Midland MB400 Business Radio User Manual
INTRODUCTION
For over half a century, Midland Radio has been providing radio communication with superior Quality, Reliability, and Strong Value. With these Core Values in mind, the Midland MB400 provides a communication solution for Manufacturing, Retail, Hospitality, Construction, Warehousing, Maintenance, and other Business uses.
FEATURES
- IP67 Waterproof
- 4 Watts Transmit Power
- Emergency Call
- 16 Channels
- 142 Privacy Codes
- Repeater Compatible
- VOX
- Monitor
- Scan
- Priority Scan
- Battery Save Mode
- Voice Announcements
- Adjustable Squelch
- Roger Beep
- Hi/Low Power Setting
- Busy Channel Lockout
- Time Out Timer
- Low Battery Alert
- Rapid Charger
- Accessory (Headset) Jack
- PC Programming
- Radio Cloning
- Desktop Charger
FCC NOTICE
The radio operates on UHF frequencies which require an FCC (Federal Communications Commission) license. You must be licensed before operating on these frequencies. Serious penalties could result from the unlicensed use of these frequencies, in violation of FCC rules, as stipulated in the Communications Act’s Sections 501 and 502 (amended).
You will be issued a call sign by the FCC which should be used for station identification when operating the radio on these channels. You should also cooperate by engaging in permissible transmissions only, avoiding channel interference with other users, and being prudent with the length of your transmission time. To obtain a license or ask questions about the license application, contact the FCC at 1-888-CALL FCC or go to the FCC’s website: http://www.fcc.gov and request form 601.
EXPOSURE TO RADIO FREQUENCY ENERGY
Your Midland radio is designed to comply with the following national and international standards and guidelines regarding exposure of human beings to radiofrequency electromagnetic energy.
- United States Federal Communications Commission, Code of Federal Regulations: 47 CFR part 2 sub-part J
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)/Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) C95.1-1992
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) C95.1-1999 Edition
- National Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements (NCRP) of the United States, Report 86, 1986
- International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) 1998
To control your exposure and ensure compliance with the general population or uncontrolled environment exposure limits, transmit no more than 50% of the time. The radio generates measurable RF energy exposure only when transmitting.
BODY WORN OPERATION
If you wear the radio on your body when transmitting always use Midland supplied or approved belt clip, holster, case, or body harness for this product. Use of any accessories not supplied or approved by Midland may exceed FCC/ Health Canada RF exposure guidelines. If you do not use accessories supplied or approved by Midland, ensure the radio and its antenna are at least 1 inch (2.5cm) from your body when transmitting.
IMPORTANT:
Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by MIDLAND RADIO CORP. could void your right to operate this unit. Your radio is set up to transmit a regulated signal on an assigned frequency. It is against the law to alter or adjust the settings inside the COMMUNICATOR to exceed those limitations. Any adjustment to your radio must be made by qualified technicians.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device does not cause harmful interference, and (2) this radio must accept any interference that may cause undesired operation. To maintain compliance with FCC’s RF exposure guidelines, for body-worn operation, this radio has been tested and meets the FCC RF exposure guidelines when used with Midland Radio Corp. accessories supplied or designated for this product. Use of other accessories may not ensure compliance with FCC RF exposure guidelines.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR RADIO, QUICK START CONTROLS
- A. Antenna Install the antenna per the instructions below before operating the radio.
- B. LED Indicator The LED is Green when receiving signals. Red when transmitting. Flashing red when the battery is low.
- C. Speaker
- D. Channel Selection Rotate to the desired channel setting.
- E. Emergency Call Press to send an Emergency alert to other MB400’s on the same channel frequency.
- F. Power/Volume Turn clockwise to turn the power on and increase the volume level. Turn counterclockwise to decrease the volume level and turn the power off.
- G. Microphone
- H. PTT (Push To Talk) Press and hold to transmit voice communication.
- I. Programmable Side Keys Set function using the Programming Software.
- J. Accessory Speaker/Mic Jack
- K. Rechargeable Battery Pack.
INSTALLING THE ANTENNA
Align the antenna with the threaded connector located on the top of the radio. Holding the antenna at the base, rotate the antenna clockwise until secure.
- Be careful not to over-tighten to avoid damaging the antenna mount.
- Do not operate the radio without the antenna installed as it may cause damage to the radio
INSTALLING THE BATTERY
Your radio operates with a Lithium-Ion battery. Care should be taken when installing or removing the battery so as not to short-circuit the battery contacts causing damage to the battery pack.
To install the battery:
With the back of the radio facing you, match the top of the battery pack to the corresponding groves on the radio. Push the battery into the bottom of the radio and lock into place using the battery latch
To remove the battery:
Release the battery latch and slide the battery down and away from the radio.
INSTALLING THE BELT CLIP
With the back of the radio facing you, align the BELT CLIP with the screw holes on the radio. Attach the BELT CLIP with the Phillips-Head screws that came with the belt clip
- Be careful not to over-tighten screws to avoid damaging the radio chassis.
INSTALLING EXTERNAL ACCESSORIES
Remove the accessory jack cover using a flat-blade screwdriver or a coin. Save the cover and screw for re-assembly.
- The MB400 will no longer be IP67 waterproof when the accessory jack cover is removed.
- Insert the accessory plug into the speaker/ mic jack, making sure it is securely in place.
CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK
Your radio is equipped with a Lithium-Ion battery pack which can be recharged by inserting the radio or battery into the desktop charger (as described below). You should charge the battery pack when the Charge Battery Alert comes on, and remove the radio from the charger when the charging is finished.
To charge using the Desktop Charger:
- Plug the DC barrel plug on the adaptor cord into the connector on the back of the charging base.
- Plug the AC adaptor into a 120V AC wall outlet, making sure the AC outlet has power.
- The charger’s LED turns green when power is present.
- Make sure the battery contacts and charge terminals are clean and in good condition.
- Slide the radio with the installed battery, or a spare battery without radio, into the charger being careful to align the slots on the battery with the tabs inside the charger base.
- The charger LEDs will turn red and begin charging the battery.
- Charging time depends on the charge level of the battery.
- After charging is complete the LED will turn Green.
- Remove the radio from the charger.
NOTE:
The charger stand can charge the radio with a battery, or a separate battery. You may charge one at a time, but not at the same time.
To charge using the MGC400 Multi-Unit Charger accessory:
The (optional) Multi-Unit Charger (MUC) allows the drop-in charging of 6 radios or 6 batteries from a single AC outlet.
- Plug the barrel plug on the adaptor cord into the connector on the back of the charging base.
- Plug the AC adaptor into a 120V AC wall outlet. Make sure the AC outlet has power.
- The charger’s LED turns green when power is present.
- Make sure the battery contacts and charge terminals are clean and in good condition.
- Slide the radio with an installed battery, or a spare battery without a radio, into the charger being careful to align the slots on the battery with the tabs inside the charger opening.
- The charger LEDs will turn red and begin charging the unit.
- Charging time depends on the charge level of the battery.
- After charging is complete the LED will turn Green
It is recommended that the battery pack be charged with the radio turned off to ensure it fully charges.
- Only use the Midland Lithium-Ion battery pack.
- Do not attempt to charge any battery packs other than the one indicated in the manual.
- This may cause leakage and damage to the radio or charger and void your warranty.
- For long-term storage of the radio, turn the radio OFF and remove the batteries from the radio.
USE AND CARE
- Use only a soft, damp, cloth to clean the radio.
- Do not use alcohol or cleaning solutions to clean the radio.
- Do not immerse the radio in water with the accessory cover removed.
- Dry the radio with a dry lint-free cloth should it get wet.
- Turn off the radio and remove the batteries during long-term Storage.
ABOUT RANGE
Your MB400 radio is designed to give you maximum range under optimum conditions.
Industrial | Multi-Level |
Inside Steel-Concrete Building | Inside a Multi-level Building |
Up to 350,000 sq. ft. | Up to 30 floors |
Optimum Conditions are:
- Open warehouse floor plan or area.
- Open rural areas without obstructions.
- Flat areas where you can see the other person to ensure you get maximum range.
- You are using fully charged batteries – a low battery will cause low power conditions.
- Your radio is set to use its highest transmit power level.
OPERATING YOUR RADIO
POWER ON/OFF AND VOLUME
- Rotate the POWER/VOLUME knob clockwise to turn the radio on and increase the volume level.
- Rotate the control counter-clockwise to reduce the volume level and to turn the radio off.
- During Power On, the radio will announce the channel it is set to.
TRANSMITTING AND RECEIVING A CALL
For maximum clarity, hold the radio at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) from your mouth.
- Press and hold the PTT button and speak in a normal voice into the Microphone. The RX/TX LED will glow RED while transmitting.
- To receive a call, release the PTT button. The RX/TX LED will glow GREEN when your radio is receiving a transmission.
EMERGENCY CALL
You can send an Emergency Call alert tone to other MB400 radios that are on the same channel/frequency and privacy code.
- Press the Orange Emergency Call alert button on the top of the radio to activate the alert.
- A loud siren will be heard on your radio and all other MB400 radios on the same channel/frequency and privacy code.
- Press the Emergency Call button again to turn off the alert.
- The alert tone will only be received by MB400 radios that are on the same channel/frequency and privacy code at the time of activation.
- MB400s not on the same channel/frequency and privacy code, or other radios without the Emergency Call feature will not receive the Emergency Call alert tone.
PROGRAMMABLE SIDE KEYS
The two Programmable Side Keys can be customized by using the programming software to select which of the following functions you would like to have quick access to. The keys are dual function, pressing once for the priority function, and pressing and holding for 3+ seconds to select the secondary function.
- None
- Monitor on/off Monitor is used to check for channel traffic before you transmit.
- Scan on/off The radio will rapidly scan through all available channels stopping briefly on a channel in use to hear the conversation. You may join the conversation by pressing your PTT button and using the radio normally. The radio will return to scan mode after 5 seconds of inactivity.
- Priority Scan on/off The radio will only scan the channels you have set as a Priority using the programming software.
- Power Hi/Low selection Select High power when range is important, or Low power to conserve battery life.
- Talk Around on/off Used when on a Repeater. Allows you to communicate directly with other radios without going through the repeater.
PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE
Your MB400 radio is pre-programmed with 16 commonly assigned frequencies, and you can program your authorized frequency or frequencies into any of the available 16 channels with the free software available on the Support page at the www.midlandusa.com website. The MPC400 programming cable is required to program your radio. It is listed in the back of this manual and available on the www.midlandusa.com website. The software will allow you to program the following functions of the radio.
- Frequency by Channel
- Privacy Code by Channel
- Bandwidth by Channel
- TX Power by Channel
- VOX Sensitivity Level
- Squelch Sensitivity Level
- The button Beeps on/off
- Voice Announcement on/off
- Time out Timer Duration
- Busy Channel Lockout
- Emergency Call on/off
- Battery Save Mode on/off
- Low Battery Warning on/off
- Set the Channel Scan list
- Set the Priority Scan list
CLONING
The programmed settings from an MB400 radio can be directly transferred to another MB400 radio bypassing the need to individually program radios. The MCC400 cloning cable is required and is listed in the back of this manual and available on the www.midlandusa.com website.
- Connect the programmed (Host) radio to the radio to be programmed (Clone) using the MCC400 Cloning cable.
- Turn on the radio to be cloned.
- Press and hold Side Key 1 to turn on the Host radio.
- The LED will flash orange twice to confirm the Host radio is in clone mode and ready to transfer the data.
- Press the PTT of the Host radio to send the data to the clone radio.
- The LED on the Host radio will blink red, and the LED on the radio to be cloned will blink green during the data transfer.
- When the data transfer is complete, the cloned radio will automatically restart.
- You may clone another radio by disconnecting the cloned radio connecting another radio to the Host and following the steps above.
- Or you may disconnect both radios and turn them off, and back on to return to normal operation.
PRIVACY CODES CTCSS
(Continuous Tone Coded Squelch) and DCS (Digitally Coded Squelch) allow several users to share the same channel frequency without disturbing each other. With CTCSS or DCS enabled, the channel is muted to all incoming signals unless they carry the same CTCSS or DCS tone. When a transmission with the same tone is received, the channel unmutes and the voice audio can be heard. When the transmission ends the channel becomes muted again.
Transmissions that do not have the same tone will not be heard. Your MB400 radio has 142 Privacy Codes, which can be used on any channel. The selected Privacy Code may be different for each channel but must be the same for a channel on all radios you wish to talk to. Programming a new Privacy Code overwrites any previous code programmed. Privacy Codes can be set using the FREE programming software that can be downloaded from the www.midlandusa.com website.
- You will not be able to hear or talk to other radios that do not match your frequency and Privacy Code by channel and frequency.
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
Problem | Solution |
No Power | 1. Make sure the battery is fully charged and correctly installed. 2. Check the On/Off Volume control to make sure the radio is turned on. |
Can’t Receive Messages | 1. Confirm the radios are set to the same channel frequency and privacy code setting. 2. Make sure you are within range of the other radio (see About Range). 3. Make sure there are not any major obstructions between you and the other radio (see About Range). |
Charger Not Functioning | 1. Make sure the contacts on the bottom of the radio are clean, nothing in the way of making connection with the charger contacts. 2. Make sure the charger is plugged in and the outlet has power. 3. Make sure the battery pack is installed properly. |
For further assistance, contact the Midland Customer Service Team at (816) 241-8500. Most problems can be remedied over the phone without returning the radio for service.
SPECIFICATIONS
- Channels: 16 Privacy
- Codes:142 Operating
- Frequency: UHF Band, 450~470MHz
- Power Source: 7.4VDC Li-ion Battery Pack
DEFAULT FREQUENCIES CHART
CH No. | Freq. (MHz) | Code | CH No. | Freq. (MHz) | Code |
1 | 464.5500 | 1 | 9 | 464.5500 | 29 |
2 | 467.9250 | 1 | 10 | 467.9250 | 29 |
3 | 467.8500 | 1 | 11 | 467.8500 | 29 |
4 | 467.8750 | 1 | 12 | 467.8750 | 29 |
5 | 467.5500 | 6 | 13 | 467.5500 | – |
6 | 467.9250 | 6 | 14 | 467.9250 | – |
7 | 467.8500 | 6 | 15 | 467.8500 | – |
8 | 467.8750 | 6 | 16 | 467.8750 | – |
AVAILABLE FREQUENCIES CHART
Code | Freq. (MHz) | Code | Freq. (MHz) | Code | Freq. (MHz) | Code | Freq. (MHz) |
1 | 464 .5000 | 26 | 462 .8375 | 51 | 467 .8875 | 76 | 452 .7625 |
2 | 464 .5500 | 27 | 462 .8625 | 52 | 467 .9125 | 77 | 452 .8625 |
3 | 467 .7625 | 28 | 462 .8875 | 53 | 469 .4875 | 78 | 456 .1875 |
4 | 467 .8125 | 29 | 462 .9125 | 54 | 469 .5125 | 79 | 456 .2375 |
5 | 467 .8500 | 30 | 464 .4875 | 55 | 469 .5375 | 80 | 456 .2875 |
6 | 467 .8750 | 31 | 464 .5125 | 56 | 469 .5625 | 81 | 468 .2125 |
7 | 467 .9000 | 32 | 464 .5375 | 57 | 462 .1875 | 82 | 468 .2625 |
8 | 467 .9250 | 33 | 464 .5625 | 58 | 462 .4625 | 83 | 468 .3125 |
9 | 461 .0375 | 34 | 466 .0375 | 59 | 462 .4875 | 84 | 468 .3625 |
10 | 461 .0625 | 35 | 466 .0625 | 60 | 462 .5125 | 85 | 468 .4125 |
11 | 461 .0875 | 36 | 466 .0875 | 61 | 467 .1875 | 86 | 468 .4625 |
12 | 461 .1125 | 37 | 466 .1125 | 62 | 467 .4625 | 87 | 468 .5125 |
13 | 461 .1375 | 38 | 466 .1375 | 63 | 467 .4875 | 88 | 468 .5625 |
14 | 461 .1625 | 39 | 466 .1625 | 64 | 467 .5125 | 89 | 468 .6125 |
15 | 461 .1875 | 40 | 466 .1875 | 65 | 451 .1875 | 90 | 468 .6625 |
16 | 461 .2125 | 41 | 466 .2125 | 66 | 451 .2375 | 91 | 456 .3375 |
17 | 461 .2375 | 42 | 466 .2375 | 67 | 451 .2875 | 92 | 456 .4375 |
18 | 461 .2625 | 43 | 466 .2625 | 68 | 451 .3375 | 93 | 456 .5375 |
19 | 461 .2875 | 44 | 466 .2875 | 69 | 451 .4375 | 94 | 456 .6375 |
20 | 461 .3125 | 45 | 466 .3125 | 70 | 451 .5375 | 95 | 457 .3125 |
21 | 461 .3375 | 46 | 466 .3375 | 71 | 451 .6375 | 96 | 457 .4125 |
22 | 461 .3625 | 47 | 466 .3625 | 72 | 452 .3125 | 97 | 457 .5125 |
23 | 462 .7625 | 48 | 467 .7875 | 73 | 452 .5375 | 98 | 457 .7625 |
24 | 462 .7875 | 49 | 467 .8375 | 74 | 452 .4125 | 99 | 457 .8625 |
25 | 462 .8125 | 50 | 467 .8625 | 75 | 452 .5125 |
CTCSS PRIVACY CODES CHART
Code No. | Freq. (Hz) | Code No. | Freq. (Hz) |
1 | 67 .0 | 20 | 131 .8 |
2 | 71 .9 | 21 | 136 .5 |
3 | 74 .4 | 22 | 141 .3 |
4 | 77 .0 | 23 | 146 .2 |
5 | 79 .7 | 24 | 151 .4 |
6 | 82 .5 | 25 | 156 .7 |
7 | 85 .4 | 26 | 162 .2 |
8 | 88 .5 | 27 | 167 .9 |
9 | 91 .5 | 28 | 173 .8 |
10 | 94 .8 | 29 | 179 .9 |
11 | 97 .4 | 30 | 186 .2 |
12 | 100 .0 | 31 | 192 .4 |
13 | 103 .5 | 32 | 203 .5 |
14 | 107 .2 | 33 | 210 .7 |
15 | 110 .9 | 34 | 218 .1 |
16 | 114 .8 | 35 | 225 .7 |
17 | 118 .8 | 36 | 233 .6 |
18 | 123 .0 | 37 | 241 .8 |
19 | 127 .3 | 38 | 250 .3 |
ACCESSORIES
Accessories can be purchased from your local dealer or at www.midlandusa.com
Note:
Features & Specifications are subject to change without notice. MIDLAND is not responsible for unintentional errors or omissions on its packaging.
LIMITED WARRANTY
Midland Radio Corporation will repair or replace, at its option without charge, any Midland FRS/GMRS transceiver that fails due to a defect in material or workmanship within Three Years following the initial consumer purchase. This warranty does not apply to water damage, battery leak, or abuse. Accessories have a 90-day warranty from the date of purchase, including any antennas, chargers, or earphones.
This warranty does not include the cost of labor for removal or re-installation of the product in a vehicle or other mounting. Performance of any obligation under this warranty may be obtained by returning the warranted product, prepaid freight, along with proof of purchase to:
- Midland Radio Corporation
- Warranty Service Department
- 5900 Parretta Drive
- Kansas City, MO 64120
This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. Note: The above warranty applies only to merchandise purchased in the United States of America or any of the territories or possessions thereof, or from a U.S. Military exchange.