Portable Radio Operation and EME Exposure
Antenna Care
Use only the supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas,
modifications, or attachments could damage the radio and may
violate FCC regulations.
Do NOT hold the antenna when the radio is “IN USE.” Holding
the antenna affects the effective range.
Body-Worn Operation
To maintain compliances with FCC/Health Canada RF exposure
guidelines, if you wear a radio on your body when transmitting,
always place the radio in a Olympia-supplied or approved clip,
holder, holster, case or body harness for this product. Use of
non-Olympia-approved accessories may exceed FCC/Health
Canada RF exposure guidelines.
If you do not use one of the Olympia-supplied or approved
body-worn accessories and are not using the radio held in the
normal use position,
ensure the radio and its antenna are at
least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from your body when transmitting.
Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility
Note:
Nearly every electronic device is susceptible to
electromagnetic interference (EMI) if inadequately shielded,
designed or otherwise configured for electromagnetic
compatibility. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1. This device may not cause harmful interference; and
2. This device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Facilities
To avoid electromagnetic interference and/or compatibility
conflicts, turn off the radio in any facility where posted notices
instruct you to do so. Hospitals, health care facilities or
Airports may be using equipment that is sensitive to external
RF energy.
Aircraft
When instructed to do so, turn off the radio when onboard
on aircraft. Any use of a radio must be in accordance with
applicable regulations per airline crew instructions.
Medical Devices – Pacemakers
The Advanced Medical Technology Association recommends
that a minimum separation of 6 inches (15 cm) be maintained
between a handheld wireless radio and a pacemaker. These
recommendations are consistent with the independent
research by and recommendations of the U.S. Food and Drug
Administration.
People with pacemakers should:
• ALWAYS keep the radio more than 6 inches (15 cm) from
their pacemaker when the radio is turned ON.
• Not carry the radio in the breast pocket.
• Use the ear opposite the pacemaker to minimize the
potential for interference.
• Turn the radio OFF immediately if there is any reason to
suspect that interference is taking place.
Medical Devices – Hearing Aids
Some digital wireless radios may interfere with some hearing
aids. In the event of such interference, you may want to consult
your hearing aid manufacturer to discuss alternatives.
Medical Devices - Other
If you use any other personal medical device, consult the
manufacturer of your device to determine if it is adequately
shielded from RF energy. Your physician may be able to assist
you in obtaining this information.
Safety and General Use While Driving
Check the laws and regulations regarding the use of radios in
the area where you drive, and always obey them. If you do use
the radio while driving, please:
• Give full attention to driving and to the road
• Use hands-free operation, if available
• Pull off the road and park before making or answering a call
if driving conditions so require
Do not place a portable radio in the area over an air bag or in
the air bag deployment area. Air bags inflate with great force.
If a portable radio is placed in the air bag deployment area and
the air bag inflates, the radio may be propelled with great force
and cause serious injury to occupants of the vehicle.
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
Turn off the radio prior to entering any area with a potentially
explosive atmosphere. Only radio types that are especially
qualified should be used in such areas as “Intrinsically Safe.”
Do not remove, install or charge batteries in such areas.
Two-Way Radio
R300 Series
Owner’s Manual
Olympia 2-Way radios are intended for recreational
(consumer) use only and are not intended for business use.
Olympia offers an alternate product designed specifically for
business use - Olympia P324 Business radio. See below for
contact information.
For a list of accessories sold, please contact us.
Contact Us
For further information, call Giant International Ltd. at
1-866-537-0384, e-mail us at [email protected] or visit us
on the Internet at www.olympiaproducts.com
Getting Started
Waterproof
This radio is waterproof to IP-54 standards. It is dust/
splashproof from any direction. The radio is resistant to
water and rain splashes only when the battery cover, headset
accessory and micro-USB ports are sealed. Open the battery
compartment door or headset port cover only when the radio is
dry. Use of a headset accessory should be in dry environments
only. The micro-USB cable and plug is not waterproof. Do not
expose the charger to rain or snow. Charge the radios only in
a dry location. The battery door must be tightly closed with the
screw to maintain the weatherproof seal of the radio.
Installing NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack or AA Alkaline
Batteries
1. Turn the radio off. Ensure that the belt clip is not attached to
the radio.
2. With the back of the radio facing you, loosen the retaining
screw on the battery door and open the cover.
3. Remove the NiMH battery pack from the clear plastic bag
(do not disassemble or unwrap the battery pack) or remove
AA batteries from its packaging.
4. Insert the NiMH battery pack with the diagram facing you or
insert the three AA alkaline batteries with + and - polarity as
shown inside the battery compartment. (The ribbon should
be underneath the battery pack and should wrap around the
right side of the pack for easy removal.)
5. Close the battery cover and tighten the retaining screw on
the battery door.
Radio Battery Meter
The radio battery icon shows the battery charge level, from
full
to empty
. When the radio has one segment left
, the radio chirps periodically or after releasing
or
.
(see Low Battery Alert section)
Removing the NiMH Battery Pack or AA Alkaline Batteries
1. With the radio off. Ensure that the belt clip is not attached
to the radio.
2. With the back of the radio facing you, lift the battery latch up
to release the battery cover and remove the cover.
R300 series
Safety and General Information
Warning:
This manual contains important safety and operating
information.
Please read, understand, and follow the instructions in this
manual. Failure to do so could result in personal injury, death,
and/or damage to the radio, accessories and/or other property.
Transmit and Receive Procedure
The Two-Way radio contains a transmitter and a receiver. To
control your exposure and ensure compliance with the general
population/uncontrolled environment exposure limits, always
adhere to the following procedure:
• Transmit no more than 50% of the time.
• To receive calls, release the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button.
• To transmit (talk), press the PTT button.
Transmitting 50% of the time, or less, is important because the
radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when
transmitting (in terms of measuring standards compliance).
Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy
The Olympia Two-Way radio complies with the following RF
energy exposure standards and guidelines:
• United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of
Federal Regulations; 47CFR part 2 sub-part J.
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of
Electrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE) C95. 1-1992.
• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95.1-
1999 Edition.
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation
Protection (ICNIRP) 1998.
• Ministry of Health (Canada) Safety Code 6. Limits of Human
Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields in the
Frequency Range from 3 KHz to 300 GHz, 1999.
To ensure optimal radio performance and make sure human
exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic energy is within
the guidelines set forth in the above standards, always adhere
to the following procedures.
LCD Display Screen Guide
Sparks in a potentially explosive atmosphere can cause an
explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death.
Note:
The areas with potentially explosive atmospheres
referred to above include fueling areas such as below decks
on boats, fuel or chemical transfer or storage facilities, areas
where the air contains chemicals or particles (such as grain,
dust or metal powders) and any other area where you would
normally be advised to turn off your vehicle engine. Areas
with potentially explosive atmospheres are often—but not
always—posted.
Blasting Caps and Areas
To avoid possible interference with blasting operations, turn
off the radio when you are near electrical blasting caps, in a
blasting area, or in areas posted “Turn off Two-Way radios.”
Obey all signs and instructions.
Operational Cautions
Antennas
Do not use any portable radio that has a damaged antenna.
If
a damaged antenna comes into contact with your skin, a minor
burn can result.
Batteries
All batteries can cause property damage and/or bodily injury
such as burns if a conductive material—like jewelry, keys or
beaded chains—touch exposed terminals. The conductive
material may complete an electrical circuit (short circuit) and
become quite hot. Exercise care in handling any charged
battery, particularly when placing it inside a pocket, purse or
other container with metal objects.
Battery Charger Safety Instructions:
1. Do not expose the micro-USB cable or plug to rain or snow.
2. Never alter the micro-USB cable or plug provided with the
unit. If the plug will not fit the outlet, have the proper outlet
installed by a qualified electrician. An improper condition
can result in a risk of electric shock.
3. To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the micro-USB
charging cable from the power outlet before attempting any
maintenance or cleaning.
4. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by Olympia
may result in a risk of fire, electric shock or personal injury.
5. Make sure the micro-USB cable is placed where it will
not be stepped on, tripped over or subjected to damage or
stress.
FCC Licensing Information
The Olympia radio operates on General Mobile Radio
Service (GMRS) frequencies and is subject to the Rules and
Regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
The FCC requires that all operators using GMRS frequencies
obtain a radio license before operating their equipment.
To obtain the FCC forms, please visit the FCC’s Web site at
wireless.fcc.gov/uls/index.htm?job=home to source form 605
and 159, which includes all the instructions you will need.
If you wish to have the document faxed or mailed, or if you
have questions, please use the following contact information:
Fax: 1-202-418-0177
For Mail services: 1-800-418-3676
For FCC License Questions: 1-888-225-5322
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Giant
Intl. Ltd. may void the user’s authority granted by the FCC
to operate this radio and should not be made. To comply
with FCC requirements, transmitter adjustments should be
made only by or under the supervision of a person certified
as technically qualified to perform transmitter maintenance
and repairs in the private land mobile and fixed services as
certified by an organization representative of the user of those
services. Replacement of any transmitter component (crystal,
semiconductor, etc.) not authorized by the FCC equipment
authorization for this radio could violate FCC rules.
You can find the label with the FCC ID on the back of the radio.
Note:
Use of this radio outside the country where it was
intended to be distributed is subject to government regulations
and may be prohibited.
3. Remove the NiMH battery pack or remove the AA batteries
by gently pulling the ribbon attached to the radio.
4. Reposition the battery cover and press down to secure.
Notes:
• AA Alkaline batteries are optional accessories and are sold
separately.
• Exercise care when removing NiMH or AA batteries. Do
not use sharp or conductive tools to remove either of these
batteries.
• Remove the batteries before storing the radio for extended
periods of time. Batteries corrode over time and may cause
permanent damage to the radio.
• The battery door must be tightly closed with the screw to
maintain the water resistant seal of the radio.
Using the micro-USB Charging Connector
The micro-USB charging connector is a handy port that allows
you to conveniently charge the NiMH battery pack. If using a
computer, the computer must be turned on.
1. Plug the micro-USB cable or charger into a power source as
is appropriate for your accessory.
2. Plug the cable into the micro-USB port on the bottom of the
radio.
3. An empty battery will be fully charged in 14 hours.
4. The battery icon will scroll as the battery is being charged.
The scrolling icon will stop when the battery is fully charged.
Notes
• When moving between hot and cold temperatures, do not
charge the NiMH battery pack until the battery temperature
acclimates (usually about 20 minutes).
• For optimal battery life, remove the radio from the charger
within 16 hours. Do not store the radio while connected to
the charger.
• If the radio is kept on while charging, the charging time will
be extended.
• Even though the charger is connected, you may not be able
to transmit a message if the battery is completely empty
. Allow time for the battery to charge to 1 bar
before attempting to transmit a message.
Low Battery Alert
In addition to the battery meter which visually shows the
current battery charge level, the Low Battery Alert feature
produces an audible chirp when the batteries are low.
Attaching and Removing the Belt Clip
1. Align the belt clip post with the groove on the back of the
radio and slide it into place.
2. Gently push until the clip clicks in place.
To remove:
1. Push down on the release tab at the top of the belt clip to
release the catch.
2. Pull the belt clip away from the back of the radio.
Turning your Radio On and Off
Turn
clockwise to turn the radio on and counterclockwise
to turn the radio off.
1. In the ON position, the radio chirps and briefly shows all
feature icons available on the radio.
2. The display screen then shows the current channel, code
and all features that are enabled.
Setting the Volume
Press and hold
for three seconds while rotating
until
you reach a comfortable listening level.
1. Rotate clockwise to increase the volume.
2. Rotate counterclockwise to decrease the volume.
Do not hold the radio close to your ear. If the volume is set to
an uncomfortable level, it could hurt your ear.
Transmitting and Receiving Calls
To communicate, all radios in your group must be set to the
same channel and code setting.
1. To talk, press and hold
or
.
2. When you are finished talking, release
or
.
For maximum clarity, hold the radio two to three inches away
from your mouth and speak directly into the microphone. Do
not cover the microphone while talking.
Power Boost
To boost the radio’s power up to high power, press the
button when talking. If you know your party is close by, you can
conserve the battery’s energy by pushing the
button to use
less power.
Control Buttons
Note:
If you are on an FRS only channel (see
Channels and
Frequencies
table located at the back of the manual.) the
radio will only use low power when either portion of the
is
pressed.
Monitor Button
Use the Monitor function to check if a channel is currently in
use by others. For maximum range performance, the Monitor
function will also help you to hear signals that are weak.
To latch the Monitor function on, press and hold
for three
seconds. When an empty channel is located, you will hear
continuous static and noise on that channel.
Push-to-Talk
or
Timeout Timer
To prevent accidental transmissions and save battery life, the
radio emits a continuous warning tone and stops transmitting if
you hold
or
for more than 60 seconds.
Menu Options
There are 10 options you may set to your preferences. Each
press of the MENU key advances you to the next option setting.
Press the
or
keys to change the setting. The menu
will automatically close 5 seconds after the last press of any
button. After the last menu item, the radio exits MENU mode
and returns to operation of the radio. A press of the
button
while setting any menu option will immediately save all your
settings and return to operation of the radio.
All MENU settings will revert to the factory default values if the
battery is fully discharged or removed for more than 5 minutes.
1. Channel (1-50)
2. Codes
3. Call Tone (1-20 or OFF)
4. iVOX (ON/OFF)
5. VOX
Selecting the Channel
The radio has 50 channels that are compatible with all brands
of 2-Way radios. The channel is the frequency the radio uses
to transmit. (See the
Channels and Frequencies
table located
at the back of the manual.) Channels are shared by other radio
users and channel selection will vary based on your location.
Select a channel that is not being used from the 50 available
simplex channels. Channels 8-14 and channels 34-37 are low
power (FRS 0.5 watt). All other channels are GMRS.
When the radio is on a FRS 0.5 watt channel,
displays.
When the radio is on a GMRS 1.5 watt channel,
displays.
1. Briefly press and release
. The channel number flashes.
2. Press
or
to select a channel.
3. Press
or
to confirm or
to continue set up.
Selecting the Tone/Code
This radio has 121 code settings. When a channel is in use by
2 or more groups, this feature blocks the reception of signals
that do not carry the matching tone or code. There are 121
privacy codes. 0 is the off position, no analog or digital codes
are enabled and all users of that channel will be heard. Codes
1 – 38 are the standard analog (CTCSS) codes that appear on
other FRS/GMRS radios. Codes 39 – 121 are additional digital
(CDCSS) codes added for superior interference protection. 0 is
the off position.
See the
Tone/Code Setting Frequency
table located at the back
of the manual for details on tone frequencies and code values.
To set the code for a channel:
1. Press twice until the code starts to flash.
2. Press
or
to select the code.
3. Press
or
to save the code setting or
to continue
set up.
You can set a different code for each channel using this
procedure. An extended press of
or
allows you to scroll
through the Interference Codes rapidly so you can quickly reach
the code you want.
Note:
You must set the code to 0 on a radio that uses codes to
communicate with radios that do not have Codes. Select 0 for
“no tone, no code” and OFF will flash on the radio’s display.
Setting and Transmitting Call Tones
The radio can transmit different call tones to other radios in
your group so you can alert them that you want to talk. You
have 20 call tones from which to choose.
6. Extended Battery Save
7. Vibrate
8. Keypad Tones (ON/OFF)
9. Roger Beep (ON/OFF)
Waterproof Radio
