Uniden PRO538HHFM Handheld CB Radio User Manual

**Uniden PRO538HHFM Handheld CB Radio User Manual

**

INTRODUCTION

The PRO538HHFM radio is a hand-held radio designed for use in the Citizens Band (CB) Radio Service. It will operate on any of the 40 CB frequencies authorized by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Your radio features a superheterodyne circuit with Phase Locked Loop techniques to assure precise frequency control.

NOTE: Make sure you have read and understood part 95 of the FCC rules and regulations before using the transmitter.

FEATURES

• 40 CB channels (AM/FM modes)
• 10 Weather channels
• AGC (Automatic Gain Control) for a constant sound level.
• Automatic Noise Limiter to reduce pulse noise.
• Backlight On/Off; Dual backlight colors (Amber and White)
• Battery pack for 8 AA Ni-MH or 6 AA alkaline batteries (batteries are not included).
• Compatible with CB MIC hanger.
• Dual Channel Watch
• External speaker jack and external MIC jack. Includes In-Vehicle adapter.
• Full Channel Scan
• High/Low power saver switch (HI = 4W; LOW = 1W)
• Instant Channel 9/19
• Key Lock
• Portable and In-Vehicle Use
• RF Gain Control
• Rotary Channel Selector

SAFETY NOTICE

• Do not expose the PRO538HHFM to water or extreme temperatures.
• Do not leave batteries installed over a long period of time as leakage may occur and cause damage to the radio.
• Never use different batteries from the ones suggested.
• Never use harsh chemicals to clean this radio. Use a damp soft cloth.

INCLUDED IN YOUR PACKAGE

If any of these items are missing or damaged, immediately contact your place of purchase or www.uniden.com.

• PRO538HHFM Radio (shown with Ni-MH battery case attached)

• Rubber (Whip) Antenna

• Belt Clip

• In-Vehicle Adapter

• Ni-MH Battery Case

• Alkaline Battery Case

Not shown: Hanger MIC with Screw and Wrist Strap

PARTS OF THE RADIO

DEFINITIONS

| ITEM NAME| PURPOSE
---|---|---
J1| External Microphone jack| Attach external microphone (not included)
J2| External Speaker jack| Attach external speaker (not included)
K1| CH/RF GAIN knob| Channel: Turn knob to select channels.RF Gain (AM Only): Press FUNC + GAIN key and turn this knob to adjust receiving gain.Color Selection mode: Press FUNC + COLOR key and turn this knob to change backlight color.Scan mode: Resume scanning or change scan direction.
K2| Power/VOL; SQ| Turns power on and off and adjusts volume and squelch levels.
Key 1| 9/19/DUAL| Instantly recall channels 9 and 19.Press FUNC and this key to enter Dual Channel Watch mode.Press FUNC and hold this key to program Dual Watch Channels.
Key 2| FUNC| Function key. Press this key to unlock secondary key functions.
Key 3| ANL/GAIN| Press to turn ANL on and off.Press FUNC and this key to access RF Gain Setting Mode.
Key 4| AM/FM (PWR H/L)| Press to enter AM or FM modes.Press FUNC and this key to set power to high or low.
Key 5| SCAN/WX| Press to start and stop scanning.Press FUNC. and this key to access Weather Channels.
Key 6|  /COLOR| Press to turn backlight on/off.NOTE: Backlight does not support the orange letters on the keys.Press and hold to turn keylockon/off.Press FUNC and this key to enter color setting mode.Turn the CH/RF GAIN knob to select either an amber or white background. Press / COLOR to set it (see page 19).
1| Antenna| Location for attaching the rubber whip antenna.
2| Push-to-Talk button| Push to transmit (talk) to other radios.
3| Battery Case Release| Slide up to release battery case from the unit.
4| Charge LED| Turns red when battery begins charging.NOTE: The LED does not indicate when charging is complete.
5| Clip Location| Use a carabiner clip (not included) to attach the radio to a belt loop, strap, etc.
6| MIC| Microphone Location
7| Charging Jack (Ni-MH battery case only)| Connect DC charge plug from In- Vehicle adapter.
8| Battery Case| Location of Ni-MH or alkaline battery cases or In-Vehicle adapter when connected to the PRO538HHFM. (Ni-MH battery case shown.)

LCD

blinks in Low Battery mode.)
**| Key lock function active
| S/RF meter (10 steps)Strength of incoming signal; Strength of transmission power.
| RF Gain Level indicator (10 steps)
SETUP**

SETUP

INSTALL ANTENNA
The PRO538HHFM can use either a rubber “whip” antenna or an external antenna (not included).

Rubber Antenna

1. Insert the rubber antenna (included) onto the radio’s antenna jack.
2. Rotate the antenna clockwise until it clicks into place.

NOTE: If using the rubber antenna or connecting the external antenna to the radio’s antenna terminal, the PRO538HHFM must use either of the Ni-MH or Alkaline battery cases for power.

External Antenna
The external antenna connects to the In-Vehicle’s external antenna jack. See the graphic on page 13 for the external antenna jack location.

1. Remove the rubber antenna from the PRO538HHFM.
   CAUTION: When the In-Vehicle adapter is attached to radio, the radio will switch to external antenna mode. Be sure to remove the rubber antenna from the radio’s antenna terminal. If the rubber antenna or the external antenna stays connected to the radio’s antenna terminal, the transmit power to the external antenna terminal will be significantly reduced.

2. Slide the In-Vehicle adapter onto the radio.

3. Install the external antenna according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

4. Connect the external antenna connector to the external antenna jack on the In-Vehicle adapter.

5. Connect the 12V DC cigarette plug from the In-Vehicle adapter to your vehicle

CONNECT TO POWER
There are several methods to power your PRO538HHFM:

• Ni-MH batteries (case included)
• Alkaline batteries (case included)
• In-Vehicle adapter connects the PRO538HHFM to the vehicle’s 12V DC cigarette port
  

Rechargeable Ni-MH Batteries
The PRO538HHFM comes with a battery case for 8 AA Ni-MH batteries (batteries not included).

1. Separate the two sides of the case by pulling them in the directions noted on the shell.

2. Insert the 8 batteries according to the directions shown inside the NiMH battery case.
   

3. Close the case. Align the bottom sides as shown and press the two sides together.
   

4. Connect the battery case to the PRO538HHFM as shown.
   

CAUTION: Do not attempt to charge Alkaline batteries in the Ni-MH battery case as they may leak or catch fire.

Charge Ni-MH Batteries

1. Verify that the Ni-MH batteries are inserted into the case.
2. Insert the In-Vehicle adapter’s charge plug into the Ni-MH battery case. (See page 7 for the Ni-MH case location and page 13 for the location of the In-Vehicle adapter’s charge plug.)
3. When the plug is connected, the red LED on the battery case lights up.

The charging current is 230mA (Nominal). When the radio is off, for example, a discharged battery with a capacity of 2300mAh requires about 10 hours of charging. If you charge the radio with the power ON, the charging current will be reduced to about 80mA and requires about 16 hours of charging (it changes depending of the battery capacity and condition). If you only want to charge the battery, turn off the radio’s power. You can remove the Ni-MH battery case from the radio to recharge separately. Connect the radio to the Alkaline batteries/case or to the InVehicle adapter to power the radio if needed.

CAUTION: Charging the battery for long periods of time will damage the battery.

NOTE: The LED will not indicate when charging is complete.
NOTE: This plug is for charging only and is not intended to power the radio. If you charge the battery while the battery case is attached to the radio, the battery icon displayed on the radio indicates always full while charging. The battery icon does not indicate charging status; the charging is done directly to the batteries without going through the radio.

Alkaline Batteries
The PRO538HHFM comes with a battery case for 6 AA Alkaline batteries (batteries not included).

1. Separate the two sides of the case by pulling them in the directions noted on the shell.

2. Insert the 6 batteries according to the directions show inside the alkaline battery case.
   

3. Close the case. Align the bottom sides as shown and press the two sides together.
   

4. Connect the battery case to the PRO538HHFM as shown.
   

CAUTION: Mixing new and used batteries will reduce performance. Do not charge Alkaline batteries as they may leak or catch fire.
NOTE: If you do not use the radio for a long time, remove the batteries from the battery case.

In-Vehicle Adapter
The PRO538HHFM comes with an In-Vehicle adapter to connect it to the vehicle’s 12V DC cigarette plug.

1. Connect the In-Vehicle adapter to the PRO538HHFM.
2. Connect the In-Vehicle adapter’s 12V DC cigarette plug to your vehicle.

CONNECT EXTERNAL SPEAKER AND MICROPHONE
Your radio supports an external speaker and microphone. The external speaker and microphone are sold separately

| EXTERNAL SPEAKER
---|---
Impedance| 8 Ohms
Connect to| EXT.SP. jack (⅛-in/3.5 mm)
Notes| The internal speaker is disabled when an externalspeaker is connected.
| EXTERNAL MICROPHONE
Connect to| MIC jack (2.5 mm Electret type)

OPERATION

BASIC OPERATION

Turning theradio on| Turn the VOL/SQ knob clockwise until it clicks andthe LCD display turns on.
---|---
Turning theradio off| Turn the VOL/SQ knob counter-clockwise until itclicks and the LCD display turns off.
AdjustingSquelch| Turn the VOL/SQ knob counter-clockwise to opensquelch or clockwise to close it.
Select a mode| Press AM/FM key to select a mode as follows:AM → FM → AM
**** Turn backlighton and off| Press the  key to turn the LCD backlight on for 10 seconds. Press it again while the backlight is on to turn it off. NOTE: Backlight does not support orange letters on the keys.
**Changing backlight color| 1      Press FUNC and COLOR key to enter Backlight Setting mode.2      Turn the CH/RF GAIN knob to select betweenWhite and Amber. The LCD and keys flash.Press FUNC or COLOR key again to set the color and exit Backlight Setting mode.NOTE: There is no time-out when in Backlight Color mode.NOTE: Backlight does not support the orange letters on the keys.
****Selecting a channel| Turn the CH/RF GAIN knob to select a channel (clockwise to increase the channel number or counter-clockwise to decrease the channelnumber).
Changing the volume| After turning the radio on, turn the VOL/SQ knobclockwise to increase the volume; turn it counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.
****Setting Key Beep (Default = ON)| When key beep is on (default), the radio beeps whenever a key is pressed or a knob is turned.1 To change the key beep status, turn off thePRO538HHFM.2      Press and hold the  key while turning the radio on.3      If the radio beeps, the key beep function is now on. If the radio does NOT beep, the key beep function is off.
****Transmitting| 1      Tune the radio to the channel you want to transmit on, and listen to make sure the channel is clear.2      Press and hold the PTT. TX displays3      Hold the microphone about 2 inches away from your mouth and speak in a normal voice.4      Release the PTT key to listen for a response.
****Adjust RF Gain| 1      Press FUNC and ANL/GAIN to enter RF Gain Setting mode. The GAIN bar blinks.2      Turn the CH/RF GAIN knob to adjust Gain levels (0 – 10). The selected level displays as a 7 segment number and the GAIN bar will blink. The Gain level number reflects in the number of Gain bar boxes.3      Press FUNC or ANL/GAIN again to store the setting and return to the main operations screen.NOTE: RF Gain only applies to AM mode. No RF Gain levels display in FM or WX modes.
****Scanning channels| NOTE: Before starting the scan, adjust the position where Squelch closes on the channel without a signal. If you turn the knob all the way clockwise, the scan will not stop unless the radio receives a strong signal.Press SCAN in AM or FM mode; the radio scans the channels, stopping when it receives a transmission. Scanning resumes if no signalreceived for 3 seconds. Press SCAN again to stop scanning.Turn CH/RF GAIN knob while scanning to change scan direction.When stopped on a channel, turn CH/RF GAINknob to resume scanning.
****Lock keys to prevent accidental activation.| Press and hold the  key to activate key lock; the Lock icon displays. Only the PTT and  keys and the VOL/SQ knob are active.With Key Lock activated, press and hold the  key to deactivate key lock; the Lock icon goes away and all keys are now active.
****Go to Instant Channel 9/19| Press 9/19 from any channel (first press): Goes toCH 9. 9 displays in the Channel Indicator.Second press: Goes to CH 19. 19 displays in the Channel Indicator.Third press: Returns to original channel. That channel number displays in the Channel Indicator.
****Select Transmit Power Level**| Press FUNC and then press PWR H/L. The power level alternates between High and Low. The appropriate icon displays on the screen.Power setting cannot be changed while in WX mode; HI and LO icons will not display.

EMERGENCY OPERATION
The PRO538HHFM provides instant access to emergency channels 9 and 19. Press 9/19 DUAL once for channel 9; press it twice for channel 19. Press 9/19 DUAL a third time to return to the original channel.

NOTE: FCC rules reserve Channel 9 for motorist assistance and other emergency communications. Channel 9 should only be used in situations where there is immediate danger to the safety of individuals or the protection of property. Make sure you have read and understood part 95 of the FCC rules and regulations before using the transmitter.

1. DUAL WATCH
   Dual Watch lets you monitor two channels alternately for incoming transmissions. When a transmission is detected on one of those channels, the radio stays on that channel.

Programming Dual Watch Channels

1. Turn the CH/RF GAIN knob to select a channel.
2. Press the FUNC key and then press and hold the DUAL key to enter Dual Watch (DW) programming mode. DW displays and flashes.
3. Turn the CH/RF GAIN knob to select the second channel.
4. Press DUAL to assign the two channels to DW mode. DW stops flashing and stays steady on; a confirmation tone sounds.
5. DW mode starts immediately. Press any key (except ANL, , AM/FM, and FUNC keys) to exit Dual Watch mode.

AUTOMATIC NOISE LIMITER
Automatic Noise Limiter (ANL) suppresses white noise.

1. In AM mode, press ANL to turn it on. The ANL icon displays when this function is active.
2. Press ANL again to turn off this function.
   NOTE: ANL does not function when the radio is in FM or WX mode.

WEATHER
The PRO538HHFM accesses 10 weather channels.

1. Press FUNC and then WX to access WX mode. The WX icon and the current weather channel display.
2. Select a different weather channel by turning the channel knob.
3. Press AM/FM or 9/19 to return to normal CB operation. The WX icon disappears.

NOTE: Squelch is always open in Weather mode, so using the Squelch knob to adjust squelch will not work.

MAINTENANCE

Clean the unit with a damp cloth only; never use harsh chemicals.

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your radio is not performing to your expectations, please try these simple steps. If these steps don’t solve your problem, visit the Uniden website (www.uniden.com) for troubleshooting and FAQ information.

Radio won’t turn on (no power)

| –   Check the polarity of the batteries in the battery case.–   Check the fuse in the cigarette plug.–   Be sure the side latch is locked when you install the In-Vehicle adapter.

Poor reception

| –   Be sure that the transmitting and receiving radios match (AM-AM or FM- FM).–   CB radio waves are extremely attenuated in a car so Uniden does not recommend using the whip (rubber) antenna in the car.–   When using the radio in a car, be sure to use an external antenna mounted on the outside of the car.–   Check the RF Gain setting (see page 20).–   CB radios are easy to pick up noise from computer-related equipment and power lines, so keep the radio as far away from these objects as possible.
Background noise| Try turning on ANL. The audio level is slightly reduced but the noise can be attenuated (see page 22).

Weak transmission

| –   Make sure the whip antenna and the outside antenna are not connected at the same time.–   Check transmission power settings (see page 21).

CB OPERATION
CB Communication Codes
The “10” code allows you to communicate easier in noisy environments. The following table lists some of the most common codes and their meanings.

SERVICE AND REPAIR INFORMATION

• Save your purchase receipt for proof of warranty.
• When ordering parts, it is important to specify the correct model number of this radio (PRO538HHFM).
• It is the user’s responsibility to make sure the radio is operating in accordance with the FCC Citizens Radio Service regulations at all times.

FREQUENCY LISTS

CB CHANNEL FREQUENCY LIST

WEATHER CHANNEL FREQUENCY LIST

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL
Channels| 40 CB, 10 Weather
Mode| CB AM/FM, Weather FM
Frequency Range| 26.965 to 27.405 MHz
Frequency Control| Phase Locked Loop (PLL) synthesizer
Frequency Tolerance| ±0.005%
Operating Temperature| -22ºF to +140ºF (-30ºC to +60ºC)
Storage Temperature| -40ºF to +158ºF (-40ºC to +70ºC)
Microphone| Electret Type built in
Antenna Impedance| 50 ohms, unbalanced
Internal Speaker| 8Ω, 28mmØ 1W
Input Voltage| Vehicle Adapter: 13.8V DC Ni-MH: 9.6V (8 AA batteries) Alkaline: 9V (6 AA batteries)
Current Drain| TX: AM Max. Modulation: 1350mA FM Max. Deviation: 960mARX: CB @ Squelch Close: 75mAWX: 110mA
Size| 2.5 W x 5.22 H x 1.5 D in (63.5 W x135.2 H x 38 D mm)
Weight| Approx. 7.9 oz. (225 g) with empty alkaline battery case attached
Fuse rating (in cigarette plug)| 250V 2A Fast Acting 6x30mm
Charge Current| 230mA @13.8V Radio = OFF
TRANSMITTER
Power Output| 4 Watts
Frequency Tolerance| +/– 0.002%
Hum and Noise| > 40dB
Spurious Harmonics Emission| –70dBc
RECEIVER
Usable Sensitivity CB AM @10dB S/NCB FM @12dB SINADWX FM @12dB SINAD| **** –110dBm–114dBm–120dBm
I.F. Frequency| Double Conversion Superheterodyne 1st – 10.695 MHz2nd – 455 kHz
Squelch Sensitivity| Threshold: –117dBm/Tight: –47dBm
Audio Output Power| 1W Nominal

FCC PART 15 AND ISED COMPLIANCE

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

FCC PART 15 COMPLIANCE
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 the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy, and if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC AND ISED STATEMENT

This device meets the FCC and ISED RF Exposure Requirements when used in a portable or mobile/fixed application. For portable applications, this device meets the FCC and ISED RF Exposure requirements ONLY when used:

• With the antenna provided with this unit.
• With the Body-Worn and Audio accessories provide by, or approved by, Uniden America Corporation.
• At a 50% Push-To-Talk (PTT) duty cycle. When operating this device using the PTT pushbutton, do not operate (transmit) the device more than 50% of the time during a conversation.

For mobile/fixed applications, this device meets the FCC and ISED RF Exposure requirements ONLY when:

• The antenna used for this device is properly installed and maintained to provide a separation distance of at least 43 cm (17 Inches) from all persons and must not be collocated or operated with any other transmitter.
• The user or users DO NOT transmit if any person is closer than the distance indicated. While a 0 dBi gain antenna is normal for a typical installation, the above limit applies to any antenna with up to 3 dBi gain.

FCC 20 CM STATEMENT
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radio and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

ISED ANTENNA STATEMENT
This radio transmitter IC: 513C-UT433 has been approved by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada to operate with the antenna types listed below, with the maximum permissible gain indicated. Antenna types not included in this list that have a gain greater than the maximum gain indicated for any type listed are strictly prohibited for use with this device.

The following antenna types can be used at the maximum 3 dBi gainwith a 50 Ohm impedance is required for each antenna type:

• Rubber
• Whip
• Fiberglass

ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

WARRANTOR: UNIDEN AMERICA CORPORATION (“Uniden”)

ELEMENTS OF WARRANTY: Uniden warrants, for one year, to the original retail owner, this Uniden Product to be free from defects in materials and craftsmanship with only the limitations or exclusions set out below.

WARRANTY DURATION: This warranty to the original user shall terminate and be of no further effect 12 months after the date of original retail sale. The warranty is invalid if the Product is (A) damaged or not maintained as reasonable or necessary, (B) modified, altered, or used as part of any conversion kits, subassemblies, or any configurations not sold by Uniden, (C) improperly installed, (D) serviced or repaired by someone other than an authorized Uniden service center for a defect or malfunction covered by this warranty, (E) used in any conjunction with equipment or parts or as part of any system not manufactured by Uniden, or (F) installed or programmed by anyone other than as detailed by the owner’s manual for this product.

STATEMENT OF REMEDY: In the event that the product does not conform to this warranty at any time while this warranty is in effect, warrantor will either, at its option, repair or replace the defective unit and return it to you without charge for parts, service, or any other cost (except shipping and handling) incurred by warrantor or its representatives in connection with the performance of this warranty. Warrantor, at its option, may replace the unit with a new or refurbished unit. THE LIMITED WARRANTY SET FORTH ABOVE IS THE SOLE AND ENTIRE WARRANTY PERTAINING TO THE PRODUCT AND IS IN LIEU OF AND EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES OF ANY NATURE WHATSOEVER, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR ARISING BY OPERATION OF LAW, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. THIS WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER OR PROVIDE FOR THE REIMBURSEMENT OR PAYMENT OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Some states do not allow this exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. LEGAL REMEDIES: This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state. This warranty is void outside the United States of America.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING PERFORMANCE OF WARRANTY: If, after following the instructions in the owner’s manual you are certain that the Product is defective, pack the Product carefully (preferably in its original packaging). The Product should include all parts and accessories originally packaged with the Product. Include evidence of original purchase and a note describing the defect that has caused you to return it. The product should be shipped freight prepaid, by traceable means, to warrantor at:

Uniden America Service
C/O Saddle Creek
743 Henrietta Creek Rd., Suite 100
Roanoke, TX 76262

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