Radioddity RD-5R DMR Two Way Radio User Manual

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Certifications: FC CE0678, RoHS.

Copyright Notice & Acknowledgments

© Copyright Notice: All contents of this operating manual, including texts, photographs, and graphics, are protected by copyright.

We sincerely thank Willi Kraml, OE1WKL, for his kind assistance in the creation (translation and editing) of this German operating manual!

Dear User!

Thank you for purchasing our products.

Radioddity & Baofeng specialize in providing high-performance and high-quality radios. This handheld radio is no exception. The RD-5R is a true Dual-Time Slot (TDMA) DMR handheld radio with 1024 channels, a Dot-Matrix LCD display, and a full keyboard, jointly developed and produced by Radioddity and Baofeng for the consumer market. Please read this manual carefully to utilize all its functions and to know how to maintain this device.

Note: This is a slightly abridged version of the RD-5R manual. Not all features and functions are described on these pages to keep the instructions short and concise for the intended target audience (e.g., amateur radio operators).

RD-5R User Interface

Please visit radioddity.com for downloads and further information.

Programmable Buttons

To simplify operation, the two programmable side keys [SK1] and [SK2] can be programmed as shown in the following table. Further information on individual functions can be found in the "Functions and Operation" section.

Note: Each key can be assigned two functions: one for a short press and one for a long press.

LCD Symbols and Status Display

The LCD screen shows the operating status of the radio by displaying the corresponding symbols during operation.

Menu Navigation

Pressing the [MENU] key brings up the user menu; depending on whether the device is in analog or digital mode, slightly different menus are displayed. The menu structure is described below.

After pressing the [MENU] key, navigate to the desired submenu or option using the [UP] / [DOWN] keys, and select the desired function by pressing the [MENU] key again.

In this document, menu items are listed in the order they appear on first access. Example: The path to the contact list is "Contacts → Contact List".

The menu has an automatic Time-Out function: if the menu is called up and no input is made for a long time, the device will return to normal operating mode. The waiting time for this Time-Out can be changed or completely disabled via programming.

Note: Whether all menu options are visible depends on whether this menu item has been "enabled" in the CPS ("Menu" tab in CPS).

Contact Management

Edit Contact

You can edit the ID and name ("Alias") of the contact.

View Contact

The details (ID and name) of the contact are displayed.

Delete Contact

This deletes a contact from the contact list (only for individual contacts). However, the contact list must contain at least two entries, and the default contact of a channel cannot be deleted.

Create New Contact

This menu item allows you to create a new contact in the contact list (only individual contacts can be created). ID and name must be unique, IDs must be between 1 and 16776415.

Note:

• When entering the contact name (Alias), you can switch the input method by pressing #.
• In addition to creating new contacts via the "Contact" menu, it is also possible to save IDs from the log to the contact list.

Manual Dialing a Contact

In digital mode, pressing * enters manual contact dialing. You can then enter the ID of an individual contact and call it directly by pressing the PTT key.

After entering the ID, you can also press the [MENU] key – this allows you to access extended functions:

• Call Alert (request for callback)
• Radio Check (checking if this contact is reachable)
• Remote Monitoring (activating the microphone of this station - "baby monitor" function)
• Radio Inhibit (locking the radio)
• Radio Activation (unlocking the radio)

See also "Extended Functions for Contacts" below.

Text Messages (SMS)

This radio supports sending and receiving text messages in digital mode; the maximum length of a text message is 144 characters.

Composing and Sending a Text Message

1. Select the menu "Message → New Message" to enter the message editing field.
2. After entering the text, press the [MENU] key.
3. Now choose between "Send", "Save", and "Clear"; finish the function with the [MENU] key.
4. Select a contact, either from the contact list or by manual direct dial.
5. Send your message by pressing the [MENU] key. The screen displays "Sending message...". If the message was sent successfully, the screen displays "Sent successfully". If sending the message was not successful, "Message sending failed" is displayed.

You can also send "Preset Messages" (predefined messages) and forward messages from the Inbox, Outbox, and Draft folders.

New Message

After calling up this menu item, the editing field appears, where you can enter the message, up to 144 characters long. Once you have finished creating the message, you can send it to individual users or groups (talk groups), or save it in the Drafts folder.

Preset Messages

This device supports up to 32 predefined messages; these are defined in the CPS (under the "Text Message" tab).

You can select one of these messages on the radio via the menu "Message → Quick Text", modify or supplement it if necessary, and then send it (or save it as a draft, or discard it).

Outbox Folder

Sent messages are saved by the device in the Outbox folder. Each newly sent message is displayed at the top of the list. A maximum of 16 sent messages can be saved. If the list is full, the oldest message is automatically deleted when a new message is sent.

• The following actions can be performed with messages in the Outbox: Re-send, Forward, Edit, and Delete.
• To delete all messages in the Outbox, select the menu "Message → Outbox → Delete All".

Drafts Folder

Up to 20 prepared messages can be saved in the Drafts folder. If the folder is full and a new draft is saved, the oldest message in the folder is automatically deleted.

• The following actions can be performed with messages in Drafts: Send, Edit, and Delete.
• If a message in the Drafts folder is sent, it is then saved in the Outbox folder and deleted from the Drafts folder.
• To delete all messages in Drafts, select the menu "Message → Draft → Delete All".

Call Log

This device saves the last 10 calls ("Outgoing" - Outgoing, "Answered" - Answered, "Missed" - Missed) in the Call Log. If the directory is full, the oldest entry is automatically replaced by the new entry.

You can access this directory either via the menu ("Call Logs"), or – if one of the programmable keys has been programmed accordingly – via one of the side keys.

The following actions can be performed with each entry in the Call Log:

• By pressing the PTT key, the respective contact can be called directly.
• Via the [MENU] key, the respective contact can be viewed ("View"), added to the contact list ("Add Contact"), or deleted from the log ("Delete").
• To delete all entries in one of the Call Logs (Outgoing, Answered, or Missed), use the menu "Call Log → Outgoing / Answered / Missed Calls → Delete All".

Scanner

The scan function allows you to monitor activities on multiple channels.

Note: The scan function can only be activated if 2-channel monitoring (Dual Wait) is deactivated.

Scanner Operation

• The scanner is activated either via the menu ("Scan"), or by long-pressing the * key. If an error message appears ("Scan Invalid" or "Scan Forbid"), you have either forgotten to deactivate Dual Wait, or no scan list is defined for the active channel.
• If the active channel is defined as "Auto Scan" in the CPS, the device automatically starts scanning as soon as this channel is selected.
• Once the scanner is active, all channels assigned to the channel's scan list are monitored.

The Scanning Process Proceeds as Follows:

• When scanning is active, the symbol ▸ appears on the display, and the LED indicator slowly blinks orange.
• As soon as activity is detected on a channel, the device stays on that channel. If the channel is defined as "Non Priority" (no priority channel – see below), the symbol ▸ appears on the display; if it is the first priority channel, then the symbol ▸ and for the second priority channel 2 the symbol ▸.
• If the scanner stops on a channel that is not of interest at the moment, you can temporarily delete this channel from the scan list by pressing the quick key [Nuisance Delete]. For this, one of the side keys must be assigned the Nuisance Delete function.
• If you want to re-include this channel during the ongoing scan process, press the [MONI] key when the scanner stops somewhere.
• To end the scan function, you can either press the * key again, or deactivate the scanner via the "Scan" menu.

Scanner Settings

In the CPS, each channel can be assigned a scan list. In total, 16 different scan lists can be created, and each scan list can contain a maximum of 16 channels; these can be mixed digital and analog channels.

If a scan list is assigned, you can view it via the menu "Scan → Scan list".

Priority Channels

In the CPS, up to 2 priority channels can be defined per scan list when creating the scan lists.

Priority channels are scanned more often than other channels in the scan list, making it less likely to miss any activity on these channels.

Sub-audio Scan

To determine which sub-audio tones (CTCSS) are used on a specific channel in analog mode, you can use the "Sub-audio Scan" function. To do this, select "Set → Radio Set → CTCSS/DCS → R CDC/DCS" in the menu, and then long-press the * key. The device will then scan all sub-audio tones on this channel, display them, and stop when activity is detected with a specific sub-audio tone.

Note: DCS codes (digital sub-audio codes) cannot be scanned with this function!

Operation with Low or High Transmit Power

You should always transmit with the lowest possible power that guarantees flawless operation for a given transmission path. In addition, operating with low transmit power saves power, meaning the battery lasts longer.

In the CPS, it is defined for each channel whether it transmits with high or low power by default.

If it is appropriate to transmit with a different power than intended for this channel, you can quickly switch between high and low transmit power using the # key.

Ignoring Repeater Offset (Talkaround)

Under certain circumstances, it is useful to bypass normal repeater operation (e.g., when both stations leave the repeater's coverage area but are close enough to communicate directly). By activating the Talkaround function, the offset is ignored during transmission, meaning the transmission occurs on the output frequency of the repeater.

This function can be accessed either via one of the programmable side keys, if one of the keys is assigned this function, or via the menu "Set → Radio Set → Talkaround → On". The function can be deactivated in the same way.

Monitor

The Monitor function allows you to make transmissions audible that would otherwise not be heard. In analog mode, it disables the squelch, meaning even very weak signals can be heard. In digital mode, all transmissions on the respective channel are reproduced (time slot and color code must match), even if you are not part of the currently active talk group (this is often referred to as "Promiscuous Mode").

The function is activated and deactivated by pressing the [MONI] key (the Monitor function must be assigned to one of the side keys in the CPS). The display shows a speaker symbol (🔊) when the monitor function is active.

Adjusting the Squelch Level

A specific squelch sensitivity is preset in the CPS; however, this can be changed via the menu "Set → Radio Set → Squelch" and adapted to the current conditions. Level 0 means the squelch is always off (which leads to strong noise if there is no activity on this channel). Level 10 is the least sensitive setting, and the received signals must be relatively strong for the squelch to open and the transmission to be heard.

Quick Dial Keys (Push-to-call)

In the CPS (in the Number Key Assign tab), contacts (talk groups or individual contacts) can be assigned to the numeric keys 0-9. In digital mode, these can be pressed to directly select the relevant contact (or talk group):

• If it is a talk group, a call to this group or a text message to this group can be initiated directly.
• If it is an individual contact, a call, a text message, or one of the extended functions (Call Alert - request for callback, Radio Check - checking if this contact is reachable, Remote Monitoring - activating the microphone of this station, Radio Inhibit - locking the radio, and Radio Activation - unlocking the radio) can be initiated.

Call Alert

In digital mode, it is possible to send a callback request to a contact; this prompts the other station to call back and allows them to answer the call directly.

• To initiate a callback request: Select a contact from the contact list, or by direct dial, press the [MENU] key and select the "Call Alert" option with another press of [MENU]. The device will then transmit the callback request. After a few seconds, either the message "Call alert successful" (successfully transmitted) or "Call alert failed" (failed) will appear on the display.
• Receiving a callback request: When such a request is received, an audible tone may sound (if a tone signal is assigned to the contact), and the display shows who called. You can then start the conversation with the other station directly by pressing the PTT key. If you do not want to, you can acknowledge the request with the [EXIT] key.

Device Information Display

You can display various information about the device on the screen (e.g., your own ID, model and serial number of the radio, version numbers of CPS, hardware, firmware and DSP, and the date and time when the device was last configured via CPS). Some of this information is only visible if it has also been programmed in the CPS.

• Display of DMR ID: Menu "Set → Radio Info → Radio ID"
• Display of Version Information: Menu "Set → Radio Info → Device Info". By repeatedly pressing the [DOWN] key, the various information is displayed sequentially.

CTCSS/DCS

If a CTCSS tone (analog sub-audio tone) or DCS code (digital sub-audio tone) is set for the respective channel in analog mode, the speaker remains silent even when a signal is received, if the CTCSS or DCS does not match the setting or is not transmitted at all. 51 common CTCSS tones can be configured, as well as non-standard tones. For DCS, 108 common DCS codes can be configured, as well as non-standard ones.

CTCSS and DCS tones are usually assigned to individual channels using the CPS (especially common in repeater operation). However, they can also be set via the menu "Set → Radio Set → CTCSS/DCS".

• If you need DCS codes, select "Digital sub audio" using the [A/B] key, and then select the desired DCS code using the [UP] / [DOWN] keys. These are available with inverted (I) or non-inverted (N): switch between these with the # key.
• For CTCSS tones, select the desired tone using the [UP] / [DOWN] keys and confirm with [MENU]. If no CTCSS or DCS code should be set, select CTCSS "OFF".
• If you don't know the required CTCSS tone, you can find it by scanning if there is activity on the channel – see the chapter "Sub-audio Scan" above.

Configuring a Channel

It is possible to change various characteristics of the current channel via the menu. These include: transmit and receive frequency of the channel, channel name, and for digital channels also color code and time slot. To do this, use the menu "Set → Radio Cfg" and then select the required parameter:

• Rx_ Freq and Tx_Freq: This sets the desired receive (Rx_Freq) and transmit frequency (Tx_Freq). The frequencies must be within the ranges that the device can use. NOTE: The ranges are set via CPS. If a frequency outside this range is selected, an error message ("Illegal reception frequency" or "Illegal transmission frequency") appears.
• Color Code: This has a similar function to CTCSS or DCS in analog mode in digital operation. The allowed value range is 0 – 15.
• Time Slot (Slot): In digital mode with DMR, the dual-time slot method is used. Two transmissions can occur simultaneously without interfering with each other if each transmission is assigned a different time slot. Values are 1 or 2.

Note: A digital direct channel can be configured as "Dual Capacity Direct Mode" in the CPS. This only occupies one time slot (1 or 2). This allows two groups to work in parallel on one channel without interference if they use different time slots.

Appendix

Firmware Update

1. Turn off the radio, connect the programming cable.
2. Turn on the device while holding both side keys. The green LED lights up, and there is no display on the LCD screen. This indicates that the radio is in upgrade mode.
3. Start the "update.exe" program on the PC.
4. Click "Browse" and locate the file with the current firmware version; it has a file extension ".sgl", e.g., "BF-5R_V2.1.0.sgl".
5. Click "Download"; the firmware is transferred to the radio. Wait until the transfer is complete.
6. Disconnect the programming cable, turn off the radio, and turn it on again.

Caution: Do not turn off the device or the computer during the update! This could render the radio unusable.

Resetting the Radio to Factory Defaults (Reset, Initialize Defaults)

1. Turn off the radio.
2. Turn on the radio while holding both side keys and the numeric key 1. "Memory reset?" appears on the display.
3. Press the [MENU] key. The reset begins, and the display shows "Memory reset...". This takes about 10 seconds, then the radio restarts.
4. Any other key instead of [MENU] will discard the reset and lead to normal device startup.

Note: Do not turn off the device during the reset!

Using the CPS

To prepare the radio for use, it is necessary to create a "Codeplug". This is done with the CPS software, which must first be installed on a PC with the Windows operating system. After installation, the "RD-5R" program will be on the desktop.

Once this program is started, you can first download the current configuration of the radio using the programming cable (Menu "Program → Read").

Now you can change and add individual configuration elements. You can save and reload configurations via the "File" menu.

Note: To change most configuration elements, you must go to "Advanced Mode"; to do this, press Ctrl – Alt – Shift – 5 simultaneously; a password prompt appears. The password is DMR5R.

Describing all configuration elements in detail would go beyond the scope of this manual; nor is it the intention of this manual to provide a complete introduction to all concepts of digital radio in general, and DMR in particular. To create a functional "Code Plug", it is essential to understand these concepts!

Overview of Key CPS Configuration Elements

The configuration elements can be found on tabs (accessible via the menu tree on the left side). The individual tabs are:

• Basic Information: Contains the limits of allowed frequency ranges, and version information.
• Boot Item: Display when turning on the device; optional password for commissioning.
• Menu: Which menus are available to the user, several basic settings.
• Number Key Assign: Quick dial keys – a digital contact can be assigned to each digit.
• General Setting: Name and DMR-ID of the radio; various settings.
• Buttons: Assignment of functions to the two side keys, for short and long presses.
• Text Message: Definition of predefined text messages.
• Privacy: Key for encrypted communication in digital mode.
• Signaling System: Various settings.
• DTMF Submenu: Various DTMF settings.
• Emergency System Submenu: Settings for the Emergency Mode.
• Contact: Definition of DTMF and Digital Contacts.
• RX Group List: Definition of RX Group Lists; each digital channel is assigned an RX Group List, which contains a list of contacts (usually talk groups). If a transmission is received on the respective channel, it will only be audible if the call is directed to one of the contacts in the respective RX Group List.
• Zone: List of all defined zones.
• Channel: List of all defined channels (analog and digital).
• Scan: Definition of scan lists.
• VFO: Basic settings for both VFOs (one per band).