Thrane and Thrane A S SP3550 UHF Transceiver User Manual SP3550
Thrane & Thrane A/S UHF Transceiver SP3550
Contents
- 1. user manual part 1
- 2. user manual part 2
- 3. user manual part 3
user manual part 1

SAILOR SP3550 UHF
USER MANUAL
i
SP3550 UHF
Document number: TT 98-124308-B
Release date: October, 2007
Copyright: © 2007 Thrane & Thrane A/S. All rights reserved.
Trademark Acknowledgements
•SAILOR is a registered trademark of Thrane & Thrane A/S.
•Other product and company names mentioned in this manual may be 
trademarks or trade names of their respective owners.
Warranty limitation
IMPORTANT - The radio is a sealed waterproof unit. To create and maintain its 
waterproof integrity it was assembled in a controlled environment using special 
equipment. The radio is not a user maintainable unit, and under no circumstances 
should the unit be opened except by authorized personnel. Unauthorized opening 
of the unit will invalidate the warranty.
Disclaimer
Any responsibility or liability for loss or damage in connection with the use of this 
product and the accompanying documentation is disclaimed by Thrane & Thrane. 
The information in this manual is provided for information purposes only, is 
subject to change without notice, may contain errors or inaccuracies, and 
represents no commitment whatsoever by Thrane & Thrane. This agreement is 
governed by the laws of Denmark.
Manuals issued by Thrane & Thrane are periodically revised and updated. Anyone 
relying on this information should satisfy himself/herself as to the most current 
version. Providers with access to Thrane & Thrane's Extranet may obtain current 
copies of manuals at: http://extranet.thrane.com. 
Thrane & Thrane is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any translations 
or reproductions, in whole or in part, of this manual from any other source.
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ii
Precautions
Avoid water and salt in the I/O connector and keep it 
clean frequently.
Only use original Thrane & Thrane battery packs. Make 
sure they are clean and dry before attaching the 
transceiver. Be careful not to damage any gaskets.
Only use the original Thrane & Thrane charger for the 
rechargeable battery.
Be very careful when handling the Lithium batteries. 
With correct use they are safe but any misuse might 
cause dangerous situations.
Never short circuit the battery terminals, never expose 
the transceiver and the batteries to extreme temperature 
or fire and never use any kind of violence.
Avoid close contact between the antenna and parts of 
the human body. The top of the antenna must never be 
closer than 2.5 cm to the body when transmitting.
Do not submerge the transceiver more than 1 m for 30 
minutes.
Keep the transceiver at least 0.3 m away from the 
magnetic compass.
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iii
Training information
SAILOR SP3550 UHF is designed for to be operated safely. It must be operated by 
licensed personnel only.
The SP3550 complies with the uncontrolled RF exposure limits. 
• FCC OET Bulletin 65 Supplement C, evaluating compliance with FCC guidelines 
for human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields.
• American National Standards Institute (C95.1) IEEE standard for safety levels 
with respect to human exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields, 
3 kHz to 300 GHz.
• American National Standards Institute (C95.3) IEEE recommended practice for 
the measurement of potentially hazardous electromagnetic fields - RF and 
microwaves.
Correct use
For best performance, hold the radio vertically and 5 cm away from the head when 
talking into the microphone.
Warning! Your Thrane & Thrane UHF radio generates 
electromagnetic RF (radio frequency) energy when 
transmitting. To ensure that you are not exposed to excessive 
amounts of energy and thus to avoid health hazards from 
excessive exposure to RF energy, all persons must be at least 
2.5 cm away from the antenna when the radio is transmitting.
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iv 0730

v
Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
Your UHF ............................................................................ 1
Performance .......................................................................2
Channels ............................................................................2
Chapter 2 Operation
Controls ..............................................................................5
Keys and buttons ................................................................5
The display .........................................................................7
Using the UHF .....................................................................8
Basic functions ...................................................................8
Other functions .................................................................. 11
Chapter 3 Batteries
Battery level indication ......................................................13
Removing and inserting the battery pack ...........................13
The battery chargers ..........................................................14
Installing the charger  ........................................................14
Recharging the battery ......................................................15
Chapter 4 Configuring the radio
Configuration mode ...........................................................17
Entering and using configuration mode .............................17
List of configuration settings ............................................. 18
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vi
Chapter 5 Equipment and accessories
External equipment .......................................................... 23
List of equipment .............................................................. 23
Connecting external equipment ........................................ 23
Impact on radio operation ................................................ 24
Accessories ...................................................................... 25
List of accessories .............................................................25
Attaching and removing the belt clip ................................ 27
Attaching the lanyard ....................................................... 27
Chapter 6 Troubleshooting
Displaying errors ..............................................................29
App. A Technical specifications
Technical data SP3550 ......................................................31
General .............................................................................31
Transmitter ....................................................................... 32
Receiver ........................................................................... 32
Battery life guidelines ...................................................... 34
Dimensional drawing, transceiver ....................................35
Dimensional drawing, chargers ....................................... 36
Declaration of Conformity ................................................. 37
App. B Attention
Goretex Membran ............................................................ 39
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Chapter 1
1
Introduction
Your UHF
The SP3550 UHF is designed for flexibility in daily 
use. It connects easily to external equipment like 
headsets and fist mikes, making the SP3550 
suitable for any noisy environment.
Main features:
Unique man machine interface, an excellent 
grip even with gloves, and large tactile 
buttons. 
Display with red adjustable backlight which 
makes the display visible even at night. 
Built-in “sleep” function, minimizing power 
consumption and improving battery lifetime.
Selectable 12.5 kHz narrow band or 25 kHz 
wide band operation. 
Scrambling function for privacy calls.
CTCSS function for selective opening of 
Squelch.
A lanyard and belt clip included.
A huge accessory program comes with the 
SAILOR SP3500 series. 
Please find the nearest SAILOR distributor on 
www.thrane.com.
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Introduction
2
Performance
For best performance of the transceiver keep the following in mind:
• Keep clear of metal environment.
• Hold the transceiver vertically and 5 cm from lips and push the PTT 
when transmitting.
• In receive mode carry the transceiver vertically with belt clips.
• To preserve battery power, adjust squelch to close the loudspeaker 
when there is no signal.
• If you are in a lifeboat keep the antenna as high as possible.
Channels
This radio is not programmed with any channels for USA and Canada.
The user have to apply at the authorities for a licens.
For Europe this radio can be programmed according to the following 
tables:
Table 1: Single frequency simplex channels (25 kHz or 12.5 kHz use)
Channel designator Frequency
Channel A 467.525 MHz
Channel B 467.550 MHz
Channel C 467.575 MHz
Channel D 457.525 MHz
Channel E 457.550 MHz
Channel F 457.575 MHz
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Introduction
3
Table 2: Additional channels for 12.5 kHz equipment
Table 3: Two-frequency simplex channels for use with repeater only
Channel designator Frequency
Channel M 467.5375 MHz
Channel N 467.5625 MHz
Channel O 457.5375 MHz
Channel P 457.5625 MHz
Channel designator Repeater RX Frequency Repeater TX Frequency
Channel G 467.525 MHz 457.525 MHz
Channel H 467.550 MHz 457.550 MHz
Channel J 467.575 MHz 457.575 MHz
Channel K 467.5375 MHz 457.5375 MHz
Channel L 467.5625 MHz 457.5625 MHz
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Introduction
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Chapter 2
5
Operation
Controls
Keys and buttons
1. On/off/volume
2. Light/Lock
3. Push To Talk (PTT)
4. Up key
5. Down key
6. Hi/Lo output power
7. Squelch
8. Scan
9. D/P0 quick channel select
10. Loudspeaker/microphone 
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
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Operation
6
Key presses
Pressing and holding certain keys gives access to additional functions, 
shown in the table below.
Key Short press 
(1 beep)
Long press
(2 beeps)
Extra long 
press 
(3 beeps)
Show next available 
item in the list (up or 
down).
Default: Channel 
selection
Run through available 
items, or 
select tagged channels 
P1 (T) or P2 (S).
Run through 
available 
items if an P1 
or P2 channel 
is tagged
Activate Squelch 
control (Adjust with 
up/down arrows).
Monitor function. Open 
Squelch completely. 
Set period of time in 
configuration mode.
1 press: Activate/
terminate Dual watch.
2 presses: Activate 
memory scan. 
Add/Delete channel 
from memory scan.
Toggle between high 
and low transmitter 
power.
Select channel D. Select preprogrammed 
channel P0.
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Operation
7
The display
The display holds various fields of information, explained below.
1. Current working channel.
2. “Lo”: Reduced transmitter power. 
Full transmitter power is not shown in display.
3. Dual watch activated.
4. Current working channel is marked for scanning.
5. Keypad is locked.
6. Battery level indicator.
7. Transmitting (TX) /Receiving (RX).
8. Accessory is connected.
9. Service line for various purposes. In this example the volume level.
10. Semi-duplex channel.
1
2
345
6
7
8
9
10
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Operation
8
Using the UHF
Basic functions
Switching the radio on and off
•To switch the radio on, turn the knob at the top 
of the radio clockwise. 
The display lights up showing the last used 
channel and the battery level.
•To switch the radio off, Turn the knob back 
counter-clockwise until it clicks.
Selecting the working channel
• To select channel D, press the D/P0 key.
• To select among all available channels, press S or T on the keypad. 
For fast selection, press and hold S or T. 
The display shows the currently selected channel. The bottom left corner 
of the display shows “Dup” if the channel is a semi-duplex channel.
Note Before using the radio, mount the antenna at the top of the 
radio. The antenna is delivered with the radio. 
Note Long press on S or T can also be used to select preferred 
channels. For information on how to program preferred 
channels, see 
Configuring the radio
 on page 17.
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Operation
9
Activating a call
To activate a call to the selected channel, press and 
hold the PTT button on the side of the radio.
The radio transmits as long as the PTT button is 
pressed. A small Tx sign next to the channel num-
ber indicates when the radio is in transmit mode.
Adjusting the volume
•To increase the volume, turn the on/off knob at the top of the radio 
clockwise.
•To decrease the volume, turn the knob counter-clockwise.
The display shows the level of the volume, e.g. “VOL 5”, while it is 
adjusted. 
Using Squelch control
•To activate Squelch control, press the SQ key.
•To set the Squelch level, press S (closing) or T (opening). The 
display shows the Squelch level while it is adjusted, e.g. “SQ 5”.
Adjusting the display backlight
•To turn on the backlight, press the 
Light/Lock button on the side of the radio.
•To adjust the backlight level, press S or T 
within 3 seconds after turning on the light.
The display shows the level while it is 
adjusted, e.g. “DIM MED”.
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Operation
10
Using Dual watch (requires priority channel is programmed)
•To activate Dual watch, press the SCN key.
The display shows “Dual” at the top and “D” at the bottom right. 
The radio toggles between the selected channel and channel D (if 
channel D is programmed as the priority channel).
•To terminate Dual watch, press SCN again.
Scanning channels
•To activate scanning memory, press 2 times SCN within ½ a second. 
During scanning, the display shows “SC” in the channel field. The 
radio toggles between channel D and each of the channels are 
marked for scanning (only if a priority channel, e.g. D was 
programmed).
•To terminate scanning, press SCN once.
Changing the transmitter power
To change the transmitter power, press the Hi/Lo key. The display shows 
“Lo” when power is set to low. Otherwise maximum power is used.
Locking the keypad
•To lock the keypad, press and hold the Light/Lock button. The display 
shows a key symbol when the keypad is locked.
•To unlock the keypad, press and hold the Light/Lock button again.
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Operation
11
Other functions
Programming the scanning memory
To add a channel to the scanning memory, select the channel and then 
press and hold the SCN key until the display shows MEM at the top.
To remove a channel from the scanning memory, select the channel and 
then press and hold the SCN key until the MEM sign disappears from the 
display.
Low power operation
The radio can be operated in low power mode. In this mode battery life 
time is dramatically increased. Up to the first second of a received call 
might be lost if this mode is selected. Refer to 
SLEEP
 on page 18.
Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System
On channels where it is allowed, you can set up selective squelch 
opening by sub-tone detection (CTCSS), using the configuration mode 
(see 
CTCSS
 on page 21). Please note that if the radio is operating with 
CTCSS on a channel, it is impossible to receive a normal signal on that 
channel. For this reason, be very careful not to use CTCSS programmed 
channels in emergency situations. Channels programmed with CTCSS will 
have a clear identification in the service field, e.g. "CTCSS 22", while 
selected. Not all channels are allowed for CTCSS use. 
For maritime channels CTCSS is automatically disabled when 
•Product is turned off 
• A new channel is selected
For private channels, the feature will remain until manually removed.
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Operation
12
Scrambler
On channels where it is allowed, you can set up voice scrambling, using 
configuration mode (see 
SCRM
 on page 22). 
Please note that if the radio is operating with scrambling on a channel, it 
is impossible to communicate with other radios that are not programmed 
with the same scrambler code. For this reason, be very careful not to use 
scrambled channels in emergency situations. Scrambled channels will 
have a clear identification in the service field, e.g. "SCRM 3", while 
selected. Not all regions allow the use of voice scrambling.
For maritime channels scrambling is automatically disabled when
• Product is turned off 
• A new channel is selected
For private channels, scrambling will remain until manually removed.
Narrow band operation
The radio is prepared for narrow band operation. (see 
BAND
 on page 22).
Narrow band configuration is indicated with an “n” next to the channel 
designator.
Note Prior to any initiation of scrambling, the operator must always 
identify the calling station in clear voice (unscrambled) on that 
channel. Use of scrambling may also be restricted by national 
laws.
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Chapter 3
13
Batteries
Battery level indication
When the battery level is low, you should recharge the battery.
The radio display shows the battery 
status. When the battery symbol is empty 
and flashing, the battery should be 
recharged as soon as possible. 
Removing and inserting the battery pack
To remove the battery pack, do as follows:
1. Open the safety lock as shown.
2. Remove the battery.
To insert the battery pack, attach the battery 
and then close the safety lock.
1
2
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Batteries
14
The battery chargers
The chargers has two compartments.
CH3507 
•A rear compartment only for 
storing a spare battery. It does not 
have a charger function. 
• A front compartment for 
recharging the battery alone or 
while attached to the radio.
CH3508
• It is possible to charge a battery in 
rear compartment simultaneously 
with the radio/battery in front.
Installing the charger
Mounting the charger
There are several options for 
mounting one or more chargers on a 
table or a wall. 
For information on dimensions and 
screw positions, refer to 
Dimensional 
drawing, charger
 on page 36.
When mounting the charger, make 
sure it is placed in a dry place and 
away from direct sunlight. The 
charger is not waterproof.
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Batteries
15
Connecting to power
The charger can be supplied from DC or from AC using an AC/DC 
converter.
DC: Connect the 12-24VDC Connection Cable between the DC supply and 
the connector on the underside of the charger. 
AC: Connect the AC/DC converter to the connector on the underside of the 
charger. Then connect the AC/DC converter to the AC outlet.
Recharging the battery
To recharge the battery, place the radio1 with battery or the battery alone 
in the front position of the charger cradle.
The light indicators on the charger cradle show the status as follows:
• Green light: Power is connected to the charger.
• Slow red flash: Charging in progress.
• Quick red flash (twice per second): Charging error, e.g. battery defect 
or temperature out of range.
• Steady red light: Charging completed. Trickle charge mode.
Charging time with emtpy battery: UHF off 
approx. 4 hours, UHF on: approx. 5 hours.
The battery indicator on the radio display 
indicates if the radio is placed in the 
charger while radio and charger are both 
powered.
1. The radio may be left on or it may be switched off during the recharge 
process
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Batteries
16 0730

Chapter 4
17
Configuring the radio
Configuration mode
Entering and using configuration mode
•To enter configuration mode, press and hold the Light/Lock button 
while turning on the radio.
The bottom line of the display shows the current menu item/setting.
•To exit configuration mode, turn off the radio or press any key except 
S, T and the Light/Lock button.
Using the PTT button or leaving the radio inactive for 10 seconds also 
causes the radio to exit configuration mode.
•To change a setting, press S or T.
•To confirm the current setting and go to the next menu item, press the 
Light/Lock button.
Note The radio is not operational in configuration mode.
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Configuring the radio
18
List of configuration settings
The following settings are available in configuration mode.
Name Values Description
LIGHT MAN Only Light/Lock button activates the backlight.
KEY All keys and buttons, except PTT and volume 
control, activate the backlight.
BEEP MAX Status click/beep sound on key press, long 
press (settings/programming saved) and 
battery alarm. Maximum level.
MIN Status click/beep sound on key press, long 
press (settings/programming saved) and 
battery alarm. Minimum level.
OFF All beeps off.
VER X.XX.XX Software version. Read-only.
BAT X.XX Battery voltage (V). Read-only.
TEMP XX.X Temperature (°C). Read-only.
SLEEP ON Enable sleep mode (to minimize power 
consumption).
Sleeps for periods of 1 second after 15 seconds 
of idle mode. Idle mode is: no signal detected 
and no operation of the radio.
OFF Disable sleep mode.
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Configuring the radio
19
CONTRST 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Contrast. 
1 = lowest and 5 = highest.
SHANG OFF Off. Resumes scanning when signal 
disappears.
4, 6, 8, 10 Scan hang time (in seconds) on an active 
receiving working channel. The time is 
measured from signal detected - remains on 
channel even if signal disappears.
RESCN OFF Automatic resume deactivated.
3, 6, 10, 
15, 20, 25, 
30
Scanning/watch can be automatically resumed 
after this time (seconds) if previously 
terminated with PTT.
SQ TIME A long press on SQ opens squelch. The squelch 
level resumes to setting 3 seconds after SQ is 
released.
MAN A long press on SQ opens squelch. The squelch 
level resumes to setting as soon SQ is 
released.
WORK ON If the default channel D is selected using the 
D/P0 key, any push on S or T will select the 
working channel active before D/P0 was 
pushed.
OFF If on a distress or call channel, any push on  
S or T will select the channel next to the 
displayed channel.
Name Values Description
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Configuring the radio
20
P0 OFF Remove tag “P0” for current working channel.
ON Tag current working channel with “P0”. If 
another channel was previously tagged “P0”, 
this is overruled.
• The working channel can now be selected 
with a long press on “D/P0”.
P1 OFF Remove tag “P1” for current working channel.
ON Tag current working channel with “P1”. If 
another channel was previously tagged “P1”, 
this is overruled.
• The working channel can now be selected 
with a long press on T.
P2 OFF Remove tag “B” for current working channel.
ON Tag current working channel with “P2”. If 
another channel was previously tagged “P2”, 
this is overruled.
• The working channel can now be selected 
with a long press on S.
Name Values Description
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Configuring the radio
21
SUBC OFF SUBC disabled. Squelch opens on all received 
signals.
1, 2, ..., 38 Sub-tone carrier ID. 
Squelch opens if the received signal contains 
the desired subtone. During transmission the 
sub-tone with the corresponding ID is 
generated.
Two radios on the same channel and with the 
same sub-tone ID, can reduce unwanted 
incoming traffic from other users on the same 
channel.
CTCSS OFF CTCSS disabled.
ON Activate CTCSS on working channel. Two 
radios on the same channel and with SUBC 
enabled, can have a certain level of privacy.
Note that if you choose this option, the radio 
immediately exits configuration mode and 
starts CTCSS on the working channel.
GROUP SEL Selective Mode. Squelch opens only if the 
programmed sub-tone is received in the 
signal.
ANY Squelch opens on reception of any of the 38 
sub-tones.
Name Values Description
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Configuring the radio
22
SCODE OFF No scrambler code is assigned to the channel 
(selecting “ON” in the SCRM setting will have 
no effect).
1, 2, 3, 4, 
5, CC
A selection between 5 fixed sets of scrambler 
characteristics, and a custom code (CC), can be 
assigned to the channel.
Note that the custom code can be defined in 
the service interface.
SCRM OFF Scrambler disabled.
ON Activate scrambling on working channel. Two 
radios on the same channel and with 
scrambling enabled, can have a certain level of 
privacy.
Note that if you choose this option, the radio 
immediately exits configuration mode and 
starts scrambling on the working channel.
BAND 25.0 Wide band operation selected.
12.5 Narrow band operation selected.
Name Values Description
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Chapter 5
23
Equipment and accessories
External equipment
List of equipment
The following equipment can be connected to the radio:
• SAVOX 400E Push-To Talk unit
• SAVOX C500 Fist Mike
• SAVOX NC/400 Noise-com
• SAVOX HC-E Helmet-com
• SAVOX K53004 Helmet unit
• Peltor MT7H79 Headset
We recommend to remove all accessories during emergency use.
All accessories listed might be used when body worn.
Connecting external equipment
Connect the dedicated interface cable between the external equipment 
and the top connector on the radio.
Interface cable Order number
For SAVOX 400E 403500-940
For SAVOX C500 403500-950
For Peltor FL5061     403500-951
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Equipment and accessories
24
When external equipment is connected 
to the radio, the right side of the display 
will show a headset.
Impact on radio operation
The external equipment can have a built-in PTT, speaker and 
microphone. Thus connecting it to the radio will have the following 
impact on the radio operation:
• If a microphone is built into the detected external equipment, the 
external equipment microphone is used, and the internal radio 
microphone is disabled.
• If a speaker or earpiece is built into the detected external equipment, 
the external equipment sound device is used, and the internal radio 
speaker is disabled.
• If a PTT or VOX is built into the detected external equipment, the 
external equipment PTT control is used, and the radio PTT button is 
disabled.
Accessorie connector
Pin 1. Loudspeaker,
minimum 8 ohm impedance.
Pin 2. Accessory power,
5V maximum 0.03A.
Pin 3. Microphone input,
Ri = 2.2kohm, 3V phantom power.
Pin 4. GND.
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Equipment and accessories
25
Accessories
List of accessories
The following accessories are delivered with your radio:
Batteries, charger, AC/DC Converter and 12VDC Connection are described 
in 
Batteries
 on page 13
.
To mount the antenna, simply screw it into the threaded bush at the top 
of the radio.
Use of lanyard is only for hand held operation. Put it around the wrist to 
prevent dropping the radio.
Accessory Part number
Rechargeable battery, B3502 403502A
Charger, CH3507 403507A
AC/DC converter, length 150cm  (100-240V~ /12VDC out) 88-125538
12-24VDC Connection cable, length 150cm 37-124381
Belt clip 62-124320
Antenna 88-125662
Lanyard 41-124375
SP3550 User Manual (this manual) 98-124308
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