RCA BRM300DV, BRM300DU Instruction Manual

1BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

Congratulations on selecting the BRM300DTM from

RCA Communications Systems - The most trusted name in radios!

The BRM300D digital professional communications products are based on DMR technology and establish a benchmark in premium digital two-way radio equipment. These radios are made to

perform awlessly under the most demanding commercial conditions and feature cutting edge

design, high-end professional grade materials and components, simple operation and superior assembly quality. BRM300D mobiles and base stations are covered by a three-year “Warranty Protection Program,” one of the most comprehensive warranties in the communications industry.

To ensure you achieve maximum performance from your BRM300D radio, please be sure to carefully read this manual.

MODELS COVERED IN THIS MANUAL:

• BRM300DV - VHF Two-Way Radio

• BRM300DU - UHF Two-Way Radio

BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

Technical Specications...................................4-5

Safety and General Information.......................6

Product Inspection..............................................7

Transceiver Preparation ...............................8 - 13

Installation/Tools Needed....................................8

DC Power Cable Connection ......................9 - 10

Mobile Installation ..........................................10

Fixed Station Installation .................................10

Replacing Fuses ..............................................11

Antenna Connection ......................................12

External Speaker ............................................12

Microphone Jack ............................................12

Microphone Hanger .......................................12

Transceiver Features ...................................13 - 14

Operational Status Indicators ....................15 - 17

Making/Receiving Calls .............................17 - 18

Select A Channel ...........................................18

Setting Squelch Level ...............................18 - 19

Switching Between Analog/Digital Mode .........19

Programmable Buttons ..............................19 - 20

Accessing Programmed Function/Menu ...........21

Keypad Mic (Optional)* ...................................21

Using Menu/Programmed Functions ........22 - 27

Selecting a Zone ..............................................22

Selecting Radio Channel/Subscriber/Group ID ...22

Receiving/Responding to a Radio Call ...............22

Receiving/Responding to a Group Call ............22

Receiving/Responding to a Private Call ............23

Receiving an All Call .......................................23

Monitoring a Channel (Analog) ........................23

Making a Radio Call .......................................24

Making a Call With Channel Selector Buttons ..24

Making a Private Call .....................................25

Making a All Call ............................................25

Making Group/Private Call W/1 Touch Button ...25

Emergency Operation .....................................26

Initiating/Responding to Emergency Alarm ......27

Exiting Emergency Mode ...............................27

Advanced Features .......................................27-51

Public Address ................................................27

Radio Check ..................................................27

Sending a Radio Check ...................................27

Remote Monitor ..............................................28

CONTENTS:

3BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

Initiating Remote Monitor ..............................28

Contacts Settings ...........................................29

Group Call from Contacts ..............................30

Private Call from Contacts ..............................30

Call Indicator Settings/Call Tones .....................30

Call Tones for Text Messages ...........................31

Assigning Tone Alerts ......................................32

Accessing the Call Log....................................33

Storing Alias or ID from Missed Call List..........33

Deleting a Call from the Call List........................33

Receiving & Responding to Call Alert..............34

Making Call Alert from Contact List................34

Text Message Features ....................................34

Navigate to Message.......................................35

Receiving/Reading a Text Message ..................35

Managing Received Text Messages ..................35

Viewing Inbox Text Messages .........................35

Writing/Sending Text Message ........................36

Sending a Quick Text Message........................36

Managing Fail-to-Send Text Messages.............37

Resend a Text Message...................................37

CONTENTS continued

Forwarding a Text Message.............................38

Managing Sent Text Message ............................38

Viewing Sent Text Messages............................38

Deleting All Sent Messages from Sent Items .....39

Replying to an Inbox Text Message...................39

Deleting a Text Message from Inbox ................40

Privacy ..............................................................41-42

Dual Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF)................42

Security ............................................................42-43

Radio Disable .................................................42

Radio Enable ..................................................43

Scan Lists ..............................................................44

Viewing an Entry in the Scan List .....................44

Scan Instructions and Methods........................44

Starting and Stopping Scan ..............................45

Responding to a Scan........................................45

Deleting/Restoring A Nuisance Channel.....45-46

* = MM300DK Only

BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

Utilities .................................................................46

Keypad Locked/Unlocked* ..............................46

Keypad Tones* ..............................................46

Setting the Power Level...................................47

Voice Operating Transmission (VOX) On/Off .....47

Controlling the Display Backlight ....................48

Talkaround........................................................48

Turning Radio Tones/Alerts On or Off ............49

Turning the LED Indicator On or Off ..............50

Turning the Introduction Screen On or Off .....50

Accessing General Radio Information/Checking

Radio ID ............................................................51

Care and Cleaning ...........................................51

Troubleshooting ........................................52 - 53

Optional Accessories .................................54 - 55

FCC Caution ......................................................56

RF Exposure Compliance/Control Guidelines ......56

Warranty Statement ........................................ 57

Contact Information ........................................60

CONTENTS continued

GENERAL

Model BRM300D

Frequency

VHF: 136-174MHz

UHF: 400-470MHz;

UHF: 450-520MHZ

Number of Channels 1,000

Max number of zones 250

Channels per zone 16

Channel Spacing

Digital:12.5KHz

Analog:12.5KHz/25KHz

Power Supply 13.6V DC +/-20%

Operating Temperature

-22°F ~ 140°F

(-30°C ~ 60°C)

Weight 2.9 lbs / 1,315 g

Size:HxWxD

1.8” X 6.3” X 6.9” 46 x 160 x 175mm

IP Standards IP56

Digital Protocol ETSI TS 102 361-1,-2,-3

Vocoder AMBE+2

Audio Distortion <3%

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS:

* = MM300DK Only

5BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

Technical Specications continued:

RECEIVER

Analog Sensitivity

0.35μV/-116dBm (20 dB SINAD)

0.22μV/-120dBm (12 dB SINAD)

Digital sensitivity

0.3μV/-11.4dBm (BER 5%)

0.7μV/-110dBm (BER 1%)

Intermodulation TIA603C: 70 dB, ETSI: 65dB

Adjacent Channel

Selectivity

TIA603C: 65dB

ETSI: 60dB

Spurious Rejection TIA603C: 75dB; ETSI: 70dB

Co-channel rejection -8dB@12.5KHz

Blocking 84dB

Audio Distortion @

Rated Audio

Audio Response +1~-3dB (300-3,000Hz)

Conducted Spurious

Emission

-57 dBm <1GHz, -47 dBm>1GHz ETS300 086

TRANSMITTER

Frequency Stability +/- 1.0 ppm

Transmit power -

L, M, H

5W, 25W,

45W(UHF)/50W(VHF)

Modulation Limiting +/-2.5KHz@12.5KHz

FM noise/hum -40dB (12.5KHz)

Conducted/Radiated

Emission

-36dBm@<1GHz,

-30dBm@>1GHz

Adjacent Channel

Power

-60dB

Adjacent Transient

Channel Power

-50dB

FM Modulation Mode

12.5KHz: 11K0F3E 25KHz: 16K0F3E

Nonactive slot power -57dBm

4FSK Digital Mode

12.5KHz Data: 7K60FXD

12.5KHz Data/Voice: 7K60FXE

4FSK Modulation

Accuracy

5%@77°F,

10% @ extreme temperature

Audio Response +1~-3dB (300-3,000Hz)

BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

SAFETY AND GENERAL INFORMATION

This radio is restricted to occupational use only to satisfy FCC RF energy exposure requirements. Before using this product, read the operating instructions.

• Do not transmit using high output power for extended periods as the transceiver may overheat.

• Turn radio off prior to entering any area with a potentially explosive atmosphere, such as gas, petroleum, chemicals, blasting caps, etc.

• Do not attempt to congure your transceiver while driving. Be aware of local laws regarding the use of headsets while driving.

• This equipment is to be serviced only by authorized RCA Communications Systems technicians. Any service performed by unauthorized technicians will void the warranty.

• Turn radio off when near electrical blasting caps to avoid possible interference with blasting operations. Obey posted signs such as those in

hospitals or blasting areas advising people to turn off all two-way radios.

• Do not place radio equipment over an air bag or

in an air bag’s deployment area, as an inated

air bag could propel the equipment and cause serious injury.

• Do not place the radio close to a heat source or expose the radio to direct sunlight for a prolonged time.

• Do not place the transceiver in an excessively dusty, humid or wet area, or on an unstable surface.

• If smoke or an abnormal odor is detected coming from the transceiver, turn OFF the transceiver immediately and contact your RCA dealer.

For a complete list of RCA approved antennas and audio accessories, visit:

www.RCACommunicationsSystems.com

7BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

MM300D

Palm Microphone

Mounting Bracket

with screws

Microphone Hanger

with screws

DC Power Cord

BRM300D

Mobile Radio

PRODUCT INSPECTION

Prior to unpacking your BRM300D radio, please inspect the packaging for signs of damage and report any damage or missing components immediately to your RCA Communications Systems Sales and Service Center. Every BRM300D mobile radio comes with the following items:

Item PCS

Radio Unit (BRM300D) 1

Palm Microphone (MM300D) 1 Microphone Hanger/Screws (3) 1

Radio Mounting Bracket 1 Self-Tapping Screws 4 SEMS Screws (screw/washer) 4 Spring Washers / Flat Washers 4 / 4 Fuse 1 DC Power Cord (w/2 fuses) 1 User Manual 1

BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

that knees or legs will not strike the unit during vehicle operation. Try to pick a well ventilated location that is shielded from direct sunlight for your installation location.

Install the mounting bracket in the vehicle using

the supplied self-tapping screws (4), at washers

(4), and spring washers (4). Position the bracket so that the 3 long screw hole positions on the side of the mounting bracket are towards the rear of the bracket. (Figure 1)

Use the 3 screw positions on the side of the

TRANSCEIVER PREPARATION

Installation/Tools Needed

• Electric drill with 6mm bit or above

• Cross head screwdriver

• Hex socket sleeve (used for mounting 5mm × 16mm self-tapping screw)

When installing your transceiver, be sure to select a safe, convenient location. If you’re installing inside your vehicle, choose a location that minimizes danger to your passengers and yourself while the vehicle is in motion. Consider installing the unit so

Self-tapping screw (5mm x 16mm)

Spring washer

Flat washer

Figure 1

Figure 2

Mounting Bracket

9BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

SEMS Screws

Figure 3

(Radio back)

mounting bracket to determine the appropriate angle of the transceiver. (Figure 2) Position the transceiver, then insert and tighten the supplied

hexagon SEMS screws (4) and at washers (4).

(Figure 3) Double check that all hardware is securely fastened to ensure that vehicle vibration will not loosen the bracket or transceiver.

DC Power Cable Connection Mobile Operation

Your vehicle battery must have a nominal rating of 12V. Never connect the transceiver to a 24V battery. Be sure to use a 12V vehicle battery that

has sufcient current capacity. If the current to the transceiver Is insufcient, the display may darken

during transmission, or transmit output power

may drop excessively.

1. Route the DC power cable supplied with the transceiver directly to the vehicle’s battery terminals using the shortest path from the

transceiver. If using a noise lter, it should be

installed with an insulator to prevent it from touching metal on the vehicle. We recommend you do not use the power outlet/cigarette lighter socket as some power outlets have an unacceptable voltage drop. The entire length of the cable must be dressed so it is isolated from heat, moisture and the engine secondary (high voltage) ignition system/cables.

2. After the cable Is In place, wrap heat-resistant tape around all fuse holders to protect it from moisture and tie down the full run of cable.

3. To prevent the risk of short circuiting, disconnect other wiring from the negative (-) battery terminal before connecting the transceiver.

4. Conrm the correct polarity of the connections,

BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

Figure 5

Figure 4

Supplied cable

Fuse holders

Fuse holder

then attach the power cable to the battery terminals; red connects to the positive (+) terminal and black connects to the negative (-) terminal. Use the full length of the supplied cable without cutting off excess even If the cable is longer than required. In particular, never remove the fuse holders from the cable. (Figure 4)

5. Reconnect any wiring removed from the

negative terminal.

6. Connect the DC power cable to the transceiver’s power supply connector. Press the connectors

rmly together until the locking tab connectors rmly together until the locking tab clicks.

(Figure 5)

Fixed Station Operation

In order to use this transceiver in a xed station

operation, you will need a separate 13.8V DC power supply (not included). The recommended current capacity of your power supply is 14A or more.

1. Connect the DC power cable to the regulated DC power supply and ensure that the polarities are correct (Red: positive, Black: negative).

• Do not directly connect the transceiver to

an AC outlet.

• Use the supplied DC power cable to

connect the transceiver to a regulated power supply. Do not substitute a cable with smaller gauge wires. (Figure 6)

11BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

• Do not plug the DC power supply into an AC outlet until you make all connections.

Replacing Fuses

If a fuse blows, most times it indicates a problem. Check the power source and the power cables to determine the cause and then correct the problem. Once the problem is resolved, replace the fuse. (See Figure 7.) If newly installed fuses continue to blow, disconnect the power cable and contact your authorized RCA Dealer for assistance.

Fuse Location Fuse Current Rating

Transceiver 15A

Supplied Accessory

DC Power Cable

20A

2. Connect the transceiver’s DC power connector to the connector on the DC power cable. Press

the connectors rmly together until the locking

tab clicks. (See Figure 5)

NOTE:

• For your transceiver to perform properly, we recommend using a power supply with an output of more than 23A/25% duty cycle.

• Before connecting the DC power supply to the transceiver. be sure to switch the transceiver and the DC power supply OFF.

Black (-)

Figure 6

Regulated DC Power Supply

To AC Outlet

Red (+)

Fuse holders

Figure 7

BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

CAUTION

Only use fuses of the specied type and

rating; otherwise the transceiver can be damaged.

Note:

If you use the transceiver for a long period when the vehicle battery is not fully charged or when the engine is OFF, the battery may become discharged

and may not have sufcient reserves to start the

vehicle. Avoid using the transceiver under these conditions.

Antenna Connection

Before operating the radio, install an efcient,

well-tuned antenna. The success of your radio installation will depend largely on the type and installation of your antenna. The transceiver will provide excellent results if the antenna system and radio installation are handled properly. (Figure 8)

Use a 50 Ω impedance antenna and low-loss coaxial feed line that has a characteristic impedance of 50 Ω to match the transceiver input impedance. Coupling the antenna to the transceiver via feed lines having an impedance other than 50 Ω reduces

the efciency of the antenna system and can cause

interference to nearby broadcast television and radio receivers, and other electronic equipment.

CAUTION

• Transmitting without first connecting an antenna or other matched load may damage the transceiver. Always connect the antenna to the transceiver before transmitting.

• All xed stations should be equipped with

Figure 8 Antenna connector

To antenna

Feed line connector

13BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

a lightning arrester to reduce the risk of

re, electric shock, and transceiver damage.

Accessory Connections External Speaker

If you plan to use an external speaker, choose a speaker with an impedance of 8 Ω. The external speaker jack accepts a 1/8” (3.5 mm) mono (2-conductor) plug. (Figure 9)

Figure 9

External Speaker

External Speaker Connection

Microphone Jack

For voice communications, connect a 600 Ω microphone equipped with an 8-pin modular plug into the modular socket on the front of the main

unit. Press rmly on the plug until the locking tab

clicks. (Figure 10)

Figure 10

Microphone Hanger

Attach the supplied microphone hanger using included screws in an easy to access location that will not interfere with vehicle operation. (Figure 11)

Figure 11

Microphone hanger screws - 3mm x 10mm

BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

5 6 7 8

2 3 4

TRANSCEIVER FEATURES

1. Volume Control Knob/Programmable Button

Turn the Volume Control clockwise to increase radio volume and counterclockwise to reduce radio volume. For Programmable Button information, please see below.

Note: If the radio is programmed with CTCSS/ CDCSS or 2-Tone, MDC1200, Signaling squelch, nothing will be heard from speaker even if you turn the Volume Control Knob clockwise to maximum volume.

2. LCD Display

See “Status Indicators” for display details.

3. Select a Channel/Programmable Buttons

For Programmable Button information, please see below.

4. LED Indicator - LED Indicator identies radio

status.

• Blinking Red - Radio is scanning, receiving an emergency transmission or has failed a self-test.

• Solid Red - Radio is transmitting.

• Blinking Green - Radio is powering up.

• Solid Green - Radio is receiving or carrier is

present/busy channel.

• Rapidly Blinking Green - Radio is receiving a privacy-enabled call or data.

Note: When the LED is solid green, it indicates the radio detects activity over the air. Due to the nature of the digital protocol, this activity may or

may not affect the radio’s programmed channel.

15BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

5. Microphone Jack

For voice communications, connect a 600 Ω microphone equipped with an 8-pin modular plug into the modular socket on the front of

the main unit. Press rmly on the plug until the

locking tab clicks. (Figure 10)

6. Programmable Buttons P1 - P4

For Programmable Button information, please see below.

7. On/Off Button

Press the On/Off Button to turn on the radio. Press and hold down the On/Off Button for about 1 second to turn off the radio.

8. Internal Speaker

Operational Status Indicators

Your radio indicates its operational status through the following:

• Display Icons

• Call Icons

• Sent Item Icons

• LED Indicator

• Audio Tones

Display Icons

The LCD display shows radio status, text entries, and menu entries. The following icons will appear on the radio’s display.

Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) - The number of bars displayed

represents the radio signal strength and is only displayed while the radio is in receiving mode.

Monitor - Selected channel is being monitored.

BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

Power Level - Radio is set at Low power. Radio is set at High power.

Tones Disable - Tones are turned off.

Scan - Scan feature is enabled.

Priority Scan - Radio detects activity on

channel/group designated as Priority 1 (if “•” is blinking) or Priority 2 (if “•” is steady)

Unread Message - The radio has unread message(s) in the Inbox.

Inbox Full - The radio’s Inbox is full.

Emergency - Radio is in Emergency mode.

Privacy - The Privacy feature is enabled.

Talkaround - The radio is currently

congured for direct radio to radio

communication. Battery - The number of bars (0 – 4)

shown indicates the charge remaining in the battery. Icon blinks when the battery is low.

Call Icons

The following icons appear on the radio’s display during a call and in the Contacts list to indicate ID type.

Private Call - Indicates a Private Call in progress. In the Contacts list, it indicates a subscriber alias (name) or ID (number).

Group Call/All Call - Indicates a Group Call or All Call in progress. In the Contacts list, it indicates a group alias (name) or ID (number).

Sent Item Icons

The following icons appear at the top right corner of the radio’s display in the Sent Items folder.

17BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

Sent Successfully - The text message is sent successfully.

Send Failed - The text message cannot be sent.

In-Progress - The text message to a group alias or ID is pending transmission.

Audio Tones

Alert tones provide you with audible indications of the radio’s status or the radio’s response to data received. Continuous Tone - A monotone sound. Sounds continuously until termination. Periodic Tone - Sounds periodically depending on the duration set by the radio. Repetitive Tone - A single tone that repeats itself until it is terminated by the user. Momentary Tone - Sounds only once for a

short period of time dened by the radio.

Receiving a Call

If CTCSS/CDCSS, 2-Tone, MDC1200 is set on the current channel by your RCA dealer, you can only receive calls with matched signaling. If CTCSS/CDCSS, 2-Tone, MDC1200 is not set, you can hear all users on the channel selected.

Transmitting a Call

To transmit a call:

1. Hold the microphone about 2” from your mouth when speaking and press the [PTT] (push to talk) button. (Figure 12) The red LED lights during call.

2. Release [PTT] to return to the receive/listen (RX) mode.

Figure 12

PTT (Push to talk) button

Making and Receiving Calls

BRM300DTM Professional Digital Two-Way Mobile Radio Instruction Manual

Note on PTT: If the Talk Permit Tone is enabled, wait until the short alert tone ends before talking.

During a call, if the Channel Free Indication feature is enabled on your radio (programmed by your RCA Communications Systems Dealer), you will hear a short alert tone the moment the target radio (the radio that is receiving your call) releases the PTT button, indicating the channel is free for you to respond. You will also hear the Channel Free Indication tone if your call is interrupted, for example, when the radio receives an Emergency Call.

Select A Channel

Press [▲] or [▼] to switch between channels.

Channels can be congured as analog or

digital channel. Your radio has features that are available in both analog and digital mode. The minor differences in the way each feature works does not affect the performance of your radio.

Setting the Squelch Level (Analog)

You can adjust your radio’s squelch level

to lter out unwanted calls with low signal

strength or channels that have a higher than normal background noise.

Settings: Normal is the default level. Tight

may help to lter out (unwanted) calls and / or

background noise. However, calls from radio within your system that are in very remote

locations may also be ltered out.

Press the pre-programmed Squelch button to toggle squelch level between normal and tight. OR - follow the procedure below to adjust the Squelch Level through the Menu.

1. Press [Volume Knob (VK)] to access the menu.

2. Press [▲] or [▼] to navigate to Utilities and press [VK] to select.

3. Press [▲] or [▼] to navigate to Radio Settings and press [VK] to select.

+ 42 hidden pages

RCA BRM300DV, BRM300DU Instruction Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual