................................................69Maintenance..................................................................70Service .....................................................................70Specifications ................................................................71Definitions and Acronyms .............................................73TABLE OF CONTENTS
8BK RadioStatistics show that about 80 percent of you willnot look at this manual until after you’ve alreadytaken the radio out of the box, tried to assemble it,played around with it, and at some point came upwith something you didn’t understand.IMPORTANTTo preventpossibledamage, read allinstructionsbefore operatingthis radio.So muchfor thisbox overhere.WELCOMEEven if you are reading this before operatingyour radio, you’re still not planning onreading all the instructions before you try towork with your radio, are you?Well, just be carefulbecause as our warrantystates, BK Radio isn’tgoing to cover defectscaused by:• Physical abuse ormisuse of the radio• Neglect or accident• Improper use orinstallation of the radio• Repair or alteration byunauthorized personnel
9Aurora User’s ManualINTRODUCTIONCongratulations, you now own a BK Radio Aurora SeriesFlex•Mode™ Radio! This synthesized portable radio uses amicroprocessor core to give you features and performancepreviously unavailable in a hand-held two-way radio. TheAurora radio has been designed to meet the toughrequirements of today’s communications environment.The Aurora Series Radios include two models:• A basic radio model with 1 group of up to 16channels without keypad or display• An advanced radio model with 1–15 groups of up to16 channels each with a keypad and displayThese Aurora radios all offer VHF frequency band units.OPTIONAL ACCESSORIESExternal Speaker/MicrophoneThe Aurora radio has optional external speaker/microphones(LAA0208 and LAA 0222). When the speaker/microphoneis installed with the options connector, the internal speaker isdefeated.External VOX HeadsetAnother option for the Aurora radio is an external VOXheadset. When the headset is installed via the optionsconnector, the internal speaker/microphone is defeated.Battery PacksThe following battery packs are available:• LAA 0183 NiCd, AA, 1200 mAh• LAA 0163 NiMH, AA, 1450 mAh• LAA 0167 NiMH, 4/5A, 1800 mAh• LAA 0118 Shell for alkaline disposable
10 BK RadioBattery ChargerThe optional battery charger (LAA 0337) has a dual well. Onewell is fast-charge, and the other is trickle-charge.Carry CaseTo give your radio more protection, you can order the optionalcarry case (LAA 0437).FCC REQUIREMENTSYour radio must be properly licensed by the FederalCommunications Commission prior to use. Your BK Radiodealer can assist you in meeting these requirements. Yourdealer will program each radio with your authorizedfrequencies, signaling codes, etc., and will be there to meetyour communications needs as your system expands.SAFETY PRECAUTIONS•Do not operate the transmitter in closeproximity to blasting caps.• Do not operate the radio in an explosiveatmosphere (petroleum fuels, solvents,dust, etc.) unless your radio is anintrinsically safe model designed for suchuse.
11Aurora User’s ManualFEATURESAll Aurora radios have features that are programmed intoboth the basic and the advanced models, except for scanningfeatures, which are only available in the advanced model.Below is a list of features that are standard to all Auroraradio models, as well as those features that must beprogrammed by your dealer.BASIC AND ADVANCED MODEL RADIOS• Busy Channel Lockout• Code Guard™ (CTCSS/CDCSS) on any/all channels• Transmit Timeout Timer (per channel group)• Priority Channel Operation• Hi/Lo Transmit Power• Soft-key and soft-switch programming• Emergency switchADVANCED MODEL RADIOS ONLY• Code Guard user reassignment• Channel, frequency, or alpha user-changeable displaymodes• Priority scan• Multiple scan• Talkback scan• DTMF number dialing (keypad)• Alphanumeric displayCode Guard™ is a trademark of BK Radio.
12 BK RadioDEALER PROGRAMMABLE OPTIONS• Five-tone ANI encode/decode• Two-tone sequential decode• Radio Paging: ANI (two-tone, five-tone, DTMF)with frequently called number memory• VOX (Voice-Operated Transmissions)• Internal options board activation• Keyless front panel radio parameter programming• Man Down (requires optional factory-installed tiltswitch)• Radio stun feature
13Aurora User’s ManualBEFORE USING YOUR RADIOBATTERY INSTALLATION AND REMOVALInstalling the BatteryThe battery for the Aurora radio is connected on the back sideof the radio. To install the battery, follow the steps below:1. With the radio in onehand and the battery inthe other hand, face thebackside of the radio andthe inner side of thebattery toward eachother.2. Align the bottom tabs onthe battery with theindents on the bottom ofthe radio and press theradio and battery togetherat a 45° angle.3. While keeping the bottomof the battery and radiotogether, snap the top ofthe battery to the top ofthe radio. The lockingtabs will hold the batteryin place.Figure 1. Installing and removing the batteryBottomTabsLocking TabsSide ViewRear View
14 BK RadioFigure 2. Installing and removing the antennaAntenna Installation and RemovalBefore using your Auroraradio, you need to install theantenna.• To install the antenna,carefully place it on theTNC-type antennaconnector located on theright side of the radio.Turn the antennaclockwise until it is firmlyattached.• To remove the antenna,turn the antennacounterclockwise untilyou can lift the antennaaway from the radio.Removing the BatteryWARNING:Explosion HazardDo not dispose a battery pack into a fire.To avoid explosion, intrinsically safe radios designedfor use in hazardous environments MUST usereplacement batteries approved by Factory Mutual.To remove the battery, press down on the locking tabs andreverse the order for installing the battery.
15Aurora User’s ManualRADIO VIEWSFigure 3. Front and back viewLEDDisplayBatteryBatteryTabBeltClipMicrophoneKeypadBatteryRechargeTerminalsSpeakerAurora
16 BK RadioAURORA RADIO CONTROLSFRONT VIEWDisplayThe Aurora advanced model radios have a front panel display thatconsists of status icons and an alphanumeric display of channelinformation and radio status. If you select the alpha display mode,the display will show the preprogrammed alphanumeric channelidentifier. If you switch to channel or frequency display modes, theLCD displays either the channel number or the channel frequencyinformation. In all cases, the radio status indicators (icons) areshown.Table 1. Status IconsIcon Status Low BatteryMandown / EmergencyVOX enabledTone mode activatedHi/Lo Transmit Power indication Hi power Lo powerRadio Paging Code (audible code) assignedKeyboard Locked indicatorTransmitter Keyed Up (mimics the transmitstatus indicator except it functions even inmilitary mode)
17Aurora User’s ManualFRONT VIEW (continued)BacklightThe Aurora radio display can be backlit, and your dealerprogrammed one of the following options for your radio:1. Backlight on whenever you press a key (1–6-second autotimeout)2. Backlight on whenever a signal is received and the audio issent to the speaker (1–6-second auto timeout starting atcarrier drop)3. Backlight on whenever you press a key or a signal isreceived and the audio is sent to the speaker (0–6-secondauto timeout starting at key press or carrier drop)4. No backlight (military/strategic applications). This option alsoprevents the Transmit/Busy/Low Battery LED to light up.Note: If Option 4 of the display backlight LED feature isprogrammed, the multicolored status LED will not lightunder any condition.KeypadThe Aurora radio advanced models have a keypad that contains thekeys necessary to access a channel group directly, generate DTMFtones and paging codes, and change operating modes. The keypadis backlit and controlled by the same backlight control as thedisplay.SpeakerThe Aurora radio has an internal speaker so you can listen to theaudio received from active carriers on tuned receive-channelfrequencies. The internal speaker also lets you hear any audiblenotifications.MicrophoneThe Aurora radio has an internal microphone so you can transmitaudio on active carriers with tuned transmit channel frequencies.
18 BK RadioTOP VIEWStatus IndicatorA dual color LED indicates the transmit mode, active receivecarrier, priority sampling, low battery, cloning, and radio errorconditions in the Aurora radio.Table 2. Status Indicator ColorsColor IndicationSteady The radio is transmittingRedSteady The receive channel is busy (carrier detected)Green or squelch is openFlashing The radio is sampling for the priority channelOrange10-second The battery is lowBlinking RedSteady Radios are transferring data during cloningOrange5-Second Error—Number is shown in the display ofSteady Orange advanced radios and then the radio is resetFor example, if the radio receive channel is busy and the battery islow, the status indicator will be green with momentary red flashesevery 10 seconds.On/Off Volume KnobUse the On/Off Volume knob to turn the radio on and off, andcontrol the volume of the unmuted internal and external speaker.Squelch KnobThe squelch control is used to eliminate speaker noise when areceive signal is not present and no receive Code Guard is beingused for the receiving frequency.
19Aurora User’s ManualFigure 4. Top view*Three-Position Toggle Switch(Factory Default)1Channel frequency2Channel label3Group number, channelnumber, and bandwidthOn/OffVolumeSquelch AntennaConnectorScan Mode**3-PositionToggle Switch*ChannelSelectorStatusLEDTOP VIEW**Programmable Red SwitchFactory Default — ScanProgrammable to — Emergency
20 BK RadioProgrammable Three-Position SwitchThe three-position switch on top of the radio is programmed by thedealer for features you can select in a variety of configurations.The default configuration is shown in Table 3 below:Table 3. Factory Default for Three-Position SwitchPosition Features1 Channel frequency2 Channel label3 Group number, channel number, andbandwidth modeEmergency ButtonThe red button on the top of the radio can be programmed by thedealer as an emergency switch to transmit an emergency ANIsequence when pressed. The factory default for the red button,however, is scan mode.Channel Selector KnobThe Aurora radio has a channel selector knob on the top of theradio that lets you determine the channel to tune to when receivingand transmitting in manual mode.General channel parameters include:• Busy Channel Lockout• Scan list assignment• Hi/Lo transmit power specification• Channel type (voice or data)• Alpha display information for each channelChannel parameters of the Aurora radio include:• Transmit and receive frequencies• Code Guard assignment, which is received with eachfrequency• ANI system and ANI code type• bandwidth, whether narrow or wide
21Aurora User’s ManualSIDE VIEWSPTT SwitchUse the PTT Switch to key-up the radio’stransmitter. At times, activating the PTTswitch will not allow transmitter operation,such as when channels have active carrierswith busy channel lockout is programmed orif no transmit frequency was programmed forthe displayed channel.Programmable Softkey ButtonsThe three softkey buttons on the side of theradio are programmed by your dealer to giveyou the radio features you want. The defaultconfiguration for the three softkey buttons isshown in the table below:Table 4. Programmable Softkey ButtonsButton FeatureTop Toggles Code Guard on and offMiddle Toggles priority mode on and offBottom Toggles high and low powerProgrammableSwitches PTTFigure 5. Left side view
22 BK RadioOptions ConnectorThe Aurora radio has a sealed optionsconnector on the side of the radio(opposite the softkeys and the PTT switch)that facilitates:•Programming the radio for dealers•Using the RF antenna port•Using external transmit carriermodulation sources•Outputting data present on receivecarriers•Giving access to external audio,including the microphone andearphone, as well as the necessarycontrol line to switch audio frominternal to external sources•Allowing an external PTT switch•Allowing an external tone/monitorline•Using switched battery voltage•Providing digital and RF grounds•Inputting data to be transmittedOptionsConnector(withoutcover)Figure 6. Right side view
23Aurora User’s ManualBASIC OPERATIONRECEIVE 1. Turn power on. Turn the volume knobclockwise. The radio is operational whenyou hear the beep. The display, ifinstalled, shows the current channel,frequency, or alpha characters dependingon the position of the three-positionswitch on top of the radio. See Table 5.Table 5. Factory Default forThree-position SwitchPosition Display1Channel frequency2Channel label3Group number, channel number,and bandwidth mode2. Select a channel. Turn the channelselector knob. Each time you selectanother channel you will hear a beep.3. Adjust squelch and volume.a. Turn the squelch knob clockwiseuntil you hear noise.b. Adjust the volume knob until thenoise level is comfortable.c. Then turn the squelch knobcounterclockwise until the noisestops. This is called the thresholdsquelch setting.On/OffVolumeSquelchChannelSelectorThree-PositionSwitch
24 BK RadioAuroraTRANSMITFollow these steps to transmit:1. Press the PTT switch. When thetransmitter is on, the red transmitindicator glows and the transmit icon[ ] appears in the display.2. Talk in a normal voice with themicrophone 1–2 inches from yourmouth.3. Release the PTT switch to stoptransmitting.If the transmit status indicator does notglow red when you press the PTTswitch, the battery pack may need tobe charged. If so, the display will showthe low-battery icon [ ], and the redlow-battery status indicator will flash.If the transmit status indicator doesnot glow and you hear a boop (lowerror tone), you are on a receive-onlychannel or the channel is busy (if busychannel lockout is enabled). Select anauthorized transmit channel.If you talk longer than the presettimer setting, the transmitterautomatically shuts off, and you hear aboop. To continue transmitting,release the PTT switch, press it again,and continue talking.Status IndicatorChannel 1PTTMicrophone
25Aurora User’s ManualCODE GUARD OPERATIONCode GuardTM (sometimes called tone code) allows one radioor group of radios to be selectively called within a system. Ifthe radio has been programmed with Code Guard, use thefollowing receive and transmit instructions:CODE GUARD RECEIVE1. Turn power on by turning the volumeknob clockwise.2. Select a Code Guard channel byturning the channel selector knob.3. Adjust volume (see Receive, step 3, onthe previous page.4. Set Code Guard mode by pushing thesoft function button (top gray button isthe factory default) that waspreprogrammed to toggle Code Guardon or off.If your dealer reassigned the gray softfunction button to a different function,you can also select Code Guard bypushing or until Monitor Modeis displayed and then push [E]nter totoggle tone mode [ ]. Push [H]omefor normal display.If your radio is already set to tonemode, the function menu will showTone Mode instead of Monitor Mode.If you see tone mode in the display,just press [H]ome for normal display.You will only hear a message if your radioreceives the proper Code Guard value..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...CodeGuardChannel 1Monitor ModeCode Guard/Tone ModeChannel 1
26 BK RadioCODE GUARD TRANSMIT1. Turn on Code Guard mode bypushing the gray button on the side ofthe radio, which is the factory defaultfor toggling Code Guard on or off. IfCode Guard is not assigned to a softswitch, you can also push one of themenu select buttons [ or ] untilMonitor Mode is displayed, and thenpush [E]nter to toggle tone mode.Push [H]ome for normal display.2. Listen to the Code Guard channelbefore transmitting.Note: Do not transmit if the greenbusy-channel status indicator is lit.3. Press the PTT switch. When thetransmitter is on, the red transmit statusindicator glows and the transmit icon[ ] appears in the display.4. To receive only the messages with theproper Code Guard value, press the graybutton on the side of the radio. You willsee the tone mode icon [ ] in thedisplay. During extended transmissions,you can leave the squelch open until theexchange has ended.CodeGuard.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PTTBusy-ChannelStatus Indicator000.0000Transmit CodeGuard MessagesReceive CodeGuard Messages000.0000
27Aurora User’s ManualBUILT-IN FEATURESThe BK Radio Aurora radio is based on a microprocessor corethat allows extra features and operational characteristics to beprogrammed into your radio. Your dealer can help define thebest operational settings for your system and program them intothe radio.AUDIOBeeps, Boops, and WarblesYou can program your Aurora radio through the function menuso that the radio can make five different sounds to notify you ofdifferent radio functions:BeepsThe beep is a tone of 1560 Hz. You will hear the beep:• When you press a key on the keypad when you are innormal or keypad programming mode• When you use the channel knob to select a differentchannel.• When you press a valid key in the function menu (nobeep for invalid key presses)• When your radio reaches the low battery threshold levelnumber 1. You will hear a single beep every 30 secondsuntil you turn the radio off.BoopsThe boop is a lower tone of 780 Hz. You will hear a boop whenthe radio encounters an illegal condition, including thefollowing:•When you try to transmit on a busy channel that has anincorrect Code Guard tone with the BCL option set• When you try to transmit on a receive only channel• When you try to tune a blank (unprogrammed) channel• When you press an invalid key while in the function menu
28 BK RadioBoop-BeepThe boop-beep is a short duration tone of 780 Hz followed by ashort duration tone of 1560 Hz. You will hear a boop-beep:• When you toggle a radio function ON with a softkey orthe three-position switch• When you switch to scanning from manual mode• When you switch to tone mode from monitor modeBeep-BoopThe beep-boop sound is a short duration tone of 1560 Hzfollowed by a short duration tone of 780 Hz. You hear thebeep-boop:• When you toggle a radio function OFF with a softkey orthe three-position switch.• When you switch to manual mode from scanning• When you switch to monitor mode from tone modeWarbleThe warble sound is a continuous fixed-rate alternating of thebeep and boop tones. You hear the warble:• When the radio receives the notification that the pagewas received• When the radio receives a man-down warningGroup pages and all-call pages have the longest alternating rate.The radio page has a noticeably shorter alternating rate, and theman-down notification has a very fast alternating warbling rate.Audio OptionsA dealer can program your Aurora radio for the followingoptions:• Audible notifications at a fixed volume specified in apercentage between 0% and 100% in 5% increments• Variable volume setting that follows the volume knobposition
29Aurora User’s ManualBATTERY-SAVER FEATUREThe battery-saver feature can be programmed by your dealer.This function temporarily powers down the hardware when thechannel is not busy.VOX OPERATIONVox Operation is a special option that can be programmed onor off at the factory. You can use the VOX operation featurewith an optional headset that can be connected to the radio viathe options connector.If the your radio has the VOX option, youcan either toggle the VOX option ON/OFFwith a softkey/three-position switchassigned to the VOX option, or onadvanced-model radios, you can use thefunction menu.If the options connector from the headsetis not attached, you cannot turn on VOX.If the radio is in VOX mode and theoptions connector is removed from theradio, the radio automatically turns offVOX mode.To adjust the VOX trigger sensitivityvalue:1. Turn VOX ON by pressing and holdingthe assigned softkey2. Continue holding the softkey3. Speak into the headset microphone atthe desired trigger volume level.
30 BK RadioAfter 1 second, the radio willautomatically start adjusting the VOXtrigger sensitivity value. The radiocycles through the 16 available triggervalues, starting at the least sensitivevalue and incrementing to the mostsensitive value. Then the cycle wrapsaround, and the radio repeats the cycleas long as you keep pressing thesoftkey.4. When the status indicator LED on theradio turns red, immediately release theVOX softkey. The VOX triggersensitivity value has been reached.CHANNEL SELECTORUse the channel selector knob to determinewhich channel (from 1 to [up to] 16) istuned for receiving and transmitting whenthe radio is in manual mode and no prioritychannel operations are activated. Seepriority channel operation (page 48) andscanning mode (page 47) for moreinformation about the channel selectorknob when these features are activated.ChannelSelectorKnobStatus Indicator
31Aurora User’s ManualHI/LOW TRANSMIT POWEREach channel in the radio can beindividually programmed to alwaystransmit in low-power or high-powermode, regardless of the position of theradio’s switches (or the function menusetting).Once a radio channel is programmed forlow power, you will not be able to changethis setting to high power. If a channel hasbeen set to high power at the factory, thedealer can change the power setting to asoftkey or the three-position switch. Youcan also change the power setting from thefunction menu if not assigned to the three-position switch.The Aurora radio has a set of displaytransmit power icons [ ]. Oneilluminated icon indicates the channel willtransmit using low power [ ], and theother illuminated icon indicates the channelwill transmit using high power [ ].If the radio is in manual mode, these iconsare always illuminated to show either highor low power for the selected channel. Ifthe radio is in scanning mode, the iconsonly light when a scanned channel has anactive carrier that breaks the squelch ofyour radio. If you select the low-powersetting, the low-power icon will be the onlytransmit-power icon lit, regardless of thetransmit power programmed for thatchannel.Low PowerHigh Power
32 BK RadioFUNCTION MENUAny functions not assigned to a side button orthe three-position toggle switch can beenabled/disabled with or on the keypad.You can use the function menu as follows:1. Press or to display the functionmenu.2. Use the or keys to move from onefunction to the next forward or backward.You will hear a beep with each key press. Ifyou press an invalid key, however, you willhear a boop.3. Press [H]ome to exit the function menu.If the function menu is on Radio Page,press [H]ome twice slowly to exit.4. Press [H]ome twice to quickly clear theradio page number. The radio then waitsfor you to enter the new number.Note: Any functions assigned to thethree-position switch or the three buttonson the side of the radio, that function isnot displayed in the function menu.Mode SelectionsPress [E]nter to toggle the followingfactory-default mode selections:• Call DTMF/5 Tone • Scan All• Monitor/Tone • Key Beep• Back Light • Power Hi/Low• Priority • Programming• Talk Back (for dealers only)• Talk Around • Frequently called• Manual/Scan number list
33Aurora User’s ManualYou can change the attributes of the following functions bypressing keys as described below:Backlite1. Press [E]nter to start the timeout valueto flash.2. Press [E]nter. The existing number willflash.3. Press [0]–[6] to set the time to off (0)or for 1-6 seconds.4. Press or to change the timeoutvalue by 0.1 second.5. Press the [E]nter key to exit thebacklite editing mode. Press [H]ome toexit function menu.Priority ChannelYou can only select priority channel modewhen the radio is in Mode C or D.Press the [E]nter key to make the valuechange to the channel knob assignment.Radio PageThis function displays the page type(DTMF or 5 Tone) and then displays thelast-called number, if any. (These numberscan only call other radios. Don’t give yourcell phone away.)1. Press any key [0]–[9] to clear thedisplay.The key you just pressed and subsequentkeys are displayed, up to 10 digits.2. Press PTT when a radio page numberhas been entered. After the page hasbeen sent, the radio exits the functionmenu.
34 BK Radio3. Press the [H]ome key twice quickly todelete the number from the list.4. Press the [H]ome key twice slowly toexit the function menu.Each time you press [E]nter, the numbertype is toggled between DTMF and5 Tone. The radio then displays the currentfrequently called number.Selecting and Activating FrequentlyCalled “Phone List” Numbers1. To see your list of frequently calledphone list numbers, press [E]nter whenthe list is displayed to choose afrequently called number. Press [0]–[9],or press or .2. Press [#] while scrolling the frequentlycalled numbers list to sequentiallydisplay one of the three attributes ofthe current frequently called number:• type (DTMF or 5 Tone)• alpha (Name for frequently callednumber)• number (frequently called number,shortcut to number in list)3. Press the PTT switch while the radiotransmits the selected DTMF page, andthen exit the function menu..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PTT
35Aurora User’s ManualEditing Frequently Called NumbersTo edit a frequently called number, press[E]nter when the display shows theattribute for the currently selected number.You can use the following valid keys toedit a frequently called number attribute:•[H]ome. Clears the number or alpha.Type attribute has no effect.•. In edit mode, the down arrow keyshifts the cursor to the right.•. In edit mode, the up arrow keyshifts the cursor to the left.•Any key. When you press any keymore than once, the radio will displaythe character set for that key based onthe number or alpha attribute youselected.Pressing the same key more than oncealso lets you move the cursor whenyou are editing a number and/or alphacharacter.
36 BK RadioDTMF ENCODINGKeypad-equipped radios can beprogrammed to enable DTMF (Dual ToneMultiple Frequency) number dialingsequences.To send DTMF tones:1. Press [H]ome to return to the maindisplay if your radio is in the DTMFfunction menu.2. Press and hold the PTT switch.3. Press any key on the keypad (exceptarrow keys) .You will hear a sidetone (sounds like thetones you hear when dialing a telephone).The frequently called number list can beused for storage of DTMF transmitsequences.Use the frequently called number list tostore your DTMF transmit sequences.Note: If you are still in the DTMFfunction menu, press [H]ome to leavethe function menu.ANI ENCODINGANI encoding (Automatic NumberIdentification), if enabled, transmits asequence of 5-tone or DTMF tones eachtime you press PTT. You will hear asidetone. Your dealer can program an ANInumber for your radio..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PTT
37Aurora User’s ManualTRANSMIT TIME-OUT TIMERThe transmit timeout timer isdealer-programmable. The length of thetime out is the maximum amount of timethe radio transmits after you press the PTTbutton. If you are still talking past thetimeout timer, the radio will stoptransmitting and you will hear a continuousboop error message until you stop pressingPTT. Your dealer can program a group’stransmit timeout timer from 0 [no timeout] to 4 minutes in 15-second increments.TALK AROUNDWhen you select Talk Around, your radiowill transmit on the frequency of thechannel you just received, and use thereceive Code Guard and bandwidthparameters of that channel.You can activate the talk-around featurefrom the function menu if the function wasnot assigned to the three-position switch.If talk around is enabled, Code Guard andpaging ANIs are both temporarily removedfrom the channel. When this happens, youcannot see the radio paging icon [ ] inthe display of your radio.MAN-DOWN SWITCHThe man-down feature is a factory-installed option. The switch is activatedwhen the radio is tilted. Then the radiowill start an emergency ANI sequencetransmission indicating the user is“down.”
38 BK RadioEMERGENCY GROUP/CHANNELThe emergency sequence is alwaystransmitted on the emergency group/channel regardless of the current functionmode and channel. Once the emergencysequence is started, and up to the time it isacknowledged, the radio will stay on theemergency group channel, although thechannel knob and group change functionare still active.If you take the radio off the emergencygroup/channel during an emergencysequence, within the next 15-secondtransmission interval, the radio will returnto the designated emergency group/channel.ActivationTo activate the emergency ANI sequencetransmission:• Press and hold the emergency button.Your dealer can program theemergency activation from 0.5 to 4.0seconds in 0.5-second intervals, or• Tip the radio sideways. The factoryinstalled internal man-down tilt switchwill activate the signal.Once activated, the man-down/emergencyicon [ ] appears in the display inadvanced models. Your dealer canprogram the length of time the radio can betilted before the man-down/emergencycode is transmitted.Man-down/Emergency IconEmergency Button
39Aurora User’s ManualThree seconds before starting theman-down emergency sequence, you willhear the man-down audible warning (afast-rate warbling lasting 3 seconds). If youput the radio upright during the man-downaudible warning, the radio stops theemergency sequence. If the radio staystilted for the duration of the man-downaudible warning, the emergency sequenceis immediately activated.Enabling/DisablingYou can enable or disable the man-downemergency mode either with the softkey/three-position switch assigned to theman-down function or with the functionmenu. As long as the man-down switch isfactory installed, even if your dealer didn’tprogram the emergency button to be usedfor the emergency feature, the man-downemergency feature remains available.Transmit Speed and FrequencyThe emergency feature, when activated,transmits the radio’s emergency ANI up tofive times at 15-second intervals until theradio emergency is acknowledged by thedispatcher (by sending the radio’s ANI).If the radio does not receive an emergencyacknowledgment, the emergency ANIsequence is transmitted up to another fivetimes at 15-second intervals, except thistime the radio waits for an inactiveemergency channel condition beforetransmitting.
40 BK RadioOPERATING MODESMANUAL MODEThe Aurora radio can operate in manualmode, which ties the receive and transmitfrequencies to the channel you select withthe channel selection knob (within thecurrently selected channel group).For advanced model radios, you can selectmanual mode from the function menu ifmanual/scan or talk around is not assignedto the three-position switch.For advanced radios in tone mode [ ],your radio displays the receive andtransmit frequencies that indicate thereassigned Code Guard. You can see thenumber of the reassigned channel in theright-most part of the radio display.Receive and transmit frequencies alsoindicate the assigned radio paging code(audible signals) by lighting the paging icon[ ] in the display when the radio istuned to that frequency.When the radio is in monitor mode, thepaging code icon is not lit.ChannelSelectorKnob000.0000000.0000000.0000 12Reassignedchannel number
41Aurora User’s ManualFor advanced radios in manual mode, youcan use the keypad for the following sixfunctions:1. Reassign the variable guard.Press number keys [0] through [9]2. Enter group change mode:Press the [H]ome key. Then press or to change the group number.3. Add or delete channels from the scanlist.Press the [E]nter key.4. Review a channel’s Code Guardassignment.Press and hold the [*] key.5. Enter the function menu.Press either or .6. Lock or unlock the keypad.Press and hold the [#] key for 1second.If priority channel operation is activated inmanual mode, the radio will monitor, notonly the selected manual channel, but alsothe group priority channel at the prioritysampling rate.Tone/Monitor ToggleFrom the function menu, you can toggletone mode and monitor mode:1. Tone mode—Listening to channelsonly if the correct Code Guard or radiopaging code programmed for thatchannel is present.2. Monitor mode—Listening to channelsregardless of the channel Code Guardor radio paging code programming.R114.8 T107.2Code GuardAssignmentChannel 1Keypad Locked
42 BK RadioChannels assigned with receive selectivecalling signals and set for busy-channellockout cannot be monitored if the radio is inmonitor mode.Channels that are programmed with no toneare not affected if the radio is placed in eithermonitor mode or tone mode.You will hear a beep/boop sound whentoggling between tone and monitor modes.For advanced model radios, the tone modeicon [ ] is illuminated when you put theradio in tone mode, and turned off when youput the radio in monitor mode.CODE GUARD MODEThe Aurora radio is capable of encoding ordecoding any of the currently used 50 CTCSStone guard signals, as well as any custom tonefrom 67.0 Hz to 254.1 Hz within 1%tolerance, or any of the 104 CDCSS CodeGuard signals. The radio is capable ofencoding one tone/code and decoding adifferent tone/code on the same channel.Code Guard is active only when the radio is intone mode. While the radio is in tone modeand the receive channels are programmed withCode Guard, you can hear the message whentuned to and receiving a frequency that has thesame Code Guard.If the receive channel frequency is present, butCode Guard is either not present or incorrect,your radio stays quiet while receiving thatsignal, even though the status LED isilluminated to show channel activity.000.0000Code Guard
43Aurora User’s ManualVariable GuardAdvanced model radios have a variableguard feature that lets you reassign theCode Guard of one channel to anotherchannel within a group. You can use thisfeature if your dealer programs your radioto let you:• Use the variable guard reassignment pergroup option.• Decide if you want the Code Guardreassignment to apply to both the receiveand transmit channel frequencies or tojust the transmit frequency.SCAN OPERATIONScan mode applies to a single channelgroup for a maximum of 16 channels in ascan list. You can switch from manual toscan mode from the function menu ifmanual/scan or talk around is not alreadyassigned to the three-position switch.Scan All GroupsAdvanced Aurora radios also offer a scan-all-groups option that scans through thechannels in all groups consecutively. Youcan select this feature from the functionmenu if scan all is not assigned to thethree-position switch.
44 BK RadioWhen you are scanning with both scan alland priority enabled, the priority channelyou are sampling or transmitting on willoccur within the group that the radio wasin when you started the scan-all-groupsscanning.When you change the radio from manual toscan mode with scan all enabled and thenlater you switch back from scan to manualmode, the radio returns back to the groupit was in when you started scan mode.Change the Scan ListYour dealer can program your radio togive you the option of changing the scanlist channels yourself.Scanning OptionsAdvanced Aurora radio models offerseveral scanning options:Scan DelayThe Aurora radio has a scan-delay timeparameter from 0 to 5 seconds in 0.5-second increments. Your dealer canprogram this time parameter on a per radiobasis.The scan-delay time starts when the personyou are listening to stops talking. Thelength of time your radio stays on thatscanned channel gives you time to transmitor continue receiving on that channelbefore the radio starts scanning again.P000.0000
45Aurora User’s ManualAfter the scan delay time, if the radio is notin priority channel operation, the radiotransmits on the channel indicated by thechannel selector knob within the group thatis being scanned (see priority channeloperation for radio scanning operationwhile priority mode is enabled on page 48).Talkback ScanYour radio has a talkback feature(sometimes called talk around) that letsyou transmit on the channel you justreceived a signal on under the followingconditions:1. You stay on the same channel2. You keep the radio in scan mode3. You press the PTT switch while youare receiving the channel or during thescan-delay periodYou can activate talk around with acomputer-assigned softkey/three-positionswitch or from the function menu if talkaround is not assigned to the three-positionswitch.If talkback scan is assigned to thethree-position switch , the manual/scanfeature is automatically added. Then withthe three-position switch, you can selectone of the following options:• Perform in manual mode• Perform in scan mode with talkback on• Perform in scan mode with talkback off(see priority channel operation for talkbackscan operation while priority mode isenabled)..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PTT
46 BK RadioScan in Tone ModeThe Aurora radio is capable of scanning andreceiving channels with CTCSS tone guardsor CDCSS Code Guards. When you are on ascanned channel with a carrier present, theradio will try to decode the proper tone. If itdoes, you will hear the message.If the channel has a carrier present, but thetone is incorrect, the radio skips that channel(removes it from the scan list) for a period of3 seconds, and then adds it back to the scanlist.Channels with radio paging codes assigned tothe receive frequency of the channel cannotbe part of a group’s scan list.Scan in Monitor ModeIf you are listening to a signal on a scannedchannel, the radio will stay on that channel aslong as your radio keeps receiving the signal.It does not matter if the channel has a CodeGuard or a radio paging code assigned to itunless busy channel lockout is set for thatparticular channel.Transmit on Priority ChannelThe Aurora radio has a feature that lets youtransmit on the priority channel while in scanmode (see priority channel operation onpage 48).000.0000
47Aurora User’s ManualChannel Scan Delete/AddWith the Aurora radio, you can delete andadd channels to the scan list in each group ifthis feature is programmed in your radio.To add or delete a channel from the scan list:1. Use the function menu to put the radio inscan mode on an active receive carrier.2. Tune your radio to the frequency of areceive channel frequency, or open thesquelch to the channel being added ordeleted.3. Press [E]nter to toggle between deletingor adding a channel to the scan list.If the channel is already in the scan list,pressing [E]nter will delete it from the scanlist, and if the channel is not on the scan list,pressing [E]nter will add the channel to thescan list.When the radio is on a channel in manualmode (or scan mode on an active channel)and you have deleted the channel from thescan list, the display will indicate that thischannel is not on the scan list by displaying“d” in the first alpha character position of thedisplay. If the channel is the group’s prioritychannel, then a “p” is shown instead of “d”for a deleted channel.Squelch KnobChanneldeleted fromscan listPriority channeldeleted fromscan listd 000.0000P 000.0000
48 BK RadioPriority ScanPriority Scan with Code GuardPriority scan can be used along with CodeGuard when:• You move the three-position switch intoposition 1, which displays the channelfrequency.• You press the top, gray button on the sideof the radio to toggle to the Code Guardposition• You press the middle button on the sideof the radio to toggle to the priorityposition• The priority channel is programmed withCode GuardIf a message is received on the prioritychannel, the radio receiver locks on to thepriority channel for the duration of the signal.You will only hear the message if the properCode Guard value is received. The radioresumes scanning after the message ends andthe scan delay time expires.PRIORITY MODESThe Aurora radio has five priority channelmodes of operation as shown in Table 6.Your dealer can program these modes bygroup, which lets the radio receive on anychannel while monitoring for messages on thedesignated priority channel. The prioritysampling rate can be programmed by yourdealer for between 0.25 and 2.50 seconds,regardless of activity on any other channel..... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CodeGuard Priority
49Aurora User’s ManualWhen you turn on priority mode by pressingthe middle button on the side of the radio,you will see the status indicator flash orange,which indicates an actual priority channelsampling.For advanced model radios, the prioritychannel of a group is indicated by a “P” [asmall “p” when deleted from the scan list] onthe left side of the radio display.Priority Channeldeleted from scanlistP 000.0000Priority ChannelP 000.0000Orange StatusIndicatorTable 6. Priority Modes
50 BK RadioPriority DelayYour dealer can set the priority delay time for0 to 5 seconds in 0.5-second increments. Thistime delay is the time from when you lose acarrier for the priority channel and the timethe radio stays tuned to the receive frequencyof the priority channel. This is also the timeyou have to transmit on the transmitfrequency of the priority channel.Priority ReceivingPriority channel receive sampling onlyoccurs while the radio is not transmitting.With priority mode enabled, the radiosamples either the programmed presetpriority channel (modes B or C), thepriority channel that you selected (modesD or E), or the position of the channelknob (mode A) (See Table 6).Priority During Scan-All-Groups ScanningThe priority channel that is sampled and allpriority mode transmitting occurs within thegroup the radio was in when Scan All Groupsscanning was initiated.Table 6 summarizes channel selection,whether scanning is in manual mode, whetherthe talkback scan feature is enabled, andwhether a carrier is present at the time youpress the PTT switch. This information isonly for channel selection. Other settings,such as busy-channel lockout during activecarriers, will still determine whether actualtransmission is possible.
51Aurora User’s ManualRECEIVE MODEGroupsA channel group can have up to 16 tunablechannels (both receive and transmitfrequencies). The basic Aurora radio has onegroup, and the advanced Aurora (withkeyboard and display) has from 1 to 15groups, depending on the computerprogramming. Although the maximumallowable channels per group is 16, anynumber less than that, down to one channel,can be programmable in a group.For advanced model radios, you enter group-change mode by following these three steps:1. Put the radio into receive mode by nottransmitting.2. Press the [H]ome key while in receivemode. The display will show “GroupXX” where XX is the current channelgroup.Note: If the radio is scanning when youenter group-change mode, the radio willbe temporarily disabled until you exitgroup-change mode.3. Once the radio is in group change mode,the only active front keypad keys are:•[ ] Changes the radio to the nexthighest group, or if the radio isalready at the highest group, itwraps around to Group 1•[ ] Changes the radio to the nextlowest group, or if the radio isalready at group 1, the groupwraps around to the highestchannel groupGroup 12Channel Group 12
52 BK Radio•[E]nter Exits the group change mode•[H]ome Displays the alpha label of thegroupThe radio will remain in group changemode until you exit by pressing the [E]nterkey.DISPLAY MODESYou can select a display mode either witha softkey/three-position switchprogrammed to display functions, or withthe function menu.If you use a softkey, each key you pressselects the next display mode. The radiowill keep cycling through the channel,frequency, and alpha modes.If you use the three-position switch(factory default),• Position 1 is channel frequency• Position 2 is channel label• Position 3 is group number, channelnumber, and bandwidth modeTUNING RANGEThe tuning range of Aurora’s basic andadvanced radios cover the VHF band from136.0000 MHz to 174.0000 MHz.
53Aurora User’s ManualFREQUENCY DISPLAY MODEIf you own an Aurora radio with a display,you have the option of displaying the currentgroup/channel frequency information asfollows:• Priority channel/deleted channel specifier(first display character position)P= Group priority channelSelect in scanlistp= Group priority channelDelete from scanlist“ ” = Not group priority channelSelect in scanlistd= Not group priority channelDelete from scanlist• Current Group/Channel frequency inmegahertzP00000000= character positions 2–9PG01 CH01= group/channel• Variable Code Guard reassignmentZZ = [display character positions 13–14]ZZ = reassigned Code Guard channel1–16For example, a radio is in group 8 and tunedto channel 12 at a frequency of139.6500 MHz. Channel 12 is the prioritychannel for group 8 and currently in the scanlist. You reassign the Code Guard ofchannel 12 to the Code Guard of channel 2by pressing the channel numbers on thekeypad. The display of the radio will thenlook like the display to the left.Priority ChannelP 000.0000CharacterPositions 13–14P 139 . 650 00P 00000000CharacterPositions 2–9P 139. 6500 02
54 BK RadioALPHA DISPLAY MODEIf you have an Aurora radio with a display,you can select how the radio shows you thecurrent group/channel alphanumericinformation:• Priority channel/deleted channel specifier(first display character position)P= Group priority channelSelect in scanlistp= Group priority channelDelete from scanlist“ ” = Not group priority channelSelect in scanlistd= Not group priority channelDelete from scanlist• Current Group/Channel alphanumericYYYYYYYYY = display characterposition 2–11YYYYYYYYYY = group/channelalphanumeric, up to 10 characters• Variable Guard reassignmentZZ = display character position 13–14ZZ = reassigned Code Guard channel,between 1 and 16For example, the display to the left shows aradio in group 8 and tuned to channel 12whose channel label is Office. Channel 12 isnot the priority channel of the group and hasbeen deleted from the scan list. Youreassign the Code Guard of channel 12 tothe Code Guard assigned to channel 2. Thedisplay will then look like the bottomdisplay to the left.Deleted Channeld 000.0000d A8CD5FG6JCharacterPositions 2–11CharacterPositions 13–14d 139 . 650 00d Office 02
55Aurora User’s ManualCHANNEL DISPLAY MODEIf you have an Aurora radio with a display, you can select how theradio displays the current channel information:• Priority channel/deleted channel specifier(first display character position)P= Group priority channelSelect in scanlistp= Group priority channelDelete from scanlist“ ” = Not group priority channelSelect in scanlistd= Not group priority channelDelete from scanlist• Current Group NumberGXX = display character position 2–4XX = group number 1 through 15• Current Channel NumberCHYY = display character position 6–9YY = channel number 1 through 16• Channel Spacingn= narrow bandw= wide band• Variable Guard reassignmentZZ = display character position 13–14ZZ = reassigned Code Guard channel,between 1 and 16For example, the display to the left showsgroup 8 is tuned to channel 12 (whichhappens to be the group’s priority channel,which is currently deleted from the scan list).The Code Guard has been reassigned to theCode Guard on channel 2, and the radio istuned using wide band channel spacings.Priority Channeldeleted from scanlistP 000.0000GroupNumber ChannelNumberP G08 CH12nNarrowBandP G08 CH12Reassigned CodeGuard ChannelP G08 CH12n01P G08 CH12w02
56 BK RadioSELECTIVE CALLINGRadio Paging CodeYour dealer can program your radio todecode 2-tone, 5-tone and DTMF ANIs, andencode 5-tone and DTMF ANIs.Receiving a CallWith the radio in receive mode, the squelchwill only open when it receives an ANI codethat is identical to its own ANI code.•2-Tone DecodingThe Aurora radio is capable of receivingand decoding 2-tone-sequential paging.Your dealer can program the tonefrequencies to cover Motorola 1+1, ReachTwo Tone, and GE Type 99 formats. Thedealer can also program tone duration andintervals down to a zero interval. The radiohas the capability to decode RELM All Callon either Tone A or Tone B. The 2-tonepage causes an audible warblingnotification.•ANI Decoding (Receive ANI)—DTMFor 5 ToneThe Aurora radio can have up to fiveseparate ANI page codes (each up to 10digits) that can be assigned to a channel’sreceive frequency for general paging.The paging codes are:•Unit ID•Group ID•All Call ID•Stun ID•Radio Check ID
57Aurora User’s ManualWhen you receive a 2-tone, 5-tone (exceptradio check and stun) or DTMF ANIpaging code, you can hear a warbling ring.This ring sounds the same for 2-tone andDTMF pages, but the group and all-callpages each have a different warbling ring.Your radio will ring for 3 seconds whenyou receive a call. (See Receiving a Call,page 56).Sending a CallThe Aurora radio can encode the ANIpaging code for the Unit ID of a channelgroup. The 5-tone or DTMF code isassigned to the transmit frequency of achannel. Your dealer can program yourradio for either leading PTT, trailing PTT,or both edges of PTT when you transmit acall. These PTT options are programmedper channel for an internal time-out cycle.The ANI is not transmitted during thetime-out period.You can encode subaudible and audibleselective call signals simultaneously, butthe radio can only decode either subaudibleor audible selective calling signals on thereceive frequency of a channel.If you are using an advanced Aurora radio,you can generate call page dialing/ANIsequences (DTMF or 5 Tone). Theseoptions can be used for selective paging ofother radios. Advanced models can alsoaccess and transmit paging and dialingnumber sequences stored in the frequentlycalled numbers list in your radio.
58 BK RadioRADIO CHECKThe Aurora radio has a radio check featurethat is active whenever your radio is:• Programmed for receive-ANI paging• Tuned to a channel that has receive-ANI assigned• Placed in tone modeWhen radio check is active, if your radioreceives its radio check paging ANI, then ittransmits with its unit ID paging ANI. Ifthe transmit channel being transmitted isprogrammed for transmit ANI, then theunit ID goes out as specified by thetransmit ANI protocol (DTMF or 5 Tone).If the transmit channel is not programmedfor transmit ANI, the unit ID is sent outusing the default paging parameter thatwas programmed by your dealer.DTMF DIALINGAdvanced Aurora radios can generateDTMF dialing sequences. To send DTMFtones, refer back to DTMF Encoding,page 36.)Originating a Call1. Key in a number (up to 10 digits).2. If the channel is not busy, press PTTto automatically transmit the connecttone and ANI code of the radio.
59Aurora User’s ManualREMINDER: The number does nothave to be keyed in each time youmake a call unless you want to changethe number or the radio has beenturned off since the last call.3. Press the PTT switch to enable thetransmitter and the DTMF keypad.4. While holding in the PTT switch, eitherpress the desired DTMF keys and/orspeak into the microphone of the radio.5. After you finish talking, release the PTTswitch to listen to any reply.Frequently Called Numbers and Call PagingThe Aurora radio can permanently store a listof 10 frequently called numbers (FCNs).Each number can have up to 10 digits. TheFCN list can be for DTMF or 5-Tone dialingor paging code sequences.You can also assign alpha labels (up to 10characters each) to each FCN list numberfrom the keypad. In addition, your radio alsohas separate memory to permanently store asequence of quick-call page numbers andalpha labels of up to 10 characters.When you transmit a call page or FCNsequence, the ID of your radio goes with it.This allows the Aurora radio that is receivingthe call to identify and display who paged it.
60 BK RadioCall page or FCN sequences aretransmitted after you1. Select the CALL feature or one of theFCNs from the function menu2. Press the PTT switchThe page/FCN of your radio is transmittedon the appropriate channel depending onthe manual/scan/priority mode of yourradio and the carrier activity when youpress the PTT switch. If the transmitchannel has Transmit-ANI assigned, theleading/trailing/or both Transmit-ANIs aresent as normal. The radio uses either theDTMF or 5-Tone ANI assigned to thechannel. The call page/FCN goes out afterthe leading ANI and before the trailingANI. Independent of whether DTMF or 5-tone was assigned to the Transmit-ANIchannel, the call page/FCN goes out usingthe DTMF or 5-Tone ANI you specifiedwhen defining the call page or FCN.Note: Call pages/FCNs usingDTMF digits “*” and “#” mightyield unpredictable results whenused within 5-Tone systems.The Aurora radio can be factory enabledso you can access radio paging from thefunction menu. When enabled, the radiopaging operation is able to transmit theFCN list of call pages.
61Aurora User’s ManualRADIO PAGINGChannels with radio paging code signals areindicated in the display with the radio pageicon [ ] regardless of whether channels,frequencies, or alphas are being displayed.When the radio is receiving signals and theradio page icon is illuminated, the receivefrequency has a paging code assigned. If theradio is in monitor mode, the radio page iconwill not be illuminated while receiving.When your radio is transmitting and the radiopage icon is illuminated, the transmitfrequency has a paging code assigned. Thiscode will go out on the leading edge, trailingedge, or both edges of the PTT press.FLEX MODEThe Aurora radio has two IF sections andoperates on either 12.5 kHz (narrowbandwidth) or 30 kHz (wide bandwidth) forthe VHF model radio. The operatingbandwidth of the channel is a dealer-programmable option that you can select on aper-channel basis.KEYPAD AND CHANNEL SELECTOR LOCKYou can lock the keypad on your radio soany presses on the keypad are ignored by theradio. While the keypad is locked, you cansee the lock icon [ ] in the display.To lock or unlock the keypad, press and hold[#] for 2 seconds.d Office 02
62 BK RadioBUSY CHANNEL LOCKOUTThe Aurora radio has a Busy ChannelLockout [BCL] feature that you canuse to program individual channels.With the BCL feature, you can keepanyone from hearing a channel unlessthe correct Code Guard signal isreceived.With BCL set, the transmitter cannottransmit until the channel is free ofactivity. If the channel is active, thetransmitter cannot transmit until acorrect decode Code Guard is received.If the BCL transmit criteria is not met,you will hear a boop. When thishappens, release PTT and trytransmitting again.If the BCL feature is set for a channeland that channel has a Code Guardassigned to it, the carrier must have atone. If a carrier is detected on thatchannel and no tone is present, then theradio will remain muted [no tone is thewrong tone].The BCL feature is activatedwhenever you tune in to a channel thathas BCL assigned. If BCL mode is seton the channel, the tone/monitorfeature will not override the BCLfunction.
63Aurora User’s ManualBATTERY POWERBattery SaverThe Aurora radio has a battery-saverfeature that your dealer can program ona per radio basis. If enabled, the radioperforms the battery-saver functionwhen receiving channels withoutreceive-ANIs whenever in manual modeand priority operation is turned off.The battery-saver function cycles thepower to the RF, audio, and CPUhardware, temporarily powering downthe hardware when the channel is notbusy. The Aurora radio has three low-battery thresholds to let your radio runas long as possible before shuttingdown.Low BatteryFirst Battery ThresholdThe Aurora radio has a first batterythreshold level, which causes the radioto transmit all channels using lowpower, regardless of the transmit powersetting for that channel. You will see thelow-battery display icon [ ] once thebattery voltage of the radio goes belowthis threshold level.At the first low-battery threshold, onlythe low-power transmit icon [ ] is litregardless of the programmed transmitLow-batteryindicatord Office 02Low Battery IconLow Battery
64 BK Radiopower of the channel or the powersetting you select. You will hear alow-battery audio beep once every30 seconds.Once the radio shows the low-batteryicon, even if the battery voltage goesabove the threshold setting, the radiowill remain in the low-battery conditionuntil you replace the battery.Second Battery ThresholdThe Aurora radio has a second batterythreshold level. When the secondbattery threshold is reached the statusLED will flash and the radio will nottransmit until the battery is removed andreinstalled at a level above thresholdtwo.Third Battery ThresholdThe Aurora radio has a third batterythreshold level. When the thirdthreshold is reached, the radio suspendsall functions and in advanced models,“Low Battery” is displayed. Low-battery threshold three indicates theradio battery has discharged to a level atwhich you need to recharge the batteryimmediately to prevent battery damage.Turn the on/off switch into the OFFposition and charge the battery beforeusing the radio again.
65Aurora User’s ManualRADIO POWER-UPThe Aurora radio performs a power-upinitialization and self test. The initializationincludes loading fixed factory andcomputer-programmed settings, as well asthe configurations and modes you enteredinto the radio before you turned it off.During the initialization, the firmwareversion number of the radio is written tothe first four bytes of the e2prom. Afteryou initialize the radio, the radio hardwareis tested to make sure the synthesizer locksat the extremes of the radio’s tuning range.ERROR MESSAGESIf the status indicator glows orange, yourradio has made an error. Advanced modelradios will also display “Error” with anumber. The radio will then try to return tonormal operation.You can clear the error by changing thechannel knob position during the 5 secondsthe status indicator stays orange.STUNYour dealer can program your radio tohave a stun feature. This feature lets adispatcher disable normal radio functionsin case the radio is lost or stolen.Orange statusindicatorError 01
66 BK RadioThe stun feature is active if the radio is:• Factory-enabled for audible ANIpaging• Tuned to a channel that is assigned areceive ANI• Placed in tone modeWhen the stun feature is active and thecurrent group’s stun code is received, theradio transmits the unit ID of that channel.This mutes the radio audio and disablesany further transmitting.While a radio is stunned, if it receives thecurrent group’s stun code again, the radiowill cancel the stun mode restrictions andreturn to normal radio operation.
67Aurora User’s ManualAURORA PROGRAMMED SWITCH SETTINGSSide Switch Settings (Factory Setting)Switch A _____________(Code Guard; Tone/Monitor)Switch B _____________(Priority)Switch C _____________(Hi/Low Power)3-Position Toggle Switch1 ______________(Channel Frequency)2 ______________(Channel Label)3 ______________(Group, Channel, BW)Emergency Switch Setting________________(Scan)ABC Group Number ______ Group Label __________________Receive TransmitChan Frequency CG Frequency CG Label Band12345678910111213141516
68 BK RadioPROGRAMMED SETTINGS FOR YOUR RADIO Group Number ______ Group Label __________________Receive TransmitChan Frequency CG Frequency CG Label Band12345678910111213141516
69Aurora User’s Manual TROUBLE CHECKNo display, no sound Turn PWR/VOL control clockwise.Charge or replace batteries.Display OK, no sound Turn volume control setting clockwise.No reception (no stations Check antenna connection.heard) Move to a location closer to a station.Enter correct frequencies.Weak or poor reception Turn squelch control fully clockwise andthen counterclockwise until the “noise” justdisappears.Move to a location closer to a station.Does not scan Turn the squelch control fully clockwiseand then counterclockwise until Scanappears in the display.Check to see if channels are locked out.Keypad buttons don’t work Disable the keypad lock — See page 41.Radio doesn’t operate very Charge batteries to full capacity for longerlong service life — See page 63.TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDENOTE: Please perform the simple checks indicated for improperoperation before returning the radio for service.For future reference, please record:Serial No. Date PurchasedDealerNOTE: For in-warranty service information, contact your local dealer.
70 BK RadioFor service, in or out of warranty, send radio to:MAINTENANCECAUTION: Do NOT tamper with the internal components.Damage to the equipment and/or improper operation couldresult.All adjustments affecting the transmitter power output, carrierfrequency, or modulation MUST be performed by a qualified BKRadio electronics technician.Have the radio checked periodically by a qualified BK Radioelectronics technician.ServiceCustomer Service DepartmentBK Radio7505 Technology DriveWest Melbourne, FL 329041-800-648-0947, Fax: 1-321-953-7986e-mail: www.bkservice@relm.comNOTE: For in-warranty service information, contact your localdealer or BK Customer Service.
71Aurora User’s ManualAurora RadioNumber of Channels 16 240*Frequency Range 136–174 MHzOperational Bandwidth 38 MHzChannel Spacing 25/30 or 12.5/15Channel Increments 2.5 kHzSize with battery; (W x D x H inches) 2.45 x 1.6 x 6.5Weight with battery and antenna 22.7 oz (0.64 kg)Power RequirementsBattery Voltage 10V (9.6V)Current DrainStandby (w/ Battery Saver) 22 mAStandby (w/o Battery Saver) 56 mARated Audio 500 mWTransmit:1 Watt 0.8 Amp5 Watts 1.8 AmpAntenna Impedance 50 OhmsSpeaker Impedance 32 OhmsFrequency Stability ± 3 ppmOperating Temperature –30°C to +60°C(–22°F to +140°F)(Subject to change without notice)SPECIFICATIONS* Advanced Model Radios Only
72 BK Radio25/30 12.5/15ReceiverSensitivity (12 dB SINAD) 0.25 µV 0.25 µVOperating Frequency Spread 38 MHz 38 MHzSelectivity (Adjacent Channel) –75 dB –65 dBSpurious including Image –80 dB –75 dBIntermodulation –75 dB –70 dBHum and Noise Ratio 45 dB 45 dBAudio Output @ 5% dist 500 mW 500 mWTransmitterRF Output Power 5/1 W 5/1 WSpurious/Harmonics –70 dBc –70 dBcModulation 16K0F3E 11K0F3E16K0F9W 11K0F9WFM Hum and Noise –46 dB –40 dBAudio Distortion 3% 3%Audio Response (per TIA) +1/–3 dB +1/–3 dBSPECIFICATIONS (Cont.)
73Aurora User’s ManualAlphanumeric Both letters from the alphabet and numbersANI Automatic Number IdentificationBCL Busy Channel LockoutBeep A higher tone of 1560 HzBoop A lower tone of 780 Hz, “error tone”BW Band WidthCG Code GuardCloning The process of copying data from one radio,called “master,” to other radios, called “slaves”or “clones”Code Guard A subaudible tone for selective listening andreceiving, sometimes referred to as tone codeDetent The click/hesitation you feel as you turn a knobfrom one position to anotherDTMF Dual Tone Multiple FrequencyDTMF Tones Tones that sound like those used by a standardpush-button telephone[E]nter EnterFCN Function[H]ome HomeLCD Liquid Crystal DisplayLED Light Emitting DiodePRG ProgramPTT Push To TalkRTA Repeater Talk AroundRX ReceiveSCN ScanSquelch A control that eliminates background noiseTime-Out Timer A feature that limits the duration of callsTX TransmitVOX Voice-Operated TransmissionWarble Sound that quickly changes back and forthbetween beep and boopDEFINITIONS AND ACRONYMS
74 BK RadioNOTES
75Aurora User’s Manual
76 BK Radio© Copyright 2000 BK Radio. All rights reserved.P/N 7001-30927-401 03-00BK Radio7505 Technology DriveWest Melbourne, FL 32904(800) 648-0947Fax: (321) 984-0434

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