Midland LXT500/535 Series GMRS/FRS Radio Owner's Manual

Key Features

• 22 GMRS/FRS Channels
• Call Alert
• Scan Function
• Roger Beep Tone
• Silent Operation
• Keypad Lock
• Power HI/LO Settings
• Auto Squelch
• Speaker / Microphone Jacks
• Battery Life Extender
• Battery Low Indicator

Important Notices

FCC Compliance

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device does not cause harmful interference, and (2) this radio must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation.

To maintain compliance with FCC's RF exposure guidelines, for body-worn operation, this radio has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure guidelines when used with Midland Radio Corp. accessories supplied or designated for this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines.

GMRS License Requirement (USA)

The LXT500/535 Series operates on GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) frequencies which require an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license. You must be licensed prior to operating on channels 1 - 7 or 15 - 22, which comprise the GMRS channels of the LXT500/535 Series. Serious penalties could result from unlicensed use of GMRS channels, in violation of FCC rules, as stipulated in the Communications Acts Sections 501 and 502 (amended). You will be issued a call sign by the FCC which should be used for station identification when operating the radio on GMRS channels. You should also cooperate by engaging in permissible transmissions only, avoiding channel interference with other GMRS users, and being prudent with the length of your transmission time.

To obtain a license or ask questions about the license application, contact the FCC at 1-888-CALL FCC or go to the FCC's website: http://www.fcc.gov and request form 605.

Radio Frequency Energy Exposure Standards

Your Midland radio is designed to comply with the following national and international standards and guidelines regarding exposure of human beings to radio frequency electromagnetic energy:

• United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal Regulations: 47 CFR part 2 sub-part J
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1992
• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) C95. 1-1999 Edition
• National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) of the United States, Report 86, 1986
• International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998

To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the general population or uncontrolled environment exposure limits, transmit no more than 50% of the time. The radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when transmitting.

Important Modification Notice

Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by MIDLAND RADIO CORP. could void your right to operate this unit. Your radio is set up to transmit a regulated signal on an assigned frequency. It is against the law to alter or adjust the settings inside the COMMUNICATOR to exceed those limitations. Any adjustment to your radio must be made by qualified technicians.

Understanding Your Radio

LCD Display

• 1. [Low Battery Icon ?] - Indicates the battery level is low.
• 2. [TX Icon ▶️] - Indicates radio is transmitting a signal.
• 3. [Channel Number Display] - Changes from 1~22 on GMRS/FRS band.
• 4. [Key Lock Icon ?] - Indicates KEY LOCK mode is on.
• 5. [RX Icon ◀️] - Indicates radio is receiving a transmission.
• 6. [TX Power Icon H/L] - Indicates TX Power setting (High/Low).

Controls

• 7. [PTT Button] - Press and hold to transmit voice communication.
• 8. [CALL/LOCK Button] - Press to send a CALL Alert signal. Press and hold to turn KEY LOCK on/off.
• 9. [MIC] - Built-in microphone.
• 10. [SPEAKER] - Built-in speaker.
• 11. [ANTENNA]
• 12. [EXTERNAL SPEAKER/MIC/CHG. JACK]
• 13. [POWER/MENU Button] - Press and hold for at least 3 seconds to turn the radio on/off. Press momentarily to access Menu mode.
• 14. [SCAN Button] - Press to enter SCAN mode.
• 15. [UP ⬆️ / DOWN ⬇️ Buttons] - Make adjustments in MENU mode.

Battery Installation

Your LXT500/535 Series radio operates with either a NiMH battery pack or optional 4 "AAA" alkaline batteries. The belt clip should be removed to ease installation or removal of the batteries.

1. With the back of the radio facing you, remove the belt clip for easy access, then remove the Battery Cover by pressing down on the top center and sliding it down from the radio.
2. Insert 4 "AAA" batteries observing the polarity as shown. Installing the batteries incorrectly will prevent the unit from operating or may damage the unit.
3. Return the Battery Cover by sliding it up on the radio. Replace the belt clip, making sure it locks into place.

Installing the Belt Clip

Diagram shows the battery compartment with space for four AAA batteries, a battery compartment cover that slides down after pressing a release point, and a belt clip that attaches via a latch and lock tab.

To install the BELT CLIP, slide the clip up into the slot on the back of the radio until the BELT CLIP LATCH clicks. To remove the BELT CLIP, press the LOCK TAB up, then gently pull the belt clip down toward the bottom of the radio.

Charging the Battery Pack

Your LXT500/535 Series is equipped to use a rechargeable NiMH battery pack which can be recharged with the optional desktop charger. The LXT500/535 can also be charged by inserting the AC adapter into the radio charge jack. Initial charge time is 24 hours. Charge time is about 12 hours thereafter. For maximum battery life, we recommend charging the battery pack when the low battery icon comes on. Remove the radios from the charger when the charge time expires.

To charge using a Desktop Charger:

1. Place the rechargeable battery packs in the radios.
2. Connect the AC adapter into an AC wall outlet.
3. Insert the AC adapter plug (or DC Cigarette Lighter adapter if charging in vehicle) into the desktop charger jack.
4. Place the units into the desktop charger slot and note that the LED indicator with [RED Color] will light up, indicating charging function.

In order to ensure that the battery pack is fully charged, it is recommended that the battery pack be charged for at least 12 hours with the radio turned OFF.

• 1. Only use the Midland NiMH battery pack and AC adapter.
• 2. Do not attempt to charge alkaline batteries or any batteries or battery packs other than the one indicated in the manual. This may cause leakage and damage to the radio.
• 3. For long term storage of the radio, turn the radio OFF and remove the batteries from the radio.

Low Battery Level Indicator

Your LXT500/535 Series has a [Low Battery Icon ?] which will only appear on the LCD display if the battery voltage level is low. At this point, the battery needs to be charged for at least 12 hrs.

Powering On/Off and Volume Adjustment

Press the [POWER/MENU Button] for at least 3 seconds to turn the radio on/off. During Power On, the radio will beep 3 times with different tones, the LCD will display all icons for 1 second and the LCD display will indicate the last channel selected. To increase/decrease the volume level, press the [UP ⬆️ / DOWN ⬇️ Buttons] during RX or STANDBY mode.

Transmitting and Receiving a Call

To communicate, all radios in your group must be set to the same channel.

1. For maximum clarity, hold the radio 2 to 3 inches from your mouth.
2. Press and hold the [PTT Button] and speak in a normal voice into the microphone. The [TX Icon ▶️] will appear continuously on the LCD display while transmitting.
3. To receive a call, release the [PTT Button]. The [RX Icon ◀️] will appear on the display when your radio is receiving a transmission.

Range and Scanning

About Range

Your LXT Series radios are designed to give you maximum range under optimum conditions.

• Over water
• Open rural areas without obstructions
• Flat areas where you can see the other person

Diagram illustrates optimal range conditions: clear line of sight with no obstructions (Maximum Range), partial obstructions like trees (Medium Range), and significant obstructions like buildings or water (Short Range).

To ensure you get maximum range:

• Be sure to use fresh or fully charged batteries - low batteries will cause low power conditions.
• Be sure you are on a GMRS channel - FRS channels are restricted by the FCC to low power.
• Be sure to set your radio to use Hi power.

LXT500/535 Series Quick Reference Chart

Scan Function

Your LXT500/535 Series can scan all 22 channels for activity. To enter, quickly press the [SCAN Button]. Repeat the same procedure to exit. Your radio will rapidly scan each of the 22 channels and stop on any active channel for 4 seconds before resuming scan. When you press the [PTT Button] to transmit on an active channel, the scanning function will stop and remain on the active channel. To resume scanning, quickly press the [SCAN Button].

Advanced Features

Call Alert

Your LXT500/535 Series can transmit a call alert for a fixed length of time. To send a call alert, press the [CALL Button]. The [TX Icon ▶️] will appear while transmitting a call alert and a tone can be heard on the speaker for confirmation.

Keypad Lock

To avoid accidentally changing the radio setting, press the [LOCK Button] for 4 seconds. The [Key Lock Icon ?] will appear on the display. [PTT] and [CALL] will still be active. Repeat the same procedure to unlock the keypad.

Channel Selection (GMRS/FRS Band)

Press the [MENU Button] once, and then the [UP ⬆️ / DOWN ⬇️ Buttons] to select one of the 22 GMRS/FRS channels. To confirm the selection, press the [PTT Button] or press the [MENU Button] again to move to the next feature setting.

Note: To communicate between two LXT500/535 Series radios, all radios in your group must be set to the same channel.

Transmit (TX) Power Level Selection

Your LXT500/535 Series has 2 power level settings. To select the power level on channels 1~7 and 15~22, press the [MENU Button] until a "Pr" icon appears blinking on the display. Then press the [UP ⬆️ / DOWN ⬇️ Buttons] to select TRANSMIT POWER LEVEL icon ([High Power]: Hi/[Low Power]: Lo). To confirm, press the [PTT Button] or press the [MENU Button] again to move to the next feature setting.

Note: You cannot adjust the power setting on the FRS channels (8~14). They are set to Lo power per FCC regulations.

Roger Beep (End of Transmission) Tone

When the [PTT Button] is released, the radio will beep to confirm to other users that your transmission has finished.

To turn the ROGER BEEP tone on, press the [MENU Button] until the display shows a "rb" icon. While on the right of the "rb" display, an "oF" icon appears. Select "on" by pressing the [UP ⬆️ / DOWN ⬇️ Buttons] and push the [PTT Button], or press the [MENU Button] to move to the next feature setting.

To turn the ROGER BEEP tone off, press the [MENU Button] until the display shows a "rb" icon. While on the right of the "rb" display, an "on" icon appears. Select "oF" by pressing the [UP ⬆️ / DOWN ⬇️ Buttons] and push the [PTT Button], or press the [MENU Button] to move to the next feature setting.

Silent Operation

Your LXT500/535 Series has a SILENT OPERATION mode. In this mode, all "beeps" and "tones" are disabled.

To turn the SILENT OPERATION mode on, press the [MENU Button] until the display shows a "bP" icon. While on the right of the "bP" display, an "on" icon appears. Select "oF" by pressing the [UP ⬆️ / DOWN ⬇️ Buttons] and push the [PTT Button] or the [MENU Button].

To turn the SILENT OPERATION mode off, press the [MENU Button] until the display shows a "bP" icon. While on the right of the "bP" display, an "oF" icon appears. Select "on" by pressing the [UP ⬆️ / DOWN ⬇️ Buttons] and push the [PTT Button] or the [MENU Button].

External Speaker/Microphone Jack

Your LXT500/535 Series can be used with an optional external speaker/microphone or headset, freeing your hands for other tasks. To use an optional speaker / microphone or headset:

• Insert the plug(s) into the [SPK/MIC Jacks].
• Place the earbud into your ear, and adjust the mic into your desired position.

Note: You can charge a rechargeable NiMH battery pack thru the [CHG Jack]

Troubleshooting Guide

Use and Care

1. Use a soft damp cloth to clean the radio.
2. Do not use alcohol or cleaning solutions to clean the radio.
3. Do not immerse the radio in water.
4. Dry the radio with a dry lint-free cloth should it get wet.
5. Turn off the radio and remove the batteries during long-term storage.

If you have a problem which you believe requires service, please call first and speak with a service technician at 816-241-8500. Many problems can be remedied over the phone without returning the unit for service.

Specifications

Channels: 22 GMRS/FRS Channels
Operating Frequency: UHF 462.5500 ~ 467.7125 MHz
Power Source: 4 AAA Alkaline or 4.8V Rechargeable NiMH battery pack

GMRS/FRS Frequency Chart (MHz)

* Channels 8~14 are low-power FRS license free channels

Images display other Midland products including: 2-Way Radios, Weather Radios, Bluetooth Headsets, HD Wearable Video Cameras, Marine Radios, Emergency Crank Radios, and CB Radios.

Limited Warranty

Midland Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option without charge, any Midland FRS/GMRS transceiver which fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within three years following the initial consumer purchase. This warranty does not apply to water damage, battery leak or abuse. Accessories have a 90 day warranty from date of purchase, including any antennas, chargers, or earphones. This warranty does not include the cost of labor for removal or re-installation of the product in a vehicle or other mounting.

For Product Purchased in the USA:
Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by returning the defective product, prepaid freight, along with proof of purchase to:

Midland Radio Corporation
Warranty Service Department
5900 Parretta Drive
Kansas City, MO 64120

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 thereof, or from a U.S. Military exchange.

For Product Purchased in Canada:
Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by returning the warranted product, along with proof of purchase, to your dealer in Canada. This warranty gives you specified legal rights. Additional warranty rights may be provided by law in some areas.

Accessories

Accessories can be purchased at www.midlandusa.com or by filling in the form on the following page and mailing it to the address on the form.

Accessory List

• AVP-1: 2 Over the Ear Mic. Headsets w/ PTT - $19.99
• AVP-H1: 1 Open Face Helmet Microphone Kit - $49.99
• AVP-H2: 1 Closed Face Helmet Microphone Kit - $49.99
• AVP-H3: 2 Surveillance Headsets - $39.99
• AVP-H4: 2 Ear Wrap Headsets - $39.99
• AVP-H5: 2 Behind the Head Headsets - $39.99
• AVP-H7: 2 Mossy Oak Around the Ear Headsets with Boom Mic - $39.99
• AVP-H8: 1 Action Throat Mic with Acoustic Ear Tube - $39.99
• AVP-6: 1 Dual Desk Charger, 2 Rechargeable Battery Packs, 1 AC Adapter, 1 DC Cigarette Lighter Adapter - $39.99
• TH1: Earphone Mic with Boom - $39.99
• TH2: Tactical Action Boom Mic with Tactical PTT - $99.99
• TH3: Earphone Mic with PTT - $29.99
• TH4: Action Throat Mic with Tactical PTT and Pneumatic Earphone - $109.99

Accessories Order Form

Please send Money Order or fill in Visa/MasterCard information and mail to the address below. Please DO NOT send cash or checks. Make Money Order payable to Midland Radio Corporation.

Mail To:
Midland Radio Corporation
Consumer Dept.
5900 Parretta Drive
Kansas City, MO 64120

Or Call 816.241.8500.
To order online go to www.midlandusa.com

(Form fields for Name, Address, City, State, Zip Code, Tel, Email, CC#, Type, Exp. are present but not transcribed as per instructions to avoid form elements.)

Sub-Total
Tax (MO, FL, WA only) $14.95
S & H (Applies to Domestic U.S. only. For Hawaii, Alaska, and Puerto Rico S&H will be $36.25 for 1lb and $64.25 for 2lbs or more).
Total $