Midland Radio P-20 User Manual
Owner’s Manual for the P-20 (Itinerant Radio)
Owner’s Manual for the P-20
Check out our accessories at www.midlandradio.com
or click on the images
http://www.midlandradio.com
http://www.midlandradio.com Page 1 of 16
Owner’s Manual for the P-20 (Itinerant Radio)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR P20 .................................... 3
A NOTE ABOUT THE CTCSS or DCS CODES ............................................. 4
CHARGING THE BATTERIES........................................................................ 5
BELT CLIP ...................................................................................................... 5
QUICK USE INSTRUCTIONS: ....................................................................... 5
RANGE OF UHF RADIOS .............................................................................. 6
DISPLAY SYMBOLS....................................................................................... 6
FEATURES AND LOCATION OF CONTOLS ................................................ 7
TURNING THE RADIO ON OR OFF .............................................................. 7
LOCKING THE CONTROLS........................................................................... 7
UNLOCKING THE CONTROLS...................................................................... 7
SELECTING THE CHANNEL ......................................................................... 7
PROGRAMMING THE ACTIVE CHANNEL.................................................... 7
ADJUSTING THE VOLUME ........................................................................... 8
ADJUSTING THE SQUELCH ......................................................................... 8
USING THE CALL FUNCTION ....................................................................... 8
USING THE MONITOR FUNCTION............................................................... 8
TURNING ON OR OFF THE BUTTON PRESS BEEP................................... 8
TURNING ON THE DISPLAY BACKLIGHT ................................................... 8
TURNING THE ROGER BEEP ON OR OFF.................................................. 8
ACTIVATING SCAN FUNCTIONS.................................................................. 9
DCS CODES................................................................................................. 10
RESETTING THE RADIO ............................................................................. 11
OPERATING THE HANDS FREE VOX (VOICE OPERATED TRANSMIT). 11
SETTING REMOTE MONITOR MODE ........................................................ 12
SETTING MEMORY CHANNELS................................................................. 12
ACCESSING MEMORY CHANNELS ........................................................... 12
TROUBLESHOOTING .................................................................................. 13
CARE OF RECHARGEABLE NI-CAD BATTERIES..................................... 14
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS* ................................................................. 15
LIMITED WARRANTY .................................................................................. 16
http://www.midlandradio.com Page 2 of 16
Owner’s Manual for the P-20 (Itinerant Radio)
FCC Licensing Information
This Midland model P20 radio operates on FM communication frequencies subject to the Rules
and Regulations of the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC requires that all
operators using Private Land Mobile frequencies obtain a radio license before operating their
equipment. Application for your FCC license is made on FCC form 600 and schedules D, E, and
G.
To have the forms faxed to you, call the FCC Fax-on-Demand system at 1-202-418-0177 from
your Fax machine and request document 000600 for all forms and instructions.
To have this form mailed to you, call the FCC forms hotline at: 1-800-418-3676
For questions concerning license application, contact the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-
5322), or go to http://www.fcc.gov.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RADIO
Accessory Name Model Number
Ni-cad Battery (single “AA” 3 required).......................………..18-BATT
Ni-MH Battery (single “AA” 3 required).......................……….18-NBAT
Standard wall Charger………..………………………………..…..18-396
Charger Stand for Ni-MH.……………....………………......………CP20
Charger Stand for Ni-Cad………………..………………......……18-383
Dual Charger Stand for Ni-Cad .……………………………….....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 or go to www.midlandradio.com
.
THIS RADIO COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO
THE CONDITION THAT THIS DEVICE DOES NOT CAUSE HARMFUL INTERFERENCE.
Your Midland model P20 UHF FM business two-way radio is designed to provide you with line-ofsight communications for a range up to 4 miles. The model P20 incorporates 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.
TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR P20
Due to the band of operation (464/467/469 MHz) the P20 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, 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 P20 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.
http://www.midlandradio.com Page 3 of 16
Owner’s Manual for the P-20 (Itinerant Radio)
WARNING
Your wireless hand-held portable transceiver contains a low power transmitter.
When the Push-to-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 hand-held 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.
A NOTE ABOUT THE CTCSS or DCS CODES
This radio incorporates 38 CTCSS (Continuos 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
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 P20 where interference from other
radios or electrical devices are present, enabling the CTCSS or DCS codes will usually mute the
interference. Many times interference will be noticed by the presence of loud static from the
speaker.
conversation private. If you
http://www.midlandradio.com Page 4 of 16
Owner’s Manual for the P-20 (Itinerant Radio)
PREPARATION
Batteries -
P20 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 P20 may be
supplied with Ni-Cad or NI-MH batteries and a wall charger. Ni-Cad and Ni-MH 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
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.
3. Replace the battery cover over the batteries and fasten with the latch.
Battery Indicator:
The battery Condition indicator in the display will show the amount of charge of your batteries.
Replace alkaline or recharge the Ni-Cad batteries as soon as possible after the indicator shows 2
segments or less of the battery lit.
CHARGING THE BATTERIES
The CP20 charger and Ni-MH batteries are usually supplied with the radio. This charger is
designed to recharge Ni-MH batteries only. Install the batteries observing their polarity. If you are
using rechargeable batteries and the Midland standard charger (model 18-396), plug the charger
into a 115 volt wall socket and the charger plug into the charge jack under the cover marked
“CHG” ( item 11on Page 8 illustration) on the bottom of the radio or into the drop-in charger.
Allow the batteries to charge 12 hours for Ni-Cad and 24 hours for Ni-MH prior to use. When
using a drop-in charger follow the setup instructions then simply set the radio in the charger stand
and observe that the LED on the charger is lit. The radio should be turned off while charging.
Never attempt to charge any type of Alkaline battery in this radio
BELT CLIP
The P20 comes standard with a belt clip. Attach it to the radio back by sliding the top of the clip
up over the two rectangular bosses on the back of the radio until it snaps into place. To detach
the belt clip, press the lever inside the top of the clip away from the radio body and slide the clip
toward the bottom of the radio.
attempt to charge any type of Alkaline batteries
The belt clip is intended for storage of the radio only (waiting for a call). Do not transmit the
radio while attached to your belt. (see warning on page 4)
QUICK USE INSTRUCTIONS:
Install fresh Alkaline or fully charged Ni-Cad or Ni-MH batteries.
Turn the unit on by rotating the ON/OFF Volume control clockwise.
The squelch is factory set and is not adjustable.
Make sure the radio you want to talk to does not have the CTCSS or other codes turned on.
To talk, press and hold the “PTT” (Push to Talk) button on the side of the radio marked “PTT”.
Talk into the front of the radio about 6 inches from your mouth.
To listen release the “PTT” button.
Other functions will be described later.
http://www.midlandradio.com Page 5 of 16
Loading...