Binatone ACTION 950 User Manual

Action 950

Private mobile radio with twin charger

USER GUIDE

Antenna

LCD Screen

- Displays the
current channel
selection and other

mbols.

y

radio s

PTT (PUSH to
TALK) button

–Press and hold to

transmit.

UP/DOWN
Buttons –

Press to change
channels, volume,
and to select
settings during
programming.

Speaker

1. LCD Screen

Channel Number. Changes from 1 to
8 as selected by the user.

CTCSS Code. Changes from 1 to 38
as selected by the user.

Digital Code. Changes from 1 to 83
as selected by the user.

Displays the Battery charge level.
When the bars are reduced, the
battery needs recharging.

TX Displayed when transmitting a signal.

RX Displayed when receiving a signal.

Displayed when a CTCSS sub-channel is turned on.

CTCSS

DCS Displayed when the Digital Code System is turned On.
VOX Displayed when the VOX feature is enabled.
SCAN Displays when the PMR is scanning all channels.

Displayed when the Dual Watch function is turned ON.

DCM

Displayed when the Key Lock feature is activated.
Displays when the call signal is ON.
Displays when the vibrator function is activated.

PWR/VOL Switch
– Rotate clockwise/

counter clockwise

to turn

the unit

ON or OFF, and

adjust the volume.

Ear/Mic/Charge
jack

CALL button

-

Press to send
Ringing tone to
other PMR units.

Transmit (LED)

MENU Button

-Press to switch
Modes.

between

MIC

(Microphone)

Receiver (LED)

Lights up when you
are receiving signals

2. Installation

Belt Clip latch

2.1 Removing the Belt Clip

a. Pull the Belt Clip latch up
(away from the Action 950)

b. While pulling the Belt Clip
latch,slide the Belt Clip up as
shown in Figure1.

2.2 Installing the Belt Clip

a. Slide the Belt Clip into the
slot as shown in Figure2.

A “click” indicates the Belt

Clip is locked into position.

Figure 1 Figure 2

2.3 Installing the Batteries

Figure 3 Figure 4

Caution: Observe the proper battery polarity orientation when

installing batteries. Incorrect positioning can damage both the

batteries and the unit.

a. Unclip the battery cover latch at the bottom of the cover, and lift

the battery cover off.

b. Insert the 4 “AAA” size rechargeable batteries by following the

+ /- polarity marking inside the Battery Compartment as shown in

Figure 3.

c. Replace the Battery Compartment Cover. See Figure 4.

Read these Safety Warnings before you charge the batteries.
When placing the Action 950 in the charger, use only the power
supplies listed in the user instructions supplied with the Action 950.
Don’t try to recharge non-rechargeable batteries.
Make sure the battery compartment cover is securely locked in
place when you are charging the batteries.
Dispose of used batteries safely and in a way that will not harm
the environment- never try to burn them or put them anywhere they

could get burnt or punctured.

Don’t leave dead batteries in your Action 950 units.

They might leak if you do.

Important

2.4 Charging the Batteries

a. Insert the small plug on the end of the mains adaptor into the

Power-in Connection Jack at the back of the desktop charger.

b. Plug the mains adaptor into a 240V AC, 50Hz main socket with

the switch on the socket set to OFF.

c. Switch ON the mains socket.

Use only the mains adaptor provided.
Using any other adaptor will result in non-compliance with
EN60950-1 and will invalidate any approvals & warranty.

d. Place the Action 950 units in the charge cradle in an upright position.

The Charge LED indicators will light up.

e. It takes about 10 hours to fully recharge the batteries if they are

completely run down. New batteries take up to 14 hours to fully

charge.

Important:
Always turn off the PMR units
when charging. This will
shorten the charging time.

ll
a
c

OR: Charging the batteries (using adaptor)

Lift the charge socket cover located on
the right side of the handset.

Insert the round connector of
the 9.0V DC/200mA adaptor

Mains socket

Charge jack

Mic/Earpiece jack

into the charge jack.
Plug the mains adaptor into a

240V AC, 50Hz main socket
with the switch on the socket
set to OFF. Use only the mains
adaptor provided.

Then switch ON the mains socket.

%DWWHU\ PHWHU

The battery meter is located in the left corner of the LCD Screen. It
appears like a battery with three bars inside. These indicate the
amount of power available. When the battery level reaches its
minimum level in PMR on mode, the unit will emit two beep tones
and automatically power off.

The Action 950 can detect the battery charge in 4 levels;
Battery charge at high level.
Battery charge at medium level.
Battery charge at low level. At this level, the Action 950 will
emit a “beep” sound for every 10 seconds in normal mode.

Important: Charge the unit for 10-14 hours.

Battery charge at very low level. When the battery level
reachs its minimum level in Action 950 on mode, the unit will
emit two beep tones and automatically turn off the
power .

Important: Charge the unit for 10-14 hours.
CAUTION : Risk of explosion if battery is replaced by an

incorrect type. Dispose of used batteries according to the
instructions.

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The Action 950 h as a built in power saver to make the batteries
last longer. But when you are not using the units, turn them
OFF to conserve battery power.

3. Operation

3.1 Transmitting range

The talk range depends on the
reach up to about 10km in wide open spaces, without obstructions
such as hills or buildings. Don’t try to use two PMR units which are
less than 1.5m (5 foot) apart, otherwise you may experience

interference.

Important safety warning

To reduce radio frequency exposure when you are using your

Action 950, hold the unit at least 5cm (2 inches) away from your face.
Never use your Action 950 outdoors during a thunderstorm.
Don’t use the Action 950 in the rain.
If your Action 950 gets wet, turn it off and remove he battery.

Dry the battery compartment and leave the cover off for a few
hours. Don' t use the unit until it is completely dry.

Keep the Action 950 out of reach babies and young children.

3.2 Turning the Unit ON/OFF

To Turn ON;

a. Rotate the POWER/VOL button clockwise until the LCD

Screen turns ON and displays the current channel.

To switch OFF;

b. Rotate the POWER/VOL button counter clockwise until

the LCD screen turns blank.

Note: When you rotate the PWR/VOL button to turn ON, the

volume will also turn on at its minimum level and will

increase as the button is rotated further.

3.3 C hanging C h annels

Your Action 950 has 968 Channel Combinations

The Action 950 has 8 available main channels, To

communicate with other

you must all have your Action 950 tuned to
a. Press the MENU button once, the current channel

number flashes on the LCD Screen.

b. Press the UP or DOWN button to select the desired

channel. The channel changes from 1 to 8, or vice versa.

c. Press the PTT button to confirm the channel setting.

environment and terrain. It will

Action 950 users within range,

the same channel.

Note: Refer to the “Channel Table” section of this Owner’s Manual

for detailed frequency listing.

3.3.1 Setting the CTCSS sub-channel

Each channel also has 38 sub-channels to let you set up
a group of users within the same channel for more private
communication. If you have set the sub-channel, you can
only communicate with other
channel and sub-channel.

To turn the sub-channel function off, simply set the
sub- channel to 0 (zero). You can communicate with any

Action 950 user set to the
sub-channel operation (or with units that do not have this

feature ).

Press the MENU button twice,the current CTCSS

a.

sub-channel number flashes on the LCD Screen.
Press the UP or DOWN button to select one of the 38

b.

CTCSS sub-channels.

c. Press the PTT button to confirm the sub-channel setting.

PMR users tuned to the same

same channel who also turns off the

3.3.2 Setting the DCS Advanced Digital C ode

Each channel also has 83 digital codes to let you set up
a group of users for more secured private communication.

a. Press the MENU button 3 times. The current DCS code

flashes on the LCD screen.

b. Press the UP or DOWN button to select the desired DCS

code.

c. Press the PTT button to confirm the DCS channel setting.
Transmitting and Receiving

The Action 950 transmission is “one way-at-a-time.” While

you are speaking, you can not receive a transmission.
The Action 950 is an open-license band. Always identify

yourself when transmitting on the same channel.

3.4 Receiving

The unit is continuously in the Receive mode when the unit is turned
ON and not transmitting. When a signal is received on the current
channel, the “RX” icon will be displayed on the LCD Screen and
the receiver LED lights up.

3.5 Transmitting(sending speech)

a. Press and hold the PTT (push to talk) button to transmit

your voice. the “TX " icon will be displayed on the
LCD Screen and transmit LED lights up.

b. Hold the unit in a vertical position with the MIC

(Microphone) 5 cm away from the mouth. While holding
the PTT button, speak into the MIC (microphone) in a

normal tone of voice.

c. Release the PTT button when you have finished

transmitting.

3.6 Monitor

Your Ac ti on 950 can alert you to incoming signal by
emitting a

a. Press and hold the MENU and DOWN buttons at the

b. Press the MENU button to stop the channel monitoring.

naudiblecalltonesignal.

same time. The “RX” icon will be displayed on the
LCD Screen, and your
the current channel, including background noise.

(Note: Monitor will not work in Dual Watch Mode.)

Action 950 w ill pick up signals on

3.7 Setting the VOX(Voice Activated)Sensitivity

In VOX mode, the Action 950 will transmit a signal only when it
is activated by your voice or othe
will transmit for a further 2 second after you stop talking.

The level of VOX sensitivity is shown by a number on the LCD
Screen. At the highest level, the unit will pickup softer noises
(including background noise); at the lowest level, it will pick up

only quite loud noises.
a. Press the MENU button 4 times, the“VOX” icon will

be displayed and “OFF” flashes on the LCD Screen.

b. Press the UP button to set the VOX sensitivity to

the required level (the maximum level is“3 ”.) To deactivate
the VOX function, press the DOWN button until “OFF”
appears on the LCD Screen.

c. Press the PTT button to confirm your setting. “VOX” will

steadily appear on the LCD Screen as long as the VOX

VOX operation is not recommended if the Action 950 will be used in

a noisy or windy environment.

feature is activated.

r sounds around you. The unit

Binatone Help Line - 0845 345 9677

3.8 Activating the Auto Channel Sc an

Channel scan searches for active signals in an

endless loop

83 DCS codes.

a.

Press the MENU button 5 times, the “SCAN” icon

will display on the LCD Screen.

b. Press the UP or DOWN button to begin scanning

channels.When an active signal is detected, channel
scan pauses on the active channel.

c. Or Press the MENU button six times, the CTCSS flashes

on the LCD screen. Press the
scanning the CTCSS from 1-38.

d. Or press the MENU button seven times, the DCS flashes

on the LCD screen. Press the
to begin scanning DCS code 1-83.

e. P ress the PTT button to stop the scan.

for all 8 channels, 38 CTCSS codes or

UP or DOWN button to begin

UP DOWN

or button

4. Call-Ring tone

You can send a Call-ring tone to other PMR use rs to give an
alert that you want to communicate with them.

Press the CALL button

You will hear a ring tone for about two seconds; the“TX”
icon appears on the LCD Screen. Any other units within
the transmitting range and tuned to the same channel
and sub-channel (if applicable) will hear the Call-ring tone.

Note: Your Action 950 can alert you to an incoming signal by emitting

an audible tone and/or a vibration signal.

4.1 Selec ting a Call-Rin g ton e

The Action 950 is equipped with 15 different types of
Call-Ring tones that you can send to alert other PMR users.

a. Press the MENU button 8 times, until "C" is displayed with "01"

flashing on the LCD Screen.

b. Press the UP or DOWN button to select the desired

Call-ring tone. The Call- Ring tone sound will be
played when changing from one tone to another.

c. Press the PTT button to confirm your setting.

4.2 Activating the Vibrator mode

a. MENU

Press the b utton 9 times, until "1","2" or "3", with

different icons on the bottom line, flash on the LCD screen.

b. P res s the UP or b utton to set "1" (ring tone only),

"2" (ring tone + vibrate) or "3" (vibrate only).

c. Press the PTT button to confirm your setting.

DOWN

4.3 Setting th e Roger Beep

The Roger Beep is a tone which is automatically transmitted
whenever the PTT button is released. This alerts the receiving

party to inform that you have intentionally ended the

transmission, and you are now in receive mode.
a. Press the MENU button 10 times, the “ON” icon flashes

on the LCD Screen.

b. Press the UP or DOWN button to select the Roger beep

On/Off.

c. Press the PTT button to confirm your setting.

Binatone Help Line - 0845 345 9677

4.4 Setting the Key Tone ON or OFF

This feature allows the Action 950 to emit a confirmation tone
after pressing each button.

a. Press the MENU button 11 times, the “ON” icon flashes

on the LCD Screen.

b. Press the UP or DOWN button to select the Key tone

On/Off.

c. Press the PTT button to confirm your setting.

5. Setting the Dual Watch Mode

Your Action 950 is capable of monitoring two channels, the current and
another (dual watch) channel. If the unit detects a signal on either
channel, it will stop and receive the signal.

a. Press the MENU button 12 times, the “ DCM” icon will

be displayed while “ OFF ” flashes on the LCD Screen.

b. Press the UP or DOWN button to select the Dual Watch

channel (1-8, except the current channel).
c. Press the MENU button to change the CTCSS code.
d. Press the UP or DOWN button to select the desired

CTCSS code (1-38)
e. Press the MENU button to change the DCS code.

f.

Press the UP or DOWN button to select the desired

DCS code (1-83).

PTT button to confirm your setting. g. Press the

6. AuxiliaryFeatures

6.1 KeyLock

The Key Lock feature allows the user to disable the UP,
DOWN and MENU buttons so that the Action 950 settings

can not be changed accidentally.
a. To activate the Key Lock feature, press and hold the

MENU button until key lock “ ”icon appears on

the LCD Screen.

b. To deactivate the key Lock feature, press and hold the

MENU button until key lock “ ” icon disappears
form the LCD Screen.

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The PTT, and CALL buttons will remain functional even if the

Key Lock feature is activated.

6.2 LCD Screen Back Light

Every time a button is pressed(except PTT and
CALL button), the LCD Screen back lig ht w ill illuminate

for 5 seconds.

6.3 Microphone/Earphone/ChargeJack

The Action 950 is equipped with an auxiliary microphone,
earphone, and charge jack located at the opposite side to
the PTT button.

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It requires a microphone/earphone with a 2.5mm,3-pole jack

connector, and this is not supplied with your Action 950.

7. Specifications

Channels Available
Main

Channel 8 Channels

CTCSS Sub-channel 38 for each Channel

Digital Code channal
Output Power (TX) 0.5 W

Range

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There are 38 CTCSS sub codes and 83 DCS codes available.

Therefore,you can have:

1. Combination of 8 mains channel and 38 CTCSS sub codes – 304 combinations.

2. Combination of 8 mains channel

and 83 DCS sub codes – 664 combinations.

Combinations

968

Channels

83 for each Channel

Up to

10 Kms.

Channel Frequency Table

1

2

3

4

Frequency (MHz)

446.00625

446.01875

446.03125

446.04375

Finland

Channel

This equipment is intended for use in:

Austria

Belgium France

Bulgaria Germany Luxemburg Switzerland

Croatia Greece

Cyprus Hungary Norway UK

Czech Iceland Poland Romania

Denmark Ireland Portugal

Estonia Italy Slovenia

Countries of use

8. Safety

Damaged Antenna

Do not use any Action 950 that has a damaged antenna. If a
damaged antenna comes in contact with the skin, a minor burn may
result.

Batteries
All batteries can cause property damage and/or bodily injury such as
burns if conductive material such as jewellery, keys or beaded chains
touch exposed terminals. The 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.

Do not place your Action 950 in the area over an air bag or in the air
bag deployment area. Air bags inflate with great force. If a Action 950

For Vehicles with an Air Bag

is placed in the air bag deployment area and the air bag inflates, the
Action 950 may be propelled with great force and cause serious
injury to the occupants of the vehicle.

Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
Turn your Action 950 OFF when in any area with a potentially
explosive atmosphere, as this is not a type especially qualified for such
use (for example, Factory Mutual Approved). Sparks in such areas
could cause an explosion or fire resulting in injury or even death.

Batteries
Do not replace or charge batteries in a potentially explosive
atmosphere. Contact sparking may occur w hile in st alling or remov ing
batteries and cause an explosion.

Blasting Caps and Areas
To avoid possible interference with blasting operations, turn your

Action 950 OFF near electrical blasting caps or in a “blasting area” or
in areas posted: “Turn off the two way radio.” Obey all signs and
instructions.

Areas with potentially explosive atmospheres are often, but not always

NOTE:

clearly marked. They include fueling areas such as below deck 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.

Channel

Latvia

Liechtenstein

The Netherlands

CAUTION

WARNING

5

6

7

8

Frequency (MHz)

446.05625

446.06875

446.08125

446.09375

Spain

Sweden

Turkey

Slovakia

9. Cleaning and Care

To clean your Action 950, use a soft cloth dampened with water. Do
not use cleaners or solvent, which may cause damage that may not
be covered by guarantee.

Binatone Help Line - 0845 345 9677

10. Guarantee

The Binatone Action 950 is fully guaranteed for 12 months from the

f purchase shown on your sales receipt. The guarantee does

date o
not cover damag

- this is your guarantee. You should

Please keep your sales (till) receipt

also keep the original packaging materials.

When unpacking your Binatone Action 950, check for visible damage.

e any damage, do not use the PMR - return the whole unit to

If you se

where yo

If your Binatone Action 950 develops a fault, refer to the
“Troubleshooting Guide.” section of this manual. If you can’t solve the
problem, return the whole unit as follows;

While the unit is under guarantee

1. Pack up all the parts of your Action 950,using the original
packaging.Remember to include the mains adaptor.

2. Return the unit to the store where you bought it, and make sure you
take your sales receipt as your proof of purchase.

3. In the unlikely event that you need to return your Action 950 to our
Repair Centre while it is under Guarantee,please include the sales
receipt. There may be a 5 handling charge for repair of unit und
Guarantee.

Repair after the Guarantee has expired

1. If the unit is no longer covered by Guarantee, first follow step 1 as for

repair under Guarantee, Then...

2. Call our service Department on 0845 345 9677 and ask for a
quotation of the repair charge, and details of where to send your
Action 950 for repair.

3. Return your Action 950 to the address given by the Service
Department, making sure to include your name and address, and a
cheque or postal order for the value of the repair charge.

This does not affect your statutory rights.

Binatone Telecom plc

improvement, and so reserves the right to make changes to the product
and functions without prior notice.

Effective Range

The Transmission range of the product is dependent on the environment
terrain where it is being used, the following diagram attempts to guide
the user on the sort of performance to expect for everyday use.

e by misuse or negligence, or by excessive voltage.

u bought it.

operates a policy of continuous product

Signal Strength

0 Range(Km) 10

Optimum (open area) (1)

Medium ground based
obstruction (2)

Heavily built up area (3)

Range Slope

Range Check

The Transmission range will be affected as shown in the above diagram.
The transmitting range typical values for different environment conditions
will be (1) 10 km (2) 4 km (3) 2 km. It should be remembered that
these are only guide values as actual achieved distances will be
dependent on the environment and terrain.

Binatone Help Line - 0845 345 9677

11. Troubleshooting Guide

Symptom

No power.

Reception
is weak.

Cannot change
CTCSS sub­channels.

Range is limited.

Sound distortion
problems.

No
communication

Solution

Check if the batteries are installed properly.
The may be weak.battery

Replace the old batteries with new ones.

Turn the

PWR/VOL

The receiving signal may be weak and/or out of range.
If this happens, press the and buttons at the same
time to activate the Monitor function.

Key lock mode must be deactivated if the Key lock icon ( ) is
displayed on the LCD Screen.

To change CTCSS sub-channels, press the button twice, the
CTCSS sub-channel number flashes on the LCD Screen.
Press the or button to change the CTCSS sub-channel.UP DOWN
Batteries may be weak.

Batteries may be weak.
Replace with new if the charge level indicator gets low.batteries
See the “Effective Range” diagram.
The maximum range will vary depending on terrain and environment.
Open fields provide the maximum range, while steel/concrete
structures, heavy foliage, and use in buildings and in vehicles may
limit the range significantly.
Wearing the radio close to the body, such as in a pocket or on a
belt, will decrease range; change the location of the radio.

If you are transmitting, speak in a normal tone of voice, 5 cm
away from the (microphone.).MIC
If you are receiving, lower the volume to a comfortable level.
Radios too close. Radios must be at least 2 metres apart; increase
your distance.

Radios too far apart. Obstacles interfere with transmission. Talk

range is up to 10kms in clear unobstructed conditions.

Check the Channel and the CTCSS code setting. Both the

Transmitting and Receiving PM R units should be tuned to

the same Channel and CTCSS code (if applicable).

button to increase the receiver volume level.

MENU DOWN

MENU

BINATONE TELECOM PLC

1 Apsley Way London NW2 7HF,United Kingdom.
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail].u

________________________________________ .

We the manufacturer / Importer : Binatone Telecom Plc
1 Apsley Way London

Declare under our sole responsibility that the following product

Type of equipment: Private Mobile Radio
Model Name: Action 950 Series
Country of Origin: China
Brand: Binatone

complies with the essential protection requirements of R&TTE Directive 1999/5/EC on the
approximation of the laws of the Council Directive 2004/108/EC on the approximation of
the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and the
European Community Directive 2006/95/EC relating to Electrical Safety.
Assessment of compliance of the product with the requirements relating to the essential
requirements according to Article 3 R&TTE was based on Annex III of the Directive
1999/5/EC and the following standard:
EMC:

Electrical Safety:

The product is labelled with the European Approval Marking CE as show. Any Unauthorized
modification of the product voids this Declaration.

Manufacturer / Importer
(signature of authorized person)

London,

Signature: Place & Date: 8th Nov, 2008

EN 301 489 -5 V1.3.1:(2002-08)
EN 301 489 -1 V1.6.1:(2005-09)

EN 300 296 -2 V1.1.1:(2001-03)
EN 60065-1:2006

k

EC Declaration of Conformity

NW2 7HF, United Kingdom.

Waste electrical products must not be
disposed of with household waste.
This equipment should be taken to
your local recycling centre for safe
treatment.

UK(BTP) Ver 3

Aug 09