BAOFENG BF-88ST PRO Two Way Radio Transmitter User Manual

BAOFENG BF-88ST PRO Two Way Radio Transmitter

ATTENTION! The radio is a multitask FRS transceiver. Combining the latest technology in radio communication along with a sturdy mechanical frame, the radio is the ideal and effective solution for the professionals who need to stay in touch with the working team (in construction sites, buildings, shows, trade fairs or hotels) or for leisure users that just want to keep up with friends and family.
To help you ward off bodily injury or property loss that may arise from improper operation, please read all the information carefully before using our products.
Before operating the radio, please read all safety and operating instructions. Save all instructions in a safe place for future reference.

FCC Part 15.21 Warning Statement

NOTE: THE GRANTEE IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CHANGES OR MODIFICATIONS NOT EXPRESSLY APPROVED BY THE PARTY RESPONSIBLE FOR COMPLIANCE. SUCH MODI FICATIONS COULD VOID THE USER’S AUTHORITY TO OPERATE THE EQUIPMENT.

Content Of The Packaging

Note : The number of the above materials may be depending on the number of packages.

Radio Overview

Main Features

• 22 FRS Channels
• 12 NOAA Weather Channels
• 2 Channels Watch
• Channel Monitor
• 10 Selectable Call Alerts
• Hands-Free Operation (VOX)
• Roger Beep Tone
• Battery Level Meter
• Battery/Power Saver
• Low Battery Audible Alert
• 2pin Kenwood headset jack
• Keystroke Tones
• Battery Life: up to 18 hours (under typical use conditions)
• Output power: ≤2W (channels 1-?and 15-22)
• NOAA Weather Scan
• Sub-Codes Scan and Store
• Channel Scan Function
• 155 Sub-Codes (50 CTCSS codes/ 105 DCS codes)
• Call Alert
• Keypad Lock
• Emergency Strobe Light
• Backlit LCD Display
• TOT (Time out timer)
• Li-Ion 1500mAh battery pack
• Up to 3 km range*

*Range may vary depending on environmental and/or topographical conditions.

Installation of Accessories

Install the Li-ion Battery

Install the battery pack :

1. With the back of the radio facing you, insert the head of the Li-ion battery pack into the head of the radio.
2. Lower the Li-ion battery pack into the radio until the battery lock tab locks in place.

Remove the battery pack :

1. Press the battery locking tab upwards until the Li-ion battery pack is unlocked from the radio.
2. Pull out the Li-ion battery pack from the radio.

Installing the Belt Clip

To install the Belt Clip, slide the clip down into the slot on the back of the radio until the Belt Clip-latch clicks. To remove the Belt Clip, press the Lock-tab down, and then gently pull the belt clip up toward the top of the radio.

External Speaker/Microphone Jack

Each radio 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:

1. Open the rubber cap on the side of the radio.
2. Insert the plug(s) into the SPK/MIC jacks.
3. Place the ear bud into your ear, and adjust the Microphone into your desired position.

Using a Headset

You can use a headset (#480_5R) for more private communications. To use a headset, lift the rubber cover from over the headset jack, and then plug in the headset.
Important: Your radio is not submersible or waterproof when using a headset jack. When you remove the headset, be sure to fully press the jack cover into place to restore its waterproof capability.

Charging the Battery

BF-88ST PRO is equipped for using a 3.7V Li-ion rechargeable battery pack which can be recharged connecting the socket of the AC/DC wall adaptor to a mains power socket and inserting the jack of the wall adaptor into the desktop charger plug. It takes 4-5 hours to fully recharge the radio. For maximum battery life, we recommend charging the battery pack when the BF-88ST Pro is off and the battery pack is fully discharged.
Using a different battery charger other than the one specified can cause damage to your device or may even cause explosions and personal injuries.

Using the Radio Battery Level and Low Battery Alert

This radio has a Battery Level Meter that shows the battery power level. The greater the number of bars visible, the stronger the battery level. When the battery level is low, the Battery Shell icon will flash in the display indicating your batteries should be replaced or recharged if using a rechargeable battery pack.
Warning! To avoid the risk of personal injury or property damage from fire or electrical shock, only use accessories specifically designated for this product.

Basic Operations

In order to get the most out of your new radio, read this reference guide completely before attempting to operate the unit.

1. Power on/off and volume adjustment
   Rotate the PowerNolume knob clockwise to turn the radio on. Rotate the control clockwise /counter-clockwise to adjust the volume level as you prefer. To turn the radio off, rotate the control counter-clockwise till hearing a mechanical “click”.

2. Choosing a Channel
   Your radio has 22 channels and 155 Sub-Codes you can use to talk to others. In order to speak to someone, both your radios must be set to the same channel and Privacy code.
   If the or button is locked, please press and hold the button for 2 seconds to unlock. Press the or  buttons to select one of the 22 FRS channels.
   Note: You can check the FRS channel transmission activity status through the icon. On 1-7 and 15-22 channels, it is high-power transmission and , icon is displayed. On 8-14 channels, it is low-power transmission and , icon is displayed.

3. Keypad Lock
   To avoid accidentally changing the radio settings, press the button for 2 seconds. The icon will appear on the display. [PTT], [MOIN] and [Lamp] will still be active. Repeat the same procedure to unlock the keypad.

4. Talking on Your Radio
   To talk to others using the radio:

5. Press and hold the [PTT] button and speak in a clear, normal voice about 2-3 inches away from the microphone. While you are transmitting, the TX icon appears on the display. To avoid cutting off the first part of your transmission, pause slightly after pressing the [PTT] button before you start talking.

6. When you have finished speaking, release the [PTT] button. You can now receive incoming calls. While receiving, RX displays.

7. Monitor Mode Feature
   Your radio allows you to listen for weak signals on the current channel at the press of a key. To turn ON Monitor mode: Press and hold button for 3 seconds until two beeps sound. The receiver circuit stays open, and both noise and weak signals can be heard. The RX icon blinks. To turn OFF Monitor mode: Press and hold button for 3 seconds to return to “Normal” mode; two beeps sound and the RX icon stops blinking and disappears.

8. Channel Scanning
   Your radio 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. Your radio will resume scanning after 5 seconds when the channel is no longer active. When you press the [PTT] button to transmit on an active channel, the scanning function will stop and remain on the active channel for 10 seconds before resuming scan when [PTT] button is no longer pressed. To resume scanning, quickly press the or button.

9. Scanning Sub-Codes
   Press and holding [SCAN] button to enter the Sub-Codes scanning.
   A flashing “CTC/DCS” will be in the left status display to indicate the radio is in Sub Codes scanning mode.
   In this mode, the lower display will cycle through the Sub-Codes as they are being tested. Once the bits of the received Privacy code are determined, the “CTC/DCS” indicator will stop flashing.
   Press the [PTT] button to save the scanned tone into memory.

10. Using the Flashlight
    You can use this radio in an emergency. If you press [LAMP/Weather] button, the radio turns on the high-intensity LED flashlight on your radio.
    • Your radio operates normally when the emergency strobe is activated.

11. Press [LAMP/Weather] button once, it will turn on continuously. (Always On mode)

12. And then, press [LAMP/Weather] button once, the Strobe Light emits the emergency signal. (Strobe emergency mode)

13. And then, press [LAMP/Weather] button once, the light will be turned off.

14. Emergency Alert
    The Emergency Alert feature can be used to signal members in your group for help.
    To activate the emergency alert function, press and hold the [Emergency] button on the top for 3 seconds. The radio will send out a loud siren sound and the flashlight will flash.
    Press the [Emergency] button to exit the emergency alert function.
    WARNING: The Emergency Alert feature should only be used in the even of an actual emergency.

15. Using the Weather Radio/Scan Weather Channel
    Your radio has a NOAA Weather Radio function, to enable the user to receive weather reports from designated NOAA stations. Your radio also has a NOAA Weather Scan function, to enable the user to scan all 12 channels of the NOAA Weather Radio. While using the Weather Radio, you are not able to receive FRS communications.

16. To turn the NOAA Weather Scan on, press and hold the [LAMP/Weather] button for 5 seconds while in FRS mode, icon appears. The radio will go to Weather band mode and start scanning all 12 channels and stop on any active channel. When the channel becomes inactive for 10 seconds the radio will resume scanning.

17. To stop the NOAA WEATHER (WX) SCAN and set the channel manually on the Weather band, press the [SCAN] button during NOAA weather scan. The radio will stop scanning and the display will show the current Weather band channel setting and the icon.

18. While in Weather band mode, press the or button to increase or decrease the number to the desired weather channel, select one of the 12 NOAA weather band channels.

19. To exit the Weather Radio broadcast mode, press and hold [LAMP/Weather] button or [PTT] button. icon disappears.

Working the MENU System

Menu List

1. Sub-Codes
   Your Radio incorporates two advanced coded squelch systems that can help to reduce interference from other users on any given channel. CTCSS (Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System) provides 50 Sub-Codes and DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) provides 105 Sub-Codes. This provides a total of 155 Sub-Codes. Either system can be used on all channels, but both systems cannot be used on the same channel at the same time.
   To successfully communicate using a privacy code, both the sending and receiving radios must be tuned to the same channel and to the same privacy code system (CTCSS or DCS) and privacy code number. Each channel will remember the last privacy code system and number you select.
   To select a Privacy Code for the current channel press the button once, and then the or buttons to select between “OF/CT/DC.” Press the button again and or buttons to select one of the 50 CTCSS Codes or one of the 105 DCS Codes. The Privacy Code icon on the display will indicate whether you set your Privacy Code in CTCSS or DCS mode. To confirm the selection, press the [PTT] button or press the   button again to move to the next feature setting.
   NOTE: If you select a CTCSS Privacy Code, any pre-selected DCS Privacy Code will be cancelled and vice-versa. Selecting a Privacy Code of “oF” will disable the Privacy feature. To communicate between two radios, all radios in your group must be set to the same channel and/or Privacy Code selections. The Privacy Code can only be set in channels 1-22.

2. VOX (Hands-Free Transmission)
   Your radio has 3 VOX level settings: (oF/1/2/3).
   To set VOX, press the button until the display shows “VOX” blinking while on the right of the CHANNELNUMBER display, an “oF” icon appears. Select “1”,”2″ or “3” by pressing the or buttons and push the [PTT] key, or press the button again to move to the next feature setting.
   VOX will be more sensitive on the “1” setting than on the “3” setting. To turn VOX off, press the button until the display shows “VOX” blinking while on the right of the CHANNELNUMBER display, a “1”,”2″ or “3” icon appears.
   Select “oF” by pressing the or buttons and push the [PTT] key, or press the button again to move to the next feature setting.

3. Ten Call Tone Settings
   Your radio has 10 selectable CALLALERTS.
   To select, press the button until a “CA” icon appears and to the right of the “CA” icon the current CALLALERT setting is displayed. Then press the or buttons to make the CALLALERT selections – the radio will emit a corresponding tone for each selection. To confirm, press the [PTT] button or press the button to move to the next feature setting.

4. Emergency Alert Model
   This function can set the off alert/ site alert/ tone alert of the radio. Keep pressed the [Emergency] button for 3 seconds to start the alarm tone.
   To select, press the button until a icon appears and to the right of the icon the current Emergency Alert Model selling is displayed. Then press the or buttons to make the Emergency Alert Model selections. To confirm, press the [PTT] button or press the button to move to the next feature setting.
   NOTE : The following three options can be selected:
   – OFF: means to close the alarm function;

5. Means local alarm, sounds alarm through your radio speaker only

6. Means broadcast alarm, transmits a cycling tone over-the air.

7. Keypad Silent Operation
   Your radio has a keypad silent operation mode. In this mode, all “keypad beeps” and “tones” are disabled. To set the keypad silent operation, press the button until the display shows a “bP” icon. Select “on” or “oF” by pressing the or buttons and push the [PTT] key or button.

8. 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 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 or buttons and push the [PTTI key, or press the button to move to the next feature setting. To turn the ROGER BEEP tone off, press the 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 or   buttons and push the [PTTI key, or press the button to move to the next feature setting.

9. Dual Watch Function
   Your radio has a DUAL WATCH function, to enable user to scan 2 channels for any activity. The first channel will be the current channel setting and the second channel will be the selected channel on the . To turn the DUAL WATCH on, press the button until the “oF” icon appears blinking on the left of the display, while the “dU” icon appears on the left. Select the second channel by pressing the or button. Press the button again and the or buttons to choose the Privacy Code (oF/dc/ct). Then press the button again and the or buttons to set the Privacy Code. Pis. note that the Privacy Code can be set only on Ch 1-22. To confirm, press the [PTTI button or the button. The DW icon appears, the current channel and the watch channel flash alternately, indicating that the DUAL WATCH function is turned on, and the radio will start scanning the currently used channel/code and watch channel/code, and stop on any active channel. Your radio will resume scanning after 4 seconds when the channel is no longer active. When you press the [PTT] button to transmit on an active channel, the scanning function will stop and remain on the active channel for 10 seconds before resuming scan when the [PTTI button is no longer pressed. To turn the DUAL WATCH function off, press the [SCAN] button.

Appendix A. – Technical Specifications

NOTE : All specifications may be modified without prior notice or liability.

Appendix B. – Troubleshooting guide

P he n o m e na| An a l ysis| Solution
---|---|---
You cannot turn on the radio.| The battery may be installed improperly.| Remove and reattach the battery.
The battery power may run out.| Recharge or replace the battery.
The battery may suffer from poor contact caused by dirty or damaged battery contacts.| Clean the battery contacts or replace the battery.
During receiving, the voice is weak or intermittent.| The battery voltage maybe low.| Recharge or replace the battery.
The volume level may be low.| Increase the volume.
The speaker maybe blocked.| Clean the surface of the speaker.
You cannot communicate with other group members.| The frequency or signaling type maybe inconsistent with that of other members.| Verify that your TX/RX frequency and signaling type are correct.
You may be too far away from other members.| Move towards other members.
You hear unknown voices or noise.| You may be interrupted by radios using the same frequency.| Change the frequency, or adjust the squelch level.
The radio in analog mode maybe set with no signaling.| Request your dealer to set signaling for the current channel to avoid interference
You are unable to hear anyone because of too much noise and hiss.| You may be too far away from other members.| Move towards other members.
You may be in an unfavorable position. For example, your communication may be blocked by high buildings or blocked in an underground area.| Move to an open and flat area, restart the radio, and try again.
It may be the result of external disturbance (such as electromagnetic interference).| Stay away from equipment that may cause interference.
The radio keeps transmitting.| VOX may be turned on or the headset is not installed in place| Turn off the VOX function. Check that the headphones are in place.

NOTE : If the above solutions cannot fix your problems, or you may have some other queries, please contact your dealer for more technical support.

Appendix C. -FRS Frequency Chart (MHz)

Appendix D. – NOAA Weather Radio Frequency List (US, CAN, AND INTL)

Appendix E. – DCS Table

DCS CODE LIST

Note : DCS codes can be programmed for use on Channels 1~22 only.

Appendix F. – CTCSS Table

CTCSS CHART (Hz)

Number| Frequency| Number| Frequency| Number| Frequency| Number| Frequency
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---
01| 67.0| 02| 69.3| 03| 71.9| 04| 74.4
05| 77.0| 06| 79.7| 07| 82.5| 08| 85.4
09| 88.5| 10| 91.5| 11| 94.8| 12| 97.4
13| 100.0| 14| 103.5| 15| 107.2| 16| 110.9
17| 114.8| 18| 118.8| 19| 123| 20| 127.3
21| 131.8| 22| 136.5| 23| 141.3| 24| 146.2
25| 151.4| 26| 156.7| 27| 159.8| 28| 162.2
29| 165.5| 30| 167.9| 31| 171.3| 32| 173.8
33| 177.8| 34| 179.9| 35| 183.5| 36| 186.2
37| 189.9| 38| 192.8| 39| 196.6| 40| 199.3
41| 203.5| 42| 206.5| 43| 210.7| 44| 218.1
45| 225.7| 46| 229.1| 47| 233.6| 48| 241.8
49| 250.3| 50| 254.1| | | |

Note : CTCSS Chart can be programmed for use on Channels 1-22 only

IMPORTANT NOTICE

WARNINGS : Replacement or substitution of transistors, regular diodes or other parts of a unique nature, with parts other than those recommended by PO FUNG COMPANY may cause a violation of the technical regulations of part 95 of the FCC rules, or violation of type acceptance requirements of part 2 of the rules. Your radio is set up to transmit a regulated signal on an assigned frequency. Any adjustment to your radio must be made by qualified technicians.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

FCC & RSS WARNINGS

Any Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
SAR tests are conducted using standard operating positions accepted by the FCC/ISEDC with the device transmitting at its highest certified power level in all tested frequency bands, although the SAR is determined at the highest certified power level, the actual SAR level of the device while operating can be well below the maximum value. Before a new model is a available for sale to the public, it must be tested and certified to the FCC/I SE DC that it does not exceed the exposure limit established by the FCC/ISEDC Tests for each product are performed in positions and locations as required by the FCC/I SE DC.
For body worn operation, this device has been tested and meets the FCC/ISEDC RF exposure guidelines when used with an accessory designated for this product or when used with and accessory that contains no metal.
Tm maintain compliance with the FCC/ISEDC’s RF exposure guidelines, hold the transmitter and antenna at least 1 inch(2.5 centimeters) from your face and speak in a normal voice, with the antenna pointed up and away from the face.
This equipment complies with FCC/ISEDC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. In order to comply with the FCC/ISEDC RF exposure requirements, the antenna installation must comply with following:
Users must be fully aware of the hazards of the exposure and able to exercise control over their RF exposure to qualify for the higher exposure limits.

Your wireless hand-held portable transceiver contains a low power transmitter. This product sends out radio frequency (RF) signals when the Push-to-Talk (PTT) Button is pressed.
The device is authorized to operate at a duty factor not to exceed 50%.
This device complies with ISEDC license-exempt RSS standard (s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. this device may not cause interference, and
2. this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Electromagnetic Interference/Compatibility

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause harmful interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

1. This device may not cause interference, and
2. This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Precautions for Portable Terminals

Operating Prohibitions

To protect you against any property loss, bodily injury or even death, be sure to observe the following safety instructions:

1. Do not operate the product in a location containing fuels, chemicals, explosive atmospheres and other flammable or explosive materials. In such location, only an approved Ex-protection model is allowed for use, but any attempt to assemble or disassemble it is strictly prohibited.
2. Do not operate the product near or in any blasting area.
3. Do not operate the product near any medical or electronic equipment that is vulnerable to RF signals.
4. Do not hold the product while driving.
5. Do not operate the product in any area where use of wireless communication equipment is completely prohibited.

Important Tips

To help you make better use of the product, be sure to observe the following instructions:

1. Do not use any unauthorized or damaged accessory.
2. Keep the product at least 2.5 centimeters away from your body during transmission.
3. Do not keep the product receiving at high volume for a long lime.
4. For vehicles with an air bag, do not place the product in the area over the air bag or in the air bag deployment area.
5. Keep the product and its accessories out of reach of children and pets.
6. Please operate the product within the specified temperature range.
7. Continuous transmission for a long time may lead to heat accumulation within the product. In this case, please keep it at a proper location for cooling.
8. Handle the product with care.
9. Do not disassemble, modify or repair the product and its accessories without authorization.

Hazardous Environments

Do not operate the radio in hazardous environments. Explosion or fire may result. Do not operate the radio near unshielded electrical blasting caps.
Under certain conditions, radios can interfere with blasting operations and may cause an explosion. Turn your radio OFF to prevent accidental transmission when in a blasting area or in areas posted: “Turn off two-way radio.” Construction crews often use remote control RF devices to set off explosives.

Precautions for Batteries

Charging Prohibitions

To protect you against any property loss, bodily injury or even death, be sure to observe the following safety instructions:

1. Do not charge or replace your battery in a location containing fuels, chemicals, explosive atmospheres and other flammable or explosive materials.
2. Do not charge your battery that is wet. Please dry it with a soft and clean cloth prior to charge.
3. Do not charge your battery suffering deformation, leakage and overheat.
4. Do not charge your battery with an unauthorized charger.
5. Do not charge your battery in a location where strong radiation is present.
6. Overcharge shall always be prohibited for it may shorten the life of your battery.

Maintenance Instructions

To help your battery work normally or prolong its life, be sure to observe the following instructions:

1. Accumulated dust on charging connector may affect normal charging. Please use a clean and dry cloth to wipe it on a regular basis.
2. It is recommended to charge the battery under 5 t: ~40 C. Violation of the said limit may cause battery life reduction or even battery leakage.
3. To charge a battery attached to the product, turn it off to ensure a full charge.
4. Do not remove the battery or unplug the power cord during charging to ensure a smooth charging process.
5. Do not dispose of the battery in fire.
6. Do not expose the battery to direct sunlight for a long time nor place it close to other heating sources.
7. Do not squeeze and penetrate the battery, nor remove its housing.

Transportation Instructions

1. Damaged batteries must not be transported.
2. To avoid short circuit, separate the battery from metal pars or from each other if two or more batteries are transported in one packaging.
3. The radio must be switched off and secured against switch-on, if the battery is attached.

The content of the shipment must be declared in the shipping documents and by a Battery Shipping Label on the packaging. Contact your hauler for the local regulations and further information.

Precautions for Disposal

Once the service life of our products (including but not limited to radios and batteries) has ended, they shall not be disposed as household garbage. Their recycling and disposal shall satisfy your local regulations.

Disclaimer

The Company endeavors to achieve the accuracy and completeness of this manual, but no warranty of accuracy or reliability is given. All the specifications and designs are subject to change without notice due to continuous technological development. No part of this manual may be copied, modified, translated, or distributed in any manner without the prior written consent of the Company.
We do not guarantee, for any particular purpose, the accuracy, validity, timeliness, legitimacy or completeness of the third-party products and contents involved in this manual.

Customer Support

www.baofengradio.com

Fujian Baofeng Electronics Co.,Ltd
Changfu Industrial Zone, Xiamei, Nan’an,Quanzhou,Fujian,China

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