GME TX3500S User Manual
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
5 watt UHF CB radio
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CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION .......................................................................2
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ......................................................3
POSSIBLE ISSUES ......................................................................3
EMERGENCY CHANNELS..........................................................3
TELEMETRY CHANNELS ............................................................3
FEATURES ................................................................................4
GENERAL OPERATION ..............................................................4
Volume ..................................................................................4
Selecting Channels .................................................................4
Squelch .................................................................................5
Front Panel Controls ...............................................................5
Rear Panel .............................................................................5
LCD Panel ..............................................................................6
Signal Meter ..........................................................................6
Transmitting ...........................................................................6
Time-out Timer .......................................................................6
Backlighting........................................................................... 6
Beep tone volume ..................................................................7
Bandwidth Filter Settings .......................................................7
To change the Filter Setting .................................................... 7
Dynamic Volume Control (DVC) ..............................................7
Repeaters and Duplex Mode ..................................................8
Priority Channel .....................................................................9
Scanning ...............................................................................9
Open Scan ...........................................................................10
Group Scan ..........................................................................11
Network Scan ......................................................................12
CTCSS & DCS ....................................................................... 13
Receive (RX) only Channels .................................................. 15
Configuration menu .............................................................16
INSTALLATION .......................................................................17
DC POWER CONNECTION ......................................................19
HIGH VOLTAGE WARNING ......................................................19
ANTENNA CONNECTION........................................................20
NOISE SUPPRESSION ..............................................................20
CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY CHART ...........................................20
DCS TONE CHART................................................................... 21
UHF CB OPERATING FREQUENCIES ........................................22
SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................23
SC CONTRACT WARRANTY AGAINST DEFECTS ...........Back page
Contacts ..................................................................Back page
SUPPLIED WITH
• TX3500S Radio
• Mounting Cradle
• Instruction Manual
• Microphone Clip
• DC Lead
• Screw Pack
• Microphone
If any items are missing or
your
retailer or place of purchase
damaged, please contact
.
IN TRODUCTION
Your GME TX3500S 80 channel radio is Australian designed
and built and is the most advanced UHF Citizen Band
radio available.
The TX3500S combines the very latest in electronic
hardware with the most up-to-date computer aided design
and manufacturing techniques to produce an extremely
compact mobile radio with outstanding specifications and
performance.
The TX3500S is designed for unobtrusive mounting in
vehicles. With its built-in loud speaker and extremely
modern
the TX3500S can be mounted in almost any
small size
convenient location
.
PAGE 2 I NSTRUCTION MA NUAL T X3500S
IM PORTA NT INF ORMATION
The use of the Citizen Band radio service is licensed in
Australia by the ACMA Radio communications (Citizens
Band Radio Stations) Class Licence and in New Zealand
by the Ministry of Economic Development New Zealand
(MED). A General User Radio Licence for Citizens Band radio
and operation is subject to conditions contained in those
licences.
The class licence for users and equipment operating in the
CB/PRS 477 MHz band has been amended. This radio meets
the new 80 channel standard.
In simple terms the same amount of spectrum is available;
however,
radio transceivers can now operate in a narrower
bandwidth and hence use less spectrum. These radios are
generally referred to as narrowband or 12.5 kHz radios.
By using 12.5 kHz channel spacing instead of 25 kHz, the
40 channels originally allocated can now be expanded to
80 channels thereby doubling the channel capacity and
relieving congestion in the UHF CB/PRS band.
Original 40 channel wideband Radios will continue to operate
on the original 40 channels, however they will not be able
to converse on the newer channels 41 – 80. The newer
narrowband radios will be able to converse with all older 40
channel wideband radios on all channels 1 to 40 as well as
the newer channels allocated from 41 to 80.
narrowband and wideband radios in the same spectrum can
cause some possible operating issues of interference and
varying levels of received volume.
The mixing of
POSSIBLE ISSUES
The mixing of narrowband and wideband radios in the
same spectrum can cause some possible operating issues
of interference and differences in levels of received volume.
When a new narrowband radio receives a transmission
from an older wideband radio the speech may sound loud
and distorted – simply adjust your radio volume for best
performance.
When an older wideband radio receives a signal from a new
narrowband radio, the speech may sound quiet –– simply
adjust your radio volume for best performance.
T X3500S I NSTRUCTION MA NUAL PAGE 3
Depending on how close your receiving radio is to another
transmitting radio, there can be interference from the
transmitting radio if it is using a channel adjacent to the
channel you are listening to. Simply try moving up or down a
few channels from the currently selected channel.
The above situations are not a fault of the radio but a normal
symptom of operating wideband and narrowband radios in
the same bandwidth. This possible interference will decrease
over time as the population of wideband radios operating in
the UHF CB band ages and decreases.
Further information and updates are available from the
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
at www.acma.gov.au and the Ministry of Economic
Development (MED) Radio Spectrum Management at: www.
rsm.govt.nz
EMERGENCY CHANNEL S
The ACMA has allocated channels 5/35 for emergency use
only. Channel 5 is the primary Simplex Emergency Channel.
Where a Channel 5 repeater is available, you should select
Duplex on CH 5.
NOTE: Channel 35 is the input channel for the Channel 5
repeater therefore Channel 35 should also not be used for
anything other than emergency transmissions.
TELEMET RY CHANNELS
ACMA regulations have allocated channels 22 and 23
for telemetry only applications and have prohibited the
transmission of speech on these channels. Consequently
the TX3500S has a transmit inhibit applied to channels 22
and 23. In the event additional telemetry/telecommand
channels are approved by the ACMA, these channels shall be
added to those currently listed where voice transmission is
inhibited. Currently transmissions on channels 61, 62 and 63
are also inhibited and these channels are reserved for future
allocation.
FEATURES
TRANSMIT (TX)
Individually Programmable DUPLEX function: User selectable for only those individual channels in your area that have
repeaters, leaving the others free for use as extra simplex channels.
SCANNING AND MEMORY FUNCTIONS
Microprocessor Controlled Frequency Synthesiser: Allows user programmable control of scanning, channel memories and
selected feature options.
Programmable Scan Function: Scans the selected UHF CB channels with both Group, Open and Network scanfunctions
available.
Priority Channel: A user programmable Priority channel feature allows your working channel to be instantly recalled at the
press of a key.
SIGNAL PROCESSING
Digital Signal Processing: Measures, filters and compresses standard analogue audio signals and converts them into digital
format. Allows advanced RF and audio processing techniques to be applied to maximise the radios performance.
Advanced Signal Management: Identifies interference caused by strong local signals on adjacent channels and prevents
these from opening your squelch. ASM also minimises distortion on reception by fine tuning the receiver frequency to match
that of the incoming signal.
Dynamic Volume Control: Automatically compensates for variations in received audio level to provide a constant audio
output level to the speaker.
PRIVACY FUNCTIONS
CTCSS & DCS: A built-in Continuous Tone Coded Squelch and Digital Coded Squelch System option provides silent channel
operation.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Over Voltage Protection: Special overvoltage detection circuitry protects the radio and warns of excessive voltage conditions
by flashing the display.
USER CONTROLS AND INTERFACE
Full Spectrum Backlighting: User adjustable, totally customisable backlight settings to match the vehicles dashboard
lighting or drivers preference.
High Contrast Liquid Crystal Display: Fully detailed LCD provides a visual indication of the selected channel and all selected
functions at a glance.
Front and Rear microphone inputs: Convenient front and rear microphone inputs to facilitate ease of installation and
operation across a range of vehicles.
PAGE 4 I NSTRUCTION MA NUAL T X3500S
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
CONTROLS
REAR PANEL
LCD PANEL
Channel Selector
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display)
PRI
SCAN
DUP
Microphone Port Priority Key Scan Key Duplex Key
Ext speaker socket Rear microphone socket
Antenna socketDC socket
Scan Icon Busy Icon Transmit Icon
Volume Selector
VOLUMECHANNEL
SQL
Squelch Key
Signal Meter
Channel Display
CTCSS/DCS Icon
Priority Icon Duplex Icon
T X3500S I NSTRUCTION MA NUAL PAGE 5
GENERAL OPERAT ION
VOLUME
Rotate the Volume control clockwise past the ‘click’ to turn
the TX3500S on. Rotate the control further clockwise to
increase the volume, or counter clockwise to decrease the
volume.
If no sound is heard, briefly press the SQL key to temporarily
un-mute the radio then adjust the volume while listening to
the background noise. When finished, briefly press the SQL
key again to re-mute the radio.
NOTE: At the minimum volume setting there is still sufficient
volume to be heard in a quiet cabin environment.
SELECTING CHANNELS
Select the required channel by rotating the Channel knob.
Rotate the knob clockwise to select higher channel and
counter clockwise to select lower channels. The selected
channel is displayed on the LCD.
SQUELCH
The squelch is used to eliminate any annoying background
noise when there are no signals present. The squelch can
be opened or closed using the SQL key. When the squelch
is open the receiver’s background noise can be heard and
the
symbol is displayed. When the squelch is closed the
receiver remains quiet while there are no signals present but
any incoming signals will override the squelch and be heard
in the speaker.
To open the squelch
Briefly press the SQL key. A low beep will be heard and the
symbol will be displayed. If there are no signals present
you will hear the receiver’s background noise.
To close the squelch
Briefly press the SQL key. A high beep will be heard. If there
are no signals present the
receiver will become quiet again.
symbol will disappear and the
Adjusting the squelch level
The TX3500S’ default squelch sensitivity level has been
factory set to provide optimum performance under most
operating conditions. If required, the sensitivity level can be
adjusted to suit changing conditions.
To adjust the squelch sensitivity, briefly press the Channel
knob. The channel display will show the current squelch
setting in values from 1 - 9. A squelch setting of -1 allows
the squelch to open on very weak signals whereas a setting
of -9 requires much stronger signals to overcome the squelch.
Rotate the Channel knob to change the squelch setting.
Press the Channel knob to accept the setting and return
to normal operation.
SIGNAL METER
The signal meter
indicates the relative signal strength of
the incoming signal. Stronger incoming signals will display
more bars while weaker signals will display less bars.
TRANSMITTING
Prior to transmitting, always check the channel is not being
used. This can be done either by listening or by checking that
the signal meter
To transmit, press the PTT on the microphone. The
and the ‘BUSY’ icon is not visible.
icon
will appear. Hold the microphone about 5-8 cm from your
face and speak at a normal voice level. The microphone is
quite sensitive so it is not necessary to raise your voice or
shout. Release the PTT when you have finished talking. The
icon will disappear.
IMPORTANT: Always listen to ensure the channel is free
before transmitting.
TIME-OUT TIMER
Your TX3500S has an in-built Time-Out Timer (TOT)
that limits transmissions to a maximum of 3 minutes of
continuous operation. This feature is required by the ACMA
to prevent the radio from jamming the frequency if the
PTT button has been accidentally jammed. Once the TOT is
triggered the radio will beep once and the transmitter output
will be switched off. If the PTT remains pressed, the transmit
icon
will remain visible but there will be no signal
PAGE 6 I NSTRUCTION MA NUAL T X3500S
transmitted from the radio. Once the PTT button has been
released the TOT is reset and transmissions can recommence.
BACKLIGHTING
The Liquid Crystal Display and keys are back lit for easy
viewing at night. The back lighting remains on at while the
TX3500S is switched ON.
Adjusting the backlighting
The backlighting brightness and colour can be adjusted for
personal preference. There are three settings available;
br’ - Brightness Setting: Provides a continuously variable
brightness adjustment from very dim to full brightness.
‘cL’ - Colour Setting: Provides a continuously variable colour
change via a smooth blend of Red, Green and Blue
colours.
‘Li’ - Lightness Setting: Provides a continuously variable
lightness or colour saturation of the selected colour
from full colour to white (no colour).
To make adjustments to the backlighting,
1. Press and hold the Channel knob to enter the MENU.
‘br’ will be displayed indicating the Brightness mode is
selected.
2. Rotate the Channel knob to adjust the display
brightness.
3. Briefly press the Channel knob to select the Colour
mode. ‘cl’ will be displayed.
4. Rotate the Channel knob to adjust the colour.
5. Briefly press the Channel knob to select the Lightness
mode. ‘Li’ will be displayed.
6. Rotate the Channel knob to adjust the lightness
(saturation) of the chosen colour. For the deepest colour
range, reduce the lightness setting.
When finished, press and hold the Channel knob to return
to normal operation.
NOTE: The MENU function will automatically time out after 6
seconds if no further adjustments have been made.
BEEP TONE VOLUME
The Key Beeps provide audible feedback whenever the keys
are pressed. You can adjust the volume of the key beeps as
follows.
1. Press and hold the Channel knob to enter the MENU.
‘br’ will be displayed.
2. Press the Channel knob repeatedly until ‘bP’ (Beep) is
displayed.
3. Rotate the Channel knob clockwise to increase the Beep
volume or counter-clockwise to decrease the Beep volume.
The signal meter bars will increase or decrease with the
volume level setting.
When finished, press and hold the Channel knob to return
to normal operation.
BANDWIDTH FILTER SETTINGS
The TX3500S is fitted with two user-selectable receiver
bandwidth filters which allow the receiver to be adjusted for
either wide or narrow band reception on channels 1 – 40.
This feature provides additional compatibility with older
40-channel radios. The wide setting increases the tolerance
of the TX3500S receiver to older wideband 40 channel radios
or to signals that might be slightly off frequency. The narrow
setting increases the selectivity of the receiver to help reduce
interference from strong interfering signals on adjacent
channels.
To change the filter setting
To change the filter setting;
1. Press and hold the Channel knob to enter the MENU.
‘br’ will be displayed.
2. Press the Channel knob repeatedly until ‘FL’ (Filter) is
displayed.
3. Rotate the Channel knob clockwise to select the Narrow
Band Filter. The close spacing of the signal meter bars
confirms the Narrow Band Filter is selected.
T X3500S I NSTRUCTION MA NUAL PAGE 7
To switch the Dynamic Volume Control ON or OFF
1. Press and hold the Channel knob to enter the MENU.
‘br’ will be displayed.
2. Press the Channel knob repeatedly until ‘dL’ (Dynamic
4. Rotate the Channel knob to select the Wide Band Filter.
The wide spacing of the signal meter bars confirms the
Wide Band Filter is selected.
When finished, press and hold the Channel knob to return
to normal operation.
NOTE: The wideband filter selection only operates on
channels 1-40. Channels 41-80 always remains narrowband.
DYNAMIC VOLUME CONTROL (DVC)
The modulation level of signals heard on the UHF CB band has
always varied considerably resulting in noticeable differences
in received audio volume between stations. Generally users
have compensated for this by adjusting the volume control
for each received signal. With the introduction of 80 channel
narrowband transmissions that use lower levels of modulation,
the diversity in received audio volume is likely to increase
further.
The TX3500S is able to automatically compensate for these
variations in received audio level by utilising a Dynamic
Volume Control. When activated, this feature automatically
compensates for variations in received audio level resulting
in a constant audio output level to the speaker to greatly
enhance the quality of the reception.
Level) is displayed.
3. Rotate the Channel knob clockwise one click to view
the current setting.
4. Rotate the Channel knob clockwise again to select ON.
‘on’ is displayed.
5. Rotate the Channel knob counter-clockwise to select
OFF. ‘oF’ is displayed.
When finished, press and hold the Channel knob to return
to normal operation.
SILENT SQUELCH TAIL
The Squelch tail is the short burst of noise that is heard in
the speaker at the end of a transmission, during the brief
interval before the squelch closes.
To some it is a reassuring confirmation that it is their
turn to transmit but in some applications it may be an
annoyance especially when listening through an earpiece
or headphones.
The Silent Squelch Tail function removes this squelch tail,
reducing it to a faint click as the squelch closes.
To enable or disable the Silent Squelch Tail
1. Press and hold the Channel knob to enter the MENU.
‘br’ will be displayed.
2. Press the Channel knob repeatedly until ‘St’ (Silent
Tail) is displayed.
3. Rotate the Channel knob one click. The current setting
is displayed.
4. Rotate the Channel knob to the right to enable the silent squelch tail. ‘on’ will be displayed and the squelch
tail will be silent.
5. Rotate the Channel knob to the left to disable the si-
PAGE 8 I NSTRUCTION MA NUAL T X3500S
lent squelch tail. ‘oF’ will be displayed and the squelch
tail will be restored.
When finished, press and hold the Channel knob to
return to normal operation.
REPEATERS AND DUPLEX MODE
Duplex operation allows the radio to transmit on a different
frequency to that which it receives. This allows operation
through repeater stations.
A repeater station consists of a linked transmitter/receiver
combination installed in a prominent location. The repeater
is designed to receive signals on a designated channel and
retransmit them on another channel. Repeaters are usually
mounted on hills or tall buildings. The increased elevation
greatly improves both the receiving and transmitting range of
the repeater allowing it to receive and retransmit signals to
radios that would otherwise be out of range of each other.
Normally, UHF radios transmit and receive on the same
frequency - known as Simplex operation. However to
communicate through repeaters, your radio must be able
to transmit and receive on different channels – otherwise
known as Duplex operation. Your TX3500S is fitted with a
Duplex key
to allow you to operate through repeaters.
The Duplex function can only be selected on channels 1-8
and 41-48 as these are the channels that have been
allocated for repeater use. When Duplex is selected, your
TX3500S receives on the selected channel (e.g. CH 1) but
transmits 30 channels higher (CH 31). The repeater hears
your signal on CH 31 and retransmits it on CH 1 for others to
hear.
SIMPLEX
REPEATER
OPERATION
CHANNEL 1
CHANNEL 31
VEHICLE
VEHICLE
CHANNEL 31
CHANNEL 1
REPEATER
STATION
The TX3500S allows you to enable or disable Duplex mode
on individual repeater channels. In this way any repeater
channels that are not being used with repeaters in your area
can be used in Simplex mode for normal direct radio-to-radio
communications.
To enable Duplex on a repeater channel
1. Select the required repeater channel (1–8, 41–48)
2. Briefly press the DUP key. The duplex symbol
will
appear on the display accompanied by a high beep.
To remove Duplex from a repeater channel
1. Select the required repeater channel (1-8, 41-48). If
duplex is currently selected, the
duplex symbol will
appear.
2. Briefly press the DUP key. The duplex symbol
will
disappear from the display accompanied by a low beep.
Channel Selected Receive Channel Transmit Channel
1 1 31
2 2 32
3 3 33
4 4 34
5* 5* 35*
6 6 36
7 7 37
8 8 38
41 41 71
42 42 72
43 43 73
44 44 74
45 45 75
46 46 76
47 47 77
48 48 78
* Emergency channel only
T X3500S I NSTRUCTION MA NUAL PAGE 9
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