M/A-Com Orion Operator's Manual

Operator’s Manual

LBI-38888

Rev. N, Mar-05

Orion™

Mobile Radio

MANUAL REVISION HISTORY

REV DATE REASON FOR CHANGE

N Mar. 2005 Updated Nuisance Delete section.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATION FOR CE MARKED EQUIPMENT

Orion mobile radio units conform to the following Product Specifications.

EUROPEAN STANDARDS:
Safety: Not Applicable

EMC: EN 50082-1 (January 1992)
prEN 50082-1 (September 1995)
prETS 300 339 (June 1993)
EN 55022 Par. 5.1 (August 1994)
TTD: Not Applicable

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
At this time, the Orion mobile radio may not be operated while in a desktop station in the

European Community since it does not meet immunity requirements when operated in this mode.
The Orion mobile radio may be used in both trunked and conventional applications.

CREDITS

Voice Guard is a registered trademark Orion, ProVoice, Aegis, ProFile, ProSound, ProScan,
SCAT, Failsoft, and G-STAR are trademarks of M/A-COM, Inc.

All other brand and product names are trademarks, registered trademarks, or service marks of
their respective holders.

NOTICE

The voice coding technology embodied in this product is protected by intellectual property rights
including patent rights, copyrights, and trade secrets of Digital Voice Systems, Inc. The user of
this technology is explicitly prohibited from attempting to decompile, reverse engineer, or
disassemble the Object Code, or in any way convert the Object Code into human-readable form.

The software contained in this device is copyrighted by M/A-COM, Inc. Unpublished rights are
reserved under the copyright laws of the United States.

This manual covers M/A-COM, Inc. products manufactured and sold by M/A-COM, Inc.
Repairs to this equipment should be made only by an authorized service technician or facility

designated by the supplier. Any repairs, alterations or substitution of recommended parts made
by the user to this equipment not approved by the manufacturer could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment in addition to the manufacturer's warranty.

This manual is published by M/A-COM, Inc., without any warranty. Improvements and changes to this manual necessitated by
typographical errors, inaccuracies of current information, or improvements to programs and/or equipment, may be made by M/A-
COM, Inc., at any time and without notice. Such changes will be incorporated into new editions of this manual. No part of this
manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
recording, for any purpose, without the express written permission of M/A-COM, Inc.

Copyright© 1993 - 2005 M/A-COM, Inc. All rights reserved.

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

SAFETY INFORMATION.................................................................. 5

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................ 6

USER INTERFACE............................................................................. 7

CONTROLS.......................................................................................... 8

POWER ON-OFF VOLUME KNOB.................................................... 8

SYSTEM/GROUP CHANNEL KNOB................................................. 8

RAMP CONTROL................................................................................ 8

SCAN ON/OFF ..................................................................................... 9

SCAN ADD/DELETE........................................................................... 9

INDICATORS....................................................................................... 9

KEYPAD............................................................................................. 10

DISPLAY............................................................................................. 14

RADIO STATUS ICONS.................................................................... 14

MESSAGES ........................................................................................ 15

ALERT TONES.................................................................................. 20

CALL ORIGINATE............................................................................ 20

AUTOKEY (TRUNKED MODE ONLY)........................................... 20

CALL QUEUED (TRUNKED MODE ONLY).................................. 20

SYSTEM BUSY (TRUNKED MODE ONLY)................................... 20

CALL DENIED (TRUNKED MODE ONLY).................................... 20

CARRIER CONTROL TIMER........................................................... 21

KEY PRESS ALERT .......................................................................... 21

DUAL CONTROL SWITCHING....................................................... 21

OPERATION...................................................................................... 22

TURNING ON THE RADIO.............................................................. 22

SELECTION MODE RULES............................................................. 22

DIRECT ACCESS............................................................................... 24

MENU ................................................................................................. 24

FEATURE ENCRYPTION DISPLAY............................................... 29

SYSTEM/GROUP/CHANNEL SELECTION.................................... 32

TRUNKED MODE OPERATION.................................................... 34

RECEIVING A CALL ........................................................................ 34

SENDING A CALL ............................................................................ 34

CONVENTIONAL FAILSOFT.......................................................... 35

EMERGENCY OPERATION............................................................. 35

SYSTEM SCAN OPERATION.......................................................... 36

GROUP SCAN OPERATION............................................................. 38

INDIVIDUAL CALLS........................................................................ 41

SCAT OPERATION ........................................................................... 43

TELEPHONE INTERCONNECT CALLS......................................... 43

MOBILE DATA.................................................................................. 46

3

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

STATUS/MESSAGE OPERATION...................................................49

EDACS CONVENTIONAL P1 SCAN ...............................................50

DYNAMIC REGROUP OPERATION................................................50

CONVENTIONAL MODE OPERATION.......................................52

RECEIVING A CALL.........................................................................52

SENDING A CALL.............................................................................52

EMERGENCY OPERATION.............................................................53

SCANNING CONVENTIONAL CHANNELS...................................54

TURNING SCAN ON.........................................................................56

TURNING SCAN OFF........................................................................56

SQUELCH ADJUST ...........................................................................57

NOISE BLANKER OPERATION.......................................................58

TYPE 99 DECODE (Conventional Only)............................................58

DIRECT MODE OPERATION (Conventional System Only) ............59

TRUNKED OR CONVENTIONAL MODE OPERATION............61

SIREN/LIGHT OPERATION..............................................................61

Digital Voice (ProVoice / Aegis / Voice Guard Operation).................61

DUAL CONTROL OPERATION....................................................... 67

MULTIPLE RADIO OPERATION.....................................................69

LAST SYSTEM/GROUP OR CHANNEL RECALL

(Supervisory Radio Units Only).....................................................33

MACRO KEY OPERATION..............................................................71

SENDING A MANUALLY ENTERED INTERCONNECT CALL

(SYSTEM MODEL ONLY) ..........................................................71

KEYPAD REMAPPING .....................................................................72

OPERATING RULES AND REGULATIONS................................73

GLOSSARY......................................................................................... 74

M/A-COM Technical Publications would particularly appreciate feedback on any errors found in
this document and suggestions on how the document could be improved. Submit your comments
and suggestions to:

Wireless Systems Business Unit or fax your comments to: [phone]
M/A-COM, Inc.
Technical Publications or e-mail us at: [e-mail]
221 Jefferson Ridge Parkway
Lynchburg, VA 24501

4

SAFETY INFORMATION

The operator of any mobile radio should be aware of certain hazards common
to the operation of vehicular radio transmissions.

A list of the possible hazards are:

1. Explosive Atmospheres

Just as it is dangerous to fuel a vehicle with the motor running, be sure
to turn the radio OFF while fueling the vehicle. Do not carry containers
of fuel in the trunk of the vehicle when the radio is mounted in the
trunk.

2. Interference To Vehicular Electronic Systems

Electronic fuel injection systems, electronic anti-skid breaking
systems, electronic cruise control systems, etc., are typical of the types
of electronic devices that may malfunction due to the lack of protection
from radio frequency energy present when transmitting. If the vehicle
contains such equipment, consult the dealer for the make of vehicle
and enlist his aid in determining if such electronic circuits perform
normally when the radio is transmitting.

3. Electric Blasting Caps

To prevent accidental detonation of electric blasting caps, DO NOT

use two-way radios within 1000 feet of blasting operations. Always
obey the "Turn Off Two-Way Radios" signs posted where electric
blasting caps are being used. (OSHA Standard: 1926. 900)

4. Radio Frequency Energy

To prevent burns or related physical injury from radio frequency
energy, do not operate the transmitter when anyone outside of the
vehicle is within two feet of the antenna.

Before jump starting or changing the vehicle
battery, it is strongly suggested that the 3A fuse
located in the Yellow lead (IGN A+) be removed.

CAUTION

This will insure that the radio is protected from
damage during the battery charging process.
Replace fuse when charging is completed.

5

INTRODUCTION

This manual describes how to use the Orion Mobile Radio. The Orion is a
synthesized, microprocessor-based, high performance mobile FM radio
providing reliable two-way communications in both the Enhanced Digital
Access Communications System (EDACS) trunking environment and
conventional communication systems.

In the EDACS, or trunked system mode, the user selects a communications
system and group. In this mode, channel selection is transparent to the user
and is controlled via digital communication with the syste m controller. This
provides advanced programmable features and fast access to communication
channels.

In the conventional mode, the user selects a channel and directly
communicates on that channel. In this mode, a system refers to a set of
channels. A channel is a transmit/receive radio frequency pair.

The exact operation of the radio will depend on the operating mode, the
radio's programming and the particular radio system. Most features described
in this manual may be enabled or disabled through programming. Consult the
system administrator for the particular features that are programmed into the
Orion.

6

USER INTERFACE

The Orion operating controls are located on the radio's front panel (See
Figures 1 & 2). A keypad, vacuum florescent display for radio status
information, and a microphone jack are on the front panel. The front panel
also provides a rotary SYSTEM/GROUP/CHANNEL knob, POWER ON-
OFF/VOLUME control, a ramp up/ramp down control, Scan add/delete
control, and a SCAN ON-OFF control for scan operation.

The keypad is used for manual number entry for individual calls, access to a
telephone interconnect system and activation of various EDACS or
conventional features such as menu selection. Each key has an associated
LED for status indication.

The display has two lines with eight alphanumeric-characters used to show the
operational mode of the radio. There is one LED for indicating transmitter ON
and one LED to indicate CHANNEL BUSY located below the POWER ON-

OFF/VOLUME Control.

Figure 1 - Orion Mobile Radio SYSTEM Model Front Panel

Figure 2 - Orion Mobile Radio SCAN Model Front Panel

7

CONTROLS

f

This section describes the buttons, keys and rotary kno bs used to control the
Orion Scan and System Model radios. All functions and controls of the Scan
radio operate the same as the corresponding functions and controls on the
System radio. The Scan radio is equipped with a 4-button keypad and the
System radio is equipped with a 16-button keypad.

Many of the control buttons and keys have or can be programmed to have a
primary function and a secondary function. The SCAN button can be
programmed (as a secondary function) to toggle the keypad keys between
their primary function and their secondary function.

POWER ON-OFF VOLUME KNOB

This rotary Knob applies power to the radio and adjusts the
receiver volume. Rotating the control clockwise out o
detente applies power to the radio. A single alert tone
sounds (if enabled through programming) to indicate the
radio is operational.

Rotating the control clockwise increases the volume level. Minimum volume
levels may be programmed into the radio to prevent missed calls due to a low
volume setting. While adjusting the volume, the display will momentarily
indicate the volume level (i.e. VOL = 31). The volume range is from a
minimum level of zero (displayed as OFF in the display) up to 31 which is the
loudest level.

SYSTEM/GROUP CHANNEL KNOB

This rotary knob selects the systems or groups/channels,
depending upon programming. This 16 position knob has no
stop. See SYSTEM/GROUP/CHANNEL SELECTION
for more details.

RAMP CONTROL

The primary function of this rocker type button is to scroll
through the System list or the Group/Channel list depending
upon programming. The secondary function is to increment or

decrement items within a list (phone list for example). Press ,
to scroll in increasing order and press . to scroll in decreasing

order. To auto-ramp, press and hold the button.

8

SCAN ON/OFF

p

d

y

p

b

r

a

The

rimary function of this button is to toggle scan operation on
and OFF. When the radio is scanning, the SCAN LED is on an
all groups or channels in the scan list of the currently selected
systems are scanned.

The secondary function of the SCAN button is to toggle the keypad buttons
between their primary function and their secondary function.

SCAN ADD/DELETE

This rocker type button is used to display the current SCAN
status for a group/channel and then either add or delete the
group/channel from the system scan list.

The add button will select the last scanned channel recall b

ressing it twice when the radio is actively receiving or three

times when the radio is not actively receiving.

INDICATORS

Transmitter enabled - ON when the radio is transmitting.

BuSY - On indicates a carrier is being received (the channel is

usy). Note that if the selected channel is programmed fo
Channel Guard (CG), Digital Channel Guard (DCG) or Type 99
(T99) tone decode operation, the radio will not un-squelch if
valid tone or code is not received; the BSY indicator will be on.

Figure 3 - Orion System Model Keypad

9

Figure 4 - Orion Scan Model Keypad

KEYPAD

The keypad is similar to a telephone keypad but with four (4) additional
buttons on the side for a total of 16 keys. In addition to numbers (1-9, *, 0 and
#), which is a secondary function, most of the keys have or can be
programmed to have a primary function. A symbol or abbreviated word
describing its primary function is labeled on the keycap. Each labeled keycap
is associated with a radio feature (or primary function). The radio must be
programmed to operate with the Standard or the Optional keycap
configuration.

A key light (LED) is associated with each key or button. This may light wh en
the associate function is active. In some conditions the key light may blink to
indicate an action status.

The keypad key functions can be remapped to any of the primary function
keys using the PC programming software. It is suggested that the blank
keypad (located at the back of this manual) be completed if the keypad key
functions are changed.

Standard Keycap Configuration

The Standard keycap package for the System radio includes five (5) labeled
keycaps (MODE, HOME, CHN, AUX1 and AUX2) and six (6) blank
keycaps, which can be placed on any of the five key locations (numbers 3-6
and 9) shown in Figure 5. The keycap represents the primary function
programmed for that key location. See the Key Description section for a
description of the primary function associated with these five (5) keycaps.

The Standard keycap package for the Scan radio includes five (5) labeled
keycaps [MENU, CLEAR, SELECT, EMERGENCY (

E), OPTION] and five

(5) blank keycaps, which can be placed on any of the four (4) keypad keys.
The keycap represents the primary function programmed for that key location.

10

Figure 5 - Standard Orion Keycaps Configuration

Optional Keycap Configuration

The Optional keycap package for the System radio includes sixty (60)
additional keycaps (shown in the Key Description section), which can be
placed on any key location desired. Keep in mind, the keycap represents the
primary function programmed for that key location.

Key Descriptions

MODE This key function is used to enter the Conventional System

selection mode.

HOME This key function returns the radio to the Home

System/Group where it is programmed.

CHN This key is used to enter the Channel select mode.
AUX1 & 2

S This key is used to enter the System select mode.
g This key is used to enter the Group select mode.
o

O

DEL Secondary function - used to delete a digit during numeric

m Primary function - accesses the menu list. This is a list of

These keys are used to control output 1 or 2. Their definition
is PC programmable.

This key function is used to toggle a PC programmable
feature ON and OFF.

entry (see SELECTION MODE RULES).

additional features that are not available directly from the
keypad. See MENU for details.

11

SELECT Secondary function - activates a selected item within a list.

d

d

After the menus list is accessed, select a menu item from the
list via RAMP control , or . and activate it with this key.
Once activated, MENU continues its secondary function for
activating a selected parameter setting until the radio returns
to its normal receive state. This is similar to an enter key.

s The Status key permits the transmission of a pre-programmed

status message to an EDACS site.

n The Message key permits the transmission of a pre-

programmed message to an EDACS site.

c

Serves several purposes depending on the operating mode. In
trunked mode, the CLR button exits the current operation an

C

removes all displays associated with it. The radio and display
then return to the group receive state. In Conventional mode,
pressing this button un-mutes the receiver so activity on the
selected channel can be monitored. When pressed and hel
for approximately 3 seconds, this button toggles conventional
channel decoding (Channel Guard, Digital Channel Guard,
T99) on and OFF if programmed for the selected channel.

p Used to place telephone calls through the radio by selecting

the interconnect special call function. See Telephone
Interconnect Calls for details.

d Used to adjust the current display intensity and the keypad

backlight level.

i Used to call individual or make an all-call by selecting the

individual call function. See Individual Calls for details.

E This key function is used to declare emergencies.
ALM Toggles the external alarm ON/OFF. The external alarm is

used to indicate the radio is receiving an Individual Call.
Press the key once to enable external alarm and press again to
disable external alarm.

SG1-SG5 Corresponds to five (5) pre-programmed System/Groups.

Pressing a key programmed for SG1 would switch the radio to
the pre-programmed System/Group 1. Pressing a key
programmed for SG2 would switch the radio to the pre­programmed System/Group 2, etc.

WAIL, YLP,
RST, SL1­SL8

The WAIL and YLP (Yelp) keys are designed to control an
optional Siren package. The SL1-SL8 (Siren/Ligh t) keys are
designed to control an optional Siren/Light package. The
RST (Reset) key is used to turn all sirens and lights OFF.

SPK This key function is used to toggle the external speaker

ON/OFF.

12

STO-ST9 The status 0-9 keys are used to send pre-programmed status

message to the EDACS site.

PVT Enables or disables Private Mode for the System/Group

displayed. See the PRIVATE OPERATION section.

KEY Displays the Encrypted Keys. This selects the DISP KEY

operation from the menu functions.

G* This key function is used in Conventional Mode to send

G-STAR™ emergency signaling.

PA This key function enables and disables the Public Address

feature.

# DTMF keypad function.
1-9 Keypad numbers.
* DTMF Keypad function.

Primary Functions (Quick Access)

The secondary function of the k button is to toggle the keypad buttons
between their primary function and their secondary function. When the
secondary keypad is active, i.e. entering phone digits for an interconnect call,

k button can be used to toggle the keypad buttons back to their primary

the
function, perform a task (siren/light enable), and then toggle back to finish
entering the digits for the phone number. PRIMARY is displayed when the

k button is used to toggle the keypad keys back to their primary functions.

This provides quick access to the primary functions of the keypad. This is a
programmable feature of the
given to possible operational conflicts before enabling this feature.

k button only. Careful consideration should be

Several keys on the Scan version have a secondary function. The
the SELECT secondary function with the

secondary function. On the system version, the
for DELETE,

m is SELECT and c retains its CLEAR function.

C key remaining the same for the

o has a secondary function

m key is

13

DISPLAY

f

The radio's display is shown in Figure 6. The two character lines are used to
display system, group and channel names and also operational messages to the
user. Each line contains eight alphanumeric character blocks. See Figure 2 for
a typical display.

Figure 6 - Orion Display

RADIO STATUS ICONS

Status icons are indicators, which show the various operating characteristics of
the radio. The icons appear on the first line of the display.

14

• indicates selected group or channel is in scan list.

• indicates selected group or channel is programmed as

Priority 1 in scan list.

• indicates selected group or channel is programmed as

Priority 2 in scan list.

• indicates conventional channel enabled with Channel

Guard function.

• indicates the EDACS system is in Failsoft™ mode (i

enabled through programming).

• indicates Type 99 Decode is enabled on a conventional

channel.

MESSAGES

During radio operation, various messages are displayed on either line one or
line two. Typical messages include control channel status information, such as
system busy or call denied, or messages associated with the radio's operation,
(i.e. volume adjust). These messages are described as follows:

MESSAGE NAME DESCRIPTION

QUEUED

SYS BUSY

DENIED

CC SCAN

WA SCAN

TALKARND

*RXEMER*

*TXEMER*

VOL=31

UNKNOWN

TX DATA

RX DATA

DATA OFF

Call Queued Trunked mode only. Indicates the system has

System Busy Trunked mode only. Indicates the system is

Call Denied Trunked mode only. Indicates the radio is not

Control Channel Scan Trunked mode only. Indicates the control

Wide Area Scan Trunked mode only. Indicates the control

Talk-around Conventional mode only. Indicates the radio

Receive Emergency Trunked mode only. Indicates an emergency

Transmit Emergency Trunked mode only. Indicates an emergency

Volume Level Indicates the current volume level. The

Caller's ID Not
Received

Transmit Data Trunked mode only. Indicates the radio is

Receive Data Trunked mode only. Indicates the radio is

Data OFF Trunked mode only. Indicates radio is in the

placed the call in a request queue.

busy, no channels are currently available, the
queue is full or an individual call is being
attempted to a radio that is currently
transmitting.

authorized to operate on the selected system.

channel is lost and the radio has entered the
Control Channel Scan mode to search for the
control channel.

channel is lost and radio has entered the Wide
Area Scan mode to search for a new system
(if enabled through programming).

is operating on conventional channels in talk­around mode (no repeater).

call is being received. This message will be
flashing on line two.

call has been transmitted. This message will
be flashing on line two.

volume level display ranges from OFF
(silent) to 31 (loudest).

Indicates that an individual call is being
received, but the caller's ID was not received.

transmitting a data call.

receiving a data call. Displayed on line 2.

data disabled state. Displayed on line 1.

15

MESSAGE NAME DESCRIPTION

DATA ON

SYSC ON

SYSC OFF

T99 ON

T99 OFF

NB ON

NB OFF

PA ON

PA OFF

ALRM ON

ALRM OFF

PVT DIS

FRCD PVT

NO KEY #

BCKL=1-6
GR

ID

Data On Trunked mode only. Indicates radio has been

System Scan Features
On

System Scan Features
OFF

Type 99 Decode On Conventional mode only. Indicates the Type

Type 99 Decode OFF Conventional mode only. Indicates the Type

Noise Blanker On Conventional mode only. Indicates noise

Noise Blanker OFF Conventional mode only. Indicates noise

Public Address On Indicates that the public address function of

Public Address OFF Momentary (2 seconds) indicates that public

External Alarm Enabled Indicates that the external alarm function of

External Alarm
Disabled

Private Mode Disabled Indicates that private mode is disabled or no

Forced Private
Operation

Encryption Key
Missing

Backlight Display intensity and keypad back light level.
Group ID This indicates that the call is a group call and

Individual ID This indicates the call is an individual call

toggled to the data enable state. Displayed for
two seconds on line 1 when toggled to enable
state.

Trunked mode only. Indicates the System
Scan features are enabled.

Trunked mode only. Indicates the System
Scan features are disabled.

99 Decode feature is enabled.

99 Decode feature is disabled.

blanker feature is enabled on low band (29-50
MHz) version.

blanker feature is disabled on low band (29­50 MHz) version.

the radio is enabled.

address function of the radio was disabled.

the radio is enabled.
Momentary (2 seconds) indicates that external

alarm function of radio was disabled.

encryption key has been programmed for the
selected group/channel or special call.

Indicates that forced private operation has
been pre-programmed into radio.

Flashing indicator indicates that no
encryption key or an incorrect encryption key
is programmed into the radio.

is followed by the GID of the caller (trunked
mode only).

and the ID number of the caller, example "ID
2725" (trunked mode only).

16

MESSAGE NAME DESCRIPTION

WHC=1

PHONE

CONV FS

MENU

SYS=1-64

GRP=1-64

INDV=1-99

PHN=1-99

SEL PHN

Who Has Called This display indicates the number from the

Who Has Called list. Individual calls received
but not responded to are stored in a Who Has
Called list. This list is accessible by pressing
the # key and then the INDV key after the
Individual call has timed out or the Clear
button is pressed. This display is on line 2 and
the LID of the caller is displayed on the top
line. Currently the list is not implemented and
the display will always be WHC=1.

Phone Call Displayed when a phone call is received from

the site. It is displayed in line one of the
display. Line 2 of the display will contain the
display *INDV* when line 1 contains this
message. The radio interprets a received
phone call as an individual call.

Conventional Failsoft Displayed when a failure of the EDACS

system occurs. All communication will be in
conventional mode (trunked mode only).

Displayed when the menu key is pressed and

remains displayed in line 1 until one chooses
a menu item.

System = 1 - 64 This is the system number for the current base

station of the system displayed in line 1. It is
displayed in line 2 of the display. Press the
system key to obtain this display.

Group = 1 - 64 This is the group number of the group

displayed in line 2 of display. It is displayed
in line 1 of the display. Press the group key to
obtain this display. There are up to 48 groups
available (i.e. 3 banks of 16). The maximum
groups programmed in a radio are determined
by the personality.

Individual = 1 - 99 This display indicates which item in the

individual call list is being displayed. It is
displayed in line 2 of the display. The name
or ID of the item in the list is displayed in line
1 of the display.

Phone = 1 - 99 This display indicates which item in the

phone list is being displayed. It is displayed in
line 2 of the display. Line 1 of the display
will be the last 3 characters of the list item
contents.

Select Phone After pressing the PHN key, selecting an

entry from the phone list by typing the entry
number will display this message on Line 1.

17

MESSAGE NAME DESCRIPTION

SEL INDV

SYS ALL

Ggg-v.vv

*PHONE* Phone Call This is displayed when an initiated phone call

DUAL

NO ENTRY

INV SYS

CHN=1-99

FIX LIST

FIXED P1

(c) 2004

EM

*INDV*

*GROUP*

Select Individual ID This is displayed on line 1 when an entry

System All Call Displayed on line 1 to indicate a system all

Code Group and
Revision Number

Dual Control Operation Displayed on idle control unit when

This indicates that there is no data stored in

Invalid System Displayed when the current system is an

Channel = 1 - 99 This is displayed on line 1 of the display is

Fixed List Priority scan list is fixed and cannot be

Fixed Priority 1 Priority 1 scan channel is fixed and cannot be

This is displayed in line 2 when the message

Emergency This indicates an emergency has been

Individual Call This is displayed in line 2 of the display when

Group Call This indicates a group call is in progress and

from the individual ID list is selected after
pressing the INDV key. The entry is a number
between 1 and 32 inclusive (trunked mode
only).

call has been received (trunked mode only).
This is code group and revision number that

is displayed in line 2 when menu item
"REVISION" is selected. The `gg' is the
group number of the software. The first `v' is
the hardware version. The last two, `vv', is the
revision of the software.

is in progress. This is displayed on line 2 of
the display.

configured as dual control operation.

one of the programmable items in either the
phone list or individual call list. The user
programmable items are items 1 through 10 in
each list.

invalid type.

conventional channel index when the group
key is depressed.

changed using add and delete keys.

changed using add and delete keys.

"M/A-COM" is displayed in line 1 of the
display while displaying different items under
menu when `REVISION' is selected by the
operator.

declared by the LID that follows the display,
`EM'. An example of this is "EM 01201".

an individual call is in progress (trunked
mode and T99 mode only).

is displayed on line 1 of the display (trunked
mode and T99 mode only).

18

MESSAGE NAME DESCRIPTION

SPKR ON

SPKR OFF

BANK=1-8

REGR_0x

KEY LOAD

KEY ZERO

SYS KEY

GRP KEY

CHN KEY

KEY=1-7

PRIMARY

PRS NAME

M/A-COM, Inc.

External Speaker On This is displayed when the external speaker is

enabled.

External Speaker OFF This is displayed when the external speaker is

disabled.

This is the bank of keys, which are going to

be loaded when the key loader loads
encryption keys. This is only valid for radios
that support VGS, VGE, or DES encryption.
It is displayed on line 2 of the display when
the encryption key loader is connected.

Dynamic Regroup Indicates which group in dynamic regroup

operation has been enabled where "x" is a
digit of 1 to 8 (trunked mode only).

This is displayed in line 1 of the display when

the encryption key loader is connected.

This is displayed on line 2 of the display

when the operator depresses the reset and
option buttons simultaneously for
approximately two seconds. The encryption
keys are zeroed.

System Key This is displayed on line 1 of the display in

the display key mode of the menu. The key of
the key name display is displayed in line 2.

Group Key This is displayed on line 1 of the display in

the display key mode of the menu for trunked
systems only. It is followed in the second line
with a key number `KEY = <1..7>'.

Channel Key This is displayed on line 1 of the display in

the display key mode of the menu for
conventional systems only. It is followed in
the second line with a key number `KEY =
<1..7>'.

This is displayed on line 2 of the display in

the display key mode of the menu for
conventional when `SYS KEY' or `CHN
KEY' is displayed in line 1 and for trunked
when `SYS KEY' or `GRP KEY' are
displayed in line 1.

This is displayed on line 1 of the display

when primary keys are enabled.

Personality Name This is displayed in line 1 of the display under

the revision selection of menu. The
personality name is displayed on line 2 at the
same time.

This is displayed on line 1 of the display

under the revision selection of menu. The
copyright year is shown in line 2 of display at
the same time.

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ALERT TONES

The Orion radio also provides audible alert tones or "beeps" to indicate the
various operating conditions. These alert tones can be enabled or disabled
through programming.

CALL ORIGINATE

A short mid-pitched alert tone sounds after keying the radio (Push-To-Talk
button is pressed). This indicates the radio has been assigned a working
channel or that the radio is transmitting on a conventional channel and voice
communication may begin immediately. In conventional mode, this tone may
be delayed after the PTT button is pressed due to G-STAR signaling (if
enabled through programming).

AUTOKEY (TRUNKED MODE ONLY)

After being placed in queue or releasing the PTT button prior to a working
channel assignment, the site calls the radio when a channel becomes available.
At this point, the radio automatically keys the transmitter (autokey) for a short
period to hold the channel. The radio sounds a mid-pitched tone when it is
clear to talk; immediately press the PTT button to keep the assigned channel.

CALL QUEUED (TRUNKED MODE ONLY)

A high-pitched tone after pressing the PTT button indicates the system has
placed the call request in the queue. The receiving unit(s) also hear the tones,
indicating they will receive a call shortly. If the PTT button is released, the
radios will autokey whenever a channel becomes available (see Autokey).

SYSTEM BUSY (TRUNKED MODE ONLY)

Three low-pitched beeps will be heard if the radio is keyed wh en the system is
busy, if no channels are available for sending the message, if the call queue is
full, or if an individual call is being attempted to a radio that is transmitting.
Releasing the PTT button and re-keying initiates a new channel request.

CALL DENIED (TRUNKED MODE ONLY)

If the radio is keyed and a low-pitched tone is heard then the radio is not
authorized on the system that has been selected.

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CARRIER CONTROL TIMER

If the programmed time for continuous transmission is exceeded, five short
high-pitched warning tones followed by a long low-pitched tone will be heard.
The transmitter will shut down shortly after hearing the alert, interrupting
communications. Release and re-key the PTT button to maintain
communications. This will reset the carrier control timer and turn the
transmitter back on.

KEY PRESS ALERT

A short tone or "beep" sounds to indicate a key has been pressed. A short low­pitched tone indicates no action was taken because the key is not active in the
current mode.

DUAL CONTROL SWITCHING

When control is switched to a previously idle control unit, two short high­pitched tones will sound at the control unit where PTT was pressed, that is
now the active controller.

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OPERATION

The Orion mobile radio unit can be programmed to operate in either a trunked
system or a conventional system or both. Operating features and functions
have been grouped according to the type of system the radio is operational.
This first section contains general operating procedures (e.g., Turning On The
Radio). The second section, TRUNKED MODE OPERATION, covers those
operating procedures that are only used in a trunked system (e.g., Group
Scan). The third section, CONVENTIONAL MODE OPERATION, covers
those operating procedures that are only used in a conventional system (e.g.,
Squelch Adjust). The fourth section, TRUNKED OR CONVENTIONAL
MODE OPERATION, covers those operating procedures that may be used
in either a trunked or conventional system (e.g., Multiple Radio Operation).

TURNING ON THE RADIO

Rotate the POWER ON-OFF/VOLUME knob clockwise, out of detente to
turn the radio on. A short beep (if enabled through pr ogr amming ) ind icates th e
radio is ready for operation. The display indicates, if programmed, the last
selected system name on line one and the last selected group or channel name
on line two.

In the EDACS trunked environment, if communication with the system's
control channel cannot be established, the CC SCAN message will be
displayed. This may occur if, for example, the radio is out of range of the
trunking site. It may be necessary to move to another location or select
another trunking system to re-establish the control channel link for trunked
mode operations.

SELECTION MODE RULES

Many operations require selection from a list such as system, group or phone
number. This selection process is handled in the same manner for all lists. The

RAMP control , and . , SEL, 0-9, *, #, the DEL button and the

button are used during the selection process. The following example systems
list is used to explain the process:

The hook switch functions the same as the c key in

NOTE

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I-Call, phone call, and menu modes.

c

The following example systems list is used to explain the process:

SYSTEM
1 NORTH
2 SOUTH
3 EAST
4 WEST

After entering a selection mode, the following generic display format will
appear.

X X X X X X X X

Y Y Y = Z Z Z

Line one shows the currently selected item’s name (XXXXXXXX) from the
list. Line two indicates the list (YYY) that the selection is to be made from
and the number of the selected item (ZZZ) within the list. (In some cases the
information on lines 1 and 2 will be exchanged. Enter the system selection

mode by pressing the

S key. If SYSTEM 2 is the current selection, the

display appears as follows:

S O U T H

S Y S = 2

Line one contains the current system name, SOUTH, and line two, SYS = 2,
indicates that selection is from the system list and it is the second system
within the list.

A new system from the list is selected by using the RAMP control , or
. or by directly entering the system number with the numeric keys. The
RAMP control , or . scrolls through the list in increasing and
decreasing order. In the previous example, pressing the RAMP control ,

selects the EAST system as shown in the next display.

E A S T

S Y S = 3

The radio may be programmed to wrap around from one end of a list to the
other end or to stop at the ends.

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DIRECT ACCESS

To directly access a selection, enter the corresponding number (i.e. 4)
followed by SEL to activate the selection. The entered number is displayed on
line two as shown below. Line one shows the current list being used for
selection.

S E L S Y S

4

If a mistake is made while entering the number, press the DEL button to
backspace once and correct the entry. If an invalid number is entered, a short
low-pitched tone sounds when SEL is pressed.

To exit the selection mode, press the

c button or wait for the time-out. If

the selection mode is cleared while an entry is pending (i.e., numbers are
entered on line 2, but SEL has not been pressed), the entry on line two will be
disregarded and the previous selection will remain active. If the time-out
activates while an entry is pending, the entry on line two will be selected if it
is within the valid range; if it is out of range, the entry on line two will be
disregarded and the previous selection will remain active.

NOTE: While in system, group or channel selection mode, the radio
continues to receive calls normally and continues scanning if it is enabled. If a
call is received during the selection mode process the radio will return to the
normal receive mode display. Continuing with the selection process will
return the display to the same point in the selection process if the selection
mode time out has not yet expired. Any press of the PTT button during the
selection mode process will initiate transmission and exit the selection mode.

MENU

The menu function accesses features that is not available directly from the
keypad. The order and specific number of menu items available is
configurable through programming. Upon radio power up, the menu item that
is at the beginning of the menu list will always be displayed first. Subsequent
access to the menu function will return the last menu item that was shown in

the display. To enter the menu mode, press

., the SEL and the

c buttons are used during the selection process. All

of the selection mode rules previously detailed apply to the menu item
selection process with the exception of direct access. The radio will continue
to receive and transmit normally while in the menu function.

m. The RAMP control , and

A new item is displayed by using the RAMP control , and . to scroll

through the list in increasing and decreasing order. The displayed menu item
is made active by pressing SEL.

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