How To Setup the Base Station Radio

Cautions

  1. DON’T plug into power without the antenna attached.
  2. DON’T transmit without an antenna connected. Continuous operation without an antenna connected could damage the radio.
  3. DON’T allow people to touch the antenna or get within 6 feet of it while transmitting.
  4. DON’T plug/unplug antenna connections while the radio is powered.

Setup

  1. Locate area near 12v power, clear of overhead obstructions, and sheltered from rain and water.
  2. Open box, and identify main components.
    1. Radio
    2. Mic
    3. Power cables
    4. Antenna cable “coax”
    5. Antenna mag-mount base
    6. Antenna whip
  3. Use screw connector to connect antenna cable into back of radio
  4. Make sure antenna is securely screwed into the base.
  5. Place antenna mag base on a magnetic surface, the higher the better. A car roof is ideal. Place it where it won’t be within 6 feet of people during operation. Run the coax so that it won’t trip anyone or get in the way.
  6. Verify continuous secure connection between antenna and back of radio.
  7. Plug the mic into the front of the radio.
  8. Plug power cable into 12v outlet.
  9. Turn on radio. It should beep and the display should light up.

Operation

Another guide will cover specific procedures for using the radio. However, basic operation is covered here:

  1. Press the channel up/down buttons to select the channel.
  2. Press and hold the mic button to transmit. Wait a moment for the radio to begin transmitting, then speak.
  3. While speaking, hold the mic a couple of inches and to the side of your mouth. Don’t speak directly into it, this will cause “breath noise” in your transmission.
  4. Don’t transmit for an extended period (keep it under 30 seconds).
  5. Release the mic button when done transmitting.

Troubleshooting

  • If the radio does not turn on => verify the power connection is plugged in, the socket is live (turn on the vehicle ignition?), and that the radio fuse is ok.
  • If the radio turns on, but won’t receive => make sure it is tuned to the right channel, and that the antenna is connected.
  • If someone far away can’t receive transmissions, but people nearby are able to receive transmissions => check the antenna connections, and be sure that the power socket is able to supply enough power: try a different power source (different vehicle, or a direct 12V battery supply).

Tear Down

  1. Turn off the radio
  2. Unplug the power cables, and roll up the cables.
  3. Disconnect the antenna cable. Leave the short connection into the back of the radio.
  4. Remove the mag mount from its position. Coil the antenna cable, and stow the cable and antenna in the box.  The antenna may be bowed to fit in the box, but should not be bent sharply.
  5. Close the box,being careful to not catch any cables in the box lid.