Audiovox FR-531 User Manual

Owner’s Manual
Model FR-531

Two Way Family Radio
Walkie-talkie

Released on 12-18-01.

VOX

MIC

CALL

PWR

Customer Service

1-800-290-6650

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CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR SELECTION

OF THE FR-531 (FAMILY RADIO)

It is one of the most sophisticated and reliable two way

family radios available.

BEFORE OPERATING YOUR FR-531 (FAMILY RADIO)

READ THIS MANUAL CAREFULLY

© 2000 Audiovox Electronics Corporation, 150 Marcus Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788

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FEATURES

Your FR-531 Family Radio is a portable, easy to use, two-way radio that you
can carry almost anywhere. It is skillfully constructed to give you reliable
communications for many different applications. The FR-531 is ideal
for use around the house, in your boat, on hunting and camping trips, on the

ski slopes or at the mall.

VOX

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MIC

CALL

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PERFORMANCE

Your transceiver will achieve its maximum operating range when communi­cating with other transceivers in a flat open area with no trees or buildings
obstructing its signal. Range may be up to two miles under such conditions.
Obstacles such as buildings, trees or mountains will tend to reduce the
transceiver’s effective range.

FCC WARNING

Replacement or substitution of transistors, diodes or other parts of a unique
nature, with parts other than those recommended by the manufacturer,
may cause a violation of the technical regulations of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Your wireless handheld portable transceiver contains a low power transmitter.
When the PTT button is pushed it sends out radio frequency (RF) signals.
The device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50%. In
August 1996, the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) adopted
RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for hand-held wireless devices.

Important: To maintain compliance with the FCC’ s RF exposure guidelines

hold the transmitter at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) from your
face and speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up
and away. If you wear the handset on your body while using the
headset accessory, use only the Audiovox supplied belt clip for
this product and ensure that the antenna is at least 1 inch (2.5
centimeters) from your body when transmitting. Use only the
supplied antenna. Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or
attachments could damage the transmitter and may violate FCC
regulations.

Normal Position: Hold the transmitter approximately 1” from your face and
speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and away.

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FUNCTION AND LOCATION OF THE CONTROLS

16

15

14

13

11

2

12

10

3

MIC

VOX

CALL

PWR

4

7

8

1

9

5

6

4

(REF)

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1. Power Button: Press and hold this button for 2 seconds to turn the

transceiver on or off.

2. Push-to-Talk Button (PTT): Press to transmit. Release to receive.

3. Monitor Button: Press and hold to bypass the squelch and listen to chan-

nel activity; a momentary press activates LCD backlighting for 5 seconds.

4. Belt Clip

5. Battery Compartment

6. Speaker

7. Microphone

8. Call Button: Press and hold this button to send a ringing sound to other

radios tuned to the same channel.

9. Down Button: Press this button to decrease the volume or channel set

ting.

10. Up Button: Press this button to increase the volume or channel setting.

11. LCD Display: Displays the current FRS channel number as well as other

functions.

12. Function Select Button: Press this button to select and toggle through

all unit functions.

13. VOX Button: Press this button to activate the Voice-Operated Trans-

mission function.

14. Fixed Antenna

15. Microphone/Charger Jack: For use with an external microphone

button and optional battery charger.

16. Speaker Jack: For use with an Audiovox approved headset accessory

only.

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LCD DISPLAY AND OPERATION

The FR-531 is equipped with an LCD
display to indicate its settings and
functions. When the radio is on, pressing
any button will illuminate the display for
5 seconds.

Transmission Indicator
Call Button Indicator
Low Battery Alert
Battery Saver Mode Indicator
Beep tone Indicator

FRS Channel Indicator (1–14). appears
each time power is turned on during a power-on
self-test of the unit.

BUSY

SCAN

Busy Channel Indicator. Displays when
Monitor button is pressed.

SCAN Indicator
Key Lock Indicator

VOX Function Indicator
Volume Level Indicator

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BATTERY INSTALLATION

Your FR-531 requires four AAA alkaline or four
rechargeable AAA cells. Alkaline batteries will
provide the best performance from your trans­ceiver. Remove the battery cover by releasing
the belt clip latch at the top, and sliding the clip
up and away from the back of the unit. Slide

BELT CLIP
RELEASE
LATCH

BATTERY
COVER

EMBOSSED
ARROW

the battery cover downward while applying pres­sure at the embossed arrow. Observe the po­larity symbols inside the battery tray when in­stalling the batteries.

CAUTION:

Incorrect battery installation can damage the unit.
The microphone / charger jack is intended for use with Audiovox ap­proved charging accessories only. Refer to the documentation included
with the battery charger.
Never attempt to charge alkaline batteries with the optional battery
charger.

BATTERY SAVER MODE

Your FR-531 has a unique circuit designed to dramatically extend the life of
its batteries. After 8 seconds of inactivity, the FR-531-2 will switch to bat­tery saver mode. While in battery saver mode, the battery saver mode
indicator ( ) is present on the display, and the transceiver will remain
ready to receive any incoming transmissions while the battery saver mode
is active. Pressing any of the buttons, except the up, down, Function (F) or
VOX button will exit the battery saver mode.

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USING YOUR FR-531

Turning the Transceiver On and Off

Pressing the power button (1) for 2 seconds will activate the unit. The speaker
will sound a beep tone to confirm the transceiver’s activation. In addition,
the transceiver will perform a 1-second power-on self-test, whereby the
LCD display will show all functional items, including a test of the 2-digit
channel display ( ). To turn the unit off, simply press and hold the power
button for 2 seconds. The unit will confirm its shutdown with a single beep
tone.

Volume Level

Audio reception volume is controlled by the Up (▲10) and the Down (▼9)
button. Momentarily pressing either button will raise or lower the volume
level. A bar graph ( ) on the left side of the display will show the volume
level setting.

Call Button (8)

When the call button is pressed, the call icon ( ) will appear on the
display and the FR-531 will transmit a 3-second ringing sound to other
transceiver’s tuned to the same channel. This feature can be used to signal
other parties that voice communication is desired.

Low Battery Alert

When the batteries are in need of replacement or charging, the low battery
icon ( ) will appear on the LCD display and the transceiver will sound a
1-minute beep to alert the user. If unattended the unit will eventually turn off.

Monitor Button

You can monitor channel activity by pressing the Monitor (M) button (3). If
pressed and held for more than 2 seconds, you can continuously monitor

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channel activity. Press again, momentarily, and monitoring is disabled. Press­ing this button momentarily will cause the unit to beep and the LCD backlight
function will be activated for 5 seconds.

FUNCTIONS

Function (F) Select Button (12)

Pressing this button will allow selection of frequency channels as well as
selection of the various unit functions. Each press permits selection of the
desired channel (1–14), beep tone, scan, and Dual Watch mode. This but­ton also activates the Key lock feature when pressed and held for more than
2 seconds. The Key lock icon ( ) appears on the display. To unlock this
function, press and hold the function button for 2 seconds.

Channel Selection

Press function button once or until two-digit channel display flashes. Press
Up or Down buttons (10, 9) to select desired channel (1–14).

Beep Confirmation Tones

Whenever the Up/Down or function select buttons are pressed, the speaker
will sound a beep tone to confirm each press, provided the key tone feature is
enabled. Press the Function (F) button twice to access the beep tone fea­ture. To disable the key tone, press the F button until the Beep Tone icon
( ) flashes; On appears on the display. Then press Up or Down buttons
until oF appears and icon disappears. No beep tones should be heard. To
enable the key tone, proceed as before, until oF appears and Beep Tone icon
flashes. Then press Up or Down button so that On appears. Key tone icon is

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steady and beep tone is heard. When increasing the volume or channel
number, the tone will be higher than when decreasing the volume or channel
number.

Channel Scanning

Press function button three times until the SCAN icon flashes; oF will also
appear on the display. Press the Up or Down button to enable the Scan
function; On will appear and the SCAN icon will appear steady on the display.
While in Scan mode, the unit will rapidly scan each channel in the upward
direction and then repeat. If and active channel is encountered, scan will
pause on the active channel for 5 seconds, and then proceed to the next
higher channel. The unit will thus scan channels 1–14 for activity. Scanning
will continue until the Function (12) button is pressed.

NOTE: When the transceiver is turned off while in scan mode, the scan

mode will still be active when the radio is again turned on. If the PTT
button is pressed during scan mode, scanning will stop and the
SCAN icon will flash; flashing will continue for about 15 seconds
after the PTT button is released. Then channel scan will continue.

Dual Watch Mode

This feature allows monitoring of two channels simultaneously. Press function
button 4 times or until 0, or another channel number, appears in the channel

number display and both the Antenna icon and Call icon

Using the s t buttons, choose the alternate channel number you wish to
monitor for activity. Press the function button to enter your selection. The
channel display will now flash showing your current channel and alternate
channel selection. To disable Dual Watch mode, press the function button

flash.

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to enter Dual Watch mode, and using the s t buttons, select “0” as a new
channel number.
When in Dual Watch mode, the unit will always transmit on the primary
channel. To communicate with someone on the secondary channel, you
must change the primary channel number.

Key Lock

This feature prevents accidental change of unit settings. While enabled, Key
Lock allows only the PTT button to operate.
To enable Key Lock, press function button for more than 3 seconds until Key
Lock icon (

button for more than 3 seconds until Key Lock icon disappears.

) appears. To disable the Key Lock function, press function

VOX Function

This feature enables you to have hands-free conversation. When using the
internal microphone/speaker or external microphone/headset (purchased
separately), your voice or the signal is detected and the radio transmits and
receives automatically.
To access the VOX function, press the VOX button; the VOX icon
( ) appears on the display. In the VOX mode, the sensitivity is automatically
set. To exit the VOX mode, press the VOX button again; the VOX icon will
disappear from the display.

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To Transmit

1. Set the desired primary channel.

2. Press and hold the PTT (Push-to-Talk) button while speaking
slowly and clearly in a normal voice, approximately 2 to 3
inches from the microphone.

3. The transmit icon ( ) will illuminate while transmitting.

4. Release the PTT (Push-to-Talk) button when you finish speak­ing to receive incoming signals. A tone or “Roger Beep” will
occur on the receiving unit to indicate end of transmission.

To Receive.

1. Set the desired channel.

2. Adjust the volume control to the desired listening volume by us­ing the up and down buttons.

3. The transceiver will play strong received signals through its
internal speaker or through a headset, if so equipped.

Monitor Function

The monitor button can be used to play all signals present on
a channel. This is useful when communicating with other parties
at extreme range.
The monitor function can be locked on by pressing the Monitor
button for more than 2 seconds. When the monitor lock has been
activated, the LCD display will indicate BUSY. Pressing the monitor
button a second time will unlock the monitor function.

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WARNING

n Remove the batteries from the transceiver if it is not expected to

be used for long periods. This will eliminate the possibility of battery
acid leaking from the batteries and corroding the transceiver.

n Avoid exposing the unit to water or extremes of temperature.
n Do not use this device in or near a mining facility, which uses

remotely triggered explosives or in areas labeled “Blasting Area”.
Premature or accidental detonation may result.

n Do not attempt to modify or in any way increase the output of this

transceiver. Its output is designed to meet the legal limits set by
the FCC.

n Do not use this device or change its batteries in potentially

explosive atmospheres as sparks in such areas could result in
an explosion.

n Turn your transceiver off wherever posted notices restrict the use

of radios or cellular telephones. Facilities such as hospitals may
use equipment that is sensitive to RF energy.

n Turn your transceiver off on-board aircraft when requested to do so.
n Do not place your transceiver in front of a vehicle’s air-bag. If the

air-bag deploys, it could propel the transceiver like a projectile.

n This transceiver complies with F.C.C. regulations for use in the

United States. Use in other countries may be prohibited or
restricted by local regulation. Please check with the local regulating
agency before using this device outside of the United States.

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SPECIFICATIONS*

Channels: 14
Max Output Power: 500 mW ERP
Battery Life

Alkaline: 30 - 35 Hours

Power Source: 6.0V DC

* These specifications are subject to change without notice.

They represent typical values; individual units may vary.

Channel Frequencies:

Channel MHz Channel MHz

1 462.5625 8 467.5625
2 462.5875 9 467.5875
3 462.6125 10 467.6125
4 462.6375 11 467.6375
5 462.6625 12 467.6625
6 462.6875 13 467.6875
7 462.7125 14 467.7125

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90 DAY LIMITED WARRANTY

Applies to Audiovox Family Radio Service Products.

AUDIOVOX CORPORATION (the Company) warrants to the original retail
purchaser of this product that should this product or any part thereof, under
normal use and conditions, be proven defective in material or workmanship
within 90 days from the date of original purchase, such defect(s) will be
repaired or replaced with new or reconditioned product (at the Company's
option) without charge for parts and repair labor.

To obtain repair or replacement within the terms of this Warranty, the product
is to be delivered with proof of warranty coverage (e.g. dated bill of sale),
specification of defect(s), transportation prepaid, to the warranty center at the
address shown below.

The Company disclaims liability for communications range of this product.
This Warranty does not apply to any product or part thereof which, in the

opinion of the Company, has suffered or been damaged through alteration,
improper installation, mishandling, misuse, neglect, accident, or by removal or
defacement of the factory serial number/bar code label(s). THE EXTENT OF
THE COMPANY'S LIABILITY UNDER THIS WARRANTY IS LIMITED TO THE
REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT PROVIDED ABOVE AND, IN NO EVENT,
SHALL THE COMPANY'S LIABILITY EXCEED THE PURCHASE PRICE
PAID BY PURCHASER FOR THE PRODUCT.

This Warranty is in lieu of all other express warranties or liabilities. ANY
IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF
MERCHANTABILITY, SHALL BE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS
WRITTEN WARRANTY. ANY ACTION FOR BREACH OF ANY WARRANTY
HEREUNDER INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY
MUST BE BROUGHT WITHIN A PERIOD OF 30 MONTHS FROM DATE OF
ORIGINAL PURCHASE. IN NO CASE SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE
FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES FOR BREACH OF
THIS OR ANY OTHER WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WHATSOEVER.
No person or representative is authorized to assume for the Company any
liability other than expressed herein in connection with the sale of this product.

AUDIOVOX CORPORATION, 150 MARCUS BLVD., HAUPPAUGE, NEW YORK 11788

1-800-290-6650

128-5329

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