Two-Way Radio
User’s Guide
Display Screen Guide
For More Information
For further information, you may call Motorola at 1-800-638-5119
(U.S. and Canada), e-mail us at [email protected] or visit
us on the Internet at www.motorola.com.
MC Series
Safety and General Information
Important Information on Safe and Efficient
Operation
Read This Information Before Using Your Radio.
The information provided in this document supersedes the general
safety information in user guides published prior to December 1, 2002.
Transmit and Receive Procedure
Your 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
Your Motorola 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 Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1992.
• Institute of Electrical and Electronics 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.
• Australian Communications Authority
Radiocommunications (Electromagnetic Radiation—Human
Exposure) Standard, 2003.
• ANATEL ANNEX to Resolution No. 303 of July 2, 2002 “Regulation of
limitation of exposure to electrical, magnetic and electromagnetic
fields in the radio frequency range between 9 KHz and 300GHz”.
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.
Portable Radio Operation and EME Exposure
Antenna Care
Use only the supplied or an approved replacement 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 its 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 Motorola-supplied or approved clip
holder, holster, case or body harness for this product. Use of
non-Motorola-approved accessories may exceed FCC/Health Canada
RF exposure guidelines.
If you do not use one of the Motorola-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
.
Data Operation
If applicable, when using any data feature of the radio with or
without an accessory cable,
position the radio and its antenna
at least one inch (2.5 cm) from the body
.
Approved Accessories
For a list of approved Motorola accessories, visit our Web site at
www.motorola.com.
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.
IC Canada
The term "IC:" before the equipment certification number only
signifies that the Industry Canada technical specifications were met.
Facilities
To avoid electromagnetic interference and/or compatibility conflicts,
turn off your radio in any facility where posted notices instruct you
to do so. Hospitals or health care facilities may be using equipment
that is sensitive to external RF energy.
Aircraft
When instructed to do so, turn off your radio when onboard an
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 your
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.
The use of a two-way radio while engaged in activities requiring
concentration may cause distraction or otherwise impair your ability
to safely participate in such activities. Always use technology safely.
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 your 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. 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 your
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.
Exercise care when removing NiMH or AA batteries. Do not use
sharp or conductive tools to remove either of these batteries.
Battery Charger Safety Instructions:
Save these Instructions
1. Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
2. Do not operate or disassemble the charger if it has received a
sharp blow, or has been dropped or damaged in any way.
3. Never alter the AC cord 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.
4. To reduce the risk of damage to the cord or plug, pull the plug
rather than the cord when disconnecting the charger from the AC
receptacle.
5. To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from the
outlet before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
6. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by Motorola may
result in a risk of fire, electric shock or personal injury.
7. Make sure the cord is located so it will not be stepped on,
tripped over or subjected to damage or stress.
8. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely
necessary. Use of an improper extension cord could result in a
risk of a fire and/or electric shock. If an extension cord must be
used, make sure that:
• The pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same
number, size and shape as those on the plug of the charger.
• The extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical
condition.
• The extension cord size is 18 AWG for lengths up to 100 feet,
and 16 AWG for lengths up to 150 feet.
9. The supply cord of the AC adaptor cannot be replaced. If the cord
is damaged, call customer service at 1-800-638-5119 (U.S. and
Canada).
FCC Licensing Information
Your Motorola 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 include 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:
For a fax:
For mail service:
If you have questions
Contact the Fax-On
Call the FCC
about the FCC License:
Demand system
Forms Hotline
Call the FCC
1-202-418-0177
1-800-418-FORM
1-888-CALL-FCC
(3676)
(225-5322)
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Motorola 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.
Note:
Use of this radio outside the country where it was intended to be
distributed is subject to government regulations and may be prohibited.
Getting Started
Installing the Batteries
Each radio can use either 1 NiMH rechargeable battery pack or 3 AA
alkaline batteries and beeps when the batteries are low.
Installing NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack
1. Turn the radio off.
2. With the back of the radio facing you, lift the battery cover latch
up and remove the cover.
3. Remove the battery pack from the clear plastic bag (do not
disassemble or unwrap the battery pack).
4. Insert the NiMH battery pack with the diagram facing you.
5. Reposition the battery cover and press down to secure.
Installing the Three AA Alkaline Batteries
1. Turn the radio off.
2. With the back of the radio facing you, lift the battery cover latch
up and remove the cover.
3. Insert the three AA alkaline batteries with + and - polarity as
shown inside.
4. Reposition the battery cover and press down to secure.
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 (Low Battery
Alert).
Removing the NiMH Battery Pack (Optional Accessory)
1. Turn the radio off.
2. With the back of the radio facing you, lift the battery latch up to
release the battery cover and remove the cover.
3. Gently remove the NiMH battery.
4. Reposition the battery cover and press down to secure.
Removing the Three AA Batteries
1. Turn the radio off.
2. With the back of the radio facing you, lift the battery latch up to
release the battery cover and remove the cover.
3. Gently remove each battery by easing each battery out
individually.
4. Reposition the battery cover and press down to secure.
Notes
• 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 your radio for extended
periods of time. Batteries corrode over time and may cause
permanent damage to your radio.
Using the Battery Charger
The battery charger provides drop-in charging convenience for
NiMH batteries and can be placed on any flat surface, such as a
desk or workbench. Charge the NiMH battery overnight (at least 16
hours) before using it for the first time. After the initial charge, an
empty battery is fully charged within 14 hours.
1. Follow the steps above to install a NiMH Battery Pack.
2. Plug the AC power supply cord into the jack on the desk stand.
3. Plug the AC power supply into a standard wall outlet.
4. With a radio facing forward, slide it into one of the charging
pockets.
5. When charging the battery charger, the red light on the charger
base will glow continuously.
Notes
• The light will remain red after the NiMH battery pack is fully
charged.
• 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 or battery from the
charger within 16 hours. Do not store the radio while connected
to the charger.
• Turn radio off while in charging tray.
Attaching and Removing the Belt Clip
1. Attach belt clip to pocket or belt strap.
2. Align the belt clip post with the hole in the back of the radio.
3. 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.
Talking and Listening
To communicate, all radios in your group must be set to the same
channel and Interference Eliminator Code.
1. To talk, press and hold .
2. When you are finished talking, release .
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.
Talk Range
Your radio is designed to maximize performance and improve
transmission range. Do not use the radios closer than five feet apart.
Monitor Button
Pressing and holding for three seconds allows you to listen to
the volume level of the radio when you are not receiving. This allows
you to adjust the volume, if necessary. You can also press to
check for activity on the current channel before you talk.
Push-to-Talk Timeout Timer
To prevent accidental transmissions and save battery life, the radio
emits a continuous warning tone and stops transmitting if you press
for 60 continuous seconds.
KEM-ML36100
Menu Options
Selecting the Channel
Your radio has 22 channels. The channel is the frequency the radio
uses to transmit. Channels 8-14 are FRS 0.5 watt only and all other
channels are GMRS. (See the "Channels and Frequencies" table on
overleaf for details.)
1. With the radio on, press . When the radio is on a 0.5 watt
channel, displays. When the radio is on a 1 watt channel,
displays. The current channel flashes.
2. Press or and select an unused or quiet channel.
3. Press to save the channel setting or to continue set up.
Selecting the Interference Eliminator Code
Interference Eliminator Codes help minimize interference by blocking
transmissions from unknown sources. Codes 1 – 38 are the standard
analog codes that appear on other FRS/GMRS radios. 0 is the off
position, no codes are enabled.
To set the code for a channel:
1. Press until the code starts to flash.
2. Press or to select the code.
3. Press 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 Interference Eliminator Code to 0 on a radio
that uses Interference Eliminator Codes to communicate with radios
that do not have Interference Eliminator Codes. Select 0 for “no
tone, no code” and OFF will flash on your radio’s display.
Setting and Transmitting Call Tones
Your radio can transmit different call tones to other radios in your
group so you can alert them that you want to talk. Your radio has
5 call tones.
To set a call tone:
1. With the radio on, press three times until the current call tone
setting (0 - 5 ) flashes and CA displays.
2. Press or to change and hear the call tone.
3. Press to set the new call tone or to continue set up.
To transmit your call tone to other radios set to the same channel
and Interference Eliminator Code as your radio, press .
Note:
Setting the call to 0 disables the call tone feature.
MC Series
Numbers
for Codes
Numbers for
Channel, Call Tone
- Battery Meter
- Channel Power
Indicator
- Lock
- Scan
- Noise Filtering
- Hands-Free
(VOX)
- Talk Confirmation
Tone (Roger Beep)
Menu/Lock
Accessory Jack
Scan/Monitor
Scroll
Microphone
Control Buttons
Volume
Call Tone
Speaker
LED indicator
Push-to-Talk
(PTT)