Kenwood BC500DU User Manual

This User guide covers only the basic operations of your

radio.

For using the detailed instruction manual, refer to the

following URL.

https://manual.kenwood.com/files/B5K-1138-00.pdf

THANK YOU

We are grateful for your purchase of this BearCom product.

NOTICES TO THE USER

◆

Government law prohibits the operation of unlicensed radio

transmitters within the territories under government control.

◆

Illegal operation is punishable by fine and/or imprisonment.

◆

Refer service to qualified technicians only.

Safety:

It is important that the operator is aware of, and understands,

hazards common to the operation of any transceiver.

BearCom Group, Inc. shall be free from any responsibilities for any

incidental losses or damages, such as missing communications or call

opportunities caused by a failure or performance error of the transceiver.

The AMBE+2™ voice coding Technology embodied in this product

is protected by intellectual property rights including patent rights,

copyrights and trade secrets of Digital Voice Systems, Inc. This

voice coding Technology is licensed solely for use within this

Communications Equipment. The user of this Technology is explicitly

prohibited from attempting to extract, remove, decompile, reverse

engineer, or disassemble the Object Code, or in any other way

convert the Object Code into a human-readable form. U.S. Patent Nos.

#7,970,606, #8,359,197, #8,315,860, and #8,595,002.

Firmware Copyrights

The title to and ownership of copyrights for firmware embedded in

BearCom product memories are reserved for BearCom Group, Inc.

B5A-4333-10

BearCom Group, Inc.

One or more of the following statements may be applicable:

FCC WARNING

This equipment generates or uses radio frequency energy. Changes or

modifications to this equipment may cause harmful interference unless

the modifications are expressly approved by the party responsible/

BearCom. The user could lose the authority to operate this equipment

if an unauthorized change or modification is made.

INFORMATION TO THE DIGITAL DEVICE USER REQUIRED BY

THE FCC

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for

a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.

These

limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful

interference in a residential installation.

This equipment generates, uses and can generate radio frequency

energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions,

may cause harmful interference to radio communications.

However,

there is no guarantee that the interference will not occur in a particular

installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or

television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment

off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by

one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to

which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer for technical assistance.

SUPPLIER’S DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

47 CFR § 2.1077 Compliance Information

Trade name: BearCom Group, Inc.

Model(s): BC500DV, BC550DU, BC500DU

Responsible party: JVCKENWOOD USA Corporation 1440 Corporate

Drive, Irving, TX 75038 USA

Telephone number: 972-819-0700

The RBRC Recycle seal found on KENWOOD lithium-

ion (Li-ion) battery packs indicates KENWOOD’s

voluntary participation in an industry program to collect

and recycle Li-ion batteries after their operating life

has expired. The RBRC program is an alternative to

disposing Li-ion batteries with your regular refuse or in

municipal waste streams, which is illegal in some areas.

For information on Li-ion battery recycling in your area, call (toll free)

1-800-8-BATTERY (1-800-822-8837).

KENWOOD’s involvement in this program is part of our commitment to

preserve our environment and conserve our natural resources.

PRECAUTIONS

Observe the following precautions to prevent fire, personal injury, and

transceiver damage.

• Do not charge the transceiver and battery pack when they are wet.

• Ensure that there are no metallic items located between the

transceiver and the battery pack.

• Do not use options not specified by

your dealer.

• If the die-cast chassis or other transceiver part is damaged, do not

touch the damaged parts.

• If a headset or headphone is connected to the transceiver, reduce

the transceiver volume. Pay attention to the volume level when

turning the squelch off.

• Do not place the microphone cable around your neck while near

machinery that may catch the cable.

• Do not place the transceiver on unstable surfaces.

• Ensure that the end of the antenna does not touch your eyes.

• When the transceiver is used for transmission for many hours, the

radiator and chassis will become hot. Do not touch these locations

when replacing the battery pack.

• Always switch the transceiver power off before installing optional

accessories.

• When water gets into the microphone opening or the speaker grill,

the voice level may become low or distorted. Lightly shake the

transceiver to remove the water from the speaker and/or microphone

before operating the transceiver.

• The charger is the device that disconnects the unit from the AC

mains line. The AC plug should be readily accessible.

• To dispose of batteries, be sure to comply with the laws and

regulations in your country or region.

•

If condensation forms, let it air dry or leave it in the same environment

for a long time to eliminate the condensation before using it.

WARNING

Turn the transceiver power off before entering the following

locations:

• Near explosives or blasting sites.

• In aircrafts. (Any use of the transceiver must follow the instructions

and regulations provided by the airline crew.)

• Where restrictions or warnings are posted regarding the use of

radio devices, including but not limited to medical facilities.

• Near persons wearing pacemakers.

WARNING

Turn the transceiver power off before entering the following

locations, unless the model is specifically qualified for such use

(Intrinsically Safe such as approved by CSA):

• In explosive atmospheres (inflammable gas, dust particles, metallic

powders, grain powders, etc.).

• While pumping on fuel or while parked at gasoline service stations.

CAUTION

• Do not disassemble or modify the transceiver for any reason.

• Do not place the transceiver on or near airbag equipment while the

vehicle is running. When the airbag inflates, the transceiver may be

ejected and strike the driver or passengers.

• Do not transmit while touching the antenna terminal or if any

metallic parts are exposed from the antenna covering.

Transmitting

at such a time may result in a high-frequency burn.

• If an abnormal odor or smoke is detected coming from the

transceiver, switch the transceiver power off immediately, remove

the battery pack from the transceiver, and contact your dealer.

• Use of the transceiver while you are driving may be against traffic

laws. Please check and observe the vehicle regulations in your

area.

• Do not expose the transceiver to extremely hot or cold conditions.

• Do not carry the battery pack (or battery case) with metal objects,

as they may short the battery terminals.

• Danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced; replace

only with the same type.

• When attaching a commercial strap to the transceiver, ensure

that the strap is durable. In addition, do not swing the transceiver

around by the strap; you may inadvertently strike and injure another

person with the transceiver.

• If a commercially available neck strap is used, take care not to let

the strap get caught on nearby machine.

• When operating the transceiver in areas where the air is dry, it is

easy to build up an electric charge (static electricity). When using

an earphone accessory in such conditions, it is possible for the

transceiver to send an electric shock through the earphone and to

your ear. We recommend you use only a speaker/microphone in

these conditions, to avoid electric shocks.

• Do not expose the transceiver to long periods of direct sunlight, nor

place it near heating appliances.

INFORMATION CONCERNING THE BATTERY PACK

The battery pack includes flammable objects such as organic solvent.

Mishandling may cause the battery to rupture producing flames or

extreme heat, deteriorate, or cause other forms of damage to the battery.

Please observe the following prohibitive matters.

DANGER

• Do not disassemble or reconstruct battery.

• Do not short-circuit the battery.

• Do not incinerate or apply heat to the battery.

• Do not leave the battery near fires, stoves, or other heat

generators (areas reaching over 80°C/ 176°F).

•

Do not immerse the battery in water or get it wet by other means.

• Do not charge the battery near fires or under direct sunlight.

• Use only the specified charger and observe charging

requirements.

• Do not pierce the battery with any object, strike it with an

instrument, or step on it.

• Do not jar or throw the battery.

• Do not use the battery pack if it is damaged in any way.

• Do not solder directly onto the battery.

• Do not reverse the battery polarity (and terminals).

• Do not reverse-charge or reverse-connect the battery.

•

Do not touch a ruptured and leaking battery.

If the electrolyte liquid from the battery gets into your eyes, wash

your eyes out with fresh water as soon as possible, without rubbing

your eyes. Go to the hospital immediately. If left untreated, it may

cause eye-problems.

WARNING

• Do not charge the battery for longer than the specified time.

• Do not place the battery pack into a microwave or high

pressure container.

• Keep ruptured and leaking battery packs away from fire.

• Do not use an abnormal battery.

• Do not change or charge the battery in hazardous locations.

RADIO FREQUENCY ENERGY SAFETY INFORMATION

This

BearCom

transceiver has been tested and complies with the standards

listed below, in regards to Radio Frequency (RF) energy and electromagnetic

energy (EME) generated by the transceiver.

• FCC RF exposure limits for Occupational Use Only. RF Exposure limits adopted

by the FCC are generally based on recommendations from the National

Council on Radiation Protection and Measurements, & the American National

Standards Institute.

• FCC OET Bulletin 65 Edition 97-01 Supplement C

• American National Standards Institute (C95.1 – 1992)

• American National Standards Institute (C95.3 – 1992)

WARNING

This BearCom transceiver generates RF EME while transmitting. RF EME

(Radio Frequency Electric & Magnetic Energy) has the potential to cause

slight thermal, or heating effects to any part of your body less than the

recommended distance from this radio transmitter’s antenna. RF energy

exposure is determined primarily by the distance to and the power of the

transmitting device. In general, RF exposure is minimized when the lowest

possible power is used or transmission time is kept to the minimum required

for consistent communications, and the greatest distance possible from

the antenna to the body is maintained. The transceiver has been designed

for and is classified for Occupational Use Only. Occupational/ controlled

exposure limits are applicable to situations in which persons are exposed to

RF energy as a consequence of their employment, and such persons have

been made aware of the potential for exposure and can exercise control over

their exposure. This means you can use the transceiver only if you are aware

of the potential hazards of operating a transceiver and are familiar in ways to

minimize these hazards. This transceiver is not intended for use by the general

public in uncontrolled environments. Uncontrolled environment exposure

limits are applicable to situations in which the general public may be exposed

to RF energy, or in which the persons who are exposed as a consequence

of their employment may not be fully aware of the potential for exposure or

cannot exercise control over their exposure.

The following list provides you with the information required to ensure that you

are aware of RF exposure and of how to operate this transceiver so that the FCC

RF exposure limitations are not exceeded.

• While transmitting (holding the PTT switch or speaking with VOX enabled),

always keep the antenna and the radio at least 3 cm (1 3/16 inches) from your

body or face, as well as from any bystanders. A LED on the top of the radio

shows red when the transmitter is operating in both PTT and VOX modes.

• Do not transmit for more than 50% of the total transceiver use time; transmitting

over 50% of the total use time may exceed the limits in accordance to the FCC

RF exposure requirements. Nominal transceiver operation is 5% transmission

time, 5% reception time, and 90% stand-by time.

• Use only the specified antenna for this transceiver; this may be either the

antenna provided with the transceiver or another antenna authorized by

BearCom.

Use only BearCom authorized accessories (antennas, battery packs, belt clips,

Speaker/ Mics or headsets etc.): When worn on the body, always place the radio

in a BearCom recommended clip or carrying case meant for this product. The use

of other than recommended or approved body- worn accessories may result in

RF exposure levels which exceed the FCC’s occupational/ controlled environment

RF exposure limits.

CAUTION

To ensure that your exposure to RF EME is within the FCC limits for

occupational use, you must observe and adhere to the above points.

Electromagnetic Interference Compatibility

Electronic devices are susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) if they are

not adequately shielded or designed for electromagnetic compatibility. Because

this transceiver generates RF energy, it can cause interference to such equipment.

• Turn OFF your transceiver where signs are posted to do so. Hospitals and

health care facilities use equipment that is sensitive to electromagnetic

radiation.

• Turn OFF your transceiver while on board an aircraft when so instructed. Use

of the transceiver must be in accordance with airline regulations and/or crew

instructions.

© 2023

BearCom Group, Inc.

BASIC OPERATIONS

SWITCHING POWER ON/OFF

Turn the

Power switch/ Volume control

clockwise to switch the

transceiver ON.

Turn the


counterclockwise fully to

switch the transceiver OFF.

ADJUSTING THE VOLUME

Rotate the


to adjust the volume.

Clockwise increases the volume and counterclockwise decreases it.

SELECTING A ZONE AND CHANNEL

Select the desired zone using the buttons programmed as

[Zone Up]

/

[Zone Down]

. Each zone contains a group of channels.

Select the desired channel using the

Selector

or the buttons

programmed as

[Channel Up]

/

[Channel Down]

. Each channel is

programmed with settings for transmitting and receiving.

TRANSMITTING

1

Select the desired zone and channel.

2

Press the button programmed as

[Monitor]

or

[Squelch Off]

to

check whether or not the channel is free.

•

If the channel is busy, wait until it becomes free.

3

Press the

PTT switch

and speak to the microphone. Release the

PTT switch

to receive.

•

For best sound quality, hold the transceiver approximately 3 ~ 4 cm (1.5

inches) from your mouth.

RECEIVING

Select the desired zone and channel. If signaling has been programmed

on the selected channel, you will hear a call only if the received signal

matches your transceiver settings.

BACKGROUND OPERATIONS

TIME-OUT TIMER (TOT)

The Time-out Timer is used to prevent any caller from using a channel

for an extended period of time.

If you continuously transmit for a period of time that exceeds the

programmed time, the transceiver will stop transmitting and an alert tone

will sound. To stop the tone, release the

PTT

switch. Your dealer can

program the TOT time in the range of 15 seconds to 20 minutes.

If programmed by your dealer, a pre-alert tone will sound before the

timer expires. Also, if programmed by your dealer, you may have to wait

for a short duration before you can continue to transmit. If you press the

PTT

switch before the timer has been reset, an alert tone will sound and

the transceiver will not enter transmit mode.

BATTERY SAVER

The Battery Saver extends the battery life by reducing the battery

consumption through intermittent monitoring of the presence of signals

while on standby.

LOW BATTERY WARNING

Low Battery Warning alerts you when the battery needs to be recharged.

Your dealer can set an alert tone to sound and the LED indicator to blink

red when the battery power is low.

When the battery power is very low, recharge or replace the battery pack.

VOICE ANNOUNCEMENT

An audio voice will be announced as below by dealer setting.

• When changing the zone and/or channel, the new zone and channel

number are announced.

• When changing the function setting, the new setting is announced.

BUSY CHANNEL LOCKOUT (BCL)

When activated, BCL prevents you from interfering on a channel that is

already in use. Pressing the

PTT

switch will cause an alert tone to sound

and the transceiver will not transmit. Release the

PTT

switch to stop the

tone.

UNPACKING AND CHECKING EQUIPMENT

Carefully unpack the transceiver. If any of the items listed below are

missing or damaged, file a claim with the carrier immediately.

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES

• Antenna

.......................................................................................

1

• Battery charger/ AC adapter (KSC-35S)

......................................

1

• Li-ion Battery pack (KNB-45L)

.....................................................

1

• Speaker/ microphone jack cap

.....................................................

1

•

Speaker/ microphone locking bracket

..........................................

1

• Belt clip (KBH-10)

........................................................................

1

• Screw

(M3 x 8 mm) for Belt clip

...................................................

2

• User guide

...................................................................................

1

PREPARATION

INSTALLING/ REMOVING THE BATTERY PACK

CAUTION

• Do not short the battery terminals or dispose of the battery by fire.

• Never attempt to remove the casing from the battery pack.

1

Align the battery pack with the back of

the transceiver, then press the battery

pack and transceiver firmly together

until the release latch on the base of

the transceiver locks.

2

To remove the battery pack, lift

the safety catch on the base of the

transceiver, then press the release

latch underneath the safety catch.

3

While pressing the release latch,

pull the battery pack away from the

transceiver.

INSTALLING THE ANTENNA

Antenna

Screw the antenna into the connector on

the top of the transceiver by holding the

antenna at its base and turning it clockwise

until secure.

INSTALLING THE BELT CLIP

Belt clip

M3 x 8 mm

screws

If necessary, attach the belt clip using the

two supplied M3 x 8 mm binding screws.

Note:

◆

If the belt clip is not installed, its

mounting location may get hot during

continuous transmission or when left

sitting in a hot environment.

◆

Use the Phillips #2 screwdriver.

INSTALLING THE CAP OVER THE SPEAKER/

MICROPHONE JACKS

Speaker/ microphone

jack cap

Screw

1

If you are not using an optional speaker/

microphone or headset, install the cap

over the speaker/ microphone jacks.

2

Secure the cap in place using the

attached screw.

Note:

◆

For the speaker/ microphone jack,

waterproof performance is guaranteed

by securing the supplied cap.

Waterproof performance will not be

guaranteed by connecting an optional

speaker/ microphone, etc.

◆


INSTALLING THE SPEAKER/ MICROPHONE OR

HEADSET

Note:

◆

The transceiver is not fully water resistant when using a speaker/

microphone or headset.

◆


Speaker/ microphone

locking bracket

Screw

1

Insert the speaker/ microphone plugs

into the speaker/ microphone jacks of

the transceiver.

2

Place the locking bracket over the

speaker/ microphone plugs so that the

locking tabs insert into the transceiver

grooves.

3

Secure the locking bracket in place

using the attached screw.

CHARGING THE BATTERY PACK

The battery pack is not charged at the factory; charge it before use.

Note:

◆

Always switch OFF a transceiver equipped with a battery pack before

inserting the transceiver into the charger.

1

Plug the AC adapter cable into the jack located on the rear of the

charger.

2

Plug the AC adapter into an AC outlet.

3

Slide a battery pack or a transceiver equipped with a battery pack

into the charging slot of the charger.

• Make sure the metal contacts of the battery pack mate securely

with the charger terminals.

• The indicator lights red and charging begins.

4

When charging is completed, the indicator flashing green. Remove

the battery pack or the transceiver from the charging slot of the

charger.

Charging slot

Indicator

• It takes approximately 3 hours to charge the battery pack.

• When the charger will not be used for a long time, unplug the AC

adapter from the AC outlet.

Note:

◆

When an abnormality occurs during charging, the indicator performs

as follows:

Blinks red:

The battery pack is either defective or the battery pack

contacts are not properly mated with those of the charger.

Alternates flashing green and orange:

The battery pack

has not satisfied the charging start temperature. Remove the

battery pack from the charger and wait until it reaches a normal

temperature before charging it again.

◆

The ambient temperature should be between 5°C and 40°C while

charging is in progress. Charging outside this range may not fully

charge the battery.

◆

The battery pack life is over when its operating time decreases even

though it is fully and correctly charged. Replace the battery pack.

◆

While operating the transceiver using a Li-ion battery pack in areas

with an ambient temperature of –10°C and lower, operating time may

be shortened.

◆

Attention should be drawn to the environmental aspects of battery

pack disposal.

ORIENTATION

Speaker

Microphone

Battery pack

Display

BC550DU

BC500DU

BC500DV

Display model

Basic model

③

②

①

Antenna

④

①


Turn clockwise to switch ON the transceiver. To switch OFF the

transceiver, turn counterclockwise until a click sounds. Rotate to

adjust the volume level.

②

Selector

Rotate to change the operating channel.

③

PTT (Push to Talk) switch

Press and hold, then speak into the microphone to transmit.

④

Programmable buttons

Press to activate its programmable function.

Display

Indicator

Description

Displays the signal strength.

The Monitor or Squelch Off function is activated.

Blinks when an incoming call matches your Optional Signaling.

The Talk Around function is activated.

Scan, Priority Scan, or Site Roaming is in progress. Blinks when

the scan is paused.

A message is stored in the memory. Blinks when a new

message is received.

Indicates Priority Channel.

The channel is using low transmit power.

The Scrambler/ Encryption function is activated. Blinks when

receiving an encrypted carrier.

Displays the battery power.

Left side: The current zone is added to the Multi-Zone scanning

sequence.

Right side: The current channel is added to the scanning sequence.

The VOX function is activated.

USER GUIDE

VHF TRANSCEIVER

BC500DV

UHF TRANSCEIVER

BC550DU

BC500DU

Kenwood BC500DU User Manual

Kenwood BC500DU Manual

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