Binatone MR650 - Personal Mobile Radio Manual

Overview

Indicator light
RED when you're transmitting; GREEN when you're receiving

TALK button
Press and hold while you're transmitting

MENU button
Press to change channels and sub-channels, and to switch between modes

MONI (monitor) button
Press to check for signals on the current channel

UP and DOWN buttons
Press to change the speaker volume.
Press after the MENU button to change channels

ENTER button
Press to switch the backlight on and off.
Press and hold to lock and unlock the buttons.
Press to confirm settings

C (Call) button
Press to send Ring tone to other handsets

S (Scan) button
Press to scan for an active channel

Socket for handsfree kit (headset)*
– under the hinged cover

What's on the display

Channel number (1 to 8)

Sub-channel number (0 to 38)

	Battery charge level — when this shows (low), recharge the batteries.
DW	Dual Watch — shown when you're monitoring two channels at once.
	Shown when the buttons are locked.
VOX	Shown when the handset is in VOX (voice-activated) mode.
BUSY	Shown when you're receiving a signal.
SCAN	Shown when the handset is scanning all channels.
	Volume level

Fitting the batteries

Your MR650 includes a rechargeable battery pack for each handset.

To remove the belt clip

It's easier to fit the battery pack without the belt clip in place.
Pull the tab forward (away from the handset) to release the belt clip. Then lift the belt clip off

To fit the batteries

1. Open the locking latch and slide off the battery compartment cover
   
2. Insert the rechargeable battery pack as shown
   Make sure the 'UP' arrow is showing, and pointing towards the top of the handset
3. Replace the cover and close the latch
   

To replace the belt clip

Slide the belt clip down into the slot until it clicks into place

read these safety warnings before you charge the batteries

• When placing the handset in the charger, use only the rechargeable NiCd battery pack supplied with the MR650 .
• Don't try to fit or recharge non-rechargeable batteries .
• Make sure the battery compartment cover is securely locked in place when you're charging the batteries.
• Dispose of used batteries safely and in a way that will not harm the environment — never try to burn them or put them anywhere they could get burnt or punctured.
• When you're not going to use your MR650 for a few weeks, take the battery pack out so it doesn't leak corrosive substances.
• When the display shows that the battery charge level is low, recharge the batteries .
• Don't leave dead batteries in your handset — they might leak if you do.

Charging the batteries

If you prefer to wall mount the charger, use the template supplied

Connect the mains power lead to the charger
Plug the mains adapter into a 230 V AC, 50 Hz mains socket, with the switch on the socket set to OFF
Then switch on at the mains socket

The MR650 must be used with the mains adapter supplied. Using any other adapter will result in non-compliance with EN60065, and will invalidate any approval given to this apparatus.

Place the handsets in the charging cradles
The charge light comes on when when a handset is in the charging cradle

If the handset is switched on, the charge level symbol blinks on the display w hile the batteries are being charged

To check the charge level, disconnect the jack connector from the handset, switch on and check the display.

It takes about 6 hours to recharge the batteries fully if they've become completely run down. New batteries can take up to 14 hours to charge fully.

Battery life

The MR650 has a built-in Power Saver feature to make the batteries stay charged for longer. But when you're not using the handset, it's best to switch it off to save battery power. You'll also find that the batteries last longer if you keep the backlight switched off when you don't need it.

The backlight for the display

To switch the backlight on and off:

• Briefly press the ENTER button
  

Using the Device

Transmission range

The talk range depends on environment and terrain. It will be greatest (up to about 3 km, or 1¾ miles) in wide open spaces, without obstructions such as hills or buildings. Don't try to use two PMR handsets which are less than 1.5 m (5 feet) apart. If you do, you may get interference.

Important safety warnings

• If you are using a hands-free headset — to protect your hearing, do not turn the volume to the highest level.
• To reduce radio frequency exposure when you're using your MR650, hold the handset at least 5 cm (2 inches) from your face.
• Never use your MR650 outdoors in a thunderstorm.
• Don't use the MR650 in the rain.
• If your MR650 ever gets wet, turn it off and remove the batteries. Dry the battery compartment and leave the cover off for a few hours. Don't use the handset until it is completely dry.
• Like all electrical equipment, the MR650 charger should be kept out of the reach of young children.

Switching on and off

• To switch the handset ON:
  Press and hold the ON/OFF button until the display comes on
  
• To switch the handset OFF:
  Press and hold the ON/OFF button until the display goes blank
  You hear a musical tone each time to confirm.
  

Volume control

• To adjust the loudspeaker volume:
  Press the or button
  The volume level is shown by the bars on the display.
  You can change the volume either while you're using your MR650 handset, or while the handset is idle (switched on but not in use).
  

Changing channels and sub-channels

PMR has eight channels, numbered 1 to 8. To communicate with other PMR users within range, you must all have your handsets tuned to the same channel.

1. Press the MENU button ONCE
   The current channel number flashes on the display.
   
2. Press the or button to go to the channel you want
   
3. Press the ENTER button to confirm
   

Each channel also has 38 sub-channels (sometimes called CTCSS codes), letting you set up groups of users within the same channel, for more private communication. If you have set a sub-channel, you can communicate only with other users tuned to the same channel and the same sub-channel.

To turn the sub-channel function off, simply set the subchannel to 0 (zero). You can then communicate with any PMR user on the same channel who has also turned off sub-channel operation (or whose PMR handset does not have this feature).

1. Press the MENU button TWICE
   The current sub-channel number flashes on the display.
   
2. Press the or button to go to the sub-channel you want
   
3. Press the ENTER button to confirm
   

Transmitting and receiving

PMR transmission is 'one-way-at-a-time' — while you are speaking, you cannot receive a transmission.

PMR446 is an open-licence band — always identify yourself when transmitting, as other people may be communicating on the same channel.

To speak to another handset user

1. Press and hold the TALK button so that the TRANSMITTING light comes on
   
2. Speak clearly into the microphone, in a normal tone — don't shout
   
3. When you've finished speaking, release the TALK button

To listen to another handset user

• Make sure you are NOT pressing the TALK button
  BUSY is shown on the display when the other person is speaking. Don't try to transmit until they have finished.

Monitoring the current channel

Normally, the MR650 will not pick up very weak signals. But you can monitor the current channel for all sounds.

Press and release the MONI button
Your handset will pick up any signals on the current channel, including background noise. It will carry on monitoring for about 20 seconds, unless you press and release the MONI button again to stop it.

Ring tone

You can send Ring tone to other handsets within range and tuned to the same channel (and sub-channel if applicable), to alert them you want to communicate with them.

• Press and release the C (Call) button
  You'll hear Ring tone for about 3 seconds, while the red 'Transmitting' light is on. Any other handset within range and tuned to the same channel will hear Ring tone, and may decide to transmit to you.
  

You can also use Ring tone at the end of a transmission to signal that you've finished speaking.

VOX (voice-activated transmission) mode

In VOX mode, your handset will transmit whenever it detects your voice (or other noise), without the TALK button pressed. It will transmit for at least 2 seconds, even if you stop talking. You may wish to use VOX mode if you're using a hands-free kit (see overleaf).

The level of VOX sensitivity is shown by bars on the display. At the highest level (most bars), the handset will pick up softer noises (including background noise); at the lowest level, it will pick up only quite loud noises.

To turn VOX mode on and off:

1. Press the MENU button THREE times
   VOX flashes on the display, and the current level of VOX sensitivity is shown.
   
2. Press the or button to set the level of VOX sensitivity
   If you press the button repeatedly until the 'sensitivity' bars disappear altogether, you turn VOX mode off, and VOX disappears from the display.
   
3. Press the ENTER button to confirm the setting
   As long as the handset is in VOX mode, VOX is shown steadily on the display.
   

Scanning channels

When the SCAN function is turned on, the handset will continuously scan through all eight channels until it finds one on which another user is transmitting.

1. Press the S (Scan) button
   SCAN appears on the display, and the channel number changes continuously. You can press the S (Scan) button again at any point to stop scanning.
   When the handset detects an active channel, it will pause on that channel. Then...
2. Press EITHER

• the ENTER button to set this as the current channel
  
• the TALK button to transmit on this channel
  
• the MONI button to monitor this channel (press again to continue scanning)
  
• the or button to continue scanning
  

Monitoring two channels at once (Dual Watch)

1. Press the MENU button FOUR times
   DW appears on the display, as well as the currently selected channel.
   
2. Press the or button to select a second channel
   The display switches backwards and forwards between the two channels. Any existing sub-channel setting for either channel will be retained. If the handset detects a signal on either channel, it will stop and receive it.
   OR, to monitor for weak signals on the channel currently shown:
   
3. Press the MONI button (to stop monitoring, press the MONI button again)
   
4. To end Dual Watch mode
   Press the TALK, CALL or ENTER button

Locking the buttons

With the buttons locked, you can transmit (TALK), receive or monitor (MONI) the current channel. But you can't change the volume ( ) or use the MENU button.

• To lock the buttons:
  Press and hold the ENTER button until appears on the display
  
• To unlock the buttons:
  Press and hold the ENTER button until disappears from the display
  

Using a hands-free kit (headset)

You can plug a hands-free kit (not supplied as standard) into the socket on the top of your MR650 handset. With a handsfree kit, you may wish to transmit in VOX mode; but if you find that this doesn't work very well, you can turn the VOX sensitivity off and press the TALK button to transmit, as normal.

If you'd like to buy the optional hands-free kit, phone the Binatone Help Line on 01325 304 473.

Cleaning and care

To clean your MR650, use a soft cloth dampened with water. Do not use cleaners or solvents, which may cause damage not covered by the guarantee.

Technical specification

Operating frequency 446.00625 to 446.09375 (eight channels)
Channel spacing 12.5 KHz
Output power 0.5 W

Guarantee and service

The Binatone MR650 is guaranteed for 12 months from the date of purchase. The Guarantee does not cover damage by misuse or negligence, or by excessive voltages — for example, faults on the telephone line, or lightning.
If you think your MR650 has developed a fault, please return it to the shop where you bought it.

Troubleshooting

Documents / Resources

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Binatone MR650 - Personal Mobile Radio Manual