Midland Radio F12 Family Radio Transceiver User Manual

Midland Radio Corporation Family Radio Transceiver

User Manual

Owner’s GuideModel F-12 14 channel FRS with38 CTCSS codes
2OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RADIO........................................ 2TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR F-20................................. 4A NOTE ABOUT THE CTCSS CODES..................................................................4PREPARATION........................................................................................ 4BATTERIES............................................................................................................. 4To Install Batteries:..............................................................................................4Low Battery Indicator:.......................................................................................... 5Instructions for optional charger...........................................................................5QUICK USE INSTRUCTIONS:................................................................... 5Operating the Radio ................................................................................. 5TO OPERATE HANDS FREE VOX........................................................................ 5Setting VOX Functions. ............................................................................................6TO ENABLE / DISABLE VOX MODE................................................................... 6DISPLAY SYMBOLS.............................................................................................. 7TO TURN THE RADIO ON OR OFF......................................................................7TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL IN USE.................................................................. 7ACTIVATING SCAN FUNCTIONS........................................................................ 7Busy Channel Scan: ..............................................................................................8Activating Dual Watch.......................................................................................... 8TO USE CALL BUTTON......................................................................................... 8TO ENABLE/DISABLE “ROGER-BEEP”..............................................................9TO ENABLE / DISABLE KEY BOARD LOCK...................................................... 9POWER SAVE CIRCUIT......................................................................................... 9USING THE MONITOR FUNCTION...................................................................... 9RESETTING THE RADIO.......................................................................................9ACTIVATING “PRIVACY” CODES..................................................................... 10To activate “CTCSS” codes...............................................................................10TROUBLESHOOTING ............................................................................ 11CARE OF RECHARGEABLE NI-CAD AND NI-MH BATTERIES ................. 12SERVICE:.............................................................................................. 13CHANNEL FREQUENCIES...................................................................... 14LIMITED WARRANTY ............................................................................ 15OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RADIOAccessory Name Model NumberStandard Ni-Cad Charger ………………………………………..18-???Ni-MH batteries ...........................................(Three Required)...18-????Desk Charger stand……………………………………………….18-???Dual Desk Charger stand………………………………………….18-???Lapel Microphone with Ear-bud Speaker………………………….22-405
3Speaker/Microphone………………………………………….…...22-411Stealth Type Noise Canceling Throat Mic with Ear-bud…………..22-430Boom Microphone Headset ……………………………………….22-540Call 1 816 241 8500 ext. 200 to order accessoriesThis device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to thefollowing two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and(2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference thatmay cause undesired operation.Your Midland model F-12 brings the new FRS (Family Radio Service) to yourfingertips. The Family Radio Service is provided for by the FCC and is totally licensefree. For the first time business and the general public can use the quiet UHF FM bandfor personal communications at no charge. The F-12 uses maximum allowable powerfor range up to 2 miles. Use for fishing, hunting, picnics, biking, business, or any otheractivity where communications are needed for convenience or safety. The model F-12operates on 14 channels to provide the best in quiet and private communication. Alsothis radio offers power save, and auto-squelch.WARNINGYour wireless hand-held portable transceiver contains a low powertransmitter. When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button is pressed it sends outradio frequency (RF) signals. The device is authorized to operate at aduty factor not to exceed 50%. In August 1996, the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) adopted RF exposure guidelineswith safety levels for hand-held wireless devices.To maintain compliance with the FCC's RF exposure guidelines, this transmitterand its antenna must maintain a separation distance of least 2 inches (5centimeters) from your face. Speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointedup and away from the face at the required separation distance. The belt clip isfor storage purposes only. DO NOT TRANSMIT WHILE USING THE BELTCLIP. To transmit, hold the device away from your body and ensure theantenna is at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) from your body when transmitting.
4TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR F-20Due to the band of operation (462/467 MHz) the F-12 provides communications thatare virtually free of atmospheric interference (skip) that is common on lowerfrequency bands. Along with this and an antenna system that is very efficient ascompared to other unlicensed radio bands, communications range is surprisingly good.Many times the limits to maximum possible range are environmental factors such asblockage caused by trees, buildings, hills, or other obstructions. If you findcommunication is not possible, many times this can be overcome by moving only a fewfeet to a new location. Range may be reduced while operating in a vehicle or frominside to outside a metal building. Battery condition also affects range. The F-12operates best on alkaline batteries. While this unit has been designed with gaskets forwater resistance and ruggedness it is a precision piece of electronic equipment thatshould not be exposed to water or handled carelessly. Normal care should result inyears of trouble free operation. Do not leave batteries installed over a long period oftime as leakage may occur that can destroy the radio. Always save your receipt, as it isrequired for warranty consideration.A NOTE ABOUT THE CTCSS CODESThis radio incorporates 38 CTCSS (Continuos Tone Coded Squelch System) codesthat, when activated, prevent the user from hearing other radios that do not have thesame code. These codes do not make your conversation private. If you experiencedifficulties contacting or hearing other radios in your group make sure the CTCSScode is set the same on all radios. If you are using the F-12 where interference fromother radios or electrical devices are present, enabling the CTCSS codes will usuallymute the interference. Many times interference will be noticed by the presence of loudstatic from the speaker.PREPARATIONBATTERIESF-12 radios operate with 3 AAA Alkaline, Ni-Cad (nickel cadmium) or Ni-MH(nickel metal hydride) batteries (optional). Ni-Cad batteries provide about 7 hours ofuse. Alkaline batteries will provide about 20 hours of use and Ni-MH batteries willprovide about 14 hours of use. If the F-12 is supplied with Ni-Cad batteries and awall charger, Ni-Cad and Ni-MH batteries must be charged prior to use. Charge NI-Cad batteries at least 10 hours. Charge Ni-MH batteries at least 24 hours. DO NOTattempt to charge any type of Alkaline batteries in this radio.To Install Batteries:Hold the radio face down. Press the latch so it swings away from the cover.1. Lift the battery cover slightly. Gently slide the cover off the unit.2. Insert 3 AAA batteries observing the proper polarity.3. Replace the battery cover over the batteries and fasten with the latch.
5Low Battery Indicator:The battery icon in the lower left of the display will flash when the batteries are inneed of charging.Instructions for optional chargerInstall NI-Cad (nickel cadmium) batteries observing their polarity. Plug the 18-???charger into any 110/115 V wall socket. Plug the cord into the jack on the side of theradio under the rubber plug marked “MIC/CHG”. Charge the batteries for at least 10hours for Ni-Cad and 16 hours for Ni-MH.. When using a drop-in charger (models18-??? or 18-???) follow the setup instructions then simply set the radio in the chargerstand and observe that the LED on the charger is lit. The radio should be turned offwhile charging. DO NOT attempt to charge any type of Alkaline batteries in this radio.QUICK USE INSTRUCTIONS:1. Install fresh alkaline or fully charged Ni-Cad or Ni-MH batteries.2. Turn the unit on by turning the ON/OFF/VOLUME clockwise until a click isheard.3. Use the ON/OFF/VOLUME control to adjust the volume. To test the volumesetting, press and hold the “MON” button so static noise can be heard. Thenoise can be used as a reference level for volume setting.4. To talk press the PTT (push to talk) button on the left side of the radio and talkin a normal voice into the front of the radio about three inches away from yourmouth.5. To listen release the PTT button.Operating the RadioTO OPERATE HANDS FREE VOX(VOICE OPERATED TRANSMIT)To get the most use from the “VOX” feature you must first determine what sensitivitylevel is needed to activate the “VOX” control. Sensitivity is how loud you have to talkto activate the “VOX” circuit. The “VOX” has three levels of sensitivity that can beadjusted. The 1 option you can talk in a normal voice with no background noise toactivate the “VOX” circuit. The option 2 will require more voice level to activate the“VOX” circuit. This is useful in slightly noisier areas that might activate the “VOX”without talking. The option 3 will require the most voice level to activate the “VOX”circuit. This will be useful in very noisy areas. The next adjustment is the delay. Thisis a function of the “VOX” that keeps the radio in transmit mode after you stop talking.A delay that is set to short will cause the “VOX” circuit to stop between some words.The delay is adjustable to three levels. Level 1 will give about one half second ofdelay, level three will give you about one and one half seconds of delay. By activatingthe “VOX” you only have to talk into the front of the radio or use a headset to make theradio transmit. The PTT (push to talk) button is not functional in “VOX” mode. It isrecommended to use a headset when using the “VOX” feature.
6NOTE: It is recommended to disable the Roger Beep when VOX is in use. See page 8for instructions.Setting VOX Functions.Setting VOX Levels1. With the radio in the off position, press and hold the “CALL” button and turn theradio on. The display will show “L” followed by a 1, 2 or three depending onprevious settings.2. Press the channel “UP” or “DOWN” buttons to select the level desired.! As described earlier L 1 will be the most sensitive and L 3 will be the leastsensitive.3. Press the “F” button to switch to the Delay setting. A “d” followed by a d1, d2 ora d3 will show on the display depending on previous settings.4. Press the channel “UP” or “DOWN” buttons to select the level desired.! As described earlier d 1 will be the shortest and d 3 will be the longest delay.5. Press the “ENTER button to store your settings and return to normal operationmode.TO ENABLE / DISABLE VOX MODEPress and hold the “F/VOX” button on the front of the radio for about 2 seconds.“VOX” will be displayed when enabled. Talk into the front of the radio or the headsetmicrophone. (head set is recommended) To listen stop talking.
7DISPLAY SYMBOLSCAUTION: DON’T EXPOSE THE DISPLAY TO EXTREME HOT ORCOLD TEMPERATURE1. Channel number: Displays channel number 1-14.2. BUSY Symbol: Indicates activity on the channel.3. TX Symbol: Indicates the unit is transmitting.4. CTCSS Code: Displays the number of the code selected for the channel in use.5. SCAN Symbol Indicates the scan mode is in use6. CTCSS Symbol: Indicates a “Privacy” code is in use.7. SAVE Symbol: Flashes indicating battery save is active.8. Musical note indicates ROGER BEEP is on.9. Key Symbol indicates when the keypad has been locked. Only the “PTT” and“CALL” buttons are active when this indicator is on.10. BEEP indicates the button press tone and power up tones are active.11. DW Symbol: Indicates Dual Watch channel selection is active.12. VOX Symbol: Indicates “VOX” is activated13. Battery symbol shows the battery condition. Replace or recharge the batterieswhen this indicator displays 2 or fewer segments of the battery.FEATURES AND LOCATION OF CONTOLSTO TURN THE RADIO ON OR OFFThe ON/OFF/VOLUME control at the top of the radio controls power and volume. Aseries of tones will be heard confirming that radio is working.TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL IN USEPress and release the channel button /\ or \/ to select the desired channel. To changechannel rapidly, press and hold the channel button /\ or \/ until the desired channelappears on the display.ACTIVATING SCAN FUNCTIONSThe F-12 has two scan modes. The most popular and most used is the “BUSY”channel scan. This allows the radio to stop on a channel that someone is talking on.
8When the radio stops on a “Busy” channel, the scan will stop and resume after about 5seconds. The other is “DUAL WATCH”. This allows you to scan only two channels.This is useful when you want to keep track of two other people.Busy Channel Scan:1. Press and release the ”F” button the ”SCAN” icon (5) will begin flashing.2. Press and release the “UP” or “DOWN” channel button to activate scan. The unitwill now begin scanning through the channels.! Pressing the “UP” or “DOWN” channel button during scan will determine ifthe channels are scanned up or down.! Pressing the “PTT” (push to talk) button will cause the radio to stop scanningand return to normal operate mode.Activating Dual WatchDual watch is a function that allows you to scan only two channels.1. Select channel one.2. Press the “F” button three times until “DW” (11) is flashing.3. Select the second channel to be scanned.! About 1 second after your selection of the second channel is complete theradio will begin switching between the two channels.! When the radio hears activity on either channel, scanning will stop on thatchannel for about 5 seconds and then resume scanning.! If communication is desired on the channel scanning stopped on, press the“PTT” button. This will deactivate Dual Watch and allow you to communicatenormally.4. To reactivate Dual Watch repeat steps above.TO USE CALL BUTTONPress and release the CALL button. A call signal of alternating tones will be sent forabout 2 seconds. Both radios must be on the same channel and the radios must beturned on.! If any function is selected and no buttons are pressed in 10 seconds, thecurrent settings are retained and the radio switches back to normal operation.
9TO ENABLE/DISABLE “ROGER-BEEP”The radio transmits a rapid tone sequence when the PTT button is released if thisfeature is active. The default condition is for the “roger beep” to be off.1. Press the “F” button until you on the display “oF” (depending on previousprogramming) with a flashing music note  (8) in the display.2. Press the channel /\ or \/ buttons to select off or on.! “oF” is roger beep off. “oN” is roger beep on.3. Press "ENTER" to store your selection.TO ENABLE / DISABLE KEY BOARD LOCKTo enable the KEYBOARD LOCK press and hold the “ENTER” button for 2 seconds.The display will contain a key symbol (9). PTT, MON and CALL buttons will stillbe active. The “ENTER” button will also activate the backlight for 5 seconds. Whenradio is in lock mode and any other keys are pressed a tone will be heard. To disablethe KEYBOARD LOCK, press and hold the “ENTER” button for about 2 seconds.POWER SAVE CIRCUITThis part of the operation of the radio is completely automatic and not adjustable.When the radio has not transmitted or received a signal for about 8 seconds it willbegin to cycle from a sleep mode to fully on. This occurs several times a minute. If asignal is received or you cause the unit to transmit the radio will become fully awake.This cycling from sleep to fully on increases the standby battery life more than 50%.USING THE MONITOR FUNCTION1. Press and hold the “MON” button on the side of the radio to open the squelch.! This allows you to override the squelch and the “CTCSS” tones. This is usefulto monitor the channel before you transmit to ensure there is not someone usingthe channel when you have “CTCSS” tones programmed. This is also useful ifyou suspect someone in your group does not have the proper “CTCSS” tonesprogrammed.2. Release the “MON” button to restore the squelch to normal.RESETTING THE RADIOIf the radio stops responding to button presses or otherwise does not function properlyin some cases the radio can be reset to restore normal operation.To reset the radio: With the radio off, press and hold the “F” button and turn the radioon. Release the “F” button when the radio powers up. (see turning the radio on)
10ACTIVATING “PRIVACY” CODESTo activate “CTCSS” codes! Activating the “CTCSS” code will prevent you from hearing any conversationthat is not using the same “CTCSS” code. This does not make yourconversation private.1. Press the “F” button twice to cause the icon “CTCSS” to be displayed in theupper left of the display to flash.2. Press and release the “UP” or “DOWN” buttons to select the “CTCSS” code youdesire.3. Press “ENTER” to store the code setting for that channel.! A code of “oF” means no code is programmed.! You must do this for each of the channels you want CTCSS codes on.! Activating the “CTCSS” code will prevent you from hearing any conversationthat is not using the same “CTCSS” code. This does not make yourconversation private.4. If you wish to set another channel for CTCSS code, choose a different code thanthe ones in use.The following is a list of frequencies of the CTCSS codes. Different brands of radiosmay use a different number code for the frequencies. For operation with other brandsof radios the selected CTCSS frequency must match.01=67.0 Hz 11=97.4 Hz 21=136.5 Hz 31=192.8 Hz02=71.9 Hz 12=100.0 Hz 22=141.3 Hz 32=203.5 Hz03=74.4 Hz 13=103.5 Hz 23=146.2 Hz 33=210.7 Hz04=77.0 Hz 14=107.2 Hz 24=151.4 Hz 34=218.1 Hz05=79.7 Hz 15=110.9 Hz 25=156.7 Hz 35=225.7 Hz06=82.5 Hz 16=114.8 Hz 26=162.2 Hz 36=233.6 Hz07=85.4 Hz 17=118.8 Hz 27=167.9 Hz 37=241.8 Hz08=88.5 Hz 18=123.0 Hz 28=173.8 Hz 38=250.3 Hz09=91.5 Hz 19=127.3 Hz 29=179.9 Hz oF =OFF10=94.8 Hz 20=131.8 Hz 30=186.2 Hz
11TROUBLESHOOTINGPROBLEM SOLUTIONNo Power 1. Check battery installation and/or replace batteriesCannot receive messages 1. Make sure the volume is set high enough.2. Change your location, you may be out of range.3. Disable CTCSS code. Make sure all parties areusing the same code.4. Install batteries properly or replace.Range is short 1. Operating the radio in a vehicle or metal buildingwill decrease the range. If possible operate outside ofvehicles or buildings.2. Carrying the radio so that the antenna is very nearthe body will decrease the range. Hold the radio in theopen for the best range.3. Battery condition can affect range. Replace orrecharge batteries.Radio squeals whenreceivnng messages 1. Check battery condition. Usually lowering thevolume stops the squealing. This indicates weakbatteries.Messages not transmitted. 1. If PTT button is not responding, check to see ifVOX is active.2. If VOX is in use, check for correct VOX levelsetting.Interference/Static 1. Change your location. The interference may becaused by nearby electronic or electrical equipment.Cannot change channels 1. Make sure keyboard is not locked.2. Make sure the radio is not transmitting.Battery icon flashes 1. Replace alkaline batteries or recharge rechargeablebatteries.Display is dim Reposition or replace batteries.
12CARE OF RECHARGEABLE NI-CAD AND NI-MH BATTERIESALWAYS DISPOSE OF BATTERIES PROPERLYAlways follow the battery manufacturer's recommendations for charging and disposingof Ni-Cad and Ni-MH batteries.The following is meant as general information regarding Ni-Cad/Ni-MH batteries..1. Occasionally allow the batteries to fully discharge before recharging. Fulldischarge will be indicated by the low battery indicator coming on during receiveoperation.2. Always allow the battery to fully charge before using. This requires 10 hours withthe approved charger. (Ni-MH batteries require 16 hours for full charge.)3. The above will prevent the batteries from developing “memory” which effectivelyreduces their capacity.4. It is better to store Ni-Cad batteries that are discharged rather than charged.Ni-MH batteries are best stored charged.
13SERVICE:If you have a problem which you believe requires service, please call first and speakwith a service technician. Many problems can be remedied over the phone withoutreturning the unit for service.If it ever becomes necessary to return your unit for service:♦ Pack the unit in its original box and packing. Improper packing may result indamage during shipment.♦ Include a full description of any problems.♦ Include a daytime telephone number.♦ Include a money order for $7.50 to cover shipping and handling (this may not berequired in some states).! You do not need to return accessory items (charger, batteries, wrist strap,owners guide) unless they maybe directly related to the problem.♦ Include a photocopy of the bill of sale or other proof of purchase showing the dateof sale. This information must be included before warranty service can beconsidered.♦ A flat rate of $35.00 will apply to repairs not covered by the 1-year warranty.Payment is accepted by Cashiers Check, Money Order, Master Card or Visa only.Personal checks will not be accepted.! Items not covered by the warranty include abuse, water damage, battery leakdamage, broken antennas, broken battery latch
14TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONSTECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS*GENERALFrequency range..................................................................................462/467 MHzChannels...............................................................................................................14Modulation type................................................................................................. FMAntenna impedance ....................................................................................50 OhmLoudspeaker.........................................................................................8 Ohm 0.5WMicrophone...................................................................................…...electret typePower supply..........................................3 AAA Ni-cads or Alkaline (3.6/4.5VDC)RECEIVERSensitivity at 12dB Sinad..............................................................................0.25µVSelectivity........................................................................................................50 dBSquelch range...................................................................................…....automaticAudio output power...........................................0.25W @ 8 Ohm (10% distortion)Distortion at 1000 mV.........................................................................................7%Audio frequency response.....................................................................400-2400 HzTRANSMITTERRF Output Power...........................................….…….nominal 500 mW @ 4.5VDCFrequency Tolerance.................................................................................0.00025%Harmonic Suppression...................................................................more than 50 dBModulation......................................................................................FM +/- 2.5 kHz*Specifications are nominal and subject to changeCHANNEL FREQUENCIES01=462.5625 05=462..6625 09=467.5875 13=467.687502=462.5875 06=462.6875 10=467.6125 14=467.712503=462.6125 07=462.7125 11=467.637504=462.6375 08=467.5625 12=467.6625
15 LIMITED WARRANTYMidland Consumer Radio Inc. will repair or replace, at its option withoutcharge, any Midland FRS transceiver which fails due to a defect in material orworkmanship within One Year following the initial consumer purchase. This warrantydoes not apply to water damage, battery leak damage or abuse.This warranty does not include any carrying cases, earphones, or antennaswhich may be a part of or included with the warranted product, or the cost of labor forremoval or re-installation of the product in a vehicle or other mounting.Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained byreturning the warranted product, freight prepaid, along with proof of purchase date, toMidland Consumer Radio Inc., Warranty Service Department, 1670 North ToppingAvenue, Kansas City, Missouri 64120.This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have otherrights, which vary, from state to state.Note: The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased in the United Statesof America or any of the territories or possessions thereof, or from a U.S. Militaryexchange.Midland Consumer Radio1670 N. ToppingKansas City, Mo. 64120-1224 Printed in KoreaTel: (816) 241-8500)E-mail: mail@midlandradio.comURL: www.midlandradio.com

Navigation menu