Radio Shack Marine Radio MTX 103 User Guide

19-1004.fm Page 1 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
Cat. No. 19-1004  
OWNER’S MANUAL  
Please read before using this equipment.  
MTX-103  
VHF Marine Transceiver  
 
19-1004.fm Page 3 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
The Marine Radiotelephone Service is  
under the jurisdiction of the Federal  
Communications Commission (FCC).  
Any adjustments or alterations which  
would alter the performance of the  
transceiver’s original FCC type accep-  
tance or would change the frequency  
determining method are strictly prohib-  
ited.  
CAUTION  
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.  
!
DO NOT OPEN.  
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF  
ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE  
COVER OR BACK. NO USER-SERVICE-  
ABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVIC-  
ING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL.  
Warning: To prevent fire or shock haz-  
ard, do not expose this product to rain  
or moisture.  
Replacement or substitution of crys-  
tals, transistors, ICs, regulator diodes  
or any other part of a unique nature,  
with parts other than those recom-  
mended by Radio Shack, may cause  
violation of the technical regulation of  
the FCC Rules or violation of type ac-  
ceptance requirements of the rules.  
This symbol is intended to alert you  
to the presence of uninsulated dan-  
gerous voltage within the product’s  
enclosure that might be of sufficient  
magnitude to constitute a risk of  
electric shock. Do not open the  
product’s case.  
Before operating the radiotelephone,  
you must obtain your license. It is ille-  
gal to transmit without the appropriate  
license which can be obtained by sub-  
mitting a completed FCC Form 506 (in-  
cluded) to the FCC. Furthermore, you  
are required to understand Part 80 of  
the FCC Rules and Regulations prior  
to the operation of your radiotele-  
phone. It is the user’s responsibility to  
see that this unit is operating at all  
times in accordance with the FCC  
Rules and Regulations.  
This symbol is intended to inform  
you that important operating and  
maintenance instructions are in-  
cluded in the literature accompany-  
ing this product.  
!
FCC LICENSE  
REQUIRED  
The Federal Communications Com-  
mission (FCC) requires you to have a  
license before you operate this trans-  
ceiver. You must complete and submit  
FCC Form 506 — a copy of Form 506  
is enclosed. Furthermore, you are re-  
quired to understand Part 80 of FCC  
Rules and Regulations.  
FCC Form 506-A, Temporary Operat-  
ing Authority, Ship Radio Station, is  
also included with your transceiver.  
Complete and post this temporary per-  
mit in accordance with the instructions.  
3
 
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TABLE OF CONTENTS  
Preparation ........................................................................................................... 5  
Charging the Battery Pack ............................................................................... 5  
Connecting the Antenna .................................................................................. 6  
Using an Earphone .......................................................................................... 7  
Using an External Speaker/Microphone .......................................................... 7  
Using the Wrist Strap ....................................................................................... 7  
Using the Belt Clip ........................................................................................... 7  
Operation .............................................................................................................. 8  
Receiving ......................................................................................................... 8  
Transmitting ................................................................................................... 10  
Calling Another Boat ............................................................................... 10  
Making a Ship-to-Shore Call ................................................................... 11  
Making an Emergency Call ..................................................................... 12  
Channel Assignments ....................................................................................... 13  
Installed Channels and Frequencies ............................................................. 14  
USA VHF Marine Channels .................................................................... 14  
International VHF Marine Channels ........................................................ 15  
Comprehensive VHF FM Marine Radiotelephone Channels .................. 16  
Care and Maintenance ....................................................................................... 18  
If You Have Problems .................................................................................... 19  
FCC Notice .....................................................................................................19  
Specifications ..................................................................................................... 20  
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PREPARATION  
Follow these steps to charge the bat-  
tery pack.  
CHARGING THE  
BATTERY PACK  
Caution: Do not use the transceiver  
while the charger is connected.  
The MTX-103 operates on a built-in re-  
chargeable battery pack (supplied).  
You must charge the battery pack with  
the supplied battery charger before  
you use it the first time and when BAT  
lights steadily.  
1. If the battery pack is attached to  
the transceiver, make sure VOL-  
UME is turned fully counterclock-  
wise so the transceiver is off.  
You can charge the battery pack while  
it is detached from or while it is at-  
tached to the transceiver.  
To attach the battery pack, slide it onto  
the transceiver until the latch clicks.  
2. Pull out the CHG PWR jack plug on  
the bottom of the battery pack.  
Plug the charger’s barrel plug into  
the CHG PWR jack, then connect  
the charger to a standard AC out-  
let.  
Note: Charging time is 14 to 16 hours.  
To remove the battery pack, push the  
battery pack latch in the direction of the  
arrow, then slide the battery pack off  
the transceiver.  
5
 
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Cautions:  
To prevent permanent battery  
power loss, never charge the bat-  
teries in an area where the tem-  
perature is above about 80°F. The  
charger does not operate at all at  
temperatures below 32°F or  
above 113°F.  
1. Position the BNC antenna con-  
nector over the antenna jack on  
the top of the transceiver.  
• Never use any other charger to  
recharge the transceiver’s battery  
pack. This could permanently  
damage your transceiver or the  
battery pack.  
2. Place the slots in the antenna’s  
connector over the tabs on the  
antenna jack, squeeze the base of  
the antenna, and push down and  
turn the antenna’s base clockwise  
until it locks into place.  
Important: This transceiver uses a re-  
chargeable nickel-cadmium battery  
pack. At the end of the battery pack’s  
useful life, it must be recycled or dis-  
posed of properly. Contact your local,  
county, or state hazardous waste man-  
agement authorities for information on  
recycling or disposal programs in your  
area. Some options that might be  
available are municipal curb-side col-  
lection, drop-off boxes at retailers, re-  
cycling collection centers, and mail-  
back programs.  
Instead of the supplied antenna, you  
can connect an optional antenna. The  
BNC antenna jack on your transceiver  
makes it easy to connect a variety of  
antennas, such as an external mobile  
antenna or an outdoor base antenna,  
available at your local Radio Shack  
store.  
Caution: Never connect an antenna  
that is not specifically tuned for the  
transceiver’s  
frequency  
range  
(156.025–162.275 MHz).  
CONNECTING THE  
ANTENNA  
Warning: Use extreme caution when  
installing or removing a base station  
antenna. If it starts to fall, let it go! It  
could contact overhead power lines. If  
the antenna touches the power line,  
contact with the antenna, mast, cable,  
or guy wires can cause electrocution  
and death! Call the power company to  
remove the antenna. Do not attempt to  
do so yourself.  
Caution: To prevent damage to your  
transceiver, you must connect an an-  
tenna before you operate it.  
6
 
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USING AN EARPHONE  
USING THE WRIST  
STRAP  
To listen privately or to hear better in a  
noisy area, remove the plug from the  
Clip the supplied wrist strap to the wrist  
strap tab, as shown. Then simply slip  
the strap over your hand.  
SPK  
jack on the right of the transceiver  
and plug a monaural earphone (such  
as Cat. No. 33-175) into the jack. This  
automatically disconnects the internal  
speaker.  
USING THE BELT CLIP  
USING AN EXTERNAL  
SPEAKER/MICROPHONE  
You can use the supplied belt clip to  
make the transceiver easier to use  
when you are on the go. Use the two  
supplied screws to attach the belt clip  
to the transceiver. Slide the belt clip  
over your belt or waistband.  
An external speaker/microphone (such  
as Cat. No. 19-310) can make it easier  
to use the transceiver when you clip it  
to your belt. Remove the plugs from  
MIC  
SPK  
jacks. Then plug the  
the  
and  
speaker/microphone’s connector into  
the jacks. This automatically discon-  
nects the internal speaker.  
7
 
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OPERATION  
5. Use the channel thumbwheels to  
select the desired channel. The  
left wheel selects the first digit of  
the channel number; the right  
wheel selects the second digit.  
RECEIVING  
1. Turn SQUELCH fully counterclock-  
wise.  
2. Turn on the radio by turning VOL-  
UME clockwise. Adjust VOLUME to  
the desired listening level.  
6. Set 1W/5W to select the desired  
output power.  
• Use 1W for normal communica-  
3. Adjust SQUELCH to eliminate  
background noise between trans-  
missions. Wait until there is no  
signal on the channel, then slowly  
turn SQUELCH clockwise until the  
background noise stops.  
tion.  
• Use 5W for emergency or long  
distance communication.  
Note: In a marina or harbor, try to  
establish communications using  
the 1-watt setting before switching  
to the 5-watt setting.  
4. Raise the protective cover.  
8
 
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7. The USA/INT’L switch must be set  
to USA if you are in United States  
waters. If you are outside the  
USA, set the switch to INT’L.  
Although the channel numbers  
are the same, the frequencies are  
different for USA and international  
channels. See “Channel Assign-  
ments.”  
using the channel thumb-  
wheels. See “Channel Assign-  
ments” for the receive-only  
weather channels.  
9. To turn off the radio, turn VOLUME  
counterclockwise until it clicks.  
To get the best communication  
Note:  
range:  
• Orient the antenna vertically.  
• Move the transceiver away from  
shielding caused by nearby struc-  
tures.  
• Raise the transceiver as high as  
possible above the surrounding  
terrain.  
8. Set the NORM/CH16/WX switch for  
• Try an external antenna.  
the desired channel.  
Cautions:  
• Receiving excessively strong sig-  
nals might damage the trans-  
ceiver. Do not use the transceiver  
close to a base station antenna or  
within 20 inches of another unit.  
• Transmission without an antenna  
connected might cause damage  
to the transmitter.  
• Use NORM to go to the channel  
selected by the channel thumb-  
wheels.  
• If the MTX-103 is accidentally  
subjected to water spray, immedi-  
ately wipe it with a soft cloth. If the  
unit is contaminated with salt  
water, wipe it with a soft cloth  
moistened with fresh water. Then  
dry the radio.  
• Use CH16 to quickly select  
Channel 16 in an emergency,  
regardless of the channel  
thumbwheel setting.  
• Use WX to monitor the available  
24-hour weather channels.  
Select the desired channel  
9
 
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• After making contact on Channel  
16, switch to a different channel to  
continue the call — Channel 16  
must be left open for other calls.  
See “Channel Assignments.”  
TRANSMITTING  
When making a call using a marine  
transceiver, you must follow these call-  
ing procedures.  
• Channel 16 is the universal calling  
and safety channel. Leave the  
radio set to Channel 16, unless a  
call is in progress on a different  
channel.  
Calling Another Boat  
1. Turn on the radio, and select  
Channel 16.  
• Listen to Channel 16 for at least 2  
minutes before making a call on it  
(to be sure the channel is not  
already in use).  
2. Hold the transceiver about  
3
inches from your mouth, and  
press the push-to-talk button.  
• Press the push-to-talk button to  
talk; the TX indicator should light.  
Release it to listen; the RX indica-  
tor should light when a transmis-  
sion is received.  
• When you are ready for the other  
party to talk, end your sentence by  
saying “over.”  
3. Say “(Name of boat you are call-  
ing), this is (your call sign or name  
of your boat).”  
• When you are ready to end com-  
munication, say “(Your call sign or  
name of your boat), out.”  
4. Release the push-to-talk button  
and listen for a response.  
• When in a marina or harbor, try  
1W  
first to make calls using the  
(1-  
5. After establishing communication,  
switch to a ship-to-ship channel.  
See “Channel Assignments.”  
watt) power setting. If you do not  
receive a response, switch to the  
5W  
(5-watt) setting.  
6. When the call is complete, say  
“(Your call sign or name of your  
boat), out.”  
• If you do not receive a response  
to a call after 30 seconds, wait at  
least 2 minutes before trying  
again. If you receive no response  
after the second try, wait at least  
15 minutes before trying again.  
7. Switch back to Channel 16.  
10  
 
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4. Say, “Mayday-Mayday-Mayday!  
This is (your call sign and name of  
your boat), (your call sign and  
name of your boat), (your call sign  
and name of your boat), Mayday  
(name of your boat).”  
Making an Emergency Call  
Emergency calls are made on Channel  
16 because it is monitored by marine  
radio owners. In many areas, the  
Coast Guard monitors Channel 16 24-  
hours a day.  
5. Then give the following informa-  
tion:  
There are three levels of emergency  
calls:  
• Your location, including any  
navigational aids or landmarks  
• The Mayday distress signal is for  
the most severe situations and is  
used when there is grave and  
imminent danger to people and/or  
a vessel. Mayday has priority over  
all other calls.  
• The nature of your emergency  
• The number of people on the  
boat and the condition of any  
injured  
• The estimated seaworthiness of  
your boat  
• The Pan-Pan urgency signal is the  
second level of emergency and is  
used when people or vessels are  
in jeopardy.  
• A brief description of your boat  
length, type, color, and so forth  
• The Security safety signal is the  
third level of emergency and is  
used for messages about the  
safety of navigation or important  
weather warnings.  
6. To end the message, say “I will be  
listening on Channel 16. This is  
(your call sign or name of your  
boat). Over.”  
7. Release the push-to-talk button  
and listen.  
Follow these steps to make a distress  
call.  
8. Someone should answer. If not,  
repeat the call beginning with  
Step 3.  
1. Turn on the radio, and select  
Channel 16.  
2. Set the output power to 5W (5  
Use this same basic procedure for  
transmitting urgent and safety signals,  
substituting Pan-Pan and Security in  
place of Mayday, and providing appro-  
priate information.  
watts).  
3. Hold the transceiver about 3  
inches from your mouth, and  
press the push-to-talk button.  
11  
 
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CHANNEL ASSIGNMENTS  
Each of the 78 two-way communication  
channels and 18 receive-only channels  
is reserved for a specific type of trans-  
mission. Misuse of a channel is a viola-  
tion of FCC regulations.  
Also, be sure to observe the ship-to-  
ship and ship-to-shore assignments of  
the channels.  
The USA and international marine  
channels share the same channel num-  
bers. They do not, however, always use  
the same frequencies. Also, many of  
the international channels use different  
frequencies for transmitting and receiv-  
ing on a particular channel. Be sure that  
you set the USA/INT’L switch to the ap-  
propriate position.  
You can listen to any channel. But, with  
the Ship Radio Station License that you  
receive by filling out FCC Form 506, you  
can only transmit on Channel 16 and  
channels marked in the list that follows  
as “Non-Commercial” or “Public Corre-  
spondence (Public Corresp).”  
12  
 
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IINSTALLED CHANNELS AND FREQUENCIES  
USA VHF Marine Channels  
Frequency (MHz)  
Frequency (MHz)  
Channel  
Channel  
TX  
RX  
TX  
RX  
01  
02  
03  
04  
05  
06  
07  
08  
09  
10  
11  
12  
13  
14  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
28  
60  
61  
62  
63  
64  
65  
66  
67  
156.050  
156.050  
160.700  
160.750  
160.800  
156.250  
156.300  
156.350  
156.400  
156.450  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.650  
156.700  
156.750  
156.800  
156.850  
158.900  
156.950  
161.600  
157.050  
157.100  
157.150  
161.800  
161.850  
161.900  
161.950  
162.000  
160.625  
160.675  
160.725  
156.175  
160.825  
156.275  
156.325  
156.375  
68  
69  
70  
71  
72  
73  
74  
77  
78  
79  
80  
81  
82  
83  
84  
85  
86  
87  
88  
156.425  
156.475  
156.525  
156.575  
156.625  
156.675  
156.725  
156.875  
156.925  
156.975  
157.025  
157.075  
157.125  
157.175  
157.225  
156.275  
157.325  
157.375  
157.425  
156.425  
156.475  
156.525  
156.575  
156.625  
156.675  
156.725  
156.875  
156.925  
156.975  
157.025‘  
157.075  
157.125  
157.175  
161.825  
161.875  
161.925  
161.975  
157.425  
156.250  
156.300  
156.350  
156.400  
156.450  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.650  
156.700  
156.800  
156.850  
156.900  
156.950  
157.000  
157.050  
157.100  
157.150  
157.200  
157.250  
157.300  
157.350  
157.400  
156.175  
156.275  
156.325  
156.375  
13  
 
19-1004.fm Page 14 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
International VHF Marine Channels  
Frequency (MHz)  
Channel  
Frequency (MHz)  
Channel  
TX  
RX  
TX  
RX  
01  
02  
03  
04  
05  
06  
07  
08  
09  
10  
11  
12  
15  
16  
17  
18  
19  
20  
21  
22  
23  
24  
25  
26  
27  
26  
27  
28  
60  
61  
62  
63  
64  
65  
66  
67  
156.050  
156.100  
156.150  
156.200  
156.250  
156.300  
156.350  
156.400  
156.450  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.750  
156.800  
156.850  
156.900  
156.950  
157.000  
157.050  
157.100  
157.150  
157.200  
157.250  
157.300  
157.250  
157.300  
157.350  
157.400  
156.025  
156.015  
156.125  
156.175  
156.225  
156.275  
156.325  
156.375  
156.650  
160.700  
160.750  
160.800  
160.850  
156.300  
160.950  
156.400  
156.450  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.750  
156.800  
156.850  
161.500  
161.550  
161.600  
161.650  
157.100  
157.150  
161.800  
161.850  
161.900  
161.850  
161.900  
161.950  
162.000  
160.625  
160.675  
160.725  
160.775  
160.825  
160.875  
160.925  
156.375  
68  
69  
70  
71  
72  
73  
74  
77  
78  
79  
80  
81  
82  
83  
84  
85  
86  
87  
88  
90  
91  
95  
96  
97  
156.425  
156.475  
156.525  
156.575  
156.625  
156.675  
156.725  
156.875  
156.925  
156.975  
157.025  
157.075  
157.125  
157.175  
157.225  
156.275  
157.325  
157.375  
157.425  
157.850  
161.425  
158.250  
158.450  
158.550  
156.425  
156.475  
156.525  
156.575  
156.625  
156.675  
156.725  
156.875  
161.525  
161.575  
161.625‘  
161.675  
161.725  
161.775  
161.825  
161.875  
161.925  
161.975  
152.025  
157.850  
161.425  
158.250  
158.450  
158.550  
14  
 
19-1004.fm Page 15 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
Comprehensive VHF FM Marine Radiotelephone Channels  
Operating  
Channel  
Designations  
Frequency (MHz)  
Type Traffic  
Ship/Ship  
Ship/Shore  
Ship TX  
Coast RX  
1
2
156.050  
157.100  
157.150  
156.200  
156.250  
156.300  
156.350  
156.350  
156.400  
156.450  
156.450  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.650  
156.700  
156.750  
156.800  
156.850  
156.900  
156.900  
156.950  
156.950  
157.000  
157.050  
157.050  
157.100  
157.100  
157.150  
157.150  
157.200  
157.250  
157.300  
157.350  
157.400  
160.650  
160.700  
161.750  
160.800  
160.850  
International Only  
International Only  
International Only  
International Only  
International Only  
Safety  
Yes  
Yes  
3
Yes  
4
Yes  
5
6
Yes  
Yes  
No  
7
160.950  
156.350  
International Only  
Commercial  
Yes  
7A  
8
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
RX Only  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
Commercial  
No  
9
156.450  
156.450  
156.500  
156.550  
156.600  
156.650  
156.700  
156.750  
156.800  
156.850  
161.500  
156.900  
161.550  
156.950  
161.600  
161.650  
157.050  
161.700  
157.100  
161.750  
157.150  
161.800  
161.850  
161.900  
161.950  
162.000  
162.550  
162.475  
161.650  
162.425  
162.500  
Commercial  
Yes  
9
10  
Non-Commercial  
Commercial  
Yes  
Yes  
11  
Commercial  
Yes  
12  
Port Ops, USCG  
Locks, Canals,Pilots  
Port Ops, USCG  
Environmental  
Distress Calling  
State Control  
International Only  
Commercial  
Yes  
13  
Yes  
14  
No  
15  
16  
RX Only  
Distress  
Yes  
17  
18  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
18A  
19  
Yes  
International Only  
Commercial  
Yes  
19A  
20  
Yes  
Yes  
Port Ops  
21  
International Only  
USCG Restricted  
International Only  
USCG Restricted  
International Only  
USCG Restricted  
Public Corresp  
Public Corresp  
Public Corresp  
Public Corresp  
Public Corresp  
Weather  
Yes  
21CG  
22  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
22CG  
23  
23CG  
24  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
25  
No  
Yes  
26  
No  
Yes  
27  
No  
Yes  
28  
No  
Yes  
WE1  
WE3  
WE5  
WE7  
WE9  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
Weather  
Weather  
Weather  
Weather  
15  
 
19-1004.fm Page 16 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
Operating  
Channel  
Designations  
Frequency (MHz)  
Ship TX Coast RX  
Type Traffic  
Ship/Ship  
Ship/Shore  
60  
61  
62  
63  
64  
65  
65A  
66  
66A  
67  
68  
69  
70  
71  
72  
73  
74  
77  
78  
78A  
79  
79A  
80  
80A  
81  
82  
83CG  
84  
85  
86  
87  
156.025  
156.075  
156.125  
156.175  
156.225  
156.275  
156.275  
156.325  
156.325  
156.375  
156.425  
156.475  
156.525  
156.575  
156.625  
156.675  
156.725  
155.875  
156.925  
156.925  
156.975  
156.975  
157.025  
157.025  
157.075  
157.125  
157.175  
157.225  
157.275  
157.325  
157.375  
157.425  
151.425  
160.625  
160.675  
160.725  
160.775  
160.825  
160.875  
156.275  
160.925  
156.325  
156.425  
156.475  
156.575  
International Only  
International Only  
International Only  
International Only  
International Only  
International Only  
Port Ops  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
No  
No  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
Yes  
No  
International Only  
Port Ops  
Commercial  
Non-Commercial  
Non-Commercial  
Non-Commercial  
Non-Commercial  
Non-Commercial  
Port Ops  
156.675  
156.725  
Port Ops  
Commercial  
161.525  
156.925  
161.575  
156.975  
161.625  
157.025  
161.675  
161.725  
157.175  
161.825  
161.875  
161.325  
161.975  
162.025  
International Only  
Non Commercial  
International Only  
Commercial  
International Only  
Commercial  
International Only  
International Only  
USCG Auxiliary Only  
Public Corresp  
Public Corresp  
Public Corresp  
Public Corresp  
International Only  
Commercial  
88  
88A  
WE2  
WE4  
WE6  
WE8  
WE10  
162.400  
162.275  
161.775  
162.450  
162.525  
Weather  
Weather  
Weather  
Weather  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
RX Only  
Weather  
16  
 
19-1004.fm Page 17 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
CARE AND MAINTENANCE  
Your Radio Shack MTX-103 VHF Marine Transceiver is an example of superior de-  
sign and craftsmanship. The following suggestions will help you care for the trans-  
ceiver so you can enjoy it for years.  
Keep the transceiver dry. If it gets wet, wipe it dry immediately. Liq-  
uids might contain minerals that can corrode the electronic circuits.  
Handle the transceiver gently and carefully. Dropping it can damage  
circuit boards and cases and can cause the transceiver to work im-  
properly.  
Use and store the transceiver only in normal temperature environ-  
ments. Temperature extremes can shorten the life of electronic de-  
vices, damage batteries, and distort or melt plastic parts.  
Keep the transceiver away from dust and dirt, which can cause pre-  
mature wear of parts.  
Wipe the transceiver with a damp cloth occasionally to keep it looking  
CLEANER  
new. Do not use harsh chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong deter-  
gents to clean the transceiver.  
Modifying or tampering with the transceiver’s internal components can cause a mal-  
function and might invalidate your transceiver’s warranty. If your transceiver is not  
performing as it should, take it to your local Radio Shack store for assistance.  
17  
 
19-1004.fm Page 18 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
IF YOU HAVE  
PROBLEMS  
FCC NOTICE  
This device complies with Part 15 of  
FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the  
following two conditions:  
If your transceiver does not operate  
properly, check the following items  
first. If you still have a problem, bring  
the transceiver to your local Radio  
Shack store for assistance.  
1. This device may not cause harm-  
ful interference.  
2. This device must accept any inter-  
ference received, including inter-  
ference that may cause undesired  
operation.  
Important: Repair and/or adjustment  
of this transceiver must be performed  
by a technician with an FCC general-  
class commercial license.  
Your transceiver might cause TV or ra-  
dio interference, even when it is oper-  
ating properly. To determine whether  
your transceiver is causing the interfer-  
ence, turn off your transceiver. If the in-  
terference goes away, your transceiver  
is causing the interference. Try to elim-  
inate the interference by:  
• Check the battery pack condition.  
• If you are using an external  
antenna, check the antenna cable  
and its connection at both ends.  
• Check the connections of an  
external microphone or external  
speaker.  
• Moving your transceiver away  
from the receiver  
VOLUME  
• Check the settings of the  
SQUELCH  
1W/5W  
control,  
switch,  
control,  
NORM/CH16/WX  
switch,  
• Contacting your local Radio Shack  
store for help  
and the frequency channel thumb-  
wheels.  
If you cannot eliminate the interfer-  
ence, the FCC requires that you stop  
using your transceiver.  
18  
 
19-1004.fm Page 19 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
SPECIFICATIONS  
GENERAL  
Channels....................................All USA and International Channels Included, Plus  
Ten Weather Channels and CH90, 91, 95, 96, 97  
for International Usage  
Frequency Method ........................................................................ Phase Lock Loop  
ETR Synthesizer Antenna Impedance.......................................................... 50 ohm  
Power Input.............................................................................................. 12 Volt DC  
Frequency Range ................................................................. 156.025–162.275 MHz  
Operating Temperature ............................................ –4°F to 122°F (–20°C to 50°C)  
Dimensions (HWD) ............................................................... 17/8 ¥ 25/8 ¥ 71/4 Inches  
(47 ¥ 66 ¥ 184 mm)  
Weight........................................................................................ 1 lb. 3 oz. (1.09 kg)  
TRANSMITTER  
Power Output......................................................... 1 or 5 Watts (Switch Selectable)  
Modulation ........................................................................................................... FM  
Hum and Noise Attenuation ............................................................................ 40 dB  
Audio Distortion............................ 10% Maximum at 1 kHz with ±3.0 kHz Deviation  
Spurious Suppression..................................................................................... 60 dB  
RECEIVER  
Sensitivity.......................................................................................... 2 mV for 12 dB  
SINAD .............................................................................................0.3 mV for 20 dB  
Quieting Squelch Sensitivity ......................... Threshold 0.15 mV Maximum for 6 dB  
SINAD Receiver Attack Time..................................................... 60 mSec Maximum  
Adjacent CH Rejection.................................................................................... 65 dB  
Audio Power Output................................................................ 300 mW at 10% THD  
Spurious Response Attenuation ..................................................................... 60 dB  
Hum and Noise Attenuation ............................................................................ 50 dB  
Squelched Modulation Acceptance Bandwidth.......................... ±7.5 KHz Minimum  
Specifications are typical; individual units might vary. Specifications are subject to  
change and improvement without notice.  
19  
 
19-1004.fm Page 20 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
NOTES  
20  
 
19-1004.fm Page 21 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
21  
 
19-1004.fm Page 22 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
22  
 
19-1004.fm Page 23 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
23  
 
19-1004.fm Page 24 Tuesday, August 3, 1999 9:11 AM  
RADIO SHACK LIMITED WARRANTY  
This product is warranted against defects for 1 year from date of purchase from Radio  
Shack company-owned stores and authorized Radio Shack franchisees and dealers.  
Within this period, we will repair it without charge for parts and labor. Simply bring your  
Radio Shack sales slip as proof of purchase date to any Radio Shack store. Warranty  
does not cover transportation costs. Nor does it cover a product subjected to misuse or  
accidental damage.  
EXCEPT AS PROVIDED HEREIN, RADIO SHACK MAKES NO EXPRESS WARRAN-  
TIES AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES ARE LIMITED IN DURATION TO THE DURA-  
TION OF THE WRITTEN LIMITED WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN. Some states  
do not permit limitation or exclusion of implied warranties; therefore, the aforesaid limi-  
tation(s) or exclusion(s) may not apply to the purchaser.  
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from  
state to state.  
We Service What We Sell  
9/94  
RADIO SHACK  
A Division of Tandy Corporation  
Fort Worth, Texas 76102  
10A5  
Printed in Hong Kong  
 

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