TAIT ORCA 5011 OPERATOR'S MANUAL

Custom Settings

This section outlines the customizable settings for your Tait Orca radio.

Function Key Settings

Allows configuration of Short Press and Long Press actions for keys like F1, F2, Ext1, Ext2.

Handset Mode Volume Keys

Configuration for Volume Up and Volume Down functions when using handset mode.

Selcall Settings

Configuration for Selcall ID.

Commonly Used Channels/Groups

Settings for Position and general channel/group management.

Product Overview

The Tait Orca 5000 Series offers powerful, sophisticated portable radios essential for organizations serious about mobile communications.

Image Description: A Tait Orca 5011 portable two-way radio is shown, featuring a prominent PTT button, function keys, a 16-way selector, speaker, and microphone. The radio is black with a Tait logo and Orca branding.

Company Information

Tait provides global support and sales through various regional offices:

• Canada

  Toll Free: 1-800-890 TAIT (8248)

  E-mail: canada@taitworld.com

• USA

  Toll Free: 1-800-890 TAIT (8248)

  E-mail: usa@taitworld.com

• Latin America

  E-mail: latinamerica@taitworld.com

• Australia

  E-mail: australia@taitworld.com

• New Zealand

  E-mail: headoffice@tcl.tait.co.nz

• Europe

  E-mail: sales@tait.co.uk

• Hong Kong

  E-mail: hongkong@taitworld.com

• Beijing

  E-mail: beijing@taitworld.com

• Singapore

  E-mail: singapore@taitworld.com

• Thailand

  E-mail: thailand@taitworld.com

• Corporate Head Office (New Zealand)

  Tait Electronics Ltd, PO Box 1645, Christchurch

  E-mail: tait@taitworld.co.nz

Tait Electronics Ltd is an ISO 9001 registered supplier. Certificate No. 461.

Important Charging Information

⚠️ Important:

• Turn your radio off before charging.
• New batteries must be long conditioned before first use.
• Replace or recharge your battery as soon as the radio indicates the battery is low.

For More Information

Complete information on batteries and battery chargers is provided in the following guides:

• "Battery Care Guide" (MBAT2-03-051), supplied with your battery.
• "Battery Charger User Guide" (MBAT1-03-052), supplied with your charger.

© Copyright Tait Electronics Limited November 2004. All rights reserved.

All information contained in this manual is the property of Tait Electronics Ltd. This manual may not be copied, reproduced, or transmitted without prior written permission.

Safety Warnings

⚠️ Safety Precautions:

• When transmitting, do not hold the radio with its antenna close to or touching any part of your body, especially your face and eyes.
• Turn the radio off at petrol filling stations.
• Turn the radio off in the vicinity of explosive devices, such as at a quarry that uses blasting techniques.
• Do not use a handheld microphone or radio while driving or operating machinery.
• Use only Tait Orca battery chargers to charge your radio battery.
• Avoid using unnecessarily high volume levels if using the radio with an earphone or headset.
• Do not transmit within the frequency band 406 to 406.1 MHz. This band is reserved for use by distress beacons.
• Do not immerse your Tait Orca radio in water.

Getting Started

Your Tait Orca portable radio is programmed to suit your communication needs. Consult your system manager if you are unsure about available features.

Custom features can be found on the "Custom Settings" page (inside back cover).

When you receive your radio, ensure all items are included:

• Tait Orca radio.
• Battery pack.
• Antenna.
• Operator's Manual (this document).
• Compliance Information (separate document).

Accessories may also be supplied (see "Options and Accessories" on page 30).

Report any damaged or missing parts to your system manager or local dealer immediately.

Installing the Antenna

Connect the antenna to the socket at the top of the radio before use.

First Use of Battery

⚠️ Caution: The battery must be fully conditioned (including a full charge) before first use to maximize initial capacity.

Installing and Removing Components

Installing and Removing the Battery Pack

To fit the battery:

1. Insert the bottom edge of the battery into the two slots at the back of the radio.
2. Push the battery towards the radio until it snaps into place.

To remove the battery pack: Push the battery catch down and pull the battery away from the sides of the radio.

Installing a Belt Clip

Two types of belt clip are available: 38 mm and 55 mm spring-loaded.

For both types, slide the belt clip into the two slots on the top of the battery. Push down until it snaps into place.

Diagram Description: Shows a belt clip being slid into slots on a battery pack, with an arrow indicating the direction of attachment to a 'Battery Clip'.

Removing a Belt Clip

Belt clips are designed to avoid accidental removal but can be replaced if required.

To remove the 38 mm belt clip:

1. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver under the edge of the release tab (right) without forcing it.
2. Gently lift the release tab up, then slide the belt clip away from the battery.

To remove the 55 mm belt clip:

1. Lie the battery on a flat surface.
2. Insert a flat-blade screwdriver under the release tab and lift.
3. Slide the belt clip away from the battery.

Diagram Description: Shows a belt clip being removed from a battery pack. A screwdriver is used to lift a release tab. Labels indicate 'Belt Clip', 'Release Tab', 'Battery Clip', and 'Battery'.

ℹ️ Note: If the small battery clip comes loose, refit it by sliding it into the slot at the top of the battery until it snaps into place.

Radio Controls and Indicators

Your Tait Orca radio features an on/off/volume control, a 16-way selector, function keys, and various indicators.

On/Off/Volume Control

Rotate clockwise to turn on the radio and increase volume. Rotate counter-clockwise to decrease volume and turn off the radio. This control also affects indicator and confidence tone volume.

16-Way Selector

Each position can be programmed for a channel or group of channels. See "Selecting a Channel" on page 13.

Short and Long Key Presses

Some keys have dual functions accessed by a short press (less than 1 second) or a long press. Familiarity with press duration is recommended.

Double Key Presses

Function keys can be programmed for emergency calls with a Double Key Press Activation option to prevent accidental activation. If assigned to a short press, two presses must occur within 3 seconds; for a long press, within 5 seconds.

PTT (press-to-talk) Key

Located on the side panel. Press this key to transmit.

Function Keys

Provide access to preprogrammed functions. There are four programmable function keys: two on the side panel (Function keys 1 and 2) and two on the external microphone (External keys 1 and 2).

Each key can have functions assigned to short and long presses. Record these assignments on the panel at the back of the manual.

Radio Indicators

LED indicators and audible signals provide information about the radio's status.

LED Indicators

The main indicator for radio state. Audible indicators supplement LED information.

Flash rates are defined as: "slow flash rate" (one flash every 2 seconds), "medium flash rate" (one flash every second), and "fast flash rate" (four flashes every second).

Audible Indicators

The radio may beep to indicate if an action is permitted:

• Permitted: Short, medium-pitched beep.
• Not permitted: Long, low-pitched beep.

ℹ️ Note: Audible indicators may have been disabled during programming, with a function key assigned to toggle them.

Programmable Function Key Settings

Functions marked * are described in "Other Features". Some functions may not be permitted in certain countries.

Basic Operation

This section covers turning the radio on/off, adjusting volume, selecting channels, and making/receiving calls.

Turning the Radio On and Off and Adjusting Volume

Rotate the on/off/volume control clockwise to turn on and increase volume. Rotate counter-clockwise to decrease volume and turn off. Recommended to turn off when not in use to preserve battery life.

Upon power-up, the LED flashes red twice and the radio emits two short, medium-pitched beeps.

Selecting a Channel

Each position on the 16-way selector represents a channel or group. Two short, high-pitched beeps indicate the channel was last active during scanning. See "Scanning and Voting Groups" on page 16.

If the selected channel is busy, the LED glows green. Wait until the channel is free before transmitting.

ℹ️ Note: Channels cannot be changed while transmitting.

Receiving a Call

The radio remains quiet until valid activity is detected on the current channel (see "What You Hear On a Channel" on page 14). Respond promptly to your call sign by pressing the PTT key.

Making a Call

Select the desired channel. If the channel is busy, a low-pitched warning beep sounds, and the LED glows green. The monitor function can be activated to listen to activity.

To make a call: When the channel is clear, hold down the PTT key, speak clearly, identify yourself and the party being called, and release the PTT key when finished.

While transmitting, the LED glows red. While the other party transmits, the LED glows green.

If selective call mute is active, only 5-tone calls can be made on that channel when the monitor function is activated and the channel is clear.

Transmit Timer

Limits continuous transmission. Three medium-pitched beeps indicate the timer is about to expire. Transmission stops automatically after 10 seconds. Release PTT to transmit again. Transmission may be prevented for a period after expiry.

What You Hear On a Channel

Audio heard depends on radio programming. Channels can be set to hear all conversations or be segregated by signaling types (CTCSS, DCS, 5-tone, 2-tone).

With special signaling active, other groups are inaudible unless monitor is active. If the channel is busy, the LED glows green.

CTCSS and DCS

CTCSS (continuous tone controlled subaudible signaling) and DCS (digitally coded squelch) use subaudible tones to isolate calls, ensuring you only hear activity for your group.

5-Tone

Uses audible tones to isolate calls and direct them to specific individuals or groups. 5-tone tones may be heard at the beginning of a transmission.

2-Tone

Decodes calls from radios programmed with the same two-tone sequence as your radio.

Monitor

Allows hearing all conversations on a channel, including those outside your group.

Monitor may be activated by:

• Turning on the radio.
• Sending specific types of calls.
• Pressing an assigned function key.

While monitor is active, the LED flashes green at a medium flash rate.

Monitor may be deactivated by:

• Your dispatcher.
• Receiving specific types of calls.
• Pressing an assigned function key.
• Automatically after a preprogrammed period.

The monitor function can override all signaling or only 5-tone and 2-tone signaling (selective call mute).

ℹ️ Note: With selective call mute, you only hear traffic matching your identity and can only make 5-tone calls. Turn on monitor to hear all traffic and make non-5-tone calls.

Squelch Override

Allows reception of signals above a factory-set threshold. Activating squelch override can improve reception in marginal signal areas.

If programmed, toggle squelch override on/off using the assigned function key. While active, the LED flashes green at a medium flash rate.

ℹ️ Note: Squelch override cannot be activated when a scan group is selected and is automatically turned off when changing to a scan group.

Scanning and Voting Groups

Channels can be grouped for scanning. Groups are selected like channels. The LED glows amber when a scanning or voting group is selected.

When a busy channel is detected with valid signaling, the LED flashes amber, and scanning stops. Scanning resumes when the channel is no longer busy or signaling is invalid.

Priority channels can be set to scan more often.

Voting

Similar to scanning, but the radio searches for and stops on the channel with the strongest signal among group members.

Flexiscan

Allows scanning of up to 16 channels in a Flexiscan group while communicating on an unrelated channel. Activate via assigned function key.

Nuisance Delete

Temporarily removes a busy channel from the scanning regime if programmed for nuisance delete. The channel is added back when the scan group is next selected.

5-Tone Signaling

Segregates users using audible tones. Allows direct calls to individuals or groups. Emergency calls can be preprogrammed.

The Orca 5011 supports preset 5-tone calls.

Receiving a 5-Tone Call

When a call with your radio's identity is received, a ringing tone sounds and the LED flashes amber. The ringing tone is preprogrammed.

To accept, press PTT and speak. For group calls, response is usually not needed.

Making a Preset 5-Tone Call

Two preset 5-tone calls can be assigned per channel with 5-tone calling, usually via a function key. Channels may have different preset calls.

To make this call:

1. Change to the desired channel.
2. Press the assigned function key.

One-Touch Preset Calls

A single one-touch 5-tone call can be assigned to a function key. Press the key directly without changing channels.

Emergency Call

One of the preset 5-tone calls can be designated as an emergency call.

Sending a 5-Tone Emergency Call

Pressing the function key sends an emergency sequence to a programmed party (usually dispatcher).

ℹ️ Note: No channel change is necessary to send an emergency call.

In emergency mode, the radio cycles between receiving and transmitting for dispatcher assessment. All radio indicators remain unchanged.

The radio can be reset to normal operation by:

• Your dispatcher.
• Turning the radio off and then on again.

Other 5-Tone Features

• Deferred calling.
• No acknowledgment retries.

Deferred Calling

If a channel is busy, the radio may store the call and resend it when free. A low-pitched beep indicates a busy channel, followed by regular long, medium-pitched beeps until the channel is free.

To cancel a resent call, press any key.

No Acknowledgment Retries

If there is no reply to a sent call, the radio may be programmed to resend it up to 15 times.

To cancel a resent call, press any key.

G-STAR ID Signaling

G-STAR ID identifies users via a unique ID number transmitted from the radio and received by a G-STAR decoder. Up to 16,384 individual ID codes are available.

G-STAR can be programmed to transmit on PTT press, release, or both.

A short beep may sound after a G-STAR message. Encoding is enabled on a per-channel basis.

G-STAR Emergency Signaling

Activated by pressing the emergency function key, sending a G-STAR data burst with unit ID and emergency message. The signal is sent on the selected or a programmed emergency channel.

In emergency mode, the radio repeatedly transmits the emergency sequence, allowing calls and traffic reception. Reset to normal by turning the radio off and on.

Stealth Emergency Mode

A programmable option. When active, radio indicators remain unchanged, channel traffic is inaudible, and PTT transmissions may be disabled. Reset by turning the radio off and on.

Emergency Cycling

A programmable option that begins after emergency mode activation and transmission. The radio cycles between transmitting and receiving so that activity near the radio can be heard by the recipient. Reset by turning the radio off and on.

2-Tone Decoding

A signaling protocol for controlling radio muting/unmuting, used for selective calling of individual units or groups. Two sets of decoding formats are programmable for system, individual, and group calls.

When a matching two-tone sequence is detected, an audible signal indicates the decode type (individual, group, super group).

2-tone decoding can be activated/deactivated by an assigned function key.

Receiving a 2-Tone Call

A 2-tone encoded call results in a medium-pitched beep and amber LED flash. Press PTT to accept and speak.

Beep characteristics indicate call type:

• Individual call: Long beep.
• Group call: Series of long beeps.
• Super group call: Series of short beeps.

DTMF Calls

DTMF (dual tone multiple frequency) is a tone-based system used in telephone networks. Your radio can make calls to telephones or send control codes to remote devices if your system has access.

The Orca 5011 supports preset DTMF calls only.

Preset DTMF Calls

A preset DTMF call can be assigned to a function key.

To send the call:

1. Select the channel the DTMF call is assigned to.
2. Press the assigned function key.

Different preset calls may be available on different channels.

One-Touch Preset Calls

A single one-touch DTMF call can be assigned to a function key. Press the key directly without changing channels.

When the called party responds, proceed with your conversation.

Other Features

Note: Some features may not be permitted in certain countries.

Economy Mode

Extends battery life by cycling between receive and standby states when there is no activity. Receiving or sending a call returns the radio to the active state.

Economy mode can be permanently enabled or toggled on/off via a function key. While active, the LED flashes green at a slow flash rate.

Handset Operation

The radio microphone has two modes:

• Normal operation: Microphone held about 6 inches (15 cm) from the mouth.
• Handset operation: Operated like a telephone handset, useful in noisy environments or for privacy. The radio's handset microphone operates.

ℹ️ Note: The handset microphone can be programmed as the default microphone.

⚠️ Caution: In handset mode, do not hold the speaker against your ear or allow the antenna to touch your body.

Turning On and Off (Handset Mode)

Toggle handset mode on/off using the assigned function key. It may automatically turn off after inactivity. While active, the LED flashes red and green at a slow flash rate.

Volume Override

Function keys can be programmed as volume up/down keys in handset mode. Key assignments are listed on the "Custom Settings" page.

Low Power Transmit

Allows transmitting at low power to extend battery life in conditions of high signal strength. Transmissions are made at low power instead of the programmed level.

ℹ️ Note: Some channels may be programmed for low power transmit by default.

Turning On and Off (Low Power Transmit)

Toggle low power transmit on/off using the assigned function key. When transmitting, the LED flashes red at a medium flash rate.

Repeater Talkaround

Enables direct communication with another radio if the repeater is busy or out of range. The transmit frequency matches the receive frequency. All transmissions use the channel's receive frequency.

Turning On and Off (Repeater Talkaround)

Activate by pressing the assigned function key. While active, the LED flashes amber at a slow flash rate. Deactivate by pressing the key again or changing channels.

Basic Maintenance

The Tait Orca radio requires minimal maintenance beyond ensuring sufficient battery charge and checking for damage to the antenna or battery pack.

General Care

• Wipe battery and accessory connector contacts with a dry, lint-free cloth to remove dirt, oil, or grease.
• Clean the radio's case with a damp cloth; do not immerse in fluids.
• Avoid contact with detergents, alcohol, aerosol sprays, or petroleum-based products, as they can permanently damage the case.
• Avoid high temperatures. Overheating causes the radio to cease function, accompanied by two short high-pitched beeps.

Charging and Caring for Batteries

Refer to the Battery Care Guide (MBAT2-03-051) and Battery Charger User Guide (MBAT1-03-052).

Warning: Disposing of Used NiCd Batteries

⚠️ Warning: NiCd batteries contain cadmium, a toxic substance requiring proper disposal. Contact your dealer for recycling details when no longer in use.

Troubleshooting

If experiencing difficulty operating your Tait Orca radio, review "Basic Operation" on page 13 and check the following:

• Is the battery firmly attached?
• Is the battery sufficiently charged?
• Is the battery charger working properly?
• Is the antenna damaged?

If issues persist, consult your local dealer.

Options and Accessories

Tait offers a wide range of accessories. Contact your local dealer for more information.

Diagram Description: An array of Tait radio accessories is illustrated, including a 6-Way Multi-Charger, Antennas, Belt Loop, Battery Charger, D-Clip, Battery, Carry Cases, Earphones, Palm and Lapel Microphones, Headset, Speaker Microphones, Accessory Connector Kits, Accessory Adaptors, Servicing and Programming Kits, and a Vehicle Kit.

Removing the Accessory Cover

To fit accessories, remove the battery, then use the end of a key to prise off the accessory cover.

D-Clip and Accessory Connectors

The D-clip connector allows installation on a belt loop. The accessory connector allows accessories to be installed on the radio.

Installing the Connector

1. Place the two connector pegs into the bottom holes on the radio.
2. Push the connector into position and hold.
3. Use a coin (D-clip only) or thumb/finger to turn the lever counter-clockwise.
4. Turn the lever until it clicks into position.

Diagram Description: Four steps illustrate the installation of a connector onto a radio, showing pegs being inserted, the connector pushed into place, a lever being turned counter-clockwise, and the lever clicking into position.

Removing the Connector

1. Press the small metal clip firmly and hold.
2. Use a coin (D-clip only) or thumb to turn the lever clockwise 90°.
3. Remove the connector.

Diagram Description: Three steps illustrate the removal of a connector from a radio, showing a clip being pressed, a lever being turned clockwise, and the connector being removed.

Specifications

ℹ️ Note: For full technical specifications, refer to the Service Manual or your local dealer.

Radio Indicators Summary

Diagram Description: An illustration of the Tait Orca 5000 Series radio with labels pointing to key components: LED Indicator, 16-Way Selector, On/Off/Volume Control, Speaker, Standard Microphone, Function Key 1, Function Key 2, PTT Key (Press-To-Talk), and Handset Microphone. A legend defines LED states (steady, flashing duration: short/long, pitch: high/medium/low, repeating) and sound types.

*The ringing tone is preprogrammed. The radio will give different ringing tones when different types of calls are received.