I N S T R U C T I O N M A N U A L
5 watt UHF CB radio
ScanSuite™ 
faster, smarter scanning
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ....................................................................... |
2 |
IMPORTANT INFORMATION...................................................... |
3 |
POSSIBLE ISSUES...................................................................... |
3 |
EMERGENCY CHANNELS.......................................................... |
3 |
TELEMETRY CHANNELS............................................................ |
3 |
FEATURES ................................................................................ |
4 |
GENERAL OPERATION.............................................................. |
4 |
Volume.................................................................................. |
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Selecting Channels................................................................. |
4 |
Squelch ................................................................................. |
5 |
Front Panel Controls............................................................... |
5 |
Rear Panel ............................................................................. |
5 |
LCD Panel.............................................................................. |
6 |
Signal Meter .......................................................................... |
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Transmitting........................................................................... |
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Time-out Timer....................................................................... |
6 |
Backlighting........................................................................... |
6 |
Beep tone volume.................................................................. |
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Bandwidth Filter Settings ....................................................... |
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To change the Filter Setting.................................................... |
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Dynamic Volume Control (DVC) .............................................. |
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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 ....................................................................... |
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17 |
DC POWER CONNECTION ...................................................... |
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19 |
HIGH VOLTAGE WARNING ...................................................... |
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19 |
ANTENNA CONNECTION........................................................ |
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20 |
NOISE SUPPRESSION.............................................................. |
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20 |
CTCSS TONE FREQUENCY CHART........................................... |
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20 |
DCS TONE CHART................................................................... |
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21 |
UHF CB OPERATING FREQUENCIES ........................................ |
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22 |
SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................... |
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23 |
SC CONTRACT WARRANTY AGAINST DEFECTS........... |
Back page |
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Contacts.................................................................. |
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Back page |
SUPPLIED WITH |
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•TX3500S Radio |
• Microphone Clip |
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• Mounting Cradle |
• DC Lead |
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• Instruction Manual |
• Screw Pack |
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• Microphone |
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If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your retailer or place of purchase.
INTRODUCTION
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 modern vehicles. With its built-in loud speaker and extremely small size the TX3500S can be mounted in almost any convenient location.
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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. The mixing of narrowband and wideband radios in the same spectrum can cause some possible operating issues of interference and varying levels of received volume.
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.
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 CHANNELS
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.
TELEMETRY 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.
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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.
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CONTROLS
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
Channel Selector |
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) |
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Volume Selector |
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CHANNEL |
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VOLUME |
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PRI |
SCAN |
DUP |
SQL |
Microphone Port |
Priority Key |
Scan Key |
Duplex Key |
Squelch Key |
REAR PANEL
Ext speaker socket |
Rear microphone socket |
DC socket |
Antenna socket |
LCD PANEL
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Scan Icon |
Busy Icon |
Transmit Icon |
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Signal Meter |
Channel Display |
CTCSS/DCS Icon |
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Priority Icon |
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Duplex Icon |
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I N S T R U C T I O N M A N UA L |
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GENERAL OPERATION
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 
symbol will disappear and the receiver will become quiet again.
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 
and the ‘BUSY’ icon 
is not visible.
To transmit, press the PTT on the microphone. The 
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
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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.
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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.
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 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-
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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 |
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REPEATER |
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OPERATION |
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31 |
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CHANNEL |
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CHANNEL |
REPEATER |
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CHANNEL |
STATION |
CHANNEL |
1 |
1 |
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31 |
VEHICLE |
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VEHICLE |
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
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