Maxon EP-4800 Instructions Manual

Model EP-4800

EDACS ®/ GE-MARC®

TRUNKING PORTABLE

Operating
Instructions

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Safety Information 1
Battery Care 1
Recycling/Disposal of Batteries 2
Battery Charging 2
Extended Operations 3
FCC Licensing 4
Transceiver Service 4
Introduction 5
Radio Call-outs 6
Features 7
Quick Reference Guide - Controls 8
Quick Reference Guide - Indicators 10

System, Group and Channel Indicators 10
Alert Tones - Standard 11
Alert Tones - Trunked Operation 12
Error Messages 14
Keypad Lock 14
Keypad Mute 14
SCAT Operation 15

EDACS Operation

Receiving a Message 15
Sending a Message 16
Squelch Adjustment 17
Sending a Special Call 17
Sending a Manually Entered Call 18
Storing Individual/Interconnect Numbers 20
Recalling Individual/Interconnect Numbers 21
DTMF Overdial 22
Scan Operation

Enable/Disable Scan 22

Add/Delete Scan List Groups 23
Home Key 23

TABLE OF CONTENTS, Continued

GE-MARC Operation

Receiving a Message 24
Sending a Message 25
Sending a Special Call 25
Sending a Pre-Programmed Special

(In Conference Call) 27
Sending a Manually Entered Call 28
Storing Individual/Interconnect Numbers 30
Recalling Individual/Interconnect Numbers 31
Wide Area System Scan 33
Direct Mode Operation

Receiving A Message 34

Sending A Message 34

Sending A Manually Entered Interconnect Call 35
Scan Operation

Enable/Disable 35

Add/Delete Channels 36

Conventional Operation

Receiving a Message 37
Sending a Message 37
Squelch Adjustment 38
Sending a Manually Entered Interconnect Call 38
Scan Operation

Enable/Disable 39

Add/Delete Channels 39
Warranty Statement Inside Back Cover

EDACS and GE-MARC are registered
tradenames of Ericsson Inc.

SAFETY INFORMATION

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with its action in
General Docket 79-144, dated March 13, 1985, has adopted a safety
standard for the human exposure to radio frequency (RF) electro­magnetic energy emitted by FCC regulated equipment. Proper
operation of this radio will result in user exposure far below the
Occupational Safety and Health Act and Federal Communications
Commission limits.

WARNING - DO NOT hold the radio in such a manner that the

antenna is close to, or touching, exposed parts of
the body - especially the eyes or face - while the
radio is transmitting.

WARNING - DO NOT allow children to operate transmitter-

equipped radio equipment.

CAUTION - DO NOT operate the radio near unshielded electrical

blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere, unless
it is a type specifically designed and qualified for such
use.

CAUTION - DO NOT operate the radio unless the antenna connector

is secure and any open connectors are properly
terminated.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is
subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful
interference.

BATTERY CARE

WARNING

DO NOT dispose of the battery pack in fire - it may explode,

causing injury or death.

DO NOT replace the battery in hazardous atmosphere locations.
DO NOT carry a battery loose in your pocket or purse.
DO NOT attempt to repair battery.

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RECYCLING/DISPOSAL OF BATTERIES

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies used
Ni-Cd batteries as hazardous waste, unless certain exemptions apply.

The battery should be recycled at the end of its useful life. Under
various state or local laws, such batteries must be recycled or disposed
of properly and cannot be dumped in landfills or incinerators.

Maxon America, Inc. fully endorses and encourages the recycling of
Ni-Cd batteries. A national program to collect and recycle used Ni-Cd
batteries is being implemented by the Rechargeable Battery Recycling
Corporation (RBRC™). This program is being funded through the use of
license fees paid by the battery and product manufacturers to place the
RBRC™ Seal on the batteries.

The following is a list of facilities where the batteries can be shipped to
be recycled. Contact these facilities for proper packaging and shipping
guidelines.

INMETCO Kinsbursky Brothers Inc.

245 Portersville Road 1314 N. Lemon Street
Ellwood City, PA 16117 Anaheim, CA 92801
TEL: [phone] TEL: [phone]
FAX: [phone] FAX: [phone]

[phone]

BATTERY CHARGING

Your radio comes supplied with a 7.5 volt 1100 mAh Ni-Cd battery
pack, which can be recharged from 500 to 1000 times before it
requires replacement. The actual number of charge/recharge cycles
vary depending upon usage. We recommend that the battery be
charged 14 to 16 hours on the first charge cycle, then according to
the charger model instructions thereafter.

To remove the battery pack, push up on the battery latch and slide
the battery pack to the right. To replace the battery, align the battery
on the track and slide to the left until a click is heard, indicating the
battery is correctly installed.

If the battery is to be charged on the radio, ensure that the power

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BATTERY CHARGING, Continued

switch on the radio is in the off position before charging. Failing to
turn the power switch to off during the charge cycle will result in a
less-than-full charge condition, which will noticeably reduce the radio
operating time between charges!

Normal battery operation time is 8 hours. This may vary depending
upon how much the receiver audio is present and how much you
transmit. The actual time may vary from day to day depending upon
operational requirements.

For best performance:

• Charge battery to full capacity, 14 hours at the standard C/10 rate
(capacity x .10). For "rapid" chargers, allow additional time (2-3 hours)
for "topping off" the charge after it switches from "fast" to "slow" mode.

• Use the battery soon and use as much of the battery capacity
as possible or practical. A battery that is charged and discharged
completely will maintain the longest running time capacity. Also,
several charge/discharge cycles are recommended to bring a new
battery up to its rated capacity.

• Store and charge the batteries at room temperature (65o to 75o F).
Batteries that have been stored for over a month should be recharged
before being put into service (due to chemical self-discharge which
occurs at a rate of approximately 1% per day). Do not charge cold
batteries (40o F or below).

• Reduced capacity or "memory effect" may result from repeated
identical shallow discharge/full recharge cycles. If such a condition
is suspected, run the battery until the radio loses all power, then fully
recharge and discharge again. Repeat this cycle 3-4 times.

EXTENDED OPERATIONS

When operating in "fringe areas" at some distance from the System,
the other party may not receive your transmission clearly. Also you
may notice that the background noise will increase on received
signals. Moving to higher ground or moving closer the System will
help alleviate these problems. If moving closer to the System is not

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EXTENDED OPERATIONS, Continued

practical, communication may be improved by moving away from
shielding structures. If you are in a building interior, move closer to
a window (preferably one generally in the direction of the System).
At 800 MHz, the wave length is very short - sometimes moving a
few inches to a few feet can make significant signal strength changes.
Finding the best location can also be done while listening to the back­ground noise when moving about; attempt to find a spot where the
background noise is reduced to a minimum or eliminated entirely.

This may make the difference from not being heard, to being heard
loud and clear when operating in the fringe areas of your System
coverage. The fringe distance will vary greatly from plains areas,
hilly terrain and mountain top sites.

FCC LICENSING

This unit may or may not require a specific FCC license to operate.
The FCC requires all transmitters in the conventional and some trunked
Systems to be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.
Some trunked operations now are exempt from individual licensing
requirements but must be operated in a licensed System.

Consult your Dealer regarding specific licensing information, or
contact the Federal Communications Commission.

For more information regarding Form 571 (FCC License Application)
call 717-337-1212 or contact the FCC District Office near you.

TRANSCEIVER SERVICE

There are no user serviceable components inside the radio. Altering
the internal components or adjustments may result in illegal emissions,
including off-frequency operation, or damage to the radio. Should an
UNLOCK condition be shown in the LCD window, or the LCD fail to
display information, or all icons and display segments be shown, turn
the On/ Off- Volume control OFF then ON to reset the microprocessor.
Ensure that the battery is fully charged and check that the antenna is
securely tightened. If the unit still fails to operate properly, refer to an
Authorized Service Center for servicing.

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INTRODUCTION

The Maxon EP-4800 Series EDACS Trunking Portable Radio provides
reliable trunked communication in the 800 MHz band. Advanced
dual format technology allows the radio to operate within the EDACS
Trunked System and the GE-MARC Trunked System. The radio will
also operate in a Conventional System.

The unit is lightweight and easy to carry. A backlit alphanumeric
display provides clear visibility for low light or night-time operation.

This manual provides a separate section of operating instructions for
each of the 3 systems (EDACS, GE-MARC, and Conventional). The
Description section (which follows) and the Battery Information are
applicable to all users.

NOTE: This radio allows the operator to switch between an EDACS,
a GE-MARC and a Conventional system. Special attention should be
given to the System selected and the operating characteristics of the
radio while working within that System.

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RADIO CALL-OUTS

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Keypad

Antenna Connector

On/Off- Volume Control

Ext. Speaker/Mic
Connector

LCD Window

Backlight

Shift/Clear/Monitor

PTT Button

FEATURES

• Up to 16 Systems selectable with up to 16 Groups per System

(EDACS)

• Up to 9 Areas x 9 Groups (GE-MARC)

• System scan

• System lockout when scanning

• Group Scan automatically or manually

• First Available System Scan when out of range of Systems

• 7-character alphanumeric LCD display with backlight for

System and Group identification and other status information

• Operation in both Trunked and Conventional modes

• Repeater talkaround in Conventional and Trunked modes

• Standard keypad for placing telephone interconnect calls

• Call indicator

• User-programmable storage of up to 10 telephone numbers

and up to 10 individual numbers of up to 14 digits in length

• Automatic System ringback if System is busy

• Transmit inhibit with busy tone

• Clear-to-talk tone signals when speaking can begin

NOTE: System setup determines the specific operation of some of
the above features. Refer to the descriptions in this manual for more
information.

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QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE - CONTROLS

Clockwise rotation provides power (with a
mechanical click sound). Continued rotation
increases volume level. Counter-clockwise
rotation decreases volume. Full counter-clock
wise rotation removes power (a click sound
will be heard at full detent). The radio can
be programmed to beep once after power
is applied, indicating it is ready for use.

PTT (Push To Talk) Pressing the PTT button (located on the side of

the radio) will key the radio's transmitter and
perform the necessary steps to acquire a
communication channel.

Shift / Clear/ Monitor All alternate key functions are accessed by

pressing this button and then pressing the
desired function key.

Trunked - Pressing this button twice will
enable the CLEAR function (used to exit the
Special Call mode and return to the normal
System / Group display).

Conventional - Pressing and holding this
button twice (double click) will enable the
MONITORING mode (checking the channel
for activity by unsquelching the receiver). All
transmissions will be heard, even if Channel
Guard protected.

Backlight Pressing this button illuminates the LCD for a

pre-programmed time period.

On/Off- Volume

OFF HI

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QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE - CONTROLS, Continued

System/Group The ! and " buttons are used to select
Select Group/Channel numbers. Pressing the radio's

Shift/Clear/Monitor button and then the up or
down arrows will select the System. These
up/ddown arrow buttons are also used in the
Special Call mode (trunked systems only).

HOME Pressing and holding this key for a

programmed duration selects a desired
Group and / or System.

SPC (Special) Pressing this key will put the radio in the

Special Call mode. The radio will be able
to make individual and interconnect calls
(trunked systems only).

SCN This key is used to enable the Scan mode and
(Scan Add/ Delete) add to or delete Groups/Channels to the scan

list.

STO (Store) Pressing this key stores individual call

numbers and interconnect calls (trunked
systems only).

MUTE Pressing the STO key in combination with the
(Duplex function of Shift/Clear /Monitor button will mute/ unmute
the STO key) the radio.

RCL (Recall) Pressing this key will recall manually entered

individual and interconnect calls in EDACS
and GE-MARC systems.

LOCK Pressing the RCL key in combination with
(Duplex function of the Shift /Clear/Monitor button will lock the
the RCL key) keypad. All buttons and keys will be locked

except PTT, HOME, Shift/Clear /Monitor, and
LOCK.

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QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE - INDICATORS

The EP-4800 radio has a 7-character alphanumeric display that
identifies the selected System/Group, operating modes or error
conditions. The display uses 12 status indicators, described on the
following pages.

The LCD backlight can be programmed to turn on anytime the "L"
(backlight button) is pressed or any button or key is pressed. It will
remain on for a programmable length of time, and is programmed
on a per Group / Channel basis. You may also choose to have the
backlight programmed to remain off at all times or to remain on
(or off) when the PTT button is pressed.

SYSTEM, GROUP AND CHANNEL INDICATORS

SYS (System) This display identifies the number of the

current EDACS, GE-MARC or Conventional
System selected.

GRP (Group) This display identifies the number of the

current Group in an EDACS or GE-MARC
System. The indicator disappears when radio
operates in a Conventional System, but the
channel number will show on display.

STATUS INDICATORS

BUSY This display indicates the radio has received

a call or a conventional channel is in use. The
indicator is also shown when transmitting on
a trunked channel.

This icon is shown when radio battery power
is low and needs charging.

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QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE - INDICATORS, Continued

SCAN This display appears when Scan is activated.

LOCK This display appears when the keypad lock

function is enabled.

This icon indicates that a trunked Group or
Conventional channel is scan enabled.

PHONE In EDACS or GE-MARC modes, a display and

handset icon will be shown when the radio is
placed in the Special Call mode.

CALL This display appears when the radio receives

an individual call in EDACS or GE-MARC
modes.

This icon indicates that the key press tones are
activated.

MONITOR This display appears with the monitor mode

has been enabled in a Conventional System.

NC (No Connect) This display appears when the radio has no

connection within the service area.

ALERT TONES - STANDARD

The radio generates a number of tones to indicate radio status and
condition. Both standard tones and those generated during trunked
operation are described on the following pages.

Power-Up If programmed, a tone will sound upon power

up, after the radio passes the self test.

Low Battery A low pitched tone will sound every 130

seconds when the battery is low and needs
charging.

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