Midland Radio Portable Radio SP 400 User Manual

User’s Guide  
SP-400 Series Portable  
4/16 Channel VHF-FM Portable Transceiver  
4/16 Channel UHF-FM Portable Transceiver  
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Contents  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Conventions and Symbols in this Book  
This symbol marks a “caution”. Cautions are special  
notices which you should read and follow carefully to  
avoid possible damage to your equipment and to avoid  
potential danger to yourself or other people.  
!
This symbol marks an “important point”. Important points  
are specific instructions which should be followed closely  
for proper operation.  
This symbol marks a “note”. Notes are hints or tips which  
offer additional information to help you.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Disclaimer  
Midland Radio Corporation is committed to continuous quality  
improvements, for this reason specifications may change without  
prior notice.  
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this  
document is complete, accurate, and up-to-date. Midland  
assumes no responsibility for the results of errors beyond its  
control. The manufacturer of this equipment also cannot  
guarantee that changes in the equipment made by unauthorized  
people will not affect the transceiver’s performance or functions.  
Safety  
Your SP-400 series portable transceiver has been carefully  
designed to give you years of safe, reliable performance. As with  
all electrical equipment, however, there are a few basic  
precautions you should take to avoid injury to yourself or  
damage to the radio:  
Read the instructions in this handbook carefully. Be  
sure to save it for future reference.  
Read and follow all warning and instruction labels  
on the radio itself.  
Do not carry the transceiver by the antenna. This  
may damage the antenna or antenna terminal. Grasp it  
by its base (not the tip!) when you need to attach or  
remove the antenna.  
Do not hold the radio with the antenna very close to,  
or touching the body, while transmitting. The radio  
will perform best if the microphone is 2-4 inches away  
from the mouth and the radio is vertical.  
Be sure the PTT button is not pressed when you do  
not need to transmit.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Do not operate the radio near unshielded electrical  
blasting caps or in an explosive atmosphere.  
Do not transmit without the antenna attached to the  
radio. Though designed for protection against damage,  
damage to the transmitter may occur.  
Respect the environmental conditions. The radio is  
designed to operate in harsh environments, but avoiding  
extended or unnecessary exposure will prolong the  
service life.  
Never attempt to disassemble or service the radio  
yourself (aside from the routine maintenance described  
in this handbook). It will immediately void the warranty  
and you may cause damage requiring extensive repair  
work. Always contact your local dealer or  
communications coordinator for assistance.  
Use only recommended accessories. Use of incorrect  
accessories could seriously damage your handheld  
transceiver.  
Do not use your radio near water, or spill liquid of  
any kind into it. If the transceiver gets wet immediately  
dry it with a soft, clean cloth.  
Switch the radio off before you clean it. Follow the  
instructions in the “Care and maintenance” section.  
Handle the battery properly. Follow the instructions in  
the “Care and maintenance” section.  
Make sure that your AC power source matches the  
rating of the supplied battery charger AC adapter.  
The above warning list is not intended to include all  
hazards that may be encountered when using this radio.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Introduction  
Congratulations! By choosing the Midland SP-400 series, you  
have selected a professional grade portable radio. Its rugged  
design will provide years of reliable service and its sophisticated  
software allows many customizable options.  
Radio models  
There are four models in the SP-400 series portable radio line.  
The models differ only by band of operation and channel  
capacity.  
SP-410 – 4 channel VHF, 148-174 MHz.  
SP-420 – 4 channel UHF, 440-470 MHz.  
SP-430 – 16 channel VHF, 148-174 MHz.  
SP-440 – 16 channel UHF, 440-470 MHz.  
Radio features  
The SP-400 series is a programmable, synthesized radio with  
the following features:  
5 Easy to use – only five controls access all the  
transceiver’s functions.  
5 Up to sixteen channel capacity – simple and reliable  
knob selection.  
5 Programmable transmit power – select the transmit  
power to maximize range or battery life. 1 or 5 watts (4  
watts UHF) programmable per channel.  
5 Channel scanning – flexible scan programming allows  
the radio to search for signals on programmed channels.  
Priority scan, priority transmit and priority lookback are  
all programmable selections. Scan talkback and  
nuisance delete functions are available.  
5 CTCSS/DCS encode and decode– blocks  
conversations sharing the same frequency that are not  
intended for you. Allows access to your radio repeaters.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
47 CTCSS tones and 104 DCS codes programmable per  
channel.  
5 2-tone decode – your radio may be programmed to  
respond only when paged with a two-tone sequence.  
Two sequences selectable per channel and up to 15  
different sequences programmable per radio.  
5 VOX (voice operated transmit) – allows hands-free  
operation using an optional headset/microphone.  
5 Voice inversion scrambler – for secure  
communications. Radio communications are encoded  
and decoded, when activated, to make the conversation  
unintelligible to third parties listening on your frequency.  
5 2-tone or sequential tone selective call – for more  
advanced radio network management. Allows individual  
or group calls to users in a radio network.  
5 Emergency selective call – can be sent to alert other  
users of an emergency situation with an activation  
protected against accidental switching.  
5 Busy channel lockout – prevents transmission when  
the channel is busy. Programmable override function will  
allow transmission during repeater hangtime.  
5 Transmit time-out timer – ensures continuous  
transmissions are limited to the programmed time. A  
penalty timer is also programmable.  
5 Battery save mode – may be programmed to extend  
battery life.  
5 Wide range of optional accessories – provide  
additional flexibility of use.  
These transceivers are compliant with ETS 300 086, IEC529  
level IP54 and MIL STD 810E.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Radio Controls  
Please read this section to familiarize yourself with the  
transceiver’s controls.  
1
2
3
7
8
4
6
5
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Top  
[1] Channel selector knob. Rotate this knob to select the  
operating channel.  
[2] Power ON/OFF knob. Rotate this knob clockwise to turn the  
transceiver on (counterclockwise to turn off).  
[3] Status LED. Tri-color LED lights and flashes at different rates  
to indicate operating conditions.  
Front  
[4] Speaker. Receive audio will be heard from the built in  
speaker located in this area.  
[5] Microphone. The internal microphone is located here.  
Side (right)  
[6] Accessory connector. Use for connection of  
speaker/microphones, headsets and other accessories. It should  
be protected with the supplied cap when not in use. For  
additional information, please see the “Accessory Connections”  
section.  
Side (left)  
[7] Upper function (monitor) button. The upper function button  
performs two functions. The primary function is activated by a  
brief button press (press and release) and the secondary  
function is activated by pressing the button for more than two  
seconds (press and hold):  
If you press the upper function button for less than two  
seconds the monitor mode will be activated while pressed  
and deactivated when released. For details, please see the  
“Monitoring the channel” section.  
If you press the upper function button for more than two  
seconds the monitor mode will latch on. To turn the monitor  
mode off, press and release the upper function button. For  
details, please see the “Monitoring the channel” section.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
[8] PTT (Push to talk) button. The PTT button must be pressed  
while you speak into the microphone. Release the PTT button to  
receive transmissions from other radios.  
[9] Lower function (scan) button. The lower function button  
performs two functions. The primary function is activated by a  
brief button press (press and release) and the secondary  
function is activated by pressing the button for more than two  
seconds (press and hold):  
If you press and release the lower function button, the radio  
will begin scanning the channels in the scan list. Press and  
release the lower function button again to stop scan. For  
details, please see the “Scanning channels” section.  
If you press and hold (>2 seconds) the lower function button,  
the channel currently selected by the channel knob will be  
added or removed from the scan list. A high pitched beep  
will indicate the channel was added to the scan list, a low  
pitched beep indicates the channel was already in the scan  
list and was removed. For details, please see the “Editing  
your scan list” section.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Setup  
Unpacking  
The following items are supplied in the standard package:  
5 One transceiver (SP-410, SP-420, SP-430 or SP-440)  
5 One battery pack (18-B02)  
5 One belt clip (81-BC1)  
5 One plastic accessory dust cover  
5 One rubber easy access dust cover  
5 One user’s manual  
If something is missing please promptly advise your supplier.  
Attaching and removing the antenna  
To attach the antenna:  
1. Locate the antenna terminal (threaded female connector) on  
transceiver’s top.  
2. Hold the transceiver with one hand and the base (the  
thicker part) of the antenna with the other hand.  
3. Attach the included rubber antenna to the antenna terminal  
by turning it clockwise until it is firmly seated. Do not  
overtighten.  
To remove the antenna, turn the antenna base counterclockwise.  
The antenna should always be attached to the radio  
when it is operated. Transmitting without the  
antenna may damage the transmitter. Use only the  
recommended antennas.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Installing and removing the battery pack  
To install the battery pack:  
Hold the transceiver’s body with one hand and the battery pack  
with the other.  
1. Slide the bottom of the  
battery pack into the slots  
on the bottom of the  
transceiver.  
2. Gently push the top of  
the battery pack toward  
the transceiver until a  
click is heard. The  
battery pack will snap  
into place and should be  
firmly locked.  
To remove the battery pack:  
1. Press the battery release  
button located on the  
back of the battery pack.  
2. Hold the release button  
and gently lift the top of  
the battery pack away  
from the transceiver.  
3. Remove the battery pack  
by separating it from the  
transceiver’s body.  
Installing and removing the belt clip  
The supplied belt clip allows you to attach the transceiver to your  
belt, while the radio is not in use or is in receive mode. The radio  
should be held as instructed in the “Transmitting to other radios”  
section while transmitting.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
To install the belt clip onto the battery pack’s body:  
1. Slide the clip into the  
appropriate guides  
located on the back of  
the battery until it firmly  
locks.  
To remove the belt clip:  
2. Gently lift the belt clip  
release.  
3. While lifting the belt clip release slide the belt clip off the  
battery.  
Charging the battery pack  
The battery pack should be charged prior to use. To charge the  
battery pack you should setup the charger and insert the radio  
(or battery) as follows:  
1. Connect the DC  
plug on the AC  
adapter to the  
mating socket on  
the back of the  
charging cradle.  
2. Plug the AC  
adapter into a  
grounded AC  
power outlet  
which supplies  
the specified  
input voltage for  
the AC adapter.  
3. Make sure the radio is switched off.  
4. Insert the radio into the cradle with the front of the radio  
facing toward the front of the cradle (the three metallic  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
contacts of the battery pack must make contact with the  
three contacts inside the cradle). The LED indicator will  
glow red indicating the battery is charging.  
5. The rapid charger will fully charge the 1300 mAH NiMH  
battery in approximately 1.5 hours. The rapid charger will  
change to a green LED and switch to a trickle charge rate  
when a full charge is detected. The standard rate charger  
will charge the battery in about 12 hours.  
Removing the battery before it is fully charged will  
temporarily reduce the duty cycle.  
!
The battery should not be left in the charger longer  
than 15 hours.  
!
!
The battery charger is for indoor use only.  
For best duty and battery life please see the “Battery  
Packs” section.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Basic Operation  
This section describes many of the standard functions available  
on your SP-400 series radio. Many aspects of the radio can be  
changed or customized to suit the requirements, so not all  
functions may be available or operate as described.  
Due to the programming options of the radio, certain  
functions may be disabled or operate differently than  
described here. If in doubt please contact your dealer or  
communications coordinator for further details.  
Turning the radio ON and OFF  
To turn the radio on, rotate the PWR/VOL knob clockwise past  
the detent. The CPU will perform an auto test and a ring tone will  
sound to indicate the radio is functioning properly.  
The power-on ring tone may have been disabled during  
radio programming.  
To switch the radio off, rotate the PWR/VOL knob  
counterclockwise past the detent.  
Adjusting the volume  
The PWR/VOL knob is also used to adjust the speaker volume:  
rotate clockwise to increase or counterclockwise to decrease the  
volume.  
Selecting the channel  
If your radio has been programmed with more than one channel  
you can easily change it. To select a channel, turn the channel  
selector knob clockwise or counterclockwise until the channel  
indicator on the knob matches the desired channel. If the  
selected channel has not been programmed, the status LED will  
glow steadily green and a low error tone will be generated.  
Receiving transmissions from other radios  
Each channel of your radio may be programmed for carrier  
squelch operation, CTCSS/DCS operation or 2-tone/selective  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
call operation. The following paragraphs describe these modes  
of operation. Ask your dealer or communications coordinator if  
you have questions on how your radio has been programmed to  
operate.  
Carrier squelch operation  
A signal that matches the programmed receive frequency will be  
heard if it is of sufficient strength to exceed the squelch  
threshold. An on frequency signal exceeding the squelch  
threshold level will be indicated by a steady green status LED.  
CTCSS/DCS operation  
CTCSS or DCS signaling adds an additional condition to carrier  
squelch operation. In addition to the signal having to exceed the  
squelch threshold level, the received signal must also have the  
correct CTCSS or DCS tone or code before the audio will be  
passed to the speaker. CTCSS or DCS signaling allows multiple  
users using the same frequency to hear only signals which have  
their correct CTCSS tone or DCS code. An on frequency signal  
with the correct CTCSS or DCS signaling will be indicated by a  
steady amber status LED.  
If the latched monitor function has been engaged the  
status LED will also light steady amber.  
!
CTCSS/DCS allows multiple users to share the same  
frequency. However CTCSS/DCS is only useful to  
avoid disturbing other users with messages not  
related to them. If more than one radio is  
transmitting at the same time, this will cause  
interference. Do not transmit if the status LED is  
illuminated. Wait until the channel is clear before  
transmitting.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
2-tone/selective call operation  
2-tone or selective call signaling allows individual or group calls  
to be made to your radio. The radio may have been programmed  
to mute all receive signals until a 2-tone or selective call signal  
has been decoded. When the programmed 2-tone or selective  
call signal is decoded, the status LED will blink green, a ring tone  
may sound, and subsequent receive audio will be heard over the  
speaker. After the call has been acknowledged, by pressing PTT  
for example, the status LED will change to steady green until the  
radio is muted. The transceiver may be programmed to mute  
after a programmed time, or you may press and hold the upper  
function button for two seconds to mute the radio until it receives  
a new call.  
Consult your dealer or communications coordinator for  
further details on how your radio has been programmed  
for 2-tone or selective call operation.  
!
2-tone and selective call signaling allows users to  
receive only calls intended for them. However, more  
than one radio transmitting at a time will still cause  
interference. Do not transmit if the status LED is  
illuminated. Wait until the channel is clear before  
transmitting.  
Monitoring the channel  
The upper function button is used to activate the monitor  
function. The radio’s monitor function can be programmed per  
channel and may operate differently on different channels. It may  
also be disabled on some channels. The following paragraph  
details the basic monitor function, but consult your dealer or  
communications coordinator if you are unsure how the monitor  
function operates.  
The monitor function may be programmed to disable squelch,  
CTCSS/DCS signaling, 2-tone/selective call signaling or some  
combination of these. To temporarily activate the monitor  
function, briefly press the upper function button. If the button is  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
released within two seconds the monitor function will deactivate  
when released. If the upper function button is held pressed for  
more than two seconds the monitor function will latch on. Press  
and release the upper function button again to deactivate the  
latched monitor function.  
When the monitor function is activated a high pitched  
beep will sound and the status LED will light amber.  
When the monitor function is turned off a low pitched  
beep will sound and the status LED will turn off.  
The upper function button is also used to mute the radio  
after a 2-tone or selective call has ended. Press and  
hold the upper function button for more than two  
seconds to mute the radio until the next 2-tone or  
selective call.  
Transmitting to other radios  
Follow these steps to transmit on your radio:  
1. Make sure that the channel is not busy (transmitting while  
another radio is transmitting will only create interference,  
please wait for the channel to clear).  
2. Press and hold the PTT button. The status LED will glow  
red.  
3. Talk in a normal voice with the microphone approximately 2-  
4 inches (5-10 cm) from your mouth. When finished  
speaking, release the PTT button.  
Do not shout! It will only create distortion.  
Press PTT before you start talking and release PTT after  
you have finished speaking.  
Your radio doesn’t allow you to talk and receive  
simultaneously, so keep your transmission short. When  
you are transmitting, other people can not. Use common  
sense and do not occupy the channel too much.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
The radio might be programmed with a timeout timer  
which will automatically end your transmission after a  
preset time. In this case release PTT and wait for a few  
seconds. The radio transmitter will be enabled again  
after a few seconds. Ask your dealer or communications  
coordinator for further details.  
The radio might be programmed for busy channel lock  
out, which automatically disables the transmitter if your  
channel is busy. In this case wait until the channel is  
clear.  
Selecting transmission power  
Your SP-410 / SP-420 / SP-430 / SP-440 can transmit with two  
power levels. This setting is programmed by your dealer or  
communications coordinator for each channel. The low power  
option is used whenever possible to extend battery life and  
reduce the chances of creating interference with nearby radios.  
If the status LED blinks red once every five seconds in  
standby, the battery needs charging. When a low battery  
condition is detected, the radio will automatically revert  
to low power when transmitting to help prolong the  
battery's life. If beeps are enabled, two short beeps will  
be heard before each transmission indicating the radio  
has automatically switched to low power mode.  
Sending a 2-tone/selective call or emergency call  
Your radio may have been programmed to send a 2-tone or  
selective call for the current channel. Your dealer or  
communications coordinator may have programmed your radio  
to send an emergency call. Please consult your dealer or  
communications coordinator if you are not sure about the use of  
the call function. Obviously, you should not send an emergency  
call unless it is warranted.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
If a 2-tone or selective Call 1 or Call 2 has been assigned for the  
selected channel, it may be sent by pressing the PTT button then  
pressing the upper (Call 1) or lower (Call 2) function button.  
If your transceiver has been programmed to send an emergency  
call for the selected channel, it may be sent by pressing the  
lower then upper function buttons, and holding them pressed for  
at least two seconds.  
!
Please consult your dealer or communications  
coordinator before testing the emergency call  
function. The radio may be programmed to respond  
differently when sending an emergency call.  
Scanning channels  
If you have more than one channel programmed, your SP-410 /  
SP-420 / SP-430 / SP-440 may be programmed to allow you to  
scan them. To activate scan press and release the lower function  
button. If the scan list has at least two channels the radio will  
begin checking all channels in the scan list for activity. The  
status LED will blink amber once every five seconds while the  
radio is scanning. To turn scan off press and release the lower  
function button again. If beeps are enabled a high pitched beep  
will sound when scan is activated and a low pitched beep will  
sound when scan is turned off.  
The default scan list is programmed by your dealer or  
communications coordinator. Your dealer may also have  
designated a particular channel in the scan list as a priority  
channel. The priority channel is checked for activity more often  
than other channels in the scan list. The priority channel may  
also be checked for activity while the radio is receiving on a non-  
priority channel.  
The radio may be programmed to wait a period of time after a  
receive signal ends. Once the resume timer has elapsed,  
scanning will resume. This programmed resume timer will also  
be started whenever the radio has ceased transmitting on a  
channel. Your dealer or communications coordinator will  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
customize the scan options for your particular situation, so the  
following paragraphs detail the available options.  
Busy channel scan  
If no priority channel has been programmed by your dealer or  
communications coordinator, all channels in your scan list will be  
checked for activity, with no preference given to any channel. If  
activity is detected on a channel the radio will stop on that  
channel. Depending on programming, the radio may resume  
scanning after a programmed maximum channel dwell time,  
even though a signal is still present on the channel. While the  
radio is stopped on a channel it may be deleted from the scan list  
by pressing and releasing the upper function button. This  
function may be referred to as nuisance channel delete. If only  
one channel is left in the scan list, the radio will automatically  
turn off scan. When scan is turned off (or the radio is turned off),  
all channels removed from the scan list using nuisance channel  
delete will be restored.  
Priority channel scan  
If a priority channel has been programmed by your dealer or  
communications coordinator, the priority channel will be checked  
more often than the other channels in the scan list. If activity is  
detected on a channel the radio will stop on that channel. While  
stopped on a non-priority channel, the radio may be programmed  
to check for activity on the priority channel. This may be referred  
to as priority channel lookback, and the receive audio from the  
non-priority channel will be briefly interrupted while priority  
lookback occurs. While the radio is stopped on a non-priority  
channel it may be deleted from the scan list by pressing and  
releasing the upper function button. This function may be  
referred to as nuisance channel delete. The priority channel can  
not be deleted from the scan list. If only one channel is left in the  
scan list, the radio will automatically turn off scan. When scan is  
turned off (or the radio is turned off), all channels removed from  
the scan list using nuisance channel delete will be restored.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Transmitting while in scan mode  
If PTT is pressed while the radio is in scan mode, your dealer or  
communications coordinator may have programmed one of the  
following options for the transmit channel:  
1. When PTT is pressed, the radio will generate an error beep  
because your dealer or communications coordinator has  
programmed the radio to not allow transmission while the  
radio is in scan mode.  
2. When PTT is pressed, the radio will switch to and transmit  
on the priority channel regardless of the current receive  
state. This mode may be referred to as priority only transmit.  
3. If the radio has stopped on a channel, or the resume timer is  
active, the radio will transmit on the channel it is stopped on  
when you press PTT. If you press PTT, while the radio is  
scanning channels, the radio will switch to and transmit on  
the priority channel (or the first channel in the scan list if no  
priority channel is programmed). This mode may be referred  
to as (priority) talkback transmit.  
4. When PTT is pressed, the radio will transmit on the channel  
indicated by the channel selector knob. This mode may be  
referred to as channel select transmit.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Advanced Operations  
Operating hands-free  
VOX (voice operated transmit) is a method that allows the  
transceiver to automatically begin transmitting when it detects  
sufficient audio from an optional headset microphone. Correct  
VOX operation generally requires specific headset microphone  
circuitry, and not all headsets that otherwise function correctly on  
the radio may work properly in VOX mode.  
Please be aware that the PTT button on the transceiver  
is disabled when VOX operation is activated. If you want  
to use PTT operation, but the status LED does not light  
and no error beeps are generated when PTT is pressed,  
you should make sure VOX is turned off.  
Activating VOX  
To activate (or deactivate when already activated) the VOX  
function, switch the radio off, and hold both the upper and lower  
function buttons pressed while turning the radio on. A high  
pitched beep will sound and the radio PTT will be disabled when  
VOX is activated. A low pitched beep will sound and the radio  
PTT button will be enabled when VOX is turned off.  
Your dealer may have disabled the VOX function. In this  
case, only an error beep will be generated when  
attempting to activate VOX.  
Two VOX sensitivity selections are possible. The default  
selection is low sensitivity and should be sufficient for  
most headset conditions. For applications where the  
ambient noise level is very low and you desire greater  
microphone sensitivity, you can switch to high sensitivity.  
However if ambient noise conditions are too high the  
radio may transmit constantly indicating the VOX  
sensitivity needs to be set lower.  
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SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Selecting VOX sensitivity  
When VOX is activated you may toggle between low and high  
VOX sensitivity by pressing the lower, then upper function  
buttons, and releasing both within two seconds. A high beep will  
sound when high sensitivity is selected and a low beep will  
sound when low sensitivity is selected.  
Using the scrambler  
The SP-410 / SP-420 / SP-430 / SP-440 transceivers feature a  
built-in voice inversion scrambler. The scrambler function must  
have been enabled by your dealer or communications  
coordinator before it may be activated. If enabled you may  
activate your scrambler by holding the lower function button  
pressed while you turn on the radio. A high pitched beep will  
sound when the scrambler is activated. While the scrambler is  
turned on, the status LED will blink amber twice every five  
seconds.  
All SP-400 series radios receiving the scrambled  
transmission must be also have their scrambler enabled  
for the conversation to be intelligible. In other words, for  
intelligible communication, all radios must have their  
scrambler on or all radios must have their scrambler off.  
The voice inversion scrambler built-in the transceivers is  
a relatively simple form of encryption and does not  
guarantee communication security.  
Editing your scan list  
The SP-400 series radios allow you to edit your scan list before  
scan is turned on. Any channels programmed in the radio which  
are not in the programmed default scan list may be temporarily  
added to the scan list. Additionally, any channels in the  
programmed default scan list, except the programmed priority  
channel, may be temporarily removed from the scan list.  
The programmed priority channel can not be deleted  
from the scan list.  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
25  
 
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
If only two channels remain in the scan list, it is not  
possible to delete either of them.  
When the radio is turned off (not when scan is turned off)  
the programmed default scan list will be restored.  
Scan list edit is only available when scan is not turned  
on.  
To add or remove the current channel from the scan list press  
and hold the lower function button for more than two seconds. A  
low beep will indicate the channel was removed from the scan  
list. A high beep indicates the channel was added to the scan  
list.  
Care and Maintenance  
Using rechargeable battery packs  
Before using the battery charger carefully read any  
related warning or caution labels.  
Do not short battery terminals: this may cause fire,  
burns or explosions.  
Never dispose batteries into fire as they may  
explode. Strictly follow any disposal regulations in  
your area.  
Use only recommended batteries and chargers. The  
use of improper batteries and chargers may cause  
burns, fire or explosions as well as causing serious  
damage to the radio or battery or serious injuries to  
people.  
The recommended battery chargers are for indoor  
use only.  
Ensure that your AC power source matches the  
rating listed for the supplied battery charger AC  
adapter.  
26  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
 
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
To avoid damaging the power cable of the battery  
charger, do not put anything on it or place it where it  
will be walked on.  
Do not use the charger if it received a strong shock,  
has been dropped or it appears damaged. Contact  
your dealer or communications coordinator for a  
replacement charger.  
Never try to disassemble or service the charger  
yourself. Always contact your local dealer or  
communications coordinator for assistance.  
To reduce the risk of electric shocks disconnect the  
AC power source before performing any cleaning or  
maintenance on the charger.  
Battery performance will be degraded when exposed  
to temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) or greater than  
35°C (95°F) during their use. The batteries should  
only be charged when temperatures are in the range  
of +5°C (41°F) to +40°C (104°F).  
Recharging battery packs  
Full battery capacity will only be achieved after cycling  
the battery through 3-4 full charging/discharging cycles.  
Should you properly use the battery pack, you will obtain  
at least 300 charging/discharging cycles with the smart  
charger. The battery capacity will progressively reduce  
after about 2/3 of its life.  
Rechargeable battery packs lose their charge over time  
if left unused (self-discharge). This is normal. A NiMH  
(Nickel Metal Hydride) battery can lose 10 to 20% of its  
stored energy in few days.  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
27  
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
The battery pack must be charged prior to use. To charge the  
battery pack you should set up the charger and insert the radio  
(or battery) as follows:  
1. Plug the AC adapter into a grounded AC power outlet which  
supplies the specified input voltage for the AC adapter.  
2. Connect the DC plug on the AC adapter to the mating socket  
on the back of the charging cradle.  
3. Make sure the radio is switched off.  
4. Insert the radio into the cradle with the front of the radio  
facing toward the front of the cradle (the three metallic  
contacts of the battery pack must make contact with the  
three contacts inside the cradle). The LED indicator will glow  
red indicating the battery is charging.  
5. The rapid charger will fully charge the 1300 mAH NiMH  
battery in approximately 1.5 hours. The rapid charger will  
change to a green LED and switch to a trickle charge rate  
when a full charge is detected. The standard rate charger  
will charge at a constant rate (requires about 12 hours to  
fully charge a dead battery) and batteries should not be left  
in the charger longer than 15 hours. The LED of the  
standard rate charger does not signal a fully charged battery  
state.  
!
Do not leave the battery in the charger longer than  
15 hours.  
When possible, charge the battery when it is fully  
discharged or, you have used it for the major part of its  
capacity. Otherwise the battery’s capacity could be  
temporarily reduced. Please see the paragraph “Memory  
effect”.  
Removing the battery before it is fully charged will  
temporarily reduce the duty cycle.  
28  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Memory effect  
The NiMH (Nickel Metal Hydride) battery pack is made with a  
more advanced technology than a NiCd (Nickel Cadmium)  
battery. For this reason it is virtually free of what is called  
“memory effect”, which affects NiCd batteries. Memory effect  
causes a reduction in the battery’s capacity. However memory  
effect may occur if you regularly charge the battery when you  
haven’t discharged it at least at 50-70%. Memory effect can be  
easily avoided by following these simple rules:  
When possible, charge battery packs only when they are  
completely discharged.  
Do not remove the battery from the charger before the  
necessary time to provide a full charge.  
Provide at least two deep charge/discharge cycles per  
month.  
The best way to avoid memory effect is to use two  
battery packs and alternate their use with the radio. This  
will allow you to keep your transceiver in operation by  
replacing the battery pack when it is fully discharged.  
Erasing memory effect  
To erase memory effects try applying 3-4 deep charge/discharge  
cycles as follows:  
1. Attach the battery to the radio and leave the radio on until  
the battery runs down and the radio turns off.  
2. Switch off the radio and wait at least one hour and then turn  
the radio back on. Note that some energy remains in the  
battery, if the radio turns on.  
3. Leave the radio on until the battery runs down again.  
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 up to three times or until the battery is  
well drained.  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
29  
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
5. Fully charge the battery and check the battery capacity. If  
you believe some memory effect still exists go back to step  
1.  
If the battery capacity does not improve after performing  
steps 1-5 three times, your battery pack is faulty or has  
reached the end of it’s life.  
Cleaning your radio  
Wipe the radio with a clean cloth to remove dust. If it is very dirty,  
you can use a damp cloth.  
Clean the battery contacts with a clean, lint-free cloth to remove  
dirt, grease or any other material, which may prevent a good  
electrical contact. If contacts are very dirty you can also wipe  
them using a soft pencil rubber (not hard erasers for ink). If you  
feel that battery contacts still aren’t making good electrical  
contact, please contact your dealer or communications  
coordinator.  
!
Do not use liquid, alcohol or aerosol cleaners.  
Optional Accessories  
!
When the accessory connector is not being used,  
the radio should be fitted with the supplied dust  
cover.  
The accessory connector uses a 3.5mm speaker jack and  
2.5mm microphone jack. It is designed for the connection of two  
pin accessories.  
Any accessories to be connected to the accessory connector  
should meet the following requirements:  
1. The speaker input impedance should be at least 8 ohms.  
2. The microphone should be a low-impedance condenser  
type.  
30  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
 
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
3. Any accessory should be of high quality suitable for  
professional use.  
!
Please do not  
connect any  
accessory if  
you are unsure  
it meets the  
requirements  
listed. You  
could damage  
your radio.  
Please consult your dealer or communications supplier  
for compatible accessories for your SP-400 series radio.  
Recommended accessories  
Antennas:  
ACC-101VLB  
ACC-101VB  
ACC-104UW  
VHF Antenna, 150-162 MHz  
VHF Antenna, 162-174 MHz  
UHF Antenna, 440-470 MHz  
Battery:  
18-B02  
1300 mAH, NiMH  
Chargers:  
ACC-470  
ACC-480  
ACC-476  
Rapid rate charger (requires ACC-476 cup)  
Standard rate charger (requires ACC-476 cup)  
Charger cup for 18-B02 battery  
Audio:  
QPA-1421  
70-M45WP  
Speaker microphone  
Weatherproof speaker microphone  
Carrying:  
81-BC1  
QPA-1491  
QPA-1495  
Replacement belt clip  
Leather case  
Nylon case  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
31  
 
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Quick Reference  
Controls function table  
Control  
Operation  
Function  
On/off knob  
On/off knob  
Channel knob  
Channel knob  
Turn clockwise past detent  
Turned further clockwise  
Rotated while scan is off  
Rotated while scanning  
Turns the radio on  
Increases the speaker volume  
Selects channel of operation  
May select the scan transmit  
channel, as programmed  
PTT button  
PTT button  
Pressed while scan is off  
Pressed while scanning  
Transmits on selected channel  
Transmits on the scan transmit  
channel, as programmed  
Upper function  
button  
Pressed < two seconds  
Released in < two seconds  
Pressed > two seconds  
Pressed while transmitting  
Monitor on  
Upper function  
button  
Monitor off  
Upper function  
button  
Latches the monitor on/off  
Sends Call 1, if programmed  
Nuisance channel delete  
Places radio in program mode  
Toggles scan on/off  
Upper function  
button  
Upper function  
button  
Pressed and released  
while scan is holding  
Upper function  
button  
Pressed while radio is  
turned on  
Lower function  
button  
Pressed and released  
Lower function  
button  
Pressed > two seconds  
while scan is off  
Toggles channel in or out of  
scan list  
Lower function  
button  
Pressed when radio is  
turned on  
Toggles scrambler on/off, if  
enabled  
Lower function  
button  
Pressed while transmitting  
Sends Call 2, if programmed  
Lower + Upper  
function buttons  
Pressed and released  
while VOX enabled  
Toggles VOX sensitivity  
Lower + Upper  
function buttons  
Pressed > two seconds  
Sends emergency call, if  
programmed  
Lower + Upper  
function buttons  
Pressed when radio is  
turned on  
Toggles VOX mode on/off, if  
enabled  
32  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
 
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Status LED table  
Indication  
Status  
None while PTT pressed (see also  
Activating VOX)  
Timeout timer or penalty active  
Steady red while PTT pressed  
Transmitting  
Continuous red flash while PTT  
pressed  
No TX, very low battery voltage  
Single red flash in standby mode  
(repeated every five seconds)  
Low battery voltage  
Steady green in receive mode  
Carrier present or monitor on  
2-tone/selective call decoded  
Continuous green flash in receive or  
standby mode  
Single green flash at power-on  
Steady amber in receive mode  
Self-test passed  
CTCSS/DCS valid or monitor on  
Scan mode active  
Single amber flash in standby mode  
(repeated every five seconds)  
Double amber flash in standby mode  
(repeated every five seconds)  
Scrambler active  
Triple amber flash in standby mode  
(repeated every five seconds)  
Scan mode and scrambler active  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
33  
 
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Specifications  
General specifications  
SP-410 / 430 (VHF)  
148-174 MHz  
MMA80151  
Part 90  
SP-420 / 440 (UHF)  
440-470 MHz  
MMASP-440  
Part 90, 95  
Frequency range  
FCC ID number  
FCC type acceptance  
Maximum number of channels  
Channel spacing  
4/16  
4/16  
12.5/25 KHz  
5/6.25/7.5 KHz  
47 CTCSS/104 DCS  
7.2 Vdc 1300 mAH  
8.4 hrs  
12.5/25 KHz  
5/6.25 KHz  
Channel stepping  
CTCSS/DCS per channel  
Battery  
47 CTCSS/104 DCS  
7.2 Vdc 1300 mAH  
8.4 hrs  
5-5-90 duty cycle @ 4/5 Watts  
5-5-90 duty cycle @ 1 Watt  
MIL spec  
13.1 hrs  
12.2 hrs  
810E, shock and vibration  
5.75”x2.8”x1.5”  
13 oz.  
810E, shock and vibration  
5.75”x2.8”x1.5”  
13 oz.  
Size (HxWxD)  
Weight  
EIA/TIA-603 receiver specs  
Frequency stability  
12 dB SINAD sensitivity  
Selectivity  
±2.5 ppm (-30° to +60° C)  
0.25 µV  
±2.5 ppm (-30° to +60° C)  
0.3 µV  
75 dB WB/65 dB NB  
75 dB  
70 dB WB/65 dB NB  
70 dB  
Intermodulation rejection  
Spurious rejection  
Acceptable radio freq displacement  
Squelch sensitivity  
Audio response  
80 dB  
70 dB  
±2 KHz WB/±1 KHz NB  
<0.25 µV  
±2 KHz WB/±1 KHz NB  
<0.25 µV  
per EIA/TIA-603 specs  
per EIA/TIA-603 specs  
Audio output  
500 mW @ <5% THD into  
500 mW @ <5% THD into  
8Ω  
8Ω  
RF input impedance  
EIA/TIA-603 transmitter specs  
RF power output  
50 Ω  
50 Ω  
5 Watts or 1 Watt  
±2.5 ppm (-30° to +60° C)  
16KOF3E/11KOF3E  
70 dB WB/60 dB NB  
70 dB  
4 Watts or 1 Watt  
±2.5 ppm (-30° to +60° C)  
16KOF3E/11KOF3E  
70 dB WB/60 dB NB  
70 dB  
Frequency stability  
Modulation type  
Adjacent channel emissions  
Spurious emissions  
FM hum & noise  
50 dB WB/45 dB NB  
per EIA/TIA-603 specs  
<5% 1 KHz @ 60% dev.  
50 Ω  
40 dB WB/38 dB NB  
per EIA/TIA-603 specs  
<5% 1 KHz @ 60% dev.  
50 Ω  
Audio response  
Audio distortion  
RF output impedance  
34  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
 
 
SP-400 Series User’s Guide  
Warranty Statement  
Midland Radio Corporation (herein, Midland) warrants each new radio product manufactured  
or supplied by it to be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and  
service for a period listed below, provided that the user has complied with the requirements  
stated herein.  
The Warranty period begins on the date of purchase from an Authorized Midland Sales and  
Service Outlet. This Warranty is offered to the original end user and is not assignable or  
transferable. Midland is not responsible for any ancillary equipment attached to or used in  
conjunction with Midland products.  
Midland offers to the original end user a Two (2) Year Limited Warranty on Midland Business  
and Industrial radio products. Accessories carry a One (1) Year Limited Warranty.  
During this period, if the product fails to function under normal use because of manufacturing  
defect(s) or workmanship, it should be returned to the Authorized Midland Sales and Service  
Outlet from which it was purchased. The Sales and Service Outlet will repair the product or  
return the product for repair to Midland or its Authorized Repair Depot. The user is  
responsible for the payment of any charges or expenses incurred for the removal of the  
defective product from the vehicle or other site of its use; for the transportation of the product  
to the Sales and Service Outlet; for the return of the repaired / replacement product to the  
site of its use and for the reinstallation of the product.  
Midland shall have no obligation to make repairs or to cause replacement required, which  
results from normal wear and tear or is necessitated in whole or in part by catastrophe, fault  
or negligence of the user, improper or unauthorized alterations or repairs to the Product,  
incorrect wiring, use of the Product in a manner for which it was not designed or by causes  
external to the Product. This Warranty is void if the product serial number is altered, defaced  
or removed.  
Midland’s sole obligation hereunder shall be to replace or repair the Product covered in this  
Warranty. Replacement, at Midland’s option, may include a similar or higher-featured  
product. Repair may include the replacement of parts or boards with functionally equivalent  
reconditioned or new parts or boards. Replaced parts, accessories, batteries or boards are  
warranted for the balance of the original time period. All replaced parts, accessories,  
batteries or boards become the property of Midland.  
THE EXPRESS WARRANTIES CONTAINED HEREIN ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER  
WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, INCLUDING,  
WITHOUT LIMITATION, ANY WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A  
PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  
FOR ANY PRODUCT WHICH DOES NOT COMPLY WITH THE WARRANTY SPECIFIED,  
THE SOLE REMEDY WILL BE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT. IN NO EVENT WILL  
MIDLAND BE LIABLE TO THE BUYER OR ITS CUSTOMERS FOR ANY DAMAGES,  
INCLUDING ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES,  
OR FOR THE LOSS OF PROFIT, REVENUE OR DATA ARISING OUT OF THE USE OF  
OR THE INABILITY TO USE THE PRODUCT.  
This warranty is void for sales and deliveries outside of the U. S. A. and Canada.  
© 2005, Midland Radio Corporation  
35  
 
 
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is  
subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful  
interference.  
This radio operates in FCC regulated frequency bands. All radios  
must be licensed by the FCC before use. Because this radio  
contains a transmitter, Federal law prohibits unauthorized use or  
adjustments of this radio.  
5900 PARRETTA DRIVE, KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI, 64120  
PHONE: (816) 241-8500, FAX: (816) 241-5713  
Revised June 2005  
Printed in Thailand  
 

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