OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
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OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR RADIO
Accessory Name
Ni-MH battery pack
Model Number
18-B10
Desk Charger stand
18-F10
Lapel Microphone with Ear-bud Speaker
Speaker/Microphone
22-405
22-411
Stealth Type Noise Canceling Throat Mic with Ear-bud 22-430
Boom Microphone Headset 22-540
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-10 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 charge. The F-10 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-10 operates on 14 channels to provide the best in quiet and
private communication. Also this radio offers power save, and auto-squelch.
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.
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OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
TIPS FOR GETTING THE MOST FROM YOUR F-10
Due to the band of operation (462/467 MHz) the F-10 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 limits to maximum possible range are
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 may be reduced while operating in a vehicle or from inside to
outside a metal building. Battery condition also affects range. The F-10 operates best on alkaline
batteries. This unit 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. Always save your receipt, as it is required for warranty consideration.
PREPARATION
BATTERIES:
F-10 radios operate with 3 AAA Alkaline, Ni-Cad (nickel cadmium) or Ni-MH (nickel metal
hydride) batteries (optional) or a Ni-MH battery pack. Ni-Cad batteries provide about 7 hours of
use. Alkaline batteries will provide about 20 hours of use and Ni-MH batteries will provide about
14 hours of use. Ni-Cad and Ni-MH batteries must be charged prior to use. Charge NI-Cad or Ni-
MH batteries at least 10 hours. DO NOT attempt to charge any type of Alkaline batteries in
this radio.
Installing 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 AAA batteries observing the proper polarity. If a battery pack is used, observe the up
arrow is visible and pointing toward the top of the radio.
3. 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.
Instructions for optional charger
Install NI-MH (nickel metal-hydride) observing their polarity. Plug the power adapter for the 18-
F10 charger into any 110/115 V wall socket. Insert the radio into the charging stand with the front
facing you and observe that the LED on the charger is lit. Charge the batteries for at least 10
hours for Ni-MH. The radio should be turned off while charging. For charging with optional wall
charger observe instructions supplied with the charger.
DO NOT attempt to charge any type of Alkaline batteries in this radio.
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OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
QUICK USE INSTRUCTIONS:
1.
2.
Install fresh alkaline or fully charged Ni-Cad or Ni-MH batteries.
Turn the unit on by turning the ON/OFF/VOLUME control on the top of the radio clockwise
until a click is heard.
3.
Turn the ON/OFF/VOLUME control clock wise to adjust the volume. To test the volume
setting, press and hold the “MON” button so static noise can be heard. The noise can be
used as a reference level for volume setting.
4.
5.
Select the desired channel by pressing and releasing the /\ or \/ button.
To talk press the PTT (push to talk) button on the left side of the radio and talk in a normal
voice into the front of the radio about three inches away from your mouth.
To listen release the PTT button.
6.
Operating the Radio
DISPLAY SYMBOLS
CAUTION: DON’T EXPOSE THE DISPLAY TO EXTREME HOT OR COLD TEMPERATURE
1. Channel number: Displays channel number 1-14.
2. B.SCAN indicates the scan mode B is in use. SCAN indicates the normal scan mode is in use
3. DW Symbol: Indicates Dual Watch channel selection is active..
4. VOX Symbol: Indicates “VOX” is activated
5. SAVE Symbol: Flashes indicating battery save is active.
6. BUSY/TX Symbol:
When the radio is transmitting the icon will look like this
When the radio is receiving the icon will look like this:
When the radio is in stand-by the icon will look like this
7. Musical note indicates ROGER BEEP is on.
8. Battery symbol shows the battery condition. When this icon is displayed replace or recharge
the batteries.
9. BEEP indicates the button press tone and power up tones are active.
10. Key Symbol indicates when the keypad has been locked. Only the “PTT” and “CALL”
buttons are active when this indicator is on.
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OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
FEATURES AND LOCATION OF CONTOLS
TURNING THE RADIO ON OR OFF:
The ON/OFF VOLUME control at the top of the radio and controls power and volume. When the
radio is switched on, series of tones will be heard confirming that radio is working. (If enabled)
CHANGING THE CHANNEL:
Press and release the channel /\ or \/ button to select the desired channel. To change channel
rapidly, press and hold the channel button /\ or \/ until the desired channel appears on the display
and release the button.
Warning: When using the 22-405 or the 22-540 you must switch the VOX/PTT switch to PTT to
allow you to change channels or exit the vox mode.
ACTIVATING SCAN FUNCTIONS
The F-10 has three scan modes. The most popular and most used is the “BUSY” channel scan.
This allows the radio to stop on a channel that someone is talking on. When the radio stops on a
“Busy” channel, the scan will stop and resume after about 5 seconds. The second is the “OPEN”
Channel Scan. This allows the radio to stop on channels that are NOT in use. This is useful when
looking for open channels to use. The third is “DUAL WATCH”. This allows you to scan only two
channels. This is useful when you want to keep track of two other people.
Busy Channel Scan:
1. Press and release the ”F” button one time, the ”SCAN” icon (2) will begin flashing in the
upper part of the display.
2. Press and release the /\ or \/ channel button to activate scan. The unit will now begin
scanning through the channels.
ꢀ Pressing the /\ or \/ channel button during scan will determine if the channels are scanned
up or down.
ꢀ Pressing the “PTT” (push to talk) button will cause the radio to stop scanning and return
to normal operate mode.
3. To reactivate scan repeat steps above.
Open Channel Scan:
1. Press and release the “F” button repeatedly (usually twice) until the “B.SCAN” icon (2)
flashes in the upper part of the display.
2. Press and release the /\ or \/ channel button to activate scan. The radio will begin to scan for
OPEN channels.(channels not in use)
ꢀ Scanning will stop on the first available open channel for about 5 seconds then move to
the next open channel.
3. Press the “PTT” button to stop scanning and talk on that channel.
4. To reactivate scan repeat steps above.
Dual Watch - Dual watch is a function that allows you to scan only two channels.
1. Select channel one. This will be the channel that is on the display when you start the scan.
2. Press the “F” button repeatedly (usually 3 times) until “DW” (3) is flashing in the upper part
of the display.
3. Select the second channel to be scanned. This must be done without any delay between
button presses.
ꢀ About 1 second after your selection of the second channel is complete the radio will begin
switching between the two channels.
ꢀ When the radio hears activity on either channel, scanning will stop on that channel for
about 5 seconds and then resume scanning.
ꢀ If communication is desired on the channel scanning stopped on, press the “PTT” button.
This will deactivate Dual Watch and allow you to communicate normally.
4. To reactivate Dual Watch, repeat steps above.
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OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
USING CALL BUTTON:
Press and release the CALL button. A call signal will be sent for about 2 seconds. Both
radios must be on the same channel and the radios must be turned on.
ꢁ Warning: The call feature should be avoided when using the 22-405 or 22-540.
ENABLE/DISABLE “ROGER-BEEP”:
The radio transmits a rapid tone sequence when the PTT button is released if this feature is
active. The default condition is for the “roger beep” to be off.
1. Press the “F” button (usually 4 times) until you see on the display “oF” or “oN” (depending
on previous programming) with a flashing music note ♪ (7) in the upper right of the display.
2. Press the channel /\ or \/ buttons to select oF or oN.
ꢀ “oF” is roger beep off. “oN” is roger beep on.
3. Press ENTER to store your selection.
ꢀ If no buttons are pressed for 10 seconds the display will revert back to normal operation
mode.
ꢀ The Roger beep should be deactivated when using the radio in VOX mode.
ENABLE/DISABLE KEY BOARD LOCK:
To Enable KEY BOARD LOCK press and hold the “ENTER” button for 2 seconds. The
display will contain a key symbol (10) in the lower right of the display. PTT, MON and
CALL buttons will still be active. The “ENTER” button will also activate the backlight for 5
seconds. When radio is in lock mode and any other keys are pressed a tone will be
heard.
To Disable KEY BOARD LOCK Press and hold the “ENTER” button for 2 seconds.
USING THE MONITOR FUNCTION:
1. Press and hold the “MON” button on the side of the radio to open the squelch.
ꢀ This allows you to override the squelch. Release the “MON” button to restore the squelch
to normal.
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OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
OPERATING HANDS FREE VOX - VOICE OPERATED TRANSMIT
To get the most use from the “VOX” feature you must first determine what sensitivity level is
needed to activate the “VOX” control. Sensitivity is how loud you have to talk to activate the
“VOX” circuit. The “VOX” has three levels of sensitivity that can be adjusted. The option 1 you can
talk in a normal voice with no background noise to activate the “VOX” circuit. The option 2 will
require more voice level to activate the “VOX” circuit. This is useful in slightly noisier areas that
might activate the “VOX” without talking. The option 3 will require the most voice level to activate
the “VOX” circuit. This will be useful in very noisy areas. The next adjustment is the delay. This is
a function of the “VOX” that keeps the radio in transmit mode after you stop talking. A delay that
is set to short will cause the “VOX” circuit to stop between some words. The delay is adjustable to
three levels. Level 1 will give about one half second of delay, level three will give you about one
and one half seconds of delay. By activating the “VOX” you only have to talk into the front of the
radio or use a headset to make the radio transmit. The PTT (push to talk) button is not functional
in “VOX” mode. It is recommended to use a headset when using the “VOX” feature.
NOTE: It is recommended to disable the Roger Beep when VOX is in use. See page 8 for
instructions.
SETTING VOX FUNCTIONS:
Setting VOX Levels
1. With the radio in the off position, press and hold the “CALL” button and turn the radio on.
When the radio powers up release the button. The display will show “L” followed by a 1, 2 or
3 depending on previous settings.
2. Press the channel /\ or \/ buttons to select the desired level.
ꢀ As described earlier L 1 will be the most sensitive and L 3 will be the least sensitive.
3. Press the “F” button to switch to the Delay setting. A “d” followed by a 1, 2 or a 3 will show on
the display depending on previous settings.
4. Press the channel /\ or \/ buttons to select the desired delay.
ꢀ As described earlier d 1 will be the shortest and d 3 will be the longest delay.
5. Press the “ENTER button to store your settings and return to normal operation mode.
TO ENABLE / DISABLE VOX MODE
Press and hold the “F/VOX” button on the front of the radio for 2 seconds.
Warning: When using the 22-405 or the 22-540 you must switch the VOX/PTT switch to PTT to
allow you to change channels or exit the VOX mode.
POWER SAVE CIRCUIT
This is a completely automatic function of the radio and is not adjustable. When the radio has not
transmitted or received a signal for about 8 seconds it will begin to cycle from a sleep mode to
fully on. This occurs several times a second. If a signal is received or you cause the unit to
transmit the radio will become fully awake. This cycling from sleep to fully on increases the
battery life more than 50%.
RESETTING THE RADIO
If the radio stops responding to button presses or otherwise does not function properly in some
cases the radio can be reset to restore normal operation.
To reset the radio: With the radio off, press and hold the “F” button and turn the radio on.
Release the “F” button when the radio powers up. (See turning the radio on)
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OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
TROUBLESHOOTING
PROBLEM
SOLUTION
No Power
1. Check battery installation and/or replace alkaline batteries or
recharge rechargeable batteries. DO NOT attempt to charge
any type of Alkaline battery in this radio!
Cannot Receive
Messages
1. Make sure the volume is set high enough.
2. Change your location, you may be out of range.
Range is short
1. Operating the radio in a vehicle or metal building will decrease
the range. If possible operate outside of vehicles or buildings.
2. Carrying the radio so that the antenna is very near the body
will decrease the range. Hold the radio in the open for the best
range.
3. Battery condition can affect range. Replace alkaline batteries
or recharge rechargeable batteries. DO NOT attempt to charge
any type of Alkaline battery in this radio!
Radio squeals when
receiving messages
1. Check battery condition. Usually lowering the volume stops
the squealing. This indicates weak batteries. Replace alkaline
batteries or recharge rechargeable batteries. DO NOT attempt to
charge any type of Alkaline battery in this radio !
Messages not
transmitted.
1. If PTT button is not responding, check to see if VOX is active.
2. If VOX is in use, check for correct VOX level setting.
Interference/Static
1. Change your location. The interference may be caused by
nearby electronic or electrical equipment.
Cannot change
channels
1. Make sure keyboard is not locked.
2. Make sure the radio is not transmitting.
Battery icon flashes
Replace alkaline batteries or recharge rechargeable batteries.
DO NOT attempt to charge any type of Alkaline battery in this
radio!
Display is dim
Reposition or replace alkaline batteries or rechargeable batteries.
DO NOT attempt to charge any type of Alkaline battery in this
radio!
Page 9 of 12
OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
CARE OF RECHARGEABLE NI-CAD AND NI-MH BATTERIES
PLEASE ALWAYS DISPOSE OF BATTERIES PROPERLY
Always follow the battery manufacturers recommendations for charging and disposing of Ni-Cad
and Ni-MH batteries.
General information regarding Ni-Cad/Ni-MH batteries;
1. Occasionally allow the batteries to fully discharge before recharging. Full discharge will be
indicated by the low battery indicator coming on during receive operation.
2. Always allow the battery to fully charge before using. This requires 10 hours with
the approved charger. (Ni-MH batteries require 16 hours for full charge.)
3. The above will prevent the batteries from developing “memory” which effectively reduces their
capacity.
4. It is better to store Ni-Cad batteries that are discharged rather than charged.
Ni-MH batteries are best stored charged.
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OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS*
GENERAL
Frequency range..................................................................................462/467 MHz
Channels...............................................................................................................14
Modulation type.............................................................................................….. FM
Antenna impedance ....................................................................................50 Ohm
Loudspeaker.........................................................................................8 Ohm 0.5W
Microphone...................................................................................…….electret type
Power supply............................…............3 AAA Ni-cads or Alkaline (3.6/4.5VDC)
RECEIVER
Sensitivity at 12dB Sinad...................................….........................................0.25µV
Selectivity...........................................................…...........................................50 dB
Squelch range...................................................................................…....automatic
Audio output power........................…..................0.25W @ 8 Ohm (10% distortion)
Distortion at 1000 mV...............................….........................................................7%
Audio frequency response.....................................................................400-2400 Hz
TRANSMITTER
RF Output Power......................................…...….…….nominal 500 mW @ 4.5VDC
Frequency Tolerance...............................…................................................0.00025%
Harmonic Suppression...................................................................more than 50 dB
Modulation..............................................…........................................FM +/- 2.5 kHz
*Specifications are nominal and subject to change
CHANNEL FREQUENCIES
01=462.5625
02=462.5875
03=462.6125
04=462.6375
05=462.6625 09=467.5875 13=467.6875
06=462.6875 10=467.6125 14=467.7125
07=462.7125 11=467.6375
08=467.5625 12=467.6625
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OWNER’S MANUAL FOR THE F-10 (FRS)
SERVICE
If you have a problem, which you believe requires service, please call first and speak with a service
technician. Many problems can be remedied over the phone without returning the unit for service.
If it ever becomes necessary to return your unit for service:
♦
♦
♦
♦
Pack the unit in its original box and packing. Improper packing may result in damage during shipment.
Include a full description of any problems.
Include a daytime telephone number.
Include a money order for $7.50 to cover shipping and handling (this may not be required in some
states).You do not need to return accessory items (charger, batteries, wrist strap, owners guide) unless
they maybe directly related to the problem.
♦
♦
Include a photocopy of the bill of sale or other proof of purchase showing the date of sale. This
information must be included before warranty service can be considered.
A flat rate of $35.00 will apply to repairs not covered by the 1 year warranty. These items include but not
limited to Abuse, Internally modified circuits, damage caused by water , battery leakage or liquid spilled
into the radio.
♦
Payment is accepted by Cashiers Check, Money Order, Master Card or Visa only. Personal checks will
not be accepted.
Items not covered by the warranty include abuse, water damage, battery leak damage, broken antennas,
broken battery latch
LIMITED WARRANTY
Midland Consumer Radio will repair or replace, at its option without charge, any Midland (FRS) transceiver
which fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within one year following the initial consumer
purchase.
This warranty does not include any carrying cases, earphones, or telescoping antennas which may be a part
of or included with the warranted product, or the cost of labor for removal or re-installation of the product in a
vehicle or other mounting.
Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by returning the warranted product,
freight prepaid, along with proof of purchase date, to Midland Consumer Radio, Warranty Service
Department 1120 Clay Street North Kansas City, MO 64116 , or to any “ Midland Authorized Warranty
Service Station,” or to the place of purchase ( if a participating dealer).
Warranty information and the location of the nearest “Midland Authorized Warranty Service Station,” may be
obtained by writing Midland Consumer Radio, Warranty Service Department.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to
state.
Note: The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased in the United States of America or any
of the territories or possessions or from U.S. military exchange. For warranty coverage on merchandise
purchased elsewhere, consult the supplemental warranty information included with this product or ask your
dealer.
MIDLAND RADIO CORPORATION
1120 Clay Street
North Kansas City, MO 64116
Phone 816-241-8500. Fax 816-241-5713
E-mail: [email protected]
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