BCA BCLM FRS Radio Link Mini Reference Card User Manual
- June 14, 2024
- bca
Table of Contents
BCA BCLM FRS Radio Link Mini Reference Card
Getting Started
LCD Display
Additional Screen Icons
Included Accessories
Charging the Battery:
Connect the radio to a power outlet using the included cable and USB power
adapter. A full recharge can take up to six hours. The light next to the USB
port will turn green when the radio is fully charged.
Connecting the Belt Clip
Connect the Belt Clip to the radio by sliding the clip into the slot on the
back of the radio until it snaps into place.
Connecting the Webbing Clip & Strap:
Connect the Webbing Clip to any webbing as shown in the image below. Connect
the Webbing Clip to the radio by sliding the clip into the slot on the back of
the radio until it snaps into place.
Using the Link Mini
Charging the Battery
- A. Clip the radio where desired or secure the radio onto your pack’s shoulder strap.
- В. Rotate the power knob clockwise/counterclockwise to power on, raise volume, or power off.
- C. To transmit, press and hold the [PT T] button, wait one second before speaking. Release when finished speaking.
- D. Lights on the radio: solid red = transmitting, solid blue = receiving.
Pre-Setting Channels on Link Mini
Channels 1-7 and 15-22 have better range than than Channels 8-14. While
battery life is longer when using Channels 8-14, the range of transmission is
shorter. The radio comes with factory pre-set channels, but you can customize
them.
- Press the [MENU] button and use the buttons to scroll and select Channel A or Channel B.
- Press the [MENU] button and use the buttons to scroll and select a channel code.
- Stop on the desired channel code and wait 3 seconds, or press the [MENU] button.
- To set a privacy code, press the [MENU] button while the channel code is flashing, scroll to the desired privacy code and wait 3 seconds, or press the [MENU] button.
The Link Mini comes with 2 preset channels from the factory.
- A Channel 1 privacy code off
- B Channel 5 privacy code 10
Lock the Keys
Hold down the buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds. Holding down those 2
buttons will also unlock the keys.
Using a Radio
Two-way radios serve three important functions in the backcountry
- Allow team members to share information on the best conditions.
- Allow team members to warn of hazards and dangers.
- Facilitate more efficient rescue operations.
Verifying function and range
Recommended checklist for trailheads and during the day, to ensure your
communication is there when you need it:
Trailhead
- Ensure your radio is functioning by turning it on and transmitting “Radio Check” on your selected channel. Get a confirmation from each team member. “Kim. Radio check?..Copy Scott…Copy Dave…Copy Dan.”
- If someone is not transmitting or receiving, find out why and remedy the situation, or alter your plans to assist a team member not having communications. Typical problems can be as simple as dead batteries or wrong channels.
On Slope
BCA radios are designed for effective communication in mountain environments,
but all radios are affected by environmental and geographical factors. Test
your radio’s function and range at various points of your tour. This will
build your confidence in the radio’s function and uncover any communications
gaps. Recommended places to test are:
- Whenever the team is separated by relatively large distances.
- Whenever the first person descending stops or reaches the bottom (remember to stop only in areas of safety).
- Whenever a team member is separated by a ridge or thick tree stand.
Communication Tips
- Keep the mic two inches from the mouth and talk “across” rather than into it.
- Think before speaking, be clear and brief.
- Remember that everything over the radio is public.
If you’re in an area you regularly travel, make note of any communication holes to better plan future tours. Remember, radios are mainly for local team communications. A cell phone can be your link to the civilized world AND search-and-rescue in case of an emergency. As you move through the terrain, check for cell phone reception as well as radio function. Use the radios as a relay link where part of the team is out of cell phone reception. Make your emergency plans based on your radios’ AND your cell phones’ functionality.
Using Two-Way Radios in an Emergency
- Use to warn a user of an ongoing event. “AVALANCHE, GO RIGHT”Think before speaking, be clear and brief.
- Use to coordinate rescue efforts including:
- Organize and direct self-rescue efforts within your touring party.
- Relay to another party member who has a cell phone connection to a search-and-rescue group.
- Communicate to other users on the same or other channels.
- Maintain at least 20″ [50 cm] inches between radio and avalanche transceiver when performing a transceiver search.
Read the Full Link Mini Manual:
International Phonetic Alphabet
FCC STATEMENT
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.
Any Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- This device may not cause harmful interference, and
- This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation
ISED RSS Warning:
This device complies with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
licence-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.
SAR tests are conducted using standard operating positions accepted by 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 available for sale to the public, it must be tested and certified to the FCC/ISEDC that is 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/ISEDC. For body-worn operation, this device has been tested and meets the FCC/ISEDC RF exposure guidelines when used with and accessory designated for this product or when used with and accessory that contains no metal. To maintain compliance with FCC/ISEDC 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. The equipment complies with FCC/ISEDC radiation exposure limits set forth for and uncontrolled environment. In order to comply with the FCC/ISEDC RF exposure requirement, 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%.