MidLand F-20 User guide
OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-20 (FRS W/532 CODES)
OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-20 FRS
For all accessories please go to http://www.midlandradio.com
http://www.midlandradio.com 1
OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-20 (FRS W/532 CODES)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RADIO...............................................................3
TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR F-20........................................................4
A NOTE ABOUT THE CTCSS CODES ..............................................................................4
PREPARATION...................................................................................................................4
BATTERIES.........................................................................................................................4
To Install Batteries:.......................................................................................................4
Low Battery Indicator:...................................................................................................5
Instructions for optional charger...................................................................................5
BELT CLIP...........................................................................................................................5
QUICK USE INSTRUCTIONS:............................................................................................5
Operating the Radio ............................................................................................................5
TO TURN THE RADIO ON OR OFF...................................................................................6
TO CHANGE THE CHANNEL IN USE................................................................................6
ACTIVATING SCAN FUNCTIONS......................................................................................6
Busy Channel Scan:.....................................................................................................6
Activating Dual Watch ..................................................................................................6
TO USE CALL BUTTON .....................................................................................................6
TO ENABLE/DISABLE “ROGER-BEEP”.............................................................................6
TO ENABLE / DISABLE KEY BOARD LOCK .....................................................................5
POWER SAVE CIRCUIT.....................................................................................................5
USING THE MONITOR FUNCTION ...................................................................................6
TO OPERATE HANDS FREE VOX.....................................................................................8
Setting VOX Functions. .......................................................................................................8
TO ENABLE / DISABLE VOX MODE..................................................................................8
DISPLAY SYMBOLS ...........................................................................................................9
ACTIVATING “PRIVACY” CODES ......................................................................................9
TROUBLESHOOTING ......................................................................................................10
CARE OF RECHARGEABLE NI-CAD AND NI-MH BATTERIES .....................................10
SERVICE: ..........................................................................................................................12
CHANNEL FREQUENCIES ..............................................................................................11
LIMITED WARRANTY.......................................................................................................12
http://www.midlandradio.com 2
OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-20 (FRS W/532 CODES)
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RADIO
Accessory Name Model Number
Ni-cad Battery (single “AA” 3 required).......................………..18-BATT
Standard Charger……………..………………………………..…..18-396
Charger Stand ……………………………………………......……18-383
Dual Charger Stand …………………………………………….…18-385
Lapel Microphone with Ear-bud Speaker………………………….22-405
Speaker/Microphone…………………………………………..…...22-411
Boom Microphone Headset ……………………………………….22-540
Call 816 241 8500 ext. 200 to order accessories.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following
two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation.
Your Midland model F-20 brings the new FRS (Family Radio Service) to your fingertips. The
Family Radio Service is provided for by the FCC and is totally license free. For the first time
business and the general public can use the quiet UHF FM band for personal communications at
no air time charge. The F-20 uses maximum allowable power for range up to 2 miles. Use for
fishing, hunting, picnics, biking, business, or any other activity where communications are needed
for convenience or safety. The model F-20 incorporates all 14 channels with 38 different CTCSS
and 83 DCS codes to provide the best in quiet communications. Also this radio offers scan, power
save, 9 memory channels and a multifunction back-lighted liquid crystal display. This unit also
incorporates VOX (voice operated transmit) that allows hands free use when the radio is
equipped with certain accessories.
WARNING
Your wireless hand-held portable transceiver contains a low power transmitter. When the Pushto-Talk (PTT) button is pressed it sends out radio frequency (RF) signals. The device is
authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50%. In August 1996, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) adopted RF exposure guidelines with safety levels for handheld wireless devices.
To maintain compliance with the FCC's RF exposure guidelines, this transmitter and its antenna
must maintain a separation distance of least 2 inches (5 centimeters) from your face. Speak in a
normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and away from the face at the required separation
distance. The belt clip is for storage purposes only. DO NOT TRANSMIT WHILE USING THE
BELT CLIP. To transmit, hold the device away from your body and ensure the antenna is at least
2 inches (5 centimeters) from your body when transmitting.
http://www.midlandradio.com 3
OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-20 (FRS W/532 CODES)
TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR F-20
Due to the band of operation (462/467 MHz) the F-20 provides communications that are virtually
free of atmospheric interference (skip) that is common on lower frequency bands. Along with this
and an antenna system that is very efficient as compared to other unlicensed radio bands,
communications range is surprisingly good. Many times the limit to maximum possible range is
environmental factors such as blockage caused by trees, buildings, hills, or other obstructions. If
you find communication is not possible, many times this can be overcome by moving only a few
feet to a new location. Range is greatly reduced while operating from a metal building or from a
vehicle. Battery condition also affects range. The F-20 operates on rechargeable Ni-Cad batteries
or alkaline batteries. While this unit has been designed with gaskets for water resistance and
ruggedness it is a precision piece of electronic equipment that should not be exposed to water or
handled carelessly. Normal care should result in years of trouble free operation. Do not leave
batteries installed over a long period of time as leakage may occur, that can destroy the radio. If
you experience problems operating the radio, turn off the radio, press and hold the “F” button
and turn on the radio.This will cause the radio to return to the factory settings. Always save your
receipt, as it is required for warranty consideration.
A NOTE ABOUT THE CTCSS CODES
This radio incorporates 38 CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) codes and 83 DCS
(Digital Coded Squelch) codes that, when activated, prevent the user from hearing other radios
that do not have the same code. These codes do not make your
conversation private. If you
experience difficulties contacting or hearing other radios in your group make sure the CTCSS or
DCS code is set the same on all radios. If you are using the F-20 where interference from other
radios or electrical devices are present, enabling the CTCSS codes will usually mute the
interference. Many times interference will be noticed by the presence of loud static from the
speaker.
PREPARATION
BATTERIES
F-20 radios operate with 3 AA Alkaline, Ni-Cad (nickel cadmium) or Ni-MH (nickel metal hydride)
batteries (optional). Ni-Cad batteries provide about 15 hours of use. Alkaline batteries will provide
about 45 hours of use and Ni-MH batteries will provide about 24 hours of use. The F-20 may be
supplied with Ni-Cad batteries and a wall charger. Ni-Cad batteries must be charged prior to use.
Charge at least 10 hours with the standard charger. If you are using Ni-MH batteries charge at
least 24 hours. DO NOT
attempt to charge any type of Alkaline batteries in this radio.
To Install Batteries:
Hold the radio face down. Press the latch so it swings away from the cover.
1. Lift the battery cover slightly. Gently slide the cover off the unit.
2. Insert 3 AA batteries observing the proper polarity.
Replace the battery cover over the batteries and fasten with the latch.
Low Battery Indicator:
The battery icon in the lower left of the display will flash when the batteries are in need of
charging.
http://www.midlandradio.com 4
Loading...