Tait general software licence agreement This legal document is an Agreement between you (the “Licensee”) and Tait Electronics Limited (“Tait”). By using any of the Software or Firmware items priorinstalled in the related Tait product, included on this CD or downloaded from the Tait website, (hereinafter referred to as “the Software or Firmware”) you agree to be bound by the terms of this Agreement. If you do not agree to the terms of this Agreement, do not install and use any of the Software or Firmware.
Limited Warranty Law and Jurisdiction THE SOFTWARE OR FIRMWARE IS SUPPLIED BY TAIT AND ACCEPTED BY THE LICENSEE “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT BEING LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES AS TO MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
About this guide This user’s guide provides information about the TM8250 and TM8255 mobile radios and is divided into two parts. ■ Part A explains how the TM8255 radio operates. The TM8250 radio has a control head without user controls, so no TM8250 operating information is needed. ■ Part B outlines the installation procedure for both TM8250 and TM8255 radios and describes the pin allocations of the two programming connectors on the TM8250 control head.
4 About this guide
Your radio’s settings Use the following table to list your radio’s programmed settings.
function keys 1 to 4 left selection key microphone socket volume control on/off key microphone PTT key (press-to-talk) scroll keys LCD (liquid crystal display) speaker right selection key radio status LEDs green red amber
. Note: Only menus associated with features programmed on your radio will be available.
Part 1: Radio operation Tait general software licence agreement ................................... 1 About this guide .......................................................................... 3 Important safety information ....................................................................... 3 Alert notices ............................................................................................... 3 Updating this guide .................................................................................
Changing networks .................................................................................. 22 What you hear on a channel ..................................................................... 22 Signalling mute .................................................................................. 23 Squelch .............................................................................................. 23 Checking that a channel is clear ................................................................
Safety and compliance warnings Radio frequency exposure information For your own safety and to ensure you comply with the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) radio frequency (RF) exposure guidelines, please read the following information before using this radio. Using this radio You should use this radio only for work-related purposes (it is not authorized for any other use) and if you are fully aware of, and can exercise control over, your exposure to RF energy.
■ While you are transmitting (talking or sending data) on the radio, you must ensure that there is always a distance of 0.9m (35 inches) between people and the antenna. This is the minimum safe distance. ■ Use the radio only with Tait-approved antennas and attachments, and make only authorized modifications to the antenna otherwise you could damage the radio and violate FCC regulations. For more information on what RF energy is and how to control your exposure to it, visit the FCC website at http:// www.
Warning: Safe radio operation ■ Switch the radio off at petrol filling stations or near flammable liquids or gases. ■ Switch the radio off in the vicinity of explosive devices and blasting zones. ■ Using a handheld microphone or a radio while driving a vehicle may violate the laws and legislation that apply in your country or state. Please check the vehicle regulations in your area.
Getting started This section provides a brief description of your radio’s basic operation. If you need further information, contact your radio provider. Radio controls The radio controls are the PTT key, volume control, on/off key, scroll keys, selection keys and function keys. Some keys may have functions assigned to both short and long key presses: ■ a short key press is defined as less than one second, and ■ a long key press is more than one second.
PTT key (press-to-talk) microphone radio status LEDs green red amber LCD (liquid crystal speaker display) on/off key volume control microphone socket function keys 1 to 4 left selection key Symbol Name PTT scroll keys right selection key Function press and hold to transmit and release to listen MPT mode: initiates a call from the idle state volume control rotate to change the speaker volume power key turn the radio on or off with a long press left selection key action determined by the text above
Radio indicators The radio display, LED indicators and the radio’s audible tones all combine to give you information about the state of your radio. The most common operation of the radio display and indicators is described in the following sections. Note: The way these indicators behave may be affected by the way your radio is programmed. Radio display The messages and icons you see in your radio display depends upon the mode in which your radio is operating.
Radio display icons Icon Meaning RSSI (received signal strength indicator): the more bars on the indicator, the stronger the signal being received by your radio.
LED indicators LED red (transmit) green (receive) amber (scanning or network) Meaning glowing: your radio is transmitting flashing: your transmit timer is about to expire glowing: you are receiving flashing: you have received a call glowing: your radio is scanning a group of channels for activity (conventional mode) or network service is available (MPT trunked mode) flashing: your radio has detected activity on a channel, and has halted on this channel (conventional mode) flashing fast: in trunked mode, th
Basic operation This section describes the basic operation of your radio, including turning the radio on and off and adjusting the volume. Turning the radio on and off A long press of the on/off key turns the radio either on or off. When the radio is first turned on, the red, green and amber LEDs flash briefly and the radio gives two short beeps. Entering your PIN You may need to enter a PIN (personal identification number) before you can use your radio.
Quick access menu A menu that is used frequently may be programmed as your quick access menu. To go to your quick access menu, press a scroll key or , and the menu is displayed. For example, if your channels menu is your quick access menu, press a scroll key or to go directly to the channels menu.
5. Speak clearly into the microphone and release the PTT key when you have finished talking. Note: You cannot change channels while transmitting. Making a call on an MPT trunked network 1. Select the required channel, and press the PTT key. 2. Once the person you have called replies, lift the microphone off the microphone clip. 3. Hold the microphone about 5cm (2 inches) from your mouth and press the PTT key to transmit. 4.
Changing networks 1. Press Menu and scroll through the list of menu items until Networks is displayed. 2. Press Select to enter the Network Menu and the current network is highlighted. 3. Scroll down the list until the required network option is displayed, and press Select. 4. Press Yes when you are prompted to confirm your selection.
Signalling mute The radio’s signalling mute only allows the radio to unmute if the incoming call carries the tones specific to your user group. Your user group may use tones that are either audible, subaudible or both. Squelch The radio’s squelch allows the radio to unmute only when the strength of the incoming signal is above a predetermined threshold. This means that only signals of reasonable intelligibility are made audible.
Activating monitor using the menu 1. Press Menu, and scroll through the list of menu items until Function Settings is displayed. 2. Press Select to enter the function settings menu, then scroll down the list of menu items until Monitor is displayed. 3. Press Select to select monitor, then Select to select On.
Troubleshooting When your radio won’t turn on If the red, green and amber LEDs on the control head do not light up when the radio is turned on, it is likely that no power is reaching the radio. Check the following: ■ Is the power connector firmly plugged into the rear of the radio? ■ Are the in-line fuses in good condition? ■ Is the power cable securely connected to the vehicle battery or power supply? If all appears to be in order, then contact your radio provider for further assistance.
Audible tones The following table gives a list of the radio’s audible tones, additional to those explained on page 18.
Action and tone Meaning two high-pitched beeps radio's temperature is very high: the radio's temperature is in the very high temperature range and all transmissions will now be at low power; if the radio's temperature rises outside this range, transmissions will be inhibited continuous low-pitched radio system error: a system error has tone occurred and the radio may be inoperable.
Notes 28 Notes
Part 2: Radio installation procedures Installation warnings ................................................................. 30 Warning: Safe radio mounting .................................................................. 30 Warning: Interference with vehicular electronics ........................................ 30 Warning: Liquefied petroleum gas powered vehicles .................................. 30 Important: Non-standard radio installations ..............................................
Installation warnings Warning: Safe radio mounting ■ Mount the radio securely so that it will not break loose in the event of a collision. An unsecured radio is dangerous to the vehicle occupants. ■ Mount the radio where it will not interfere with the deployment of passenger air bags. ■ Do not mount the radio vertically, with the control head facing down. This will violate compliance with the European Union standard EN 60950, Safety of Information Technology Equipment.
■ The space containing the radio equipment shall be isolated by a seal from the space containing the LP gas container and its fitting. ■ Outside filling connections shall be used for the LP gas container and its fittings. ■ The LP gas container space shall be vented to the outside of the vehicle. Important: Non-standard radio installations The installation U-bracket described in this guide has been designed so that there is enough airflow around the radio to provide cooling.
Installation planning The procedures outlined in this and the following sections are for installing a TM8250 or TM8255 radio in a vehicle, using a standard U-bracket. MPT 1362 code of practice TM8200 radios should be installed in accordance with the MPT 1362 Code of Practice. This code of practice covers the installation of mobile radio equipment in land based vehicles and has been developed by the United Kingdom Radiocommunications Agency.
■ in-line RF power meter capable of measuring forward and reflected power at the operating frequency of the radio. Microphone clip installation tools (TM8255 only) The following installation tools may be required for installing the TM8255 microphone: ■ centre punch ■ drill bit ■ Pozidriv screwdriver ■ hammer. Mounting position Inspect the vehicle and determine the safest and most convenient location for mounting the radio.
Radio Installation Mounting the U-bracket Screw the U-bracket in the chosen mounting position using the self-tapping screws provided. At least four screws must be installed. If the U-bracket is being mounted over a curved surface, bend the U-bracket tabs slightly. Important: Check that the U-bracket is not distorted when the screws are tightened. Control head handling precautions Important: The control head contains devices which can be damaged by static discharges.
body. The numbers in the diagram on the previous page refer to the numbered steps below. 1. Plug the control head loom onto the control head connector. 2. Insert the bottom edge of the control head onto the two clips in the front of the radio chassis, then snap into place. Removing the control head Important: During this procedure, take care that the chassis seal is not damaged. Damage to this seal reduces environmental protection. 1 2 1.
Installing the microphone Important: The microphone grommet must be installed whenever the microphone is plugged into the microphone socket. When installed, the grommet has two functions: ■ to prevent damage to the microphone socket when there is movement of the microphone cord, and ■ to ensure that the control head is sealed against water, dust and other environmental hazards. 1. Plug the microphone into the microphone socket on the control head. 2.
This antenna must not be mounted at a location such that any person or persons can come closer than 0.9m (35 inches) to the antenna. Antenna termination 1. Run the free end of the coaxial cable to the radio’s mounting position and cut it to length, allowing 20 30cm (8 - 12 inches) excess. 2. Terminate the free end of the cable with the BNC plug supplied. Power cable Important: This radio is designed to operate from a nominal 12V negative ground supply and may draw up to 8A of current.
2. Determine where the power cable will be routed. Important: The power cable should be protected from engine heat, sharp edges and from being pinched or crushed. 3. Cut the negative and the positive wires where the in-line fuse holders will be placed (as close to the battery as possible). Note: Do not install the fuses until the installation is ready to be checked. 4. Insert each end of the negative wire into one of the inline fuse holders and crimp them to force the metal contacts onto the wires. 5.
4. Position the radio in the U-bracket for best viewing angle, then tighten the thumb screws. Microphone clip (TM8255 radios only) Install the microphone clip in the most convenient location for the radio user. It must be within easy reach of the user, but in such a position that the microphone PTT key cannot be inadvertently activated or jammed on. TM8250 connectors The TM8250 control head has two RJ45 sockets for programming, and a power on/off LED.
Pin Programming connectors Description RS485+ RS485 compliant output AGND analogue ground DGND digital ground Installation checks 1. Insert the fuses into the power leads. 2. TM8255 radios only. Switch on the radio to confirm that it is operational (see “Turning the radio on and off” on page 19). Important: Do not transmit yet. 3. Connect an in-line power meter between the radio and the antenna and measure the forward and reflected power levels. Less than 4% of the forward power should be reflected.