The Rugged Radios M1-V is a robust mobile 2-way radio designed for professional use, particularly in demanding off-road environments. It boasts an IP67 sealed housing and an all-aluminum chassis, providing protection against the elements and ensuring durability. The radio is engineered for clear communication over distance, featuring a powerful Mitsubishi Transmit (TX) amplifier and a Clear-Hear Superheterodyne receiver for superior digital audio clarity.
Function Description:
The M1-V operates as a VHF mobile transceiver, supporting both digital and analog communication. It allows users to select channels, adjust volume, and access various settings through its front panel controls. The radio is designed for easy programming and offers advanced features accessible via rtsystemsinc.com. It includes quick-access programming and an external speaker connection for enhanced usability.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Frequency Range: VHF: 136-174 MHz
- Channel Capacity: 1000
- PLL Channel Spacing: 6.25/25/12.5/25KHz
- Voltage Rating: 13.8V DC
- Operating Temperature: -30°C ~ +60°C
- Storage Temperature: -30°C ~ +85°C
- Dimensions: 143x50x175mm
- Compatibility: MIL-STD-810C/D/E (American Military Standard)
- Rated Audio (Receiver): 5W
- Digital Sensitivity (Receiver): 0.3uV/-117.4dBm (BER 5%) 0.7uV/-110dBm (BER 1%)
- Analogue Sensitivity (Receiver): 0.35uV/-116dBm (20dB SINAD) 0.22uV/-120dBm (20dB SINAD)
- Adjacent Channel Selectivity (Receiver): TIA603C:60 dB@ 12.5KHz ETSI: 60 dB@ 12.5KHz
- Intermodulation (Receiver): TIA603C:65 dB ETSI: 65 dB
- CO-channel Rejection (Receiver): 12 dB@ 12.5KHz
- Spurious Rejection (Receiver): TIA603C:70 dB ETSI: 70 dB
- Audio Distortion @ Rated Audio (Receiver): ≤ 3%
- FM Hum and Noise (Receiver): -40dB @12.5KHz
- Audio Response (Receiver): +1dB-3dbB
- Spurious Emission (Receiver): -57dBm@< 1 GHz -47dBm@>1GHz
- Block (Receiver): 84dB
- FM Hum and Noise (Transmitter): -40dB @12.5KHz
- Modulation Limited (Transmitter): +/-2.5KHz @ 12.5KHz
- Conducted/Radiated Emission (Transmitter): -36 dBm < 1 GHz, -30 dBm >1Ghz < 4GHz
- Adjacent Channel Power (Transmitter): -60 dB @12.5KHz, -65 dB @ 25KHz
- Audio Response (Transmitter): +1dB-3dbB
- Audio Distortion (Transmitter): 3%
- FM Modulation (Transmitter): 12.5KHz: 11K0F3E
- 4FSK Digital Modulation (Transmitter): 12.5KHz only data:7K60FXD, 12.5KHz data and audio:7K60FXE
- Digital Protocol (Transmitter): ETSI TS 102361-1, -2, -3
- Digital Vocoder Type (Transmitter): AMBE++
- Digital Agreement (Transmitter): DMR
- Power Output: 55 Watts
Usage Features:
- Front Panel Operation:
- Indicator Light: Illuminates red when transmitting.
- Volume Knob: Turns the radio ON/OFF and controls volume.
- Channel Knob: Used to change channels and navigate menus.
- Function Key (Gear Icon): Quick-press to enter the menu/confirm selections.
- A/B Button: While in dual monitor mode, switches between channel A and B.
- P1/P2 Buttons: Quick-press P1 for channel 1, quick-press P2 for channel 2.
- TXT Button: On digital channels, opens the text mailbox.
- Lock Button (Padlock Icon): Quick-press for back/escape. Long-press for lock/unlock.
- Microphone Port: 5-Pin connection port for the included hand-mic.
- Rear Panel Operation:
- Intercom Port: To attach cable to go to intercom.
- Speaker/Programming Port: To attach cable for external speaker and programming cable.
- Power Connector: To connect to the power cable.
- Antenna Port: To attach coax cable from antenna.
- Transmitting: Hold the microphone approximately 4 inches from your mouth, press the PTT switch, and speak into the microphone. The 'TX indicator' lights red when transmitting.
- Menu Navigation:
- Scan: Scans for signals in every channel on the scan list. Press the Function Key to open settings, use the Channel Knob to scroll to SCAN, and press the Function Key to accept. Press the Function Key to select Turn On/Off.
- Zone Selection: Press the Function Key to open settings, use the Channel Knob to scroll to ZONE, and press the Function Key to accept. Use the Channel Knob to scroll to the desired zone and press the Function Key to accept.
- Messages (Digital Only): Press TXT or the Function Key to open settings. Use the Channel Knob to scroll to Messages and press the Function Key to accept.
- Inbox: All received text messages are stored here.
- Quick Text: Choose from preprogrammed text messages or send your own programmed quick texts (enabled via software from RT Systems).
- Sent Items: All sent text messages are stored here.
- Drafts: All text messages saved as drafts are stored here.
- Call Log (Digital Only): Press the Function Key to open settings. Use the Channel Knob to scroll to Call Log and press the Function Key to accept. This feature records all transmissions from and received by the radio. From the Call Log menu, press the Function Key to open the Directory. Use the Channel Knob to scroll to Play, Destination ID, Source ID, Date, Time, Tx/Rx, or RecordTime and press the Function Key to enter.
- Utilities: Press the Function Key to open settings. Use the Channel Knob to scroll to Utilities and press the Function Key to accept. Use the Channel Knob to scroll to Radio Settings, or Radio Info, for firmware information. Press the Function Key to accept.
- Settings Expanded:
- Tones/Alerts: Enable or disable all radio tones and prompts. Enable or disable the "Talk Permit" tone, heard after pressing the PTT.
- Backlight: Select the desired Backlight timing.
- Squelch: Mutes background noise when no signal is received. Decreases squelch level, turns CTCSS/DCS squelch on/off.
- Auto Lock: Choose to lock the radio keypad manually or automatically (Manual, 5S, 10S, or 15S).
- Record: Toggle the Record feature on or off.
- Clock: Set Time, Date, or Timezone. Use P1 and P2 to scroll through digits and the Channel Knob to edit.
- Menu Timeout: Select the desired setting.
- Monitor: Temporarily changes the squelch to zero, allowing reception of very weak signals.
- Dual Monitor: Allows monitoring of two channels at once.
- Installation:
- Mobile Installation: Select a safe location, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Install the mounting bracket using self-tapping screws. Position the radio and secure it with hex/Phillips screws.
- DC Power Cable Connection: Connect the DC power cable directly to the vehicle's battery terminals (red to positive, black to negative). Do not use a 24 Volt battery. Avoid connecting to cigarette lighter sockets.
- Antenna Installation: Mount the antenna as high as possible, preferably in the center of a metal roof. Ensure the mounting location is clean and dry. Route the antenna cable away from noise sources and protect it from damage. Use only the Rugged Radios VHF-1/2W-SPR antenna for best range.
Maintenance Features:
- Replacing Fuses: If a fuse blows, determine the cause, correct the problem, and replace the fuse with the specified type and rating (15A for the transceiver). If fuses continue to blow, contact Rugged Radios for assistance.
- Safety Precautions:
- Do not configure the radio while driving.
- Use only a 12 Volt DC power supply.
- Keep away from interference-causing devices (TVs, Generators, etc.).
- Avoid long periods of direct sunlight or heat sources.
- If abnormal odor or smoke is detected, turn off power immediately and contact your dealer.
- Avoid transmitting at high power for extended periods to prevent overheating.
- Always use a proper antenna attached to prevent damage and exceeding FCC RF exposure limits.
- Do not transmit for more than 50% of total radio use time to comply with FCC RF exposure requirements.
- Keep the antenna at least 2.5 cm (1 inch) away from the body when transmitting.
- Use the provided belt-clip to ensure FCC RF exposure compliance.
- Hold the antenna at least 5 cm (2 inches) from your mouth, slightly off to one side, for best sound quality.
- Turn off the radio in areas sensitive to electromagnetic radiation (hospitals, aircraft, blasting sites).
The M1-V is designed for "Occupational Use Only," meaning it should be used by individuals aware of RF exposure hazards and ways to minimize them. It complies with FCC RF exposure limits for occupational use.