GME TX680 Pocket Size 3 Watt Handheld Uhf Radio

Product Information

Specifications

• Product Name: TX680
• Type: Pocket Size 3 Watt Handheld UHF Radio
• Model Number: TX680

Features

• Compact and portable design
• 3 watt power output
• UHF radio frequency

FAQ

• Q: How do I adjust the volume on the radio?
  • A: Use the Volume Up/Down buttons (number 11 and 15 on the controls diagram) to adjust the volume level.
• Q: What is the purpose of the Mode Key?
  • A: The Mode Key (number 6 on the controls diagram) is used to access various settings and modes of the radio, such as CTCSS code selection, transmitter power, VOX settings, dual watch settings, button beep tone settings, and call alarm selection.

Warning: Safety Information

The TX680 is a radio frequency transmitting device.

• When transmitting, keep the antenna more than 25 mm from any part of the head or body.
• Do not transmit near electrical blasting equipment or in explosive atmospheres.
• Do not allow children to operate a radio transmitter unsupervised.

Features

• 3/1 Watt RF power
• 40 Channels
• Removable flexible antenna
• Semi-quick charger
• Memory scan
• CTCSS
• Keypad lock
• Backlit LCD display
• Calling tone/ Roger beep
• Dual watch
• Power save mode
• Signal strength indicator
• Duplex
• VOX – voice activated transmit

ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED

• Li-Ion Battery Pack (1000 mAh)
• Semi-Quick Charger
• AC Adapter
• Carry Case
• Instruction manual

CONTROLS

1. Battery
2. Scan
3. Squelch/CTCSS Key
4. Battery Release Clip
5. Push-To-Talk (PTT) Switch
6. Mode Key
7. Microphone
8. Indicator LED
9. Antenna
10. Duplex/Keylock Button
11. Volume On/Off
12. External Speaker/Mic
13. Speaker
14. LCD Display
15. Channel Up
16. Channel Down

LCD INDICATORS

1. Receiver Busy Icon: Appears when receiving.
2. Transmit Icon: Appears when transmitting.
3. Dual Watch Icon: Appears when the Dual Watch mode is Active.
4. Key Lock Icon: Appears when the keypad is locked.
5. Button Beep Tone Icon: Appears when the button beep confirmation tone is selected.
6. CTCSS (CTC) Icon: Indicates that CTCSS tones are enabled on the selected channel.
7. Squelch/Monitor Icon: Appears when the Monitor function is activated. (Squelch is open)
8. Battery Level Icon: Indicates battery charge level. Flashes when battery is almost empty.
9. High Power Icon: Appears when High transmitter power is selected.
10. Low Power Icon: Appears when Low transmitter power is selected.
11. Duplex Icon: Indicates that Duplex communication has been enabled.
12. Voice Activated Transmission (VOX) Icon: Appears when the VOX mode is activated.
13. CTCSS Tone: Displays the selected CTCSS tone (from 00 – 38) on the selected channel.
14. Channel Display: Indicates the channel number in use.
15. Scan Indicator Icon: Appears when SCAN is enabled and the radio is scanning.
16. Channel Memory Indicator: Appears when selected channel is stored in Scan Memory.

POWERING THE RADIO

Your TX680 is powered by a 7.4 Volt 1000 mAh Li-Ion battery pack. When the battery pack is new, it should be fully charged before being used for the first time. If left unused, your TX680’s battery pack will discharge itself within a few months. If you have not used your TX680 for some time, you will need to recharge the battery pack before use.

WARNING: Use only the approved GME charger. The use of other types may be dangerous and will void the warranty.

Fitting the Battery Pack

To fit the battery pack:

1. Locate the bottom of the battery pack into the two slots in the base of the radio frame.
2. Press the top of the battery pack in to place against the radio until it ‘clicks’.

To Remove the Battery Pack

1. Slide the battery retaining clip downward while pulling the top of the battery away from the radio.
2. Lift the battery pack upward to clear the slots at the bottom of the radio.

Charging the Battery Pack

Your TX680 is supplied with an AC adaptor and a Semi-quick charger. The charger will charge a fully discharged 1000 mAh battery pack to full capacity in around 3-4 hours.

1. Plug the charger into a standard 240 Volt AC outlet.
2. Plug the lead from the charger into the charging cradle.
3. Place the TX680 into the cradle. The Red LED will light to indicate the battery is charging.
4. When the battery has charged, the LED will change to Green.

To Remove Battery Pack

To Refit Battery Pack

Battery Low Alert

• When the battery icon blinks on the display, the battery level is low and the battery pack should be recharged.
• If the battery is not charged, an audio tone will then sound to warn the user that the battery is almost discharged.

Battery Usage

• The time taken to discharge the battery pack will depend on how you use the TX680.
• The 1000 mAh battery pack supplied is powerful enough for a full days use under average conditions. (Optional BP006 1850 mAh battery pack also available.)

Conserving Battery Power

The TX680 has built-in power saving features to help you get the maximum amount of time between charges from your Li-Ion battery pack. If you need to operate your TX680 in a situation where you require maximum battery life (e.g. a remote site where there is no convenient recharging facility nearby) the following hints can greatly reduce the amount of power drawn from the battery pack.

Standby Mode

The TX680 will automatically enter the ‘Standby’ mode when it is inactive (i.e. not transmitting or receiving signals. While in Standby mode it will still check for incoming signals but it will draw considerably less power from the battery pack. As soon as a signal is heard or the keys are pressed the TX680 will ‘wake up’ again. This Standby mode is automatic and by itself can extend the battery life by many hours.

Using CTCSS

If you are expecting to receive signals on a busy channel, you can program that channel for CTCSS operation and get the other person to call you using the same CTCSS tone. Your radio will then remain in Standby and ignore all other signals until your selected CTCSS tone is received.

Scanning

The TX680 draws more power from the battery pack when scanning than when monitoring a single channel. This is because it must ‘wake up’ more often to monitor each channel for activity. You can squeeze that extra bit of life from the battery pack by avoiding any unnecessary scanning. In addition, scanning increases the chance of finding a signal thereby keeping the receiver ‘awake’ and the squelch open more often.

Low Transmit Power Settings

The transmitter has both high and low power settings. If you are only operating over short distances, are in a reasonably high location or are close to a local repeater, try using the Low transmitter power setting. This reduces the transmitter power from 3 Watts to 1 Watt effectively doubling the talk time available.

GENERAL OPERATION

Power On/Off

• Rotate the Volume control clockwise past the ‘click’ to turn the radio on.
• Rotate the control counter-clockwise past the click to turn the radio off again.

Adjusting the Volume

• With the unit powered on, rotate the Volume control clockwise to increase the volume and counter-clockwise to decrease the volume.

Display Lighting

• The LCD backlighting activates automatically whenever a key is pressed and turns off automatically after about 5 seconds.

Receiving Signals

While the TX680 is not receiving signals, it will remain in the Standby mode to conserve battery power. When a signal is received, the LED indicator on the upper edge of the radio will light Green and the icon will appear on the display. Adjust the volume control for a comfortable listening level.

If the incoming signal is encoded with a CTCSS tone that matches the one set in your radio, the LED indicator will light Orange and you will be able to hear the signal in the speaker.
If the LED indicator lights Green and the icon appears but you cannot hear the signal, it is likely that your radio has CTCSS enabled and the incoming signal is not using your selected CTCSS tone (see Mode Settings for more details on CTCSS settings). If no further signals are received, the unit will return to standby mode.

Transmitting

To transmit, press and hold the Push-To-Talk (PTT) switch. The other radio you are talking to must be set to the same channel (and CTCSS code if applicable). Hold the TX680 approximately 5 to 8 cms from your face with the antenna vertical and speak into the built-in microphone.

While the PTT switch is pressed, the LED indicator on the upper edge of the radio will light RED and the icon will appear on the LCD. When you have finished speaking, release the PTT switch to receive incoming signals (it is not possible to transmit and receive at the same time). If no further signals are received, the unit will revert to standby mode.

TIP: The PTT switch can also be used to transmit a Call Alarm melody. When the Call Alarm melody is enabled (see Mode settings for more details on the Call Alarm settings), pressing the PTT switch twice quickly will call another party on the same channel and play the Call Alarm melody in their radio’s speaker. When this happens, the icon will appear and the LED indicator will light RED for about 5 seconds. The call alarm can only be sent once per minute.

Selecting Channels

• In the ‘Standby’ mode, press the key to step up one channel or the key to step down one channel.
• Press and hold the or keys to quickly scroll through the channels.

SQL Key

• The SQL key is a dual function key that controls both the Squelch and CTCSS

Squelch

To open the squelch, briefly press the SQL key. This will allow you to check the current channel for activity before transmitting, particularly if you have CTCSS enabled. When the squelch is open, the LED indicator on the upper edge of the radio will light Green, the icon will appear on the display and you will hear static or hiss if the channel is clear. Do not transmit if you hear any conversations. Briefly press the SQL key again to close the squelch.

CTCSS

• Press and hold the SQL key to activate or deactivate CTCSS.
• When activated, the ‘CTC’ icon will appear on the display, along with the selected CTCSS code

Note

To activate or deactivate CTCSS, the current channel must have a CTCSS code selected via the MODE key (See MODE key settings for more details).

DUP Button

Duplex operation allows the TX680 to transmit on a different frequency to that which it receives. This allows operation through repeater stations in your area. Repeaters automatically re-transmit your signal over a much wider area, providing greatly increased range. The Duplex mode only works on channels 1 – 8. With Duplex selected, your TX680 actually transmits 30 channels higher than it receives.

To switch between Simplex and Duplex modes, select a duplex channel (1-8) then briefly press the DUP button. When Duplex mode is selected, ‘DUP’ appears on the display on that channel.

SCAN Key

• The SCAN key is a dual function key that controls both Scan and Memory Functions.

Scanning Function

• Channel Scanning allows you to monitor selected channels automatically for incoming signals. While the radio is scanning, the MODE setting key is disabled.

To Select Channels for Scanning

1. Press the or keys to select the required channel.
2. Press and hold the SCAN key until the radio beeps. ‘M’ will appear on the display indicating the selected channel is now stored in the Scan Memory.
3. Repeat to store further channels into the Scan Memory.
4. To remove a channel from the Scan Group, press and hold the SCAN key again. ‘M’ will disappear from the display.

To Scan the Selected Channels

Briefly press the SCAN key. ‘SCAN’ will be displayed and the radio will show rapidly changing channel numbers as it scans through the channels. While scanning, briefly press the or keys to select the scan direction. To exit the scan mode, briefly press the SCAN key again. The TX680 will return to normal operation and ‘SCAN’ will disappear from the display.

Note

• Must be at least 2 channels in Scan Memory otherwise the radio will not scan.

Scanning Features

• If a signal is received, the scan is paused, allowing you to transmit and receive on that channel. The radio will automatically resume scanning a few seconds after the last reception or transmission.
• Press the PTT switch while the unit is scanning to jump to the home channel (the home channel is the channel the Radio was on at the time scanning was activated). You can then transmit and receive on that channel. The radio will automatically resume scanning a few seconds after the last reception or transmission.
• When the unit has stopped on a busy channel, press the or keys to ‘Skip’ over the busy channel and continue scanning.

TIP

• The scan mode will reduce the overall battery life because the Standby (battery saver) feature is overridden.
• You should avoid scanning if the battery is running low and you need to conserve power.

Key-Lock Function

The Key-Lock function disables the keys to prevent accidental key presses from changing the preferred settings of the radio. When the keys are locked, the Icon is displayed and all key presses are ignored except for the PTT and Key- Lock functions. To activate the Key-Lock, press and hold the DUP button for about 2 seconds. The icon will appear on the display. To cancel the Key-Lock, press and hold the DUP button again. The icon will disappear from the display.

MODE KEY

The MODE key is used to set the various feature settings of the TX680. The following chart shows the order of these selections.

Standby Mode:

CTCSS Code Selection

The Continuous Tone Coded Squelch System (CTCSS) is a squelch quieting system that allows groups of users to share the same channel without disturbing each other. It uses 1 of 38 low frequency tones to open and close the squelch on the radio. The CTCSS codes do not prevent others from hearing your transmission. They simply provide you with a quieter channel by preventing you from hearing transmissions that are not using the same code as you and are therefore not directed at you.

Note: To communicate with other UHF radios using CTCSS, all radios you wish to communicate with must be switched to the same channel and have the same CTCSS code selected. If you wish to receive signals from UHF radios that are not using CTCSS you will need to either disable CTCSS on that channel or set the CTCSS code to oF as described below.

To select a CTCSS code

From the Standby mode:

1. Select the required channel using the or keys.
2. Press the MODE key ONCE to select the CTCSS setting mode. ‘CTC’ will flash on the display.
3. Press the or keys to select the required CTCSS code. (A list of available codes is shown in the chart at the end of this manual).
   • Note: To turn CTCSS off on this channel,set the CTCSS code to oF.
4. Press and hold the MODE key (or press the PTT key momentarily) to confirm and store your selection.

To Activate CTCSS on the Radio

1. Select a channel that has a CTCSS code selected.
2. Press and hold the SQL key for about 2 seconds. The ‘CTC’ icon and CTCSS code will appear on the display. CTCSS is now enabled on ALL channels that have CTCSS codes selected.

To Deactivate CTCSS on the Radio

1. Select a CTCSS enabled channel using the or keys. The ‘CTC’ icon and CTCSS code will be displayed on that channel.
2. Press and hold the SQL key for about 2 seconds. The ‘CTC’ icon and CTCSS code will disappear from the display indicating CTCSS is no longer activated.

Note: CTCSS is only enabled on those channels with CTCSS codes selected. All other channels will continue to operate normally.

Transmitter Power

• The transmitter power can be set to High (3 Watts) or Low (1 Watt). The power setting applies to all channels

To set the Transmit Power

From the Standby mode:

1. Press the MODE key TWICE to select the power setting mode. Po will be displayed and HI or LO will be flashing on the display.
2. Press the or keys to select the required power setting. Select HI for high power or LO for low power.
3. Press and hold the MODE key (or press the PTT key momentarily) to confirm and store your selection.

The TX680 should now display the selected channel number along with HI or LO to indicate the transmit power you have set.

VOX Settings

The VOX feature lets you have handsfree conversations. When you speak, the microphone automatically detects your voice (or other nearby sound) causing the radio to transmit without the need to press the PTT switch.

To set radio for VOX operation

From the Standby mode:

1. Press the MODE key THREE times to select the VOX setting mode. ‘VOX’ will flash on the display.
2. Press the or keys to select the sensitivity from 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The minimum setting requires a louder voice to activate the VOX. The maximum setting will activate the VOX with a much softer voice.
3. To disable the VOX completely, set the VOX sensitivity to oF.
4. Press and hold the MODE key (or press the PTT key momentarily) to confirm and store your selection. When the ‘VOX’ is enabled, ‘VOX’ is visible on the display.

Dual Watch Settings

• The Dual Watch mode lets you to monitor two channels at the same time.
• While in dual watch mode, the unit will monitor both the currently selected channel and a second dual watch channel.

To set the Dual Watch Mode

From the Standby mode:

1. Press the MODE key FOUR times to select the Dual Watch setting mode. The icon will flash on the display.
2. Press the or keys to select the Dual Watch channel number (1 – 40). To disable the Dual Watch Mode altogether select oF.
3. Press and hold the MODE key (or press the PTT key momentarily) to confirm and store your Dual Watch channel selection. will be displayed at the top of the LCD and the display will now alternate between the currently selected channel and the dual watch channel.

To EXIT the Dual Watch mode, turn the radio off, or momentarily press the SCAN key. This is equivalent to setting the DW mode to oF.

Dual Watch Operation

• If a signal is received on the Dual Watch channel, the radio will pause on that channel for as long as it remains busy, then resume the Dual Watch 5 seconds after the last transmission has ceased.
• If you wish to talk on the busy channel, press the PTT switch while the radio is locked onto that channel then talk in the usual way.
• If you wish to talk on the selected channel, press the PTT switch while no signals are being received. The radio will switch to the selected channel.

Button Beep Tone Settings

The Button beep tone feature allows the Radio to sound a confirmation tone whenever the SQL, SCAN, MODE, , or DUP keys are pressed.

To turn the Button Beeps Tones On or Off

From the Standby mode:

1. Press the MODE key FIVE times to select the Button Beep setting mode. ‘bP’ will be displayed along with a flashing icon.
2. Press the or keys to set the beep to On or oF as desired.
3. Press and hold the MODE key (or press the PTT key momentarily) to confirm and store your selection. If the Button Beep function is on, the icon will remain steady on the display and a beep will be heard in response to key activations.

Call Alarm Selection

The TX680 provides 5 user selectable call alarm melodies to alert other users to your incoming call. When enabled, the melody can be transmitted to another user where it will be heard in the speaker of the receiving radio.

To select your favourite call alarm melody

From the Standby mode:

1. Press the MODE key SIX times to select the Call Alarm setting mode. ‘C’ will be displayed.
2. Press the or keys to preview (listen) to the 5 available call melodies.
3. To turn the call melodies off, select oF.
4. Press and hold the MODE key (or press the PTT key momentarily) to confirm and store your selection.

To send the call alarm melody

• Press the PTT switch twice quickly.
• The LED indicator will light Red for a few seconds as the melody is sent.
• The melody will be heard in the speaker of the receiving radio. The call alarm can only be sent once per minute.

CTCSS TONE FREQUENCIES

CHANNEL FREQUENCY MHz

Carrier Frequency MHz

Telemetry channels only, No voice communication allowed.

SPECIFICATIONS

GENERAL

• Frequency Range: 476.425 – 477.400 MHz
• Channel Spacing: 25 kHz
• CTCSS Codes: 38
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 62 mm x 98 mm x 30 mm (without antenna)

POWER SUPPLY

• Power Source: Li-Ion rechargeable – 7.4 V DC, 1000 mAh
• Operating Time: 10 Hours (High Power), (Transmit 5%, Receive 5%, Standby 90%).

RECEIVER

• Usable Sensitivity: -121 dBm
• Maximum Audio Output: >0.3 Watt max. (8 Ohm)
• Modulation Distortion: <5% (1 kHz 70%)

TRANSMITTER

• RF Output Power: Low: 1 Watt
  • High: 3 Watts.
• Maximum Deviation: + /- 5 kHz.
• Modulation Distortion: <5% (1 kHz. 70%)

Specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

STANDARD COMMUNICATIONS CONTRACT WARRANTY

STATUTORY WARRANTIES

1. The Trade Practices Act Part V, Division 2A and other legislation imply conditions, warranties and other obligations on us to consumers that cannot be excluded, restricted or modified. Those provisions apply to the extent required by law.
2. We exclude all other conditions, warranties and obligations which would otherwise be implied concerning the activities covered by this agreement.
3. We limit our liability where we are allowed to do so. Examples of where we are allowed to limit liability are –
   • you acquire goods from us for re-supply;
   • the goods or services we supply are not of a kind ordinarily acquired for personal, domestic or household use or consumption.
4. Where we are allowed to limit our liability, to the extent permitted by law, our sole liability for breach of a condition, warranty or other obligation implied by law is limited.
   • in the case of goods we supply, to any one of the following as we decide –
   1. the replacement of the goods or the supply of equivalent goods;
   2. the repair of the goods;
   3. the payment of the cost of repairing the goods or of acquiring equivalent goods;
   4. the payment of the cost of having the goods repaired; or
   • in the case of services we supply, to any one of the following as we decide –
   1. the supplying of the services again;
   2. the payment of the cost of having the services supplied again.

Additional Warranties

1. The warranties in this clause are in addition to the statutory warranties referred to in the previous clause.
2. We warrant our goods to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of original sale or another period we agree to in writing). During this period and as our sole liability to you under this warranty, we agree to, at our option, either repair or replace goods which we are satisfied are defective. We warrant replacement parts for the remainder of the period of warranty for the goods into which they are incorporated.
3. We warrant our other repairs to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for three months from the date of the original repair. During this period and as our sole liability to you for the repair, we agree to repair or replace (at our option) repaired goods which we are satisfied are defective.
4. We warrant that we will perform services with reasonable care and skill and agree to investigate any complaint made in good faith that we have performed services unsatisfactorily. If we are satisfied that the complaint is justified, and as our sole liability to you under this warranty, we agree to supply those services again at no extra charge to you.
5. If you want warranty service under this clause you must give us an original or copy of the sales invoice from the transaction or some other evidence showing details of the transaction.

Other Limitations

1. You may not rely on any representation, warranty or other provision by or for us which is not covered by clause [ 1 ] or repeated in this agreement in clear terms.
2. We are not liable (nor are our employees, contractors and agents) for any damage, economic loss or loss of profits whether direct, indirect, general, special or consequential –
   • arising out of any breach of any implied or express term, condition or warranty; or
   • suffered as a result of our negligence (or that of our employees, contractors or agents) apart from liability as set out in the previous two clauses.
3. The liability of a party under this agreement (whether arising in contract, tort or by statute) is to be reduced by the same proportion as represents the proportion of the loss or damage caused or contributed to by the other party, its contractors or agents.

CONTACTS

A Division of Standard Communications Pty. Ltd.

Head Office

• Sydney
• Locked Bag 2086, North Ryde, NSW 1670, Australia.
• T: +61 (0)2 9844 6666
• F: +61 (0)2 9844 6600

Branches

MELBOURNE

• 7 Micro Circuit, DANDENONG STH 3165.
• T: (03) 9798 0988
• F: (03) 9798 0177

BRISBANE

• Unit 1, 89-101 Factory Rd., OXLEY 4075.
• T: (07) 3278 6444
• F: (07) 3278 6555

ADELAIDE

• Unit 1, 14 Phillips St., THEBARTON 5031.
• T: (08) 8234 2633
• F: (08) 8234 5138

SYDNEY

• Unit B, 22-24 College St., GLADESVILLE 2111.
• T: (02) 9879 8888
• F: (02) 9816 4722

PERTH

• Unit 1, 10-12 Harvard Way, CANNING VALE 6155.
• T: (08) 9455 5744
• F: (08 9455 3110

AUCKLAND

• Unit 2/24 Bishop Dunn Place, East Tamaki, MANUKAU 2013 NZ.
• T: (09) 274 0955
• F: (09) 274 0959

For customers outside Australia and New Zealand please contact your local GME retailer or email: export@gme.net.au

Part Number: 310415
Drawing Number: 44167-3

www.gme.net.au

References

• GME Australia | EPIRBS - Handheld Radios - Antennas - Power Products
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