Ericsson GE Monogram Series MGP 300, MGP 300 Operator's Manual

Download

Page 1

LBI-38995

Mobile Communications

Monogram

Low Band Portable Radio Unit Model MGP 300

Series

Operator's Manual

Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS ............ 3

OPERATING TIPS ....................................................... 4

MAINTENANCE .......................................................... 6

INTRODUCTION ......................................................... 8

OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES ................................. 9

PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES ................................ 9

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS ............................. 11

OPERATION ............................................................... 13

Radio On/Off ........................................................ 13

To Receive Messages ........................................... 13

To Transmit A Message ....................................... 14

BATTERY CHARGING AND CARE ....................... 15

Battery Pack Removal .......................................... 16

Rechargeable Battery Pack Disposal .................... 17

ANTENNA INSTALLATION .................................... 17

NICKEL CADMIUM BATTERY WARRANTY ...... 19

ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS ................................ 20

Suggested Test Equipment ................................... 20

Pre-Alignment Notes ............................................ 21

EEPROM Programming ....................................... 21

Transmitter Alignment ......................................... 23

Receiver Alignment .............................................. 24

Antenna Tuning .................................................... 26

MONOGRAM SERIES WARRANTY ....................... 31

Page 3

OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS

Two-way FM radio systems must be operated in accordance with the rules and regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or, in Canada, the Department of Communications (DOC). When operating in other countries or localities, observe the appropriate rules and regulations. As an operator of two-way radio equipment, the user must be thoroughly familiar with the rules that apply to the intended type of radio operation. Following these rules will help to eliminate confusion, assure the most efficient use of existing radio channels and result in a smoothly functioning radio network. Violations of these rules and regulations are punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both.

When using the radio, remember these rules:

1. Interruption or refusal to yield a channel or radio frequency for any distress or emergency message. Emergency calls have priority over all messages. Monitor the channel or frequency before sending any messages. If someone is sending an emergency message--such as reporting a fire or asking for help in an accident--KEEP OFF THE AIR!

2. Use of profane, indecent or obscene language.

3. Transmission of false call letters or false distress or emergency messages.

Page 4

4. Willful or malicious interference with any other radio communications.

5. Repeat or otherwise make known anything overheard on the radio. Conversations between others sharing a communications channel must be regarded as confidential.

6. Identify by use of proper call letters at specific times. Refer to the rules that apply to the particular type of operation for the proper procedure.

7. Adjustment of the equipment by anyone other than a qualified, authorized or certified electronic technician.

OPERATING TIPS

Antenna orientation and surrounding conditions are important when using a portable radio unit. Operating in low areas of terrain, under power lines or bridges, inside of a vehicle or in a metal or steel framed building can severely reduce the range of the radio unit. Mountains and buildings can also reduce the effective range of the unit.

In areas where transmissions or reception is poor, some improvement may be obtained by ensuring that the antenna is vertical. Moving a few yards in another direction or moving to a higher elevation may also improve communications. In a marginal area, placing the radio unit on a metal surface such as a car rood will also help.

Page 5

When operating with a repeater system utilizing Channel Guard, as much as 250 milliseconds may be required for tone recognition. Rapid operation of the PTT bar may cause the first syllables of words to be clipped.

Battery condition is another important factor in the troublefree operation of the radio. Always use properly charged batteries.

The radio is designed for use under a variety of environmental conditions. However, a few precautions will ensure long life of this radio, and they should be heeded without fail.

• HIGH HUMIDITY Do not expose to continuous

rain or submerge in water.

• EXTREME HEAT Avoid direct exposure to

extreme heat. At very high temperatures, the nickelcadmium battery tends to self-discharge and reduce operating time.

• LOW TEMPERATURES The radio can operate in temperatures down to -30° C (-22° F). However, in extreme cold, nickel-cadmium battery capacity is reduced. If using in a very cold environment for an extended period of time, keep the unit inside your coat.

Page 6

MAINTENANCE

Your

Monogram

is designed to be maintenance free; however, a few suggestions are offered to keep your radio in top operating condition.

• Clean external surfaces of the radio with a mild solution of dishwater detergent diluted in water. Apply sparingly to avoid excessive moisture contact into cracks and crevices. DO NOT submerge the radio, but instead, use a nonmetallic brush to dislodge stubborn particles. Thoroughly dry the surfaces with a soft, lint free cloth.

• DO NOT use solvents or spirits for cleaning purposes as they may permanently damage the housing.

• Clean the battery contacts on the bottom of the radio with a lint free cloth to remove dirt, grease or other foreign material that may impede good electrical contact.

• Avoid physical abuse of the radio.

• DO NOT pound or drop the radio.

Series Model MGP 300 Portable Radio

• DO NOT carry the radio by the antenna.

• DO NOT disassemble the radio for purposes other

than changing the battery pack. There are no user serviceable adjustments inside.

Page 7

• Check the battery and recharge, if necessary.

• Check that the antenna is properly installed and tuned

for the frequency of the radio unit.

• In case of difficulty, contact a service technician for additional information.

Page 8

INTRODUCTION

The Ericsson GE Band VHF Portable Radio is a lightweight, multichannel radio offering both simplex and semi-duplex operation with a wide range of options and accessories available.

This

Monogram

2 MHz segment of the frequency band with 5 watts RF output power available. Up to 6 transmit/receive channels may be programmed for operation. With the optional Channel Guard tone module installed, individual channel CTCSS tones may be programmed in either the transmit or receive modes.

The radio is equipped with a 600 mAh nickel cadmium battery pack to provide adequate service time between recharging.

Monogram

Series portable radios operate within any

Series Model MGP 300 Low

IMPORTANT

Under U.S. Law, operation of an unlicensed radio transmitter within the jurisdiction of the United States may be punishable by a fine up to $10,000, imprisonment up to two years, or both.

For programming, service and repair needs, see your local Ericsson GE Service Representative. This radio must be programmed and then an alignment of the transmitter and receiver completed before using.

Page 9

OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES

MHNC3R................................... Antenna, 30-35 MHz

MHNC3S...................................Antenna, 35-42 MHz

MHNC3T...................................Antenna, 42-50 MHz

MHAE3J.....................................Speaker/Microphone

MHCG1E.................................. CTCSS Tone Module

MHCH3V ............Dual Rate Desk Charger, 120 VAC

MHCH3W.............Dual Rate Multi-Unit Charger Kit,

120 VAC

MHHC5W............................................... Leather Case

MHPA5P.............600 mAh Battery, Nickel-Cadmium

MHTS3R........................................Radio Programmer

PROGRAMMABLE FEATURES

The following features are programmable on a per channel basis:

• Transmit Channel Frequency

• Receive Channel Frequency

• Channel Guard (CTCSS) Frequencies - Tone only

Page 10

Figure 1 - Controls and Indicators

Page 11

CONTROLS AND INDICATORS

(1) ON/OFF/VOLUME Located on the top control

panel, it is used to turn the radio on or off and to adjust the listening level.

(2) ANTENNA Connector for antenna. CONNECTOR

(3) EARPHONE JACK For use with optional

speaker/microphone. May also be used for an external 8 ohm speaker or earphone.

(4) EXT MIC/PTT/CHG For use with optional

speaker/microphone. This jack is also used for charging the battery pack, using the wall charger supplied with the radio.

(5) CHANNEL SELECT Selects one of up to six

preprogrammed and designated channels for operation.

(6) SQUELCH Used to silence the receiver

when no signal is received. When Channel Guard is used, rotate to TONE position.

Page 12

(7) BT/TX INDICATOR Red LED on when the

transmitter is keyed (normal transmission). The LED will go dim or goes out when the battery voltage is low. The battery must be replaced or recharged to restore optimum performance.

(8) MICROPHONE To transmit clear messages,

hold the portable radio so that the microphone is about two inches away from your mouth and speak in a normal voice.

(9) MONITOR BUTTON Located just above the PTT bar.

When pressed, it defeats the Channel Guard decode on the receiver and unsquelches the receiver to permit the user to monitor the channel frequency. Releasing the button returns the receiver channel to normal Channel Guard operation

(10) PTT BAR Located on the side of the radio.

Pressing the PTT bar keys the transmitter and, if installed and programmed, activates the Channel Guard encoder for the selected channel.

Page 13

OPERATION

RADIO ON/OFF

1. Turn the radio ON by rotating the VOLume control fully clockwise (to the right) until you hear a click.

2. Turn the radio OFF by rotating the VOLume control fully counterclockwise (to the left) until you hear a click and feel the switch enter the detent position.

TO RECEIVE MESSAGES

1. Turn the radio ON and set the Channel Select switch to the desired channel.

2. Unsquelch the radio by rotating the SQuelch control counterclockwise until the receiver unsquelches (a rushing sound coming from the speaker). Adjust the

VOLume control to desired listening level. Rotate the SQuelch control clockwise until the squelch noise just

disappears (this is the threshold setting).

If the radio is equipped with the optional Channel Guard Encoder/Decoder, press the MONITOR button to defeat the Channel Guard Decoder and then adjust the VOLume control for desired listening level. Release the MONITOR button to return the receiver channel to normal Channel Guard operation.

Page 14

TO TRANSMIT A MESSAGE

WARNING

Operation of the transmitter without a proper antenna installed may result in permanent damage to the radio.

1. Hold the radio upright with the antenna in a vertical position and the microphone about 2 inches away from the mouth. Ensure that the antenna is away from the face and eyes.

NOTE

Monitor the selected channel prior to sending a message. TRANSMITTING ON AN ACTIVE CHANNEL MAY INTERFERE WITH OTHER USERS.

2. Select the desired channel with the CHANNEL select control. If the radio is equipped with the optional Channel Guard Encoder/Decoder, press the MONITOR button to defeat the Channel Guard decoder and listen for activity on the channel.

3. When the channel is clear, release the MONITOR button. Press and hold the PTT bar on the side of the radio, and speak slowly and clearly into the microphone. When you finish your transmission, release the PTT bar to receive. The red LED on the top

Page 15

control panel will be on continuously while the PTT bar is pressed and the radio is transmitting.

NOTE

The radio is equipped with a red LED transmit/battery indicator (BT/TX). The LED will be lit continuously while the PTT bar is pressed and the radio is transmitting.

If the BT/TX LED is dimly lit or goes out completely, this indicates that the battery is weak and requires recharging. Operation of the radio will be affected and the battery must be replaced or recharged to restore optimum operation.

BATTERY CHARGING AND CARE

To ensure peak performance from your radio, the battery pack must be fully charged. Proper care and charging will allow maximum performance and life of the battery pack.

New batteries, or batteries that have been stored for a long period of time, should be fully charged prior to placing into service.

If the rechargeable battery is only sparingly or seldom used and is left on continuous charge for one or two months at a time, it could experience reduced capacity. This would severely reduce the life of the battery between charges.

Page 16

Any rechargeable battery showing signs of reduced capacity should be taken to a qualified service technician to be carefully checked before being returned under warranty or scrapped.

To use the wall charger supplied with the radio, unplug the optional speaker/microphone from the EXT MIC/PTT/CHG jack and then connect the wall charger plug into this jack. Then connect the wall charger to a 120 VAC power source. Full charge should take about 14 hours. BE SURE THE RADIO IS TURNED OFF BEFORE CHARGING.

The MHCH3V Desk Charger and the MHCH3W MultiUnit Charger Kit offer convenient desktop charging capabilities. Rapid charge takes approximately three (3) hours to reach approximately 85% of full discharge. Leaving the battery in the charger for an additional 3 hours will result in a 100% charged battery.

BATTERY PACK REMOVAL

To remove the battery pack the battery compartment cover must be remove. With a screwdriver or coin, turn the latch on the bottom of the radio in a counterclockwise direction until the back cover is loosen and can slide off the back of the unit. The battery pack can now be lifted out of the unit.

To install the new battery pack, position the battery contacts so that they align with the battery contact terminals in the battery slot, then snap the top of the battery into place. Replace the back cover and turn the

Page 17

latch on the bottom of the radio in a clockwise direction until the cover is secured.

Rechargeable Battery Pack Disposal

The product that you have purchased contains a rechargeable battery. The battery is recyclable. At the end of its useful life, under various state and local laws, it may be illegal to dispose of this battery into the municipal waste stream. Check with your local solid waste officials

for details in your area for recycling options or proper disposal. Call Toll Free 1-800-822-9362 for information and/or procedures for returning rechargeable batteries in your state.

ANTENNA INSTALLATION

Install the antenna to the radio by screwing the antenna into the antenna receptacle on the top control panel of the radio.

WARNING

Operation of the portable radio unit without the proper antenna installed may result in permanent damage to the radio. Always make sure the correct antenna is connected for the frequency band of the radio.

Page 18

The antennas are identified by a color coded tip or rings for the different low band frequency bands. The following antennas are to be used with the various low band radios:

COLOR CODE FREQ. RANGE PART NO. Yellow 30-35 MHz MHNC3R Red 35-42 MHz MHNC3S Blue 42-50 MHz MHNC3T

The antenna must be tuned after the portable radio has been aligned and programmed for its operating frequency(s). The antenna is factory tuned for the center frequency of each frequency band. Have a qualified service technician tune the antenna.

Page 19

NICKEL-CADMIUM BATTERY WARRANTY

Ericsson GE Mobile Communications Inc. (hereinafter "Seller") warrants to the original purchaser for use (hereinafter "Buyer") that nickel-cadmium batteries supplied by Seller shall be free from defects in material and workmanship, and shall conform to its published specifications for a period of twelve (12) months from the date of purchase.

B. For purposes of this warranty, batteries shall be deemed defective if (1)

the battery capacity is less than 80% of rated capacity, or (2) the battery develops leakage.

C. If any battery fails to meet the foregoing warranty, Seller shall correct

the failure by issuing a replacement battery upon receipt of the defective battery at an authorized General Electric Service Station (GESS). To obtain the name and address of a GESS, ask your salesperson, consult the Yellow Pages, or call the number printed at the bottom of this page.

D. Replacement batteries shall be warranted only for the remaining

unexpired warranty period of the original battery. This warranty becomes void if:

(1) The battery has been subjected to any kind of misuse, detrimental

exposure, or has been in an accident.

(2) The battery is used in equipment or service other than the ..

radio equipment for which it is specified.

E. The preceding paragraphs set forth the exclusive remedies for claims

(except as to title) based upon defects in or non-conformity of any battery, whether the claim is in contract, warranty, tort (including negligence), strict liability or otherwise, and however instituted. Upon the expiration of the warranty period, all such liability shall terminate. The foregoing warranties are exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties, whether oral, written, expressed, implied or statutory. NO IMPLIED OR STATUTORY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL APPLY. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE COMPANY BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES.

ECX-841B

This warranty applies only within the United States.

1-800-528-7711 (1-800-237-0138 in Virginia)

Page 20

ALIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS

Before the Portable Radio Unit is placed into service, the user's operating configuration must be programmed into the EEPROM and the transmit and receive sections of the radio adjusted for optimum performance. If the optional Channel Guard tone decoder/encoder is installed and the radio programmed for Channel Guard operation, the Channel Guard must be adjusted. Refer to Figure 2 for alignment locations referenced in the following procedures.

Monogram

Series Model MGP 300 Low Band

WARNING

Any repairs or adjustments should be made by a qualified service technician or an authorized service center.

Suggested Test Equipment

The following, or its equivalent, is required for proper alignment of the low band portable.

1. RF watt meter

2. Regulated power supply capable of 9 to 16 volts

adjustable; at least 2-3 ampere capacity.

3. FM Communications Monitor

4. EEPROM Programmer (MHTS3R)

5. SINAD meter

6. Oscilloscope

7. AC/DC voltmeter with a minimum of 1 megohm input

impedance

Page 21

Pre-Alignment Notes

1. The transmit frequencies should be within a 2 MHz

range.

2. The receive frequencies should be within a 2 MHz

range.

3. There is no constraint on the relationship between the

transmit frequencies and the receive frequencies exceptthat they lie within the limits of the radio band (i.e., 30-35, 35-42 or 42-50 MHz).

EEPROM PROGRAMMING

Before alignment, the radio must be programmed to the user's transmit and receive frequencies as well as the optional Channel Guard tone frequencies. This programmed information is stored in a plug-in EEPROM inside the radio unit. Use the procedure for the EEPROM Programmer to program the EEPROM with the operating information. The following procedure is used for removing and re-installing the EEPROM in the radio unit.

1. Use a screwdriver or coin to unlatch the back cover

screw, located on the bottom of the radio, to remove the battery cover. Rotate latch screw counterclockwise to release.

Page 22

2. Remove the battery pack from the battery

compartment.

3. Locate the six screws holding the case together and

remove screws.

Figure 2 - Alignment Points

Page 23

4. With the battery compartment facing up, snap the case

halves apart.

5. Locate and carefully remove the optional Channel

Guard printed circuit board (see Figure 2 for location).

6. Locate and carefully remove the EEPROM.

7. Program the EEPROM to the user's operating

configuration.

8. Carefully re-install the EEPROM and reassemble

radio in the reverse order of the preceding steps 5 and

TRANSMITTER ALIGNMENT

1. Connect a regulated power supply to the battery

terminals of the radio (battery removed). Set power supply voltage for 10.8 VDC as measured at radio battery terminals.

2. Connect an RF watt meter to the antenna jack.

3. Select the middle programmed transmit channel. Key

the transmitter and adjust C212 on the VCO printed circuit board for 4.5 ±0.1 VDC at the control voltage test point P4-4.

4. Select a programmed mid-frequency transmit channel.

Key the transmitter and adjust C122 for the correct channel frequency ±100 Hz.

Page 24

5. Key the transmitter and adjust C41 for maximum RF

power output. Switch the radio between the highest and lowest transmit frequencies and adjust C41 to obtain the least power output variation across the transmit frequency range.

6. Apply an audio frequency of 1 kHz at an output of

300 mVRMS (600 ohms source impedance) to the EXT MIC/PTT/CHG jack. Key the transmitter and adjust R50 for ±4.5 kHz deviation. Maintain the level at 300 mV and sweep the audio frequency from 300 to 3000 Hz and readjust R50, if necessary, to ensure that the deviation never exceeds ±5.0 kHz. Check all programmed transmit channels and readjust R50, if necessary, to ensure that the deviation does not exceed ±5.0 kHz.

7. If the optional Channel Guard tone board is installed

and any transmit channel is programmed for Channel Guard operation, the Channel Guard tone deviation must be set. Key the transmitter on the selected channel and adjust R9 on the Channel Guard board for ±0.75 kHz deviation.

RECEIVER ALIGNMENT

1. Select the middle programmed receive channel and

adjust C205 on the VCO printed circuit board for 4.5 ±0.1 VDC at P4-4.

2. Turn the SQuelch control fully counterclockwise but

do not turn into the detent (tone) position.

Page 25

3. Connect oscilloscope (and distortion analyzer, if

available) across the speaker terminals.

4. Select a programmed mid-frequency receive channel.

Apply a 1000 Hz tone at 3 kHz deviation at 1 mV on the receive channel frequency to the antenna jack.

5. Adjust the discriminator coil L19 for maximum sine

wave amplitude at the speaker terminals. Adjust VOLUME control, if necessary, to prevent clipping. If a sine wave is not visible (only noise), perform Step 8 then return to this step.

6. Adjust T1, T2 and L19 for lowest audio distortion at

the speaker terminals.

7. Connect a SINAD meter across the speaker terminals.

Adjust the VOLume control to the proper level for the SINAD meter. Adjust the input from Step 4 until SINAD meter indicates 12 dB SINAD.

8. Adjust L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L7, L8 and T1 for the best

sensitivity while readjusting the input level to keep the SINAD meter reading near 12 dB SINAD.

9. Repeat Step 8 with the highest and lowest

programmed receive channels, if necessary to give the best sensitivity across the receive band.

10. If the radio is equipped with the optional Channel

Guard encode/decode board and the radio is programmed for receive Channel Guard, adjustments must be made to the Channel Guard circuitry.

Page 26

11. Adjust input to receiver for a reading of 10 dB SINAD

on the SINAD meter.

12. Rotate the SQuelch control fully counterclockwise

until it goes into the detent (tone) position. This enables the tone decoder.

13. Monitor U1-13 and adjust R6 until the voltage just

goes high (more than 2.5 VDC). Remove the RF signal input and verify that U1-13 goes low (less than

2.5 VDC). This sets the noise squelch threshold to 10 dB SINAD to prevent noise falsing.

14. Check tone decoder operation by modulating the RF

input with the selected Channel Guard tone for the receive channel under test at 750 Hz deviation. The receiver should unsquelch and the 1000 Hz audio signal should be heard.

ANTENNA TUNING

Refer to Figure 3 for tuning capacitor setting for the various frequencies. To tune the antenna perform the following steps:

1. Remove slotted set-screw from coil cover of antenna

to uncover the tuning capacitor.

2. Select the channel of the radio that represents the

center of the frequencies programmed.

3. Hold the radio upright and press the PTT bar to key

the transmitter on the selected channel.

Page 27