Midland Radio G220 Combination FRS/GMRS Transceiver User Manual User Instructions

Midland Radio Corporation Combination FRS/GMRS Transceiver User Instructions

User Instructions

Owner’s Guide(PRELIMINARY)Model G-220 GMRS / FRScombination with 38 CTCSScodes
2TABLE OF CONTENTSFCC Licensing Information....................................................................................... 3TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR G-220............................................5A NOTE ABOUT THE CTCSS CODES..................................................................6PREPARATION...........................................................................................................6BATTERIES............................................................................................................. 6CHARGING THE BATTERIES............................................................................... 6BELT CLIP...............................................................................................................7QUICK USE INSTRUCTIONS: ...................................................................................7POWER SAVE CIRCUIT.............................................................................................7RANGE OF UHF RADIOS.......................................................................................... 7DISPLAY SYMBOLS .............................................................................................. 8FEATURES AND LOCATION OF CONTOLS ........................................................... 9TURNING THE RADIO ON OR OFF ..................................................................... 9LOCKING THE CONTROLS ..................................................................................9UNLOCKING THE CONTROLS...........................................................................10ADJUSTING THE VOLUME.................................................................................10ADJUSTING THE SQUELCH............................................................................... 10USING THE CALL FUNCTION............................................................................10USING THE MONITOR FUNCTION.................................................................... 10TURNING ON OR OFF THE BUTTON PRESS BEEP.........................................10TURNING ON THE DISPLAY BACKLIGHT....................................................... 10TURNING THE ROGER BEEP ON OR OFF........................................................ 10CHOOSING HIGH OR LOW POWER TRANSMIT.............................................. 11ACTIVATING SCAN FUNCTIONS......................................................................11ACTIVATING “PRIVACY” CODES.....................................................................13RESETTING THE RADIO.....................................................................................13TROUBLESHOOTING .............................................................................................. 14CARE OF RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES ............................................................15SERVICE: ..................................................................................................................16TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS*............................................................................ 17CHANNEL FREQUENCIES (MHz) ..........................................................................17LIMITED WARRANTY.............................................................................................18
3FCC Licensing InformationThis Midland model G-220 radio when set for channels 1-7 and 15-22operates on GMRS frequencies which require a license from the FederalCommunications Commission (FCC) for business, personal, and recreationaluse. A GMRS license held by an individual may be shared by immediatefamily members.At the date of this publication the application for your FCC license is made onFCC form 605 (with optional Schedule F). To obtain forms, call the FCC formshotline at: 1-800-418-3676 or go to http://www.fcc.gov.For questions concerning licensing, contact the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322), or go to http://www.fcc.gov.OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RADIOAccessory Name Model NumberStandard wall Charger……..………………………………..…..18-396Charger Stand …………..…………....………………......……..18-383Dual Charger Stand ….………….………....………………...... 18-385Lapel Microphone with Ear-bud Speaker……………………….22-405Speaker/Microphone………………………………………..…...22-M11Boom Microphone Headset ………………………….………….22-540Call 816 241 8500 ext. 200 to order accessories.THIS RADIO COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION ISSUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT THIS DEVICE DOES NOT CAUSEHARMFUL INTERFERENCE.Your Midland model G-220 combines access to FRS (Family Radio Service)channels with operation on GMRS channels. The Family Radio Service is providedfor by the FCC and is totally license free. Use of the GMRS channels requires FCClicensing. You can use your G-220 on the FRS UHF FM band for personalcommunications at no charge. The G-220 uses maximum allowable power on FRS forrange up to 2 miles and higher power on GMRS channels to provide you with line-of-sight communications for a range up to 5 miles. Use for fishing, hunting, picnics,biking, business, or any other activity where communications are needed forconvenience or safety. The model G-220 operates on 22 channels of FRS and GMRS
4combined to provide the best in quiet and private communication. Channels 1 through7 are co-shared by FRS and GMRS users. This means that a person with a FRSunlicensed radio can talk to a person using a licensed GMRS radio on these channels.Channels 8 through 14 are exclusively FRS channels. Radios made strictly for GMRSuse do not cover these channels. Channels 15 through 22 are exclusively GMRSchannels. Radios made for FRS use do not cover these channels. Also this radio offerspower save, and auto-squelch.The model G-220 incorporates channels with 38 different CTCSS codes to providethe best in quiet communications. Also this radio offers scan, power save, and amultifunction back-lighted liquid crystal display.
5TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR G-220Due to the band of operation (462 MHz) the G-220 provides communications that arevirtually free of atmospheric interference (skip) that is common on lower frequencybands. Along with this and an antenna system that is very efficient, communicationsrange is surprisingly good. Many times the limit to maximum possible range isenvironmental factors such as blockage caused by trees, buildings, hills, or otherobstructions. If you find communication is not possible, many times this can beovercome by moving only a few feet to a new location. Range is greatly reduced whileoperating from a metal building or from a vehicle. Battery condition also affects range.The G-220 operates on rechargeable Ni-MH batteries or alkaline batteries. While thisunit has been designed with gaskets for water resistance and ruggedness it is aprecision piece of electronic equipment that should not be exposed to water orhandled carelessly. Normal care should result in years of trouble free operation. Donot leave batteries installed over a long period of time as leakage may occur, that candestroy the radio. If you experience problems operating the radio, turn off the radio,press and hold the “F” button and turn on the radio. This will cause the radio to returnto the factory settings. Always save your receipt, as it is required for warrantyconsideration. WARNINGYour wireless hand-held portable transceiver contains a lowpower transmitter. When the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button ispressed it sends out radio frequency (RF) signals. The deviceis authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50%. InAugust 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for hand-held wireless devices.To maintain compliance with the FCC’s RF exposure guidelines,this transmitter and its antenna must maintain a separationdistance of least 2 inches (5 centimeters) from your face.Speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and awayfrom the face at the required separation distance. The belt clipis for storage purposes only. DO NOT TRANSMIT WHILEUSING THE BELT CLIP. To transmit, hold the device awayfrom your body and ensure the antenna is at least 2 inches (5centimeters) from your body when transmitting.
6A 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 G-220 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.PREPARATIONBATTERIESG-220 radios operate with 4 AAA Alkaline, or Ni-MH (nickel metal hydride)batteries (optional) or at reduced transmitter power with 3 AA Alkaline, Ni-Cad(Nickel Cadmium) or Ni-MH (nickel metal hydride) batteries (optional). AlkalineAA batteries will provide about 45 hours of use, Ni-Cad batteries will provide about15 hours of use and Ni-MH batteries will provide about 24 hours of use. AlkalineAAA batteries will provide about 15 hours of use and Ni-MH batteries will provideabout 10 hours of use. The G-220 may be supplied with a wall charger. Ni-MH andNi-Cad batteries must be charged prior to use. Charge at least 10 hours with thestandard charger. DO NOT attempt to charge any type of Alkaline batteries in thisradio.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 4 AAA batteries observing the proper polarity.Alternate option: remove AAA battery adapter insert. Insert 3 AA batteriesobserving the proper polarity.3. Replace the battery cover over the batteries and fasten with the latch.Battery Indicator:The battery Condition indicator in the display will show the amount of charge of yourbatteries. Replace alkaline or recharge the Ni-MH batteries as soon as possible afterthe indicator shows 2 segments or less of the battery lit.CHARGING THE BATTERIESThe 18-383 charger and Ni-MH AAA batteries may be supplied with the radio. Thischarger is designed to recharge Ni-MH AAA batteries and AA Ni-Cad batteries only.Install the batteries observing their polarity. If you are using rechargeable batteriesand the Midland standard charger (model 18-396), plug the charger into a 115 volt
7wall socket and the charger plug into the charge jack under the cover marked “CHG”(item 11on Page 8 illustration) on the bottom of the radio or into the drop-in charger.Allow the batteries to charge 10 hours for Ni-MH AAA or Ni-Cad AA prior to use.When using a drop-in charger follow the setup instructions then simply set the radio inthe charger stand and observe that theLED on the charger is lit. The radio should be turned off while charging. Neverattempt to charge any type of Alkaline battery in this radioBELT CLIPThe G-220 comes standard with a belt clip. Attach it to the radio back by sliding thetop of the clip up over the two rectangular bosses on the back of the radio until it snapsinto place. To detach the belt clip, press the lever inside the top of the clip away fromthe radio body and slide the clip toward the bottom of the radio.!!!! The belt clip is intended for storage of the radio only (waiting for a call). Do nottransmit the radio while attached to your belt. (see warning on page 4)QUICK USE INSTRUCTIONS:Install fresh Alkaline or fully charged Ni-MH batteries.Turn the unit on by rotating the ON/OFF Volume control clockwise.The squelch is factory set and is not adjustable.Make sure the radio you want to talk to does not have the CTCSS or other codesturned on.To talk, press and hold the “PTT” (Push to Talk) button on the side of the radiomarked “PTT”. Talk into the front of the radio about 6 inches from your mouth.To listen release the “PTT” button." Other functions will be described later.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 several 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 radio to transmit, the radio will become fully on.This cycling from sleep to fully on increases the battery life more than 50%. An iconin the upper right of the display flashing “SAVE” will verify this.RANGE OF UHF RADIOSThe best range between portable UHF radios is achieved when they are operating inopen terrain outside of buildings and vehicles. Anyone using a portable unit inside avehicle will experience a significant loss of range.
8DISPLAY SYMBOLSCAUTION: DON’T EXPOSE THE DISPLAY TO EXTREME HOT ORCOLD TEMPERATURE1. Channel number: Displays channel number 1-22.2. BUSY Symbol Indicates unit is receiving a signal.3. TX Symbol Indicates unit transmitting.4. DW Symbol: Indicates Dual Watch channel selection is active.5. CTCSS Code Symbol: Indicates “CTCSS” tone is active6. Shows the “CTCSS” code you have selected. When this is on, other radios youtalk to must be set to the same code.7. SAVE Symbol: Flashes indicating battery save is active.8. Battery symbol shows the battery condition. Replace or recharge the batterieswhen this indicator is flashing.9. Musical note indicates ROGER BEEP is on.10. Key Symbol indicates when the keypad has been locked. Only the “PTT” and“CALL” buttons are active when this indicator is on.11. LOW Symbol: Indicates transmitter is in low power mode.12. SCAN indicates the normal scan mode is in use13. BEEP indicates the button press tone is active.
9FEATURES AND LOCATION OF CONTOLS 1-Up/Down Buttons 2-Monitor Button 3-Push to Talk Button5-Call Button 6-Accessory jacks 7-On/Off Volume Control 8-Enter Button9-Function Button 10-charging contacts 11-Charge JackTHE RADIO MUST NOT BE SCANNING OR TRANSMITTING AND THECONTOLS NOT LOCKED BEFORE THE CONTROLS WILL WORK PROPERLY.TURNING THE RADIO ON OR OFFRotate the ON/OFF Volume control (7) clockwise to turn the radio ON. An audibletone will indicate the radio is on. The display will go through a 1 second self test andgo to operation mode. Rotate the ON/OFF Volume control counter clockwise to turnthe radio off.LOCKING THE CONTROLSPress and hold the “MON” button (3) for about 3 seconds a beep (if enabled) will beheard and the KEY icon will be displayed. The “PTT” and the “CALL” are the onlybuttons active. If any other buttons are pressed 3 quick beeps will be heard.
10UNLOCKING THE CONTROLSPress and hold the “MON” button (3) for about 3 seconds a beep (if enabled) will beheard and the KEY icon will not be displayed.ADJUSTING THE VOLUMERotate the ON/OFF Volume control (7) clockwise to increase the volume. Rotate theON/OFF Volume control counter clockwise to decrease the volume.ADJUSTING THE SQUELCHSquelch is preset, no adjustment is available.USING THE CALL FUNCTIONPress and release the “CALL” button (5) on the side of the radio.This will cause the radio to transmit a tone to alert the other people in your group tolisten for a message.!!!! Use of the call function is discouraged if using the 22-405 or the 22-540USING THE MONITOR FUNCTION1. Press and release the “MON” button (3) on the side of the radio to open thesquelch." This allows you to over ride the squelch and the “CTCSS” tones. This isuseful to monitor the channel before you transmit to ensure there is not someoneusing the channel when you have “CTCSS” tones programmed. This is alsouseful if you suspect someone in your group does not have the proper“CTCSS” tones programmed.2. Press and release the “MON” button or wait 10 seconds to restore the squelch tonormal.TURNING ON OR OFF THE BUTTON PRESS BEEP1. Press and release the “F” button until the “BEEP” icon flashes. The display willshow “FF” or “oN” depending on the previous setting.2. Press and release the “/\” or “\/” button to change the setting.3. The setting “oN” is Beep on. The setting “FF” is Beep off.4. Press and release the “ENTER” button to return to operating mode.TURNING ON THE DISPLAY BACKLIGHTPress and release the “ENTER” button (8). A beep will be heard (if enabled). Theback-light will stay on for about 5 seconds then turn off.TURNING THE ROGER BEEP ON OR OFFRoger beep is a sound the radio transmits when you release the “PTT” button (4).
111. Press and release the “F” button until the musical note icon flashes. The displaywill show “FF” or “oN” depending on the previous setting.2. Press and release the “/\” or “\/” button to change the setting." The setting “oN” is Roger beep on. The setting “FF” is Roger beep off." The Roger beep is the same sound as the Power Up tone3. Press and release the “ENTER” button to return to operating mode.! Use of roger beep is discouraged when earphones or headsets are in use.CHOOSING HIGH OR LOW POWER TRANSMITThe G-220 has two power settings. For maximum range the transmitter is normally setto 2 watts out except for channels 8 through 14 which are restricted to low power.Low Power ( 0.5 Watts) setting is useful when battery life is critical or if you wish tominimize interference to others close to you. To choose:1. Press and release the ”F” button (9) four times, the ”LOW” icon will beginflashing in the lower center of the display.2. Press and release the “/\” or “\/” button to change the setting.3. Press and release the “ENTER” button to return to operating mode.ACTIVATING SCAN FUNCTIONSThe G-220 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.When 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 monitor the activechannel and one of the fifteen available channels.Busy Channel Scan:1. Press and release the ”F” button (9) twice, the ”SCAN” icon will begin flashingin the lower center of the display.2. Press and release the “/\” or “\/” button to activate scan. The unit will now beginscanning the active channels." Pressing the “PTT” (push to talk) button will cause the radio to stop scanningand return to normal operate mode." When you enter the “program mode” with the “F” button the radio will goback to operate mode after about 8 seconds if no buttons are pressed.Dual WatchDual watch is a function that allows you to scan the current active channel and oneother channel.1. Select the active channel.2. Press the “F” button three times until “DW” is flashing in the top of the display.
123. Select the second channel to be scanned." About 3 seconds 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.
13ACTIVATING “PRIVACY” CODESTo activate “CTCSS” codes1. Press the “F” button to cause the small 0 or the icon “CTCSS” and smallnumbers displayed in the upper left of the display to flash.2. Press and release the “/\” or “\/” buttons to select the “CTCSS” code you desire." A code of “0” 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. 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 0=OFF10=94.8 Hz 20=131.8 Hz 30=186.2 HzRESETTING 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)" This operation will reset the radio to factory settings.
14TROUBLESHOOTINGPROBLEM SOLUTIONNo Power 1. Check battery installation and/or replace batteriesCannot Receive Messages 1. Make sure the volume is set high enough.2. Confirm the radios have the same channel and orCTCSS code settings.3. Change your location, you may be out of range.4. Install batteries properly or replace.5. Buildings, obstructions, operating indoors or invehicles may interfere with communication.Change your location.6. Make sure the radio is not transmitting. This couldbe due to accessories not set properly.Range is Short 1. Operating the radio from a vehicle or from a metalbuilding will decrease the range. If possible operateoutside of vehicles 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.Interference/Static 1. Using the CTCSS should stop you from hearinginterference from other users and computers.2. Radios too close. Radios must be at least 5 feetapart.3. Radios too far apart. Obstacles interfere withtransmissions. Talk range is up to 5 miles inunobstructed, clear areas.Cannot communicate withother models of FRS orGMRS radios.1.Refer to channel frequency list on page 17 to confirmthat you are using the same frequency.2. Refer to the CTCSS tone list on page 11 to confirmthat you are using the same tone code.Radio is not responding tobutton presses 1. Make sure key lock is not on. See To lock thecontrols2. Make sure radio is not transmitting.3. Radio might need to be reset, See Resetting Radio.4. Ensure accessory microphone is set properly (seePage 12).Display is dim 1. Reposition or replace batteries.
15Charger not functioning 1. Charger pin is not properly in place. Check thatcharger is fully inserted into the jack on thebottom of the radio. If using the drop-in charger,check the contacts on the bottom of the radio theymay require cleaning.2. Ensure the outlet the charger is plugged into isfunctioning properly.3. Check that the batteries are installed in the radioproperly.4. Remove batteries from the radio and try to chargeseparately.CARE OF RECHARGEABLE BATTERIESALWAYS DISPOSE OF BATTERIES PROPERLYAlways follow the battery manufactures recommendations forCharging and disposing of Ni-MH batteries.The following is meant as general information regarding Ni-MH batteries.1. Occasionally allow the batteries to fully discharge before recharging. The batteryindicator showing less than two segments will indicate full discharge.2. Always allow the battery to fully charge before using. This requires 10 hours withthe approved charger.Note: Do not charge any type of alkaline batteries in this unit.
16SERVICE: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:1. Pack the unit in its original box and packing.2. Pack the original box in a suitable shipping carton. Improper packing will resultin damage during shipment.3. Include a photocopy of the bill of sale showing the date of purchase.4. Include a brief description of the problem you are having.5. Include a DAYTIME telephone number.6. Include a money order or Visa or Master Card credit card number for $7.50 tocover shipping and handling. No personal checks please.7. You do not need to return accessory unless they maybe directly related to theproblem.8. This information must be included before Warranty Service can be considered.Failure to include these items will delay the repair of the radio until these itemsare received.
17TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS*GENERALFrequency range.................................................................462.5625-462.725 MHzChannels...............................................................................................................22Modulation type................................................................................................. FMAntenna impedance ....................................................................................50 OhmLoud-speaker..........………..................................................................8 Ohm 0.5WMicrophone...................................................................................…electronic typePower supply.......................................... 4 AAA Ni-MH or Alkaline(4.8/6.0VDC)Alternate Power supply.............. 3 AA Ni-Cad, Ni-MH or Alkaline(3.6/4.5VDC)RECEIVERSensitivity at 12dB Sinad..............................................................................0.3 µVSelectivity........................................................................................................50 dBSquelch range...................................................................................…...AutomaticAudio output power (6.0 Volt DC power)........….0.3W @ 8 Ohm (10% distortion)Distortion at 500 mV.........................................................................................7%Audio frequency response.....................................................................400-2400 HzTRANSMITTERRF Output Power.High (Channels 1-7 & 15-22 only)……………………………… ............nominal 1000 mW @ 4.5VDC, 2 watts @ 6.0VDCRF Output Power.Low..............nominal 300 mW @ 4.5VDC, 500 mW @ 6.0VDCFrequency Tolerance................................................................................. 0.0005%Harmonic Suppression...................................................................more than 50 dBModulation......................................................................................FM +/- 4.0 kHz*Specifications are nominal and subject to changeCHANNEL FREQUENCIES (MHz)Channels1 through 7 and 15 through 22 are GMRS channels. A license isrequired for operation on these frequencies.01=462.5625 F+G 07=462.7125 F+G 13=467.6875 F 19=462.650 G02=462.5875 F+G 08=467.5625 F 14=467.7125 F 20=462.675*03=462.6125 F+G 09=467.5875 F 15=462.550 G 21=462.700 G04=462.6375 F+G 10=467.6125 F 16=462.575 G 22=462.725 G05=462.6625 F+G 11=467.6375 F 17=462.600 G06=462.6875 F+G 12=467.6625 F 18=462.625 G* GMRS emergency channel 462.675MHz.
18LIMITED WARRANTYMidland Radio Corporation 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 warranty does not include any carrying cases, earphones, or antennas,which may be a part of or included with the warranted product.Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained byreturning the warranted product, freight prepaid, along with proof of purchase date, toMidland Radio Corporation, Warranty Service Department, 1120 Clay St., KansasCity, Missouri 64116.Warranty information may be obtained by writing Midland RadioCorporation, Warranty Service Department at the above address.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 Radio Corporation1120 Clay St.N. Kansas City, MO 64116Printed in KoreaPart No. Phone: (816) 241-8500FAX: (816) 241-5713E-mail: mail@midlandradio.comURL: www.midlandradio.com

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