ALBRECHT Tectalk Float 2 PMR Radios Set Instruction Manual

Tectalk Float 2
PMR446 radio Manual

Scope of delivery

Dual set
2x Tectalk Float 2 radio
Charging stand and cable
2x belt clip
6x NiMH rechargeable batteries
2x carabiner hook
Carrier bag
Manual

Overview

3.1. Keys and functions

Long press to switch on/off
5| CH+: Channel / selection up
6| CH-: Channel / selection down
7| SOS: Emergency call key
8| Torch key
Long press for key lock
9| Headset connection socket 2.5 mm
10| Charge port USB-C
11| VOL+: Volume up
Long press for channel search
12| VOL-: Volume down
Long press for call tone
13| Microphone
14| Speaker
15| LED Torch
16| CTCSS / DCS tone
17| Channel
18| Mute active
19| Dual channel watch active
20| RX indicator
21| TX indicator
22| Emergency call active
23| Hands free funktion active
24| Key lock active
25| Battery level indicator
26| Channel search active

Operating the radio

4.1. First use
Before using the radio for the first time, the batteries must be inserted. To do this, open the battery compartment on the back of the unit by loosening the two screws with the belt clip or a screwdriver.
Insert three of the supplied NiMH batteries into the unit according to the diagram inside. Close the battery compartment again and tighten both screws thoroughly to make the unit waterproof.
If you want to use the belt clip, you can now slide it from top to bottom into the holder on the unit until it clicks into place. To remove the belt clip, pull the release tab and slide the clip out upwards.
Switch the unit on and off by pressing and holding the MENU / OK button.
4.2. Charging the unit
Before using the radio for the first time, please fully charge the batteries once for at least 16 hours to condition the batteries. You can charge the radio either via the supplied stand charger or via the USB-C charging cable, using a standard USB power supply.
The current charge level is shown in the display. Avoid transmitting with the radio while it is charging.
Remove rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries from the device when not in use for a long period of time to avoid damage due to battery corrosion. Charge stored batteries every 3 months to keep them ready for use and to avoid damage to the batteries.
CAUTION: You can also operate the unit with alkaline batteries. Never attempt to recharge alkaline or other disposable batteries.
4.2.1. Low Battery Warning:
When the battery level drops to a low level, it is no longer possible to send further radio messages.
When the PTT button is pressed, two warning tones will sound instead.
4.3. Connecting a headset / loudspeaker microphone
Connect the plug of the headset to the “Speaker/Mic” socket on the right side of the radio.
You can connect external microphones/earphones to the radio if they have a 2.5 mm jack connection according to the Albrecht/Midland standard.
Note: The Tectalk Float 2 is not waterproof when using external accessories. Please ensure that the rubber cover over the accessory socket is closed when not using external accessories.
4.4. Channel selection
The radios have 16 true PMR446 channels. Select the desired channel using the CH+ and CH- buttons. The expansion to 16 channels was approved by the authorities in November 2018. Older radios only support 8 PMR446 channels. If you want to use the Albrecht Tectalk Float 2 with an older 8 channel radio, you can only use the first 8 channels of the Tectalk Float 2.

Transmitting and receiving

When the radio is switched on, it is automatically in receive mode as long as you are not transmitting.
When a radio message is received, the message RX appears in the display. Adjust the desired volume with the VOL+ and VOL- buttons. After 10 seconds of inactivity, the backlight turns off to save power.
The unit can still receive radio transmissions.
To transmit, press and hold the PTT (transmit) button and speak into the microphone at normal volume and about 5 cm away. The message TX appears in the display. Release the PTT button at the end of your transmission. To avoid accidental continuous transmission, the unit interrupts transmissions after one minute and emits a warning tone instead. To continue transmitting, release the PTT button briefly and then start another transmission.
Before transmitting, make sure the channel is clear by waiting a few seconds for any radio calls from other participants. If you are using a CTCSS or DCS tone (see „6.2. CTCSS / DCS tones“ on page 16), use the monitor function (see „6.6. Monitor“ on page 17) to listen to the channel. If you only receive noise here, the channel is free.

 Additional functions

The Tectalk Float 2 has additional functions that you can use in the following way.
6.1. Main menu
Open the main menu by pressing the MENU / OK button. Press the button again to move through the menu items. To exit the menu, press the PTT key. The menu items are:

• CTCSS / DCS tones
• Call tones
• VOX (hands-free function)
• Dual channel monitoring
• Monitor function

6.2. CTCSS / DCS tones
CTCSS and DCS tones are used to select specific receivers so that other participants on the same channel cannot hear the radio message. A unit with CTCSS / DCS tones activated will only respond to transmissions from transmitters with the same settings. CTCSS / DCS tones are a feature for advanced users and we do not recommend using this feature unless you are already fully familiar with it. Accidental misconfiguration may result in the inability to receive radio transmissions.
To configure CTCSS / DCS tones, first select the desired channel (see „4.4. Channel selection“ on page 15). Then open the main menu and select the desired tone with the VOL+ and VOL- buttons.
The display shows ct for CTCSS and dc for DCS tones. Save the setting by pressing the PTT button.
6.3. Call tones
You can send call tones to attract the attention of other participants or to announce a transmission. The type of call tone can be selected from 20 variants in the main menu item CA (Call announcement).
To do this, press the MENU / OK button twice and select the desired tone with the VOL+ and VOL- buttons. The setting 0 completely deactivates the call tone function. Save the setting with the PTT button.
To send the selected call tone, press and hold the VOL- button during normal operation. The call tone is transmitted as long as you keep the key pressed.
6.4. Voice Operated Exchange (VOX)
The VOX function allows you to send radio messages without pressing the PTT button. The unit automatically goes into transmission mode when the VOX function detects that someone is speaking into the microphone.
The VOX sensitivity can be selected in 3 different levels: Level 3 means that VOX is activated at very low noise levels. Level 1 means that you have to speak very loudly into the microphone to activate VOX. Level 0 deactivates the VOX function. Press the MENU / OK button three times until the VOX symbol is displayed and then select the desired level with the VOL+ and VOL- buttons. Save the setting with the PTT button.
6.5. Dual channel monitoring
This function allows you to listen to a second channel in addition to the channel you are currently listening to. If a radio message is received on one of the two monitored channels, it will be played back. Note that you nevertheless always transmit on your set main channel. To answer on the secondary channel, you must therefore change the main channel to it.
Configure the dual channel monitoring by pressing the MENU / OK button four times until the dual channel monitoring symbol is displayed. Now select the desired second channel with the VOL+ and VOL- buttons and save the setting with the PTT button. The dual-channel monitoring is now active until you deactivate it in this menu with the OF setting.
6.6. Monitor
The monitor function allows you to disable the squelch function and listen to all signals including noise.
The monitor function is very useful when you want to adjust the volume or receive weak signals (which would be suppressed by the squelch).
Press the MENU / OK key five times until M is displayed. Now you can activate and deactivate the monitor function with the VOL+ and VOL- keys.
6.7. Channel Scan
The channel scan function allows you to scan all available channels for radio activity. Activate the channel scan by pressing and holding the VOL+ button. The unit will now scan all channels and stop when a radio transmission is found on a channel so you can listen to it. After the end of the received transmission, the search continues. If you want to answer a call, press the PTT button within 5 seconds. To deactivate the scan, press and hold the VOL+ key again.
If the scan has found a channel that you do not wish to continue listening to, briefly press the CH+ or CH- button to skip the channel. If you want to temporarily exclude a channel completely from the search, press and hold the CH+ or CH- key for 3 seconds. You can exclude several channels in this way. This setting is retained until the next time the unit is restarted.
6.8. Key lock
The key lock prevents unintentional operation of the unit. To activate and deactivate the key lock, press and hold the torch key.
6.9. Key tones
To turn the key tones on or off, press and hold the VOL- key while turning the unit on.
6.10. Confirmation tone
The confirmation tone is sent automatically whenever you release the PTT key. This signals the end of your transmission to the other party or can be used as a short confirmation by briefly pressing the PTT key.
To turn the confirmation tone on and off, press and hold the VOL+ key while turning the unit on.
6.11. Torch
The torch on the bottom of the unit can be turned on and off by pressing the torch button. This works even if the unit itself is switched off.
The torch activates automatically if the unit falls into water, making it easier for you to find it again.
6.12. Emergency signal
Press and hold the SOS button for 3 seconds to activate a red signal light and send an emergency signal tone. Deactivate the emergency signal by pressing the SOS button again.

Water resistance

This unit is water resistant to IP67 rating, allowing it to be submerged up to one metre for up to 30 minutes. This water resistance is only given if both the headset connector and the battery cover are correctly and tightly closed.
The unit is buoyant with the three 1200 mAh NiMH batteries supplied. Other batteries and rechargeable batteries may affect the floatability.

Technical specifications

Safety instructions

• Repairs may only be carried out by specialist dealers or authorised service partners.
• Do not open the radio or make any modifications to the radio.
• Keep the radio at least 5 cm away from your body.
• Do not expose the radio to direct sunlight or extreme heat for a long period of time.
• Do not operate the radio or charge the battery in potentially explosive atmospheres.
• Do not mix disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries. Only use a complete set of identical and fresh batteries. Do not attempt to charge disposable batteries.
• Do not immerse the unit in water for more than 30 minutes or deeper than one metre.
• Rinse the unit with clean water as soon as possible after contact with salt water.

Troubleshooting

The unit does not switch on or switches off automatically.| 1. charge the batteries or insert fresh batteries.
2. are the batteries inserted correctly?
3. clean the battery contacts before charging.
---|---
I cannot communicate with other members.| 1. make sure you are on the same channel and sub-channel (CTCSS/DCS).
2. you are outside the transmission range of the other radios.
You can hear the other participant, but they cannot hear you.| Check that you are using the same channel as the person you are talking to.
If the person you are talking to uses a CTCSS or DCS code, you must also use this code to be heard.
Other participants will only hear you interrupted.| 1. the signal is too weak – they are too far apart.
2. iIs the microphone defective? Please contact a specialist dealer.
I hear radio calls from other groups.| Other users are using the same channel as you – change the channel.

Warranty information

We are obliged to enclose with each appliance information on disposal, on the statutory warranty provisions and the EU declarations of conformity with instructions on the use of the appliances in the various countries.
You will therefore find this information in the following text.
Statutory warranty of 2 years from date of purchase
The seller of this device grants you a statutory warranty of two years from the date of purchase of the device. This warranty covers all faults that should occur due to defective components or faulty functions within the warranty period, but not faults that are based on normal wear and tear, such as used batteries, scratches in the display, housing defects, broken antennas, as well as defects due to external influences, such as corrosion, overvoltage due to improper external power supply or use of unsuitable accessories. Defects caused by improper use of the unit are also excluded from the warranty.
If you have a warranty claim, please contact the dealer from whom you purchased the unit or our service partner directly. The dealer will either repair or replace your unit, or he will provide you with a service address specialised for the unit.
If you send in your unit, do not forget your purchase receipt as proof of the date of purchase and please describe the fault that has occurred as precisely as possible.

E-waste law and recycling

European laws prohibit the disposal of defective or no longer usable appliances in household waste. Should you one day wish to dispose of your appliance, please only hand it in for recycling at the municipal collection points set up everywhere. This collection system is financed by the industry and also ensures environmentally sound disposal and recycling of valuable raw materials.

Declaration of conformity

Hereby, Alan Electronics GmbH declares that the radio equipment Tectalk Float 2 is in compliance with Directive 2014/53/EU. The full text of the EU Declaration of Conformity is available at the following internet address: http://service.alan-electronics.de/CE-Papiere/

Service address and technical hotline

(for devices purchased in Germany)
Alan Electronics GmbH
Service
Daimlerstraße 1g
63303 Dreieich
Germany
You can reach our service hotline by telephone at +49 (0) 6103 9481 66 (at the price of a connection to the German landline network) or by e-mail at service @albrecht-midland.de
Before you send back a supposedly defective device in case of a problem, you can save time and shipping costs by getting help via the hotline.

Subject to printing errors.
The information in this manual is subject to change without notice.
© 2023 Alan Electronics GmbH – Daimlerstraße 1g – 63303 Dreieich – Germany

References

• Startseite | Alan Electronics
• Index of /CE-Papiere

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