Midland Radio GXT555 FRS/ GMRS Combination User Manual GXT555 Owner s Manual qxp
Midland Radio Corporation FRS/ GMRS Combination GXT555 Owner s Manual qxp
users manual
Model GXT555
Page 2 www.midlandradio.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2
Introduction 3
Important Notice, FCC Licensing 4
LCD Display 5
Controls 5
Battery Installation 6
Installing the Belt Clip 6
Charging the Optional Battery Pack 7
Operating Your Radio 8 - 10
External Speaker/Microphone Jack 10
Troubleshooting Guide 11
Use and Care 11
Specifications and Frequency Charts 12
Warranty Information 13
MIDLAND Family Products 14
Accessories 14
Accessories Order Form 15
Page 3 www.midlandradio.com
Welcome to the world of Midland electronics
Congratulations on your purchase of a high quality MIDLAND product.
Your 2-way radio represents the state-of-the-art in high-tech
engineering. Designed for GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service)
operation, this compact package is big in performance. It is a quality
piece of electronic equipment, skillfully constructed with the finest
components. The circuitry is all solid-state and mounted on a rugged
printed circuit board. Your two-way radio is designed for reliable and
trouble-free performance for years to come.
Features
- 22 GMRS/FRS Channel
- eVOX
- Silent Operation
- Power High / Power Low Settings
- Speaker / Microphone Jacks
- Battery Low Indicator
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to
the following two conditions : (1) this device does not cause harmful
interference, and (2) this radio must accept any interference that may cause
undesired operation.
To maintain compliance with FCC’s RF exposure guidelines, for body-worn
operation, this radio has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure
guidelines when used with Midland Radio Corp. accessories supplied or
designated for this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure
compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines. (Tested with Headset Model:
AVP-1)
Model GXT555
Page 4 www.midlandradio.com
IMPORTANT NOTICE, FCC LICENSE REQUIRED FOR GMRS OPERATION
The GXT555 operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies
which require an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license. You must
be licensed prior to operating on channels 1 - 7 or 15 - 22, which comprise the
GMRS channels of the GXT555. Serious penalties could result for unlicensed
use of GMRS channels, in violation of FCC rules, as stipulated in the
Communications Act's Sections 501 and 502 (amended).
You will be issued a call sign by the FCC which should be used for station
identification when operating the radio on GMRS channels. You should also
cooperate by engaging in permissible transmissions only, avoiding channel
interference with other GMRS users, and being prudent with the length of their
transmission time.
To obtain a license or ask questions about the license application, contact the
FCC at 1-888-CALL FCC or go to the FCC's website:
www.fcc.gov/services/personal/generalmobile/licensing.html
Exposure To Radio Frequency Energy
Your Midland radio is designed to comply with the following national and
international standards and guidelines regarding exposure of human being to
radio frequency electromagnetic energy:
- United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal
Regulations: 47 CFR part 2 sub-part J
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical &
Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1992
- Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE) C95. 1-1999 Edition
- National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) of the
United States, Report 86, 1986
- International Commission on Non-lonizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP)
1998
To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the general population
or uncontrolled environment exposure limits, transmit no more than 50% of the
time. The radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when
transmitting.
Model GXT555
Page 5 www.midlandradio.com
CONTROLS
LCD DISPLAY
1. LOW BATTERY ICON – Indicates the
battery level is low.
2. eVOX – Indicates when eVOX mode is
active.
3. CHANNEL NUMBER – Changes from
1~22 on GMRS/FRS band .
4. RECEIVE (RX) ICON – Indicates radio
is receiving a transmission.
5. TRANSMIT (TX) ICON – Indicates
radio is transmitting a signal.
6. TRANSMIT POWER LEVEL ICON –
Indicates TX Power setting (H/L).
7. POWER/VOLUME KNOB – Turn clock
wise to turn the power on and increase
the volume level. Turn counter-clockwise
to decrease the volume level and turn
the power off.
8. PTT Button – Press and hold to transmit
voice communication.
9. TX POWER HI/LO Button – Press to
toggle between HI and LO TX Power
setting.
10. MIC – Built-in microphone.
11. SPEAKER – Built-in speaker.
12. ANTENNA.
13. EXTERNAL SPEAKER/MIC JACK.
14. MENU Button – Press to access Menu
mode.
15. eVOX Button – Press to activate
/ deactivate the eVOX function.
16. UP and DOWN Button – Make
adjustments in MENU mode.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
16
15
14
13
12
Model GXT555
Page 6 www.midlandradio.com
BATTERY INSTALLATION
Your GXT555 radio operates with either 4 AA alkaline batteries or an
optional NiMH battery pack. The belt clip should be removed (see
below) to ease installation or removal of the batteries.
To install the batteries:
1. With the back of the radio facing you, remove the belt clip (see
diagram below) for easy access, then remove the Battery Cover
by pressing down on the top center and sliding it down from the
radio.
2. Insert 4 AA batteries observing the polarity as shown. Installing
the batteries incorrectly will prevent the unit from operating or
may damage the unit.
3. Return the Battery Cover by sliding it up on the radio. Replace the
belt clip, making sure it locks into place.
BATTERY
COMPARTMENT
BATTERY
COMPARTMENT
COVER
One Battery inserted
in this slot
Press here and
push down to open
Model GXT555
INSTALLING THE BELT CLIP
To install the BELT CLIP, slide the clip down into the slot on the back
of the radio until the BELT CLIP LATCH clicks. To remove the BELT
CLIP, press the LOCK TAB down , then gently pull the belt clip up
toward the top of the radio.
Page 7 www.midlandradio.com
CHARGING THE OPTIONAL BATTERY PACK
Your GXT555 is equipped for using an optional rechargeable NiMH
battery pack (not included) which can be recharged using a desktop
charger (not included). Initial charge time is 24 hours with a charge
time of 12 hours thereafter. For maximum battery life, we recommend
charging the battery pack when the low battery icon comes on.
Remove the radios from the charger when the charge time expires.
To charge using a Desktop Charger:
1. Place the rechargeable battery packs in the radios.
2. Connect the AC adapter into an AC wall outlet.
3. Insert the AC adapter plug (or DC Cigarette Lighter adapter if
charging in vehicle) into the desktop charger jack.
4. Place the units into the desktop charger slot and note that the LED
indicator with RED color will light up, indicating charging function.
In order to ensure that the battery pack is fully charged, it is
recommended that the battery pack be charged for at least 12
hours.
1. Only use our NiMH battery pack.
2. Do not attempt to charge alkaline batteries or any batteries
or battery packs other than the one indicated in the manual.
This may cause leakage and damage to the radio.
3. For long term storage of the radio, turn the radio OFF and
remove the batteries from the radio.
LOW BATTERY LEVEL INDICATOR
Your GXT555 has a LOW BATTERY ICON which will only
appear on the LCD display if the battery voltage level is low. At this
point, the battery needs to be charged for at least 12hrs.
Model GXT555
!
POWER ON/OFF AND VOLUME
Rotate the POWER/VOLUME knob clockwise to turn the radio on and
increase the volume level. Rotate the control counter-clockwise to
reduce the volume level and to turn the radio off. During Power On,
the radio will beep 3 times with different tones, the LCD will display a
“self-test” message for 1 second and the LCD display will indicate the
last channel selected.
TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING A CALL
To communicate, all radios in your group must be set to the same
channel.
1. For maximum clarity, hold the radio 2 to 3 inches from your mouth.
2. Press and hold the PTT button and speak in a normal voice
into the microphone. The TX icon will appear continuously
on the LCD Display while transmitting.
3. To receive a call, release the PTT button. The RX icon will
appear on the display when your radio is receiving a transmission.
ABOUT RANGE
Your GXT555 radios are designed to give you maximum range under
optimum conditions.
Optimum Conditions are:
lOver water
lOpen rural areas without obstructions
lFlat areas where you can see the other person
To ensure you get maximum range:
lBe sure to use fresh or fully charged batteries - low batteries will
cause low power conditions
lBe sure you are on a GMRS channel - FRS channels are
restricted by the FCC to low power
lBe sure to set your radio to use Hi power.
Page 8 www.midlandradio.com
OPERATING YOUR RADIO
Model GXT555
Page 9 www.midlandradio.com
GXT555 QUICK REFERENCE CHART
Model GXT555
MENU Channel
1~22
Silent Operation
On/Off
DISPLAY ILLUMINATION
During Power on, the display illumination will activate for approx. 7
seconds. The display illumination can also be activated when the
MENU button is pressed.
CHANNEL SELECTION (GMRS/FRS BAND)
Press the MENU button once, and then the buttons to select one
of the 22 GMRS/FRS channels. To confirm the selection, press the
PTT button or press the MENU button again to move to the next
feature setting.
TRANSMIT (TX) POWER LEVEL SELECTION :
Your GXT555 has 2 transmit power levels . To select the power level
on channels 1~7 and 15~22, press the TX POWER HI/LO button and
the TRANSMIT POWER LEVEL ICON will toggle between HI and LO
setting.
Note : You cannot adjust the power setting on the FRS
channels (8~14). They are set to Low power per FCC
regulations.
!
Page 10 www.midlandradio.com
eVOX (Hands-free Transmission)
Your GXT555 has eVOX (hands-free transmission) function.
To turn eVOX on, press the eVOX button . The display shows “VOX”
on the upper left corner of the display.
To turn eVOX off, press the eVOX button . The “VOX” on the upper left
corner of the display will disappear.
SILENT OPERATION
Your GXT555 has a SILENT OPERATION mode. In this mode, all
“beeps” and “tones” are disabled.
To turn the SILENT OPERATION mode on, press the MENU button
twice and a “bo” icon appears on the display. Select “bF” by pressing
the buttons and push the PTT key, or press MENU button to exit.
To turn the SILENT OPERATION mode off, press the MENU button
twice and a “bF” icon appears on the display. Select “bo” by pressing
the buttons and push the PTT key, or press MENU button to exit.
EXTERNAL SPEAKER/MICROPHONE JACK :
Your GXT555 can be used with an optional external speaker / micro-
phone or headset, freeing your hands for other tasks. To use an
optional speaker / microphone or headset:
lInsert the plug(s) into the SPK/MIC jacks
lPlace the earbud into your ear, and adjust the
mic into your desired position.
Model GXT555
Page 11 www.midlandradio.com
PROBLEM SOLUTION
No Power - Check battery installation and/or replace batteries
Cannot Receive
Messages - Confirm the radios have the same channel.
- Make sure that you are within range of the other
transceivers.
- Buildings and other structures may interfere with
your communication.
(See ABOUT RANGE on Page 8)
Radio is not responding
to button presses - Radio might need to be reset. Turn radio off then
on.
- Ensure accessory microphone is set properly
Display is dim - Recharge or replace batteries.
Charger not functioning - Contacts on the back of the radio may require
cleaning.
- Ensure the outlet where the charger is plugged
into is functioning properly.
- Check that the battery pack is installed in the
radio properly.
USE AND CARE :
1. Use a soft damp cloth to clean the radio
2. Do not use alcohol or cleaning solutions to clean the radio.
3. Do not immerse the radio in water.
4. Dry the radio with dry lint-free cloth should it get wet.
5. Turn off the radio and remove the batteries during long-term
storage.
If you have a problem which you believe requires service, please
call first and speak with a service technician. Many problems can
be remedied over the phone without returning the unit for
service.
Model GXT555
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Page 12 www.midlandradio.com
SPECIFICATIONS
Channels 22 GMRS/FRS Channels
Operating Frequency UHF 462.5500 ~ 467.7125 MHz
Power Source 4 AA Alkaline or 6.0V Rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack
GMRS/FRS FREQUENCY CHART (MHz)
CH. No CH. Freq. CH. No CH. Freq. CH. No CH. Freq.
1 462.5625 9 467.5875 17 462.6000
2 462.5875 10 467.6125 18 462.6250
3 462.6125 11 467.6375 19 462.6500
4 462.6375 12 467.6625 20 462.6750
5 462.6625 13 467.6875 21 462.7000
6 462.6875 14 467.7125 22 462.7250
7 462.7125 15 462.5500
8 467.5625 16 462.5750
* Channels 8~14 are low-power FRS license free channels
Model GXT555
Page 13 www.midlandradio.com
LIMITED WARRANTY
Midland Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option without
charge, any Midland FRS/GMRS transceiver which fails due to a
defect in material or workmanship within Three Years following the
initial consumer purchase. This warranty does not apply to water
damage, battery leak or abuse.
This warranty does not include any carrying cases, earphones, or
antennas, which may be a part of or included with the warranted
product, or the cost of labor for removal or re-installation of the
product in a vehicle or other mounting.
Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by
returning the warranted product, freight prepaid, along with proof of
purchase to:
Midland Radio Corporation
Warranty Service Department
1120 Clay Street
North Kansas City, MO 64116
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have
other rights, which vary from state to state.
Note : The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased in
the United States of America or any of the territories or possessions
thereof, or from a U.S. Military exchange.
Midland Radio Corporation
1120 Clay Street
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Tel: (816) 241-8500
E-mail: mail@midlandradio.com
URL: www.midlandradio.com
Model GXT555
Page 14 www.midlandradio.com
Model GXT555
ACCESSORIES
Accessories can be purchased at www.midlandradio.com or fill in
the form on the following page and mail it to our address.
AVP-1
AVP-4
- 2 Over the Ear Mic.
Headsets w/ PTT
- $19.95
- 1 Dual Desk Charger
- 2 Rechargeable battery packs
- 1 AC Adapter
- 1 DC Cigarette lighter adapter
- $39.95
Model GXT555
Page 15 www.midlandradio.com
Please send Money Order or fill in Visa/MasterCard information and
mail to the address below. Please DO NOT send cash or checks.
Make Money Order to Midland Radio Corporation.
Name: _____________________________________________________
Address: ___________________________________________________
City: _____________________ State _____Zip Code _____________
Tel: ______________________ email: ___________________________
CC# _____________________ Type: __________ Exp. ____________
ACCESSORIES ORDER FORM
Qty Item Price Total
AVP-1 $19.95
AVP-4 $39.95
Mail To:
Midland Radio Corporation
Consumer. Dept.
1120 Clay St.
N. Kansas City MO 64116
----------------
Or Call 816.241.8500.
----------------
To order online go to
www.midlandradio.com
Sub-Total ___________
Tax (MO, CO, IL, FL only) ___________
S & H (U.S. only) _____ $14.95
Total $___________
Page 16 www.midlandradio.com
MIDLAND RADIO CORPORATION
1120 Clay St.
N. Kansas City MO 64116
Call 816.241.8500
visit us at http://www.midlandradio.com
Note: Features & Specifications are subject to change without notice.
MIDLAND is not responsible for unintentional errors or omissions on its
packaging.
Model GXT555
Rev 3