KENWOOD NX-220 VHF Digital Transceiver Instruction Manual

KENWOOD NX-220 VHF Digital Transceiver

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: VHF Digital Transceiver NX-220
• Product Name: UHF Digital Transceiver NX-320/ NX-322
• Product Name: 800MHz Digital Transceiver NX-420

Product Usage Instructions

Precautions
It is important to follow the precautions listed below to ensure safe and proper usage of the product:

1. Government law prohibits the operation of unlicensed radio transmitters within the territories under government control. Illegal operation can result in fines and/or imprisonment. Refer service to qualified technicians only.
2. The operator should be aware of and understand the hazards common to the operation of any transceiver.
3. Mishandling the battery pack may cause it to rupture, produce flames or extreme heat, deteriorate, or cause other forms of damage. Avoid getting the battery wet and replace it if the protection circuit is damaged.
4. Charging a reversed battery can lead to abnormal chemical reactions and may cause heat, smoke, rupture, or burst into flame. Ensure correct polarity when connecting the battery pack to a charger or operating equipment.
5. If electrolyte liquid from the battery gets into your eyes, wash them with fresh water immediately and seek medical attention. Do not rub your eyes.
6. If the battery pack emits a bad odor, appears to have different coloring, is deformed, or seems abnormal in any way, remove it from the charger or operating equipment and do not use it.

Unpacking and Checking Equipment
Follow the instructions below to unpack and check the equipment:

1. Unpack the transceiver carefully.
2. If any items are missing or damaged, file a claim with the carrier immediately.

Supplied Accessories
The product comes with the following supplied accessories:

• Inquire at your dealer for a stopper.

FAQ

Q: Where can I find information on customized features added to my radio?
A: You can get information on any customized features added to your radio by contacting your dealer.

Q: What should I do if the battery pack appears abnormal or emits a bad odor?
A: If the battery pack appears abnormal, emits a bad odor, or shows any signs of damage, remove it from the charger or operating equipment and do not use it. Contact your dealer or authorized service facility for assistance.

VHF DIGITAL TRANSCEIVER
NX-220
UHF DIGITAL TRANSCEIVER
NX-320/ NX-322
800MHz DIGITAL TRANSCEIVER
NX-420

Thank You
We are grateful you have chosen KENWOOD for your land mobile radio applications.
This instruction manual covers only the basic operations of your
NEXEDGE portable radio. Ask your dealer for information on any customized features they may have added to your radio.

Notices to the User

• Government law prohibits the operation of unlicensed radio transmitters within the territories under government control.
• Illegal operation is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.
• Refer service to qualified technicians only.

Safety: It is important that the operator is aware of, and understands, hazards common to the operation of any transceiver.
The AMBE+2TM voice coding Technology embodied in this product is protected by intellectual property rights including patent rights, copyrights and trade secrets of Digital Voice Systems, Inc. This voice coding Technology is licensed solely for use within this Communications Equipment. The user of this Technology is explicitly prohibited from attempting to extract, remove, decompile, reverse engineer, or disassemble the Object Code, or in any other way convert the Object Code into a human-readable form. U.S. Patent
Nos. #5,826,222, #5,754,974, #5,701,390, #5,715,365, #5,649,050, #5,630,011 and #5,581,656

Firmware Copyrights
The title to and ownership of copyrights for firmware embedded in KENWOOD product memories are reserved for JVC KENWOOD Corporation.

Precautions

• Do not charge the transceiver and battery pack when they are wet.
• Ensure that there are no metallic items located between the transceiver and the battery pack.
• Do not use options not specified by KENWOOD.
• If the die-cast chassis or other transceiver part is damaged, do not touch the damaged parts.
• If a headset or headphone is connected to the transceiver, reduce the transceiver volume. Pay attention to the volume level when turning the squelch off.
• Do not place the microphone cable around your neck while near machinery that may catch the cable.
• Do not place the transceiver on unstable surfaces.
• Ensure that the end of the antenna does not touch your eyes.
• When the transceiver is used for transmission for many hours, the radiator and chassis will become hot. Do not touch these locations when replacing the battery pack.
• Always switch the transceiver power off before installing optional accessories.
• The charger is the device that disconnects the unit from the AC mains line. The AC plug should be readily accessible.

WARNING
Turn the transceiver power off in the following locations:

• In explosive atmospheres (inflammable gas, dust particles, metallic powders, grain powders, etc.).
• While taking on fuel or while parked at gasoline service stations.
• Near explosives or blasting sites.
• In aircrafts. (Any use of the transceiver must follow the instructions and regulations provided by the airline crew.)
• Where restrictions or warnings are posted regarding the use of radio devices, including but not limited to medical facilities.
• Near persons using pacemakers.

CAUTION

• Do not disassemble or modify the transceiver for any reason.
• Do not place the transceiver on or near airbag equipment while the vehicle is running. When the airbag inflates, the transceiver may be ejected and strike the driver or passengers.
• Do not transmit while touching the antenna terminal or if any metallic parts are exposed from the antenna covering. Transmitting at such a time may result in a high-frequency burn.
• If an abnormal odor or smoke is detected coming from the transceiver, switch the transceiver power off immediately, remove the battery pack from the transceiver, and contact your KENWOOD dealer.
• Use of the transceiver while you are driving may be against traffic laws. Please check and observe the vehicle regulations in your area.
• Do not expose the transceiver to extremely hot or cold conditions.
• Do not carry the battery pack with metal objects, as they may short the battery terminals.
• Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced; replace only with the same type.
• When attaching a commercial strap to the transceiver, ensure that the strap is durable. In addition, do not swing the transceiver around by the strap; you may inadvertently strike and injure another person with the transceiver.
• If a commercially available neck strap is used, take care not to let the strap get caught on nearby machine.
• When operating the transceiver in areas where the air is dry, it is easy to build up an electric charge (static electricity). When using an earphone accessory in such conditions, it is possible for the transceiver to send an electric shock through the earphone and to your ear. We recommend you use only a speaker/microphone in these conditions, to avoid electric shocks.
• To dispose of batteries, be sure to comply with the laws and regulations in your country or region.

Information concerning the battery pack

The battery pack includes flammable objects such as organic solvent.
Mishandling may cause the battery to rupture producing flames or extreme heat, deteriorate, or cause other forms of damage to the battery.

Please observe the following prohibitive matters.

DANGER

• Do not disassemble or reconstruct battery!
  The battery pack has a safety function and protection circuit to avoid danger. If they suffer serious damage, the battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Do not short-circuit the battery!
  Do not join the + and – terminals using any form of metal (such as a paper clip or wire). Do not carry or store the battery pack in containers holding metal objects (such as wires, chainnecklace or hairpins). If the battery pack is short-circuited, excessive current will flow and the battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame. It will also cause metal objects to heat up.

• Do not incinerate or apply heat to the battery!
  If the insulator is melted, the gas release vent or safety function is damaged, or the electrolyte is ignited, the battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Do not leave the battery near fires, stoves, or other heat generators (areas reaching over 80°C/ 176°F)!
  If the polymer separator is melted due to high temperature, an internal short- circuit may occur in the individual cells and the battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Avoid immersing the battery in water or getting it wet by other means!
  If the battery becomes wet, wipe it off with a dry towel before use. If the battery’s protection circuit is damaged, the battery may charge at extreme current (or voltage) and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur. The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Do not charge the battery near fires or under direct sunlight!
  If the battery’s protection circuit is damaged, the battery may charge at extreme current (or voltage) and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur. The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Use only the specified charger and observe charging requirements!
  If the battery is charged in unspecified conditions (under high temperature over the regulated value, excessive high voltage or current over regulated value, or with a remodelled charger), it may overcharge or an abnormal chemical reaction may occur.
  The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Do not pierce the battery with any object, strike it with an instrument, or step on it!
  This may break or deform the battery, causing a short-circuit.
  The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Do not jar or throw the battery!
  An impact may cause the battery to leak, generate heat or smoke, rupture, and/or burst into flame. If the battery’s protection circuit is damaged, the battery may charge at an abnormal current (or voltage), and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur.

• Do not use the battery pack if it is damaged in any way!
  The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Do not solder directly onto the battery!
  If the insulator is melted or the gas release vent or safety function is damaged, the battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Do not reverse the battery polarity (and terminals)!
  When charging a reversed battery, an abnormal chemical reaction may occur. In some cases, an unexpected large amount of current may flow upon discharging. The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Do not reverse-charge or reverse-connect the battery!
  The battery pack has positive and negative poles. If the battery pack does not smoothly connect with a charger or operating equipment, do not force it; check the polarity of the battery. If the battery pack is reverse-connected to the charger, it will be reverse-charged and an abnormal chemical reaction may occur.
  The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Do not touch a ruptured and leaking battery!
  If the electrolyte liquid from the battery gets into your eyes, wash your eyes out with fresh water as soon as possible, without rubbing your eyes. Go to the hospital immediately. If left untreated, it may cause eye-problems.

WARNING

• Do not charge the battery for longer than the specified time!
  If the battery pack has not finished charging even after the regulated time has passed, stop it. The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Do not place the battery pack into a microwave or high pressure container!
  The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

• Keep ruptured and leaking battery packs away from fire!
  If the battery pack is leaking (or the battery emits a bad odor), immediately remove it from flammable areas. Electrolyte leaking from battery can easily catch on fire and may cause the battery to generate smoke or burst into flame.

• Do not use an abnormal battery!
  If the battery pack emits a bad odor, appears to have different coloring, is deformed, or seems abnormal for any other reason, remove it from the charger or operating equipment and do not use it. The battery may generate heat or smoke, rupture, or burst into flame.

UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT

Note: These unpacking instructions are for use by your KENWOOD dealer, an authorized KENWOOD service facility, or the factory.
Carefully unpack the transceiver. If any items are missing or damaged, file a claim with the carrier immediately.

Supplied Accessories

• Antenna (NX-420 only)………………………………………………………………..1
• Belt clip……………………………………………………………………………………..1
• Speaker/ microphone jacks cap……………………………………………………1
• Speaker/ microphone locking bracket…………………………………………….1
• Stopper (types I and II only)…………………………………………………………1
• Instruction manual………………………………………………………………………1

Note: Inquire at your dealer for a stopper.

PREPARATION

Installing/ Removing the (Optional) Battery Pack

1. Match the guides of the battery pack with the grooves on the upper rear of the transceiver, then firmly press the battery pack in place.
2. Lock the safety catch to prevent accidentally releasing the battery pack.
3. To remove the battery pack, lift the safety catch, press the release latch, then pull the battery pack away from the transceiver.

Note:

• For battery pack charging procedures and usage, refer to the battery charger Instruction Manual.
• The battery pack is not charged at the factory; charge it before use.
• Install the battery pack after cleaning the battery pack contacts and the transceiver terminals.
• Before charging a battery pack that is attached to the transceiver, ensure that the safety catch is firmly closed.

INSTALLING/ REMOVING ALKALINE BATTERIES (OPTIONAL BATTERY CASE)

WARNING

• Do not install batteries in a hazardous environment where sparks could cause an explosion.
• Never discard batteries in fire; extremely high temperatures can cause batteries to explode.
• Do not short circuit the battery case terminals.
• Do not use rechargeable batteries.

NOTE

• If you do not plan to use the transceiver for a long period, remove the batteries from the battery case.
• This battery case has been designed for transmitting at a power of approximately 1 W (the low power setting on your transceiver). If you want to transmit a stronger signal (using the high power setting on your transceiver), use an optional rechargeable battery pack.
  1. To open the battery case, press on the two tabs on the upper rear of the case, then pull the two halves apart.
  2. Insert 6 AA (LR6) Alkaline batteries into the battery case.
  • Be sure to match the polarities with those marked in the bottom of the battery case.
  3. Align the tabs of the cover with the base, then push down on the cover until it locks in place.

Installing the Antenna
Screw the antenna into the connector on the top of the transceiver by holding the antenna at its base and turning it clockwise until secure.

Installing the Belt Clip

Note: When first installing the belt clip, you must remove the battery pack from the rear of the transceiver.

1. Remove the 2 screws from the rear of the transceiver, then remove the small, plastic black covering that was held in place.
2. Insert the belt clip mount into the space on the rear of the transceiver.
3. Using the 2 screws, affix the belt clip in place.

CAUTION

• When the belt clip is not installed, leave the plastic covering in place.
• Do not use glue which is designed to prevent screw loosening when installing the belt clip, as it may cause damage to the transceiver. Acrylic ester, which is contained in these glues, may crack the transceiver’s back panel.

Installing the Cap over the Speaker/ Microphone Jacks
Install the cap over the speaker/ microphone jacks when not using an optional speaker/ microphone or Headset.

Note: To keep the transceiver water resistant, you must cover the speaker/ microphone jacks with the supplied cap.

1. Place the cap over the jacks so that the locking tabs insert into the transceiver grooves.
2. While holding the cap in place, push it towards the bottom of the transceiver until the tabs on the cap click into place.
   • To remove the cap, hold the top of the cap in place with your finger while inserting a 3 mm or smaller flat blade screwdriver under the bottom of the cap. Slowly slide the screwdriver in until its tip touches the tab inside the cap, then gently pry the cap up (handle of screwdriver moving away from the transceiver) to remove the cap.

Installing the (Optional) Speaker/ Microphone
Note: The transceiver is not fully water resistant when using a speaker/ microphone or headset.

1. Insert the speaker/ microphone plugs into the speaker/ microphone jacks of the transceiver.
2. Place the locking bracket over the speaker/microphone plugs so that the locking tabs insert into the transceiver grooves.
3. While holding the locking bracket in place, push it towards the bottom of the transceiver until the tabs on the bracket click into place.
   • To remove the locking bracket, push the bracket up from the base.

ORIENTATION

There are 3 types of transceivers available:
Type I: Equipped with a display and full keypad.
Type II <NX-220/ NX-320 only>: Equipped with a display and 4-key keypad (S,A, <B, and C>).
Type III <NX-220/ NX-320/ NX-420 only>: Basic model.

1. Transmit/ Receive/ Battery low indicator
   If enabled by your dealer, lights red while transmitting,green while receiving a call (Conventional channels only),and orange when receiving an optional signaling call. Blinks red when the battery power is low while transmitting.

2. Selector knob
   Rotate to select a zone or channel/group ID (default).

3. Power switch/ Volume control
   Rotate to turn the transceiver ON/OFF and to adjust the volume.

4. Auxiliary (orange) key
   Press to activate its programmable function {page 10}.

5. PTT (Push-To-Talk) switch
   Press and hold this switch, then speak into the microphone to call a station.

6. Side 1 key
   Press to activate its programmable function {page 10}.
   The default is [Squelch Off Momentary].

7. Side 2 key
   Press to activate its programmable function {page 10}.
   Types I and II: The default setting is [Backlight].
   Type III: The default setting is [None] (no function).

8. S, A, <B, C> keys (Types I and II only)
   Press to activate their programmable functions {page 10}.
   S key: The default setting is [None] (no function).
   A key: The default setting is [None] (no function).
   <B key: The default setting is [Zone Down].
   C> key: The default setting is [Zone Up].

9. Keypad (Type I only)
   Press these keys to send DTMF tones. These keys can also be programmed with secondary functions {page 10} if a programmable function key is programmed as [Function].

10. Speaker/ Microphone jacks
    Insert the Speaker/ Microphone or Headset plug into this jack {page 5}.

Display (TypeS i and II only)

PROGRAMMABLE AUXILIARY FUNCTIONS

The Selector, Auxiliary (orange), Side 1, Side 2, S, A, <B,and C> keys, as well as the Keypad, can be programmed with the functions listed below. Please contact your dealer for further details on these functions.

• None
  2-tone 1, 10, 13

• Activity Detection

• Activity Reset

• Autodial 1

• Autodial Programming 1

• Auto Telephone 2

• Backlight 1

• Battery Indicator 3

• Broadcast 4

• Call 1 ~ 6

• CH/GID Down

• CH/GID Recall

• CH/GID Select 5

• CH/GID Up

• Channel Entry 1

• CW Message 6

• Direct CH/GID 1 ~ 5

• Direct CH/GID Select 1 ~ 5

• Display Format 1

• Emergency 7

• Fixed Volume

• Forced Search 4

• Function

• GPS Position Display 1

• Group ID/Channel Entry 1

• Group 1, 6

• Group + Short Message 1, 8

• Group + Status 1, 8

• Home CH/GID

• Home CH/GID Select

• Individual 1, 8

• Individual + Short Message 1, 8

• Individual + Status 1, 8

• Key Lock

• Lone Worker

• Low Transmit Power

• Maintenance 1

• Monitor 9

• Monitor Momentary 9

• Operator Selectable Tone (OST) 1, 10

• Priority-channel Select 1, 11

• Scan

• Scan Delete/Add

• Scrambler/ Encryption

• Selcall 1, 12

• Selcall + Short Message 1, 12

• Selcall + Status 1, 12

• Send the GPS data

• Short Message 1

• Site Down 4

• Site Lock 4

• Site Select 4, 5

• Site Up 4

• Squelch Level 1, 10

• Squelch Off 10

• Squelch Off Momentary 10

• Stack 1

• Status 1

• Talk Around 9

• Telephone Disconnect 2

• Transceiver Password 1

• VOX 11

• Zone Delete/Add

• Zone Down

• Zone Select 5

• Zone Up

  1. Available only for Types I and II.
  2. Available only for Analog Trunking operation.
  3. Available only for Type III.
  4. Available only for NXDN Trunking operation.
  5. Can be programmed only on the Selector.
  6. Available only for NXDN Conventional operation.
  7. Can be programmed only on the Auxiliary (orange) key.
  8. Available only for NXDN Conventional and NXDN Trunking operation.
  9. Available only for Analog Conventional, Analog Trunking, and NXDN Conventional operation.
  10. Available only for Analog Conventional operation.
  11. Available only for Analog Conventional and NXDN Conventional operation.
  12. Available only for Analog Conventional and Analog Trunking operation.
  13. Available only for NX-220/ NX-320/ NX-322.

BASIC OPERATIONS

Switching Power ON/OFF
Turn the Power switch/ Volume control clockwise to switch the transceiver ON.

Turn the Power switch/ Volume control counterclockwise fully to switch the transceiver OFF.

1. Transceiver Password (Types I and II Only)
   If your transceiver is password protected, you must first enter the password before you can use the transceiver.

2. Rotate the Selector to select the first digit of the password.

3. Press the S or key to accept the entry and move to the next digit.

   • Press the A or # key to delete an incorrect digit.

4. Repeat steps 1 and 2 to enter the entire password.

   • The password can contain a maximum of 6 digits.

5. Press the S or key to confirm the entered password.

   • If you enter an incorrect password, an error tone sounds and the transceiver remains locked.

Adjusting the Volume
Rotate the Power switch/ Volume control to adjust the volume.
Clockwise increases the volume and counterclockwise decreases it.

Selecting a Zone and Channel/Group ID
Select the desired zone using the key programmed as [Zone Select] or [Zone Up/Down]. Each zone contains a group of channels.
Select the desired channel/group ID using the Selector knob (default). Each channel/group ID is programmed with settings for transmitting and receiving.

Transmitting

1. Select the desired zone and channel/group ID.

2. Press the key programmed as [Monitor] or [Squelch Off] to check whether or not the channel is free.

   • If the channel is busy, wait until it becomes free.

3. Press the PTT switch and speak into the microphone.
   Release the PTT switch to receive.

   • For best sound quality, hold the transceiver approximately 1.5 inches (3 ~ 4 cm) from your mouth.

Making Group Calls (Digital) (Types I and II Only)
If a key has been programmed with [Group], you can select a group ID from the list to make a call to those parties on a Conventional channel.

To select a group ID:

1. Press the key programmed as [Group].
2. Press the key to select a group ID/name from the list.
3. Press and hold the PTT switch to make the call.
   • Speak into the transceiver as you would during a normal transmission.