Operator Manual

for SM50 Mobile Radio

This operator manual contains the information needed to identify the con-
trols and visual indicators, operate, and troubleshoot the SM50 mobile
radio.

Information about the radio’s visual and audible indicators is

highlighted and illustrated with icons.

Information about radio safety, mounting, licensing, and other issues to

be considered before operating the radio are contained in the SM
Series Installation/Licensing Guide (Motorola part number [68 no.]).
The guide should be included in the shipment with your radio. If you
need a replacement of the Installation/Licensing Guide or this Operator
Manual, please contact your local Motorola dealer or distributor.

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved 1

 Operational Safety Information

Read this information before using your mobile radio. For the safe and efficient
operation of your mobile radio, observe these guidelines.
Safe Mounting of the Radio
CAUTION: The bottom surface of the radio can become hot. Avoid contact during pro-
longed use. Do not mount where the bottom surface can come in contact with skin.
Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy
Your radio consists of a transmitter and receiver. When it is ON, it receives, and also
sends out, radio frequency (RF) energy. The radio operates in the frequency range
of VHF and UHF and employs analog modulation techniques. The power level can
range from low to high power.
In 1991 the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), and in 1992 the
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) updated the 1982 ANSI Standard for
safety levels with respect to human exposure to RF energy. Over 120 scientists,
engineers, and physicians from universities, government health agencies, and
industry, after reviewing the available body of research, developed this updated
Standard. In March, 1993, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) pro-
posed the adoption of this updated Standard. The design of your radio complies with
this updated Standard. If you want to limit RF exposure even further, you may
choose to control the duration of your transmissions.
Antenna Safety
Mobile radio antennas are not insulated and emit RF energy. Touching the antenna
while the radio is in use can cause burns. For your own safety and the safety of others:
DO NOT operate your mobile radio when a person is within 2 feet (0.6 meter) of the
antenna unless that person is shielded from the antenna by a metal surface such as
the roof of the car.
DO NOT allow the antenna to touch exposed parts of the body, especially the face or
eyes, while the radio is turned on.
DO NOT operate the radio with a damaged antenna. Replace a damaged antenna
immediately.
Unauthorized antennas, modifications, or attachments could damage the radio and
may violate FCC regulations. Use only the supplied or approved antenna.

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved 2

 Operational Safety Information

Driving
Check the laws and regulations on the use of communication devices in the areas
where you drive. Always obey them. Also, when using your radio while driving, please:
• give full attention to driving
• use hands-free operation, if available
• pull off the road and park before making or answering a call if driving con-
ditions so require.
Blasting Areas
To avoid interfering with blasting operations, turn your radio OFF when in a “blasting
area” or in areas posted: “turn off two-way radio.” Construction crews often use
remote-control RF devices to set off explosives.
Potentially Explosive Atmospheres
Turn your radio OFF before entering any area with a potentially explosive atmo-
sphere. It is rare, but your radio or its accessories could generate sparks. Sparks in
such areas could cause an explosion or fire resulting in bodily injury or even death.
Areas with a potentially explosive atmosphere are often, but not always, clearly
marked. They include: fueling areas such as gas stations, below deck on boats, fuel
or chemical transfer or storage facilities, and areas where the air contains chemicals
or particles, such as grain, dust, or metal powders.
Do not transport or store flammable gas, liquid, or explosives in the compartment of
your vehicle which contains your radio or accessories.
For Vehicles Powered by Liquid Petroleum (LP) Gas
Vehicles powered by LP gas (such as propane or butane) must comply with the
National Fire Protection Standard (NFPA-58). For a copy of this standard, contact
the National Fire Protection Association, One Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA
02269, Attn: Publications Sales Division.
Children
Do not allow children to play with your radio. It is not a toy. Children could damage
the radio or injure themselves.

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved 3

Controls and Visual Indicators
Controls A B C

A. On/Off/Volume Knob

B. Monitor Button

C. Channel Buttons D

D. Option Button
E
E. Push-To-Talk (PTT) Button 1

Visual Indicators

1. Light-Emitting Diode (LED)

2. Channel Display Icons (active channel)

•green: no channel activity
•blinking red: receiving activity
•red: transmitting 3
2
3. Monitor Icon 4

4. Option Icon

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved 4

Operating Instructions
Turn the Radio On/Off
1 Turn the on/off/volume knob until it clicks.
If the radio is operating properly when turned
on, a short, high-pitched tone sounds.
If the radio is not operating properly when
turned on, a continuous low-pitched warning
tone sounds.

Set the Volume

The SM50 has a dedicated Monitor/Volume Set
button: .
1 Press and hold for 2 seconds. 1..2..
You hear all channel activity (including “static”).
2 Using the on/off/volume knob, adjust the vol-
ume to a comfortable listening level.
3 Press to exit volume set.

Select the Channel

1 Press 1 or 2 to select the desired channel.
A short, high-pitched tone (“good key press”)
sounds each time you press 1 or 2 .
1 2 The active channel is displayed as follows:
•green: no channel activity
•blinking red: receiving activity

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved 5

Operating Instructions (cont’d)
Receive
1 Release the PTT (if pressed).
2 Press 1 or 2 to select the desired channel.
1 2 The channel indicator blinks red.

3 Listen for voice activity.

Busy Channel Lockout–Several groups of radio users

may share a channel. Busy channel lockout filters out
unwanted communications from other groups.

Monitor
NOTE:
In the United States, FCC regulations require you to
monitor the channel before you transmit. Although all
countries do not have a similar requirement, monitoring
the channel is proper radio etiquette to provide an
orderly approach to using shared frequencies.
1 Take the microphone off hook or press .
shows on the display when monitor is on.
2 Listen for voice activity.
3 Put the microphone on hook or press .

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved 6

Operating Instructions (cont’d)
Transmit
NOTE:
In the United States, FCC regulations require you to
monitor the channel before you transmit.

1 Press the PTT.

1 2 The active channel number glows red and the LED on
the microphone glows red while you are transmitting.

2 Hold the microphone 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) away

from your mouth while speaking clearly into it.

Time-Out Timer (T.O.T.) limits the amount of time you have to transmit.
When you reach the time limit, a continuous, low-pitched tone
sounds (until you release the PTT) and your transmission is cut off.
Busy Channel Lockout–Several groups of radio users may share a
channel. Busy channel lockout monitors channel activity for you (even
activity you cannot hear), preventing you from transmitting while other
groups are using a channel.
If the channel is busy when you try to transmit, a series of low-pitched
tones sounds until you release the PTT.

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved 7

Operating Instructions (cont’d)
Programmable Options
Your dealer can program to perform one of
the following options (defaults in italics):
• Repeater/Talkaround–gives you the option of
using a repeater system for extended range or
talking to other radio users in direct range of your
radio without using the repeater.
• Local/Distance–gives you the option of protection
from interference (but you may not hear weak
transmissions), or hearing all transmissions
regardless of their strength and clarity.
When you turn the radio on, it is always in the
default mode. If you do not know which of the
above options is programmed into your radio, con-
tact your dealer or system administrator.
To activate the non-default mode (Talkaround or
Local) or to return to the default mode (Repeater
or Distance):

1 Press and release .

shows when Talkaround or Local is selected.
A high-pitched tone sounds when the radio returns to
the default mode. A high-pitched tone sounds when
the radio enters the non-default mode.

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved 8

Notes
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Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved
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9
Troubleshooting
Symptom
Radio is “dead.”
Low-pitched continuous tone
when turning the radio on.
Low-pitched short tone when
turning the radio on.
Low-pitched continuous tone
while transmitting.
Low-pitched continuous tone
while pressing the PTT.
Low-pitched repetitive short
tones while pressing the PTT.
Radio will not talk to other radios Radios may be pro-
in system.
Constant static.
Limited talk range.
Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved
Problem Solution
No power to radio. Check vehicle battery and all cable
connections. If all are o.k., contact
your local dealer for service.
Internal defect. Press the PTT to stop tone. Contact
your local dealer for service.
Internal defect. Radio may not function properly. Con-
tact your local dealer for service.
Time-Out-Timer Retransmit last part of message.
expired. Limit transmission time.
Transmission prohib- Contact your system administrator to
ited (i.e. on receive- identify channels, or change to a
only channel). channel with a programmed transmit
frequency.
Channel busy. Wait for channel to clear. Try transmit-
ting again later.
Contact your local dealer to verify fre-
grammed for different quencies and groups.
frequencies or groups.
Interference from elec- Ask your local dealer to enable coded
tronic devices (com- squelch, which screens out this type
puters, etc.). of interference.
Antenna may be placed Check antenna position. Relocate
in or near a steel or antenna to a higher position away
concrete structure, from interfering materials or struc-
heavy foliage, etc. tures.
10
 Operator Manual
for SM50 Mobile Radio

June, 1996

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved

 2-YEAR WARRANTY
We thank you for purchasing our Motorola radios. These radios are
manufactured according to the highest quality standards set and are
backed by Motorola’s two (2) year warranty. The rechargeable
Motorola batteries have a one (1) year warranty. Kindly approach
your dealer for more information.

WARNING
To qualify for warranty, the following applies:
DO NOT attempt to modify or repair your radio. Use Motorola sup-
plied accessories and batteries in connection with the radio.

Should you have any queries or need assistance, please contact:

Singapore -Telephone/Fax: (65)2812053/2874181
Beijing -Telephone/Fax: (86-10)4610273/4610277

Fill in the details of your radio below for your own

reference:
Model Name/No.:
Serial Number:
Date of Purchase:
Dealer Name:
Address:
Telephone:

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved

 LIMITED WARRANTY
MOTOROLA RADIO PRODUCTS
This express limited warranty covers the Product manufactured by Notwithstanding anything contained herein, MOTOROLA shall not be liable for
MOTOROLA Radio Products Group and applies to any warranty already men- any of the following situations:
tioned. MOTOROLA assumes no obligations or liability for additions or modi-
fications to this warranty unless specifically made in writing and signed by an A) Defects or damage resulting from use of the Product in other
authorised officer of MOTOROLA. than its normal and customary manner.

MOTOROLA cannot be responsible in any way for any ancillary equipment not B) Defects or damage from misuse, accident, water, liquid or neglect.
furnished by MOTOROLA which is attached to or used in connection with the
Product, or for operation of the Product with any ancillary equipment, and all C) Defects or damage from improper testing, operation,
such equipment is expressly excluded from this warranty. Because each sys- maintenance, installation, alteration, modification, or adjustment.
tem which may use the Product is unique, MOTOROLA disclaims liability for
range, coverage, or operation of the system as a whole under this warranty. D) Product which has had the serial number removed or made illegible.

E) A Product which, due to illegal or unauthorized alteration of the

This warranty sets forth the full extent of MOTOROLA’S responsibilities re-
garding the Product. Repair, replacement or refund of the purchase price, at
MOTOROLA’S option, is the sole and exclusive remedy of purchaser/user of
the Product. THIS WARRANTY IS GIVEN IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER EX-
PRESS WARRANTIES. IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING WITHOUT
LIMITATION, IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FIT-
NESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. IN NO
EVENT SHALL MOTOROLA BE LIABLE FOR DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF
THE PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT, FOR ANY LOSS OF USE,
LOSS OF TIME, INCONVENIENCE, COMMERCIAL LOSS, LOST PROFITS
OR SAVINGS OR OTHER INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL
DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH
PRODUCT, TO THE FULL EXTENT SUCH MAY BE DISCLAIMED BY LAW.
software/firmware in the Product, does not function in accordance
with Motorola’s published specifications or the FCC type acceptance
labeling in effect for the Product at the time the Product was initially
distributed from Motorola.
F) Scratches or other cosmetic damage to Product surfaces that does
not affect the operation of the Product.
MOTOROLA shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to any claim of
patent infringement which is based upon the combination of the Product or
parts furnished hereunder with software, apparatus or devices not furnished
by MOTOROLA, nor will MOTOROLA have any liability whatsoever for the
use of ancillary equipment or software not furnished by MOTOROLA which is
attached to or used in connection with the Product.

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved

Copyright © 1995 Motorola, Inc. All rights reserved