SainSonic BAOFENG GT-3WP Water-Resistant Two-Way Radio User Manual

Preface

Thank you for purchasing the SainSonic Amateur Portable Radio. SainSonic and BAOFENG aim to provide high-performance, stable wireless two-way radios. The BAOFENG factory developed the GT-3WP as a waterproof two-way radio, specifically for maritime and shipping users. This manual provides information to help users achieve maximum performance from their radio.

Safety Information

The following safety precautions should always be observed during operation, service, and repair of this equipment:

• This equipment should be serviced by qualified technicians only.
• Do not modify the radio for any reason.
• Use only BAOFENG-supplied or approved batteries and chargers.
• Do not use any portable radio that has a damaged antenna. If a damaged antenna comes into contact with skin, a minor burn may result.
• Turn off the radio prior to entering any area with explosive and flammable materials.
• Do not charge the battery in a location with explosive and flammable materials.
• To avoid electromagnetic interference and/or compatibility conflicts, turn off the radio in any area where posted notices instruct users to do so.
• Turn off the radio before boarding an aircraft. Any use of a radio must be in accordance with airline regulations or crew instructions.
• Turn off the radio before entering a blasting area.
• For vehicles with an airbag, do not place a radio in the area over an airbag or in the airbag deployment area.
• Do not expose the radio to direct sunlight for a long time, nor place it close to a heating source.
• When transmitting with a portable radio, hold the radio in a vertical position with the microphone 3 to 4 centimeters away from the lips. Keep the antenna at least 2.5 centimeters away from the body when transmitting.

Features and Functions

The GT-3WP is a dust and waterproof two-way radio. It remains fully functional even after 30 minutes submerged in one meter of water, ensuring product reliability in wet environments. It also offers drop and rolling resistance.

Key features include:

• Chinese/English Switchover
• Dual-band handheld transceiver with LCD display menu.
• Working Frequency: VHF 130-176MHz & UHF 400-520MHz.
• High, mid, and low power (5W/3W/1W) selectable.
• Up to 128 memory channels.
• Cross-band reception/transmission.
• Variety of display options: channel number, frequency, channel name, etc.
• CTCSS & DCS support.
• Tone end of transmission.
• VOX (Voice Operated Transmission) function.
• DTMF emergency alarm.
• ANI code.
• Selectable Frequency Step: 2.5/5/6.25/10/12.5/20/25/50 kHz.
• Frequency reverse.
• Battery saving function "SAVE".
• Emergency SOS sound and light alarm.
• Programmable by PC.
• Broadband (Wide 25KHz) / Narrowband (Narrow 12.5KHz) selectable.
• Commercial FM radio receiver (65 MHz ~ 108 MHz).
• Display illumination and programmable keyboard.
• Built-in LED flashlight.

Unpacking and Checking Equipment

Carefully unpack the transceiver. It is recommended to identify the items listed below before discarding the packing material. If any items are missing or damaged during shipment, contact your dealers immediately.

Included Items (may vary by region):

• Battery Pack
• Antenna
• Adapter
• Drop-in Charging Tray
• Belt Clip
• Handstrap

Optional Accessories

Available optional accessories include:

• Power Cord
• Lapel Speaker-Microphone
• Program Cable
• Earbud Microphone

Installation of Accessories

1. Installing the Antenna

Install the antenna by turning it clockwise onto the radio until it stops.

2. Installing the Belt Clip

If necessary, install the belt clip at the rear of the battery compartment cover.

3. Micro-Headset Installation of External

Plug the external micro-headset connector into the "SP. & MIC" jack of the transceiver.

4. Battery Installation

When attaching the battery, ensure it is parallel and in good contact with the aluminum chassis. The battery bottom should be about 1 to 2 centimeters below the bottom of the radio's body. Align the battery with the guide rails on the aluminum chassis and slide it upwards until a "click" is heard. The battery latch at the bottom locks the battery.

To remove the battery:

1. Turn off the radio before removing the battery.
2. Slide the battery latch, at the bottom of the radio's body, in the direction indicated by an arrow.
3. Slide down the battery for about 1 to 2 centimeters, and then remove the battery from the radio's body.

Battery Charging

Use only the charger specified by the manufacturer. The charger's LED indicates the charging progress.

Charging Steps:

1. Plug the power cord into the adapter.
2. Plug the AC connector of the adapter into the AC outlet socket.
3. Plug the DC connector of the adapter into the DC socket on the back of the charger.
4. Place the radio with the battery attached, or the battery alone, in the charger.
5. Ensure the battery is in good contact with the charging terminals. The charging process initiates when the red LED lights.
6. The green LED lights about 4 hours later, indicating the battery is fully charged. Then remove the radio with the battery attached or the battery alone from the charger.

Battery Information

1. Initial Use

New batteries are shipped uncharged from the factory. Charge a new battery for 5 hours before initial use. Maximum battery capacity and performance are achieved after three full charge/discharge cycles. If battery power runs low, recharge the battery.

2. Battery Tips

1. When charging the battery, keep it at a temperature between 5°C - 40°C. Temperatures outside this limit may cause battery leakage or damage.
2. When charging a battery attached to a radio, turn the radio off to ensure a full charge.
3. Do not cut off the power supply or remove the battery when charging.
4. Never charge a wet battery. Dry it with a soft cloth prior to charging.
5. The battery will eventually wear out. When the operating time (talk-time and standby time) is noticeably shorter than normal performance, it is time to buy a new battery.

3. Prolong Battery Life

1. Battery performance will be greatly decreased at temperatures below 0°C. A spare battery is necessary in cold weather. A cold battery unable to work in this situation may work under room temperature, so keep it for later use.
2. Dust on the battery contact may cause the battery to not work or charge. Use a clean dry cloth to wipe it before attaching the battery to the radio.

4. Battery Storage

1. Fully charge a battery before long-term storage to avoid battery damage due to over-discharge.
2. Recharge a battery after several months' storage (Li-Ion batteries: 6 months) to avoid battery capacity reduction due to over-discharge.
3. Store the battery in a cool and dry place under room temperature to reduce self-discharge.

Parts, Controls and Keys

The radio features various parts and controls for operation:

• 1. Antenna: For transmitting and receiving signals.
• 2. LCD: Liquid Crystal Display for showing information.
• 3. Keypad: For inputting frequencies, channel numbers, and menu selections.
• 4. Knob (ON/OFF, volume): To power on/off the radio and adjust volume.
• 5. Flashlight: Built-in LED light.
• 6. Speaker: For audio output.
• 7. Microphone: For voice input during transmission.
• 8. Battery latch: Secures the battery.
• 9. PTT (Push-to-Talk): Button for transmitting.
• 10. SK-side key1/[F]: Side key for Function F (e.g., FM Radio).
• 11. SK-side key2/[M]: Side key for Function M (e.g., Flashlight, Monitor).
• 12. Strap buckle: For attaching a handstrap.
• 13. Accessory jack: For connecting external accessories like headsets.
• 14. LED indicator: Shows radio status (e.g., charging, transmitting, receiving).
• 15. Alarm key: For activating emergency alarm.

Command/Key Definition

Power On: Rotate the PWR/VOL Switch clockwise. A "Beep" sound will be heard, and the current channel will be reported, indicating the transceiver is ready. Continue rotating to adjust volume.

[SOS] Emergency Alarm: Long press the [SOS] button to activate the alarm function. The green and red lights, along with the hand lamp, will flash. Press this button again to deactivate the alarm.

[PTT]: Press and hold the PTT button to talk into the microphone. Release PTT to receive.

SK-SIDE KEY1/[F]: Press the [F] button to activate the FM Radio. Press it again to deactivate.

SK-SIDE KEY2/[M]: Press the [M] button to turn on the flashlight. Press it again to turn off. Press and hold the [M] button to monitor the signal.

FUNCTION KEYPAD:

• [MENU] key: To enter the radio's menu and confirm settings. Press and hold [MENU] button, then power on, to switch between frequency mode and channel mode.
• [▲] [▼] key: Press and hold [▲] or [▼] for fast frequency up or down. Press [▲] or [▼] key to reverse scanning.

"LCD" Display

The display icons appear when certain operations or specific features are activated:

Basic Operation

1. Radio On-Off/Volume Control

Ensure the antenna and battery are correctly installed and the battery is charged. Rotate the knob clockwise to turn the radio on. A 'click' sound will be heard (unless voice prompt is off). Continue rotating clockwise to increase volume, or counter-clockwise to decrease volume. Rotate fully counter-clockwise to turn the radio off.

2. Transmit and Receive

Choose the correct channel number or enter the desired frequency. Press and hold the PTT button to transmit; talk into the microphone. Release PTT to receive.

• When PTT is pressed, "L" on the LCD indicates low power.
• When PTT is pressed, "M" on the LCD indicates mid power.
• When PTT is pressed, "H" on the LCD indicates high power.
• Press [PTT] and then [SOS] to transmit 1750HZ.
• Press [PTT] then DTMF Numbers to transmit DTMF.

3. Function "VOX" (Voice Operated Transmission)

This function allows transmission without pressing the [PTT] button. Transmission is activated automatically by detecting the radio voice. When speaking stops, transmission terminates, and the transceiver receives signals. Adjust the VOX Gain level for appropriate sensitivity.

Operation:

1. Press [MENU] to enter menu settings.
2. Press [▲] or [▼] to select Function 4. The screen will show "VOX OFF".
3. Press [MENU], then press [▲] or [▼] to choose a level from 1-10 (10 is most sensitive).
4. Press [MENU] to confirm. The LCD screen will show "VOX" after setting.
5. To turn off VOX, choose "OFF" and press [MENU].

4. AUTOLK (Keypad Locked Automatically)

The transceiver has two options: auto lock and manual lock.

• OFF: Turns off auto lock.
• ON: When auto lock is set, the keyboard locks after more than 2 seconds.

Operation:

1. In standby, press [MENU] + number key 24. The screen will display "AUTOLK".
2. Press [MENU] to enter, then press [up] and [down] to select keyboard lock ON or OFF.
3. Press [MENU] to confirm, then press [EXIT] to return to standby.

5. VFO/Channel Mode

Turn off the radio, then press [MENU] and rotate the sound knob to turn on the radio. The screen will show the channel number in the lower right corner of the LCD, indicating channel mode. This allows switching to VFO mode.

Selecting a Frequency or Channel

Press the [▲] or [▼] key to select the desired frequency/channel. The display shows the selected frequency/channel. Press and hold the [▲] or [▼] key for fast frequency up or down.

Shortcut Menu Operation

When the radio is in VFO mode, the frequency can be input directly via the keypad.

6. TDR (Dual Watch/Dual Reception)

This feature allows operation between frequency A and frequency B. The transceiver periodically checks for a signal on another scheduled frequency. If a signal is received, the unit remains on that frequency until the signal disappears.

Operation:

1. In standby, press [MENU] + keyboard [7TDR]. The screen will display "TDR".
2. Press [MENU] to enter, then press [UP] or [DOWN] to select "TDR OFF" or "ON".
3. Press [MENU] to confirm, then press [EXIT] to return to standby.

7. DEL-CH (Delete Channel)

The transceiver has 128 memory channels from 000 to 127. Operation is invalid if attempting to delete a channel without a DH- display, meaning the channel has no parameters.

Operation:

1. In standby, press [MENU] + [Number key 28]. The screen will display "DEL-CH".
2. Press [MENU] to enter, then press [UP] or [DOWN] to select the channel to delete.
3. Press [MENU] to confirm, then press [EXIT] to return to standby.

8. MEM-CH (Stored In Memory Channel)

When the transceiver is in frequency mode or standby, input the frequency and any parameters to store.

Operation:

1. In standby, press [MENU] + [Number key 27]. The screen will display "MEM-CH".
2. Press [MENU] to enter, then press [UP] or [DOWN] to select the desired channel order.
3. Press [MENU] to confirm, then press [EXIT] to return to standby.

A complete memory channel includes RX frequency, TX frequency, CTCSS, DCS, RF Power, Bandwidth, PTT-ID, BCL, ANI, Scan add to, and Channel Name. Except for Scan add to and Channel Name, other settings can be configured via the keypad under VFO mode.

Example: Programming data into CH106:

1. Check if CH106 has existing data (MENU 28). If "CH" appears before "106", data exists; delete it first.
2. Press and hold [MENU] key, then power on to enter VFO mode. Press [EXIT/AB] key to select frequency A (UP).
3. Enter 440.625MHz.
4. Through the MENU, set other parameters: CTCSS, DCS, RF Power, Bandwidth, etc.
5. After finishing all settings, press [MENU] key twice. All data will be stored into CH106. (Initially, only RX frequency is stored. To store TX frequency 430.625, repeat the same steps after storing RX frequency).

9. CTCSS/DCS Scanning

Before setting CTCSS/DCS scanning, ensure a RX frequency is set and Dual Standby function is canceled, and the radio is in VFO mode.

Operation:

1. Go to MENU 11, press [MENU] once, then press [*/SCAN] key.
2. Simultaneously, press the PTT of another radio. The CTCSS scanning will start automatically.
3. When scanning stops, it indicates the same CTCSS as the other radio has been found. Press [MENU] to store the CTCSS.

10. Repeater Tail Tone

Repeaters receive on one frequency and retransmit on a different frequency. The courtesy tone heard indicates the repeater is active and has received the transmission. MENU 35, 36, and 37 are helpful settings for radio operation through a repeater. MENU 35 and MENU 36 should be set to OFF. The parameter of MENU 37 ranges from 1-10, with 5 being recommended.

Sound-Light Alarm/Cancel the Alarm:

There are 3 alarm modes: Alarm, Sending alarm code, sending background sound. Pressing [SOS] activates the alarm sound and flashing lights. Press [SOS] again to stop the alarm. When the radio is in emergency alarm, only [PTT] and SOS keys are workable. Pressing [PTT] transmits; when the radio receives the transmission, the alarm will also stop.

11. CTCSS/DCS

In some cases, communication is desired only within a closed user group at a particular frequency or channel, using "CTCSS" or "DCS" for reception.

The "squelch" opens only when receiving a frequency with the same "CTCSS" or "DCS" codes as programmed in the transceiver. If the received signal codes differ, the squelch will not open, and the signal will not be heard.

CTCSS Table

The CTCSS table lists 50 Continuous Tone Coded Squelch frequencies, ranging from 67.0 Hz to 254.1 Hz, each with a corresponding number (1-50). These tones are used to filter out unwanted communications.

DCS Table

The DCS table lists 105 Digital Coded Squelch codes, ranging from D023N to D754N, each with a corresponding number (1-105). These codes provide digital squelch filtering for communications.

Set Menu Description

The following table describes the available menu functions and their settings:

Reset (Restore To Default Setting)

The transceiver has a menu for resetting VFO and ALL messages. Using RESET VFO returns all parameters to factory default. Using RESET ALL returns all transceivers and channel parameters to factory default.

Operation:

1. In standby, press [MENU] + [Number Key 40]. The screen will display "RESET".
2. Press [MENU] to enter, then press [UP] or [DOWN] to select the desired work mode VFO or ALL.
3. Press [MENU] to confirm, then press [EXIT] to return to standby.

Copying

The following steps are for copying Radio A to Radio B:

1. Connect the two radios with a special data cable.
2. Turn on Radio B.
3. Press [MONI] on Radio A, and simultaneously turn on Radio A. The screen will show "COPYING".
4. Once copying is finished, Radio B will automatically power off and then power on.

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to clone more radios. If cloning is unsuccessful, turn off both Radio A and B, and ensure they are correctly connected with the clone cable.

Technical Specification

1. General

2. Transmitter

3. Receiver

Troubleshooting

If problems persist after these checks, contact your distributor, dealer, or service center.

Warranty

Warranty Certificate

The device described in this Certificate is guaranteed for a period of TWO YEARS from the date of sale to the final user. This Warranty Certificate is unique and not transferable and may not be reissued for new or original or copy. Substitution of product failure or any part thereof shall not involve extension of the guarantee.

The warranty covers the replacement and free replacement of all parts that are defective in materials and components used in manufacturing and/or assembly of the apparatus.

The warranty does not cover any faults caused by accident, improper installation and use, electric shock (e.g., storms), connection to a power source other than that specified, reverse polarity in the diet, or claims due to deterioration in the external appearance from normal use, nor the amount or condition of the accessories.

Checking the accessories is the responsibility of the purchaser at the time of purchasing the device.

The warranty does not cover rechargeable batteries, even if they are part of the equipment purchased, as they are considered consumables. Any impairment must be reported within fifteen days from the date of purchase.

Warranty Void Assumptions

The warranty is void under the following assumptions:

1. Devices that have been manipulated by another party or by anyone other than an authorized service provider.
2. Equipment and accessories in which the serial number has been altered, deleted, or rendered unreadable.
3. Use of the product other than as intended.

To make use of the guarantee, it is necessary to provide the dealer or any Authorized Service with the defective device, its accessories, and the following documentation:

1. Warranty Certificate duly completed and sealed.
2. Original invoice which clearly identifies the device and the date of purchase.
3. Description of the faults.

The warranty terms contained in this Certificate of Guarantee do not exclude, modify, or restrict the statutory rights of the buyer by virtue of the laws in force at the time of purchase, but are added to them.