Setting the Volume
Press and hold 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.
Two-Way Radio
User’s Guide
Model T8500/T8510/
T8530/T8550 series
Safety and General Information
FCC Licensing Information
Control Buttons
Display Screen Guide
KEM-PK14190-47
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 PTT button.
To transmit (talk), press the Push to Talk (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
Getting Started
Installing the Batteries:
Your radio uses three AA Alkaline batteries and beeps when the
batteries are low.
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. Insert three AA Alkaline batteries as shown on the inside of the
battery compartment.
4. Reposition the battery cover and press down to secure.
NOTE:
The T8500/ T8510/ T8530/ T8550 model radio can use a NiMH
rechargeable battery instead of three AA batteries.
Installing the NiMH Battery Pack:
1. Follow step 2 above to remove the battery cover.
2. Remove the battery pack from the clear plastic bag.
Do not
disassemble or unwrap the battery pack.
3. Insert the NiMH battery pack so the “This Side Up” is showing.
4. Reposition the battery cover and press down to secure.
Battery Meter
The battery icon shows the battery charge level, from full
to empty . When the battery is empty, the radio chirps periodically
or after releasing (Low Battery Alert).
Note:
Remove the batteries before storing your radio for extended
periods of time. Batteries corrode over time and may cause permanent
damage to your radio.
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.
Using the Battery Charger (Optional Accessory)
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 into the plug 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.
Notes
The light on the charging base will glow continuously when
radio/battery is inserted.
When moving between hot and cold temperatures, do not charge the
battery 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 in the charger.
Turn radio off while in charging tray.
Attaching and Removing the belt clip
1. Align the belt clip post with the hole in the back of the radio.
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. The radio chirps and briefly shows all features icons available on
your radio.
2. The display then shows the current channel, code and features that
are selected.
Initial Setup
Selecting the Channel
Your radios has 22 channels. Channels 8-14 are FRS 0.5 Watt only and
all other channels are GMRS.
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 to set the channel.
3. Press to save the channel setting or to continue set up.
For More Information
For further information, you may call Motorola at 1-800-638-5119 (U.S.
and Canada) or visit us on the Internet at http://www.motorola.com.
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. You have 10 call tones from
which to choose.
To set a call tone:
1. With the radio on, short press until the current call tone setting
flashes and appears.
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.
Interference Eliminator Code
Interference Eliminator Codes help minimize interference by providing
you with a choice of code combinations. Your radio has 121
Interference Eliminator Codes. Codes 1 – 38 are the standard codes
that appear on other FRS/GMRS radios. Codes 39 – 121 are additional
codes added for superior interference protection.
To set the code for a channel:
1. Short 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 Code 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.
Hands-Free Use Without Accessories (iVOX)
You can use the iVOX feature to transmit, hands-free without the need
for any voice activation accessories. Once iVOX is turned on, the radio
detects your voice and transmits when you speak.
1. Short press until appears on the display. The current
setting On/Off will flash.
2. Press or to select On or Off.
3. Press to set or to continue set up.
Setting the Sensitivity Level When in VOX or iVOX Mode
Adjusting the radio’s sensitivity level helps minimize the possibility of
unintended noises triggering a transmission and helps the radio pick up
soft voices.
1. Short press after setting iVOX. VOX will still appear.
2. Press or to select the sensitivity level.
3.Press to set or to continue set up.
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
ANATAL 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” and
“Attachment to resolution #303 from July 2, 2002”
To assure 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 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 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.
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 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 this charger cannot be replaced. If the cord is
damaged, call customer service at 1-800-638-5119 (U.S. and Canada).
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.
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 request Form
605
and
159
,
which includes all of the forms and 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:
You may also visit the FCC’s Web site at http://www.fcc.gov.
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 provide 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.
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 out 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.
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.
Other Medical Devices
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.
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.
For a Fax:
Contact the Fax-On
Demand system
1-202-418-0177
For Mail Service:
Call the FCC Forms
Hotline
1-800-418-FORM (3676)
If You Have Questions
about the FCC License:
Call the FCC
1-888-CALL-FCC
(225-5322)
Channel
Frequency
Description
Channel
Frequency
Description
1
462.5625
MHz
GMRS/FRS
12
467.6625
MHz
FRS
2
462.5875
MHz
GMRS/FRS
13
467.6875
MHz
FRS
3
462.6125
MHz
GMRS/FRS
14
467.7125
MHz
FRS
4
462.6375
MHz
GMRS/FRS
15
462.5500
MHz
GMRS
5
462.6625
MHz
GMRS/FRS
16
462.5750
MHz
GMRS
6
462.6875
MHz
GMRS/FRS
17
462.6000
MHz
GMRS
7
462.7125
MHz
GMRS/FRS
18
462.6250
MHz
GMRS
8
467.5625
MHz
FRS
19
462.6500
MHz
GMRS
9
467.5875
MHz
FRS
20
462.6750
MHz
GMRS
10
467.6125
MHz
FRS
21
462.7000
MHz
GMRS
11
467.6375
MHz
FRS
22
462.7250
MHz
GMRS
– Battery Meter
Numbers for
Channel,
Call Tone
Numbers for
Codes
– Scan
–Vibrate
VOX
i
– Hands-Free Use
Without
Accessories
VOX
– Hands-Free Use
With Accessories
– Call Tone,
Keypad Tone
– Weather Alert
– Channel Indicator
(see Initial Set Up)
– Lock
– Talk Confirmation Tone
(Roger Beep)
ON
OFF
– On/Off for
each feature
QT
– Noise Filtering
Channels and Frequencies
3 =
High Sensitivity
for quiet environments
2 =
Medium Sensitivity
for most environments
1 =
Low Sensitivity
for noisy environments
Note:
When you connect a VOX accessory, the radio is automatically
set to the last chosen sensitivity level.
See Special Features section on Accessories.
Continued on back
T8500/T8510/T8530/T8550
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
MENU
MENU
MENU
MENU
MENU
MENU
MENU
MENU
MENU
MENU
VOX
i
P TT
P TT
P TT
P TT
P TT
P TT
P TT
P TT
P TT
P TT
MON
MON
MON
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
+
–
ON
OFF
QT
VOX
i
Use Push to Talk
to:
•
•
Talk
Save a setting
P TT
Microphone
•
•
Accessory Jack
Use and
to:
Scroll through
menus
Turn weather
on/off (+)
–
+
•
Use Monitor
to:
Scan to see if
anyone is on the
selected channel
MON
•
•
•
MENU
Use to:
Select Menu
options
Exit the Menu
(when pressed
while in a Menu)
Lock and unlock
the keypad (when
held down and
not in a Menu)
•
Use to:
Transmit call tone
Speaker
Use to:
•
•
Turn radio on/off.
Increase or decrease volume