Motorola Talkabout MS350MR Two-Way Radio User's Guide

Safety and General Information

This document provides important information on safe and efficient operation of your Motorola two-way radio. It supersedes general safety information published before December 1, 2002.

Transmit and Receive Procedure

To control exposure and ensure compliance with RF energy limits:

• Transmit no more than 50% of the time.
• Release the Push-to-Talk (PTT) button to receive calls.
• Press the PTT button to transmit (talk).

Transmitting 50% of the time or less is crucial as RF energy exposure is generated only during transmission.

Exposure to Radio Frequency Energy

Your Motorola two-way radio complies with various RF energy exposure standards and guidelines, including those from the FCC, ANSI, IEEE, ICNIRP, Health Canada, and the Australian Communications Authority.

To ensure optimal performance and compliance, always follow these procedures:

Portable Radio Operation and EME Exposure

• Antenna Care: Use only supplied or approved replacement antennas. Do not hold the antenna when the radio is "IN USE" as it affects range.
• Body-Worn Operation: When transmitting, always use a Motorola-supplied or approved clip, holster, case, or body harness. If not using approved accessories, keep the radio and antenna at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from your body.
• Data Operation: When using data features, position the radio and antenna at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from your body.

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: it must not cause harmful interference, and it must accept any interference received.

Facilities, Aircraft, and Medical Devices

• Turn off your radio in facilities where posted notices instruct you to do so, as some equipment may be sensitive to RF energy.
• Turn off your radio on aircraft when instructed, and follow all airline regulations.
• Pacemakers: Keep the radio at least 6 inches (15 cm) from a pacemaker when the radio is ON. Do not carry the radio in a breast pocket and use the ear opposite the pacemaker. Turn off the radio immediately if interference is suspected.
• Hearing Aids: Some digital wireless radios may interfere with hearing aids. Consult your hearing aid manufacturer for alternatives if interference occurs.
• Other Medical Devices: Consult your physician or the device manufacturer to determine if your personal medical device is adequately shielded from RF energy.

Safety While Driving

• Obey all laws and regulations regarding radio use while driving.
• 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 conditions require it.
• Do not place a portable radio in the air bag deployment area.

Potentially Explosive Atmospheres

Turn off your radio before entering areas with potentially explosive atmospheres. Do not remove, install, or charge batteries in such areas. Sparks can cause explosions or fires.

Blasting Caps and Areas

Turn off your radio when near electrical blasting caps, in a blasting area, or in areas posted "Turn off two-way radios". Obey all signs and instructions.

Operational Cautions

• Antennas: Do not use a damaged antenna. Contact with a damaged antenna may cause a minor burn.
• Batteries: Exercise care when handling charged batteries. Avoid contact between exposed terminals and conductive materials like jewelry or keys, as this can cause the material to become hot due to a short circuit. Do not use sharp or conductive tools to remove NiMH or AA batteries.

Battery Charger Safety Instructions

1. Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
2. Do not operate or disassemble a damaged charger.
3. Never alter the AC cord or plug.
4. Pull the plug, not the cord, when disconnecting the charger.
5. Unplug the charger before cleaning or maintenance.
6. Use of non-Motorola recommended attachments may pose a risk.
7. Ensure the cord is not a tripping hazard or subject to damage.
8. Use an extension cord only if necessary, ensuring it is properly wired and of the correct gauge (18 AWG up to 100 ft, 16 AWG up to 150 ft).
9. The AC adaptor cord is not replaceable; contact customer service if damaged.

Licensing Information

Your Motorola radio has 22 operating channels. FRS channels are for free use, while GMRS channels may require authorization from your local regulatory body.

Channels and Frequencies

The document lists 22 channels with their corresponding frequencies and descriptions (GMRS/FRS or FRS).

Regional Licensing Requirements

• Mexico: GMRS use is subject to SCT and COFETEL regulations. A permit is required.
• Uruguay: GMRS use is subject to URSEC regulations. A permit is required based on channel availability.
• Panama: FRS/GMRS frequencies do not require authorization.
• USA: GMRS use is subject to FCC regulations. A radio license is required. FCC forms (605 and 159) and contact information for obtaining them are provided.

Getting Started

Waterproof

The radio is waterproof to IP-67 standards, withstanding submersion up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. This is only effective when the battery cover and accessory port are sealed. The charging base and AC adapter are not waterproof.

Installing the Batteries

The radio can use either a NiMH rechargeable battery pack or 3 AA alkaline batteries. The radio indicates low battery with a beep.

• NiMH Battery Pack: Loosen the battery door screw, remove the cover, insert the pack with the diagram facing you, and secure the cover.
• AA Alkaline Batteries: Loosen the battery door screw, remove the cover, insert batteries with correct polarity, and secure the cover. Note that some AA batteries may prevent the radio from floating.

Radio Battery Meter: The battery icon indicates the charge level. A single segment indicates a low battery alert.

Removing Batteries

• NiMH Battery Pack: Turn off the radio, loosen the battery door screw, open the cover, and pull the pack out using the ribbon.
• AA Alkaline Batteries: Turn off the radio, loosen the battery door screw, open the cover, and gently remove each battery.

Notes: Handle batteries with care. Remove batteries for extended storage. Ensure the battery door is tightly closed for waterproofing.

Using the Battery Charger (Optional Accessory)

Charge the NiMH battery pack overnight (at least 16 hours) before first use. Subsequent charges take up to 14 hours. Plug the AC adapter into the charger and a wall outlet, then slide the radio into the charging pocket. The charger's red light indicates charging.

Notes: The light stays red when fully charged. Allow batteries to acclimate to temperature changes before charging. For optimal battery life, remove the radio from the charger within 16 hours. Do not store the radio connected to the charger. Charging may take longer if the radio is on. Allow some charge before transmitting if the battery is completely empty. Dry the radio thoroughly before charging or removing batteries if wet.

Attaching and Removing the Belt Clip

Align the clip post with the hole on the back of the radio and push until it clicks. To remove, push down the release tab and pull the clip away.

Operating the Radio

Turning Your Radio On and Off

Press and hold the power button for 3 seconds to turn the radio on or off. The radio chirps and displays feature icons when turned on.

Setting the Volume

Press and hold the power button for three seconds, then use the or buttons to adjust the volume to a comfortable level. There are 16 volume levels. Do not hold the radio close to your ear.

Talking and Listening

All radios must be on the same channel and Interference Eliminator Code. Press and hold to talk, and release to listen. Hold the radio 2-3 inches from your mouth and speak into the microphone. Do not cover the microphone.

Talk Range

The radio is designed for optimal performance. Do not use radios closer than five feet apart.

Power Boost

Press the top of the PTT button for high power transmission. Press the lower part for low power to conserve battery. FRS-only channels use low power regardless of which part of the button is pressed.

Monitor Button

Press and hold for three seconds to latch the Monitor function on, allowing you to check for channel activity and hear weak signals. Tap again or press to turn it off.

Push to Talk Timeout Timer

The radio emits a warning tone and stops transmitting after 60 continuous seconds of pressing the PTT button to prevent accidental transmissions and save battery.

Menu Options

There are 10 menu options to customize your radio. Press MENU to cycle through options, and or to change settings. The menu auto-closes after 5 seconds of inactivity. Pressing the button saves settings and exits the menu.

Menu Items:

1. Channel (1-22)
2. Interference Eliminator Code (1-121 or OFF)
3. Call Tone (1-10 or OFF)
4. iVOX (ON/OFF)
5. VOX Sensitivity (1-3)
6. QT Noise Filtering (ON/OFF)
7. VibraCall™ Alert (ON/OFF)
8. Keypad Tones (ON/OFF)
9. Talk Confirmation Tone (ON/OFF)
10. Auto Power Off (30/60/90 minutes or OFF)

Selecting the Channel

Channels 8-14 are low power (FRS 0.5 watt); others are GMRS. Press to select a channel, then or to choose, and to save.

Selecting the Interference Eliminator Code

This feature blocks signals without a matching tone or code. Codes range from 1 to 121, or OFF. Set to 0 to communicate with radios without this feature. Press until the code flashes, then or to select, and to save.

Setting and Transmitting Call Tones

Choose from 20 call tones. Press until the call tone setting flashes, then or to select and hear the tone. Press to save. Press to transmit the call tone.

Hands-Free Use Without Accessories (iVOX)

With iVOX ON, the radio transmits hands-free when it detects your voice through the internal microphone. Press until appears, then or to select On/Off, and to save.

Hands-Free Use With Accessories (VOX)

Use optional headset accessories for more reliable hands-free transmission. Turn the radio off, plug in the accessory, turn the radio on, and adjust volume. Remove the accessory to turn off VOX. There is a slight delay before and after transmission.

Setting the Sensitivity Level (VOX Mode)

Adjust sensitivity (1-3) to minimize false transmissions and capture soft voices. Press until VOX and level appear, then or to select, and to save. Level 3 is high sensitivity, 2 is medium, and 1 is low.

QT Noise Filtering

QT filters unwanted transmissions and ensures communication with other Motorola radios with QT. It's useful in noisy environments. QT is not available during scanning. Press until QT appears, then or to turn On/Off, and to save. To transmit to a QT-enabled radio, send a call tone first.

VibraCall™ Alert

VibraCall™ provides a vibrating alert for incoming messages, useful in noisy environments. Press until appears, then or to select On/Off, and to save.

Keypad Tones

Enable or disable keypad tones. Press until appears, then or to select On/Off, and to save. Other alert tones (transmit timeout, call tone, low battery) are not affected.

Talk Confirmation Tone

Set the radio to transmit a confirmation tone (like "Roger") when you finish transmitting. Press until appears, then or to select On/Off, and to save.

Auto Power Off

The radio automatically turns off after a set period of inactivity (30, 60, or 90 minutes) to save power. Press until appears, then or to set the time. The timer restarts if a button is pressed or a signal is received.

Special Features

Built-in Flashlight

Press and hold the flashlight button to turn the light on. Turn it off when not in use to save battery.

Keypad Lock

Press and hold until the lock icon appears to prevent accidental setting changes. Only receiving, transmitting, sending call tones, and monitoring are possible in lock mode. Press and hold again to unlock.

Scanning Channels

Scan to find transmissions, locate group members, or find unused channels. Basic scan uses your set channel/code combinations. Advanced scan searches all channels for any code and temporarily uses detected codes. The "home channel" (where the radio is set when scanning starts) has priority.

• To Start Scanning: Briefly press . The radio scrolls through channels/codes. It stops on activity and allows transmission within 5 seconds. Scanning resumes 5 seconds after activity ends. Press to stop.
• To Start Advanced Scanning: Set Interference Eliminator Code to OFF. Briefly press . The radio scrolls through channels without code filtering. It stops on activity with any code, detects and displays the code. Transmit using the detected code. Press to stop.

Scanning Notes:

• Pressing to transmit on an inactive channel sends on the home channel.
• Press or to resume scanning if it stops on an undesired transmission.
• Press and hold or for 3 seconds to temporarily remove a channel from the scan list. Restore removed channels by turning the radio off and on, or by exiting and re-entering scan mode.
• The home channel cannot be removed.
• In Advanced Scan, detected codes are temporary; exit scan and set the code manually for permanent use.

Weather Receiver

This feature is not available in Latin America. The radio can tune into NOAA (USA) or Environment Canada Weatheradio broadcasts. You can listen to a weather channel or set the radio to alert you to emergency broadcasts. When listening to weather, two-way communication and scanning are not possible.

• Turning Weather Reception On/Off: Press and hold for 3 seconds to turn on. Press or turn the radio off/on to turn off.
• Scanning for Weather Channel: After turning weather reception on, briefly press . The radio scans channels 1-7 (NOAA) or 1-11 (EC). It stops on active channels. Press or to resume scanning, or press to stop.
• Setting Weather Channel Manually: If you know the correct frequency, press , then or to select the channel, and to save.
• Setting Weather Alert: Press twice after turning weather reception on. Press or to select ON. The alert icon appears when the alert is active and the radio is in two-way mode. Press to save the setting and return to two-way mode.

Warranty

This limited warranty covers Motorola branded consumer two-way radios and accessories manufactured by Giant International Ltd., purchased in Mexico, Uruguay, Panama, or the USA.

What Does this Warranty Cover?

Giant International Ltd. warrants products and accessories to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal consumer usage.

Length of Coverage

• Products and Accessories: One (1) year from the date of purchase by the first consumer.
• Repaired or Replaced Products/Accessories: Ninety (90) days from purchase or the balance of the original warranty, whichever is longer.

Who is Covered?

The warranty extends only to the first consumer purchaser and is not transferable.

What Will GIANT INTERNATIONAL LTD. Do?

Giant International Ltd. will, at its option, repair, replace, or refund the purchase price of any non-conforming Products or Accessories at no charge. Functionally equivalent reconditioned, refurbished, pre-owned, or new items may be used.

Exclusions

The warranty does not cover:

• Normal wear and tear.
• Batteries whose charged capacity falls below 80% or batteries that leak.
• Damage from abuse, misuse, accident, neglect, improper operation, storage, or contact with liquids, extreme temperatures, sand, dirt, or food.
• Use of non-Motorola branded or certified products/accessories.
• Service or modifications by unauthorized personnel.
• Products with altered serial numbers, tampered seals, or mismatched parts.
• Failures due to communication services or signals.

Other Limitations

Implied warranties are limited to the duration of this limited warranty. Motorola Solutions, Inc. or Giant International Ltd. shall not be liable for indirect, incidental, special, or consequential damages, or loss of revenue or profits, business, information, or financial loss, beyond the purchase price of the product.

Some jurisdictions may not allow these limitations, so they may not apply to you. This warranty provides specific legal rights, and you may have others depending on your location.

Patent and Copyright Information

Manufactured and distributed by Giant International Ltd., official licensee. MOTOROLA, MOTOROLA SOLUTIONS, and the Stylized M Logo are trademarks of Motorola Trademark Holdings, LLC, used under license. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. © 2013 Motorola Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved.

How to Obtain Warranty Service or Other Information

Contact information for USA, Mexico, Uruguay, and Panama is provided for two-way radios and accessories. Include a copy of your receipt, a problem description, service provider name (if applicable), installation facility name/location (if applicable), and your address and phone number when seeking service.

Interference Eliminator Tone / Code Values

A table lists the Interference Eliminator Codes and their corresponding frequencies (Hz) and octal values.