Motorola TA280 T289 Two Way Radio User Manual

							 Talkabout TA280 and T289 radios  allow you to
select which channels are to be scanned by
turning them On or OF (off) in the Scan List
menu. (  (
 % )1. Press Menu button three times to enter the 
Scan List menu. SCAN appears and chan-
nel number flashes. Figure 17.
2. Use Scroll buttons to change channel. 
3. Press Scan button to add (On) or delete 
(OF) channels. 
/Channels which are turned OF (Off) will not be scanned.		 Talkabout radios have multiple unique Call
Tones to identify sender and alert receiver. The
TA280 has 5 call tones, while the T289 has a
total of 10. Press the Call button and users on
your channel and with your code setting will be
alerted with your Call Tone.  1   #1. With radio on, press Menu button four times 
to enter Call Tone menu. CALL appears 
and Call Tone number is displayed.         
Figure 18.                   
2. Use Scroll buttons to change and hear the Call Tones.
/
     •  When Alert Tones are disabled you will not hear Call Tone beeps when 
transmitting, but you will hear them while receiving.
     •  The radio will return to normal operation mode in 10 seconds or after 
pressing Push-To-Talk button. 
	 Scan allows you to monitor channels and codes of other transmitting radios.
When the radio detects channel activity, it stops scanning and locks in on the
active channel and code. It allows you to listen and talk to the person(s) trans-
mitting without having to switch channels. To scan for radios without Interfer-
ence Eliminator Codes, change your code to zero (off) before pressing the
Scan button.,

 (
 8)1. With the radio on, press the Scan button. SCAN appears on the display, 
flashing. 
2. When the radio detects channel activity, SCAN stops flashing and the 
active channel and code are displayed.
3. To turn off the Scan feature and return to normal operation mode press the 
Scan button.9)   1. Press Monitor button to lock or hold your radio to displayed channel and 
code. CHAN SCAN appears to confirm active settings. 
2.  To begin scanning again, press the Monitor button.
/
     •  If Monitor button is not pressed, radio will begin scanning for active 
channels 5 seconds after activity ceases.
     •  Radios will scan all Codes (38) on all selected channels.Figure 17.
/
0
Figure 18.
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							 # 9)$#$#-11. Press Push-To-Talk button once. The VOX display will disappear. 
2. To transmit, press Push-To-Talk button on radio. To receive, release the 
Push-To-Talk. 
/
     •  To return to iVOX mode follow instructions above.
     •  To return to VOX mode, turn the radio off, then on again with the 
accessory in place. $()*$() +Talkabout radios allow you to adjust VOX sensi-
tivity of radio to compensate for varying levels of
background noise.                                                                      
1.  With radio on, press Menu button five times 
t o  e n t e r  V O X  s e n s i t i v i t y  m o d e .                                                   
2. VOX will appear on display along with the 
current VOX setting. Figure 20.
3. Use Scroll buttons to select level.# (
 %
1 = Low sensitivity for high levels of background noise. 
2 = Medium sensitivity for use in most applications. 
3 = High sensitivity for low levels of background noise.
/ 
     •  The radio will return to operation mode after 10 seconds or after you 
press the Push-To-Talk button.
     •  When using audio accessories, radio volume should be kept at a com-
fortable listening level. Before you place the audio accessory on your 
head or in your ear, turn down the volume.
     •  When using iVOX, sensitivity level 3 is recommended.

   Talkabout radios have built-in Voice Operated Transmission (VOX) capability.
This means the sound of your voice activates transmission when the radio is
used with VOX accessories (sold separately).
The T289 also has iVOX (Internal Voice Operated Transmission), which allows
you to use the radio hands free without an accessory in place. Read the instruc-
tions below to activate the iVOX feature. , $() -& 74:1. With radio off, plug accessory connector into 
jack on left side of radio. Figure 19.
2. Turn radio on. 
3. Lower volume with Scroll button before plac-
ing accessory on head or in ear. VOX 
appears on display to indicate VOX is active. 
4. To transmit, speak into accessory microphone. 
To receive, stop talking.& 74: $#/0 1. Turn the radio on with the Push-To-Talk depressed to arm the iVOX fea-
ture.        
2. To activate, quickly press the Push-To-Talk button. The VOX indicator will 
appear on the display to indicate that the iVOX feature is active.                                   
3. To transmit, speak into radio microphone. To receive, stop talking. 
Note: There will be a brief delay between when you start/stop talking and
radio transmission time. If you press the Push-To-Talk button, you will disable
the VOX/iVOX feature. 
Figure 19.
3

Figure 20.
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	% 
Talkabout radios have been designed to maximize performance and improve
transmission range in the field. It is recommended that you do not use the
radios closer than 5 feet apart because of heavy interference.
Talk range depends on the terrain. These are line of sight radios and talk
range will be affected by concrete structures, heavy foliage and operating
radios indoors and in vehicles. # !To clean the radio, wipe with a soft cloth dampened  with water. Don’t use
cleaners or solvents on the radio, they can harm the body and leak inside,
causing permanent damage. Battery contacts may be wiped with a dry, lint-
free cloth.
If the radio gets wet, turn it off and remove batteries immediately. Dry battery
compartment with a soft cloth to minimize potential water damage. Leave
cover off the battery compartment overnight or until completely dry. Do not
use the radio until completely dry.
With the audio and carrying accessories (sold separately) available for
Talkabout radios, you’ll be able to receive incoming messages in privacy with
an Earbud or Flexible Ear Receiver. With a Speaker Microphone or an Earbud
with Push-To-Talk Microphone, you’ll enjoy the convenience of being able to
talk and listen without reaching for your radio. Use your radio hands free with
a headset with swivel boom mic or an ultra lightweight headset. 
We’ve also got a selection of cases perfect for all your radio transport needs.
Whether it’s an Arm Pack, Belt Case, or Waterproof Bag, Motorola has a great
carrying case for you! For information contact place of purchase or call
Motorola at: ./001213435/ When using audio accessories, the radio’s volume should be kept at a
comfortable listening level. Before you place the audio accessory on your
head or in your ear, turn down the volume.
45 Talk range in flat, open 
areas, up to 2 miles. 
1)5 Range is decreased when 
buildings and trees are in 
the way. 
5 Dense foliage or  
mountains can limit range.
 
						

							

 No Power
Message Not               
Transmitted     
            
Message Not    
Received                 
Hearing Other Noise Or 
Conversation on a  
Channel
Limited Talk RangeReposition or replace alkaline batteries.
Recharge or replace NiMH battery.
Make sure the Push-To-Talk button is completely 
pressed as you transmit. 
Reposition, replace or charge batteries.
Confirm radios have the same Channel and Inter-
ference Eliminator Code settings. 
Make sure Push-To-Talk is not inadvertently being 
pressed.
Reposition, replace or charge batteries.
Obstructions, operating indoors or in 
vehicles may interfere with communication. 
Change your location.
Check to make sure volume is turned up.
Confirm Interference Eliminator Code is set, 
(active settings are 1-38).
Shared Channel or Interference Eliminator Code 
may be in use, try another.
Steel/concrete structures, heavy foliage and use in 
buildings and in vehicles will decrease range, 
check for clear line of sight to improve transmis-
sion.
Wearing radio close to body such as in a pocket or 
on a belt will decrease range, change location of 
radio.Heavy Static or             
Interference
Channel/Code Locked
Low Batteries
Charger LED Double 
Flashing
Can not Activate iVOX 
(T289 only)Radios too close. Radios must be at least 5 feet 
apart.
Radios too far apart. Obstacles interfere with 
transmission. Talk range is up to 2 miles in clear, 
unobstructed conditions.
Make sure radio is unlocked. See page 17 for more 
information.
Recharge NiMH battery or replace alkaline batter-
ies. Extreme operating temperatures will affect the 
life of the battery.
Charger pin is not properly in place. Check to 
make sure the charger pin is fully inserted into the 
radio. If so, allow the radio to charge until the LED 
glows solid.
Battery power is very low; double flashing indi-
cates that the battery is charging up slowly before 
it starts to quick charge.
Feature not armed. Follow instructions on page 20 
to arm and activate iVOX.
If the radio still doesn’t work properly, contact your place of purchase or call
Motorola Product Services at:
./001213435
	 # +
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Before using the battery charger, read all instructions and cautionary
markings on, 
(1) the battery, 
(2) battery charger, and 
(3) the radio using the battery.1. Do not expose the charger to rain or snow.
2. Do not operate the charger if it has received a sharp blow, or has been 
dropped or damaged in any way.
3. Do not disassemble the charger. If  it does not work properly return it to the 
point of purchase if within 90 days of purchase. Incorrect reassembly 
may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
4. Never alter the AC cord or plug provided with the unit. If plug will not fit the 
outlet, have proper outlet installed by a qualified electrician. An improper 
condition can result in a risk of electric shock.
5. To reduce risk of damage to cord or plug, pull by the plug rather than the
6.  cord when disconnecting charger from AC receptacle.
7. To reduce the risk of electric shock, unplug the charger from the outlet 
before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
8. Use of an attachment not recommended or sold by  Motorola may result in 
a risk of fire, electric shock, or personal injury.
9. Make sure that the cord is located so that it will not be stepped on, tripped 
over, or subjected to damage or stress.
10. An extension cord should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Use 
of an improper extension cord could result in a risk of fire and/or electric 
shock. If an extension cord must be used, make sure:
     •  That the pins on the plug of the extension cord are the same
     •  Number, size, and shape as those on the plug of the charger.
     •  That the extension cord is properly wired and in good electrical condi-
tion, and
     •  That the cord size is 18 AWG for lengths up to 100 feet, and 16 AWG 
for lengths up to 150 feet.
11. The supply cord of this charger cannot be replaced. If the cord is dam-
aged, the charger should be discarded or returned to the point of pur-
chase if within 90 days of purchase./0
To reduce the risk of injury, charge only the recharge-
able batteries listed. Other types of batteries may
burst, causing personal injury and damage.
, (
6
Kit Number Description
NTN8871 110V - NiMH Charging Adapter
NTN9150 110V - NiMH Charging AdapterKit Number Capacity in milliampere-hour mAH/
Description/Composition
HNN 9720 750 mAH/T289, TA270/280 SLK/NiMH
Single-Unit Charger
Batteries 
						

							3

/Carrier Squelch (0) disables Interference Eliminator Codes. This
allows you to monitor all activity on the channel you are using.
Interference Eliminator Code Chart
Talkabout 
CodeHz Freq 7/7x 
CodeTalkabout 
CodeHz Freq 7/7x 
Code
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
1967.0
71.9
74.4
77.0
79.7
82.5
85.4
88.5
91.5
94.8
97.4
100.0
103.5
107.2
110.9
114.8
118.8
123.0
127.3A
B
C
D
E
F20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38131.8
136.5
141.3
146.2
151.4
156.7
162.2
167.9
173.8
179.9
186.2
192.8
203.5
210.7
218.1
225.7
233.6
241.8
250.3G
Channel Frequency Chart
Channel MHz
    1 462.5625
    2 462.5875
    3 462.6125
    4 462.6375
    5 462.6625
    6 462.6875
    7 462.7125Channel MHz
    8 467.5625
    9 467.5875
   10 467.6125
   11 467.6375
   12 467.6625
   13 467.6875
   14 467.7125	 -9 #
 ! 	 # The channel/frequency and Interference Eliminator Code charts on these
pages provide frequency and code compatibility information.These charts are
useful when using Talkabout two-way radios with other two-way radios.  
						

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Motorola, Inc.  warrants the  enclosed  product against  defects in material  and workman-
ship under normal use and service for one (1) year provided it is returned in accordance
with this warranty. If defective, the product will be repaired or replaced at Motorola’s
option, at no charge, with dated proof of purchase. This warranty does not cover defects
or damage resulting from: misuse, improper operation, unauthorized modification, liquid,
batteries, or normal wear and tear.MOTOROLA IS NOT LIABLE FOR DAMAGES IN EXCESS OF THE  P URCHASE PRICE OF
THE PRODUCT, FOR ANY INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING  OUT
OF THE USE OR INABILITY TO USE SUCH PRODUCT ,  T O  T H E  F U L L  EXTENT SUCH MAY
BE DISCLAIMED BY LAW. THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE LIMITED TO THE DURATION OF THIS
LIMITED WARRANTY. HOWEVER, SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS  ON
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, OR LIMITATION ON HOW LONG AN
IMPLIED WARRANTY LASTS, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. THIS
WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY HAVE OTHER RIGHTS
WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. 8  	5 1 

 
 
$/33$!$*0 Copyright Information: The Motorola products described in this manual may include
copyrighted Motorola programs stored in semiconductor memories or other media. Laws
in the United States and other countries preserve for Motorola, certain exclusive rights for
copyrighted computer programs, including the exclusive right to copy or reproduce in any
form, the copyrighted Motorola programs. Accordingly, any copyrighted Motorola
computer  programs contained in the Motorola products described in  this manual may  not
be copied or reproduced in any manner without the express written permission of
Motorola. Furthermore, the purchase of Motorola products shall not be deemed to grant
either directly or by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license under the copyrights,
patents or patent applications of Motorola, except for the normal non-exclusive royalty
free license to use that arises by operation of law in the sale of a product. 
 &   	3/
 FCC Information: Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by Motorola may void the user’s authority granted by the FCC to
operate this radio and should not be made. To comply with FCC requirements, transmitter
adjustments should be made only by or under the supervision of a person certified as
technically  qualified to  perform transmitter  maintenance  and repairs  in  the  private  land
mobile and fixed  services as certified  by an organization  representative  of the users of
those services. Replacement of any transmitter component (crystal, semiconductor, etc.)
not authorized by the FCC equipment authorization for this radio could violate FCC rules.  
						

							

 

 	
  
	        	
 
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							:% ( To make it easier for you to learn how to use your  two-way radio, we’ve
included this quick reference guide to the button functions of your Talkabout
radio(s).
 Function Press Menu To Change Use Press To Set
Channel Selection Once Scroll Buttons Push-To-Talk
Code Selection 2 times Scroll Buttons Push-To-Talk
Scan List 3 times Scan Button Push-To-Talk
Call Tone Alert 4 times Scroll Buttons Push-To-Talk
VOX Sensitivity 5 times Scroll Buttons Push-To-Talk
Auto Power Off 6 times Scroll Buttons Push-To-Talk
*% Function Press Light/Lock Function Press Light/Lock
Turn On Light Press Once         Turn Off Light        Time Out, 5 seconds
Lock Keypad Press and Hold Unlock Keypad Press and Hold
 Function Press Monitor                   
Check Channel Activity Once		  Function Press Call 
Call Tone Alert Once Function Press Scan Function Press Scan
Turn On Scan Once  Turn Off Scan Once
+*