AT PRC-3088 User Guide
AT PRC-3088 User Guide
AT COMMUNICATION
PRC-3088
VHF HAND HELD
TRANSCEIVER
USER GUIDE
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 3
2. SAFETY NOTES 4
2.1 Precautions for safety 4
2.2 Precautions for transceiver 4
2.3 Precautions for Battery 4
2.4 Precautions for Antenna 4
3. INTRODUCTION OF EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES 5
3.1 Main features 5
3.2 Parts Introduction 6
3.3 Battery pack replacement 11
3.4 Battery charger (BCBA-15) 13
3.5 Speaker-microphone (SM-200WP) 14
3.6 Antenna Installation (AT-3090LW/AT-3090SW) 15
4. BASIC OPERATION 16
4.1 Before operation 16
4.2 Turn On Power 16
4.3 Sound level control 16
4.4 Enter / Exit different modes 16
4.5 Frequency Setting by tuning step 19
4.6 Tone Setting 21
4.7 Power output selection 21
4.8 Scrambler setting 22
4.9 Key Lock 22
4.10 Save Settings 22
5. MEMORY CHANNEL PROGRAMMING 24
5.1 Enter / Exit Memory channel programming mode. 24
5.2 Select memory channel 24
5.3 Frequency setting 24
5.4 Tone setting 25
5.5 Output power setting 25
5.6 Scrambler setting 25
5.7 Delete memory channel settings 26
5.8 Start/Stop recording 26
5.9 Analog/Digital mode switch 26
5.10 Start/Stop recording under analog/digital mode 26
5.11 Analog/Digital start playing/stop playing the recording 26
6. EXTRA FUNCTIONS 28
6.1 LCD backlight 28
6.2 Power saver 28
6.3 Key Lock 28
6.4 Compulsory receiving 29
6.5 Frequency Scans 29
7. FUNCTION KEYS OPERATION TABLE 31
7.1 Single keys operation 31
7.2 Function keys operation 31
7.3 Advanced function keys operation 32
8. TONE FREQUENCIES TABLE 33
8.1 CTCSS frequencies table 33
8.2 DCS frequencies table 34
9. SPECIFICATIONS : 35
9.1 General 35
9.2 Mechanical Characteristics and Environment 35
9.3 Transmitter 36
9.4 Receiver 36
9.5 Battery Pack 37
9.6 Charger 37
9.7 External Speaker-Microphone 38
10. TROUBLE SHOOTING 39
11. MAINTENANCE 40
1. INTRODUCTION
PRC-3088 series transceivers is the latest generation VHF handheld radio developed in
2005 for tactical environments. It is fully compatible with the legacy radios such as AN/PRC-
77 or AN/VRC-12 but it providing more reliable services which meets MIL-STD
requirements and strict environmental standards.
Important
To ensure that you use PRC-3088 transceiver correctly, read all instructions carefully before
using.
Please keep this instruction manual which contains important operation instructions for this
transceiver.
Please read the Safety Notes and make sure you understand them before using the
transceiver.
2. SAFETY NOTES
Never hold the transceiver so that antenna is very close to, or touching any parts of the
body, especially the face and eyes during transmitting. The transceiver will get best
performance when microphone is 5 to 10 cm away from the lips and keep transceiver
vertical.
Never turn to high volume level when using headset otherwise the loud voice may cause
harm to your ears.
Do not use the transceiver in the places such as hospital, airplane and gas station etc. The
Radio Frequency may be interference with the electronic equipment and eventually cause
accident.
Avoid to operate the transceiver in places subject to extremely high or low temperatures :
over +60 C˚ or under -15C˚
Avoid to operate with high output power for long time in case the transceiver damages by
over heated.
Do not expose the transceiver under direct sunlight or place near the object which can emit
heat.
Remove the battery if you intend to leave the transceiver unused for a long period.
Only use the batteries specified for using with this transceiver.
Do not operate the radio without a proper antenna attached, as this may damage the radio.
Always keep the antenna at least 2.5cm away from the body when transmitting.
To provide the recipients of your transmission the best sound quality, hold the antenna at
least 5cm from you mouth, and slightly off to one side.
• Except 150Hz tone, extra 39 sets CTCSS and 83 set DCS to prevent interference
• Data transfer with CRC and FEC function to minimize wrong transferring
• Base/Repeater function
• PC connection
• Offset frequency
• Functional keypad
• LED backlight
LCD Display
PTT Switch
Microphone
Numeric and
Function Keypad
Battery Pack
Keys Functions
Frequency/Channel/Option move
Move to left
Move to right
ESC Exit
3 7 6 8 2 1 9
10
12 11
Display Panel components;
3. Battery capacity display: Indicates the battery capacity, blinks when battery
power is low.
10. Channel space: Indicates the channel space (default value is 25KHz).
• Turn off the power and place transceiver on a solid flat place before replacing the
battery pack.
• Turn the screw located at the bottom of the transceiver in a anti-clockwise direction.
• Insert the charged Li-ion battery pack into the battery compartment of transceiver.
• Make sure the battery pack and transceiver are connecting with each other firmly.
• Tighten the battery pack in to position by turning screw located at the bottom of the
battery pack in a clockwise direction.
When using BP-5AA battery case with the transceiver, install 5AA size alkaline batteries as
illustrated below.
Follow the steps of the Li- ion battery pack (BP-18L) for installation
• Never use a battery when the outer casing is split or peeling as this could result in a
short-circuit and cause major problems due to battery fluid leakage or overheating.
• Do not use batteries of different types or brands together and do not use new
batteries together with used batteries.
• Do not charge any other type of batteries except the provided Li-ion battery pack (BP-
18L)
• Do not expose batteries to water. Dry the batteries with a soft cloth if they get wet.
• Do not carry or store the battery with metal objects that could come into contact with
the terminals and short circuit the metal positive and negative poles of the battery.
• When loading the batteries into the battery case, ensure that the battery polarity is as
indicated on the battery pack.
• If you do not intend to use the transceiver for a long period of time, remove the battery
pack from the transceiver.
• Always charge the provided Li-ion battery pack (BP-18L) before using. If the time for
which a battery provides power shortens markedly when it has been correctly
charged, this indicates that the battery has reached the end of its effective life and
should be replaced.
The provided battery charger (BCBA-15) is only for the Li-ion battery pack (BP-18L)
charging.
• Select rapid or standard charging by the switch which is at the side of charger.
• When the charging light flashes once per 7.5 seconds, it means the battery power is
full. Take out the Li-ion battery pack (BP-18L) from the charger.
Standard Rapid
(Li-ion)
Installation
• Put out the Voice/Data connector cover which is on the top of the transceiver.
3.5.1 Operation
• Push and hold the PTT button to transmitting signal; release to receiving signal
• Hold the connector of speaker microphone then turn it to left to loose it from the
transceiver..
• Hold the part of antenna which near the antenna connector then turn it to right
direction to tighten it.
• Hold the part of antenna which is near the connector then turn it to left
4. BASIC OPERATION
Before turning on power, ensure all the required accessories such as antenna, battery pack
and speaker-microphone were connected firmly.
• Rotate the Power/Volume dial in a clockwise right direction until a “click” sound i
heard.
• All the display icons will be illuminated for 3 seconds in a power on self test mode.
• The transceiver starts to receive once the power has been turned on.
• The transceiver will switch to standby mode if there are no error signals or alarms.
Rotate the Power/Volume dial clockwise to increase sound level, rotate anticlockwise to
decrease sound level.
Notes : You can see the sound level from the displaying Icon
This is an initial mode, transceiver will enter standby mode after power is turned on.
Standby Mode
There are 10 channels which can be stored in PRC-3088 with specific settings for each
channel. Switch to this mode to select the programmed channel.
Operation steps :
Under standby mode → push key F → push key 1 → enter memory channel receiving mode
→ push key 1 or 2 to select channel
This is design to store the frequent used frequencies with specific settings for each
frequency.
Operation steps :
Under standby mode/ Memory channel receiving mode → push key F → push key 2 →
enter memory channel programming mode → push key 6 → exit to previous mode.
You can install two sets of PRC-3088 between another two sets of PRC-3088 to work as a
repeater to lengthen the coverage distance.
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode/ Memory channel receiving mode → push key F → push key7 → push
key 8 → push key 4 → enter repeater mode → in channel 8 (receiving channel) → push
PTT to transmit (in channel 9)→ push key F → push key7 → push key 8 → push key 4→
exit to previous mode.
Notes : you can adjust the frequencies of channel 8 and 9 under Memory channel
programming mode.
This is only for units with built-in repeater function. UNITS WITH REPEATER FUNCTION
DO NOT HAVE RECORDING FUNCTIONS. Repeater function requires 2 sets of PRC-
3088D, one to use as TRANSMITTER and the other as RECEIVER.
1 x Repeater cable
b) Setup the frequencies in for the Repeater PRC-3088D’s in reverse order. (For
example, if 45.175Mhz is use for Ch 8 and 60.000Mhz for Ch 9 on the Regular
2) Connect both ends of repeater cables to the connector on top of each Repeater Radio.
3) Press Function key F + 7 + 8 + 4 to activate the Regular Radios for repeater use.
4) Press Function key F + 7 + 8 + 8 on each of the Repeater Radios and use #1 button to
toggle between E and F as indicated on LCD panel. E is for Rx frequency and MUST
BE THE SAME as the Transmitting frequency of the Regular Radios. The other
Repeater Radio will be assigned F for Tx and the frequency MUST BE THE SAME as
the Receiving frequency of the Regular Radios.
When using the Repeater function as RECEIVER, the first LED digit shows “E” on the
display. (Only for units with built-in repeater function)
When using the Repeater function as TRANSMITTER, the first LED digit shows “F” on
the display. (Only for units with built-in repeater function)
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode → push keys 1 or 2 (up/down keys▲▼) to adjust the frequency by
tuning step (initial tuning step is 25KHz, you can adjust the tuning steps :12 / 50KHz by
software). Push key 3 to left/ key 4 to right to move to the digit you want to adjust.
Example 1 – Initial frequency 30.000. When entering 30.025 with tuning step 25KHz
Standby mode → Push key 1 once → 30.025 → push key 1 again → 30.050 → push key 2
→ 30.025
Standby mode → push key 3 three times to move to MHz digits → push key 1 → 40.025
Notes : If you want to move the digits from left to right, push key 4
Notes : There are 3 tuning steps : 12 / 25 / 50KHz. Default value is 25KHz; 12KHz and
50KHz can be set by software only.
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode, push key F → push key 3 → push keys 1 or 2 to switch tone
selections.
Tone 1 : 150Hz
Tone 2 : CTCSS
Tone 3 : DCS
Tone Setting
Push key F → push key 3 → push key 1 or 2 to select tone 2→ push key 4 to enter code
setting → push key 1 or 2 to adjust the code number.
Standby Push Function Key Push Key 1 Select Tone 2 Push key 1 or 2 to
enter code number
selection
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode → push key F → push key 6 to enable scrambler, push it again to
disable scrambler
Under standby mode → push key F → push key 6 to disable scrambler, push it again to
enable scrambler
Under standby mode → push key F → push key 4 to enable key lock, push key 4 again to
disable key lock
Under standby mode → push key F → push key 4 to disable key lock, push key 4 again to
enable key lock
After setting of all your required functions, push key 6 to save the settings into the memory.
Your saved settings will be resumed, after turning on power again.
Notes : It will resume to standby mode automatically after few seconds idling while input
settings.
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode → push key F → push key 2 → enter memory channel programming
mode → push key F → push key 2 → exit memory channel programming mode
Notes : If you want to enter memory channel receiving mode, push key F then push key 1 to
enter. If you want to exit, push key F then push key 1 to exit to standby mode.
Operation Steps :
After enter memory channel programming mode → memory channel number flashing →
push key 1 or 2 to select channel number
Operation Steps :
After setting channel number→ push key 4 → the first 2 digits flashing → push key 1 or 2 to
adjust frequency → push key 4 → the first digits after decimal flashing → push key 1 or 2 to
adjust → push key 4 → the last 2 digits flashing → push key 1 or 2 to adjust
Operation Steps :
After setting frequency → push key 4 → tone selections flashing → push key 1 or 2 to
select tone
Operation Steps :
After setting tone → push key 4 → Hi or Lo flashing → push key 1 or 2 to select output
power
Operation Steps :
After setting output power → push key 4 → SV flashing → push key 1 or 2 to enable or
disable scrambler
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode → push key F → push key 1 → enter memory channel setting mode
→ push key 1 or 2 to select the channel you want to delete → push and hold key 6 → “dEL”
display → push 7 to delete → display next channel
Standby mode Push function key Push key 1 enter Push key 1 or 2 to Push and hold Next channel
memory channel select channel key 6 display after
setting mode deleted previous
channel
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode: push key F → push key 7 → push key 8 → push key 1 → start or
stop recording under analog or digital mode, 70 sec. for each section, 64 sections at most
Operation Steps :
Under Stand-by mode push key F → push key 7 → push key 8 → push key 8 → switch
between analog/digital modes
When using digital mode, the top horizontal line of second LED digit will appear
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode → push key F → push key 7 → push key 8 → push key 1 → start
digital mode, display will show “-“ xx1 , and display will show “ | ” when the recording
function starts xx2
When using the recording function, the top vertical line on the left side of second LED digit
will appear.
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode → push key F → push key 7 → push key 8 → push key 6 → start
playing the recording → push key 1 → leap to the next section and play
If the section is the first one, it will go back to play the last section.
When using the playback function, the bottom horizontal line of second LED digit will
appear.
F+7+8+2 set will delete all the recording contents and format the storage space. Other
firmware version numbers will not execute this function. (Due to F+7+8+2 is also used for
enabling the backlight of LED, this delete function is only effective when backlight is on.
When backlight is off, this delete function will not work.)
6. EXTRA FUNCTIONS
Apart for the basic settings introduced in previous chapters, there are many other functions
such as LCD backlight, power saver, key lock, repeater mode and frequency scan etc.
Please refer the function key tables in section 7 to help you to search for the quick
operating instructions.
Push key F → push key 7 → push key 8 → push key 2 → turn on LCD backlight
continuously
Push key F → push key 7 → push key 8 → push key 2 → turn off LCD backlight
Notes : when you push key F, LCD backlight will be turned on no matter of LCD backlight
disabled.
Under standby mode/memory channel receiving mode → push key F → push key 7 → push
key 8 → push key 3 → power saver enable → display “—“ before frequency ( for example :
— 30.000)
Under standby mode/memory channel receiving mode → push key F → push key 7 → push
key 8 → push key 3 → power saver disable → “—“ before frequency disappear (for
example : 30.000)
The key lock function prevents accidental frequency changes and function activation.
Notes : Any keys are not functioning after Key lock enabled
Operation Steps :
Notes : when the signal becomes weak cause transceiver cannot receive the signal
automatically. You can use compulsory receiving function to receive the signal.
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode → push key F → push key 8 → starting to scan the memory channels
→ push key 6 → stop the scan → push PPT → transmitting signal under the channel which
at the stop of scanning → push key F → continue scan
Operation Steps :
Under standby mode → push key F → key 7 → push key 8 → push key 5 → start scan→
push key 6 → stop the scan → push PPT → transmitting signal under the channel which at
the stop of scanning → push key F → continue scan
Notes : This type of scan is designed to scan with maximum band width of 1Mhz. For
example : start scan under 40.000, it will scanning between 40.000 and 40.975
Notes : the scanning will be stopped for 5 seconds when there is a signal received, it will
continue scanning after 5 seconds if no operation
Operation Steps :
Under memory channel mode → push key F → push key 7 → push key 8 → push key 6 →
start the scan between 30.000 and 88.000 → push key 6 → stop the scan → push PPT →
transmitting signal under the channel which is at the stop of scanning → push key F →
continue scan
Notes : the scanning will be stopped for 5 seconds when there is a signal received, it will
continue scanning after 5 seconds if no operation
The function keys operation tables in this chapter included function keys instruction and
explanation.
There are 2 tables for CTCSS and DCS tone setting. Each tone code in tables represents
one specific frequency
9. SPECIFICATIONS :
9.1 General
Current drain (approx.) : Standby : : Less than 60mA (Power save mode)
Interface : RS232C/E
Dimensions : 173x63x42.5mm
MTTR : 10 minutes
9.3 Transmitter
Audio frequency response : a. +2.5 dB/-3dB range from 300Hz to 3000Hz (Factory
default)
9.4 Receiver
Inter-modulation : 60dB(typical)
9.6 Charger
c. Suitable for BP-18L pack, 4.5 hours for standard charge, 1.8 hours for fast charge
11. MAINTENANCE
AT COMMUNICATION
PRC-3088
VHF HAND HELD
TRANSCEIVER
USER GUIDE