Hytera Communications TC-508U1 Two-way Radio User Manual YAMTC 508U1 Owner s Manual V00
Hytera Communications Corporation Ltd. Two-way Radio YAMTC 508U1 Owner s Manual V00
Users Manual
Preface 
Thank you for purchasing Hytera TC-508 portable radio. With simple appearance, reliable mechanics, 
practical functions and stable performance, it will refresh your communication experience!   
To derive optimum performance from your product, please read this manual and the supplied Safety 
Information Booklet carefully before use.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 1
Instructional Icons   
The following icons are available through this manual: 
 Caution: indicates situations that could cause damage to your radio.   
 Note: indicates tips that can help you make better use of your radio.   
Term Explanation   
Please pay your attention to the following key terms:   
Key Operation   
Short press: to press a key and release it quickly.   
Long press: to press and hold down a key for above 1 second.   
Hold down: to press a key and remain holding it down.   
User Mode   
Refers to the mode entered after you turn on the radio directly.   
CTCSS/CDCSS 
The signaling can help you prevent unwanted conversations at the same frequency.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 2
Copyright Information  
Hytera and HYT are trademarks or registered trademarks of Hytera Communications Co., Ltd. (“Hytera”) 
in PRC and/or other countries or areas. Hytera retains the ownership of its trademarks and product 
names. All other trademarks and/or product names that may be used in this manual are properties of 
their respective owners.   
The Hytera product described in this manual may include Hytera computer programs stored in memory 
or other media. Laws in PRC and/or other countries or areas protect the exclusive rights of Hytera with 
respect to its computer programs. The purchase of this product shall not be deemed to grant, either 
directly or by implication, any rights to the purchaser regarding Hytera computer programs. Any Hytera 
computer programs may not be copied, modified, distributed, decompiled, or reverse-engineered in any 
manner without the prior written consent of Hytera. 
Disclaimer  
Hytera endeavors to achieve the accuracy and completeness of this manual, but no warranty of 
accuracy or reliability is given. All the specifications and designs are subject to change without prior 
notice due to continuous technology development. No part of this manual may be copied, modified, 
translated, or distributed in any manner without the express written permission of Hytera.   
If you have any suggestions or would like to learn more details, please visit our website at: 
http://www.hytera.cn.  
RF Radiation Information 
RF Radiation Profile 
Radio Frequency (RF) is a frequency of electromagnetic radiation in the range at which radio signals are 
transmitted. RF technology is widely used in communication, medicine, food processing and other fields. 
It may generate radiation during use.   
RF Radiation Safety 
In order to ensure user health, experts from relevant industries including science, engineering, medicine 
and health work with international organizations to develop standards for safe exposure to RF radiation. 
These standards consist of:   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 3
¾  United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal Regulations; 47CFR part 2 
sub-part J;   
¾  American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 
C95. 1-1992;   
¾  Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1 – 1999;   
¾    International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998; 
FCC Regulations 
Federal Communication Commission (FCC) requires that all radio communication products should meet 
the requirements set forth in the above standards before they can be marketed in the U.S, and the 
manufacturer shall post a RF label on the product to inform users of operational instructions, so as to 
enhance their occupational health against exposure to RF energy.   
As a conscientious company centering on users, Hytera strictly complies with the foregoing 
requirements from design, production and test.   
EU Regulatory Conformance 
The product is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of the 
Directive 1999/5/EC. 
 Note: The above information is applicable to EU countries only. 
Operational Instructions and Training Guidelines 
●  To ensure optimal performance and compliance with the occupational/controlled environment 
RF energy exposure limits in the above standards and guidelines, users should transmit no more 
than 50% of the time and always adhere to the following procedures; and should transmit no more 
than 50% of the time, although the hardware support transmission up to 100% of the time in 
analog mode. 
●  The radio is not intended for use by general population in an uncontrolled environment. It 
is only for occupational use and only applied to work-related conditions.The radio must be 
only used by users, who are fully aware of the hazards of the exposure and who are able 
to exercise control over their RF exposure to qualify for the higher exposure limits. 

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 4
Contents 
Checking Items in the Package ................................................................................................................ 5 
Product Overview ..................................................................................................................................... 6 
Product Controls ............................................................................................................................... 6 
Programmable Keys .......................................................................................................................... 7 
Before Use ............................................................................................................................................... 8 
Charging the Battery ......................................................................................................................... 8 
Assembling the Accessories .............................................................................................................. 9 
Status Indication ..................................................................................................................................... 11 
Basic Operations .................................................................................................................................... 12 
Turning the Radio On/Off ................................................................................................................ 12 
Adjusting the Volume ...................................................................................................................... 12 
Selecting a Channel ........................................................................................................................ 12 
Transmitting / Receiving .................................................................................................................. 12 
Functions and Operations ...................................................................................................................... 13 
CTCSS/CDCSS .............................................................................................................................. 13 
Time-out Timer (TOT) ...................................................................................................................... 13 
Adjust Power Level.......................................................................................................................... 13 
Monitor ............................................................................................................................................ 13 
Squelch Off ..................................................................................................................................... 14 
Scan ................................................................................................................................................ 14 
VOX ................................................................................................................................................. 15 
Battery Strength Indicator ................................................................................................................ 16 
Low Battery Alert ............................................................................................................................. 16 
Channel Lock .................................................................................................................................. 16 
Battery Save .................................................................................................................................... 17 
Busy Channel Lockout .................................................................................................................... 17 
Troubleshooting ...................................................................................................................................... 18 
Care and Cleaning ................................................................................................................................. 20 
Optional Accessories .................................................................................................  错误!未定义书签。 

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 5
Checking Items in the Package   
Please unpack carefully and check that all items listed below are received. If any item is missing or 
damaged, please contact your dealer.   
Battery                Rapid-rate Charger (for Li-Ion battery)                  Power Adapter 
Antenna                           Belt Clip                                   Strap 
Manuals                                                                         Radio  
 Note:  
  The pictures above are for reference only.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 6
Product Overview 
Product Controls 
10
9
3
2
1
17
16
15
14
11
8
7
456
13
12
No. Part Name No. Part Name No. Part Name 
○
1 PTT Key   ○
2 SK1 (programmable) ○
3 SK2 (programmable) 
○
4 Antenna   ○
5 Channel Selector Knob  ○
6 Radio On-Off/Volume 
Control Knob 
○
7 Speaker ○
8 Microphone   ○
9 LED Indicator   
○
10  Battery Latch ○
11  Accessory Jack Cover  ○
12  Accessory Jack 
○
13  Strap Hole ○
14  Belt Clip   ○
15  Battery   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 7
○
16  Screw (Belt Clip)   ○
17  Charging Piece     
Programmable Keys 
For enhanced convenience, you may request your dealer to program the keys SK1 and SK2 as 
shortcuts to the functions listed below:   
No.   Shortcut Key Function   
1  Adjust Power Level   To adjust power level through one button 
press. 
2 Monitor  To adjust the condition for incoming signal 
match 
3 Monitor Momentary  
4 Squelch Off  To always unmute speaker no matter 
whether carrier is present or not 
5 Squelch Off Momentary  
6 Scan  To listen to communication activities on 
other channels.   
7 VOX To make the radio transmit automatically 
when you speak.   
8  Battery Strength Indicator To indicate the battery strength 
9 Channel Lock  
The current channel will remain unchanged 
in case of rotating the Channel Selector 
knob accidentally.   
 Note: Long and short press of a key can be assigned with different functions by your dealer.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 8
Before Use 
Charging the Battery 
Use only the charger and battery specified by Hytera. Charger LED can indicate the charging process.   
■ Charge Diagram 
3
3
2
1
■ Procedures 
1.  Connect the power adapter to AC socket. See arrow 1.   
2.  Plug the power adapter into the rear jack of the charger. See arrow 2.   
3.  Place the radio with the battery attached, or the battery alone, into the charger. See arrow 3.   
4.  The charging process initiates when LED glows red, and is completed when LED glows green. 
 Note: To achieve optimal battery performance, please charge the battery for 5 hours before initial 
use. 
Charge Indicator 
LED Indicator Charge Status 
Red LED glows. Charging   
Orange LED glows. Approximately charged 
completely   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 9
Green LED glows. Fully charged   
Ready for use   
When battery power runs low, the LED will flash red, and the low-pitched tone will sound periodically. In 
this case, please replace or charge the battery.   
 Caution: Be sure to read the Safety Information Booklet, to get necessary safety information.   
Assembling the Accessories 
Assembling the Antenna   
Turn the antenna clockwise to fasten it.   
To remove the antenna, rotate it counter-clockwise.   
Assembling the Battery 
1.  Slide the battery into the radio’s slot.   
2.  Slightly press the bottom of the battery until a click is heard.   
To remove the battery, turn off the radio first. Slide the battery latch upward to release the battery.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 10
Assembling the Belt Clip   
1.  Remove the screws.   
2.  Align the screw holes on the belt clip with those on the radio’s body, and then tighten the screws.   
To remove the belt clip, loosen the screws.   
Assembling the Audio Accessory/Programming Cable 
1.  Uncover the accessory jack.   
2.  Plug an audio accessory/programming cable into the accessory jack, and then tighten the screw.   
To remove the accessories, loosen the screw at first and pull out the plug.   
 Caution: When you are using an external accessory, waterproof performance of the radio may 
get affected.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 11
Status Indication 
The top LED indicator will help you easily identify the current status of your radio.   
LED Indicator   Radio Status 
Red LED glows. Transmitting 
Red LED flashes. Low battery alert 
Green LED glows. Receiving 
Green LED flashes. Scanning 

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 12
Basic Operations 
Turning the Radio On/Off 
Rotate the Radio On-Off/Volume Control knob clockwise/counter-clockwise until a click is heard to turn 
the radio on/off.   
Adjusting the Volume 
You may control the volume level using the Radio On-Off/Volume Control knob. After the radio is 
powered on, rotate the knob clockwise to increase the volume, or counter-clockwise to decrease the 
volume.  
Selecting a Channel 
The radio supports up to 16 channels. Rotate the Channel Selector knob to align your desired channel 
number with the white channel mark.   
 Note: When the radio is currently on a blank channel, it will sound beep tones continuously.   
Transmitting / Receiving 
To transmit audio signals, press and hold down the PTT, and speak into the microphone. During 
transmission, the LED glows red.   
To receive, just release the PTT. When any audio signal is received, the LED glows green.   
 Note:  
  To ensure optimal volume of the receiving radio, hold the radio approximately 2.5 to 5 
centimeters away from your mouth.   
  Communication range may get affected in rainy days or forest locations.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 13
Functions and Operations 
CTCSS/CDCSS 
CDCSS/CTCSS can be used to prevent unwanted conversations at the same frequency. If 
CTCSS/CDCSS is set on a certain channel, you can only receive voice calls from radios with matching 
CTCSS/CDCSS. Otherwise you will receive voice calls from all users operating at the same frequency.   
You may request your dealer to program corresponding parameters on certain channels. For detailed 
operation method, please consult your dealer.   
Time-out Timer (TOT) 
The purpose of TOT is to prevent any user from occupying a channel for an extended period. When the 
preset time expires, the radio will automatically terminate transmission and keep beeping. To stop 
beeping, please release the PTT key. You must wait for a certain time period (preset by your dealer) to 
initiate another transmission.   
If the pre-alert function is set by your dealer, your radio will alert you to the TOT expiration in advance. 
Adjust Power Level 
With this feature, you may switch power levels quickly. Generally, we recommend you to adopt low 
power for battery saving. However, if you cannot communicate with other radios located at a distant 
place with low power, please select high power.   
Operation:  
Press the programmed Adjust Power Level key to switch between high power and low power (from 
high power to low power: a low-pitched tone sounds; from low power to high power: a high-pitched 
tone sounds).   
Monitor 
This feature allows you to lower the conditions for incoming signal match.   
Operation:   
  Press the programmed Monitor key to activate this function (an alert tone sounds); press it 
again to deactivate the function (the alert tone sounds twice). Or   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 14
  Press and hold down the programmed Monitor Momentary key to activate this function (an 
alert tone sounds); release the key to exit (the alert tone sounds twice).   
Squelch Off   
This feature allows you to always unmute the speaker, no matter whether carrier is present or not.   
Operation:  
  Press the programmed Squelch Off key to activate this function; press the key again to 
deactivate it. Or   
  Press and hold down the programmed Squelch Off Momentary key to activate this function; 
release the key to deactivate it.   
 Note: When this function is enabled on current channel, you will hear audio signals (if any); 
otherwise, background noise will be heard.   
Scan 
The feature allows you to listen to communication activities on other channels so that you can keep a 
close track of your team members. The scan list can be set by your dealer.   
Operation:   
1.  To activate this function, you may   
  press the programmed Scan key; or   
  switch to a channel enabled with the auto scan feature (programmed by your dealer).   
 Note: The radio will not start scan if there are less than two channels in the scan list.   
2.  After the feature is enabled, your radio will scan according to the scan list set for the channel on 
which scanning starts. The scanning process is as follows:   
  The LED flashes green during scanning. 
  When communication activities are detected on a channel, the radio will stay on the channel to 
receive current activities. Meanwhile, the LED glows green.   
  If the Talk Back feature is enabled by your dealer, press and hold down the PTT to reply when 
the radio stays on a certain channel.   
  You can scan the frequently used channel if the priority scan feature is enabled. When scan 
stays on a non-priority channel, the radio will keep detecting activities on the priority channel. 

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 15
Once any activity is detected, it will jump to the priority channel. For more information, please 
consult your dealer.   
3.  To exit the scanning process, you may   
 press the Scan key again, or 
  switch to a channel where the auto scan feature is disabled; or     
  turn the radio off.   
 Note:   
  The Scan Start Alert tone and the Scan End Alert tone can be enabled / disabled by the dealer.   
  During scanning, the following function keys (if programmed) are available: PTT, Squelch Off , 
Squelch Off Momentary , Monitor and Monitor Momentary.   
VOX 
This feature allows you to transmit your voice with no need to press the PTT. However, you must employ 
a dedicated earpiece to realize this function.   
Operation:  
1. Set the PTT/VOX Switch on the earpiece to VOX;   
2.  Plug the earpiece into the accessory jack;   
3.  Press the programmed VOX key to activate this function.   
4.  Speak into the microphone (on the earpiece) to transmit your voice, and transmission will stop 
automatically when you stop talking;   
5.  Power the radio off or press the VOX key again to deactivate this function.   
 Note:   
 If the PTT/VOX Switch on the earpiece is set to PTT, you can only transmit by pressing the 
external PTT, no matter whether VOX is activated.   
 When the PTT/VOX Switch is set to PTT, you are not allowed to switch it from PTT to VOX 
directly; otherwise, continuous transmission may occur. If continuous transmission occurs 
unexpectedly, you can restore the radio to normal operation by toggling the switch from VOX to 
PTT, or turning the radio off and back on. 
  You can select an appropriate VOX sensitivity according to the environment. If VOX is activated 
under heavy noise, continuously transmission may occur.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 16
Battery Strength Indicator 
This feature allows you to know the current battery strength.   
Operation:  
Press and hold down the programmed Battery Strength Indicator key, and the LED glows to 
indicate remaining battery strength by different colors .Release the key to exit. The following table 
lists different colors representing different battery strength levels   
LED Indicator   Battery Strength   
Green LED glows. High   
Orange LED glows. Medium   
Red LED glows. Low   
Low Battery Alert 
This feature allows you to know the low battery status. When battery power runs low, the LED will flash 
red, and the low-pitched tone will sound periodically. In this case, please replace or charge the battery.   
 Note: When the battery strength is insufficient, the programmed Battery Strength Indicator key 
will become unavailable;  when the battery strength is drained, transmission will be 
prohibited; if you press PTT in such situations, the radio will sound an alert to warn you.   
Channel Lock 
This feature can avoid unexpected channel change due to rotation of Channel Selector knob 
accidentally.   
Operation:   
Press the programmed Channel Lock key to enable the feature (an alert tone sounds); press the 
key again to deactivate it (the alert tone sounds twice). When this function is activated, the radio will 
stay on the current operating channel even if you rotate the Channel Selector knob.   
 Note: This function will be deactivated if the radio is powered off and back on, or it is 
programmed.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 17
Battery Save 
In Standby mode, when no signal is received / transmitted or no operation (key press) is performed for 
10 seconds (programmable), the radio will automatically enter Battery Save mode to reduce power 
consumption. The radio may exit the Battery Save mode and get activated as soon as any key is 
pressed or any signal is received.   
Busy Channel Lockout 
If enabled via the programming software, this feature can prevent your radio interfering with other 
transmitting radios on the same channel. When the channel is already in use, the radio will keep beeping 
and return to RX mode upon pressing the PTT key. To stop beeping, please release the PTT key.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 18
Troubleshooting 
Phenomena   Analysis   Solution   
The radio can not be 
powered on.   
The battery may be improperly 
installed.   Remove the battery and attach it again.   
The battery may run out.   Recharge or replace the battery.   
The battery may suffer from poor 
contact caused by dirtied or 
damaged battery contacts.   
Clean the battery contacts. If the problem can 
not be solved, contact your dealer or our 
authorized service center for inspection and 
repair.   
During receiving signals, the 
voice is weak, discontinuous 
or totally inactive.   
The battery strength may be too 
low.   Recharge or replace the battery.   
The volume may be set to a low 
level.   
Increase the volume by rotating the Volume 
Control knob clockwise.   
The antenna may get loose or may 
be improperly installed.   
Power off the radio, re-install the antenna and 
power on the radio again.   
The speaker may be blocked or 
damaged.   
Clean surface of the speaker. If the problem can 
not be solved, contact your dealer or our 
authorized service center for inspection and 
repair.   
You can not communicate 
with other members.   
The frequency or signaling may be 
inconsistent with that of other 
members.   
Set your TX/RX frequency and signaling to the 
same as that of other members.   
The Channel Lock feature is 
enabled unexpectedly and you 
operate on an undesired channel. 
Exit the Channel Lock mode and switch to the 
desired channel.   
You may be too far away from the 
group members.   
Move towards other members. And make sure 
that you are within the communication range.   
Irrelevant communication 
activities or noises are heard 
on the channel.   
You may be interrupted by radios 
using the same frequency.   
Change the frequency, or adjust the squelch 
level.   
The radio may be set with no 
signaling.   
Set signaling for all member radios to avoid 
interference at the same frequency.   
The noise is too loud.   
You may be too far away from 
other members.   
Move towards other members, power off your 
radio and then restart it.   
You may be at an unfavorable 
position. For example, your 
communication may be blocked by 
high buildings or frustrated in the 
underground areas.   
Move to an open and flat area, and restart the 
radio.   
You may suffer from external 
disturbance (such as 
electromagnetic interference).   
Stay away from equipment that may cause 
interference.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 19
If the above solutions can not fix your problems, or you may have some other queries, please contact us 
or your local dealer for more technical support.   

                                                                   TC-508 Owner’s Manual 
 20
Care and Cleaning   
To guarantee optimal performance as well as a long service life of the product, please follow the tips 
below.  
Product Care 
  Do not pierce or scrape the product with any edged instruments or hard objects.   
  Keep the product far away from substances that can corrode the circuit.   
  Do not hold the product by its antenna or earpiece cable directly.   
  Attach the accessory jack cover when the product is not in use.   
Product Cleaning 
  Clean up the dust and fine particles on the product surface and charging piece with a clean and dry 
lint-free cloth or a brush regularly.   
  Use neutral cleanser and a non-woven fabric toclean the keys, control knobs and front case after 
long-time use. Do not use chemical preparations such as stain removers, alcohol, sprays or oil 
preparations, so as to avoid surface case damage. Make sure the product is completely dry before 
use.  
Caution: Power off and remove the battery before cleaning.