Support & Training

This outline provides a structured guide on the operation and features of the MRS Push-to-Talk (PTT) radio provided by Rapid Radios. For more information and to order additional supplies and accessories, visit www.RapidRadios.com

Getting Started - Unboxing and Initial Setup

What's in the Box:

• • PTT Radio Unit

  • Rechargeable Battery

  • USB-C Charger and Cable

  • Belt Clip

Getting Started - Initial Charging

• • Connect the USB-C cable to the bottom of the radio.

  • Plug the charger into a wall outlet.

  • The indicator light will be red while charging.

  • The indicator light will turn green when the battery is fully charged.

Powering the Radio On and Off

Power On

• • Press and hold the Power key (top of the radio) for approximately 3 seconds. The radio will boot up and automatically connect to the network.

Power Off

• • • Press and hold the Power key for approximately 3 seconds.

    • Select SHUTDOWN or RESTART and press the Menu key.

Basic Operations - The Push-to-Talk (PTT) Button

• • Location: The main PTT button is on the left side of the radio.

  • How to Transmit: Press and hold the PTT button to begin speaking. The LED indicator light will turn red. Speak clearly and concisely into the microphone.

  • How to Listen: Release the PTT button. The radio is now in listening mode. The LED indicator light will turn green when an incoming transmission is received.

Basic Operations - Adjusting Volume

• • Use the Vol+ and Vol- keys on the side of the radio to adjust the listening volume.

Group and Private Communications - Group Calls

By default, the radios are pre-programmed for group communication. 

• Use the Group key to quickly enter the group selection menu.

• Navigate to and select the specific group with which  you wish to talk.

• Press the Menu key to join the selected Group.

• To speak to everyone in your group, simply press and hold the PTT button. Everyone in that group will hear your transmission.

Group and Private Communications - Private (One-on-One) Calls

• • Use the Member key to quickly enter the member selection menu.

  • Navigate to and select the specific user you wish to call privately.

  • Press and hold the PTT button to initiate the private call.

Advanced Features - Keypad Lock

• Press and hold the Menu key to activate or deactivate the keypad lock. A lock symbol will appear on the screen when the keypad is locked.

Advanced Features - Using Handheld Mic/Earpieces

The radio is compatible with accessories that use a standard Kenwood connection.

• • Connect the headset or earpiece to the port on the right side of the radio.

  • Use the PTT button on the accessory to transmit.

MRS communication protocols are based on the Common Language Communication Model (CLCM), which emphasizes simple, clear, and easy communication to ensure accurate, precise, and timely information transfer. These procedures are designed for both direct and indirect understanding, meaning that even a third party monitoring the conversation should be able to understand the context and meaning of the communication.

• 1. The Common Language Principle

     • Be Descriptive: Use full, descriptive language in plain English.

     • Minimize Jargon: Avoid abbreviations, acronyms, and technical terms unless they are absolutely necessary and universally understood within the group.

  2. Initiating a Call

When you need to start a conversation, clearly state the following four items in a single transmission:

• The Receiving Participant's Name: State who you are calling.

• Your Name: State who you are.

• Your Location: Provide your current location (e.g., "in Shreveport," "on Main Street," "on I-20 West-Bound").

• The Group Name: State the group channel you are using (e.g., "on MRES-12345," "on SKYWARN-SHV Group").

Examples:

• "Jane Doe, this is Bill Smith in Shreveport on MRES-12345"

• "Jane from Bill on Main Street in Shreveport on SKYWARN"

• 3. Responding to a Call

When you are the receiving party, your response should be prompt and include:

• 3. • Your Name: State your name.

     • An Instruction: Give the transmitting party a clear instruction.

Examples:

• 1. 1. • "This is Jane. Go ahead, Bill."

        • "Jane Doe. Stand by, Bill."

        • "This is Jane. State your traffic, Bill."

• 4. The Flow of Conversation

Once the initial call and response have established the connection, the conversation should flow naturally.

• 4. • Use "Over": To prevent "doubling" (two people talking at the same time), it is highly encouraged to say "Over" at the end of each transmission. This signals to the other party that you have finished speaking and are awaiting their response.

     • One-at-a-Time: Remember that radio communication is simplex, meaning only one person can speak at a time. The use of "Over" helps to manage information flow.

  5. Multi-Party Conversations and Net Control

When several people are involved in a conversation, especially during an emergency, a Network Controller, commonly referred to as "Net Control", should be established to manage the communication. This is normally the person who began the group conversation.

• The Role of the Network Controller: "Net Control" is the designated party who oversees the entire conversation.

• Controlling the Flow: Net Control directs who speaks and when, ensuring that the conversation remains orderly and all parties have a chance to transmit.

• Ending the Conversation: Net Control is responsible for standing down, or ending, the conversation when it is complete.

• Handing Off Control: Net Control can hand off their duties to another party if necessary.

By following these procedures, all participants can ensure clear, efficient, and effective communication, especially in critical situations.

How to create, manage, and join communication Groups on the MRS network.

Specific procedures for declaring and handling emergency traffic, including the use of priority signals.

In-depth training for individuals who will serve as Net Control, covering topics like managing large-scale events, logging traffic, and coordinating multiple participants.

A collection of tips and best practices for clear, concise, and professional radio communication.

A guide to the proper care and maintenance of your radio equipment to ensure longevity and reliable performance.

Common issues and solutions for radio equipment, such as battery problems, signal loss, and audio issues.

How to check the current status of the MRS network and what to do in case of a service outage.